1 00:01:32,120 --> 00:01:34,950 [How dare you!?] 2 00:01:35,020 --> 00:01:37,900 [Episode 7] 3 00:01:45,200 --> 00:01:48,530 The plan was to get Xie Yong'er to spill the truth when drunk, 4 00:01:49,640 --> 00:01:52,100 but I ended up revealing everything myself. 5 00:02:03,500 --> 00:02:05,300 I thought I held the script, 6 00:02:06,920 --> 00:02:09,430 but Prince Duan was the one truly above all. 7 00:02:13,680 --> 00:02:16,430 I even revealed my only way to survive. 8 00:02:18,680 --> 00:02:19,240 I... 9 00:02:21,400 --> 00:02:23,310 must be doomed now. 10 00:02:28,910 --> 00:02:29,560 My Lady, 11 00:02:29,840 --> 00:02:31,370 it's time to wash and dress. 12 00:02:35,750 --> 00:02:37,530 My Lady, you've been drinking? 13 00:02:38,910 --> 00:02:39,440 Be quiet. 14 00:02:40,470 --> 00:02:41,270 My head hurts. 15 00:02:41,910 --> 00:02:43,310 Let me sleep a bit longer. 16 00:02:44,150 --> 00:02:45,120 That won't do. 17 00:02:45,750 --> 00:02:47,520 You are to pay your respects to the Empress Dowager today. 18 00:02:47,520 --> 00:02:49,360 Why do I have to see her again? 19 00:02:52,310 --> 00:02:54,640 Nothing good ever comes from meeting her. 20 00:02:55,170 --> 00:02:56,590 Can't I just pretend to be sick? 21 00:02:56,590 --> 00:03:00,120 His Majesty just promoted Concubine Xie to Consort this morning. 22 00:03:00,120 --> 00:03:03,120 If you don't attend, you'll face even more criticism. 23 00:03:03,870 --> 00:03:06,400 The Emperor's heart is truly unpredictable. 24 00:03:07,310 --> 00:03:09,120 Greetings, Your Majesty 25 00:03:09,280 --> 00:03:11,080 Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager. 26 00:03:11,080 --> 00:03:12,400 May Your Majesty be blessed with good fortune. 27 00:03:12,400 --> 00:03:14,310 May Your Majesty the Empress Dowager enjoy peace and health. 28 00:03:14,310 --> 00:03:15,040 You may rise. 29 00:03:15,630 --> 00:03:17,230 Everyone, please be seated. 30 00:03:17,560 --> 00:03:18,890 Thank you, Your Majesty 31 00:03:18,910 --> 00:03:20,110 and Empress Dowager. 32 00:03:26,240 --> 00:03:28,079 A hangover is truly miserable. 33 00:03:51,240 --> 00:03:51,970 Consort Xie. 34 00:03:53,310 --> 00:03:54,170 Come to my side. 35 00:04:09,430 --> 00:04:10,230 Your Majesty. 36 00:04:13,150 --> 00:04:13,950 So beautiful. 37 00:04:16,560 --> 00:04:17,120 Emperor, 38 00:04:18,680 --> 00:04:20,310 the Flower Festival Banquet is approaching. 39 00:04:20,310 --> 00:04:21,510 What are your plans? 40 00:04:25,430 --> 00:04:26,240 Your Majesty, 41 00:04:26,750 --> 00:04:29,000 with the Flower Festival Banquet drawing near and flowers in full bloom, 42 00:04:29,000 --> 00:04:30,190 our Great Xia now 43 00:04:30,270 --> 00:04:32,240 enjoys peace and prosperity. 44 00:04:32,870 --> 00:04:34,680 Therefore, I believe 45 00:04:34,950 --> 00:04:36,190 all of us consorts 46 00:04:36,270 --> 00:04:37,870 should each contribute our strengths 47 00:04:37,870 --> 00:04:39,870 and do our part to sing the praises of the nation. 48 00:04:39,870 --> 00:04:40,470 Am I right? 49 00:04:40,750 --> 00:04:41,550 That's right. 50 00:04:41,920 --> 00:04:44,390 I personally picked 100 kinds of flowers 51 00:04:44,750 --> 00:04:46,720 and made them into Hundred Flower Cakes. 52 00:04:46,720 --> 00:04:47,320 They taste 53 00:04:47,630 --> 00:04:48,560 excellent. 54 00:04:48,630 --> 00:04:50,690 I've been preparing since last year. 55 00:04:50,870 --> 00:04:54,750 I'm embroidering an 8-foot-long piece called Blossoms and Wealth. 56 00:04:55,159 --> 00:04:56,600 By the time of the Flower Festival Banquet, 57 00:04:56,600 --> 00:04:57,730 it will be finished. 58 00:04:58,720 --> 00:05:00,300 After years of study, 59 00:05:00,560 --> 00:05:02,510 I finally cultivated a new flower species. 60 00:05:02,510 --> 00:05:04,710 Putting so much thought into one thing? 61 00:05:04,920 --> 00:05:06,430 Yet they seem to enjoy it. 62 00:05:06,920 --> 00:05:07,980 Come to think of it, 63 00:05:08,160 --> 00:05:09,720 being just a simple 2D character 64 00:05:09,720 --> 00:05:11,190 seems quite happy at least. 65 00:05:11,190 --> 00:05:12,480 But the more I know, 66 00:05:12,830 --> 00:05:14,160 the more worries I have. 67 00:05:14,240 --> 00:05:15,970 You've all put in great effort. 68 00:05:16,160 --> 00:05:18,100 I am very pleased. 69 00:05:19,600 --> 00:05:20,130 Emperor, 70 00:05:21,190 --> 00:05:22,190 what do you think? 71 00:05:22,480 --> 00:05:23,830 Which do you prefer? 72 00:05:34,390 --> 00:05:35,159 Last night, 73 00:05:35,950 --> 00:05:38,550 the dances Consort Xie performed in my chamber 74 00:05:39,190 --> 00:05:40,520 were quite impressive. 75 00:05:40,560 --> 00:05:41,909 I danced? 76 00:05:42,390 --> 00:05:43,990 I don't remember that at all! 77 00:05:44,560 --> 00:05:45,420 At the banquet, 78 00:05:46,600 --> 00:05:48,800 let's have Consort Xie perform a dance. 79 00:05:49,070 --> 00:05:49,870 Your Majesty... 80 00:05:49,870 --> 00:05:50,670 It's settled. 81 00:05:52,040 --> 00:05:52,900 Your Highness, 82 00:05:53,040 --> 00:05:54,370 are you feeling unwell? 83 00:06:03,920 --> 00:06:05,850 I've caught a slight cold recently 84 00:06:06,480 --> 00:06:07,480 and feel a bit off. 85 00:06:08,680 --> 00:06:09,920 On such a fine day, 86 00:06:11,440 --> 00:06:13,240 I'd better excuse myself 87 00:06:13,960 --> 00:06:16,870 so as not to spoil Your Majesty's and the Empress Dowager's enjoyment. 88 00:06:16,870 --> 00:06:18,800 What a pitiful look. 89 00:06:18,870 --> 00:06:19,750 How scheming. 90 00:06:19,770 --> 00:06:21,600 Stop pretending, Sister. 91 00:06:21,680 --> 00:06:23,680 Pretending to be sick for sympathy? 92 00:06:24,000 --> 00:06:25,000 I hope His Majesty 93 00:06:25,000 --> 00:06:27,160 doesn't fall for this "white lotus"'s trick. 94 00:06:27,160 --> 00:06:29,000 Well, Consort Yu's heal— 95 00:06:29,040 --> 00:06:29,570 Get lost. 96 00:06:38,159 --> 00:06:39,159 What a shame. 97 00:06:39,409 --> 00:06:40,830 She was trying to act pitiful, 98 00:06:40,830 --> 00:06:42,490 but turned out truly pitiful. 