Original subtitles

Xiang!

Xiang!

Let me go!

- You little wretches. - Let me go!

Still trying to run?

How dare you run!

I'll kill Xiang!

Ting Hui.

Xiang!

I'll kill you!

(Royal Betrothal)

(This is a work of fiction)

(Adapted from Qidian's "Long Live Your Majesty" by Xing Yan Yan)

(Episode 1)

(Qingzhou)

(Shazhou)

Young Master, Shazhou's border is just ahead.

According to the shadow guard's secret report,

this military stronghold is hiding an illegal armament trade.

The mastermind is Governor Ding Chong,

the Left Chancellor's prized pupil.

Ascertain the extent of the Chancellor's involvement...

in this matter before the fasting period ends...

and return to the capital with the evidence.

Yes, Young Master.

It's Huo An.

It seems like the Left Chancellor...

wants to stop me from investigating further.

Young Master.

I'll deal with them.

Proceed according to plan.

Let's split up.

Huo An.

You'll have to get past me first.

Go!

(Shazhou)

Hot buns!

(Shazhou Women's School)

Women's Imperial Provincial Examination predicted questions!

(Literary Elegance)

Exclusive in all of Shazhou!

Get it first!

Meng Ting Hui, How much are you selling...

your predicted questions this time?

Bidding starts at thirty taels.

- Thirty taels? - Thirty taels?

The predicted questions for the last monthly exam...

were only ten taels.

This is the Provincial Examination.

Women were banned from taking the exam for nine years.

Now, His Majesty has reinstituted the Special Imperial Examination.

Pass, and you become the Emperor's pupil.

Your career will soar from then on.

Even a thousand taels wouldn't be expensive.

For last month's school examination,

you correctly predicted three essay topics.

I'll take this one.

Thirty-five taels.

Last time, thanks to her questions, I ranked among the best.

I'll bid forty taels.

Forty-five taels.

Fifty taels.

- Sold. - Let's see who dares to buy it.

Jiang Mei Er.

You...

Don't be rash. Have you forgotten?

Last month, Wen Xiaomei only talked back to her once,

and she was expelled from the school immediately.

My uncle is Shazhou's governor.

He's the one who funds this school.

If you offend me,

none of you can establish yourselves here.

What business is it of yours that I sell exam questions?

Meng Ting Hui.

If you didn't sell predicted questions every month,

how could I be in last place every time?

You could buy them too.

My uncle made a rule.

You must pay 100 taels...

to register for the Special Imperial Examination.

You're just a poor orphan.

You can't marry into a prestigious family,

nor can you run a wealthy business.

Now, you think you can change your through it?

As if you're worthy.

You rely on your family,

I rely on my ability.

Whether I'm worthy or not,

we'll see in the Imperial Examination.

Gosh.

If this handwritten resume...

is accidentally blown away by the wind,

can you still take the Imperial Exam?

What...

What right do you have to take my handwritten resume?

Because my uncle is Shazhou's Governor.

You never stop mentioning your uncle.

Even if you're not sick of saying it,

we're sick of hearing it!

Let's see who dares to laugh!

Meng Ting Hui.

We're classmates, after all.

If you kneel down and beg me sincerely,

I might just...

show some mercy...

and return this handwritten resume to you.

Kneel down now.

The offer won't stand later.

If you want to kneel so badly,

then kneel on my behalf!

How dare you get physical!

Jiang Mei Er.

Give me back my handwritten resume!

Shazhou is just a tiny place.

I'll be waiting for the day you're all punished by the law.

I'll tear apart your power-tripping faces!

But what can you do to me?

People are born...

into different classes.

My uncle is all-powerful in Shazhou.

What can you possibly do to me?

I'll fight you with my life.

Meng Ting Hui, you lunatic!

If you don't want your face ruined,

give me back my handwritten resume.

Give it back!

Xia! Xia, give it back to her, hurry!

Meng Ting Hui, you lunatic!

Meng Ting Hui is killing people!

(Handwritten Resume by Meng Ting Hui)

You little brats.

