1
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ADAPTED FROM MO SHUBAI'S NOVEL,
THE GRAND PRINCESS ON JJWXC.NET

2
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THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION

3
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Please, Your Highness.

4
00:01:38,320 --> 00:01:39,399
You're here, Pingyue.

5
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Greetings, Your Highness.

6
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Take a seat.

7
00:01:50,800 --> 00:01:52,160
These are my favorites.

8
00:01:52,240 --> 00:01:53,280
Thank you, Your Highness.

9
00:01:54,839 --> 00:01:55,920
Have some tea.

10
00:02:00,600 --> 00:02:02,640
You hardly came to the palace
since you got married.

11
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I haven't seen you in a while
and I've missed you.

12
00:02:08,320 --> 00:02:10,519
How is it after the divorce?

13
00:02:13,960 --> 00:02:15,400
Thank you for your concerns.

14
00:02:15,480 --> 00:02:17,680
I've been busy with my work
in the Inspectorate Office.

15
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Other than that, nothing in particular.

16
00:02:22,040 --> 00:02:22,920
That's good.

17
00:02:24,079 --> 00:02:26,720
I asked you to come
as there's something I'd like you to help.

18
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A fellow villager of mine

19
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has been studying hard for ten years.

20
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He finally passed the autumn examination
and became a recommended scholar.

21
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He planned to take part
in this year's spring examination.

22
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However, someone stole his spot.

23
00:02:39,519 --> 00:02:43,320
He traveled all the way
to Huajing to file complaints.

24
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Since you work in the Inspectorate Office

25
00:02:46,280 --> 00:02:48,519
and are appreciated by your father,

26
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I told him to go to you.

27
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Did you see him?

28
00:02:57,519 --> 00:02:59,679
By the way, his name is Chen Houzhao.

29
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It seems like

30
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you've met him.

31
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Not at all.

32
00:03:20,560 --> 00:03:21,920
Your Highness,

33
00:03:22,000 --> 00:03:24,280
the matter you said
is handled by the Ministry of Justice.

34
00:03:25,079 --> 00:03:26,920
You should redirect him to them.

35
00:03:33,720 --> 00:03:35,200
It's getting late.

36
00:03:35,280 --> 00:03:36,359
I'll take my leave.

37
00:03:37,399 --> 00:03:38,320
Pingyue.

38
00:03:40,280 --> 00:03:43,640
A secret won't remain hidden forever.

39
00:03:43,720 --> 00:03:46,880
Be more cautious
when you meet with your ex-spouse.

40
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It's better not to let your father
know anything about it.

41
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<span style="style.default_1">I suppose I should send
some women to Pei Wenxuan</span>

42
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in case he reconciled with Pingyue.

43
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Tell Pei Wenxuan

44
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to stop meeting me.

45
00:04:06,760 --> 00:04:07,839
We're being watched.

46
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Also,

47
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change the guard posts in the mansion

48
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so that Cui Yulang can come to see me.

49
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Yes, Your Highness.

50
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Go.

51
00:04:20,039 --> 00:04:21,079
Everyone,

52
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is there anything you'd like to report?

53
00:04:27,159 --> 00:04:28,960
I'd like to raise an issue.

54
00:04:29,520 --> 00:04:30,400
Say it.

55
00:04:30,960 --> 00:04:33,719
Princess Pingyue
of the Inspectorate Office

56
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refused to accept a case

57
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and even expelled
the plaintiff coercively.

58
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There's no such thing, Your Majesty.

59
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What did she do?

60
00:04:49,479 --> 00:04:50,680
Please elaborate.

61
00:04:52,440 --> 00:04:54,640
Chen Houzhao, a candidate,

62
00:04:54,719 --> 00:04:57,360
ranked first in last year's
autumn examination in Qingcheng.

63
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He was thus recommended
to attend this year's spring examination.

64
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However, a local squire extorted him

65
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and took his candidature.

66
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Therefore,
he couldn't take part in the exam.

67
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He came to Huajing to file complaints

68
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and seek a legal remedy.

69
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However, his written complaint
met a dead end in the Inspectorate Office.

70
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Chen Houzhao was expelled by Her Highness

71
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via a boat.

72
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Somehow,

73
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it sank the moment it left Huajing.

74
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Chen Houzhao has been missing since then.

75
00:05:26,719 --> 00:05:30,400
This is an egregious matter

76
00:05:30,479 --> 00:05:32,760
and I hope Your Majesty
can launch an investigation.

77
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Pingyue.

78
00:05:38,960 --> 00:05:40,159
Any explanation?

79
00:05:42,159 --> 00:05:43,120
I…

80
00:05:45,479 --> 00:05:46,640
I'm wronged.

81
00:05:46,719 --> 00:05:49,440
Do you have any evidence?

82
00:05:49,520 --> 00:05:52,400
I have eyewitnesses

83
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who can be summoned at any time.

84
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He did come to lodge a complaint

85
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and I did receive his written complaint.

86
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However,
before I could launch the investigation,

87
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he left the capital.

88
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How could you say
that I forced him to leave?

89
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Enough.

90
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Mr. Wang is a senior official.

91
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He won't accuse you of wrongdoing lightly.

92
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Pingyue,

93
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come to Imperial Study
after the morning audience

94
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to explain everything to me.

95
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Yes, Your Majesty.

96
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Greetings, Father.

97
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Kneel.

98
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Tell me.

99
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Why did Chen Houzhao go missing?

100
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Is he dead?

101
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I don't know.

102
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I know what you're thinking about.

103
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Answer me.

104
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Why did you refuse to investigate
the imperial examination fraud?

105
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The Inspectorate Office isn't for a show.

106
00:07:13,880 --> 00:07:15,039
Chen Houzhao's case

107
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reflects the basis
of our talent-recruiting system.

108
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Wang Houwen accused you
of murdering Chen Houzhao.

109
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What do you have to say?

110
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I didn't kill him.

111
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This doesn't matter.

112
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Just tell me.

113
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Will you investigate
the imperial examination fraud?

114
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I'd love to,

115
00:07:36,599 --> 00:07:37,479
but…

116
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I'm too scared to do it.

117
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Too scared?

118
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What's the use
of the Inspectorate Office then?

119
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You're no longer
the Supervisor of the office.

120
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Resign voluntarily

121
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and recommend Prince Su
to take your position.

122
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Father, Prince Su is…

123
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Even if you don't resign,

124
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as the Supervisor
of the Inspectorate Office,

125
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you won't win the respect of others.

126
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Yes, Your Majesty.

127
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Stand up.

128
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You had a divorce recently.

129
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Use this opportunity to rest up

130
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and reflect upon yourself.

131
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Thank you for your generosity, Father.

132
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Your Majesty.

133
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<span style="style.default_1">I'll allow you to take care
of the Inspectorate Office for now.</span>

134
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<span style="style.default_1">Zhenzhen,
I hope this letter finds you well.</span>

135
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<span style="style.default_1">Looking at the sun and the moon,
my yearning for you grows infinite.</span>

136
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<span style="style.default_1">Rong told me
that you were doing well in the Northwest</span>

137
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<span style="style.default_1">and that you even earned
some military merits.</span>

138
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I'm so glad to hear that.

139
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<span style="style.default_1">Nevertheless, the battlefield
is a dangerous place.</span>

140
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Please take good care of yourself.

141
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I used to lament over my destiny.

142
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But now, I've realized

143
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that I have my loving sister

144
00:09:06,760 --> 00:09:07,959
and you whom I miss by my side.

145
00:09:09,000 --> 00:09:09,920
I'll be

146
00:09:10,760 --> 00:09:12,240
a coward no more for you.

147
00:09:14,240 --> 00:09:15,360
Zhenzhen,

148
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do you remember the promise we made?

149
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<span style="style.default_1">We promised that one day,
we would travel the world together.</span>

150
00:09:23,760 --> 00:09:25,560
To make this wish a reality…

151
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I'll forge on

152
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no matter how perilous the path ahead is.

