1
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The Scholar and the Emperor

2
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Exam fraud and Ministry negligence.

3
00:01:40,240 --> 00:01:41,680
That was my fault.

4
00:01:41,760 --> 00:01:42,760
I caused you pain.

5
00:01:43,480 --> 00:01:47,960
To repay me, stop ruining your health.

6
00:01:48,040 --> 00:01:49,040
Focus on the exam.

7
00:01:49,600 --> 00:01:51,320
Back in Shazhou,

8
00:01:52,440 --> 00:01:57,200
Your Majesty offered me a chance,
but I rejected your kindness.

9
00:01:57,280 --> 00:01:58,800
Now I understand.

10
00:01:59,600 --> 00:02:01,200
I'm afraid one day…

11
00:02:01,280 --> 00:02:04,680
pride can get you killed.

12
00:02:05,520 --> 00:02:06,920
I'm terrified.

13
00:02:07,000 --> 00:02:08,160
I'm afraid one day,

14
00:02:09,400 --> 00:02:11,240
even you may fail to protect me.

15
00:02:12,960 --> 00:02:15,400
I remember the Meng Tinghui of Shazhou.

16
00:02:15,960 --> 00:02:18,040
Bold, brilliant, and full of promise.

17
00:02:18,680 --> 00:02:22,440
Your top-ranked policy essay
was just as sharp and ambitious.

18
00:02:25,680 --> 00:02:27,080
Now that I'm beside you,

19
00:02:28,320 --> 00:02:29,640
you needn't be afraid.

20
00:02:31,720 --> 00:02:37,480
I still expect you to wield power,
serve the court, and help the people.

21
00:02:44,880 --> 00:02:47,720
Do you truly believe I can?

22
00:02:49,320 --> 00:02:50,400
I do.

23
00:02:56,000 --> 00:02:59,080
You're the Meng Tinghui who debated
the realm with me.

24
00:03:01,720 --> 00:03:03,800
May I still call you He Du?

25
00:03:34,560 --> 00:03:37,680
Fu Zhi, I must gain power.

26
00:03:38,680 --> 00:03:42,200
I want to protect you and avenge myself.

27
00:03:43,680 --> 00:03:46,120
I can't do it alone.

28
00:03:46,960 --> 00:03:52,640
To stay in the capital, I must use my bond
with He Du to draw closer to the Emperor.

29
00:03:53,640 --> 00:03:57,240
But an emperor's heart is unknowable,
and my future remains uncertain.

30
00:03:58,760 --> 00:04:02,640
While I recover in the palace,
I'll study for the palace exam.

31
00:04:03,880 --> 00:04:04,720
I miss you.

32
00:04:05,440 --> 00:04:06,400
Don't worry.

33
00:04:15,480 --> 00:04:18,400
Top Scholar Meng
and His Majesty share such a history.

34
00:04:19,040 --> 00:04:21,920
No wonder he defied
the ministers to bring her here.

35
00:04:22,000 --> 00:04:23,400
What are you so envious of?

36
00:04:23,480 --> 00:04:24,720
Want a beauty too?

37
00:04:24,800 --> 00:04:25,720
You…

38
00:04:25,800 --> 00:04:27,120
A-Nian. Brother.

39
00:04:27,200 --> 00:04:28,120
What's this about?

40
00:04:28,200 --> 00:04:30,440
-A-Nian likes someone!
-That's a lie!

41
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Then why are you so flustered?

42
00:04:34,200 --> 00:04:36,560
Our A-Nian's all grown up.

43
00:04:36,640 --> 00:04:37,600
Which girl is it?

44
00:04:37,680 --> 00:04:38,880
I'll speak for you.

45
00:04:38,960 --> 00:04:40,440
I'll have our parents ask.

46
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I'm at the barracks all day.

47
00:04:42,360 --> 00:04:43,560
How could I like anyone?

48
00:04:44,520 --> 00:04:47,840
But you, Sister,
have been in the palace for days.

49
00:04:47,920 --> 00:04:49,720
Mother and I were worried sick.

50
00:04:51,400 --> 00:04:53,160
Miss Meng has fully recovered.

51
00:04:53,240 --> 00:04:54,680
I needn't stay there today.

52
00:04:55,960 --> 00:04:56,880
Zhili.

53
00:04:56,960 --> 00:05:00,160
His Majesty met her in Shazhou,
where they faced death together.

54
00:05:00,240 --> 00:05:02,360
That's why he treats her specially.

55
00:05:03,000 --> 00:05:04,600
I know all that.

56
00:05:04,680 --> 00:05:05,600
What do you mean?

57
00:05:07,760 --> 00:05:09,520
We grew up with His Majesty.

58
00:05:09,600 --> 00:05:11,000
He's always favored you.

59
00:05:11,080 --> 00:05:12,840
He's old enough to take an empress.

60
00:05:12,920 --> 00:05:15,720
Don't you feel anything else for him?

61
00:05:15,800 --> 00:05:16,840
You…

62
00:05:16,920 --> 00:05:18,800
Shen Zhishu!

63
00:05:18,880 --> 00:05:20,280
Why only think of romance?

64
00:05:20,360 --> 00:05:24,240
His Majesty and I aren't siblings…

65
00:05:26,760 --> 00:05:28,000
but as close as family.

66
00:05:28,080 --> 00:05:29,600
We'll always be siblings.

67
00:05:29,680 --> 00:05:32,720
Looks like I won't become
the Emperor's brother-in-law.

68
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Sister.

69
00:05:35,520 --> 00:05:36,880
You've had a hard few days.

70
00:05:36,960 --> 00:05:39,920
I can leave early and make
your lotus-leaf chicken.

71
00:05:40,000 --> 00:05:40,920
No need.

72
00:05:41,000 --> 00:05:43,400
I must see my teacher,
so I'll be home late.

73
00:05:43,480 --> 00:05:44,960
Tell Mother for me.

74
00:05:45,040 --> 00:05:45,880
I'm off.

75
00:05:47,680 --> 00:05:49,640
What's so great about that old scholar?

76
00:05:49,720 --> 00:05:50,640
Always so bookish.

77
00:05:50,720 --> 00:05:51,880
Only Zhili likes it.

78
00:05:53,120 --> 00:05:54,800
You're free today, aren't you?

79
00:05:54,880 --> 00:05:56,280
I haven't had it in ages.

80
00:05:56,360 --> 00:05:58,160
Let me taste your cooking.

81
00:05:58,240 --> 00:05:59,640
I have drill-yard duties.

82
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Eat without me.

83
00:06:01,280 --> 00:06:02,120
Back at dawn.

84
00:06:04,400 --> 00:06:06,360
You both passed the metropolitan exam.

