The Princess Royal (2024) s01e19 Episode Script

1
[The Princess Royal]
[Adapted from Mo Shu Bai's novel,
The Princess Royal on jjwxc.net]
[This is a work of fiction.]
[Episode 19]
Just put the things over there later.
Tong.
Jinglan.
Have you noticed something?
Since the Prince Consort came back,
his relationship with Her Highness
has got much closer.
Of course.
You've noticed it too?
You bet.
Guess what, last night
Ms. Xun Chuan.
Tong Ye, Jinglan,
I want to thank Her Highness in person.
Have you seen her?
Why are they so audacious?
It's because they know
you will protect them.
That's why they dare
to falsely accuse loyal ministers
and embezzle
military provisions and funds.
If I don't protect them,
Your Highness,
what worth do you think I have?
His Majesty has entrusted
the Inspectorate Office to you.
What do you think is backing you up?
You and I are nothing.
Whether it's you or me,
we are just nonentities
under the power struggles
of the noble families.
Ms. Xun Chuan.
Should I go and inform you
once the guests have left?
No need.
Thank you, Tong Ye.
You are welcome.
I'll take my leave now.
Take care.
You are a Grand Chancellor of the nation
and I am the Princess Royal.
Both of us have the ability
to change these rules.
It's just you are unwilling to do that.
You are determined
to maintain the current situation,
unwilling to upset this balance.
It's because you want
to continue playing political games
against His Majesty.
But then what?
Are you happy to watch
the Shangguan Family decay
day after day without taking action?
Since the founding of the Great Xia,
being ruled by four emperors,
the nation has been established
for nearly a century.
The Northwest has been plagued
by warfare and disturbances.
There have also been natural disasters
from time to time within the nation.
It's no longer a nascent dynasty
that can take such turmoil
caused by you.
I've never intended
for the Shangguan Family
and myself to be against each other.
What I want is simple.
I want the Shangguan Family
to be clean and innocent.
I want the Shangguan Family's master not
to be the puppet of the noble families.
I want a Shangguan Family
that won't hold Chuan back in the future
and won't overstep its bounds.
That's all I want.
Do you understand?
I understand what you're saying,
Your Highness.
But it's simply beyond my ability.
If you can't do it
what about others?
What about Shangguan Ya?
If the Shangguan Family
were entirely under your control,
could you manage it?
Rest assured, Your Highness,
there's no need
for the Inspectorate Office
to intervene in our family's matters.
When we go back today,
the entire Shangguan Family will conduct
a thorough self-inspection
from Huajing to Youzhou.
If the self-inspection goes smoothly,
the Crown Prince
will have no future troubles.
If it does not
Father, you can punish me
to give an explanation to our clansmen.
You are still
the master of the Shangguan Family.
Father, what do you think?
As expected of members
of the Shangguan Family,
you are born with a desire
to gain power.
The future belongs to you young people.
I am indeed old.
I'm old.
Truly old.
[Inspectorate Office]
In response to the will
of Heaven and time
and blessed by His Majesty's grace,
we gather here today
to establish the Inspectorate Office,
abide by the principles
and discipline of the state,
and uphold the laws and regulations.
The foundation of our office
lies in the principles
of fairness and justice.
- Yes.
- Yes.
No matter what kind of family
are you from,
those who are capable
shall occupy positions
in the Inspectorate Office.
Do you not feel oppressed?
Oppressed?
What do you mean by that?
With such a dominant wife,
do you not feel
that you're under immense pressure?
I've heard people say
that men all fear such women.
They prefer someone
who's gentle and soft,
ideally serving as a good wife
who stays at home
and handles all the family affairs.
But now, Her Highness appears
to require you to play that role.
What's wrong with being the one
who stays at home
and handles all the family affairs?
Are you not worried
about being called spineless
or incapable?
Only the incompetent ones
need to use their wive's weaknesses
to prove themselves.
What I desire
is for my wife
to achieve her aspirations.
From this day forth,
the Inspectorate Office is established
[Inspectorate]
to guard the Great Xia
and protect its people.
If she desires the world,
I can give it to her.
If she wants to live a tranquil life,
I can provide that with her too.
- Guard the Great Xia
- Guard the Great Xia
- and protect its people.
- and protect its people.
Moreover, as her husband,
my love for my wife
is not about confining her
in a gilded cage
but being able
to offer her opportunities
to do whatever she desires
without restraint.
Your words sound quite eloquent.
But aren't you two friends?
