1 00:01:26,640 --> 00:01:30,920 The Scholar and the Emperor 2 00:01:39,440 --> 00:01:40,280 Chief. 3 00:01:40,720 --> 00:01:41,560 Chief. 4 00:01:42,120 --> 00:01:43,080 They're all over there. 5 00:01:54,520 --> 00:01:55,400 Chief. 6 00:01:55,480 --> 00:01:57,240 Prime merchandise from every province. 7 00:01:57,320 --> 00:01:58,360 Go. 8 00:02:03,120 --> 00:02:04,200 These are their indenture papers. 9 00:02:04,760 --> 00:02:05,760 There'll be no trouble afterward. 10 00:02:05,840 --> 00:02:06,760 Send them all over. 11 00:02:07,000 --> 00:02:07,880 Yes. 12 00:02:32,080 --> 00:02:33,920 Chief, they're just toys. 13 00:02:34,200 --> 00:02:35,040 They're worthless. 14 00:02:38,440 --> 00:02:39,280 Open it. 15 00:02:55,200 --> 00:02:56,040 Get up. 16 00:03:00,560 --> 00:03:01,520 How old are you two? 17 00:03:01,760 --> 00:03:02,600 Six. 18 00:03:02,680 --> 00:03:03,920 I'm five. 19 00:03:04,280 --> 00:03:05,120 Tell me, 20 00:03:05,760 --> 00:03:06,680 why did you come here? 21 00:03:07,200 --> 00:03:10,640 -They said we'd get good food. -They said we'd get good food. 22 00:03:10,720 --> 00:03:11,560 Who said that? 23 00:03:11,800 --> 00:03:12,920 Point him out to me, all right? 24 00:03:13,000 --> 00:03:14,480 -Him. -Him. 25 00:03:15,160 --> 00:03:16,000 Me? 26 00:03:16,080 --> 00:03:17,120 Chief, it wasn't me! 27 00:03:17,200 --> 00:03:19,360 I knew nothing about this. I didn't know there were children. 28 00:03:25,720 --> 00:03:27,320 I'll take you somewhere nice. 29 00:03:27,400 --> 00:03:28,640 There's lots of delicious food there. 30 00:03:29,240 --> 00:03:30,080 Would you like that? 31 00:03:30,240 --> 00:03:31,080 -Yes. -Yes. 32 00:03:31,960 --> 00:03:32,880 Good girls. 33 00:03:35,920 --> 00:03:36,760 Come on. 34 00:03:37,440 --> 00:03:38,280 Careful. 35 00:03:44,600 --> 00:03:45,440 Chief! 36 00:03:45,520 --> 00:03:46,760 I truly didn't know there were children inside. 37 00:03:46,840 --> 00:03:48,200 I didn't know anything. 38 00:03:48,360 --> 00:03:49,480 He was in charge of all this. 39 00:03:49,560 --> 00:03:50,400 It was him. 40 00:03:50,480 --> 00:03:51,320 It was him! 41 00:03:51,880 --> 00:03:52,800 -It wasn't me! -Chief, spare me! 42 00:03:52,920 --> 00:03:55,080 I wouldn't dare, not even with all the nerve in the world. 43 00:03:56,320 --> 00:03:58,080 Chief, this truly had nothing to do with me. 44 00:03:58,160 --> 00:04:00,440 Chief, this wasn't my fault. I truly knew nothing. 45 00:04:00,520 --> 00:04:01,360 Chief! 46 00:04:01,440 --> 00:04:03,000 Please spare me, Chief! 47 00:04:03,560 --> 00:04:04,640 Chief! 48 00:04:05,800 --> 00:04:06,800 Didn't I tell you 49 00:04:07,800 --> 00:04:09,320 we may sell anything but children? 50 00:04:09,960 --> 00:04:10,800 You did. 51 00:04:11,440 --> 00:04:12,280 Chief! 52 00:04:12,440 --> 00:04:13,640 This truly had nothing to do with me. 53 00:04:13,720 --> 00:04:15,560 Chief, please spare my life! 54 00:04:27,880 --> 00:04:29,040 There won't be a next time. 55 00:04:41,440 --> 00:04:42,440 Big Brother. 56 00:04:42,520 --> 00:04:43,360 Thank goodness. 57 00:04:44,040 --> 00:04:45,600 How many times did I warn you? 58 00:04:45,760 --> 00:04:47,440 The Chief has no tolerance for this. 59 00:04:47,560 --> 00:04:49,560 He repeatedly forbade us to touch children. 60 00:04:49,640 --> 00:04:51,000 I was wrong. I lost my head. 61 00:04:51,400 --> 00:04:52,560 Children have been fetching high prices lately. 62 00:04:53,080 --> 00:04:54,240 I'll never do it again. 63 00:04:57,000 --> 00:04:58,760 You think the Chief doesn't know who did it? 64 00:04:59,720 --> 00:05:01,240 Little brother, 65 00:05:01,320 --> 00:05:02,800 you heard him just now. 66 00:05:03,560 --> 00:05:04,520 The Chief said 67 00:05:05,160 --> 00:05:06,360 this is your last chance. 68 00:05:07,440 --> 00:05:08,480 Understood. 69 00:05:09,920 --> 00:05:10,760 Big Brother, 70 00:05:10,840 --> 00:05:11,840 I can redeem myself. 71 00:05:13,200 --> 00:05:14,720 I've found out who wiped out 72 00:05:15,280 --> 00:05:16,520 our Shazhou branch. 73 00:05:17,240 --> 00:05:19,160 -Are you certain? -Absolutely. 74 00:05:26,160 --> 00:05:27,200 After extensive investigation, 75 00:05:27,400 --> 00:05:30,560 the pattern on this arrow resembles a flower called Xiyan. 76 00:05:30,920 --> 00:05:33,800 It grows in the miasma forest between Beijian and former Zhongwan, 77 00:05:33,880 --> 00:05:35,160 nourished by the poisonous vapors. 78 00:05:35,320 --> 00:05:36,840 It blooms at night, withers by day, and feeds on living creatures. 79 00:05:36,960 --> 00:05:39,000 It also symbolizes hatred and revenge. 80 00:05:39,560 --> 00:05:40,840 Anyone using this flower as an emblem 81 00:05:40,920 --> 00:05:42,800 cannot be an innocent buyer. 82 00:05:42,880 --> 00:05:44,920 Could it be Beijian? 83 00:05:45,000 --> 00:05:47,040 Beijian may lack iron ore 84 00:05:47,360 --> 00:05:49,160 and have inferior weapons, but its warhorses are excellent. 85 00:05:50,200 --> 00:05:51,800 It has also expanded its cavalry in recent years. 86 00:05:51,880 --> 00:05:52,880 We must remain on guard. 87 00:05:52,960 --> 00:05:54,480 Zhongwan is even less likely. 88 00:05:54,560 --> 00:05:56,000 Zhongwan submitted to Great Ning long ago, 89 00:05:56,080 --> 00:05:57,240 and there has been peace for years. 90 00:05:57,880 --> 00:05:59,120 When Zhongwan fell, 91 00:05:59,280 --> 00:06:00,640 its people were exiled across the realm 92 00:06:00,720 --> 00:06:01,720 and enslaved for generations. 93 00:06:02,000 --> 00:06:03,440 But one branch of the Zhongwan royal family 94 00:06:03,600 --> 00:06:05,080 escaped with its remaining forces. 95 00:06:05,160 --> 00:06:06,840 Their whereabouts remain unknown. 96 00:06:07,240 --> 00:06:08,640 This must be investigated thoroughly. 97 00:06:09,280 --> 00:06:10,200 Your Majesty, 98 00:06:10,760 --> 00:06:12,880 this is like searching for a needle in the ocean. 99 00:06:13,000 --> 00:06:14,320 And because it involves state secrets, 100 00:06:14,400 --> 00:06:15,720 I can only investigate covertly. 101 00:06:15,800 --> 00:06:17,320 That makes it even harder. 102 00:06:18,800 --> 00:06:19,840 In that case, 103 00:06:20,200 --> 00:06:21,560 I'll grant you an official post. 104 00:06:22,120 --> 00:06:23,720 It will let you investigate discreetly, 105 00:06:23,800 --> 00:06:25,800 inspect the capital's merchants, 106 00:06:26,120 --> 00:06:27,160 and review commercial taxes across the provinces. 107 00:06:27,240 --> 00:06:29,520 You shall be Commissioner of Folkways. 108 00:06:30,120 --> 00:06:31,560 Commissioner of Folkways? 109 00:06:32,520 --> 00:06:33,880 Why does that title sound 110 00:06:33,960 --> 00:06:35,160 a little improper? 111 00:06:35,240 --> 00:06:36,280 What? 112 00:06:36,400 --> 00:06:37,400 Is the title unworthy 113 00:06:37,480 --> 00:06:39,240 of Lord Shen's refined reputation? 114 00:06:40,200 --> 00:06:41,360 Your Majesty's word is law. 115 00:06:41,440 --> 00:06:42,280 Of course it's worthy. 116 00:06:42,360 --> 00:06:44,440 Then let me take Your Majesty to Changle Street to sample the local color. 117 00:06:45,000 --> 00:06:45,840 Commissioner of Folkways... 118 00:06:46,400 --> 00:06:48,160 The palace is full of the Left Chancellor's spies. 