1 00:01:27,000 --> 00:01:30,920 The Scholar and the Emperor 2 00:01:38,920 --> 00:01:40,360 A face as flawless as jade. 3 00:01:40,440 --> 00:01:41,600 Such delicate features. 4 00:01:41,680 --> 00:01:43,600 Tall and graceful. 5 00:01:43,680 --> 00:01:45,280 Dashing and handsome. 6 00:01:45,360 --> 00:01:46,520 Suave and debonair. 7 00:01:46,600 --> 00:01:47,600 A commanding presence. 8 00:01:47,680 --> 00:01:49,680 When has Shazhou ever seen 9 00:01:49,760 --> 00:01:51,360 a man this handsome? 10 00:01:51,440 --> 00:01:53,120 Look how he eats that lamb. 11 00:01:53,200 --> 00:01:54,120 So elegant. 12 00:01:54,200 --> 00:01:55,720 He must be from Jiangnan. 13 00:01:55,800 --> 00:01:57,640 He's like a refined young lord 14 00:01:57,720 --> 00:01:59,000 who stepped out of a painting. 15 00:01:59,080 --> 00:02:01,880 Even gnawing on a lamb bone looks refined. 16 00:02:01,960 --> 00:02:03,560 A handsome man 17 00:02:03,640 --> 00:02:05,000 makes anything look good. 18 00:02:05,080 --> 00:02:06,720 I'll invite him for a drink. 19 00:02:06,800 --> 00:02:07,640 I will. 20 00:02:07,720 --> 00:02:08,720 I will. 21 00:02:08,800 --> 00:02:09,840 I will. 22 00:02:10,400 --> 00:02:11,320 I will. 23 00:02:11,400 --> 00:02:12,760 -I will. -I will. 24 00:02:22,000 --> 00:02:22,960 Bring him my finest 25 00:02:23,040 --> 00:02:23,920 grape wine. 26 00:02:29,440 --> 00:02:31,040 Young Master, please. 27 00:02:31,600 --> 00:02:33,680 Ladies, after you. 28 00:02:35,080 --> 00:02:36,200 Come back. 29 00:02:41,840 --> 00:02:42,680 No need to see me out. 30 00:02:46,600 --> 00:02:47,640 Manager Yan. 31 00:02:50,000 --> 00:02:51,800 I was blind to side with Jiang Mei'er. 32 00:02:51,880 --> 00:02:53,760 Please ask your father not to cut off my family's business. 33 00:02:53,840 --> 00:02:54,840 My father said 34 00:02:54,920 --> 00:02:56,520 if I can't win your family's business back, 35 00:02:56,600 --> 00:02:57,880 he'll break my legs. 36 00:02:57,960 --> 00:02:58,800 You're magnanimous. 37 00:02:58,880 --> 00:03:00,200 Please forgive me this once. 38 00:03:00,280 --> 00:03:01,480 Too late. 39 00:03:01,560 --> 00:03:02,840 When you sided with Jiang Mei'er, 40 00:03:02,920 --> 00:03:04,600 you should've expected this. 41 00:03:05,440 --> 00:03:06,280 I was wrong. 42 00:03:06,360 --> 00:03:07,520 I failed to recognize your worth. 43 00:03:07,600 --> 00:03:08,640 You can't just leave me to die. 44 00:03:08,720 --> 00:03:09,680 Get out. 45 00:03:09,760 --> 00:03:11,680 Don't disrupt my business. 46 00:03:14,120 --> 00:03:15,040 Yan Fuzhi! 47 00:03:15,120 --> 00:03:16,360 Are you really trying to ruin me? 48 00:03:16,920 --> 00:03:18,040 Jiang Mei'er was right. 49 00:03:18,120 --> 00:03:19,920 You're a venomous shrew too, 50 00:03:20,000 --> 00:03:21,040 just like Meng Tinghui. 51 00:03:21,120 --> 00:03:22,880 You're both heartless wolves. 52 00:03:25,320 --> 00:03:26,320 How dare you insult Mengmeng! 53 00:03:26,400 --> 00:03:28,160 Today I'll show you 54 00:03:28,240 --> 00:03:29,680 what "venomous" really means, 55 00:03:29,760 --> 00:03:31,200 and what a heartless wolf can do. 56 00:03:32,720 --> 00:03:33,720 Get up. 57 00:03:37,600 --> 00:03:38,880 Help! 58 00:03:41,760 --> 00:03:43,800 Set foot in Bofeng House again, 59 00:03:43,880 --> 00:03:45,240 and I'll kick your backside raw. 60 00:03:54,040 --> 00:03:55,160 Eat. 61 00:03:58,840 --> 00:04:00,120 Such a pretty girl, 62 00:04:00,200 --> 00:04:02,000 yet so fierce and unruly. 63 00:04:02,080 --> 00:04:03,320 Even when disciplining your husband, 64 00:04:03,400 --> 00:04:04,880 you should know when to stop, shouldn't you? 65 00:04:04,960 --> 00:04:07,200 Who says he's my husband? He's not worthy. 66 00:04:07,280 --> 00:04:08,960 What a waste of a handsome face. 67 00:04:09,040 --> 00:04:10,040 Turns out you're a fool 68 00:04:10,120 --> 00:04:11,560 who starts preening at the sight of a woman. 69 00:04:13,080 --> 00:04:15,080 That cuts deep, miss. 70 00:04:16,160 --> 00:04:17,960 I was only trying to stop the fight. 71 00:04:18,040 --> 00:04:19,600 But with a temper that fiery, 72 00:04:19,680 --> 00:04:21,520 no wonder that gentleman would rather be beaten 73 00:04:21,600 --> 00:04:22,680 than marry you. 74 00:04:22,760 --> 00:04:23,920 You... 75 00:04:24,520 --> 00:04:25,360 You're leaving too. 76 00:04:25,440 --> 00:04:26,280 Whether I marry or not 77 00:04:26,360 --> 00:04:28,160 is none of your concern, you lecher 78 00:04:28,240 --> 00:04:29,400 who spouts nothing but love poems. 79 00:04:30,720 --> 00:04:32,160 What right do you have to throw me out? 80 00:04:33,840 --> 00:04:35,600 I'm the manager of Bofeng House. 81 00:04:35,680 --> 00:04:38,720 Out. Now. 82 00:04:41,360 --> 00:04:42,200 Get out! 83 00:04:44,640 --> 00:04:45,480 You... 84 00:04:47,160 --> 00:04:48,000 Out! 85 00:04:48,760 --> 00:04:50,200 You really are fierce and unreasonable. 86 00:04:50,280 --> 00:04:52,640 You're never setting foot in Bofeng House again either. 87 00:04:53,680 --> 00:04:54,920 Why can't I... 88 00:04:56,360 --> 00:04:57,200 Old Huang? 89 00:04:57,280 --> 00:04:58,120 What are you doing here? 90 00:04:58,200 --> 00:04:59,240 His Lordship sent me to find you. 91 00:04:59,320 --> 00:05:00,200 Wait here. 92 00:05:00,280 --> 00:05:01,360 I need to settle this with her. 93 00:05:01,440 --> 00:05:02,880 She hit me with an abacus! 94 00:05:03,600 --> 00:05:04,480 Lord Shen, 95 00:05:05,240 --> 00:05:06,600 you really can't afford to cross her. 96 00:05:08,000 --> 00:05:09,120 She's just an innkeeper. 97 00:05:09,200 --> 00:05:10,240 What's so formidable about her? 98 00:05:10,320 --> 00:05:12,280 She's Meng Tinghui's best friend. 99 00:05:13,280 --> 00:05:15,400 She once chased His Lordship with a knife. 100 00:05:17,840 --> 00:05:20,280 You mean His Lordship? 101 00:05:23,640 --> 00:05:25,720 -Then I'll steer well clear of her. -Wait for me! 102 00:05:30,800 --> 00:05:32,160 Grand Tutor, this way. 103 00:05:33,760 --> 00:05:35,480 As Lord Shen instructed, 104 00:05:35,560 --> 00:05:37,320 we've arranged your rooms 105 00:05:37,400 --> 00:05:38,880 in the eastern wing of the prefectural office. 106 00:05:38,960 --> 00:05:40,800 I'll show you there now. 107 00:05:42,800 --> 00:05:45,160 Which Lord Shen 108 00:05:45,240 --> 00:05:46,520 are you referring to? 109 00:05:46,600 --> 00:05:47,600 That would be me. 110 00:05:49,880 --> 00:05:50,720 Father. 