The Princess Royal (2024) s01e23 Episode Script
Episode 23
1
[The Princess Royal]
[Adapted from Mo Shu Bai's novel,
The Princess Royal on jjwxc.net]
[This is a work of fiction.]
[Episode 23]
Mr. Lin.
Miss Shangguan.
Have you talked to the guards
who will be escorting him?
Yes.
They can't uncuff him now
since they're still in the city,
but once they're out,
they will do so right away.
Her Highness said
that they would give you some decency.
Don't expect the Seven-star Sect
to send people to rescue you.
If they do so,
given His Majesty's temper,
and the fact that your sect
is involved both
in killing and abduction,
he would not spare you.
So, you're here today
just to tell me that?
Her Highness has an offer for you.
It has to do with killing and fighting,
like what you've been doing.
Would you like to utilize your talents
on the battlefield instead?
So?
You will be banished to an army post.
It's different from exile itself.
You will be sent off to a distant land,
but those who are exiled have no future.
As for being banished to an army post,
if you can get military merit,
you may atone for their sins
and even occupy an important position.
Mr. Lin, if you are willing,
Her Highness can work with you.
Once you earn military merit,
she will request His Majesty
to add your name
to the Xie Family's pedigree,
so that you will become a good citizen
instead of a criminal.
By then,
you can build a military career.
Do you prefer wandering around,
hiding from everyone,
or becoming
an accredited member of the Xie Family
and having a successful career?
Mr. Lin, give it some thought.
Does Her Highness trust me?
Whether she trusts you or not,
that is up to her consideration.
Mr. Lin.
You were bound by your mother's
last wishes in the past.
But now,
you can make a better choice.
By the way,
Her Highness wants me
to return this to you.
Miss Shangguan, please tell Her Highness
that I will accept
her offer.
Miss Shangguan, he needs to leave now.
Perhaps you can continue
this conversation someday.
The Southwest is far and remote.
Take care of yourself.
Miss Shangguan, don't worry.
With your wooden cards,
I'll never feel bored.
Mr. Lin, it's a misunderstanding.
The wooden cards aren't for you.
Her Highness was there that day,
and I couldn't take them with me,
so I gave them to you for safekeeping.
Can you return them now?
Miss Shangguan, didn't you say
that life in the southwestern borders
would be boring?
I'll keep them for now.
Don't worry.
I'll keep these wooden cards safe.
Set off!
Off we go!
Mr. Su.
Princess Huayue.
You're always busy with work,
but I heard you're taking the day off,
so I came to meet you.
You wouldn't be angry at me, would you?
Of course not.
I'm resting today,
so it's good to take a stroll.
I find the spring scenery pleasant
and comfortable.
I also need to practice
playing some scores,
so I asked someone
to prepare a guqin here.
But I just can't seem to get it right.
I've heard that you're good
at playing the guqin,
so I'd like to get some guidance
from you.
I'm flattered. I just have
a slight knowledge of playing the guqin.
Don't be modest, Mr. Su.
No wonder you find it hard
to play these scores.
Why do you say so?
These scores are mostly describing
the overwhelming atmosphere of a war.
If you want to play these scores well,
you need to immerse yourself
in the real situation.
Her Highness, you're an innocent lady
who has never experienced a war.
It's hard for you
to imagine such a scene.
What I meant was
that you've always been well protected.
You can cry and laugh
whenever you feel like it.
You can be who you truly are.
It's fortunate for you
to have such a genuine disposition.
You can do so as well, Mr. Su.
You look exceptionally good
when you smile,
but I rarely see you smile.
I'll ask my father
to reduce your workload.
Her Highness, you have a kind heart.
You're so pure like a blank paper.
That's why you have a bright smile.
I hope you can always
lead a simple life.
Hope you can always
enjoy such simple bliss.
I'm honored to receive
your blessing myself.
Besides
I do think
that you're a really good man.
If you have time,
I hope
to learn more from you
so I won't be like a blank paper.
There's nothing wrong
with being a blank paper.
Many people
spend their lives longing for
the innocence they once had.
That's right, you should smile more.
The weather is beautiful today.
Let's not waste such good time.
Let's begin.
Young Master.
We're almost done decorating, look.
Pei Wenxuan.
Look what these are.
Dumplings?
I made them myself.
Listen,
this is my first time making dumplings.
They look good, don't they?
They do.
Look at you.
You're getting flour all over your face,
you little kitten.
Who's going to get me?
Slowly, Douya.
Don't make your sister trip and fall.
Time for dinner!
Mother, stop busying yourself.
Come and enjoy the reunion dinner.
Coming.
You've worked hard, my wife.
Not at all.
Here.
Come on, Father, Mother.
- Happy Spring Festival.
- Happy Spring Festival.
Here's a toast to both of you.
Wish you a long life
and a happy marriage!
- Very well.
- Very well.
I also wish you a long and healthy life,
Wish our family
to be blessed with prosperity,
harmony,
happiness,
and peace.
- Very well.
- There will be peace all year round.
So, I wish you
to be healthy and stay young forever.
Come on, Rongqing.
Come on, Ronghua.
You should always listen to your mother.
- Sure.
- Sure.
Both of you have grown
to be benevolent and loyal.
As your mother, I'm proud of you.
But when it comes to your marriages,
I've surveyed the unmarried ladies
from all noble families
in the capital,
yet none caught your eyes.
Why so?
That depends on Ronghua.
I can't get married
before him, after all.
Why are you dragging me into this?
I should respect for seniority.
Oh my.
This kid
Don't make me wait too long.
Come on, Father, Mother.
There will be many things
worth celebrating in the new year.
Here's a toast to you again.
You'll be the next one to get killed.
Ronghua.
Here's a toast to you two.
All of us
must value the present moment
and make each day count
in the future.
Let's make every day a happy day!
