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ADAPTED FROM MO SHUBAI'S NOVEL,
THE GRAND PRINCESS ON JJWXC.NET
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THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION
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I contacted my friends around the country
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to check the published essays
on the bulletin boards across the country.
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My essay was finally found
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posted in our neighboring county.
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It was then I realized
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that someone had stolen
my exam candidature.
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I understand your predicament.
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Consort Rou shall do you justice.
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-Thank you, Mr. Pei.
-Thank you, Mr. Pei.
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You may leave now.
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Consort Rou has arrived!
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Your Highness.
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Skip the formalities.
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Mr. Pei.
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You've interrogated them.
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Have you noticed anything wrong?
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After listening to these candidates
whose candidatures were stolen,
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I've indeed found something strange.
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First,
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these people all come from Youzhou.
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Second,
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most of them realized
they had been replaced
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after checking the published essays
posted on the bulletins.
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Before the scripts reached the capital,
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no one knew
who would pass the examination.
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So it's likely that no one would
take action at this point.
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If someone wanted
to tamper with the scripts
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and replace the candidates' names,
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there are only two possible stages.
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The first stage
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is when the officials
open the scripts to read
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and sort them according to region.
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The second stage
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is when the scripts are sent back
to all the counties.
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The people in charge of these stages
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are often from the powerful clans
who manage different territories.
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Then how do you suggest
we proceed with this?
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Of course, we have to investigate.
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You even dare
to investigate the Shangguan Family?
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Your Highness?
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You're right.
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However, many officials
are involved in this
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and most of them come
from the noble families in the capital.
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I'm afraid it's not easy
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to get to the bottom of this.
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I understand your concerns.
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His Majesty sent me here
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just to resolve your problems.
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If you would trust me, Your Highness,
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you may leave the entire case to me.
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I guarantee
that I will resolve this properly.
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Thank you in advance, Mr. Pei.
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We'll be counting on you.
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Mother.
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Cheng.
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We believe that Mr. Pei
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is trustworthy.
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Right?
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Thank you for your trust, Your Highnesses.
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I'll just play along with Mr. Pei
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and put on this act together.
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Mr. Pei.
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What are you doing?
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Ms. Shangguan.
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As the Deputy Supervisor
of the Inspectorate,
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you should know
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that the Inspectorate Office
has been investigating
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the imperial examination fraud lately.
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Four men from the Shangguan Family
are involved in this.
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I would like to take them back
for interrogation.
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I hope you'll allow me to do so.
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You came all the way here, Mr. Pei.
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As a member of the Inspectorate Office,
I ought to set an example.
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I will bring them personally
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to the Inspectorate Office
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and hand them over to you.
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-Kneel!
-Kneel!
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Prince Su,
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Consort Rou, and Princess Huayue.
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I have brought the four suspects
from the Shangguan Family.
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Please give the command.
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No wonder His Majesty
appreciates you a lot, Mr. Pei.
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That was swift.
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Thank you.
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You flatter me, Your Highness.
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I will need you to take these people here
for interrogation as well.
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I shall see to it right away.
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-Don't move!
-No one moves!
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I am here
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by order of Prince Su and Consort Rou
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to arrest the suspects.
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Take these suspects
who committed fraud out.
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-Yes, sir!
-Yes, sir!
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-Move it!
-Move it!
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-Hurry.
-Hurry.
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Mr. Pei is wise indeed!
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With Mr. Pei around,
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scholars like us can study in peace.
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Mr. Pei will make sure justice is served!
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-Mr. Pei!
-Mr. Pei!
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Mr. Pei, nice work.
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Kneel!
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Your Highness.
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I've brought you the people you requested.
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Thank you, Mr. Pei.
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You are truly decisive.
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Your Highness.
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Consort Rou is not a fool
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and she's always maintained
a good reputation
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in the palace.
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Why…
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Why would she…
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Do you know
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what's the scariest thing
about wielding power?
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It's when it corrodes one's heart,
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the person whose heart
is almost corroded to the core
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cannot feel anything at all.
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In most people's lives,
they may experience
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wielding some degree of power,
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which leads to reckless behavior
and speech.
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Therefore, the easiest way
to destroy someone
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is to suddenly give them
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something beyond their reach.
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That way,
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even if you do nothing,
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they will destroy themselves eventually.
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Mr. Pei, you have been working hard
and running around recently
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and you've lost quite some weight.
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Thank you, Your Highness.
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It is my duty
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to work for you.
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I called you here today
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to discuss something with you.
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Please go ahead, Your Highness.
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Too many people are involved
in the imperial examination fraud.
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I'm afraid it won't be solved
anytime soon.
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It'd be bad if the imperial examination
got delayed because of this.
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That's why I would like you
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to help me talk to the other candidates.
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Let them take the examination first.
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We'll resolve part of the case
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and slowly deal with the rest.
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Of course,
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they have wasted much time in Huajing.
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So as compensation,
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they can receive 50 silver taels each.
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What do you think?
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We'll do as you say, Your Highness.
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I will talk to the candidates tomorrow.
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That would be good.
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Thank you for your help
over the past few days.
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Let me show you my gratitude
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with a cup of tea.
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That would be my honor.
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But now,
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I also need your help to catch
another big fish for me.
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By order of Consort Rou,
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I am here to arrest Wang Houwen.
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Hand him over.
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Stall them.
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I'm going to see Mr. Wang. Shut the gates.
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If you want to get promoted…
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Spend money!
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What a clever bird.
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You're such sensible creatures.
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Mr. Wang.
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Not so loud.
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Pei Wenxuan and his men
are here to arrest you.
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Wait. Didn't you give
Consort Rou the money?
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-I did.
-How could they go back on their word?
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I knew people from humble backgrounds
couldn't be trusted.
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They're so greedy.
They have no regard for our promise.
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Exactly.
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What should we do now then?
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Well, go to the Ministry of Justice
to see Mr. Su.
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Tell him
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that Pei Wenxuan
is overstepping his boundaries
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by trespassing on my mansion.
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Wait.
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Tell him this as well.
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Pei Wenxuan hit a court official.
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Ask him to arrest Pei Wenxuan.
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Mr. Wang.
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Will you see Pei Wenxuan then?
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-Is he even worthy of meeting me?
-No way!
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-No way!
-Even a bird knows better than you.
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-Why am I even keeping you here?
-No way!
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What's his rank compared to mine?
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Can he see me when he wants to?
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Just tell him
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that I'm sleeping
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and that we can talk when I'm up.
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-Go!
-Yes, sir.
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Mr. Wang is sleeping.
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Sleeping?
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As the Minister of Personnel,
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he ordered other officials
to accept bribes
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and replace the candidates' names
on the scripts as he pleases.
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Many commoners have spent
their whole lives studying,
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but their endeavors
have been destroyed by him.
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And he can still sleep.
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You need to prove your words
with evidence.
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-Evi--
-You want evidence?
