1 00:01:26,839 --> 00:01:29,679 ADAPTED FROM MO SHUBAI'S NOVEL, THE GRAND PRINCESS ON JJWXC.NET 2 00:01:29,759 --> 00:01:31,039 THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION 3 00:01:35,720 --> 00:01:37,360 -Wait for me! -Slowly. 4 00:01:37,839 --> 00:01:38,759 This looks so pretty. 5 00:01:38,839 --> 00:01:41,479 Given your young master's foul temper, 6 00:01:41,560 --> 00:01:43,479 they're going to split sooner or later. 7 00:01:43,560 --> 00:01:44,679 Hurry. 8 00:01:46,920 --> 00:01:48,559 And I will stand a chance by then. 9 00:01:50,759 --> 00:01:53,360 Well, do you think 10 00:01:53,440 --> 00:01:54,920 flicking that lock of hair 11 00:01:55,000 --> 00:01:57,679 makes you look particularly handsome? 12 00:01:59,280 --> 00:02:02,240 My young master should have split you in half earlier, 13 00:02:02,320 --> 00:02:04,160 so that you won't make sarcastic comments. 14 00:02:05,919 --> 00:02:06,759 Fine. 15 00:02:07,960 --> 00:02:10,239 We'll see if my prediction turns out correct. 16 00:02:10,320 --> 00:02:11,680 It won't. 17 00:02:12,280 --> 00:02:15,440 My young master is destined to be the Prince Consort. 18 00:02:15,519 --> 00:02:16,600 Just give up. 19 00:02:20,200 --> 00:02:21,280 Lanterns! 20 00:02:22,320 --> 00:02:23,600 Lanterns for sale! 21 00:02:26,680 --> 00:02:27,600 Here. 22 00:02:35,640 --> 00:02:37,040 Why are you staring at my face? 23 00:02:38,239 --> 00:02:40,519 Don't tell me you scratched my face too. 24 00:02:41,200 --> 00:02:42,560 I didn't. 25 00:02:42,640 --> 00:02:43,959 I made sure to be careful. 26 00:02:45,600 --> 00:02:48,280 Does that sound like what a princess should say? 27 00:02:48,359 --> 00:02:50,200 You little shrew. 28 00:02:50,280 --> 00:02:51,519 Who are you calling a shrew? 29 00:02:52,959 --> 00:02:54,400 I got you some river lanterns. 30 00:02:54,480 --> 00:02:55,920 You like them, don't you? 31 00:02:56,000 --> 00:02:58,720 You can put the lanterns in the river and make a wish. 32 00:02:59,359 --> 00:03:01,200 I thought you didn't believe in these things. 33 00:03:02,000 --> 00:03:03,600 I didn't. 34 00:03:03,679 --> 00:03:05,760 They're made up to fool naive little girls. 35 00:03:05,840 --> 00:03:07,679 Why would a man like me believe them? 36 00:03:08,320 --> 00:03:09,440 What are you doing then? 37 00:03:10,000 --> 00:03:11,519 But ever since I met you, 38 00:03:12,440 --> 00:03:15,760 I'm open to believing in any god or deity now. 39 00:03:26,560 --> 00:03:27,480 Release the lantern. 40 00:04:06,640 --> 00:04:07,519 I know 41 00:04:08,359 --> 00:04:12,640 most people around you would sacrifice love for power. 42 00:04:13,679 --> 00:04:14,519 You may also think 43 00:04:15,160 --> 00:04:16,519 that your future 44 00:04:16,599 --> 00:04:18,279 is more important than feelings. 45 00:04:20,599 --> 00:04:22,960 But if I really did that, 46 00:04:23,440 --> 00:04:24,760 you would never know 47 00:04:25,640 --> 00:04:26,760 that some feelings 48 00:04:27,719 --> 00:04:30,039 cannot be traded for power. 49 00:04:34,599 --> 00:04:35,680 I became a court official 50 00:04:36,360 --> 00:04:37,880 and fought for power 51 00:04:38,599 --> 00:04:40,520 just to get closer to you. 52 00:04:42,840 --> 00:04:43,719 So 53 00:04:44,360 --> 00:04:48,640 if I were to leave you to gain more power… 54 00:04:50,560 --> 00:04:52,360 Even if it's just temporary 55 00:04:53,000 --> 00:04:54,760 or just mentioning the idea, 56 00:04:55,360 --> 00:04:56,560 I would never do so. 57 00:04:59,960 --> 00:05:01,320 So you didn't want to get a divorce 58 00:05:02,200 --> 00:05:05,599 because you were afraid of uncertainties that might happen afterward? 59 00:05:07,400 --> 00:05:08,479 Yes, 60 00:05:08,560 --> 00:05:10,400 but that's not all of it. 61 00:05:13,320 --> 00:05:16,400 I don't want you to lose faith in love. 62 00:05:19,360 --> 00:05:20,599 So… 63 00:05:21,919 --> 00:05:23,360 What are your plans after this? 64 00:05:23,840 --> 00:05:25,000 Well… 65 00:05:25,760 --> 00:05:26,760 I'll do as you say. 66 00:05:27,479 --> 00:05:29,080 It's going to upset you, though. 67 00:05:29,640 --> 00:05:30,560 It won't. 68 00:05:32,080 --> 00:05:34,120 I know your true feelings now, 69 00:05:34,840 --> 00:05:36,159 so I won't be disappointed 70 00:05:36,240 --> 00:05:37,520 or scared. 71 00:05:40,000 --> 00:05:41,200 As for you, 72 00:05:41,280 --> 00:05:43,080 even though you were born in the palace, 73 00:05:43,760 --> 00:05:45,680 you never belonged to the palace. 74 00:05:46,240 --> 00:05:47,320 The kind of relationship 75 00:05:47,960 --> 00:05:49,159 that your heart yearns for… 76 00:05:51,120 --> 00:05:53,680 is purer than what you've imagined. 77 00:05:57,440 --> 00:05:58,760 I have to give you 78 00:05:59,760 --> 00:06:01,039 whatever you want. 79 00:06:02,760 --> 00:06:04,560 You won't have to compromise, 80 00:06:05,560 --> 00:06:07,120 not even a little, to get what you want. 81 00:06:14,479 --> 00:06:17,159 And I will prove to you someday 82 00:06:17,880 --> 00:06:19,240 that I, Pei Wenxuan, 83 00:06:19,320 --> 00:06:21,200 am capable of offering you such pure love. 84 00:06:31,159 --> 00:06:32,000 Look. 85 00:06:32,560 --> 00:06:33,440 The lanterns are up. 86 00:06:46,440 --> 00:06:47,280 Rongrong. 87 00:06:49,159 --> 00:06:50,760 I will give it my all 88 00:06:51,760 --> 00:06:54,280 to present you with all the best things in the world. 89 00:06:59,280 --> 00:07:00,560 What wish did you make? 90 00:07:02,400 --> 00:07:03,320 What about you? 91 00:07:04,520 --> 00:07:05,479 It's a secret. 92 00:07:08,760 --> 00:07:09,960 You're keeping it a secret too? 93 00:07:12,640 --> 00:07:13,560 I wished… 94 00:07:16,200 --> 00:07:17,599 for being together 95 00:07:18,359 --> 00:07:21,080 with you now and forever. 96 00:07:29,640 --> 00:07:30,640 Perhaps… 97 00:07:34,000 --> 00:07:35,760 We can consider having a child. 98 00:07:43,359 --> 00:07:44,359 Aren't you scared? 99 00:07:45,359 --> 00:07:46,359 This would create 100 00:07:47,760 --> 00:07:49,320 a new and bigger weakness for us. 101 00:07:50,680 --> 00:07:51,640 If you're not scared, 102 00:07:52,760 --> 00:07:53,760 then I'm not. 103 00:08:25,760 --> 00:08:28,320 Your Majesty, the farmers in Jiangnan have started to grow rice. 104 00:08:28,400 --> 00:08:29,479 Due to colder temperatures, 105 00:08:29,560 --> 00:08:31,640 the sowing began later than in previous years. 106 00:08:37,880 --> 00:08:38,880 Your Majesty. 107 00:08:39,520 --> 00:08:42,000 The imperial exam candidates have all arrived in the capital. 108 00:08:42,079 --> 00:08:44,680 We will need to make arrangements for the personnel involved. 109 00:08:44,760 --> 00:08:46,640 I hope you will swiftly approve 110 00:08:46,720 --> 00:08:49,160 our request for the staff mobilizations. 111 00:09:00,920 --> 00:09:02,160 I understand. 112 00:09:09,560 --> 00:09:10,840 Court dismissed. 