119 00:06:48,240 --> 00:06:49,800 The shadow guards just sent word. 120 00:06:50,000 --> 00:06:51,760 The Left Chancellor has people spreading rumors through the city 121 00:06:51,840 --> 00:06:53,200 that this special examination is nothing but a ruse. 122 00:06:53,920 --> 00:06:55,080 Once the results are announced, 123 00:06:55,320 --> 00:06:57,360 the talented women will be sent to the Imperial Entertainment Bureau. 124 00:06:57,560 --> 00:06:58,760 He's endured it for three months, 125 00:06:59,120 --> 00:07:01,520 yet the Left Chancellor still hasn't swallowed his anger over the Ministry of War. 126 00:07:02,480 --> 00:07:05,240 Now he merely wants to humiliate me through the special examination. 127 00:07:05,840 --> 00:07:07,120 By spreading these rumors, 128 00:07:07,440 --> 00:07:08,280 he assumes 129 00:07:08,360 --> 00:07:09,680 women are timid 130 00:07:09,840 --> 00:07:10,920 and cannot weather a storm. 131 00:07:11,480 --> 00:07:13,640 Some candidates have indeed withdrawn and returned home. 132 00:07:14,160 --> 00:07:16,480 Your Majesty, will you simply let these rumors run rampant? 133 00:07:16,560 --> 00:07:17,720 An official 134 00:07:18,160 --> 00:07:20,240 must possess courage and wisdom. 135 00:07:21,040 --> 00:07:22,040 If they abandon the examination today 136 00:07:22,400 --> 00:07:24,160 and return home because of rumors, 137 00:07:24,520 --> 00:07:25,720 how could they ever withstand 138 00:07:25,800 --> 00:07:27,200 the open attacks and hidden schemes of the royal court? 139 00:07:29,120 --> 00:07:30,640 I should thank the Left Chancellor 140 00:07:31,320 --> 00:07:33,320 for sparing me the palace examination. 141 00:07:34,440 --> 00:07:35,280 Your Majesty. 142 00:07:39,920 --> 00:07:40,920 Your Majesty, I have a report. 143 00:07:41,440 --> 00:07:43,640 By order of the Left Chancellor, 144 00:07:44,000 --> 00:07:45,240 I respectfully present this plaque. 145 00:07:49,720 --> 00:07:50,960 The ancestral law of Great Ning: 146 00:07:51,040 --> 00:07:53,600 A romance between sovereign and minister shakes the foundations of the state. 147 00:07:53,680 --> 00:07:54,560 All nine clans shall be executed. 148 00:07:56,160 --> 00:07:57,080 As I recall, Emperor Taizong 149 00:07:57,160 --> 00:07:58,040 had an affair with a female attendant, 150 00:07:58,120 --> 00:07:59,040 which sparked mutinies in two provinces. 151 00:07:59,120 --> 00:08:00,480 That is why this ancestral law was written. 152 00:08:01,080 --> 00:08:02,920 The Left Chancellor is implying 153 00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:04,960 that Your Majesty reopened the women's examination for personal romance. 154 00:08:05,640 --> 00:08:07,400 The Left Chancellor ordered me 155 00:08:08,040 --> 00:08:10,480 to hang this plaque in the center of the imperial study. 156 00:08:10,560 --> 00:08:11,760 Should Your Majesty refuse, 157 00:08:12,240 --> 00:08:13,800 he will come petition you himself. 158 00:08:14,400 --> 00:08:15,240 Insolence! 159 00:08:15,560 --> 00:08:16,400 Huo An, 160 00:08:16,480 --> 00:08:17,560 how dare you speak so brazenly? 161 00:08:17,640 --> 00:08:18,680 Huang Bo. 162 00:08:22,760 --> 00:08:24,400 General Huo, hang it up. 163 00:08:27,000 --> 00:08:28,000 Thank you, Your Majesty. 164 00:08:31,520 --> 00:08:32,640 First he spread rumors 165 00:08:32,720 --> 00:08:33,800 to frighten away the female candidates. 166 00:08:34,040 --> 00:08:35,440 Now he invokes ancestral law. 167 00:08:35,600 --> 00:08:37,440 The Left Chancellor has made two moves in succession. 168 00:08:38,160 --> 00:08:39,680 It seems he can no longer wait. 169 00:08:40,240 --> 00:08:42,360 That stubborn old man is unbelievably petty. 170 00:08:42,600 --> 00:08:44,400 Your Majesty sent him a plaque bearing Ding Chong's name, 171 00:08:44,480 --> 00:08:46,720 so he returns the favor with an ancestral-law plaque. 172 00:08:46,880 --> 00:08:48,280 I have no such intentions. 173 00:08:48,400 --> 00:08:51,080 Even if every hall were covered with ancestral laws, why should I fear? 174 00:08:51,280 --> 00:08:53,160 I mean to tell every official plainly: 175 00:08:54,080 --> 00:08:56,600 women, too, can be blades that serve the nation. 176 00:08:57,160 --> 00:08:58,560 This court 177 00:08:59,000 --> 00:09:01,400 has never belonged to the Left Chancellor alone. 178 00:09:02,200 --> 00:09:03,040 I support Your Majesty. 179 00:09:03,120 --> 00:09:04,600 The women sitting the special examination 180 00:09:04,680 --> 00:09:05,800 are all staying on Changle Street. 181 00:09:05,880 --> 00:09:08,000 Your Majesty should inspect the talent for yourself. 182 00:09:08,760 --> 00:09:10,400 You might even happen upon 183 00:09:10,480 --> 00:09:12,240 Provincial Laureate Meng from Shazhou. 184 00:09:12,560 --> 00:09:13,640 The Left Chancellor sent that plaque 185 00:09:13,720 --> 00:09:14,880 to warn you 186 00:09:15,240 --> 00:09:16,480 to show restraint. 187 00:09:16,560 --> 00:09:17,400 Me? 188 00:09:17,680 --> 00:09:18,520 Exactly. 189 00:09:18,880 --> 00:09:19,920 Your Majesty isn't going anywhere. 190 00:09:20,000 --> 00:09:20,880 Why not? 191 00:09:22,880 --> 00:09:23,720 We're going. 192 00:09:30,240 --> 00:09:32,680 A thousand night-market lamps illuminate the clouds; 193 00:09:33,200 --> 00:09:35,360 red sleeves fill the lofty towers. 194 00:09:36,720 --> 00:09:38,080 Who knew beyond the palace walls 195 00:09:38,320 --> 00:09:40,080 the mortal world could be so splendid? 196 00:09:41,040 --> 00:09:41,880 This flourishing age of Great Ning 197 00:09:41,960 --> 00:09:42,960 is exactly what Your Majesty wished for. 198 00:09:43,680 --> 00:09:46,680 The beauties of Changle Street are truly each unique. 199 00:09:46,840 --> 00:09:48,920 The lady on the left has sparkling eyes; 200 00:09:49,760 --> 00:09:51,720 the beauty on the right has ruby lips and pearly teeth. 201 00:09:53,520 --> 00:09:54,440 Marvelous. 202 00:09:58,120 --> 00:09:59,520 Changle Street at night 203 00:09:59,840 --> 00:10:01,960 is even more dazzling than by day. 204 00:10:03,080 --> 00:10:05,040 This glittering, decadent Changle Street 205 00:10:05,280 --> 00:10:06,920 is filled with handsome young men. 206 00:10:07,000 --> 00:10:08,240 I absolutely love it. 207 00:10:08,640 --> 00:10:09,840 Yan Fuzhi. 208 00:10:14,960 --> 00:10:16,200 Mengmeng, all this walking has made me hungry. 209 00:10:16,280 --> 00:10:17,280 A waiter told me today 210 00:10:17,360 --> 00:10:18,360 that Chunman Inn serves mutton noodles too. 211 00:10:18,440 --> 00:10:20,440 Let's see how they compare to the noodles back in Shazhou. 212 00:10:20,600 --> 00:10:21,440 Come on. 213 00:10:23,880 --> 00:10:25,360 Places of wealth and pleasure 214 00:10:25,920 --> 00:10:28,200 often breed the ugliest things beneath. 215 00:10:28,280 --> 00:10:29,400 Young Master He, 216 00:10:29,560 --> 00:10:30,640 this isn't Shazhou. 217 00:10:30,720 --> 00:10:32,320 We're right beneath the Emperor's feet. 218 00:10:32,400 --> 00:10:34,000 Who would dare cause trouble here? 219 00:10:34,680 --> 00:10:36,280 Let us hope this prosperity 220 00:10:36,920 --> 00:10:37,840 isn't merely gilded on the outside 221 00:10:37,920 --> 00:10:39,240 and rotten within. 222 00:10:39,320 --> 00:10:42,240 Young Master He never stops worrying about the country and its people. 223 00:10:43,400 --> 00:10:45,240 Cousin, we've been walking for ages. 224 00:10:45,320 --> 00:10:46,640 My stomach is protesting. 225 00:10:47,200 --> 00:10:49,320 Let's get something to eat 226 00:10:49,400 --> 00:10:50,480 at Changle Street's famous Chunman Inn. 227 00:10:52,200 --> 00:10:53,720 Provincial Laureate Meng, you're back! 228 00:10:54,160 --> 00:10:56,040 Manager, two bowls of mutton noodles. We're starving. 