Original subtitles

[Episode 5]

Master.

Master, they are all over there.

Master, all prime merchandise shipped in from various prefectures.

Go.

These are their indentures.

There will be absolutely no future troubles.

Send them all over.

Yes.

Master, these are just some toys, not worth much.

Open it.

Get up.

How old are you two?

Six.

I'm five.

Tell me, why are you here?

He said if we followed them, there would be delicious food.

Who said that? Point him out to me, okay?

It was him.

I... Master, it wasn't me.

I don't know anything. I didn't know there were children.

I'll take you to a good place.

There's lots of delicious food there, okay?

Okay.

Good.

Come on. Be careful.

Master, I really didn't know there were children inside.

I don't know anything.

He was in charge of this whole thing.

It was him! It was him!

- It wasn't me. - Master, have mercy.

I wouldn't dare, even if my life depended on it.

Master, this really has nothing to do with me.

Master, you really can't blame me for this.

I really don't know anything, Master.

Master, please spare me!

Master! Master!

Did I tell you that you can sell anything but children?

You did.

Master, this really has nothing to do with me.

Master, I beg you. Please spare my life.

There won't be a next time.

Boss, luckily...

How many times have I told you?

Master detests this the most.

He has repeatedly stressed that you cannot touch children.

I was wrong. I wasn't thinking straight.

The price for children has been high recently.

I will never do it again.

Do you think Master doesn't know who did it?

My dear brother, you heard it yourself just now.

Master said this is the last time.

Understood.

Boss, I can make it up.

I've tracked down who destroyed the Shazhou branch.

Really?

Absolutely.

[Imperial Study]

After extensive verification,

the pattern on this arrow closely resembles a flower known as Xiyan.

It grows in the miasma forest on the border of Beijian and former Zhongwan,

nourished by the toxic mist.

It blooms at night and withers by day, feeding only on the living.

It also stands as a dark symbol of hatred and vengeance.

Using this flower as a mark, the buyer is definitely not benevolent.

Could it be Beijian?

Although Beijian is poor in iron ore and has backward weapons,

[Xiyan] their warhorses are superb.

Their cavalry has been growing for years, so we must be on high alert.

It's even less likely to be Zhongwan.

Zhongwan surrendered long ago, and there has been peace for many years.

When Zhongwan was destroyed back then,

its people were exiled to various places, enslaved for generations.

However, a remnant faction of the Zhongwan royal family escaped.

Their whereabouts are still unknown.

This must be thoroughly investigated.

Your Majesty, this is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Moreover, it involves secrets, so I can only investigate discreetly,

which is even more difficult.

Since that is the case, I shall grant you a title.

You can conduct secret investigations

while overseeing the merchants and taxes across the capital and all prefectures.

Let's name it as the Envoy of Customs.

Envoy of Customs?

Why does it sound a bit unorthodox?

What? Does this title not match your refined reputation?

Your Majesty, your word is absolute. This title is truly worthy of me.

Let me first take you to Changle Street to collect some folk customs.

Lord Envoy, this palace is full of Lord Xu's spies.

The Shadow Guard just sent word.

Lord Xu's men spread rumors that this Imperial Exam is just a front.

Upon passing the exams, the talented women will be assigned to the Music Bureau.

After three months, Lord Xu still harbors a grudge because of the Ministry of War.

Now, he simply wants to make me lose face with this Imperial Exam.

He's spreading these rumors

simply because he thinks women are too timid to weather the storm.

Indeed, some candidates have given up and returned home.

Your Majesty, will you just let these rumors run rampant?

Those who serve as officials should have courage and wisdom.

If they abandon the exams and flee home over mere rumors today,

how will they survive the political battles at court?

I should thank Lord Xu for saving me the Palace Exam.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty,

by Lord Xu's order, I present this plaque with respect.

Ancestral precept of the Ning Empire.

[Flatterers face death by a thousand cuts] A ruler and subject in love,

a threat to the throne punishable by death to their entire clan?