113 00:09:10,920 --> 00:09:12,280 TAIJI HALL 114 00:09:12,360 --> 00:09:13,280 Mr. Pei. 115 00:09:14,880 --> 00:09:15,720 Eunuch Fu. 116 00:09:16,680 --> 00:09:18,160 His Majesty is summoning you. 117 00:09:20,160 --> 00:09:21,360 Please lead the way, Eunuch Fu. 118 00:09:25,520 --> 00:09:27,120 There are a number of talented scholars 119 00:09:27,199 --> 00:09:29,240 among this year's candidates. 120 00:09:29,319 --> 00:09:30,839 I was too narrow-minded after all. 121 00:09:30,920 --> 00:09:33,319 Many talents lie among the commoners. 122 00:09:34,079 --> 00:09:36,079 Anyone who can win your appreciation 123 00:09:36,160 --> 00:09:37,680 must be trustworthy indeed. 124 00:09:49,640 --> 00:09:50,560 Rongqing. 125 00:09:51,760 --> 00:09:53,040 You're back. 126 00:09:53,920 --> 00:09:56,240 I'm back. 127 00:09:58,560 --> 00:10:00,160 But you are not the one I used to know. 128 00:10:02,040 --> 00:10:03,199 I'm sorry. 129 00:10:03,880 --> 00:10:07,000 This is my only way to protect you. 130 00:10:07,760 --> 00:10:10,439 My love for you has never changed. 131 00:10:11,560 --> 00:10:13,000 Please give me more time 132 00:10:13,600 --> 00:10:14,520 and wait for me. 133 00:10:19,439 --> 00:10:20,319 Mr. Su. 134 00:10:22,079 --> 00:10:23,000 Mr. Su? 135 00:10:26,160 --> 00:10:28,959 Therefore, it is important to select a good chief examiner. 136 00:10:29,040 --> 00:10:30,760 You're right, Mr. Su. 137 00:10:30,839 --> 00:10:32,520 I have some people to recommend to you. 138 00:10:32,600 --> 00:10:34,280 Why don't we talk about it while walking? 139 00:10:36,040 --> 00:10:36,920 Sure. 140 00:10:46,720 --> 00:10:48,280 PEOPLE 141 00:10:48,360 --> 00:10:49,400 Your Majesty. 142 00:10:49,480 --> 00:10:50,880 Greetings, Your Majesty. 143 00:10:50,959 --> 00:10:52,079 You may rise. 144 00:10:53,439 --> 00:10:54,680 Pei Wenxuan. 145 00:10:54,760 --> 00:10:57,800 I called for you to discuss your recent promotion 146 00:10:57,880 --> 00:10:59,880 to the Vice Minister of Personnel. 147 00:11:00,480 --> 00:11:02,400 You've been rising through the ranks too quickly, 148 00:11:02,480 --> 00:11:03,520 and many are not convinced. 149 00:11:04,600 --> 00:11:07,000 Do you have any plans for this? 150 00:11:08,520 --> 00:11:10,160 Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. 151 00:11:11,160 --> 00:11:13,360 I know that I am not that experienced, 152 00:11:13,920 --> 00:11:15,800 but I have my seniors to help me 153 00:11:16,360 --> 00:11:18,600 and I have built some connections in the Censorate. 154 00:11:19,360 --> 00:11:20,760 Rest assured, Your Majesty. 155 00:11:25,600 --> 00:11:28,000 However, you're the Prince Consort. 156 00:11:30,040 --> 00:11:33,600 And Pingyue has been offending many officials lately. 157 00:11:35,280 --> 00:11:37,000 There are many officials from the Xie Family 158 00:11:37,079 --> 00:11:38,520 working in the Ministry of Personnel. 159 00:11:39,280 --> 00:11:42,680 I'm afraid you'll have a hard time if you do work there. 160 00:11:44,839 --> 00:11:45,800 How about this? 161 00:11:46,760 --> 00:11:49,079 I'll transfer you to the Ministry of Rites 162 00:11:49,160 --> 00:11:50,680 to make your life easier. 163 00:11:52,600 --> 00:11:53,560 Your Majesty. 164 00:11:54,680 --> 00:11:56,400 Please seek justice for me. 165 00:11:56,880 --> 00:11:58,439 What justice do you want me to seek? 166 00:11:58,520 --> 00:11:59,600 Your Majesty. 167 00:12:00,600 --> 00:12:03,160 I would like to request 168 00:12:03,959 --> 00:12:04,920 for a divorce. 169 00:12:05,000 --> 00:12:06,079 I hope you will approve it. 170 00:12:06,160 --> 00:12:07,160 What did you say? 171 00:12:08,480 --> 00:12:10,120 You want a divorce? 172 00:12:11,040 --> 00:12:12,959 What's wrong with my daughter? 173 00:12:13,040 --> 00:12:14,360 Why do you want to divorce her? 174 00:12:14,880 --> 00:12:16,199 Pei Wenxuan, how dare you! 175 00:12:16,280 --> 00:12:17,160 Your Majesty. 176 00:12:17,760 --> 00:12:18,959 I… 177 00:12:19,040 --> 00:12:20,280 I've suffered. 178 00:12:21,280 --> 00:12:22,280 Look. 179 00:12:22,360 --> 00:12:23,920 It's the Princess's doing. 180 00:12:28,240 --> 00:12:29,760 Why were you two fighting? 181 00:12:30,280 --> 00:12:31,600 She even hurt you badly. 182 00:12:33,199 --> 00:12:34,319 You didn't hit her, did you? 183 00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:35,880 I… 184 00:12:35,959 --> 00:12:36,800 No! 185 00:12:37,439 --> 00:12:39,719 The Princess is so noble. I wouldn't dare. 186 00:12:49,520 --> 00:12:50,400 Get up. 187 00:12:52,480 --> 00:12:53,599 Tell me 188 00:12:54,319 --> 00:12:55,680 what happened exactly. 189 00:12:55,760 --> 00:12:56,880 It started 190 00:12:58,120 --> 00:12:59,800 with a talisman. 191 00:13:00,280 --> 00:13:02,240 When the Princess returned home yesterday, 192 00:13:02,760 --> 00:13:03,959 I went to fetch her. 193 00:13:04,040 --> 00:13:06,719 But she told everyone outside 194 00:13:07,199 --> 00:13:08,599 that I sought a talisman randomly 195 00:13:09,360 --> 00:13:11,000 that made her fall into Consort Rou's trap. 196 00:13:11,640 --> 00:13:12,520 Your Majesty. 197 00:13:12,599 --> 00:13:14,400 Why would I do such a thing? 198 00:13:14,480 --> 00:13:15,439 This… 199 00:13:15,520 --> 00:13:16,599 Here it is. 200 00:13:17,240 --> 00:13:19,040 This isn't even my handwriting. 201 00:13:25,480 --> 00:13:26,760 Actually, I believe 202 00:13:27,560 --> 00:13:30,680 that you probably have your own judgment now. 203 00:13:30,760 --> 00:13:32,319 I don't wish to talk more about it. 204 00:13:33,560 --> 00:13:35,480 But what I'm going to say next 205 00:13:35,560 --> 00:13:37,199 is something I cannot tolerate any longer. 206 00:13:37,959 --> 00:13:39,000 Your Majesty, you do know 207 00:13:39,079 --> 00:13:41,439 that I suggested to the Princess to establish the Inspectorate 208 00:13:42,000 --> 00:13:43,280 to share your burdens. 209 00:13:44,520 --> 00:13:45,640 But now, 210 00:13:45,719 --> 00:13:47,199 many officials in the palace, 211 00:13:47,680 --> 00:13:49,360 including the Crown Prince and the Empress, 212 00:13:50,079 --> 00:13:52,599 have grown dissatisfied with the Princess because of this. 213 00:13:54,040 --> 00:13:55,160 Last night, 214 00:13:55,240 --> 00:13:57,520 the Princess and I got into an argument. 215 00:13:58,280 --> 00:13:59,560 In anger, she actually called me 216 00:13:59,640 --> 00:14:01,079 a lowly and despicable man. 217 00:14:02,599 --> 00:14:03,520 She even said 218 00:14:03,599 --> 00:14:06,079 I was worse than the entertainers from Nanfeng House. 219 00:14:06,160 --> 00:14:07,719 Isn't that humiliating? 220 00:14:10,520 --> 00:14:12,560 I indeed came from a humble background, 221 00:14:12,640 --> 00:14:14,079 but I am a man after all. 222 00:14:14,760 --> 00:14:16,000 Even though she is the Princess, 223 00:14:16,079 --> 00:14:17,680 she can't insult me like that. 224 00:14:19,959 --> 00:14:21,479 I married the Princess 225 00:14:21,959 --> 00:14:24,280 to fulfill your command and my duty as an official. 