111 00:05:50,800 --> 00:05:53,800 Your handsome, dashing, 112 00:05:53,880 --> 00:05:55,480 graceful and distinguished son, 113 00:05:55,560 --> 00:05:56,440 Shen Zhishu. 114 00:05:58,120 --> 00:05:59,120 Zhishu! 115 00:06:00,760 --> 00:06:01,760 My son has made something of himself. 116 00:06:02,560 --> 00:06:04,240 Turn around. Let me have a good look. 117 00:06:05,600 --> 00:06:07,160 So you're Lord Shen now, are you? 118 00:06:07,240 --> 00:06:08,640 Have you lost your mind? 119 00:06:08,720 --> 00:06:10,440 How dare you help His Majesty leave the palace? 120 00:06:10,520 --> 00:06:11,480 You nearly buried 121 00:06:11,560 --> 00:06:12,600 the lives of our entire Shen clan. 122 00:06:13,240 --> 00:06:14,760 I was acting out of loyalty. 123 00:06:14,840 --> 00:06:16,600 -I was easing His Majesty's worries. -You call that easing his worries? 124 00:06:16,680 --> 00:06:18,280 The Shen family has upheld its good name for generations. 125 00:06:18,360 --> 00:06:21,040 How did I end up with a reckless monkey like you? 126 00:06:21,120 --> 00:06:21,960 Father! 127 00:06:22,040 --> 00:06:22,880 -Still running? -Father! 128 00:06:22,960 --> 00:06:24,080 I'm a court official now. 129 00:06:24,160 --> 00:06:26,240 Assaulting an official is punishable by law. 130 00:06:26,880 --> 00:06:28,960 I'll beat you to death, then apologize to the late emperor. 131 00:06:30,040 --> 00:06:31,360 -Still running? -Father... 132 00:06:31,440 --> 00:06:33,680 I order you to put down that weapon at once. 133 00:06:33,760 --> 00:06:35,000 If you lose control and kill me, 134 00:06:35,080 --> 00:06:36,760 there'll be no son to see you to your grave. 135 00:06:36,840 --> 00:06:38,640 How dare you curse your own father? 136 00:06:38,720 --> 00:06:40,160 So you've grown bold, have you? 137 00:06:40,240 --> 00:06:41,240 Get back here! 138 00:06:41,320 --> 00:06:43,520 Why are you hiding? You'll be the death of me! You... 139 00:06:44,680 --> 00:06:45,720 Your Majesty. 140 00:06:45,800 --> 00:06:46,640 If you don't go out there now, 141 00:06:46,720 --> 00:06:48,400 Lord Shen will be beaten to death. 142 00:06:48,480 --> 00:06:49,720 What's the rush? 143 00:06:49,800 --> 00:06:51,320 Such a heartwarming father-son scene. 144 00:06:52,080 --> 00:06:53,880 I haven't seen one since I took the throne. 145 00:06:53,960 --> 00:06:55,480 -You ungrateful wretch! -Father! 146 00:06:55,560 --> 00:06:56,400 I really am... 147 00:06:56,480 --> 00:06:57,840 -Still running? -Stop enjoying the show! 148 00:06:57,920 --> 00:06:59,680 If you don't come out, I'll be spilling blood here! 149 00:06:59,760 --> 00:07:01,440 You dare call for help? I'll beat him too! 150 00:07:04,200 --> 00:07:07,640 I, Shen Wuchen, pay my respects to Your Majesty. 151 00:07:07,720 --> 00:07:09,360 Grand Tutor, you're as formidable as ever. 152 00:07:09,440 --> 00:07:10,680 Not a single strike misses its mark. 153 00:07:10,760 --> 00:07:12,200 Father, you dropped to your knees awfully fast. 154 00:07:12,280 --> 00:07:14,000 Much smoother than when you were hitting me. 155 00:07:14,080 --> 00:07:14,960 Please rise, Grand Tutor. 156 00:07:17,240 --> 00:07:18,240 This trip outside the palace 157 00:07:18,320 --> 00:07:19,440 was entirely my own decision. 158 00:07:19,520 --> 00:07:21,320 Zhishu had no choice but to obey. 159 00:07:21,400 --> 00:07:22,960 If you blame him, 160 00:07:23,040 --> 00:07:24,280 then the fault is mine. 161 00:07:25,400 --> 00:07:27,080 Since Your Majesty has spoken for him, 162 00:07:27,160 --> 00:07:29,040 I'll spare him this once. 163 00:07:29,760 --> 00:07:30,600 In the Shazhou case, Your Majesty 164 00:07:30,680 --> 00:07:32,760 used one move as cover for another. 165 00:07:32,840 --> 00:07:34,480 You purged the illegal arms trade 166 00:07:34,560 --> 00:07:37,600 and made a brilliant move against the Left Chancellor. 167 00:07:37,680 --> 00:07:39,080 I can almost see 168 00:07:39,160 --> 00:07:40,960 the late emperor's bearing in you. 169 00:07:41,040 --> 00:07:42,120 You flatter me, Grand Tutor. 170 00:07:43,520 --> 00:07:45,240 I've observed the court in secret for some time. 171 00:07:45,320 --> 00:07:47,160 The situation is deeply tense. 172 00:07:48,600 --> 00:07:50,040 Your Majesty has 173 00:07:50,120 --> 00:07:51,360 far too few people you can trust. 174 00:07:51,440 --> 00:07:53,640 Building your own loyal faction cannot wait. 175 00:07:54,920 --> 00:07:56,320 Pei Jinghe, Vice Minister of War, 176 00:07:56,400 --> 00:07:57,880 is virtuous, capable, and strategically gifted. 177 00:07:57,960 --> 00:07:59,920 He was ostracized 178 00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:00,960 for opposing Liu Ren's autocratic ways. 179 00:08:01,040 --> 00:08:02,560 He still holds an empty title. 180 00:08:03,080 --> 00:08:05,920 Now is the time to put him to use. 181 00:08:06,000 --> 00:08:08,680 Though you are outside the court, 182 00:08:08,760 --> 00:08:10,600 you see its affairs with perfect clarity. 183 00:08:10,680 --> 00:08:12,120 The realm is a chessboard, 184 00:08:12,200 --> 00:08:13,560 and the sovereign is the player. 185 00:08:13,640 --> 00:08:14,960 Though I stand far from court, 186 00:08:15,040 --> 00:08:17,200 I gladly serve as Your Majesty's piece 187 00:08:17,280 --> 00:08:18,760 to secure Great Ning. 188 00:08:18,840 --> 00:08:20,680 Of the Six Ministries, 189 00:08:20,760 --> 00:08:22,160 the Left Chancellor already controls four. 190 00:08:23,520 --> 00:08:26,160 Every talented man selected through past civil examinations 191 00:08:26,240 --> 00:08:28,520 became the Left Chancellor's disciple. 192 00:08:29,200 --> 00:08:31,360 My only option now is to find another path 193 00:08:31,440 --> 00:08:33,920 through the women's special examination, 194 00:08:34,000 --> 00:08:35,240 which he considers beneath his notice. 195 00:08:39,080 --> 00:08:39,920 Your Majesty, 196 00:08:40,440 --> 00:08:42,520 I have one more thing to say. 197 00:08:43,200 --> 00:08:45,720 Every new sovereign needs his own ministers. 198 00:08:45,800 --> 00:08:48,680 The power of both chancellors grows by the day. 199 00:08:48,760 --> 00:08:50,560 If they join forces, 200 00:08:50,640 --> 00:08:51,840 Your Majesty may be unable to withstand them. 201 00:08:52,800 --> 00:08:55,000 The Left Chancellor is at the height of his power, 202 00:08:55,080 --> 00:08:56,840 which has already angered the Right Chancellor. 203 00:08:56,920 --> 00:08:59,640 Your Majesty can use that division to your advantage. 