85
00:06:06,440 --> 00:06:11,280
I prepared a gift for you and wish
you success in the palace exam.

86
00:06:13,600 --> 00:06:15,520
Shanlian House's Four Treasures.

87
00:06:15,600 --> 00:06:17,760
These Hu brushes and Hui ink are superb.

88
00:06:20,320 --> 00:06:21,160
Thank you.

89
00:06:24,000 --> 00:06:24,840
Zhili.

90
00:06:34,160 --> 00:06:36,640
Teacher carved this seal for Zhili.

91
00:06:36,720 --> 00:06:39,240
Seal carving takes a great deal of time.

92
00:06:39,320 --> 00:06:41,560
Did you make it before the exam?

93
00:06:43,400 --> 00:06:44,920
Weren't you afraid I'd fail?

94
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I trusted you.

95
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You're gifted and perceptive.

96
00:06:50,520 --> 00:06:52,800
The court needs minds like yours.

97
00:06:54,640 --> 00:06:55,800
Thank you, Teacher.

98
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I'll treasure it.

99
00:06:59,320 --> 00:07:00,200
Husband.

100
00:07:03,120 --> 00:07:03,960
My respects.

101
00:07:07,480 --> 00:07:09,320
My husband is honoring his students.

102
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As their teacher's wife, I came to see
everyone and offer congratulations.

103
00:07:13,320 --> 00:07:16,840
Zhili, do you like the seal?

104
00:07:16,920 --> 00:07:19,240
He spent days working on it.

105
00:07:19,320 --> 00:07:20,880
His eyes hurt terribly.

106
00:07:20,960 --> 00:07:23,120
I massaged them daily to ease the pain.

107
00:07:24,160 --> 00:07:28,240
This seal is a small gift from both of us.

108
00:07:32,240 --> 00:07:33,160
Thank you, Madam.

109
00:07:34,440 --> 00:07:37,640
Husband, you must take
better care of yourself.

110
00:07:37,720 --> 00:07:39,880
Otherwise, I get no rest either.

111
00:07:40,840 --> 00:07:43,240
Teacher and Madam are so devoted.

112
00:07:43,320 --> 00:07:45,040
We're truly envious.

113
00:07:45,120 --> 00:07:47,680
One day, you'll all marry too.

114
00:07:48,760 --> 00:07:50,720
He guides your studies.

115
00:07:50,800 --> 00:07:54,320
As for your marriages,
I'll help you choose wisely.

116
00:07:56,320 --> 00:07:57,640
Especially you, Zhili.

117
00:07:58,600 --> 00:08:01,160
If you find someone
you like, you must tell me.

118
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Thank you, Madam.

119
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All right.

120
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I still have work.

121
00:08:08,280 --> 00:08:09,400
You may leave.

122
00:08:10,560 --> 00:08:11,800
We'll take our leave.

123
00:08:20,840 --> 00:08:24,760
At home, you won't even lift a teacup.

124
00:08:24,840 --> 00:08:26,760
Yet today you carved a seal yourself.

125
00:08:26,840 --> 00:08:27,800
Mind your hand.

126
00:08:29,880 --> 00:08:31,840
Look at yourself.

127
00:08:31,920 --> 00:08:34,200
Where is the refined lady I married?

128
00:08:34,280 --> 00:08:36,480
So I'm no longer young and beautiful?

129
00:08:36,560 --> 00:08:38,520
-You're the one who changed.
-Enough.

130
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I have work.

131
00:08:42,800 --> 00:08:44,440
Doukou, look at him now.

132
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He's so impatient with me.

133
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Ladies, guess what this is.

134
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The legendary powder that makes everyone
adore you: pearl whitening powder.

135
00:09:04,080 --> 00:09:05,520
Pearl whitening powder?

136
00:09:05,600 --> 00:09:09,600
Sister Huarong, you said
you wanted fairer skin.

137
00:09:09,680 --> 00:09:14,040
Since then, I've thought day and night,
working tirelessly without rest,

138
00:09:14,120 --> 00:09:18,640
until I finally created
a custom balm just for you.

139
00:09:22,040 --> 00:09:23,600
Apply it morning and night.

140
00:09:23,680 --> 00:09:27,800
Your skin will be smooth as cream,
delicate, flawless, and radiant.

141
00:09:27,880 --> 00:09:30,280
Everyone will adore you.

142
00:09:30,360 --> 00:09:31,720
I want some too!

143
00:09:31,800 --> 00:09:32,920
Enough for everyone!

144
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One at a time. You'll all get some.

145
00:09:35,200 --> 00:09:37,160
Yes, everyone!

146
00:09:38,320 --> 00:09:40,320
Pharmacist Yin has it easy.

147
00:09:40,400 --> 00:09:41,680
You're always here.

148
00:09:41,760 --> 00:09:44,720
If anyone catches
you, you'll get a sound beating.

149
00:09:45,720 --> 00:09:46,760
It's good he's free.

150
00:09:46,840 --> 00:09:49,280
Otherwise, who'd make
our creams and powders?

151
00:09:49,360 --> 00:09:50,400
-Exactly.
-Right.

152
00:09:50,480 --> 00:09:54,440
So, my lovely ladies,
be sure to choose plenty.

153
00:09:54,520 --> 00:10:00,120
And now, our final product
today: Magnolia body balm.

154
00:10:01,080 --> 00:10:01,920
Apply all over.

155
00:10:02,000 --> 00:10:05,920
You'll wake up smelling wonderful,
with radiant skin. Only…

156
00:10:06,000 --> 00:10:06,960
Five silver taels.

157
00:10:07,040 --> 00:10:08,000
It was three.

158
00:10:08,080 --> 00:10:09,560
Why is it five now?

159
00:10:09,640 --> 00:10:11,000
Expensive?

160
00:10:11,080 --> 00:10:16,160
Five taels to make you beautiful
and fragrant, and brighten every day.

161
00:10:16,240 --> 00:10:18,440
Are you buying magnolia balm?

162
00:10:18,520 --> 00:10:19,800
No.

163
00:10:19,880 --> 00:10:22,160
You're fighting for beauty!

164
00:10:23,080 --> 00:10:23,920
Come here.

165
00:10:24,000 --> 00:10:25,000
Here's a secret.

166
00:10:25,520 --> 00:10:28,760
You know Top Scholar Meng,
who's been staying in the palace?

167
00:10:29,840 --> 00:10:32,600
Even she is a regular customer.

168
00:10:32,680 --> 00:10:36,440
Otherwise, how do you think
she's stayed in the palace so long?

169
00:10:37,080 --> 00:10:38,960
Those who know, know.

