The Princess Royal (2024) s01e36 Episode Script
Episode 36
1
[The Princess Royal]
[Adapted from Mo Shu Bai's novel,
The Princess Royal on jjwxc.net]
[This is a work of fiction.]
[Episode 36]
When the Ministry of Personnel
wanted to promote any official,
it was done based on their merit scores.
As for the grading process,
ten marks would be deducted
if the one was from a noble family,
and ten marks would be awarded
if the one was a commoner.
He was being too impatient.
Actually, I understood his policies.
I knew what he was trying to do.
However, it could not be implemented
with just a good policy alone.
He just ascended the throne
not long ago.
And he was making such a huge move
immediately.
Many local prestigious families
naturally disagreed with him.
Although he issued the order,
his subjects didn't proceed with it.
Or,
they might twist his policy on purpose
and increase the people's burden.
He wanted to establish his authority
by killing those who disobeyed him.
But after that, he realized
that he couldn't even take
down a second-rate noble family.
In the late winter
during the third year of Dexu Era,
he ignored Pei Wenxuan's advice
and ordered Qin Lin to kill
the leader of a small local clan.
This led to rebellions in that area
for three consecutive years.
Initially, that place wasn't that bad.
But in the end
it became a desolate place.
Under such circumstances,
there's no other way
but to change the system.
By abolishing the noble families,
millions of common people
could be saved.
Your Highness, what if it were you?
What would you do by then?
But are you capable enough
to kill someone from the noble families?
Your Highness!
Your Majesty
You may leave as well.
Your Highness, you might not know,
but Li Chuan would
lock himself up
in the Imperial Study overnight
right after you questioned him
every time.
I had no idea indeed.
It's because you always
took him for a boy.
But you need to know something.
If an emperor
realized that he was incompetent,
the sense of shame would drive him mad.
The conflict between Li Chuan
and the noble families
could never be resolved.
And, it'd only be further intensified.
Shangguan Ya would be caught
in a dilemma between them.
Li Chuan told me this before.
Whenever he saw Shangguan Ya
and her valuable accessories,
he would be reminded
of the people who were starving.
Your Majesty.
However, Shangguan Ya
only thought
that she was inferior to Qin Zhenzhen.
The more she dolled herself up
and tried to be gentle and considerate,
the more Li Chuan hated her.
In the end,
they even started sleeping
in different rooms.
Your Majesty.
Therefore, Shangguan Ya sought my aid.
Since it has come to this,
I'm not expecting him
to develop any feelings for me.
But my family has been pressuring me.
They hoped that I could
give birth to an heir apparent.
But now, they have no idea
that I don't even have the chance
to sleep with him.
As the Emperor,
you shouldn't favor Qin Zhenzhen alone.
Shangguan Ya is the Empress after all.
If people find out
that you haven't
slept with her in a long time,
you'll receive many memorials
complaining about you.
I don't like her.
Don't I even have the right
to choose?
You don't have the right to choose
until after she gives birth
to an heir apparent.
You're the ruler of the state.
Shangguan Ya is the Empress.
Heading to Qionghua Palace
and getting yourself an heir apparent
is one of your duties as well.
Rong.
Tell me what's the difference between me
and the courtesans in the brothels.
Your Majesty!
Summon the imperial physician!
No need for that.
I visited the Empress
after leaving my palace.
I just took some aphrodisiacs.
I'm fine.
Your Majesty, you
I've already completed
the task assigned to me
by Princess Royal.
Did Shangguan Ya know about this?
She should know about this.
Actually, Shangguan Ya
took some aphrodisiacs as well.
Shangguan Ya was a proud person.
But she was trapped
within the palace like livestock
just because she had to give birth
to an heir apparent.
Even so, she could
only suffer in silence.
What happened after that?
Your Majesty!
All of you may leave.
No need for formalities. You may rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
I know
that you are taking aphrodisiacs
before you come to see me every time.
From now on,
let's be honest with each other.
You can be an empress all you like.
I can provide you
with all the power you want.
Let's drop
the act.
For some matters,
we can discuss
and resolve them together.
We shouldn't be trapped by the palace.
In the future,
you can stay out of my affairs.
What do you think?
But Your Majesty
I abandoned myself
and the love
that was supposed to be mine
not to hear you
telling me
that we should mind our own business
in this place.
Your Majesty, I'm not here
to fulfill your wish either.
I'm not here to fulfill your wish
of obtaining the love you want.
Don't you desire to leave the palace?
What do you desire, then?
I
I desire a child.
Someone!
Bring us the liquor.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty,
it was my fault before this.
From now on, I won't care
about who you'll visit at night.
But I need you to make me a promise.
What else do you desire
besides having a child?
The position of Empress.
No problem.
You'll be the Empress
as long as I'm the Emperor.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
As for the child,
I shall assist you
in completing the task.
If so, Your Majesty,
I hope you can spare some time
for our next intimate session.
All right. I understand.
Your Majesties,
the Imperial Medical Bureau
has sent us a piece of news.
They said that Consort Qin was pregnant.
She's pregnant?
Hurry. I'm going to see her now.
Your Majesty, you should hurry
and check on Consort Qin.
Hurry!
What's with the urgent meeting?
His Majesty has decided
that he would never be intimate
with another woman
in the harem besides Consort Qin.
This morning, Consort Qin
has been confirmed to be pregnant.
Therefore
I need a man.
Anyone is fine.
I need to have a child.
A child?
What happened after that?
Back then
you were intending to leave the capital.