Emperor Taizong's affair caused a two-prefecture mutiny.

That was how this ancestral precept came to be.

Lord Xu is implying that the women's exams are a cover for your personal feelings.

By Lord Xu's command,

I am to hang this plaque in the center of the Imperial Study.

If Your Majesty does not permit it, Lord Xu will come to report in person.

How dare you!

Huo An, how dare you speak such arrogant words!

Huang Bo.

General Huo, hang it up.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

[Ancestral precept of the Ning Empire]

[If a ruler dotes on his ministers, he shall issue an edict of self-reproach.]

First, he spread rumors to scare off the female students.

And now, he brings up the ancestral precept.

Lord Xu made two consecutive moves. It seems he can't wait any longer.

This stubborn old man is so petty.

You gave him a plaque for Ding Chong,

and he gives an ancestral precept plaque as a return gift.

Since I have no such intention,

even if it's covered with ancestral precepts, what is there to fear?

I want to make it perfectly clear to the court

that women can also be the sharp blade of the nation.

This court has never been Lord Xu's one-man show.

Your Majesty, I'll stand with you.

Now, candidates for the women's Imperial Exam are all staying on Changle Street.

Why not go and see these talents in person?

You might even run into Miss Meng, the top candidate from Shazhou.

Lord Xu sent this plaque just to warn you.

And you don't even know when to hold back.

I...

Exactly! His Majesty is not going anywhere.

Why not? I'm going.

[Ancestral precept of the Ning Empire]

A thousand lights in the night market illuminate the green clouds,

and guests flock to the high towers with red sleeves.

I didn't expect such a bustling scene outside the palace.

This prosperous era of the Ning Empire is exactly as your wishes.

The beauties on Changle Street are indeed each charming in their own way.

The lady on the left has a radiant look,

and the beauty on the right has red lips and white teeth.

Excellent.

The night scenery of Changle Street is even more dazzling than the daytime.

This Changle Street, steeped in luxury and pleasure,

is full of handsome men. I love it so much!

Yan Fu Zhi.

Meng, all this walking has made me hungry.

Today, the waiter told me that Chunman House also has lamb noodles.

Let's go try them and see how they differ from Shazhou noodles.

Let's go.

This place of wealth and elegance

tends to breed a sordid underbelly.

Mr. He, this isn't Shazhou. This is right under the Emperor's nose.

Who would dare cause trouble here?

Then let us hope this grand spectacle isn't all flash and no substance.

Mr. He, you really always worry about the empire and its people.

Cousin, we've been walking around for half the day.

My stomach is protesting.

Let's head to the most famous Chunman House and grab a bite.

Miss Meng, you're back!

Ma'am, two bowls of lamb noodles. We're starving.

Coming right up.

Perfect, here's a good spot. Have a seat, quick.

Mr. He, you're here.

Come on. The same as usual today?

Yeah, please prepare it.

Okay.

Sir, here.

Meng, what are you looking at?

Nothing.

Apricot blossoms.

Meng, in Shazhou, there's nothing but desert poplars and yellow sand.

How could we ever see such beautiful flowers?

[Menu]

Bring out all your signature dishes,

and also a pot of Shaosanbai wine.

- Coming right up. - Wait.

You know perfectly well that Master doesn't touch a drop of alcohol.

You're the one who's craving a drink, aren't you?

When it comes to drinking, you're always the one who drinks the most.

Mr. Shen, you usually live beyond your means,

so why are you being so generous today?

Cousin, I rendered great service on my trip to Shazhou.

It's not too much to treat a hero to a meal today, is it?

I knew your taking Master out for customs wasn't that simple.

Three bowls of lamb noodles.

Coming right up.

Three bowls of lamb noodles!

Come on, it can't be just three bowls of lamb noodles, can it?

What? There's meat, noodles, and vegetables.

What else could you need?

Are you trying to use Master's treat to win the favor of those girls?