Happy Spring Festival!
Make every day a happy day!
For the sake of my family,
I won't let Li Chuan ascend the throne
and repeat the tragedy.
What a splendid dinner!
- Sit down.
- Sit.
Skip the formalities today.
Let's all sit together and eat.
We're having dumplings
on this joyous day.
There are silver coins
inside some of the dumplings.
Anyone who finds it gets a reward.
- A reward?
- Really?
Dig in.
Let's eat.
Which dumpling is made by me? This one.
Eat this.
I want to eat the dumplings made by me.
I made this. Its stuffing tastes good.
Really, try it.
Fine.
Let me guess.
I'll have some beef.
Not mine.
Not this one.
Her Highness found one!
Congratulations, Your Highness!
What does this mean?
It means Her Highness
is blessed with luck, right?
- Yes.
- Yes.
What's wrong?
Give me some decency, please.
My teeth almost broke.
It's because you chomped down so hard.
And you even found the coin
in the first dumpling you had.
Where's my reward?
Be patient.
Let's see what it is.
Let's see.
Your Highness, you
That's so stingy.
Stingy.
See? Everyone's saying
that you're so stingy,
only putting this little money in it.
You don't understand.
That's what they call fair and square.
That's how it is.
Besides, it's not so little
if you count the silver coin in your dumpling in.
Yeah.
Don't worry.
How could I not prepare
a proper gift for you?
This is the real New Year gift
for you.
That's more like it.
Wait.
Since you're receiving a gift,
you need to say
something auspicious, right?
- Yes.
- Yes.
What auspicious words?
Stop it.
Well, Young Master,
this is not right.
You're not Her Highness's elder.
You don't have to give her that.
Come on, give it to me instead
Are you saying that you are my elder?
Well, I was just saying
Eat your dumplings.
Well
Tong Ye is right.
You're not my elder.
Why should I say any auspicious words?
Of course, you should.
You're not my junior,
yet you're my wife.
There's nothing wrong with saying
some auspicious words, right?
- Yes.
- Your Highness, just say something.
Your Highness, don't be shy.
How about let me teach you some?
Just repeat after me.
My dear Prince Consort,
I love you so much.
I want to spend
every Spring Festival with you
Enough.
That's all you need to say.
Eat up.
Tong Ye has already
taught you what to say.
Don't listen.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Well.
I heard it! She said it!
That's enough.
We have a lucky start for this year now.
Come on, raise your glasses.
Let's celebrate.
- Alright, then we together wish
Wish everyone in the Princess's Mansion
can enjoy a lucky new year
and a healthy long life.
- Happy Spring Festival! Stay healthy!
- Happy Spring Festival! Stay healthy!
Come on.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
They're setting off fireworks outside.
- Let's go and have a look.
- Let's go.
It's snowing.
Come on.
Look!
The fireworks look gorgeous in the snow!
They call this
What a heavy snow！
A fall of seasonable snow
gives promise of a fruitful year.
We sure have a lucky start this year.
That's what I was trying to say.
♪Waking up to the warmth of the sun♪
- So beautiful.
- So beautiful.
♪Only wrinkles on one's sleeves♪
Rong.
I will give you a home.
It's not like the palace.
I will heal all the wounds
in your heart.
From now on,
no matter you are the Princess
or Li Rong,
you will always have me with you.
Pei Wenxuan.
I will try hard
to maintain this happiness forever.
♪I'm glad to have you in my world♪
♪By my side♪
♪We watch the moon and sun♪
♪We share the fate♪
♪We climb the high tower♪
Here you go.
Thank you.
Happy Spring Festival. See you.
Sir.
It's the Spring Festival.
Why are you walking around here alone?
I was with my family earlier,
and I felt happy
so I drank a few more glasses of liquor.
Perhaps I drank a little too much.
That's why I'm taking a stroll
to sober up.
You're a handsome man.
Are you married?
But there should be someone
you adore, right?
There is.
Fate brought us here to meet.
I'll give you a lantern.
I wonder what she's like.
She
She's witty, cute, and assertive.
She's brave and persevering.
No matter what happens,
she will always stay on her path.
Then, I'll give you a lantern
with a rabbit pattern.
Here you go.
I hope that you and the lady you adore
can get married soon.
That sounds like an impossible wish.
You can't say that.
If you're serious about her,
you should fight for her.
When it comes to relationships,
the result is indeed important,
but more importantly,
don't leave any regrets.
Am I right?
You're right.
I'm not going to let anyone,
including myself, down.
That's right.
Thank you.
Wishing you a happy, lucky,
and safe year.
Happy Spring Festival.
How generous of you.
[Jucai House]
Small, small, small!
Place your bets!
- Small, small, small!
- Small!
It's small again.
Small, three
Big, then small
What are you
Mr. Su.
How did you sneak out today?
And how did you sneak out?
How do you know I'm here?
I'll tell you when you win.
Small, all in!
Let's see.
Place your bets!
Look.
- Big, big!
- Small, small!
The Princess is here.
Let's go.
These scoundrels.
Just ignore them.
Thank you for your hospitality.
No worries.
- Greetings, Your Highness.
- Greetings, Your Highness.
His Majesty has arrived!
- Greetings, Your Majesty.
- Greetings, Your Majesty.
- Boundless fortune to Your Majesty.
- Boundless fortune to Your Majesty.
- Long live Your Majesty!
- Long live Your Majesty!
- Long live the Empress!
- Long live the Empress!
You may rise, everyone.
- Thank you, Your Majesty!
- Thank you, Your Majesty!
Do you know
why I hold this banquet
on the third day
of the first month of each year?
The sage came up with the idea
of self-cultivation
a well-managed family,
the ability to administer the state,
and to bring peace to the nation.
I believe
that the highest form
of governing a country
is the co-construction
of family and country.
That would dispel any selfish thoughts,
which will unite everyone.