It seems you still need
to make more effort
to take your relationship
to the next level.
That's not necessarily true.
Xun Chuan.
Yes, Your Highness.
From now on,
I appoint you as the Inspector General
of the Inspectorate Office,
tasked with making inspection tours
to the local governments
on behalf of our office.
Yes, Your Highness.
And if you don't mind,
we can invite you
to attend our wedding banquet again.
It won't take long.
I'll be waiting then.
To tell you the truth,
when I heard they wanted me
to enter the palace
to be the Crown Princess,
I was terrified.
I thought to myself, "Oh no,
my future life will be hopeless."
Look at my aunt.
She's been the Empress her whole life.
That's so pitiful.
Even though she's powerful,
it's just meaningless to me.
I'd rather stay
as the Shangguan Family's young lady,
enjoying all the delicacies
and fine liquor.
If I enter the palace,
I won't be able to hike mountains, fish,
or even play polo with my friends.
Tell me,
what's the point
of me entering the palace?
Just to watch people kowtow
in different ways?
Am I right?
That makes sense.
She's drunk.
Are you leaving soon?
I won't specifically come
and bid a formal farewell to you again.
It's just that I don't know
when we'll meet again after you leave.
I will do my best
to serve you well while I'm away.
I'm not worried about that.
Just a reminder though,
don't be too straightforward
when you're out on your own.
Your Highness, rest assured.
I'll proceed cautiously
in any situation.
Actually
Qin Zhenzhen's death
might not be a bad thing.
I've been quite happy
following your lead these days.
Here's a toast to you, Your Highness.
Thanks for saving my life.
And this second toast
is for recognizing my worth.
Meeting you made me realize
that the world is vast
and that women
can live a different life.
I understand
that you have a vision for the world.
That's also the world
I desire.
You should drink no more.
This third toast
please don't laugh at me.
It is for my encounter with you and Ya.
I'm here.
Though our time together has been short,
in my heart,
I already consider both of you
as good friends.
As we face the long journey ahead,
I hope we three
can live up to this life.
Live up to this life.
Live up to this life.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Your Highness.
Did you see them out?
Yes.
You should get up.
It's cold on the floor.
Feel it.
It's warm here now.
Come on. Sit here.
What's on your mind?
Xun Chuan is leaving tonight.
You are not the sentimental type.
Pei Wenxuan.
I have friends now.
I have friends and family.
I'm really happy in this life.
No matter what the future holds,
at least I have what I should have now.
Don't be upset
with what I'm about to say.
I used to think
that Su Rongqing understood me better.
But in this life,
I've realized
that it's not true.
Thank you for understanding me.
You will always be
by my side,
right?
Su Ronghua.
Can you walk properly?
Why are you stumbling like that?
Oh my,
how much have you had to drink?
I'm not drunk.
Look, I can walk a straight line.
I'm fine.
Alright, you're not drunk.
You're perfectly sober.
But could you drink a bit less
in the future?
My friend is leaving.
How can I not drink
for such a big thing?
Come on.
Su Ronghua,
you should hold on to me like this.
Miss Shangguan,
this isn't appropriate.
Are you afraid?
When have I ever been afraid?
You're afraid, aren't you?
Let me tell you.
The more afraid you are
the less likely I'll let you go.
I'm going to ruin your reputation
and make everyone
absolutely everyone, look down on you.
Shangguan Ya,
if you intend to tarnish my reputation,
I do have a way.
If you hold my hand
and walk out with me,
then I will be yours.
And when you abandon me later,
my reputation will definitely be ruined.
That makes sense.
Where's your hand?
Are you taking it seriously?
Your hand.
I'm not drunk.
Su Ronghua.
You really don't know
how to hold someone.
Slowly.
Mr. Su,
holding our young lady's hand
like this might not be appropriate.
I
Qian Ning,
it's okay.
It's all good.
All good.
Qian Ning,
don't mention it to anyone else.
Yes.
Careful.
Su Ronghua.
Your reputation
has already been ruined today.
Yes.
From now on,
I'm yours.
Take good care of your young lady.
Yes, sir.
Let's go.
Rongqing, why are you here?
I was afraid that you'd get drunk,
so I decided to come and pick you up.
I know my limits.
Alright, let's go home.
I'm not drunk.
It's a beautiful full moon tonight.
Indeed.
[Princess's Mansion]
Greetings, General Qin.
Ms. Xun, are you planning to travel far?
I am going to make inspection tours
to the local governments
on behalf of Her Highness.