What girls?

It's just that lamb noodles remind me of that shrewish in Shazhou.

She was truly fierce.

Enjoy your meal.

This broth is so bland.

The lamb is also soft and lacks texture.

Meng, once you become the top scholar here, I'll open a branch to keep you company.

At that time, Chunman House's sign will be taken down and used as firewood.

Fu Zhi, the capital is full of talented people.

I don't know if I'll pass Metropolitan Exam, let alone win the title of top scholar.

Meng, I heard today

that all the women candidates this time will be sent to the Music Bureau.

Many people have given up the exam because of this.

I'm a bit worried about you.

Why care about such absurd rumors?

How do you know they're fake?

His Majesty restarted this Imperial Exam against all opposition.

This must be the work of senior ministers opposing the women's Imperial Exam.

They intend to use gossip to frighten away the timid candidates.

These shameless scoundrels are utterly lawless.

Eat your noodles.

Master, since returning from Shazhou, you've been mentioning lamb noodles.

For lamb noodles, you must drink the soup first.

It's not as good as the ones in Shazhou.

[Imperial Examination Hall]

- Meng, I'm over here! - Fu Zhi!

Give it to me. I'll take it.

So, how was it? Was the Metropolitan Exam difficult?

No.

- Did you do well? - Yes.

I knew a mere Metropolitan Exam could never stump you.

Miss, you dropped your ink stick.

Thank you, Miss.

[Imperial Examination Hall]

Meng, she's so pretty.

The exam is a hotbed of hidden talents. She must be no ordinary young lady.

Let's go.

[The Eleventh Lot] I got you this top lot at Lingquan Temple.

The master who interpreted the lot said you will definitely pass the exam.

[Imperial Examination Hall]

Meng, what exactly are you looking for?

It's nothing. Maybe I was mistaken.

Are you too tired?

I booked a very nourishing meal at Chunman House

to give you a good boost. Let's go!

This way.

He's so handsome.

My dear sister, did you miss me after three days apart?

You've lost so much weight in just a few days.

Why did you suddenly come here?

Did you cause some trouble again and need me as a shield?

What nonsense.

As your dear brother, I naturally care about you.

That's why I pushed aside my official duties to come.

But you could have entered officialdom through privilege like me.

Why did you insist on taking this Imperial Exam?

You are overly solicitous.

Fine. Father sent me to pick you up.

Nian wanted to come, but he was tied up with official business.

I thought so.

How could Mr. Shen suddenly be so concerned about my affairs?

Father told me to bring you back in urgent to celebrate your success.

He even brought out his treasured fine wine.

But it's strange. How did Father know you would definitely pass?

Do you not believe in me?

Of course, I do. You could recite the Analects at three,

and mastered the Songs of Chu at seven.

Who in the capital doesn't know Miss Shen, the great talented lady?

Besides, your brother is none other than me.

Be careful. Don't bump your head.

[Xu Mansion]

Lord Xu, this year's Metropolitan Exam is over.

The candidates have all left the examination hall.

Here are the sealed exam papers.

Tomorrow is the day the results are posted.

Today, I'll release a sky lantern for you to welcome good fortune.

May I enter officialdom with my knowledge and change my fate.

May I protect the people closest to me.

You definitely will.

When you pass with high honors, I'll open a bigger Bofeng in the capital.

We'll stay in the capital together.

- Stay in the capital together. - Stay in the capital.

May Meng pass the exam, and may Bofeng spread across the Ning Empire.

[With a favorable wind, I rise to the clouds]

[Results]

I passed! I passed!

Sorry, let us through.

Let us through.

Excuse me, let us through.

I passed!

[Results]

[Top Scholar: An Ru Lan] I also passed.

I passed!

Why isn't your name on it?

Look again.

That's me.

[87th Place] Here. I'm here!

[88th Place]

[Granted the title of Fellow Graduate]

Why isn't your name on the list? Could there be a mistake?

