1 00:00:07,090 --> 00:00:17,070 Subtitles and Timing brought to you by the Royal Troubles Team ⚜️ @viki.com 2 00:01:25,125 --> 00:01:27,665 [The Princess Royal] 3 00:01:27,665 --> 00:01:30,020 [Adapted from Mo Shu Bai's novel, "The Princess Royal"] 4 00:01:30,020 --> 00:01:33,020 [Episode 26] 5 00:01:34,900 --> 00:01:37,020 - Wait for me! - Slowly. 6 00:01:37,020 --> 00:01:40,640 - This looks so pretty. - Given your young master's foul temper, 7 00:01:40,640 --> 00:01:43,620 they're going to split soon or later. 8 00:01:46,000 --> 00:01:48,840 And I will stand a chance by then. 9 00:01:49,940 --> 00:01:57,250 Well, do you think flicking that lock of hair makes you look particularly handsome? 10 00:01:58,360 --> 00:02:01,400 My young master should have split you in half earlier 11 00:02:01,400 --> 00:02:04,140 so that you wouldn't make sarcastic comments. 12 00:02:05,080 --> 00:02:06,940 Fine. 13 00:02:06,940 --> 00:02:09,400 We'll see if my prediction turns out correct. 14 00:02:09,400 --> 00:02:11,360 It won't. 15 00:02:11,360 --> 00:02:14,600 My young master is destined to be the prince consort. 16 00:02:14,600 --> 00:02:17,060 Just give up. 17 00:02:19,280 --> 00:02:21,400 Lanterns! 18 00:02:21,400 --> 00:02:23,680 Lanterns for sale! 19 00:02:25,740 --> 00:02:27,380 Here. 20 00:02:34,720 --> 00:02:37,320 Why are you staring at my face? 21 00:02:37,320 --> 00:02:40,200 Don't tell me you scratched my face, too. 22 00:02:40,200 --> 00:02:41,740 I didn't. 23 00:02:41,740 --> 00:02:44,600 I made sure to be careful. 24 00:02:44,600 --> 00:02:47,740 Does that sound like what a princess should say? 25 00:02:47,740 --> 00:02:49,400 You little shrew. 26 00:02:49,400 --> 00:02:51,480 Who are you calling a shrew? 27 00:02:52,060 --> 00:02:55,100 I got you some river lanterns. You like them, don't you? 28 00:02:55,100 --> 00:02:58,500 Later, you can put the lanterns on the river and make a wish. 29 00:02:58,500 --> 00:03:01,000 I thought you didn't believe in these things. 30 00:03:01,000 --> 00:03:02,800 I don't. 31 00:03:02,800 --> 00:03:04,980 These are just something made to fool naive little girls. 32 00:03:04,980 --> 00:03:07,480 Why would a man like me believe them? 33 00:03:07,480 --> 00:03:11,440 - What are you doing, then? - But ever since I met you, 34 00:03:11,440 --> 00:03:15,960 I'd rather believe in every immortal. 35 00:03:25,660 --> 00:03:27,440 Put down the lantern. 36 00:04:05,740 --> 00:04:12,620 I know most people around you would sacrifice love for power. 37 00:04:12,620 --> 00:04:18,270 You may also think that your future is more important than feelings. 38 00:04:19,600 --> 00:04:22,620 But if I really do that, 39 00:04:22,620 --> 00:04:26,700 you would never know that some feelings 40 00:04:26,700 --> 00:04:30,260 cannot be traded for power. 41 00:04:33,700 --> 00:04:40,560 I became a court official and fought for power just to get closer to you. 42 00:04:41,840 --> 00:04:48,710 So, if I were to leave you to gain more power... 43 00:04:49,720 --> 00:04:54,370 even if it's just temporary, or just mentioning the idea, 44 00:04:54,370 --> 00:04:56,560 I would never do so. 45 00:04:58,960 --> 00:05:01,200 So, you didn't want to get a divorce 46 00:05:01,200 --> 00:05:05,660 because you were afraid of uncertainties that might happen afterward? 47 00:05:06,320 --> 00:05:10,420 Yes, but that's not all of it. 48 00:05:12,420 --> 00:05:16,300 I don't want you to lose faith in love. 49 00:05:18,540 --> 00:05:23,080 So, what are your plans after this? 50 00:05:23,080 --> 00:05:26,640 Well, I'll do as you say. 51 00:05:26,640 --> 00:05:28,560 It's going to upset you, though. 52 00:05:28,560 --> 00:05:30,660 It won't. 53 00:05:31,180 --> 00:05:33,920 I understand your true feelings now, 54 00:05:33,920 --> 00:05:37,520 so I won't get disappointed or scared. 55 00:05:39,100 --> 00:05:42,890 As for you, even though you were born in the palace, 56 00:05:42,890 --> 00:05:45,220 you never belonged to the palace. 57 00:05:45,220 --> 00:05:49,230 The kind of relationship that your heart yearns for... 58 00:05:50,220 --> 00:05:54,160 is purer than what you've imagined. 59 00:05:54,160 --> 00:05:56,640 ♫ Who gazes up at the sky? ♫ 60 00:05:56,640 --> 00:06:00,960 I have to give you whatever you want. 61 00:06:02,080 --> 00:06:07,218 You won't have to compromise, not even a little, to get what you want. 62 00:06:08,020 --> 00:06:11,560 ♫ The wind caresses the hills ♫ 63 00:06:13,580 --> 00:06:18,500 Besides, I will prove to you someday that only I, Pei Wenxuan, am capable 64 00:06:18,500 --> 00:06:21,500 of giving you such a pure feeling. 65 00:06:30,240 --> 00:06:33,560 Look. The lanterns are up. 66 00:06:45,540 --> 00:06:47,320 Rong Rong, 67 00:06:48,260 --> 00:06:54,210 I will give it my all to present you with all the best things in the world. 68 00:06:58,380 --> 00:07:00,577 What wish did you make? 69 00:07:01,660 --> 00:07:03,520 And you? 70 00:07:03,520 --> 00:07:05,490 It's a secret. 71 00:07:07,740 --> 00:07:09,890 You're keeping it a secret too? 72 00:07:11,620 --> 00:07:13,780 I wished... 73 00:07:15,300 --> 00:07:20,740 to be together with you now and forever. 74 00:07:20,740 --> 00:07:24,260 ♫ She ascends the pavilion ♫ 75 00:07:24,260 --> 00:07:28,640 ♫ Unable to see the stars ♫ 76 00:07:28,640 --> 00:07:30,769 Perhaps... 77 00:07:33,100 --> 00:07:36,007 We can consider having a child. 78 00:07:38,100 --> 00:07:42,360 ♫ Upon the high wall, smoke and ash descends ♫ 79 00:07:42,360 --> 00:07:44,500 Aren't you scared? 80 00:07:44,500 --> 00:07:49,680 This would create a new and bigger weakness for us. 81 00:07:49,680 --> 00:07:53,860 If you're not scared, then I'm not. 82 00:07:58,680 --> 00:08:02,230 ♫ Who gazes up at the sky? ♫ 83 00:08:02,230 --> 00:08:05,660 ♫ Who gazes up at the sky? ♫ 84 00:08:05,660 --> 00:08:09,180 ♫ In the night's piercing winds ♫ 85 00:08:09,180 --> 00:08:12,580 ♫ Why is she singing? ♫ 86 00:08:12,580 --> 00:08:16,100 ♫ The wind sways the yellow buttercups ♫ 87 00:08:17,445 --> 00:08:19,540 [Taiji Hall] 88 00:08:19,590 --> 00:08:23,430 ♫ In this vast world ♫ 89 00:08:24,860 --> 00:08:27,746 Your Majesty, the farmers in Jiangnan have started planting rice seedlings. 