170
00:10:41,360 --> 00:10:42,800
Come on, buy some.

171
00:10:42,880 --> 00:10:44,120
-I want one too!
-Me too!

172
00:10:44,200 --> 00:10:45,800
Yes, there's enough!

173
00:10:45,880 --> 00:10:47,200
Here, here.

174
00:10:47,280 --> 00:10:48,200
This one's yours.

175
00:10:48,280 --> 00:10:49,360
Mine! Give it here!

176
00:10:51,800 --> 00:10:54,800
Next time, I'll make
custom balms just for you.

177
00:10:54,880 --> 00:10:55,960
-Great!
-Great!

178
00:10:57,800 --> 00:10:59,360
This powder smells wonderful.

179
00:10:59,440 --> 00:11:00,600
It really does.

180
00:11:01,520 --> 00:11:02,680
Come on. It's good.

181
00:11:05,600 --> 00:11:08,600
My lovely lady, you look new here.

182
00:11:08,680 --> 00:11:11,680
I have pearl whitening powder
that makes everyone adore you.

183
00:11:11,760 --> 00:11:12,600
Care for a jar?

184
00:11:14,360 --> 00:11:16,760
Is Top Scholar Meng truly a customer?

185
00:11:21,080 --> 00:11:23,640
That's our little secret.

186
00:11:25,000 --> 00:11:26,320
My pearl powder?

187
00:11:26,400 --> 00:11:29,080
Top Scholar Meng uses
it, and so does His Majesty.

188
00:11:29,160 --> 00:11:31,480
She bought it for him.

189
00:11:31,560 --> 00:11:35,160
She begged me for ages
before I reluctantly agreed to sell it.

190
00:11:37,440 --> 00:11:40,000
Give me what she bought.

191
00:11:42,000 --> 00:11:43,200
This is the last jar.

192
00:11:43,280 --> 00:11:46,200
You're a clever lady,
willing to invest in your beauty.

193
00:11:46,280 --> 00:11:48,520
Final price: 20 taels.

194
00:11:50,120 --> 00:11:53,200
That isn't what you charged
those other ladies.

195
00:11:54,640 --> 00:11:55,920
Rare goods cost more.

196
00:11:56,000 --> 00:11:57,240
It's the last jar.

197
00:11:57,320 --> 00:12:00,440
Buy early, enjoy it early,
and become beautiful sooner.

198
00:12:00,520 --> 00:12:02,960
You may find your perfect husband sooner.

199
00:12:05,960 --> 00:12:07,880
We're about the same age.

200
00:12:07,960 --> 00:12:09,280
Don't call me 'Sister.'

201
00:12:10,160 --> 00:12:11,720
I brought no money.

202
00:12:11,800 --> 00:12:12,640
Come get it.

203
00:12:13,240 --> 00:12:15,600
Top Scholar Meng always praises me.

204
00:12:16,840 --> 00:12:17,880
I'll try it at home.

205
00:12:20,440 --> 00:12:21,280
My lady!

206
00:12:21,920 --> 00:12:24,560
I just remembered something urgent.

207
00:12:24,640 --> 00:12:26,120
We'll settle up later.

208
00:12:26,200 --> 00:12:27,440
I must go.

209
00:12:27,520 --> 00:12:28,400
Top Scholar Meng?

210
00:12:29,400 --> 00:12:30,520
Why are you here?

211
00:12:31,560 --> 00:12:33,240
Top Scholar Meng…

212
00:12:33,920 --> 00:12:35,280
I should be going.

213
00:12:35,360 --> 00:12:40,880
Officer, I caught a swindler selling
overpriced cosmetics to palace attendants.

214
00:12:40,960 --> 00:12:41,800
He's all yours.

215
00:12:41,880 --> 00:12:43,960
It's a misunderstanding!

216
00:12:44,040 --> 00:12:48,280
Top Scholar Meng,
take anything you like from my bag.

217
00:12:50,840 --> 00:12:52,640
-Thank you.
-My pleasure.

218
00:12:54,600 --> 00:12:56,120
I know him. I'll escort him.

219
00:12:58,120 --> 00:13:00,240
You again. Take him.

220
00:13:00,840 --> 00:13:01,800
Five strokes.

221
00:13:02,960 --> 00:13:04,960
It's a misunderstanding!

222
00:13:06,160 --> 00:13:07,000
A mix-up!

223
00:13:07,080 --> 00:13:10,480
Captain Di, would you like
pearl whitening powder?

224
00:13:10,560 --> 00:13:11,800
Free for life. Deal?

225
00:13:15,960 --> 00:13:18,800
You claim to honor me as sovereign,

226
00:13:20,560 --> 00:13:23,840
yet you acted without my consent
and abolished the women's exam.

227
00:13:23,920 --> 00:13:28,400
Has the Great Ning court
become yours alone to command?

228
00:13:28,480 --> 00:13:30,080
Please calm down, Your Majesty.

229
00:13:30,160 --> 00:13:34,600
I speak for the Six Ministries
and a hundred officials of Great Ning.

230
00:13:34,680 --> 00:13:39,280
This examination scandal
has thrown the capital into chaos.

231
00:13:39,360 --> 00:13:44,040
The Great Ning Code clearly states
that in a major cheating case,

232
00:13:44,120 --> 00:13:45,640
the examiner may void it.

233
00:13:46,880 --> 00:13:49,440
I merely acted according to law.

234
00:13:49,520 --> 00:13:51,480
According to law?

235
00:13:51,560 --> 00:13:57,160
The late emperor gave you that staff
to help govern, not to govern in my place.

236
00:13:57,240 --> 00:14:00,160
My conscience is clear.

237
00:14:00,240 --> 00:14:03,600
When you were Crown Prince,
I taught you imperial conduct at eight

238
00:14:03,680 --> 00:14:05,320
and statecraft at 12.

239
00:14:05,400 --> 00:14:07,760
Did I not teach you everything I knew?

240
00:14:07,840 --> 00:14:13,960
All I do is for Your Majesty
and the court, with no selfish motive.

241
00:14:14,040 --> 00:14:17,200
I've heard enough of what
you call 'for my own good.'

242
00:14:17,280 --> 00:14:19,640
Canal reform was too risky.

243
00:14:19,720 --> 00:14:21,760
You called Guard reform too radical.

244
00:14:21,840 --> 00:14:25,520
Now even the exam I decreed
you insist on abolishing.

245
00:14:29,040 --> 00:14:33,160
In your eyes, is every
decision I make wrong?

246
00:14:41,280 --> 00:14:42,120
Your Majesty.

