1 00:01:27,000 --> 00:01:30,920 The Scholar and the Emperor 2 00:01:45,040 --> 00:01:47,000 What a beautiful young lady. 3 00:01:47,080 --> 00:01:48,360 Fine jade for a fair beauty. 4 00:01:48,440 --> 00:01:49,280 Why not try this one? 5 00:02:04,360 --> 00:02:06,080 You don't look like you're from Shazhou. 6 00:02:06,160 --> 00:02:07,000 May I ask your name? 7 00:02:07,720 --> 00:02:08,920 I'm Shen Zhishu. 8 00:02:09,000 --> 00:02:10,200 I'm looking for a friend. 9 00:02:10,280 --> 00:02:12,720 What does he look like? I'll help you find him. 10 00:02:13,960 --> 00:02:14,800 A gentleman. 11 00:02:14,880 --> 00:02:15,920 He has a capital accent. 12 00:02:16,000 --> 00:02:16,840 As for his looks, 13 00:02:16,920 --> 00:02:18,040 Not as handsome as me. 14 00:02:18,120 --> 00:02:20,240 And a touch less refined. 15 00:02:20,320 --> 00:02:21,880 As for his height, 16 00:02:21,960 --> 00:02:23,400 And a little shorter. 17 00:02:23,480 --> 00:02:24,800 Lord Shen. 18 00:02:26,920 --> 00:02:28,200 Old Huang! 19 00:02:28,280 --> 00:02:30,440 I finally found you. 20 00:02:31,120 --> 00:02:32,960 All the way from the capital to Shazhou, 21 00:02:33,040 --> 00:02:34,480 and you still found time to flirt. 22 00:02:38,120 --> 00:02:39,080 Old Huang, 23 00:02:39,160 --> 00:02:40,920 they nearly worked me to death. 24 00:02:41,000 --> 00:02:42,320 I crossed mountains and valleys, 25 00:02:42,400 --> 00:02:44,000 crossing rivers and sleeping rough. 26 00:02:44,080 --> 00:02:45,160 And then... 27 00:02:46,160 --> 00:02:48,000 I finally laid eyes on a Shazhou beauty. 28 00:02:49,440 --> 00:02:50,520 Why are you here? 29 00:02:50,600 --> 00:02:52,080 His Lordship knew when you'd arrive 30 00:02:52,160 --> 00:02:53,160 to wait here for you. 31 00:02:53,240 --> 00:02:54,080 Wait here. 32 00:02:58,560 --> 00:02:59,400 Where's my beauty? 33 00:03:32,400 --> 00:03:34,840 You didn't escape from prison, did you? 34 00:03:34,920 --> 00:03:37,480 No ordinary jail could hold me. 35 00:03:37,560 --> 00:03:39,440 The Dings have the whole city after you. 36 00:03:39,520 --> 00:03:40,760 They want you dead. 37 00:03:40,840 --> 00:03:42,240 You're bold, coming here. 38 00:03:42,320 --> 00:03:43,360 What do you want? 39 00:03:48,840 --> 00:03:50,280 I've come to help. 40 00:03:56,840 --> 00:03:57,840 You? 41 00:03:57,920 --> 00:03:59,160 And how exactly? 42 00:03:59,240 --> 00:04:01,400 Jiuyou City is Black Tiger Hall's territory. 43 00:04:02,320 --> 00:04:03,800 I know you're probing the arms trade. 44 00:04:03,880 --> 00:04:06,680 and posing as a wealthy Beijian merchant to get close to Ding Chong. 45 00:04:06,760 --> 00:04:08,800 You've come this far 46 00:04:08,880 --> 00:04:11,160 because you want proof of their collusion 47 00:04:11,240 --> 00:04:13,040 and illegal arms trade. 48 00:04:13,120 --> 00:04:14,280 As for me, 49 00:04:14,360 --> 00:04:16,200 I grew up in Shazhou. 50 00:04:16,280 --> 00:04:17,760 I know this place inside and out. 51 00:04:17,840 --> 00:04:19,880 I've already uncovered everything you mentioned. 52 00:04:19,960 --> 00:04:21,680 You're no longer useful to me. 53 00:04:21,760 --> 00:04:23,040 You, on the other hand, 54 00:04:23,120 --> 00:04:25,160 are a fugitive with no hope of taking the exam. 55 00:04:25,240 --> 00:04:28,080 It seems you're the one who needs me. 56 00:04:34,040 --> 00:04:34,960 Young Master He, 57 00:04:35,720 --> 00:04:37,920 I failed to recognize who you really were. 58 00:04:38,760 --> 00:04:40,920 Now I'm a fugitive 59 00:04:41,000 --> 00:04:42,320 and can't sit the exam. 60 00:04:42,400 --> 00:04:44,040 Whether I earn rank or not is secondary. 61 00:04:44,960 --> 00:04:47,280 But I can't lose even the right to sit the exam. 62 00:04:47,360 --> 00:04:49,160 Since you're here to investigate, 63 00:04:49,240 --> 00:04:50,520 I trust you're honorable. 64 00:04:51,160 --> 00:04:52,680 You need a guide. 65 00:04:52,760 --> 00:04:53,840 I need a way out. 66 00:04:54,680 --> 00:04:56,200 We can each get what we need. 67 00:04:56,760 --> 00:04:59,160 We can purge Shazhou of this corruption 68 00:04:59,240 --> 00:05:01,320 and restore my status as a law-abiding citizen. 69 00:05:01,400 --> 00:05:02,680 You're right, Miss Meng. 70 00:05:04,240 --> 00:05:05,920 But I can't take you inside. 71 00:05:06,000 --> 00:05:07,920 I only have one travel pass, 72 00:05:08,000 --> 00:05:10,400 and I paid Ding Chong dearly for it. 73 00:05:10,480 --> 00:05:11,320 What a coincidence. 74 00:05:13,400 --> 00:05:14,560 I have one too. 75 00:05:20,520 --> 00:05:23,000 That was an impressively smooth theft, Miss Meng. 76 00:05:23,880 --> 00:05:25,960 Have you been practicing since childhood? 77 00:05:27,640 --> 00:05:29,040 It's how I survived. 78 00:05:37,280 --> 00:05:38,880 If you can forge one, 79 00:05:38,960 --> 00:05:40,200 why steal mine? 80 00:05:45,320 --> 00:05:47,480 Jiuyou City's market opens once every seven days. 81 00:05:47,560 --> 00:05:49,440 To prevent forgeries, 82 00:05:49,520 --> 00:05:51,320 the passes are marked every seven days 83 00:05:51,400 --> 00:05:53,600 with a different hidden design. 84 00:06:04,160 --> 00:06:06,240 You truly are a woman of many talents, Miss Meng. 85 00:06:09,840 --> 00:06:11,400 You're quite the fighter yourself. 86 00:06:12,520 --> 00:06:13,760 Since this pass is genuine, 87 00:06:14,760 --> 00:06:15,640 I'll gladly keep it. 88 00:06:19,920 --> 00:06:21,200 Give me the fake one. 89 00:06:21,800 --> 00:06:23,960 You certainly planned yourself an escape route. 