[Mainland Chinese Drama 2020] Royal Nirvana 鹤唳华亭

bluehibiscus · September 24, 2020

Spoiler

bluehibiscus · September 24, 2020

@BreezeC Thanks for your questions. I will try to post my thoughts when I finish watching the drama.

@bomnie The filming was done during the original shooting. Most of the purpose-built sets were already torn down and the costumes auctioned off for charity and typically the cast would have other project commitments in their schedues so it would be quite difficult for the same cast to get together within a short time to film again.

PPB · September 24, 2020

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts @bluehibiscus. If I have a minute and real life does not claim me, I'm going to watch it without subtitles today. I simply cannot wait.

Many thanks to the person who told us it's on duboku, have found it!

skibbies · September 24, 2020

9 hours ago, BreezeC said:

However, I have a few questions on the ending, hoping someone can help clarify...

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1) Why did the CP commit suicide? I understand he no longer have the 'crown prince' title but does that mean death? Does he think his father will kill him? Or is he tired of all the struggles and decided to end his life? Or does he feel guilty for giving up on the title when so many people died helping him to one day be the emperor?

2) What happened to the female lead? The last scene is both the FL and ML standing together but I am thinking either the ML managed to survive and they lived outside the palace together or the FL also died and they reunited in their afterlife?

3) Do you think the emperor really did have a hand in killing the CP's uncle or is it as said in the letter, because the army was not his, they didn't help him when they were ambushed and left him to die? That is pretty sad

I read the novel, I believe the drama follow the novel fairly closely for this portion, but feel free to correct me if not.

Spoiler

1) Yes to all your speculation IMO. Most importantly, to him staying alive after being stripped of his title is worse than death. He based his entire existence and most of his life on being a crown prince, so when you take that away from him, he's without purpose. It also feels insulting and degrading to him to continue living that way, since he'll be at the whims of whoever is in power. Everyone would treat him terribly too since he lost favour and again, not a crown prince. Technically, his father have the right to kill him just base on the fact that he could have been rebelling. I mean, yes he suppressed it, but no doubt ministers and other would think he wanted to rebel but chickened out. More importantly, his father is super suspicious so that's totally what he'd jump to, not killing him is a "favour" the emperor bestowed on him, which makes it more insulting. Him dying would also stop other people trying to rebel in his name, which would destablise the stiuation again. (This work little less well in the drama because his son ascended the throne instead of his brother I think? but I'll mention it anyways)

2) She died by suicide in the novel, because she's a spy, and her actions partially caused ML's death, so she feels incredibly guilty. She was pregnant too, so she confessed her crimes and asked for time till she gave birth then she died. You are free to interpret the happier ending, it doesn't seem to fit with the general tone of the story or the otp's personality, BUT the drama is smidge less depressing and I totally get going with happier ending.

3) Could be interpreted either way, I wouldn't put it above novel!emperor, drama!emperor is nicer I think but mhmmm, uncle did threatened power of the throne.

PPB · September 24, 2020

@skibbies are you saying that these extra 12 episodes are going to follow the ending of the book? Do you know this or are you just wondering? I'm only asking as I know how the book ends and I'm really hoping this won't happen.

bluehibiscus · September 25, 2020

20 hours ago, PPB said:

are you saying that these extra 12 episodes are going to follow the ending of the book? Do you know this or are you just wondering? I'm only asking as I know how the book ends and I'm really hoping this won't happen.

Spoiler

It largely follows the book with a few changes. The novelist left after writing Ep 60 of the drama so the scriptwriter who took over used the book as the source to write the conclusion. The production team then had to make some changes to get it past the censors. CP’s fate remains unchanged.

PPB · September 25, 2020

Thank you @skibbies I'll have to steel myself.

PPB · September 25, 2020

Thank you @skibbies I'll have to steel myself.

Does anyone know if/why these 12 episodes have disappeared from duboku? I can't seem to find them anymore, though it could be me. Also, apparently someone said they were all on YouTube (without subtitles) for a day, but have also disappeared...

Spoiler

I saw a clip of our heroine with a hairpin, but didn't like what followed....

Cdrama · September 25, 2020

28 minutes ago, PPB said:

Thank you @skibbies I'll have to steel myself.

Does anyone know if/why these 12 episodes have disappeared from duboku? I can't seem to find them anymore, though it could be me. Also, apparently someone said they were all on YouTube (without subtitles) for a day, but have also disappeared...