247
00:14:42,840 --> 00:14:47,280
When you were Crown Prince,
I personally taught you

248
00:14:47,760 --> 00:14:50,720
that a ruler must think for himself.

249
00:14:50,800 --> 00:14:55,800
Now that you do, you've
come to disdain me.

250
00:14:55,880 --> 00:14:59,200
You defend the women's exam.

251
00:14:59,280 --> 00:15:03,520
Do you truly believe I am too old
and incapable to advise Your Majesty?

252
00:15:03,600 --> 00:15:05,360
Great Ning has never needed

253
00:15:06,560 --> 00:15:08,120
a ruler who only preserves.

254
00:15:09,720 --> 00:15:12,120
You should have let go long ago.

255
00:15:17,760 --> 00:15:20,880
The one time I did,

256
00:15:21,800 --> 00:15:24,880
the women's exam became a disgrace.

257
00:15:26,400 --> 00:15:29,240
Then today I shall be a disloyal minister.

258
00:15:29,320 --> 00:15:32,920
I still hold the Dragon-Head Staff.

259
00:15:33,800 --> 00:15:36,880
The women's examination must be abolished.

260
00:15:36,960 --> 00:15:38,720
I concur.

261
00:15:55,800 --> 00:15:57,320
I've reigned six months.

262
00:15:57,400 --> 00:15:59,840
The realm is stable and renewed.

263
00:16:00,840 --> 00:16:03,880
I now open an exam for women
and shall appoint by merit.

264
00:16:05,280 --> 00:16:06,400
Parents, bear witness.

265
00:16:07,080 --> 00:16:09,680
Chancellor Xu Ting
has ruled for years.

266
00:16:09,760 --> 00:16:11,600
His protégés hold every key post.

267
00:16:12,880 --> 00:16:17,160
Though I inherited the throne,
my decrees barely leave the palace.

268
00:16:18,160 --> 00:16:22,320
By defying all opposition
and restoring the women's exam,

269
00:16:23,120 --> 00:16:27,080
I mean to use it as a blade
to break this deadlock.

270
00:16:35,440 --> 00:16:37,800
His Majesty is entering the library.

271
00:16:37,880 --> 00:16:38,880
Clear the room.

272
00:17:04,400 --> 00:17:07,120
Is this the Great Ning Code you seek?

273
00:17:15,440 --> 00:17:17,120
How bold, Meng Tinghui.

274
00:17:17,680 --> 00:17:22,040
You trespassed in the library and hid
when Steward You cleared the room.

275
00:17:22,120 --> 00:17:24,480
I heard your library held everything.

276
00:17:24,560 --> 00:17:25,760
I came to see it myself.

277
00:17:25,840 --> 00:17:27,240
No one stopped me.

278
00:17:27,320 --> 00:17:28,520
How is that trespassing?

279
00:17:28,600 --> 00:17:30,440
And I was reading in the corner.

280
00:17:30,520 --> 00:17:31,960
I never saw Steward You.

281
00:17:32,040 --> 00:17:33,600
The women's exam was abolished.

282
00:17:33,680 --> 00:17:35,120
Why are you still studying?

283
00:17:35,200 --> 00:17:37,600
Surely you don't mean to abolish it.

284
00:17:37,680 --> 00:17:41,120
So I obey your imperial decree
and continue preparing,

285
00:17:41,200 --> 00:17:42,880
not the Left Chancellor's order.

286
00:17:42,960 --> 00:17:44,800
Sharp-tongued as ever.

287
00:17:45,440 --> 00:17:47,080
You must be fully recovered.

288
00:17:47,160 --> 00:17:49,400
Your recent frailty is gone.

289
00:17:49,480 --> 00:17:53,480
I was wounded in body
and spirit and drank too much.

290
00:17:54,360 --> 00:17:56,280
I did lose my composure before you.

291
00:17:56,360 --> 00:18:01,000
But the courage I showed with He Du
when we faced death was real too.

292
00:18:01,080 --> 00:18:04,560
Which side of me does Your Majesty prefer?

293
00:18:07,920 --> 00:18:11,480
Anyone selected through the exam
must withstand scrutiny in every way.

294
00:18:11,560 --> 00:18:17,520
The He Du of Shazhou was more
interesting than the Emperor is now.

295
00:18:22,680 --> 00:18:26,640
Do you know what I hate
most is being manipulated?

296
00:18:27,200 --> 00:18:30,720
I came not to scheme,
but to ease your burden.

297
00:18:39,040 --> 00:18:42,440
This game is deadlocked,
with both sides even.

298
00:18:42,520 --> 00:18:44,280
You want me to lose?

299
00:18:44,360 --> 00:18:46,480
In some games, losing is winning.

300
00:18:46,560 --> 00:18:51,160
Do you know I'm best
at breaking deadlocks?

301
00:18:51,240 --> 00:18:54,000
Your opening move
at the center was inspired.

302
00:18:54,080 --> 00:18:57,880
The Left Chancellor loves reason
and invokes the Great Ning Code.

303
00:18:57,960 --> 00:19:01,240
Then the way to break this game
is to answer law with propriety.

304
00:19:01,320 --> 00:19:04,000
He announced across the realm
the exam was canceled.

305
00:19:04,520 --> 00:19:06,960
Many candidates have likely gone home.

306
00:19:07,040 --> 00:19:07,960
Meng Tinghui.

307
00:19:08,040 --> 00:19:13,040
Let's see whether your reasoning
can truly convince him.

308
00:19:13,120 --> 00:19:14,120
I have no influence.

309
00:19:14,200 --> 00:19:16,360
I know no one in the capital,

310
00:19:17,760 --> 00:19:19,800
and I'm not yet your official.

311
00:19:24,480 --> 00:19:27,880
The Right Chancellor could be useful.

312
00:19:42,480 --> 00:19:43,320
Chancellor.

313
00:19:43,400 --> 00:19:44,640
Madam asks you to dine.

314
00:19:45,640 --> 00:19:46,840
I still have work.

315
00:19:47,840 --> 00:19:49,200
Tell her to eat without me.

316
00:19:49,280 --> 00:19:53,960
My Lord, Madam cooked personally
today and prepared a full feast.

317
00:19:54,040 --> 00:19:55,080
She worked all day.

318
00:19:55,160 --> 00:19:57,160
Please join her.

319
00:20:15,960 --> 00:20:17,320
Husband, you're here.

320
00:20:18,160 --> 00:20:21,200
I prepared all these dishes
especially for you.

321
00:20:21,280 --> 00:20:23,920
I never imagined
you'd be so hard to summon.

322
00:20:31,040 --> 00:20:32,600
State affairs keep me busy.

323
00:20:33,280 --> 00:20:36,040
However busy, mind your health.