I raise you, feed you,

and even teach you skills.

And you still want to run away?

You force us to steal and scam people.

That's not teaching.

You treat us like livestock.

That's not raising us too.

Without me,

you two would've starved to death long ago.

I'm not afraid to die.

But I want to see you die.

If I ever get a knife in my hand,

I'll hack you to pieces.

Is this how you repay your benefactor?

You're not worthy.

You kidnap women, traffic children,

and kill people at will.

You're a wicked criminal guilty of the most atrocious crimes.

You say I'm guilty?

Where's the evidence? What are the charges?

Who is going to convict me?

You?

A little beggar?

Who'll believe your baseless words?

The officials all recognize me as a good citizen.

But if you,

a little scammer,

want to kill someone,

that makes you...

a murderer.

Meng Meng!

Meng Meng!

I heard Jiang Mei Er went to pick on you again.

Does she think we're easy targets?

I failed the school examination anyway,

so I'm not afraid of being expelled.

I...

I'll go bash her with my abacus to get revenge for you!

Come back.

You can't do that.

This abacus...

is a memento from your mother.

Using it to hit her just isn't worth it.

Jiang Mei Er did this, didn't she?

Your hand is meant to take the examination.

I'm going to go tear her apart!

Come back.

How could she ever get the better of me?

I snatched her dagger away...

and nearly slit her throat.

You should have seen it.

Jiang Mei Er was so scared,

she nearly lost her wits...

and fled in a panic.

Sit down.

Didn't we have an agreement?

You focus on your studies,

and don't go head-to-head with her.

It's different this time.

She used my handwritten resume to threaten me.

I'll...

It's right here. I got it back.

Ever since I met you,

you've been...

doing chores by day to earn tuition...

and staying up all night to study.

I know you're looking forward...

to taking the Imperial Examination one day.

But in my opinion,

nothing is worth risking your life for.

I'm just an ordinary orphan.

Even the King of Hell thinks I'm too tough.

This won't do.

Jiang Mei Er is very vengeful.

You can't stay in this dormitory anymore.

Pack your things and stay at my house.

Fu Zhi.

Forget it.

Every time I go to your house,

your stepmother looks at me...

as if I'm a thief.

Why don't we move to Bofeng House?

Did your father and stepmother...

actually agree to let you manage Bofeng House's business?

Don't they say that with a stepmother...

comes a stepfather?

My stepmother...

kept harping on me about failing the school examination.

She handed over the almost bankrupt Bofeng House to me.

She even said that if I can't earn...

300 taels within a month,

I'll have to go back and get married.

But are women born...

to be confined to the inner chambers?

I may not be good at studying,

but I'm great with an abacus.

I know business well too.

They just look down on all that.

Fu Zhi.

Let's make our mark in the capital.

You'll open a restaurant, and I'll take the Imperial Examination.

In the imperial capital,

we'll surely make a name for ourselves.

I'd love nothing more than that.

But right now, they're forcing me to get married.

I'm worried sick about it.

I'll help you figure something out.

Really?

But you also need to save up for the registration fee.

Let's make money together and get through this.

We'll get through this!

Situ Xue!

Situ Xue is here!

Who is Situ Xue?

She's the top dancer in Great Ning's capital.

Everything she eats or uses...

becomes highly sought after by people.

Yes, when she danced at the Flower Festival,

even His Majesty praised her.

Situ Xue!

Situ Xue!

Situ Xue!

Situ Xue!

I got it!

I got it!

Situ Xue!

There's enough for everyone. Here!

Today, at Bofeng House,

not only are there song and dance performances,

Ms. Situ's handmade Spring Flower and Autumn Moon pastries...

are also 20 percent off!

Go to Bofeng House...

to see Situ Xue!

Situ Xue!

Distinguished customers,

Bofeng House reopens today.

We've invited Situ Xue, the capital's top dancer,

to perform in person.

- Great! - Nice!

All customers who enter...

can enjoy Ms. Situ's performance up close.

For three days only!

- Nice! - Great!

Please welcome Ms. Situ!

