01x38 - Episode 38

[bunniefuu]

song credit

♫ Pink hands so fine ♫

♫ Gold-branded wine ♫

♫ Spring paints green willows
palace walls cannot confine ♫

♫ East wind unfair ♫

♫ Happy times rare ♫

♫ In my heart sad thoughts throng ♫

♫ We've severed for years long ♫

♫ Wrong, wrong, wrong ♫

[Episode 38]

[Tiande Hall]

Are you still the person I know?

How come you ended up like this?

I don't even know who you are now!

I've stayed the same.

You're the one who's changed.

My brother would never hit me,
let alone poison me.

I no longer have a brother
ever since you handed that teacup to me.

I regret it so much.

What do you regret?

Helping you seize the throne!

If not, Prince Xiang would be the Emperor by now.

All of this wouldn't have happened!

Have you truly lost your mind?

Do you know what you're saying?

I'm the Emperor of Zhou!

How dare you say that in front of me?
What are you trying to say?

I didn't mean anything.

From now on, you're no longer the Emperor.

You're nothing.

Someone! Take him down!

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Cao Yong.

I never expected you to be her accomplice.

Your Majesty, I cannot forgive you
for k*lling my son.

Do you think you can get away with this
just because you trapped me?

I'm getting away with this.

What can you do to me?

For tomorrow's morning court session, I will
announce to the world that His Majesty is sick.

I shall rule the realm as his regent.

[Tiande Hall]

Palace Attendant Liu.

Si?

- Si!
- My Lady!

You're awake.

Where are we?

Yu told us to find a shelter in advance.

He said he could rescue you.
He wanted us to find a discreet place.

Where is he?

Si, don't worry.

He said he has a way to convince His Majesty,
and deal with the Princess Royal.

Zhan, where's Father?

I heard from the Princess Royal that Father went
to the palace

- to submit an official complaint.
- What?

We have to think of a way to rescue Father.

- Si! You're seriously wounded.
- Don't move for now.

Yu will come later.
We'll think of a plan by then.

My Lady! Where does it hurt?

What should we do?

My Lady, it's all my fault.

I failed to look after you.

Ah Man. Let's get some hot water.

I'm fine.

How's Father?

Luckily, he stood up for you this time.

Father will punish the Princess Royal.

Finally, justice is served.

Rest and recuperate well.

Don't think about anything else.

I was just about to tell you this.

I have to head to Nanwu.

Look at the condition you're in.
How can you head there?

But I'm the Saintess.

Right now, Nanwu and Zhou are on the verge of w*r.

I think the only choice is for me to
return to Nanwu, find Grand Elder,

and persuade her to withdraw her troops.

Only then will the two realms avoid w*r.

Only then will the people be spared from this calamity.

Therefore...

I have to make this trip.

We have to risk it all so that we can be together
for the rest of our lives.

If you head there,
we might not be able to see each other again.

But without trying this,
I'll be forced to live like a wandering spirit,

I'll be forced to live like a wandering spirit,

conceal my name, go into hiding,

and cut ties with you and my family.

How can I endure such a life?

- I'll join you.
- You mustn't.

If you head there with me,
that would make you an accomplice without a doubt.

You have to head back. That's the only way you can
clear yourself of suspicion related to my escape.

A temporary parting is necessary,
for us to be together forever.

The imperial prison is heavily guarded,
yet she escaped?

What a bunch of useless fools.

Issue a wanted notice.

Announce to the world that Princess Consort Yan,
Jiang Si, is the Nanwu Saintess.

She's a scourge to be eliminated by all.

A generous reward awaits whoever captures her,
dead or alive.

- Yes, Your Highness!
- Yes, Your Highness!

- Ah Man. Miss Si is asking for you.
- Yes, Your Highness.

Yu, how's Si?

She's better.

My Lady.

How is it? Are you feeling better?

I feel much better.

It must've hurt a lot.

Ah Man, listen.

Tomorrow, I'll head to Nanwu.

Nanwu? Isn't she sending herself
to the lion's den?

She has made up her mind.
Do you think I can convince her?

No. I'll talk to her.

Jiang Si knows the risks she'll face
better than us.

And, you know her character.
She won't change her mind.

The more of us there are,
the bigger the target we become.

Therefore, you have to promise me this.

You need to return to the mansion to look after
Father and the other family members.

But...

But My Lady, I've never caused you any trouble.

I merely want to follow you wherever you go.

This time, it's different.
That's why you have to listen to me.