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I saw a clip of our heroine with a hairpin, but didn't like what followed....

Spoiler

https://u.jhooslea.com/vodplay/1625-1-1.html

You can try this link. I am able to see it though I need sub to be able to understand what is going on.

PPB · September 25, 2020

Thank you so much @Cdrama I really, really, appreciate it. I'm watching a bit and am very grateful, though unfortunately I just don't know enough Chinese to understand it all.

@skibbies I'll have to steel myself for this...

Cdrama · September 26, 2020

3 hours ago, PPB said:

Thank you so much @Cdrama I really, really, appreciate it. I'm watching a bit and am very grateful, though unfortunately I just don't know enough Chinese to understand it all.

@skibbies I'll have to steel myself for this...

You are welcome. I am just finished 12 episodes last night and guessed through everything. Never imagine myself watching a movie without understanding the movie language but here goes I dont know Chinese so I based everything from the book.

For the ending, I feel

Spoiler

In the book, the cp doesnt have other choice but to choose this decision.

In the movie, I feel he can choose different path. First, he can lead the army back to Chang zhoe to suppress Gu general. Second, I feel he has less reason to commit suicide since he could possibly reconcile with his dad? The king is in great sorrow after cp passed away.

bluehibiscus · September 27, 2020

The author released some snippets of the script at the beginning as well as after the first series ended that didn’t make it to screen. It is really beautifully written. I will translate them when I have the time.

bluehibiscus · September 27, 2020

Translation of snippets from the script by the author of “He Li Hua Ting” cum scriptwriter of the first season of Royal Nirvana. They show an alternate version of what the drama would have been. The numbering Is a bit confusing; at times, it seems to refer to parts within an episode in the script and not the episode number. In any case, an episode in a script is equivalent to 1.5-2 episodes in a drama so they won’t match.

2：

Night. Outside Dan Feng Gate.

The story takes place 3 years ago.

The imposing profile of Dan Feng Gate.

In the silently falling snow, a youth wearing a crane cloak the colour of midnight sprints his horse across the wide, pristine snow-blanketed square outside Dan Feng Gate. The icy wind and [the rider’s rapid] speed make the thin broad cloak float and flutter like the outspread wings of a crane, revealing the white robe underneath. Left behind in the snowy ground are the solitary tracks of the galloping horse.

CP off-screen: Teacher, I had that dream again. The older I get and the more experiences I have, the more I don’t understand instead — You told me, the monarch is heaven and his officials/subjects earth. The father is heaven and his children earth—

4:

Night. Outside Dan Feng Gate.

17-year-old Xiao Dingquan bangs his clenched fists on the closed Palace doors with all his might.

CP: Open the doors! I’m the Crown Prince!

No sign of activity from within the gates.

CP: Father! Open the door—I’m your son Ding Quan!

No response from within the gates.

CP: Mother—Mother—Brother Cousin—you (plural)—

He looks around frantically. In the vast space that stretches out further than his eyes can see, there is no one.

CP off-screen: The monarch is heaven and his officials/subjects earth. The father is heaven and his children earth. But between heaven and earth, where are the humans?

Fresh blood from his hands drips and stains the pure white snow below his feet.

6:

Night. Outside Dan Feng Gate.

(CP’s dream)

17-year-old Xiao Dingquan is still sobbing outside the gate.

The sound of galloping hooves rings out behind him. He turns around in panic. At the sight of the man who approaches, his eyes widen. 23-year-old Xiao Dingquan clad in armour, his face half concealed by his helmet, sits astride a black horse covered in blood.

Wenxi off-screen: Up till the end, I was beseiged by doubts—at the time when I departed and right before his coming-of-age ceremony, was the capital thousands of miles away snowing? When it snowed, did he again have that bewildering old dream? When he awoke, where did he find himself? Would he say, the only places to be free from cares/troubles are among the mountains and rivers (i.e. nature), and (we don’t hear her finish with “before the Buddha”)—

7:

Day. Inside Da Xiang Guo Monastery.

The bell for the morning class rings from outside and 20-year-old Xiao Dingquan opens his eyes, breathing unsteadily. Towering before him is a huge Goddess of Mercy statue sitting atop a lotus seat regarding him and all of mankind with benevolence from beneath lowered eyelids. There is only him and a few monks in the chamber. The lanterns have yet to be extinguished and mixed with the ringing of the morning bell is the sound of distant chanting by the monks.