Black Tiger Hall's Old Madam has passed away!

Pay your respects voluntarily!

Mourn voluntarily!

Put it on!

Black Tiger Hall's Old Madam has passed away!

Pay your respects voluntarily!

Mourn voluntarily!

(Memorial tablet of the late Old Madam Wang, mother of Mr. Feng)

- Move! Hurry! - How dare you run!

(Auspicious, Wedding Procession)

Let's talk this over.

Get off!

Come out!

Dear.

Go away.

Dear.

I'm here to pick up my bride today.

How can she wear mourning clothes?

(Old Madam Wang, Mother of Mr. Feng)

You freaking talk too much!

Dear!

Dear!

Dear!

Dear!

Dear!

Dear!

Dear.

Dear.

Dear.

Dear.

(Bofeng House)

Bofeng House is finally going to boom again!

It was worth the fortune I spent...

on the camels and floats.

This is great.

(Yongwei, Wanshun Shoe Shop)

(Zhang's Sheep Offal Soup)

(Bofeng House)

It's my mother's funeral today.

Yet...

someone dares to hold a grand opening!

Guards!

Black Tiger Hall is here!

Run!

Black Tiger Hall is holding a funeral today.

Hurry, close up and see the customers out!

Black Tiger Hall's Old Madam passed away today.

You're dressed so gaudily.

You're deliberately provoking Black Tiger Hall!

Please calm down, everyone.

We'll change into plain clothes right away...

and wear mourning clothes for Old Madam...

to express our condolences.

You've violate the taboo in the day of Old Madam's passing.

I'll make sure your celebration turns into a funeral today!

I'm the proprietor of Bofeng House.

She is my guest of honor today.

If you have a problem, come at me.

I'll grant your wish!

A hero rescuing a damsel in distress.

Do you know who's the backer of Black Tiger Hall?

It's Ding Chong, Governor Ding,

the law of Shazhou.

Black Tiger Hall has many men.

We can't afford to offend them.

Don't worry.

You don't need to fear them.

You talk big, Young Master.

It's fine if you're not afraid,

but don't drag Bofeng House into this.

How insolent! How dare you...

(Sha)

Shazhou armament.

How do you have a military dagger?

If you like it, you can have it.

This man is arrogantly provoking Black Tiger Hall.

He has nothing to do with Bofeng House.

Fu Zhi.

Meng Meng, Bofeng House just opened,

and we've already offended Black Tiger Hall.

How will we do business in the future?

Don't worry. Isn't someone...

charging into the tiger's den for us?

He doesn't look like a local.

Maybe he can handle it.

Fu Zhi,

go back to the Yan Residence through the back door.

Lay low for a while.

No way. You're doing this to help me.

How can I leave you behind?

They don't even know what I look like.

If your father hears about today's events...

from someone else, he'll blame you again.

Go home and explain it to him first,

so your stepmother can't use this to make a fuss.

Then hide well on the second floor.

I'll come find you tomorrow.

- All right. - All right.

(Zhang's Sheep Offal Soup)

Young Master,

we are closed for the day.

Please find another place.

You're trespassing in a lady's chamber.

If you don't leave,

I'll call for help.

Let's go.

Where did you get this dagger?

I found it on the road.

It's specially made by the Shazhou Armory.

You certainly have a knack for finding things.

I'm just a commoner.

How would I recognize military items?

Yet why are you so familiar with them?

Are you a deserter?

Are those people outside looking to arrest you?

You only managed to escape just now by using me as a shield.

Are you repaying my kindness with ingratitude so soon?

Please leave at once.

Stop pestering me.

You impersonated Situ Xue to deceive the public...

and illegally possess armament, showing ill intent.

By law, you should be exiled.

What makes you say I'm a fake?

Because I have met...

the real Situ Xue once.

Somebody!

Stop.

Did you sleep well?

Give back my handwritten resume.

Where did the armament come from?

It's Jiang Mei Er's.

Go on.

Her uncle is Ding Chong, Shazhou's Governor.

I took it by accident...

during our dispute at school.

