1 00:01:31,264 --> 00:01:33,984 [Episode 6] 2 00:01:33,984 --> 00:01:36,680 [A Bright Mirror Hung High] 3 00:01:36,680 --> 00:01:39,959 I, Meng Ting Hui, accuse Huiyuan An Ru Lan 4 00:01:39,959 --> 00:01:41,359 of stealing my policy essay. 5 00:01:41,359 --> 00:01:43,159 I beg you, Prefect, to deliver justice. 6 00:01:43,159 --> 00:01:46,480 Confucius said, "Think thrice before you act." 7 00:01:46,480 --> 00:01:49,040 Then he added, "Twice is sufficient." 8 00:01:49,040 --> 00:01:53,719 You spread this essay across the capital, causing a huge uproar. 9 00:01:53,719 --> 00:01:54,920 Do you have any proof? 10 00:01:54,920 --> 00:01:58,200 You can summon An Ru Lan to court for a confrontation. 11 00:01:58,200 --> 00:02:02,799 Prefect, she gathered all those commoners outside here. 12 00:02:05,079 --> 00:02:06,200 Summon Huiyuan An. 13 00:02:38,199 --> 00:02:40,800 I'm Huiyuan An Ru Lan. Greetings, Prefect. 14 00:02:41,800 --> 00:02:43,439 Huiyuan An, no need for such formalities. 15 00:02:43,439 --> 00:02:47,360 The seat for the Huiyuan is ready. Please be seated. 16 00:02:47,360 --> 00:02:50,120 Jiang Mei Er, what are you doing here? 17 00:02:53,919 --> 00:02:54,960 Second Master, 18 00:02:54,960 --> 00:02:56,759 it was that wretch, Meng Ting Hui. 19 00:02:57,520 --> 00:02:59,599 She harmed my uncle and Mr. Feng. 20 00:03:00,879 --> 00:03:04,599 I wish I could tear her flesh and sleep on her hide. 21 00:03:09,360 --> 00:03:11,199 Where is she now? 22 00:03:11,199 --> 00:03:15,000 She won the top candidate and will soon head to the capital for the exams. 23 00:03:15,000 --> 00:03:16,439 I have a way to deal with her. 24 00:03:18,080 --> 00:03:19,639 Second Master, by helping me, 25 00:03:20,439 --> 00:03:22,560 you'll be ridding Master of a true menace, 26 00:03:23,360 --> 00:03:24,680 which is a great deed. 27 00:03:32,639 --> 00:03:34,400 As long as you help me, 28 00:03:38,879 --> 00:03:40,879 I will be yours. 29 00:03:52,240 --> 00:03:55,919 This fellow student is talking nonsense. Have you lost your mind? 30 00:03:57,840 --> 00:03:58,879 Prefect, please judge fairly. 31 00:03:59,719 --> 00:04:01,479 This woman's real name is Jiang Mei Er. 32 00:04:01,479 --> 00:04:03,599 She is the niece of the former Governor of Shazhou. 33 00:04:03,599 --> 00:04:06,080 She was my classmate at the Shazhou Women's Academy. 34 00:04:06,080 --> 00:04:08,560 Back in Shazhou, she never studied, 35 00:04:08,560 --> 00:04:11,000 acting tyrannically and bullying our classmates. 36 00:04:11,000 --> 00:04:13,840 She might deny it now that she has changed her name, 37 00:04:13,840 --> 00:04:17,560 but since she won the Huiyuan title, she must have real knowledge. 38 00:04:17,560 --> 00:04:22,120 Prefect, I request to debate the classics with Huiyuan An on the spot. 39 00:04:26,360 --> 00:04:27,879 Why have you all come here today, 40 00:04:28,519 --> 00:04:30,560 if not to seek justice? 41 00:04:30,560 --> 00:04:32,279 Then let us all see together 42 00:04:32,279 --> 00:04:33,959 how much real knowledge this Huiyuan 43 00:04:33,959 --> 00:04:36,639 of the Imperial Exam for Women actually possesses. 44 00:04:36,639 --> 00:04:37,639 Well said! 45 00:04:37,639 --> 00:04:39,959 - We want to see real knowledge! - Real knowledge! 46 00:04:39,959 --> 00:04:41,560 - We want to see real knowledge! - Real knowledge! 47 00:04:41,560 --> 00:04:42,959 We want to see real knowledge! 48 00:04:44,360 --> 00:04:49,519 Good. I, too, favor those with real knowledge. 49 00:04:51,560 --> 00:04:52,879 When a nation prospers, 50 00:04:52,879 --> 00:04:54,079 it tends to its people as wounded. 51 00:04:54,079 --> 00:04:55,079 That is its blessing. 52 00:04:55,680 --> 00:04:57,040 When it perishes, 53 00:04:57,040 --> 00:04:58,680 it treats the people as dirt and weeds. 54 00:04:58,680 --> 00:04:59,759 That is its ruin. 55 00:04:59,759 --> 00:05:02,000 Does this quote come from the Book of Rites or the Book of Documents? 56 00:05:08,680 --> 00:05:10,519 It is the Book of Rites. 57 00:05:13,920 --> 00:05:15,920 No, it's the Book of Documents. 58 00:05:20,879 --> 00:05:22,759 It's the Zuo Commentary. 59 00:05:22,759 --> 00:05:25,399 I just misremembered. That's all. 60 00:05:25,399 --> 00:05:27,399 What can these few words prove? 61 00:05:29,120 --> 00:05:30,319 Did you all hear that clearly? 62 00:05:31,319 --> 00:05:33,519 It's a classic text that all scholars in the world know, 63 00:05:33,519 --> 00:05:35,199 yet she quibbles, saying she misremembered it. 64 00:05:35,199 --> 00:05:38,600 How could such a contradictory person be the Huiyuan? 65 00:05:38,600 --> 00:05:41,120 Has the Ning Empire's Imperial Exam become a child's game? 66 00:05:41,120 --> 00:05:42,120 Well said! 67 00:05:42,759 --> 00:05:45,040 Well said! 68 00:05:45,040 --> 00:05:46,839 Well said! 69 00:05:46,839 --> 00:05:49,879 Prefect, the Huiyuan's policy essay was not written by her at all. 70 00:05:50,480 --> 00:05:52,160 I beg you to judge fairly. 