Old monk: Did Benefactor (how monks address laypeople) have a bad dream?

CP (panting): It was a conscious dream [due to missing someone]. I dreamed of the past and people I’ve not met.

Old monk: Like dreams like flame, all things in our existence are wishful thoughts. If Benefactor can put behind your reverse hopes/dreams, you can break through the obstacle of troubles and gain enlightenment on the spot.

Standing beneath the Goddess of Mercy statue, attired in a red round-collared robe cinched by a jade belt, Xiao Dingquan appears more collected and mature than the Xiao Dingquan in the dream.

(Subtitles: Crown Prince, Xiao Dingquan)

The voice of Gu Feng En rings out from behind: You thieving baldie! His Highness is going to become a wise ruler. What does he care for becoming a Buddha?

CP turns around, looking questioningly at Feng En .

Feng En: They’ve all gone there.

Without a word, CP heads outside.

Feng En: Your Highness—only you can’t go!

Under the eaves, thinly clad monks are burning more than ten braziers of charcoal. They face the outside of the chamber where snow is pouring heavily from the sky.

34:

Yan An Palace (Inside and outside) - Dan Feng Gate (outside, night)

Snowing heavily outside the palace.

Emperor says calmly: Have you finished?

CP has recovered his composure: Yes. Let them come out.

Emperor: Them?

CP: Hasn’t Your Majesty prepared everything in advance? If not, why weren’t the city gates closed?

(Cut) Dan Feng Gate in the snow, opening wide.

(Cut) Emperor: Li Chong Kui is not here. And this time there is no bow in my hands (a reference to the time when the Emperor shot an arrow at CP).

CP gives a cold laugh, nodding: Then I will make the first [move]—

One of his hands touches his scabbard.

From the front and back of the chamber and outside the ornamental window erupts the clanging sound of armour and weapons. Tens of heavily armoured, sword-bearing Konghe guards burst into the chamber.

CP gives the Emperor an unsurprised sardonic look.

The Konghe guards look nervously at CP’s hand on his sword: Bearing arms in the presence of His Majesty is tantamount to planning a rebellion. Please release your sword.

The Emperor’s and CP’s eyes lock confrontingly.

The hand on the sword’s scabbard tightens its grip.

Konghe guards’ shouting grows louder, applying pressure on CP: —Crown Prince release your sword! —Xiao Dingquan release your sword!

The hand on the scabbard loosens its grip. A Konghe guard steps forth to accept the sword.

CP makes a false movement, as if he is about to pull the sword.

Tens of swords instantly leave their scabbards and point in unison at CP.

The Emperor receives the scabbard and slowly pulls out the handle. There is no blade; the scabbard is empty.

The Emperor gives a harumph and flings the empty scabbard onto the chess board.

The shiny blades pressed against CP’s body gleam with their sharpness.

Emperor looks cynically at the empty scabbard: Why did you have to do this? —Sometimes I really wonder whether you are shrewd or (he doesn’t get to finish with “naive”)...

CP interrupts him, looking coldly at the empty scabbard: Without it (the scabbard), would Your Majesty have allowed me to finish what I had to say?

Emperor: If it (the sword) had really been there, did you think I would have allowed you to open your mouth?

CP’s eyes meet with the Emperor’s for a second and then he nods. He turns around resolutely. Konghe guards escort him out of the chamber.

35:

Night. Inside Yan An Palace.

Emperor: The doors weren’t closed and you still have words of resentment?

40:

Night. Outside Dan Feng Gate. Heavy snow.

17-year-old Xiao Dingquan running towards Dan Feng Gate.

Armoured Xiao Dingquan atop a black horse.

Xiao Dingquan being escorted away.

(Not really sure of this line but I think it means show the three images of CP in one screen.)

Voice-over: Did Benefactor have a bad dream?

20-year-old Xiao Dingquan off-screen: It was a conscious dream. I dreamed of the past and people I’ve not met.

Insert scenes:

Lu Shiyu before Dan Feng Gate, his bloody hand not clasping CP’s. (Ep 11-3)

Gu Feng En standing on the city ramparts, holding CP’s bloody hands. (Ep 39-46)

Xu Changping on the city ramparts, on his knees and bowing to CP. (Ep 39-3)

Zhang Shaoyun standing in front of the city gates, watching the departing figure of CP. (Ep 40-15)

Lu Ying lifting his head on the execution platform. (Ep 19-38)

Gu Silin fallen on the ground with the bow he had used the last of his strength to break. (Ep 37-45)

Old armours littered on the ground outside the city walls. (Ep 34-34)

In the battle at Changzhou, terrified commoners carrying their children surging forth. The weak sounds of children crying amid the raging war. (Ep 39)

Cut: CP’s Bao Ben Palace. Servants going about. A resounding [baby’s?] cry emanates from behind the curtains.