Okay.
Have a safe journey.
General Qin.
You are going back
to the Northwest, right?
Yes.
Then you have a safe journey too.
Please.
Zhenzhen.
I know it's you.
I only want to ask you one question.
Are you happy
with the way things are now?
Lin.
Don't worry.
I'm doing well.
At least,
I won't be a woman
who's going to be trapped in the palace.
I can also secretly protect
the Qin Family.
Zhenzhen.
Let me take a look at you
one more time.
Lin.
Remember.
Don't push yourself too hard.
I know.
You too.
Go now.
Someone's still waiting for you
at the back door.
Okay.
Your Highness.
How's your injury?
It's healed.
Thank you for asking.
Are you leaving now?
Yes.
If there's nothing else,
I'll take my leave now.
Wait.
I'm sorry.
I couldn't protect you before.
It's alright.
Can you please not leave?
Give me another chance to protect you.
This time,
I I won't ask you
to enter the palace.
For the rest of our lives,
I want to create opportunities
to roam the world with you.
Your Highness.
Some things have already happened
and cannot be changed.
You have your mission.
And I have my responsibilities.
We
Can you really not stay?
Yes.
Take care of yourself
when you are in the Northwest.
Please remember
what I said.
You too.
Keep yourself safe.
[Inspectorate Office]
The evidence is conclusive
in the case of embezzlement
of military provisions
and funds in the Northwest.
Do you plead guilty?
- Yes, we do.
- Yes, we do.
Someone.
Get their fingerprints.
Who would have thought that this case
would involve
over seventy court officials?
Father, you've endured these people
for a long time.
Why not take this opportunity
to get rid of them completely?
Otherwise, it will be hard
to find another chance.
For the sake of the nation,
maintaining stability
is also very important.
Besides, if we investigate and deal
with all these officials accordingly,
I'm afraid even more officials
will come to impeach you.
What do I have to fear?
Your Majesty, I must report
that Princess Pingyue has broken
into a house without permission.
Her Highness had a search warrant.
Princess Pingyue has abused her power
and covered up for the Shangguan Family.
The Shangguan Family
has already punished themselves
by having seventeen people
resign from their positions.
What?
Do you also want to do it, Mr. Xie?
Someone reported
that on the day
the Inspectorate Office was established,
Princess Pingyue wore
bright yellow accessories,
which was inappropriate.
That's because His Majesty
dotes on Princess Pingyue.
He gave it to her.
Rong, though you are a princess,
many of these officials have served
both His Majesty and the late Emperor,
so you should show them more respect.
It's interesting that you say so.
If these officials uphold integrity
and I disrespect them,
the populace will condemn me
as harshly as they can.
Perhaps you should ask around
at Caishikou.
Then you'll find out all these officials
are secretly cursed
by the common folk
for taking bribes and bending the law.
Rong, don't you think
you're going too far?
You
Enough.
As for the others involved,
we'll discuss it
after Pingyue verifies everything.
It's just that the Qin Family
is indeed wrongly accused.
The Qin Family has merits
in guarding the border.
Qin Lin is promoted
to General of Loyalty and Valor.
Qin Feng will be the Vice General,
and Xiao Su will be the Grand Marshal
of the Northwest,
stationed in Chenzhou,
commanding the Northwest Army.
Pingyue really is impressive.
She actually has managed
to keep those old ministers in line.
I'm very pleased.
Pingyue is indeed clever and capable.
But I think
it's because
you have a keen eye for talent.
It allows you
to utilize her abilities effectively.
Tong Ye.
Hurry up.
Coming.
Look at how impatient you are.
I need to get everything prepared,
don't I?
Come on.
Be meticulous, okay?
I have something important
to attend to later.
Don't worry. I'll put in extra effort.
Be gentle, alright? What are you doing?
You want me
to be both meticulous and gentle.
What exactly do you want?
You're getting harder
and harder to please.
This should make it easier.
How's that?
Not bad.
Once you are done here,
prepare a set
of nicer-looking nightclothes for me.
Okay.
Also,
prepare a cloak.
Sure.
Her Highness
will like the nice-looking nightclothes.
[Liquor]
This Inspectorate Office
has just been established.
You must have been busy
with official duties lately.
You've worked hard.
Well,
this time, I've also experienced
the life of being an official.
Cheers.
I just feel that in the past,
you were living
a carefree life.
Now suddenly taking on this position,
I'm worried
you might feel a bit restrained
or uncomfortable.