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Tell Mr. Wang to come out
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and follow me to the Inspectorate Office.
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Consort Rou will judge justly there.
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Otherwise,
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don't blame me for being rude.
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I'd love to see how rude you can be.
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Are you going to trespass on our mansion?
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Rush in.
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Storm the gates! Arrest him!
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Let's see who's bold enough to stop us.
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Clear the path!
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Don't move!
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00:13:02,680 --> 00:13:04,199
-What are you doing?
-Mr. Wang.
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Are you disregarding the law?
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Time to wake up.
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You are having a good life.
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Even birds in a noble family
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would have a better life, right?
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Noble families are better!
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How dare you!
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Who let you in?
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I am the Minister of Personnel.
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-What are you trying to do?
-What do you think, Mr. Wang?
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Take him.
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You dare?
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Pei Wenxuan!
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You've gone too far.
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I'm three ranks higher than you.
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You can't force your way in.
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Mr. Wang.
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I am here by order of Consort Rou
to fulfill my duties.
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00:13:37,839 --> 00:13:40,439
Consort Rou has said
that you're the Minister of Personnel,
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so we have to investigate you.
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You did a terrible job
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in handling the imperial exam fraud,
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even worse than her second uncle.
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Nonsense!
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He was just a broad bean seller!
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-How could you compare--
-Keep your grievances to yourself for now.
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We can seek justice for you
in the Inspectorate Office.
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Take him.
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Mr. Pei!
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What are you doing?
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-Let go of my master!
-Let go.
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-Mr. Wang.
-Where were you earlier?
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They barged in just like that.
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We couldn't stop them.
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Mr. Pei, whom are you taking
to the Inspectorate Office?
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00:14:12,520 --> 00:14:14,079
Mr. Su, you're finally here.
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Pei Wenxuan
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overstepped his boundaries
and trespassed on my property.
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If you came any later,
he'd have beaten me up.
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Mr. Wang.
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Get some rest elsewhere.
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Very well.
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Mr. Wang.
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He…
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I knew that under such circumstances,
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you would come sooner or later.
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00:14:34,360 --> 00:14:37,079
You've overstepped your boundaries,
trespassed on private property,
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00:14:37,160 --> 00:14:39,079
and tried to hit a court official.
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00:14:39,160 --> 00:14:40,360
Pei Wenxuan.
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These are all serious offenses.
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Mr. Su.
270
00:14:43,640 --> 00:14:46,079
I am here by order of Consort Rou
271
00:14:46,640 --> 00:14:48,160
to fulfill her commands.
272
00:14:49,040 --> 00:14:50,360
Are you going to disobey
273
00:14:50,839 --> 00:14:52,839
Consort Rou's order?
274
00:14:52,920 --> 00:14:54,240
-Mu Hong.
-Yes, sir.
275
00:14:54,319 --> 00:14:56,280
-Take him.
-How dare you!
276
00:14:58,520 --> 00:14:59,360
Mr. Pei.
277
00:15:00,360 --> 00:15:02,240
Are you resisting arrest brazenly?
278
00:15:02,719 --> 00:15:04,280
You're overexaggerating.
279
00:15:05,199 --> 00:15:06,640
I am just doing my job as instructed.
280
00:15:06,719 --> 00:15:08,000
There's nothing wrong with that.
281
00:15:08,560 --> 00:15:10,760
If it's wrong,
you should be heading to the palace
282
00:15:10,839 --> 00:15:13,079
and throwing Consort Rou
into prison instead.
283
00:15:13,160 --> 00:15:14,839
-What do I have to do with this?
-Take him!
284
00:15:14,920 --> 00:15:16,520
-How dare you? Who…
-Stop!
285
00:15:20,479 --> 00:15:21,880
I'll go to the Ministry of Justice.
286
00:15:21,959 --> 00:15:25,160
But Prince Su
287
00:15:25,240 --> 00:15:27,199
would never let anything happen to me.
288
00:15:29,800 --> 00:15:30,839
I'd love to see
289
00:15:31,719 --> 00:15:34,000
how long you can lock me up.
290
00:15:34,680 --> 00:15:36,760
That depends on my mood,
291
00:15:37,599 --> 00:15:38,520
Mr. Pei.
292
00:15:43,240 --> 00:15:45,120
-Sir, the Ministry--
-It's fine.
293
00:15:56,280 --> 00:15:58,439
When Pei Wenxuan climbs in,
294
00:15:58,520 --> 00:16:00,439
what kind of unreasonable request
should I make?
295
00:16:01,000 --> 00:16:01,959
Your Highness!
296
00:16:03,280 --> 00:16:04,400
Bad news!
297
00:16:04,479 --> 00:16:06,520
The Prince Consort
has been arrested by Mr. Su!
298
00:16:07,280 --> 00:16:08,160
Why…
299
00:16:08,240 --> 00:16:10,680
Why would Su Rongqing suddenly arrest him?
300
00:16:11,240 --> 00:16:14,319
He and his men barged into Wang's Mansion
to arrest Mr. Wang,
301
00:16:14,400 --> 00:16:16,520
so Mr. Wang lodged a case
to the Ministry of Justice.
302
00:16:16,599 --> 00:16:18,760
Then Mr. Su went there
and arrested the Prince Consort.
303
00:16:18,839 --> 00:16:20,000
Let's go to the palace now.
304
00:16:22,880 --> 00:16:23,719
Wait.
305
00:16:24,520 --> 00:16:25,520
I can't.
306
00:16:26,920 --> 00:16:28,520
Find out where Pei Wenxuan is.
307
00:16:28,599 --> 00:16:30,760
Keep him guarded
while we make our way there.
308
00:16:30,839 --> 00:16:32,760
But Mr. Su wouldn't…
309
00:16:32,839 --> 00:16:33,719
You don't understand.
310
00:16:34,719 --> 00:16:36,359
He may look like a gentle soul,
311
00:16:37,319 --> 00:16:38,760
but if someone gets in his way,
312
00:16:39,760 --> 00:16:41,240
he would turn into
313
00:16:41,319 --> 00:16:42,839
a venomous and murderous snake.
314
00:16:54,880 --> 00:16:57,439
Mu Hong, get some ointment.
315
00:16:57,520 --> 00:16:58,640
Mr. Pei may have been injured
316
00:16:59,199 --> 00:17:00,760
in our scuffle earlier.
317
00:17:00,839 --> 00:17:03,000
I'm fine. It's just a slight injury.
318
00:17:03,560 --> 00:17:05,079
Mu Hong, you may leave now.
319
00:17:05,159 --> 00:17:06,040
Yes, sir.
320
00:17:10,000 --> 00:17:10,919
Mr. Pei.
321
00:17:11,560 --> 00:17:13,200
You don't seem worried at all.
322
00:17:15,000 --> 00:17:16,319
Why should I?
323
00:17:17,960 --> 00:17:20,919
You've offended a lot of people lately.
