1
00:01:43,360 --> 00:01:44,240
Jiang Li.
2
00:01:46,960 --> 00:01:47,960
Jiang Li,
3
00:01:49,000 --> 00:01:50,160
your letter is approved.
4
00:01:50,840 --> 00:01:52,920
See where Mr. Shen has assigned you.
5
00:01:54,880 --> 00:01:55,720
This time,
6
00:01:55,800 --> 00:01:57,920
the Court of State Ceremonial
categorized the reception.
7
00:01:58,000 --> 00:02:00,040
Liu Xu, Shijie, and I are
8
00:02:00,120 --> 00:02:01,480
with the Ministry of Rites,
9
00:02:01,560 --> 00:02:03,720
responsible for reception
along the way and the lodge.
10
00:02:03,800 --> 00:02:05,080
"Music Affairs Division"?
11
00:02:07,240 --> 00:02:08,240
Music Affairs Division?
12
00:02:10,199 --> 00:02:11,480
This isn't right.
13
00:02:12,040 --> 00:02:13,240
You play the guqin so well.
14
00:02:13,320 --> 00:02:14,880
Yet they make you play ordinary pieces
15
00:02:14,960 --> 00:02:16,280
with those musicians.
16
00:02:16,360 --> 00:02:17,880
What's going on here?
17
00:02:17,960 --> 00:02:19,840
Which part does Mr. Shen oversee?
18
00:02:19,920 --> 00:02:22,680
Of course Mr. Shen oversees everything.
19
00:02:23,320 --> 00:02:25,240
He and those
at the Hanlin Academy are responsible
20
00:02:25,320 --> 00:02:27,800
for compiling and organizing classics
for Great Zhao.
21
00:02:28,320 --> 00:02:30,720
This is the main focus
of the alliance meeting.
22
00:02:32,680 --> 00:02:34,560
Shen Yurong.
23
00:02:34,640 --> 00:02:36,280
You're so afraid that I'm so close to you.
24
00:02:36,920 --> 00:02:39,560
Are you afraid
I'll find something incriminating
25
00:02:39,640 --> 00:02:41,760
or that Wanning will go crazy
because of you
26
00:02:41,840 --> 00:02:44,000
and do something incriminating?
27
00:02:45,160 --> 00:02:46,880
It seems like you will be the first
28
00:02:47,840 --> 00:02:49,040
to slip up.
29
00:02:50,560 --> 00:02:51,840
-Yes.
-Of course.
30
00:02:51,920 --> 00:02:52,760
Seriously?
31
00:02:52,840 --> 00:02:59,840
BROADEN KNOWLEDGE WITH PROPRIETY
32
00:02:59,920 --> 00:03:01,880
Yes, we must finish this.
33
00:03:07,560 --> 00:03:09,800
Isn't she the Annual Exam top scorer
at the School of Integrity?
34
00:03:09,880 --> 00:03:11,360
What is she doing
at the Music Affairs Division?
35
00:03:11,440 --> 00:03:12,640
Shouldn't she be doing a solo?
36
00:03:13,120 --> 00:03:14,360
Ms. Jiang Li,
37
00:03:18,760 --> 00:03:21,200
you cannot touch this guqin.
38
00:03:27,760 --> 00:03:29,360
It belongs to Ms. Xiao.
39
00:03:32,160 --> 00:03:33,120
Where's mine?
40
00:03:33,200 --> 00:03:34,880
You're just like them, it's over there.
41
00:03:38,880 --> 00:03:40,000
I want to see Ms. Xiao.
42
00:03:40,520 --> 00:03:42,000
Who's looking for me?
43
00:03:55,080 --> 00:03:56,000
Ms. Xiao.
44
00:03:56,080 --> 00:03:57,960
I heard from Mr. Shen before
45
00:03:58,040 --> 00:03:59,720
that His Majesty wants
to hear me play solo.
46
00:03:59,800 --> 00:04:02,000
But I'm assigned to you.
47
00:04:02,080 --> 00:04:04,800
With this arrangement,
48
00:04:04,880 --> 00:04:06,800
isn't His Majesty's wish being ignored?
49
00:04:06,880 --> 00:04:08,320
Ms. Jiang Li,
50
00:04:08,400 --> 00:04:10,360
I know you won first place
in the Annual Exam
51
00:04:10,880 --> 00:04:14,200
and gained His Majesty's admiration,
so you are proud and confident.
52
00:04:14,760 --> 00:04:17,040
But look at these musicians
from the Music Office.
53
00:04:17,680 --> 00:04:20,000
They're all proud and confident too.
54
00:04:20,079 --> 00:04:22,000
If you don't show some real skill,
55
00:04:22,079 --> 00:04:24,000
you won't be able to convince them.
56
00:04:24,080 --> 00:04:26,080
Mr. Shen knows
your guqin skills are top-notch.
57
00:04:26,160 --> 00:04:27,640
That's why he wanted you to come
58
00:04:27,720 --> 00:04:29,600
and set an example for them.
59
00:04:29,680 --> 00:04:30,880
Ms. Jiang Li,
60
00:04:30,960 --> 00:04:33,240
could it be that you can't put aside
your noble status?
61
00:05:27,400 --> 00:05:29,240
We can't afford
to have a sham among the skilled
62
00:05:29,720 --> 00:05:31,240
in receiving the Great Zhao delegation.
63
00:05:31,320 --> 00:05:34,040
But Ms. Jiang Li has a special status,
64
00:05:34,120 --> 00:05:35,400
so she'll be excused this time.
65
00:05:36,440 --> 00:05:39,800
Today, I need everyone here to bear
66
00:05:40,640 --> 00:05:44,040
with Ms. Jiang Li until she catches up.
67
00:05:44,600 --> 00:05:47,200
These are the pieces you usually play.
68
00:05:48,880 --> 00:05:50,680
I just received the sheet music recently,
69
00:05:50,760 --> 00:05:53,480
so catching up
to everyone's level is challenging indeed.
70
00:05:53,560 --> 00:05:55,640
But I don't want to drag everyone down
71
00:05:56,240 --> 00:05:58,360
because I'm a Chancellor's daughter.
72
00:05:58,440 --> 00:05:59,880
Ms. Xiao,
73
00:05:59,960 --> 00:06:01,120
I'm willing to practice alone
74
00:06:01,200 --> 00:06:02,600
to catch up to everyone's level.
75
00:06:02,680 --> 00:06:05,400
In that case, do as you wish.
76
00:06:05,480 --> 00:06:06,840
You may practice alone.
77
00:06:26,080 --> 00:06:28,720
Ms. Jiang Li,
you need to practice diligently.
78
00:06:34,320 --> 00:06:35,800
If you fall behind,
79
00:06:35,880 --> 00:06:37,720
I can't afford
80
00:06:38,240 --> 00:06:39,520
to have Mr. Shen blame me.
81
00:06:39,600 --> 00:06:40,720
Ms. Xiao, don't worry.
82
00:06:40,800 --> 00:06:42,320
I won't let you down.
83
00:06:42,400 --> 00:06:43,440
Great.
84
00:07:23,400 --> 00:07:24,360
Help!
85
00:07:25,040 --> 00:07:26,920
I... I've been bitten.
86
00:07:28,600 --> 00:07:29,440
What happened?
87
00:07:30,880 --> 00:07:33,840
I found Jiuyue.
88
00:07:33,920 --> 00:07:34,920
Where is Jiuyue?
89
00:07:36,040 --> 00:07:38,040
I wanted to go to the snake cave
to catch snakes.
90
00:07:38,120 --> 00:07:40,160
He insisted on following me
and couldn't stop nagging.
91
00:07:41,440 --> 00:07:42,600
He ended up getting bitten by a snake.
92
00:07:44,800 --> 00:07:46,720
How dare you hit me?
93
00:07:48,560 --> 00:07:49,760
Where's the antidote?
94
00:07:50,520 --> 00:07:52,600
Trade your ten-year-old fine wine for it.
95
00:07:52,680 --> 00:07:53,520
Fine.
96
00:08:02,640 --> 00:08:05,120
Wen Ji said
you were looking for me urgently.
97
00:08:06,280 --> 00:08:07,880
Your brother is leading
the Great Zhao delegation
98
00:08:07,960 --> 00:08:09,040
and coming here
for an alliance meeting soon.
99
00:08:09,120 --> 00:08:10,440
You'll be reunited with him then.