Meng. Let me through.

Meng. Meng. Meng!

Could there be a mistake?

Metropolitan Exam papers are reviewed jointly by Ministry of Rites and Hanlin Academy.

There can't be a mistake.

Then I'll go check again.

Fu Zhi, don't check anymore.

I'm suddenly a bit hungry.

Let's eat.

[Results]

Have the officials in the capital all grown eyes on the top of their heads?

Your essay wasn't even selected.

I think they are simply blind.

The capital is full of people and prying eyes.

Don't say such angry words anymore.

The seven prefectures of the Ning Empire are filled with talents.

Being the top scorer in the Provincial Exam doesn't guarantee passing Metropolitan Exam.

I don't see what's so good about the capital anyway.

Not even a decent bowl of lamb noodles here.

Shazhou is not what it used to be now.

You are the top candidate in the Provincial Exam.

Even if you go back to Shazhou, you can still secure an official position.

Let's go back to Shazhou together.

There aren't vacancies in the local office every year.

What does a top candidate in Provincial Exam count for?

Don't you talk about yourself like that.

Mr. Zhuge didn't leave the mountain until he was 27,

and Jiang Zi Ya was not given an important position until 72.

In three years, let's come to the capital to take the exam again.

Meng, you can definitely do it.

I've walked this path for ten years.

I've worked hard for ten years.

But I still haven't reached the end.

I've already worked so hard.

I've worked so hard.

Meng, I know.

I saw it all.

Even if you didn't pass, you are still the best in the whole world.

You are the one and only Meng Ting Hui.

The loyal and upright remain silent, while the sycophantic advance day by day.

As they do not see their faults, ruin is the result.

The style of this essay is sharp, and every word hits the current ills.

Yet it subtly contains a will for reform.

What is even rarer is that it is sharp and pointed but knows its limits.

[Breaking the Deadlock with Women] Breaking the deadlock with women?

Such shocking words

do sound exactly like something she would say.

Huang Bo, who is the top scorer of the Metropolitan Exam?

Your Majesty, the top scorer is An Ru Lan from the An family of Qingzhou.

[Candidate, An Ru Lan]

What about Meng Ting Hui? What place did she get?

Miss Meng... She failed.

It is normal for the world to be vast and full of many talents,

but the style of writing and the arguments are exactly the same.

How could it be a coincidence?

The lot from Lingquan Temple isn't accurate after all.

Our Dafo Temple in Shazhou is better.

Meng, I prepared your favorite fruits and apricot skin cakes.

It's so dark. Why didn't you light a lamp?

Meng! Meng! Meng!

Meng! Meng!

What's wrong? What's wrong?

Meng!

A physician! Quick, call a physician!

Shun! Shun!

Meng! Meng! Meng!

Meng, wake up! Meng!

Meng, Meng, you're awake.

You are so heartless. We agreed to go back to Shazhou together.

You didn't keep your word and actually tried to take your own life.

The physician said if it had been later, even the gods couldn't have saved you.

It was just a failed exam. You were so foolish!

Take it easy.

Someone tried to kill me.

Someone tried to kill you?

Who? Did you see clearly?

It was too dark. I couldn't see clearly.

But he was very strong.

He could have killed me directly, but he tried to make it look like suicide.

He wanted me dead but was afraid of an investigation.

Fu Zhi, I must have gotten in someone's way.

There must be something fishy about my failing the exam.

That scoundrel! We must catch him,

hang him from the roof beam, and beat him for three days.

But we just arrived in the capital and haven't offended anyone.

Who would do such a thing?

If those people find out I'm still alive, they won't let me go.

Let's leave here first, and figure out a plan.

Okay, I'll go pack our things.

Forget it. Survival is the priority.

Let's go right now.

- Let's go. - Be careful.

His Majesty attaches great importance to the women's Imperial Exam.

He was especially moved by An Ru Lan's policy essay.