324
00:17:22,760 --> 00:17:24,440
I'm sure you've offended even more people
325
00:17:24,520 --> 00:17:26,000
at the Ministry of Justice.
326
00:17:31,240 --> 00:17:32,360
What's making you so happy?
327
00:17:35,280 --> 00:17:37,760
It has been a really long time
328
00:17:38,240 --> 00:17:40,040
since we talked to each other
329
00:17:40,120 --> 00:17:41,639
face-to-face with such honesty.
330
00:17:47,040 --> 00:17:49,040
You barged into Wang's Mansion today
331
00:17:49,879 --> 00:17:52,240
and willingly followed me back here.
332
00:17:52,840 --> 00:17:55,280
I guess you're doing this
333
00:17:55,879 --> 00:17:59,159
to intensify the dispute
between Consort Rou and Mr. Wang.
334
00:17:59,720 --> 00:18:02,000
Consort Rou has never been one
to see the situation clearly.
335
00:18:02,560 --> 00:18:03,639
So you caused a huge scene
336
00:18:03,720 --> 00:18:05,879
and arrested me back here
337
00:18:05,960 --> 00:18:07,800
to give them a warning, I reckon?
338
00:18:13,320 --> 00:18:16,080
Looks like you've built connections
with lots of people in the palace.
339
00:18:17,440 --> 00:18:19,560
But I should remind you
that it's a disreputable thing
340
00:18:20,760 --> 00:18:23,680
to form a clique
to pursue selfish interests.
341
00:18:27,919 --> 00:18:29,560
I have a piece of reminder
for you as well.
342
00:18:30,679 --> 00:18:31,520
Today,
343
00:18:32,560 --> 00:18:33,639
I can release you.
344
00:18:34,600 --> 00:18:36,040
But if there's a next time,
345
00:18:39,440 --> 00:18:41,360
it will cost you your life.
346
00:18:47,120 --> 00:18:49,440
When it comes to dirty tricks
like clearing obstacles,
347
00:18:49,520 --> 00:18:51,639
I'm sure you can do everything.
348
00:18:52,120 --> 00:18:53,600
But before that,
349
00:18:54,240 --> 00:18:55,760
I'd like to ask you something.
350
00:18:56,679 --> 00:18:58,280
If I'm gone, what about the Princess?
351
00:19:08,879 --> 00:19:09,760
Mr. Su.
352
00:19:12,080 --> 00:19:13,440
I have another question
353
00:19:14,360 --> 00:19:15,440
that I'd like to ask.
354
00:19:17,000 --> 00:19:17,919
Go ahead.
355
00:19:22,200 --> 00:19:23,399
When did you travel back?
356
00:19:35,480 --> 00:19:37,639
A month before the Spring Banquet
held by the Princess.
357
00:19:40,240 --> 00:19:41,679
When I woke up,
358
00:19:41,760 --> 00:19:43,080
it felt like I had a long dream.
359
00:20:05,760 --> 00:20:07,600
This is my study during my younger days.
360
00:20:13,360 --> 00:20:14,520
Am I dreaming?
361
00:20:41,879 --> 00:20:42,919
Is Heaven
362
00:20:43,879 --> 00:20:45,280
giving me a second chance?
363
00:20:50,320 --> 00:20:51,159
Rongrong.
364
00:20:53,960 --> 00:20:54,919
Are you here too?
365
00:21:01,480 --> 00:21:03,440
Since you were back,
366
00:21:03,520 --> 00:21:04,520
why did you--
367
00:21:04,600 --> 00:21:06,120
Why did I let you marry her?
368
00:21:20,360 --> 00:21:21,520
What if I say…
369
00:21:24,320 --> 00:21:25,760
that I hope you two can be happy?
370
00:21:27,159 --> 00:21:28,159
Will you believe me?
371
00:21:32,320 --> 00:21:34,320
Only if Li Chuan doesn't
ascend the throne, right?
372
00:21:41,440 --> 00:21:43,600
Sir, the Princess is here for Mr. Pei.
373
00:22:04,000 --> 00:22:04,919
Where is he?
374
00:22:07,800 --> 00:22:09,439
Why did you come here personally?
375
00:22:09,520 --> 00:22:11,000
Where is Pei Wenxuan?
376
00:22:11,760 --> 00:22:12,639
Mr. Pei is fine.
377
00:22:13,159 --> 00:22:15,480
I just brought him here
for a few questions.
378
00:22:15,560 --> 00:22:17,560
I'll release him afterward.
379
00:22:19,639 --> 00:22:22,040
But I didn't expect you
to have come here already.
380
00:22:23,000 --> 00:22:24,000
You probably didn't expect
381
00:22:25,040 --> 00:22:27,159
that I would think of you
as a villain, did you?
382
00:22:30,360 --> 00:22:31,760
You must have thought
383
00:22:32,560 --> 00:22:34,000
I would head to the palace first.
384
00:22:38,159 --> 00:22:39,399
Your Highness, you know me well.
385
00:22:45,320 --> 00:22:46,720
Yet you don't know me at all.
386
00:22:54,760 --> 00:22:55,720
Su Rongqing.
387
00:22:58,560 --> 00:23:00,120
Actually, I have never hated you…
388
00:23:02,200 --> 00:23:03,439
even though you killed me.
389
00:23:05,480 --> 00:23:06,360
I know
390
00:23:07,120 --> 00:23:08,159
you had your reasons.
391
00:23:08,840 --> 00:23:09,919
But let me tell you this.
392
00:23:10,639 --> 00:23:12,360
If you kill Pei Wenxuan,
393
00:23:13,240 --> 00:23:14,320
I will hate you.
394
00:23:16,439 --> 00:23:17,760
I will hate you forever.
395
00:23:31,280 --> 00:23:33,360
Is everything fine? Are you hurt?
396
00:23:34,159 --> 00:23:36,240
Rest assured.
It's just a slight contusion.
397
00:23:36,760 --> 00:23:38,200
On your arm? Can you move your arm?
398
00:23:39,000 --> 00:23:39,840
I'm fine.
399
00:23:40,520 --> 00:23:41,600
You gave me a scare.
400
00:23:48,879 --> 00:23:50,000
Careful.
401
00:23:59,480 --> 00:24:00,520
Does it hurt?
402
00:24:00,600 --> 00:24:02,600
No, it's just a minor injury.
403
00:24:02,679 --> 00:24:04,120
I'll be fine after a few days' rest.
404
00:24:06,159 --> 00:24:08,520
Besides, getting injured
can put us at an advantage.
405
00:24:10,760 --> 00:24:11,679
Why is that?
406
00:24:12,919 --> 00:24:15,360
It's Su Rongqing's fault
that I got injured.
407
00:24:16,000 --> 00:24:18,560
That means he'll be losing his position
as the Minister of Justice.
408
00:24:19,760 --> 00:24:22,480
You're still thinking of this
when you're injured?
409
00:24:28,760 --> 00:24:30,000
But I was about to ask you this.