229 00:10:56,120 --> 00:10:57,200 Coming right up. 230 00:10:57,280 --> 00:10:59,440 Perfect. There's a good table here. Sit down. 231 00:11:01,160 --> 00:11:02,520 Young Master He is here. 232 00:11:03,360 --> 00:11:04,200 Welcome. 233 00:11:04,280 --> 00:11:05,760 The usual today? 234 00:11:08,040 --> 00:11:09,320 The usual. Bring it out. 235 00:11:09,720 --> 00:11:10,560 Certainly. 236 00:11:15,720 --> 00:11:17,560 This way, honored guests. 237 00:11:17,640 --> 00:11:19,560 Mengmeng, what are you looking at? 238 00:11:22,280 --> 00:11:23,120 Nothing. 239 00:11:26,600 --> 00:11:27,440 Apricot blossoms. 240 00:11:33,760 --> 00:11:34,760 Mengmeng, 241 00:11:35,360 --> 00:11:37,320 you know Shazhou has nothing 242 00:11:37,520 --> 00:11:39,160 but poplars and yellow sand. 243 00:11:39,600 --> 00:11:41,400 Where would we ever see flowers this beautiful? 244 00:12:01,320 --> 00:12:03,280 Bring us every house specialty. 245 00:12:03,600 --> 00:12:05,160 -And a flask of Shaosanbai. -Certainly. 246 00:12:05,240 --> 00:12:06,240 Wait. 247 00:12:06,320 --> 00:12:07,880 You know Young Master never drinks. 248 00:12:08,320 --> 00:12:09,680 You're the one craving wine, aren't you? 249 00:12:09,760 --> 00:12:12,040 As if you aren't always the fiercest drinker. 250 00:12:12,120 --> 00:12:14,520 Lord Shen usually spends next month's salary today. 251 00:12:14,600 --> 00:12:16,240 Why so generous all of a sudden? 252 00:12:17,680 --> 00:12:18,520 Cousin, 253 00:12:18,600 --> 00:12:20,560 I rendered great service in Shazhou. 254 00:12:20,640 --> 00:12:22,000 Surely treating a meritorious official to a meal isn't excessive? 255 00:12:22,080 --> 00:12:23,040 Wouldn't you agree? 256 00:12:23,240 --> 00:12:24,920 I knew bringing Young Master out to gather local color 257 00:12:25,000 --> 00:12:26,240 wasn't that simple. 258 00:12:27,000 --> 00:12:28,360 Three bowls of mutton noodles. 259 00:12:28,880 --> 00:12:29,720 Certainly. 260 00:12:29,920 --> 00:12:31,320 Three bowls of mutton noodles. 261 00:12:31,400 --> 00:12:32,240 Cousin, 262 00:12:32,720 --> 00:12:34,520 is that truly all we're having? 263 00:12:34,600 --> 00:12:35,560 Why? 264 00:12:35,760 --> 00:12:36,840 There's meat, noodles, 265 00:12:37,200 --> 00:12:38,320 and vegetables. 266 00:12:38,640 --> 00:12:39,760 What more could Lord Shen want? 267 00:12:39,920 --> 00:12:42,040 Were you hoping to use Young Master's generosity 268 00:12:42,600 --> 00:12:44,320 to impress all those ladies? 269 00:12:45,840 --> 00:12:46,880 What ladies? 270 00:12:48,040 --> 00:12:49,160 Mutton noodles simply remind me 271 00:12:49,240 --> 00:12:51,000 of that fierce proprietress in Shazhou. 272 00:12:52,480 --> 00:12:54,000 What a terrifying woman. 273 00:12:57,120 --> 00:12:58,000 Enjoy. 274 00:13:08,960 --> 00:13:10,360 This broth is so bland, 275 00:13:11,000 --> 00:13:12,600 and the mutton is limp and flavorless. 276 00:13:13,720 --> 00:13:15,760 Mengmeng, once you become the top scholar in the capital, 277 00:13:15,840 --> 00:13:17,280 I'll open a Bofeng House here and stay with you. 278 00:13:17,600 --> 00:13:19,080 Then Chunman Inn's signboard 279 00:13:19,160 --> 00:13:20,400 can be chopped up for firewood. 280 00:13:27,960 --> 00:13:28,880 Fuzhi, 281 00:13:29,360 --> 00:13:31,000 the capital is filled with talent. 282 00:13:31,560 --> 00:13:33,640 I don't even know whether I'll pass the metropolitan exam. 283 00:13:33,720 --> 00:13:34,960 How could I speak of placing first? 284 00:13:35,040 --> 00:13:35,880 Mengmeng, 285 00:13:36,080 --> 00:13:37,520 I heard today 286 00:13:37,600 --> 00:13:40,080 that all women taking this exam will be sent to the Entertainment Bureau. 287 00:13:40,360 --> 00:13:42,040 Many have withdrawn because of it. 288 00:13:42,240 --> 00:13:43,440 I'm worried about you. 289 00:13:45,440 --> 00:13:47,560 Why heed such absurd rumors? 290 00:13:48,480 --> 00:13:49,760 How do you know they're false? 291 00:13:49,840 --> 00:13:51,120 His Majesty reopened 292 00:13:51,440 --> 00:13:53,760 this special examination despite opposition from every side. 293 00:13:54,840 --> 00:13:55,880 This rumor 294 00:13:56,120 --> 00:13:57,320 must be the work of powerful officials 295 00:13:57,400 --> 00:13:58,560 who oppose women entering the civil service 296 00:13:58,640 --> 00:13:59,680 and are scheming in secret. 297 00:13:59,760 --> 00:14:01,040 They hope the rumors 298 00:14:01,120 --> 00:14:02,640 will scare timid candidates away. 299 00:14:02,720 --> 00:14:04,480 Those shameless villains 300 00:14:04,560 --> 00:14:05,520 have no respect for the law. 301 00:14:12,000 --> 00:14:12,920 Eat your noodles. 302 00:14:14,800 --> 00:14:16,360 Ever since returning from Shazhou, 303 00:14:16,440 --> 00:14:18,040 Young Master has kept mentioning mutton noodles. 304 00:14:26,440 --> 00:14:29,080 The first taste must always be the broth. 305 00:14:38,640 --> 00:14:40,240 It isn't as good as Shazhou's. 306 00:15:03,680 --> 00:15:05,520 -Mengmeng, over here! -Fuzhi! 307 00:15:08,600 --> 00:15:09,840 Give it to me. I'll carry it. 308 00:15:10,640 --> 00:15:11,760 How was it? Was the exam difficult? 309 00:15:11,840 --> 00:15:13,040 No. 310 00:15:13,120 --> 00:15:14,440 -Did you do well? -Yes. 311 00:15:14,520 --> 00:15:16,400 I knew a little metropolitan exam could never defeat you. 312 00:15:18,000 --> 00:15:19,040 Fellow candidate, 313 00:15:19,120 --> 00:15:20,040 you dropped your ink stick. 314 00:15:22,320 --> 00:15:23,640 Thank you. 315 00:15:30,520 --> 00:15:31,360 Mengmeng, 316 00:15:31,440 --> 00:15:32,400 she's beautiful. 317 00:15:33,360 --> 00:15:35,040 The examination hall is full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. 318 00:15:35,640 --> 00:15:37,240 She must be no ordinary young lady. 319 00:15:38,680 --> 00:15:39,520 Let's go. 320 00:15:40,800 --> 00:15:42,720 I specially drew this most auspicious lot for you at Lingquan Temple. 321 00:15:43,280 --> 00:15:45,000 The monk who interpreted it said your name will surely grace the honor roll. 322 00:16:11,280 --> 00:16:13,240 Mengmeng, what are you searching for? 323 00:16:14,720 --> 00:16:15,560 Nothing. 324 00:16:16,040 --> 00:16:17,280 Perhaps I was mistaken. 325 00:16:17,360 --> 00:16:19,000 Are you exhausted? 326 00:16:19,480 --> 00:16:21,360 I reserved a table for you at Chunman Inn 327 00:16:21,440 --> 00:16:22,520 with especially nourishing dishes 328 00:16:22,600 --> 00:16:23,520 to restore your strength. 329 00:16:24,000 --> 00:16:24,840 Let's go. 330 00:16:26,480 --> 00:16:27,320 This way. 331 00:16:32,160 --> 00:16:33,080 He's so handsome. 332 00:16:39,920 --> 00:16:41,560 Dear sister, did you miss me these past three days? 333 00:16:43,800 --> 00:16:44,720 I haven't seen you for a few days, 334 00:16:44,800 --> 00:16:46,040 and you've already lost weight. 335 00:16:46,600 --> 00:16:47,720 Why are you here all of a sudden? 336 00:16:48,000 --> 00:16:50,040 Did you cause trouble again and come use me as a shield? 337 00:16:50,920 --> 00:16:51,920 What a thing to say. 338 00:16:52,000 --> 00:16:53,200 As your loving brother, 339 00:16:53,280 --> 00:16:54,680 of course I worry about you. 340 00:16:54,760 --> 00:16:55,960 I even set aside my official duties to come here. 341 00:16:56,680 --> 00:16:59,480 You could have entered office through family privilege, just as I did. 342 00:16:59,560 --> 00:17:01,320 Why insist on taking this special examination? 