204 00:09:01,600 --> 00:09:03,360 As for the art of imperial balance, 205 00:09:03,440 --> 00:09:05,840 I'm sure I need say no more. 206 00:09:13,000 --> 00:09:15,000 Did this painting fail to earn first rank 207 00:09:15,080 --> 00:09:17,160 because the brushwork was lacking? 208 00:09:17,240 --> 00:09:18,480 No. 209 00:09:18,560 --> 00:09:20,880 It depicts only still objects and lacks vitality. 210 00:09:23,160 --> 00:09:24,000 Not so. 211 00:09:25,200 --> 00:09:26,160 Zhili is here. 212 00:09:42,720 --> 00:09:43,560 Teacher. 213 00:09:49,520 --> 00:09:52,680 This painting depicts a late-spring dusk. 214 00:09:52,760 --> 00:09:54,280 Yet the flowers, trees, 215 00:09:54,360 --> 00:09:55,960 clouds and mist 216 00:09:56,040 --> 00:09:57,760 are painted too brightly and lavishly. 217 00:09:57,840 --> 00:09:59,560 It loses its sense of reality. 218 00:09:59,640 --> 00:10:01,000 When a painting lacks truth, 219 00:10:01,080 --> 00:10:02,240 its spirit disperses. 220 00:10:03,040 --> 00:10:04,240 When a person lacks sincerity, 221 00:10:04,320 --> 00:10:05,480 there is rot beneath the surface. 222 00:10:06,520 --> 00:10:08,080 Zhili, sit. 223 00:10:10,800 --> 00:10:11,840 As always, Zhili 224 00:10:11,920 --> 00:10:13,200 understands me best. 225 00:10:13,720 --> 00:10:15,440 Zhili is quick-witted, 226 00:10:15,520 --> 00:10:17,240 and, rarer still, perceptive. 227 00:10:17,320 --> 00:10:19,040 In this women's special examination, 228 00:10:19,120 --> 00:10:20,440 with your learning, 229 00:10:20,520 --> 00:10:21,640 merely passing 230 00:10:21,720 --> 00:10:24,560 is nothing; taking first place is within reach. 231 00:10:26,440 --> 00:10:27,880 When Teacher placed on the honor roll 232 00:10:27,960 --> 00:10:29,280 and first entered the Ministry of Works, 233 00:10:29,360 --> 00:10:31,800 your "Treatise on Flood Control" shook the court. 234 00:10:31,880 --> 00:10:34,320 Once implemented, it ended the floods in Jiangnan 235 00:10:34,400 --> 00:10:35,480 and relieved the people's suffering. 236 00:10:35,560 --> 00:10:38,040 I wish to follow Teacher into government 237 00:10:38,120 --> 00:10:39,400 and share your burdens. 238 00:10:39,480 --> 00:10:42,120 But yesterday I heard my father say 239 00:10:42,200 --> 00:10:44,360 the Left Chancellor strongly opposes the women's examination. 240 00:10:44,440 --> 00:10:45,520 Even if women enter office, 241 00:10:45,600 --> 00:10:46,840 they may not rise above the sixth rank. 242 00:10:46,920 --> 00:10:48,080 I'm afraid 243 00:10:48,160 --> 00:10:49,720 even if we pass by luck, 244 00:10:49,800 --> 00:10:51,160 we'll have little chance to prove ourselves. 245 00:10:54,680 --> 00:10:56,200 Talent has no outward form 246 00:10:56,280 --> 00:10:57,240 and no gender. 247 00:10:57,320 --> 00:10:58,600 His Majesty defied all opposition 248 00:10:58,680 --> 00:11:00,160 to restore the women's special examination. 249 00:11:00,240 --> 00:11:02,360 His desire to recruit talent is clear. 250 00:11:02,440 --> 00:11:04,520 Once you enter government, 251 00:11:04,600 --> 00:11:05,920 as long as I am there, 252 00:11:07,000 --> 00:11:08,560 I will ensure you receive support. 253 00:11:11,200 --> 00:11:12,760 Teacher truly is a worthy chancellor, 254 00:11:12,840 --> 00:11:14,080 seeking the people's welfare, 255 00:11:14,160 --> 00:11:15,360 opening a path for those of humble birth, 256 00:11:15,440 --> 00:11:16,760 and restoring women's rightful standing. 257 00:11:16,840 --> 00:11:18,040 Such integrity 258 00:11:18,120 --> 00:11:19,720 is no less than the Left Chancellor's. 259 00:11:20,440 --> 00:11:21,760 Yet he has roots spanning three reigns 260 00:11:21,840 --> 00:11:23,760 and holds four ministries in his grasp. 261 00:11:23,840 --> 00:11:26,360 I cannot help feeling wronged on Teacher's behalf. 262 00:11:26,440 --> 00:11:28,480 Since when have I cared about power or rank? 263 00:11:28,560 --> 00:11:30,000 I have served the throne faithfully all my life. 264 00:11:30,080 --> 00:11:31,400 Even if His Majesty gave all six ministries 265 00:11:31,480 --> 00:11:33,000 entirely to the Left Chancellor, 266 00:11:33,560 --> 00:11:34,960 I would bear no resentment. 267 00:11:36,160 --> 00:11:37,800 It pains me only that His Majesty has just ascended the throne. 268 00:11:38,400 --> 00:11:41,000 All know the virtue of the Left Chancellor at court, 269 00:11:41,080 --> 00:11:43,520 yet none know the wisdom of the emperor in the palace. 270 00:11:43,600 --> 00:11:46,520 The world says a worthy chancellor is hard to find. 271 00:11:46,600 --> 00:11:48,800 Only Teacher truly deserves that title. 272 00:11:53,240 --> 00:11:55,600 I will naturally assist His Majesty 273 00:11:55,680 --> 00:11:56,720 in forging a new era. 274 00:11:57,720 --> 00:11:58,560 When that day comes, 275 00:11:58,640 --> 00:12:00,040 women too may stand openly and proudly 276 00:12:00,120 --> 00:12:01,240 in the imperial court. 277 00:12:03,880 --> 00:12:05,920 We will remember 278 00:12:06,000 --> 00:12:07,600 Teacher's noble words. 279 00:12:12,800 --> 00:12:14,360 Zhao Chunnuan. 280 00:12:14,440 --> 00:12:15,280 Present. 281 00:12:18,080 --> 00:12:19,440 Xie Yunxi. 282 00:12:19,520 --> 00:12:20,360 Present. 283 00:12:21,400 --> 00:12:23,400 Mengmeng, did you see that? 284 00:12:23,480 --> 00:12:26,400 She brought an entire case of ink. 285 00:12:28,200 --> 00:12:29,960 Are you here to support me 286 00:12:30,040 --> 00:12:31,160 or just to watch the spectacle? 287 00:12:32,160 --> 00:12:34,200 Of course I'm here to give my little Mengmeng courage. 288 00:12:34,280 --> 00:12:35,480 Last night I dreamed 289 00:12:35,560 --> 00:12:37,040 that you came first in the examination. 290 00:12:38,640 --> 00:12:40,680 I woke up laughing. 291 00:12:40,760 --> 00:12:41,600 Fuzhi. 292 00:12:42,960 --> 00:12:43,880 Then I couldn't fall asleep again, 293 00:12:43,960 --> 00:12:45,760 so I got up and made you apricot-skin cakes. 294 00:12:45,840 --> 00:12:47,840 They're right here. When the time comes, you can... 295 00:12:51,040 --> 00:12:52,240 I forgot them. 296 00:12:52,960 --> 00:12:54,160 I'll eat them after the exam. 297 00:12:55,480 --> 00:12:56,840 Meng Tinghui. 298 00:12:56,920 --> 00:12:58,000 Present. 299 00:13:00,120 --> 00:13:01,200 Go home and wait for me. 300 00:13:01,280 --> 00:13:02,840 I'll stay right here with you. I'm not going anywhere. 301 00:13:02,920 --> 00:13:04,680 Don't worry. To me, you're the best. 302 00:13:04,760 --> 00:13:06,760 There's no need to be nervous. This provincial exam is nothing. 