Black Tiger Hall runs rampant in Shazhou.

Ding Chong seems quite comfortable in his position...

as Shazhou's governor.

Black Tiger Hall's members are his henchmen.

They've seized land for him for years,

forced women into prostitution, and murdered merchants.

Their crimes are too many to count.

Shazhou is adjacent to Northern Jian.

It's a military stronghold,

but it's far away from the Emperor.

With a garrison stationed there,

no one cares about Shazhou's affairs.

In Shazhou today,

Ding Chong is the Emperor.

Is there a black market in Shazhou?

Jiuyou City sells forbidden goods from all over.

As long as you can pay,

there's nothing they won't sell.

Where is it?

Go three miles south from Bofeng House.

You'll see a forest of poplars.

Then follow the riverbed east. You'll...

Young Master.

Shazhou's terrain is very complex.

Let go of me first.

I'll draw a detailed map for you.

In that case,

I'll trouble you to lead the way yourself.

To lead the way, you must let go of me first.

After all, I'm just a weak woman.

Stop playing tricks.

Until the armament you possessed is investigated clearly,

you're not going anywhere.

We're going to Jiuyou City now.

It's too late today.

Jiuyou City opens at 5pm and closes at 11pm.

We can only wait until tomorrow night.

You are selfish,

full of lies,

and silver-tongued when caught.

You play the innocent victim with such ease.

You're so cunning, deceitful,

and two-faced.

How do I know you're not tricking me?

I certainly left a deep impression on you.

I can take you to the gate of Jiuyou City,

but please let me leave after that.

Fu Zhi's restaurant just opened,

and I need to study for the exam.

We're just two young women,

trying to find a way to survive in this world.

Who would dare go to that eerie and terrifying Jiuyou City,

let alone get involved with armament and Ding Chong?

That sounds believable.

You were so desperate for this handwritten resume just now.

Do you intend to become an official?

How is that any of your business?

This is the only path...

this world has given me.

(Grave of sister, Xiang)

Xiang.

I'm all alone from now on.

What should I do?

Xiang...

would surely want you...

to live on strongly.

I want to avenge Xiang.

I want those villains to suffer...

a hundred, a thousand times more than she did!

Hatred...

only blinds people's eyes,

making them lose their way.

If you want justice,

there are many ways to get it.

Becoming strong...

is the best revenge.

How can I become...

as strong as you?

Go and study, take the Imperial Examination,

and become an official.

When you have power in your hands,

everything will be different.

The Women's Imperial Examination was suspended for three batches.

This year is the first Special Imperial Examination.

But the Imperial Court wants everyone...

to pay a 100-tael registration fee.

How many women in Shazhou...

are deterred because of this sum?

I still haven't saved enough.

Only by becoming an official can I have power.

This handwritten resume is my life.

How absurd.

When has the Imperial Court ever charged a registration fee?

In Shazhou, Ding Chong's rules are the Imperial Court's rules.

The exam is imminent.

I'm only trying to protect myself. What's wrong with that?

That's a well-reasoned argument.

It's quite convincing.

But it's always hard to tell truth from lies with your words.

Once we reach Jiuyou City,

this will naturally be returned to you.

I urge you to drink another cup of wine

West of Yang Pass

There are no old friends

Governor Ding.

Your sister, Madam Jiang,

sent over the bank's profits...

and its customer list.

Here are the accounts of Jiuyou City too.

This business could cost us our heads.

Tell Feng Lu...

to sell things more discreetly next time.

Don't let his lackeys...

parade them through the streets.

It's too conspicuous.

Hall Master Feng has you as his backer,

so he doesn't care about these things.

Today, Old Madam Feng passed away.

They even forced everyone in the city...

to wear mourning clothes.

Not only did they hack a groom to death,

they also injured many people.

That fool.

He's always causing trouble for me.

Hall Master Feng also knows he has troubled you.

So he added a tribute from Black Tiger Hall.

At least he's thoughtful.

Uncle!

Uncle!

Slow down.

Uncle, Yan Fu Zhi opened a restaurant.