90 00:06:32,040 --> 00:06:32,880 It's time. 91 00:06:33,720 --> 00:06:34,560 Let's go. 92 00:06:36,960 --> 00:06:38,480 To live in Shazhou, 93 00:06:38,560 --> 00:06:39,680 be Black Tiger Hall's dog. 94 00:06:40,560 --> 00:06:42,360 This place never sees the light of day. 95 00:06:42,440 --> 00:06:44,160 Murder and arson are common here. 96 00:06:44,800 --> 00:06:46,960 Merchants who couldn't pay protection money. 97 00:06:47,880 --> 00:06:49,240 See the glow in those skulls? 98 00:06:49,880 --> 00:06:52,160 Black Tiger Hall uses their skulls as ever-burning lamps. 99 00:06:52,720 --> 00:06:53,680 The more resentment, 100 00:06:53,760 --> 00:06:55,000 Move faster back there! 101 00:06:55,080 --> 00:06:56,000 the brighter they glow. 102 00:06:56,880 --> 00:06:57,880 A week-old pass? 103 00:06:57,960 --> 00:06:59,320 And you dare pass it off as valid? 104 00:07:07,680 --> 00:07:08,520 Get inside. 105 00:07:12,360 --> 00:07:13,200 Next. 106 00:07:30,960 --> 00:07:31,800 Go on. 107 00:07:35,920 --> 00:07:36,760 Get in. 108 00:07:48,240 --> 00:07:49,360 Everyone, hurry! 109 00:07:49,440 --> 00:07:51,360 Someone's selling border-trade permits! 110 00:07:51,440 --> 00:07:53,480 They'll be gone if we're late. Come on! 111 00:07:53,560 --> 00:07:54,800 Hurry! 112 00:07:56,360 --> 00:07:58,400 The court issues border-trade permits 113 00:07:58,480 --> 00:08:00,280 for prefectures to verify and record. 114 00:08:00,360 --> 00:08:02,000 Reserved for established merchants. 115 00:08:02,080 --> 00:08:03,480 with impeccable reputations. 116 00:08:04,480 --> 00:08:05,800 How can they be sold here? 117 00:08:07,760 --> 00:08:10,240 They openly sell salt and iron, 118 00:08:10,320 --> 00:08:12,280 even though the government strictly prohibits it. 119 00:08:12,360 --> 00:08:14,040 A mere document is nothing by comparison. 120 00:08:14,120 --> 00:08:16,000 Ding Chong's greed knows no bounds. 121 00:08:16,080 --> 00:08:17,360 He auctions them for fortunes, 122 00:08:17,440 --> 00:08:18,960 a thousand gold pieces each. 123 00:08:19,680 --> 00:08:21,040 The Yan family once offended him, 124 00:08:21,120 --> 00:08:22,760 he withheld it for six months. 125 00:08:23,440 --> 00:08:25,200 They had to offer two chests of gold 126 00:08:25,280 --> 00:08:26,120 to get it back. 127 00:08:26,200 --> 00:08:28,000 The court opened border trade 128 00:08:28,080 --> 00:08:29,680 to help frontier communities. 129 00:08:29,760 --> 00:08:32,360 Yet parasites like him use it to line their pockets. 130 00:08:56,960 --> 00:08:58,120 Best quality anywhere! 131 00:08:58,880 --> 00:08:59,720 The finest goods! 132 00:09:01,600 --> 00:09:02,440 Come take a look. 133 00:09:03,640 --> 00:09:04,480 Only the best! 134 00:09:10,320 --> 00:09:12,240 Why aren't any weapons being sold? 135 00:09:13,840 --> 00:09:16,200 Weapons involve the military. That's no small matter. 136 00:09:16,280 --> 00:09:18,360 Even Ding Chong wouldn't sell them openly. 137 00:09:18,440 --> 00:09:20,280 And whoever backs him inside the garrison 138 00:09:20,360 --> 00:09:22,240 must value his own life even more. 139 00:09:22,320 --> 00:09:23,480 Young Master He, 140 00:09:25,640 --> 00:09:27,440 what would you do 141 00:09:27,960 --> 00:09:29,120 without a guide like me? 142 00:09:29,200 --> 00:09:30,760 I have my own ways. 143 00:09:32,240 --> 00:09:34,520 But since you seem so confident, 144 00:09:34,600 --> 00:09:35,680 I'd like to see 145 00:09:36,280 --> 00:09:37,640 what you have planned. 146 00:09:37,720 --> 00:09:38,600 Follow me. 147 00:09:50,840 --> 00:09:52,080 We travel by lamplight. 148 00:09:52,160 --> 00:09:55,080 Is the way bright, black, or dark? 149 00:09:57,120 --> 00:09:58,880 Cloud and mist obscure the path. 150 00:09:58,960 --> 00:10:00,560 We follow the crowd. 151 00:10:00,640 --> 00:10:01,960 We name neither light nor dark. 152 00:10:04,760 --> 00:10:05,640 Miss Meng, 153 00:10:06,920 --> 00:10:08,920 the gentleman you've brought this time 154 00:10:09,000 --> 00:10:11,680 is far better than those ugly specimens before. 155 00:10:15,160 --> 00:10:16,760 His face is awfully sour, though. 156 00:10:16,840 --> 00:10:19,040 Anyone would think a creditor had come calling. 157 00:10:20,360 --> 00:10:21,760 It's not just his sour face. 158 00:10:21,840 --> 00:10:23,320 His temper is terrible too. 159 00:10:24,160 --> 00:10:25,760 Arrogant, 160 00:10:25,840 --> 00:10:27,080 contemptuous, 161 00:10:27,680 --> 00:10:28,600 and self-important. 162 00:10:32,040 --> 00:10:33,160 Honored guests, 163 00:10:33,680 --> 00:10:35,000 what information are you seeking? 164 00:10:35,800 --> 00:10:37,160 There isn't a thing in Shazhou 165 00:10:37,240 --> 00:10:38,920 that I don't know. 166 00:10:42,080 --> 00:10:44,000 I want to buy weapons from Black Tiger Hall. 167 00:10:44,080 --> 00:10:45,720 How do I make contact? 168 00:10:46,800 --> 00:10:49,720 He even discovered that Black Tiger Hall sells weapons. 169 00:10:53,480 --> 00:10:54,840 The arms trade 170 00:10:57,000 --> 00:10:58,840 is a business that can cost you your head. 171 00:11:11,040 --> 00:11:11,960 Forget it. 172 00:11:12,480 --> 00:11:13,560 I'll ask elsewhere. 173 00:11:15,880 --> 00:11:17,440 See? I told you he had a bad temper. 