90 00:08:27,746 --> 00:08:31,980 Due to this year's colder temperatures, the sowing period began later than that in previous years. 91 00:08:36,880 --> 00:08:40,920 Your Majesty, the imperial examination candidates have all arrived in the capital. 92 00:08:40,920 --> 00:08:43,760 The examinations will begin soon, and we will need to make arrangements for the personnel involved. 93 00:08:43,760 --> 00:08:49,260 I hope you will swiftly approve our request for the staff mobilizations. 94 00:09:00,020 --> 00:09:01,960 I understand. 95 00:09:08,660 --> 00:09:09,995 Court dismissed. 96 00:09:09,995 --> 00:09:11,360 [Taiji Hall] 97 00:09:11,360 --> 00:09:13,220 Official Pei. 98 00:09:13,980 --> 00:09:16,020 Eunuch Fu. 99 00:09:16,020 --> 00:09:18,400 His Majesty is summoning you. 100 00:09:19,260 --> 00:09:21,500 Please lead the way, Eunuch Fu. 101 00:09:24,780 --> 00:09:28,320 There are quite a number of talented scholars among this year's candidates. 102 00:09:28,320 --> 00:09:29,840 I was too narrow-minded after all. 103 00:09:29,840 --> 00:09:33,080 Many talents lie among the commoners. 104 00:09:33,080 --> 00:09:37,740 Anyone who can win your appreciation must be trustworthy indeed. 105 00:09:48,700 --> 00:09:52,920 Rongqing, you're back. 106 00:09:52,920 --> 00:09:56,440 I'm back. 107 00:09:57,660 --> 00:10:00,160 But you are not the one I used to know. 108 00:10:01,340 --> 00:10:02,980 I'm sorry. 109 00:10:02,980 --> 00:10:06,860 This is my only way to protect you. 110 00:10:06,860 --> 00:10:10,560 My love for you has never changed. 111 00:10:10,560 --> 00:10:12,900 Give me more time. 112 00:10:12,900 --> 00:10:14,800 Wait for me. 113 00:10:18,700 --> 00:10:20,520 Official Su. 114 00:10:21,180 --> 00:10:23,100 Official Su? 115 00:10:25,260 --> 00:10:28,140 Therefore, it is important to select a good chief examiner. 116 00:10:28,140 --> 00:10:29,840 You're right, Official Su. 117 00:10:29,840 --> 00:10:34,590 I have some people to recommend myself. Why don't we talk about it while walking? 118 00:10:35,140 --> 00:10:36,640 Sure. 119 00:10:45,620 --> 00:10:47,500 [People] 120 00:10:47,500 --> 00:10:50,060 - Your Majesty. - Greetings, Your Majesty. 121 00:10:50,060 --> 00:10:51,920 You may rise. 122 00:10:52,540 --> 00:10:57,040 Pei Wenxuan, I called for you to discuss your recent promotion 123 00:10:57,040 --> 00:10:59,480 to the Vice Minister of Personnel. 124 00:10:59,480 --> 00:11:03,720 You've been rising through the ranks too quickly, and many are not convinced. 125 00:11:03,720 --> 00:11:06,940 Do you have any plans for this? 126 00:11:07,840 --> 00:11:10,260 Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. 127 00:11:10,260 --> 00:11:13,020 I know that I am not that experienced, 128 00:11:13,020 --> 00:11:15,380 but I have my seniors to help me in the Ministry of Personnel. [People's hearts] 129 00:11:15,380 --> 00:11:18,460 And I have built relationships in the Censorate. 130 00:11:18,460 --> 00:11:20,680 Therefore, rest assured, Your Majesty. 131 00:11:24,700 --> 00:11:28,100 However, you're the prince consort, 132 00:11:29,140 --> 00:11:33,920 and Pingyue has been offending many officials lately. 133 00:11:34,500 --> 00:11:38,280 There are many officials from the Xie Family working in the Ministry of Personnel. 134 00:11:38,280 --> 00:11:43,000 I'm afraid you'll have a hard time being transferred there. 135 00:11:44,160 --> 00:11:45,860 How about this? 136 00:11:45,860 --> 00:11:50,660 I'll transfer you to the Ministry of Rites to make your life easier, what do say you? 137 00:11:51,680 --> 00:11:56,100 Your Majesty, please seek justice for me. 138 00:11:56,100 --> 00:11:58,040 What justice do you want me to seek for you? 139 00:11:58,040 --> 00:12:04,160 Your Majesty, I would like to request a divorce from Her Highness Pingyue. 140 00:12:04,160 --> 00:12:07,580 - I hope you will approve it. - What did you say? 141 00:12:07,580 --> 00:12:10,420 You want a divorce from Pingyue? 142 00:12:10,420 --> 00:12:12,140 What's wrong with my daughter? 143 00:12:12,140 --> 00:12:15,460 Why do you want to divorce her? Pei Wenxuan, how dare you! 144 00:12:15,460 --> 00:12:20,280 Your Majesty, I... I... I've suffered. 145 00:12:20,280 --> 00:12:23,640 Look. It's the Princess' doing. 146 00:12:27,340 --> 00:12:29,380 Why were you two actually fighting about? 147 00:12:29,380 --> 00:12:32,260 She even hurt you badly. 148 00:12:32,260 --> 00:12:34,040 You didn't hit her, did you? 149 00:12:34,040 --> 00:12:39,580 I... No, no! The Princess is so noble. I wouldn't dare. 150 00:12:48,620 --> 00:12:50,380 Get up. 151 00:12:51,960 --> 00:12:55,100 Tell me what happened exactly. 152 00:12:55,100 --> 00:12:59,660 It started with a talisman. 153 00:12:59,660 --> 00:13:01,860 When the princess returned home yesterday, 154 00:13:01,860 --> 00:13:08,440 I went to fetch her, but she told everyone outside that I sought a talisman randomly 155 00:13:08,440 --> 00:13:10,740 that made her fall into Consort Rou's trap. 156 00:13:10,740 --> 00:13:14,940 Your Majesty, why would I do such a thing? 157 00:13:14,940 --> 00:13:18,940 Here it is. This isn't even my handwriting. 158 00:13:24,580 --> 00:13:29,860 Actually, I believe that you probably have your own judgment now. 159 00:13:29,860 --> 00:13:32,660 I don't wish to talk more about it, 160 00:13:32,660 --> 00:13:37,140 but what I'm going to say next is something I cannot tolerate any longer. 161 00:13:37,140 --> 00:13:40,840 Your Majesty, you do know that I suggested to the princess to establish the Inspectorate Office 162 00:13:40,840 --> 00:13:43,620 to share your burden. 163 00:13:43,620 --> 00:13:49,180 But now, many officials in the palace, including the crown prince and the empress, 164 00:13:49,180 --> 00:13:53,040 are unhappy with the princess because of this. 165 00:13:53,040 --> 00:13:57,280 Last night, the princess and I got into an argument. 166 00:13:57,280 --> 00:14:01,700 In anger, she actually called me a lowly and despicable man. 167 00:14:01,700 --> 00:14:05,160 She even said I was worse than the entertainers from Nanfeng House. 168 00:14:05,160 --> 00:14:08,080 Isn't that humiliating? 