343 00:17:02,320 --> 00:17:04,840 You never flatter me without a reason. 344 00:17:05,720 --> 00:17:06,560 Fine. 345 00:17:06,720 --> 00:17:08,040 Father sent me to fetch you. 346 00:17:08,120 --> 00:17:09,280 A-Nian insisted on coming too, 347 00:17:09,360 --> 00:17:10,720 but official business suddenly detained him. 348 00:17:10,800 --> 00:17:12,000 I knew it. 349 00:17:12,200 --> 00:17:13,360 Why else would our esteemed Lord Shen 350 00:17:13,440 --> 00:17:14,960 suddenly care so much about my affairs? 351 00:17:16,480 --> 00:17:18,680 Father told me to hurry you home to celebrate. 352 00:17:18,760 --> 00:17:20,160 He even brought out his treasured wine. 353 00:17:20,720 --> 00:17:22,040 But something is strange. 354 00:17:22,120 --> 00:17:23,880 How did Father know I'd definitely pass? 355 00:17:24,240 --> 00:17:26,320 -You don't believe in me? -Of course I do. 356 00:17:26,680 --> 00:17:27,920 My sister could recite the Analects at three 357 00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:29,320 and understood the Songs of Chu at seven. 358 00:17:29,400 --> 00:17:30,680 Everyone in the capital knows 359 00:17:30,760 --> 00:17:32,280 the name of the great scholar Shen. 360 00:17:32,360 --> 00:17:33,200 Besides, 361 00:17:34,120 --> 00:17:35,520 just look whose sister you are. 362 00:17:38,440 --> 00:17:39,640 Slow down. Don't bump into anyone. 363 00:17:48,920 --> 00:17:49,760 Left Chancellor. 364 00:17:50,240 --> 00:17:51,360 The metropolitan examination is over. 365 00:17:51,920 --> 00:17:53,240 All candidates have left the compound. 366 00:17:55,040 --> 00:17:56,560 Here are the sealed examination papers. 367 00:18:11,440 --> 00:18:12,880 The results will be posted tomorrow. 368 00:18:12,960 --> 00:18:14,320 Today I'll release a sky lantern for you 369 00:18:14,400 --> 00:18:15,280 to welcome good fortune. 370 00:18:15,360 --> 00:18:16,600 May my pen carry me into public service, 371 00:18:17,520 --> 00:18:18,480 change my destiny, 372 00:18:21,960 --> 00:18:24,000 and protect those dearest to me. 373 00:18:24,080 --> 00:18:25,200 It will. 374 00:18:25,400 --> 00:18:26,240 Once you pass, 375 00:18:26,320 --> 00:18:28,200 I'll open an even bigger Bofeng House in the capital. 376 00:18:28,280 --> 00:18:29,400 We'll stay here together. 377 00:18:30,080 --> 00:18:32,040 -We'll stay in the capital together. -Stay in the capital. 378 00:18:33,480 --> 00:18:35,800 May Mengmeng's name grace the honor roll. 379 00:18:35,960 --> 00:18:38,360 May Bofeng House spread across Great Ning. 380 00:19:07,080 --> 00:19:07,920 I passed! 381 00:19:08,200 --> 00:19:09,080 I passed! 382 00:19:11,280 --> 00:19:12,560 Excuse us. Let us through. 383 00:19:12,640 --> 00:19:15,200 Please let us through. Excuse us. 384 00:19:15,280 --> 00:19:16,280 I passed! 385 00:19:19,640 --> 00:19:20,560 I passed too! 386 00:19:21,640 --> 00:19:22,480 I passed! 387 00:19:24,200 --> 00:19:25,360 Why isn't your name there? 388 00:19:25,760 --> 00:19:26,680 Keep looking. 389 00:19:27,240 --> 00:19:28,600 That's me. Right there. 390 00:19:29,000 --> 00:19:29,840 Here. 391 00:19:29,920 --> 00:19:30,760 I'm here. 392 00:20:18,400 --> 00:20:19,680 Why can't we find it? 393 00:20:20,240 --> 00:20:21,600 Could there be a mistake? 394 00:20:23,200 --> 00:20:24,040 Mengmeng. 395 00:20:24,720 --> 00:20:25,600 Let me through. 396 00:20:26,120 --> 00:20:26,960 Mengmeng! 397 00:20:27,320 --> 00:20:28,160 Mengmeng! 398 00:20:28,880 --> 00:20:29,920 Mengmeng! 399 00:20:31,680 --> 00:20:32,960 Could there be a mistake? 400 00:20:38,200 --> 00:20:39,560 The papers were reviewed jointly 401 00:20:39,640 --> 00:20:41,360 by officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Hanlin Academy. 402 00:20:42,800 --> 00:20:43,640 There can't be a mistake. 403 00:20:43,720 --> 00:20:45,080 I'll check again. 404 00:20:45,160 --> 00:20:46,320 Fuzhi. 405 00:20:47,360 --> 00:20:48,280 Don't. 406 00:20:51,680 --> 00:20:53,240 I'm suddenly hungry. 407 00:20:55,440 --> 00:20:56,560 Let's eat. 408 00:21:14,720 --> 00:21:17,120 Do the officials in this capital look down on everyone? 409 00:21:17,840 --> 00:21:19,280 Your essay wasn't selected? 410 00:21:19,960 --> 00:21:21,680 They must all be blind. 411 00:21:23,600 --> 00:21:25,160 The capital is crowded with prying ears. 412 00:21:26,840 --> 00:21:28,280 Don't speak in anger. 413 00:21:30,480 --> 00:21:33,160 Great Ning's seven provinces are filled with talent. 414 00:21:33,240 --> 00:21:34,400 Even a Provincial Laureate 415 00:21:34,600 --> 00:21:36,360 isn't guaranteed to become a Metropolitan Graduate. 416 00:21:37,280 --> 00:21:39,040 The capital isn't so wonderful anyway. 417 00:21:39,120 --> 00:21:41,120 It can't even serve a decent bowl of mutton noodles. 418 00:21:42,720 --> 00:21:44,600 Shazhou is thriving now. 419 00:21:44,680 --> 00:21:45,600 You're a Provincial Laureate. 420 00:21:45,760 --> 00:21:46,680 Even if you return to Shazhou, 421 00:21:46,760 --> 00:21:48,200 you could secure an official post. 422 00:21:48,280 --> 00:21:49,880 Let's go back together. 423 00:21:50,440 --> 00:21:51,760 Government vacancies 424 00:21:52,120 --> 00:21:53,800 don't appear every year. 425 00:21:54,840 --> 00:21:56,680 What use is my Provincial Laureate title? 426 00:21:57,360 --> 00:21:59,160 Don't speak of yourself that way. 427 00:21:59,240 --> 00:22:01,200 Master Zhuge was twenty-seven when he entered public life. 428 00:22:01,280 --> 00:22:03,600 Jiang Taigong was seventy-two when his talents were recognized. 429 00:22:03,680 --> 00:22:04,520 Three years from now, 430 00:22:04,640 --> 00:22:06,000 I'll come with you to take the exam again. 431 00:22:06,560 --> 00:22:08,360 Mengmeng, you can do it. 432 00:22:12,720 --> 00:22:14,760 I've walked this path for ten years. 433 00:22:17,600 --> 00:22:19,000 I worked for ten years, 434 00:22:20,600 --> 00:22:22,640 but I still didn't reach the end. 435 00:22:27,000 --> 00:22:28,960 I tried so hard. 436 00:22:31,440 --> 00:22:33,160 I truly tried. 437 00:22:35,600 --> 00:22:36,440 Mengmeng. 438 00:22:36,520 --> 00:22:37,960 I know. 439 00:22:38,040 --> 00:22:39,600 I saw everything. 440 00:22:41,120 --> 00:22:42,360 Even if you never pass, 441 00:22:43,400 --> 00:22:45,280 you are still the finest Meng Tinghui in the whole world. 442 00:22:45,360 --> 00:22:47,480 You are the one and only Meng Tinghui. 443 00:22:57,400 --> 00:22:59,000 The loyal and upright remain silent, 444 00:22:59,080 --> 00:23:00,560 while the wicked and flattering advance by the day. 445 00:23:00,880 --> 00:23:01,800 When faults go unseen, 446 00:23:01,880 --> 00:23:03,240 ruin inevitably follows. 447 00:23:04,760 --> 00:23:06,360 This essay is incisive. 448 00:23:06,480 --> 00:23:08,000 Every word strikes at the abuses of our time, 449 00:23:08,240 --> 00:23:10,000 yet it also carries a desire for reform. 450 00:23:11,200 --> 00:23:12,200 More remarkably, 451 00:23:12,600 --> 00:23:14,920 it is bold without overstepping. 452 00:23:15,440 --> 00:23:16,800 To use women to break the impasse... 453 00:23:17,360 --> 00:23:18,680 Such a startling argument 454 00:23:19,880 --> 00:23:21,800 does sound exactly like her. 455 00:23:21,880 --> 00:23:22,760 Huang Bo. 456 00:23:23,120 --> 00:23:24,080 Who is this year's Metropolitan Laureate? 