100
00:08:11,520 --> 00:08:12,360
That's great news.
101
00:08:12,880 --> 00:08:15,320
Prince Cheng doesn't want us
to be friendly with Great Zhao.
102
00:08:16,080 --> 00:08:17,680
He'll definitely stop it from happening,
103
00:08:17,760 --> 00:08:19,160
which could endanger you.
104
00:08:19,240 --> 00:08:20,960
During this time,
stay at the Duke Mansion.
105
00:08:21,040 --> 00:08:21,880
You'll be safer here.
106
00:08:24,600 --> 00:08:28,000
Is that why you asked me to come?
107
00:08:28,840 --> 00:08:30,000
Are you that concerned about me?
108
00:08:30,080 --> 00:08:31,160
There's one more thing.
109
00:08:32,559 --> 00:08:33,400
What is it?
110
00:08:33,480 --> 00:08:34,520
Save two people.
111
00:08:34,600 --> 00:08:36,720
One has amnesia
and the other is disfigured by a knife.
112
00:08:36,799 --> 00:08:38,240
Xiao Heng.
113
00:08:39,280 --> 00:08:41,520
Do you see everyone
114
00:08:41,600 --> 00:08:42,679
as pawns?
115
00:08:42,760 --> 00:08:43,600
After it's done,
116
00:08:44,120 --> 00:08:46,400
you can have all the wine you want.
117
00:08:46,960 --> 00:08:47,920
Wine?
118
00:08:49,520 --> 00:08:51,080
That's two lives we're talking about.
119
00:08:53,040 --> 00:08:54,520
How can that be enough?
120
00:08:54,600 --> 00:08:55,600
What do you propose then?
121
00:08:56,240 --> 00:08:57,080
Tell me.
122
00:08:57,160 --> 00:09:00,200
For whose sake
do you want to save those two?
123
00:09:03,560 --> 00:09:04,760
You're struggling to answer.
124
00:09:05,760 --> 00:09:09,280
Is it for Ms. Jiang Li again?
125
00:09:09,840 --> 00:09:12,320
Will you save them or not?
126
00:09:14,560 --> 00:09:16,120
Is this how you ask for help?
127
00:09:16,200 --> 00:09:17,440
What do you want me to do?
128
00:09:19,200 --> 00:09:20,120
I want you
129
00:09:21,200 --> 00:09:22,480
to accompany me to catch spiders.
130
00:09:22,560 --> 00:09:25,240
Show me your sincerity.
131
00:09:40,360 --> 00:09:41,760
I thought you wanted to catch spiders.
132
00:09:42,240 --> 00:09:43,760
-Are we catching them here?
-Yes.
133
00:09:46,040 --> 00:09:47,440
I'm not here to swim with you.
134
00:09:49,040 --> 00:09:51,480
To catch water spiders,
we have to catch them from the water.
135
00:09:53,000 --> 00:09:53,960
Wait here.
136
00:09:56,680 --> 00:09:57,560
Keep an eye on her.
137
00:09:58,120 --> 00:09:58,960
Yes.
138
00:10:06,240 --> 00:10:07,280
Why are you back?
139
00:10:07,360 --> 00:10:09,160
While undressing, she was saying
140
00:10:09,240 --> 00:10:10,320
that if I stay,
141
00:10:10,400 --> 00:10:12,520
she'll tell Great Zhao's emperor
that she was molested.
142
00:10:33,560 --> 00:10:34,400
Xiao Heng!
143
00:10:39,280 --> 00:10:41,640
It turns out you truly care about me.
144
00:10:41,720 --> 00:10:44,160
If you don't want to save them,
you don't have to toy with me like this.
145
00:10:44,240 --> 00:10:45,080
I...
146
00:10:52,880 --> 00:10:53,720
Xiao Heng,
147
00:10:54,280 --> 00:10:55,560
haven't you toyed with me before?
148
00:11:09,800 --> 00:11:11,320
The arrow is poisoned.
149
00:11:11,400 --> 00:11:12,520
Only I can cure it.
150
00:11:15,760 --> 00:11:17,240
If you want me to save you,
151
00:11:18,440 --> 00:11:21,360
you have to offer yourself to me.
152
00:11:22,600 --> 00:11:23,920
I don't do romance.
153
00:11:25,280 --> 00:11:26,440
It's up to you to save me or not.
154
00:11:29,440 --> 00:11:30,640
Is your refusal to indulge in romance
155
00:11:32,120 --> 00:11:33,520
only meant for me?
156
00:11:33,600 --> 00:11:35,480
So you're not going
to save those two people then.
157
00:11:38,160 --> 00:11:39,520
I can save them
158
00:11:40,120 --> 00:11:43,520
as long as you offer your life in return.
159
00:11:43,600 --> 00:11:45,040
Jiuyue, stop messing around.
160
00:11:45,600 --> 00:11:46,520
Fine,
161
00:11:47,720 --> 00:11:48,880
I'll stop.
162
00:11:50,520 --> 00:11:51,920
As for those two,
163
00:11:52,000 --> 00:11:53,440
I can save them or not.
164
00:11:55,720 --> 00:11:56,560
Jiuyue.
165
00:11:58,800 --> 00:11:59,640
Lu Ji,
166
00:12:00,240 --> 00:12:01,160
keep her safe.
167
00:12:01,240 --> 00:12:02,080
Yes.
168
00:12:11,920 --> 00:12:12,760
HANLIN ACADEMY
169
00:12:12,840 --> 00:12:13,680
Mr. Shen,
170
00:12:13,760 --> 00:12:17,000
this is the budget for meals
from the Court of State Ceremonial.
171
00:12:17,080 --> 00:12:18,000
Please review it.
172
00:12:18,080 --> 00:12:19,040
BANQUET EXPENSES OVERVIEW
173
00:12:19,120 --> 00:12:21,680
Mr. Shen, this is the repertoire
of the Music Affairs Division.
174
00:12:21,760 --> 00:12:22,840
Please review this too.
175
00:12:24,680 --> 00:12:25,880
Thank you.
176
00:12:26,600 --> 00:12:28,640
The alliance meeting with Great Zhao
is of great significance.
177
00:12:28,720 --> 00:12:31,240
I'll need more help from both of you.
178
00:12:31,320 --> 00:12:34,440
Please inform me promptly of any issues.
179
00:12:34,520 --> 00:12:35,360
Yes.
180
00:12:39,200 --> 00:12:41,800
Ms. Xiao, do you have something to say?
181
00:12:41,880 --> 00:12:44,680
It's nothing urgent.
182
00:12:44,760 --> 00:12:46,160
It's just that Ms. Jiang Li
183
00:12:46,640 --> 00:12:48,600
has been absent from rehearsals
for two days.
184
00:12:49,440 --> 00:12:52,040
She said she was not well
and might need more days of rest.
185
00:12:52,600 --> 00:12:54,200
Resting is understandable.
186
00:12:54,280 --> 00:12:57,520
But she's unfamiliar
with the new repertoire.
187
00:12:57,600 --> 00:12:59,160
If we wait for her to recover,
188
00:12:59,760 --> 00:13:03,040
she might hold back
the Music Affairs Division's performance.
189
00:13:03,120 --> 00:13:04,600
If her health can't handle it,
190
00:13:05,200 --> 00:13:06,920
it's better for her to get proper rest.
191
00:13:35,560 --> 00:13:36,960
Shijie, why are you here?
192
00:13:37,480 --> 00:13:39,200
Xiao Deyin said you're not well,
193
00:13:39,280 --> 00:13:40,640
so I brought medicine for you.
194
00:13:41,200 --> 00:13:42,280
Thank you, Shijie.
195
00:13:47,840 --> 00:13:49,480
But how did you get sick
196
00:13:49,560 --> 00:13:51,240
just from practicing the guqin?
197
00:13:51,320 --> 00:13:52,160
Shijie,
198
00:13:52,920 --> 00:13:54,880
I remember you mentioned before
199
00:13:54,960 --> 00:13:58,160
that His Majesty wanted to hear me play
"Spring Fading into White Pear Blossoms."
200
00:13:58,240 --> 00:13:59,280
That's correct.
201
00:13:59,360 --> 00:14:03,280
But why did Mr. Shen place me
in the Music Affairs Division?
202
00:14:03,360 --> 00:14:06,000
He said he hoped you'd inspire
the Music Affairs Division to work harder.