169 00:14:09,780 --> 00:14:13,800 I indeed came from a humble background, but I am a man after all. 170 00:14:13,800 --> 00:14:17,980 Even though she is the princess, she can't insult me like that. 171 00:14:19,060 --> 00:14:24,040 I married the princess to fulfill your command and my duty as an official. 172 00:14:24,040 --> 00:14:28,340 Why am I getting humiliated instead? 173 00:14:28,340 --> 00:14:29,700 Let's take a step back. 174 00:14:29,700 --> 00:14:33,440 No matter how unreasonable Her Highness is, I can tolerate her behavior. 175 00:14:33,440 --> 00:14:38,960 But now, I have to say as her husband and your official, I have remained loyal. 176 00:14:38,960 --> 00:14:40,680 But what about the princess? 177 00:14:40,680 --> 00:14:44,080 She went on a lantern night cruise together with a dozen entertainers. 178 00:14:44,080 --> 00:14:48,740 How am I... How is everyone else going to think of me? 179 00:14:52,980 --> 00:14:58,720 Your Majesty, I know I'm wrong and I have disappointed you. 180 00:14:58,720 --> 00:15:04,120 But I implore you, that for the sake of my diligent father and my loyal service, 181 00:15:04,120 --> 00:15:08,040 please permit me to divorce Her Highness Pingyue. 182 00:15:16,940 --> 00:15:21,140 Your Majesty, I really can't live like this anymore. 183 00:15:22,500 --> 00:15:27,460 If that's the case, since Pingyue has been overbearing indeed, 184 00:15:27,460 --> 00:15:32,180 and you're set on a divorce, I shall not force you. 185 00:15:32,980 --> 00:15:34,500 How about this? 186 00:15:34,500 --> 00:15:38,860 You go home first while I draft a decree. 187 00:15:38,860 --> 00:15:41,240 Thank you, Your Majesty. You're brilliant. 188 00:15:41,240 --> 00:15:43,240 I'll take my leave. 189 00:15:44,500 --> 00:15:46,900 Consort Rou said that the talisman was fake. 190 00:15:46,900 --> 00:15:48,900 Her Highness Pingyue took it with her. 191 00:15:48,900 --> 00:15:51,680 What if they try to verify it? 192 00:15:51,680 --> 00:15:54,540 Hongde has been taken away as well. 193 00:15:54,540 --> 00:15:58,380 Official, if he ever babbles, Consort Rou will be implicated. 194 00:15:58,380 --> 00:16:01,520 He won't get to talk. Tell Consort Rou to rest assured. 195 00:16:01,520 --> 00:16:03,260 What about the talisman? 196 00:16:03,260 --> 00:16:10,000 Since Her Highness took it, even if they find out that it's fake, what can they do? 197 00:16:10,000 --> 00:16:14,120 What if they tell His Majesty that the princess told a lie? 198 00:16:14,120 --> 00:16:17,140 Then, why would the princess do that? 199 00:16:17,140 --> 00:16:21,860 If His Majesty has his doubts, he would try to test Pei Wenxuan and the princess. 200 00:16:21,860 --> 00:16:26,140 Pei Wenxuan would expose himself by then. 201 00:16:26,140 --> 00:16:28,700 Why are you so sure, Official? 202 00:16:28,700 --> 00:16:31,993 Pei Wenxuan might just agree to get a divorce instead. 203 00:16:31,993 --> 00:16:34,193 He'd never agree to it. 204 00:16:35,340 --> 00:16:39,020 Because he won't. He dares not. 205 00:16:39,880 --> 00:16:41,980 And he doesn't even want to. 206 00:16:43,140 --> 00:16:45,580 Everyone has weaknesses. 207 00:16:45,580 --> 00:16:48,680 Pei Wenxuan has always maintained a clean reputation, 208 00:16:48,680 --> 00:16:50,920 and he's good at building relationships. 209 00:16:50,920 --> 00:16:53,200 That's why he has all sorts of talents and tricks at his disposal. 210 00:16:53,200 --> 00:16:57,240 It's not easy to thwart his political career. 211 00:16:57,240 --> 00:17:01,160 If you try to take him down directly, it'd cost us even more. 212 00:17:01,160 --> 00:17:05,700 He cares about Her Highness. He cares about their relationship. 213 00:17:07,820 --> 00:17:11,760 He would never abandon the princess for power. 214 00:17:11,760 --> 00:17:17,000 As long as he doesn't get a divorce, His Majesty will remain doubtful, 215 00:17:17,540 --> 00:17:19,960 and Pei Wenxuan will feel hard to turn the tide. 216 00:17:20,740 --> 00:17:22,520 What if he does agree to divorce the princess? 217 00:17:22,520 --> 00:17:24,920 Then he deserves to die. 218 00:17:24,920 --> 00:17:27,620 Anyone who lets the princess down... 219 00:17:29,330 --> 00:17:31,400 shall be killed. 220 00:17:32,540 --> 00:17:37,940 Your Majesty, the writing on the talisman is fake. 221 00:17:45,020 --> 00:17:51,300 Fulai, do you know what the toughest thing about being a ruler is? 222 00:17:52,780 --> 00:17:57,900 Your Majesty, how would I know the answer to that? 223 00:17:57,900 --> 00:18:01,820 Everyone around you may be deceiving you. 224 00:18:02,620 --> 00:18:06,500 While anyone else can obtain the truth easily. 225 00:18:06,500 --> 00:18:12,500 As the Emperor, I have to search for the truth amid a trove of lies. 226 00:18:12,500 --> 00:18:18,720 What's more, these truths are often consisting of the half-lies they tell me. 227 00:18:18,720 --> 00:18:21,860 But you're the wisest man in the country, Your Majesty. 228 00:18:23,200 --> 00:18:25,560 The wisest man? 229 00:18:25,560 --> 00:18:27,580 How am I wise? 230 00:18:28,860 --> 00:18:30,900 The talisman is fake. 231 00:18:30,900 --> 00:18:34,060 Then is Pei Wenxuan completely innocent? 232 00:18:38,380 --> 00:18:41,900 Tell me who do you think is speaking the truth? 233 00:18:41,900 --> 00:18:45,580 Your Majesty, you're putting me in a spot. 234 00:18:49,740 --> 00:18:55,980 I remember that when I was a boy, someone kept stealing my persimmons. 235 00:18:55,980 --> 00:18:58,940 I investigated it for a long time, 236 00:18:58,940 --> 00:19:03,660 and just as I thought, you were the thief. 237 00:19:03,660 --> 00:19:06,080 - Do you remember that? - Of course. 238 00:19:06,080 --> 00:19:09,820 How could I ever forget? 239 00:19:12,040 --> 00:19:18,180 Actually, there's something else that I've been hiding from you. 240 00:19:18,180 --> 00:19:22,860 - There's more? - Back then, I was punished, so I got angry. 241 00:19:22,860 --> 00:19:26,000 No amount of persimmons could quell my anger. 242 00:19:26,000 --> 00:19:31,260 So, I stole something else from you. 243 00:19:31,260 --> 00:19:34,780 How dare you. What else did you steal? 244 00:19:34,780 --> 00:19:40,080 Crab meatballs, your favorite dish when you were young. 