303 00:13:06,840 --> 00:13:07,760 You've got this. 304 00:13:07,840 --> 00:13:08,960 Fuzhi. 305 00:13:09,040 --> 00:13:10,240 Keep talking and I'll get dizzy. 306 00:13:10,320 --> 00:13:11,160 Fine, I'll stop. 307 00:13:13,040 --> 00:13:14,520 Meng Tinghui. 308 00:13:23,960 --> 00:13:25,080 Mengmeng! 309 00:13:38,400 --> 00:13:40,680 The provincial examination begins. 310 00:14:57,480 --> 00:15:00,080 (Capital Region) 311 00:15:03,840 --> 00:15:04,680 We've entered the capital region. 312 00:15:04,760 --> 00:15:05,960 Your Majesty. 313 00:15:06,040 --> 00:15:07,040 Return to the palace at once. 314 00:15:07,120 --> 00:15:07,960 Yes. 315 00:15:09,720 --> 00:15:10,960 Keep up. 316 00:15:27,880 --> 00:15:28,880 Welcome back, Your Majesty. 317 00:15:28,960 --> 00:15:30,880 I have been waiting here for some time. 318 00:15:30,960 --> 00:15:32,040 Thank you, Right Chancellor. 319 00:15:58,560 --> 00:16:01,640 Today is the day His Majesty emerges from retreat. 320 00:16:01,720 --> 00:16:03,080 It's already noon. 321 00:16:03,160 --> 00:16:04,960 Why is there still no sign of him? 322 00:16:05,040 --> 00:16:06,000 Strange. 323 00:16:06,080 --> 00:16:07,640 Even the Right Chancellor isn't here. 324 00:16:07,720 --> 00:16:08,640 Insolence! 325 00:16:15,000 --> 00:16:16,400 Before Sacred Ancestor Hall, 326 00:16:17,040 --> 00:16:18,760 how dare you make such a racket? 327 00:16:35,800 --> 00:16:38,840 His Majesty completing his ritual retreat is a major occasion. 328 00:16:38,920 --> 00:16:41,880 How can the Right Chancellor be late? 329 00:16:41,960 --> 00:16:43,280 What disgraceful conduct. 330 00:16:44,320 --> 00:16:46,200 The Left Chancellor is right. 331 00:16:51,400 --> 00:16:54,680 The scouts clearly saw the imperial carriage return last night. 332 00:16:55,320 --> 00:16:56,320 Could it be... 333 00:17:17,680 --> 00:17:21,360 His Majesty has completed his ritual retreat. 334 00:17:21,920 --> 00:17:24,400 We pay our respects to Your Majesty. 335 00:17:24,480 --> 00:17:27,400 May Your Majesty enjoy long life and good health. 336 00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:29,880 Rise, ministers. 337 00:17:37,400 --> 00:17:39,080 Left Chancellor, I see 338 00:17:39,160 --> 00:17:40,600 more white at your temples. 339 00:17:41,680 --> 00:17:43,600 During my ten-day seclusion, 340 00:17:43,680 --> 00:17:45,960 you handled affairs of state. 341 00:17:46,040 --> 00:17:48,840 Your service was truly arduous and meritorious. 342 00:17:49,480 --> 00:17:51,720 I merely fulfilled my duty. 343 00:17:53,400 --> 00:17:54,400 Those petty administrative matters 344 00:17:54,480 --> 00:17:58,040 cannot compare with Your Majesty's retreat 345 00:17:58,120 --> 00:17:59,200 to contemplate the great principles of governance. 346 00:18:00,680 --> 00:18:02,280 Do you know 347 00:18:02,360 --> 00:18:03,720 what I was contemplating? 348 00:18:03,800 --> 00:18:06,920 I have had the honor of serving three wise sovereigns. 349 00:18:07,000 --> 00:18:08,960 I have acquired 350 00:18:09,040 --> 00:18:10,240 some understanding of state affairs. 351 00:18:11,040 --> 00:18:13,000 I dare speculate 352 00:18:13,080 --> 00:18:14,320 that Your Majesty entered retreat 353 00:18:15,160 --> 00:18:18,840 to study the late emperor's principles of rule. 354 00:18:19,760 --> 00:18:22,760 As expected of a veteran of three reigns. 355 00:18:23,600 --> 00:18:25,240 You understand me perfectly. 356 00:18:28,920 --> 00:18:30,440 Your Majesty, 357 00:18:30,520 --> 00:18:32,080 an urgent dispatch has arrived. 358 00:18:32,160 --> 00:18:33,320 Please review it. 359 00:18:48,840 --> 00:18:50,960 This matter is grave. 360 00:18:51,720 --> 00:18:53,200 Chief Steward You. 361 00:18:53,280 --> 00:18:55,920 Escort the ministers to the main hall to wait. 362 00:18:56,000 --> 00:18:58,080 The Right Chancellor and I will follow shortly. 363 00:18:58,160 --> 00:18:59,000 Yes. 364 00:19:27,760 --> 00:19:29,760 Snoring in the main hall? 365 00:19:29,840 --> 00:19:30,960 What disgraceful conduct. 366 00:19:32,000 --> 00:19:34,080 It's nearly two in the morning. 367 00:19:34,160 --> 00:19:35,680 We've had three rounds of tea. 368 00:19:35,760 --> 00:19:37,600 When will His Majesty arrive? 369 00:19:37,680 --> 00:19:38,520 My lords, 370 00:19:38,600 --> 00:19:40,160 please be patient. 371 00:19:40,240 --> 00:19:41,680 His Majesty will arrive shortly. 372 00:19:42,560 --> 00:19:43,800 Left Chancellor. 373 00:19:43,880 --> 00:19:45,800 His Majesty took pity on your age 374 00:19:45,880 --> 00:19:47,640 and specially granted you an armchair. 375 00:20:20,520 --> 00:20:21,520 Gu Qin. 376 00:20:21,600 --> 00:20:24,040 What matter has kept His Majesty so long? 377 00:20:24,760 --> 00:20:27,040 His Majesty arrives. 378 00:20:56,240 --> 00:20:57,400 Thank you, Your Majesty. 379 00:21:27,480 --> 00:21:29,120 My ministers, you've worked 380 00:21:29,200 --> 00:21:30,560 late into the night on state affairs. 381 00:21:30,640 --> 00:21:31,560 You have my thanks. 382 00:21:31,640 --> 00:21:33,880 During my ten-day ritual retreat, 383 00:21:33,960 --> 00:21:35,880 the Left Chancellor handled state affairs. 384 00:21:36,480 --> 00:21:39,360 -I prepared a generous gift for him. -Present it. 385 00:21:53,200 --> 00:21:55,080 What does Your Majesty mean by this? 386 00:21:55,160 --> 00:21:56,320 Left Chancellor, are you aware 387 00:21:56,400 --> 00:21:58,280 that your favored disciple Ding Chong 388 00:21:59,040 --> 00:22:01,800 used a plaque in your own calligraphy as protection 389 00:22:01,880 --> 00:22:03,960 while deceiving his superiors and subordinates in Shazhou, 390 00:22:04,040 --> 00:22:06,160 preying on the people and abusing his power? 391 00:22:06,240 --> 00:22:07,600 Your Majesty. 392 00:22:07,680 --> 00:22:09,440 Ding Chong told me himself 393 00:22:09,520 --> 00:22:11,560 that the Left Chancellor protected him all these years. 394 00:22:11,640 --> 00:22:13,920 Here is the evidence of his crimes. 395 00:22:16,440 --> 00:22:17,280 Absurd! 396 00:22:17,360 --> 00:22:20,280 Colluding with criminals? Trafficking arms? 397 00:22:21,120 --> 00:22:22,640 I knew nothing 398 00:22:22,720 --> 00:22:24,600 of anything Ding Chong did. 399 00:22:24,680 --> 00:22:26,080 How could I have protected him? 400 00:22:26,160 --> 00:22:27,680 Was the plaque at Ding's residence 401 00:22:27,760 --> 00:22:29,280 not written by the Left Chancellor? 402 00:22:29,880 --> 00:22:31,120 Yet to my eyes, 403 00:22:31,200 --> 00:22:33,080 this is unquestionably your handwriting. 