174 00:11:17,520 --> 00:11:19,160 I'll show you both 175 00:11:19,240 --> 00:11:20,080 the way in. 176 00:11:28,720 --> 00:11:31,920 Money can make even ghosts work. 177 00:11:32,000 --> 00:11:34,920 More like even a dragon must bow to the local snake. 178 00:11:35,000 --> 00:11:36,280 Without me, 179 00:11:36,360 --> 00:11:37,480 who knows where you'd be? 180 00:11:38,360 --> 00:11:39,200 We're here. 181 00:11:48,480 --> 00:11:50,440 Hall Master Feng gave strict orders. 182 00:11:50,520 --> 00:11:53,480 Do honest business in Jiuyou City, 183 00:11:53,560 --> 00:11:55,040 and you'll be honored guests. 184 00:11:55,120 --> 00:11:56,680 But if you act suspiciously 185 00:11:56,760 --> 00:11:58,000 or harbor ill intentions, 186 00:11:59,320 --> 00:12:00,840 you'll be sent to your deaths. 187 00:12:10,160 --> 00:12:12,240 Are you all right, Miss Meng? 188 00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:32,280 All right, Young Master He? 189 00:12:34,880 --> 00:12:36,640 What an excellent guide you found. 190 00:12:36,720 --> 00:12:39,000 She led us down quite an unusual path. 191 00:12:39,080 --> 00:12:40,440 Enough with the sarcasm. 192 00:12:41,760 --> 00:12:42,880 You're the one 193 00:12:42,960 --> 00:12:44,960 who gave us away by asking to buy weapons. 194 00:13:06,840 --> 00:13:08,200 This passage has been sealed. 195 00:13:11,200 --> 00:13:13,120 We're not really going to die in here, are we? 196 00:13:13,200 --> 00:13:15,080 I brought you inside. 197 00:13:15,160 --> 00:13:16,400 I won't let you get hurt. 198 00:13:18,800 --> 00:13:19,760 What's that sound? 199 00:13:34,360 --> 00:13:35,200 Watch out! 200 00:13:36,640 --> 00:13:38,760 That gold-ringed snake is highly venomous. 201 00:13:46,520 --> 00:13:47,960 A fighter of your caliber 202 00:13:49,280 --> 00:13:50,360 fears one little snake? 203 00:13:51,400 --> 00:13:52,440 Who's afraid of it? 204 00:13:53,520 --> 00:13:55,280 I'm wary because it's highly venomous. 205 00:13:55,360 --> 00:13:56,360 I'm not. 206 00:14:21,840 --> 00:14:24,000 You really do have tricks up your sleeve. 207 00:14:25,200 --> 00:14:26,920 You promised I wouldn't get hurt. 208 00:14:30,120 --> 00:14:31,320 The rest is up to you. 209 00:14:55,080 --> 00:14:56,080 Low on phosphorus powder. 210 00:14:57,080 --> 00:14:57,920 Talisman paper. 211 00:15:27,040 --> 00:15:27,880 Let's go. 212 00:15:34,760 --> 00:15:35,600 There's a draft. 213 00:16:02,040 --> 00:16:03,640 -Cheers! -Cheers! 214 00:16:09,680 --> 00:16:12,200 Good thing Brother Ding was one move ahead. 215 00:16:12,280 --> 00:16:14,440 That man He thought he could pose as a rich merchant 216 00:16:14,520 --> 00:16:16,000 and investigate Black Tiger Hall. 217 00:16:16,680 --> 00:16:18,400 He must have a death wish. 218 00:16:18,480 --> 00:16:19,440 Exactly. 219 00:16:19,520 --> 00:16:21,480 He thought he was so capable. 220 00:16:21,560 --> 00:16:22,600 But who would've guessed 221 00:16:22,680 --> 00:16:25,120 Governor Ding had already investigated them thoroughly? 222 00:16:25,200 --> 00:16:26,320 Those two 223 00:16:27,080 --> 00:16:29,240 must be dead in the snake pit by now. 224 00:16:29,320 --> 00:16:30,960 Of course they are. 225 00:16:31,040 --> 00:16:32,760 No one has ever made it out of that pit 226 00:16:32,840 --> 00:16:34,360 alive. 227 00:16:35,000 --> 00:16:36,960 Anyone who trespasses in Black Tiger Hall 228 00:16:37,040 --> 00:16:39,000 will never leave. 229 00:16:39,080 --> 00:16:39,920 Brothers! 230 00:16:40,000 --> 00:16:43,160 The snake pit connects to tunnels beneath Black Tiger Hall. 231 00:16:43,240 --> 00:16:45,200 That saves us a great deal of trouble. 232 00:16:46,200 --> 00:16:47,280 That scar-faced man 233 00:16:47,360 --> 00:16:48,840 is Hall Master Feng Lu. 234 00:16:50,280 --> 00:16:51,480 They outnumber us. 235 00:16:52,160 --> 00:16:53,280 We'll have to outsmart them. 236 00:16:53,360 --> 00:16:54,920 Take their leader first. 237 00:16:59,920 --> 00:17:01,000 Brothers! 238 00:17:01,080 --> 00:17:02,840 Keep drinking! 239 00:17:02,920 --> 00:17:04,320 -All right! -All right! 240 00:17:29,400 --> 00:17:31,160 Doesn't it smell like something's burning? 241 00:17:50,400 --> 00:17:51,240 Hall Master! 242 00:17:52,080 --> 00:17:53,760 I think I saw him. 243 00:17:53,840 --> 00:17:54,680 Who? 244 00:17:56,560 --> 00:17:58,080 -Who? -Don't move. 245 00:17:59,240 --> 00:18:00,080 Hall Master! 246 00:18:02,720 --> 00:18:03,960 Come closer 247 00:18:04,520 --> 00:18:05,480 if you want him dead. 248 00:18:07,600 --> 00:18:08,720 Brother, 249 00:18:09,520 --> 00:18:11,160 I know you're investigating the weapons. 250 00:18:12,320 --> 00:18:13,720 But opposing Black Tiger Hall 251 00:18:13,800 --> 00:18:15,120 means opposing Governor Ding. 252 00:18:15,200 --> 00:18:18,440 You can't bear the consequences. 253 00:18:18,520 --> 00:18:19,560 Hall Master Feng, 254 00:18:20,640 --> 00:18:23,400 whether it's Black Tiger Hall or Ding Chong, 255 00:18:23,480 --> 00:18:25,480 do you really think either frightens me? 256 00:18:46,400 --> 00:18:48,760 Salt, medicine, tea, porcelain... 257 00:18:48,840 --> 00:18:51,240 These are Jiuyou City's transaction records. 258 00:18:51,320 --> 00:18:53,040 The profits from porcelain alone 259 00:18:53,120 --> 00:18:55,520 equal nearly a year's tax revenue for Shazhou. 260 00:18:59,840 --> 00:19:01,320 The shares are clearly recorded. 261 00:19:02,160 --> 00:19:03,680 One for the Hall, one for Ding Chong. 