245 00:19:43,980 --> 00:19:49,610 So, even back then, you were already getting cheeky 246 00:19:49,610 --> 00:19:52,780 and fat at that time. 247 00:19:54,140 --> 00:19:56,420 Those were the good old days. 248 00:19:56,420 --> 00:19:57,960 There was nothing much to be concerned about. 249 00:19:57,960 --> 00:20:03,780 Even if I couldn't guess it right, I'd just lose a few persimmons at worst. 250 00:20:03,780 --> 00:20:05,680 However, it's different now. 251 00:20:05,680 --> 00:20:11,580 If I make the wrong guess, I'd be losing the entire country. 252 00:20:20,820 --> 00:20:26,300 Your Majesty, about the prince consort and Princess Pingyue's divorce, 253 00:20:26,300 --> 00:20:28,400 should I draft a decree now? 254 00:20:28,400 --> 00:20:30,260 Just put it aside for now. 255 00:20:32,260 --> 00:20:35,880 Your Majesty, Consort Rou has always been gentle. 256 00:20:35,880 --> 00:20:38,420 She's always obeyed your commands. 257 00:20:38,420 --> 00:20:44,960 Now that she brought Hongde into the palace, I'm afraid someone must be manipulating her. 258 00:20:44,960 --> 00:20:47,020 I'm worried... 259 00:20:48,680 --> 00:20:52,900 Well, get someone to investigate this. 260 00:20:53,854 --> 00:20:55,834 Yes, Your Majesty. 261 00:20:56,760 --> 00:21:00,300 Young Master! Her Highness is resting. 262 00:21:00,300 --> 00:21:04,420 I know. Tell everyone in the inner courtyard to leave. 263 00:21:04,420 --> 00:21:05,980 Go. 264 00:21:13,220 --> 00:21:14,700 Why would I stay in the sleeping chambers? 265 00:21:14,700 --> 00:21:17,860 I'm sleeping in the study from now on! 266 00:21:23,580 --> 00:21:27,060 Young Master! The study is this way... 267 00:21:30,820 --> 00:21:32,880 Don't make everyone else hear you. 268 00:21:32,880 --> 00:21:36,680 I'm having a falling-out with Her Highness. No one can see me meeting her. 269 00:21:36,680 --> 00:21:39,060 - Why? - You... 270 00:21:40,260 --> 00:21:43,980 Guard the study's entrance. If anyone asks, tell them I'm in the study. 271 00:21:48,420 --> 00:21:50,700 Thoughtful indeed. 272 00:21:53,500 --> 00:21:56,880 Rong Rong. Rong Rong. 273 00:22:00,460 --> 00:22:02,480 You're back. 274 00:22:12,260 --> 00:22:14,420 How was today? 275 00:22:14,420 --> 00:22:17,020 What did my father say? 276 00:22:17,020 --> 00:22:20,100 Did he approve of our divorce? 277 00:22:20,100 --> 00:22:25,240 He didn't say that. But I complained about you. 278 00:22:28,640 --> 00:22:31,500 You, little cat, bit and scratched me. 279 00:22:31,500 --> 00:22:33,480 I don't want you anymore. 280 00:22:35,720 --> 00:22:38,620 This little cat is going to apologize to you. 281 00:22:38,620 --> 00:22:42,240 - How? - How? 282 00:22:42,240 --> 00:22:44,420 Seriously, what happened next. 283 00:22:44,420 --> 00:22:46,900 Then, I complained about Consort Rou. 284 00:22:46,900 --> 00:22:50,700 I said she tricked you with a talisman. 285 00:22:50,700 --> 00:22:54,680 His Majesty should realize that someone might be using her. 286 00:22:54,680 --> 00:22:59,220 Then, His Majesty said he would draft a decree to allow us to divorce, and I came back. 287 00:22:59,220 --> 00:23:02,160 However, Father has always favored Consort Rou. 288 00:23:02,160 --> 00:23:05,360 What you did probably won't be very effective. 289 00:23:05,360 --> 00:23:10,140 If His Majesty feels that Consort Rou is being used to bring him down, 290 00:23:10,140 --> 00:23:12,000 he won't forgive her. 291 00:23:12,000 --> 00:23:18,400 You mean my father needs to realize that Consort Rou is being manipulated by the noble families. 292 00:23:20,880 --> 00:23:24,680 Your complaint alone won't be enough. 293 00:23:24,680 --> 00:23:26,560 That's all right. 294 00:23:26,560 --> 00:23:29,590 Even in chess, you play one move after another. 295 00:23:30,140 --> 00:23:34,660 Did you think when someone tricked me, I would not trick them back? 296 00:23:35,900 --> 00:23:38,360 Anyone can bluff. 297 00:23:38,360 --> 00:23:42,200 Official Pei, you need to show me what you've got. 298 00:23:43,360 --> 00:23:45,300 We'll see. 299 00:23:52,200 --> 00:23:54,020 Teacher Du. 300 00:23:56,640 --> 00:23:58,620 Young Master Pei? 301 00:24:02,420 --> 00:24:06,020 You're already a skilled calligrapher yourself, and it's been quite some time since you last came for lessons. 302 00:24:06,020 --> 00:24:08,920 What brings you here today? 303 00:24:08,920 --> 00:24:12,540 Teacher Du, I have a favor to ask of you. 304 00:24:14,600 --> 00:24:17,688 Do you think you can replicate this handwriting? [Dispel all misfortunes] 305 00:24:17,688 --> 00:24:19,960 This person has a solid foundation in the clerical script. 306 00:24:19,960 --> 00:24:25,400 It's not that hard, but you know my rules. 307 00:24:25,400 --> 00:24:27,820 I don't forge letters and documents. 308 00:24:27,820 --> 00:24:33,380 Yes. However, what if it's for the sake of justice? 309 00:24:33,380 --> 00:24:35,580 For justice? 310 00:24:47,620 --> 00:24:49,300 Your Highness. 311 00:24:51,120 --> 00:24:53,280 Why do you look so tired? 312 00:24:53,280 --> 00:24:54,760 Did you not sleep last night? 313 00:24:54,760 --> 00:24:56,240 I'm fine. Take a look at this. 314 00:24:56,240 --> 00:24:59,680 What's this? Eat something first. 315 00:25:00,195 --> 00:25:02,645 [Testimony] 316 00:25:05,700 --> 00:25:09,160 You went out early in the morning to forge Hongde's handwriting? 317 00:25:09,160 --> 00:25:11,520 Read the content carefully. 318 00:25:15,340 --> 00:25:18,960 You actually wrote that Su Rongqing went to Qingfeng Taoist Temple 319 00:25:18,960 --> 00:25:23,840 and threatened Hongde with his power to deceive Consort Rou to frame us. 320 00:25:23,840 --> 00:25:25,640 Why did you leave Consort Rou out of this, though? 321 00:25:25,640 --> 00:25:27,360 We're offering His Majesty a way out through Consort Rou. 322 00:25:27,360 --> 00:25:31,060 If we don't leave her out of this, His Majesty won't be able to act. 323 00:25:32,520 --> 00:25:38,860 It's just that, by doing this, we're literally declaring war against Su Rongqing. 324 00:25:42,040 --> 00:25:44,740 I'm afraid he already has. 325 00:25:51,820 --> 00:25:53,600 Your Majesty... 326 00:25:53,600 --> 00:25:59,600 Our men reported that Princess Pingyue and the prince consort are sleeping separately. 