On this auspicious day,
I wish everyone in the world
a bountiful year.
Wish everyone to live and work
in peace and contentment.
Wish peace could reign
throughout our lands and borders.
May our country enjoy
abundance and happiness!
- May our country enjoy
- May our country enjoy
- abundance and happiness!
- abundance and happiness!
Start the banquet!
Your Majesty,
Princess Huayue and Prince Su
would like to perform a score for you.
Young people do like showing off.
The dancers may leave now.
Fulai, summon Huayue here.
Princess Huayue,
His Majesty is summoning you.
Father.
I heard you've prepared
a score to perform
together with Prince Su
to wish all of us a happy new year.
For this occasion,
I have specially prepared
a performance featuring
the long-lost Battle Song of Pingchuan
for you and the ministers of the court.
It was Cheng's idea too.
He said we should
start the new year
by performing a sword dance
to celebrate
our last year's victories
in the wars happened in the Northwest.
It can also showcase
the manliness we men
of the Great Xia should have.
Great.
He's just 14 years old,
and he already wants to be a man.
Father, my swordsmanship
improved tremendously last year.
My master said that I might be young,
but I wouldn't lose to a grown man.
Well.
So, do you think
you can defeat your brother,
the Crown Prince?
My brother is good
at reading and studying.
I admit that I am no match
for him in this regard.
But when it comes to martial arts,
it's possible
that I might win after all.
Did you hear that?
If you don't practice harder,
your brother is going
to look down on you.
You're right, Father.
I'm sure that Cheng will grow up
to be a formidable warrior
to guard our country's borders
and dignity.
I will be playing the flute today.
This performance will be better
with the accompaniment of the guqin.
Mr. Su, if you don't mind,
can you play the guqin
to accompany my flute
and perform this score for my father?
What do you say, Official Su?
Mr. Su?
You don't have to bother Mr. Su, Huayue.
Li Rong.
Actually, the Battle Song of Pingchuan
is not a long-lost score.
It's just that some renowned instructors
may not be willing to teach it
to most of their mediocre students.
I once learned this score.
If you need an accompaniment,
I can help you with it.
Thank you, Rong. Please then.
Huayue, why don't you
stand forward a little more?
Still, if you do,
you might fall off the stage.
By then, I'd be performing alone.
I'm sorry. Let's start.
Now that Her Highness is on the stage,
Huayue is going to embarrass herself.
The enemy is relentless.
They've sworn to fight till the end.
It has been a long journey coming here.
Both sides have been
at a standstill for half a month.
Our attacks have not been successful.
The soldiers are getting exhausted.
What we need to do now
is to raise the soldiers' morale.
Your Highness.
I have an idea that can
improve the soldiers' morale,
but that would require you
to do something.
Your Highness.
This is the Battle Song of Pingchuan.
It is a famous ancient score
that can uplift the listeners' spirits.
If you can perform the score personally,
you'd be able to boost
the soldiers' morale.
Let's begin.
Soldiers!
Princess Pingyue is here!
She's here with a message
from your families,
your wives and children!
Our brave warriors
will enter this battle,
defeat the enemy,
fight till the end
and return with honor!
Fight till the end! Return with honor!
- Fight till the end! Return with honor!
- Fight till the end! Return with honor!
Your Highness.
You still remember the times
when we were together after all.
Fortunately, this jealous scoundrel
didn't get the suona.
Official Gu.
As the Minister of Rites,
do you know
whether the Battle Song of Pingchuan
is meant to be played like this?
Your Majesty.
The original score
is not played in such a way.
The earlier ensemble
with Princess Pingyue on the guqin,
Princess Huayue on the flute
and Official Su on the drums
is the traditional and proper way.
Now that the Prince Consort
is joining with the erhu,
this is an innovative performance.
It doesn't sound bad though.
The addition of the erhu
gives the score an exotic feel.
Brilliant.
Mr. Su.
Wenxuan's erhu performance
was truly amazing.
Indeed.
But Rongqing's drum performance
was awesome too.
Princess Pingyue's guqin skills
have greatly improved.
The Prince Consort's
erhu accompaniment was fantastic.
You played the flute well, Huayue.
That was a splendid guqin performance.
It was obvious
that you really wanted to show off.
So were you.
Had the musician
not held his suona tightly,
we might have been
playing funeral music.
If I do get a suona,
I'm going to play a score
to celebrate a happy marriage.
Brilliant!
Today, we have witnessed
a marvelous performance of the guqin,
the flute
and the drums.
As for the erhu,
it was exceptionally wonderful.
However, what delighted me the most
was Prince Su's sword dance.
He looked like a true warrior.
This is how our country's men should be.
What do you think, everyone?
Crown Prince.
Today, your siblings
played a score and danced
to celebrate the new year.
As the Crown Prince,
what do you have to say?
Unlike them, I am not well-versed
in performing arts.
All I can do is to focus
on the state's affairs
to share your burden
and improve the people's welfare.
How pleasing to the ears.
Sweet words indeed.
You may leave.
Yes, Your Highness.
Why are you sitting here all alone?
What brings you here, Rong?
It's getting stuffy in the hall.
I need some fresh air.
Did they pour you too much liquor?
Let me peel a tangerine for you.
Of course, they didn't.
No one would dare to make me drunk
if I don't feel like it.
I just didn't feel like staying there.
Chuan.
No matter what you do,
you have my support.
Don't make yourself upset.
Rong, tell me the truth.
Am I really unlikable?
It's the Spring Festival,
and he kept embarrassing me
in front of the ministers.
Rong, is this fair?
It's not.
Rong.
Honestly, I've considered giving up
on being the Crown Prince.
But since the Qin Family's decline,
I began to regret it.
You were right.
I need to be strong
to have the right to choose.
Don't worry, Rong.