He personally appointed her as the top candidate in Metropolitan Exam.

He even had it copied and distributed to all prefectures for study.

Look, this is my favorite line in here.

The loyal and upright remain silent, while the sycophantic advance day by day.

As they do not see their faults, ruin is the result.

Such an essay, such spirit.

No wonder she is the top candidate in the Metropolitan Exam.

- Yeah. - Indeed.

It's so well-written.

Meng.

How can you be so rude?

[The loyal and upright remain silent, while the sycophantic advance day by day.]

This is my policy essay.

You failed the Metropolitan Exam. How dare you claim this is your essay?

- Have you lost your mind? - You...

You hung yourself last night for failure, and now you're spouting such nonsense.

You should have your head examined.

Miss Meng, exam fraud is strictly forbidden in our empire.

Such a thing could never happen.

If Meng says it's hers, then it's hers.

Hang herself? That's just ridiculous!

If I hear such rumors again, I'll tear your mouths apart.

Meng, let's go.

You...

Meng, I knew you could pass.

An Ru Lan actually dared to steal your policy essay.

Let's go report her to the authorities now and take back your rightful title.

[Chunman House]

It won't be that simple.

This is a much bigger mess than we thought.

The Ministry of Rites is in charge of the Imperial Examination.

Without collusion from within,

how would An Ru Lan dare to steal my essay?

If we go to the authorities now, I'm afraid we'll be walking into a trap.

This capital is even more ruthless than Shazhou.

You've almost died once already. I'm scared.

I'll take you back to Shazhou.

But I clearly passed.

I am the top candidate in the Metropolitan Exam, Fu Zhi.

I can't pretend like nothing happened.

I've walked this path for ten years.

To give up like this, I can't accept it.

[Chunman House] Fine. If you won't go, then we stay.

I'll be with you.

No matter how deep the abyss, I will face it with you.

It's just that we are strangers here.

Aren't Mr. He and Mr. Shen in the capital?

Can we go find them for help?

Right now, things are still unclear.

Rushing to find them might not be useful.

So what should we do?

They want to silence me but don't want to make a big deal out of it.

In that case, we'll make the matter known throughout the whole city.

When we go to the authorities then, they will have to think twice.

[Imperial Examination Hall] His Majesty has arrived.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Everyone, rise.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Lord Zhang, I cast a divination this morning.

It said that there is a hidden pearl among the failed papers.

Do you think it's possible that someone was truly so short-sighted

and threw this luminous pearl away as a fish eye?

Your Majesty, you must be joking.

We have always been meticulous in grading. How could we...

I was just saying. Why are you so frightened?

Huang Bo.

Do you think Lord Zhang looks guilty?

He does.

Forgive my boldness.

Recently, people say

that a failed candidate is holding a grudge and deliberately spreading rumors.

I fear someone is trying to deceive you

to disrupt the court's grand ceremony of talent selection.

Then I might as well make a bet with you.

If I find a pearl among these failed papers,

how about I borrow your head as a kickball?

Your Majesty, you are busy with state affairs.

We have already eliminated mediocre essays.

How about I present the superior works of the selected candidates,

so you can review them while drinking tea?

What are you standing there for? Bring out the papers.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Zheng Ru.

According to the article, the top candidate's policy essay was faked.

Then could it be possible that other candidates' essays were stolen?

Yes. Just as it says here,

all papers from the Metropolitan Exam should be open to the public, right?

- Yes. - Make them public!

- Make them public! - Make the papers public!

Make the papers public! Reject the shady dealings!

Make the papers public!

What are you doing?

Stop reading! Hand it over!

Who are they?

Why are they just like the Heihu Crew in Shazhou?

They must be the ones who want to kill me.

They failed last night, and the situation has escalated now.

They will definitely not let me off.

There are lawless villains even in the capital.

How dare they act so openly.

Seize them!

They are coming for me. Let's split up.

You go find Mr. Shen in the Shen Mansion. There might be a slim chance.