99 00:06:42,600 --> 00:06:44,040 His Majesty is sick of her now. 100 00:06:44,040 --> 00:06:45,040 Serves her right. 101 00:06:48,159 --> 00:06:48,710 My dear, 102 00:06:50,100 --> 00:06:51,960 come to my chamber again tonight, 103 00:06:52,800 --> 00:06:53,330 alright? 104 00:07:06,050 --> 00:07:08,240 Isn't that Noble Consort Yu who just lost favor? 105 00:07:08,240 --> 00:07:09,160 Stop looking. 106 00:07:10,600 --> 00:07:13,240 Xiahou Dan's performance of favoring the new over the old 107 00:07:13,240 --> 00:07:14,510 is quite convincing. 108 00:07:15,680 --> 00:07:17,240 According to the original story, 109 00:07:17,240 --> 00:07:19,480 by now, I, the demonic consort, should have been 110 00:07:19,480 --> 00:07:21,360 completely suppressed by Xie Yong'er, 111 00:07:21,360 --> 00:07:23,560 never able to turn things around again. 112 00:07:24,040 --> 00:07:25,170 Turn things around? 113 00:07:25,360 --> 00:07:27,020 Whether it's me, Xie Yong'er, 114 00:07:27,040 --> 00:07:28,100 or even Xiahou Dan— 115 00:07:28,560 --> 00:07:31,690 we might all just be 2D characters in Prince Duan's eyes. 116 00:07:39,240 --> 00:07:39,700 My Lady. 117 00:07:47,740 --> 00:07:51,980 [Let's have a chat in the flower house at midnight] 118 00:07:56,150 --> 00:07:57,810 What's meant to come has come. 119 00:08:29,430 --> 00:08:29,990 Wanyin. 120 00:08:32,110 --> 00:08:32,700 I'm here. 121 00:08:37,150 --> 00:08:38,000 Come to me. 122 00:08:40,720 --> 00:08:41,510 This man 123 00:08:43,549 --> 00:08:44,720 is so good at this. 124 00:08:50,000 --> 00:08:50,860 I was careless. 125 00:08:51,560 --> 00:08:54,760 I should have brought Mr. Bei or secret guards for safety. 126 00:08:55,120 --> 00:08:55,960 But he probably won't 127 00:08:55,960 --> 00:08:57,420 take my life at this stage. 128 00:08:58,510 --> 00:08:59,910 I'll struggle a bit first 129 00:09:00,720 --> 00:09:01,150 to see 130 00:09:01,840 --> 00:09:03,300 what level he's really at. 131 00:09:06,120 --> 00:09:07,650 Your Highness, what did you 132 00:09:07,670 --> 00:09:08,630 ask me here for? 133 00:09:09,270 --> 00:09:10,310 Earlier today, 134 00:09:10,790 --> 00:09:12,050 I visited Minister Yu. 135 00:09:13,030 --> 00:09:14,270 He misses you 136 00:09:15,440 --> 00:09:18,100 and wants to know how you're doing in the palace. 137 00:09:18,170 --> 00:09:19,200 So I thought 138 00:09:20,120 --> 00:09:21,320 I'd ask on his behalf. 139 00:09:22,200 --> 00:09:24,800 That's very thoughtful of you, Your Highness. 140 00:09:25,270 --> 00:09:26,060 However... 141 00:09:28,440 --> 00:09:29,750 life in the palace... 142 00:09:30,840 --> 00:09:31,840 is just like this. 143 00:09:34,840 --> 00:09:37,240 Wanyin, do you have something on your mind? 144 00:09:42,630 --> 00:09:43,530 Concubine Xie 145 00:09:44,750 --> 00:09:46,610 attended His Majesty last night. 146 00:09:47,390 --> 00:09:48,190 This morning, 147 00:09:48,550 --> 00:09:50,150 she was promoted to Consort. 148 00:09:51,560 --> 00:09:52,540 Your Highness, 149 00:09:53,510 --> 00:09:55,310 what do you think of Consort Xie? 150 00:09:59,030 --> 00:10:00,560 She is His Majesty's woman. 151 00:10:01,360 --> 00:10:02,420 I dare not comment. 152 00:10:02,480 --> 00:10:03,280 What about me? 153 00:10:04,080 --> 00:10:05,080 Your Highness, 154 00:10:05,390 --> 00:10:06,650 what do you think of me? 155 00:10:07,120 --> 00:10:08,920 Like viewing a flower through the mist, 156 00:10:08,920 --> 00:10:10,250 I can't see you clearly. 157 00:10:10,480 --> 00:10:11,600 Your Highness, 158 00:10:12,000 --> 00:10:13,330 why do you feel this way? 159 00:10:14,120 --> 00:10:14,630 Wanyin, 160 00:10:16,030 --> 00:10:17,960 we've known each other for quite some time. 161 00:10:17,960 --> 00:10:19,290 Perhaps some things... 162 00:10:20,240 --> 00:10:21,900 should be spoken plainly now. 163 00:10:25,000 --> 00:10:25,730 For example? 164 00:10:26,270 --> 00:10:27,130 For example... 165 00:10:30,030 --> 00:10:30,670 who... 166 00:10:33,320 --> 00:10:35,120 are you exactly? 167 00:10:39,710 --> 00:10:40,140 I... 168 00:10:41,200 --> 00:10:42,080 Or... 169 00:10:42,960 --> 00:10:44,080 who is His Majesty? 170 00:10:45,360 --> 00:10:47,480 And who is Xie Yong'er? 171 00:10:52,400 --> 00:10:54,060 The worst guess has come true. 172 00:10:55,360 --> 00:10:56,890 He saw through Xie Yong'er, 173 00:10:57,600 --> 00:10:59,120 perhaps because this lovesick fool 174 00:10:59,120 --> 00:11:00,250 let something slip. 175 00:11:01,390 --> 00:11:02,990 That he can see through me too 176 00:11:03,600 --> 00:11:05,860 might be because I slipped up somewhere. 177 00:11:06,720 --> 00:11:07,980 But he even saw through Xiahou Dan, 178 00:11:07,980 --> 00:11:09,030 that master actor. 179 00:11:09,030 --> 00:11:10,160 That's impossible. 180 00:11:10,870 --> 00:11:11,530 Which means 181 00:11:12,550 --> 00:11:13,480 he can only be 182 00:11:15,150 --> 00:11:16,680 standing on a higher level. 183 00:11:23,160 --> 00:11:25,420 Wanyin, there's no need to be so nervous. 184 00:11:26,980 --> 00:11:28,780 I have never meant you any harm. 185 00:11:29,550 --> 00:11:31,680 And since you can foresee some things, 186 00:11:31,870 --> 00:11:33,670 you should know that choosing me 187 00:11:34,360 --> 00:11:36,320 is the wiser choice. 188 00:11:38,400 --> 00:11:40,000 Since you already know everything, 189 00:11:40,000 --> 00:11:41,260 what do you need me for? 190 00:11:41,270 --> 00:11:43,670 I didn't come to you to have you do anything. 191 00:11:45,750 --> 00:11:47,910 I came because I've fallen for you. 192 00:11:50,600 --> 00:11:52,400 We're not even the same species. 193 00:11:53,750 --> 00:11:55,080 Not even from the same dimension. 194 00:11:55,080 --> 00:11:56,480 How could you fall for me? 195 00:12:03,960 --> 00:12:04,420 Well... 196 00:12:06,550 --> 00:12:08,610 That doesn't seem to matter, does it? 197 00:12:10,630 --> 00:12:11,080 So 198 00:12:14,070 --> 00:12:15,620 you like me as a character? 199 00:12:18,630 --> 00:12:20,030 Otherwise, why would I 200 00:12:20,670 --> 00:12:22,400 have chosen you from the start? 