226 00:14:25,040 --> 00:14:26,000 Why am I 227 00:14:26,640 --> 00:14:28,360 getting humiliated instead? 228 00:14:29,360 --> 00:14:30,520 Let's take a step back. 229 00:14:30,599 --> 00:14:33,000 No matter how unreasonable Her Highness is, 230 00:14:33,079 --> 00:14:34,599 I can tolerate her behaviors. 231 00:14:34,680 --> 00:14:35,760 But now, I have to say 232 00:14:36,680 --> 00:14:39,240 as her husband and your subject, I have remained loyal. 233 00:14:39,880 --> 00:14:40,959 But what about the Princess? 234 00:14:41,680 --> 00:14:43,160 She went on a lantern night cruise 235 00:14:43,240 --> 00:14:45,000 together with a dozen of entertainers. 236 00:14:45,079 --> 00:14:46,000 How am I… 237 00:14:46,079 --> 00:14:48,640 How is everyone else going to think of me? 238 00:14:53,959 --> 00:14:54,800 Your Majesty. 239 00:14:56,079 --> 00:14:57,280 I know I'm wrong 240 00:14:58,000 --> 00:14:59,319 and I have disappointed you. 241 00:14:59,400 --> 00:15:00,880 But I implore you 242 00:15:00,959 --> 00:15:03,120 that for the sake of my diligent father 243 00:15:03,199 --> 00:15:04,880 and my loyal service, 244 00:15:04,959 --> 00:15:08,040 please permit me to divorce Princess Pingyue. 245 00:15:17,920 --> 00:15:21,240 Your Majesty, I really can't live like this anymore. 246 00:15:23,360 --> 00:15:24,360 If that's the case, 247 00:15:25,520 --> 00:15:27,719 since Pingyue has been overbearing indeed, 248 00:15:28,360 --> 00:15:29,640 and you're set on a divorce, 249 00:15:31,000 --> 00:15:32,280 I shall not force you. 250 00:15:33,800 --> 00:15:34,680 How about this? 251 00:15:35,360 --> 00:15:36,360 You go home first 252 00:15:37,560 --> 00:15:38,680 while I draft a decree. 253 00:15:39,760 --> 00:15:41,680 Thank you, Your Majesty. You're brilliant. 254 00:15:42,240 --> 00:15:43,319 I'll take my leave. 255 00:15:45,079 --> 00:15:46,400 Consort Rou said 256 00:15:46,479 --> 00:15:47,680 that the talisman was fake. 257 00:15:47,760 --> 00:15:49,560 Princess Pingyue took it with her. 258 00:15:49,640 --> 00:15:51,319 What if they try to verify it? 259 00:15:52,680 --> 00:15:54,599 Hongde has been taken away as well. 260 00:15:55,439 --> 00:15:56,599 Mr. Su. 261 00:15:56,680 --> 00:15:59,000 If he ever babbles, Consort Rou would be implicated. 262 00:15:59,079 --> 00:16:00,920 He won't get to talk. 263 00:16:01,000 --> 00:16:02,240 Tell Consort Rou not to worry. 264 00:16:02,319 --> 00:16:03,880 What about the talisman? 265 00:16:03,959 --> 00:16:05,880 Since the Princess took it, 266 00:16:06,479 --> 00:16:08,160 even if they find out that it's fake, 267 00:16:08,880 --> 00:16:09,800 what can they do? 268 00:16:10,719 --> 00:16:12,359 What if they tell His Majesty 269 00:16:12,439 --> 00:16:13,599 that the Princess told a lie? 270 00:16:15,120 --> 00:16:16,719 Then why would the Princess do that? 271 00:16:18,000 --> 00:16:19,359 If His Majesty has his doubts, 272 00:16:19,839 --> 00:16:22,160 he will try to feel Pei Wenxuan and the Princess out. 273 00:16:22,760 --> 00:16:23,880 Pei Wenxuan 274 00:16:23,959 --> 00:16:26,640 would expose himself by then. 275 00:16:27,199 --> 00:16:28,319 Why are you so sure, Mr. Su? 276 00:16:29,599 --> 00:16:31,240 Pei Wenxuan might just agree 277 00:16:31,319 --> 00:16:32,680 to get a divorce instead. 278 00:16:32,760 --> 00:16:34,199 He'd never agree to it. 279 00:16:36,000 --> 00:16:37,359 Because he won't. 280 00:16:38,079 --> 00:16:39,079 He dares not. 281 00:16:40,839 --> 00:16:42,120 And he doesn't even want to. 282 00:16:44,040 --> 00:16:45,280 Everyone has weaknesses. 283 00:16:46,479 --> 00:16:47,920 Pei Wenxuan has always 284 00:16:48,000 --> 00:16:49,479 maintained a clean reputation, 285 00:16:49,560 --> 00:16:51,319 and he's good at winning people over. 286 00:16:51,839 --> 00:16:54,000 That's why he has all sorts of tricks at his disposal. 287 00:16:54,079 --> 00:16:56,599 It's not easy to thwart 288 00:16:56,680 --> 00:16:58,079 his political career. 289 00:16:58,160 --> 00:17:00,680 If you try to bring him down directly, it'd cost us even more. 290 00:17:02,120 --> 00:17:03,439 He cares about the Princess. 291 00:17:04,599 --> 00:17:05,919 He cares about their relationship. 292 00:17:08,720 --> 00:17:12,079 He would never abandon the Princess for power. 293 00:17:12,639 --> 00:17:14,079 As long as he doesn't get a divorce, 294 00:17:14,879 --> 00:17:16,760 His Majesty will remain doubtful, 295 00:17:18,440 --> 00:17:20,440 and Pei Wenxuan will find it hard to turn the tide. 296 00:17:21,440 --> 00:17:23,159 What if he does agree to the divorce? 297 00:17:23,240 --> 00:17:24,760 Then he deserves to die. 298 00:17:25,760 --> 00:17:27,599 Anyone who lets the Princess down… 299 00:17:30,440 --> 00:17:31,520 shall be killed. 300 00:17:33,159 --> 00:17:34,120 Your Majesty. 301 00:17:34,760 --> 00:17:38,120 The writing on the talisman is fake. 302 00:17:38,200 --> 00:17:40,720 CHOU HOUR, 19TH DAY OF 7TH MONTH, THE 6TH YEAR OF YONGNING ERA 303 00:17:45,919 --> 00:17:46,800 Fu Lai. 304 00:17:47,520 --> 00:17:48,480 Do you know 305 00:17:49,240 --> 00:17:51,360 what's the toughest thing about being a ruler? 306 00:17:53,680 --> 00:17:55,879 Your Majesty, how would I know 307 00:17:56,720 --> 00:17:57,960 the answer to that? 308 00:17:58,720 --> 00:18:01,919 Everyone around you may be deceiving you. 309 00:18:03,520 --> 00:18:06,000 While anyone else can obtain the truth easily, 310 00:18:07,440 --> 00:18:08,760 as the Emperor, 311 00:18:09,760 --> 00:18:12,480 I have to search for the truth amid a trove of lies. 312 00:18:13,360 --> 00:18:15,040 What's more, these truths 313 00:18:15,680 --> 00:18:19,560 are often consisting of the half-lies they tell me. 314 00:18:19,639 --> 00:18:21,760 But you're the wisest man in the country, Your Majesty. 315 00:18:24,120 --> 00:18:24,960 The wisest man? 316 00:18:26,480 --> 00:18:27,679 How am I wise? 317 00:18:29,760 --> 00:18:31,080 The talisman is fake. 318 00:18:31,760 --> 00:18:34,040 Then is Pei Wenxuan completely innocent? 319 00:18:39,280 --> 00:18:40,360 Tell me 320 00:18:40,919 --> 00:18:42,480 who you think is speaking the truth. 321 00:18:42,560 --> 00:18:45,520 Your Majesty, you're putting me on the spot. 322 00:18:50,639 --> 00:18:53,200 I remember that when I was a boy, 323 00:18:53,879 --> 00:18:56,120 someone kept stealing my persimmons. 324 00:18:56,879 --> 00:18:58,320 I investigated it for a long time. 325 00:18:59,879 --> 00:19:02,639 And just as I thought, 326 00:19:02,720 --> 00:19:04,600 you were the thief. 327 00:19:04,679 --> 00:19:06,560 -Do you remember that? -Of course. 328 00:19:07,080 --> 00:19:09,399 How could I ever forget? 329 00:19:13,040 --> 00:19:15,960 Actually, there's something else 330 00:19:16,440 --> 00:19:19,000 that I've been hiding from you. 331 00:19:19,080 --> 00:19:21,120 -There's more? -Back then, 332 00:19:21,200 --> 00:19:23,200 I was punished, so I got angry. 