324
00:20:37,280 --> 00:20:40,400
Don't sleep in the study tonight.

325
00:20:50,760 --> 00:20:52,800
The women's exam has been abolished.

326
00:20:52,880 --> 00:20:54,000
There's much to do.

327
00:20:54,640 --> 00:20:55,560
Get some rest.

328
00:20:55,640 --> 00:20:57,680
You're neglecting food and sleep.

329
00:20:58,400 --> 00:20:59,960
Is this for Shen Zhili?

330
00:21:00,560 --> 00:21:03,840
Come to think of it, sending
her into the palace was wise.

331
00:21:03,920 --> 00:21:06,640
She and His Majesty grew up together.

332
00:21:06,720 --> 00:21:08,200
They'll be together daily.

333
00:21:08,280 --> 00:21:10,720
She may soon become empress.

334
00:21:12,640 --> 00:21:13,480
Nonsense!

335
00:21:13,560 --> 00:21:17,000
Great Ning law dooms nine clans
for a ruler-minister romance.

336
00:21:17,800 --> 00:21:19,160
You'd doom the Shen clan?

337
00:21:19,240 --> 00:21:21,880
Never speak of this again.

338
00:21:21,960 --> 00:21:24,600
I'm only planning for your sake.

339
00:21:24,680 --> 00:21:27,520
Shen Zhili is your finest student.

340
00:21:27,600 --> 00:21:32,320
If she becomes empress, you could soon
become Great Ning's foremost chancellor.

341
00:21:32,400 --> 00:21:34,400
His marriage affects the court.

342
00:21:34,960 --> 00:21:36,000
Not yours to debate.

343
00:21:37,680 --> 00:21:38,880
It's strange.

344
00:21:38,960 --> 00:21:42,680
Whenever Shen Zhili is mentioned,
you lose your composure.

345
00:21:44,080 --> 00:21:45,960
Leyan is unlike you.

346
00:21:46,040 --> 00:21:47,360
She has ambition.

347
00:21:47,440 --> 00:21:49,040
She wants to govern at court.

348
00:21:50,040 --> 00:21:52,240
Why would she accept life in the harem?

349
00:21:52,320 --> 00:21:55,200
Are you saying I lack ambition?

350
00:21:55,920 --> 00:21:57,560
What good is a female official?

351
00:21:57,640 --> 00:21:59,280
Their posts carry no real work.

352
00:21:59,360 --> 00:22:02,080
They all hope to resign
and marry into good families.

353
00:22:02,160 --> 00:22:04,760
Do you expect her never to marry?

354
00:22:04,840 --> 00:22:06,960
Besides, she'd marry the Emperor.

355
00:22:07,040 --> 00:22:08,800
Why would that displease you?

356
00:22:08,880 --> 00:22:10,960
His Majesty has his own intentions.

357
00:22:11,520 --> 00:22:12,680
It is not our concern.

358
00:22:13,240 --> 00:22:15,240
If you're bored, go watch an opera.

359
00:22:16,480 --> 00:22:17,800
Careful. Words bring ruin.

360
00:22:25,120 --> 00:22:26,120
What wine is this?

361
00:22:27,000 --> 00:22:30,160
I had Doukou prepare
this fortifying medicinal wine.

362
00:22:33,280 --> 00:22:37,680
Husband, now that you've drunk
it, stay with me tonight.

363
00:22:54,080 --> 00:22:55,240
Look what he's become.

364
00:22:55,320 --> 00:22:57,640
He's forgotten where he came from.

365
00:22:57,720 --> 00:22:59,320
He scowls at me every day.

366
00:23:00,160 --> 00:23:02,200
Madam, please calm down.

367
00:23:03,040 --> 00:23:03,880
Dump the wine.

368
00:23:04,680 --> 00:23:05,520
Yes, Madam.

369
00:23:30,280 --> 00:23:33,720
Since the Left Chancellor forcibly
canceled the women's exam,

370
00:23:33,800 --> 00:23:35,880
female candidates have crowded your gate.

371
00:23:35,960 --> 00:23:37,600
I have refused every visitor.

372
00:23:37,680 --> 00:23:40,040
I made an exception only
because you invited me.

373
00:23:40,800 --> 00:23:42,480
I know this is difficult.

374
00:23:42,560 --> 00:23:44,840
I brought someone to ease your burden.

375
00:23:58,360 --> 00:23:59,320
And this is?

376
00:24:03,640 --> 00:24:05,760
Meng Tinghui greets the Chancellor.

377
00:24:08,480 --> 00:24:09,440
Leyan.

378
00:24:09,520 --> 00:24:12,920
I know you've tended Top Scholar
Meng in the palace. You brought her

379
00:24:13,000 --> 00:24:14,560
to discuss the women's exam?

380
00:24:15,080 --> 00:24:16,080
Correct.

381
00:24:16,840 --> 00:24:20,520
Right Chancellor,
I've studied the Great Ning Code.

382
00:24:20,600 --> 00:24:24,600
It gives us grounds to overturn
the abolition memorial.

383
00:24:24,680 --> 00:24:26,440
But this requires Your Excellency—

384
00:24:26,520 --> 00:24:27,360
Absurd!

385
00:24:29,280 --> 00:24:30,320
Leyan.

386
00:24:30,400 --> 00:24:32,880
You brought her to restore
the women's exam.

387
00:24:32,960 --> 00:24:34,960
-I cannot help you.
-Teacher.

388
00:24:35,760 --> 00:24:38,800
My father said
you did not sign the proclamation.

389
00:24:38,880 --> 00:24:40,880
The Left Chancellor had decided.

390
00:24:40,960 --> 00:24:43,240
Signing or not would change nothing.

391
00:24:43,800 --> 00:24:46,200
But I have made arrangements for you.

392
00:24:46,280 --> 00:24:47,960
I know Hanlin Academician Liu.

393
00:24:48,040 --> 00:24:50,040
You may study there directly.

394
00:24:50,120 --> 00:24:50,960
Teacher.

395
00:24:51,040 --> 00:24:56,720
I took the exams to earn my place,
not rely on family or your favor.

396
00:24:56,800 --> 00:24:59,080
The women's exam lay dormant nine years.

397
00:24:59,160 --> 00:25:01,840
If it is abolished now,
it may never return.

398
00:25:02,600 --> 00:25:06,560
Women everywhere will lose all
prospects and be confined to their homes.

399
00:25:06,640 --> 00:25:10,440
If we can stop the Left Chancellor now,
I am willing to try everything.

400
00:25:10,520 --> 00:25:11,840
Please help me, Teacher.

401
00:25:12,520 --> 00:25:14,200
Those words don't sound like you.

