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[Episode 5]
2
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Master.
3
00:01:39,730 --> 00:01:42,090
Master, they are all over there.
4
00:01:53,571 --> 00:01:56,291
Master, all prime merchandise
shipped in from various prefectures.
5
00:01:56,291 --> 00:01:57,344
Go.
6
00:02:02,131 --> 00:02:03,651
These are their indentures.
7
00:02:03,651 --> 00:02:04,851
There will be absolutely no future troubles.
8
00:02:04,851 --> 00:02:06,011
Send them all over.
9
00:02:06,011 --> 00:02:07,104
Yes.
10
00:02:31,091 --> 00:02:34,131
Master, these are just some toys,
not worth much.
11
00:02:37,450 --> 00:02:38,496
Open it.
12
00:02:54,210 --> 00:02:55,264
Get up.
13
00:02:59,571 --> 00:03:00,640
How old are you two?
14
00:03:00,640 --> 00:03:01,691
Six.
15
00:03:01,691 --> 00:03:03,291
I'm five.
16
00:03:03,291 --> 00:03:06,210
Tell me, why are you here?
17
00:03:06,210 --> 00:03:09,730
He said if we followed them,
there would be delicious food.
18
00:03:09,730 --> 00:03:12,131
Who said that? Point him out to me, okay?
19
00:03:12,131 --> 00:03:13,490
It was him.
20
00:03:14,272 --> 00:03:16,411
I... Master, it wasn't me.
21
00:03:16,411 --> 00:03:18,411
I don't know anything.
I didn't know there were children.
22
00:03:24,730 --> 00:03:26,330
I'll take you to a good place.
23
00:03:26,330 --> 00:03:29,251
There's lots of delicious food there, okay?
24
00:03:29,251 --> 00:03:30,272
Okay.
25
00:03:31,050 --> 00:03:32,128
Good.
26
00:03:34,930 --> 00:03:37,251
Come on. Be careful.
27
00:03:43,610 --> 00:03:45,770
Master, I really didn't know
there were children inside.
28
00:03:45,770 --> 00:03:47,371
I don't know anything.
29
00:03:47,371 --> 00:03:48,571
He was in charge of this whole thing.
30
00:03:48,571 --> 00:03:50,691
It was him! It was him!
31
00:03:50,691 --> 00:03:51,930
- It wasn't me.
- Master, have mercy.
32
00:03:51,930 --> 00:03:54,050
I wouldn't dare,
even if my life depended on it.
33
00:03:55,330 --> 00:03:57,291
Master, this really
has nothing to do with me.
34
00:03:57,291 --> 00:03:58,531
Master, you really can't blame me for this.
35
00:03:58,531 --> 00:04:00,371
I really don't know anything, Master.
36
00:04:00,371 --> 00:04:02,371
Master, please spare me!
37
00:04:02,371 --> 00:04:03,520
Master! Master!
38
00:04:04,650 --> 00:04:08,971
Did I tell you that you can sell anything
but children?
39
00:04:08,971 --> 00:04:10,450
You did.
40
00:04:10,450 --> 00:04:12,730
Master, this really
has nothing to do with me.
41
00:04:12,730 --> 00:04:14,450
Master, I beg you. Please spare my life.
42
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There won't be a next time.
43
00:04:40,611 --> 00:04:42,090
Boss, luckily...
44
00:04:43,090 --> 00:04:44,770
How many times have I told you?
45
00:04:44,770 --> 00:04:46,571
Master detests this the most.
46
00:04:46,571 --> 00:04:48,650
He has repeatedly stressed
that you cannot touch children.
47
00:04:48,650 --> 00:04:50,432
I was wrong. I wasn't thinking straight.
48
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The price for children
has been high recently.
49
00:04:52,128 --> 00:04:53,251
I will never do it again.
50
00:04:56,011 --> 00:04:58,731
Do you think Master doesn't know who did it?
51
00:04:58,731 --> 00:05:01,811
My dear brother,
you heard it yourself just now.
52
00:05:02,571 --> 00:05:05,491
Master said this is the last time.
53
00:05:06,450 --> 00:05:07,456
Understood.
54
00:05:08,970 --> 00:05:10,850
Boss, I can make it up.
55
00:05:12,210 --> 00:05:15,450
I've tracked down
who destroyed the Shazhou branch.
56
00:05:16,096 --> 00:05:17,131
Really?
57
00:05:17,131 --> 00:05:18,171
Absolutely.
58
00:05:23,552 --> 00:05:25,171
[Imperial Study]
59
00:05:25,171 --> 00:05:26,410
After extensive verification,
60
00:05:26,410 --> 00:05:29,931
the pattern on this arrow
closely resembles a flower known as Xiyan.
61
00:05:29,931 --> 00:05:32,850
It grows in the miasma forest
on the border of Beijian and former Zhongwan,
62
00:05:32,850 --> 00:05:34,330
nourished by the toxic mist.
63
00:05:34,330 --> 00:05:35,970
It blooms at night and withers by day,
feeding only on the living.
64
00:05:35,970 --> 00:05:37,770
It also stands
as a dark symbol of hatred and vengeance.
65
00:05:38,410 --> 00:05:42,171
Using this flower as a mark,
the buyer is definitely not benevolent.
66
00:05:42,171 --> 00:05:43,731
Could it be Beijian?
67
00:05:44,371 --> 00:05:47,410
Although Beijian is poor in iron ore
and has backward weapons,
68
00:05:47,410 --> 00:05:48,530
[Xiyan]
their warhorses are superb.
69
00:05:49,251 --> 00:05:52,171
Their cavalry has been growing for years,
so we must be on high alert.
70
00:05:52,171 --> 00:05:53,571
It's even less likely to be Zhongwan.
71
00:05:53,571 --> 00:05:56,171
Zhongwan surrendered long ago,
and there has been peace for many years.
72
00:05:56,890 --> 00:05:58,290
When Zhongwan was destroyed back then,
73
00:05:58,290 --> 00:06:01,011
its people were exiled to various places,
enslaved for generations.
74
00:06:01,011 --> 00:06:04,410
However, a remnant faction
of the Zhongwan royal family escaped.
75
00:06:04,410 --> 00:06:06,251
Their whereabouts are still unknown.
76
00:06:06,251 --> 00:06:08,290
This must be thoroughly investigated.
77
00:06:08,290 --> 00:06:12,011
Your Majesty, this is like
searching for a needle in a haystack.
78
00:06:12,011 --> 00:06:14,811
Moreover, it involves secrets,
so I can only investigate discreetly,
79
00:06:14,811 --> 00:06:16,171
which is even more difficult.
80
00:06:17,811 --> 00:06:21,011
Since that is the case,
I shall grant you a title.
81
00:06:21,011 --> 00:06:23,090
You can conduct secret investigations
82
00:06:23,090 --> 00:06:26,251
while overseeing the merchants and taxes
across the capital and all prefectures.
83
00:06:26,251 --> 00:06:28,290
Let's name it as the Envoy of Customs.
84
00:06:29,131 --> 00:06:30,571
Envoy of Customs?
85
00:06:31,530 --> 00:06:34,450
Why does it sound a bit unorthodox?
86
00:06:34,450 --> 00:06:38,251
What? Does this title
not match your refined reputation?
87
00:06:39,210 --> 00:06:41,371
Your Majesty, your word is absolute.
This title is truly worthy of me.
88
00:06:41,371 --> 00:06:44,011
Let me first take you to Changle Street
to collect some folk customs.
89
00:06:44,011 --> 00:06:47,491
Lord Envoy,
this palace is full of Lord Xu's spies.
90
00:06:47,491 --> 00:06:49,011
The Shadow Guard just sent word.
91
00:06:49,011 --> 00:06:52,931
Lord Xu's men spread rumors
that this Imperial Exam is just a front.
92
00:06:52,931 --> 00:06:56,571
Upon passing the exams, the talented women
will be assigned to the Music Bureau.