262 00:19:04,280 --> 00:19:05,440 The third is listed vaguely, 263 00:19:05,520 --> 00:19:07,600 marked only as "the garrison." 264 00:19:07,680 --> 00:19:08,520 What? 265 00:19:09,440 --> 00:19:11,040 You won't even write the full name? 266 00:19:11,120 --> 00:19:12,920 Your arms trade is remarkably brazen. 267 00:19:13,000 --> 00:19:15,440 The garrison official working with you 268 00:19:15,520 --> 00:19:17,120 must hold a very high rank. 269 00:19:19,000 --> 00:19:21,480 You two think you can interrogate me? 270 00:19:26,200 --> 00:19:27,720 Are you going to talk or not? 271 00:19:27,800 --> 00:19:30,440 Find out yourself if you're so capable. 272 00:19:33,720 --> 00:19:35,280 Now that we've found the ledger, 273 00:19:35,360 --> 00:19:37,680 we'll naturally blame everything on Hall Master Feng alone. 274 00:19:39,760 --> 00:19:40,840 Feng Lu: 275 00:19:40,920 --> 00:19:43,320 illegal fees for the women's exam, 276 00:19:43,400 --> 00:19:45,000 operating the Jiuyou City market, 277 00:19:45,080 --> 00:19:46,600 selling permits, 278 00:19:46,680 --> 00:19:48,520 and demanding protection money from merchants. 279 00:19:48,600 --> 00:19:50,120 You lying bitch! 280 00:19:50,200 --> 00:19:51,960 I didn't do any of that! 281 00:19:52,040 --> 00:19:53,720 All I do is kill people! 282 00:19:53,800 --> 00:19:55,560 Feng Lu alone colluded with the garrison 283 00:19:55,640 --> 00:19:56,760 and trafficked arms. 284 00:19:57,440 --> 00:19:59,520 I don't even know where the garrison gate is! 285 00:19:59,600 --> 00:20:00,640 It was Wang... 286 00:20:03,560 --> 00:20:04,760 Wang Qi. 287 00:20:05,400 --> 00:20:07,120 Military Governor of the Shazhou garrison. 288 00:20:07,200 --> 00:20:09,120 He's long served Shazhou and is respected. 289 00:20:09,200 --> 00:20:11,960 Wang Qi has guarded Shazhou since the late emperor's reign. 290 00:20:12,040 --> 00:20:15,120 He won many battles beside General Gao Meng. 291 00:20:15,200 --> 00:20:17,200 After so many years in command, 292 00:20:17,280 --> 00:20:20,040 he has a great many men to support. 293 00:20:20,120 --> 00:20:21,960 He must have stopped being a general long ago 294 00:20:22,040 --> 00:20:23,560 and become a businessman instead. 295 00:20:23,640 --> 00:20:25,800 You have a keen understanding 296 00:20:25,880 --> 00:20:27,000 of human greed, Miss Meng. 297 00:20:27,080 --> 00:20:28,400 So 298 00:20:28,480 --> 00:20:30,800 Hall Master Feng bought Wang Qi off? 299 00:20:30,880 --> 00:20:32,320 I told you, it wasn't me! 300 00:20:32,400 --> 00:20:34,480 Who turns down money these days? 301 00:20:35,520 --> 00:20:37,000 An arms operation this big 302 00:20:37,080 --> 00:20:38,520 is a prize everyone wants. 303 00:20:38,600 --> 00:20:39,640 Wang Qi... 304 00:20:40,920 --> 00:20:42,280 and Ding Chong go back years. 305 00:20:42,360 --> 00:20:44,680 When Ding Chong persuaded Wang Qi, he told him, 306 00:20:44,760 --> 00:20:47,200 "No armor in this world, however strong, 307 00:20:49,200 --> 00:20:50,920 can withstand an arrow made of gold." 308 00:20:51,000 --> 00:20:52,200 Look it over. 309 00:20:52,280 --> 00:20:54,000 If the testimony you just gave 310 00:20:54,800 --> 00:20:56,040 is correct, 311 00:20:56,120 --> 00:20:56,960 sign it. 312 00:20:57,040 --> 00:20:58,240 I can't read. 313 00:20:59,440 --> 00:21:01,680 I wrote your name for you. Here. 314 00:21:04,000 --> 00:21:05,960 Now put your thumbprint on it. 315 00:21:13,920 --> 00:21:16,360 You act with remarkable speed and decisiveness. 316 00:21:16,440 --> 00:21:17,640 Like the Justice Ministry. 317 00:21:18,200 --> 00:21:19,040 Young Master He, 318 00:21:19,840 --> 00:21:21,120 we have his testimony. 319 00:21:21,200 --> 00:21:22,560 Now we need the arms ledger. 320 00:21:24,720 --> 00:21:26,600 Who bought the weapons from you? 321 00:21:26,680 --> 00:21:29,000 Where is the real arms ledger? 322 00:21:29,080 --> 00:21:30,960 I don't know who the buyer is, 323 00:21:31,040 --> 00:21:32,800 and I've never seen the arms ledger. 324 00:21:32,880 --> 00:21:35,120 Black Tiger Hall is only the middleman. 325 00:21:35,760 --> 00:21:38,920 We simply exchange the money for the goods. 326 00:21:39,000 --> 00:21:42,040 You're about to die, yet you still protect Ding Chong? 327 00:21:42,120 --> 00:21:43,200 When you fall, 328 00:21:43,280 --> 00:21:45,680 the first thing he'll do is silence you. 329 00:21:45,760 --> 00:21:47,200 Once your head rolls, 330 00:21:47,280 --> 00:21:49,440 he'll slaughter every one of your men. 331 00:21:49,520 --> 00:21:51,600 Then he can replace you with ten more Feng Lus. 332 00:21:59,520 --> 00:22:01,200 Greetings, Governor Ding. 333 00:22:01,280 --> 00:22:03,080 Governor, our master was captured. 334 00:22:03,160 --> 00:22:04,320 Please save him! 335 00:22:04,400 --> 00:22:06,160 Are all your men here? 336 00:22:06,240 --> 00:22:07,280 Every last one. 337 00:22:07,360 --> 00:22:08,600 Good. 338 00:22:08,680 --> 00:22:10,560 Follow me inside and kill them. 339 00:22:10,640 --> 00:22:11,920 Yes! 340 00:22:12,000 --> 00:22:12,840 Brothers! 341 00:22:12,920 --> 00:22:14,720 Charge in and save the Hall Master! 342 00:22:14,800 --> 00:22:16,600 -Charge! -Let's go! 343 00:22:28,920 --> 00:22:29,760 Sixth Hall Master, 344 00:22:32,480 --> 00:22:35,360 Black Tiger Hall has trafficked military weapons 345 00:22:35,440 --> 00:22:36,600 and countless other crimes. 