404 00:22:39,600 --> 00:22:41,000 Your Majesty, please judge wisely. 405 00:22:41,080 --> 00:22:43,400 The Left Chancellor's disciples serve throughout Great Ning. 406 00:22:43,480 --> 00:22:45,520 Corrupt officials may exploit his inscriptions. 407 00:22:45,600 --> 00:22:48,760 That is not something he could have foreseen. 408 00:22:49,840 --> 00:22:51,560 Besides, Shazhou lies on the frontier. 409 00:22:51,640 --> 00:22:53,000 The Left Chancellor governed in Your Majesty's stead, 410 00:22:53,080 --> 00:22:54,520 laboring day and night for the realm. 411 00:22:54,600 --> 00:22:55,760 Ding Chong falsified his achievements. 412 00:22:55,840 --> 00:22:57,680 The Left Chancellor could hardly control that. 413 00:22:59,840 --> 00:23:00,960 Your Majesty, 414 00:23:01,040 --> 00:23:02,040 I oversee the Ministry of War. 415 00:23:02,120 --> 00:23:04,240 A treacherous man like Ding Chong found a loophole 416 00:23:04,320 --> 00:23:05,720 because I failed to investigate. 417 00:23:05,800 --> 00:23:07,520 The fault is mine 418 00:23:07,600 --> 00:23:08,640 and has nothing to do with the Left Chancellor. 419 00:23:08,720 --> 00:23:11,400 I asked only one question, 420 00:23:11,480 --> 00:23:14,280 yet each of you rushes to defend him. 421 00:23:14,360 --> 00:23:16,000 Am I wrong, 422 00:23:16,080 --> 00:23:18,800 -or is the Left Chancellor beyond question? -Your Majesty. 423 00:23:18,880 --> 00:23:21,120 I have served through three reigns. 424 00:23:21,200 --> 00:23:23,080 Heaven and earth can attest to my loyalty to Great Ning. 425 00:23:23,760 --> 00:23:25,280 Even this leg 426 00:23:25,360 --> 00:23:27,040 was injured while protecting the late emperor 427 00:23:27,120 --> 00:23:28,840 from bandits of Zhongwan. 428 00:23:28,920 --> 00:23:30,200 The wound left me permanently lame. 429 00:23:31,000 --> 00:23:33,320 My unwavering loyalty 430 00:23:33,400 --> 00:23:34,640 and countless achievements 431 00:23:34,720 --> 00:23:36,120 are why every official respects me. 432 00:23:36,200 --> 00:23:39,160 But when Your Majesty went to Shazhou, 433 00:23:39,240 --> 00:23:41,160 who clouded your judgment? 434 00:23:41,240 --> 00:23:43,440 What slander from petty villains did you hear 435 00:23:43,520 --> 00:23:46,680 to make you so suspicious and dissatisfied with me? 436 00:23:46,760 --> 00:23:49,400 Left Chancellor, perhaps age has confused you. 437 00:23:50,240 --> 00:23:51,120 For the past ten days, 438 00:23:51,200 --> 00:23:53,400 I remained in seclusion at Sacred Ancestor Hall, 439 00:23:53,480 --> 00:23:54,800 studying the art of governance. 440 00:23:54,880 --> 00:23:56,880 When did I ever go to Shazhou? 441 00:23:59,120 --> 00:24:01,520 It seems Your Majesty's visit to that savage land 442 00:24:01,600 --> 00:24:03,960 taught you quite a few 443 00:24:04,040 --> 00:24:05,760 shameless tricks. 444 00:24:05,840 --> 00:24:07,360 Now I remember. 445 00:24:07,440 --> 00:24:10,040 I did visit Shazhou ten years ago. 446 00:24:10,120 --> 00:24:13,120 Have you confused this with an old memory? 447 00:24:13,200 --> 00:24:14,440 I have a witness. 448 00:24:14,520 --> 00:24:16,240 -Where is this witness? -Shen Zhishu. 449 00:24:16,320 --> 00:24:17,480 Minister Shen? 450 00:24:17,560 --> 00:24:18,760 You went to Shazhou? 451 00:24:18,840 --> 00:24:19,720 Your Majesty, 452 00:24:20,440 --> 00:24:21,360 I did. 453 00:24:22,840 --> 00:24:25,080 At Your Majesty's command, I inspected Shazhou 454 00:24:25,160 --> 00:24:26,520 and witnessed its chaos firsthand. 455 00:24:26,600 --> 00:24:28,880 I brought back evidence against Ding Chong and the others. 456 00:24:28,960 --> 00:24:30,360 How dare you, Shen Zhishu! 457 00:24:30,440 --> 00:24:32,760 That night in Sacred Ancestor Hall, you posed as His Majesty. 458 00:24:32,840 --> 00:24:35,440 I was the one who ordered you to Shazhou to bring him back. 459 00:24:35,520 --> 00:24:37,080 Mind your words, Left Chancellor. 460 00:24:37,160 --> 00:24:39,200 Trespassing in Sacred Ancestor Hall is a grave crime. 461 00:24:39,280 --> 00:24:41,520 Don't drag Shen Zhishu into this 462 00:24:41,600 --> 00:24:42,920 and add another charge to your own record 463 00:24:43,000 --> 00:24:44,720 merely to frame me. 464 00:24:44,800 --> 00:24:45,640 Please calm your anger, Your Majesty. 465 00:24:45,720 --> 00:24:47,840 The Left Chancellor is advanced in years. 466 00:24:47,920 --> 00:24:50,000 It's only natural that he misremember some things. 467 00:24:54,560 --> 00:24:56,480 So this entire journey 468 00:24:56,560 --> 00:24:59,640 was a trap laid specifically for me. 469 00:24:59,720 --> 00:25:02,200 -That is not so, Left Chancellor. -Your Majesty. 470 00:25:02,280 --> 00:25:04,640 After a long investigation, I have obtained conclusive evidence. 471 00:25:04,720 --> 00:25:06,160 Wang Qi, Military Governor of Shazhou, 472 00:25:06,240 --> 00:25:07,600 violated military regulations 473 00:25:07,680 --> 00:25:09,360 and bypassed General Gao Meng 474 00:25:09,440 --> 00:25:11,400 to collude with Minister of War Liu Ren. 475 00:25:11,480 --> 00:25:12,920 Together they embezzled 300,000 taels in military funds. 476 00:25:13,000 --> 00:25:15,440 Wang Qi and Gao Meng await outside the hall. 477 00:25:15,520 --> 00:25:18,200 They can confront Minister Liu here and establish the truth. 478 00:25:18,280 --> 00:25:19,320 Summon them. 479 00:25:19,400 --> 00:25:20,240 Summon them. 480 00:25:23,560 --> 00:25:26,000 Your Majesty, I confess my guilt. 481 00:25:28,520 --> 00:25:29,640 Your Majesty. 482 00:25:30,360 --> 00:25:31,640 I was foolish for a moment. 483 00:25:31,720 --> 00:25:32,720 I deserve ten thousand deaths. 484 00:25:32,800 --> 00:25:35,000 I beg Your Majesty for mercy! 485 00:25:35,080 --> 00:25:36,400 Mercy! 486 00:25:37,560 --> 00:25:39,080 Left Chancellor. 487 00:25:39,160 --> 00:25:40,440 Liu Ren held a vital office, 488 00:25:40,520 --> 00:25:42,200 yet colluded with a frontier general, 489 00:25:42,280 --> 00:25:45,200 accepted bribes, violated the law, and compromised military affairs. 490 00:25:45,280 --> 00:25:47,600 The witnesses and evidence are conclusive. 491 00:25:47,680 --> 00:25:49,240 What punishment does the law prescribe? 492 00:25:49,320 --> 00:25:50,600 Your Majesty, 493 00:25:51,160 --> 00:25:52,680 under the Code of Great Ning, 494 00:25:52,760 --> 00:25:53,840 he should receive one hundred strokes, 495 00:25:53,920 --> 00:25:56,080 be dismissed and investigated, with his property confiscated. 