93
00:06:56,571 --> 00:07:00,530
After three months, Lord Xu still harbors
a grudge because of the Ministry of War.
94
00:07:01,491 --> 00:07:04,850
Now, he simply wants to make me lose face
with this Imperial Exam.
95
00:07:04,850 --> 00:07:06,450
He's spreading these rumors
96
00:07:06,450 --> 00:07:10,611
simply because he thinks
women are too timid to weather the storm.
97
00:07:10,611 --> 00:07:13,171
Indeed, some candidates
have given up and returned home.
98
00:07:13,171 --> 00:07:15,210
Your Majesty,
will you just let these rumors run rampant?
99
00:07:15,811 --> 00:07:19,251
Those who serve as officials
should have courage and wisdom.
100
00:07:20,051 --> 00:07:23,530
If they abandon the exams and flee home
over mere rumors today,
101
00:07:23,530 --> 00:07:26,450
how will they
survive the political battles at court?
102
00:07:28,131 --> 00:07:32,330
I should thank Lord Xu
for saving me the Palace Exam.
103
00:07:33,450 --> 00:07:34,560
Your Majesty.
104
00:07:38,931 --> 00:07:40,450
Your Majesty,
105
00:07:40,450 --> 00:07:44,330
by Lord Xu's order,
I present this plaque with respect.
106
00:07:48,731 --> 00:07:50,251
Ancestral precept of the Ning Empire.
107
00:07:50,251 --> 00:07:52,530
[Flatterers face death by a thousand cuts]
A ruler and subject in love,
108
00:07:52,530 --> 00:07:53,571
a threat to the throne
punishable by death to their entire clan?
109
00:07:55,171 --> 00:07:58,131
Emperor Taizong's affair
caused a two-prefecture mutiny.
110
00:07:58,131 --> 00:08:00,090
That was
how this ancestral precept came to be.
111
00:08:00,090 --> 00:08:03,970
Lord Xu is implying that the women's exams
are a cover for your personal feelings.
112
00:08:04,650 --> 00:08:06,410
By Lord Xu's command,
113
00:08:07,051 --> 00:08:09,811
I am to hang this plaque
in the center of the Imperial Study.
114
00:08:09,811 --> 00:08:13,410
If Your Majesty does not permit it,
Lord Xu will come to report in person.
115
00:08:13,410 --> 00:08:14,571
How dare you!
116
00:08:14,571 --> 00:08:16,691
Huo An, how dare you
speak such arrogant words!
117
00:08:16,691 --> 00:08:17,696
Huang Bo.
118
00:08:21,770 --> 00:08:23,090
General Huo, hang it up.
119
00:08:26,011 --> 00:08:27,011
Thank you, Your Majesty.
120
00:08:27,808 --> 00:08:28,992
[Ancestral precept of the Ning Empire]
121
00:08:28,992 --> 00:08:30,530
[If a ruler dotes on his ministers,
he shall issue an edict of self-reproach.]
122
00:08:30,530 --> 00:08:33,050
First, he spread rumors
to scare off the female students.
123
00:08:33,050 --> 00:08:34,611
And now, he brings up the ancestral precept.
124
00:08:34,611 --> 00:08:39,251
Lord Xu made two consecutive moves.
It seems he can't wait any longer.
125
00:08:39,251 --> 00:08:41,611
This stubborn old man is so petty.
126
00:08:41,611 --> 00:08:43,491
You gave him a plaque for Ding Chong,
127
00:08:43,491 --> 00:08:45,890
and he gives an ancestral precept plaque
as a return gift.
128
00:08:45,890 --> 00:08:47,410
Since I have no such intention,
129
00:08:47,410 --> 00:08:50,290
even if it's covered with ancestral precepts,
what is there to fear?
130
00:08:50,290 --> 00:08:52,170
I want to make it perfectly clear
to the court
131
00:08:53,091 --> 00:08:56,170
that women
can also be the sharp blade of the nation.
132
00:08:56,170 --> 00:09:00,410
This court has never been
Lord Xu's one-man show.
133
00:09:01,088 --> 00:09:02,170
Your Majesty, I'll stand with you.
134
00:09:02,170 --> 00:09:04,890
Now, candidates for the women's Imperial Exam
are all staying on Changle Street.
135
00:09:04,890 --> 00:09:07,011
Why not go and see these talents in person?
136
00:09:07,770 --> 00:09:11,570
You might even run into Miss Meng,
the top candidate from Shazhou.
137
00:09:11,570 --> 00:09:14,251
Lord Xu sent this plaque just to warn you.
138
00:09:14,251 --> 00:09:15,570
And you don't even know when to hold back.
139
00:09:15,570 --> 00:09:16,690
I...
140
00:09:16,690 --> 00:09:19,011
Exactly! His Majesty is not going anywhere.
141
00:09:19,011 --> 00:09:22,400
Why not? I'm going.
142
00:09:22,400 --> 00:09:27,008
[Ancestral precept of the Ning Empire]
143
00:09:29,251 --> 00:09:32,211
A thousand lights in the night market
illuminate the green clouds,
144
00:09:32,211 --> 00:09:34,371
and guests flock to the high towers
with red sleeves.
145
00:09:35,731 --> 00:09:39,050
I didn't expect such a bustling scene
outside the palace.
146
00:09:40,050 --> 00:09:41,971
This prosperous era of the Ning Empire
is exactly as your wishes.
147
00:09:42,930 --> 00:09:45,851
The beauties on Changle Street
are indeed each charming in their own way.
148
00:09:45,851 --> 00:09:47,930
The lady on the left has a radiant look,
149
00:09:48,770 --> 00:09:50,731
and the beauty on the right
has red lips and white teeth.
150
00:09:52,530 --> 00:09:53,696
Excellent.
151
00:09:57,131 --> 00:10:00,971
The night scenery of Changle Street
is even more dazzling than the daytime.
152
00:10:02,011 --> 00:10:04,290
This Changle Street,
steeped in luxury and pleasure,
153
00:10:04,290 --> 00:10:07,251
is full of handsome men. I love it so much!
154
00:10:07,890 --> 00:10:08,992
Yan Fu Zhi.
155
00:10:13,971 --> 00:10:15,251
Meng, all this walking has made me hungry.
156
00:10:15,251 --> 00:10:17,451
Today, the waiter told me
that Chunman House also has lamb noodles.
157
00:10:17,451 --> 00:10:19,611
Let's go try them
and see how they differ from Shazhou noodles.
158
00:10:19,611 --> 00:10:20,672
Let's go.
159
00:10:22,890 --> 00:10:24,930
This place of wealth and elegance
160
00:10:24,930 --> 00:10:27,570
tends to breed a sordid underbelly.
161
00:10:27,570 --> 00:10:31,570
Mr. He, this isn't Shazhou.
This is right under the Emperor's nose.
162
00:10:31,570 --> 00:10:33,690
Who would dare cause trouble here?
163
00:10:33,690 --> 00:10:38,371
Then let us hope this grand spectacle
isn't all flash and no substance.
164
00:10:38,371 --> 00:10:42,410
Mr. He, you really always
worry about the empire and its people.
165
00:10:42,410 --> 00:10:44,570
Cousin, we've been walking around
for half the day.
166
00:10:44,570 --> 00:10:46,131
My stomach is protesting.
167
00:10:46,131 --> 00:10:49,251
Let's head to the most famous Chunman House
and grab a bite.
168
00:10:51,211 --> 00:10:53,170
Miss Meng, you're back!
169
00:10:53,170 --> 00:10:55,170
Ma'am, two bowls of lamb noodles.
We're starving.
170
00:10:55,170 --> 00:10:56,251
Coming right up.
171
00:10:56,251 --> 00:10:58,091
Perfect, here's a good spot.
Have a seat, quick.
172
00:11:00,170 --> 00:11:01,530
Mr. He, you're here.
173
00:11:02,371 --> 00:11:04,770
Come on. The same as usual today?