410
00:24:30,760 --> 00:24:33,320
What were you thinking?
Why did you go to Wang Houwen?
411
00:24:34,960 --> 00:24:37,639
Consort Rou ordered me
to tell the candidates to stop
412
00:24:37,720 --> 00:24:40,000
pursuing their cases
of someone stealing their candidatures,
413
00:24:40,080 --> 00:24:41,520
and if they agree to it,
414
00:24:42,040 --> 00:24:43,639
they can take the imperial exam normally
415
00:24:43,720 --> 00:24:45,360
and receive a substantial sum of money.
416
00:24:46,360 --> 00:24:47,919
If they don't agree,
417
00:24:48,000 --> 00:24:48,960
then Consort Rou…
418
00:24:49,040 --> 00:24:51,040
Consort Rou is trying
to benefit from both sides.
419
00:24:51,760 --> 00:24:54,280
She wants to gain a good reputation
for pleading for the people
420
00:24:54,360 --> 00:24:56,159
while trying not to offend
the noble families.
421
00:25:00,720 --> 00:25:03,679
That's why you went to Wang's Mansion
and caused a scene there,
422
00:25:04,480 --> 00:25:06,080
so that he would antagonize Consort Rou.
423
00:25:07,159 --> 00:25:08,000
Yes.
424
00:25:08,919 --> 00:25:12,520
What's more, I even prepared
a beautiful poem for Consort Rou.
425
00:25:12,600 --> 00:25:13,800
What poem?
426
00:25:14,960 --> 00:25:16,399
You will know when the time comes.
427
00:25:19,320 --> 00:25:21,000
I had everything planned out,
428
00:25:21,960 --> 00:25:24,080
but I didn't expect Su Rongqing to come.
429
00:25:27,360 --> 00:25:28,760
Back at the Ministry of Justice,
430
00:25:28,840 --> 00:25:30,879
why did you seem flustered
when you saw Su Rongqing?
431
00:25:32,520 --> 00:25:35,280
I keep having this feeling
that he'd do something to you.
432
00:25:35,360 --> 00:25:36,399
I'm scared.
433
00:25:37,439 --> 00:25:38,600
Think about it.
434
00:25:38,679 --> 00:25:40,320
We just found out his true identity,
435
00:25:40,840 --> 00:25:43,679
and right now,
the imperial exam is about to begin.
436
00:25:43,760 --> 00:25:45,480
You're a dangerous threat to him.
437
00:25:46,159 --> 00:25:49,199
He's a gentleman on the surface,
but he is decisive and assertive.
438
00:25:50,159 --> 00:25:51,760
I'm just afraid something would go wrong.
439
00:25:52,560 --> 00:25:53,560
Rest assured.
440
00:26:02,280 --> 00:26:04,320
Are you getting me home?
441
00:26:04,399 --> 00:26:05,399
What home?
442
00:26:05,480 --> 00:26:06,919
You're in my carriage.
443
00:26:07,600 --> 00:26:09,480
Back to the Princess' Mansion
with me, Mr. Pei.
444
00:26:09,560 --> 00:26:11,439
No, not now.
445
00:26:11,520 --> 00:26:12,919
Consort Rou trying to prove
446
00:26:13,000 --> 00:26:14,480
that you bought a house next to mine.
447
00:26:14,560 --> 00:26:16,199
If His Majesty finds out,
448
00:26:16,280 --> 00:26:17,919
he will lose his trust in me.
449
00:26:18,679 --> 00:26:19,600
I…
450
00:26:19,679 --> 00:26:20,760
How about this?
451
00:26:22,000 --> 00:26:23,520
It's me who's crazy over Mr. Pei.
452
00:26:23,600 --> 00:26:24,800
Even though we're divorced,
453
00:26:24,879 --> 00:26:26,639
I just wouldn't let him go.
454
00:26:26,720 --> 00:26:29,480
So when I heard that Mr. Pei
was meeting another lady tonight,
455
00:26:29,560 --> 00:26:31,199
I planned to catch them red-handed.
456
00:26:31,280 --> 00:26:32,760
But instead, I saw you in danger,
457
00:26:32,840 --> 00:26:33,919
so I rescued you
458
00:26:34,000 --> 00:26:36,040
and tied you up to return
to the Princess' Mansion.
459
00:26:37,679 --> 00:26:40,399
I have to put on a convincing image
460
00:26:40,480 --> 00:26:41,840
of a lovesick girl.
461
00:26:41,919 --> 00:26:43,080
Details, you know?
462
00:26:46,080 --> 00:26:46,960
Fine.
463
00:26:48,560 --> 00:26:51,280
PRINCESS' MANSION
464
00:26:55,919 --> 00:26:57,040
Your Highness.
465
00:26:57,600 --> 00:26:58,639
It's Consort Rou's men.
466
00:27:14,480 --> 00:27:16,760
Your Highness, you left your mansion
without permission.
467
00:27:16,840 --> 00:27:17,760
Yes, I did that.
468
00:27:18,879 --> 00:27:20,040
So what?
469
00:27:20,120 --> 00:27:21,000
I…
470
00:27:21,600 --> 00:27:23,080
If you have time to interrogate me,
471
00:27:23,159 --> 00:27:24,879
why don't you go ask your master
472
00:27:25,600 --> 00:27:28,240
what's taking her so long
with Chen Houzhao's case?
473
00:27:30,480 --> 00:27:31,919
I agreed to the confinement
474
00:27:32,000 --> 00:27:33,439
because I respect my father,
475
00:27:34,040 --> 00:27:36,199
but she'd better not assume
any unwarranted authority
476
00:27:36,280 --> 00:27:37,760
and think of me as a pushover instead.
477
00:27:38,600 --> 00:27:39,560
Go back and tell her
478
00:27:40,040 --> 00:27:41,960
that if she asks any dubious woman
479
00:27:42,040 --> 00:27:43,760
to approach
the former Prince Consort again,
480
00:27:43,840 --> 00:27:45,280
I might just declare war against her.
481
00:27:47,080 --> 00:27:48,240
Invite the Prince Consort in.
482
00:27:48,320 --> 00:27:49,199
Yes, Your Highness.
483
00:27:49,280 --> 00:27:52,080
-Your Highness, he's a court official--
-He is my former prince consort.
484
00:27:52,679 --> 00:27:53,679
Since we had been married,
485
00:27:53,760 --> 00:27:55,120
he will be mine for his whole life.
486
00:27:55,199 --> 00:27:57,840
Even when he dies,
he will have to die here, understood?
487
00:28:00,000 --> 00:28:01,360
If you keep getting in my way,
488
00:28:01,439 --> 00:28:02,879
I'll make sure you die here as well.
489
00:28:07,760 --> 00:28:08,679
Let's go inside.
490
00:28:17,879 --> 00:28:19,639
What dubious woman?
491
00:28:19,720 --> 00:28:21,520
She's so obsessed
over a man who divorced her.