203
00:14:06,080 --> 00:14:09,360
But following Mr. Shen's instructions,
Ms. Xiao gave me new sheet music.
204
00:14:10,920 --> 00:14:12,640
Instead of highlighting my strengths,
205
00:14:13,120 --> 00:14:14,600
it exposed my weaknesses.
206
00:14:14,680 --> 00:14:17,160
It's my fault for being too busy lately
that I overlooked you.
207
00:14:17,760 --> 00:14:19,240
I'll go and see Mr. Shen shortly.
208
00:14:19,800 --> 00:14:21,680
I really don't want to stay
in the Music Affairs Division.
209
00:14:22,240 --> 00:14:24,320
If you do want to help me,
210
00:14:25,240 --> 00:14:26,520
I have a solution.
211
00:14:36,760 --> 00:14:37,720
HONGXIAO GRAND CEREMONY
212
00:14:40,440 --> 00:14:43,240
Your thorough arrangement puts my mind
at ease, Minister Shen.
213
00:14:43,320 --> 00:14:44,280
There's something
214
00:14:44,760 --> 00:14:46,280
I shouldn't trouble Your Majesty with.
215
00:14:46,360 --> 00:14:48,280
But it concerns Jiang Li,
the Chief Secretariat's daughter,
216
00:14:48,360 --> 00:14:50,320
so I dare not make decisions on my own.
217
00:14:51,440 --> 00:14:52,280
Go on.
218
00:14:52,360 --> 00:14:54,680
Your Majesty wants Ms. Jiang Li
to represent Great Yan
219
00:14:54,760 --> 00:14:55,960
and showcase her guqin skills.
220
00:14:56,040 --> 00:14:57,760
But the alliance meeting
isn't like the Annual Exam.
221
00:14:57,840 --> 00:15:00,280
Her performance in the latter
would only affect herself.
222
00:15:00,760 --> 00:15:03,680
It has been several months
since the Annual exam,
223
00:15:03,760 --> 00:15:05,200
and many things happened after that,
224
00:15:05,280 --> 00:15:06,920
making her guqin skills unavoidably rusty.
225
00:15:07,000 --> 00:15:09,840
I initially thought of letting her
practice at the Music Affairs Division.
226
00:15:09,920 --> 00:15:10,960
But she fell ill unexpectedly.
227
00:15:11,440 --> 00:15:13,080
Forcing her
228
00:15:13,160 --> 00:15:14,720
might not only be detrimental
to the alliance meeting,
229
00:15:14,800 --> 00:15:17,480
but also make the Chief Secretariat feel
that my arrangements aren't good.
230
00:15:17,560 --> 00:15:19,760
Minister Shen, what do you suggest then?
231
00:15:19,840 --> 00:15:22,000
Let Ms. Jiang Li focus on recovering.
232
00:15:22,080 --> 00:15:24,440
Your Majesty, Mr. Shen.
233
00:15:25,240 --> 00:15:27,160
Upon hearing that my cousin was sick,
I went to visit her.
234
00:15:27,240 --> 00:15:29,800
Ms. Xiao gave Jiang Li a music piece
that the musicians know well,
235
00:15:29,880 --> 00:15:32,120
but was unfamiliar to her.
236
00:15:32,200 --> 00:15:35,000
Jiang Li practiced day and night
to not burden the Music Affairs Division
237
00:15:35,080 --> 00:15:35,920
and fell ill.
238
00:15:36,000 --> 00:15:38,040
She continued practicing in spite of that,
239
00:15:38,120 --> 00:15:40,160
showing her dedication.
240
00:15:40,240 --> 00:15:41,600
The alliance meeting is important.
241
00:15:41,680 --> 00:15:43,120
Given Jiang Li's current condition,
242
00:15:43,200 --> 00:15:44,360
even if she doesn't practice new pieces
243
00:15:44,440 --> 00:15:46,840
and only plays
"Spring Fading into White Pear Blossoms",
244
00:15:46,920 --> 00:15:49,920
she might not be as good as she was
at the Annual Exam even if she recovers.
245
00:15:50,000 --> 00:15:51,280
Your Majesty, please consider this.
246
00:15:52,000 --> 00:15:54,760
Jiang Li just needs a few days of rest
to recover from her illness.
247
00:15:54,840 --> 00:15:56,840
She may not be
as good as she was in the Annual Exam,
248
00:15:56,920 --> 00:15:58,640
but Jiang Li is talented and devoted.
249
00:15:59,160 --> 00:16:01,080
If we don't stick
to the Annual Exam repertoire,
250
00:16:01,160 --> 00:16:04,200
perhaps she could recite poems
and play the guqin with Hanlin scholars
251
00:16:04,280 --> 00:16:05,680
to create a new performance style,
252
00:16:05,760 --> 00:16:07,680
highlighting each other's strengths
and covering weaknesses,
253
00:16:07,760 --> 00:16:11,160
which could be refreshing
to the Zhao delegation.
254
00:16:11,240 --> 00:16:12,200
How is that appropriate?
255
00:16:12,280 --> 00:16:13,640
Minister Shen, calm down.
256
00:16:14,280 --> 00:16:16,360
Minister Ye's proposal is intriguing.
257
00:16:17,360 --> 00:16:20,840
Innovating has always been your forte.
258
00:16:20,920 --> 00:16:22,800
Minister Shen,
you might as well give it a try.
259
00:16:24,680 --> 00:16:25,640
-Yes.
-Yes.
260
00:16:42,240 --> 00:16:43,560
Your pawn
261
00:16:43,640 --> 00:16:45,600
always involves me
like this unnecessarily.
262
00:16:45,680 --> 00:16:46,920
That's her talent.
263
00:16:48,240 --> 00:16:49,080
So tell me,
264
00:16:49,160 --> 00:16:50,560
what does she ultimately want to do?
265
00:16:50,640 --> 00:16:52,040
Perhaps Your Majesty should ask
266
00:16:52,120 --> 00:16:53,240
Ms. Jiang Li?
267
00:16:54,640 --> 00:16:57,760
I guess there are still things
that even you can't figure out.
268
00:16:59,040 --> 00:17:00,000
Interesting.
269
00:17:02,160 --> 00:17:08,960
HANLIN ACADEMY
270
00:17:15,480 --> 00:17:17,280
Isn't this Ms. Jiang Li?
271
00:17:19,760 --> 00:17:21,160
Are you here at the Hanlin Academy
272
00:17:21,240 --> 00:17:23,240
to catch the eye
of some young master again?
273
00:17:23,319 --> 00:17:24,880
I've told you before.
274
00:17:24,960 --> 00:17:27,200
If you miss out on me,
you won't find anyone better.
275
00:17:27,280 --> 00:17:28,680
Your outfit today looks nice.
276
00:17:29,360 --> 00:17:31,120
Did you have a blind date
with someone inside?
277
00:17:31,200 --> 00:17:34,440
I... I'm here at the Hanlin Academy
to participate in compiling the classics.
278
00:17:34,520 --> 00:17:35,960
As for you,
279
00:17:36,040 --> 00:17:37,120
what are you doing here?
280
00:17:37,200 --> 00:17:38,560
Mr. Shen summoned me.
281
00:17:38,640 --> 00:17:40,040
Mr. Shen?
282
00:17:41,200 --> 00:17:42,920
You two just made a scene
in front of His Majesty
283
00:17:43,000 --> 00:17:44,080
and you still dare to interact?
284
00:17:44,160 --> 00:17:45,520
Aren't you afraid of gossip?
285
00:17:47,280 --> 00:17:49,320
A clear conscience fears no slander.
286
00:17:49,400 --> 00:17:50,560
Impressive.
287
00:17:59,040 --> 00:18:00,880
Why did you ask me to come, Mr. Shen?
288
00:18:00,960 --> 00:18:02,440
Didn't your cousin tell you?
289
00:18:02,520 --> 00:18:04,600
Since you're in charge of this matter,
290
00:18:04,680 --> 00:18:06,200
it only counts if it comes from you.
291
00:18:06,280 --> 00:18:08,560
His Majesty
has approved Ye Shijie's proposal.
292
00:18:09,240 --> 00:18:10,640
Who would you like to perform with
293
00:18:11,760 --> 00:18:13,240
at the Hanlin Academy?
294
00:18:15,480 --> 00:18:17,280
Naturally, you...