174
00:11:07,050 --> 00:11:08,731
Yeah, please prepare it.
175
00:11:08,731 --> 00:11:09,792
Okay.
176
00:11:14,731 --> 00:11:16,731
Sir, here.
177
00:11:16,731 --> 00:11:18,331
Meng, what are you looking at?
178
00:11:21,290 --> 00:11:22,336
Nothing.
179
00:11:25,611 --> 00:11:26,720
Apricot blossoms.
180
00:11:32,770 --> 00:11:38,611
Meng, in Shazhou, there's nothing
but desert poplars and yellow sand.
181
00:11:38,611 --> 00:11:40,530
How could we ever see such beautiful flowers?
182
00:11:56,608 --> 00:11:59,296
[Menu]
183
00:12:00,331 --> 00:12:02,611
Bring out all your signature dishes,
184
00:12:02,611 --> 00:12:04,050
and also a pot of Shaosanbai wine.
185
00:12:04,050 --> 00:12:05,211
- Coming right up.
- Wait.
186
00:12:05,211 --> 00:12:07,331
You know perfectly well
that Master doesn't touch a drop of alcohol.
187
00:12:07,331 --> 00:12:08,930
You're the one who's craving a drink,
aren't you?
188
00:12:08,930 --> 00:12:11,131
When it comes to drinking,
you're always the one who drinks the most.
189
00:12:11,131 --> 00:12:13,810
Mr. Shen, you usually live beyond your means,
190
00:12:13,810 --> 00:12:15,290
so why are you being so generous today?
191
00:12:16,690 --> 00:12:19,530
Cousin, I rendered great service
on my trip to Shazhou.
192
00:12:19,530 --> 00:12:22,251
It's not too much
to treat a hero to a meal today, is it?
193
00:12:22,251 --> 00:12:24,770
I knew your taking Master out for customs
wasn't that simple.
194
00:12:26,091 --> 00:12:27,890
Three bowls of lamb noodles.
195
00:12:27,890 --> 00:12:28,930
Coming right up.
196
00:12:28,930 --> 00:12:30,410
Three bowls of lamb noodles!
197
00:12:30,410 --> 00:12:33,731
Come on, it can't be
just three bowls of lamb noodles, can it?
198
00:12:33,731 --> 00:12:37,570
What? There's meat, noodles, and vegetables.
199
00:12:37,570 --> 00:12:38,930
What else could you need?
200
00:12:38,930 --> 00:12:43,091
Are you trying to use Master's treat
to win the favor of those girls?
201
00:12:44,851 --> 00:12:45,851
What girls?
202
00:12:47,050 --> 00:12:50,131
It's just that lamb noodles
remind me of that shrewish in Shazhou.
203
00:12:51,491 --> 00:12:52,810
She was truly fierce.
204
00:12:56,050 --> 00:12:57,248
Enjoy your meal.
205
00:13:07,971 --> 00:13:10,011
This broth is so bland.
206
00:13:10,011 --> 00:13:11,570
The lamb is also soft and lacks texture.
207
00:13:12,810 --> 00:13:16,611
Meng, once you become the top scholar here,
I'll open a branch to keep you company.
208
00:13:16,611 --> 00:13:19,410
At that time, Chunman House's sign
will be taken down and used as firewood.
209
00:13:26,890 --> 00:13:29,952
Fu Zhi, the capital
is full of talented people.
210
00:13:30,656 --> 00:13:34,050
I don't know if I'll pass Metropolitan Exam,
let alone win the title of top scholar.
211
00:13:34,050 --> 00:13:36,611
Meng, I heard today
212
00:13:36,611 --> 00:13:39,371
that all the women candidates this time
will be sent to the Music Bureau.
213
00:13:39,371 --> 00:13:41,251
Many people have given up the exam
because of this.
214
00:13:41,251 --> 00:13:42,331
I'm a bit worried about you.
215
00:13:44,451 --> 00:13:46,770
Why care about such absurd rumors?
216
00:13:47,491 --> 00:13:49,131
How do you know they're fake?
217
00:13:49,131 --> 00:13:52,731
His Majesty restarted this Imperial Exam
against all opposition.
218
00:13:53,851 --> 00:13:58,770
This must be the work of senior ministers
opposing the women's Imperial Exam.
219
00:13:58,770 --> 00:14:01,696
They intend to use gossip
to frighten away the timid candidates.
220
00:14:01,696 --> 00:14:04,690
These shameless scoundrels
are utterly lawless.
221
00:14:11,011 --> 00:14:12,128
Eat your noodles.
222
00:14:13,731 --> 00:14:16,971
Master, since returning from Shazhou,
you've been mentioning lamb noodles.
223
00:14:25,690 --> 00:14:28,091
For lamb noodles,
you must drink the soup first.
224
00:14:37,650 --> 00:14:39,251
It's not as good as the ones in Shazhou.
225
00:15:01,216 --> 00:15:02,690
[Imperial Examination Hall]
226
00:15:02,690 --> 00:15:04,530
- Meng, I'm over here!
- Fu Zhi!
227
00:15:07,611 --> 00:15:08,930
Give it to me. I'll take it.
228
00:15:09,650 --> 00:15:10,784
So, how was it?
Was the Metropolitan Exam difficult?
229
00:15:10,784 --> 00:15:11,890
No.
230
00:15:11,890 --> 00:15:13,530
- Did you do well?
- Yes.
231
00:15:13,530 --> 00:15:15,611
I knew a mere Metropolitan Exam
could never stump you.
232
00:15:17,211 --> 00:15:19,211
Miss, you dropped your ink stick.
233
00:15:21,331 --> 00:15:22,368
Thank you, Miss.
234
00:15:25,088 --> 00:15:27,712
[Imperial Examination Hall]
235
00:15:29,530 --> 00:15:31,410
Meng, she's so pretty.
236
00:15:32,371 --> 00:15:36,251
The exam is a hotbed of hidden talents.
She must be no ordinary young lady.
237
00:15:37,611 --> 00:15:38,688
Let's go.
238
00:15:39,810 --> 00:15:42,131
[The Eleventh Lot]
I got you this top lot at Lingquan Temple.
239
00:15:42,131 --> 00:15:44,211
The master who interpreted the lot said
you will definitely pass the exam.
240
00:16:02,624 --> 00:16:03,936
[Imperial Examination Hall]
241
00:16:10,530 --> 00:16:12,211
Meng, what exactly are you looking for?
242
00:16:13,731 --> 00:16:16,611
It's nothing. Maybe I was mistaken.
243
00:16:16,611 --> 00:16:18,491
Are you too tired?
244
00:16:18,491 --> 00:16:21,611
I booked a very nourishing meal
at Chunman House
245
00:16:21,611 --> 00:16:23,650
to give you a good boost. Let's go!
246
00:16:25,491 --> 00:16:26,496
This way.
247
00:16:31,170 --> 00:16:32,288
He's so handsome.
248
00:16:38,930 --> 00:16:40,690
My dear sister, did you miss me
after three days apart?
249
00:16:42,810 --> 00:16:44,930
You've lost so much weight
in just a few days.
250
00:16:45,570 --> 00:16:47,011
Why did you suddenly come here?
251
00:16:47,011 --> 00:16:49,290
Did you cause some trouble again
and need me as a shield?
252
00:16:49,930 --> 00:16:51,011
What nonsense.
253
00:16:51,011 --> 00:16:53,650
As your dear brother,
I naturally care about you.
254
00:16:53,650 --> 00:16:55,690
That's why
I pushed aside my official duties to come.
255
00:16:55,690 --> 00:16:58,570
But you could have entered officialdom
through privilege like me.
256
00:16:58,570 --> 00:17:00,251
Why did you
insist on taking this Imperial Exam?
257
00:17:01,331 --> 00:17:03,850
You are overly solicitous.
258
00:17:04,731 --> 00:17:07,130
Fine. Father sent me to pick you up.