71 00:05:52,160 --> 00:05:54,399 Confucius said, "Knowing that you know--" 72 00:05:54,399 --> 00:05:55,560 Prefect, 73 00:05:55,560 --> 00:05:58,240 after ten years of hard study, I finally achieved scholarly rank. 74 00:05:58,240 --> 00:06:00,279 And now she's framed me like this. 75 00:06:00,279 --> 00:06:02,319 You must uphold justice. 76 00:06:02,319 --> 00:06:04,399 Confucius said: "Watch a man's actions, 77 00:06:04,399 --> 00:06:05,399 examine his motives--" 78 00:06:05,399 --> 00:06:08,120 Prefect, she insists the Huiyuan's essay came from her own hand, 79 00:06:08,720 --> 00:06:10,959 then why not retest her on this essay right now? 80 00:06:10,959 --> 00:06:12,879 I'll take the test with her right here. 81 00:06:13,480 --> 00:06:15,800 One test will tell the truth from the lie. 82 00:06:15,800 --> 00:06:18,360 Prefect, there is no need for a test. 83 00:06:18,360 --> 00:06:21,160 In black and white, I wrote the essay. There is no mistake. 84 00:06:21,160 --> 00:06:23,920 Can you both let me finish speaking? 85 00:06:23,920 --> 00:06:26,920 All this commotion is hardly proper. 86 00:06:26,920 --> 00:06:30,199 And this isn't the exam hall. What's there to test? 87 00:06:30,199 --> 00:06:32,680 Do you really think that scholarly rank 88 00:06:32,680 --> 00:06:35,319 can be twisted by a glib tongue? 89 00:06:37,040 --> 00:06:38,360 Jiang Mei Er, 90 00:06:38,360 --> 00:06:40,720 I got rid of your uncle. 91 00:06:40,720 --> 00:06:42,759 You really think I can't do the same to you? 92 00:06:42,759 --> 00:06:45,199 You did not see how terribly your uncle died. 93 00:06:46,360 --> 00:06:49,560 A bolt to the heart, he died on the spot. 94 00:06:49,560 --> 00:06:50,879 Let me guess 95 00:06:51,759 --> 00:06:54,120 how you stole my Huiyuan title. 96 00:06:55,240 --> 00:06:58,160 Was it through your uncle's pitiful connections, 97 00:06:58,160 --> 00:06:59,279 or 98 00:07:01,199 --> 00:07:03,800 did you make some shady deal? 99 00:07:05,079 --> 00:07:07,879 What you always care about most is your face. 100 00:07:09,279 --> 00:07:11,360 You boast of being the foremost beauty. 101 00:07:12,079 --> 00:07:13,800 Could it be that you relied on... 102 00:07:15,439 --> 00:07:17,160 As long as you help me, 103 00:07:18,680 --> 00:07:20,600 I will be yours. 104 00:07:24,040 --> 00:07:25,519 Shut your mouth! 105 00:07:27,240 --> 00:07:28,360 Meng Ting Hui! 106 00:07:29,759 --> 00:07:30,959 Order! Order! 107 00:07:30,959 --> 00:07:31,959 Madwoman! 108 00:07:33,319 --> 00:07:34,360 The trial is not over yet! 109 00:07:34,360 --> 00:07:36,279 Pull them apart! Court adjourned! Adjourned! 110 00:07:37,399 --> 00:07:38,560 The trial is not over yet! 111 00:07:43,279 --> 00:07:45,360 Meng Ting Hui! 112 00:07:45,360 --> 00:07:47,120 You took everything from me. 113 00:07:47,120 --> 00:07:48,560 I will kill you! 114 00:07:50,600 --> 00:07:53,079 Prefect, did you hear it clearly? 115 00:07:53,079 --> 00:07:54,519 Is the truth not clear enough? 116 00:07:56,879 --> 00:07:58,199 Guards, 117 00:07:58,199 --> 00:08:02,439 seize this fake Huiyuan who has deceived the world. 118 00:08:16,839 --> 00:08:20,839 So you're all birds of a feather, colluding in evil. 119 00:08:20,839 --> 00:08:22,160 In the Imperial Exam world, 120 00:08:23,160 --> 00:08:24,959 in the court of law, 121 00:08:24,959 --> 00:08:28,000 all I see are wolves that devour people without mercy. 122 00:08:29,839 --> 00:08:31,720 Now you've finally figured it out. 123 00:08:32,799 --> 00:08:35,639 What a pity, it is far too late. 124 00:08:36,559 --> 00:08:40,200 Did you really think those ignorant commoners could help you? 125 00:08:44,360 --> 00:08:47,240 In the end, you still fell into my hands. 126 00:08:47,240 --> 00:08:48,879 From now on, 127 00:08:48,879 --> 00:08:53,200 in the Imperial Exam for Women, there will be no Meng Ting Hui anymore. 128 00:08:58,600 --> 00:08:59,600 In this world, 129 00:09:03,720 --> 00:09:04,879 the shameless 130 00:09:06,799 --> 00:09:09,200 live longer than the reckless. 131 00:09:09,200 --> 00:09:10,279 Meng Ting Hui, 132 00:09:11,440 --> 00:09:15,039 whether in Shazhou or the capital, 133 00:09:15,039 --> 00:09:20,759 I can easily destroy anything you cherish. 134 00:09:20,759 --> 00:09:21,759 I can destroy it! 135 00:09:27,960 --> 00:09:29,720 - Let go of me! - Pull them apart! 136 00:09:29,720 --> 00:09:31,159 If I go down, you're coming with me! 137 00:09:35,519 --> 00:09:38,320 You disgrace scholarly decorum in this very court! 138 00:09:39,039 --> 00:09:42,799 Confucius said, "Harmony is the essence of proper conduct." 139 00:09:42,799 --> 00:09:44,080 Jieyuan Meng, 140 00:09:44,080 --> 00:09:48,480 you'd better confess to the crime of falsely accusing the Huiyuan. 141 00:09:48,480 --> 00:09:51,200 I guarantee your life will be spared. 