402
00:25:20,080 --> 00:25:20,920
Meng Tinghui.

403
00:25:21,720 --> 00:25:24,360
This cancellation began with you.

404
00:25:24,440 --> 00:25:25,880
Even His Majesty failed.

405
00:25:25,960 --> 00:25:27,120
What can we do?

406
00:25:27,200 --> 00:25:29,200
First, you entered amid scandal.

407
00:25:29,280 --> 00:25:30,920
Now you make Leyan take sides.

408
00:25:32,080 --> 00:25:36,560
If every woman followed your example
to chase rank and cling to power,

409
00:25:36,640 --> 00:25:38,400
what would become of the court?

410
00:25:38,480 --> 00:25:41,400
Why think I'd oppose
Left Chancellor Xu for you?

411
00:25:42,160 --> 00:25:46,960
Across the court, the only one who
can oppose him is the Right Chancellor.

412
00:25:47,040 --> 00:25:49,840
The men's exams
are under the Left Chancellor.

413
00:25:49,920 --> 00:25:53,240
However great your achievements,
he still suppresses you.

414
00:25:53,320 --> 00:25:57,760
But if Your Excellency champions the women
of the realm, then one day at court,

415
00:25:57,840 --> 00:26:00,320
every female official will be your ally.

416
00:26:00,400 --> 00:26:03,320
Please hear my plan first, then decide.

417
00:26:03,960 --> 00:26:05,280
Teacher, be patient.

418
00:26:05,360 --> 00:26:07,280
Let us hear Miss Meng's proposal.

419
00:26:09,040 --> 00:26:14,520
The sponsorship law says worthy
candidates may be endorsed locally.

420
00:26:14,600 --> 00:26:17,040
Gather endorsements
from women's schools.

421
00:26:17,120 --> 00:26:21,240
Then unite the female tribute scholars
in a petition to restore the exam

422
00:26:21,320 --> 00:26:23,680
and make public opinion
impossible to defy.

423
00:26:23,760 --> 00:26:29,560
Then he may oppose the Emperor,
but not every scholar in the realm.

424
00:26:29,640 --> 00:26:33,200
If your plan is complete,
why do you need me?

425
00:26:33,280 --> 00:26:35,200
I can organize the joint petition.

426
00:26:36,400 --> 00:26:40,920
But endorsements from every prefecture
are beyond a commoner like me.

427
00:26:41,560 --> 00:26:45,920
If the Right Chancellor offers to champion
all candidates, support will follow.

428
00:26:47,000 --> 00:26:47,920
Teacher.

429
00:26:48,000 --> 00:26:50,920
My father wrote this himself,
confirming the plan can work.

430
00:27:00,480 --> 00:27:01,640
It's been five days.

431
00:27:01,720 --> 00:27:05,520
Top Scholar Meng promised to bring
endorsements from women's academies.

432
00:27:05,600 --> 00:27:08,200
But now we've heard nothing.

433
00:27:10,120 --> 00:27:11,560
I'm afraid they won't come.

434
00:27:11,640 --> 00:27:15,160
The court has proclaimed
the women's exam abolished.

435
00:27:15,240 --> 00:27:17,800
If we keep waiting,
it will be for nothing.

436
00:27:18,680 --> 00:27:22,400
We studied for years,
and finally became tribute scholars.

437
00:27:22,480 --> 00:27:24,400
The court canceled the exam on a whim.

438
00:27:24,480 --> 00:27:27,800
Are women barred from the exam?

439
00:27:41,400 --> 00:27:42,680
There is a way!

440
00:27:43,760 --> 00:27:44,960
We have a way!

441
00:27:45,920 --> 00:27:49,200
The Right Chancellor offered land
to women's schools nationwide

442
00:27:49,280 --> 00:27:52,000
and secured their joint endorsements.

443
00:27:52,080 --> 00:27:53,520
The exam can be restored!

444
00:27:54,520 --> 00:27:56,320
-Wonderful!
-Wonderful!

445
00:27:56,400 --> 00:27:57,240
At last, hope.

446
00:27:57,320 --> 00:27:59,600
Let's sign the joint petition now.

447
00:27:59,680 --> 00:28:03,800
We'll take the endorsements to Chancellor
Xu and demand the exam's return.

448
00:28:03,880 --> 00:28:04,720
-Yes!
-Yes!

449
00:28:04,800 --> 00:28:06,640
I'm going too!

450
00:28:06,720 --> 00:28:09,280
-So am I!
-Me too!

451
00:28:09,360 --> 00:28:10,960
We demand our examination!

452
00:28:11,040 --> 00:28:12,360
We demand the Chancellor!

453
00:28:12,440 --> 00:28:13,880
We demand our examination!

454
00:28:13,960 --> 00:28:15,840
We demand to see the Left Chancellor!

455
00:28:23,120 --> 00:28:23,960
Insolence!

456
00:28:24,040 --> 00:28:26,680
You dare cause a disturbance at my gate?

457
00:28:26,760 --> 00:28:28,480
-Drive them all away.
-Yes, sir.

458
00:28:28,560 --> 00:28:30,280
We are only petitioning.

459
00:28:30,360 --> 00:28:32,720
What crime is that? Why drive us away?

460
00:28:32,800 --> 00:28:34,280
Don't be afraid.

461
00:28:34,360 --> 00:28:37,000
Harm a tribute scholar:
20 strokes, one year jailed.

462
00:28:37,080 --> 00:28:39,400
-We won't leave!
-The Left Chancellor is here!

463
00:28:39,480 --> 00:28:40,320
We won't leave!

464
00:28:51,800 --> 00:28:57,280
Left Chancellor, we speak for scholars
in seven prefectures and 19 counties.

465
00:28:57,360 --> 00:29:01,320
We bring their endorsements
and our petition to make this appeal.

466
00:29:05,280 --> 00:29:06,360
Meng Tinghui.

467
00:29:07,560 --> 00:29:10,640
You made the false-scholar
case the talk of the capital.

468
00:29:10,720 --> 00:29:13,320
Now you incite female scholars
to besiege my estate.

469
00:29:13,400 --> 00:29:15,360
You have no respect for the law.

470
00:29:15,440 --> 00:29:20,120
It seems the women's examination
was abolished just in time.

471
00:29:20,200 --> 00:29:22,040
Exam fraud has existed for ages.

472
00:29:22,760 --> 00:29:25,160
Punish those who committed it.

473
00:29:25,240 --> 00:29:27,600
Why destroy every woman's future?

474
00:29:27,680 --> 00:29:31,800
I dare ask: is this truly
for the realm's stability,

475
00:29:32,800 --> 00:29:35,200
or the Left Chancellor's selfish desire?