Li Chuan's evil intentions
are obvious to all.
If he truly aided a commoner prince
to ascend the throne,
by then..
it shall be the end
of the noble families.
Mr. Shangguan,
I'm sure you know this as well.
I'm just an idle wanderer.
This has nothing to do with me.
I'll take my leave.
Ya is having a rough time in the palace.
She needs someone.
She needs a man.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
What are you doing here?
I'm here to keep you company.
Leave.
I don't want you to be here.
But you don't have a choice.
It's too late for me
to turn back either.
I don't want you
to see me in such a pathetic state.
In this life
I'm willing to descend
into hell with you.
I'm willing to descend
into the underworld with you.
Two months later,
Shangguan Ya
was confirmed to be pregnant.
But the date of her child's birth
was awkward.
Even now, I don't know
who's the father of that child.
Did Chuan know about that?
Back then, Li Chuan didn't even know
that Su Ronghua and Shangguan Ya
had an affair.
When the commoners
saw that Li Chuan favored Qin Zhenzhen
and that she was pregnant,
they started spreading rumors
and fabricated miracles.
Some of the commoner officials
even submitted memorials
saying that her child would be
the Emperor's eldest son.
They said he would be the Crown Prince
after his birth.
They were actually cornering
Qin Zhenzhen by doing so.
Most of the commoners
came from humble families.
They had no idea about the dirty tricks
within the palace.
And, Qin Zhenzhen
also knew that she was in danger.
In order to express
that she and her child
had no intention of usurping the throne,
she even submitted a memorial,
hoping Li Xin would be selected
as the Crown Prince instead.
I only found out what he felt like
by today.
Back then, Li Chuan
didn't wish to start a conflict
with the noble families.
He felt guilty
toward Shangguan Ya as well.
Therefore,
he instructed me
to draft an imperial edict.
He intended to select Li Xin
as the Crown Prince.
But all of a sudden, rumors started
spreading among the people.
They said a strange bird
alighted at the entrance
of Qingfeng Taoist Temple.
They said it was a phoenix
and that it was a sign
that the Empress would be dethroned.
The noble families couldn't tolerate it
any longer after hearing that.
Therefore, Su Ronghua poisoned
Qin Zhenzhen to death personally.
Initially, you wanted
to take Li Ping's life.
But Qin Zhenzhen was
protecting Li Ping all the time.
She lived and ate together with him.
She tried every piece of food,
every medicine,
and every drop of water
before she fed him.
In the end,
Qin Zhenzhen was poisoned.
She managed to protect Li Ping.
I actually tried to take a child's life?
Ronghua, you don't need
to blame yourself for this.
You were just bewitched by Shangguan Xu.
After Qin Zhenzhen's death,
Li Chuan could no longer tolerate
the noble families.
It wasn't only
because of the death of his beloved.
It was also because he recognized
how incompetent he was.
It was driving him crazy.
When he was keeping vigil
beside Qin Zhenzhen's coffin
[Memorial Tablet
of Noble Consort Zhenjing]
[of the Qin Clan]
The Crown Prince hasn't been selected.
Your Majesty, please select your heir
as soon as possible.
Please select Li Xin, the son born
by the Empress, as the Crown Prince
to set the record straight.
When you deal with devils,
you have to be a devil yourself.
Only then will you
stand a chance to win.
Transmit my edict.
To stabilize
the foundation of the state,
I shall select Li Xin
as the Crown Prince.
Hurry and return with me.
Come with me.
All of the officials are waiting
All of the officials
are waiting for you.
They're waiting for you
to make a decision.
You have plenty of memorials to review.
Look at what you're doing right now.
Are you truly going
to disregard the state affairs
for a woman?
Do you forget
what you are supposed to do?
Do you forget who you are?
Who am I?
You're the Emperor.
No. I'm Li Chuan.
Li Chuan.
I'm Li Chuan!
Back then, I thought
Chuan was the one who had changed.
The noble families also thought
that Li Chuan compromised with them
by selecting
their preferred heir apparent.
But in reality,
Li Chuan
turned into
a tyrannical ruler after that.
His emotions were unstable
and increased heavy and onerous taxes.
He favored the commoners and killed
the noble families randomly.
He couldn't care less
about the ongoing war,
the people, and justice.
He only wanted to topple
[Wang's Mansion]
the noble families.
In those years,
the Great Xia endured turbulent storms
and widespread conflicts.
He favored the commoners
and killed the noble families randomly.
Many of the commoner officials
turned out to be corrupt and greedy.
No one lived in peace.
Our family tried everything we could
to persuade the new ruler
and comfort the people.
We expended countless wealth
to relieve the people,
using up all our troops and food.
He supported Qin Lin's troops
with tax money.
He even approached
Shangguan Ya on purpose
to make people believe
that he adored Li Xin.
But in reality,
he was using Shangguan Ya
as his protective charm.
Therefore, back then,
he was depleting the forces
of the Shangguan Family
by taking advantage of the local troops.
In the end, it turned out
that those were all parts
of Li Chuan's plot.
He wanted to suppress the noble families
through rebellions.
Through my investigation,
I also found out the culprit
who killed Qin Zhenzhen.
It's actually him?
Your Majesty, what do you plan to do?
Why did His Majesty summon us here?
I have no idea either.
Aunt.
Ya?
Aunt, did you summon us here?
This is
This is bad!
Run!
Run!
Chuan, what are you up to?
How did Qin Zhenzhen die?
Whose son is he?