142 00:09:51,200 --> 00:09:53,840 Prefect, she has stirred up such a huge mess 143 00:09:53,840 --> 00:09:55,320 and nearly took my life. 144 00:09:55,320 --> 00:09:56,879 She must not be spared. 145 00:09:56,879 --> 00:09:59,360 Everyone already knows about the real and fake Huiyuan. 146 00:10:00,519 --> 00:10:01,799 If something happens to me, 147 00:10:02,519 --> 00:10:04,679 it will only confirm the truth of my accusation. 148 00:10:04,679 --> 00:10:07,360 Then will you still be able to stay out of it, Prefect? 149 00:10:07,360 --> 00:10:10,759 Turn back now, and you might still save your life. 150 00:10:12,000 --> 00:10:13,559 What a glib tongue. 151 00:10:13,559 --> 00:10:15,639 Prefect, arrest her immediately. 152 00:10:15,639 --> 00:10:18,639 Confucius said, "Do not govern where you do not hold office." 153 00:10:19,480 --> 00:10:22,600 I have my own sense of how to handle this case. 154 00:10:22,600 --> 00:10:24,240 No need for you to say more. 155 00:10:25,440 --> 00:10:26,519 Throw her in prison. 156 00:10:31,159 --> 00:10:33,559 Prefect, the Huxiao Gang is here. 157 00:10:55,799 --> 00:10:58,000 Second Master Lv and Huiyuan An. 158 00:11:09,200 --> 00:11:10,200 Come over here. 159 00:11:13,480 --> 00:11:17,080 Prefect Dong, how do you plan to deal with Meng Ting Hui? 160 00:11:18,039 --> 00:11:19,519 I've already made arrangements. 161 00:11:20,240 --> 00:11:24,399 I'll spread the word that Meng Ting Hui lost her mind after failing the exam 162 00:11:24,399 --> 00:11:26,080 and lock her up for a while. 163 00:11:26,080 --> 00:11:29,159 Once the dust settles, I'll send her back to Shazhou. 164 00:11:30,000 --> 00:11:31,919 You're truly a good official. 165 00:11:33,399 --> 00:11:34,799 You flatter me, Huiyuan An. 166 00:11:34,799 --> 00:11:36,080 I believe 167 00:11:36,080 --> 00:11:40,480 that if we kill Meng Ting Hui, it'll definitely cause a stir. 168 00:11:40,480 --> 00:11:42,799 I am doing this for the bigger picture. 169 00:11:46,240 --> 00:11:49,600 Second Master, look. 170 00:11:49,600 --> 00:11:52,320 He does not take you seriously at all. 171 00:11:52,320 --> 00:11:54,159 He is leaving himself a way out. 172 00:11:58,679 --> 00:11:59,879 Mei Er, rest assured. 173 00:12:01,919 --> 00:12:07,200 I've invited Prefect Dong's wife and children for tea at the teahouse. 174 00:12:12,600 --> 00:12:15,519 W-Why did you do that? 175 00:12:16,879 --> 00:12:18,720 I have done as you instructed. 176 00:12:18,720 --> 00:12:19,919 What else do you want from me? 177 00:12:20,759 --> 00:12:21,879 I want to see Master. 178 00:12:27,559 --> 00:12:28,559 Master? 179 00:12:31,120 --> 00:12:33,080 Do you look down on me? 180 00:12:34,799 --> 00:12:40,120 Dong Shou Cai, without the Huxiao Gang, you wouldn't be wearing this robe. 181 00:12:40,120 --> 00:12:42,080 How dare you put on airs in front of me? 182 00:12:43,919 --> 00:12:44,919 Do not forget, 183 00:12:45,799 --> 00:12:48,840 you haven't repaid the court official debt yet. 184 00:12:48,840 --> 00:12:52,600 If Master finds out, you're as good as dead. 185 00:12:56,919 --> 00:12:59,000 So, Prefect, you'd better think carefully. 186 00:12:59,679 --> 00:13:03,440 Do you want glory and wealth 187 00:13:04,840 --> 00:13:06,799 or a torn-apart family? 188 00:13:09,240 --> 00:13:11,720 I'll leave it all to you two, Second Master and Huiyuan An. 189 00:13:26,039 --> 00:13:29,679 All who participated in the Imperial Exam fraud 190 00:13:29,679 --> 00:13:32,039 are to be detained pending trial. 191 00:13:32,679 --> 00:13:33,679 As you command. 192 00:13:35,279 --> 00:13:36,279 Take them away! 193 00:13:44,240 --> 00:13:47,480 Your Majesty, Zhi Li instructed me to present this item urgently. 194 00:13:47,480 --> 00:13:50,519 It's a grievance petition written personally by Meng Ting Hui herself. 195 00:13:50,519 --> 00:13:52,200 Countless copies have been made 196 00:13:52,200 --> 00:13:54,279 and spread across the capital's streets. 197 00:13:56,686 --> 00:13:58,320 [Petition of Grievance] 198 00:13:58,320 --> 00:14:01,759 She has lit this fire swiftly and fiercely. 199 00:14:01,759 --> 00:14:02,960 Where is she now? 200 00:14:02,960 --> 00:14:04,600 Capital Prefectural Office. 201 00:14:05,360 --> 00:14:06,399 To the Capital Prefectural Office. 202 00:14:39,240 --> 00:14:40,240 Jiang Mei Er, 203 00:14:41,840 --> 00:14:43,559 you had better kill me today, 204 00:14:44,639 --> 00:14:46,679 or I will make your life worse than death. 205 00:14:47,320 --> 00:14:48,679 Killing you now? 206 00:14:49,639 --> 00:14:51,120 How boring that would be. 207 00:14:51,120 --> 00:14:54,519 I want to torment you to death, bit by bit. 208 00:14:55,320 --> 00:14:58,559 I will make you repay ten thousandfold. 209 00:15:09,000 --> 00:15:10,559 Anything else you want to say? 210 00:15:12,360 --> 00:15:14,000 You deserved it. 211 00:15:14,000 --> 00:15:15,440 You shall die a thousand deaths. 212 00:15:15,440 --> 00:15:17,519 You will get your comeuppance sooner or later. 