333 00:19:23,760 --> 00:19:26,919 No amount of persimmons could quell my anger. 334 00:19:27,000 --> 00:19:27,840 So 335 00:19:28,919 --> 00:19:32,080 I stole something else from you. 336 00:19:32,159 --> 00:19:33,760 How dare you. 337 00:19:34,480 --> 00:19:35,440 What else did you steal? 338 00:19:35,520 --> 00:19:37,480 Crab meatballs, 339 00:19:38,120 --> 00:19:39,879 your favorite dish when you were young. 340 00:19:44,879 --> 00:19:46,200 So 341 00:19:46,280 --> 00:19:48,080 even back then, 342 00:19:48,159 --> 00:19:50,080 you were already getting cheeky 343 00:19:50,600 --> 00:19:53,000 and fat at that time. 344 00:19:54,800 --> 00:19:56,480 Those were the good old days. 345 00:19:57,240 --> 00:19:59,000 There was nothing much to be concerned about. 346 00:19:59,080 --> 00:20:00,440 Even if I couldn't guess it right, 347 00:20:01,360 --> 00:20:03,440 I'd just lose a few persimmons at worst. 348 00:20:04,720 --> 00:20:06,360 But it's different now. 349 00:20:06,440 --> 00:20:07,639 If I make the wrong guess, 350 00:20:08,840 --> 00:20:11,679 I'd be losing the entire country. 351 00:20:21,440 --> 00:20:23,159 Your Majesty. 352 00:20:23,240 --> 00:20:26,360 About the Prince Consort and Princess Pingyue's divorce, 353 00:20:27,200 --> 00:20:28,919 should I draft a decree now? 354 00:20:29,480 --> 00:20:30,520 Just put it aside for now. 355 00:20:33,159 --> 00:20:34,320 Your Majesty. 356 00:20:34,399 --> 00:20:36,800 Consort Rou has always been gentle. 357 00:20:36,879 --> 00:20:39,240 She's always obeyed your commands. 358 00:20:39,320 --> 00:20:42,000 Now that she had brought Hongde into the palace, 359 00:20:42,560 --> 00:20:45,040 I'm afraid someone must be manipulating her. 360 00:20:45,960 --> 00:20:47,200 I'm worried… 361 00:20:49,560 --> 00:20:50,399 Well, 362 00:20:51,679 --> 00:20:53,000 get someone to investigate this. 363 00:20:54,840 --> 00:20:55,840 Yes, Your Majesty. 364 00:20:57,600 --> 00:20:58,440 Sir! 365 00:20:59,879 --> 00:21:01,120 Her Highness is resting. 366 00:21:01,200 --> 00:21:02,200 I know. 367 00:21:02,280 --> 00:21:04,080 Tell everyone in the inner courtyard to leave. 368 00:21:05,280 --> 00:21:06,159 Go. 369 00:21:13,960 --> 00:21:15,600 Why would I stay in the sleeping chambers? 370 00:21:15,679 --> 00:21:17,760 I'm sleeping in the study from now on! 371 00:21:24,520 --> 00:21:25,840 Sir! 372 00:21:25,919 --> 00:21:27,159 The study is this way… 373 00:21:31,720 --> 00:21:33,639 Don't make everyone else hear you. 374 00:21:33,720 --> 00:21:35,399 I'm having a falling out with Her Highness. 375 00:21:35,480 --> 00:21:37,600 No one can see me meeting her. 376 00:21:37,679 --> 00:21:39,040 -Why? -You… 377 00:21:41,159 --> 00:21:42,200 Guard the study's entrance. 378 00:21:42,280 --> 00:21:44,080 If anyone asks, tell them I'm in the study. 379 00:21:49,320 --> 00:21:50,840 Thoughtful indeed. 380 00:21:54,360 --> 00:21:55,320 Rongrong. 381 00:21:56,080 --> 00:21:56,919 Rongrong. 382 00:22:01,360 --> 00:22:02,280 You're back. 383 00:22:05,879 --> 00:22:06,840 Come. 384 00:22:13,159 --> 00:22:14,600 How was today? 385 00:22:15,320 --> 00:22:16,879 What did my father say? 386 00:22:17,919 --> 00:22:19,760 Did he approve of our divorce? 387 00:22:20,919 --> 00:22:21,840 He didn't say that. 388 00:22:22,639 --> 00:22:23,480 But 389 00:22:24,159 --> 00:22:25,360 I complained about you. 390 00:22:29,639 --> 00:22:31,679 You, little cat, bit and scratched me. 391 00:22:32,320 --> 00:22:33,679 I don't want you anymore. 392 00:22:36,639 --> 00:22:38,439 This little cat is going to apologize to you. 393 00:22:39,520 --> 00:22:40,360 How? 394 00:22:40,439 --> 00:22:41,720 How? 395 00:22:43,240 --> 00:22:44,560 Seriously, what happened next? 396 00:22:45,320 --> 00:22:47,679 Then, I complained about Consort Rou. 397 00:22:47,760 --> 00:22:48,720 I said 398 00:22:49,520 --> 00:22:51,080 she tricked you with a talisman. 399 00:22:51,600 --> 00:22:52,720 His Majesty should realize 400 00:22:53,360 --> 00:22:54,879 that someone might be using him. 401 00:22:55,480 --> 00:22:57,080 Then, His Majesty said 402 00:22:57,159 --> 00:22:58,840 he would draft a decree for the divorce, 403 00:22:58,919 --> 00:22:59,840 and I came back. 404 00:22:59,919 --> 00:23:02,200 But Father has always favored Consort Rou. 405 00:23:03,000 --> 00:23:04,040 What you did 406 00:23:04,679 --> 00:23:06,000 probably won't be very effective. 407 00:23:06,080 --> 00:23:08,200 If His Majesty feels 408 00:23:08,280 --> 00:23:10,960 that Consort Rou is being used to bring him down, 409 00:23:11,040 --> 00:23:12,360 he wouldn't forgive her. 410 00:23:13,000 --> 00:23:14,320 You mean 411 00:23:15,040 --> 00:23:16,360 my father needs to realize 412 00:23:16,439 --> 00:23:18,480 that Consort Rou is manipulated by the noble families. 413 00:23:21,879 --> 00:23:24,360 Your complaint alone won't be enough. 414 00:23:25,679 --> 00:23:26,800 That's all right. 415 00:23:27,560 --> 00:23:29,720 Even in Go, you play one move after another. 416 00:23:31,040 --> 00:23:33,120 When someone tricks me, 417 00:23:33,200 --> 00:23:34,399 I can trick them back too. 418 00:23:36,760 --> 00:23:38,360 Anyone can bluff. 419 00:23:39,360 --> 00:23:42,240 Mr. Pei, you need to show me what you've got. 420 00:23:44,360 --> 00:23:45,200 You'll see. 421 00:23:53,120 --> 00:23:54,040 Ms. Du. 422 00:23:57,639 --> 00:23:58,600 Mr. Pei? 423 00:24:03,240 --> 00:24:04,800 You're already a skilled calligrapher. 424 00:24:04,879 --> 00:24:06,679 It has been quite some time since you last came. 425 00:24:06,760 --> 00:24:08,919 What brings you here today? 426 00:24:09,919 --> 00:24:12,200 Ms. Du, I have a favor to ask of you. 427 00:24:15,159 --> 00:24:16,600 Do you think 428 00:24:16,679 --> 00:24:18,080 you can replicate this handwriting? 429 00:24:18,639 --> 00:24:20,879 This person has a solid foundation in the clerical script. 430 00:24:20,960 --> 00:24:21,840 It's not that hard. 431 00:24:22,840 --> 00:24:23,760 But 432 00:24:24,520 --> 00:24:26,040 you know my rules. 433 00:24:26,120 --> 00:24:27,520 I don't forge letters and documents. 434 00:24:28,720 --> 00:24:29,600 Yes. 435 00:24:30,600 --> 00:24:31,639 But what if 436 00:24:32,399 --> 00:24:33,560 it's for the sake of justice? 437 00:24:34,520 --> 00:24:35,480 For justice? 438 00:24:48,600 --> 00:24:49,439 Your Highness. 439 00:24:51,960 --> 00:24:53,520 Why do you look so tired? 440 00:24:54,000 --> 00:24:55,280 Did you not sleep last night? 441 00:24:55,360 --> 00:24:56,879 I'm fine. Take a look at this. 442 00:24:56,960 --> 00:24:57,919 What's this? 443 00:24:58,760 --> 00:24:59,600 Eat something first. 444 00:25:01,200 --> 00:25:03,560 TESTIMONY 445 00:25:06,760 --> 00:25:08,199 You went out early in the morning 446 00:25:08,280 --> 00:25:09,679 to forge Hongde's handwriting? 447 00:25:09,760 --> 00:25:11,199 Read the content carefully. 