153
00:09:31,040 --> 00:09:32,720
I hope that when we reunite,

154
00:09:33,439 --> 00:09:34,880
I can hold your hands

155
00:09:35,839 --> 00:09:38,560
and call you Zhenzhen…

156
00:09:38,640 --> 00:09:39,880
Rather than Xun Chuan.

157
00:09:40,360 --> 00:09:41,720
I hope all is well.

158
00:09:42,319 --> 00:09:43,280
Don't worry about me.

159
00:09:43,360 --> 00:09:44,439
From Li Chuan.

160
00:09:53,480 --> 00:09:55,319
His Highness is so romantic.

161
00:09:56,280 --> 00:09:58,040
How could you peek at me?

162
00:09:58,120 --> 00:09:59,920
You were so engrossed in your reading

163
00:10:00,000 --> 00:10:01,839
that you didn't notice
we were approaching.

164
00:10:04,000 --> 00:10:06,839
Jokes aside,

165
00:10:07,800 --> 00:10:09,480
it seems like things have been shaky

166
00:10:09,560 --> 00:10:10,640
at the imperial court.

167
00:10:12,240 --> 00:10:14,600
For a few months now,
His Highness' funds have slowed down.

168
00:10:15,120 --> 00:10:16,640
He must have faced many restrictions.

169
00:10:18,120 --> 00:10:19,079
Regardless,

170
00:10:19,640 --> 00:10:21,079
we must be on standby.

171
00:10:21,880 --> 00:10:23,079
When His Highness needs us,

172
00:10:24,199 --> 00:10:25,480
we will lend him our assistance.

173
00:10:26,720 --> 00:10:28,079
If that ever happens,

174
00:10:28,600 --> 00:10:30,480
it'll be the ultimate battle.

175
00:10:35,480 --> 00:10:36,600
I have faith in His Highness.

176
00:10:43,079 --> 00:10:44,040
Right.

177
00:10:44,120 --> 00:10:45,520
If one day,

178
00:10:45,600 --> 00:10:48,199
order has been restored
at the frontier and within the court,

179
00:10:48,280 --> 00:10:49,640
what will you do?

180
00:10:53,719 --> 00:10:55,120
I'll return to Jiulu Mountain

181
00:10:56,600 --> 00:10:58,719
and grow vegetables and flowers.

182
00:11:01,240 --> 00:11:02,640
I've lived there for many years.

183
00:11:03,719 --> 00:11:05,079
That's my home.

184
00:11:08,120 --> 00:11:09,000
What about you, Cui?

185
00:11:09,079 --> 00:11:10,000
I…

186
00:11:12,760 --> 00:11:15,439
You once told me
about your mother's life experience.

187
00:11:15,920 --> 00:11:18,120
It's the reason why
you aren't accepted by the Cui Family.

188
00:11:19,240 --> 00:11:20,600
It has bothered you for many years.

189
00:11:22,199 --> 00:11:23,120
I suppose

190
00:11:24,120 --> 00:11:25,520
you'll want to return to them.

191
00:11:30,959 --> 00:11:32,000
In the future,

192
00:11:32,480 --> 00:11:35,079
we'll trade military feats
for your family's acknowledgment.

193
00:11:41,880 --> 00:11:43,120
Your Highness,

194
00:11:43,199 --> 00:11:45,000
the previous
Supervisor of Inspectorate Office

195
00:11:45,079 --> 00:11:47,480
recommended Prince Su
to take over the office in this letter.

196
00:11:48,600 --> 00:11:49,760
You may leave now.

197
00:11:52,360 --> 00:11:54,040
Cui Yulang is so capable.

198
00:11:54,120 --> 00:11:56,360
One trick
and the Inspectorate Office is ours now.

199
00:11:57,360 --> 00:11:59,719
Why hasn't anyone
noticed his brilliance before?

200
00:12:00,360 --> 00:12:01,240
Mother,

201
00:12:02,000 --> 00:12:03,400
don't you think

202
00:12:04,120 --> 00:12:05,400
it's too good to be true?

203
00:12:07,760 --> 00:12:11,839
Cheng, you're overthinking it.

204
00:12:11,920 --> 00:12:13,760
Cheng is right.

205
00:12:15,199 --> 00:12:17,120
Everyone in this world,

206
00:12:17,880 --> 00:12:20,199
especially those at the imperial court,

207
00:12:21,199 --> 00:12:22,600
has their own consideration.

208
00:12:25,079 --> 00:12:28,439
We don't know
what Cui Yulang wants at the moment.

209
00:12:29,000 --> 00:12:32,560
However, he got us the Inspectorate Office

210
00:12:32,640 --> 00:12:34,480
and thus,
I shall acknowledge his ingenuity.

211
00:12:35,599 --> 00:12:37,360
Regardless of our stances,

212
00:12:38,120 --> 00:12:40,199
if it's a tool we can use,

213
00:12:40,280 --> 00:12:43,079
we shall use it to our advantage.

214
00:12:43,959 --> 00:12:45,000
In fact,

215
00:12:45,079 --> 00:12:49,240
Su Rongqing, Cui Yulang,
or the Inspectorate Office

216
00:12:49,319 --> 00:12:50,520
make no difference.

217
00:12:51,719 --> 00:12:53,680
Now that you have your father's support,

218
00:12:53,760 --> 00:12:54,680
the Inspectorate Office

219
00:12:55,439 --> 00:12:57,120
will be a lethal weapon.

220
00:12:57,599 --> 00:13:00,959
But it's a double-edged sword.

221
00:13:01,520 --> 00:13:02,360
If…

222
00:13:05,040 --> 00:13:06,360
If one day,

223
00:13:06,439 --> 00:13:09,560
it hurts us,

224
00:13:10,439 --> 00:13:12,800
what do we do, Mother?

225
00:13:15,520 --> 00:13:17,120
Cheng, you have grown up.

226
00:13:17,680 --> 00:13:20,120
You've learned
to think carefully before you act.

227
00:13:22,000 --> 00:13:23,280
But sometimes,

228
00:13:24,079 --> 00:13:25,640
we just have to do it with hope

229
00:13:26,640 --> 00:13:28,520
and try our best to achieve what we want.

230
00:13:29,480 --> 00:13:31,520
If we don't try,
we will never know the outcome.

231
00:13:31,599 --> 00:13:33,079
Before one learns to swim,

232
00:13:33,599 --> 00:13:35,000
one must first jump into the water.

233
00:13:35,079 --> 00:13:35,959
Don't you agree?

234
00:13:38,000 --> 00:13:40,040
As to how far we can go,

235
00:13:41,280 --> 00:13:42,360
only time will tell.

236
00:13:43,640 --> 00:13:46,079
WENXUAN'S ABODE

237
00:13:46,160 --> 00:13:49,199
So the Inspectorate Office
has a new supervisor now?

238
00:13:53,959 --> 00:13:55,319
It must be Li Rong's plan.

239
00:13:56,160 --> 00:13:58,160
<span style="style.default_1">She simply
let go of the Inspectorate Office</span>

240
00:13:58,839 --> 00:14:01,319
<span style="style.default_1">because His Majesty
only regarded her as a pawn.</span>

241
00:14:02,040 --> 00:14:04,079
<span style="style.default_1">If His Majesty
did care about her even just a little,</span>

242
00:14:04,839 --> 00:14:06,640
<span style="style.default_1">she wouldn't have lost
her position this soon.</span>

243
00:14:07,360 --> 00:14:10,199
<span style="style.default_1">Besides, she was even asked
to recommend Prince Su in person.</span>

244
00:14:14,160 --> 00:14:15,479
Prepare a robe for me.

245
00:14:16,040 --> 00:14:17,599
Make sure you fumigate it with incense.

246
00:14:17,680 --> 00:14:18,599
Sure.

247
00:14:26,160 --> 00:14:29,280
Sir, are you meeting someone for business

248
00:14:29,360 --> 00:14:30,439
or for love?

249
00:14:32,079 --> 00:14:33,240
Please don't behave like this.

250
00:14:33,319 --> 00:14:35,319
Her Highness said it’s not
that you can't go find her

251
00:14:35,400 --> 00:14:36,680
but that someone is watching.

252
00:14:38,880 --> 00:14:41,599
How confident are you regarding my plan?