213 00:15:30,799 --> 00:15:32,120 Her false accusation failed, 214 00:15:32,120 --> 00:15:33,399 so she took her own life. 215 00:15:33,399 --> 00:15:36,039 She burned the prison, and died in flames. Understood? 216 00:15:36,039 --> 00:15:37,039 Yes. 217 00:17:06,599 --> 00:17:08,200 Still trying to run? 218 00:17:08,200 --> 00:17:09,359 Meng Ting Hui, 219 00:17:09,359 --> 00:17:11,480 you got over a hundred of my Heihu Crew brothers killed. 220 00:17:11,480 --> 00:17:13,160 Today, you will join them in death! 221 00:17:16,119 --> 00:17:17,119 Meng Ting Hui! 222 00:17:21,359 --> 00:17:22,359 Meng Ting Hui, 223 00:17:23,240 --> 00:17:25,559 since fire cannot kill you, 224 00:17:25,559 --> 00:17:27,839 I will finish you off with my own hands. 225 00:17:34,720 --> 00:17:35,720 Fall back! 226 00:17:36,519 --> 00:17:38,119 Meng Ting Hui, you madwoman! 227 00:18:19,480 --> 00:18:20,480 She is there! 228 00:18:27,400 --> 00:18:28,519 I will kill you! 229 00:18:32,359 --> 00:18:33,359 Let's go! 230 00:18:35,000 --> 00:18:36,000 Get them! 231 00:18:57,720 --> 00:19:01,279 He Du, they tried to kill me. 232 00:19:03,519 --> 00:19:04,519 Leave it to me. 233 00:19:16,559 --> 00:19:18,240 I, Dong Shou Cai, 234 00:19:18,880 --> 00:19:20,400 studied hard for ten years 235 00:19:21,279 --> 00:19:24,039 and held myself to the ways of the sages. 236 00:19:24,039 --> 00:19:25,720 On the day I passed the Imperial Exam, 237 00:19:26,640 --> 00:19:30,752 I also swore before the mirror to be an honest official. 238 00:19:31,392 --> 00:19:35,240 Yet I faltered and strayed from the right path. 239 00:19:36,000 --> 00:19:39,119 I was timid and cautious for half my life. 240 00:19:40,079 --> 00:19:41,640 I deserve punishment for my sins, 241 00:19:42,440 --> 00:19:44,039 and I deeply regret it. 242 00:19:44,960 --> 00:19:46,680 I'm willing to atone with my death. 243 00:19:47,599 --> 00:19:49,359 But my family is innocent. 244 00:19:50,359 --> 00:19:51,640 I beg Your Majesty 245 00:19:52,880 --> 00:19:54,759 to show mercy. 246 00:20:02,068 --> 00:20:07,168 [Laws of Ning Empire] 247 00:20:20,279 --> 00:20:21,279 Miss Meng. 248 00:20:40,039 --> 00:20:42,400 Huiyuan Meng is nothing but a common orphan girl. 249 00:20:42,400 --> 00:20:44,839 How did she get His Majesty to personally intervene on her behalf? 250 00:20:46,039 --> 00:20:48,079 [Nine Nine Nine] Many noble ladies from powerful families 251 00:20:48,079 --> 00:20:50,200 are eagerly longing for His Majesty's favor, 252 00:20:50,200 --> 00:20:51,720 yet they cannot even get a proper glance. 253 00:20:51,720 --> 00:20:54,119 But he pays her so much attention? 254 00:20:54,720 --> 00:20:56,960 His Majesty values the Imperial Exam. 255 00:20:56,960 --> 00:20:59,680 This is the first Imperial Exam since His Majesty ascended the throne, 256 00:20:59,680 --> 00:21:01,400 yet it has encountered such fraud. 257 00:21:01,400 --> 00:21:04,759 His Majesty's action is a declaration of his resolve to the realm. 258 00:21:04,759 --> 00:21:06,480 But she had no reason to enter the palace. 259 00:21:07,160 --> 00:21:09,240 Ever since His Majesty was a child, 260 00:21:09,240 --> 00:21:12,799 except for you, no other woman has ever been allowed to stay in the palace. 261 00:21:12,799 --> 00:21:15,039 I fear that she wants to stay in the palace for good. 262 00:21:15,039 --> 00:21:17,559 After all, that's much easier than the Imperial Exam. 263 00:21:17,559 --> 00:21:18,559 He Du! 264 00:21:24,079 --> 00:21:25,079 Miss Meng. 265 00:21:28,680 --> 00:21:29,680 It's you. 266 00:21:30,640 --> 00:21:31,839 Where am I? 267 00:21:31,839 --> 00:21:32,839 Can you not see? 268 00:21:32,839 --> 00:21:34,119 This is the imperial palace. 269 00:21:35,359 --> 00:21:37,319 Right, I was just about to ask you, 270 00:21:37,319 --> 00:21:40,720 what exactly happened between you and His Majesty in Shazhou? 271 00:21:40,720 --> 00:21:41,759 Chief Eunuch You, 272 00:21:41,759 --> 00:21:44,799 I heard His Majesty say he wanted some soup as I was leaving. 273 00:21:44,799 --> 00:21:45,920 Hurry back and check on him. 274 00:21:46,880 --> 00:21:47,880 Alright. 275 00:21:52,039 --> 00:21:54,519 Miss Meng, you are finally awake. 276 00:21:54,519 --> 00:21:55,920 His Majesty saved you. 277 00:21:55,920 --> 00:21:57,480 You've been unconscious for two days, 278 00:21:57,480 --> 00:21:58,920 and your fever would not break. 279 00:21:58,920 --> 00:22:00,400 Are you feeling better now? 280 00:22:03,720 --> 00:22:06,480 The imperial physician prescribed this to fortify you and clear the heat. 281 00:22:06,480 --> 00:22:07,519 Drink it while it is warm. 282 00:22:09,720 --> 00:22:11,400 He is actually the emperor? 283 00:22:14,119 --> 00:22:18,279 I never thought after that hurried meeting at the exam hall entrance, 284 00:22:18,279 --> 00:22:20,519 we would meet again today in the palace. 285 00:22:21,559 --> 00:22:23,000 Thank you for taking care of me. 286 00:22:23,000 --> 00:22:24,119 No need for formalities. 