346 00:22:36,680 --> 00:22:39,000 Today, I will lead my troops to eradicate them 347 00:22:39,080 --> 00:22:40,440 and uphold justice. 348 00:22:40,520 --> 00:22:41,960 Leave no one alive. 349 00:22:43,760 --> 00:22:44,720 Hall Master! 350 00:22:45,400 --> 00:22:47,880 That bastard Ding Chong brought a huge force 351 00:22:47,960 --> 00:22:49,520 to wipe us out. 352 00:22:49,600 --> 00:22:51,480 Our brothers are dead or wounded. 353 00:22:51,560 --> 00:22:54,800 Ding Chong arrived even sooner than I expected. 354 00:22:56,200 --> 00:22:58,040 My brothers... 355 00:22:59,160 --> 00:23:01,920 Ding Chong, you son of a bitch! 356 00:23:02,000 --> 00:23:03,480 I'll kill him! 357 00:23:03,560 --> 00:23:05,160 Hand over the real ledger, 358 00:23:05,240 --> 00:23:06,240 and I'll keep you alive. 359 00:23:07,000 --> 00:23:08,760 It's beneath my bed. 360 00:23:10,000 --> 00:23:10,960 Let me go! 361 00:23:23,720 --> 00:23:25,120 At least you've got backbone. 362 00:23:28,840 --> 00:23:30,120 How did Ding Chong know? 363 00:23:40,520 --> 00:23:41,360 Lord Shen, 364 00:23:41,440 --> 00:23:43,560 you brought the Chancellor's orders yourself. 365 00:23:43,640 --> 00:23:46,200 I am deeply honored. 366 00:23:48,440 --> 00:23:50,040 The Chancellor remembers old loyalties. 367 00:23:50,120 --> 00:23:52,640 He sent me to save your head. 368 00:23:53,560 --> 00:23:55,760 I'm slow-witted. Please enlighten me, Young Master. 369 00:24:00,240 --> 00:24:02,600 The court has sent a secret envoy into Shazhou 370 00:24:02,680 --> 00:24:04,960 to investigate the illegal arms trade. 371 00:24:06,080 --> 00:24:07,680 Could it really be that man He? 372 00:24:09,720 --> 00:24:11,080 The Left Chancellor said 373 00:24:11,160 --> 00:24:13,160 that if you wish to escape unscathed, 374 00:24:13,240 --> 00:24:15,200 you should dispose of Black Tiger Hall at once. 375 00:24:19,880 --> 00:24:20,760 When the time comes, 376 00:24:20,840 --> 00:24:22,200 place all the evidence 377 00:24:22,280 --> 00:24:23,640 on their shoulders. 378 00:24:24,240 --> 00:24:25,640 After all, the dead 379 00:24:26,160 --> 00:24:27,560 cannot protest their innocence. 380 00:24:30,800 --> 00:24:32,480 The Left Chancellor is truly farsighted. 381 00:24:33,440 --> 00:24:36,160 It seems he and I had the very same idea. 382 00:24:36,880 --> 00:24:38,440 I'll see to it immediately. 383 00:25:15,600 --> 00:25:16,720 Ding Chong! 384 00:25:32,200 --> 00:25:34,200 Three years ago, you injured your leg. 385 00:25:34,800 --> 00:25:38,720 If I hadn't carried you from Qingzhou to Shazhou, 386 00:25:39,320 --> 00:25:41,640 the wolves would've eaten you. 387 00:25:44,520 --> 00:25:48,240 I've treated you as a brother all these years, 388 00:25:49,080 --> 00:25:52,400 and you slaughtered all my men! 389 00:25:52,480 --> 00:25:54,000 Old Feng, 390 00:25:54,080 --> 00:25:56,080 if we're brothers, then help me out. 391 00:25:56,680 --> 00:25:59,160 You have to die so I can live. 392 00:25:59,720 --> 00:26:01,120 Ding Chong! 393 00:26:13,520 --> 00:26:14,880 Surround this place. 394 00:26:14,960 --> 00:26:16,240 Leave no one alive. 395 00:26:16,320 --> 00:26:18,040 -Yes! -Everyone, stop! 396 00:26:21,600 --> 00:26:22,480 Lord Shen. 397 00:26:22,560 --> 00:26:24,720 Black Tiger Hall has committed countless crimes. 398 00:26:24,800 --> 00:26:27,000 I have captured its ringleader, Feng Lu. 399 00:26:28,680 --> 00:26:29,800 Cousin! 400 00:26:30,760 --> 00:26:32,160 Cousin, are you hurt? 401 00:26:32,240 --> 00:26:33,080 I'm fine. 402 00:26:34,120 --> 00:26:35,840 Ding Chong, your crimes are monstrous! 403 00:26:35,920 --> 00:26:37,320 Surrender at once! 404 00:26:37,400 --> 00:26:38,360 Seize him! 405 00:26:41,880 --> 00:26:42,720 Lord Shen, 406 00:26:42,800 --> 00:26:45,520 -is there some misunderstanding? -Huang Bo. 407 00:26:47,480 --> 00:26:48,440 Ding Chong, 408 00:26:48,520 --> 00:26:50,240 you are an official of the imperial court, 409 00:26:50,320 --> 00:26:51,400 yet for personal gain 410 00:26:51,480 --> 00:26:53,280 you trafficked arms with Black Tiger Hall, 411 00:26:53,360 --> 00:26:54,920 oppressed people and killed witnesses. 412 00:26:55,720 --> 00:26:56,880 For all your crimes, 413 00:26:56,960 --> 00:26:59,520 ten deaths would not appease the people's fury. 414 00:26:59,600 --> 00:27:00,480 Who are you really? 415 00:27:01,280 --> 00:27:02,520 I can tell 416 00:27:02,600 --> 00:27:03,440 you hold high office. 417 00:27:04,360 --> 00:27:05,760 All officials are alike. 418 00:27:06,360 --> 00:27:08,160 Why make things difficult for each other? 419 00:27:08,240 --> 00:27:10,600 Tell me what you want. 420 00:27:10,680 --> 00:27:11,720 If you let me go, 421 00:27:12,280 --> 00:27:13,320 Ten thousand gold taels. 422 00:27:13,400 --> 00:27:16,600 Not even that could buy your worthless life. 423 00:27:16,680 --> 00:27:17,680 Ding Chong is in custody. 424 00:27:18,360 --> 00:27:19,840 Before it's too late, 425 00:27:19,920 --> 00:27:21,760 lay down your weapons now, 426 00:27:21,840 --> 00:27:23,360 and you may still redeem yourselves. 427 00:27:23,440 --> 00:27:24,840 Continue resisting, 428 00:27:24,920 --> 00:27:26,480 or share his punishment. 429 00:27:26,560 --> 00:27:27,920 Hurry! 430 00:27:30,160 --> 00:27:32,720 Take Ding Chong and the others back for interrogation tonight. 