Your Majesty, I don't know
what you're talking about.
Your Majesty, this is
your biological son.
Chuan, your offspring concerns
the foundation of the state.
You mustn't spout nonsense
without any evidence.
None of you want
to tell me the truth, right?
Father!
Father!
If you intend to kill them,
you must kill me first!
Tell me!
Whose son is he?
He's your son!
Your Majesty, if you don't believe me,
why don't we do a blood test?
Fine.
Someone!
Your Majesty.
Do you have anything else to say?
You made me a promise.
You said you wouldn't
depose me as the Empress
as long as you're the Emperor.
I was partly responsible
for Qin Zhenzhen's death as well.
What if I trade my life
for Ya and Xin?
Will you be satisfied with that?
Why did you kill her?
For the sake of the Shangguan Family.
All right.
I'll grant you your wish.
Aunt! Aunt!
Father!
Father!
Father!
Why?
Li Chuan, why did you do so?
I intend to go on
another expedition to the North.
Make preparations for it.
Your Majesty, you mustn't do so!
Your Majesty.
Our country has been
on various expeditions
for the past few years.
The national treasury is empty now.
We can't afford such expenditures.
We can't afford it?
Have we truly run out of money?
But they didn't understand
His Majesty's intentions.
The expedition wasn't
His Majesty's true goal at all.
His Majesty merely wanted to use
their military power
to suffocate
and choke the noble families.
During the eighth year of Dexu Era,
Li Chuan gathered
a substantial number of forces.
He wanted to slander Prince Su
for plotting a rebellion.
He requested our family to send
our troops and quell the rebellion.
Prince Su intends to plot a rebellion.
After giving it some thought,
I realize that
only your Su Family can be trusted.
Are you willing
to send your troops for me?
His Majesty has wanted to get rid
of Prince Su long ago.
However, he wishes to eliminate him
using our power.
Father, Rongqing,
just sacrifice me.
You knew that those were all excuses.
Even so,
you still stood up for Prince Su.
I was once Prince Su's tutor.
I'm willing to swear upon my life
that Prince Su has no intention
of betraying you at all.
Swear upon your life?
All right. I'll grant you your wish.
He convicted you
of conspiring with enemies.
Our entire clan was taken into custody.
He intended to execute our entire clan.
Someone.
The Su Family is treasonous and immoral
who intends to rebel.
They're conspiring with Prince Su.
Transmit my edict.
The entire Su Family
is to be executed.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, I'm innocent!
Your Majesty!
Our entire family was executed?
What we face today
is what you will face tomorrow!
Back then,
I had no idea that you had
an affair with Shangguan Ya.
I just felt we were wronged.
Princess Pingyue
knew that our family was maligned.
She wanted to rescue us.
Your Majesty,
the Su Family has been a renowned clan
for a century.
They contributed
to the foundation of the state.
If you execute their entire clan,
you'll make all the people
feel bitterly disappointed.
Your Majesty, as the Princess Royal,
I implore you
to spare the Su Family.
Forget it.
They might be spared from execution,
but they will still be punished.
Castrate Su Rongqing.
Your Majesty,
Su Ronghua already took his own life
with this jade hairpin.
Ronghua!
Even so, he still needs to be castrated.
What do you think
about this hairpin?
It looks nice.
But it looks like
it was used before.
I wonder
who the owner of this hairpin is.
I got this from Su Ronghua.
I heard that you two were very close.
Therefore, I was thinking
of giving it to you as a keepsake.
But he's quite gutsy too.
He could have survived
if he endured the castration.
But he used this hairpin
to stab his own neck instead.
He's dead.
He's dead!
Back then, I missed you very much,
Your Highness.
You were like
the only light in the entire palace.
All lights
would be extinguished eventually.
Only you
could move forward forever.
Due to the various wars,
the people could no longer
tolerate the situation.
And the noble families
were running out of patience.
According to my knowledge,
there were no
less than 20 noble families
who wanted to start a rebellion.
During those eight years,
the commoners rose from their ranks
while the noble families
fell from grace.
The state was already a spent force.
He couldn't just corner all of them.
If not, they'd perish together.
Therefore, he chose
to cultivate immortality
and make you the Regent Princess Royal,
supervising the state on his behalf.
It's his way of telling
the noble families
that he's calling for a truce.
He wanted the noble families
to have peace of mind.
Because of that,
he couldn't do anything to Shangguan Ya
even if he wanted to.
He dared not do so.
Therefore, he could only wait
for another opportunity before he acted.
I was the head of the commoners
while you represented
the noble families.
We balanced each other out
and formed an alliance.
The next decade in the Great Xia
was spent recuperating
from its old wounds,
finally ushering in a new golden era.
However, a decade
A decade was too long.
The decade after that
was so long that everything had changed.
It was so long that people forgot
how it looked like originally.
It was so long that they could
no longer see the path ahead.
They also forgot the way home.
The fate has started changing
once again.
It was another decisive moment.
Your Highness,
since you already know about the past,
will you abandon
the Crown Prince?
Ronghua.
The story is over.
Will you still stop me
from stopping the Crown Prince?
I understand what you're saying.
Yes. He does have his own difficulties.
However, even so,
I can't just forgive him
for what he did.
When it comes to suffering,
everyone is the same.
I understand.
If so, tomorrow,
I'll take you to visit the Crown Prince.
After that, I'll take you
to see Su Rongqing.
Well
Are you willing to let me
join hands with Su Rongqing?
Your Highness,
no matter what you wish to do,
I will follow.