287 00:22:25,000 --> 00:22:28,480 On the day of the Metropolitan Exam, I thought I could win the top spot. 288 00:22:28,480 --> 00:22:30,319 I never imagined there were greater peaks beyond. 289 00:22:30,319 --> 00:22:33,559 After reading your policy essay through, I could not sleep at night, 290 00:22:33,559 --> 00:22:36,160 only hoping to meet the author soon. 291 00:22:36,160 --> 00:22:37,720 I never imagined it would be you, Miss Meng. 292 00:22:37,720 --> 00:22:39,160 I am truly delighted in my heart. 293 00:22:41,160 --> 00:22:44,400 Miss, do you know how Miss Yan is doing now? 294 00:22:44,400 --> 00:22:47,680 Rest assured, Miss Yan has been sent back to Chunman House. 295 00:22:47,680 --> 00:22:48,680 All is well. 296 00:22:49,359 --> 00:22:50,359 Drink it while it is warm. 297 00:22:53,640 --> 00:22:55,160 Hearing what happened to you, 298 00:22:55,160 --> 00:22:56,799 I still feel lingering fear even now. 299 00:22:57,640 --> 00:23:01,039 Good thing you fought back so well, so they did not succeed. 300 00:23:01,039 --> 00:23:02,400 Now it is all good. 301 00:23:02,400 --> 00:23:04,839 His Majesty not only restored your title as Huiyuan 302 00:23:04,839 --> 00:23:06,680 but also threw Jiang Mei Er into prison. 303 00:23:06,680 --> 00:23:08,000 It is truly gratifying. 304 00:23:09,440 --> 00:23:11,559 Has His Majesty come by these days? 305 00:23:11,559 --> 00:23:12,599 Not yet. 306 00:23:12,599 --> 00:23:14,160 With such a huge matter happening, 307 00:23:14,160 --> 00:23:15,880 His Majesty is very busy. 308 00:23:15,880 --> 00:23:18,799 But he instructed me to take good care of you. 309 00:23:18,799 --> 00:23:20,640 Then may I go and see His Majesty? 310 00:23:20,640 --> 00:23:22,359 You should rest and recover first. 311 00:23:22,359 --> 00:23:24,799 If there is anything, I can help convey it for you. 312 00:23:24,799 --> 00:23:26,000 I want to go to the Ministry of Justice. 313 00:23:42,559 --> 00:23:43,559 Imperial Guard Huang. 314 00:23:44,960 --> 00:23:46,279 Imperial Guard Huang, 315 00:23:46,279 --> 00:23:47,839 I want to speak with her alone. 316 00:24:05,079 --> 00:24:08,319 Speak. How did you hook up with Lv, 317 00:24:08,319 --> 00:24:09,480 bribe the examiners, 318 00:24:10,119 --> 00:24:11,279 and set the fire to kill me? 319 00:24:12,279 --> 00:24:15,200 You are not much better than me. 320 00:24:16,559 --> 00:24:19,119 You're only standing here because you climbed 321 00:24:19,119 --> 00:24:20,680 onto His Majesty's bed. 322 00:24:21,480 --> 00:24:24,839 Without a man, you are nothing. 323 00:24:28,880 --> 00:24:30,000 Meng Ting Hui, 324 00:24:31,039 --> 00:24:33,079 you are still so arrogant 325 00:24:33,079 --> 00:24:34,960 and so self-righteous. 326 00:24:34,960 --> 00:24:36,839 Do you know what I hate most about you? 327 00:24:38,720 --> 00:24:40,440 It is those eyes of yours. 328 00:24:41,400 --> 00:24:44,240 You're merely a lowly wretch with no parents. 329 00:24:44,240 --> 00:24:46,160 What gives you the right to look at me like that? 330 00:24:48,039 --> 00:24:52,359 I, Jiang Mei Er, come from a prestigious family 331 00:24:52,359 --> 00:24:53,839 with stunning beauty. 332 00:24:55,759 --> 00:24:58,559 I could have had boundless glory. 333 00:25:00,160 --> 00:25:01,319 But you've ruined it all. 334 00:25:02,960 --> 00:25:07,759 You forced me... forced me to have no choice but to eliminate you. 335 00:25:08,440 --> 00:25:11,079 To what extent do you want to destroy me? 336 00:25:11,079 --> 00:25:13,400 The one who destroyed you has always been yourself. 337 00:25:14,599 --> 00:25:16,640 You acted lawlessly because of your family background. 338 00:25:17,319 --> 00:25:19,039 You held power in your hands, 339 00:25:19,039 --> 00:25:21,079 yet all you did was oppress the innocent. 340 00:25:21,079 --> 00:25:23,880 It was your jealousy, greed, and obsession 341 00:25:23,880 --> 00:25:25,119 that pushed you into the abyss. 342 00:25:25,920 --> 00:25:29,519 Confess truthfully, and your sentence may be reduced. 343 00:25:30,240 --> 00:25:32,559 But you only get one chance. 344 00:25:38,839 --> 00:25:42,559 Meng Ting Hui, do you dare say you have no ambition? 345 00:25:43,359 --> 00:25:46,480 Do you dare say you do not want to climb up? 346 00:25:46,480 --> 00:25:48,799 Deep down, we are the same. 347 00:25:49,799 --> 00:25:53,559 You are just better at pretending than I am. 348 00:25:54,440 --> 00:25:56,839 Now you hypocritically say you will spare me? 349 00:25:57,759 --> 00:25:59,839 Do you even believe the nonsense yourself? 350 00:25:59,839 --> 00:26:02,039 We have never been the same. 351 00:26:03,000 --> 00:26:04,079 But you are right about one thing. 