457 00:23:24,160 --> 00:23:25,000 Your Majesty, 458 00:23:25,080 --> 00:23:26,920 it is a woman of the An family from Qingzhou, 459 00:23:27,080 --> 00:23:28,000 named Rulan. 460 00:23:36,320 --> 00:23:37,320 And Meng Tinghui? 461 00:23:38,000 --> 00:23:38,880 Where did she place? 462 00:23:39,400 --> 00:23:40,640 Provincial Laureate Meng... 463 00:23:42,000 --> 00:23:42,880 failed. 464 00:23:48,240 --> 00:23:49,880 The realm is vast, 465 00:23:49,960 --> 00:23:51,680 so an abundance of talented scholars is only natural. 466 00:23:54,800 --> 00:23:56,120 But the brushwork and arguments 467 00:23:56,200 --> 00:23:57,520 are identical. 468 00:23:57,880 --> 00:23:59,320 How could that be coincidence? 469 00:24:15,360 --> 00:24:18,080 That fortune from Lingquan Temple was worthless. 470 00:24:20,400 --> 00:24:22,440 Shazhou's Great Buddha Temple is far better. 471 00:24:59,120 --> 00:24:59,960 Mengmeng. 472 00:25:00,040 --> 00:25:02,640 I brought your favorite fruit and apricot-skin cakes. 473 00:25:06,720 --> 00:25:08,400 Why is it so dark? Why didn't you light a lamp? 474 00:25:22,000 --> 00:25:24,600 Mengmeng? 475 00:25:26,040 --> 00:25:27,000 Mengmeng! 476 00:25:28,320 --> 00:25:29,400 Mengmeng! 477 00:25:33,160 --> 00:25:34,040 What's wrong? 478 00:25:36,760 --> 00:25:37,600 Mengmeng! 479 00:25:38,080 --> 00:25:40,080 Get a physician! Quickly! 480 00:25:40,320 --> 00:25:41,960 Shunzi! 481 00:25:42,520 --> 00:25:43,360 Mengmeng! 482 00:25:44,240 --> 00:25:45,760 Mengmeng! 483 00:25:48,760 --> 00:25:50,840 Wake up, Mengmeng! 484 00:26:24,080 --> 00:26:24,920 Mengmeng! 485 00:26:26,400 --> 00:26:27,480 You're awake. 486 00:26:28,840 --> 00:26:30,400 How could you be so cruel? 487 00:26:30,480 --> 00:26:32,640 We agreed to return to Shazhou together. 488 00:26:32,720 --> 00:26:34,200 You broke your promise 489 00:26:34,280 --> 00:26:36,160 and tried to take your own life. 490 00:26:36,440 --> 00:26:37,280 The physician said 491 00:26:37,360 --> 00:26:39,040 that if we'd been one step later, 492 00:26:39,120 --> 00:26:40,640 not even an immortal could have saved you. 493 00:26:40,720 --> 00:26:41,880 You only failed an examination. 494 00:26:41,960 --> 00:26:43,360 How could you be so foolish? 495 00:26:44,440 --> 00:26:45,280 Slowly. 496 00:26:49,800 --> 00:26:51,160 Someone tried to kill me. 497 00:26:51,720 --> 00:26:53,120 Someone tried to kill you? 498 00:26:54,440 --> 00:26:56,000 Who? Did you see them clearly? 499 00:26:56,960 --> 00:26:58,080 It was too dark. 500 00:26:58,720 --> 00:26:59,680 I couldn't see. 501 00:27:01,240 --> 00:27:02,720 But the person was very strong. 502 00:27:03,280 --> 00:27:05,040 They could have killed me outright, 503 00:27:05,560 --> 00:27:07,480 yet they staged it as a suicide. 504 00:27:08,240 --> 00:27:09,320 They wanted me dead 505 00:27:09,960 --> 00:27:11,040 without prompting an investigation. 506 00:27:13,280 --> 00:27:14,360 Fuzhi, 507 00:27:14,440 --> 00:27:15,920 I must be standing in someone's way. 508 00:27:17,280 --> 00:27:19,200 There must be more to my failed result. 509 00:27:19,760 --> 00:27:21,080 Those damned bastards! 510 00:27:21,400 --> 00:27:22,720 We'll catch them 511 00:27:22,880 --> 00:27:24,760 and hang them from a beam for three days of beating. 512 00:27:26,080 --> 00:27:26,920 But 513 00:27:27,280 --> 00:27:28,680 we've only just arrived in the capital 514 00:27:28,840 --> 00:27:30,160 and haven't offended anyone. 515 00:27:30,720 --> 00:27:32,120 Who would do such a thing? 516 00:27:35,440 --> 00:27:37,520 Once they learn I'm still alive, 517 00:27:38,400 --> 00:27:39,640 they won't let me go. 518 00:27:42,600 --> 00:27:43,520 We should leave first 519 00:27:43,600 --> 00:27:44,440 and think of a plan afterward. 520 00:27:44,520 --> 00:27:46,320 All right. I'll pack our things. 521 00:27:46,880 --> 00:27:48,360 Forget it. Staying alive matters more. 522 00:27:48,440 --> 00:27:49,480 We're leaving now. 523 00:27:54,280 --> 00:27:55,640 -Let's go. -Careful. 524 00:27:56,320 --> 00:27:58,600 His Majesty attaches great importance to this women's examination. 525 00:27:59,120 --> 00:28:01,000 He was especially moved by An Rulan's policy essay 526 00:28:01,080 --> 00:28:02,320 and personally named her Metropolitan Laureate. 527 00:28:02,920 --> 00:28:04,320 He even ordered copies circulated throughout the provinces 528 00:28:04,400 --> 00:28:05,360 for scholars to study. 529 00:28:05,840 --> 00:28:06,840 Look. 530 00:28:06,920 --> 00:28:08,240 This is my favorite passage: 531 00:28:08,880 --> 00:28:10,080 'The loyal and upright remain silent, 532 00:28:10,160 --> 00:28:11,560 while the wicked and flattering advance by the day. 533 00:28:11,800 --> 00:28:12,760 When faults go unseen, 534 00:28:13,320 --> 00:28:14,960 ruin inevitably follows.' 535 00:28:15,280 --> 00:28:17,160 With writing and conviction like this, 536 00:28:17,240 --> 00:28:18,640 no wonder she became Metropolitan Laureate. 537 00:28:18,720 --> 00:28:20,880 -Exactly. -Yes, it's brilliantly written. 538 00:28:20,960 --> 00:28:22,040 Mengmeng. 539 00:28:23,960 --> 00:28:25,560 How can a scholar be so rude? 540 00:28:28,320 --> 00:28:29,320 This is my policy essay. 541 00:28:30,560 --> 00:28:31,520 You failed the metropolitan exam. 542 00:28:31,600 --> 00:28:32,880 How dare you claim this essay is yours? 543 00:28:32,960 --> 00:28:34,240 Have you lost your mind from disappointment? 544 00:28:34,320 --> 00:28:36,000 -You! -You tried to hang yourself last night, 545 00:28:36,080 --> 00:28:37,320 and now you're spouting such madness. 546 00:28:37,640 --> 00:28:39,280 You need your head examined. 547 00:28:39,360 --> 00:28:40,200 Miss Meng, 548 00:28:40,280 --> 00:28:41,680 our dynasty strictly forbids examination fraud. 549 00:28:41,760 --> 00:28:42,800 Such a thing couldn't possibly happen. 550 00:28:43,360 --> 00:28:44,680 If Mengmeng says it's hers, then it is. 551 00:28:45,240 --> 00:28:47,160 The claim that she hanged herself is absurd. 552 00:28:47,240 --> 00:28:48,920 Spread that rumor again 553 00:28:49,000 --> 00:28:50,240 and I'll tear your mouths apart. 554 00:28:50,600 --> 00:28:51,720 Mengmeng, let's go. 555 00:28:52,440 --> 00:28:53,480 You... 556 00:28:57,840 --> 00:28:59,920 Mengmeng, I knew you had passed. 557 00:29:00,160 --> 00:29:01,160 That An Rulan 558 00:29:01,240 --> 00:29:02,800 actually stole your policy essay. 559 00:29:02,880 --> 00:29:04,440 Let's report her to the authorities now 560 00:29:04,520 --> 00:29:05,680 and reclaim your title as Metropolitan Laureate. 561 00:29:07,520 --> 00:29:08,560 It isn't that simple. 562 00:29:09,720 --> 00:29:10,600 These waters 563 00:29:11,160 --> 00:29:12,640 run deeper than either of us imagined. 564 00:29:13,680 --> 00:29:15,040 The Ministry of Rites oversees the examination. 565 00:29:15,680 --> 00:29:17,520 Without help from officials inside, 566 00:29:17,880 --> 00:29:19,480 how would An Rulan dare steal my essay? 567 00:29:20,160 --> 00:29:21,440 If we report it now, 568 00:29:21,840 --> 00:29:23,200 we may be walking into a trap. 569 00:29:24,960 --> 00:29:27,000 This capital devours people even more viciously than Shazhou. 570 00:29:27,840 --> 00:29:29,200 You nearly died once already. 571 00:29:30,080 --> 00:29:31,160 I'm scared. 572 00:29:31,960 --> 00:29:33,040 I'm taking you back to Shazhou. 573 00:29:33,120 --> 00:29:34,640 But I did pass. 574 00:29:35,520 --> 00:29:36,760 I was the Metropolitan Laureate, Fuzhi. 