295
00:18:18,000 --> 00:18:19,120
have the final say.
296
00:18:21,840 --> 00:18:22,840
In that case,
297
00:18:23,760 --> 00:18:24,920
do it with Zhao Qi.
298
00:18:25,000 --> 00:18:26,840
You seemed quite close just now.
299
00:18:26,920 --> 00:18:29,000
It saves time in getting acquainted.
300
00:18:29,080 --> 00:18:30,280
Can you choose someone else?
301
00:18:30,360 --> 00:18:31,960
Didn't you say I have the final say?
302
00:18:32,040 --> 00:18:33,480
Since you insist,
303
00:18:34,280 --> 00:18:35,520
I'll follow your arrangement.
304
00:18:36,280 --> 00:18:38,960
I'll go talk to Zhao Qi
and start rehearsals tomorrow.
305
00:18:48,560 --> 00:18:49,400
Baixue,
306
00:18:50,200 --> 00:18:51,440
I remember my cousin, Jia'er,
307
00:18:51,520 --> 00:18:53,200
gave me some silk and satin before.
308
00:18:54,200 --> 00:18:56,560
There was a handwoven
cloud brocade handkerchief.
309
00:18:57,040 --> 00:18:58,200
Bring it to me later.
310
00:18:58,960 --> 00:19:01,440
My lady, you should have used it earlier.
311
00:19:01,520 --> 00:19:02,640
Such good material
312
00:19:02,720 --> 00:19:04,440
should match a beautiful woman like you.
313
00:19:05,600 --> 00:19:07,360
It's not for my personal use.
314
00:19:07,440 --> 00:19:08,680
Then what is it for?
315
00:19:08,760 --> 00:19:10,000
To please others.
316
00:19:16,560 --> 00:19:18,520
I was actually looking forward
to your performance.
317
00:19:18,600 --> 00:19:19,760
Now,
318
00:19:19,840 --> 00:19:21,520
I've become a part of this show.
319
00:19:22,360 --> 00:19:24,080
I know you don't want to perform with me.
320
00:19:24,640 --> 00:19:25,800
Neither do I.
321
00:19:26,320 --> 00:19:29,200
So go talk to Mr. Shen and decline it.
322
00:19:29,280 --> 00:19:30,600
Me?
323
00:19:30,680 --> 00:19:32,360
-Yes.
-Forget it.
324
00:19:32,440 --> 00:19:33,920
If I offend Mr. Shen,
325
00:19:34,000 --> 00:19:35,960
can I still stay at Hanlin Academy?
326
00:19:36,040 --> 00:19:37,200
Besides,
327
00:19:37,280 --> 00:19:39,880
this is also an opportunity
to impress His Majesty.
328
00:19:39,960 --> 00:19:41,120
Why would I decline it?
329
00:19:41,200 --> 00:19:42,080
You must go.
330
00:19:43,120 --> 00:19:47,280
Otherwise, your parents will find out
about the lady you're keeping...
331
00:19:48,240 --> 00:19:49,640
-Are you going or not?
-Is that a threat?
332
00:19:49,720 --> 00:19:52,080
I'm not just threatening you.
There's also a bribe.
333
00:19:52,760 --> 00:19:55,480
I heard you've been searching
for this cloud brocade handkerchief.
334
00:19:55,560 --> 00:19:57,360
Today, I brought you a top-notch one.
335
00:19:57,920 --> 00:19:58,960
Take a look.
336
00:19:59,040 --> 00:20:00,920
Will it catch the eye of your sweetheart?
337
00:20:04,400 --> 00:20:05,280
Let me take a look.
338
00:20:10,760 --> 00:20:12,840
This cloud brocade handkerchief
is from Luyang.
339
00:20:13,320 --> 00:20:14,960
It's hard to find in the capital.
340
00:20:15,040 --> 00:20:16,160
How...
341
00:20:16,240 --> 00:20:17,880
How did you get it?
342
00:20:17,960 --> 00:20:19,720
My maternal grandmother's family
is from Luyang.
343
00:20:25,000 --> 00:20:25,840
Then
344
00:20:26,360 --> 00:20:28,400
I'll reluctantly cooperate
345
00:20:29,240 --> 00:20:30,080
with you.
346
00:20:39,240 --> 00:20:41,840
Please replace me with someone else
for Ms. Jiang Li.
347
00:20:42,720 --> 00:20:44,120
We discussed marriage before.
348
00:20:44,200 --> 00:20:45,600
If we perform together,
349
00:20:45,680 --> 00:20:46,920
it'll inevitably draw criticism.
350
00:20:47,000 --> 00:20:48,440
If you have a clear conscience,
351
00:20:48,520 --> 00:20:49,960
why care about what others think?
352
00:20:51,320 --> 00:20:52,840
Even though I have a clear conscience,
353
00:20:54,120 --> 00:20:55,840
gossip is a fearful thing.
354
00:20:56,760 --> 00:20:58,240
It's a tribute to Great Zhao.
355
00:20:58,880 --> 00:21:01,960
I hope you can set aside personal emotions
and prioritize the bigger picture.
356
00:21:02,520 --> 00:21:03,360
Mr. Shen.
357
00:21:04,440 --> 00:21:05,280
Mr. Shen...
358
00:21:15,320 --> 00:21:16,520
We don't have much time left.
359
00:21:16,600 --> 00:21:17,720
Let's go inside and rehearse.
360
00:21:26,560 --> 00:21:29,520
HANLIN ACADEMY
361
00:21:42,880 --> 00:21:43,720
Yurong,
362
00:21:44,600 --> 00:21:46,640
they're not even rehearsing.
363
00:21:47,360 --> 00:21:48,760
What are they doing inside?
364
00:21:53,080 --> 00:21:54,680
I tried to persuade him to replace me.
365
00:21:54,760 --> 00:21:55,920
But he wouldn't listen.
366
00:21:57,560 --> 00:21:59,240
Put on another act for me.
367
00:22:00,320 --> 00:22:02,480
What? Again?
368
00:22:02,560 --> 00:22:05,440
Does your sweetheart
like that handkerchief?
369
00:22:06,520 --> 00:22:08,480
I have even better ones.
370
00:22:08,560 --> 00:22:11,040
I'll bring them tomorrow.
You can let her choose.
371
00:22:12,880 --> 00:22:14,440
Just this once, I won't do it again.
372
00:22:14,520 --> 00:22:15,520
All right.
373
00:22:16,520 --> 00:22:17,360
Go home.
374
00:22:17,840 --> 00:22:18,680
All right.
375
00:22:20,320 --> 00:22:21,200
Jiang Li,
376
00:22:21,280 --> 00:22:22,760
are you doing this on purpose?
377
00:22:22,840 --> 00:22:23,760
All along,
378
00:22:23,840 --> 00:22:25,160
you must have planned this.
379
00:22:25,240 --> 00:22:26,400
I planned this?
380
00:22:26,480 --> 00:22:27,720
What scheme could I have?
381
00:22:27,800 --> 00:22:29,680
It was Mr. Shen who asked me to come.
382
00:22:30,320 --> 00:22:32,120
How would I know he wanted me
to work with you?
383
00:22:32,200 --> 00:22:33,480
You don't know?
384
00:22:33,560 --> 00:22:35,440
Stop pretending already.
385
00:22:35,520 --> 00:22:37,000
I made it clear to you before.
386
00:22:37,080 --> 00:22:38,360
We're not suitable.
387
00:22:38,440 --> 00:22:39,920
Now, you're throwing yourself at me,
388
00:22:40,000 --> 00:22:41,800
people might think
we're getting back together.
389
00:22:41,880 --> 00:22:43,760
How can I get married in the future?
390
00:22:43,840 --> 00:22:45,960
Do you think
you're the only one who minds?
391
00:22:46,040 --> 00:22:47,760
There's nothing we can do now.
392
00:22:47,840 --> 00:22:49,120
I don't have anything to say to you.
393
00:22:49,200 --> 00:22:50,520
That makes the two of us.
394
00:23:06,080 --> 00:23:07,880
Mr. Shen, I apologize for that.
395
00:23:14,280 --> 00:23:15,120
Go home first.
396
00:23:16,280 --> 00:23:17,120
Yurong.
397
00:23:17,200 --> 00:23:18,320
I said, go.
398
00:23:36,480 --> 00:23:37,320
Ms. Jiang Li,
399
00:23:41,320 --> 00:23:42,280
what happened here?