352 00:26:06,759 --> 00:26:08,759 I do want to climb up. 353 00:26:09,920 --> 00:26:13,319 And now, I have reached a position where I can decide your fate. 354 00:26:14,480 --> 00:26:15,480 You won't write it? 355 00:26:16,839 --> 00:26:18,480 Since you do not want the chance, 356 00:26:20,039 --> 00:26:21,079 forget it. 357 00:26:28,319 --> 00:26:30,759 Meng Ting Hui, I will write it. 358 00:26:31,440 --> 00:26:32,799 I will write it. 359 00:26:32,799 --> 00:26:34,480 As long as you spare me, 360 00:26:34,480 --> 00:26:35,960 I will do anything. 361 00:26:42,319 --> 00:26:43,400 My mother said 362 00:26:44,079 --> 00:26:45,400 that I must survive. 363 00:26:47,359 --> 00:26:48,559 I must survive. 364 00:26:49,799 --> 00:26:52,992 Only by surviving can everything begin anew. 365 00:26:52,992 --> 00:26:56,512 [Condemned Woman Jiang Mei Er, Shazhou] 366 00:26:59,319 --> 00:27:00,839 I must survive. 367 00:27:02,720 --> 00:27:04,400 I must survive. 368 00:27:19,359 --> 00:27:21,200 The second-in-command of the Huxiao Gang, 369 00:27:21,880 --> 00:27:24,039 known as Second Master Lv. 370 00:27:24,039 --> 00:27:27,599 The Heihu Crew in Shazhou was just a branch of the Huxiao Gang. 371 00:27:27,599 --> 00:27:28,599 I have confessed everything. 372 00:27:29,359 --> 00:27:31,079 You said the sentence would be reduced. 373 00:27:33,119 --> 00:27:34,119 Yes. 374 00:27:35,319 --> 00:27:38,839 Your heinous crimes warranted death by a thousand cuts. 375 00:27:39,599 --> 00:27:41,839 His Majesty now grants you a swift death, 376 00:27:41,839 --> 00:27:43,200 which is already the greatest mercy. 377 00:27:44,319 --> 00:27:46,400 Meng Ting Hui! 378 00:27:46,400 --> 00:27:47,680 I was wrong! 379 00:27:47,680 --> 00:27:49,200 I was wrong! 380 00:27:49,200 --> 00:27:51,039 I beg you! 381 00:27:51,039 --> 00:27:53,440 I beg you! I beg you! 382 00:27:53,440 --> 00:27:54,960 - Jiang Mei Er. - Spare me! 383 00:27:54,960 --> 00:27:58,160 I came today to send you off on your final journey. 384 00:27:58,160 --> 00:28:00,599 Although I... although I have harmed you, 385 00:28:00,599 --> 00:28:04,480 aren't you standing here perfectly fine now? 386 00:28:04,480 --> 00:28:06,599 And you've even caught His Majesty's eye. 387 00:28:06,599 --> 00:28:10,039 Surely I deserve some credit for your great fortune, don't I? 388 00:28:11,240 --> 00:28:14,880 The white silk or the poisoned wine. Choose for yourself. 389 00:28:26,960 --> 00:28:29,599 Meng Ting Hui, you liar! 390 00:28:29,599 --> 00:28:31,279 You will die a terrible death! 391 00:28:31,279 --> 00:28:33,559 Huxiao Gang will not let you off! 392 00:28:33,559 --> 00:28:35,880 I will haunt you even as a ghost! 393 00:28:36,599 --> 00:28:38,680 I'm just worried they will not dare to come. 394 00:28:39,960 --> 00:28:41,279 For those who have harmed me, 395 00:28:43,039 --> 00:28:45,000 I will not let a single one of them go. 396 00:29:35,552 --> 00:29:38,521 [The Tiger's Roar Stirs the Wind] 397 00:30:09,400 --> 00:30:12,640 Are the women at Nuanxiang Pavilion not enough for you? 398 00:30:12,640 --> 00:30:13,640 Master, I was wrong. 399 00:30:14,240 --> 00:30:15,559 Dong Shou Cai has committed suicide out of fear. 400 00:30:15,559 --> 00:30:19,079 Rest assured. He didn't breathe a word about us. 401 00:30:19,079 --> 00:30:20,079 Master. 402 00:30:23,640 --> 00:30:25,359 Brother. Brother. 403 00:30:25,359 --> 00:30:27,000 I was wrong, brother. 404 00:30:27,000 --> 00:30:28,119 Brother, I was truly wrong. 405 00:30:28,119 --> 00:30:29,119 Spare me, brother. 406 00:30:29,880 --> 00:30:30,880 Brother! 407 00:30:31,519 --> 00:30:33,160 Is this your first day in the business? 408 00:30:33,160 --> 00:30:35,039 That little wretch has already sold you out. 409 00:30:35,039 --> 00:30:37,839 Brother, I was truly blinded by that wretch. 410 00:30:37,839 --> 00:30:39,880 But my only thought was to find Meng Ting Hui 411 00:30:39,880 --> 00:30:41,039 to help vent Master's anger. 412 00:30:41,680 --> 00:30:42,680 Master... 413 00:30:42,680 --> 00:30:43,920 - Get up! - Brother. 414 00:30:43,920 --> 00:30:45,319 Blinded by lust! 415 00:30:45,319 --> 00:30:46,720 Played for a fool! 416 00:30:46,720 --> 00:30:48,079 And you say you were helping Master? 417 00:30:48,920 --> 00:30:51,079 In life, fear no court official. 418 00:30:51,079 --> 00:30:52,880 In death, fear no King of Hell. 419 00:30:53,720 --> 00:30:54,720 Master. 420 00:30:54,720 --> 00:30:56,920 You are even more domineering than I am. 421 00:30:56,920 --> 00:30:58,799 Master, spare my life! 422 00:31:01,599 --> 00:31:03,000 Get over here! 423 00:31:03,000 --> 00:31:04,000 Brother! 424 00:31:06,079 --> 00:31:07,079 Brother! 425 00:31:07,079 --> 00:31:09,720 - I am your own brother! - Shut up! 426 00:31:09,720 --> 00:31:10,880 I do not want to die! 427 00:31:10,880 --> 00:31:12,680 I am your own brother! 428 00:31:12,680 --> 00:31:14,480 Brother! Brother! 