My Lady, I promise you.
I'll look after the family.

I'm unable to go with her.

See if which of you can join her.

- I'll join her.
- Me too.

And me.

It'll surely be a perilous trip.

Qi, we have to think of something.

[Tiande Hall]

My body is unwell, and my strength falters.

For the stability of the realm
and the safety of the people,

Princess Royal Rong Yang
shall be the regent for the time being.

Dear subjects, please assist her,
and create a prosperous era together.

The decree will be carried out.

- A female ruler?
- This is outrageous.

That's right. It's against the law.

Aunt, how come Father is sick?

Why did I have no idea about it at all?

You have to ask yourself why His Majesty
only sought my help at such moments.

Your Highness, what kind of illness
has His Majesty been diagnosed with?

The Nanwu troops are pressuring our borders.

And, the Nanwu Saintess has disrupted
the order of the court.

His Majesty was consumed by rage.

He fell ill due to his worries.

May I check the decree?

Such audacity!
How dare you doubt His Majesty?

This is a sudden event. I need to confirm
His Majesty's will before obeying his order.

Royal Guards!

I will obey His Majesty's decree,
and assist Her Highness with everything I have.

The matter of appointing a regent
is indeed of great importance.

His Majesty would only entrust it
to the one he trusts the most.

And that is Her Highness.

I shall comply with His Majesty's decree.

Zhang!

I shall submit to His Majesty's command.

I am dutifully bound to His Majesty's edict.

I shall adhere unwaveringly
to His Majesty's orders.

I will faithfully conform
to His Majesty's directive.

Your Majesty, is Her Highness...

trying to usurp the throne?

I don't think Rong Yang harbors such intentions.

But the Marquis of Changxing has wild ambitions.

The tension will surely intensify.

If I keep the imperial jade seal with me, the
realm will fall once they get their hands on it.

Therefore, instruct Xiaochengzi to
hand the real one to Zhen Heng in secret.

I assume Jin will receive the seal soon.

Your Majesty, do you trust Prince Yan that much?

I do not misjudge people.

Where's Prince Yan?

Your Highness, Prince Yan isn't present today.

He has been absent for some time.

Seems like he has escaped Ling'an
together with Jiang Si.

Cao Yong, Marquis of Changxing, relay my order.

Yes, Your Highness.

Prince Yan aided Jiang Si, the Nanwu Saintess,
in escaping from prison.

He has fled from punishment.
Arrest him immediately.

I will interrogate him myself.

Yes, Your Highness.

Aunt?

What crime have I committed?

Here you are. Where's Jiang Si?

Isn't she in prison?

Prince Yan, since you're here,
it'll save me from making a trip.

- Someone. Arrest Prince Yan.
- How dare you!

Aunt, he's going to commit insubordination
in front of your eyes.

Such audacity!

I understand now.

Aunt, you're acting as a regent.
But Cao Yong intends to k*ll your nephew.

I dare not do so!

No one dares to touch you when I'm around.

As long as you don't collude
with the Nanwu Saintess,

no one will dare to make things difficult for you.

Yes, Aunt.

[Tiande Hall]

Mr. Zhen, is that you?

Your Highness, it's me.

Mr. Zhen, Aunt...

The Princess Royal has rebelled.

A rebellion? How is His Majesty, then?

I don't know.

The Gale Guards have surrounded Father's palace.

The imperial palace is filled with troops.

The Imperial Insignia Guards
are usually the ones on duty.

Why are the Gale Guards on duty today?

Your Highness, it was all arranged by His Majesty.
[Funing Palace]

We were just following orders.

Is that so?

Your Highness!

Your Highness.

His Majesty has issued a decree.

He's not seeing anyone today.

Why can't we see His Majesty if he's merely sick?

Even if the officials can't see him,
can't his sons see him?

Father, I seek an audience with you.

I request an audience, Father.

Your Highness!

What's with the commotion out there?

I think I heard Lang and Zhang.

Why are you putting us on the spot?

Seems like His Majesty is truly sick.

Mr. Han, keep guard over here.

Do not let anyone interrupt His Majesty's rest.

[Funing Palace]

Your Majesty, they wish to see you.

But suddenly, there's no news of them.

Were they stopped by the guards?

Your Majesty.

Do you want me to deliver a secret message
to the princes?

Do you think Rong Yang is that easy to deal with?

I'm afraid that you might be gone
before the letter is delivered.

Zhang, I wonder when you've established
an alliance with the Princess Royal.