Has she ever sent you any tribute money?

What money?

Governor.

The Yan family's daughter took over Bofeng House.

It reopened today.

She specially invited Situ Xue...

from the capital's Huiyin House to create some hype.

She's said to be the top dancer in the capital...

and a peerless beauty.

Tell me, who is prettier, Situ Xue or me?

Of course it's Situ Xue.

Of course you are radiantly beautiful and captivating.

Situ Xue is just an entertainer.

How can she compare to you?

Uncle.

Yan Fu Zhi clearly...

has no respect for you.

She didn't even send an invitation.

And she's even helping Meng Ting Hui bully me.

Uncle, look.

The wound on my neck was Meng Ting Hui's doing.

They almost killed me.

So, Uncle,

you must teach them a lesson.

It was the same during the last school examination.

Because Meng Ting Hui...

sold the exam questions in advance,

I ended up being in last place.

You're even bringing up that school examination?

If I hadn't given the nod,

you wouldn't even have made last place.

I've already made arrangements for your Metropolitan Exam...

and your path in the capital.

But you have to at least act the part and study.

That's what's important.

Don't spend all day bickering with some orphan girl.

Got it, Uncle.

When the time comes, I'll arrange a respectable...

and undemanding position for you.

Will you do it?

Of course I will.

Thank you, Uncle. I knew it.

Uncle, you're the best. I knew you'd stand up for me.

Wait.

Isn't this jewelry from last month?

Look at you.

Here, take this.

Go buy more.

Thank you, Uncle. I'll get going.

Go study. Don't end up in last place again!

Got it.

That girl is so flighty.

Just like her father who didn't live long.

Just a pretty face...

with no brains.

By the way,

has the Imperial Examination registration fees been collected?

(Xu Ting)

Left Chancellor.

It's already 11pm.

You are still reviewing memorials?

Yet this new Emperor...

left the palace in secret under the guise of seclusion.

It is truly unseemly.

It is common for young people...

to be captivated by scenery.

But I never expected...

he would bring such a farce...

as the Women's Special Imperial Examination to the Imperial Court.

The lesson of the previous dynasty abolishing it three times...

was clearly not enough.

When women meddle in politics,

misfortune will surely befall the nation.

How can the fate of this nation...

be embroidered amidst rouge and powder?

You are wise, Chancellor.

Those ladies in their chambers...

may not have even finished reading...

"The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art".

How can they govern a nation?

But His Majesty...

is using seclusion as a pretext...

to visit Shazhou in secret.

Is it just youthful curiosity,

or does he have other motives?

(From the Minister of Justice, Wan Kai)

He is just a child, after all.

He is nothing to fear.

I have ordered Huo An to go to Shazhou...

to bring His Majesty back to the palace.

Otherwise, by the time he comes out of seclusion,

the dignity of Great Ning...

will become a laughingstock.

Meng Meng!

Meng Meng, wake up quickly!

Meng Meng, get dressed!

We're packed with customers downstairs!

They are all here for Situ Xue!

We're going to be rich!

Meng Meng,

you really are my lucky star!

You bold pervert!

How dare you break into Meng Meng's room!

Meng Meng.

Did he touch you?

Are you all right?

Fu Zhi.

You pervert. I'll kill you!

I'm going to chop you up!

As expected of Shazhou.

People here are indeed fierce.

How dare you call me fierce!

Prepare to die!

Fu Zhi.

He didn't molest me.

Then who is he?

Why is he in your room so early in the morning?

Yesterday, in front of Bofeng House,

it was he who saved us.

I was afraid Black Tiger Hall would hunt him down,

so I let him take refuge here.

So he's our savior.

Forgive me, Young Master.

I was in a rush yesterday and didn't take a good look.

You truly have bright eyes and well-shaped eyebrows.

Handsome and dashing,

with extraordinary aura.

Fu Zhi.

He knows I'm not Situ Xue.

Even if you're our savior, we can't spare you.

Meng Meng only pretended to be Situ Xue for my sake.

I'm also the owner of Bofeng House.