448 00:25:16,439 --> 00:25:17,760 You actually wrote 449 00:25:17,840 --> 00:25:19,879 that Su Rongqing went to Qingfeng Temple 450 00:25:19,960 --> 00:25:21,600 and threatened Hongde with his status 451 00:25:21,679 --> 00:25:24,520 to deceive Consort Rou to frame us. 452 00:25:24,600 --> 00:25:26,360 But why did you leave Consort Rou out of this? 453 00:25:26,439 --> 00:25:28,360 We're offering His Majesty a way out through her. 454 00:25:28,439 --> 00:25:31,080 If we don't leave her out of this, His Majesty won't be able to act. 455 00:25:33,360 --> 00:25:34,240 It's just that 456 00:25:34,840 --> 00:25:36,040 by doing this, 457 00:25:36,560 --> 00:25:38,760 we're literally declaring war against Su Rongqing. 458 00:25:43,040 --> 00:25:44,840 I'm afraid he already has. 459 00:25:52,720 --> 00:25:53,600 Your Majesty. 460 00:25:54,600 --> 00:25:55,480 Our men reported 461 00:25:56,000 --> 00:25:59,439 that the Princess and the Prince Consort are sleeping separately. 462 00:26:00,520 --> 00:26:01,439 Let them be. 463 00:26:02,639 --> 00:26:05,199 Then what about the divorce? 464 00:26:07,360 --> 00:26:08,960 It's tough for a lady to remarry. 465 00:26:10,439 --> 00:26:11,480 Let's see how it goes 466 00:26:12,919 --> 00:26:14,480 Yes, Your Majesty. 467 00:26:14,560 --> 00:26:16,000 INSPECTORATE OFFICE 468 00:26:16,080 --> 00:26:18,120 Your Highness! 469 00:26:18,639 --> 00:26:21,000 Your Highness, I was tricked! 470 00:26:21,080 --> 00:26:22,960 Please spare me, Your Highness! 471 00:26:23,040 --> 00:26:24,760 -Please spare me! -You may leave now. 472 00:26:24,840 --> 00:26:25,840 I'll talk to him alone. 473 00:26:27,159 --> 00:26:28,040 Your Highness. 474 00:26:28,600 --> 00:26:30,760 I'd love to learn how to interrogate… 475 00:26:30,840 --> 00:26:31,679 Let's go. 476 00:26:32,360 --> 00:26:33,639 I'll buy you some drinks. 477 00:26:34,320 --> 00:26:35,280 Let's go. 478 00:26:37,919 --> 00:26:39,480 You said someone tricked you. 479 00:26:40,600 --> 00:26:41,480 Who was it? 480 00:26:43,480 --> 00:26:44,320 I… 481 00:26:44,399 --> 00:26:45,679 I don't know. 482 00:26:45,760 --> 00:26:46,960 You don't know? 483 00:26:48,760 --> 00:26:50,080 Are you taking me as a fool? 484 00:26:50,159 --> 00:26:51,600 No, Your Highness. 485 00:26:51,679 --> 00:26:53,960 I really don't know. 486 00:26:54,040 --> 00:26:55,240 All I know 487 00:26:55,760 --> 00:26:58,639 is that a nobleman came to Qingfeng Temple that night 488 00:26:58,720 --> 00:27:00,360 and summoned me. 489 00:27:01,480 --> 00:27:02,760 I don't even know 490 00:27:03,240 --> 00:27:05,040 who he is. 491 00:27:05,120 --> 00:27:06,960 I didn't even get to see his guard's face. 492 00:27:08,080 --> 00:27:10,280 But he kidnapped my son. 493 00:27:10,760 --> 00:27:13,120 I had no choice. 494 00:27:13,199 --> 00:27:14,480 You have a son? 495 00:27:19,120 --> 00:27:20,560 Go on. What happened next? 496 00:27:20,639 --> 00:27:22,760 Then, he tied me up 497 00:27:22,840 --> 00:27:24,320 and put me into his carriage. 498 00:27:24,399 --> 00:27:25,520 He told me 499 00:27:26,240 --> 00:27:27,639 that he would expose 500 00:27:27,720 --> 00:27:31,439 your intent to delay the Crown Prince's wedding. 501 00:27:32,000 --> 00:27:34,439 This isn't a lie, is it? 502 00:27:34,520 --> 00:27:35,879 That itself is a lie. 503 00:27:36,560 --> 00:27:38,919 -I've never done anything like that. -Yes. 504 00:27:40,159 --> 00:27:43,480 It's true that you have never called for me. 505 00:27:44,280 --> 00:27:47,280 But no matter what, 506 00:27:47,360 --> 00:27:49,480 I really had no choice. 507 00:27:49,560 --> 00:27:51,560 Your Highness, I hope you'll show me mercy 508 00:27:51,639 --> 00:27:52,639 and spare my life. 509 00:27:53,199 --> 00:27:54,360 I can show you some mercy, 510 00:27:55,159 --> 00:27:57,840 but you'll have to do as I say. 511 00:28:01,760 --> 00:28:03,360 You don't know who called for you, right? 512 00:28:04,199 --> 00:28:05,679 But I do. 513 00:28:06,800 --> 00:28:07,760 Su Rongqing. 514 00:28:07,840 --> 00:28:09,240 Second Young Master Su? 515 00:28:09,320 --> 00:28:10,639 I want you to testify against him. 516 00:28:10,720 --> 00:28:12,320 Testify against him? 517 00:28:14,199 --> 00:28:16,560 How is that different from telling me to die? 518 00:28:21,240 --> 00:28:22,600 I know what you're thinking. 519 00:28:24,040 --> 00:28:25,000 You think 520 00:28:25,080 --> 00:28:27,159 that your son is in someone else's hands, 521 00:28:27,240 --> 00:28:28,840 and I have nothing to coerce you 522 00:28:28,919 --> 00:28:30,040 other than your own life. 523 00:28:30,560 --> 00:28:32,120 Given your background, 524 00:28:32,639 --> 00:28:34,199 if you testify against Su Rongqing, 525 00:28:34,280 --> 00:28:36,000 the Su Family would never let you off. 526 00:28:36,959 --> 00:28:38,399 Since it means death for you anyway, 527 00:28:38,480 --> 00:28:40,080 you might as well keep your son alive. 528 00:28:41,439 --> 00:28:42,720 But only I… 529 00:28:43,879 --> 00:28:45,720 can keep both of you safe. 530 00:28:48,879 --> 00:28:51,000 I'll tell you something else I know. 531 00:28:51,080 --> 00:28:52,399 Tell me if I'm wrong. 532 00:28:52,480 --> 00:28:53,679 Five years ago, 533 00:28:53,760 --> 00:28:56,040 you conned a young lady 534 00:28:56,639 --> 00:28:58,120 for thousands of taels 535 00:28:58,199 --> 00:28:59,919 by telling her that she needed 536 00:29:00,000 --> 00:29:02,040 to change her fate on your popularity. 537 00:29:02,120 --> 00:29:03,280 Four years ago, 538 00:29:03,360 --> 00:29:05,199 you had an affair with an official's wife. 539 00:29:05,280 --> 00:29:07,399 While she visited Qingfeng Temple every month to pray, 540 00:29:07,480 --> 00:29:09,840 she was actually in your bedroom. 541 00:29:12,240 --> 00:29:13,679 -Three years ago-- -Your Highness. 542 00:29:14,520 --> 00:29:15,399 Your Highness. 543 00:29:15,959 --> 00:29:17,360 How did you know so much? 544 00:29:17,439 --> 00:29:21,080 If you don't want people to know your wrongdoings, then don't do it. 545 00:29:21,840 --> 00:29:23,919 You've deceived and harmed so many people. 546 00:29:24,000 --> 00:29:25,560 Don't you feel guilty at all? 547 00:29:26,840 --> 00:29:27,679 Guilty? 548 00:29:30,000 --> 00:29:31,199 Why should I feel guilty? 549 00:29:32,919 --> 00:29:35,760 There are tons of other people who are more evil than me. 550 00:29:36,560 --> 00:29:39,280 You must have seen people who would kill for a meager sum of money. 551 00:29:39,360 --> 00:29:41,280 That's pure evil! 552 00:29:43,120 --> 00:29:44,760 People like me 553 00:29:45,639 --> 00:29:48,000 commit sins once in a while. 554 00:29:48,080 --> 00:29:49,439 You may say that bad guys like us 555 00:29:49,520 --> 00:29:51,600 don't deserve to live in this world. 556 00:29:53,159 --> 00:29:54,639 But what if there are plenty like me? 557 00:29:55,919 --> 00:29:57,280 Would that be mankind's fault 558 00:29:57,360 --> 00:29:58,879 or the society's fault? 