492
00:28:21,600 --> 00:28:22,760
Has she no shame?
493
00:28:22,840 --> 00:28:24,480
What gives her the right
to be so arrogant?
494
00:28:26,639 --> 00:28:28,720
Mother, I will tell Father immediately
495
00:28:28,800 --> 00:28:31,080
that she left her mansion
to rescue Pei Wenxuan.
496
00:28:31,159 --> 00:28:32,280
No.
497
00:28:33,520 --> 00:28:36,120
The fact that she accepted her confinement
shows that your father
498
00:28:36,199 --> 00:28:38,080
has done enough to make her yield to us.
499
00:28:38,159 --> 00:28:40,000
Be thankful she didn't make any scene.
500
00:28:40,080 --> 00:28:41,919
Don't cause any more trouble.
501
00:28:43,919 --> 00:28:45,360
Why would Pei Wenxuan
502
00:28:45,439 --> 00:28:46,879
mess with Wang Houwen like that?
503
00:28:47,360 --> 00:28:50,159
I think he's setting us up
instead of helping us.
504
00:28:51,600 --> 00:28:52,760
I asked him to do that.
505
00:28:52,840 --> 00:28:54,840
Now that we've taken over
the Inspectorate Office,
506
00:28:56,080 --> 00:28:59,000
your father would want us
to take action against the noble families.
507
00:29:00,399 --> 00:29:02,040
I'm making an example of Wang Houwen.
508
00:29:02,120 --> 00:29:05,199
I can have him arrested or released.
509
00:29:05,280 --> 00:29:06,360
But this
510
00:29:07,040 --> 00:29:08,520
will warn the noble families
511
00:29:08,600 --> 00:29:12,280
that we are a force to be reckoned with.
512
00:29:12,840 --> 00:29:14,679
Now that Pei Wenxuan is in trouble,
513
00:29:14,760 --> 00:29:17,199
who will deal with those candidates?
514
00:29:18,560 --> 00:29:20,040
What should we do now?
515
00:29:21,199 --> 00:29:23,159
We still have to apologize to him
in person.
516
00:29:26,560 --> 00:29:29,120
How about you write an apology letter
517
00:29:29,199 --> 00:29:30,760
and attach some money to him?
518
00:29:31,399 --> 00:29:32,879
Tell him that it's a misunderstanding.
519
00:29:33,760 --> 00:29:34,679
Fine.
520
00:29:36,480 --> 00:29:38,080
But we are still getting pushed around.
521
00:29:38,800 --> 00:29:39,959
I'm off.
522
00:29:45,159 --> 00:29:46,360
Your Highness.
523
00:29:46,439 --> 00:29:48,760
Here's a letter from Wang's Mansion.
524
00:29:52,080 --> 00:29:54,399
"There lived a sparrow
that fed on pigswill in the alleys,
525
00:29:54,480 --> 00:29:56,879
until it landed on a tall branch
and called itself a phoenix.
526
00:29:56,959 --> 00:29:59,280
Clad in hues of gold and emerald
with a pearl in its mouth,
527
00:29:59,360 --> 00:30:02,080
its filth and stench
still linger nevertheless."
528
00:30:12,720 --> 00:30:14,480
How bold of Wang Houwen!
529
00:30:14,560 --> 00:30:16,760
How could he insult you like this?
530
00:30:18,120 --> 00:30:21,000
I must make an example of you now.
531
00:30:21,560 --> 00:30:24,600
Mr. Su really knows
how to get the job done.
532
00:30:26,120 --> 00:30:27,080
Eat up.
533
00:30:27,159 --> 00:30:28,639
It's a tribute. It's awesome.
534
00:30:28,720 --> 00:30:29,959
Hand Wang Houwen over!
535
00:30:31,919 --> 00:30:34,120
They're here again? What a nuisance.
536
00:30:40,919 --> 00:30:43,360
Prince Su, Consort Rou?
537
00:30:43,439 --> 00:30:45,439
What's going on here?
538
00:30:45,520 --> 00:30:47,679
What's wrong with you, Wang Houwen?
539
00:30:48,560 --> 00:30:50,959
-I didn't do anything.
-Take him!
540
00:30:51,600 --> 00:30:53,760
How dare you!
I am the Minister of Personnel!
541
00:30:53,840 --> 00:30:55,120
From the Wang Family of Donghai--
542
00:30:59,399 --> 00:31:01,120
How dare you slap me?
543
00:31:01,199 --> 00:31:02,280
Remember this.
544
00:31:02,360 --> 00:31:03,600
I may be a consort's son,
545
00:31:03,679 --> 00:31:05,000
but I'm a prince all the same.
546
00:31:05,080 --> 00:31:05,919
Remember this.
547
00:31:06,000 --> 00:31:08,480
I can slap you whenever I like.
548
00:31:08,560 --> 00:31:10,360
You're not worthy of disputing my status.
549
00:31:10,439 --> 00:31:12,439
-Is there any regard for the law here?
-Take him!
550
00:31:12,520 --> 00:31:15,439
Xiao Rou, I'll tell His Majesty
what you've done!
551
00:31:15,520 --> 00:31:17,520
Consort Rou, Prince Su.
552
00:31:17,600 --> 00:31:20,600
You've slapped and arrested me.
553
00:31:21,159 --> 00:31:22,919
You've completed the standard procedure.
554
00:31:23,000 --> 00:31:24,840
Time to release me.
555
00:31:25,360 --> 00:31:27,959
My birds are waiting for me at home.
556
00:31:28,040 --> 00:31:30,720
Mr. Wang, you do have
a penchant for birds.
557
00:31:30,800 --> 00:31:32,240
They're in your paintings, writings,
558
00:31:32,320 --> 00:31:33,360
and even poetry.
559
00:31:33,439 --> 00:31:36,280
Maybe you should think about
how you should confess.
560
00:31:36,360 --> 00:31:37,840
Do you want to do it yourself
561
00:31:37,919 --> 00:31:39,439
or should I get someone to help you?
562
00:31:40,159 --> 00:31:43,280
Your Highness, stop freaking me out.
563
00:31:46,360 --> 00:31:49,560
Why don't we talk about this privately?
564
00:31:53,159 --> 00:31:54,159
Speak.
565
00:31:56,199 --> 00:31:59,120
I sent Wang Quan
to deliver the money, didn't I?
566
00:31:59,199 --> 00:32:00,800
If you need more,
567
00:32:00,879 --> 00:32:01,879
I can gather more.
568
00:32:05,360 --> 00:32:07,800
I still have a fief in Donghai.
569
00:32:07,879 --> 00:32:09,600
I planned to save it for Dun Min,
570
00:32:09,679 --> 00:32:12,080
-but I can--
-Trying to bribe me?
571
00:32:13,080 --> 00:32:16,280
Write this down.
Mr. Wang tried to bribe me.
572
00:32:16,360 --> 00:32:17,320
Your Highness.