259
00:17:07,130 --> 00:17:09,971
Nian wanted to come,
but he was tied up with official business.
260
00:17:09,971 --> 00:17:11,211
I thought so.
261
00:17:11,211 --> 00:17:14,050
How could Mr. Shen
suddenly be so concerned about my affairs?
262
00:17:15,491 --> 00:17:17,770
Father told me to bring you back in urgent
to celebrate your success.
263
00:17:17,770 --> 00:17:19,731
He even brought out his treasured fine wine.
264
00:17:19,731 --> 00:17:23,251
But it's strange. How did Father know
you would definitely pass?
265
00:17:23,251 --> 00:17:24,451
Do you not believe in me?
266
00:17:24,451 --> 00:17:27,211
Of course, I do.
You could recite the Analects at three,
267
00:17:27,211 --> 00:17:28,411
and mastered the Songs of Chu at seven.
268
00:17:28,411 --> 00:17:31,370
Who in the capital doesn't know Miss Shen,
the great talented lady?
269
00:17:31,370 --> 00:17:34,211
Besides, your brother is none other than me.
270
00:17:37,451 --> 00:17:38,752
Be careful. Don't bump your head.
271
00:17:38,752 --> 00:17:40,512
[Xu Mansion]
272
00:17:47,931 --> 00:17:50,691
Lord Xu,
this year's Metropolitan Exam is over.
273
00:17:50,691 --> 00:17:52,251
The candidates
have all left the examination hall.
274
00:17:54,050 --> 00:17:55,570
Here are the sealed exam papers.
275
00:18:10,451 --> 00:18:11,971
Tomorrow is the day the results are posted.
276
00:18:11,971 --> 00:18:14,290
Today, I'll release a sky lantern for you
to welcome good fortune.
277
00:18:14,290 --> 00:18:17,491
May I enter officialdom with my knowledge
and change my fate.
278
00:18:20,971 --> 00:18:23,330
May I protect the people closest to me.
279
00:18:23,330 --> 00:18:24,411
You definitely will.
280
00:18:24,411 --> 00:18:27,290
When you pass with high honors,
I'll open a bigger Bofeng in the capital.
281
00:18:27,290 --> 00:18:29,090
We'll stay in the capital together.
282
00:18:29,090 --> 00:18:31,050
- Stay in the capital together.
- Stay in the capital.
283
00:18:32,691 --> 00:18:37,530
May Meng pass the exam,
and may Bofeng spread across the Ning Empire.
284
00:18:43,520 --> 00:18:46,240
[With a favorable wind, I rise to the clouds]
285
00:19:00,192 --> 00:19:05,888
[Results]
286
00:19:05,888 --> 00:19:08,090
I passed! I passed!
287
00:19:10,290 --> 00:19:11,651
Sorry, let us through.
288
00:19:11,651 --> 00:19:12,691
Let us through.
289
00:19:12,691 --> 00:19:14,130
Excuse me, let us through.
290
00:19:14,130 --> 00:19:15,264
I passed!
291
00:19:16,800 --> 00:19:18,592
[Results]
292
00:19:18,592 --> 00:19:19,712
[Top Scholar: An Ru Lan]
I also passed.
293
00:19:20,651 --> 00:19:21,728
I passed!
294
00:19:23,211 --> 00:19:24,770
Why isn't your name on it?
295
00:19:24,770 --> 00:19:26,130
Look again.
296
00:19:26,130 --> 00:19:28,011
That's me.
297
00:19:28,011 --> 00:19:29,691
[87th Place]
Here. I'm here!
298
00:19:29,691 --> 00:19:30,752
[88th Place]
299
00:19:44,704 --> 00:19:45,920
[Granted the title of Fellow Graduate]
300
00:20:17,411 --> 00:20:20,610
Why isn't your name on the list?
Could there be a mistake?
301
00:20:22,050 --> 00:20:25,130
Meng. Let me through.
302
00:20:25,130 --> 00:20:28,570
Meng. Meng. Meng!
303
00:20:30,691 --> 00:20:31,971
Could there be a mistake?
304
00:20:37,211 --> 00:20:40,370
Metropolitan Exam papers are reviewed jointly
by Ministry of Rites and Hanlin Academy.
305
00:20:41,810 --> 00:20:43,011
There can't be a mistake.
306
00:20:43,011 --> 00:20:44,330
Then I'll go check again.
307
00:20:44,330 --> 00:20:47,328
Fu Zhi, don't check anymore.
308
00:20:50,691 --> 00:20:51,971
I'm suddenly a bit hungry.
309
00:20:54,451 --> 00:20:55,584
Let's eat.
310
00:20:55,584 --> 00:20:58,176
[Results]
311
00:21:13,731 --> 00:21:16,130
Have the officials in the capital
all grown eyes on the top of their heads?
312
00:21:16,770 --> 00:21:18,290
Your essay wasn't even selected.
313
00:21:18,971 --> 00:21:20,691
I think they are simply blind.
314
00:21:22,610 --> 00:21:24,171
The capital
is full of people and prying eyes.
315
00:21:25,850 --> 00:21:27,290
Don't say such angry words anymore.
316
00:21:29,491 --> 00:21:32,451
The seven prefectures of the Ning Empire
are filled with talents.
317
00:21:32,451 --> 00:21:35,370
Being the top scorer in the Provincial Exam
doesn't guarantee passing Metropolitan Exam.
318
00:21:36,290 --> 00:21:38,090
I don't see what's so good
about the capital anyway.
319
00:21:38,090 --> 00:21:39,891
Not even a decent bowl of lamb noodles here.
320
00:21:41,651 --> 00:21:43,731
Shazhou is not what it used to be now.
321
00:21:43,731 --> 00:21:44,770
You are the top candidate
in the Provincial Exam.
322
00:21:44,770 --> 00:21:47,451
Even if you go back to Shazhou,
you can still secure an official position.
323
00:21:47,451 --> 00:21:49,330
Let's go back to Shazhou together.
324
00:21:49,330 --> 00:21:53,050
There aren't vacancies in the local office
every year.
325
00:21:53,850 --> 00:21:55,411
What does a top candidate in Provincial Exam
count for?
326
00:21:56,370 --> 00:21:58,251
Don't you talk about yourself like that.
327
00:21:58,251 --> 00:22:00,251
Mr. Zhuge didn't leave the mountain
until he was 27,
328
00:22:00,251 --> 00:22:02,691
and Jiang Zi Ya
was not given an important position until 72.
329
00:22:02,691 --> 00:22:05,411
In three years, let's come to the capital
to take the exam again.
330
00:22:05,411 --> 00:22:07,370
Meng, you can definitely do it.
331
00:22:11,731 --> 00:22:13,770
I've walked this path for ten years.
332
00:22:16,610 --> 00:22:18,290
I've worked hard for ten years.
333
00:22:19,610 --> 00:22:21,411
But I still haven't reached the end.
334
00:22:26,011 --> 00:22:27,971
I've already worked so hard.
335
00:22:30,451 --> 00:22:32,130
I've worked so hard.
336
00:22:34,610 --> 00:22:37,211
Meng, I know.
337
00:22:37,211 --> 00:22:38,610
I saw it all.
338
00:22:40,130 --> 00:22:44,370
Even if you didn't pass,
you are still the best in the whole world.
339
00:22:44,370 --> 00:22:46,491
You are the one and only Meng Ting Hui.
340
00:22:56,411 --> 00:22:59,891
The loyal and upright remain silent,
while the sycophantic advance day by day.
341
00:22:59,891 --> 00:23:02,251
As they do not see their faults,
ruin is the result.
342
00:23:03,770 --> 00:23:07,251
The style of this essay is sharp,
and every word hits the current ills.
343
00:23:07,251 --> 00:23:09,011
Yet it subtly contains a will for reform.
344
00:23:10,211 --> 00:23:13,952
What is even rarer is that
it is sharp and pointed but knows its limits.