The embarrassment I had today
won't stop me from growing stronger.
Rest assured, I know what to do.
Don't let anyone know
we've been talking here for so long.
I need to go.
This is the price of growing up.
Mr. Su.
I may need your help in the future,
so I would like to thank you in advance.
Mr. Su.
We'll take our leave, Mr. Su.
We'll take our leave.
Mr. Su, here's a toast to you.
Here's a toast to you, Mr. Su.
That's enough for today,
or else I'd get drunk.
Then we'll have a drink
on some other day.
Alright, I'll take my leave.
I'll take my leave.
Mr. Su.
Aren't you going to have
another cup of liquor?
Mr. Pei, I've had enough liquor.
I have other things to attend to.
Mr. Su.
It's rather inappropriate
to covet my wife
in front of everyone.
We're of the same age.
It's time for you to get married.
Besides, we're sworn brothers.
You helped me fetch the bride
at my wedding back then.
I have never forgot your kindness.
How about let me
find you a suitable lady?
Pei Wenxuan.
Your Highness, what took you so long?
I'm getting sleepy.
Let's go.
Your Highness
Mr. Su.
If you really have something important
to say, we can talk some other day.
My wife and I have other things
to do at home.
Your Highness.
You suffered so much when you were
with Pei Wenxuan back then.
Do you really want to suffer it again?
Why did you
join the Inspectorate Office?
My brother wanted me to come,
so here I am.
But personally,
I'd love to see what Her Highness
and you are up to.
Everyone is busy fighting and struggling
in the palace.
I hate those hypocrites.
But, you and Her Highness
are unlike them.
You're the rare kind of people
who'd go against the flow of things.
That's why
I want to see
why you set up the Inspectorate Office.
Tell me.
Why did you join
the Inspectorate Office?
Perhaps like what you said,
I also want to live like a human.
I want to be useful.
I want to provide my family
with some irreplaceable value.
A more important value
than getting married
for political gains.
This is the only way for me
to remain as Shangguan Ya.
As a woman,
your path is more difficult than mine.
Well, let's drop the subject.
Let's have a drink. Cheers.
Su Ronghua.
I went to you today
not to rant and complain.
I just like to gamble,
have a drink,
and mess with you.
The fact that you want
to gamble and drink with me
shows that I've left
a good impression on you.
Maybe
it's because
we're both a different breed.
A different breed?
That makes you and me the same breed.
Who wants to be the same breed as you?
Come on.
We're going to drink
to our hearts' content tonight!
I wonder which gentleman
would marry a woman like you.
I wonder which lady
would marry a man like you.
Let's make a pact, then.
If we can't find anyone compatible,
let's just live together
for the rest of our lives.
Good idea!
Cheers!
Live together.
Cheers!
Your Highness.
Why is there an influx of outsiders
in the capital lately?
Probably
for the imperial examinations.
The imperial examinations?
But it'll be held in two months.
Why come here so early?
You didn't know?
They don't just assess
your examination answers.
You can also submit your essays
to the examiner in advance.
If they like it,
even if you don't perform well
in your examinations, you can advance
to the final imperial examination
with your submitted essays.
How do the ordinary candidates
make sure that the examiners
get to read their essays?
By submitting them along
with their examination scripts?
That's exactly
why they're here
in the capital so early.
The candidates will submit their essays
to rich and powerful families
who are interested in their work.
If they like the essays,
they would recommend them
to the examiner.
I guess it's not easy
being a commoner.
You think so too?
If you get a recommendation
from those in power,
the examiner might give you
some extra points.
That makes it even harder for a commoner
to become the top scorer.
The rich kids don't even need
to take the examinations.
They already have
their family's backing.
Take Su Rongqing as an example,
when he was 12 years old,
he was already joining his grandfather
in the imperial court.
However,
commoners could only become officials
through the imperial examinations.
Yet, they still have to contend
with proud and rich ones
from the noble families
who are backed by power and wealth.
With an unfair system like this,
it'd be hard for the country
to search for true talents.
Change is necessary.
Your Highness, it's not easy
for commoners to become officials.
If we do encounter someone with talent,
we must foster them as best as we can.
You've really grown up.
[Su's Mansion]
[In search of talents]
[Recruiting talents]
Recruiting talents?
Even Su Rongqing, the top talent,
is recruiting talents?
Anyone who gets his recommendation
is bound to become an official.
Hurry.
I also look forward
to reading your essays.
My mansion always welcomes
knowledgeable talents.
Everyone.
[Ability to appreciate a person's
character and capability]
Today, we will be discussing
the ability to appreciate
a person's character and capability.
Feel free to give your opinions.
- Good topic.
- Yes.
I believe that the one with the ability
to appreciate
a person's character and capability
is able to develop the talents
to their full abilities
and motivate people to do their best.
I think it's also important
to be open-minded
and can win people by virtue.
Those who can appreciate talents
are wise men themselves,
but more importantly,
they should be able to accept those
who are more talented than they are.
This is the true art
of knowing people
and making the best use of them.
[Tian Licun]
Well said.
Even I have learned a thing or two.
Father, you're here.
- It's Mr. Su.
- It's Mr. Su.
Everyone, this is my father,
the current Right Chancellor
of the court.
- Sir.
- Sir.
Good.
Good.
We didn't expect
to see you here, Mr. Su.
This shows that they are committed
to recruiting talents with sincerity.
He's an important minister in court.
Just seeing him in person
is worth the trip.
If I fail, I can
retake the examinations next year.
Can I report someone cheating?
Would we get sentenced for doing that?
Not at all.
I am entrusted
by His Majesty and the people
to ensure the system's impartiality.
The imperial examinations are
to recruit talents for the country.
Of course, we do not tolerate cheating.
- Awesome!
- Awesome!
A true gentleman indeed!
Everyone.
If you have a case to plead,
you may stay back after our discussion.