429 00:31:23,680 --> 00:31:24,759 Master, 430 00:31:24,759 --> 00:31:27,720 he'll carry this punishment with him. 431 00:31:27,720 --> 00:31:31,079 I beg you, Master, just let him stay and continue serving 432 00:31:31,759 --> 00:31:33,079 to atone for his sins. 433 00:31:42,279 --> 00:31:45,119 It took our Huxiao Gang ten years of hard work 434 00:31:46,400 --> 00:31:49,000 to build this foundation in the capital. 435 00:31:51,319 --> 00:31:53,359 Now, because of his actions alone, 436 00:31:54,759 --> 00:31:57,039 we are being hunted by the entire city's soldiers, 437 00:31:57,039 --> 00:31:59,000 and it even alarmed His Majesty. 438 00:31:59,000 --> 00:32:01,039 If we did not have people in the court, 439 00:32:01,039 --> 00:32:03,279 the entire Huxiao Gang would be buried with you! 440 00:32:03,279 --> 00:32:05,119 No, Master! 441 00:32:05,920 --> 00:32:07,480 I failed to teach him properly. 442 00:32:12,039 --> 00:32:13,279 Master, 443 00:32:13,279 --> 00:32:16,559 considering we've followed you for over ten years, 444 00:32:16,559 --> 00:32:18,160 please spare his life. 445 00:32:18,160 --> 00:32:19,319 I beg you. 446 00:32:28,359 --> 00:32:30,160 Behave yourselves these days. 447 00:32:30,160 --> 00:32:31,599 Do not cause any more trouble. 448 00:32:31,599 --> 00:32:32,599 Yes. 449 00:32:32,599 --> 00:32:33,759 Thank you for sparing him. 450 00:32:33,759 --> 00:32:34,759 Get lost. 451 00:32:45,920 --> 00:32:49,984 [The imperial court is hunting Huxiao Gang. Everyone must be extremely discreet] 452 00:33:20,720 --> 00:33:22,119 Master. 453 00:33:22,119 --> 00:33:23,119 Sit. 454 00:33:29,960 --> 00:33:31,200 Your brother... 455 00:33:31,200 --> 00:33:33,000 He is fine. Lost a chunk of flesh, 456 00:33:33,000 --> 00:33:34,000 but no damage to the bone. 457 00:33:34,000 --> 00:33:35,359 He'll live. 458 00:33:35,359 --> 00:33:36,519 Keep a tight watch on him. 459 00:33:36,519 --> 00:33:38,279 The imperial court is pressing hard. 460 00:33:38,920 --> 00:33:40,000 He has an impatient temper. 461 00:33:40,000 --> 00:33:43,759 If he stirs up trouble again, he won't be so lucky. 462 00:33:43,759 --> 00:33:46,000 Rest assured, Master. If he is this reckless again, 463 00:33:46,000 --> 00:33:48,279 no need for the gang rules. I'll break his legs myself. 464 00:33:52,839 --> 00:33:54,079 I had Old Li make this for you. 465 00:33:55,519 --> 00:33:56,640 I do not know if it fits. 466 00:34:04,119 --> 00:34:05,240 Do not be so impulsive again. 467 00:34:18,440 --> 00:34:19,440 Miss Meng, 468 00:34:19,440 --> 00:34:21,440 you look much better than a few days ago. 469 00:34:21,440 --> 00:34:22,559 You still need more rest. 470 00:34:23,280 --> 00:34:26,920 I have rested for many days. I want to go out for a walk. 471 00:34:28,039 --> 00:34:29,960 I've heard the Imperial Garden is stunning. 472 00:34:31,440 --> 00:34:33,719 Does His Majesty often go there? 473 00:34:34,519 --> 00:34:36,280 In his spare time after reviewing memorials, 474 00:34:36,280 --> 00:34:37,800 he occasionally takes a brief rest there. 475 00:34:42,840 --> 00:34:45,199 Miss Meng, I'll take my leave. 476 00:34:50,079 --> 00:34:51,599 My body has already recovered. 477 00:34:52,719 --> 00:34:53,960 The Palace Exam is coming soon. 478 00:34:54,880 --> 00:34:56,840 I must seize the opportunity before me. 479 00:35:02,079 --> 00:35:03,840 This was my mother's favorite flower. 480 00:35:06,360 --> 00:35:07,360 What a pity. 481 00:35:08,559 --> 00:35:10,199 Rotten soil nurtures no good flowers. 482 00:35:11,360 --> 00:35:14,519 Huang Bo, go and get another new seedling. 483 00:35:14,519 --> 00:35:15,519 Yes. 484 00:35:30,400 --> 00:35:33,519 Grand Tutor, I summoned you today to discuss a matter. 485 00:35:34,480 --> 00:35:36,400 I wish to establish the Censorate, 486 00:35:36,400 --> 00:35:38,079 independent from the two chancellors and six ministries. 487 00:35:38,079 --> 00:35:39,519 Above, it can supervise all officials, 488 00:35:39,519 --> 00:35:40,920 and below, it can eradicate evil, 489 00:35:40,920 --> 00:35:42,039 reporting directly to my ear. 490 00:35:43,920 --> 00:35:44,920 Your Majesty. 491 00:35:45,719 --> 00:35:46,719 Here. 492 00:35:50,199 --> 00:35:52,199 If Your Majesty wishes to cultivate new talent, 493 00:35:53,559 --> 00:35:55,599 although these young seedlings are free of pests, 494 00:35:55,599 --> 00:35:58,760 their roots are too shallow to weather the storm. 495 00:36:06,000 --> 00:36:07,079 The Censorate? 496 00:36:08,000 --> 00:36:10,960 Is Huiyuan Meng still recuperating in the palace? 497 00:36:10,960 --> 00:36:13,119 Of course. His Majesty feels for beauty. 498 00:36:13,119 --> 00:36:14,719 With imperial physicians and tonics, 499 00:36:14,719 --> 00:36:16,320 one could say it is the utmost care. 500 00:36:22,519 --> 00:36:25,519 Now, Lord Xu is watching the fallout from the Imperial Exam for Women. 501 00:36:25,519 --> 00:36:27,960 Now Your Majesty brings Huiyuan Meng back. I'm afraid... 502 00:36:27,960 --> 00:36:31,519 Bringing in new scholars is meant to counter Lord Xu. 503 00:36:33,360 --> 00:36:37,239 It was the Ministry of Rites' negligence that caused Huiyuan Meng such suffering. 