496 00:25:56,160 --> 00:25:57,880 But considering Liu Ren's many years of service... 497 00:25:57,960 --> 00:25:58,840 Granted. 498 00:25:59,800 --> 00:26:01,920 We'll proceed exactly as the Left Chancellor suggests. 499 00:26:02,000 --> 00:26:04,080 Dismiss Liu Ren and investigate him at once. 500 00:26:04,160 --> 00:26:06,320 Wang Qi, as Military Governor, trafficked arms 501 00:26:06,400 --> 00:26:09,400 and bribed court officials. He is sentenced to immediate execution. 502 00:26:09,480 --> 00:26:11,720 General Gao Meng was not the principal offender, 503 00:26:11,800 --> 00:26:14,200 but failed in his supervisory duty. 504 00:26:14,280 --> 00:26:15,800 Demote him by one rank. 505 00:26:15,880 --> 00:26:17,320 Keep him in the army to redeem himself through service. 506 00:26:17,400 --> 00:26:20,400 Every military and Ministry of War official implicated 507 00:26:20,480 --> 00:26:22,360 must be investigated to the end. 508 00:26:22,440 --> 00:26:24,280 No one will be spared. 509 00:26:38,000 --> 00:26:38,840 Your Majesty. 510 00:26:38,920 --> 00:26:40,160 The post of Minister of War 511 00:26:40,240 --> 00:26:42,360 is vital to national security and cannot remain vacant. 512 00:26:42,440 --> 00:26:44,520 I recommend Pei Jinghe, Vice Minister of War. 513 00:26:44,600 --> 00:26:46,560 He passed the civil examinations and is exceptionally talented. 514 00:26:46,640 --> 00:26:48,840 He opposed Liu Ren's autocratic conduct, 515 00:26:48,920 --> 00:26:50,400 and was ostracized for it, 516 00:26:50,480 --> 00:26:52,600 then exiled to the nominal post of Military Supervisor. 517 00:26:52,680 --> 00:26:53,560 He has been left idle ever since. 518 00:26:53,640 --> 00:26:54,840 Draft the edict at once. 519 00:26:54,920 --> 00:26:56,240 Recall him to the capital 520 00:26:56,320 --> 00:26:58,360 to serve as acting Minister of War. 521 00:26:58,440 --> 00:27:01,640 Your Majesty, the Minister of War bears grave responsibility. 522 00:27:01,720 --> 00:27:03,520 Such a hasty appointment 523 00:27:03,600 --> 00:27:05,000 may be unwise. 524 00:27:05,080 --> 00:27:07,320 Then the Right Chancellor will supervise him personally. 525 00:27:07,400 --> 00:27:09,720 They will share both reward and punishment. 526 00:27:09,800 --> 00:27:12,080 I will work with him wholeheartedly 527 00:27:12,160 --> 00:27:13,560 and not fail Your Majesty's trust. 528 00:27:13,640 --> 00:27:14,920 Good. 529 00:27:19,400 --> 00:27:21,160 Then it is settled. 530 00:27:21,240 --> 00:27:22,760 My ministers, 531 00:27:22,840 --> 00:27:25,200 you should exercise more often. 532 00:27:25,840 --> 00:27:28,120 After all, there will be 533 00:27:29,200 --> 00:27:30,400 many more late-night court sessions like this. 534 00:27:31,080 --> 00:27:31,960 Your Majesty... 535 00:27:32,040 --> 00:27:34,840 -We respectfully see Your Majesty off. -We respectfully see Your Majesty off. 536 00:27:43,880 --> 00:27:46,800 To celebrate her friend Meng Tinghui becoming Provincial Laureate, 537 00:27:46,880 --> 00:27:48,280 Manager Yan will serve free porridge for three days. 538 00:27:53,880 --> 00:27:55,920 There's enough for everyone. Don't rush. 539 00:27:57,920 --> 00:27:59,040 Here. 540 00:27:59,120 --> 00:28:00,120 Slowly. 541 00:28:00,680 --> 00:28:02,320 Don't rush. Everyone will get some. 542 00:28:04,400 --> 00:28:05,240 The weather is cold. 543 00:28:05,320 --> 00:28:07,360 Manager Yan specially prepared some cold medicine 544 00:28:07,440 --> 00:28:09,440 to protect everyone from the chill. 545 00:28:09,520 --> 00:28:10,800 Here. Hold it carefully. 546 00:28:10,880 --> 00:28:11,960 What a generous soul. Thank you. 547 00:28:17,440 --> 00:28:18,360 Father! 548 00:28:20,760 --> 00:28:21,640 Careful. 549 00:28:21,720 --> 00:28:23,320 It was Meng Tinghui who became Provincial Laureate, 550 00:28:23,400 --> 00:28:24,240 not you. 551 00:28:24,320 --> 00:28:26,120 Yet you still have the nerve to make a spectacle for her. 552 00:28:26,200 --> 00:28:27,080 How embarrassing. 553 00:28:27,160 --> 00:28:29,520 I'm ashamed for you. Come home with me. 554 00:28:31,400 --> 00:28:33,040 Bofeng House is profitable now. 555 00:28:33,120 --> 00:28:34,240 I can do as I please. 556 00:28:34,320 --> 00:28:36,200 At the start of spring, I'll accompany Mengmeng to the metropolitan exam 557 00:28:36,280 --> 00:28:37,840 and open new trade routes in the capital. 558 00:28:37,920 --> 00:28:39,560 You're going with her to the capital? 559 00:28:41,040 --> 00:28:43,200 She has you completely bewitched. 560 00:28:43,280 --> 00:28:45,440 I raised you for nothing. 561 00:28:45,520 --> 00:28:46,560 Husband. 562 00:28:47,800 --> 00:28:49,680 Fuzhi may be a daughter, 563 00:28:49,760 --> 00:28:51,480 but she has thoughts of her own. 564 00:28:51,560 --> 00:28:53,480 Don't listen to those gossiping old women 565 00:28:53,560 --> 00:28:55,880 who say a woman in public can't find a husband. 566 00:28:55,960 --> 00:28:57,920 Even if Fuzhi never marries, 567 00:28:58,000 --> 00:28:59,360 we can afford to support her. 568 00:28:59,440 --> 00:29:01,160 Never marry? 569 00:29:01,240 --> 00:29:02,560 Is she going to spend her whole life 570 00:29:02,640 --> 00:29:04,560 fooling around with Meng Tinghui? 571 00:29:04,640 --> 00:29:06,680 Marriages are decided by parents and matchmakers. 572 00:29:06,760 --> 00:29:08,880 She'll marry whoever I choose. 573 00:29:08,960 --> 00:29:10,240 Fuzhi. 574 00:29:11,160 --> 00:29:12,080 About your marriage, 575 00:29:12,160 --> 00:29:13,720 I'll speak properly with your father. 576 00:29:15,600 --> 00:29:16,880 Stop fighting with him. 577 00:29:20,680 --> 00:29:21,520 Madam! 578 00:29:22,720 --> 00:29:23,560 Madam! 579 00:29:26,920 --> 00:29:28,400 -Husband. -Madam! 580 00:29:28,480 --> 00:29:29,320 Are you all right? 581 00:29:29,400 --> 00:29:31,440 I fell by myself. 582 00:29:31,520 --> 00:29:32,400 Don't blame Fuzhi. 583 00:29:32,480 --> 00:29:34,480 After all these years, your tricks of framing people 584 00:29:34,560 --> 00:29:35,680 haven't changed one bit. 585 00:29:35,760 --> 00:29:36,840 You... 586 00:29:38,960 --> 00:29:39,800 Mengmeng! 587 00:29:39,880 --> 00:29:41,360 Meng Tinghui! 588 00:29:41,440 --> 00:29:43,040 How dare you stop me? 589 00:29:43,120 --> 00:29:44,080 -You dare... -I... 590 00:29:44,920 --> 00:29:46,000 I'm already the Provincial Laureate. 591 00:29:46,080 --> 00:29:47,600 Even before the governor, I need not bow. 592 00:29:47,680 --> 00:29:49,160 If you slap me, 593 00:29:49,240 --> 00:29:50,640 aren't you afraid all Shazhou will say 594 00:29:50,720 --> 00:29:52,120 you struck the court-recognized Provincial Laureate in public? 