253
00:14:42,560 --> 00:14:43,520
At this stage,

254
00:14:44,000 --> 00:14:46,400
while Consort Rou looks indifferent,

255
00:14:46,959 --> 00:14:48,880
I'm sure she has grown to trust me

256
00:14:48,959 --> 00:14:51,439
after I helped her
take over the Inspectorate Office.

257
00:14:55,920 --> 00:14:58,360
Since everything is in order now,

258
00:14:58,920 --> 00:15:01,240
I'll take my leave.

259
00:15:01,959 --> 00:15:02,800
All right.

260
00:15:16,280 --> 00:15:17,199
Jinglan.

261
00:15:18,199 --> 00:15:20,079
I'm tired. Prepare the bath.

262
00:15:20,640 --> 00:15:21,560
Yes, Your Highness.

263
00:15:28,680 --> 00:15:29,560
Hurry up.

264
00:15:30,400 --> 00:15:31,240
I heard echoes.

265
00:15:31,319 --> 00:15:32,560
Me too.

266
00:15:35,439 --> 00:15:36,439
Was I just hearing things?

267
00:15:36,520 --> 00:15:37,719
Yes.

268
00:15:39,560 --> 00:15:40,560
Hurry up.

269
00:15:45,760 --> 00:15:47,199
-Never mind that. Come on.
-All right.

270
00:15:57,359 --> 00:15:58,240
What happened?

271
00:15:58,319 --> 00:15:59,160
Mr. Cui?

272
00:15:59,240 --> 00:16:00,719
Cui Yulang?

273
00:16:00,800 --> 00:16:02,280
What are you doing here?

274
00:16:02,359 --> 00:16:04,120
Mr. Pei, what are you doing here?

275
00:16:04,199 --> 00:16:05,280
I'm going home.

276
00:16:05,839 --> 00:16:07,079
Me too.

277
00:16:07,599 --> 00:16:08,920
Screw you.

278
00:16:10,280 --> 00:16:11,240
Mr. Cui.

279
00:16:13,240 --> 00:16:14,319
Mr. Pei.

280
00:16:14,400 --> 00:16:15,240
Mr. Pei.

281
00:16:15,800 --> 00:16:17,719
Mr. Cui came for a serious meeting.

282
00:16:17,800 --> 00:16:19,199
Don't fight here

283
00:16:19,280 --> 00:16:20,680
or we'll alert the guards.

284
00:16:20,760 --> 00:16:21,680
A serious meeting?

285
00:16:25,479 --> 00:16:26,680
I misunderstood you.

286
00:16:26,760 --> 00:16:27,719
Is your eye all right?

287
00:16:27,800 --> 00:16:28,680
No!

288
00:16:28,760 --> 00:16:29,719
I'm fine.

289
00:16:29,800 --> 00:16:31,000
It's a misunderstanding.

290
00:16:31,640 --> 00:16:32,479
Mr. Yuan,

291
00:16:32,959 --> 00:16:35,000
why don't you help me go out first?

292
00:16:36,520 --> 00:16:37,920
Are you sure I didn't hurt you?

293
00:16:38,000 --> 00:16:40,040
Talk to you next time, Mr. Pei.

294
00:16:42,959 --> 00:16:43,880
Mr. Pei.

295
00:16:46,880 --> 00:16:48,599
Didn't you say that you were going home?

296
00:16:48,680 --> 00:16:49,719
By climbing the wall?

297
00:16:49,800 --> 00:16:51,439
What are you implying? Come down now.

298
00:16:59,079 --> 00:17:00,000
Where is Her Highness?

299
00:17:25,119 --> 00:17:26,159
Tell those two to leave.

300
00:17:29,080 --> 00:17:30,760
Her Highness
doesn't need any more service.

301
00:17:30,840 --> 00:17:31,760
You're dismissed.

302
00:17:31,840 --> 00:17:32,879
I'll stand guard here.

303
00:17:33,600 --> 00:17:34,560
-Yes.
-Yes.

304
00:18:04,760 --> 00:18:06,080
I snuck in here.

305
00:18:09,040 --> 00:18:10,159
What are you doing here?

306
00:18:10,720 --> 00:18:12,040
I missed you.

307
00:18:16,040 --> 00:18:17,760
Still, I must remind you

308
00:18:18,360 --> 00:18:19,240
to be extra vigilant.

309
00:18:19,320 --> 00:18:21,000
Consort Rou is keeping
a close watch on us.

310
00:18:21,639 --> 00:18:22,560
I know.

311
00:18:22,639 --> 00:18:24,159
I was being cautious when I came over.

312
00:18:24,240 --> 00:18:25,399
No one followed me.

313
00:18:26,320 --> 00:18:27,240
By the way,

314
00:18:28,040 --> 00:18:30,040
you did a lot of things recently

315
00:18:30,120 --> 00:18:32,000
just to let Consort Rou
take over the office?

316
00:18:35,159 --> 00:18:36,120
You must be exhausted.

317
00:18:36,679 --> 00:18:37,600
I'm fine.

318
00:18:43,480 --> 00:18:44,360
Did His Majesty

319
00:18:45,360 --> 00:18:46,679
ask you to recommend Prince Su?

320
00:18:52,840 --> 00:18:54,600
Don't be upset. It's a trivial matter.

321
00:18:54,679 --> 00:18:55,720
It'll be over soon.

322
00:19:01,760 --> 00:19:03,360
You came tonight because you thought

323
00:19:04,159 --> 00:19:06,159
I was upset as I lost my position

324
00:19:06,879 --> 00:19:08,159
and Father asked me

325
00:19:08,240 --> 00:19:10,240
to write a letter to recommend Prince Su

326
00:19:10,840 --> 00:19:11,919
personally?

327
00:19:13,399 --> 00:19:14,760
It's not just that.

328
00:19:15,760 --> 00:19:18,360
I punched Cui Yulang by the wall just now.

329
00:19:21,840 --> 00:19:23,399
I've got emotional damage.

330
00:19:23,480 --> 00:19:25,120
Shouldn't you offer me compensation?

331
00:19:28,760 --> 00:19:30,159
What compensation do you want?

332
00:19:35,440 --> 00:19:36,720
What about this?

333
00:19:39,120 --> 00:19:40,120
Like what?

334
00:19:43,760 --> 00:19:44,760
Like this?

335
00:19:47,120 --> 00:19:48,000
Not enough.

336
00:19:54,240 --> 00:19:55,120
Like this?

337
00:19:57,320 --> 00:19:58,399
Not enough.

338
00:20:26,800 --> 00:20:28,600
TAIJI HALL

339
00:20:28,679 --> 00:20:29,840
Last night,

340
00:20:29,919 --> 00:20:32,000
I received a memorial from Pingyue.

341
00:20:33,440 --> 00:20:36,240
She resigned as the Supervisor
of the Inspectorate Office

342
00:20:37,080 --> 00:20:39,879
and recommended Prince Su
to take her place.

343
00:20:41,480 --> 00:20:42,679
I thought it was a great idea.

344
00:20:43,280 --> 00:20:46,040
What do you think, everyone?

345
00:20:51,040 --> 00:20:52,120
They are all very calm.

346
00:20:52,720 --> 00:20:54,440
It seems like this is part of their plan.

347
00:20:59,560 --> 00:21:00,480
Your Majesty,

348
00:21:01,120 --> 00:21:02,960
may I know why Princess Pingyue

349
00:21:03,520 --> 00:21:05,280
resigned from her position?

350
00:21:06,639 --> 00:21:07,480
Prince Su is young.

351
00:21:07,560 --> 00:21:10,040
He might not
be able to take this position.

352
00:21:15,320 --> 00:21:16,360
Mr. Shangguan,

353
00:21:17,120 --> 00:21:18,399
while Cheng is young,

354
00:21:18,480 --> 00:21:19,879
he's a prince.

355
00:21:19,960 --> 00:21:21,520
He should be involved in state affairs.

356
00:21:22,040 --> 00:21:24,520
Running the Inspectorate Office

357
00:21:25,080 --> 00:21:26,560
will help him gain experience.