After all, it's His Majesty's decree,
so I can't refuse.
The Deputy Supervisor
of the Inspectorate Office
is basically an overseer.
Among the noble families,
the Su Family member is the one
who's most suitable for this position.
However,
there are some things
I haven't said before,
but I know it all in my heart.
The reason I was able
to live a carefree life before
was because of you.
You took on the burden
of being the young master
of the Su Family for me.
Looking at it this way,
I feel that I'm somewhat incompetent.
What are you talking about, Ronghua?
I've never thought that way.
Since I was young, I've been used
to seeing your smiling face.
I also hope that in the future,
you'll have countless reasons
to laugh heartily every day.
Cheers.
Well, I also hope
that you can find at least one reason
to be happy every day.
Speaking of which,
this job at the Inspectorate Office
isn't bad at all.
Every day, I get to meet
a certain lovely lady.
Seeing her always makes me happy.
You should also make an effort.
It's colder today than usual.
Indeed.
That's why I specifically
asked people to add extra charcoal.
You are not cold now, are you?
I'm not cold.
But I'm worried
that you might feel cold.
Why are you wearing such thin clothes?
I'm strong and healthy.
Besides, I don't spend
much time outdoors.
These clothes are enough for me.
Let's see how long
you can keep up the act.
Let's eat.
Sure.
No cilantro.
Thinly sliced meat.
And extra green onions.
Pei Wenxuan has known
my habits inside out
after living with me all those years.
With such a deep understanding of me,
poisoning me to death
would have been a piece of cake.
Luckily, he never had
that intention back then.
Otherwise, I fear
I would have died long ago
and Su Rongqing wouldn't even
have had a chance to kill me.
Go ahead and eat.
This fish is very fresh.
Why don't you have some?
It will help keep you warm.
I'm not hungry.
I just enjoy watching you eat.
Okay.
The meat today is delicious.
Why are you laughing?
Didn't you say you were not cold?
Eat your food.
Let's take some charcoal out,
so we don't end up being sick
for getting too hot.
I'm freezing to death here.
Don't take the charcoal out.
Then why were you being stubborn?
Once the case is closed,
it will be almost the Spring Festival.
The court will grant us
a seven-day holiday.
Have you thought
about how you will spend it?
I don't have time to think about it.
I'm busy with the matters
of the Inspectorate Office every day.
Do you want to go flower viewing?
Flower viewing?
There are flowers all over my yard.
Why are you asking that?
Nothing, just asking casually.
Eat now.
Or else, the food will be frozen later.
Could you show it to me one more time?
Show you what?
Your Highness, I'm so tired.
How about you treat me
to a gambling session tonight?
What about wooden cards?
[Stop]
Your Highness, I'll go have a look.
Wait.
Your Highness,
they probably haven't gone far.
I can catch up with them.
Only desperate people like to purposely
make a mystery of simple things.
There's a saying,
"Do not pursue a desperate foe."
Let them go.
When we go back, bring more people.
We'll continue interrogating the rest.
The sooner we finish,
the sooner
you can go out and play, right?
Let's go.
Yes, Your Highness.
Young Master,
are we buying too much here?
We don't often get out like this.
It's a good opportunity to buy
some new things for the mansion.
Besides,
Her Highness has been working hard
on the case lately.
What's wrong with her eating a bit more
to replenish her energy?
It could cause inner heat.
Just shut up.
Take a look at the top-tier rouge.
Take a look. Have a glance.
Take a look at the finest rouge.
It will beautify and nourish your skin.
Take a look at the top-tier rouge.
Sir, have a look.
This finest rouge beautifies
and nourishes the skin.
Take a look.
It will beautify and nourish your skin.
Everyone, feel free to take a look.
Are these the newest styles
that haven't been seen before?
Of course, sir.
This is the best rouge ever known.
Buying one for your wife
will surely help you win her heart.
Watch out, Young Master!
Wait.
He's just a child.
Sir, he's an assassin.
There's an organization
that likes to find such people
and train them to become assassins.
They may look like children,
which easily lowers people's guard.
But in strength and skill,
they are fully capable adults.
They are so evil.
It might disturb Her Highness.
Hurry back to the Inspectorate Office
and prepare for support.
Yes, sir.
Ya.
You need to pay close attention
in the coming days.
They're sure to take further action.
Understood.
Your Highness.
Your Highness. Bad news.
The Prince Consort encountered
an assassination attempt
on the way back to the mansion.
He encountered an assassination attempt?