♪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♪
[The Princess Royal]
[Adapted from Mo Shu Bai's novel,
The Princess Royal on jjwxc.net]
[This is a work of fiction.]
[Episode 23]
Mr. Lin.
Miss Shangguan.
Have you talked to the guards
who will be escorting him?
Yes.
They can't uncuff him now
since they're still in the city,
but once they're out,
they will do so right away.
Her Highness said
that they would give you some decency.
Don't expect the Seven-star Sect
to send people to rescue you.
If they do so,
given His Majesty's temper,
and the fact that your sect
is involved both
in killing and abduction,
he would not spare you.
So, you're here today
just to tell me that?
Her Highness has an offer for you.
It has to do with killing and fighting,
like what you've been doing.
Would you like to utilize your talents
on the battlefield instead?
So?
You will be banished to an army post.
It's different from exile itself.
You will be sent off to a distant land,
but those who are exiled have no future.
As for being banished to an army post,
if you can get military merit,
you may atone for their sins
and even occupy an important position.
Mr. Lin, if you are willing,
Her Highness can work with you.
Once you earn military merit,
she will request His Majesty
to add your name
to the Xie Family's pedigree,
so that you will become a good citizen
instead of a criminal.
By then,
you can build a military career.
Do you prefer wandering around,
hiding from everyone,
or becoming
an accredited member of the Xie Family
and having a successful career?
Mr. Lin, give it some thought.
Does Her Highness trust me?
Whether she trusts you or not,
that is up to her consideration.
Mr. Lin.
You were bound by your mother's
last wishes in the past.
But now,
you can make a better choice.
By the way,
Her Highness wants me
to return this to you.
Miss Shangguan, please tell Her Highness
that I will accept
her offer.
Miss Shangguan, he needs to leave now.
Perhaps you can continue
this conversation someday.
The Southwest is far and remote.
Take care of yourself.
Miss Shangguan, don't worry.
With your wooden cards,
I'll never feel bored.
Mr. Lin, it's a misunderstanding.
The wooden cards aren't for you.
Her Highness was there that day,
and I couldn't take them with me,
so I gave them to you for safekeeping.
Can you return them now?
Miss Shangguan, didn't you say
that life in the southwestern borders
would be boring?
I'll keep them for now.
Don't worry.
I'll keep these wooden cards safe.
Set off!
Off we go!
Mr. Su.
Princess Huayue.
You're always busy with work,
but I heard you're taking the day off,
so I came to meet you.
You wouldn't be angry at me, would you?
Of course not.
I'm resting today,
so it's good to take a stroll.
I find the spring scenery pleasant
and comfortable.
I also need to practice
playing some scores,
so I asked someone
to prepare a guqin here.
But I just can't seem to get it right.
I've heard that you're good
at playing the guqin,
so I'd like to get some guidance
from you.
I'm flattered. I just have
a slight knowledge of playing the guqin.
Don't be modest, Mr. Su.
No wonder you find it hard
to play these scores.
Why do you say so?
These scores are mostly describing
the overwhelming atmosphere of a war.
If you want to play these scores well,
you need to immerse yourself
in the real situation.
Her Highness, you're an innocent lady
who has never experienced a war.
It's hard for you
to imagine such a scene.
What I meant was
that you've always been well protected.
You can cry and laugh
whenever you feel like it.
You can be who you truly are.
It's fortunate for you
to have such a genuine disposition.
You can do so as well, Mr. Su.
You look exceptionally good
when you smile,
but I rarely see you smile.
I'll ask my father
to reduce your workload.
Her Highness, you have a kind heart.
You're so pure like a blank paper.
That's why you have a bright smile.
I hope you can always
lead a simple life.
Hope you can always
enjoy such simple bliss.
I'm honored to receive
your blessing myself.
Besides
I do think
that you're a really good man.
If you have time,
I hope
to learn more from you
so I won't be like a blank paper.
There's nothing wrong
with being a blank paper.
Many people
spend their lives longing for
the innocence they once had.
That's right, you should smile more.
The weather is beautiful today.
Let's not waste such good time.
Let's begin.
Young Master.
We're almost done decorating, look.
Pei Wenxuan.
Look what these are.
Dumplings?
I made them myself.
Listen,
this is my first time making dumplings.
They look good, don't they?
They do.
Look at you.
You're getting flour all over your face,
you little kitten.
Who's going to get me?
Slowly, Douya.
Don't make your sister trip and fall.
Time for dinner!
Mother, stop busying yourself.
Come and enjoy the reunion dinner.
Coming.
You've worked hard, my wife.
Not at all.
Here.
Come on, Father, Mother.
- Happy Spring Festival.
- Happy Spring Festival.
Here's a toast to both of you.
Wish you a long life
and a happy marriage!
- Very well.
- Very well.
I also wish you a long and healthy life,
Wish our family
to be blessed with prosperity,
harmony,
happiness,
and peace.
- Very well.
- There will be peace all year round.
So, I wish you
to be healthy and stay young forever.
Come on, Rongqing.
Come on, Ronghua.
You should always listen to your mother.
- Sure.
- Sure.
Both of you have grown
to be benevolent and loyal.
As your mother, I'm proud of you.
But when it comes to your marriages,
I've surveyed the unmarried ladies
from all noble families
in the capital,
yet none caught your eyes.
Why so?
That depends on Ronghua.
I can't get married
before him, after all.
Why are you dragging me into this?
I should respect for seniority.
Oh my.
This kid
Don't make me wait too long.
Come on, Father, Mother.
There will be many things
worth celebrating in the new year.
Here's a toast to you again.
You'll be the next one to get killed.
Ronghua.
Here's a toast to you two.
All of us
must value the present moment
and make each day count
in the future.
Let's make every day a happy day!
Happy Spring Festival!
Make every day a happy day!