559 00:30:01,840 --> 00:30:03,080 That's why I hope 560 00:30:03,760 --> 00:30:05,480 that my efforts can make 561 00:30:05,560 --> 00:30:08,280 the noblemen and commoners live together in harmony 562 00:30:08,360 --> 00:30:10,240 -and the world at peace. -Your Highness. 563 00:30:11,199 --> 00:30:13,760 I admit that this country isn't perfect, 564 00:30:14,600 --> 00:30:16,600 -Don't be too hard on him. -but this shouldn't be 565 00:30:16,679 --> 00:30:18,800 -a reason or excuse for your sins. -Yes, Your Highness. 566 00:30:19,800 --> 00:30:21,959 If it's as the Princess said, 567 00:30:22,040 --> 00:30:23,800 I can't afford to offend 568 00:30:23,879 --> 00:30:25,959 both the Princess and the Su Family. 569 00:30:27,280 --> 00:30:28,120 Your Majesty. 570 00:30:28,720 --> 00:30:30,240 Princess Pingyue requests an audience. 571 00:30:30,760 --> 00:30:32,360 Why is she here at this late hour? 572 00:30:33,280 --> 00:30:34,240 Father. 573 00:30:35,159 --> 00:30:36,840 Father, please seek justice for me. 574 00:30:39,959 --> 00:30:41,760 -What is it? -Father. 575 00:30:42,240 --> 00:30:44,399 You need to discipline Pei Wenxuan for me. 576 00:30:44,480 --> 00:30:45,520 He's gone too far. 577 00:30:45,600 --> 00:30:47,159 What exactly happened? 578 00:30:47,720 --> 00:30:49,360 A few days ago, 579 00:30:49,439 --> 00:30:51,199 Pei Wenxuan and I had a quarrel. 580 00:30:51,280 --> 00:30:53,480 He has been ignoring me since then 581 00:30:53,560 --> 00:30:55,800 and he even said he wanted a divorce. 582 00:30:55,879 --> 00:30:57,439 He said you've already drafted a decree. 583 00:30:58,000 --> 00:30:59,040 I don't believe him. 584 00:30:59,120 --> 00:31:01,720 Would a father force his daughter to get a divorce? 585 00:31:02,480 --> 00:31:04,040 If I do get a divorce, 586 00:31:04,120 --> 00:31:05,639 who else can I marry? 587 00:31:05,720 --> 00:31:07,199 If you don't want to get divorced, 588 00:31:08,199 --> 00:31:10,480 why were you cruising with those men from Nanfeng House? 589 00:31:14,840 --> 00:31:17,560 I was just trying to upset him. 590 00:31:21,800 --> 00:31:24,040 Father, I've realized my mistake. 591 00:31:24,800 --> 00:31:26,439 Please persuade him for me. 592 00:31:27,080 --> 00:31:28,879 He can't ignore me forever. 593 00:31:28,959 --> 00:31:30,520 He's even moved to the outer courtyard. 594 00:31:32,280 --> 00:31:33,879 How about you command him to come back? 595 00:31:33,959 --> 00:31:34,800 Ridiculous! 596 00:31:36,520 --> 00:31:38,919 I appointed you as the Supervisor of the Inspectorate Office, 597 00:31:39,760 --> 00:31:41,560 and now you're indulging yourself 598 00:31:41,639 --> 00:31:42,959 in debauchery 599 00:31:43,040 --> 00:31:44,520 instead of fulfilling your duties. 600 00:31:44,600 --> 00:31:45,879 What's wrong with you? 601 00:31:45,959 --> 00:31:47,560 You've wronged me, Father. 602 00:31:48,360 --> 00:31:50,679 We may quarrel sometimes, but I still do my work. 603 00:31:50,760 --> 00:31:52,199 In fact, 604 00:31:52,280 --> 00:31:54,240 you haven't replied to the memorial 605 00:31:54,320 --> 00:31:55,439 I submitted a few days ago. 606 00:31:55,520 --> 00:31:56,800 What are you planning to do? 607 00:31:56,879 --> 00:31:57,879 What memorial? 608 00:31:57,959 --> 00:31:59,760 Hongde's testimony. 609 00:31:59,840 --> 00:32:02,439 I submitted all the evidence several days ago. 610 00:32:02,520 --> 00:32:05,159 We just need a word from you to start investigating Su Rongqing. 611 00:32:05,719 --> 00:32:08,639 How is Su Rongqing related to this? 612 00:32:09,639 --> 00:32:10,520 Well… 613 00:32:11,840 --> 00:32:14,840 Hongde said it was Su Rongqing who went to him 614 00:32:14,919 --> 00:32:17,399 to tell Consort Rou all that. 615 00:32:18,639 --> 00:32:20,760 Haven't you read my memorial? 616 00:32:23,199 --> 00:32:24,360 Fu Lai. 617 00:32:24,439 --> 00:32:26,879 Go to the Remonstration Office to bring the Princess' memorial. 618 00:32:26,959 --> 00:32:28,120 I want to review it now. 619 00:32:28,199 --> 00:32:29,159 Yes, Your Majesty. 620 00:32:30,600 --> 00:32:32,360 As soon as Father reads the memorial, 621 00:32:32,439 --> 00:32:34,760 he will find out that Su Rongqing has been using Consort Rou 622 00:32:34,840 --> 00:32:36,480 for the noble families' benefit. 623 00:32:36,560 --> 00:32:38,399 Father will then start to get suspicious, 624 00:32:38,480 --> 00:32:39,520 and Su Rongqing 625 00:32:39,600 --> 00:32:41,679 can no longer associate himself with Prince Su. 626 00:32:43,399 --> 00:32:45,399 If this memorial gets submitted, 627 00:32:45,480 --> 00:32:47,159 you will be implicated, Mr. Su. 628 00:32:48,080 --> 00:32:50,199 On the occasion of the assessment for the position of Minister, 629 00:32:50,280 --> 00:32:51,760 everyone has high expectations of you. 630 00:32:51,840 --> 00:32:53,679 I was worried that this memorial may hinder you, 631 00:32:53,760 --> 00:32:55,679 so I took it out secretly. 632 00:32:55,760 --> 00:32:56,840 Xuanji. 633 00:33:00,760 --> 00:33:01,919 I transferred you there, 634 00:33:02,840 --> 00:33:04,919 and it seems that my plan has backfired. 635 00:33:06,080 --> 00:33:07,080 This round… 636 00:33:09,159 --> 00:33:10,120 We have lost. 637 00:33:13,679 --> 00:33:15,320 This testimony is a fake. 638 00:33:15,399 --> 00:33:16,520 TESTIMONY 639 00:33:16,600 --> 00:33:17,800 It's fake? 640 00:33:18,280 --> 00:33:21,919 The Princess deliberately submitted this fake testimony 641 00:33:23,480 --> 00:33:24,679 for you to steal. 642 00:33:25,959 --> 00:33:27,439 If my guess is correct, 643 00:33:27,520 --> 00:33:30,879 the Princess must be already in the palace now. 644 00:33:32,760 --> 00:33:33,879 And His Majesty 645 00:33:34,439 --> 00:33:36,600 must have already sent someone to retrieve this memorial. 646 00:33:39,120 --> 00:33:40,120 Go back now. 647 00:33:40,719 --> 00:33:42,760 -I'll put it back right away. -No need. 648 00:33:42,840 --> 00:33:45,280 Even if you do, 649 00:33:45,360 --> 00:33:48,480 the Princess would claim that her memorial has been switched. 650 00:33:49,439 --> 00:33:51,159 Once they start investigating, 651 00:33:51,240 --> 00:33:53,000 you'll be implicated as well. 652 00:33:53,480 --> 00:33:54,600 By then, 653 00:33:55,760 --> 00:33:57,080 you'd lose your job. 654 00:33:57,560 --> 00:33:58,760 What should I do then? 655 00:33:59,240 --> 00:34:00,760 Leave this thing here. 656 00:34:02,120 --> 00:34:04,320 Pretend that you don't know anything. 657 00:34:05,760 --> 00:34:06,760 Are you supposed 658 00:34:07,639 --> 00:34:08,759 to be on shift now? 659 00:34:08,839 --> 00:34:09,759 No. 660 00:34:10,880 --> 00:34:11,839 That's great. 661 00:34:13,120 --> 00:34:14,080 Go back home and sleep. 662 00:34:14,960 --> 00:34:17,440 Pretend that you've never been here. 663 00:34:20,000 --> 00:34:21,080 I'll take my leave. 664 00:34:24,000 --> 00:34:27,239 I plotted and schemed to make Hongde accuse the Princess 665 00:34:27,319 --> 00:34:29,080 of delaying the Crown Prince's wedding. 