400
00:23:42,840 --> 00:23:44,520
Weren't you two rehearsing
just fine earlier?
401
00:23:44,600 --> 00:23:48,120
-Did you do this on purpose, Mr. Shen?
-I did this on purpose?
402
00:23:48,200 --> 00:23:50,960
I overheard the conversation
between you and Zhao Qi this afternoon.
403
00:23:51,040 --> 00:23:53,040
It seemed like
you deliberately brought someone
404
00:23:53,120 --> 00:23:54,640
who discussed marriage with me
405
00:23:54,720 --> 00:23:57,480
to stir up trouble and make me pull out.
406
00:23:57,560 --> 00:23:59,400
Ms. Jiang Li, you're mistaken.
407
00:23:59,480 --> 00:24:02,480
Zhao Qi is a highly talented man
among the Hanlin scholars.
408
00:24:03,000 --> 00:24:04,360
If I didn't do this,
409
00:24:04,440 --> 00:24:06,680
I would have let down
your deliberate suggestion
410
00:24:08,080 --> 00:24:10,920
to have Minister Ye propose ideas
in front of His Majesty.
411
00:24:14,040 --> 00:24:15,160
Mr. Shen, mind your words.
412
00:24:15,240 --> 00:24:18,120
You were the one who tried to get rid
of me in front of His Majesty first.
413
00:24:18,200 --> 00:24:19,680
You were absent due to illness first.
414
00:24:19,760 --> 00:24:22,160
I don't know
how I ever offended you, Mr. Shen.
415
00:24:22,240 --> 00:24:23,520
You've been suspicious of me
416
00:24:23,600 --> 00:24:25,240
and targeting me all along.
417
00:24:25,840 --> 00:24:27,280
Helping with the alliance meeting
418
00:24:27,360 --> 00:24:28,760
would bring honor to Great Yan
419
00:24:28,840 --> 00:24:30,320
and add glory to the Jiang family.
420
00:24:31,040 --> 00:24:32,600
So I won't give up.
421
00:24:33,360 --> 00:24:35,160
If you continue
making things difficult for me,
422
00:24:35,240 --> 00:24:37,600
it will reflect poorly on Great Yan.
423
00:24:43,960 --> 00:24:44,800
Tomorrow,
424
00:24:47,520 --> 00:24:49,080
I'll find another person for you.
425
00:25:03,120 --> 00:25:03,960
Mr. Zhao.
426
00:25:04,040 --> 00:25:05,040
Mr. Du.
427
00:25:05,120 --> 00:25:07,440
-Can we talk?
-What's the matter?
428
00:25:08,040 --> 00:25:10,480
Mr. Shen assigned me to rehearse a program
429
00:25:10,560 --> 00:25:11,480
with Ms. Jiang Li.
430
00:25:11,560 --> 00:25:12,760
Congratulations, Mr. Du.
431
00:25:13,240 --> 00:25:14,880
When you shine brightly
in the alliance meeting
432
00:25:14,960 --> 00:25:15,840
and please His Majesty,
433
00:25:15,920 --> 00:25:18,240
it will be beneficial for your career.
434
00:25:18,320 --> 00:25:20,240
It looks good on the surface.
435
00:25:20,800 --> 00:25:24,080
However, why did you
decline it with Mr. Shen?
436
00:25:30,680 --> 00:25:32,760
I'm telling you this
because you're my friend.
437
00:25:33,760 --> 00:25:36,120
What seems good on the surface
438
00:25:37,040 --> 00:25:40,440
often hides underlying tensions.
439
00:25:41,000 --> 00:25:41,840
How so?
440
00:25:43,280 --> 00:25:44,240
Let me put it this way.
441
00:25:44,320 --> 00:25:45,760
Jiang Li is really evil.
442
00:25:45,840 --> 00:25:47,120
She really eats people.
443
00:25:48,360 --> 00:25:49,720
What? She really eats people?
444
00:25:49,800 --> 00:25:51,080
It was just a metaphor.
445
00:25:51,600 --> 00:25:53,000
I just want to let you know
446
00:25:53,080 --> 00:25:55,440
that sometimes
something appears to be a blessing,
447
00:25:55,520 --> 00:25:59,400
but it's actually
a bottomless abyss underneath.
448
00:25:59,480 --> 00:26:01,000
What should I do then?
449
00:26:01,080 --> 00:26:03,680
Jiang Li is coming to rehearse
with me tonight.
450
00:26:04,680 --> 00:26:05,520
Mr. Zhao,
451
00:26:05,600 --> 00:26:07,680
could you give me some advice?
452
00:26:07,760 --> 00:26:09,440
Mr. Shen is kind.
453
00:26:09,520 --> 00:26:11,600
He understood my difficulty
and changed his decision.
454
00:26:11,680 --> 00:26:14,080
If you have difficulties too,
455
00:26:14,160 --> 00:26:16,000
there's bound to be someone
with no difficulties
456
00:26:16,080 --> 00:26:17,600
among so many scholars in Hanlin.
457
00:26:23,320 --> 00:26:24,680
I understand it now.
458
00:26:24,760 --> 00:26:25,880
Thank you, Mr. Zhao.
459
00:26:34,520 --> 00:26:35,360
Go
460
00:26:36,000 --> 00:26:38,560
and ask Jiang Li
for the pearl necklace she promised.
461
00:26:38,640 --> 00:26:39,600
Yes.
462
00:26:39,680 --> 00:26:42,400
RESPECT THE TRUTH
463
00:26:47,320 --> 00:26:49,080
-Mr. Cheng, please come this way.
-All right.
464
00:26:49,760 --> 00:26:52,320
-Leave these here.
-Then I'll go and see them tomorrow.
465
00:26:52,400 --> 00:26:53,640
-I'll get going.
-I'll go with you.
466
00:26:53,720 --> 00:26:55,480
-All right.
-Liu, take care.
467
00:26:55,560 --> 00:26:56,480
Let's go.
468
00:27:08,520 --> 00:27:09,600
What's wrong?
469
00:27:09,680 --> 00:27:12,040
I craved cold drinks last night
and mixed ice cubes in water.
470
00:27:12,120 --> 00:27:14,160
Now, my stomach hurts terribly.
471
00:27:14,240 --> 00:27:15,920
Come on, I'll take you to the physician.
472
00:27:16,000 --> 00:27:17,040
No.
473
00:27:17,640 --> 00:27:18,760
I couldn't hold it earlier.
474
00:27:19,760 --> 00:27:20,840
I've already...
475
00:27:23,360 --> 00:27:24,400
soiled my trousers.
476
00:27:27,040 --> 00:27:28,400
You...
477
00:27:28,480 --> 00:27:29,480
Mr. Shen,
478
00:27:29,560 --> 00:27:31,640
I'll go home first to wash up
and change my clothes.
479
00:27:31,720 --> 00:27:33,160
Then I'll see a physician.
480
00:27:33,240 --> 00:27:35,320
I might not be able
to attend tonight's rehearsal.
481
00:27:35,400 --> 00:27:37,480
I hope you can keep this a secret
482
00:27:37,560 --> 00:27:38,960
and protect my reputation.
483
00:27:39,040 --> 00:27:40,200
I'll take my leave now.
484
00:27:46,640 --> 00:27:48,680
HANLIN ACADEMY
485
00:28:12,280 --> 00:28:13,240
Ms. Jiang Li,
486
00:28:14,040 --> 00:28:14,880
why do you...
487
00:28:14,960 --> 00:28:16,600
My carriage broke down on the way.
488
00:28:17,320 --> 00:28:19,080
I had to walk over, so I'm late.
489
00:28:19,760 --> 00:28:20,760
I can begin now.
490
00:28:21,400 --> 00:28:22,880
I found Mr. Du, a talented scholar
491
00:28:22,960 --> 00:28:25,280
among the Hanli students,
to perform with you.
492
00:28:25,360 --> 00:28:26,600
Unfortunately,
493
00:28:26,680 --> 00:28:27,640
-he...
-It's fine.
494
00:28:28,480 --> 00:28:31,840
I know no one wants to perform with me.
495
00:28:35,320 --> 00:28:37,800
I'm all soaked, but end up with nothing.
496
00:28:38,520 --> 00:28:40,080
Mr. Shen, I must look foolish.
497
00:28:42,040 --> 00:28:42,920
Jiang Li,
498
00:28:43,680 --> 00:28:45,600
everything I said earlier was true.