345
00:23:13,952 --> 00:23:16,330
[Breaking the Deadlock with Women]
Breaking the deadlock with women?
346
00:23:16,330 --> 00:23:17,691
Such shocking words
347
00:23:18,891 --> 00:23:20,931
do sound exactly like
something she would say.
348
00:23:20,931 --> 00:23:23,171
Huang Bo, who is
the top scorer of the Metropolitan Exam?
349
00:23:23,171 --> 00:23:27,011
Your Majesty, the top scorer
is An Ru Lan from the An family of Qingzhou.
350
00:23:33,536 --> 00:23:35,411
[Candidate, An Ru Lan]
351
00:23:35,411 --> 00:23:38,411
What about Meng Ting Hui?
What place did she get?
352
00:23:38,411 --> 00:23:41,891
Miss Meng... She failed.
353
00:23:47,251 --> 00:23:50,691
It is normal for the world
to be vast and full of many talents,
354
00:23:53,810 --> 00:23:56,891
but the style of writing and the arguments
are exactly the same.
355
00:23:56,891 --> 00:23:58,330
How could it be a coincidence?
356
00:24:14,491 --> 00:24:17,090
The lot from Lingquan Temple
isn't accurate after all.
357
00:24:19,411 --> 00:24:21,451
Our Dafo Temple in Shazhou is better.
358
00:24:58,130 --> 00:25:01,651
Meng, I prepared
your favorite fruits and apricot skin cakes.
359
00:25:05,731 --> 00:25:07,411
It's so dark. Why didn't you light a lamp?
360
00:25:21,011 --> 00:25:23,651
Meng! Meng! Meng!
361
00:25:25,050 --> 00:25:27,931
Meng! Meng!
362
00:25:32,011 --> 00:25:33,050
What's wrong? What's wrong?
363
00:25:35,770 --> 00:25:37,171
Meng!
364
00:25:37,171 --> 00:25:39,330
A physician! Quick, call a physician!
365
00:25:39,330 --> 00:25:41,530
Shun! Shun!
366
00:25:41,530 --> 00:25:44,770
Meng! Meng! Meng!
367
00:25:47,770 --> 00:25:49,850
Meng, wake up! Meng!
368
00:26:23,090 --> 00:26:26,610
Meng, Meng, you're awake.
369
00:26:27,850 --> 00:26:31,891
You are so heartless.
We agreed to go back to Shazhou together.
370
00:26:31,891 --> 00:26:35,451
You didn't keep your word
and actually tried to take your own life.
371
00:26:35,451 --> 00:26:39,731
The physician said if it had been later,
even the gods couldn't have saved you.
372
00:26:39,731 --> 00:26:42,370
It was just a failed exam.
You were so foolish!
373
00:26:43,451 --> 00:26:44,512
Take it easy.
374
00:26:48,810 --> 00:26:50,610
Someone tried to kill me.
375
00:26:50,610 --> 00:26:52,130
Someone tried to kill you?
376
00:26:53,451 --> 00:26:55,251
Who? Did you see clearly?
377
00:26:55,971 --> 00:26:58,691
It was too dark. I couldn't see clearly.
378
00:27:00,251 --> 00:27:02,251
But he was very strong.
379
00:27:02,251 --> 00:27:06,211
He could have killed me directly,
but he tried to make it look like suicide.
380
00:27:07,251 --> 00:27:10,050
He wanted me dead
but was afraid of an investigation.
381
00:27:12,290 --> 00:27:14,931
Fu Zhi, I must have gotten in someone's way.
382
00:27:16,290 --> 00:27:18,691
There must be something fishy
about my failing the exam.
383
00:27:18,691 --> 00:27:21,891
That scoundrel! We must catch him,
384
00:27:21,891 --> 00:27:23,770
hang him from the roof beam,
and beat him for three days.
385
00:27:25,090 --> 00:27:29,610
But we just arrived in the capital
and haven't offended anyone.
386
00:27:29,610 --> 00:27:31,130
Who would do such a thing?
387
00:27:34,451 --> 00:27:38,850
If those people find out I'm still alive,
they won't let me go.
388
00:27:41,491 --> 00:27:43,411
Let's leave here first,
and figure out a plan.
389
00:27:43,411 --> 00:27:45,290
Okay, I'll go pack our things.
390
00:27:45,891 --> 00:27:47,451
Forget it. Survival is the priority.
391
00:27:47,451 --> 00:27:48,491
Let's go right now.
392
00:27:53,290 --> 00:27:54,651
- Let's go.
- Be careful.
393
00:27:55,330 --> 00:27:58,130
His Majesty attaches great importance
to the women's Imperial Exam.
394
00:27:58,130 --> 00:28:00,011
He was especially moved
by An Ru Lan's policy essay.
395
00:28:00,011 --> 00:28:01,330
He personally appointed her
as the top candidate in Metropolitan Exam.
396
00:28:01,931 --> 00:28:04,411
He even had it copied
and distributed to all prefectures for study.
397
00:28:05,090 --> 00:28:07,424
Look, this is my favorite line in here.
398
00:28:07,424 --> 00:28:10,810
The loyal and upright remain silent,
while the sycophantic advance day by day.
399
00:28:10,810 --> 00:28:14,411
As they do not see their faults,
ruin is the result.
400
00:28:14,411 --> 00:28:16,171
Such an essay, such spirit.
401
00:28:16,171 --> 00:28:17,408
No wonder she is the top candidate
in the Metropolitan Exam.
402
00:28:17,408 --> 00:28:18,411
- Yeah.
- Indeed.
403
00:28:18,411 --> 00:28:20,211
It's so well-written.
404
00:28:20,211 --> 00:28:21,344
Meng.
405
00:28:22,971 --> 00:28:24,570
How can you be so rude?
406
00:28:24,570 --> 00:28:26,432
[The loyal and upright remain silent,
while the sycophantic advance day by day.]
407
00:28:27,330 --> 00:28:28,530
This is my policy essay.
408
00:28:29,570 --> 00:28:32,050
You failed the Metropolitan Exam.
How dare you claim this is your essay?
409
00:28:32,050 --> 00:28:33,610
- Have you lost your mind?
- You...
410
00:28:33,610 --> 00:28:36,651
You hung yourself last night for failure,
and now you're spouting such nonsense.
411
00:28:36,651 --> 00:28:38,370
You should have your head examined.
412
00:28:38,370 --> 00:28:40,770
Miss Meng, exam fraud
is strictly forbidden in our empire.
413
00:28:40,770 --> 00:28:42,130
Such a thing could never happen.
414
00:28:42,130 --> 00:28:43,776
If Meng says it's hers, then it's hers.
415
00:28:43,776 --> 00:28:46,530
Hang herself? That's just ridiculous!
416
00:28:46,530 --> 00:28:49,610
If I hear such rumors again,
I'll tear your mouths apart.
417
00:28:49,610 --> 00:28:50,810
Meng, let's go.
418
00:28:51,651 --> 00:28:52,736
You...
419
00:28:56,850 --> 00:28:59,171
Meng, I knew you could pass.
420
00:28:59,171 --> 00:29:01,850
An Ru Lan actually
dared to steal your policy essay.
421
00:29:01,850 --> 00:29:04,704
Let's go report her to the authorities now
and take back your rightful title.
422
00:29:05,440 --> 00:29:06,530
[Chunman House]
423
00:29:06,530 --> 00:29:07,570
It won't be that simple.
424
00:29:08,731 --> 00:29:11,651
This is a much bigger mess than we thought.
425
00:29:12,691 --> 00:29:14,050
The Ministry of Rites
is in charge of the Imperial Examination.
426
00:29:14,691 --> 00:29:16,891
Without collusion from within,
427
00:29:16,891 --> 00:29:18,530
how would An Ru Lan dare to steal my essay?
428
00:29:19,171 --> 00:29:22,251
If we go to the authorities now,
I'm afraid we'll be walking into a trap.