575 00:29:38,920 --> 00:29:40,920 I can't pretend none of this happened. 576 00:29:41,880 --> 00:29:43,640 I've walked this path for ten years. 577 00:29:44,640 --> 00:29:46,040 I can't simply give it up now. 578 00:29:47,120 --> 00:29:47,960 I won't accept that. 579 00:29:51,280 --> 00:29:52,240 Fine. 580 00:29:52,320 --> 00:29:53,280 Then we won't leave. 581 00:29:53,360 --> 00:29:54,320 I'll stay with you. 582 00:29:54,880 --> 00:29:55,880 Even if we face mountains of blades and seas of fire, 583 00:29:55,960 --> 00:29:57,360 I'll face them with you. 584 00:29:59,400 --> 00:30:00,480 But 585 00:30:01,000 --> 00:30:02,800 we know no one in the capital. 586 00:30:03,880 --> 00:30:04,720 Young Master He 587 00:30:04,800 --> 00:30:05,640 and Lord Shen 588 00:30:05,720 --> 00:30:07,160 are in the capital, aren't they? 589 00:30:07,400 --> 00:30:08,720 Can we ask them for help? 590 00:30:11,160 --> 00:30:13,160 We still know too little. 591 00:30:13,960 --> 00:30:15,760 Seeking them out rashly may accomplish nothing. 592 00:30:17,040 --> 00:30:18,480 Then what do we do? 593 00:30:19,080 --> 00:30:20,280 They wanted to silence me 594 00:30:21,080 --> 00:30:22,600 without drawing attention. 595 00:30:23,240 --> 00:30:24,280 In that case, 596 00:30:24,800 --> 00:30:26,440 we'll make the whole city talk about it. 597 00:30:27,320 --> 00:30:28,760 Then when we report it, 598 00:30:29,040 --> 00:30:30,520 the authorities will think twice before protecting them. 599 00:30:32,760 --> 00:30:34,240 His Majesty has arrived. 600 00:30:38,480 --> 00:30:40,560 Your servant Zhang Mingshan welcomes Your Majesty. 601 00:30:40,640 --> 00:30:42,200 Rise, my ministers. 602 00:30:42,280 --> 00:30:43,880 -Thank you, Your Majesty. -Thank you, Your Majesty. 603 00:30:47,000 --> 00:30:48,000 Minister Zhang, 604 00:30:48,560 --> 00:30:50,440 I cast a divination this morning. 605 00:30:51,000 --> 00:30:52,040 The signs said 606 00:30:52,600 --> 00:30:53,760 among the rejected examination papers 607 00:30:53,840 --> 00:30:55,040 lies a brilliant pearl. 608 00:30:55,680 --> 00:30:57,720 Surely no one was blind enough 609 00:30:57,800 --> 00:31:00,120 to mistake a luminous pearl for a fish eye and throw it away? 610 00:31:00,200 --> 00:31:01,560 Your Majesty is joking. 611 00:31:01,720 --> 00:31:04,720 We review papers with utmost rigor. How could we... 612 00:31:06,640 --> 00:31:09,000 I merely made an offhand remark. 613 00:31:09,080 --> 00:31:10,800 Why are you so frightened? 614 00:31:11,680 --> 00:31:12,600 Huang Bo, 615 00:31:14,160 --> 00:31:16,000 does Minister Zhang's reaction 616 00:31:16,080 --> 00:31:17,240 look like 617 00:31:18,560 --> 00:31:19,640 a guilty conscience? 618 00:31:19,720 --> 00:31:20,920 It does. 619 00:31:22,120 --> 00:31:23,640 I beg permission to speak frankly. 620 00:31:24,200 --> 00:31:25,200 Rumors have circulated lately 621 00:31:25,760 --> 00:31:26,960 that a failed candidate, 622 00:31:27,040 --> 00:31:27,920 bitter over her result, 623 00:31:28,040 --> 00:31:29,400 deliberately spread false claims. 624 00:31:29,600 --> 00:31:32,120 I fear someone is deceiving Your Majesty 625 00:31:32,240 --> 00:31:33,760 and disrupting the court's great task of selecting talent. 626 00:31:33,840 --> 00:31:36,240 Then let us make a wager. 627 00:31:37,200 --> 00:31:38,560 If I find a pearl 628 00:31:38,640 --> 00:31:39,480 among these rejected papers, 629 00:31:41,280 --> 00:31:42,640 may I borrow your head 630 00:31:43,520 --> 00:31:45,960 and use it as a cuju ball? 631 00:31:46,960 --> 00:31:48,960 Your Majesty has countless affairs of state. 632 00:31:49,160 --> 00:31:50,560 We have already removed 633 00:31:50,800 --> 00:31:52,440 the mediocre essays on your behalf. 634 00:31:53,000 --> 00:31:54,160 Why not let me present 635 00:31:54,240 --> 00:31:56,600 the finest essays from those selected? 636 00:31:56,680 --> 00:31:59,400 You may review them over tea. 637 00:32:01,760 --> 00:32:02,920 What are you waiting for? 638 00:32:03,400 --> 00:32:04,600 Bring the rejected papers. 639 00:32:04,680 --> 00:32:05,520 Yes. 640 00:32:06,200 --> 00:32:07,040 Zheng Ru. 641 00:32:25,160 --> 00:32:26,440 According to this article, 642 00:32:26,560 --> 00:32:27,760 the Metropolitan Laureate's essay was fraudulent. 643 00:32:27,840 --> 00:32:28,800 Could the names of other candidates 644 00:32:28,880 --> 00:32:30,320 also have been stolen? 645 00:32:30,560 --> 00:32:33,320 Exactly. As the article says, 646 00:32:33,640 --> 00:32:36,080 every candidate's examination paper should be made public. 647 00:32:36,360 --> 00:32:37,800 -Shouldn't they? -Yes! 648 00:32:37,880 --> 00:32:39,920 -Release them! -Release the papers! 649 00:32:40,000 --> 00:32:43,240 -Release the papers! No more cover-ups! -Release them! 650 00:32:43,320 --> 00:32:44,240 Release the papers! 651 00:32:45,400 --> 00:32:46,240 What are you doing? 652 00:32:47,520 --> 00:32:49,360 -Don't read that. Hand it over! -Who are these people? 653 00:32:49,920 --> 00:32:51,640 Why are they acting exactly like Shazhou's Black Tiger Hall? 654 00:32:52,200 --> 00:32:53,960 They must be the people who tried to kill me. 655 00:32:54,040 --> 00:32:55,360 They failed last night. 656 00:32:55,800 --> 00:32:57,080 Now that the matter has grown, 657 00:32:57,840 --> 00:32:58,920 they won't let me go. 658 00:32:59,000 --> 00:33:01,160 Even in the capital, lawless villains 659 00:33:01,400 --> 00:33:02,760 dare attack openly. 660 00:33:05,960 --> 00:33:07,360 -Seize them! -They're after me. 661 00:33:08,080 --> 00:33:08,960 We'll split up. 662 00:33:09,440 --> 00:33:11,280 Go to the Shen residence and find Lord Shen. He may be our only hope. 663 00:33:11,840 --> 00:33:13,480 I'll make a public procession to the Capital Prefecture. 664 00:33:13,560 --> 00:33:15,800 With so many witnesses, the authorities won't dare show favoritism. 665 00:33:15,880 --> 00:33:16,960 Go! 666 00:33:21,960 --> 00:33:22,800 Chancellor. 667 00:33:24,120 --> 00:33:25,080 Chancellor. 668 00:33:25,720 --> 00:33:26,680 Someone has written an article 669 00:33:26,760 --> 00:33:28,240 claiming the Metropolitan Laureate's essay 670 00:33:28,320 --> 00:33:29,600 was submitted under a false name. 671 00:33:29,760 --> 00:33:31,840 The whole city is talking about it. 672 00:33:31,920 --> 00:33:33,840 Examination fraud is a matter for the Ministry of Rites. 673 00:33:34,680 --> 00:33:36,160 The greater the uproar, the better. 674 00:33:37,120 --> 00:33:38,680 We shall watch from the sidelines 675 00:33:39,400 --> 00:33:40,800 and enjoy the spectacle. 676 00:33:42,280 --> 00:33:43,360 Meng Tinghui. 677 00:33:44,840 --> 00:33:46,160 Have you investigated her? 678 00:33:49,000 --> 00:33:49,920 Left Chancellor, 679 00:33:50,200 --> 00:33:51,760 she is the common woman from Shazhou 680 00:33:51,840 --> 00:33:53,640 who helped His Majesty escape. 681 00:33:54,200 --> 00:33:56,040 She is skilled in underworld tricks 682 00:33:56,240 --> 00:33:57,520 and acts unpredictably. 683 00:33:57,600 --> 00:33:58,680 She is impossible to guard against. 684 00:33:58,760 --> 00:34:00,440 Had she not interfered, 685 00:34:01,080 --> 00:34:02,800 I would have brought His Majesty back long ago. 686 00:34:03,520 --> 00:34:05,760 No wonder His Majesty has behaved 687 00:34:05,840 --> 00:34:08,440 with increasing recklessness since returning from Shazhou. 