595 00:29:52,680 --> 00:29:53,760 I... 596 00:29:53,840 --> 00:29:55,520 I may not control you, 597 00:29:55,600 --> 00:29:57,440 but I can control my own daughter. 598 00:29:57,520 --> 00:29:58,800 Guards! 599 00:29:58,880 --> 00:29:59,920 Take her home. 600 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:01,120 -Mengmeng! -Wait. 601 00:30:02,400 --> 00:30:05,120 I have informed the Imperial Inspector overseeing Shazhou 602 00:30:05,200 --> 00:30:06,960 that Master Yan, in his public-minded generosity, 603 00:30:07,040 --> 00:30:08,400 will celebrate the provincial exam results 604 00:30:08,480 --> 00:30:10,080 by serving free porridge for three days 605 00:30:10,160 --> 00:30:11,520 and has graciously allowed his daughter 606 00:30:11,600 --> 00:30:12,920 to accompany me to the capital. 607 00:30:13,480 --> 00:30:14,840 Utter nonsense! 608 00:30:25,760 --> 00:30:27,200 By order of the Imperial Inspector, 609 00:30:27,280 --> 00:30:29,880 we congratulate Provincial Laureate Meng on taking first place. 610 00:30:29,960 --> 00:30:31,120 Student Meng Tinghui 611 00:30:31,200 --> 00:30:32,120 thanks the Imperial Inspector. 612 00:30:32,200 --> 00:30:34,240 The Inspector presents the Yan family 613 00:30:34,320 --> 00:30:35,600 with a ceremonial silk banner honoring their household, 614 00:30:35,680 --> 00:30:37,960 in recognition of Master Yan and his daughter's generosity. 615 00:30:42,760 --> 00:30:44,400 Thank you for the honor. 616 00:30:44,480 --> 00:30:46,680 Thank you... 617 00:30:46,760 --> 00:30:47,720 Meng Tinghui. 618 00:30:48,600 --> 00:30:49,720 You win. 619 00:30:49,800 --> 00:30:51,520 Thank you, Madam Yan. 620 00:30:52,240 --> 00:30:53,680 Please tell the Imperial Inspector 621 00:30:53,760 --> 00:30:54,880 that Madam Yan just said 622 00:30:54,960 --> 00:30:57,080 she would copy the Sutra of Immeasurable Life one thousand... 623 00:30:57,160 --> 00:30:58,000 Ten thousand times. 624 00:30:58,080 --> 00:31:00,200 Ten thousand copies of the Sutra of Immeasurable Life 625 00:31:00,280 --> 00:31:02,600 to pray for our safe journey to the capital. 626 00:31:03,360 --> 00:31:04,200 You're lying! 627 00:31:18,080 --> 00:31:19,280 Thank you, Master Yan. 628 00:31:26,040 --> 00:31:28,120 Thank you! Thank you, generous sir! 629 00:31:28,200 --> 00:31:29,760 Mengmeng, I'm so lucky. 630 00:31:29,840 --> 00:31:31,800 Now I can go to the capital with you. 631 00:31:32,920 --> 00:31:33,760 That banner honoring the family 632 00:31:33,840 --> 00:31:36,040 was something I asked the Inspector to send in advance. 633 00:31:36,120 --> 00:31:38,960 I knew your father and stepmother would try to stop us. 634 00:31:40,280 --> 00:31:42,040 Mengmeng, you're so good to me. 635 00:31:42,120 --> 00:31:44,760 Meeting you is the greatest blessing of my life. 636 00:31:46,400 --> 00:31:47,400 Everyone's watching. 637 00:31:55,280 --> 00:31:56,560 Sister Ah Xiang. 638 00:31:57,480 --> 00:31:59,920 I brought your favorite apricot-skin cakes. 639 00:32:03,040 --> 00:32:04,200 I miss you so much. 640 00:32:06,000 --> 00:32:08,040 I miss how you held me in the cage 641 00:32:08,680 --> 00:32:10,080 while we kept each other warm. 642 00:32:12,600 --> 00:32:14,320 I miss you playing the flute for me 643 00:32:15,360 --> 00:32:16,600 and teaching me 644 00:32:16,680 --> 00:32:18,640 your favorite song. 645 00:32:21,280 --> 00:32:23,600 That place was unbearable, 646 00:32:24,680 --> 00:32:25,640 but as long as you were there, 647 00:32:27,200 --> 00:32:28,880 you were my home. 648 00:32:32,040 --> 00:32:33,560 Sister Ah Xiang. 649 00:32:35,080 --> 00:32:36,840 I hate that I was so weak. 650 00:32:39,120 --> 00:32:41,800 I hate that I couldn't protect you then. 651 00:32:49,800 --> 00:32:50,880 Tinghui. 652 00:32:52,200 --> 00:32:54,000 You must escape from here. 653 00:32:55,400 --> 00:32:56,680 Go as far away as you can. 654 00:32:57,440 --> 00:32:58,480 Sister Ah Xiang. 655 00:32:59,480 --> 00:33:00,560 Hold on. 656 00:33:01,240 --> 00:33:03,280 We can escape. 657 00:33:03,360 --> 00:33:05,040 We can survive. 658 00:33:40,040 --> 00:33:41,000 Sister Ah Xiang! 659 00:33:43,200 --> 00:33:44,160 Sister Ah Xiang! 660 00:33:46,760 --> 00:33:47,960 Sister Ah Xiang! 661 00:33:50,120 --> 00:33:51,360 Sister Ah Xiang! 662 00:33:52,760 --> 00:33:54,880 Sister Ah Xiang, say something! 663 00:33:54,960 --> 00:33:56,160 Sister Ah Xiang! 664 00:33:58,360 --> 00:34:01,240 What's wrong? Don't scare me! 665 00:34:02,120 --> 00:34:03,560 Sister Ah Xiang! 666 00:34:10,040 --> 00:34:12,040 Hold on, Sister Ah Xiang! 667 00:34:44,320 --> 00:34:46,000 You little bitch! 668 00:35:01,360 --> 00:35:02,840 You dare touch me? 669 00:35:03,640 --> 00:35:05,040 You'll both die! 670 00:35:07,560 --> 00:35:08,600 Finish her. 671 00:36:09,240 --> 00:36:10,280 Sister Ah Xiang! 672 00:36:11,880 --> 00:36:13,200 Shazhou today 673 00:36:14,320 --> 00:36:16,520 is nothing like it was back then. 674 00:36:17,880 --> 00:36:18,880 Those evil men 675 00:36:19,600 --> 00:36:21,280 finally received their punishment. 676 00:36:26,520 --> 00:36:27,680 Sister, 677 00:36:29,400 --> 00:36:30,920 I never forgot 678 00:36:32,120 --> 00:36:33,440 the promise we made. 679 00:36:39,560 --> 00:36:40,400 Look. 680 00:36:41,960 --> 00:36:43,240 I attended the women's academy, 681 00:36:44,240 --> 00:36:45,360 became Provincial Laureate, 682 00:36:46,120 --> 00:36:48,440 and will soon go to the capital for the metropolitan exam. 683 00:36:50,200 --> 00:36:52,680 They say the capital's palace walls are high 684 00:36:52,760 --> 00:36:54,320 and its halls vast. 685 00:36:54,400 --> 00:36:56,080 But there must be a place 686 00:36:57,400 --> 00:36:59,520 where our shared dream can belong. 687 00:37:08,920 --> 00:37:11,640 I will stand in the highest halls of power. 688 00:37:13,400 --> 00:37:15,400 I will make myself strong. 689 00:37:19,280 --> 00:37:20,840 I will protect Fuzhi. 690 00:37:23,360 --> 00:37:25,560 I will protect everyone close to me. 691 00:37:28,840 --> 00:37:30,120 I will make this a world 692 00:37:31,240 --> 00:37:34,080 where no one can trample on another person's life. 693 00:37:38,520 --> 00:37:41,720 People like you and me 694 00:37:44,800 --> 00:37:47,000 will all stand in this light. 695 00:37:50,600 --> 00:37:51,600 Tinghui. 696 00:37:52,920 --> 00:37:54,800 Walk toward the light. 