429
00:29:23,971 --> 00:29:26,011
This capital is even more ruthless
than Shazhou.
430
00:29:26,850 --> 00:29:29,931
You've almost died once already. I'm scared.
431
00:29:30,971 --> 00:29:32,090
I'll take you back to Shazhou.
432
00:29:32,090 --> 00:29:33,651
But I clearly passed.
433
00:29:34,530 --> 00:29:36,090
I am the top candidate
in the Metropolitan Exam, Fu Zhi.
434
00:29:37,931 --> 00:29:39,931
I can't pretend like nothing happened.
435
00:29:40,891 --> 00:29:42,651
I've walked this path for ten years.
436
00:29:43,651 --> 00:29:47,171
To give up like this, I can't accept it.
437
00:29:50,330 --> 00:29:52,370
[Chunman House]
Fine. If you won't go, then we stay.
438
00:29:52,370 --> 00:29:53,770
I'll be with you.
439
00:29:53,770 --> 00:29:56,251
No matter how deep the abyss,
I will face it with you.
440
00:29:58,651 --> 00:30:01,810
It's just that we are strangers here.
441
00:30:02,731 --> 00:30:06,411
Aren't Mr. He and Mr. Shen in the capital?
442
00:30:06,411 --> 00:30:07,731
Can we go find them for help?
443
00:30:10,171 --> 00:30:12,171
Right now, things are still unclear.
444
00:30:12,971 --> 00:30:14,731
Rushing to find them might not be useful.
445
00:30:16,050 --> 00:30:18,090
So what should we do?
446
00:30:18,090 --> 00:30:21,610
They want to silence me
but don't want to make a big deal out of it.
447
00:30:22,251 --> 00:30:26,330
In that case, we'll make the matter known
throughout the whole city.
448
00:30:26,330 --> 00:30:29,411
When we go to the authorities then,
they will have to think twice.
449
00:30:31,200 --> 00:30:33,251
[Imperial Examination Hall]
His Majesty has arrived.
450
00:30:37,491 --> 00:30:39,810
Greetings, Your Majesty.
451
00:30:39,810 --> 00:30:41,570
Everyone, rise.
452
00:30:41,570 --> 00:30:42,891
Thank you, Your Majesty.
453
00:30:46,011 --> 00:30:49,770
Lord Zhang, I cast a divination this morning.
454
00:30:49,770 --> 00:30:54,691
It said that there is a hidden pearl
among the failed papers.
455
00:30:54,691 --> 00:30:56,810
Do you think it's possible
that someone was truly so short-sighted
456
00:30:56,810 --> 00:30:59,411
and threw this luminous pearl away
as a fish eye?
457
00:30:59,411 --> 00:31:00,768
Your Majesty, you must be joking.
458
00:31:00,768 --> 00:31:03,570
We have always been meticulous in grading.
How could we...
459
00:31:05,651 --> 00:31:09,810
I was just saying. Why are you so frightened?
460
00:31:10,691 --> 00:31:11,936
Huang Bo.
461
00:31:13,171 --> 00:31:18,810
Do you think Lord Zhang looks guilty?
462
00:31:18,810 --> 00:31:19,936
He does.
463
00:31:21,370 --> 00:31:23,211
Forgive my boldness.
464
00:31:23,211 --> 00:31:24,691
Recently, people say
465
00:31:24,691 --> 00:31:28,610
that a failed candidate is holding a grudge
and deliberately spreading rumors.
466
00:31:28,610 --> 00:31:31,251
I fear someone is trying to deceive you
467
00:31:31,251 --> 00:31:33,050
to disrupt the court's
grand ceremony of talent selection.
468
00:31:33,050 --> 00:31:35,251
Then I might as well make a bet with you.
469
00:31:36,211 --> 00:31:38,731
If I find a pearl among these failed papers,
470
00:31:40,090 --> 00:31:45,130
how about I borrow your head as a kickball?
471
00:31:46,211 --> 00:31:48,290
Your Majesty,
you are busy with state affairs.
472
00:31:48,290 --> 00:31:52,011
We have already eliminated mediocre essays.
473
00:31:52,011 --> 00:31:55,691
How about I present the superior works
of the selected candidates,
474
00:31:55,691 --> 00:31:58,651
so you can review them while drinking tea?
475
00:32:00,770 --> 00:32:03,691
What are you standing there for?
Bring out the papers.
476
00:32:03,691 --> 00:32:04,768
Yes, Your Majesty.
477
00:32:04,768 --> 00:32:05,891
Zheng Ru.
478
00:32:24,211 --> 00:32:26,850
According to the article,
the top candidate's policy essay was faked.
479
00:32:26,850 --> 00:32:29,570
Then could it be possible
that other candidates' essays were stolen?
480
00:32:29,570 --> 00:32:32,651
Yes. Just as it says here,
481
00:32:32,651 --> 00:32:35,971
all papers from the Metropolitan Exam
should be open to the public, right?
482
00:32:35,971 --> 00:32:37,610
- Yes.
- Make them public!
483
00:32:37,610 --> 00:32:38,971
- Make them public!
- Make the papers public!
484
00:32:38,971 --> 00:32:42,330
Make the papers public!
Reject the shady dealings!
485
00:32:42,330 --> 00:32:43,488
Make the papers public!
486
00:32:44,530 --> 00:32:45,696
What are you doing?
487
00:32:46,368 --> 00:32:47,451
Stop reading! Hand it over!
488
00:32:47,451 --> 00:32:48,770
Who are they?
489
00:32:48,770 --> 00:32:51,211
Why are they
just like the Heihu Crew in Shazhou?
490
00:32:51,211 --> 00:32:53,011
They must be the ones who want to kill me.
491
00:32:53,011 --> 00:32:56,090
They failed last night,
and the situation has escalated now.
492
00:32:56,850 --> 00:32:57,971
They will definitely not let me off.
493
00:32:57,971 --> 00:33:00,411
There are lawless villains
even in the capital.
494
00:33:00,411 --> 00:33:01,731
How dare they act so openly.
495
00:33:04,768 --> 00:33:05,770
Seize them!
496
00:33:05,770 --> 00:33:08,171
They are coming for me. Let's split up.
497
00:33:08,171 --> 00:33:10,731
You go find Mr. Shen in the Shen Mansion.
There might be a slim chance.
498
00:33:10,731 --> 00:33:12,530
I will go to the Capital Prefecture
in a very public way.
499
00:33:12,530 --> 00:33:14,770
Under the public eye,
the officials won't dare to be biased.
500
00:33:14,770 --> 00:33:15,776
Go, now!
501
00:33:15,776 --> 00:33:18,656
[Gu Mansion]
502
00:33:20,971 --> 00:33:23,810
Lord Gu. Lord Gu.
503
00:33:24,731 --> 00:33:28,770
Someone wrote an article claiming that
the top candidate's essay was someone else's.
504
00:33:28,770 --> 00:33:31,050
Now, it's spread all over the streets.
505
00:33:31,050 --> 00:33:32,850
Cheating in Imperial Examination
is a matter for the Ministry of Rites.
506
00:33:33,691 --> 00:33:35,411
The bigger the mess, the better.
507
00:33:36,130 --> 00:33:39,810
Let's just sit on the wall
and watch this good show unfold.
508
00:33:39,810 --> 00:33:41,290
[The incident of An Ru Lan
Stealing the Policy Essay]
509
00:33:41,290 --> 00:33:42,370
Meng Ting Hui?
510
00:33:43,850 --> 00:33:45,171
Have you investigated this person?
511
00:33:48,011 --> 00:33:53,211
Lord Xu, this is the woman
who helped His Majesty out in Shazhou.
512
00:33:53,211 --> 00:33:55,251
She is well-versed
in the tricks of the underworld,
513
00:33:55,251 --> 00:33:58,050
and acts in a cunning and unpredictable way,
making her hard to guard against.