688 00:34:09,000 --> 00:34:10,360 So his judgment was bewitched 689 00:34:10,440 --> 00:34:12,680 by such a lowborn temptress. 690 00:34:13,280 --> 00:34:14,760 A mere insect 691 00:34:15,760 --> 00:34:18,000 dares meddle in court affairs. 692 00:34:18,080 --> 00:34:19,720 That woman cannot be allowed to live. 693 00:34:25,200 --> 00:34:26,320 Seen this way, 694 00:34:28,200 --> 00:34:29,440 a little disorder 695 00:34:29,520 --> 00:34:31,600 may not be a bad thing. 696 00:34:32,160 --> 00:34:33,840 Meng Tinghui scattered printed copies of the article 697 00:34:33,920 --> 00:34:35,000 throughout the capital. 698 00:34:35,080 --> 00:34:36,400 Vice Minister Zhang had full authority 699 00:34:36,480 --> 00:34:38,280 over the metropolitan examination, 700 00:34:38,840 --> 00:34:40,440 but it remains the Ministry of Rites' responsibility. 701 00:34:41,000 --> 00:34:42,560 What if you are implicated? 702 00:34:43,360 --> 00:34:46,640 Why panic? I warned His Majesty long ago 703 00:34:46,920 --> 00:34:48,080 that a women's special examination 704 00:34:48,320 --> 00:34:49,600 was utterly absurd. 705 00:34:50,760 --> 00:34:52,880 Yet His Majesty insisted. 706 00:34:52,960 --> 00:34:54,520 And now 707 00:34:55,040 --> 00:34:56,200 Meng Tinghui has caused 708 00:34:56,280 --> 00:34:59,240 a scandal that makes the realm laugh. 709 00:34:59,320 --> 00:35:00,840 The one who should be worried now 710 00:35:01,040 --> 00:35:02,680 is His Majesty. 711 00:35:03,240 --> 00:35:05,440 I hear His Majesty has already gone to the examination compound. 712 00:35:06,120 --> 00:35:07,880 The sovereign of the realm 713 00:35:07,960 --> 00:35:09,920 left the palace for a temptress. 714 00:35:10,360 --> 00:35:12,520 He is utterly bewitched, 715 00:35:12,840 --> 00:35:14,320 foolish beyond measure. 716 00:35:14,880 --> 00:35:16,040 In that case, 717 00:35:16,920 --> 00:35:19,600 I will ensure this women's examination 718 00:35:20,040 --> 00:35:22,360 cannot continue. 719 00:35:22,440 --> 00:35:23,760 Forgive me, Your Majesty. 720 00:35:23,880 --> 00:35:24,760 I deserve death. 721 00:35:25,120 --> 00:35:26,520 I was careless just now 722 00:35:26,600 --> 00:35:27,600 and dropped them into a water vat. 723 00:35:28,080 --> 00:35:29,640 I tried with all my strength to save them, 724 00:35:30,040 --> 00:35:30,960 but the examination papers... 725 00:35:32,800 --> 00:35:34,080 Were you injured, Minister? 726 00:35:34,640 --> 00:35:36,560 Shall I summon an imperial physician at once? 727 00:35:36,720 --> 00:35:38,240 Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. 728 00:35:38,880 --> 00:35:40,400 I am unharmed. 729 00:35:41,080 --> 00:35:42,200 Since you're unharmed, 730 00:35:42,720 --> 00:35:43,920 Vice Minister Zheng, please fetch 731 00:35:44,000 --> 00:35:46,280 the transcribed copies. 732 00:35:47,560 --> 00:35:48,400 Forgive me, Your Majesty. 733 00:35:49,040 --> 00:35:50,320 A swarm of rats entered 734 00:35:50,400 --> 00:35:51,240 the compound's side rooms last night. 735 00:35:51,920 --> 00:35:56,160 Those wretched rats devoured all the copied papers. 736 00:35:57,640 --> 00:35:59,280 Those wretched rats 737 00:36:00,240 --> 00:36:02,760 should fall into a water vat and drown. 738 00:36:05,040 --> 00:36:06,680 Your Majesty is joking. 739 00:36:11,080 --> 00:36:12,240 Both ministers 740 00:36:12,560 --> 00:36:14,360 have truly served with devotion 741 00:36:14,840 --> 00:36:16,200 and spared no effort. 742 00:36:17,320 --> 00:36:18,360 Keeping you in the Ministry of Rites 743 00:36:18,560 --> 00:36:20,080 is truly a waste of your talents. 744 00:36:21,120 --> 00:36:22,400 Your Majesty flatters us. 745 00:36:24,400 --> 00:36:27,000 Your Majesty, the examination compound has long fallen into disrepair. 746 00:36:27,920 --> 00:36:29,720 We urged the Ministry of Revenue for funds many times, 747 00:36:30,280 --> 00:36:32,160 but the money never came. 748 00:36:32,240 --> 00:36:34,200 That is what caused this disaster. 749 00:36:34,640 --> 00:36:36,640 As Vice Minister of Rites, 750 00:36:36,720 --> 00:36:38,120 I accept punishment. 751 00:36:38,200 --> 00:36:39,400 Very well. 752 00:36:39,480 --> 00:36:41,440 We shall do as Minister Zhang suggests. 753 00:36:41,520 --> 00:36:42,560 Huang Bo, 754 00:36:42,680 --> 00:36:44,200 what punishment does the law prescribe? 755 00:36:44,280 --> 00:36:45,480 Your Majesty, 756 00:36:46,080 --> 00:36:47,640 destroying special-examination papers 757 00:36:47,920 --> 00:36:50,440 is punishable by thirty strokes each. 758 00:36:50,760 --> 00:36:52,280 Administer them yourself. 759 00:36:52,720 --> 00:36:54,160 Beat them here in the courtyard. 760 00:37:05,080 --> 00:37:05,920 Young Lady, 761 00:37:06,000 --> 00:37:07,080 I bought the pastries you requested. 762 00:37:07,400 --> 00:37:09,280 Good. Carry the rouge I bought too. 763 00:37:09,360 --> 00:37:10,200 Yes. 764 00:37:16,960 --> 00:37:17,800 After them! 765 00:37:18,520 --> 00:37:19,360 Hurry! 766 00:37:20,120 --> 00:37:21,000 Where did they go? 767 00:37:21,760 --> 00:37:23,640 -Search over there. -To learn how the young gentleman 768 00:37:23,720 --> 00:37:24,720 solves this baffling case, 769 00:37:24,800 --> 00:37:26,200 come back for the next installment! 770 00:37:26,440 --> 00:37:28,160 -Bravo! -Bravo! 771 00:37:33,440 --> 00:37:34,400 What's wrong? 772 00:37:34,960 --> 00:37:35,800 Everyone, 773 00:37:35,960 --> 00:37:37,920 I am Meng Tinghui, Provincial Laureate of Shazhou. 774 00:37:38,000 --> 00:37:40,000 I came to the capital for the metropolitan exam and failed, 775 00:37:40,080 --> 00:37:41,480 only to discover that the policy essay 776 00:37:41,560 --> 00:37:42,920 of Metropolitan Laureate An Rulan 777 00:37:43,160 --> 00:37:45,160 is identical to mine, word for word. 778 00:37:45,720 --> 00:37:46,920 I am going to the Capital Prefecture 779 00:37:47,000 --> 00:37:49,320 and ask the Prefect to uncover the truth. 780 00:37:53,160 --> 00:37:54,800 Anyone interested 781 00:37:55,480 --> 00:37:57,480 may come watch the proceedings. 782 00:37:58,040 --> 00:37:59,360 See which Metropolitan Laureate is genuine, 783 00:37:59,440 --> 00:38:01,120 Meng Tinghui or An Rulan, 784 00:38:01,200 --> 00:38:02,520 and which is the fraud. 785 00:38:03,400 --> 00:38:04,720 Should villains attack me, 786 00:38:05,120 --> 00:38:07,120 please lend me your righteous aid 787 00:38:07,280 --> 00:38:09,160 and bind them for the authorities. 788 00:38:09,240 --> 00:38:10,480 You will be richly rewarded. 789 00:38:17,200 --> 00:38:19,920 -We'll come! -We will! 790 00:38:20,000 --> 00:38:22,040 Boss, there are too many people. We can't make a move. 791 00:38:22,120 --> 00:38:22,960 Send someone to ask Second Master 792 00:38:23,040 --> 00:38:24,080 what to do with this woman. 793 00:38:26,160 --> 00:38:27,000 Who are you? 794 00:38:27,360 --> 00:38:28,200 Miss, 795 00:38:28,280 --> 00:38:29,320 we met outside the examination compound. 796 00:38:29,400 --> 00:38:32,000 Aren't you Grand Tutor Shen's daughter, Lord Shen's younger sister? 797 00:38:33,160 --> 00:38:34,520 You're the third one this month. 798 00:38:35,040 --> 00:38:36,320 Whatever romantic debt my brother owes you, 799 00:38:36,400 --> 00:38:37,880 you may collect it at our residence. 800 00:38:37,960 --> 00:38:39,360 Why do women keep climbing into my carriage? 801 00:38:39,440 --> 00:38:40,640 -Driver! -Miss Shen. 802 00:38:40,720 --> 00:38:42,320 I met Lord Shen in Shazhou. 