It's fine as long as you understand
what you truly desire
and don't regret your decision.
Rongqing.
Is that dream
true or false?
I've tested it.
It's true.
Was that the reason
why you joined hands with Consort Rou?
Were you trying to stop the Crown Prince
from ascending the throne?
That's right.
If you kill the Crown Prince,
you're destined
to be Princess Pingyue's foe.
Have you given up on Princess Pingyue?
That's right.
Don't you think it's a shame?
Why haven't you tried to change it then?
Change it?
Ronghua, how can I change it?
Did our family let down Li Chuan?
Or did we have too much influence
and power?
As the ruler, Li Chuan
only had wild ambitions.
He was utterly ignorant.
He acted out recklessly, started wars,
burdened the people,
damaged the economy,
made blind reformations,
and suppressed the noble families.
He favored the commoners
and corrupt officials
and disregarded the people
of the Great Xia.
Do you think his deeds
weren't absurd enough?
When he ascended the throne,
the population of the Great Xia
was about 90 million.
After eight years,
only eight years,
the population became
less than 70 million.
Those 20 million people
Even if I want to change it,
where should I begin?
That was what his temperament was
back then.
He just looked virtuous on the surface.
Ronghua.
I do love Princess Pingyue.
However, I have my own boundaries.
Rongqing.
We don't need to justify ourselves
so grandiosely.
We should just admit it.
The noble families are the tumors
of the Great Xia.
So, Ronghua
do you still intend to help Li Chuan
ascend the throne?
Is that so?
I'm not helping anyone.
Rongqing, rest well.
I'll discuss this with Father.
Can you tell Father about this
in two more days?
I'm still wounded.
I'm worried
that Father might lose his temper.
I might not be able
to endure his punishment.
Don't worry.
Just rest and recuperate.
Take good care of yourself.
Zhenzhen.
Lin, how are you?
Come with me.
Let's talk over here.
All right.
Lin, I've been inquiring
about your whereabouts
ever since I escaped
from the military camp.
They didn't find your body.
I knew
that you were still alive.
Sorry for making you worried.
I've been hiding here
as I am wounded.
Lin, I've got you some ointment.
Your wound will heal faster
if you use this.
What do you plan to do next?
Our foundation is in the Northwest.
We have to retrieve our military power.
How dare you two return?
You're pretty careless, aren't you?
Were you so certain
that I was already dead?
You shouldn't have betrayed yourself.
Retrieve the tiger tally.
Yes.
I have the tiger tally!
Warriors, heed my order!
I've slain the traitor, Cui Qinghe!
Those who are willing to follow me,
come out!
Those who aren't willing to follow me,
you may leave.
I won't make things difficult for you.
General Qin,
you've taken great care of us.
General Qin, all of us
know your character well.
General Qin,
we're willing to follow you.
General Qin,
we're willing to follow you.
Your Highness,
we've received news from the palace.
They say
that Prince Su is out of danger.
He's fine now.
If that's the case,
at most, by tonight,
His Majesty will take action.
Should we visit the Crown Prince now?
If we don't go now,
we might not have the chance
to do so in the future.
Since you already said so,
I don't think I have a choice here.
Su Ronghua.
Su Rongqing lost his mind long ago.
He formed an alliance
with Consort Rou long ago
and supported Prince Su.
He framed Pei Wenxuan by using Hongde.
For the military provisions
and funds case,
the imperial examination fraud case,
and the assassination
on Winter Festivity,
he was involved in all of them.
He won't allow the Crown Prince
to ascend the throne.
And now, the Crown Prince
will no longer tolerate him.
Initially,
I thought His Majesty was
the only major obstacle
between us.
I thought we could be together
once the Crown Prince
ascended the throne.
Actually, you were right.
I drew the same conclusion as well.
But later, I gradually realized
that Su Rongqing couldn't
tolerate the Crown Prince.
And you
couldn't give up on Su Rongqing.
I once asked you
if you were willing to be
the master of the Su Family.
Now,
I'll ask you again.
Are you willing to do so?
Seems like you're not willing to do so.
The Crown Prince is the foundation
of my Shangguan Family.
It's impossible for me
to give up on the Crown Prince.
I can't betray my family either.
Therefore, you see,
our relationship will only end up
in a deadlock.
Ronghua.
Let me call you this way that once.
I'm very grateful to you.
Thanks for showing me
that we can actually live a sincere life
as a descendant of a noble family.
♪Memories flash back♪
But I'm sorry.
♪I am that solitary boat♪
♪Tossed about in the waves,
unable to escape♪
In my life
♪Until a pair of hands♪
♪Guides me through the worldly remnants
of old dreams♪
I will never gamble again.
♪Wrapped in the wind's embrace♪
Ronghua.
♪Hidden in my sleeves♪
Let me hug you one last time.
♪No need to imprison myself
in longing♪
♪Eyes like flickering fireflies♪
♪Lighting up the misty sea tower♪
♪Allowing you and me to dock safely♪
♪In this long and arduous journey♪
♪I'm fortunate to have met you♪
♪It is your tenderness♪
♪That makes me willing
to set aside my pride♪
Su Ronghua!
♪Even if the world falls into my grasp♪
Just leave.
Go and do some sightseeing.
♪I'll stay by your side
till the end of time♪
Go and travel the world.
♪May we stay together in dreams♪
Don't ever come back again!