Now, you're even disregarding Father's life.

I assume Aunt has promised you
considerable benefits.

For example, helping you to ascend the throne.

Such words are sheer treason.

Your Highness, you should stop saying things
like that.

Zhang.

Father's current predicament won't do us any good.

The best solution is for us to join hands,
and rescue Father.

Father said he was sick.

Aunt has devoted herself to serving the realm.

She's even more dutiful than us
even though we're Father's sons.

But Your Highness,
you suspect Aunt for harboring an ulterior motive.

Please pardon me as I cannot agree with you.

So, Prince Qi joined Aunt long ago.

If that's the case, I won't be soft-hearted.

The Crown Prince tried to persuade Prince Qi
to deal with you together.

But Prince Qi rejected him,
and supported your role as a regent.

He was always great at assessing situations.

He and His Majesty only had
a superficial connection.

To protect himself,
he'd never risk himself for the Emperor.

But it's different for the Crown Prince.

Guess what he'll do.

Tell him to come and have a meal with me tomorrow.

I want to see how long he can struggle.

Chu Chu, you and Si should leave first.

Du Er and I will guard the rear.

We'll split up and meet at the Southern Frontier.

Don't worry.

- We'll be leaving now.
- Let's go.

Zhan.

Take care.

Let's go.

How's Father's condition?

Princess Fu Qing said His Majesty
has been detained.

Right now, the most important thing is to
come up with a way to rescue His Majesty.

Now, the Imperial Insignia Guards
have been swapped out.

Only the Royal Guards, the Gale Guards,

and the Marquis of Changxing's troops
are inside the palace.

We're outnumbered.

If we barge in recklessly,

not only will we not be able to rescue
His Majesty, but it might also backfire on us.

You're right.

No one in Ling'an City
dares oppose the Princess Royal now.

I received an urgent message from the front.

Nanwu has invaded Zhou.

Many cities were already under their attack.

This is my first time acting as a regent.

At such critical moments...

perhaps this is the time,
for me to establish my authority.

Marquis, do you have any great solutions?

Your Highness. According to my knowledge,
they're attacking us because of the Saintess.

If we're able to capture her,
we'll be able to deal with the invasion of Nanwu.

Notify all keeps to strictly inspect
all personnel.

We must find her as soon as possible.

If anyone can still topple the
Marquis of Changxing, and turn the tide,

it rests with one person alone.

- Cui Xu?
- That's right.

But Mr. Cui is the Princess Royal's husband.

Will he help us out?

Mr. Cui is a loyal subject of the realm.

He would never join the corrupt ranks of her.

- Where is he housing his troops?
- Yanxi Military Camp.

Deliver a message to the Red Plume Cavalry.
Ask them to receive us.

We'll head for Mr. Cui's main camp.

Yes, sir!

You all have to be careful too.

If we can come up with this idea,

I'm sure the Marquis of Changxing
and the Princess Royal can too.

Once they discover your tracks,
they'll send their men after you.

The Princess Royal wants to
establish her authority now.

She'll target the ministers.
You're in a lot of danger now.

Why don't you come with me?

The imperial palace is filled with troops.

- I'm scared.
- Your Highness, don't be scared.

I'll come up with a solution. If anything happens
in the palace, you can fly the kite.

If I see it, I'll come and find you.

You must be careful.

Your Highness, I'll remain in Ling'an.

Her Majesty and Princess Fu Qing
are still in the palace.

Someone has to deal with Princess Royal.

It's also more convenient for me to receive you
when you return.

All right.

Take care.

If possible, try and probe
the Crown Prince and Prince Qi's stance.

We might be able to get another ally
against this formidable foe.

Go.

Zhan, what should we do?

Don't fall behind.

She's suspicious. Stop her!

That's the Nanwu Saintess!
Hurry and go after her!

- Give chase! Quickly!
- Move fast! Stop right there!

Jiang Si. How are you feeling?

I'm fine. We need to get there
as soon as possible.

I'll get some water.

It doesn't look like them.

Forget it. Let's go.

Your Highness,
there are reports from the common folks.

They said they saw someone resembling
the Nanwu Saintess heading to the South.

The Southern Frontier.

I'm sure they're heading there.

Prince Yan can mobilize the Red Plume Cavalry.

Cui Xu's army is there as well.

Jiang Si can rally the Nanwu people too.

Do they think they can win against me like this?

Shi Jiu, issue an imperial decree.