499
00:28:45,680 --> 00:28:47,400
I had no intention
of playing tricks on you.
500
00:28:48,520 --> 00:28:50,320
He really isn't feeling well today.
501
00:28:53,080 --> 00:28:54,680
I'm not blaming you.
502
00:28:55,200 --> 00:28:56,680
I'm blaming myself.
503
00:28:59,520 --> 00:29:00,680
For so many years,
504
00:29:00,760 --> 00:29:02,640
I've carried the stigma
of matricide and fratricide.
505
00:29:02,720 --> 00:29:04,360
The Eldest Princess
questioned my identity,
506
00:29:04,960 --> 00:29:06,800
my mother went mad,
and my father is away from home.
507
00:29:07,360 --> 00:29:09,560
It's no wonder you avoided me before this.
508
00:29:09,640 --> 00:29:10,520
At this alliance meeting,
509
00:29:10,600 --> 00:29:12,680
I just wanted to make a name for myself.
510
00:29:12,760 --> 00:29:13,880
I didn't expect
511
00:29:14,600 --> 00:29:15,840
that all of you
512
00:29:16,360 --> 00:29:18,440
already see me as a jinx.
513
00:29:19,000 --> 00:29:19,960
Take shelter here first.
514
00:29:20,960 --> 00:29:22,240
Leave when the rain stops.
515
00:29:30,040 --> 00:29:32,360
Put this on for now.
You can leave when the rain lets up.
516
00:29:40,160 --> 00:29:42,400
This is Garden of Eloquence
by Liu Xiang from the Han Dynasty.
517
00:29:43,000 --> 00:29:43,840
Exactly.
518
00:29:45,520 --> 00:29:48,760
Dear, you should include
Garden of Eloquence in the compilation.
519
00:29:49,840 --> 00:29:51,080
My father mentioned
520
00:29:51,160 --> 00:29:52,720
he was very interested
in Garden of Eloquence.
521
00:29:52,800 --> 00:29:55,320
But most of it has been lost now.
522
00:29:55,400 --> 00:29:58,680
He said if someone could collect
and recompile it,
523
00:29:58,760 --> 00:29:59,920
it would be a great merit.
524
00:30:02,360 --> 00:30:04,960
GARDEN OF ELOQUENCE
525
00:30:05,840 --> 00:30:08,440
I remember it has 20 volumes,
526
00:30:08,520 --> 00:30:10,320
but most of them are lost.
527
00:30:10,880 --> 00:30:13,200
I didn't expect you to collect so much.
528
00:30:13,280 --> 00:30:14,760
It took me quite an effort
529
00:30:15,360 --> 00:30:16,800
to gather these fragments.
530
00:30:16,880 --> 00:30:19,000
That's why I plan
to compile them into a book.
531
00:30:19,080 --> 00:30:21,520
This way, this classic
can be passed down through generations
532
00:30:22,000 --> 00:30:23,080
and benefit future generations.
533
00:30:26,080 --> 00:30:27,360
Mr. Shen, you're really amazing.
534
00:30:28,120 --> 00:30:29,520
Ms. Jiang Li, you're too kind.
535
00:30:30,840 --> 00:30:31,720
But you
536
00:30:31,800 --> 00:30:33,600
were able to recognize Garden of Eloquence
537
00:30:33,680 --> 00:30:35,240
with just these fragments.
538
00:30:36,040 --> 00:30:37,600
That's quite surprising.
539
00:30:39,280 --> 00:30:41,520
Mr. Shen, you're different
from what I imagined.
540
00:30:41,600 --> 00:30:43,040
How so?
541
00:30:43,120 --> 00:30:44,240
I thought
542
00:30:44,320 --> 00:30:47,640
those favored by His Majesty
would be skilled in social interactions.
543
00:30:47,720 --> 00:30:50,200
I didn't expect you
to rely on your knowledge.
544
00:30:50,280 --> 00:30:51,720
You truly have remarkable qualities.
545
00:30:51,800 --> 00:30:54,040
I'm just following the principles
in the book.
546
00:30:54,120 --> 00:30:56,800
An official should follow
the six righteous paths.
547
00:30:57,680 --> 00:31:00,400
Being humble and diligent,
progressing daily in virtue,
548
00:31:00,480 --> 00:31:03,440
recommending the virtuous and talented
tirelessly and upholding the law.
549
00:31:03,520 --> 00:31:06,600
The book says there are six righteous
and six unrighteous paths.
550
00:31:07,360 --> 00:31:09,920
Following righteous paths brings honor,
while the other disgrace.
551
00:31:10,000 --> 00:31:13,200
A virtuous official follows
the righteous paths and avoids the other,
552
00:31:13,280 --> 00:31:15,080
thus ensuring stability
and good governance.
553
00:31:18,440 --> 00:31:19,960
Mr. Shen,
554
00:31:20,040 --> 00:31:23,680
if a person acts righteously
but also commits unrighteous acts,
555
00:31:23,760 --> 00:31:26,800
is this person still righteous or not?
556
00:31:28,840 --> 00:31:31,040
All things follow the laws
of heaven and earth.
557
00:31:31,120 --> 00:31:32,600
If one goes against their conscience,
558
00:31:33,200 --> 00:31:34,680
no matter how many good deeds they do,
559
00:31:36,480 --> 00:31:38,120
they will face divine retribution.
560
00:31:50,000 --> 00:31:51,480
I believe
561
00:31:51,560 --> 00:31:53,800
you're a person who acts uprightly.
562
00:31:53,880 --> 00:31:56,880
Ms. Jiang Li, the rain has stopped.
563
00:32:03,080 --> 00:32:04,120
I'll take my leave.
564
00:32:05,040 --> 00:32:06,200
Thank you
565
00:32:06,280 --> 00:32:08,040
for not minding talking with me.
566
00:32:08,680 --> 00:32:09,960
I'll take my leave now.
567
00:32:17,800 --> 00:32:20,840
I'll return your clothes
after washing them.
568
00:33:02,240 --> 00:33:06,720
HANLIN ACADEMY
569
00:33:19,240 --> 00:33:21,360
What gross encounter did you have
570
00:33:21,440 --> 00:33:22,680
to torture yourself like this?
571
00:33:26,480 --> 00:33:27,640
Duke Su,
572
00:33:27,720 --> 00:33:29,000
why are you here?
573
00:33:30,760 --> 00:33:31,840
Your clothes
574
00:33:32,720 --> 00:33:33,560
look terrible.
575
00:33:34,240 --> 00:33:35,520
Come with me.
576
00:33:53,600 --> 00:33:57,320
HANLIN ACADEMY
577
00:34:15,320 --> 00:34:16,360
Does it fit?
578
00:34:17,520 --> 00:34:20,560
Why don't you have women's clothes
at your place?
579
00:34:20,639 --> 00:34:22,360
You already know my background.
580
00:34:22,840 --> 00:34:23,840
Don't you know why?
581
00:34:23,920 --> 00:34:25,520
They say you don't like women.
582
00:34:27,520 --> 00:34:28,360
But why?
583
00:34:29,360 --> 00:34:30,600
Women are wonderful.
584
00:34:30,679 --> 00:34:31,880
They're caring
585
00:34:32,520 --> 00:34:33,360
and considerate.
586
00:34:33,440 --> 00:34:34,320
What about you?
587
00:34:36,159 --> 00:34:37,719
You're not getting any younger.
588
00:34:37,800 --> 00:34:39,280
You're the one who's getting older.
589
00:34:39,360 --> 00:34:41,239
I actually feel quite good
590
00:34:41,320 --> 00:34:42,800
living alone these days.
591
00:34:45,199 --> 00:34:47,000
No emotions to worry about
592
00:34:47,080 --> 00:34:48,120
and free to act.
593
00:34:48,199 --> 00:34:50,239
You're the one
who truly fits that description.
594
00:34:50,840 --> 00:34:51,840
Thanks for the compliment.
595
00:34:54,760 --> 00:34:56,639
But there's something
I need to remind you of.
596
00:34:56,719 --> 00:34:59,680
Getting close to Shen Yurong
is a risky move.
597
00:34:59,760 --> 00:35:00,960
I have to do it.
598
00:35:01,560 --> 00:35:02,720
I want to face him
599
00:35:03,320 --> 00:35:05,240
just like he faced Xue Fangfei
in her grave.