201 00:12:24,630 --> 00:12:26,150 Then when we first met, 202 00:12:26,910 --> 00:12:27,720 why didn't you say it outright? 203 00:12:27,720 --> 00:12:28,270 Wanyin, 204 00:12:28,550 --> 00:12:30,610 I'll tell you some things gradually. 205 00:12:31,480 --> 00:12:33,480 All you need to do is think carefully 206 00:12:33,720 --> 00:12:35,720 about whose side you should stand on 207 00:12:36,480 --> 00:12:38,150 to make the wisest choice. 208 00:12:45,620 --> 00:12:48,130 [Your Majesty,] 209 00:12:48,130 --> 00:12:50,650 [please eliminate the demonic consort to strengthen the court] 210 00:13:02,960 --> 00:13:05,160 Consort Yu went to the Imperial Garden. 211 00:13:05,510 --> 00:13:08,030 She's having a secret meeting with Prince Duan. 212 00:13:08,030 --> 00:13:08,440 Dan, 213 00:13:09,360 --> 00:13:10,560 what are your orders? 214 00:13:11,600 --> 00:13:12,240 No orders. 215 00:13:13,960 --> 00:13:14,820 Don't you care? 216 00:13:17,360 --> 00:13:18,750 I know you like her. 217 00:13:19,790 --> 00:13:21,360 But she shares a bed with you. 218 00:13:21,360 --> 00:13:24,220 If she turns against you, it would be too dangerous. 219 00:13:26,440 --> 00:13:28,170 Have you ever considered that, 220 00:13:29,210 --> 00:13:30,470 from her perspective, 221 00:13:32,470 --> 00:13:34,840 [Your Majesty, why haven't you taken action yet?] 222 00:13:32,720 --> 00:13:33,630 Prince Duan 223 00:13:34,860 --> 00:13:36,940 [Don't let impulsiveness ruin a good opportunity] 224 00:13:35,870 --> 00:13:37,270 is indeed a safer option? 225 00:13:37,510 --> 00:13:38,120 Why? 226 00:13:38,850 --> 00:13:39,510 Haven't you already known 227 00:13:39,510 --> 00:13:41,030 Prince Duan's plan? 228 00:13:42,440 --> 00:13:44,170 Knowing it and being confident 229 00:13:45,480 --> 00:13:46,940 are two different things. 230 00:13:49,320 --> 00:13:50,520 She wants to survive, 231 00:13:51,620 --> 00:13:53,020 and that's only natural. 232 00:13:53,380 --> 00:13:54,210 ♪ Tell me ♪ 233 00:13:54,920 --> 00:13:58,330 ♪ Why so many laments echo in the wind ♪ 234 00:13:55,510 --> 00:13:55,960 Dan, 235 00:13:58,330 --> 00:14:00,010 is she really that important? 236 00:14:00,060 --> 00:14:01,120 ♪ Walk past me ♪ 237 00:14:01,520 --> 00:14:05,090 ♪ Like an aloof passerby ♪ 238 00:14:01,600 --> 00:14:03,080 You shouldn't let love 239 00:14:03,630 --> 00:14:04,830 cloud your judgment. 240 00:14:06,460 --> 00:14:08,940 ♪ Don't watch me as the rain falls ♪ 241 00:14:08,200 --> 00:14:09,360 She is my lifeline. 242 00:14:09,780 --> 00:14:12,560 ♪ Love burns too hot as it passes ♪ 243 00:14:12,770 --> 00:14:14,150 What about Xiahou Dan? 244 00:14:13,290 --> 00:14:19,040 ♪ Even a lifetime of war cannot be extinguished ♪ 245 00:14:14,610 --> 00:14:15,780 He won't. 246 00:14:16,600 --> 00:14:17,030 Why? 247 00:14:17,550 --> 00:14:18,120 Even I 248 00:14:19,440 --> 00:14:21,180 have been hesitating over 249 00:14:20,230 --> 00:14:21,260 ♪ Blame me ♪ 250 00:14:21,950 --> 00:14:25,430 ♪ For the frailty of fate ♪ 251 00:14:23,720 --> 00:14:25,610 whether to ally with him. 252 00:14:27,050 --> 00:14:28,130 ♪ Hide me ♪ 253 00:14:27,530 --> 00:14:28,310 Yet he 254 00:14:28,550 --> 00:14:32,600 ♪ With light snow or thick ink ♪ 255 00:14:30,130 --> 00:14:31,670 has always chosen me 256 00:14:33,900 --> 00:14:36,280 ♪ We met in the crowd ♪ 257 00:14:34,080 --> 00:14:35,270 without wavering. 258 00:14:37,200 --> 00:14:39,790 ♪ There's no mistake in this life ♪ 259 00:14:40,700 --> 00:14:43,620 ♪ I only regret being clumsy in words ♪ 260 00:14:41,000 --> 00:14:42,320 You are the bravest 261 00:14:43,680 --> 00:14:45,840 ♪ And shrinking from speaking it out ♪ 262 00:14:45,550 --> 00:14:47,030 and most formidable person 263 00:14:46,240 --> 00:14:48,690 ♪ Even when destiny mocked me, hurt me ♪ 264 00:14:48,600 --> 00:14:49,600 I've seen in my two lives. 265 00:14:48,740 --> 00:14:50,500 ♪ Destroyed me, or trapped me ♪ 266 00:14:50,530 --> 00:14:53,050 ♪ I never yielded ♪ 267 00:14:52,030 --> 00:14:53,360 You'll definitely have the last laugh, 268 00:14:53,360 --> 00:14:54,850 ♪ But why ♪ 269 00:14:55,090 --> 00:14:59,670 ♪ Can't I bear to see even a single tear in your eyes? ♪ 270 00:14:55,440 --> 00:14:56,440 fighting your way 271 00:14:57,720 --> 00:14:59,000 to a bright new world. 272 00:14:59,990 --> 00:15:02,310 ♪ But we once fell in love, went wild ♪ 273 00:15:02,360 --> 00:15:03,080 So, 274 00:15:02,400 --> 00:15:04,250 ♪ Split up, and lost each other ♪ 275 00:15:04,280 --> 00:15:06,600 ♪ They are all unforgettable memories to me ♪ 276 00:15:05,160 --> 00:15:07,100 whatever decision she makes, I will support it, 277 00:15:07,020 --> 00:15:08,750 ♪ The first time I met you ♪ 278 00:15:09,150 --> 00:15:09,750 including... 279 00:15:09,150 --> 00:15:16,970 ♪ It felt like something suddenly lit up my soul ♪ 280 00:15:14,670 --> 00:15:15,330 leaving me. 281 00:15:30,000 --> 00:15:31,000 I'm done playing. 282 00:15:31,670 --> 00:15:33,070 How can we even continue? 283 00:15:41,790 --> 00:15:42,720 I was thinking 284 00:15:43,240 --> 00:15:45,480 the four of us could play mahjong together. 285 00:15:45,480 --> 00:15:47,200 Instead, he drew a heavenly hand right off the deal 286 00:15:47,200 --> 00:15:48,530 and beat all three of us. 287 00:15:49,240 --> 00:15:50,550 Fallen for me? 288 00:15:52,320 --> 00:15:53,980 You'd fall for a 2D character? 289 00:15:56,150 --> 00:15:56,930 Yeah right. 290 00:15:59,240 --> 00:16:00,110 Wanyin. 291 00:16:01,550 --> 00:16:02,080 Mr. Bei? 292 00:16:03,030 --> 00:16:04,560 You were late getting back, 293 00:16:04,670 --> 00:16:06,930 so I prepared some tea and snacks for you. 294 00:16:07,200 --> 00:16:08,660 Don't forget to have them. 295 00:16:10,840 --> 00:16:11,410 Okay. 296 00:16:11,750 --> 00:16:12,810 Thank you, Mr. Bei. 297 00:16:13,000 --> 00:16:14,330 Get some rest early too. 298 00:16:20,960 --> 00:16:22,490 Mr. Bei is really good to me. 299 00:16:23,870 --> 00:16:25,510 Should I tell him 300 00:16:26,000 --> 00:16:27,730 and CEO Dan what just happened? 