666 00:34:29,159 --> 00:34:30,520 I even prepared a marriage talisman 667 00:34:30,600 --> 00:34:33,199 to undermine His Majesty's trust in Pei Wenxuan and the Princess. 668 00:34:33,759 --> 00:34:36,679 But the Princess used this to her advantage instead. 669 00:34:37,480 --> 00:34:38,520 Mu Hong. 670 00:34:39,759 --> 00:34:40,880 Sir. 671 00:34:41,440 --> 00:34:43,880 Get a servant to sneak into the palace 672 00:34:45,600 --> 00:34:46,920 and burn the Remonstration Office. 673 00:34:51,159 --> 00:34:53,600 When the fire starts to burn, make sure he doesn't leave. 674 00:34:54,360 --> 00:34:56,759 Just leave him there. 675 00:34:57,360 --> 00:34:59,000 You want to burn the Remonstration Office? 676 00:34:59,960 --> 00:35:01,480 Isn't that a bit too much? 677 00:35:03,440 --> 00:35:04,920 It's not just too much. 678 00:35:06,880 --> 00:35:08,759 It's the boldest and craziest idea ever. 679 00:35:08,839 --> 00:35:11,040 -Sir… -Just do as I say 680 00:35:11,720 --> 00:35:13,080 and wait for the results. 681 00:35:13,160 --> 00:35:15,160 Whatever will be, will be. 682 00:35:16,360 --> 00:35:18,000 -Go. -Yes, sir. 683 00:35:28,600 --> 00:35:30,160 LI RONG, SUPERVISOR OF THE INSPECTORATE OFFICE 684 00:35:30,240 --> 00:35:31,720 SU RONGQING, VICE MINISTER OF PERSONNEL 685 00:35:48,960 --> 00:35:51,000 Your Majesty, bad news! 686 00:35:51,080 --> 00:35:52,520 The Remonstration Office is on fire! 687 00:35:53,279 --> 00:35:54,640 -Your Majesty! -Say that again. 688 00:35:54,720 --> 00:35:56,600 -What's on fire? -The Remonstration Office. 689 00:35:56,680 --> 00:35:58,920 It was already burning while I was on my way there. 690 00:35:59,000 --> 00:36:01,120 Many officials are still trapped inside. 691 00:36:01,720 --> 00:36:02,799 How did the fire start? 692 00:36:02,880 --> 00:36:04,360 We don't know yet. 693 00:36:05,000 --> 00:36:06,680 Father, let me take a look there. 694 00:36:06,759 --> 00:36:08,279 The building itself is nothing. 695 00:36:08,360 --> 00:36:10,040 We need to save the people and memorials. 696 00:36:10,120 --> 00:36:12,360 No need. I will go there myself. 697 00:36:13,720 --> 00:36:15,279 Split into two teams! 698 00:36:15,360 --> 00:36:16,799 Team One, put out the fire! 699 00:36:16,880 --> 00:36:18,759 Team Two, save the people and memorials inside! 700 00:36:18,839 --> 00:36:20,640 -Your Majesty! -Go! 701 00:36:20,720 --> 00:36:22,000 -Your Majesty! -Your Majesty! 702 00:36:22,080 --> 00:36:24,400 Your Majesty, why are you here? 703 00:36:24,480 --> 00:36:26,240 It's dangerous here. You should go back. 704 00:36:26,319 --> 00:36:27,920 Yes, we'll handle the situation here. 705 00:36:28,000 --> 00:36:30,400 Does any of you know who set fire to the Remonstration Office? 706 00:36:31,120 --> 00:36:33,759 I just received the news, and I came over right away. 707 00:36:33,839 --> 00:36:36,120 Perhaps someone knocked over a candle stand. 708 00:36:36,200 --> 00:36:38,799 I'm asking who is bold enough to burn the Remonstration Office! 709 00:36:40,200 --> 00:36:41,120 Your Majesty. 710 00:36:49,680 --> 00:36:52,000 Your Highness, the Remonstration Office is on fire. 711 00:36:52,799 --> 00:36:54,759 The Remonstration Office has always been patrolled 712 00:36:54,839 --> 00:36:56,279 every night since it was built. 713 00:36:56,359 --> 00:36:57,520 Why the sudden fire? 714 00:36:57,600 --> 00:37:00,160 His Majesty summoned the Princess earlier 715 00:37:00,240 --> 00:37:03,160 and wanted to retrieve Hongde's testimony from the Remonstration Office. 716 00:37:03,759 --> 00:37:05,600 Not long after that, the office was on fire. 717 00:37:05,680 --> 00:37:07,600 He's even burning the Remonstration Office. 718 00:37:07,680 --> 00:37:10,080 Looks like Su Rongqing is really cornered. 719 00:37:11,720 --> 00:37:13,960 Go and devise a counterplan with the Prince Consort. 720 00:37:14,040 --> 00:37:14,920 Yes, Your Highness. 721 00:37:22,000 --> 00:37:23,560 Greetings, Father. 722 00:37:24,600 --> 00:37:25,440 You may rise. 723 00:37:26,080 --> 00:37:28,520 You said Mr. Su was involved, 724 00:37:29,240 --> 00:37:31,920 and your memorial was burned. 725 00:37:32,680 --> 00:37:34,080 Thus, I called you here 726 00:37:34,160 --> 00:37:35,480 to confront each other directly. 727 00:37:37,839 --> 00:37:39,240 Su Rongqing said 728 00:37:39,319 --> 00:37:40,480 he did not know Hongde. 729 00:37:41,000 --> 00:37:42,279 What do you have to say? 730 00:37:42,359 --> 00:37:44,080 Whether Su Rongqing knows him or not, 731 00:37:44,160 --> 00:37:45,440 Hongde has confessed everything. 732 00:37:46,359 --> 00:37:49,080 It's just that his testimony, together with the Remonstration Office, 733 00:37:49,160 --> 00:37:50,640 has suspiciously perished in the fire. 734 00:37:54,160 --> 00:37:55,520 The material evidence may be gone, 735 00:37:56,400 --> 00:37:57,839 but the man is still there. 736 00:37:57,920 --> 00:37:59,279 Summon Hongde here. 737 00:38:02,200 --> 00:38:03,960 I have done nothing wrong. 738 00:38:05,799 --> 00:38:07,279 Your Highness, someone must have 739 00:38:07,359 --> 00:38:09,799 instigated you to make you come to this conclusion. 740 00:38:09,880 --> 00:38:12,200 I also agree we should call Hongde over 741 00:38:12,279 --> 00:38:13,520 to ask him in person. 742 00:38:15,000 --> 00:38:16,200 Summon Hongde here? 743 00:38:16,759 --> 00:38:19,200 I couldn't persuade him that day in prison. 744 00:38:19,279 --> 00:38:21,279 After all, his son is still in Su Rongqing's hands. 745 00:38:21,359 --> 00:38:23,000 He wouldn't help me at this point. 746 00:38:24,880 --> 00:38:26,960 But I have no other options now. 747 00:38:27,040 --> 00:38:28,200 Summon him. 748 00:38:28,279 --> 00:38:29,120 Yes, Your Majesty. 749 00:38:31,000 --> 00:38:32,359 While we're waiting, 750 00:38:32,440 --> 00:38:34,000 Pingyue, tell me why 751 00:38:34,520 --> 00:38:38,080 you said Mr. Su had instigated Hongde to falsely accuse you. 752 00:38:38,720 --> 00:38:40,680 For some reason, 753 00:38:40,759 --> 00:38:42,040 Mr. Su went to Hongde. 754 00:38:42,120 --> 00:38:44,960 He kidnapped Hongde's illegitimate son and used him to coerce Hongde 755 00:38:45,040 --> 00:38:46,279 to accuse me 756 00:38:46,359 --> 00:38:48,200 of trying to delay the Crown Prince's wedding. 757 00:38:48,799 --> 00:38:50,839 He took advantage of his position as Prince Su's tutor 758 00:38:50,920 --> 00:38:53,759 and cajoled Consort Rou into bringing Hongde to the palace. 759 00:38:56,319 --> 00:38:57,359 Mr. Su. 760 00:38:59,440 --> 00:39:01,120 I have no grudge against you. 761 00:39:02,880 --> 00:39:04,240 Why are you framing me? 762 00:39:06,400 --> 00:39:07,359 Mr. Su. 763 00:39:08,160 --> 00:39:09,359 What say you? 764 00:39:12,880 --> 00:39:14,560 Your Highness, you're claiming 765 00:39:15,680 --> 00:39:17,240 that I was trying to set you up 766 00:39:17,319 --> 00:39:18,640 by making Hongde say 767 00:39:18,720 --> 00:39:21,720 that you were trying to delay the Crown Prince's wedding. 