327 00:25:59,600 --> 00:26:01,560 Let them be. 328 00:26:01,560 --> 00:26:05,580 Then, what about the divorce? 329 00:26:06,400 --> 00:26:08,960 It's tough for a lady to remarry. 330 00:26:09,440 --> 00:26:11,320 Let's see how it goes first. 331 00:26:11,920 --> 00:26:13,620 Yes, Your Majesty. 332 00:26:13,620 --> 00:26:15,080 [Inspectorate Office] 333 00:26:15,080 --> 00:26:17,720 Your Highness! 334 00:26:17,720 --> 00:26:20,080 Your Highness, I was tricked! 335 00:26:20,080 --> 00:26:22,640 Please spare me, Your Highness! Please spare me! 336 00:26:22,640 --> 00:26:25,820 You may leave now. I'll talk to him alone. 337 00:26:26,340 --> 00:26:29,940 Your Highness, I'd love to learn how to interrogate... 338 00:26:29,940 --> 00:26:33,460 Let's go. I'll buy you some drinks. 339 00:26:33,460 --> 00:26:35,020 Let's go. 340 00:26:36,920 --> 00:26:41,680 You said someone tricked you. Who was it? 341 00:26:42,560 --> 00:26:45,040 I... I don't know. 342 00:26:45,040 --> 00:26:47,000 You don't know? 343 00:26:47,760 --> 00:26:49,400 Are you taking me as a fool? 344 00:26:49,400 --> 00:26:53,280 No, Your Highness. I... I really don't know. 345 00:26:53,280 --> 00:26:57,960 All I know is that a young master came to Qingfeng Taoist Temple that night 346 00:26:57,960 --> 00:27:00,480 and summoned me. 347 00:27:00,480 --> 00:27:04,120 I... I don't even know who he is. 348 00:27:04,120 --> 00:27:07,080 I didn't even get to see his guard's face. 349 00:27:07,080 --> 00:27:09,760 But he kidnapped my son. 350 00:27:09,760 --> 00:27:12,440 I had no choice. 351 00:27:12,440 --> 00:27:14,620 You have a son? 352 00:27:18,120 --> 00:27:19,880 Go on. What happened next? 353 00:27:19,880 --> 00:27:23,480 Then, he tied me up and put me into his carriage. 354 00:27:23,480 --> 00:27:30,920 He told me that he would expose your intent to delay the crown prince's wedding. 355 00:27:30,920 --> 00:27:33,860 This isn't a lie, is it? 356 00:27:33,860 --> 00:27:36,960 That itself is a lie. I've never done anything like that. 357 00:27:36,960 --> 00:27:39,160 Yes. 358 00:27:39,160 --> 00:27:43,280 It's true that you have never called for me. 359 00:27:43,280 --> 00:27:48,860 However, no matter what, I really had no choice. 360 00:27:48,860 --> 00:27:52,080 Your Highness, I hope you'll show me mercy and spare my life. 361 00:27:52,080 --> 00:27:58,040 I can show you some mercy, but you'll have to listen to me. 362 00:28:00,760 --> 00:28:03,400 You didn't know who called for you, right? 363 00:28:03,400 --> 00:28:05,420 However, I do. 364 00:28:06,080 --> 00:28:08,550 - Su Rongqing. - Second Young Master Su? 365 00:28:08,550 --> 00:28:12,380 - I want you to identify him. - Identify him? 366 00:28:13,200 --> 00:28:17,080 How is that different from asking me to die? 367 00:28:20,240 --> 00:28:23,200 I know what you're thinking. 368 00:28:23,200 --> 00:28:26,240 You think that your son is in someone else's hands, 369 00:28:26,240 --> 00:28:29,840 and I have nothing to coerce you other than your own life. 370 00:28:29,840 --> 00:28:33,400 Given your background, if you identify Su Rongqing, 371 00:28:33,400 --> 00:28:35,960 the Su Family would never let you off. 372 00:28:35,960 --> 00:28:39,600 Since you're going to die, you might as well keep your son alive. 373 00:28:40,680 --> 00:28:45,860 However, only I can protect the both of you. 374 00:28:47,880 --> 00:28:51,680 I'll tell you something else I know. Tell me if I'm wrong. 375 00:28:51,680 --> 00:28:55,640 Five years ago, you conned a young lady 376 00:28:55,640 --> 00:29:01,233 for thousands of taels by telling her that she needed to change her fate on your popularity. 377 00:29:01,233 --> 00:29:04,400 Four years ago, you had an affair with an official's wife. 378 00:29:04,400 --> 00:29:09,680 While she visited Qingfeng Taoist Temple every month to pray, she was actually in your bedroom. 379 00:29:11,140 --> 00:29:13,680 - Three years ago... - Your Highness. 380 00:29:13,680 --> 00:29:16,760 Your Highness, how do you know so much? 381 00:29:16,760 --> 00:29:20,840 If you don't want people to know your wrongdoings, then don't do it. 382 00:29:20,840 --> 00:29:25,900 You've deceived and harmed so many people. Don't you feel guilty at all? 383 00:29:25,900 --> 00:29:27,600 Guilty? 384 00:29:29,000 --> 00:29:31,300 Why should I feel guilty? 385 00:29:31,920 --> 00:29:35,560 There are tons of other people who are more evil than me. 386 00:29:35,560 --> 00:29:38,400 You must have seen people who would kill for a meager sum of money. 387 00:29:38,400 --> 00:29:41,440 That's pure evil. 388 00:29:42,240 --> 00:29:47,180 People like me commit sins once in a while. 389 00:29:47,180 --> 00:29:51,700 You may say that bad guys like us don't deserve to live in this world. 390 00:29:52,320 --> 00:29:54,380 However, what if there are plenty of people like me? 391 00:29:54,920 --> 00:29:59,080 Would that be mankind's fault or society's fault? 392 00:30:00,740 --> 00:30:04,620 That's why I hope that my efforts can make 393 00:30:04,620 --> 00:30:08,680 noblemen and commoners live together in harmony, and the world be at peace. 394 00:30:08,680 --> 00:30:10,100 Your Highness. 395 00:30:10,100 --> 00:30:13,980 I admit that the Great Xia isn't perfect, 396 00:30:13,980 --> 00:30:19,020 but this shouldn't be a reason or excuse for your sins. 397 00:30:19,020 --> 00:30:26,360 If as the princess said, I can't afford to offend both the princess and the Su Family. 398 00:30:26,360 --> 00:30:29,860 Your Majesty, Princess Pingyue is requesting an audience. 399 00:30:29,860 --> 00:30:32,540 Why is she here at this late hour? 400 00:30:32,540 --> 00:30:36,860 Imperial Father. Imperial Father, please seek justice for me. 401 00:30:39,000 --> 00:30:40,000 What is it? 402 00:30:40,000 --> 00:30:43,480 Imperial Father, you need to discipline Pei Wenxuan for me. 403 00:30:43,480 --> 00:30:44,920 He's gone too far. 404 00:30:44,920 --> 00:30:46,640 What exactly happened? 405 00:30:46,640 --> 00:30:50,620 A few days ago, Pei Wenxuan and I had a quarrel. 406 00:30:50,620 --> 00:30:54,960 He's been ignoring me since then, and he even said he wanted a divorce. 407 00:30:54,960 --> 00:30:57,000 He said you've already drafted a decree. 