573
00:32:18,800 --> 00:32:19,879
Mr. Wang.
574
00:32:20,560 --> 00:32:22,840
You don't have to worry about my finances.
575
00:32:22,919 --> 00:32:25,639
However, you could help me
with another thing now.
576
00:32:26,360 --> 00:32:28,600
I heard that you are talented
and knowledgeable,
577
00:32:28,679 --> 00:32:29,919
and I received a poem
578
00:32:30,000 --> 00:32:31,600
that's a bit hard for me to understand.
579
00:32:33,000 --> 00:32:35,719
Perhaps you can explain it to me.
580
00:32:35,800 --> 00:32:38,760
Your Highness,
581
00:32:38,840 --> 00:32:39,919
you could have said so.
582
00:32:40,000 --> 00:32:42,520
"There lived a sparrow
that fed on pigswill in the alleys,
583
00:32:43,159 --> 00:32:46,280
until it landed on a tall branch
and called itself a phoenix."
584
00:32:47,639 --> 00:32:50,120
These two lines mean
that there was a sparrow
585
00:32:50,199 --> 00:32:52,959
that lived in a terrible environment,
586
00:32:53,040 --> 00:32:56,199
until it got lucky and became a phoenix.
587
00:32:58,080 --> 00:32:59,439
What's next?
588
00:33:00,000 --> 00:33:02,560
"Clad in hues of gold and emerald
with a pearl in its mouth,
589
00:33:03,240 --> 00:33:06,520
its filth and stench
still linger nevertheless."
590
00:33:08,760 --> 00:33:10,280
That's a little bit complicated.
591
00:33:10,360 --> 00:33:11,959
But to put it simply,
592
00:33:12,040 --> 00:33:14,120
if someone is born into a humble family,
593
00:33:14,199 --> 00:33:16,480
even if they manage to go
from rags to riches,
594
00:33:16,560 --> 00:33:17,719
they could never hide their--
595
00:33:17,800 --> 00:33:19,600
Wang Houwen, you abhorrent old jerk!
596
00:33:19,679 --> 00:33:21,040
As a high-ranked minister,
597
00:33:21,120 --> 00:33:23,080
you probably have never
been tortured before.
598
00:33:23,159 --> 00:33:25,399
If you don't confess today,
you'll have a taste
599
00:33:25,480 --> 00:33:26,639
of everything at our disposal.
600
00:33:26,719 --> 00:33:28,040
Mother, let's go.
601
00:33:28,679 --> 00:33:31,000
Mr. Wang, a word of advice.
602
00:33:31,840 --> 00:33:33,000
Confess quickly.
603
00:33:33,080 --> 00:33:35,439
Else, even the Dragon King
of the East Sea can't save you.
604
00:33:36,000 --> 00:33:37,919
-Treat him properly.
-Wait, Your Highness.
605
00:33:38,000 --> 00:33:40,280
You told me to analyze the poem.
606
00:33:40,360 --> 00:33:43,280
Are uneducated people
emotionally unstable as well?
607
00:33:43,919 --> 00:33:46,280
The Vice Minister of Justice, Su Rongqing,
608
00:33:46,360 --> 00:33:50,080
didn't take good care of the Vice Minister
of Personnel, Pei Wenxuan,
609
00:33:50,679 --> 00:33:52,080
causing Pei Wenxuan to be injured.
610
00:33:52,159 --> 00:33:54,159
Three months of his salary
will be deducted.
611
00:33:54,240 --> 00:33:58,879
In addition,
the Left Minister of Justice, Pei Liming,
612
00:33:58,959 --> 00:34:01,360
will be promoted to Minister of Justice.
613
00:34:01,439 --> 00:34:03,520
As you wish, Your Majesty.
614
00:34:09,239 --> 00:34:11,759
Do you two have anything to say?
615
00:34:11,839 --> 00:34:14,719
Your Majesty, I have received news
616
00:34:15,360 --> 00:34:18,639
that Consort Rou and Prince Su
showed no regard for the law
617
00:34:20,159 --> 00:34:21,839
and arrested the Minister of Personnel,
618
00:34:21,920 --> 00:34:24,560
Wang Houwen, even when
they don't have substantial evidence.
619
00:34:25,360 --> 00:34:28,279
All the officials feel threatened
by this outcome.
620
00:34:28,759 --> 00:34:30,440
I hope you will investigate thoroughly
621
00:34:30,520 --> 00:34:34,159
and not let all the officials down.
622
00:34:38,360 --> 00:34:39,920
I agree.
623
00:34:40,000 --> 00:34:42,639
Consort Rou and Prince Su are now
624
00:34:42,719 --> 00:34:44,279
above the Six Ministries
625
00:34:44,360 --> 00:34:46,400
with no regard for the law, so--
626
00:34:46,480 --> 00:34:47,719
Father.
627
00:34:47,799 --> 00:34:50,159
This is the money Wang Houwen
sent to my mother as a bribe.
628
00:34:50,239 --> 00:34:52,159
You can find
the Wang Family's emblem under it.
629
00:34:52,239 --> 00:34:54,199
He also wrote a letter to her.
630
00:34:55,560 --> 00:34:57,120
If you don't believe me,
631
00:34:57,200 --> 00:34:58,480
you may check the evidence.
632
00:35:10,279 --> 00:35:11,680
The evidence is clear.
633
00:35:13,319 --> 00:35:14,799
If the Crown Prince broke the law,
634
00:35:14,880 --> 00:35:16,640
he would be punished
just as a common person.
635
00:35:17,759 --> 00:35:19,480
Now, Wang Houwen
is involved in embezzlement.
636
00:35:20,160 --> 00:35:21,880
The Inspectorate is working under orders.
637
00:35:21,960 --> 00:35:23,120
So what if they arrested him?
638
00:35:30,560 --> 00:35:31,600
Mr. Wang.
639
00:35:32,520 --> 00:35:33,920
Take a look again.
640
00:35:34,000 --> 00:35:36,400
Isn't this a well-written poem?
641
00:35:36,480 --> 00:35:37,520
Your Highness.
642
00:35:38,440 --> 00:35:41,160
What if I say
the handwriting looks like mine,
643
00:35:41,920 --> 00:35:43,640
but I didn't write it?
644
00:35:44,560 --> 00:35:45,600
Would you believe me?
645
00:35:45,680 --> 00:35:47,000
Should I?
646
00:35:47,080 --> 00:35:49,360
That depends on you.
647
00:35:53,520 --> 00:35:54,440
Mr. Wang.
648
00:35:55,560 --> 00:35:57,759
Why don't you give me a few names,
649
00:35:58,360 --> 00:36:00,680
and I'll ask His Majesty
650
00:36:01,839 --> 00:36:04,000
to spare your life?
651
00:36:04,080 --> 00:36:05,400
Your Highness.