431 00:27:33,320 --> 00:27:34,760 Find where the weapons went. 432 00:27:36,720 --> 00:27:38,200 Lord Shen... 433 00:27:38,280 --> 00:27:39,120 Lord Shen! 434 00:27:41,560 --> 00:27:42,680 Protect the Young Master! 435 00:27:54,720 --> 00:27:56,160 Huang Bo, after him! 436 00:27:56,240 --> 00:27:57,440 Yes! 437 00:28:02,720 --> 00:28:04,360 This arrow penetrates with great force. 438 00:28:04,440 --> 00:28:05,720 It must be refined iron. 439 00:28:05,800 --> 00:28:08,280 It's made of the same material as the trafficked arrows. 440 00:28:08,360 --> 00:28:10,760 Could they be melting the weapons down and reforging them? 441 00:28:10,840 --> 00:28:12,640 Such a precise ambush on Ding Chong 442 00:28:12,720 --> 00:28:14,040 must know the inside details. 443 00:28:14,120 --> 00:28:16,080 The genuine arms ledger 444 00:28:16,160 --> 00:28:18,360 lists a huge shipment whose destination is unknown. 445 00:28:18,440 --> 00:28:19,840 That man in black 446 00:28:19,920 --> 00:28:22,160 is likely connected to the true buyer. 447 00:28:27,600 --> 00:28:29,680 The pattern on this is unusual. 448 00:28:32,720 --> 00:28:35,320 Find out where both the man and this bolt came from. 449 00:28:35,400 --> 00:28:36,240 Governor! 450 00:28:41,960 --> 00:28:43,400 -Governor! -Take him away. 451 00:28:46,320 --> 00:28:47,160 Everyone involved 452 00:28:47,240 --> 00:28:48,360 -Let go! -Take them all. 453 00:28:49,040 --> 00:28:49,920 Move! 454 00:28:50,000 --> 00:28:50,960 Governor! 455 00:28:51,040 --> 00:28:51,880 Move! 456 00:29:08,720 --> 00:29:10,040 Ding Chong is dead. 457 00:29:10,120 --> 00:29:11,320 You're no longer a fugitive. 458 00:29:11,920 --> 00:29:13,840 I'll have Lord Shen register you again. 459 00:29:14,400 --> 00:29:15,680 Take the exam without fear. 460 00:29:17,920 --> 00:29:20,960 Now we're completely even. 461 00:29:34,680 --> 00:29:36,520 Run! The soldiers are raiding us! 462 00:29:39,240 --> 00:29:40,080 Put that here. 463 00:29:44,280 --> 00:29:45,120 You there, hurry! 464 00:29:56,400 --> 00:29:57,760 Mother, what happened? 465 00:29:57,840 --> 00:29:59,000 Keep your voice down. 466 00:30:00,840 --> 00:30:01,680 Your uncle is dead. 467 00:30:01,760 --> 00:30:04,040 Officers are arresting people everywhere. 468 00:30:04,120 --> 00:30:05,480 Change clothes and follow me. 469 00:30:06,680 --> 00:30:09,040 They're hideous! 470 00:30:09,120 --> 00:30:10,080 I won't wear them. 471 00:30:10,160 --> 00:30:11,600 I'd rather die than put them on! 472 00:30:13,320 --> 00:30:14,800 Do as I say if you want to live. 473 00:30:16,440 --> 00:30:17,280 Put them on. 474 00:30:21,880 --> 00:30:22,960 Hurry! 475 00:30:25,840 --> 00:30:27,400 This reeks! 476 00:30:27,480 --> 00:30:29,600 This is no time to complain. Get in! 477 00:30:35,560 --> 00:30:36,600 Hurry! 478 00:30:36,680 --> 00:30:38,440 All right! 479 00:30:47,840 --> 00:30:48,680 Your Majesty, 480 00:30:48,760 --> 00:30:51,440 Wang Qi and all garrison commanders are in custody. 481 00:30:51,520 --> 00:30:53,480 All case records are sealed. 482 00:30:53,560 --> 00:30:54,760 Block all news immediately 483 00:30:54,840 --> 00:30:56,400 and secretly take them to the capital. 484 00:30:56,480 --> 00:30:58,680 The Left Chancellor must hear nothing of this. 485 00:30:59,240 --> 00:31:00,280 -Yes. -Your Majesty. 486 00:31:00,360 --> 00:31:02,360 Ding Chong's entire faction has been eliminated. 487 00:31:02,440 --> 00:31:04,960 His estate and Jiuyou City holdings have been seized. 488 00:31:05,040 --> 00:31:06,480 Every merchant involved 489 00:31:06,560 --> 00:31:09,120 has been punished according to law. None escaped. 490 00:31:09,200 --> 00:31:11,080 This operation was a complete success. 491 00:31:11,160 --> 00:31:13,200 We should leave for the capital now. 492 00:31:13,280 --> 00:31:14,920 The Left Chancellor's deadline 493 00:31:15,000 --> 00:31:17,840 -is only three days away. -Are you telling me to obey him? 494 00:31:17,920 --> 00:31:19,240 I wouldn't dare. 495 00:31:19,320 --> 00:31:20,680 Of course we obey Your Majesty. 496 00:31:22,440 --> 00:31:23,760 Your father, Grand Tutor Shen, 497 00:31:23,840 --> 00:31:25,160 was sent to oversee the exam. 498 00:31:25,240 --> 00:31:26,880 By my count, he should arrive soon. 499 00:31:27,680 --> 00:31:29,160 There are still matters in Shazhou 500 00:31:29,240 --> 00:31:30,400 I must discuss them with him. 501 00:31:30,480 --> 00:31:32,720 After we've spoken, we can travel through the night 502 00:31:32,800 --> 00:31:34,840 and reach the capital before the seclusion ends. 503 00:31:38,280 --> 00:31:40,000 And for the women's special examination, 504 00:31:40,080 --> 00:31:41,600 Meng Tinghui's results... 505 00:31:41,680 --> 00:31:42,560 watch them closely. 506 00:31:43,520 --> 00:31:45,240 Your Majesty... 507 00:31:45,320 --> 00:31:46,320 do you fancy her? 508 00:31:46,400 --> 00:31:47,760 Taken a liking? 509 00:31:50,520 --> 00:31:52,280 She lies, cheats, and swindles. 510 00:31:52,360 --> 00:31:54,520 She's cunning, unpredictable, and utterly shameless. 511 00:31:54,600 --> 00:31:55,640 She's hard to forget. 512 00:31:55,720 --> 00:31:56,720 Your Majesty means... 513 00:31:56,800 --> 00:31:58,560 I understand it completely. 514 00:31:58,640 --> 00:31:59,800 A street rogue like her 515 00:31:59,880 --> 00:32:01,520 will be kept under the strictest watch. 516 00:32:01,600 --> 00:32:02,880 She'll never enter court. 