408 00:30:57,000 --> 00:30:58,480 I don't believe him. 409 00:30:58,480 --> 00:31:01,400 Why would a father order his daughter to get a divorce? 410 00:31:01,400 --> 00:31:05,000 If I do get a divorce, who else can I look for? 411 00:31:05,000 --> 00:31:07,320 If you don't want to get divorced, 412 00:31:07,320 --> 00:31:10,660 then why were you cruising with those men from Nanfeng House? 413 00:31:13,760 --> 00:31:17,460 I was just trying to cross him. 414 00:31:20,900 --> 00:31:26,080 Imperial Father, I've realized my mistake. Please persuade him for me. 415 00:31:26,080 --> 00:31:30,520 He can't ignore me forever. He's even moved to the outer courtyard. 416 00:31:31,320 --> 00:31:33,120 How about you command him to come back? 417 00:31:33,120 --> 00:31:34,780 Ridiculous! 418 00:31:35,760 --> 00:31:38,680 I appointed you as the Supervisor of the Inspectorate Office, 419 00:31:38,680 --> 00:31:43,680 and now you're indulging yourself in debauchery instead of fulfilling your duties. 420 00:31:43,680 --> 00:31:45,120 What's wrong with you? 421 00:31:45,120 --> 00:31:47,180 You've wronged me, Father. 422 00:31:47,180 --> 00:31:50,000 We may quarrel sometimes, but I still do my work. 423 00:31:50,000 --> 00:31:54,600 In fact, you haven't replied to my memorial that I submitted a few days ago. 424 00:31:54,600 --> 00:31:56,140 What are you planning to do? 425 00:31:56,140 --> 00:31:58,880 - What memorial? - Hongde's testimony. 426 00:31:58,880 --> 00:32:01,600 I submitted all the evidence several days ago. 427 00:32:01,600 --> 00:32:04,480 We just need a word from you to start investigating Su Rongqing. 428 00:32:04,480 --> 00:32:08,540 How is Su Rongqing related to this? 429 00:32:08,540 --> 00:32:10,680 Well... 430 00:32:10,680 --> 00:32:17,660 Hongde said it was Su Rongqing who went to him to tell Consort Rou all that. 431 00:32:17,660 --> 00:32:21,080 Haven't you read my memorial? 432 00:32:22,300 --> 00:32:27,140 Fulai, go to the Remonstration Office to bring the princess' memorial here. I want to review it now. 433 00:32:27,140 --> 00:32:29,100 Yes, Your Majesty. 434 00:32:29,720 --> 00:32:31,520 As soon as Imperial Father reads the memorial, 435 00:32:31,520 --> 00:32:35,540 he will find out that Su Rongqing has been using Consort Rou for the noble families' benefit. 436 00:32:35,540 --> 00:32:41,500 Imperial Father will start to get suspicious, and Su Rongqing can no longer associate himself with Prince Su. 437 00:32:42,560 --> 00:32:47,260 If this memorial gets submitted, you will be implicated, Young Master. 438 00:32:47,260 --> 00:32:51,120 On the occasion of the assessment for the position of Minister, everyone has high hopes on you. 439 00:32:51,120 --> 00:32:55,100 I am worried that this memorial may hinder you, so I took it out secretly. 440 00:32:55,100 --> 00:32:57,020 Xuanji. 441 00:32:59,680 --> 00:33:05,000 I transferred you there, and it seems that my plan has backfired. 442 00:33:05,000 --> 00:33:07,220 This round... 443 00:33:08,260 --> 00:33:10,160 We have lost. 444 00:33:12,600 --> 00:33:15,180 This testimony is a fake. [Testimony] 445 00:33:15,880 --> 00:33:17,480 It's fake? 446 00:33:17,480 --> 00:33:21,840 The princess deliberately submitted this fake testimony... 447 00:33:22,400 --> 00:33:24,980 for you to steal. 448 00:33:24,980 --> 00:33:30,680 If my guess is correct, the princess must be already in the palace now. 449 00:33:31,800 --> 00:33:36,600 And His Majesty must have already sent someone to retrieve this memorial. 450 00:33:38,040 --> 00:33:39,640 Go back now. 451 00:33:39,640 --> 00:33:42,040 - I'll put it back right away. - No need. 452 00:33:42,040 --> 00:33:48,360 Even if you do, the princess will claim that her memorial has been switched. 453 00:33:48,360 --> 00:33:52,640 Once they start investigating, you'll be implicated as well. 454 00:33:52,640 --> 00:33:56,920 By then, you'll lose your job. 455 00:33:56,920 --> 00:33:58,400 What should I do then? 456 00:33:58,400 --> 00:34:04,740 Leave this thing here. Pretend that you don't know anything. 457 00:34:04,740 --> 00:34:08,140 Are you supposed to be on shift now? 458 00:34:08,140 --> 00:34:09,900 No. 459 00:34:09,900 --> 00:34:13,940 That's great. Go back home and sleep. 460 00:34:13,940 --> 00:34:17,480 Pretend that you've never been here. 461 00:34:19,020 --> 00:34:21,040 I'll take my leave. 462 00:34:23,020 --> 00:34:28,160 I plotted and schemed to make Hongde accuse the princess of delaying the crown prince's wedding. 463 00:34:28,160 --> 00:34:32,740 I even prepared a marriage talisman to undermine His Majesty's trust in Pei Wenxuan and Her Highness. 464 00:34:32,740 --> 00:34:36,500 But the princess used this to her advantage instead. 465 00:34:36,500 --> 00:34:38,320 Mu Hong. 466 00:34:38,820 --> 00:34:40,280 Young Master. 467 00:34:40,280 --> 00:34:46,780 Get a servant to sneak into the palace and burn the Remonstration Office. 468 00:34:50,380 --> 00:34:53,460 When the fire starts to burn, make sure he doesn't leave. 469 00:34:53,460 --> 00:34:56,660 Just leave him there. 470 00:34:56,660 --> 00:34:58,980 You want to burn the Remonstration Office? 471 00:34:58,980 --> 00:35:01,480 Isn't that a bit too much? 472 00:35:02,460 --> 00:35:04,840 It's not just too much. 473 00:35:05,900 --> 00:35:08,980 - It's the boldest and craziest idea ever. - Young Master... 474 00:35:08,980 --> 00:35:12,340 Just do as I say, and wait for the results. 475 00:35:12,340 --> 00:35:15,380 Whatever will be, will be. 476 00:35:15,380 --> 00:35:17,820 - Go. - Yes. 477 00:35:27,515 --> 00:35:29,332 [Li Rong, Supervisor of the Inspectorate Office] 478 00:35:29,332 --> 00:35:31,440 [Su Rongqing, Vice Minister of Personnel] 479 00:35:48,060 --> 00:35:50,260 Your Majesty, bad news! 480 00:35:50,260 --> 00:35:52,220 The Remonstration Office is on fire! 481 00:35:52,220 --> 00:35:54,100 - Your Majesty! - Say that again. 482 00:35:54,100 --> 00:35:55,940 - Where is on fire? - The Remonstration Office. 483 00:35:55,940 --> 00:35:58,340 It was already burning while I was on my way there. 484 00:35:58,340 --> 00:36:01,140 Many officials are still trapped inside. 485 00:36:01,140 --> 00:36:04,100 - How did the fire start? - We don't know yet. 486 00:36:04,100 --> 00:36:06,180 Imperial Father, let me take a look there. 