Since you already know our secret,

you cannot be allowed to live. Prepare to die!

No wonder you two are friends.

You have the exact same temper.

Meng Meng.

Don't you just want to make money by pretending to be Situ Xue?

Let me teach you...

how to play the part more convincingly.

Situ Xue was born in March...

and only loves begonias.

With this begonia flower...

You are Situ Xue.

I didn't expect you and Situ Xue to be old acquaintances.

What a misunderstanding!

We're all on the same side here.

- Who's on the same side as her? - Who's on the same side as him?

However,

even close friends must settle accounts clearly.

Yesterday's lodging fee,

today's emotional distress fee,

wall repair fee...

- Medical fees. - Both arms.

In total,

three times the room rate. Pay in cash now.

Young Master, you're not trying to dodge the bill, are you?

Clear texture, warm to the touch.

Fine jade.

How should I address you, Young Master?

He Du.

I'll leave...

this jade pendant with you as collateral first.

Once my friend arrives,

the room fee will be paid in full.

Sure... With this jade pendant,

- you can stay here for a lifetime. - No.

I'm taking you away today.

If there's nothing else, please leave.

All right.

Fu Zhi, we must send this man away.

For the sake of the jade pendant,

don't be so hard on him.

In Shazhou, this jade pendant could buy at least ten manors.

This man is of extraordinary status. Being so conspicuous,

he'll drag Bofeng House down eventually.

He must be sent away, and I must get my handwritten resume back.

Handwritten resume?

Come and take a look. Check it out, come and see!

Ms. Meng, these are newly-acquired ancient books.

I kept them specifically for you.

Thank you, sir.

You're welcome.

Come back soon.

Black leather boots, lion-patterned belt,

gold-buckled saber.

These people must be generals from the capital.

Search for him!

Find him even if you must turn the place inside out!

Search for him!

Sir, look!

(Meet this man in Guxiang Street at 7am)

Let's go!

Young Master He.

- We need to hurry. - Take a look!

Jiuyou City waits for no one once it opens.

Meng Ting Hui.

Where did you pick up...

this noble young master?

You're really something.

An drifting orphan with no roots like you,

whom no one would even marry,

actually managed to climb up the social ladder.

Not everyone is like you, Madam Yan,

relying on marriage to change her fate.

You couldn't change it even if you tried.

I heard you offended Jiang Mei Er.

And you're still dreaming of taking the Imperial Examination?

All these years, you've been tricking Fu Zhi...

into letting you live off the Yan family.

Otherwise, who knows where you'd be wandering now?

Madam Yan, watch your words.

I'm a working student at the Women's School.

I've never taken advantage of the Yan family.

As for you, Madam Yan,

with your fine silks...

and glittering jewels,

I'm afraid the Yan family's accounts...

wouldn't withstand a close audit.

You can always twist the truth with your words.

You've been a con artist since you were little,

always full of schemes.

No wonder that girl Fu Zhi...

is so devoted to you.

Master Yan, you're here.

Dear.

Dear.

You call me a liar and a schemer,

but your knack for changing your tune is far more impressive.

Young Master,

I see you are a man of noble bearing.

Let me give you a warning.

Stay away from this wicked girl.

She's capable of murder for money.

When I was pregnant,

she pushed me down the stairs.

So cruel at a young age.

It's not too late to leave now.

Ms. Meng, you're becoming more and more interesting.

Aren't we going to Jiuyou City?

I've already given you a chance.

If you won't go,

then I'm sorry.

(Shazhou)

Meng Ting Hui really has her ways.

She actually got you all together.

Brothers, where are you from?

Watch out, don't hit your own people.

This kid has some skills.

Let's work together.

Take out his legs first.

- Spare our lives, sir! - Spare us, sir!

- We won't do it again. - We won't do it again.

- We won't do it again. - Spare us, sir!

Spare our lives, sir.

We won't do it again. Spare us, sir!

- Spare our lives, sir! - Spare us, sir!

(Sha)

(Shazhou Wang's Wine Store)

Where did these Shazhou armament come from?