517 00:32:04,480 --> 00:32:05,320 Old Huang, 518 00:32:05,960 --> 00:32:07,760 you're reading me better and better. 519 00:32:07,840 --> 00:32:09,280 How long have I served Your Majesty? 520 00:32:10,320 --> 00:32:12,080 I meant those streetwise methods of hers. 521 00:32:12,160 --> 00:32:13,160 At the imperial court, 522 00:32:13,240 --> 00:32:14,920 they often beat lofty principles. 523 00:32:15,000 --> 00:32:16,640 His Majesty said he likes her. 524 00:32:16,720 --> 00:32:17,880 Still don't understand? 525 00:32:17,960 --> 00:32:18,800 Huang Bo. 526 00:32:18,880 --> 00:32:21,120 Do you remember this place? 527 00:32:21,200 --> 00:32:22,920 Ten years ago, Shazhou faced drought, 528 00:32:23,000 --> 00:32:24,240 and fierce sandstorms. 529 00:32:24,320 --> 00:32:25,400 To stop the shifting sands, 530 00:32:25,480 --> 00:32:27,440 you led us in planting these poplars. 531 00:32:27,520 --> 00:32:29,440 Now sand retreats and greenery returns. 532 00:32:29,520 --> 00:32:31,080 Every time we come to Shazhou, 533 00:32:31,160 --> 00:32:33,920 the danger is greater than before. 534 00:32:34,000 --> 00:32:35,720 Do you remember 535 00:32:35,800 --> 00:32:37,560 the little girl who stole my jade pendant? 536 00:32:52,640 --> 00:32:56,120 I do. She was being coerced. 537 00:32:56,200 --> 00:32:57,560 And because of her, 538 00:32:57,640 --> 00:33:00,640 Your Majesty destroyed Shazhou's child-trafficking ring. 539 00:33:35,360 --> 00:33:36,480 Sister Ah Xiang, eat up. 540 00:33:46,760 --> 00:33:47,600 Let's go. 541 00:33:48,400 --> 00:33:50,800 -Where? -Bofeng House. 542 00:33:50,880 --> 00:33:53,080 I hear Bofeng House is Shazhou's newest restaurant. 543 00:33:53,160 --> 00:33:55,160 And Shazhou's lamb noodles are exceptional. 544 00:33:55,240 --> 00:33:57,160 I fasted in your stead at Sacred Ancestor Hall, 545 00:33:57,240 --> 00:33:58,200 then came all this way. 546 00:33:58,280 --> 00:33:59,920 I still haven't had one proper meal. 547 00:34:00,000 --> 00:34:00,880 I've grown so thin. 548 00:34:00,960 --> 00:34:02,600 You don't look any thinner to me. 549 00:34:18,480 --> 00:34:19,480 Sir. 550 00:34:19,560 --> 00:34:21,040 Ding Chong and Feng Lu are dead. 551 00:34:21,120 --> 00:34:24,240 Those greedy dogs of Great Ning are no longer useful. 552 00:34:24,320 --> 00:34:25,360 Let them die. 553 00:34:25,440 --> 00:34:26,640 Sir, 554 00:34:26,720 --> 00:34:28,480 we've acquired some weapons over the years, 555 00:34:28,560 --> 00:34:30,200 but nowhere near enough. 556 00:34:30,280 --> 00:34:32,040 Now that this supply line is gone, 557 00:34:32,120 --> 00:34:33,880 we'll have to find another. 558 00:34:33,960 --> 00:34:36,680 Our first priority is to conceal our movements. 559 00:34:36,760 --> 00:34:39,240 No one can discover who we are. 560 00:34:39,320 --> 00:34:40,160 Yes, sir. 561 00:34:41,040 --> 00:34:42,920 It seems Great Ning's days 562 00:34:43,520 --> 00:34:44,440 are numbered. 563 00:35:07,880 --> 00:35:09,200 Fire! 564 00:35:09,280 --> 00:35:11,160 Someone come put it out! 565 00:35:11,240 --> 00:35:12,320 Mengmeng, it's me. 566 00:35:15,000 --> 00:35:17,280 Fuzhi, what are you doing? 567 00:35:17,360 --> 00:35:19,120 We've had terrible luck these past two days. 568 00:35:19,200 --> 00:35:21,040 I'm driving the bad luck away. 569 00:35:21,120 --> 00:35:22,000 Driving it away? 570 00:35:22,960 --> 00:35:24,840 Mengmeng, you were incredible! 571 00:35:24,920 --> 00:35:27,320 The clouds over Shazhou have finally parted. 572 00:35:27,400 --> 00:35:29,920 It's just a shame Jiang Mei'er disappeared. 573 00:35:30,000 --> 00:35:30,840 She got off easy. 574 00:35:30,920 --> 00:35:32,920 The wicked always meet their fate. 575 00:35:33,000 --> 00:35:33,840 Fuzhi, 576 00:35:34,680 --> 00:35:35,920 could you move this brazier? 577 00:35:36,000 --> 00:35:37,720 I have more good news. 578 00:35:37,800 --> 00:35:39,440 Bofeng House finally belongs to me. 579 00:35:39,520 --> 00:35:40,440 Business is booming. 580 00:35:40,520 --> 00:35:42,520 Xi'er and Haitang can barely keep up. 581 00:35:42,600 --> 00:35:44,560 My father also canceled that dreadful marriage. 582 00:35:44,640 --> 00:35:46,760 You should've seen my stepmother's face. 583 00:35:46,840 --> 00:35:48,920 Like she'd eaten a hundred live flies. 584 00:35:50,840 --> 00:35:53,320 I'll wait for Young Master He at Bofeng House with you. 585 00:35:54,000 --> 00:35:55,480 He still has my registration form. 586 00:35:55,560 --> 00:35:57,560 I won't rest easy until I get it back. 587 00:35:57,640 --> 00:35:58,640 Right... 588 00:35:58,720 --> 00:35:59,560 Move it away. 589 00:36:00,240 --> 00:36:01,520 Absolutely not. 590 00:36:01,600 --> 00:36:02,680 We must ward off bad luck. 591 00:36:05,720 --> 00:36:07,920 Left hand. 592 00:36:08,000 --> 00:36:09,280 Right hand. 593 00:36:09,360 --> 00:36:10,520 Left foot. 594 00:36:10,600 --> 00:36:11,440 Turn around. 595 00:36:13,280 --> 00:36:14,200 Fuzhi, 596 00:36:47,880 --> 00:36:48,760 my form... 597 00:36:58,920 --> 00:37:00,440 At least buy me a meal first. 598 00:37:19,960 --> 00:37:22,080 With lamb noodles, always sip the broth first. 599 00:37:22,160 --> 00:37:23,680 Warm broth in your stomach 600 00:37:23,760 --> 00:37:25,080 it awakens your appetite. 601 00:37:30,480 --> 00:37:31,320 All right. 