476
00:29:35,280 --> 00:29:36,440
Impudent!

477
00:29:36,520 --> 00:29:42,880
Since the late emperor let women serve,
fewer than one in a hundred stayed.

478
00:29:42,960 --> 00:29:47,000
They either resigned to raise families
or proved unfit for responsibility.

479
00:29:47,080 --> 00:29:49,640
That is why the exam stayed suspended.

480
00:29:49,720 --> 00:29:52,360
You, a common woman,
entered the inner palace.

481
00:29:52,440 --> 00:29:58,840
Do you truly seek public office,
or merely His Majesty's favor?

482
00:29:58,920 --> 00:30:02,800
Today, I stake everything
to prove my resolve.

483
00:30:11,360 --> 00:30:14,760
I swear this oath in blood
and sign a military pledge.

484
00:30:14,840 --> 00:30:17,840
If I fail, I'll be sent
to the Music Bureau.

485
00:30:21,160 --> 00:30:22,360
I ask only this:

486
00:30:23,600 --> 00:30:27,560
will you restore the women's exam
and give women justice?

487
00:30:34,480 --> 00:30:35,360
Very well.

488
00:30:36,080 --> 00:30:39,440
If anyone among you dares
swear the same oath,

489
00:30:40,120 --> 00:30:43,440
I'll believe your resolve is genuine.

490
00:30:50,800 --> 00:30:52,520
Why involve the others?

491
00:30:52,600 --> 00:30:58,200
As I see it, you female
candidates are nothing but bluff.

492
00:30:58,280 --> 00:30:59,640
Empty pretenders.

493
00:30:59,720 --> 00:31:04,800
You think too highly of yourselves,
then shrink back at the crucial moment.

494
00:31:05,560 --> 00:31:06,520
How can you serve?

495
00:31:17,720 --> 00:31:23,320
When I left my hometown,
I swore I'd return in glory or…

496
00:31:24,080 --> 00:31:25,480
die far from home.

497
00:31:28,720 --> 00:31:30,760
I'll sign the pledge too.

498
00:31:46,000 --> 00:31:48,000
Miss Meng, I…

499
00:31:48,800 --> 00:31:50,360
Miss Shen.

500
00:31:50,440 --> 00:31:52,320
Your noble family has much at stake.

501
00:31:52,400 --> 00:31:54,120
No, I…

502
00:31:55,560 --> 00:31:56,640
Blood makes me faint.

503
00:31:58,480 --> 00:32:00,560
Rouge can show sincerity too.

504
00:32:06,520 --> 00:32:09,040
Zhili comes
from a distinguished noble house.

505
00:32:09,680 --> 00:32:12,280
Yet she will fight for women's futures.

506
00:32:12,360 --> 00:32:13,720
Then I'll see it through.

507
00:32:14,720 --> 00:32:16,400
Today, we burn our bridges.

508
00:32:16,480 --> 00:32:18,160
We won't let them scorn us.

509
00:32:18,240 --> 00:32:20,440
Right! They must not look down on us!

510
00:32:20,520 --> 00:32:21,360
Yes, exactly!

511
00:32:21,440 --> 00:32:22,280
I'll sign.

512
00:32:22,360 --> 00:32:23,760
I'll sign too.

513
00:32:23,840 --> 00:32:25,680
-I'll sign!
-So will I!

514
00:32:25,760 --> 00:32:26,600
Count me in.

515
00:32:26,680 --> 00:32:27,920
-Me too!
-I'll sign!

516
00:32:28,000 --> 00:32:29,200
I'll sign as well.

517
00:32:31,440 --> 00:32:33,520
Me too! I'll sign!

518
00:32:33,600 --> 00:32:34,440
And me.

519
00:32:45,520 --> 00:32:46,840
The tide is clear.

520
00:32:47,480 --> 00:32:48,480
United in purpose.

521
00:32:49,240 --> 00:32:52,960
Great Ning's women's schools
and students have made their stance clear.

522
00:32:54,480 --> 00:32:58,440
Left Chancellor, give women a chance
to pursue their ambitions.

523
00:32:59,120 --> 00:33:03,480
Left Chancellor, please let
women pursue their ambitions!

524
00:33:14,040 --> 00:33:14,880
Very well.

525
00:33:16,360 --> 00:33:17,920
I shall wait and see.

526
00:33:19,600 --> 00:33:20,920
If trouble happens again,

527
00:33:22,600 --> 00:33:24,560
do not blame me for showing no mercy.

528
00:33:38,400 --> 00:33:39,320
Wonderful!

529
00:33:43,640 --> 00:33:45,280
Wonderful!

530
00:33:46,520 --> 00:33:47,800
Wonderful!

531
00:34:17,480 --> 00:34:19,400
You gaze down on the realm each day.

532
00:34:19,480 --> 00:34:21,280
Have you seen the capital from here?

533
00:34:21,360 --> 00:34:24,880
Had you not invited me today,
though I grew up in the palace,

534
00:34:24,960 --> 00:34:26,840
I'd never have known of this place.

535
00:34:29,080 --> 00:34:32,920
In Shazhou, you said freedom was a luxury.

536
00:34:33,000 --> 00:34:36,280
Now that I know who
you are, He Du—'Why alone?'

537
00:34:37,120 --> 00:34:38,720
A sovereign stands alone.

538
00:34:38,800 --> 00:34:43,200
I think I understand that an emperor
can never have true freedom.

539
00:34:46,080 --> 00:34:47,400
My son.

540
00:34:47,480 --> 00:34:49,560
Do you know what 'the solitary' means?

541
00:34:58,400 --> 00:35:04,440
The Book of Documents says, "One man,
truly good, all nations remain upright."

542
00:35:04,520 --> 00:35:09,640
Thus, an emperor's solitude
is not mere loneliness,

543
00:35:10,400 --> 00:35:12,520
but the weight of all under Heaven,

544
00:35:13,560 --> 00:35:15,480
which you alone must bear.

545
00:35:20,400 --> 00:35:22,480
Father, please preserve your health.

546
00:35:22,560 --> 00:35:23,760
I…

547
00:35:23,840 --> 00:35:25,200
I'm afraid.

548
00:35:27,200 --> 00:35:28,400
Of what?

549
00:35:28,480 --> 00:35:30,200
Tell me.

550
00:35:30,840 --> 00:35:36,840
That when I sit on the throne,
I won't be able to bear its weight.

551
00:35:36,920 --> 00:35:40,560
That I'll fail you and Mother.

552
00:35:40,640 --> 00:35:46,120
More than anything, I fear
being alone in this vast palace.