Order the Red Plume Cavalry and Cui Xu's army
to storm into Nanwu and fight to the death.

They shall not return until Nanwu is eradicated.

His Majesty has issued a decree for my capture.

I wonder how my family is doing.

Will they be implicated?

I don't know if Zhan and the rest are doing well.

Will they be pursued?

No one is chasing us along the way.
I don't think they'll meet any.

I hope so. May all go well.

It will.

Yu Qi, how are you?

♫ Writing tales of love for you ♫

♫ Fate has faded into the past,
but home lies ahead ♫

♫ I wish to stay by your side
and hold you close ♫

♫ Like a fleeting dream,
where petals rest upon the page ♫

♫ Looking back, scene by scene Entangled and obscure ♫

♫ Only to guard you with unwavering care ♫

♫ Like morning dew, fading too Yet the sunrise stays true ♫

♫ My only wish is to embark
on this life's journey with you ♫

Chief, we'll reach Yangui
after crossing the mountain ahead.

- Can you still go on?
- I'm fine.

We have no time to waste. Let's go.

[Crown Prince's Mansion]

Your Highness. The Crown Princess and the
young prince have been sent to their hometown.

All of you are elite suicide warriors
chosen by me.

Tomorrow's our only chance.
We have to risk it all.

Enter the palace with me
under the guise of musicians.

- Yes, Your Highness!
- Yes, Your Highness!

Your Highness, we couldn't find Yu Jin.

If so, send more men to achieve the task.

Find him by hook or by crook.

Yes, Your Highness.

Your Highness, the Crown Prince seeks an audience.

Let him in.

Greetings, Aunt.

Your Highness, what is this?

Aunt, these are the musicians I've gathered.

All of them are excellent professionals.

A few days ago, I said something inappropriate
in court because I was worried about Father.

Aunt, I realize I may have offended you.
I've come to offer my apologies.

Under your rule, Zhou will prosper.

You're sensible indeed.

Take your seat.

Lang.

What do you think about my role
as the state regent?

I wish to hear your true opinion.

I disagreed with the way you acted.

Logically speaking, I should be the regent.

Are those your heartfelt words?

Aunt, please don't get me wrong.

I understood your efforts soon after.

That's why I came here to apologize to you.

I knew that I wasn't capable enough.

If something happens, Father will punish me.

Most importantly, Aunt,
you did so for my own good.

I still have much to learn.

I'm glad you understand that.

Aunt, you've devoted yourself to the realm.

Let me offer you a toast.

Your Majesty.

Speak.

What's wrong?

Father is in danger.

You don't intend to help me ascend the throne.

And you even k*lled my mother.

I'm going to avenge her!

The Princess Royal
has k*lled the Crown Prince!

Greetings, Your Highness.

I've canceled this morning's court session.

I heard that someone gathered the officials,
and impeached me together.

You've devoted yourself wholeheartedly
to Zhou's well-being.

How could we let those fools slander you?

Logically speaking, you should wish for me
to retain power over the court

so that I can help you ascend the throne.

But now, those old fools are making my head hurt.

I need a strong hand
to help me keep them under control.

Prince Qi, you're a prince.

It all falls on you whether or not
you're willing to do me this favor.

Aunt, it's only fitting and proper for you
to act as regent.

- I shall serve you with everything I have.
- Very well.

Relay my message.

Last night, the Crown Prince suddenly rebelled.

I've already sentenced him to death.

He shall serve as my example.

I'll swear loyalty to you alone!

Zhang, you're a smart man.

You should know what to do.

I understand.

I heard that Prince Qi has
joined the Princess Royal.

What about Jin?

Prince Yan has left Ling'an overnight.

Seems like there's only one man in the entire Zhou
who can stand against Rong Yang.

Your Majesty, are you referring to Mr. Cui?

Will Prince Yan and Mr. Cui
join hands and come to the court's aid?

[Yangui]

[Zhou]

Mr. Yu, welcome back.

All of you, rise.

Chief, what took you so long?

Are our brothers okay?

I gathered our brothers
upon receiving your letter.

We've been training every day.

Our men are strong and ready to go.
[Leng Ying from Red Plume Cavalry]

- We were just waiting for you.
- How's the situation in Nanwu?

I'm afraid they're raring to act.

Dear!

Something cropped up in the palace.

Your Highness. Mr. Zhen Heng seeks an audience.

Mr. Zhen, you're visiting me at this late hour. What do you need?

Your Highness. The Crown Prince has already
been k*lled by the Princess Royal.