652
00:36:06,360 --> 00:36:07,600
Even until now,
653
00:36:08,360 --> 00:36:11,200
you don't know
what the noble families truly are.
654
00:36:11,279 --> 00:36:12,759
It may seem
655
00:36:12,839 --> 00:36:15,319
that there are numerous noble families
in our country,
656
00:36:15,400 --> 00:36:16,920
but in reality,
657
00:36:17,880 --> 00:36:20,000
they've already combined
into one single entity.
658
00:36:21,160 --> 00:36:24,200
We are bound together for good or ill.
659
00:36:26,839 --> 00:36:28,680
If I betray one noble family,
660
00:36:29,759 --> 00:36:32,720
I would be betraying
all the noble families.
661
00:36:32,799 --> 00:36:34,960
As someone born into a noble family,
662
00:36:35,040 --> 00:36:36,720
if I betray the noble families,
663
00:36:36,799 --> 00:36:39,080
only death will await me.
664
00:36:39,960 --> 00:36:40,920
That's why
665
00:36:41,960 --> 00:36:43,279
I cannot tell you anything.
666
00:36:46,319 --> 00:36:47,240
Likewise,
667
00:36:48,040 --> 00:36:51,000
the moment you arrested me,
668
00:36:52,680 --> 00:36:54,319
you have already chosen
669
00:36:55,359 --> 00:36:57,359
to antagonize all the noble families.
670
00:36:57,440 --> 00:37:01,040
Mr. Wang, is that a threat or advice?
671
00:37:01,120 --> 00:37:02,359
Neither.
672
00:37:05,440 --> 00:37:06,440
I know
673
00:37:07,440 --> 00:37:08,880
that from now on,
674
00:37:10,480 --> 00:37:13,040
I will never be leaving
the Inspectorate Office.
675
00:37:13,600 --> 00:37:14,920
Have you truly made your decision?
676
00:37:15,000 --> 00:37:16,279
Yes.
677
00:37:32,680 --> 00:37:34,960
I will tell His Majesty
what you've just said.
678
00:37:35,520 --> 00:37:37,160
Any more requests, Mr. Wang?
679
00:37:37,759 --> 00:37:39,640
I have one final request.
680
00:37:42,279 --> 00:37:43,120
Can you…
681
00:37:45,000 --> 00:37:47,160
release my birds?
682
00:37:53,200 --> 00:37:54,600
Thank you,
683
00:37:55,759 --> 00:37:57,040
Consort Rou!
684
00:37:57,839 --> 00:37:59,400
HANQIU PALACE
685
00:37:59,480 --> 00:38:02,240
I think we can close the case
of imperial examination fraud now.
686
00:38:02,319 --> 00:38:05,120
It's clear that Wang Houwen and eight
other officials abused their power
687
00:38:05,200 --> 00:38:07,640
to undermine the imperial exam's
credibility and embezzle funds.
688
00:38:07,720 --> 00:38:09,120
They should be sentenced to death.
689
00:38:09,200 --> 00:38:11,319
As for the others involved,
I suggest they be imprisoned,
690
00:38:11,400 --> 00:38:13,839
with duration determined
by the Ministry of Justice.
691
00:38:14,680 --> 00:38:16,799
Mr. Pei, what do you think?
692
00:38:19,480 --> 00:38:20,359
Your Majesty.
693
00:38:21,040 --> 00:38:22,120
I agree
694
00:38:22,720 --> 00:38:25,279
with Prince Su's suggestions.
695
00:38:28,279 --> 00:38:29,960
Father, upon further investigation,
696
00:38:30,040 --> 00:38:32,160
we have determined
697
00:38:32,240 --> 00:38:34,680
that 123 eligible candidates
have had their candidatures stolen.
698
00:38:34,759 --> 00:38:36,920
I suggest that we hold another examination
699
00:38:37,000 --> 00:38:39,720
to return them
the opportunities they deserve.
700
00:38:40,759 --> 00:38:43,920
Does anyone have other objections?
701
00:38:46,160 --> 00:38:48,640
Congratulations on employing
the right person, Your Majesty.
702
00:38:48,720 --> 00:38:50,560
Prince Su's decisive manner
703
00:38:50,640 --> 00:38:53,160
will prove to be a valuable asset
to you in the future.
704
00:38:56,839 --> 00:38:58,520
I'm flattered, Mr. Shangguan.
705
00:38:59,279 --> 00:39:01,000
Father, I would like to volunteer
706
00:39:01,080 --> 00:39:02,920
to be the chief examiner
for the upcoming exam
707
00:39:03,000 --> 00:39:04,640
-and recruit talents for you.
-Cheng.
708
00:39:05,440 --> 00:39:06,759
I'm pleased that you would offer
709
00:39:07,759 --> 00:39:09,640
to take on this responsibility.
710
00:39:09,720 --> 00:39:12,720
But given your young age,
many people may not be convinced.
711
00:39:12,799 --> 00:39:13,880
I have
712
00:39:14,640 --> 00:39:16,200
other arrangements.
713
00:39:24,160 --> 00:39:25,200
He's here.
714
00:39:26,960 --> 00:39:28,359
-What brings you all here?
-Mr. Pei.
715
00:39:28,440 --> 00:39:29,680
-Mr. Pei.
-Mr. Pei.
716
00:39:29,759 --> 00:39:30,880
-Mr. Pei.
-Mr. Pei.
717
00:39:32,040 --> 00:39:33,960
Mr. Pei, how are you doing now?
718
00:39:35,839 --> 00:39:37,480
My friend, you must have suffered.
719
00:39:38,279 --> 00:39:39,680
Mr. Pei, while you were absent,
720
00:39:39,759 --> 00:39:41,200
everyone has been thinking about you.
721
00:39:42,080 --> 00:39:43,680
-Yes.
-Thank you, everyone.
722
00:39:43,759 --> 00:39:45,839
I'm feeling much better now.
723
00:39:45,920 --> 00:39:47,000
-That's great.
-That's great.
724
00:39:47,880 --> 00:39:48,920
Mr. Pei.
725
00:39:49,000 --> 00:39:50,920
Ever since Mr. Wang
was sentenced to death,
726
00:39:51,520 --> 00:39:53,839
the Ministry of Personnel
has been lacking a leader.
727
00:39:55,920 --> 00:39:58,279
Consort Rou even sent someone to ask
728
00:39:58,359 --> 00:40:01,080
if there was anyone who could assume
the role of the chief examiner.
729
00:40:01,920 --> 00:40:03,160
We think
730
00:40:03,240 --> 00:40:05,880
now that Consort Rou failed
to have Prince Su take over the position,
731
00:40:05,960 --> 00:40:08,080
you might get recommended instead.
732
00:40:08,160 --> 00:40:09,359
That's why we're here
733
00:40:09,440 --> 00:40:11,359
to inform you of this.
734
00:40:11,440 --> 00:40:12,520
Yes.
735
00:40:12,600 --> 00:40:15,440
I'm sorry for making all of you worry.