514
00:33:58,050 --> 00:34:02,530
If she had not obstructed me,
I'd have brought His Majesty back long ago.
515
00:34:02,530 --> 00:34:07,891
No wonder since returning from Shazhou,
His Majesty's been more absurd and defiant.
516
00:34:07,891 --> 00:34:12,291
It turns out his mind
was bewitched by such a lowly, wicked woman.
517
00:34:12,291 --> 00:34:16,730
A mere ant
dares to meddle in the court affairs.
518
00:34:17,331 --> 00:34:18,931
This woman can't live.
519
00:34:24,210 --> 00:34:25,331
Looking at it this way,
520
00:34:27,210 --> 00:34:31,011
a bit of trouble might not be a bad thing.
521
00:34:31,011 --> 00:34:34,130
Meng Ting Hui scattered the article rubbings
all over the capital.
522
00:34:34,130 --> 00:34:37,851
Although the Metropolitan Exam
was solely under Lord Zhang's charge,
523
00:34:37,851 --> 00:34:41,570
it remains the duty of the Ministry of Rites.
What if it implicates you...
524
00:34:42,331 --> 00:34:45,931
Why so anxious?
I advised His Majesty long ago
525
00:34:45,931 --> 00:34:48,610
that an Imperial Exam for women
is utterly absurd.
526
00:34:49,771 --> 00:34:52,250
But His Majesty went his own way.
527
00:34:52,250 --> 00:34:54,050
Now, look what happened.
528
00:34:54,050 --> 00:34:58,451
Meng Ting Hui stirred up such a scandal
that makes us the laughingstock of the world.
529
00:34:58,451 --> 00:35:02,090
The one who should be anxious right now
is His Majesty.
530
00:35:02,090 --> 00:35:04,291
I heard that His Majesty
has already gone to the examination hall.
531
00:35:05,130 --> 00:35:09,371
The Son of Heaven,
leaving the palace for a wicked woman?
532
00:35:09,371 --> 00:35:13,011
He is simply bewitched and utterly muddled.
533
00:35:13,811 --> 00:35:15,050
Since that's the case,
534
00:35:15,931 --> 00:35:21,610
I will make sure the women's Imperial Exam
is completely shut down.
535
00:35:21,610 --> 00:35:24,130
Your Majesty, forgive my crime.
I deserve to die.
536
00:35:24,130 --> 00:35:27,008
I was careless just now
and fell into a water vat.
537
00:35:27,008 --> 00:35:29,971
I tried my best to salvage the exam papers,
but they...
538
00:35:31,650 --> 00:35:33,650
Are you hurt?
539
00:35:33,650 --> 00:35:35,730
Should I summon the imperial physician
to take a look?
540
00:35:35,730 --> 00:35:40,090
Your Majesty, thank you for your concern.
I am fine.
541
00:35:40,090 --> 00:35:45,011
Since you are fine,
please bring the transcribed copies again.
542
00:35:46,570 --> 00:35:48,050
Your Majesty, please forgive me.
543
00:35:48,050 --> 00:35:50,931
Last night, a pack of rats
got into the side rooms of the office.
544
00:35:50,931 --> 00:35:55,170
They chewed up all the transcribed papers.
545
00:35:56,411 --> 00:36:01,730
Those rats really should
fall into a water vat and drown.
546
00:36:04,050 --> 00:36:05,971
Your Majesty, you jest.
547
00:36:10,090 --> 00:36:13,851
The two of you
are truly diligent in your duties,
548
00:36:13,851 --> 00:36:15,210
and put in your utmost effort.
549
00:36:16,331 --> 00:36:19,170
Staying in the Ministry of Rites
is indeed a waste of your talents.
550
00:36:20,130 --> 00:36:21,690
Your Majesty, you flatter us.
551
00:36:23,411 --> 00:36:26,011
Your Majesty, the office buildings
are old and in disrepair.
552
00:36:26,811 --> 00:36:29,291
We urged the Ministry of Revenue many times,
553
00:36:29,291 --> 00:36:33,650
but the funds have been delayed,
which caused this disaster.
554
00:36:33,650 --> 00:36:37,210
As Vice Minister of Rites,
I should naturally be punished.
555
00:36:37,210 --> 00:36:40,730
Good. We'll do as Lord Zhang says.
556
00:36:40,730 --> 00:36:43,530
Huang Bo, what is the punishment
according to the law?
557
00:36:43,530 --> 00:36:46,931
Your Majesty, according to the law,
for destroying the Imperial Exam papers,
558
00:36:46,931 --> 00:36:49,771
each offender
shall receive 30 strokes of the heavy plank.
559
00:36:49,771 --> 00:36:53,170
You will carry it out personally.
Beat them right here in the courtyard.
560
00:36:59,808 --> 00:37:02,272
[Jinfen Store]
561
00:37:04,090 --> 00:37:06,411
Miss, the pastries you wanted
are also bought.
562
00:37:06,411 --> 00:37:08,411
Good. Help me carry the rouge I bought.
563
00:37:08,411 --> 00:37:09,440
Yes.
564
00:37:15,971 --> 00:37:17,024
After her!
565
00:37:17,024 --> 00:37:18,090
Quick!
566
00:37:18,976 --> 00:37:20,128
Where is she?
567
00:37:20,771 --> 00:37:21,811
Go check over there.
568
00:37:21,811 --> 00:37:25,451
To find out how the young gentleman
solves the mystery, tune in next time!
569
00:37:25,451 --> 00:37:27,291
Great!
570
00:37:32,288 --> 00:37:33,344
What's this?
571
00:37:33,971 --> 00:37:37,210
Everyone, I am Meng Ting Hui,
top Provincial Exam candidate from Shazhou.
572
00:37:37,210 --> 00:37:39,210
I came to the capital for Metropolitan Exam
but failed miserably.
573
00:37:39,210 --> 00:37:42,170
However, I discovered that the policy essay
by this year's top scorer, An Ru Lan,
574
00:37:42,170 --> 00:37:44,570
is exactly the same as the one I wrote.
575
00:37:44,570 --> 00:37:48,451
I've resolved to go to the Capital Prefecture
and ask the Prefect to preside over the case.
576
00:37:52,331 --> 00:37:56,931
If you are interested,
please follow me to watch the show,
577
00:37:56,931 --> 00:38:01,771
and see who is the real top candidate,
Meng Ting Hui or An Ru Lan?
578
00:38:02,411 --> 00:38:06,291
If any villains attack me,
please lend a hand out of justice,
579
00:38:06,291 --> 00:38:08,170
tie them up and take them
to the Prefecture, too.
580
00:38:08,170 --> 00:38:09,730
I will reward you handsomely.
581
00:38:16,210 --> 00:38:18,730
Okay!
582
00:38:18,730 --> 00:38:21,130
Boss, there are too many people here.
It's hard to make a move.
583
00:38:21,130 --> 00:38:23,170
Send someone to ask the Second Master
how to deal with this woman.
584
00:38:25,170 --> 00:38:26,371
You are...
585
00:38:26,371 --> 00:38:28,411
Miss, we met outside the examination hall.
586
00:38:28,411 --> 00:38:31,011
Are you the daughter of Grand Tutor Shen
and the younger sister of Mr. Shen?
587
00:38:32,170 --> 00:38:34,050
You're the third one this month.
588
00:38:34,050 --> 00:38:36,971
Whatever romantic debts my brother owes you,
you can find him at his residence.
589
00:38:36,971 --> 00:38:39,050
Why do you keep sneaking into my carriage?
Driver!
590
00:38:39,050 --> 00:38:41,371
Miss Shen, I met Mr. Shen in Shazhou.
591
00:38:41,371 --> 00:38:43,250
I came to find him this time to seek justice.
592
00:38:43,971 --> 00:38:45,152
Seek justice?
593
00:38:47,371 --> 00:38:48,971
Where is she? You go over there!
594
00:38:48,971 --> 00:38:50,170
Go! The rest of you, follow me!