358
00:21:30,320 --> 00:21:31,280
Father.

359
00:21:32,200 --> 00:21:35,120
I've been feeling
under the weather lately.

360
00:21:35,200 --> 00:21:36,919
I can't serve you for the moment

361
00:21:37,440 --> 00:21:38,800
and I ask for your forgiveness.

362
00:21:39,440 --> 00:21:40,360
It's all right.

363
00:21:41,919 --> 00:21:44,280
You're a woman after all.

364
00:21:46,240 --> 00:21:48,080
It's good for you
to resign and refine yourself.

365
00:21:48,800 --> 00:21:49,679
Your Majesty.

366
00:21:50,200 --> 00:21:51,879
Prince Su is simply too young.

367
00:21:52,439 --> 00:21:55,000
It might not be a good idea
to let His Highness

368
00:21:55,080 --> 00:21:56,520
take over such an important position.

369
00:21:56,600 --> 00:21:58,040
You do make some sense.

370
00:21:59,600 --> 00:22:00,520
How about this?

371
00:22:01,159 --> 00:22:02,280
Consort Rou

372
00:22:03,320 --> 00:22:04,360
will assist Prince Su

373
00:22:04,919 --> 00:22:06,120
in tandem.

374
00:22:09,480 --> 00:22:10,600
Your Majesty.

375
00:22:12,280 --> 00:22:14,760
Consort Rou
is just a consort in the harem.

376
00:22:15,240 --> 00:22:17,439
She can't meddle in state affairs.

377
00:22:18,000 --> 00:22:20,159
It's Pingyue's first time
dealing with state affairs,

378
00:22:20,240 --> 00:22:21,720
but she has performed masterfully.

379
00:22:22,280 --> 00:22:24,000
Were it not for her poor health,

380
00:22:24,080 --> 00:22:25,879
I'd love to let her continue.

381
00:22:26,560 --> 00:22:27,600
Your Majesty!

382
00:22:29,439 --> 00:22:31,040
-Your Majesty.
-What's the hurry?

383
00:22:31,679 --> 00:22:32,760
-Bad news.
-Speak.

384
00:22:32,840 --> 00:22:34,520
A group of scholars and some other men

385
00:22:34,600 --> 00:22:35,679
blocked the palace gate.

386
00:22:35,760 --> 00:22:36,919
They claimed that their spots

387
00:22:37,000 --> 00:22:39,879
for the imperial examination
had been stolen and they wanted justice.

388
00:22:40,520 --> 00:22:41,679
What is happening?

389
00:22:41,760 --> 00:22:42,879
Those scholars said

390
00:22:42,960 --> 00:22:44,840
they had passed the prefectural exams

391
00:22:44,919 --> 00:22:46,760
and were supposed to attend
the spring examination in Huajing,

392
00:22:46,840 --> 00:22:48,600
but someone took their spots.

393
00:22:48,679 --> 00:22:50,000
Therefore, they came to Huajing

394
00:22:50,080 --> 00:22:51,720
to voice their grievances to Your Majesty.

395
00:22:51,800 --> 00:22:53,080
They are now kneeling outside,

396
00:22:53,159 --> 00:22:54,399
waiting for a word from you.

397
00:22:54,480 --> 00:22:56,040
-You may leave.
-Yes, Your Majesty.

398
00:23:00,520 --> 00:23:01,639
Who among you

399
00:23:02,240 --> 00:23:05,800
would like to handle this case?

400
00:23:13,520 --> 00:23:14,399
Your Majesty,

401
00:23:14,919 --> 00:23:17,080
I'd like to handle this case.

402
00:23:22,360 --> 00:23:23,240
Official Pei,

403
00:23:23,320 --> 00:23:25,600
you only became
the Vice Minister of Personnel recently.

404
00:23:25,679 --> 00:23:27,120
You might not be experienced enough

405
00:23:27,200 --> 00:23:28,760
for a case like this.

406
00:23:29,399 --> 00:23:30,360
Your Majesty,

407
00:23:31,200 --> 00:23:32,840
while I'm certainly inexperienced,

408
00:23:32,919 --> 00:23:34,879
my determination makes up for it.

409
00:23:35,919 --> 00:23:37,280
I come from a modest background.

410
00:23:37,760 --> 00:23:39,000
I can't bear to see that

411
00:23:39,080 --> 00:23:40,800
the opportunities
these scholars should enjoy

412
00:23:40,879 --> 00:23:42,560
were taken away from them.

413
00:23:43,679 --> 00:23:45,360
Therefore, I implore you to allow me

414
00:23:46,000 --> 00:23:47,600
to handle this case.

415
00:23:48,840 --> 00:23:49,679
I'll make sure

416
00:23:50,200 --> 00:23:52,080
that justice is served.

417
00:23:57,760 --> 00:23:58,879
You're too young.

418
00:23:59,800 --> 00:24:03,000
Even if you have the determination,
you might not be able to handle it.

419
00:24:05,760 --> 00:24:07,240
I agree with you, Your Majesty.

420
00:24:09,360 --> 00:24:11,040
Mr. Pei is inexperienced.

421
00:24:11,120 --> 00:24:12,639
Since this is a serious matter,

422
00:24:13,480 --> 00:24:15,200
why don't we
let the Crown Prince handle it?

423
00:24:15,280 --> 00:24:17,439
Mr. Pei can assist His Highness.

424
00:24:18,639 --> 00:24:21,120
What do you think, Mr. Pei?

425
00:24:22,240 --> 00:24:24,439
<span style="style.default_1">He's trying to back Chuan
into a corner with no way out.</span>

426
00:24:31,399 --> 00:24:34,080
Your Majesty, His Highness is busy.

427
00:24:35,480 --> 00:24:36,800
He will eventually delegate

428
00:24:36,879 --> 00:24:39,919
the task to his subordinate.

429
00:24:43,879 --> 00:24:46,360
If you can let me handle this matter,

430
00:24:46,439 --> 00:24:47,879
I'll do my best to resolve it.

431
00:24:48,439 --> 00:24:49,600
I agree with Mr. Pei.

432
00:24:53,320 --> 00:24:54,280
Father,

433
00:24:54,360 --> 00:24:56,760
it's not a very serious matter.

434
00:24:57,320 --> 00:24:59,439
The imperial examination
is an educational assessment.

435
00:24:59,520 --> 00:25:02,800
Compared to the disasters
or conflicts on the border,

436
00:25:02,879 --> 00:25:03,960
it's insignificant.

437
00:25:04,560 --> 00:25:06,439
Mr. Pei is a fourth-ranked vice minister.

438
00:25:06,520 --> 00:25:08,360
He has more than enough capacity

439
00:25:08,439 --> 00:25:09,600
to handle this case.

440
00:25:10,159 --> 00:25:12,360
Why don't we let Mr. Pei

441
00:25:12,439 --> 00:25:14,520
handle this matter?

442
00:25:15,080 --> 00:25:16,120
I beg to differ.

443
00:25:16,760 --> 00:25:19,679
The imperial examination is the system
by which we select future officials.

444
00:25:19,760 --> 00:25:20,960
It's of paramount importance.

445
00:25:21,040 --> 00:25:22,879
Someone abused the system

446
00:25:22,960 --> 00:25:24,320
on a national level.

447
00:25:24,399 --> 00:25:26,480
If His Highness
doesn't address the issue in person,

448
00:25:26,560 --> 00:25:28,520
the people won't be appeased.

449
00:25:29,720 --> 00:25:30,679
I beg to differ.

450
00:25:30,760 --> 00:25:31,840
Your Majesty.

451
00:25:36,560 --> 00:25:39,159
Why don't you let Prince Su handle this?

452
00:25:42,720 --> 00:25:44,679
<span style="style.default_1">This is a ruse
to get rid of the Crown Prince.</span>

453
00:25:44,760 --> 00:25:46,240
Why is she so eager?

454
00:25:47,000 --> 00:25:47,919
Your Majesty,

455
00:25:48,760 --> 00:25:50,840
I heard that Princess Pingyue

456
00:25:50,919 --> 00:25:53,439
recommended Cheng to be
the Supervisor of the Inspectorate Office.