301 00:16:30,840 --> 00:16:31,440 Forget it. 302 00:16:32,670 --> 00:16:34,070 Better they know nothing 303 00:16:35,080 --> 00:16:37,080 than for us all to be upset together. 304 00:16:52,630 --> 00:16:53,480 I wonder 305 00:16:54,510 --> 00:16:56,770 what my name is in this book I'm living in, 306 00:16:57,840 --> 00:16:59,440 and how many pages I'll last. 307 00:17:03,150 --> 00:17:03,910 Maybe 308 00:17:04,510 --> 00:17:05,550 Xu Yao's death 309 00:17:06,550 --> 00:17:08,310 is also part of the plot. 310 00:17:16,200 --> 00:17:17,599 What's the point of this? 311 00:17:19,440 --> 00:17:19,880 Yeah. 312 00:17:22,160 --> 00:17:23,480 What's the point? 313 00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:28,540 [Turning the Deputy Minister of Revenue to our side—failed] 314 00:17:28,560 --> 00:17:29,250 [Spreading false information—failed] 315 00:17:29,680 --> 00:17:30,210 [Kill the imperial censor's secret guards in the backyard] 316 00:17:30,210 --> 00:17:30,740 [to eliminate future threats.] 317 00:17:37,160 --> 00:17:37,680 Mr. Bei! 318 00:17:38,920 --> 00:17:39,780 Consort Xie, 319 00:17:40,110 --> 00:17:40,840 you're here. 320 00:17:41,400 --> 00:17:42,000 Eunuch An. 321 00:17:43,200 --> 00:17:44,060 Your Highness! 322 00:17:44,200 --> 00:17:46,960 Our Consort has an urgent matter to discuss with His Majesty. 323 00:17:46,960 --> 00:17:48,360 No one is to disturb them. 324 00:17:49,430 --> 00:17:50,510 Well... yes. 325 00:17:51,070 --> 00:17:55,790 [Yongyan Hall] 326 00:17:59,880 --> 00:18:01,360 Your Highness, well... 327 00:18:01,790 --> 00:18:03,720 Perhaps you should return for now. 328 00:18:08,200 --> 00:18:08,660 CEO Dan! 329 00:18:09,240 --> 00:18:09,700 CEO Dan! 330 00:18:10,830 --> 00:18:11,760 Why are you here? 331 00:18:12,720 --> 00:18:14,310 There really is something wrong with Prince Duan. 332 00:18:14,310 --> 00:18:15,370 Why do you say that? 333 00:18:15,820 --> 00:18:16,760 Xu Yao's book 334 00:18:17,110 --> 00:18:18,970 records his plans in such detail. 335 00:18:19,350 --> 00:18:20,270 If Xiahou Bo 336 00:18:20,270 --> 00:18:22,200 really stands at the highest level, 337 00:18:22,200 --> 00:18:24,730 how could this book have ended up in our hands? 338 00:18:25,000 --> 00:18:27,060 Assuming he let us find it on purpose, 339 00:18:27,100 --> 00:18:28,960 what benefit would that be to him? 340 00:18:29,440 --> 00:18:31,640 The easiest way to defeat you 341 00:18:31,800 --> 00:18:34,130 is to keep us in the dark about everything. 342 00:18:34,400 --> 00:18:34,730 Also, 343 00:18:35,400 --> 00:18:36,880 if he knew I was a transmigrator, 344 00:18:36,880 --> 00:18:38,480 why didn't he ask me directly? 345 00:18:38,480 --> 00:18:40,340 Why keep testing me over and over? 346 00:18:40,830 --> 00:18:42,160 And I met with him today. 347 00:18:43,030 --> 00:18:44,750 When I said we're not even the same species, 348 00:18:44,750 --> 00:18:46,610 not even from the same dimension, 349 00:18:46,750 --> 00:18:48,160 he clearly hesitated. 350 00:18:48,750 --> 00:18:50,080 What does that suggest? 351 00:18:50,110 --> 00:18:51,200 It suggests... 352 00:18:52,270 --> 00:18:54,400 that his show of initiative 353 00:18:55,160 --> 00:18:57,160 may simply be because he discovered 354 00:18:57,920 --> 00:18:59,860 our abnormality in some way? 355 00:19:00,920 --> 00:19:01,960 In his eyes, 356 00:19:02,570 --> 00:19:04,060 we might be the kind of 357 00:19:04,440 --> 00:19:05,540 semi-divine beings with foresight 358 00:19:05,540 --> 00:19:07,070 who can foresee the future. 359 00:19:08,260 --> 00:19:10,720 And he thinks the three of us are the same kind. 360 00:19:10,720 --> 00:19:11,790 You, me, 361 00:19:12,480 --> 00:19:13,410 and Xie Yong'er? 362 00:19:14,160 --> 00:19:14,720 So 363 00:19:15,160 --> 00:19:16,630 if he doesn't trust Xie Yong'er, 364 00:19:16,630 --> 00:19:18,360 he won't trust you or me either. 365 00:19:19,550 --> 00:19:20,470 So... 366 00:19:20,920 --> 00:19:22,650 he's still just a 2D character? 367 00:19:24,750 --> 00:19:25,880 I need to find a way 368 00:19:26,200 --> 00:19:27,530 to test him thoroughly. 369 00:19:28,530 --> 00:19:29,130 By the way, 370 00:19:29,310 --> 00:19:30,070 shouldn't we 371 00:19:30,160 --> 00:19:32,020 hurry up and find those scholars? 372 00:19:34,400 --> 00:19:35,600 Why are you laughing? 373 00:19:35,920 --> 00:19:37,310 You told me about 374 00:19:38,110 --> 00:19:39,770 your private meeting with him just like that? 375 00:19:39,770 --> 00:19:41,640 I told you so many important things, 376 00:19:41,640 --> 00:19:42,920 and that's your focus? 377 00:19:43,030 --> 00:19:44,160 I heard everything. 378 00:19:45,920 --> 00:19:47,920 But I think what's more important is 379 00:19:50,740 --> 00:19:52,470 whether we should have hot pot. 380 00:20:00,680 --> 00:20:02,270 Alright, alright. My bad, my bad. 381 00:20:02,270 --> 00:20:02,940 Let's go. 382 00:20:03,000 --> 00:20:03,590 Let's eat hot pot. 383 00:20:03,590 --> 00:20:04,120 Let's go. 384 00:20:20,200 --> 00:20:21,400 Why isn't he here yet? 385 00:20:22,830 --> 00:20:24,290 He didn't back out, did he? 386 00:20:26,720 --> 00:20:27,960 Have you memorized 387 00:20:28,240 --> 00:20:29,350 the scholars' names and traits? 388 00:20:29,350 --> 00:20:30,110 This battle 389 00:20:30,110 --> 00:20:32,510 will decide the fate of our Fishball Squad. 390 00:20:34,400 --> 00:20:35,200 Don't worry. 391 00:20:35,880 --> 00:20:36,680 Piece of cake. 392 00:20:39,540 --> 00:20:41,200 I've got it all under control. 393 00:20:41,550 --> 00:20:43,210 So how did you get them to come? 394 00:20:51,480 --> 00:20:52,510 Buns! 395 00:20:52,510 --> 00:20:54,420 Hot, delicious buns! 396 00:20:55,270 --> 00:20:56,530 Please keep it. 397 00:20:58,160 --> 00:21:00,240 The realm has fallen into the hands of traitors. 398 00:21:00,240 --> 00:21:02,440 We're at a critical moment of survival. 