602 00:37:32,200 --> 00:37:33,120 I'll try it. 603 00:38:11,080 --> 00:38:12,960 I've been to Shazhou before, 604 00:38:13,040 --> 00:38:14,480 yet I never tasted this. 605 00:38:15,120 --> 00:38:16,080 Try this. 606 00:38:16,720 --> 00:38:17,720 A Shazhou specialty. 607 00:38:18,920 --> 00:38:20,320 You've been to Shazhou before? 608 00:38:23,720 --> 00:38:25,360 I was in a hurry on my previous visit 609 00:38:25,440 --> 00:38:26,680 and had no time to explore. 610 00:38:27,440 --> 00:38:30,120 We met here by clashing first, Miss Meng. 611 00:38:30,200 --> 00:38:31,240 I gave back your form. 612 00:38:31,320 --> 00:38:33,080 One bowl can't be all I get. 613 00:38:33,160 --> 00:38:35,320 I'm returning to the capital in two days. 614 00:38:35,400 --> 00:38:36,520 Would you... 615 00:38:36,600 --> 00:38:38,120 be willing to show me around? 616 00:38:39,600 --> 00:38:41,160 The provincial exam is near. 617 00:38:41,240 --> 00:38:42,480 Every moment is precious. 618 00:38:43,800 --> 00:38:44,960 I still need to study. 619 00:38:45,040 --> 00:38:46,240 Without your form, 620 00:38:46,960 --> 00:38:48,280 how will you... 621 00:38:57,520 --> 00:38:59,240 You really are a cunning one. 622 00:39:01,520 --> 00:39:02,360 Where to? 623 00:39:03,720 --> 00:39:05,280 Can you ride, Miss Meng? 624 00:39:26,840 --> 00:39:29,280 You're an excellent rider. 625 00:39:29,360 --> 00:39:31,800 The desert is vast. Riding across it 626 00:39:31,880 --> 00:39:33,000 feels remarkably free. 627 00:39:33,960 --> 00:39:35,480 You're brave and resourceful, 628 00:39:35,560 --> 00:39:37,240 and you know so many ways to survive. 629 00:39:37,320 --> 00:39:38,600 I'm curious. 630 00:39:39,360 --> 00:39:40,640 How did you grow up? 631 00:39:47,720 --> 00:39:49,120 I had no parents growing up. 632 00:39:50,200 --> 00:39:52,040 Human traffickers abducted and sold me. 633 00:39:52,840 --> 00:39:55,240 They taught me to steal and cheat 634 00:39:55,320 --> 00:39:56,480 to make money for them. 635 00:39:57,680 --> 00:39:59,640 What you call courage and resourcefulness 636 00:40:00,440 --> 00:40:01,880 was nothing more than survival. 637 00:40:04,480 --> 00:40:07,040 The lesser punishment was a brutal beating. 638 00:40:08,480 --> 00:40:09,320 The greater... 639 00:40:10,280 --> 00:40:11,760 was death. 640 00:40:36,160 --> 00:40:37,680 You little brat! 641 00:40:37,760 --> 00:40:39,440 You dare try to kill me? 642 00:40:50,880 --> 00:40:52,680 Sister Ah Xiang, run! 643 00:40:58,160 --> 00:41:00,200 Did you remember something, Miss Meng? 644 00:41:06,160 --> 00:41:07,320 Only the past. 645 00:41:09,760 --> 00:41:12,520 Shazhou is bathed in sunlight, 646 00:41:13,680 --> 00:41:14,840 yet lives in darkness. 647 00:41:16,400 --> 00:41:18,000 Its officials do nothing. 648 00:41:18,080 --> 00:41:20,000 I want to take the special examination 649 00:41:20,080 --> 00:41:21,360 not only to protect myself, 650 00:41:21,440 --> 00:41:23,000 but to hold authority 651 00:41:23,880 --> 00:41:26,480 and stop the wicked from preying on the people. 652 00:41:27,840 --> 00:41:29,200 Since you have such ambition, 653 00:41:30,560 --> 00:41:31,880 I know a shortcut. 654 00:41:31,960 --> 00:41:33,560 My uncle, Grand Tutor Shen, 655 00:41:33,640 --> 00:41:35,920 will soon arrive to preside over the provincial exam. 656 00:41:36,000 --> 00:41:38,960 Lord Shen could introduce you to him. 657 00:41:39,040 --> 00:41:42,120 Everyone knows Grand Tutor Shen is an incorruptible man. 658 00:41:43,480 --> 00:41:45,680 You're arranging an introduction for me. 659 00:41:46,840 --> 00:41:48,160 Why does that 660 00:41:48,760 --> 00:41:50,200 sound like you're setting me up? 661 00:41:51,520 --> 00:41:53,920 When it comes to setting people up, I could never match you. 662 00:41:55,160 --> 00:41:56,240 It's simply that... 663 00:41:56,320 --> 00:41:59,080 you helped me bring down these corrupt officials and bandits. 664 00:41:59,920 --> 00:42:01,200 I can only repay you 665 00:42:01,280 --> 00:42:02,680 by lending you a hand. 666 00:42:04,280 --> 00:42:05,640 Look at that tree. 667 00:42:05,720 --> 00:42:07,920 It knows how to use the slope of the dune, 668 00:42:08,000 --> 00:42:10,880 so it grows much taller than the other poplars. 669 00:42:12,080 --> 00:42:13,400 Sometimes, following the current 670 00:42:14,120 --> 00:42:15,680 is how you break an impasse. 671 00:42:17,160 --> 00:42:19,160 Survival in the desert 672 00:42:19,240 --> 00:42:21,320 isn't about which tree grows tallest, 673 00:42:21,400 --> 00:42:23,200 but which has the deepest roots. 674 00:42:24,520 --> 00:42:26,080 I know my own station. 675 00:42:26,160 --> 00:42:27,680 If I go to the capital, 676 00:42:27,760 --> 00:42:29,240 having a friend like you 677 00:42:29,320 --> 00:42:31,240 would certainly strengthen my position. 678 00:42:32,120 --> 00:42:33,600 But I still want to rely on myself. 679 00:42:34,280 --> 00:42:35,440 Then may you... 680 00:42:36,880 --> 00:42:38,360 achieve everything you wish. 681 00:42:43,240 --> 00:42:44,440 Returning this to its owner. 682 00:42:45,320 --> 00:42:48,320 Keep this as thanks for helping me solve the case. 683 00:42:50,560 --> 00:42:52,760 We've finally settled our debts. 684 00:42:53,720 --> 00:42:54,960 I don't want to owe you again. 685 00:43:03,480 --> 00:43:04,600 Miss Meng. 686 00:43:06,760 --> 00:43:08,160 Until we meet again. 687 00:43:08,760 --> 00:43:09,600 If fate permits, 688 00:43:10,560 --> 00:43:11,680 we will. 689 00:43:13,204 --> 00:43:15,204 MkvDrama.Net