457
00:25:54,000 --> 00:25:55,280
While Cheng is young,

458
00:25:55,360 --> 00:25:57,080
he wants to lighten your burden too.

459
00:25:57,639 --> 00:25:59,159
If none of you can come to a consensus

460
00:25:59,639 --> 00:26:01,320
regarding this matter,

461
00:26:01,800 --> 00:26:04,080
why don't we let this
be a test of Cheng's abilities?

462
00:26:04,840 --> 00:26:07,159
I'll accompany him
to meet with those scholars

463
00:26:07,639 --> 00:26:09,760
to hear their plea.

464
00:26:12,320 --> 00:26:13,760
You're righteous, Consort Rou.

465
00:26:14,560 --> 00:26:16,639
Prince Su
is part of the imperial bloodline.

466
00:26:16,720 --> 00:26:18,280
If he's running the Inspectorate Office,

467
00:26:18,840 --> 00:26:21,240
he's the best candidate

468
00:26:21,320 --> 00:26:22,639
to handle this case.

469
00:26:23,280 --> 00:26:25,919
-You're righteous, Consort Rou.
-You're righteous, Consort Rou.

470
00:26:26,000 --> 00:26:28,439
-You're righteous, Prince Su.
-You're righteous, Prince Su.

471
00:26:28,520 --> 00:26:29,679
This is decided then.

472
00:26:30,840 --> 00:26:32,679
Consort Rou is digging her own grave.

473
00:26:46,399 --> 00:26:48,159
You may air

474
00:26:48,879 --> 00:26:50,720
your grievances to Prince Su.

475
00:26:51,199 --> 00:26:53,600
He will surely seek justice for you.

476
00:26:53,679 --> 00:26:54,800
Your Highness,

477
00:26:54,879 --> 00:26:56,000
I'm Wen Xingzhi.

478
00:26:56,760 --> 00:26:59,360
We have three demands.

479
00:26:59,960 --> 00:27:01,159
One,

480
00:27:01,240 --> 00:27:02,800
identify the culprit

481
00:27:02,879 --> 00:27:04,280
behind our stolen candidatures

482
00:27:04,360 --> 00:27:05,240
and give us justice.

483
00:27:05,800 --> 00:27:06,760
Of course.

484
00:27:07,480 --> 00:27:09,760
I'm here with Prince Su

485
00:27:09,840 --> 00:27:11,159
for this matter precisely.

486
00:27:11,240 --> 00:27:12,080
Two,

487
00:27:12,560 --> 00:27:15,919
add a palace examination this year,

488
00:27:16,520 --> 00:27:18,040
invigilated by His Majesty

489
00:27:18,120 --> 00:27:20,040
so that no one can abuse their power

490
00:27:20,120 --> 00:27:21,000
and cheat.

491
00:27:28,760 --> 00:27:29,840
Three,

492
00:27:29,919 --> 00:27:31,639
take the imperial examination

493
00:27:31,720 --> 00:27:34,679
as the sole means to select officials

494
00:27:34,760 --> 00:27:37,000
and abolish the traditional nomination
by noble families

495
00:27:37,080 --> 00:27:38,240
for a fairer system.

496
00:27:38,320 --> 00:27:39,760
How preposterous.

497
00:27:39,840 --> 00:27:40,960
How ridiculous.

498
00:27:45,639 --> 00:27:46,520
Great job.

499
00:27:48,199 --> 00:27:49,639
Likewise.

500
00:27:52,000 --> 00:27:53,320
You scoundrel.

501
00:27:53,399 --> 00:27:55,560
Isn't this too much to avenge the loss

502
00:27:55,639 --> 00:27:56,639
of my position?

503
00:27:59,159 --> 00:28:01,600
Your Highness, you're here today,

504
00:28:01,679 --> 00:28:05,040
so you must have decided
to help poor scholars like us.

505
00:28:06,639 --> 00:28:09,280
We have been studying for decades

506
00:28:09,360 --> 00:28:10,840
and we shoulder our family's hopes

507
00:28:10,919 --> 00:28:12,520
just to become an official.

508
00:28:13,080 --> 00:28:15,360
To pay for my tuition, my father refuses

509
00:28:15,919 --> 00:28:16,760
to treat his sickness

510
00:28:17,240 --> 00:28:18,159
or eat staple food.

511
00:28:18,240 --> 00:28:19,960
I finally became a recommended student,

512
00:28:20,040 --> 00:28:21,000
yet my decade-long dream

513
00:28:21,080 --> 00:28:24,679
was destroyed within a night.

514
00:28:24,760 --> 00:28:25,879
Prince Su and I

515
00:28:26,439 --> 00:28:29,439
will get to the bottom of this.

516
00:28:30,840 --> 00:28:33,080
However,
the appointment of court officials

517
00:28:33,159 --> 00:28:34,240
has nothing to do with this.

518
00:28:34,320 --> 00:28:35,679
How can you say that?

519
00:28:37,560 --> 00:28:38,760
Mr. Pei.

520
00:28:40,159 --> 00:28:41,760
The leader, Wen Xingzhi,

521
00:28:41,840 --> 00:28:43,120
is your man, isn't he?

522
00:28:48,600 --> 00:28:50,120
What are you talking about, Mr. Su?

523
00:28:50,840 --> 00:28:51,840
I don't understand.

524
00:28:52,399 --> 00:28:55,080
The imperial examination is set up
to recruit more talented people,

525
00:28:55,159 --> 00:28:57,760
yet the imperial court is filled
with members of the noble families

526
00:28:57,840 --> 00:28:59,320
who collude with one another,

527
00:28:59,399 --> 00:29:00,600
which puts the court at stake.

528
00:29:00,679 --> 00:29:01,639
How dare you!

529
00:29:02,560 --> 00:29:04,560
This is no place
for such baseless accusations

530
00:29:04,639 --> 00:29:05,560
from you rascals!

531
00:29:05,639 --> 00:29:06,800
Someone!

532
00:29:06,879 --> 00:29:07,919
What are you doing here?

533
00:29:08,399 --> 00:29:10,360
Are you going to kill us to silence us?

534
00:29:10,919 --> 00:29:11,760
Your Highness,

535
00:29:11,840 --> 00:29:13,760
is this the justice you promised us?

536
00:29:16,919 --> 00:29:17,879
Back off.

537
00:29:22,439 --> 00:29:23,360
Everyone.

538
00:29:24,080 --> 00:29:25,199
This is a serious matter.

539
00:29:25,760 --> 00:29:27,240
Please stand up.

540
00:29:27,320 --> 00:29:29,280
We'll handle your affairs one by one.

541
00:29:29,360 --> 00:29:31,520
When, Your Highness?

542
00:29:33,199 --> 00:29:34,639
Are you planning

543
00:29:34,720 --> 00:29:36,439
to make another plan

544
00:29:36,520 --> 00:29:37,720
after you calm us down?

545
00:29:46,720 --> 00:29:47,879
Truth be told,

546
00:29:49,600 --> 00:29:51,159
I too come from a modest background.

547
00:29:53,360 --> 00:29:54,520
When I was little,

548
00:29:55,760 --> 00:29:57,679
my father sold me to the palace

549
00:29:58,600 --> 00:30:00,159
for two silver taels.

550
00:30:01,199 --> 00:30:02,600
I've gone through

551
00:30:03,439 --> 00:30:04,760
the same tough times as you.

552
00:30:05,320 --> 00:30:06,399
In fact,

553
00:30:06,480 --> 00:30:07,800
as a woman,

554
00:30:07,879 --> 00:30:10,919
I might have suffered more than you did.

555
00:30:11,560 --> 00:30:13,000
Please rest assured.

556
00:30:14,000 --> 00:30:15,199
I'll give you justice

557
00:30:15,280 --> 00:30:17,560
even if it costs my life.

558
00:30:18,120 --> 00:30:21,399
I'll handle your case one by one.

559
00:30:21,480 --> 00:30:22,959
This isn't an empty promise.

560
00:30:23,520 --> 00:30:24,520
Please believe me.

561
00:30:25,080 --> 00:30:26,080
Stand up, please.