♪With the starry sky as our bed
and our embraces as our quilt♪
♪Regardless of the seasons♪
♪We will journey through life together
until the very end♪
♪Ever-growing fireworks♪
♪Let time slip by♪
♪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 36]
When the Ministry of Personnel
wanted to promote any official,
it was done based on their merit scores.
As for the grading process,
ten marks would be deducted
if the one was from a noble family,
and ten marks would be awarded
if the one was a commoner.
He was being too impatient.
Actually, I understood his policies.
I knew what he was trying to do.
However, it could not be implemented
with just a good policy alone.
He just ascended the throne
not long ago.
And he was making such a huge move
immediately.
Many local prestigious families
naturally disagreed with him.
Although he issued the order,
his subjects didn't proceed with it.
Or,
they might twist his policy on purpose
and increase the people's burden.
He wanted to establish his authority
by killing those who disobeyed him.
But after that, he realized
that he couldn't even take
down a second-rate noble family.
In the late winter
during the third year of Dexu Era,
he ignored Pei Wenxuan's advice
and ordered Qin Lin to kill
the leader of a small local clan.
This led to rebellions in that area
for three consecutive years.
Initially, that place wasn't that bad.
But in the end
it became a desolate place.
Under such circumstances,
there's no other way
but to change the system.
By abolishing the noble families,
millions of common people
could be saved.
Your Highness, what if it were you?
What would you do by then?
But are you capable enough
to kill someone from the noble families?
Your Highness!
Your Majesty
You may leave as well.
Your Highness, you might not know,
but Li Chuan would
lock himself up
in the Imperial Study overnight
right after you questioned him
every time.
I had no idea indeed.
It's because you always
took him for a boy.
But you need to know something.
If an emperor
realized that he was incompetent,
the sense of shame would drive him mad.
The conflict between Li Chuan
and the noble families
could never be resolved.
And, it'd only be further intensified.
Shangguan Ya would be caught
in a dilemma between them.
Li Chuan told me this before.
Whenever he saw Shangguan Ya
and her valuable accessories,
he would be reminded
of the people who were starving.
Your Majesty.
However, Shangguan Ya
only thought
that she was inferior to Qin Zhenzhen.
The more she dolled herself up
and tried to be gentle and considerate,
the more Li Chuan hated her.
In the end,
they even started sleeping
in different rooms.
Your Majesty.
Therefore, Shangguan Ya sought my aid.
Since it has come to this,
I'm not expecting him
to develop any feelings for me.
But my family has been pressuring me.
They hoped that I could
give birth to an heir apparent.
But now, they have no idea
that I don't even have the chance
to sleep with him.
As the Emperor,
you shouldn't favor Qin Zhenzhen alone.
Shangguan Ya is the Empress after all.
If people find out
that you haven't
slept with her in a long time,
you'll receive many memorials
complaining about you.
I don't like her.
Don't I even have the right
to choose?
You don't have the right to choose
until after she gives birth
to an heir apparent.
You're the ruler of the state.
Shangguan Ya is the Empress.
Heading to Qionghua Palace
and getting yourself an heir apparent
is one of your duties as well.
Rong.
Tell me what's the difference between me
and the courtesans in the brothels.
Your Majesty!
Summon the imperial physician!
No need for that.
I visited the Empress
after leaving my palace.
I just took some aphrodisiacs.
I'm fine.
Your Majesty, you
I've already completed
the task assigned to me
by Princess Royal.
Did Shangguan Ya know about this?
She should know about this.
Actually, Shangguan Ya
took some aphrodisiacs as well.
Shangguan Ya was a proud person.
But she was trapped
within the palace like livestock
just because she had to give birth
to an heir apparent.
Even so, she could
only suffer in silence.
What happened after that?
Your Majesty!
All of you may leave.
No need for formalities. You may rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
I know
that you are taking aphrodisiacs
before you come to see me every time.
From now on,
let's be honest with each other.
You can be an empress all you like.
I can provide you
with all the power you want.
Let's drop
the act.
For some matters,
we can discuss
and resolve them together.
We shouldn't be trapped by the palace.
In the future,
you can stay out of my affairs.
What do you think?
But Your Majesty
I abandoned myself
and the love
that was supposed to be mine
not to hear you
telling me
that we should mind our own business
in this place.
Your Majesty, I'm not here
to fulfill your wish either.
I'm not here to fulfill your wish
of obtaining the love you want.
Don't you desire to leave the palace?
What do you desire, then?
I
I desire a child.
Someone!
Bring us the liquor.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty,
it was my fault before this.
From now on, I won't care
about who you'll visit at night.
But I need you to make me a promise.
What else do you desire
besides having a child?
The position of Empress.
No problem.
You'll be the Empress
as long as I'm the Emperor.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
As for the child,
I shall assist you
in completing the task.
If so, Your Majesty,
I hope you can spare some time
for our next intimate session.
All right. I understand.
Your Majesties,
the Imperial Medical Bureau
has sent us a piece of news.
They said that Consort Qin was pregnant.
She's pregnant?
Hurry. I'm going to see her now.
Your Majesty, you should hurry
and check on Consort Qin.
Hurry!
What's with the urgent meeting?
His Majesty has decided
that he would never be intimate
with another woman
in the harem besides Consort Qin.
This morning, Consort Qin
has been confirmed to be pregnant.
Therefore
I need a man.
Anyone is fine.
I need to have a child.
A child?
What happened after that?
Back then
you were intending to leave the capital.
Li Chuan's evil intentions
are obvious to all.
If he truly aided a commoner prince
to ascend the throne,
by then..
it shall be the end
of the noble families.