600
00:35:05,320 --> 00:35:06,840
I need to find his weakness
601
00:35:06,920 --> 00:35:08,800
to clear Xue Fangfei's name.
602
00:35:08,880 --> 00:35:10,000
What weakness?
603
00:35:10,080 --> 00:35:11,200
I haven't found it yet.
604
00:35:11,280 --> 00:35:13,320
Over time, he will eventually slip up.
605
00:35:17,280 --> 00:35:18,880
Have you considered the consequences?
606
00:35:18,960 --> 00:35:19,880
Xiao Heng,
607
00:35:20,440 --> 00:35:21,760
you can be more frank.
608
00:35:22,880 --> 00:35:25,960
Eldest Princess' retaliation
could cost me my life.
609
00:35:26,520 --> 00:35:27,840
And my all-or-nothing gamble
610
00:35:29,000 --> 00:35:30,840
might also be a path
to my own destruction.
611
00:35:30,920 --> 00:35:32,640
Admitting it
612
00:35:32,720 --> 00:35:33,880
means you're afraid.
613
00:35:34,640 --> 00:35:37,040
Having fear is a good thing.
614
00:35:37,120 --> 00:35:40,600
I actually feel quite relieved
615
00:35:41,560 --> 00:35:42,840
after saying it out loud to you.
616
00:35:43,400 --> 00:35:44,960
Do I also have a therapeutic effect?
617
00:35:45,040 --> 00:35:46,520
Anyway, I have nothing to lose.
618
00:35:48,760 --> 00:35:49,640
Have some chicken.
619
00:35:55,440 --> 00:35:56,640
Has Jiuyue returned?
620
00:35:56,720 --> 00:35:58,040
She was here. But she left.
621
00:35:58,520 --> 00:36:00,560
Don't worry about Magistrate Xue
and that young lady.
622
00:36:00,640 --> 00:36:01,800
I remember them.
623
00:36:01,880 --> 00:36:04,160
But you know what she's like.
624
00:36:04,240 --> 00:36:05,320
She is too willful.
625
00:36:05,400 --> 00:36:06,720
I'm sorry to trouble you.
626
00:36:06,800 --> 00:36:08,120
You have to promise me one thing.
627
00:36:10,160 --> 00:36:11,840
No matter what plans
you make in the future,
628
00:36:12,760 --> 00:36:14,880
don't get yourself caught up in them.
629
00:36:17,120 --> 00:36:18,240
You have nothing to lose.
630
00:36:21,040 --> 00:36:22,640
But it may not be the same for me.
631
00:36:27,520 --> 00:36:28,520
All right.
632
00:36:35,440 --> 00:36:36,360
It's burned.
633
00:36:42,440 --> 00:36:43,960
Yurong, where were you?
634
00:36:45,240 --> 00:36:46,480
At the Hanlin Academy.
635
00:36:46,960 --> 00:36:49,120
Compiling the classics
has been very hectic these days.
636
00:36:49,200 --> 00:36:50,480
Stop pretending.
637
00:36:51,640 --> 00:36:53,640
Your sister told me everything
when she got back.
638
00:36:55,720 --> 00:36:56,560
Tonight,
639
00:36:57,480 --> 00:36:59,600
were you with Jiang Li?
640
00:37:02,640 --> 00:37:03,480
No.
641
00:37:04,120 --> 00:37:06,520
You still don't understand
the seriousness of this matter.
642
00:37:06,600 --> 00:37:09,200
Have you forgotten
the suffering our family went through?
643
00:37:09,840 --> 00:37:10,800
Father,
644
00:37:10,880 --> 00:37:12,600
I will avenge you.
645
00:37:12,680 --> 00:37:16,080
After taking revenge
on this corrupt official,
646
00:37:16,160 --> 00:37:20,840
there will be others who would oppress us.
647
00:37:22,880 --> 00:37:26,480
Unless you become an official,
648
00:37:27,040 --> 00:37:30,280
not only will you fail to take revenge,
649
00:37:30,360 --> 00:37:35,880
but you'll also bring trouble
to our family.
650
00:37:36,640 --> 00:37:37,520
Don't worry.
651
00:37:37,600 --> 00:37:39,160
I will study hard
652
00:37:39,680 --> 00:37:40,680
and become a top scorer.
653
00:37:41,160 --> 00:37:43,760
Then I'll be a good official
654
00:37:43,840 --> 00:37:46,120
and eradicate all corrupt ones
who mistreat the people!
655
00:37:47,040 --> 00:37:48,000
Have you forgotten
656
00:37:48,080 --> 00:37:50,040
your promise to your father
on his deathbed?
657
00:37:50,600 --> 00:37:52,920
How difficult was it
to get to where you are now?
658
00:37:54,160 --> 00:37:55,000
What do you think
659
00:37:56,560 --> 00:38:00,200
Her Highness would feel if she found out
660
00:38:00,960 --> 00:38:04,160
you were associating with Ms. Jiang Li,
661
00:38:04,240 --> 00:38:05,280
who looks like Xue Fangfei?
662
00:38:06,240 --> 00:38:07,360
They are not the same person.
663
00:38:08,040 --> 00:38:09,520
Mother, stop mixing them up.
664
00:38:09,600 --> 00:38:11,280
Is that the point?
665
00:38:11,360 --> 00:38:12,880
Does my opinion matter?
666
00:38:12,960 --> 00:38:16,400
The point is Her Highness believes
she's Xue Fangfei.
667
00:38:16,960 --> 00:38:18,480
Think about your grand ambitions.
668
00:38:18,560 --> 00:38:20,280
Think about how our family
669
00:38:20,360 --> 00:38:21,600
got our good life now.
670
00:38:21,680 --> 00:38:22,560
Yurong,
671
00:38:22,640 --> 00:38:24,720
do not play with fire.
672
00:38:24,800 --> 00:38:26,320
Mother, you don't need to remind me.
673
00:38:26,400 --> 00:38:27,360
I know the path
674
00:38:28,080 --> 00:38:29,280
I must take better than anyone.
675
00:38:42,520 --> 00:38:43,560
My lord,
676
00:38:43,640 --> 00:38:44,760
you won't believe it.
677
00:38:45,360 --> 00:38:47,200
Being poisoned
678
00:38:47,280 --> 00:38:48,480
felt quite fascinating.
679
00:38:49,200 --> 00:38:52,640
I saw so many beautiful women around me.
680
00:38:53,200 --> 00:38:55,960
I just hugged them all.
681
00:38:56,040 --> 00:38:56,880
Then I...
682
00:38:58,680 --> 00:39:00,720
Then let Jiuyue catch another snake
to bite you again.
683
00:39:00,800 --> 00:39:01,640
Don't.
684
00:39:01,720 --> 00:39:03,320
I was just joking.
685
00:39:16,520 --> 00:39:17,760
Is she drunk?
686
00:39:17,840 --> 00:39:19,160
How much did she drink?
687
00:39:23,080 --> 00:39:25,120
It's wine with a venomous scorpion.
Too strong.
688
00:39:26,360 --> 00:39:27,200
Perfect.
689
00:39:28,080 --> 00:39:29,640
Keep her confined at the mansion
690
00:39:29,720 --> 00:39:31,360
until the Zhao delegation arrives.
691
00:39:34,600 --> 00:39:35,800
Wen Ji,
692
00:39:35,880 --> 00:39:37,080
take her to her room.
693
00:39:37,160 --> 00:39:38,240
Lu Ji,
694
00:39:38,320 --> 00:39:39,560
come with me to the liquor shop.
695
00:39:39,640 --> 00:39:41,840
-Yes.
-Isn't Lu Ji holding her?
696
00:39:41,920 --> 00:39:43,200
Let Lu Ji take her inside.
697
00:39:43,280 --> 00:39:46,280
Now that you're no longer poisoned,
you can continue watching over her.
698
00:39:47,280 --> 00:39:48,120
I...
699
00:39:54,400 --> 00:39:55,480
You...
700
00:39:57,120 --> 00:39:58,560
Don't.
701
00:40:10,720 --> 00:40:12,040
Let me out!
702
00:40:12,120 --> 00:40:12,960
Guards!
703
00:40:13,040 --> 00:40:14,240
Somebody!
704
00:40:14,320 --> 00:40:15,520
Am I not a person?
705
00:40:15,600 --> 00:40:16,680
Stay there.