399 00:21:03,000 --> 00:21:04,460 The people are exhausted, 400 00:21:04,550 --> 00:21:06,080 resources are running dry, 401 00:21:06,270 --> 00:21:07,930 the soldiers are growing old, 402 00:21:08,030 --> 00:21:10,430 and the people's hearts are drifting away. 403 00:21:11,680 --> 00:21:13,030 To make peace with a life 404 00:21:13,960 --> 00:21:15,560 of frustrated aspirations; 405 00:21:15,680 --> 00:21:17,280 steeds and spears were never 406 00:21:18,200 --> 00:21:19,240 my desire. 407 00:21:21,400 --> 00:21:22,830 Sir, excellent poem! 408 00:21:23,270 --> 00:21:24,170 I have one too. 409 00:21:24,350 --> 00:21:25,410 Please take a look. 410 00:21:27,270 --> 00:21:28,680 A true gentleman seizes the moment, 411 00:21:28,680 --> 00:21:30,240 and a wise man understands his fate. 412 00:21:30,240 --> 00:21:31,070 Though old, 413 00:21:31,550 --> 00:21:33,400 one's resolve need not fade; 414 00:21:34,640 --> 00:21:36,160 though poor, one's ambition 415 00:21:36,160 --> 00:21:37,400 should not fall. 416 00:21:38,310 --> 00:21:39,920 Loyal and righteous men have all but perished, 417 00:21:39,240 --> 00:21:41,420 [Discourses on Salt and Iron] 418 00:21:40,720 --> 00:21:43,980 while troubles within and without rise one after another. 419 00:21:45,350 --> 00:21:46,030 Fellow scholars, 420 00:21:45,880 --> 00:21:47,630 [Du Shan] 421 00:21:46,310 --> 00:21:48,270 you have studied diligently for decades, 422 00:21:48,270 --> 00:21:49,440 upholding righteousness with quiet forbearance amid chaos. 423 00:21:49,440 --> 00:21:50,070 -Don't rush. -Thank you. 424 00:21:50,070 --> 00:21:52,270 You possess extraordinary integrity. 425 00:21:53,830 --> 00:21:55,430 The rise and fall of the realm 426 00:21:55,510 --> 00:21:56,640 concerns every man. 427 00:21:58,680 --> 00:21:59,880 When the land is adrift, 428 00:21:59,880 --> 00:22:01,310 rather than replacing the ruler, 429 00:22:01,310 --> 00:22:03,590 it's better to destroy the old rules and rebuild. 430 00:22:03,590 --> 00:22:05,070 I wish to befriend all you heroes 431 00:22:05,070 --> 00:22:06,270 and shape the nation, 432 00:22:06,710 --> 00:22:08,240 saving the collapsing tide 433 00:22:08,350 --> 00:22:10,410 and supporting the falling edifice. 434 00:22:13,460 --> 00:22:15,240 Let's set the heart for Heaven and Earth, 435 00:22:15,240 --> 00:22:16,770 secure life for the people, 436 00:22:16,950 --> 00:22:19,110 carry on the lost teachings of the sages, 437 00:22:19,110 --> 00:22:21,840 and bring lasting peace for generations to come. 438 00:22:23,200 --> 00:22:25,800 Let's gather at East Lake at the end of the month 439 00:22:26,240 --> 00:22:27,680 to discuss our grand plan. 440 00:22:27,680 --> 00:22:29,410 This journey may be dangerous. 441 00:22:29,830 --> 00:22:30,560 I ask that you 442 00:22:31,240 --> 00:22:32,370 travel with caution 443 00:22:33,270 --> 00:22:34,530 to ensure your safety. 444 00:22:37,590 --> 00:22:39,790 As a CEO, he really deserves your title. 445 00:22:40,550 --> 00:22:41,680 His literary talent 446 00:22:41,960 --> 00:22:43,490 puts me, a corporate drone, 447 00:22:43,750 --> 00:22:45,550 to shame. I can't compare at all. 448 00:22:58,400 --> 00:22:58,830 Cen. 449 00:23:00,160 --> 00:23:01,220 Let me borrow this. 450 00:23:10,960 --> 00:23:12,640 We came to answer your invitation 451 00:23:12,640 --> 00:23:14,920 because we were moved by the words in your letter 452 00:23:14,920 --> 00:23:16,680 and wished to meet a kindred spirit. 453 00:23:16,680 --> 00:23:17,310 Yet today, 454 00:23:17,590 --> 00:23:20,390 all you've arranged is drinking and sightseeing. 455 00:23:20,480 --> 00:23:21,740 This hardly feels like 456 00:23:21,790 --> 00:23:24,520 the long-awaited meeting your letter promised. 457 00:23:26,160 --> 00:23:27,480 You have all traveled far, 458 00:23:27,480 --> 00:23:29,940 and endured the discomfort of being veiled. 459 00:23:30,400 --> 00:23:30,880 I 460 00:23:31,310 --> 00:23:32,840 truly feel uneasy about it. 461 00:23:33,550 --> 00:23:34,550 As my letter said, 462 00:23:35,030 --> 00:23:36,890 I have long admired your talents. 463 00:23:37,510 --> 00:23:39,240 The brilliant essays you have written, 464 00:23:39,240 --> 00:23:42,030 I often read aloud to myself and ponder in my heart. 465 00:23:42,030 --> 00:23:42,550 When I close the book... 466 00:23:42,550 --> 00:23:43,350 Let's skip 467 00:23:43,680 --> 00:23:44,740 the pleasantries. 468 00:23:51,750 --> 00:23:53,400 Establishing offices and building the nation 469 00:23:53,400 --> 00:23:55,880 is meant to provide the people with the means to live; 470 00:23:55,880 --> 00:23:57,550 levying taxes and collecting revenue 471 00:23:57,550 --> 00:23:59,030 is to support the state. 472 00:24:00,030 --> 00:24:01,000 All taxation 473 00:24:01,790 --> 00:24:02,240 must 474 00:24:03,240 --> 00:24:04,840 consider people's strength 475 00:24:05,240 --> 00:24:06,840 and the land's suitability. 476 00:24:08,590 --> 00:24:09,650 This is Li's essay? 477 00:24:09,920 --> 00:24:11,180 Li Yunxi from Zhuozhou 478 00:24:11,920 --> 00:24:13,380 is erudite and ambitious, 479 00:24:13,550 --> 00:24:14,640 of noble character, 480 00:24:14,640 --> 00:24:15,960 upright and unyielding, 481 00:24:15,960 --> 00:24:17,160 frank and outspoken. 482 00:24:17,640 --> 00:24:19,000 If he heads the Ministry of Revenue, 483 00:24:19,000 --> 00:24:21,170 his meticulous nature 484 00:24:21,590 --> 00:24:23,520 will surely deter all corruption. 485 00:24:24,640 --> 00:24:25,770 I must drink to that. 486 00:24:30,640 --> 00:24:31,350 You've certainly 487 00:24:31,350 --> 00:24:32,480 done your homework. 488 00:24:35,790 --> 00:24:37,050 Du Shan from Bingzhou, 489 00:24:37,160 --> 00:24:38,620 with his piece "Red Kite," 490 00:24:38,680 --> 00:24:39,610 moved the world. 491 00:24:40,030 --> 00:24:41,680 If he heads the Ministry of Rites, 492 00:24:41,680 --> 00:24:44,280 he will bring honor and integrity to Great Xia. 493 00:24:45,360 --> 00:24:46,960 I don't deserve such praise. 