595
00:38:52,291 --> 00:38:55,250
[An Ru Lan Stealing the Policy Essay]
How can you prove Meng Ting Hui wrote it?
596
00:38:55,250 --> 00:38:57,291
And how do I know
you are not framing someone else?
597
00:38:58,011 --> 00:38:59,130
According to the Laws of Ning Empire,
598
00:38:59,130 --> 00:39:02,610
cheating in the Imperial Examination
is punishable by exile of 3,000 li,
599
00:39:02,610 --> 00:39:04,690
and falsely accusing the top candidate
is also a serious crime.
600
00:39:05,730 --> 00:39:08,891
Miss Shen, I guarantee with my life
that this is absolutely true.
601
00:39:08,891 --> 00:39:11,170
If there is a single false word,
you can send me to the officials.
602
00:39:12,690 --> 00:39:13,728
Stop!
603
00:39:16,011 --> 00:39:17,971
Miss, a group of people are
blocking the road outside.
604
00:39:19,811 --> 00:39:22,130
Those people outside are coming for you?
605
00:39:23,491 --> 00:39:26,011
Last night,
Meng Ting Hui was almost silenced.
606
00:39:26,011 --> 00:39:28,130
We are outnumbered and weak,
so we have to make the matter public.
607
00:39:28,130 --> 00:39:29,971
But we were chased by these people.
608
00:39:29,971 --> 00:39:31,771
Meng's fate is now unknown.
609
00:39:31,771 --> 00:39:33,851
Miss Shen, I beg you
to act out of justice and save her.
610
00:39:36,130 --> 00:39:38,650
Someone spotted them
getting into this exact carriage.
611
00:39:38,650 --> 00:39:40,451
People in the carriage, get down here!
612
00:39:42,931 --> 00:39:43,968
Don't worry.
613
00:39:48,411 --> 00:39:52,931
Intercepting an official's family carriage
warrants 60 strokes and a year of labor.
614
00:39:52,931 --> 00:39:54,811
Those bearing weapons
shall face an aggravated penalty.
615
00:39:54,811 --> 00:39:55,931
Withdraw immediately!
616
00:39:56,690 --> 00:39:58,570
So it's a lady from an official's family.
617
00:39:58,570 --> 00:40:01,331
Sorry, no offense.
618
00:40:01,331 --> 00:40:04,011
But we are just looking for a girl.
619
00:40:05,411 --> 00:40:06,528
You...
620
00:40:19,170 --> 00:40:20,690
Who is so blind...
621
00:40:25,504 --> 00:40:28,224
[Di Nian, Captain of the Divine Guard]
622
00:40:28,224 --> 00:40:29,411
Nian.
623
00:40:29,411 --> 00:40:30,730
Captain Di.
624
00:40:30,730 --> 00:40:32,411
The Divine Guards are patrolling the city.
625
00:40:32,411 --> 00:40:35,851
You are gathering a mob to cause trouble
and harass civilians.
626
00:40:35,851 --> 00:40:37,210
- Seize them all!
- Yes!
627
00:40:37,210 --> 00:40:38,411
Guys, retreat!
628
00:40:40,090 --> 00:40:41,120
Stop!
629
00:40:49,730 --> 00:40:52,650
Zhi Li, were you frightened?
630
00:40:52,650 --> 00:40:53,824
I'm fine.
631
00:40:54,851 --> 00:40:57,291
Zhi Li,
let me escort you back to the residence then.
632
00:40:57,291 --> 00:40:58,371
Where is His Majesty now?
633
00:41:06,650 --> 00:41:08,971
Did I just count wrong?
634
00:41:10,811 --> 00:41:12,451
You can't even count properly?
635
00:41:12,451 --> 00:41:15,250
Your Majesty, please see clearly.
I took pity on the two lords,
636
00:41:15,250 --> 00:41:17,610
and in a moment of weakness,
the numbers got messed up.
637
00:41:17,610 --> 00:41:21,491
Since you messed it up,
start over from the beginning.
638
00:41:22,250 --> 00:41:26,610
No! It's 15.
639
00:41:26,610 --> 00:41:28,931
You remember it quite clearly.
640
00:41:28,931 --> 00:41:30,530
It seems the beating isn't heavy enough yet.
641
00:41:30,530 --> 00:41:32,491
Huang Bo, continue.
642
00:41:36,851 --> 00:41:39,411
A hundred people were selected
in this year's Metropolitan Exam.
643
00:41:39,411 --> 00:41:42,451
Yet as the top candidate of Shazhou,
Meng Ting Hui failed.
644
00:41:42,451 --> 00:41:44,291
I find this suspicious.
645
00:41:44,291 --> 00:41:45,931
I wasn't sure before.
646
00:41:45,931 --> 00:41:47,971
But now that the papers have been destroyed,
647
00:41:47,971 --> 00:41:50,931
tell me, is this a coincidence?
648
00:41:51,851 --> 00:41:54,811
I truly don't know.
649
00:41:54,811 --> 00:41:56,530
Then find someone who does know
and interrogate him.
650
00:41:56,530 --> 00:41:58,331
Bring all the invigilators,
651
00:41:58,331 --> 00:41:59,971
transcribers, sealers, and graders
652
00:41:59,971 --> 00:42:00,971
for this year's Metropolitan Exam here.
653
00:42:00,971 --> 00:42:03,331
It'll take some time
to investigate these people.
654
00:42:03,331 --> 00:42:07,690
How about beating him with 30 strokes first?
655
00:42:11,090 --> 00:42:14,610
I'll confess! I'm willing to confess!
656
00:42:15,811 --> 00:42:18,210
Imperial Exam fraud! A grave injustice!
657
00:42:18,210 --> 00:42:19,616
Everyone, come and see!
658
00:42:20,224 --> 00:42:21,371
There's actually such a thing?
659
00:42:21,371 --> 00:42:22,610
Cheating in the Imperial Exam?
660
00:42:22,610 --> 00:42:24,291
There's some excitement to watch. Let's go.
661
00:42:25,050 --> 00:42:27,931
I am Meng Ting Hui, the top candidate
in the Provincial Exam from Shazhou.
662
00:42:28,931 --> 00:42:31,451
An Ru Lan stole my policy essay
in the Metropolitan Exam.
663
00:42:31,451 --> 00:42:33,610
Now, I'm going to the Capital Prefecture
to ask the authorities for justice,
664
00:42:33,610 --> 00:42:36,090
expose the truth of the exam fraud,
665
00:42:36,090 --> 00:42:38,210
and restore fairness to the Imperial Exam.
666
00:42:38,210 --> 00:42:39,648
It's Meng Ting Hui!
667
00:42:39,648 --> 00:42:41,570
Go, follow her.
Let's go to the Capital Prefecture.
668
00:42:41,570 --> 00:42:44,480
Let's go to the Capital Prefecture together
to seek justice!
669
00:42:44,480 --> 00:42:47,520
Seek justice!
670
00:42:47,520 --> 00:42:49,451
[A Bright Mirror Hung High]
671
00:42:49,451 --> 00:42:50,656
I am Meng Ting Hui.
672
00:42:50,656 --> 00:42:54,411
I accuse An Ru Lan, the top candidate,
of stealing my policy essay.
673
00:42:54,411 --> 00:42:55,650
My lord, please uphold justice for me.
674
00:42:56,331 --> 00:43:02,371
Confucius said: "Think thrice before you act.
Twice is sufficient."
675
00:43:02,371 --> 00:43:06,610
You spread this article all over the capital,
stirring up a city-wide storm.
676
00:43:06,610 --> 00:43:07,851
Do you have any evidence?
677
00:43:07,851 --> 00:43:11,170
My lord, you can summon An Ru Lan
for a face-to-face confrontation in court.
678
00:43:11,170 --> 00:43:15,570
My lord, those commoners outside
were all brought here by her.
679
00:43:17,971 --> 00:43:19,050
Summon Huiyuan An.52678
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