End of the images before CP’s eyes.

23-year-old CP off-screen:

Teacher, the nightmares and conscious dreams, I have awoken from them. Heaven, earth and human, I have seen them—

The other 2 images of Xiao Dingquan vanish.

Between the heaven and earth is the gradually departing figure of Xiao Dingquan under escort, walking calmly across the snow.

bluehibiscus · September 27, 2020

Translation of another scene posted by the author. Note: The plot diverges from Season 2 of the drama.

On a dark mountain, a swaying night wind, a dim lantern.

CP gives a cold laugh: This should be the peak of the mountain—

Xu: It is but the essay I’m writing to save my life is still a line short of completion.

CP: Tanhua Lang (means Xu came in third in the Imperial Exams), I am looking forward to seeing it.

Xu: Then I request Your Highness to look forward to seeing it.

He throws the lantern he is holding off the mountain.

As they draw near to the end of the mountain trail, the narrow darkness suddenly gives way to expansive brightness—they are treated to a paranomic view of mountain ridges rising one after another. In the distance, below the mountains, the sound of the rushing rivers can be heard. Simultaneously, a bright moon breaks through the clouds and rises above the far banks of the rivers, illuminating the path beneath their feet and the glorious mountains and rivers before them.

CP off-screen: All this is impossible to describe/retell no matter how smart one is, impossible to be imagined no matter how wise and far-sighted one is. Only when seen with one’s own eyes can this be understood.

Stunned, CP looks at the scenery for a few seconds. His eyes suddenly mist and he mumbles: Nowhere can be better than this place where the Zheng River and the Xiang River meet.

Xu: I have been to Changzhou. The scenery here is only a fraction of the beauty there. For it (Changzhou), is it still not possible?

omiki · September 28, 2020

On 9/26/2020 at 2:46 AM, Cdrama said:

For the ending, I feel

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In the book, the cp doesnt have other choice but to choose this decision.

In the movie, I feel he can choose different path. First, he can lead the army back to Chang zhoe to suppress Gu general. Second, I feel he has less reason to commit suicide since he could possibly reconcile with his dad? The king is in great sorrow after cp passed away.

Again, CP was trying to protect his loved ones(, and he had already lost many). If he led the army back to attack Chang Zhou, then his Cousin would be executed for treason and the Gu family name will forever be tarnished, and entire extended Gu family also executed, including Gu’s newly born son. So CP took the blame for treason and claimed that it was under his order that the Gu army rebelled. In this way, Gu will not be the instigator, and the family can be saved. To minimise loss of death from the armies fighting, CP reworded the imperial edict to say that he will never be reinstated as CP. This served to persuade the loyal Gu army to give up without further bloodshed as any more fighting would be futile.

ps, I didn’t put this in spoiler mode since everybody already knows the sad ending. Very sad drama - I had already forgotten how depressing this drama was ...

bluehibiscus · September 28, 2020

I finished Ep 9 and started a bit of Ep10.

The author of the novel has again released more content from her script and it seems CP would not have died if she had stayed as scriptwriter. Can I get a show of hands of how many are interested in that? If not many here are interested, then I’m not sure if I want to continue with the translation.

PPB · September 28, 2020

Hi @bluehibiscus, I think you may know my answer (which is yes please) . I loved the earlier translation (could not post for some reason), thank you so much for that. It is indeed beautifully written. And I'd be super happy for more, if you can do it. Absolutely fine if not of course, as I can see it's a lot of work.

What a shame not to have had the original writer and a happy ending... I love this drama so much, but it is a bit of a heartache to watch such misery.

On a side note, have you ever thought of writing something yourself? You may have the talent for it.

Many thanks as always.

bluehibiscus · September 28, 2020

@PPB Thank you. I can always count on you to be nice and encouraging. I am happy to do a bit of translation here and there but I don’t have the passion nor the brilliance to create my own stories. If I have the time, I would be happy to translate 别云间 for you all but work has been keeping me busy so not really sure I can get to it before the official Eng subs are out.