494 00:24:47,790 --> 00:24:49,320 The key to river management 495 00:24:49,640 --> 00:24:51,340 is first to understand its principles, 496 00:24:51,340 --> 00:24:52,920 then adapt to circumstances, 497 00:24:52,920 --> 00:24:54,590 and weigh with human compassion. 498 00:24:54,590 --> 00:24:56,120 Er Lan's "River Transport" 499 00:24:56,350 --> 00:24:58,510 is insightful yet accessible, 500 00:24:59,480 --> 00:25:00,440 every word a gem. 501 00:25:01,160 --> 00:25:02,430 If he heads the Ministry of Works, 502 00:25:02,430 --> 00:25:04,350 the population growth of Great Xia 503 00:25:04,350 --> 00:25:05,550 will be within reach. 504 00:25:07,500 --> 00:25:09,100 Yang is clever and flexible, 505 00:25:09,200 --> 00:25:10,550 skilled in mathematics. 506 00:25:10,550 --> 00:25:11,830 Now that times have changed, 507 00:25:11,830 --> 00:25:13,100 today, the Ministry of Personnel 508 00:25:13,100 --> 00:25:14,570 needs someone like you 509 00:25:14,930 --> 00:25:16,590 to choose talent 510 00:25:16,790 --> 00:25:18,160 without prejudice. 511 00:25:18,510 --> 00:25:19,570 I'll drink to that. 512 00:25:21,550 --> 00:25:22,200 Wang Zhao 513 00:25:23,110 --> 00:25:24,880 is honest and straightforward, 514 00:25:24,880 --> 00:25:25,740 a pleasure 515 00:25:26,070 --> 00:25:27,260 to meet. 516 00:25:28,160 --> 00:25:30,680 In the future, he may well serve in the State Ceremonial Bureau, 517 00:25:30,680 --> 00:25:32,280 mediating between nations. 518 00:25:33,880 --> 00:25:34,720 You 519 00:25:35,330 --> 00:25:37,660 promised everyone such grand prospects. 520 00:25:39,680 --> 00:25:40,240 So, 521 00:25:40,750 --> 00:25:42,080 what role am I to take on? 522 00:25:42,310 --> 00:25:43,960 Food is the first necessity of the people. 523 00:25:43,960 --> 00:25:45,920 Cen, if you serve as an agricultural official, 524 00:25:45,920 --> 00:25:47,780 it will be a great blessing to all. 525 00:25:47,790 --> 00:25:48,590 The northwest now 526 00:25:48,590 --> 00:25:49,920 suffers from severe drought, 527 00:25:49,920 --> 00:25:51,310 while the southwest is plagued by floods. 528 00:25:51,310 --> 00:25:51,920 Recently, 529 00:25:52,200 --> 00:25:54,340 I came across a book from the Western Regions 530 00:25:54,340 --> 00:25:55,400 that records a crop 531 00:25:55,570 --> 00:25:56,770 resistant to lodging 532 00:25:56,960 --> 00:25:58,200 and tolerant of both drought and flooding. 533 00:25:58,200 --> 00:25:59,330 If there is a chance, 534 00:25:59,440 --> 00:26:00,890 I would like to discuss it with you 535 00:26:00,890 --> 00:26:01,950 through the night. 536 00:26:12,240 --> 00:26:12,910 Your Highness, 537 00:26:12,910 --> 00:26:14,210 our men just sent word. 538 00:26:14,680 --> 00:26:16,640 The Emperor has secretly left the palace and gone to the West Mountain. 539 00:26:16,640 --> 00:26:17,700 The West Mountain? 540 00:26:18,400 --> 00:26:20,820 Why did he suddenly go to the West Mountain? 541 00:26:21,200 --> 00:26:22,720 His villa is there. 542 00:26:23,030 --> 00:26:25,290 Perhaps he went to enjoy the hot springs. 543 00:26:28,270 --> 00:26:29,880 Stop joking. 544 00:26:30,680 --> 00:26:33,070 Lately, the Emperor has been leaving the palace frequently. 545 00:26:33,070 --> 00:26:33,870 A few days ago, 546 00:26:34,200 --> 00:26:36,720 he rode his carriage around the city 3 times 547 00:26:36,960 --> 00:26:39,350 and returned without doing anything at all. 548 00:26:39,350 --> 00:26:40,950 Don't you find that strange? 549 00:26:43,270 --> 00:26:44,960 How many people did the Emperor bring? 550 00:26:44,960 --> 00:26:46,240 He traveled with a light escort, 551 00:26:46,240 --> 00:26:47,270 keeping a very low profile. 552 00:26:47,270 --> 00:26:48,020 It seems 553 00:26:48,660 --> 00:26:50,390 he doesn't want anyone to know. 554 00:26:54,720 --> 00:26:56,590 If that's the case, 555 00:26:57,680 --> 00:27:00,210 why don't we take this excellent opportunity 556 00:27:01,990 --> 00:27:02,890 and just... 557 00:27:04,820 --> 00:27:05,220 You... 558 00:27:07,960 --> 00:27:10,750 I can have the troops I've stationed in the suburbs 559 00:27:10,750 --> 00:27:12,010 disguised as bandits. 560 00:27:12,350 --> 00:27:14,590 We can certainly accomplish this great deed 561 00:27:14,590 --> 00:27:15,990 without anyone knowing. 562 00:27:16,110 --> 00:27:17,170 No, Your Highness! 563 00:27:17,510 --> 00:27:20,270 -Yes, we can't do that, Your Highness! -There must be something wrong. 564 00:27:20,270 --> 00:27:21,510 We have planned for years 565 00:27:21,510 --> 00:27:23,270 and attempted assassination more than once, 566 00:27:23,270 --> 00:27:25,270 yet the Emperor has evaded them all. 567 00:27:25,830 --> 00:27:26,550 I don't believe 568 00:27:26,550 --> 00:27:28,680 he's truly as incompetent 569 00:27:28,720 --> 00:27:30,170 as he appears. 570 00:27:30,350 --> 00:27:31,810 I don't believe it either. 571 00:27:32,030 --> 00:27:33,770 -Acting in such haste -You... 572 00:27:34,030 --> 00:27:36,440 -risks too much. -Exactly! 573 00:27:36,510 --> 00:27:38,400 Why are you so indecisive? 574 00:27:38,590 --> 00:27:40,990 Opportunities like this don't come twice! 575 00:27:41,110 --> 00:27:41,560 Well... 576 00:27:41,560 --> 00:27:41,960 You... 577 00:27:42,030 --> 00:27:42,430 You... 578 00:27:44,440 --> 00:27:45,010 Sir, 579 00:27:45,480 --> 00:27:48,010 how confident are you about this bandit plan? 580 00:27:48,040 --> 00:27:48,900 Your Highness! 581 00:27:49,790 --> 00:27:51,440 We've rehearsed for a long time. 582 00:27:51,440 --> 00:27:52,900 I dare not say it's foolproof, 583 00:27:52,900 --> 00:27:53,270 but 584 00:27:54,070 --> 00:27:56,130 our chances of success are very high. 585 00:27:57,910 --> 00:28:00,820 You promised us all kinds of official positions 586 00:28:01,400 --> 00:28:03,000 in the Ministries of Revenue, Justice, and Personnel haphazardly, 587 00:28:03,000 --> 00:28:03,790 as if you could actually 588 00:28:03,790 --> 00:28:05,790 control that incompetent emperor. 589 00:28:06,750 --> 00:28:07,210 Indeed. 