I was one step too late.

For this reason, today, I implore Your Highness
to help rescue His Majesty.

His Majesty only said he was sick.
Why do we need to save him?

Is His Majesty gravely ill?

Your Highness, you may drop the pretense now.

I believe you don't intend
to join the Princess Royal's corruption.

Or... to ascend the throne.

How dare you speculate on my intentions?

Your Highness, the realm can't exist
without a ruler.

The Crown Prince is dead. And Prince Qi isn't entirely loyal or dependable.

Even if he has joined your side,
he still has a mother.

If you do help him ascend the throne,

it'll be difficult for you to make him
a figurehead, and pull the strings from behind.

Your Highness, are you truly satisfied
with the power of a regent?

Please pardon me for being frank.

Your Highness,
why don't you claim the throne for yourself?

If this drags on,
if the court officials turn against us

and force you to step down from the throne,
we'll be done for by then.

You're right.

I've already lost everything.

I can't just wait for my demise.

Why can't I be a true ruler?

Rong Yang.

You said you did this to avenge Ming Yue.

Now, you just want to steal my throne.

You can think whatever you like.

At this point, you better sign this decree,
and hand over the jade seal.

You do know that my patience is limited.

I'll go to Mr. Cui later,
and discuss the rescue plan for His Majesty.

You should rest here.

When I entered the city gate, I realized that
the Red Plume Cavalry were all on high alert.

Moreover, there are traces
of Nanwu fire projectiles in the city.

I think the Nanwu people are ready
to launch an invasion.

Under such circumstances,
Mr. Cui would never give up on the frontiers

just to rescue His Majesty with you.

Our only hope is for Nanwu
to withdraw their troops.

No matter how difficult it is,
I still have to give it a try.

Jiang!

Jiang! Chu Chu!

Zhan?

Chu Chu!

Jiang Zhan.

Zhan, hurry.

Have some water.

What happened?

Si...

It's all my fault.

I failed to save them.

Zhan, what are you saying?
What do you mean?

Ah Man and Du Er...

They're dead.

Ah Man?

How could that be?
Why would Ah Man be together with you all?

Didn't I tell her to leave first?

Ah Man lied to you.

Let's proceed with the original plan.

We'll split up and rendezvous
at the Southern Frontier.

Mr. Zhan!

Ah Man?

Didn't Si tell you to leave?

I'll leave with you.

Why are you wearing Si's outfit?

This is my idea.

This way, Miss Si and the rest will be safe.

- But Ah Man...
- Mr. Zhan.

I've already made up my mind.

Mr. Zhan, what should we do?

Ah Man, don't fall behind.

- Fire!
- Watch out!

- Run!
- Run with him!

You'd better surrender!

Fire!

No!

Du Er!

Under Her Highness' order,
we are to capture the Saintess alive!

I would've starved to death on the streets
if it hadn't been for Miss Si.

Today, I can finally repay her kindness.

I won't let you all capture me!

Jiang Si, pull yourself together.

Don't forget. Now, you're the Nanwu Saintess.

They risked their lives for you to get here.

Nanwu is right ahead.

Are you going to give up now?


[The End of Episode 38]

♫ Through endless twists In the mundane world ♫

♫ The breezy wind blows ♫

♫ The heart grows tender and bitter ♫

♫ I ask the Sun If the light has taken root ♫

♫ As it prospers Our love story writes itself ♫

♫ We lock eyes
and promise to stay together forever ♫

♫ After countless challenges,
we are still us ♫

♫ Our inseparable souls Can weather all storms ♫

♫ We cross paths
and promise to stay together forever ♫

♫ The tapestry of destiny
is filled with our youth ♫

♫ Our blissful time together Will lead us ♫

♫ To the sea of stars ♫

♫ Our destined paths ♫

♫ The years will hold ♫

♫ A light shines at the tunnel's end ♫

♫ Where happy endings will transcend ♫

♫ We cross paths
and promise to stay together forever ♫

♫ The tapestry of destiny
is filled with our youth ♫

♫ Our blissful time together Will lead us to what we desire ♫

♫ We lock eyes
and promise to stay together forever ♫

♫ Through frost-kissed trails,
and starry space ♫

♫ Moon-silvered dreams On love's embrace ♫

♫ Hearts bound as one,
through time's soft grace ♫

♫ Love's tide guides,
beyond our mortal space ♫

♫ A moment kept with your embrace Where blooms have found their place ♫