706
00:40:16,760 --> 00:40:18,280
Before the Zhao delegation arrives,
707
00:40:18,360 --> 00:40:19,360
you're not going anywhere.
708
00:40:19,440 --> 00:40:20,360
How dare you?
709
00:40:20,440 --> 00:40:22,440
I have never been locked up
since I was a child.
710
00:40:23,000 --> 00:40:25,160
You'd better let me go now.
711
00:40:25,240 --> 00:40:26,960
Or else...
712
00:40:32,520 --> 00:40:33,600
Or else...
713
00:40:35,160 --> 00:40:36,400
Or else what?
714
00:40:38,320 --> 00:40:39,160
Wen Ji,
715
00:40:39,240 --> 00:40:40,160
what do you want?
716
00:40:44,240 --> 00:40:46,680
I've already prepared myself.
717
00:40:46,760 --> 00:40:48,200
Don't think you can poison me again.
718
00:40:48,280 --> 00:40:49,640
Anyway,
719
00:40:49,720 --> 00:40:52,680
you're not stepping out
of the Duke Mansion today.
720
00:40:53,400 --> 00:40:55,720
Wen Ji, how dare you?
721
00:40:56,360 --> 00:40:57,200
Just stay put.
722
00:40:57,280 --> 00:40:58,280
Don't think about leaving.
723
00:41:01,760 --> 00:41:03,040
I need to go to Ye Residence.
724
00:41:04,080 --> 00:41:06,400
Didn't Xiao Heng ask me
to treat Magistrate Xue?
725
00:41:06,960 --> 00:41:08,960
I'm going to treat him. I want to go now.
726
00:41:09,720 --> 00:41:11,160
Do you think I'll fall for that?
727
00:41:13,880 --> 00:41:15,720
You'd better get this straight.
728
00:41:16,680 --> 00:41:19,760
Xiao Heng even went spider hunting with me
729
00:41:19,840 --> 00:41:22,200
to make me treat Magistrate Xue.
730
00:41:22,840 --> 00:41:24,320
And you should know
731
00:41:24,400 --> 00:41:27,080
what Jiang Li means to him, right?
732
00:41:27,160 --> 00:41:30,440
If Magistrate Xue isn't treated in time,
733
00:41:31,000 --> 00:41:32,360
it'll be all your fault.
734
00:41:32,440 --> 00:41:33,880
Then
735
00:41:34,520 --> 00:41:37,920
you won't just get caned
a few times anymore.
736
00:41:51,280 --> 00:41:52,320
You are...
737
00:41:52,400 --> 00:41:54,120
I'm here to treat Magistrate Xue.
738
00:41:55,360 --> 00:41:56,360
You can't come in.
739
00:41:56,440 --> 00:41:58,440
This is trespassing.
740
00:41:58,520 --> 00:41:59,920
I can report you to the authorities.
741
00:42:00,000 --> 00:42:01,160
Vice Director Ye,
742
00:42:01,240 --> 00:42:02,560
we're here on Duke Su's orders
743
00:42:02,640 --> 00:42:03,800
to treat Magistrate Xue.
744
00:42:04,280 --> 00:42:05,640
Ms. Jiang Li also knows about this.
745
00:42:05,720 --> 00:42:07,280
Do you work for Duke Su?
746
00:42:07,840 --> 00:42:08,680
You know him, right?
747
00:42:08,760 --> 00:42:09,920
Can I go in now?
748
00:42:10,000 --> 00:42:11,120
No.
749
00:42:11,200 --> 00:42:13,120
Jiang Li didn't tell me about this.
750
00:42:13,200 --> 00:42:14,760
Let me inform her first.
751
00:42:14,840 --> 00:42:16,200
You don't need to bother with this.
752
00:42:18,160 --> 00:42:19,160
I get it now.
753
00:42:20,720 --> 00:42:22,040
He doesn't like Xiao Heng, right?
754
00:42:22,120 --> 00:42:23,320
Watch your words.
755
00:42:23,400 --> 00:42:24,680
Can you be more subtle?
756
00:42:24,760 --> 00:42:27,440
His lordship
just doesn't want to stoop to his level.
757
00:42:27,520 --> 00:42:28,360
Guys,
758
00:42:28,840 --> 00:42:29,800
please watch your words.
759
00:42:29,880 --> 00:42:32,040
Stop beating around the bush.
760
00:42:32,120 --> 00:42:34,920
-Are you letting me in or not?
-No.
761
00:42:35,000 --> 00:42:36,200
No?
762
00:42:36,280 --> 00:42:37,320
Ye Shijie, don't provoke her.
763
00:42:37,400 --> 00:42:38,760
She will...
764
00:42:46,640 --> 00:42:48,120
Keep an eye on him.
765
00:42:48,200 --> 00:42:49,720
I'm going in to do the treatment.
766
00:42:51,840 --> 00:42:52,920
Stop right there!
767
00:42:53,000 --> 00:42:54,960
It's wise to listen.
768
00:43:02,600 --> 00:43:03,600
You...
769
00:43:03,680 --> 00:43:04,920
You...
770
00:43:07,160 --> 00:43:08,120
Don't touch him!
771
00:43:12,120 --> 00:43:12,960
You're welcome.
772
00:43:15,200 --> 00:43:16,200
His illness
773
00:43:16,760 --> 00:43:17,720
is tricky to cure.
774
00:43:17,800 --> 00:43:18,760
Wait.
775
00:43:18,840 --> 00:43:20,040
Where did this quack come from?
776
00:43:20,120 --> 00:43:21,960
Who gave you the permission
to touch Magistrate Xue?
777
00:43:36,000 --> 00:43:37,400
Where am I?
778
00:43:38,280 --> 00:43:39,720
I'm the only one
who can treat his illness.
779
00:43:39,800 --> 00:43:42,160
But it can't be cured in one day.
780
00:43:42,240 --> 00:43:43,200
If the poison...
781
00:43:45,920 --> 00:43:47,280
If the treatment is too strong,
782
00:43:47,360 --> 00:43:48,720
it could be fatal.
783
00:43:48,800 --> 00:43:51,000
So I will come once a day from now on.
784
00:43:51,080 --> 00:43:52,800
If you have any questions,
785
00:43:52,880 --> 00:43:54,440
you can just ask Jiang Li.
786
00:43:55,280 --> 00:43:56,120
Wen Ji,
787
00:43:56,200 --> 00:43:57,440
take him outside.
788
00:43:58,120 --> 00:44:00,800
The next treatment is highly toxic,
so you'd better stay away.
789
00:44:00,880 --> 00:44:01,840
I'm not leaving.
790
00:44:03,880 --> 00:44:05,400
Do you think
you don't look pathetic enough?
791
00:44:14,280 --> 00:44:16,120
Give me the antidote!
I can walk myself out!
792
00:44:23,600 --> 00:44:25,280
Can you give me the antidote first?
793
00:44:26,240 --> 00:44:27,440
What's the rush?
794
00:44:27,520 --> 00:44:29,200
She'll give it to you when she's done.
795
00:44:42,880 --> 00:44:43,800
Wen Ji!
796
00:44:45,800 --> 00:44:46,720
Give me the antidote!
797
00:45:15,200 --> 00:45:16,040
Find Xiao Heng.
798
00:45:24,680 --> 00:45:25,960
Catch it.
799
00:45:41,400 --> 00:45:42,760
Don't just stand there! Find his lordship!
800
00:45:42,840 --> 00:45:44,000
The antidote.
801
00:45:47,960 --> 00:45:48,880
Open your mouth!
802
00:45:53,960 --> 00:45:55,240
His lordship is at the wine shop.
803
00:46:26,960 --> 00:46:28,640
Just surrender now.
804
00:46:28,720 --> 00:46:30,440
You're no match for me.
805
00:46:31,800 --> 00:46:34,720
Do you think you can last
until Xiao Heng gets here?
806
00:46:34,800 --> 00:46:35,760
Him?
807
00:46:36,640 --> 00:46:38,000
He's no match for me...
808
00:46:41,520 --> 00:46:42,640
We can only take our chances.
809
00:46:42,720 --> 00:46:43,560
What are you planning to do?
810
00:46:56,920 --> 00:47:00,000
That seems to be effective.
811
00:47:03,680 --> 00:47:04,640
But why do I feel
812
00:47:05,280 --> 00:47:07,200
that I'm also...