590 00:28:08,400 --> 00:28:09,530 To serve a wise ruler 591 00:28:09,880 --> 00:28:10,810 with one's life; 592 00:28:11,510 --> 00:28:13,240 to die as a martyr for the country's sake. 593 00:28:13,240 --> 00:28:13,830 Now 594 00:28:14,480 --> 00:28:16,340 the court's capable men are gone. 595 00:28:16,510 --> 00:28:17,430 I almost wish 596 00:28:18,200 --> 00:28:19,510 I could strike the ground with my head 597 00:28:19,510 --> 00:28:20,640 to wake that tyrant. 598 00:28:20,650 --> 00:28:22,650 What do you expect from that tyrant? 599 00:28:23,210 --> 00:28:24,410 But I heard people say 600 00:28:25,030 --> 00:28:26,680 that Prince Duan is skilled in both civil and military affairs 601 00:28:26,680 --> 00:28:28,880 and could be considered a worthy ruler. 602 00:28:29,640 --> 00:28:31,460 Prince Duan only seeks power. 603 00:28:31,550 --> 00:28:33,440 He has done nothing for the country or its people. 604 00:28:33,440 --> 00:28:35,240 He cannot be considered worthy. 605 00:28:35,310 --> 00:28:36,640 As the ruler of a nation, 606 00:28:36,720 --> 00:28:38,590 he plunged his people into suffering. 607 00:28:38,590 --> 00:28:39,830 When all is said and done, 608 00:28:39,830 --> 00:28:41,890 the emperor has failed his subjects. 609 00:28:43,510 --> 00:28:45,310 Beautiful women are disasters. 610 00:28:45,640 --> 00:28:46,750 I suppose the tyrant 611 00:28:46,750 --> 00:28:49,510 must have been bewitched by that demonic consort Yu Wanyin, 612 00:28:49,510 --> 00:28:52,510 -growing ever more muddled and unruly. -Why me again? 613 00:28:53,680 --> 00:28:54,480 That's right. 614 00:28:54,830 --> 00:28:57,790 As the poem says, "Nights with the beautiful woman are too short; 615 00:28:57,790 --> 00:29:01,350 from now on, the emperor no longer attends court in the morning." 616 00:29:01,350 --> 00:29:03,510 Was he a wise ruler 617 00:29:04,160 --> 00:29:06,360 before that demonic consort appeared? 618 00:29:06,480 --> 00:29:08,440 Just say he's incompetent. 619 00:29:08,440 --> 00:29:10,110 Why blame a woman? 620 00:29:10,160 --> 00:29:11,510 Are you defending that demonic consort? 621 00:29:11,510 --> 00:29:12,110 What else? 622 00:29:12,480 --> 00:29:14,550 Do you really believe that a woman from the harem 623 00:29:14,550 --> 00:29:15,960 can disrupt state affairs? 624 00:29:15,960 --> 00:29:17,200 It's just an excuse. 625 00:29:17,510 --> 00:29:18,550 How is it an excuse? 626 00:29:18,550 --> 00:29:19,440 Everyone says that... 627 00:29:19,440 --> 00:29:20,040 Says what? 628 00:29:20,310 --> 00:29:22,590 That she has a snake-like face that can peel pears? 629 00:29:22,590 --> 00:29:25,070 You keep calling her "demonic consort" with such conviction. 630 00:29:25,070 --> 00:29:27,100 Li, have you actually seen her 631 00:29:27,240 --> 00:29:28,640 perform any witchcraft? 632 00:29:28,680 --> 00:29:29,070 Er... 633 00:29:29,590 --> 00:29:30,650 Alright, alright. 634 00:29:30,960 --> 00:29:31,790 -Well said, sis. -Mr. Li, you care about 635 00:29:31,790 --> 00:29:33,590 -the country and the people. -You should say more. 636 00:29:33,590 --> 00:29:34,320 I admire you. 637 00:29:34,960 --> 00:29:36,810 Er Lan makes a fair point. 638 00:29:37,830 --> 00:29:38,690 But gentlemen, 639 00:29:39,270 --> 00:29:40,920 aren't we getting off topic? 640 00:29:42,000 --> 00:29:45,400 Who should govern this country and how it should be governed— 641 00:29:45,790 --> 00:29:46,590 that is what we 642 00:29:46,590 --> 00:29:48,120 should be concerned about. 643 00:29:48,350 --> 00:29:48,950 Am I right? 644 00:29:51,480 --> 00:29:52,280 That's right. 645 00:29:53,480 --> 00:29:55,480 As stated in the letter to all of you, 646 00:29:56,030 --> 00:29:57,310 we must destroy before we can rebuild. 647 00:29:57,310 --> 00:29:58,710 How to break the deadlock 648 00:29:58,960 --> 00:29:59,810 is the key. 649 00:30:00,440 --> 00:30:01,440 In my opinion, 650 00:30:01,920 --> 00:30:03,920 the crux still lies with the people. 651 00:30:04,110 --> 00:30:05,670 Since ancient times, 652 00:30:05,670 --> 00:30:07,550 the capable should be in charge and the mediocre beneath them. 653 00:30:07,550 --> 00:30:08,840 Yet now it is the mediocre who are in charge 654 00:30:08,840 --> 00:30:10,400 and the capable who are beneath them. 655 00:30:10,400 --> 00:30:11,680 Without breaking the privileges of the nobility, 656 00:30:11,680 --> 00:30:13,340 none of this can move forward. 657 00:30:13,400 --> 00:30:14,350 As the saying goes, 658 00:30:14,350 --> 00:30:15,550 "Are kings and nobles 659 00:30:15,920 --> 00:30:17,000 born that way?" 660 00:30:17,270 --> 00:30:17,800 Exactly! 661 00:30:18,640 --> 00:30:19,110 War 662 00:30:19,460 --> 00:30:21,030 does not necessarily destroy a nation, 663 00:30:21,030 --> 00:30:21,550 nor do 664 00:30:21,880 --> 00:30:23,000 famine and disaster. 665 00:30:23,000 --> 00:30:24,160 But there is one thing 666 00:30:24,160 --> 00:30:26,530 that can end a nation's fortune and make the people lose faith: 667 00:30:26,530 --> 00:30:27,260 when the path 668 00:30:27,310 --> 00:30:29,770 for the poor and talented to rise is blocked. 669 00:30:32,070 --> 00:30:33,600 You really dare to say that? 670 00:30:35,030 --> 00:30:35,960 Why wouldn't I? 671 00:30:37,920 --> 00:30:39,550 All of us here are commoners. 672 00:30:40,160 --> 00:30:42,160 How much can we truly save Great Xia? 673 00:30:42,880 --> 00:30:44,000 Look up. 674 00:30:44,830 --> 00:30:46,030 There is no clear sky, 675 00:30:47,590 --> 00:30:48,960 only mire and filth. 676 00:30:51,160 --> 00:30:52,830 "Big rats, big rats, 677 00:30:54,020 --> 00:30:55,350 stop eating our grain." 678 00:30:56,510 --> 00:30:57,970 For the sake of the people, 679 00:30:58,830 --> 00:31:00,070 there's nothing we can't do! 680 00:31:00,070 --> 00:31:00,960 Well said! 681 00:31:01,750 --> 00:31:03,550 With your ambition and vision, 682 00:31:03,720 --> 00:31:05,350 there is hope for Great Xia! 683 00:31:05,400 --> 00:31:05,880 Indeed. 684 00:31:06,440 --> 00:31:07,480 But ambition alone, 685 00:31:07,480 --> 00:31:09,000 without the chance to serve in office, 686 00:31:09,000 --> 00:31:11,110 makes saving our nation mere empty talk. 687 00:31:11,110 --> 00:31:12,880 You are indeed like your words. 