487 00:36:06,180 --> 00:36:09,420 The building itself is nothing, but we need to save the people and memorials inside. 488 00:36:09,420 --> 00:36:11,940 No need. I will go there myself. 489 00:36:12,620 --> 00:36:14,420 Split into two teams! 490 00:36:14,420 --> 00:36:15,980 Team One, take water from the wells to put out fire! 491 00:36:15,980 --> 00:36:18,660 Team Two, save the people and memorials inside! 492 00:36:18,660 --> 00:36:21,000 - Go! - Your Majesty! 493 00:36:21,000 --> 00:36:23,400 Your Majesty, why are you here? 494 00:36:23,400 --> 00:36:25,240 It's dangerous here. You should go back. 495 00:36:25,240 --> 00:36:27,020 Yes, we'll handle the situation here. 496 00:36:27,020 --> 00:36:30,040 Does any of you know who set fire to the Remonstration Office? 497 00:36:30,040 --> 00:36:32,560 I just received the news and came over right away. 498 00:36:32,560 --> 00:36:35,320 Perhaps someone knocked over a candle stand. 499 00:36:35,320 --> 00:36:39,220 I'm asking who is this bold in court to burn the Remonstration Office! 500 00:36:39,220 --> 00:36:40,920 Your Majesty. 501 00:36:48,980 --> 00:36:52,060 Your Highness, the Remonstration Office is on fire. 502 00:36:52,060 --> 00:36:55,420 The Remonstration Office has always been patrolled every night since it was established. 503 00:36:55,420 --> 00:36:57,020 Why the sudden fire? 504 00:36:57,020 --> 00:36:59,500 His Majesty summoned the princess earlier 505 00:36:59,500 --> 00:37:02,720 and wanted to retrieve Hongde's testimony from the Remonstration Office. 506 00:37:02,720 --> 00:37:04,580 Not long after that, the Remonstration Office was on fire. 507 00:37:04,580 --> 00:37:06,720 He's even burning the Remonstration Office. 508 00:37:06,720 --> 00:37:10,000 Looks like Su Rongqing is really cornered. 509 00:37:10,900 --> 00:37:13,360 Go to the Princess's Mansion, and devise a counter plan with the prince consort. 510 00:37:13,360 --> 00:37:15,040 Yes, Your Highness. 511 00:37:21,020 --> 00:37:23,620 Greetings, Imperial Father. 512 00:37:23,620 --> 00:37:25,080 You may rise. 513 00:37:25,080 --> 00:37:31,600 You said Official Su was involved, and your memorial was burned. 514 00:37:31,600 --> 00:37:35,540 Thus, I called you here to confront each other directly. 515 00:37:37,060 --> 00:37:40,020 Su Rongqing said he did not know Hongde. 516 00:37:40,020 --> 00:37:41,540 What do you have to say? 517 00:37:41,540 --> 00:37:45,320 Whether Su Rongqing knows him or not, Hongde has confessed everything. 518 00:37:45,320 --> 00:37:50,720 It's just that his testimony, together with the Remonstration Office, has suspiciously perished in the fire. 519 00:37:53,140 --> 00:37:57,000 The material evidence maybe gone, but the witness is still there. 520 00:37:57,000 --> 00:37:59,380 Summon Hongde here. 521 00:38:01,220 --> 00:38:03,880 I have done nothing wrong. 522 00:38:04,900 --> 00:38:09,100 Your Highness, someone must have instigated you to make you come to this conclusion. 523 00:38:09,100 --> 00:38:14,020 I also agree we should call Hongde over to ask him in person. 524 00:38:14,020 --> 00:38:15,720 Summon Hongde here? 525 00:38:15,720 --> 00:38:18,460 I couldn't persuade him that day in prison. 526 00:38:18,460 --> 00:38:20,460 After all, his son is still in Su Rongqing's hands. 527 00:38:20,460 --> 00:38:22,820 He wouldn't help me at this point. 528 00:38:24,060 --> 00:38:26,060 But I have no other options now. 529 00:38:26,060 --> 00:38:27,300 Summon him. 530 00:38:27,300 --> 00:38:28,940 Yes, Your Majesty. 531 00:38:30,100 --> 00:38:33,807 While we're waiting, Pingyue, tell me. 532 00:38:33,807 --> 00:38:37,620 Why did you say that Official Su had instigated Hongde to accuse you? 533 00:38:37,620 --> 00:38:41,340 For some reason, Mr. Su went to Hongde. 534 00:38:41,340 --> 00:38:45,460 He kidnapped Hongde's illegitimate son, and used him to coerce Hongde to accuse me 535 00:38:45,460 --> 00:38:47,900 of trying to delay the crown prince's wedding. 536 00:38:47,900 --> 00:38:49,840 Then, he took advantage of his position as Prince Su's tutor 537 00:38:49,840 --> 00:38:53,580 and cajoled Consort Rou into bringing Hongde to the palace. 538 00:38:55,500 --> 00:38:57,020 Official Su. 539 00:38:58,860 --> 00:39:00,940 I have no grudge against you. 540 00:39:02,060 --> 00:39:03,860 Why are you framing me? 541 00:39:05,740 --> 00:39:09,220 Official Su, what say you? 542 00:39:11,980 --> 00:39:16,440 Your Highness, you're claiming that I was trying to set you up 543 00:39:16,440 --> 00:39:21,400 by making Hongde say that you were trying to delay the crown prince's wedding. 544 00:39:21,400 --> 00:39:25,120 Then, why didn't I ask him to accuse you of treason? 545 00:39:28,820 --> 00:39:30,820 You should ask yourself that question, Official Su. 546 00:39:31,780 --> 00:39:33,480 The crown prince is all grown up now. 547 00:39:33,480 --> 00:39:35,020 It's imperative that he get married as soon as possible. 548 00:39:35,020 --> 00:39:38,900 If I want the best for him, I would have chosen a suitable noble lady for him instead. 549 00:39:38,900 --> 00:39:41,206 Why would I want to delay his wedding? 550 00:39:41,206 --> 00:39:44,340 As his elder sister, why would I harm him? 551 00:39:44,340 --> 00:39:47,820 Only you can answer that. 552 00:39:48,700 --> 00:39:52,800 So, you're saying that Su Rongqing burned the Remonstration Office down. 553 00:39:52,800 --> 00:39:57,200 Now that the evidence is destroyed, Hongde will be summoned to the palace. 554 00:39:57,200 --> 00:39:59,240 Won't he expose everything by then? 555 00:39:59,240 --> 00:40:02,280 Would Hongde dare to enter the palace? 556 00:40:02,280 --> 00:40:05,240 Thank you. Just hand him over to us. 557 00:40:05,240 --> 00:40:07,120 Thank you, Eunuch Fu. 558 00:40:08,580 --> 00:40:11,840 This way, Daoist Hongde. 559 00:40:33,620 --> 00:40:36,060 Eunuch Fu, you have to vouch for us. 560 00:40:36,060 --> 00:40:39,620 He was alive when he left the Inspectorate Office. 561 00:40:39,620 --> 00:40:41,420 It's true, Eunuch Fu. 562 00:40:41,420 --> 00:40:44,420 This is not the time to talk about this. 563 00:40:44,420 --> 00:40:46,940 I need to report this to His Majesty. 