For the sake of my family,
I won't let Li Chuan ascend the throne
and repeat the tragedy.
What a splendid dinner!
- Sit down.
- Sit.
Skip the formalities today.
Let's all sit together and eat.
We're having dumplings
on this joyous day.
There are silver coins
inside some of the dumplings.
Anyone who finds it gets a reward.
- A reward?
- Really?
Dig in.
Let's eat.
Which dumpling is made by me? This one.
Eat this.
I want to eat the dumplings made by me.
I made this. Its stuffing tastes good.
Really, try it.
Fine.
Let me guess.
I'll have some beef.
Not mine.
Not this one.
Her Highness found one!
Congratulations, Your Highness!
What does this mean?
It means Her Highness
is blessed with luck, right?
- Yes.
- Yes.
What's wrong?
Give me some decency, please.
My teeth almost broke.
It's because you chomped down so hard.
And you even found the coin
in the first dumpling you had.
Where's my reward?
Be patient.
Let's see what it is.
Let's see.
Your Highness, you
That's so stingy.
Stingy.
See? Everyone's saying
that you're so stingy,
only putting this little money in it.
You don't understand.
That's what they call fair and square.
That's how it is.
Besides, it's not so little
if you count the silver coin in your dumpling in.
Yeah.
Don't worry.
How could I not prepare
a proper gift for you?
This is the real New Year gift
for you.
That's more like it.
Wait.
Since you're receiving a gift,
you need to say
something auspicious, right?
- Yes.
- Yes.
What auspicious words?
Stop it.
Well, Young Master,
this is not right.
You're not Her Highness's elder.
You don't have to give her that.
Come on, give it to me instead
Are you saying that you are my elder?
Well, I was just saying
Eat your dumplings.
Well
Tong Ye is right.
You're not my elder.
Why should I say any auspicious words?
Of course, you should.
You're not my junior,
yet you're my wife.
There's nothing wrong with saying
some auspicious words, right?
- Yes.
- Your Highness, just say something.
Your Highness, don't be shy.
How about let me teach you some?
Just repeat after me.
My dear Prince Consort,
I love you so much.
I want to spend
every Spring Festival with you
Enough.
That's all you need to say.
Eat up.
Tong Ye has already
taught you what to say.
Don't listen.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Well.
I heard it! She said it!
That's enough.
We have a lucky start for this year now.
Come on, raise your glasses.
Let's celebrate.
- Alright, then we together wish
Wish everyone in the Princess's Mansion
can enjoy a lucky new year
and a healthy long life.
- Happy Spring Festival! Stay healthy!
- Happy Spring Festival! Stay healthy!
Come on.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
They're setting off fireworks outside.
- Let's go and have a look.
- Let's go.
It's snowing.
Come on.
Look!
The fireworks look gorgeous in the snow!
They call this
What a heavy snow！
A fall of seasonable snow
gives promise of a fruitful year.
We sure have a lucky start this year.
That's what I was trying to say.
♪Waking up to the warmth of the sun♪
- So beautiful.
- So beautiful.
♪Only wrinkles on one's sleeves♪
Rong.
I will give you a home.
It's not like the palace.
I will heal all the wounds
in your heart.
From now on,
no matter you are the Princess
or Li Rong,
you will always have me with you.
Pei Wenxuan.
I will try hard
to maintain this happiness forever.
♪I'm glad to have you in my world♪
♪By my side♪
♪We watch the moon and sun♪
♪We share the fate♪
♪We climb the high tower♪
Here you go.
Thank you.
Happy Spring Festival. See you.
Sir.
It's the Spring Festival.
Why are you walking around here alone?
I was with my family earlier,
and I felt happy
so I drank a few more glasses of liquor.
Perhaps I drank a little too much.
That's why I'm taking a stroll
to sober up.
You're a handsome man.
Are you married?
But there should be someone
you adore, right?
There is.
Fate brought us here to meet.
I'll give you a lantern.
I wonder what she's like.
She
She's witty, cute, and assertive.
She's brave and persevering.
No matter what happens,
she will always stay on her path.
Then, I'll give you a lantern
with a rabbit pattern.
Here you go.
I hope that you and the lady you adore
can get married soon.
That sounds like an impossible wish.
You can't say that.
If you're serious about her,
you should fight for her.
When it comes to relationships,
the result is indeed important,
but more importantly,
don't leave any regrets.
Am I right?
You're right.
I'm not going to let anyone,
including myself, down.
That's right.
Thank you.
Wishing you a happy, lucky,
and safe year.
Happy Spring Festival.
How generous of you.
[Jucai House]
Small, small, small!
Place your bets!
- Small, small, small!
- Small!
It's small again.
Small, three
Big, then small
What are you
Mr. Su.
How did you sneak out today?
And how did you sneak out?
How do you know I'm here?
I'll tell you when you win.
Small, all in!
Let's see.
Place your bets!
Look.
- Big, big!
- Small, small!
The Princess is here.
Let's go.
These scoundrels.
Just ignore them.
Thank you for your hospitality.
No worries.
- Greetings, Your Highness.
- Greetings, Your Highness.
His Majesty has arrived!
- Greetings, Your Majesty.
- Greetings, Your Majesty.
- Boundless fortune to Your Majesty.
- Boundless fortune to Your Majesty.
- Long live Your Majesty!
- Long live Your Majesty!
- Long live the Empress!
- Long live the Empress!
You may rise, everyone.
- Thank you, Your Majesty!
- Thank you, Your Majesty!
Do you know
why I hold this banquet
on the third day
of the first month of each year?
The sage came up with the idea
of self-cultivation
a well-managed family,
the ability to administer the state,
and to bring peace to the nation.
I believe
that the highest form
of governing a country
is the co-construction
of family and country.
That would dispel any selfish thoughts,
which will unite everyone.