562
00:30:29,199 --> 00:30:30,120
Mr. Pei.

563
00:30:30,679 --> 00:30:32,240
I'm a subordinate of Eunuch Fu Lai

564
00:30:32,320 --> 00:30:33,480
and I came bearing a message.

565
00:30:33,560 --> 00:30:35,000
His Majesty wants to see you.

566
00:30:39,959 --> 00:30:42,159
All right. I'll go at once.

567
00:30:46,600 --> 00:30:47,480
Your Highness.

568
00:30:49,199 --> 00:30:50,439
Speak.

569
00:30:52,520 --> 00:30:53,639
Just speak frankly.

570
00:30:54,199 --> 00:30:57,520
His Majesty wants you to hand over
the official seal of Inspectorate Office.

571
00:30:58,720 --> 00:31:00,199
Thank you for your trust.

572
00:31:00,280 --> 00:31:02,080
Please give me some time.

573
00:31:02,159 --> 00:31:03,879
You will hear from me soon.

574
00:31:03,959 --> 00:31:05,360
-Prince Su and I
-Here you go.

575
00:31:05,439 --> 00:31:07,080
will relay this
to His Majesty immediately.

576
00:31:11,360 --> 00:31:12,919
Tell Cui Yulang to see me later.

577
00:31:14,600 --> 00:31:17,000
This is to declare war
on the noble families.

578
00:31:17,080 --> 00:31:18,720
You're asking us to get ourselves killed!

579
00:31:19,879 --> 00:31:21,280
What is happening?

580
00:31:21,360 --> 00:31:23,080
Why is reform being raised here?

581
00:31:25,199 --> 00:31:26,560
I believe

582
00:31:26,639 --> 00:31:28,360
this is a perfect opportunity

583
00:31:29,439 --> 00:31:30,840
for you, Your Highness.

584
00:31:31,760 --> 00:31:34,639
Did you know this would happen,
Your Highness?

585
00:31:36,720 --> 00:31:37,600
No.

586
00:31:39,600 --> 00:31:41,800
What did you tell Consort Rou?

587
00:31:43,280 --> 00:31:45,240
After His Majesty's accession,

588
00:31:45,320 --> 00:31:47,040
he's often restricted
by the noble families

589
00:31:47,679 --> 00:31:50,919
and he has long wanted to get rid of them.

590
00:31:51,760 --> 00:31:53,120
His Majesty has anticipated

591
00:31:53,199 --> 00:31:55,280
the current circumstances for many years.

592
00:31:56,080 --> 00:31:57,280
I believe

593
00:31:57,840 --> 00:32:00,679
it provides the best opportunity
to win His Majesty's support

594
00:32:00,760 --> 00:32:03,280
and to eliminate the Crown Prince.

595
00:32:05,280 --> 00:32:06,760
It's easier said than done.

596
00:32:10,719 --> 00:32:11,879
It's not convincing enough.

597
00:32:13,080 --> 00:32:15,000
Even I think that it's too aggressive.

598
00:32:15,080 --> 00:32:16,360
Later,

599
00:32:16,439 --> 00:32:17,879
I told them this.

600
00:32:18,439 --> 00:32:19,520
It's very simple.

601
00:32:20,480 --> 00:32:21,399
It all depends

602
00:32:21,480 --> 00:32:23,480
on whether His Majesty
will see Consort Rou or not.

603
00:32:23,959 --> 00:32:25,719
If he comes to her and supports her,

604
00:32:25,800 --> 00:32:27,360
it means His Majesty wants her to do it.

605
00:32:28,000 --> 00:32:28,919
If not,

606
00:32:29,760 --> 00:32:30,639
I suggested

607
00:32:30,719 --> 00:32:31,760
Consort Rou and Prince Su

608
00:32:31,840 --> 00:32:33,719
voice their difficulties
in front of His Majesty

609
00:32:34,360 --> 00:32:35,320
and ask for resignation.

610
00:32:35,399 --> 00:32:39,159
It'll minimize
the damage done to Prince Su.

611
00:32:39,800 --> 00:32:42,199
However,
the task will fall on Pei Wenxuan.

612
00:32:45,120 --> 00:32:47,760
Your logic is sound.

613
00:32:49,080 --> 00:32:51,520
Consort Rou
cares too much about His Majesty.

614
00:32:52,199 --> 00:32:53,480
If His Majesty consoles her,

615
00:32:53,560 --> 00:32:55,040
she will take up this task for him.

616
00:32:57,760 --> 00:32:59,840
I know what to do now.

617
00:33:00,399 --> 00:33:02,280
I should take my leave then.

618
00:33:07,080 --> 00:33:08,080
Jinglan,

619
00:33:08,879 --> 00:33:11,240
tell Wenxuan that I'm coming over.

620
00:33:12,080 --> 00:33:13,000
Yes, Your Highness.

621
00:33:15,360 --> 00:33:18,240
-Greetings, Your Highnesses.
-Greetings, Your Highnesses.

622
00:33:21,480 --> 00:33:23,800
Your Highnesses,

623
00:33:23,879 --> 00:33:25,520
should I recuse myself?

624
00:33:25,600 --> 00:33:27,760
You're the Deputy Supervisor
of Inspectorate Office.

625
00:33:27,840 --> 00:33:29,120
You should be here to assist us.

626
00:33:29,199 --> 00:33:30,560
Stay here and hear their plea.

627
00:33:31,159 --> 00:33:32,360
Yes, Your Highness.

628
00:33:32,439 --> 00:33:34,879
Ask them to come here one by one
to recount their story.

629
00:33:37,439 --> 00:33:38,800
Summon the scholars.

630
00:33:40,719 --> 00:33:42,320
Your Highnesses,

631
00:33:42,399 --> 00:33:43,760
I'm Chen Qimai

632
00:33:43,840 --> 00:33:44,959
from Jiangshan County.

633
00:34:06,080 --> 00:34:08,000
Wen Xingzhi, you may voice

634
00:34:08,080 --> 00:34:11,040
your grievances
to Prince Su and Consort Rou.

635
00:34:11,120 --> 00:34:12,560
Your Highnesses,

636
00:34:12,639 --> 00:34:14,480
my exam candidature was stolen.

637
00:34:14,560 --> 00:34:16,360
It's just a trivial matter.

638
00:34:16,440 --> 00:34:18,159
Commoners like us hope

639
00:34:18,239 --> 00:34:20,159
that we can use this opportunity to reform

640
00:34:21,239 --> 00:34:22,600
the selection system for officials.

641
00:34:24,360 --> 00:34:25,920
While we commoners can become officials

642
00:34:26,000 --> 00:34:28,159
through the current system,

643
00:34:28,239 --> 00:34:29,639
the position assigned to us

644
00:34:30,360 --> 00:34:32,159
is insignificant.

645
00:34:41,199 --> 00:34:42,400
I must say,

646
00:34:42,480 --> 00:34:45,679
Mr. Pei's plan is ingenious.

647
00:34:46,400 --> 00:34:48,360
Do you remember Lin Feibai?

648
00:34:48,440 --> 00:34:50,159
The illegitimate child of the Xie Family?

649
00:34:50,239 --> 00:34:51,080
Yes.

650
00:34:51,159 --> 00:34:54,000
He's serving in the military at the border
and has earned military merits.

651
00:34:54,080 --> 00:34:55,000
He's returning soon.

652
00:34:55,080 --> 00:34:56,679
If he's allowed back into the Xie Family,

653
00:34:56,759 --> 00:34:58,400
it'd truly be a miraculous change of fate.

654
00:34:58,480 --> 00:35:01,040
It's not going to be easy
to be accepted by the Xie Family.

655
00:35:02,720 --> 00:35:03,920
After Xie Lanqing was exiled,

656
00:35:04,000 --> 00:35:06,360
his third brother, Xie Chunhe,
is now the head of the family.

657
00:35:06,440 --> 00:35:09,319
Xie Chunhe looks affable,

658
00:35:09,880 --> 00:35:12,000
but in reality, he's a vicious man.