504 00:36:37,239 --> 00:36:38,519 The Palace Exam is imminent. 505 00:36:38,519 --> 00:36:40,960 I am merely hoping she can recover soon 506 00:36:40,960 --> 00:36:42,320 and prepare with peace of mind. 507 00:36:44,400 --> 00:36:45,599 Your Majesty, 508 00:36:45,599 --> 00:36:48,440 if Huiyuan Meng stays in the palace too long, it will invite gossip. 509 00:36:49,239 --> 00:36:51,480 Lord Xu's faction is eyeing us covetously. 510 00:36:52,440 --> 00:36:56,440 If they make a big fuss over this, it may harm Your Majesty's name. 511 00:36:56,440 --> 00:36:58,480 It'll also jeopardize Miss Meng's future. 512 00:37:04,079 --> 00:37:05,800 You are absolutely right. 513 00:37:05,800 --> 00:37:08,559 Then summon the imperial physician to examine Huiyuan Meng again. 514 00:37:08,559 --> 00:37:10,880 If she's well, send her out of the palace immediately. 515 00:38:02,239 --> 00:38:03,559 The world is dark and murky, 516 00:38:04,679 --> 00:38:05,800 and the night is endless. 517 00:38:12,440 --> 00:38:13,800 The heavens are unkind, 518 00:38:15,480 --> 00:38:17,079 and tears wet my robes. 519 00:38:17,079 --> 00:38:19,400 Your Majesty, should I stop her? 520 00:38:20,119 --> 00:38:21,360 Let her vent. 521 00:38:26,599 --> 00:38:28,159 Fierce winds and sudden rain, 522 00:38:28,840 --> 00:38:30,320 what is there to fear? 523 00:38:31,880 --> 00:38:35,559 I shall be the sword that slays the fiends. 524 00:38:38,280 --> 00:38:39,280 Huiyuan Meng's temperament 525 00:38:39,280 --> 00:38:40,760 carries the wildness of the Shazhou people. 526 00:38:40,760 --> 00:38:43,880 Your Majesty did not see, but she was formidable in interrogation too. 527 00:38:43,880 --> 00:38:45,480 In just a moment, Jiang Mei Er confessed. 528 00:38:45,480 --> 00:38:47,239 She is never simple to begin with. 529 00:38:47,239 --> 00:38:51,000 This blow will only make her more resolute and unhesitating. 530 00:38:53,159 --> 00:38:54,159 Her next step 531 00:38:55,800 --> 00:38:58,800 will be to find herself a tree to lean on, I suppose. 532 00:38:59,440 --> 00:39:02,519 Your Majesty, Huiyuan Meng has just recovered. 533 00:39:02,519 --> 00:39:04,159 If she gets rained on, she might fall ill 534 00:39:04,159 --> 00:39:05,880 and miss the Palace Exam. 535 00:39:05,880 --> 00:39:08,400 How about I take Huiyuan Meng back first? 536 00:39:23,320 --> 00:39:25,159 Why torture yourself? 537 00:39:30,000 --> 00:39:31,400 He Du. 538 00:39:39,480 --> 00:39:40,519 Your Majesty, rest assured, 539 00:39:41,199 --> 00:39:44,639 Huiyuan Meng just caught a chill. It's nothing serious. 540 00:39:44,639 --> 00:39:45,800 Once she sobers up, 541 00:39:45,800 --> 00:39:48,079 a dose of cold medicine will cure her. 542 00:39:48,079 --> 00:39:49,519 You may leave now. 543 00:39:49,519 --> 00:39:50,519 Yes. 544 00:39:56,719 --> 00:39:57,800 Your Majesty, 545 00:39:57,800 --> 00:39:58,840 since she's fine, 546 00:39:58,840 --> 00:40:01,280 we should head back now, as it's getting late. 547 00:40:07,360 --> 00:40:08,360 He Du. 548 00:40:25,920 --> 00:40:27,000 No need for formalities. 549 00:40:28,880 --> 00:40:31,360 No, you are the emperor. 550 00:40:32,440 --> 00:40:33,719 I must pay my respects. 551 00:40:36,280 --> 00:40:38,800 Greetings, Your Majesty. 552 00:40:44,760 --> 00:40:46,159 You may leave for now. 553 00:40:46,159 --> 00:40:48,039 - Your Majesty-- - I know what I'm doing. 554 00:41:06,639 --> 00:41:11,199 I never imagined that He Du, the one who faced death with me in Shazhou, 555 00:41:13,039 --> 00:41:14,639 would actually be the emperor. 556 00:41:15,960 --> 00:41:17,599 That day at the Capital Prefectural Office, 557 00:41:17,599 --> 00:41:19,400 if Your Majesty had not appeared in time, 558 00:41:20,039 --> 00:41:24,360 I'm afraid I wouldn't even be left in one piece. 559 00:41:36,840 --> 00:41:39,159 Thank you, Your Majesty, for saving my life. 560 00:41:39,159 --> 00:41:42,559 I do not know how to repay you. 561 00:41:53,519 --> 00:41:55,000 The Imperial Exam fraud 562 00:41:55,000 --> 00:41:56,360 and the Ministry of Rites' negligence 563 00:41:56,360 --> 00:41:57,960 are my failing. 564 00:41:57,960 --> 00:41:59,639 You have suffered. 565 00:41:59,639 --> 00:42:01,000 If you truly wish to repay me, 566 00:42:01,679 --> 00:42:04,360 do not ruin your own health any longer. 567 00:42:04,360 --> 00:42:05,760 Do well in the exam. 568 00:42:05,760 --> 00:42:10,800 I remember in Shazhou, Your Majesty gave me a chance, 569 00:42:10,800 --> 00:42:13,360 but I rejected Your Majesty's kind offer. 570 00:42:14,559 --> 00:42:16,079 Now I understand. 571 00:42:16,079 --> 00:42:17,840 In this man-eat-man world, 572 00:42:17,840 --> 00:42:20,880 being aloof and righteous can cost one their life. 573 00:42:21,679 --> 00:42:23,159 I am so afraid, 574 00:42:23,159 --> 00:42:27,519 afraid that one day, even Your Majesty will not be able to protect me.