In the popular c-drama The Princess Royal, the character Su Rongqing presents a fascinating moral ambiguity that leaves viewers questioning his true nature. Is he a hero or a villain? This article delves into Su Rongqing’s complex motivations and actions, exploring whether his choices make him a good or bad person.
Su Rongqing’s Rebirth and Opposition to Li Rong
After his rebirth, Su Rongqing is determined to prevent the Su family from repeating the tragic mistakes of their past. Standing against Li Rong, he is not depicted as an irredeemable antagonist but rather as someone driven by a deep and intricate background. His opposition to Li Rong is not merely out of spite but is rooted in a desire to protect his family and correct past wrongs.
In the eighth year of De Xu, Li Chuan plans a northern expedition, which the Su family staunchly opposes, suspecting his true intent is to seize military power. Following this, Li Chuan frames Su Rongqing’s family for treason and exterminates them. Su Rongqing himself suffers brutal punishment, and his sister Su Ronghua’s body is desecrated, leading to the breakdown of their family.
Li Rong reflects that the northern expedition was indeed rushed, but corruption and tax evasion by powerful families had drained the state treasury. Su Rongqing, once believing that an emperor should not favor a single woman, counters that if he truly loved someone, he wouldn’t tolerate sharing her with others. Thus, he argues that the blame for their plight cannot rest solely on one person.
The Moral Debate Between Su Rongqing and Li Rong
Su Rongqing challenges Li Rong’s perspective, asserting that corruption and factional struggles are not limited to noble families but are a part of human nature. He points out that during times of disaster, the Su family has always aided the people, and during wars, they have sent their sons to fight. Despite their loyalty, they were falsely accused and destroyed. Conversely, Li Chuan’s actions, despite his imperial status, were equally culpable.
This ideological clash underscores the deep-seated differences between Su Rongqing and Li Rong. They are unable to reconcile their views, leading to an irreversible rift.
Conclusion
In The Princess Royal, Su Rongqing is portrayed as a character with noble intentions and complex motivations. His actions, driven by a desire to protect his family and address systemic corruption, blur the lines between hero and villain. This nuanced portrayal invites viewers to ponder the multifaceted nature of morality and the impact of personal and political choices.