803 00:38:42,400 --> 00:38:44,160 I came to ask him to uphold justice. 804 00:38:44,960 --> 00:38:45,960 Uphold justice? 805 00:38:48,160 --> 00:38:49,200 Where are they? 806 00:38:49,280 --> 00:38:50,200 -You search there. -Move! 807 00:38:50,280 --> 00:38:51,320 The rest of you, follow me. 808 00:38:53,280 --> 00:38:54,120 How can you prove 809 00:38:54,200 --> 00:38:55,880 that Meng Tinghui wrote the essay? 810 00:38:56,240 --> 00:38:57,920 How do I know you aren't framing someone? 811 00:38:59,000 --> 00:39:00,000 Under the Code of Great Ning, 812 00:39:00,120 --> 00:39:02,280 examination fraud and identity theft 813 00:39:02,360 --> 00:39:03,360 are punishable by exile of three thousand li. 814 00:39:03,440 --> 00:39:05,600 Falsely accusing the Metropolitan Laureate is also a grave crime. 815 00:39:06,720 --> 00:39:07,560 Miss Shen, 816 00:39:07,640 --> 00:39:08,480 I stake my life on it. 817 00:39:08,560 --> 00:39:09,800 Every word is true. 818 00:39:09,880 --> 00:39:10,720 Should I utter a single lie, 819 00:39:10,800 --> 00:39:11,920 you may deliver me to the authorities. 820 00:39:13,680 --> 00:39:14,520 Stop! 821 00:39:17,000 --> 00:39:18,760 Young Lady, a crowd is blocking the road. 822 00:39:20,800 --> 00:39:22,920 Those people outside are after you. 823 00:39:24,480 --> 00:39:25,320 Last night, 824 00:39:25,400 --> 00:39:26,760 someone nearly murdered Meng Tinghui. 825 00:39:26,840 --> 00:39:27,840 We lack power and allies, 826 00:39:27,920 --> 00:39:28,880 so we could only make the matter public. 827 00:39:28,960 --> 00:39:30,360 Then these men began pursuing us. 828 00:39:30,960 --> 00:39:32,560 Mengmeng's fate is unknown. 829 00:39:32,640 --> 00:39:35,040 Miss Shen, please act honorably and save her. 830 00:39:36,880 --> 00:39:37,960 Someone saw them 831 00:39:38,040 --> 00:39:39,520 climb into this carriage. 832 00:39:39,600 --> 00:39:40,480 Everyone inside the carriage, 833 00:39:40,560 --> 00:39:41,600 get out! 834 00:39:43,800 --> 00:39:45,000 Don't worry. 835 00:39:49,400 --> 00:39:51,000 Blocking an official family's carriage 836 00:39:51,520 --> 00:39:53,560 earns sixty strokes and one year of penal servitude. 837 00:39:53,920 --> 00:39:55,560 Being armed increases the sentence. 838 00:39:55,640 --> 00:39:57,000 Withdraw at once. 839 00:39:57,680 --> 00:39:59,080 So you're an official's daughter. 840 00:39:59,560 --> 00:40:00,480 Our apologies. 841 00:40:01,040 --> 00:40:02,040 We meant no offense. 842 00:40:02,320 --> 00:40:05,000 We're only looking for a damned girl. 843 00:40:06,400 --> 00:40:07,240 You... 844 00:40:19,960 --> 00:40:21,480 Let's see which blind fool dares. 845 00:40:29,760 --> 00:40:31,240 -A-Nian. -Captain Di. 846 00:40:31,800 --> 00:40:32,920 The Shenwei Guard is patrolling the city. 847 00:40:33,400 --> 00:40:34,840 You have gathered a mob, 848 00:40:34,920 --> 00:40:36,360 and harassed civilians. 849 00:40:36,840 --> 00:40:37,760 -Arrest them all! -Yes! 850 00:40:38,280 --> 00:40:39,440 Brothers, retreat! 851 00:40:41,080 --> 00:40:42,040 Stop! 852 00:40:50,680 --> 00:40:51,560 Sister Zhili. 853 00:40:52,040 --> 00:40:54,280 -Were you frightened? -I'm fine. 854 00:40:55,840 --> 00:40:56,680 Sister Zhili, 855 00:40:57,000 --> 00:40:57,880 let me escort you home. 856 00:40:58,440 --> 00:40:59,920 Where is His Majesty now? 857 00:41:07,640 --> 00:41:08,640 I just... 858 00:41:08,880 --> 00:41:10,120 Did you lose count? 859 00:41:11,800 --> 00:41:13,040 You can't even count properly? 860 00:41:13,600 --> 00:41:14,520 Your Majesty, please understand. 861 00:41:14,600 --> 00:41:16,080 I felt sorry for the two ministers 862 00:41:16,240 --> 00:41:18,200 and went soft, so I lost count. 863 00:41:18,760 --> 00:41:20,040 Since you can't count, 864 00:41:21,160 --> 00:41:22,240 start the beating again from the beginning. 865 00:41:23,240 --> 00:41:24,640 Please don't! 866 00:41:24,720 --> 00:41:27,400 Ten... fifteen. 867 00:41:27,480 --> 00:41:29,320 You remember it very clearly. 868 00:41:29,920 --> 00:41:31,320 It seems the blows still aren't hard enough. 869 00:41:31,400 --> 00:41:32,360 Huang Bo. 870 00:41:32,760 --> 00:41:33,920 Continue. 871 00:41:37,840 --> 00:41:39,960 One hundred candidates passed this metropolitan examination. 872 00:41:40,400 --> 00:41:41,960 Yet Meng Tinghui, Shazhou's Provincial Laureate, 873 00:41:42,040 --> 00:41:43,120 failed. 874 00:41:43,440 --> 00:41:44,920 I found that suspicious. 875 00:41:45,000 --> 00:41:46,760 I wasn't certain before, 876 00:41:46,920 --> 00:41:48,840 but now the papers have been destroyed one after another. 877 00:41:48,920 --> 00:41:49,880 Tell me, 878 00:41:50,480 --> 00:41:52,080 is that merely coincidence? 879 00:41:52,840 --> 00:41:55,480 I truly don't know, Your Majesty. 880 00:41:55,560 --> 00:41:57,360 Then find someone who does. 881 00:41:57,440 --> 00:41:59,240 Summon every proctor, 882 00:41:59,320 --> 00:42:01,520 copyist, sealing clerk, and examiner from this year's examination. 883 00:42:02,080 --> 00:42:03,840 Investigating them will take time. 884 00:42:04,400 --> 00:42:05,240 Perhaps 885 00:42:07,000 --> 00:42:08,680 we should give him thirty strokes first. 886 00:42:12,080 --> 00:42:13,160 I'll confess! 887 00:42:14,080 --> 00:42:15,440 I'm willing to confess! 888 00:42:16,840 --> 00:42:17,800 The examination was rigged! 889 00:42:17,880 --> 00:42:19,080 There was no fairness! 890 00:42:19,160 --> 00:42:20,720 Everyone, come and see! 891 00:42:21,440 --> 00:42:22,280 How could such a thing happen? 892 00:42:22,360 --> 00:42:23,280 Fraud in the special examination! 893 00:42:23,600 --> 00:42:25,400 There's a spectacle. Let's go! 894 00:42:26,040 --> 00:42:27,280 Scholar Meng Tinghui, 895 00:42:27,880 --> 00:42:28,920 Provincial Laureate of Shazhou, 896 00:42:29,920 --> 00:42:32,200 had her policy essay stolen by An Rulan, 897 00:42:32,280 --> 00:42:34,440 and is going to the Capital Prefecture to seek justice. 898 00:42:34,520 --> 00:42:36,720 She will expose the truth of the examination fraud 899 00:42:36,800 --> 00:42:38,920 and restore fairness to the metropolitan examination. 900 00:42:39,200 --> 00:42:40,200 It's Meng Tinghui. 901 00:42:40,720 --> 00:42:42,240 Come on. Follow her to the Capital Prefecture. 902 00:42:42,320 --> 00:42:44,080 Everyone, let's go together! 903 00:42:44,160 --> 00:42:45,480 Demand justice! 904 00:42:45,560 --> 00:42:48,040 -Demand justice! -Demand justice! 905 00:42:50,440 --> 00:42:51,600 Scholar Meng Tinghui 906 00:42:51,840 --> 00:42:53,680 accuses Metropolitan Laureate An Rulan 907 00:42:53,880 --> 00:42:55,360 of stealing her policy essay. 908 00:42:55,440 --> 00:42:56,640 Prefect, please uphold justice. 909 00:42:57,120 --> 00:42:58,240 The Master said, 910 00:42:58,720 --> 00:43:00,240 'Think thrice before acting.' 911 00:43:00,680 --> 00:43:02,560 Twice is enough. 912 00:43:03,360 --> 00:43:05,840 You spread this article throughout the capital 913 00:43:05,920 --> 00:43:07,360 and caused an uproar. 914 00:43:07,440 --> 00:43:08,800 Do you have evidence? 915 00:43:08,880 --> 00:43:10,240 Prefect, summon An Rulan 916 00:43:10,640 --> 00:43:11,680 and let us confront each other in court. 917 00:43:12,240 --> 00:43:13,080 Prefect, 918 00:43:13,720 --> 00:43:16,320 she gathered all those people outside. 919 00:43:18,720 --> 00:43:20,040 Summon Metropolitan Laureate An. 920 00:43:20,364 --> 00:43:22,364 MkvDrama.Net