564 00:40:46,940 --> 00:40:49,820 Your Majesty, Hongde was killed on the way here. 565 00:40:49,820 --> 00:40:51,480 What did you say? 566 00:40:53,260 --> 00:40:54,900 Bring me there. 567 00:40:55,720 --> 00:40:57,920 I'd like to go there, too. 568 00:40:58,580 --> 00:41:00,180 None of you shall leave! 569 00:41:01,062 --> 00:41:03,860 - Let the post-mortem examiner examine his body. - Yes, Your Majesty. 570 00:41:05,100 --> 00:41:07,940 Now that Hongde is dead, no one can prove the truth anymore. 571 00:41:07,940 --> 00:41:12,760 But now, in Father's eyes, Su Rongqing's reputation has been tainted. 572 00:41:12,760 --> 00:41:18,020 If Hongde dies, both the witness and the material evidence will be gone. 573 00:41:18,020 --> 00:41:20,100 No. 574 00:41:20,100 --> 00:41:24,120 If there's no evidence, Imperial Father won't be able to convict Su Rongqing. 575 00:41:24,120 --> 00:41:27,600 He may be doubtful, but while he doubts Su Rongqing, 576 00:41:27,600 --> 00:41:29,880 he will also suspect you and Elder Sister. 577 00:41:29,880 --> 00:41:32,200 That's when the next step comes in. 578 00:41:32,200 --> 00:41:37,220 If His Majesty begins to suspect the truth of the princess's words, 579 00:41:38,100 --> 00:41:42,480 the only thing left to investigate would be the whereabouts of Hongde's son. 580 00:41:42,480 --> 00:41:45,840 The results will be interesting. 581 00:41:45,840 --> 00:41:49,000 - You said Hongde had a son? - Yes, Imperial Father. 582 00:41:49,000 --> 00:41:50,620 And he's in Su Rongqing's hands? 583 00:41:50,620 --> 00:41:52,500 That's right. 584 00:41:52,500 --> 00:41:54,700 - Your Majesty... - Silence. 585 00:41:57,540 --> 00:42:00,140 Fulai, investigate now. 586 00:42:00,140 --> 00:42:01,960 Yes, Your Majesty. 587 00:42:07,260 --> 00:42:10,880 His Majesty may not be able to find out where exactly Hongde's son is, 588 00:42:10,880 --> 00:42:15,320 but he'll discover how the child was taken away. 589 00:42:15,320 --> 00:42:18,240 There must be traces of the abduction. 590 00:42:18,240 --> 00:42:23,600 For example, a passerby might have accidentally witnessed the child's kidnapping, 591 00:42:23,600 --> 00:42:25,800 and recognized the Su Family's emblem. 592 00:42:25,800 --> 00:42:28,380 That's a common possibility, isn't it? 593 00:42:28,380 --> 00:42:30,160 So what? 594 00:42:30,160 --> 00:42:34,480 Even if my father knows the child was abducted by the Su Family, so what? 595 00:42:34,480 --> 00:42:39,020 Since His Majesty already knows that someone brought Hongde into the palace, 596 00:42:39,020 --> 00:42:42,540 and that Hongde's son was taken by the Su Family, 597 00:42:42,540 --> 00:42:47,640 who do you think His Majesty would suspect when there's no evidence? 598 00:42:47,640 --> 00:42:51,400 Hongde cannot afford to offend both the Su Family and the princess. 599 00:42:51,400 --> 00:42:58,260 This is the last kind act he can do to protect his son. 600 00:43:01,420 --> 00:43:04,800 Your Highness, I need to go to the palace to pick up your sister. 601 00:43:04,800 --> 00:43:08,980 Shouldn't you be pretending that your marriage is on the rocks? 602 00:43:08,980 --> 00:43:13,010 We're pretending that we're at odds with each other, but sometimes we must pretend we're in harmony. 603 00:43:14,300 --> 00:43:16,640 I'll take my leave, then. 604 00:43:16,640 --> 00:43:18,720 Take care, Your Highness. 605 00:43:18,720 --> 00:43:21,120 Pass on orders to guard this area well. 606 00:43:21,120 --> 00:43:23,220 No one else may come near. 607 00:43:23,220 --> 00:43:24,760 Yes, Eunuch Fu. 608 00:43:27,020 --> 00:43:32,200 Elder, please tell me what happened that night. 609 00:43:33,300 --> 00:43:37,160 I was working my shift as a night watcher that night. 610 00:43:37,160 --> 00:43:39,480 When I passed by the street where the Taoist Temple is, 611 00:43:39,480 --> 00:43:43,100 I saw a boy being abducted by several men. 612 00:43:43,100 --> 00:43:45,460 I recognized one of them. 613 00:43:45,460 --> 00:43:47,520 He's from the Su Family. 614 00:43:48,540 --> 00:43:51,100 Eunuch Fu, I have completed my investigation. 615 00:43:57,740 --> 00:44:01,380 Your Majesty, this is the post-mortem examiner's result. 616 00:44:11,760 --> 00:44:15,060 The post-mortem examiner said it was suicide. 617 00:44:27,760 --> 00:44:30,100 And the Su Family... 618 00:44:37,520 --> 00:44:39,486 Su Rongqing. 619 00:44:39,486 --> 00:44:42,365 Hand over Hongde's son now. 620 00:44:45,320 --> 00:44:47,740 Your Majesty, I'm being wronged. 621 00:44:47,740 --> 00:44:51,060 I don't know where you heard this from. 622 00:44:51,060 --> 00:44:55,830 Why don't you summon him here, so I can confront him directly? 623 00:44:55,830 --> 00:45:03,240 Subtitles and Timing brought to you by the Royal Troubles Team ⚜️ @viki.com 624 00:45:03,240 --> 00:45:06,640 ♫ Who gazes up at the sky? ♫ 625 00:45:06,640 --> 00:45:10,220 ♫ Who gazes up at the sky? ♫ 626 00:45:10,220 --> 00:45:13,660 ♫ In the night's piercing winds ♫ 627 00:45:13,660 --> 00:45:17,180 ♫ Why is she singing? ♫ 628 00:45:17,180 --> 00:45:20,620 ♫ The wind caresses the hills ♫ 629 00:45:20,620 --> 00:45:24,055 ♫ The wind causes ripples in the water ♫ 630 00:45:24,055 --> 00:45:30,525 ♫ Moonlight graces passing souls ♫ 631 00:45:58,720 --> 00:46:02,100 ♫ Her pace slows ♫ 632 00:46:02,100 --> 00:46:05,620 ♫ As she walks the long path ♫ 633 00:46:05,620 --> 00:46:09,040 ♫ Memories are forgotten and recall again ♫ 634 00:46:09,040 --> 00:46:12,580 ♫ Gazing idly as the clouds pass ♫ 635 00:46:12,580 --> 00:46:16,020 ♫ She holds a red candle ♫ 636 00:46:16,020 --> 00:46:19,360 ♫ Traversing the thick fog, unafraid ♫ 637 00:46:19,360 --> 00:46:22,920 ♫ Life can be bitter sometimes ♫ 638 00:46:22,920 --> 00:46:26,420 ♫ Experience it and carry on with grace ♫ 639 00:46:26,420 --> 00:46:29,860 ♫ Like a fleeting dream ♫ 640 00:46:29,860 --> 00:46:33,340 ♫ Like a fleeting dream ♫ 641 00:46:33,340 --> 00:46:39,220 ♫ Neither warmth nor cold will last ♫ 642 00:46:40,280 --> 00:46:43,680 ♫ Like a fleeting dream ♫ 643 00:46:43,680 --> 00:46:47,140 ♫ Like a fleeting dream ♫ 644 00:46:47,140 --> 00:46:53,900 ♫ The moonlight reflects in her eyes ♫ 645 00:47:21,780 --> 00:47:28,640 ♫ In her gaze, an unwavering faith remains ♫