659
00:35:12,480 --> 00:35:14,080
When Xie Lanqing was still here,

660
00:35:14,160 --> 00:35:15,799
Xie Chunhe was the mastermind

661
00:35:15,880 --> 00:35:17,520
behind the Xie Family's many plans,

662
00:35:18,120 --> 00:35:19,839
including the assassination
of Her Highness.

663
00:35:19,920 --> 00:35:20,759
Did he really do it?

664
00:35:21,720 --> 00:35:23,279
Many years ago,

665
00:35:23,360 --> 00:35:26,000
I was once Xie Chunhe's gaming partner.

666
00:35:27,319 --> 00:35:29,279
We played card games
for ten days consecutively

667
00:35:29,360 --> 00:35:30,759
and I had never lost once.

668
00:35:31,520 --> 00:35:33,560
Then he lost his temper.

669
00:35:34,200 --> 00:35:37,640
He flipped the table,
hit his attendant, and slapped his maid.

670
00:35:38,360 --> 00:35:40,040
I couldn't stand it, so I left right away.

671
00:35:40,120 --> 00:35:41,880
I'm the eldest son of the Su Family,

672
00:35:41,960 --> 00:35:43,279
so he wouldn't dare to harm me.

673
00:35:43,360 --> 00:35:44,240
Later,

674
00:35:44,720 --> 00:35:47,680
I heard that the attendant
and the maid who dealt cards

675
00:35:47,759 --> 00:35:49,080
both disappeared.

676
00:35:49,160 --> 00:35:50,279
You mean…

677
00:35:52,640 --> 00:35:55,400
Xie Chunhe is a ruthless man.

678
00:35:56,120 --> 00:35:57,160
In the Qin Family's case,

679
00:35:57,240 --> 00:35:59,240
the Xie Family
suffered a loss from Her Highness.

680
00:35:59,319 --> 00:36:01,440
Knowing Xie Chunhe's character,

681
00:36:01,520 --> 00:36:02,960
he will return twice the humiliation.

682
00:36:06,120 --> 00:36:07,040
What's on your mind?

683
00:36:17,120 --> 00:36:18,040
I was thinking…

684
00:36:19,080 --> 00:36:20,120
I was thinking

685
00:36:20,200 --> 00:36:22,440
that you actually won Xie Chunhe
for ten consecutive days.

686
00:36:23,880 --> 00:36:25,839
You always won too
when we played together.

687
00:36:26,400 --> 00:36:27,440
Do you have a trick or two?

688
00:36:27,520 --> 00:36:29,040
Of course.

689
00:36:29,600 --> 00:36:30,680
I knew it.

690
00:36:30,759 --> 00:36:31,839
Tell me.

691
00:36:31,920 --> 00:36:32,920
Do you want to know?

692
00:36:33,560 --> 00:36:35,040
Don't be cryptic. Tell me.

693
00:36:36,799 --> 00:36:37,720
This is my trick.

694
00:36:38,880 --> 00:36:39,839
What is this?

695
00:36:39,920 --> 00:36:40,960
My lucky dice.

696
00:36:42,240 --> 00:36:43,640
I've been keeping it by my side.

697
00:36:43,720 --> 00:36:44,920
As long as I have it,

698
00:36:45,000 --> 00:36:46,640
I win every gamble.

699
00:36:46,720 --> 00:36:47,600
Is it that powerful?

700
00:36:50,799 --> 00:36:52,880
Now that the Inspectorate Office
has a new supervisor,

701
00:36:52,960 --> 00:36:55,160
the future will only grow more unstable.

702
00:36:56,920 --> 00:36:58,960
I don't know what the future holds,

703
00:36:59,040 --> 00:37:00,680
but one thing is for sure.

704
00:37:01,440 --> 00:37:02,640
Her Highness and you

705
00:37:02,720 --> 00:37:04,600
will need luck on your side.

706
00:37:05,319 --> 00:37:06,240
Here. Take this.

707
00:37:06,880 --> 00:37:08,960
May the odds

708
00:37:09,040 --> 00:37:10,480
be in your favor

709
00:37:10,560 --> 00:37:11,560
in the future.

710
00:37:11,640 --> 00:37:13,279
I'll gladly accept it.

711
00:37:13,920 --> 00:37:15,720
Thank you for the lucky dice.

712
00:37:20,440 --> 00:37:21,520
A toast to you.

713
00:37:21,600 --> 00:37:22,520
Cheers.

714
00:37:22,600 --> 00:37:24,480
WENXUAN'S ABODE

715
00:37:30,759 --> 00:37:32,200
Where are you going?

716
00:37:38,359 --> 00:37:39,799
Sir, there's a…

717
00:37:40,759 --> 00:37:41,960
Your Highness.

718
00:37:43,040 --> 00:37:44,440
Your Highness, when did you arrive?

719
00:37:45,080 --> 00:37:46,960
Sir, Her Highness is here.

720
00:37:47,759 --> 00:37:49,040
You must have waited for ages.

721
00:37:49,120 --> 00:37:51,040
Let me get you some water.

722
00:37:53,319 --> 00:37:54,480
The carriage is ready.

723
00:37:54,560 --> 00:37:55,880
We can set off at any time.

724
00:37:56,359 --> 00:37:57,359
I'm not going.

725
00:37:58,319 --> 00:37:59,279
No?

726
00:38:03,080 --> 00:38:04,080
Right.

727
00:38:04,160 --> 00:38:05,319
We're not going anywhere.

728
00:38:05,960 --> 00:38:07,759
I'll tell them to dismiss.

729
00:38:12,759 --> 00:38:13,759
I came

730
00:38:14,520 --> 00:38:15,920
because I have some questions

731
00:38:16,520 --> 00:38:18,160
for you, Mr. Pei.

732
00:38:32,319 --> 00:38:33,160
What are you doing?

733
00:38:37,680 --> 00:38:38,839
Sorry, I made a mistake.

734
00:38:41,839 --> 00:38:42,759
Yes.

735
00:38:43,440 --> 00:38:45,200
I want to reform the selection system.

736
00:38:46,680 --> 00:38:48,400
I know Su Rongqing wants to use this case

737
00:38:48,480 --> 00:38:50,200
to put the Crown Prince on the spot.

738
00:38:50,759 --> 00:38:52,120
And knowing His Highness,

739
00:38:52,200 --> 00:38:53,520
he will surely accept the case.

740
00:38:55,160 --> 00:38:57,000
But regardless,
he will come out with a loss.

741
00:38:59,040 --> 00:39:02,040
That's why I told His Majesty
about this case in advance.

742
00:39:03,000 --> 00:39:04,240
We discussed and agreed

743
00:39:04,319 --> 00:39:06,520
to use this case to launch a reform.

744
00:39:07,480 --> 00:39:08,600
How ridiculous.

745
00:39:09,560 --> 00:39:11,520
The demands you asked them to make today

746
00:39:11,600 --> 00:39:13,480
can't be achieved
even given hundreds of years.

747
00:39:24,279 --> 00:39:25,680
-Get up.
-No.

748
00:39:27,400 --> 00:39:28,520
Unless…

749
00:39:30,480 --> 00:39:31,640
Unless you stay here tonight.

750
00:39:32,279 --> 00:39:33,279
I want you to get up now.

751
00:39:33,359 --> 00:39:34,920
-Don't talk back.
-No.

752
00:39:37,319 --> 00:39:38,240
Get up.

753
00:39:42,080 --> 00:39:43,839
Do you think that after our divorce,

754
00:39:43,920 --> 00:39:45,839
whatever happens to you won't affect me?

755
00:39:47,080 --> 00:39:48,759
If Consort Rou didn't show up today,

756
00:39:48,839 --> 00:39:50,720
would you have accepted the case?

757
00:39:52,120 --> 00:39:53,080
Fine.

758
00:39:53,640 --> 00:39:56,200
If you handled it well,
then all would be good.

759
00:39:56,279 --> 00:39:58,080
What if you didn't? What would happen?

760
00:39:59,960 --> 00:40:03,000
Have you forgotten how difficult it was
for you and Chuan to launch the reform?