736
00:40:16,120 --> 00:40:17,359
Mr. Pei, don't say so.
737
00:40:17,920 --> 00:40:19,120
All of us here
738
00:40:19,200 --> 00:40:21,920
come from humble clans in the capital.
739
00:40:22,560 --> 00:40:25,080
We are nothing compared
to the noble families.
740
00:40:25,160 --> 00:40:27,839
We need someone that we can rely on.
741
00:40:27,920 --> 00:40:29,240
Mr. Pei.
742
00:40:29,920 --> 00:40:32,680
You're exactly the person
we'd like to follow.
743
00:40:34,000 --> 00:40:36,120
Thank you for thinking so highly of me.
Tomorrow…
744
00:40:36,920 --> 00:40:38,880
Tomorrow, I'll return
to the Ministry of Personnel
745
00:40:38,960 --> 00:40:40,920
and discuss the future with you.
746
00:40:41,000 --> 00:40:41,839
-Good.
-Good.
747
00:40:41,920 --> 00:40:43,080
-That's great.
-That's great.
748
00:40:56,560 --> 00:40:58,680
Fu Lai!
749
00:40:58,759 --> 00:40:59,680
Your Majesty.
750
00:41:01,759 --> 00:41:03,359
Your Majesty, I'm here.
751
00:41:05,200 --> 00:41:06,359
What time is it?
752
00:41:09,120 --> 00:41:12,279
Your Majesty, the sun has just risen.
753
00:41:13,560 --> 00:41:15,080
I can't see again.
754
00:41:15,880 --> 00:41:17,839
Your Majesty, let me summon
the imperial physician.
755
00:41:17,920 --> 00:41:19,080
Wait.
756
00:41:19,160 --> 00:41:21,000
Don't say a word of this to anyone else.
757
00:41:21,080 --> 00:41:23,279
But Your Majesty,
this is already the third time.
758
00:41:23,359 --> 00:41:25,560
It's all right. I just need some rest.
759
00:41:27,960 --> 00:41:28,839
Fu Lai.
760
00:41:29,600 --> 00:41:30,520
Hurry up.
761
00:41:30,600 --> 00:41:32,000
We're running out of time.
762
00:41:33,160 --> 00:41:34,480
Pass this message to Consort Rou.
763
00:41:34,560 --> 00:41:36,960
Tell her the imperial examination
is imperative, go!
764
00:41:37,040 --> 00:41:38,759
-Your Majesty…
-Go now!
765
00:41:39,359 --> 00:41:40,880
Yes, Your Majesty.
766
00:41:42,560 --> 00:41:45,319
The Inspectorate Office has closed
the case of the imperial exam fraud.
767
00:41:45,400 --> 00:41:47,799
Consort Rou has done well
in assisting Prince Su.
768
00:41:47,880 --> 00:41:50,240
The metropolitan examination
has been delayed for months
769
00:41:51,040 --> 00:41:52,279
and we should expedite it.
770
00:41:52,359 --> 00:41:55,240
We have several vacancies
in the imperial court this year.
771
00:41:55,319 --> 00:41:56,720
This is the opportunity
772
00:41:56,799 --> 00:41:58,759
to recruit more talents for our country.
773
00:42:03,319 --> 00:42:04,440
You're right, Your Majesty.
774
00:42:04,520 --> 00:42:06,440
Mr. Pei is still recuperating.
775
00:42:06,520 --> 00:42:07,960
He was the supposed chief examiner.
776
00:42:08,040 --> 00:42:09,240
-Why don't we--
-Your Majesty.
777
00:42:21,600 --> 00:42:22,799
Greetings, Your Majesty.
778
00:42:24,839 --> 00:42:26,520
Thank you for your concern, Your Highness.
779
00:42:28,040 --> 00:42:29,839
I have recovered from my injuries
780
00:42:29,920 --> 00:42:32,240
and my peers have been updating me
781
00:42:32,920 --> 00:42:34,680
on the procedures
of the metropolitan exam.
782
00:42:34,759 --> 00:42:37,960
The examination questions, sites,
and the evaluation system
783
00:42:38,040 --> 00:42:39,120
are all in set order.
784
00:42:40,040 --> 00:42:41,279
As soon as you give the command,
785
00:42:41,359 --> 00:42:42,920
we can start right away.
786
00:42:46,600 --> 00:42:49,640
Then discuss with the Ministry of Rites
and choose a suitable date this month.
787
00:42:50,240 --> 00:42:51,480
We can't put it off any longer.
788
00:42:52,200 --> 00:42:53,319
Yes, Your Majesty.
789
00:42:58,960 --> 00:43:01,240
Your Majesty, Mr. Pei is here.
790
00:43:02,759 --> 00:43:04,600
-Greetings, Your Majesty.
-Skip the formalities.
791
00:43:10,880 --> 00:43:11,759
Well?
792
00:43:12,920 --> 00:43:15,200
Pingyue finally allowed you
to leave her mansion?
793
00:43:18,440 --> 00:43:20,640
Your Majesty,
please don't tease me anymore.
794
00:43:21,240 --> 00:43:23,640
I'm finding myself
to be the subject of gossip everywhere.
795
00:43:28,120 --> 00:43:30,720
Looks like Pingyue
does like you very much.
796
00:43:32,359 --> 00:43:33,279
Her Highness is…
797
00:43:37,799 --> 00:43:39,160
Her Highness is simple.
798
00:43:44,759 --> 00:43:47,799
Make sure you uphold the credibility
of the metropolitan examination.
799
00:43:49,759 --> 00:43:51,560
We need reliable people
in the imperial court.
800
00:43:52,200 --> 00:43:53,240
Internally,
801
00:43:53,319 --> 00:43:55,240
I need to maintain good governance.
802
00:43:56,440 --> 00:43:57,400
Externally,
803
00:43:57,920 --> 00:44:00,400
I've always wanted to suppress
the northern enemies
804
00:44:01,520 --> 00:44:03,560
to keep our country safe
from constant skirmishes.
805
00:44:05,879 --> 00:44:08,279
Mr. Pei, do you have
any useful suggestions?
806
00:44:09,520 --> 00:44:10,359
Perhaps
807
00:44:10,839 --> 00:44:12,799
we could hold
a military examination next year.
808
00:44:12,879 --> 00:44:14,200
A military examination?
809
00:44:16,279 --> 00:44:17,480
That's a brilliant idea.
810
00:44:18,040 --> 00:44:18,879
Mr. Pei.
811
00:44:20,960 --> 00:44:22,560
His Majesty has high hopes for you.
812
00:44:24,759 --> 00:44:27,080
Has His Majesty been experiencing
health issues lately?
813
00:44:27,799 --> 00:44:29,799
His Majesty has been experiencing
temporary blindness
814
00:44:29,879 --> 00:44:31,640
in the morning for the past two days.
815
00:44:32,319 --> 00:44:34,120
Looks like chaos is drawing near.