Mr. Shangguan,
I'm sure you know this as well.
I'm just an idle wanderer.
This has nothing to do with me.
I'll take my leave.
Ya is having a rough time in the palace.
She needs someone.
She needs a man.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
What are you doing here?
I'm here to keep you company.
Leave.
I don't want you to be here.
But you don't have a choice.
It's too late for me
to turn back either.
I don't want you
to see me in such a pathetic state.
In this life
I'm willing to descend
into hell with you.
I'm willing to descend
into the underworld with you.
Two months later,
Shangguan Ya
was confirmed to be pregnant.
But the date of her child's birth
was awkward.
Even now, I don't know
who's the father of that child.
Did Chuan know about that?
Back then, Li Chuan didn't even know
that Su Ronghua and Shangguan Ya
had an affair.
When the commoners
saw that Li Chuan favored Qin Zhenzhen
and that she was pregnant,
they started spreading rumors
and fabricated miracles.
Some of the commoner officials
even submitted memorials
saying that her child would be
the Emperor's eldest son.
They said he would be the Crown Prince
after his birth.
They were actually cornering
Qin Zhenzhen by doing so.
Most of the commoners
came from humble families.
They had no idea about the dirty tricks
within the palace.
And, Qin Zhenzhen
also knew that she was in danger.
In order to express
that she and her child
had no intention of usurping the throne,
she even submitted a memorial,
hoping Li Xin would be selected
as the Crown Prince instead.
I only found out what he felt like
by today.
Back then, Li Chuan
didn't wish to start a conflict
with the noble families.
He felt guilty
toward Shangguan Ya as well.
Therefore,
he instructed me
to draft an imperial edict.
He intended to select Li Xin
as the Crown Prince.
But all of a sudden, rumors started
spreading among the people.
They said a strange bird
alighted at the entrance
of Qingfeng Taoist Temple.
They said it was a phoenix
and that it was a sign
that the Empress would be dethroned.
The noble families couldn't tolerate it
any longer after hearing that.
Therefore, Su Ronghua poisoned
Qin Zhenzhen to death personally.
Initially, you wanted
to take Li Ping's life.
But Qin Zhenzhen was
protecting Li Ping all the time.
She lived and ate together with him.
She tried every piece of food,
every medicine,
and every drop of water
before she fed him.
In the end,
Qin Zhenzhen was poisoned.
She managed to protect Li Ping.
I actually tried to take a child's life?
Ronghua, you don't need
to blame yourself for this.
You were just bewitched by Shangguan Xu.
After Qin Zhenzhen's death,
Li Chuan could no longer tolerate
the noble families.
It wasn't only
because of the death of his beloved.
It was also because he recognized
how incompetent he was.
It was driving him crazy.
When he was keeping vigil
beside Qin Zhenzhen's coffin
[Memorial Tablet
of Noble Consort Zhenjing]
[of the Qin Clan]
The Crown Prince hasn't been selected.
Your Majesty, please select your heir
as soon as possible.
Please select Li Xin, the son born
by the Empress, as the Crown Prince
to set the record straight.
When you deal with devils,
you have to be a devil yourself.
Only then will you
stand a chance to win.
Transmit my edict.
To stabilize
the foundation of the state,
I shall select Li Xin
as the Crown Prince.
Hurry and return with me.
Come with me.
All of the officials are waiting
All of the officials
are waiting for you.
They're waiting for you
to make a decision.
You have plenty of memorials to review.
Look at what you're doing right now.
Are you truly going
to disregard the state affairs
for a woman?
Do you forget
what you are supposed to do?
Do you forget who you are?
Who am I?
You're the Emperor.
No. I'm Li Chuan.
Li Chuan.
I'm Li Chuan!
Back then, I thought
Chuan was the one who had changed.
The noble families also thought
that Li Chuan compromised with them
by selecting
their preferred heir apparent.
But in reality,
Li Chuan
turned into
a tyrannical ruler after that.
His emotions were unstable
and increased heavy and onerous taxes.
He favored the commoners and killed
the noble families randomly.
He couldn't care less
about the ongoing war,
the people, and justice.
He only wanted to topple
[Wang's Mansion]
the noble families.
In those years,
the Great Xia endured turbulent storms
and widespread conflicts.
He favored the commoners
and killed the noble families randomly.
Many of the commoner officials
turned out to be corrupt and greedy.
No one lived in peace.
Our family tried everything we could
to persuade the new ruler
and comfort the people.
We expended countless wealth
to relieve the people,
using up all our troops and food.
He supported Qin Lin's troops
with tax money.
He even approached
Shangguan Ya on purpose
to make people believe
that he adored Li Xin.
But in reality,
he was using Shangguan Ya
as his protective charm.
Therefore, back then,
he was depleting the forces
of the Shangguan Family
by taking advantage of the local troops.
In the end, it turned out
that those were all parts
of Li Chuan's plot.
He wanted to suppress the noble families
through rebellions.
Through my investigation,
I also found out the culprit
who killed Qin Zhenzhen.
It's actually him?
Your Majesty, what do you plan to do?
Why did His Majesty summon us here?
I have no idea either.
Aunt.
Ya?
Aunt, did you summon us here?
This is
This is bad!
Run!
Run!
Chuan, what are you up to?
How did Qin Zhenzhen die?
Whose son is he?
Your Majesty, I don't know
what you're talking about.
Your Majesty, this is
your biological son.
Chuan, your offspring concerns
the foundation of the state.