I will go to the Capital Prefecture in a very public way.

Under the public eye, the officials won't dare to be biased.

Go, now!

[Gu Mansion]

Lord Gu. Lord Gu.

Someone wrote an article claiming that the top candidate's essay was someone else's.

Now, it's spread all over the streets.

Cheating in Imperial Examination is a matter for the Ministry of Rites.

The bigger the mess, the better.

Let's just sit on the wall and watch this good show unfold.

[The incident of An Ru Lan Stealing the Policy Essay]

Meng Ting Hui?

Have you investigated this person?

Lord Xu, this is the woman who helped His Majesty out in Shazhou.

She is well-versed in the tricks of the underworld,

and acts in a cunning and unpredictable way, making her hard to guard against.

If she had not obstructed me, I'd have brought His Majesty back long ago.

No wonder since returning from Shazhou, His Majesty's been more absurd and defiant.

It turns out his mind was bewitched by such a lowly, wicked woman.

A mere ant dares to meddle in the court affairs.

This woman can't live.

Looking at it this way,

a bit of trouble might not be a bad thing.

Meng Ting Hui scattered the article rubbings all over the capital.

Although the Metropolitan Exam was solely under Lord Zhang's charge,

it remains the duty of the Ministry of Rites. What if it implicates you...

Why so anxious? I advised His Majesty long ago

that an Imperial Exam for women is utterly absurd.

But His Majesty went his own way.

Now, look what happened.

Meng Ting Hui stirred up such a scandal that makes us the laughingstock of the world.

The one who should be anxious right now is His Majesty.

I heard that His Majesty has already gone to the examination hall.

The Son of Heaven, leaving the palace for a wicked woman?

He is simply bewitched and utterly muddled.

Since that's the case,

I will make sure the women's Imperial Exam is completely shut down.

Your Majesty, forgive my crime. I deserve to die.

I was careless just now and fell into a water vat.

I tried my best to salvage the exam papers, but they...

Are you hurt?

Should I summon the imperial physician to take a look?

Your Majesty, thank you for your concern. I am fine.

Since you are fine, please bring the transcribed copies again.

Your Majesty, please forgive me.

Last night, a pack of rats got into the side rooms of the office.

They chewed up all the transcribed papers.

Those rats really should fall into a water vat and drown.

Your Majesty, you jest.

The two of you are truly diligent in your duties,

and put in your utmost effort.

Staying in the Ministry of Rites is indeed a waste of your talents.

Your Majesty, you flatter us.

Your Majesty, the office buildings are old and in disrepair.

We urged the Ministry of Revenue many times,

but the funds have been delayed, which caused this disaster.

As Vice Minister of Rites, I should naturally be punished.

Good. We'll do as Lord Zhang says.

Huang Bo, what is the punishment according to the law?

Your Majesty, according to the law, for destroying the Imperial Exam papers,

each offender shall receive 30 strokes of the heavy plank.

You will carry it out personally. Beat them right here in the courtyard.

[Jinfen Store]

Miss, the pastries you wanted are also bought.

Good. Help me carry the rouge I bought.

Yes.

After her!

Quick!

Where is she?

Go check over there.

To find out how the young gentleman solves the mystery, tune in next time!

Great!

What's this?

Everyone, I am Meng Ting Hui, top Provincial Exam candidate from Shazhou.

I came to the capital for Metropolitan Exam but failed miserably.

However, I discovered that the policy essay by this year's top scorer, An Ru Lan,

is exactly the same as the one I wrote.

I've resolved to go to the Capital Prefecture and ask the Prefect to preside over the case.

If you are interested, please follow me to watch the show,

and see who is the real top candidate, Meng Ting Hui or An Ru Lan?

If any villains attack me, please lend a hand out of justice,

tie them up and take them to the Prefecture, too.

I will reward you handsomely.

Okay!

Boss, there are too many people here. It's hard to make a move.