688 00:31:13,680 --> 00:31:14,720 This drinking session 689 00:31:14,720 --> 00:31:16,120 has been most enjoyable! 690 00:31:16,920 --> 00:31:18,920 But you still haven't told us... 691 00:31:21,350 --> 00:31:22,030 who 692 00:31:22,550 --> 00:31:23,750 you really are. 693 00:31:30,070 --> 00:31:30,800 It's coming! 694 00:31:31,830 --> 00:31:34,230 The climax of this scene is finally coming! 695 00:31:34,790 --> 00:31:35,990 My humble surname... 696 00:31:37,550 --> 00:31:38,440 is Xiahou. 697 00:31:40,640 --> 00:31:41,840 With such eloquence, 698 00:31:41,990 --> 00:31:43,250 could you be Prince... 699 00:31:47,480 --> 00:31:49,680 I'm afraid you'll be disappointed, Du. 700 00:31:51,070 --> 00:31:52,130 My given name is... 701 00:31:53,430 --> 00:31:54,150 Dan. 702 00:31:58,860 --> 00:31:59,990 As for this lady, 703 00:32:01,160 --> 00:32:03,330 she is the very demonic consort 704 00:32:04,070 --> 00:32:05,530 you were just speaking of, 705 00:32:05,960 --> 00:32:06,790 Yu Wanyin. 706 00:32:16,160 --> 00:32:17,760 Nice to meet you, gentlemen. 707 00:32:19,830 --> 00:32:20,700 I am Wang Zhao. 708 00:32:21,160 --> 00:32:22,620 Greetings, Your Majesty! 709 00:32:22,890 --> 00:32:24,300 -I'm Du Shan. -I'm Yang Duojie. 710 00:32:24,300 --> 00:32:25,440 -I'm Er Lan. -Greetings, Your Majesty. 711 00:32:25,440 --> 00:32:26,900 Greetings, Your Majesty. 712 00:32:32,510 --> 00:32:33,690 If you want to kneel, then kneel. 713 00:32:33,690 --> 00:32:35,090 Why pull me down with you? 714 00:32:37,780 --> 00:32:40,350 You expect me to kneel to this incompetent emperor? 715 00:32:40,350 --> 00:32:41,350 Over my dead body. 716 00:32:43,880 --> 00:32:44,480 Everyone, 717 00:32:45,000 --> 00:32:45,730 please rise. 718 00:32:46,000 --> 00:32:47,860 Please forgive us, Your Majesty. 719 00:32:53,030 --> 00:32:54,090 All you know is that 720 00:32:54,640 --> 00:32:56,240 I am a tyrant, ruling harshly 721 00:32:56,550 --> 00:32:58,010 and preying on the people. 722 00:33:00,000 --> 00:33:01,060 What you do not know 723 00:33:02,220 --> 00:33:03,920 is that over the past ten-plus years, 724 00:33:03,920 --> 00:33:04,900 my power 725 00:33:05,350 --> 00:33:06,880 has long been hollowed out. 726 00:33:08,840 --> 00:33:10,040 Now, half of the court 727 00:33:10,880 --> 00:33:11,680 is controlled 728 00:33:12,200 --> 00:33:13,530 by the Empress Dowager, 729 00:33:14,310 --> 00:33:15,310 and the other half 730 00:33:15,830 --> 00:33:17,430 manipulated by Prince Duan. 731 00:33:18,480 --> 00:33:20,880 They make high-stakes gambles with the lives 732 00:33:20,880 --> 00:33:23,010 of Great Xia's people again and again. 733 00:33:23,160 --> 00:33:24,490 Though my heart bleeds, 734 00:33:25,060 --> 00:33:26,790 I can only pretend to be a tyrant 735 00:33:27,590 --> 00:33:28,920 to preserve my own life. 736 00:33:35,180 --> 00:33:36,150 Today's meeting 737 00:33:38,000 --> 00:33:38,730 is my attempt 738 00:33:39,300 --> 00:33:41,830 to lay bare my true heart before you, 739 00:33:42,440 --> 00:33:43,500 in the hope that you 740 00:33:44,590 --> 00:33:47,030 might understand my unspoken difficulties. 741 00:33:47,030 --> 00:33:48,480 Your Majesty, if you truly have such intentions, 742 00:33:48,480 --> 00:33:50,750 why not reform the imperial exam and recruit talent openly? 743 00:33:50,750 --> 00:33:53,680 Why did you ask us to meet you in secrecy like thieves? 744 00:33:54,510 --> 00:33:55,970 This way of recruiting men 745 00:33:56,590 --> 00:33:57,110 seems 746 00:33:57,960 --> 00:33:59,560 beneath your royal dignity. 747 00:34:01,400 --> 00:34:03,060 Too many eyes are watching me. 748 00:34:04,590 --> 00:34:06,720 Even the slightest change to the imperial exam 749 00:34:06,720 --> 00:34:08,800 would face opposition from all sides. 750 00:34:08,800 --> 00:34:11,070 If not for my secret guards searching everywhere, 751 00:34:11,070 --> 00:34:12,330 your brilliant essays 752 00:34:12,510 --> 00:34:14,370 would never have reached my desk. 753 00:34:14,630 --> 00:34:16,360 I can only contact you in secret 754 00:34:17,320 --> 00:34:18,250 so I can place you 755 00:34:18,840 --> 00:34:20,100 in suitable positions 756 00:34:21,110 --> 00:34:22,969 to realize your grand ambitions. 757 00:34:23,960 --> 00:34:24,620 Therefore, 758 00:34:25,760 --> 00:34:26,960 you should know that 759 00:34:27,840 --> 00:34:29,370 what I promised you just now 760 00:34:29,630 --> 00:34:30,320 was not 761 00:34:30,320 --> 00:34:32,000 empty talk or hollow bait. 762 00:34:36,000 --> 00:34:36,600 Of course, 763 00:34:38,190 --> 00:34:38,710 I know 764 00:34:40,000 --> 00:34:41,659 that my one-sided words alone 765 00:34:41,800 --> 00:34:43,170 cannot, in a single day, 766 00:34:43,630 --> 00:34:45,340 turn your loyal hearts 767 00:34:45,920 --> 00:34:46,630 toward me. 768 00:34:47,590 --> 00:34:48,760 But I must try. 769 00:34:49,840 --> 00:34:50,639 In the future, 770 00:34:51,230 --> 00:34:52,630 when you enter the court, 771 00:34:53,030 --> 00:34:54,060 you will surely be targeted 772 00:34:54,060 --> 00:34:56,230 by the Empress Dowager's and Prince Duan's factions— 773 00:34:56,230 --> 00:34:56,840 courted, 774 00:34:57,510 --> 00:34:58,170 exploited, 775 00:34:59,360 --> 00:35:00,090 or attacked. 776 00:35:00,760 --> 00:35:01,890 When that day comes, 777 00:35:02,800 --> 00:35:05,760 I only hope you will not forget the passionate words you spoke 778 00:35:05,760 --> 00:35:07,880 and the lofty aspirations you laid bare 779 00:35:07,880 --> 00:35:09,130 on this boat today. 780 00:35:10,960 --> 00:35:12,360 I hope you will stand tall 781 00:35:13,360 --> 00:35:15,160 and be the backbone of Great Xia. 782 00:35:19,360 --> 00:35:20,590 These are just words 783 00:35:20,590 --> 00:35:22,590 devised to recruit these scholars. 784 00:35:23,840 --> 00:35:25,320 So why do I feel like crying 785 00:35:26,880 --> 00:35:28,070 after hearing it?