On this auspicious day,
I wish everyone in the world
a bountiful year.
Wish everyone to live and work
in peace and contentment.
Wish peace could reign
throughout our lands and borders.
May our country enjoy
abundance and happiness!
- May our country enjoy
- May our country enjoy
- abundance and happiness!
- abundance and happiness!
Start the banquet!
Your Majesty,
Princess Huayue and Prince Su
would like to perform a score for you.
Young people do like showing off.
The dancers may leave now.
Fulai, summon Huayue here.
Princess Huayue,
His Majesty is summoning you.
Father.
I heard you've prepared
a score to perform
together with Prince Su
to wish all of us a happy new year.
For this occasion,
I have specially prepared
a performance featuring
the long-lost Battle Song of Pingchuan
for you and the ministers of the court.
It was Cheng's idea too.
He said we should
start the new year
by performing a sword dance
to celebrate
our last year's victories
in the wars happened in the Northwest.
It can also showcase
the manliness we men
of the Great Xia should have.
Great.
He's just 14 years old,
and he already wants to be a man.
Father, my swordsmanship
improved tremendously last year.
My master said that I might be young,
but I wouldn't lose to a grown man.
Well.
So, do you think
you can defeat your brother,
the Crown Prince?
My brother is good
at reading and studying.
I admit that I am no match
for him in this regard.
But when it comes to martial arts,
it's possible
that I might win after all.
Did you hear that?
If you don't practice harder,
your brother is going
to look down on you.
You're right, Father.
I'm sure that Cheng will grow up
to be a formidable warrior
to guard our country's borders
and dignity.
I will be playing the flute today.
This performance will be better
with the accompaniment of the guqin.
Mr. Su, if you don't mind,
can you play the guqin
to accompany my flute
and perform this score for my father?
What do you say, Official Su?
Mr. Su?
You don't have to bother Mr. Su, Huayue.
Li Rong.
Actually, the Battle Song of Pingchuan
is not a long-lost score.
It's just that some renowned instructors
may not be willing to teach it
to most of their mediocre students.
I once learned this score.
If you need an accompaniment,
I can help you with it.
Thank you, Rong. Please then.
Huayue, why don't you
stand forward a little more?
Still, if you do,
you might fall off the stage.
By then, I'd be performing alone.
I'm sorry. Let's start.
Now that Her Highness is on the stage,
Huayue is going to embarrass herself.
The enemy is relentless.
They've sworn to fight till the end.
It has been a long journey coming here.
Both sides have been
at a standstill for half a month.
Our attacks have not been successful.
The soldiers are getting exhausted.
What we need to do now
is to raise the soldiers' morale.
Your Highness.
I have an idea that can
improve the soldiers' morale,
but that would require you
to do something.
Your Highness.
This is the Battle Song of Pingchuan.
It is a famous ancient score
that can uplift the listeners' spirits.
If you can perform the score personally,
you'd be able to boost
the soldiers' morale.
Let's begin.
Soldiers!
Princess Pingyue is here!
She's here with a message
from your families,
your wives and children!
Our brave warriors
will enter this battle,
defeat the enemy,
fight till the end
and return with honor!
Fight till the end! Return with honor!
- Fight till the end! Return with honor!
- Fight till the end! Return with honor!
Your Highness.
You still remember the times
when we were together after all.
Fortunately, this jealous scoundrel
didn't get the suona.
Official Gu.
As the Minister of Rites,
do you know
whether the Battle Song of Pingchuan
is meant to be played like this?
Your Majesty.
The original score
is not played in such a way.
The earlier ensemble
with Princess Pingyue on the guqin,
Princess Huayue on the flute
and Official Su on the drums
is the traditional and proper way.
Now that the Prince Consort
is joining with the erhu,
this is an innovative performance.
It doesn't sound bad though.
The addition of the erhu
gives the score an exotic feel.
Brilliant.
Mr. Su.
Wenxuan's erhu performance
was truly amazing.
Indeed.
But Rongqing's drum performance
was awesome too.
Princess Pingyue's guqin skills
have greatly improved.
The Prince Consort's
erhu accompaniment was fantastic.
You played the flute well, Huayue.
That was a splendid guqin performance.
It was obvious
that you really wanted to show off.
So were you.
Had the musician
not held his suona tightly,
we might have been
playing funeral music.
If I do get a suona,
I'm going to play a score
to celebrate a happy marriage.
Brilliant!
Today, we have witnessed
a marvelous performance of the guqin,
the flute
and the drums.
As for the erhu,
it was exceptionally wonderful.
However, what delighted me the most
was Prince Su's sword dance.
He looked like a true warrior.
This is how our country's men should be.
What do you think, everyone?
Crown Prince.
Today, your siblings
played a score and danced
to celebrate the new year.
As the Crown Prince,
what do you have to say?
Unlike them, I am not well-versed
in performing arts.
All I can do is to focus
on the state's affairs
to share your burden
and improve the people's welfare.
How pleasing to the ears.
Sweet words indeed.
You may leave.
Yes, Your Highness.
Why are you sitting here all alone?
What brings you here, Rong?
It's getting stuffy in the hall.
I need some fresh air.
Did they pour you too much liquor?
Let me peel a tangerine for you.
Of course, they didn't.
No one would dare to make me drunk
if I don't feel like it.
I just didn't feel like staying there.
Chuan.
No matter what you do,
you have my support.
Don't make yourself upset.
Rong, tell me the truth.
Am I really unlikable?
It's the Spring Festival,
and he kept embarrassing me
in front of the ministers.
Rong, is this fair?
It's not.
Rong.
Honestly, I've considered giving up
on being the Crown Prince.
But since the Qin Family's decline,
I began to regret it.
You were right.
I need to be strong
to have the right to choose.
Don't worry, Rong.
The embarrassment I had today
won't stop me from growing stronger.