697 00:37:56,560 --> 00:37:58,720 You must live. 698 00:38:10,040 --> 00:38:11,000 Sister. 699 00:38:11,800 --> 00:38:12,960 Once I leave for the capital, 700 00:38:13,720 --> 00:38:15,840 I may not be able to visit for a long time. 701 00:38:16,720 --> 00:38:17,920 If you miss me, 702 00:38:19,360 --> 00:38:21,480 will you visit my dreams? 703 00:38:34,120 --> 00:38:36,120 I heard the capital is terribly damp. 704 00:38:36,200 --> 00:38:38,040 I brought you a rhino-horn pillow to keep away the moisture. 705 00:38:38,880 --> 00:38:39,880 Fuzhi. 706 00:38:39,960 --> 00:38:41,960 Are you accompanying me to the exam or moving house? 707 00:38:42,040 --> 00:38:43,040 Mengmeng. 708 00:38:43,120 --> 00:38:45,040 We don't know anyone in the capital. 709 00:38:45,120 --> 00:38:47,760 Of course I must make sure you're comfortable in every way. 710 00:38:47,840 --> 00:38:48,680 Provincial Laureate Meng. 711 00:38:48,760 --> 00:38:50,400 Everything is packed. We can leave. 712 00:38:50,480 --> 00:38:52,040 With all this ostentation, 713 00:38:52,120 --> 00:38:53,960 aren't you afraid bandits will rob us on the road? 714 00:38:54,040 --> 00:38:55,640 We have our own royal safeguard. 715 00:38:56,720 --> 00:38:58,440 Only bandits with a death wish 716 00:38:58,520 --> 00:39:00,520 would rob a Provincial Laureate headed for the capital exam. 717 00:39:00,600 --> 00:39:02,600 I want my dearest, dearest Mengmeng 718 00:39:02,680 --> 00:39:04,360 to leave Shazhou in grand style. 719 00:39:04,440 --> 00:39:06,560 -But the journey is long... -Don't worry. 720 00:39:06,640 --> 00:39:07,680 Every prefecture along the way 721 00:39:07,760 --> 00:39:09,680 will surely extend every courtesy to Provincial Laureate Meng. 722 00:39:09,760 --> 00:39:11,440 The journey will be smooth sailing. 723 00:39:15,440 --> 00:39:17,560 Capital, here we come! 724 00:39:17,640 --> 00:39:20,440 Here we come! 725 00:39:28,480 --> 00:39:29,480 Come back safely. 726 00:39:46,440 --> 00:39:47,280 Your Majesty. 727 00:39:48,280 --> 00:39:50,000 The east wind you've been waiting for has arrived. 728 00:39:51,000 --> 00:39:52,240 The east wind? 729 00:39:54,240 --> 00:39:55,520 Aren't these lists of successful candidates from every province 730 00:39:55,600 --> 00:39:57,720 the east wind Your Majesty needs to break the Left Chancellor's hold? 731 00:40:01,320 --> 00:40:02,240 Not bad. 732 00:40:02,320 --> 00:40:04,520 Shen Zhili ranked first in the capital. 733 00:40:05,600 --> 00:40:06,720 The blood of our Shen family. 734 00:40:06,800 --> 00:40:07,640 Naturally. 735 00:40:07,720 --> 00:40:10,360 You inherited your post; she passed the exam. You dare compare? 736 00:40:11,000 --> 00:40:11,840 Exactly. 737 00:40:13,080 --> 00:40:14,280 Someone shut him up. 738 00:40:20,400 --> 00:40:21,480 Meng Tinghui. 739 00:40:22,920 --> 00:40:24,760 She ranked first in Shazhou. 740 00:40:24,840 --> 00:40:26,040 Could she be 741 00:40:26,120 --> 00:40:27,480 the Miss Meng who helped Your Majesty 742 00:40:27,560 --> 00:40:28,800 solve the case in Shazhou? 743 00:40:28,880 --> 00:40:30,480 A talent as sturdy as pine 744 00:40:30,560 --> 00:40:31,840 should be tested in the fiercest wind. 745 00:40:31,920 --> 00:40:34,040 The Left Chancellor's disciples fill all six ministries. 746 00:40:34,120 --> 00:40:35,840 This women's special examination 747 00:40:35,920 --> 00:40:38,640 is Heaven's gift for me to promote useful talent. 748 00:40:38,720 --> 00:40:41,120 This time, I'll knock that old fossil flat on his back. 749 00:40:43,360 --> 00:40:44,840 The wind is rising. 750 00:40:44,920 --> 00:40:47,400 Let's see how she rides it straight into the clouds. 751 00:40:57,720 --> 00:41:00,240 Shops in the capital really are livelier than Shazhou's. 752 00:41:00,320 --> 00:41:02,640 We'll have to look around properly later. 753 00:41:02,720 --> 00:41:04,240 I had long heard of the capital's splendor. 754 00:41:04,320 --> 00:41:06,480 Now I see the books captured barely a tenth of it. 755 00:41:07,320 --> 00:41:08,320 Fuzhi. 756 00:41:08,400 --> 00:41:09,520 I hear Huiyin Music House 757 00:41:09,600 --> 00:41:11,040 is on Changle Street, 758 00:41:11,120 --> 00:41:12,520 and Situ Xue is its proprietor. 759 00:41:12,600 --> 00:41:13,600 How do you know? 760 00:41:14,560 --> 00:41:17,320 How could I impersonate her without doing my homework? 761 00:41:21,080 --> 00:41:22,280 The capital. 762 00:41:22,360 --> 00:41:23,400 We really made it. 763 00:41:24,080 --> 00:41:25,800 I'm Yan Fuzhi. 764 00:41:25,880 --> 00:41:27,680 She's Meng Tinghui. 765 00:41:27,760 --> 00:41:30,720 Capital, here we come! 766 00:41:32,120 --> 00:41:33,120 So many people. 767 00:41:41,200 --> 00:41:42,440 Welcome! Welcome! 768 00:41:42,520 --> 00:41:44,040 A very warm welcome! 769 00:41:44,120 --> 00:41:45,480 Welcome! Welcome! 770 00:41:45,560 --> 00:41:46,800 A very warm welcome! 771 00:41:46,880 --> 00:41:48,240 Welcome! Welcome! 772 00:41:48,320 --> 00:41:49,360 A very warm welcome! 773 00:41:49,440 --> 00:41:50,760 Enough. 774 00:41:51,960 --> 00:41:54,160 Welcome, honored provincial graduates! 775 00:41:54,240 --> 00:41:55,120 Shunzi. 776 00:41:56,920 --> 00:41:57,760 Scholars who cross our threshold 777 00:41:57,840 --> 00:41:59,200 are bound to make the honor roll. 778 00:42:03,400 --> 00:42:04,920 Look closely, Manager. 779 00:42:05,000 --> 00:42:07,240 This is Shazhou's Provincial Laureate. 780 00:42:07,320 --> 00:42:09,000 The Provincial Laureate graces us! 781 00:42:09,080 --> 00:42:11,480 Chunman Inn is truly honored by your presence. 782 00:42:11,560 --> 00:42:12,480 All our guests 783 00:42:12,560 --> 00:42:14,600 are female scholars from across the realm here for the metropolitan exam. 784 00:42:14,680 --> 00:42:15,680 As for the best rooms, 785 00:42:15,760 --> 00:42:17,520 only one remains. 786 00:42:18,320 --> 00:42:20,200 Shunzi, show our honored guests in. 787 00:42:20,760 --> 00:42:21,880 This way. 788 00:42:23,920 --> 00:42:26,960 When you pass, don't forget me, Yu Manchun. 789 00:42:27,040 --> 00:42:27,920 Easy, easy. 790 00:43:08,440 --> 00:43:10,480 To the Tiger's Roar Gang! 791 00:43:11,320 --> 00:43:13,360 To our Chief! 792 00:43:22,720 --> 00:43:24,640 The tiger's roar shakes the sky! 793 00:43:24,720 --> 00:43:27,000 Brothers united strike it rich! 794 00:43:30,840 --> 00:43:31,680 Chief. 795 00:43:32,440 --> 00:43:33,400 The goods have arrived. 796 00:43:34,924 --> 00:43:36,924 MkvDrama.Net