761
00:40:04,759 --> 00:40:06,319
If you corner the noble families

762
00:40:06,400 --> 00:40:08,160
and they fight back,
what will happen to you?

763
00:40:09,920 --> 00:40:11,120
Your Highness.

764
00:40:12,759 --> 00:40:14,440
All the great changes in this world

765
00:40:14,520 --> 00:40:15,880
come with a price.

766
00:40:15,960 --> 00:40:17,080
What price?

767
00:40:17,160 --> 00:40:18,440
Your life?

768
00:40:18,920 --> 00:40:21,040
Are you my tactician or my cannon fodder?

769
00:40:21,120 --> 00:40:22,680
Does your life mean nothing?

770
00:40:23,680 --> 00:40:25,359
I didn't say I'd sacrifice myself.

771
00:40:25,440 --> 00:40:27,920
If you don't care about your life,
why bother becoming my spouse?

772
00:40:29,920 --> 00:40:32,480
-I'm still fine right now.
-I don't care.

773
00:40:32,560 --> 00:40:34,680
Did you ask for my opinion
before you took the risk?

774
00:40:34,759 --> 00:40:36,920
Do you think that your survival
doesn't matter to me

775
00:40:37,000 --> 00:40:38,640
or that I don't care about you?

776
00:40:41,839 --> 00:40:43,240
Answer me.

777
00:40:48,080 --> 00:40:49,680
Listen up, Pei Wenxuan.

778
00:40:50,759 --> 00:40:53,160
Your life isn't just yours.

779
00:40:54,560 --> 00:40:55,759
You're my husband

780
00:40:56,240 --> 00:40:57,600
and the father of my future child.

781
00:40:58,960 --> 00:41:00,920
Even for the sake of me and us,

782
00:41:01,440 --> 00:41:02,839
you should have told me everything.

783
00:41:02,920 --> 00:41:04,279
Don't laugh.

784
00:41:06,080 --> 00:41:07,560
If you can't do that,

785
00:41:09,120 --> 00:41:10,200
I…

786
00:41:10,880 --> 00:41:12,359
How annoying.

787
00:41:15,920 --> 00:41:16,880
Rong.

788
00:41:17,600 --> 00:41:18,680
Rong.

789
00:41:18,759 --> 00:41:19,600
Don't be angry.

790
00:41:20,200 --> 00:41:21,200
I'm sorry.

791
00:41:21,920 --> 00:41:22,920
I'm sorry.

792
00:41:23,839 --> 00:41:25,120
If you died because of this,

793
00:41:25,200 --> 00:41:26,480
what would I do?

794
00:41:27,040 --> 00:41:28,240
Don't worry. I'll be fine.

795
00:41:29,359 --> 00:41:30,480
I won't do this again.

796
00:41:30,560 --> 00:41:31,480
I won't make you worry.

797
00:41:32,120 --> 00:41:33,600
I'll tell you everything.

798
00:41:35,120 --> 00:41:36,040
Don't be mad.

799
00:41:41,520 --> 00:41:44,160
How did you come in here?

800
00:41:47,200 --> 00:41:49,200
Even now, you're thinking
about this stupid question?

801
00:41:50,560 --> 00:41:51,640
How did you come in here?

802
00:41:52,960 --> 00:41:54,200
Like this.

803
00:41:56,440 --> 00:41:57,640
Did you climb the wall?

804
00:42:03,080 --> 00:42:05,560
But the next door…

805
00:42:06,120 --> 00:42:07,160
I bought it.

806
00:42:16,359 --> 00:42:17,279
Go back then.

807
00:42:20,640 --> 00:42:22,080
You don't want me to stay?

808
00:42:24,240 --> 00:42:25,240
I'm joking.

809
00:42:25,720 --> 00:42:27,440
I'd love it if you could stay over.

810
00:42:28,600 --> 00:42:30,080
However, I thought about it

811
00:42:30,160 --> 00:42:31,000
and I realized

812
00:42:31,080 --> 00:42:32,400
that I had made a mistake.

813
00:42:32,960 --> 00:42:33,920
If you stay over,

814
00:42:34,560 --> 00:42:37,640
you will be awarding my mistake.

815
00:42:40,319 --> 00:42:41,520
An intimate time

816
00:42:42,480 --> 00:42:43,960
should also be a romantic time.

817
00:42:44,040 --> 00:42:46,040
It shouldn't be mixed with other matters.

818
00:42:50,799 --> 00:42:51,720
Besides,

819
00:42:52,319 --> 00:42:53,440
you're right, Your Highness.

820
00:42:54,160 --> 00:42:56,160
We're not allies.

821
00:42:57,000 --> 00:42:58,359
I'm your spouse

822
00:42:59,359 --> 00:43:01,240
and the father of your child.

823
00:43:02,920 --> 00:43:04,400
Moving forward,

824
00:43:04,480 --> 00:43:05,920
I'll tell you everything in advance

825
00:43:06,480 --> 00:43:07,680
and discuss them with you.

826
00:43:09,040 --> 00:43:10,279
Good.

827
00:43:13,880 --> 00:43:14,759
I'll go back then.

828
00:43:17,680 --> 00:43:18,920
Be careful.

829
00:43:19,000 --> 00:43:20,040
I'm very nimble.

830
00:43:26,160 --> 00:43:27,000
I'm leaving.

831
00:43:28,000 --> 00:43:28,839
Be careful.

832
00:43:37,359 --> 00:43:38,560
Don't worry, Your Highness.

833
00:43:38,640 --> 00:43:40,279
His Highness has gone back to rest.

834
00:43:43,960 --> 00:43:45,240
Mr. Su.

835
00:43:46,000 --> 00:43:47,000
Come in.

836
00:43:47,879 --> 00:43:48,720
Your Highness.

837
00:43:51,720 --> 00:43:55,319
I'll leave after posing my question.

838
00:43:57,120 --> 00:43:58,960
May I know who suggested you

839
00:44:00,040 --> 00:44:02,560
handle the case today?

840
00:44:07,160 --> 00:44:08,480
Someone did advise me,

841
00:44:09,120 --> 00:44:10,839
but it's what I want to do too.

842
00:44:14,240 --> 00:44:17,920
So it's your idea
to cross the noble families directly?

843
00:44:21,720 --> 00:44:22,560
Your Highness,

844
00:44:23,400 --> 00:44:25,960
Prince Su and you have barely
secured your position in the court.

845
00:44:26,040 --> 00:44:28,720
Even Princess Pingyue
is reluctant to handle the case.

846
00:44:28,799 --> 00:44:30,040
Yet you volunteered so eagerly.

847
00:44:32,359 --> 00:44:33,920
You might have been set up.

848
00:44:35,720 --> 00:44:36,759
That's all I want to say.

849
00:44:37,319 --> 00:44:39,520
Take care, Your Highness.

850
00:44:45,200 --> 00:44:46,040
Your Highness.

851
00:44:49,160 --> 00:44:50,440
If I may speak frankly,

852
00:44:51,200 --> 00:44:53,560
Mr. Su is right.

853
00:44:54,279 --> 00:44:57,040
I know that, but I had no other options.

854
00:44:58,080 --> 00:45:00,160
I took the case in public.

855
00:45:04,640 --> 00:45:05,920
I thought

856
00:45:06,000 --> 00:45:07,600
that while I didn't work at the court,

857
00:45:08,120 --> 00:45:09,879
many people
from a similar background to mine

858
00:45:09,960 --> 00:45:12,879
might support Cheng.

859
00:45:12,960 --> 00:45:14,960
I was hoping to gain more
with this endeavor.

860
00:45:18,240 --> 00:45:19,120
However,

861
00:45:19,200 --> 00:45:22,680
if these scholars aren't satisfied
and make another scene,

862
00:45:22,759 --> 00:45:25,000
Cheng's reputation
will be irreparably damaged.

863
00:45:25,080 --> 00:45:27,279
It's easy to handle
the imperial examination fraud,

864
00:45:27,359 --> 00:45:30,200
but we are powerless to launch a reform.

865
00:45:32,680 --> 00:45:33,799
I believe

866
00:45:34,480 --> 00:45:36,120
we must count on Mr. Su in this.