768 00:39:22,480 --> 00:39:25,359 Then why didn't I just tell him to accuse you of treason? 769 00:39:29,520 --> 00:39:31,440 You should ask yourself that question, Mr. Su. 770 00:39:32,480 --> 00:39:34,160 The Crown Prince is all grown up now. 771 00:39:34,240 --> 00:39:35,920 He should get married as soon as possible. 772 00:39:36,000 --> 00:39:37,200 If I want the best for him, 773 00:39:37,279 --> 00:39:39,720 I would have chosen a suitable noble lady for him instead. 774 00:39:39,799 --> 00:39:41,319 Why would I want to delay his wedding? 775 00:39:42,200 --> 00:39:44,960 As his elder sister, why would I harm him? 776 00:39:45,040 --> 00:39:48,160 Only you can answer that, Your Highness. 777 00:39:49,520 --> 00:39:50,799 So you're saying 778 00:39:50,880 --> 00:39:52,920 that Su Rongqing burned the Remonstration Office down. 779 00:39:53,640 --> 00:39:55,040 Now that the evidence is destroyed, 780 00:39:56,160 --> 00:39:57,799 Hongde will be summoned to the palace. 781 00:39:57,880 --> 00:39:59,920 Won't he expose everything by then? 782 00:40:00,000 --> 00:40:03,040 Would Hongde dear to enter the palace? 783 00:40:03,120 --> 00:40:05,880 Thank you. Just hand him over to us. 784 00:40:05,960 --> 00:40:07,160 Thank you, Eunuch Fu. 785 00:40:09,560 --> 00:40:11,920 This way, Taoist Hongde. 786 00:40:34,600 --> 00:40:36,880 Eunuch Fu, you have to vouch for us. 787 00:40:36,960 --> 00:40:39,200 He was alive when he left the Inspectorate Office. 788 00:40:40,600 --> 00:40:42,080 It's true, Eunuch Fu. 789 00:40:42,160 --> 00:40:44,359 This is not the time to talk about this. 790 00:40:45,359 --> 00:40:47,120 I need to report this to His Majesty. 791 00:40:47,839 --> 00:40:50,359 Your Majesty, Hongde was killed on the way here. 792 00:40:50,440 --> 00:40:51,880 What did you say? 793 00:40:54,160 --> 00:40:55,480 Bring me there. 794 00:40:56,880 --> 00:40:58,080 I'd like to go there too. 795 00:40:59,400 --> 00:41:00,440 None of you shall leave! 796 00:41:01,880 --> 00:41:03,839 -Get the post-mortem examiner. -Yes, Your Majesty. 797 00:41:06,000 --> 00:41:08,359 Now that Hongde is dead, no one can prove the truth anymore. 798 00:41:08,920 --> 00:41:10,120 But now, in Father's eyes, 799 00:41:10,720 --> 00:41:12,440 Su Rongqing's reputation has been tainted. 800 00:41:13,759 --> 00:41:15,040 If Hongde dies, 801 00:41:15,120 --> 00:41:17,600 both human testimony and the material evidence will be gone. 802 00:41:18,839 --> 00:41:19,799 No. 803 00:41:20,759 --> 00:41:22,040 If there's no evidence, 804 00:41:22,600 --> 00:41:24,680 Father won't be able to convict Su Rongqing. 805 00:41:24,759 --> 00:41:26,440 He may be doubtful, 806 00:41:26,520 --> 00:41:28,279 but while he doubts Su Rongqing, 807 00:41:28,359 --> 00:41:30,160 he will also suspect you and Rong. 808 00:41:30,880 --> 00:41:32,520 That's when the next step comes in. 809 00:41:33,279 --> 00:41:35,279 If His Majesty begins to suspect 810 00:41:35,359 --> 00:41:37,319 whether the Princess is speaking the truth, 811 00:41:38,720 --> 00:41:40,520 the only thing left to investigate 812 00:41:40,600 --> 00:41:42,720 would be the whereabouts of Hongde's son. 813 00:41:43,560 --> 00:41:45,960 The results would be interesting. 814 00:41:46,680 --> 00:41:48,400 You said Hongde had a son? 815 00:41:48,480 --> 00:41:49,560 Yes, Father. 816 00:41:49,640 --> 00:41:51,279 And he's in Su Rongqing's hands? 817 00:41:51,359 --> 00:41:52,759 That's right. 818 00:41:53,480 --> 00:41:54,799 -Your Majesty… -Silence. 819 00:41:58,400 --> 00:42:00,359 Fu Lai, investigate now. 820 00:42:01,120 --> 00:42:02,400 Yes, Your Majesty. 821 00:42:08,080 --> 00:42:10,960 His Majesty may not be able to find out where exactly Hongde's son is, 822 00:42:11,960 --> 00:42:13,520 but he'd discover 823 00:42:13,600 --> 00:42:15,359 how the child was taken away. 824 00:42:16,200 --> 00:42:19,000 There must be traces of the abduction. 825 00:42:19,080 --> 00:42:20,240 For example, 826 00:42:20,839 --> 00:42:22,520 a passerby might have accidentally witnessed 827 00:42:23,040 --> 00:42:24,440 the child's kidnapping 828 00:42:24,520 --> 00:42:26,120 and recognized the Su Family's emblem. 829 00:42:26,880 --> 00:42:28,960 That's a common possibility, isn't it? 830 00:42:29,040 --> 00:42:30,319 So what? 831 00:42:31,240 --> 00:42:35,200 Even if my father knows the child was abducted by the Su Family, so what? 832 00:42:35,279 --> 00:42:37,120 Since His Majesty already knows 833 00:42:38,000 --> 00:42:39,920 that someone brought Hongde into the palace 834 00:42:40,000 --> 00:42:41,480 and that Hongde's son 835 00:42:41,560 --> 00:42:43,200 was taken by the Su Family, 836 00:42:43,279 --> 00:42:44,600 who do you think 837 00:42:45,319 --> 00:42:46,720 His Majesty would suspect 838 00:42:46,799 --> 00:42:48,080 even though there's no evidence? 839 00:42:48,640 --> 00:42:50,680 Hongde cannot afford to offend 840 00:42:50,759 --> 00:42:52,400 both the Su Family and the Princess. 841 00:42:52,480 --> 00:42:55,960 This is the last kind of act he can do 842 00:42:56,680 --> 00:42:58,359 to protect his son. 843 00:43:02,120 --> 00:43:03,240 Your Highness. 844 00:43:03,880 --> 00:43:05,480 I need to go to pick up your sister. 845 00:43:05,560 --> 00:43:08,759 Shouldn't you be pretending that your marriage is on the rocks? 846 00:43:09,880 --> 00:43:12,799 Seemingly in harmony, but actually at variance. 847 00:43:15,279 --> 00:43:16,880 I'll take my leave then. 848 00:43:17,560 --> 00:43:18,680 Take care, Your Highness. 849 00:43:19,400 --> 00:43:21,960 Guard this area. 850 00:43:22,040 --> 00:43:23,880 No one else may come near. 851 00:43:23,960 --> 00:43:24,920 Yes, Eunuch Fu. 852 00:43:27,920 --> 00:43:29,080 Sir. 853 00:43:29,160 --> 00:43:32,080 Please tell me what happened that night. 854 00:43:34,200 --> 00:43:37,359 I was working my shift as a night watcher that night. 855 00:43:38,080 --> 00:43:40,000 When I passed by the street where the temple is, 856 00:43:40,080 --> 00:43:43,279 I saw a boy being abducted by several men. 857 00:43:44,000 --> 00:43:45,680 I recognized one of them. 858 00:43:46,160 --> 00:43:47,640 He's from the Su Family. 859 00:43:49,240 --> 00:43:51,080 Eunuch Fu, I have completed the examination. 860 00:43:58,720 --> 00:44:01,279 Your Majesty, this is the result of the post-mortem examination. 861 00:44:12,680 --> 00:44:15,160 The post-mortem examiner said it was suicide. 862 00:44:28,680 --> 00:44:30,279 And the Su Family… 863 00:44:38,359 --> 00:44:39,319 Su Rongqing. 864 00:44:40,279 --> 00:44:42,680 Hand over Hongde's son now. 865 00:44:46,279 --> 00:44:48,080 Your Majesty, I've been wronged. 866 00:44:48,560 --> 00:44:51,560 I don't know where you heard this from. 867 00:44:52,040 --> 00:44:53,600 Why don't you summon him here, 868 00:44:53,680 --> 00:44:55,879 so I can confront him directly?