Rest assured, I know what to do.
Don't let anyone know
we've been talking here for so long.
I need to go.
This is the price of growing up.
Mr. Su.
I may need your help in the future,
so I would like to thank you in advance.
Mr. Su.
We'll take our leave, Mr. Su.
We'll take our leave.
Mr. Su, here's a toast to you.
Here's a toast to you, Mr. Su.
That's enough for today,
or else I'd get drunk.
Then we'll have a drink
on some other day.
Alright, I'll take my leave.
I'll take my leave.
Mr. Su.
Aren't you going to have
another cup of liquor?
Mr. Pei, I've had enough liquor.
I have other things to attend to.
Mr. Su.
It's rather inappropriate
to covet my wife
in front of everyone.
We're of the same age.
It's time for you to get married.
Besides, we're sworn brothers.
You helped me fetch the bride
at my wedding back then.
I have never forgot your kindness.
How about let me
find you a suitable lady?
Pei Wenxuan.
Your Highness, what took you so long?
I'm getting sleepy.
Let's go.
Your Highness
Mr. Su.
If you really have something important
to say, we can talk some other day.
My wife and I have other things
to do at home.
Your Highness.
You suffered so much when you were
with Pei Wenxuan back then.
Do you really want to suffer it again?
Why did you
join the Inspectorate Office?
My brother wanted me to come,
so here I am.
But personally,
I'd love to see what Her Highness
and you are up to.
Everyone is busy fighting and struggling
in the palace.
I hate those hypocrites.
But, you and Her Highness
are unlike them.
You're the rare kind of people
who'd go against the flow of things.
That's why
I want to see
why you set up the Inspectorate Office.
Tell me.
Why did you join
the Inspectorate Office?
Perhaps like what you said,
I also want to live like a human.
I want to be useful.
I want to provide my family
with some irreplaceable value.
A more important value
than getting married
for political gains.
This is the only way for me
to remain as Shangguan Ya.
As a woman,
your path is more difficult than mine.
Well, let's drop the subject.
Let's have a drink. Cheers.
Su Ronghua.
I went to you today
not to rant and complain.
I just like to gamble,
have a drink,
and mess with you.
The fact that you want
to gamble and drink with me
shows that I've left
a good impression on you.
Maybe
it's because
we're both a different breed.
A different breed?
That makes you and me the same breed.
Who wants to be the same breed as you?
Come on.
We're going to drink
to our hearts' content tonight!
I wonder which gentleman
would marry a woman like you.
I wonder which lady
would marry a man like you.
Let's make a pact, then.
If we can't find anyone compatible,
let's just live together
for the rest of our lives.
Good idea!
Cheers!
Live together.
Cheers!
Your Highness.
Why is there an influx of outsiders
in the capital lately?
Probably
for the imperial examinations.
The imperial examinations?
But it'll be held in two months.
Why come here so early?
You didn't know?
They don't just assess
your examination answers.
You can also submit your essays
to the examiner in advance.
If they like it,
even if you don't perform well
in your examinations, you can advance
to the final imperial examination
with your submitted essays.
How do the ordinary candidates
make sure that the examiners
get to read their essays?
By submitting them along
with their examination scripts?
That's exactly
why they're here
in the capital so early.
The candidates will submit their essays
to rich and powerful families
who are interested in their work.
If they like the essays,
they would recommend them
to the examiner.
I guess it's not easy
being a commoner.
You think so too?
If you get a recommendation
from those in power,
the examiner might give you
some extra points.
That makes it even harder for a commoner
to become the top scorer.
The rich kids don't even need
to take the examinations.
They already have
their family's backing.
Take Su Rongqing as an example,
when he was 12 years old,
he was already joining his grandfather
in the imperial court.
However,
commoners could only become officials
through the imperial examinations.
Yet, they still have to contend
with proud and rich ones
from the noble families
who are backed by power and wealth.
With an unfair system like this,
it'd be hard for the country
to search for true talents.
Change is necessary.
Your Highness, it's not easy
for commoners to become officials.
If we do encounter someone with talent,
we must foster them as best as we can.
You've really grown up.
[Su's Mansion]
[In search of talents]
[Recruiting talents]
Recruiting talents?
Even Su Rongqing, the top talent,
is recruiting talents?
Anyone who gets his recommendation
is bound to become an official.
Hurry.
I also look forward
to reading your essays.
My mansion always welcomes
knowledgeable talents.
Everyone.
[Ability to appreciate a person's
character and capability]
Today, we will be discussing
the ability to appreciate
a person's character and capability.
Feel free to give your opinions.
- Good topic.
- Yes.
I believe that the one with the ability
to appreciate
a person's character and capability
is able to develop the talents
to their full abilities
and motivate people to do their best.
I think it's also important
to be open-minded
and can win people by virtue.
Those who can appreciate talents
are wise men themselves,
but more importantly,
they should be able to accept those
who are more talented than they are.
This is the true art
of knowing people
and making the best use of them.
[Tian Licun]
Well said.
Even I have learned a thing or two.
Father, you're here.
- It's Mr. Su.
- It's Mr. Su.
Everyone, this is my father,
the current Right Chancellor
of the court.
- Sir.
- Sir.
Good.
Good.
We didn't expect
to see you here, Mr. Su.
This shows that they are committed
to recruiting talents with sincerity.
He's an important minister in court.
Just seeing him in person
is worth the trip.
If I fail, I can
retake the examinations next year.
Can I report someone cheating?
Would we get sentenced for doing that?
Not at all.
I am entrusted
by His Majesty and the people
to ensure the system's impartiality.
The imperial examinations are
to recruit talents for the country.
Of course, we do not tolerate cheating.
- Awesome!
- Awesome!
A true gentleman indeed!
Everyone.
If you have a case to plead,
you may stay back after our discussion.
♪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♪