You mustn't spout nonsense
without any evidence.
None of you want
to tell me the truth, right?
Father!
Father!
If you intend to kill them,
you must kill me first!
Tell me!
Whose son is he?
He's your son!
Your Majesty, if you don't believe me,
why don't we do a blood test?
Fine.
Someone!
Your Majesty.
Do you have anything else to say?
You made me a promise.
You said you wouldn't
depose me as the Empress
as long as you're the Emperor.
I was partly responsible
for Qin Zhenzhen's death as well.
What if I trade my life
for Ya and Xin?
Will you be satisfied with that?
Why did you kill her?
For the sake of the Shangguan Family.
All right.
I'll grant you your wish.
Aunt! Aunt!
Father!
Father!
Father!
Why?
Li Chuan, why did you do so?
I intend to go on
another expedition to the North.
Make preparations for it.
Your Majesty, you mustn't do so!
Your Majesty.
Our country has been
on various expeditions
for the past few years.
The national treasury is empty now.
We can't afford such expenditures.
We can't afford it?
Have we truly run out of money?
But they didn't understand
His Majesty's intentions.
The expedition wasn't
His Majesty's true goal at all.
His Majesty merely wanted to use
their military power
to suffocate
and choke the noble families.
During the eighth year of Dexu Era,
Li Chuan gathered
a substantial number of forces.
He wanted to slander Prince Su
for plotting a rebellion.
He requested our family to send
our troops and quell the rebellion.
Prince Su intends to plot a rebellion.
After giving it some thought,
I realize that
only your Su Family can be trusted.
Are you willing
to send your troops for me?
His Majesty has wanted to get rid
of Prince Su long ago.
However, he wishes to eliminate him
using our power.
Father, Rongqing,
just sacrifice me.
You knew that those were all excuses.
Even so,
you still stood up for Prince Su.
I was once Prince Su's tutor.
I'm willing to swear upon my life
that Prince Su has no intention
of betraying you at all.
Swear upon your life?
All right. I'll grant you your wish.
He convicted you
of conspiring with enemies.
Our entire clan was taken into custody.
He intended to execute our entire clan.
Someone.
The Su Family is treasonous and immoral
who intends to rebel.
They're conspiring with Prince Su.
Transmit my edict.
The entire Su Family
is to be executed.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, I'm innocent!
Your Majesty!
Our entire family was executed?
What we face today
is what you will face tomorrow!
Back then,
I had no idea that you had
an affair with Shangguan Ya.
I just felt we were wronged.
Princess Pingyue
knew that our family was maligned.
She wanted to rescue us.
Your Majesty,
the Su Family has been a renowned clan
for a century.
They contributed
to the foundation of the state.
If you execute their entire clan,
you'll make all the people
feel bitterly disappointed.
Your Majesty, as the Princess Royal,
I implore you
to spare the Su Family.
Forget it.
They might be spared from execution,
but they will still be punished.
Castrate Su Rongqing.
Your Majesty,
Su Ronghua already took his own life
with this jade hairpin.
Ronghua!
Even so, he still needs to be castrated.
What do you think
about this hairpin?
It looks nice.
But it looks like
it was used before.
I wonder
who the owner of this hairpin is.
I got this from Su Ronghua.
I heard that you two were very close.
Therefore, I was thinking
of giving it to you as a keepsake.
But he's quite gutsy too.
He could have survived
if he endured the castration.
But he used this hairpin
to stab his own neck instead.
He's dead.
He's dead!
Back then, I missed you very much,
Your Highness.
You were like
the only light in the entire palace.
All lights
would be extinguished eventually.
Only you
could move forward forever.
Due to the various wars,
the people could no longer
tolerate the situation.
And the noble families
were running out of patience.
According to my knowledge,
there were no
less than 20 noble families
who wanted to start a rebellion.
During those eight years,
the commoners rose from their ranks
while the noble families
fell from grace.
The state was already a spent force.
He couldn't just corner all of them.
If not, they'd perish together.
Therefore, he chose
to cultivate immortality
and make you the Regent Princess Royal,
supervising the state on his behalf.
It's his way of telling
the noble families
that he's calling for a truce.
He wanted the noble families
to have peace of mind.
Because of that,
he couldn't do anything to Shangguan Ya
even if he wanted to.
He dared not do so.
Therefore, he could only wait
for another opportunity before he acted.
I was the head of the commoners
while you represented
the noble families.
We balanced each other out
and formed an alliance.
The next decade in the Great Xia
was spent recuperating
from its old wounds,
finally ushering in a new golden era.
However, a decade
A decade was too long.
The decade after that
was so long that everything had changed.
It was so long that people forgot
how it looked like originally.
It was so long that they could
no longer see the path ahead.
They also forgot the way home.
The fate has started changing
once again.
It was another decisive moment.
Your Highness,
since you already know about the past,
will you abandon
the Crown Prince?
Ronghua.
The story is over.
Will you still stop me
from stopping the Crown Prince?
I understand what you're saying.
Yes. He does have his own difficulties.
However, even so,
I can't just forgive him
for what he did.
When it comes to suffering,
everyone is the same.
I understand.
If so, tomorrow,
I'll take you to visit the Crown Prince.
After that, I'll take you
to see Su Rongqing.
Well
Are you willing to let me
join hands with Su Rongqing?
Your Highness,
no matter what you wish to do,
I will follow.
It's fine as long as you understand
what you truly desire
and don't regret your decision.
Rongqing.