Your Highness, please don't panic.
You may return to the mansion
and take care of the Prince Consort.
I will go investigate who did this.
Use whatever means
necessary to find them.
I'll execute them myself.
Since I've chosen this path,
I'm bound to experience such things.
Don't worry, I'll protect myself.
So,
I'll figure out who did this.
Let's eat.
Let me do it.
Let's start with soup.
You usually prefer
to have soup before the meal,
don't you?
You might think I don't care
about these things, right?
But I'm also learning to improve.
Here.
Alright, that's enough.
You should also have some.
I'll manage on my own.
Really, I can handle it myself.
How are you going
to manage by yourself?
You couldn't even
pick things up just now.
Don't starve yourself.
I'm fine.
Your Highness.
Miss Shangguan has arrived.
Go ahead and see her.
I can manage on my own.
If I leave, how will you eat the food?
Don't be stubborn.
Ask Ya to wait a bit.
I'll go to see her
after I finish eating.
Yes, Your Highness.
Open your mouth.
Actually, being injured like this
could be quite good.
I mean, the dish tastes really good.
Try it.
Your Highness.
Your Highness, how's the Prince Consort?
Is he seriously injured?
Not that serious.
Why are you here so late then?
It's inconvenient for him
to have soup on his own.
I'm getting
a bit jealous of him.
Let's get to the point.
Is the knife that injured
the Prince Consort poisoned?
They just want to warn me
rather than completely ruin
our relationship.
At this point,
all they're asking for is a way out.
They are already targeting
the Prince Consort as a mere warning.
If they're serious,
then today, the Prince Consort might
What are you trying to say?
Your Highness,
I'm afraid being too rigid
will lead to a downfall.
Perhaps we should take a step back.
If they hadn't taken action,
I might have spared them.
But now
unless I'm dead,
it will be them who die.
What do you plan to do?
They're in the dark
while we're in the open.
We can't keep up like this.
You go investigate first.
If you can't find anything,
we'll lure the enemy in
and then trap them.
What will we use as bait?
Me.
Slowly.
I often wonder
what you would be like as a wife.
You'd probably be a good wife
and a loving mother.
Although you appear decisive
on the surface,
you are also gentle.
Being taken care of by you
for this while
makes me feel at home.
I might leave the capital
for a trip in a few days.
Leave the capital?
There have been too many things going on
at the Inspectorate Office lately.
I need to get out and clear my mind.
You're going out
without taking me with you?
You're injured.
You should stay home and rest.
This injury is nothing.
No, you can't
Where are you planning to go?
I haven't decided yet.
No worries.
I'll help you think about it.
I need to find a place
where it's easy to ambush them.
Young Master.
I found it.
Make some space.
What place is it?
Butterfly Gorge.
There is a river in the gorge
and flowers on the shore.
I have inquired about it.
Many literati in Huajing
like to go there for an outing.
And they have organized
many social activities there.
[Butterfly Gorge]
Sounds good.
Your Highness.
Take a look at this.
This scholar wants to confess
his feelings to the girl he likes.
This is clearly a matter
that could be resolved
with just a few words.
Why make such a big fuss about it?
Why are you so savorless?
What do you mean?
Let me ask you.
What does this scholar want to do
after confessing his feelings
for the girl?
He wants to spend his life with her?
You're smart.
So, since it's such an important matter,
if he just confesses his feelings
with a few words,
wouldn't it make the girl feel
that she's under-appreciated?
That's true.
It seems
that no one has sincerely confessed
their feelings to you.
Aren't you the same?
Of course not.
Many people confessed
their feelings to me before.
Who are you talking about? Su Rongqing?
♪Who gazes at the sky from afar?♪
♪Who gazes at the sky from afar?♪
♪In the night's chill breeze♪
♪What is she singing for?♪
♪The wind caresses the hills♪
♪The wind causes ripples on calm water♪
♪Moonlight graces passing souls♪
♪Her steps get slower and slower♪
♪She's trod a lengthy path♪
♪Memories lost then found♪
♪Gazing idly as clouds roll by♪
♪She holds a red candle♪
♪To brave the thick fog♪
♪Life can be bitter sometimes♪
♪Experience it with grace♪
♪Like a fleeting dream♪
♪Like a fleeting dream♪
♪Neither warmth nor cold will last♪
♪Like a fleeting dream♪
♪Like a fleeting dream♪
♪The moon is reflected in her eyes♪
♪In her gaze,
the unwavering faith remains♪