Send someone to ask the Second Master how to deal with this woman.

You are...

Miss, we met outside the examination hall.

Are you the daughter of Grand Tutor Shen and the younger sister of Mr. Shen?

You're the third one this month.

Whatever romantic debts my brother owes you, you can find him at his residence.

Why do you keep sneaking into my carriage? Driver!

Miss Shen, I met Mr. Shen in Shazhou.

I came to find him this time to seek justice.

Seek justice?

Where is she? You go over there!

Go! The rest of you, follow me!

[An Ru Lan Stealing the Policy Essay] How can you prove Meng Ting Hui wrote it?

And how do I know you are not framing someone else?

According to the Laws of Ning Empire,

cheating in the Imperial Examination is punishable by exile of 3,000 li,

and falsely accusing the top candidate is also a serious crime.

Miss Shen, I guarantee with my life that this is absolutely true.

If there is a single false word, you can send me to the officials.

Stop!

Miss, a group of people are blocking the road outside.

Those people outside are coming for you?

Last night, Meng Ting Hui was almost silenced.

We are outnumbered and weak, so we have to make the matter public.

But we were chased by these people.

Meng's fate is now unknown.

Miss Shen, I beg you to act out of justice and save her.

Someone spotted them getting into this exact carriage.

People in the carriage, get down here!

Don't worry.

Intercepting an official's family carriage warrants 60 strokes and a year of labor.

Those bearing weapons shall face an aggravated penalty.

Withdraw immediately!

So it's a lady from an official's family.

Sorry, no offense.

But we are just looking for a girl.

You...

Who is so blind...

[Di Nian, Captain of the Divine Guard]

Nian.

Captain Di.

The Divine Guards are patrolling the city.

You are gathering a mob to cause trouble and harass civilians.

- Seize them all! - Yes!

Guys, retreat!

Stop!

Zhi Li, were you frightened?

I'm fine.

Zhi Li, let me escort you back to the residence then.

Where is His Majesty now?

Did I just count wrong?

You can't even count properly?

Your Majesty, please see clearly. I took pity on the two lords,

and in a moment of weakness, the numbers got messed up.

Since you messed it up, start over from the beginning.

No! It's 15.

You remember it quite clearly.

It seems the beating isn't heavy enough yet.

Huang Bo, continue.

A hundred people were selected in this year's Metropolitan Exam.

Yet as the top candidate of Shazhou, Meng Ting Hui failed.

I find this suspicious.

I wasn't sure before.

But now that the papers have been destroyed,

tell me, is this a coincidence?

I truly don't know.

Then find someone who does know and interrogate him.

Bring all the invigilators,

transcribers, sealers, and graders

for this year's Metropolitan Exam here.

It'll take some time to investigate these people.

How about beating him with 30 strokes first?

I'll confess! I'm willing to confess!

Imperial Exam fraud! A grave injustice!

Everyone, come and see!

There's actually such a thing?

Cheating in the Imperial Exam?

There's some excitement to watch. Let's go.

I am Meng Ting Hui, the top candidate in the Provincial Exam from Shazhou.

An Ru Lan stole my policy essay in the Metropolitan Exam.

Now, I'm going to the Capital Prefecture to ask the authorities for justice,

expose the truth of the exam fraud,

and restore fairness to the Imperial Exam.

It's Meng Ting Hui!

Go, follow her. Let's go to the Capital Prefecture.

Let's go to the Capital Prefecture together to seek justice!

Seek justice!

[A Bright Mirror Hung High]

I am Meng Ting Hui.

I accuse An Ru Lan, the top candidate, of stealing my policy essay.

My lord, please uphold justice for me.

Confucius said: "Think thrice before you act. Twice is sufficient."

You spread this article all over the capital, stirring up a city-wide storm.

Do you have any evidence?

My lord, you can summon An Ru Lan for a face-to-face confrontation in court.

My lord, those commoners outside were all brought here by her.

Summon Huiyuan An.