Is that dream
true or false?
I've tested it.
It's true.
Was that the reason
why you joined hands with Consort Rou?
Were you trying to stop the Crown Prince
from ascending the throne?
That's right.
If you kill the Crown Prince,
you're destined
to be Princess Pingyue's foe.
Have you given up on Princess Pingyue?
That's right.
Don't you think it's a shame?
Why haven't you tried to change it then?
Change it?
Ronghua, how can I change it?
Did our family let down Li Chuan?
Or did we have too much influence
and power?
As the ruler, Li Chuan
only had wild ambitions.
He was utterly ignorant.
He acted out recklessly, started wars,
burdened the people,
damaged the economy,
made blind reformations,
and suppressed the noble families.
He favored the commoners
and corrupt officials
and disregarded the people
of the Great Xia.
Do you think his deeds
weren't absurd enough?
When he ascended the throne,
the population of the Great Xia
was about 90 million.
After eight years,
only eight years,
the population became
less than 70 million.
Those 20 million people
Even if I want to change it,
where should I begin?
That was what his temperament was
back then.
He just looked virtuous on the surface.
Ronghua.
I do love Princess Pingyue.
However, I have my own boundaries.
Rongqing.
We don't need to justify ourselves
so grandiosely.
We should just admit it.
The noble families are the tumors
of the Great Xia.
So, Ronghua
do you still intend to help Li Chuan
ascend the throne?
Is that so?
I'm not helping anyone.
Rongqing, rest well.
I'll discuss this with Father.
Can you tell Father about this
in two more days?
I'm still wounded.
I'm worried
that Father might lose his temper.
I might not be able
to endure his punishment.
Don't worry.
Just rest and recuperate.
Take good care of yourself.
Zhenzhen.
Lin, how are you?
Come with me.
Let's talk over here.
All right.
Lin, I've been inquiring
about your whereabouts
ever since I escaped
from the military camp.
They didn't find your body.
I knew
that you were still alive.
Sorry for making you worried.
I've been hiding here
as I am wounded.
Lin, I've got you some ointment.
Your wound will heal faster
if you use this.
What do you plan to do next?
Our foundation is in the Northwest.
We have to retrieve our military power.
How dare you two return?
You're pretty careless, aren't you?
Were you so certain
that I was already dead?
You shouldn't have betrayed yourself.
Retrieve the tiger tally.
Yes.
I have the tiger tally!
Warriors, heed my order!
I've slain the traitor, Cui Qinghe!
Those who are willing to follow me,
come out!
Those who aren't willing to follow me,
you may leave.
I won't make things difficult for you.
General Qin,
you've taken great care of us.
General Qin, all of us
know your character well.
General Qin,
we're willing to follow you.
General Qin,
we're willing to follow you.
Your Highness,
we've received news from the palace.
They say
that Prince Su is out of danger.
He's fine now.
If that's the case,
at most, by tonight,
His Majesty will take action.
Should we visit the Crown Prince now?
If we don't go now,
we might not have the chance
to do so in the future.
Since you already said so,
I don't think I have a choice here.
Su Ronghua.
Su Rongqing lost his mind long ago.
He formed an alliance
with Consort Rou long ago
and supported Prince Su.
He framed Pei Wenxuan by using Hongde.
For the military provisions
and funds case,
the imperial examination fraud case,
and the assassination
on Winter Festivity,
he was involved in all of them.
He won't allow the Crown Prince
to ascend the throne.
And now, the Crown Prince
will no longer tolerate him.
Initially,
I thought His Majesty was
the only major obstacle
between us.
I thought we could be together
once the Crown Prince
ascended the throne.
Actually, you were right.
I drew the same conclusion as well.
But later, I gradually realized
that Su Rongqing couldn't
tolerate the Crown Prince.
And you
couldn't give up on Su Rongqing.
I once asked you
if you were willing to be
the master of the Su Family.
Now,
I'll ask you again.
Are you willing to do so?
Seems like you're not willing to do so.
The Crown Prince is the foundation
of my Shangguan Family.
It's impossible for me
to give up on the Crown Prince.
I can't betray my family either.
Therefore, you see,
our relationship will only end up
in a deadlock.
Ronghua.
Let me call you this way that once.
I'm very grateful to you.
Thanks for showing me
that we can actually live a sincere life
as a descendant of a noble family.
♪Memories flash back♪
But I'm sorry.
♪I am that solitary boat♪
♪Tossed about in the waves,
unable to escape♪
In my life
♪Until a pair of hands♪
♪Guides me through the worldly remnants
of old dreams♪
I will never gamble again.
♪Wrapped in the wind's embrace♪
Ronghua.
♪Hidden in my sleeves♪
Let me hug you one last time.
♪No need to imprison myself
in longing♪
♪Eyes like flickering fireflies♪
♪Lighting up the misty sea tower♪
♪Allowing you and me to dock safely♪
♪In this long and arduous journey♪
♪I'm fortunate to have met you♪
♪It is your tenderness♪
♪That makes me willing
to set aside my pride♪
Su Ronghua!
♪Even if the world falls into my grasp♪
Just leave.
Go and do some sightseeing.
♪I'll stay by your side
till the end of time♪
Go and travel the world.
♪May we stay together in dreams♪
Don't ever come back again!
♪With the starry sky as our bed
and our embraces as our quilt♪
♪Regardless of the seasons♪
♪We will journey through life together
until the very end♪
♪Ever-growing fireworks♪
♪Let time slip by♪
♪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♪