553
00:35:46,200 --> 00:35:51,000
No one will ever again cherish
me as you and Mother do.

554
00:35:51,560 --> 00:35:52,960
Raise your head.

555
00:35:54,200 --> 00:35:56,520
An emperor may bleed.

556
00:35:57,240 --> 00:35:58,760
He may even lose his head.

557
00:35:59,440 --> 00:36:01,320
But he must never show weakness.

558
00:36:04,040 --> 00:36:05,360
My son.

559
00:36:05,440 --> 00:36:06,800
Remember this.

560
00:36:07,440 --> 00:36:13,760
An emperor's solitude means
forsaking private affection

561
00:36:13,840 --> 00:36:18,160
to fulfill his duty to the realm.

562
00:36:24,400 --> 00:36:25,640
Shazhou's Shaosanbai.

563
00:36:26,280 --> 00:36:27,720
I prepared it for you.

564
00:36:31,360 --> 00:36:32,960
Since Father's admonition,

565
00:36:34,680 --> 00:36:37,720
I haven't dared relax for a moment.

566
00:36:37,800 --> 00:36:41,200
I have never even tasted
a single drop of wine.

567
00:36:41,280 --> 00:36:45,480
I believe the late emperor
named you 'the solitary'

568
00:36:46,040 --> 00:36:50,920
not because he wished you a lonely life,
but because you were his only child.

569
00:36:52,160 --> 00:36:55,520
An emperor bears pain,
hardship, and solitude.

570
00:36:56,400 --> 00:36:59,440
Apart from Your Majesty,
who else could bear them?

571
00:37:01,960 --> 00:37:02,920
You're right.

572
00:37:03,000 --> 00:37:06,960
Perhaps that was Father's
deepest hope for me.

573
00:37:08,120 --> 00:37:09,920
Then today, I'll break this rule.

574
00:37:22,120 --> 00:37:26,960
At this hour, drinking atop
the imperial city is a first for me.

575
00:37:27,040 --> 00:37:32,200
Watching Your Majesty drink atop
the imperial city is a first for me too.

576
00:37:32,840 --> 00:37:33,880
You're the first…

577
00:37:35,000 --> 00:37:37,160
for whom I've willingly broken this rule.

578
00:37:41,560 --> 00:37:44,840
Some problems cannot
be solved in a single day.

579
00:37:45,720 --> 00:37:48,360
Since we have wine today,
let's drink our fill.

580
00:37:58,800 --> 00:38:00,480
I haven't felt so free in ages.

581
00:38:02,480 --> 00:38:07,720
Whenever I'm with you, I can briefly
forget these troubles.

582
00:38:09,200 --> 00:38:10,040
Your Majesty.

583
00:38:10,640 --> 00:38:12,640
My injuries have healed.

584
00:38:13,640 --> 00:38:15,320
It is time I left the palace.

585
00:38:16,400 --> 00:38:17,480
You intend to leave?

586
00:38:17,560 --> 00:38:23,360
If I remain here, even if I ace
the palace exam, people will still gossip.

587
00:38:23,440 --> 00:38:25,640
They'll say you favored me.

588
00:38:25,720 --> 00:38:27,160
Do you need such favor?

589
00:38:27,840 --> 00:38:29,000
I intend to win.

590
00:38:29,080 --> 00:38:30,520
So confident?

591
00:38:30,600 --> 00:38:35,160
May I ask: have you chosen the top
three palace exam candidates?

592
00:38:35,240 --> 00:38:37,480
You haven't even taken the exam.

593
00:38:37,560 --> 00:38:39,240
Why meddle in state affairs?

594
00:38:39,320 --> 00:38:41,840
Must one hold office to discuss policy?

595
00:38:42,720 --> 00:38:46,880
Then how did wise rulers earn
praise for welcoming advice?

596
00:38:46,960 --> 00:38:49,800
The Bureau of Intelligence is unique.

597
00:38:49,880 --> 00:38:51,320
Only the able should serve.

598
00:38:52,120 --> 00:38:53,440
Let me ease your burden.

599
00:38:54,040 --> 00:38:56,520
Its creation is secret and unannounced.

600
00:38:57,080 --> 00:38:58,440
How did you learn of it?

601
00:38:58,520 --> 00:39:00,200
Passing through the garden,

602
00:39:01,760 --> 00:39:04,080
I overheard you and Grand Tutor Shen.

603
00:39:04,720 --> 00:39:08,400
You restored the women's exam
to break the court's old conventions.

604
00:39:08,520 --> 00:39:15,520
I dare propose: if I place first,
let me be the sword in your hand.

605
00:39:19,640 --> 00:39:20,640
Meng Tinghui.

606
00:39:22,360 --> 00:39:25,960
Do you truly think I will always
indulge your overstepping?

607
00:39:26,040 --> 00:39:32,400
Remember: where a sword points
is decided only by the one who wields it.

608
00:39:46,720 --> 00:39:48,520
Come on, tell your brother.

609
00:39:48,600 --> 00:39:51,480
At Xu's gate today,
did his beard curl with rage?

610
00:39:52,120 --> 00:39:53,680
We only followed the law.

611
00:39:53,760 --> 00:39:56,640
As for you, why speak
as if it were a street show?

612
00:39:56,720 --> 00:39:58,120
He finally looked foolish.

613
00:39:58,200 --> 00:39:59,320
I need every detail.

614
00:39:59,400 --> 00:40:00,600
Besides, you were there.

615
00:40:00,680 --> 00:40:02,360
-Tell me.
-I just remembered.

616
00:40:02,440 --> 00:40:04,040
That unfinished game.

617
00:40:04,120 --> 00:40:06,480
-We can play anytime.
-Now, Brother. Hurry.

618
00:40:06,560 --> 00:40:07,840
Come on, Brother. Don't—

619
00:40:07,920 --> 00:40:09,080
Zhili, let's go.

620
00:40:09,160 --> 00:40:10,880
Which way did his beard curl?

621
00:40:10,960 --> 00:40:12,720
Sister, get some rest.

622
00:40:39,080 --> 00:40:40,040
Ginger slices.

623
00:40:41,360 --> 00:40:42,400
Three.

624
00:40:46,440 --> 00:40:48,320
Three red dates.

625
00:40:53,320 --> 00:40:55,040
Three pieces of brown sugar.

626
00:41:13,480 --> 00:41:15,240
-Sister.
-Come in.

627
00:41:20,040 --> 00:41:20,880
Sister.

628
00:41:21,400 --> 00:41:22,360
Feeling better?

629
00:41:22,960 --> 00:41:23,800
I'm fine.

630
00:41:25,120 --> 00:41:26,080
Well…

631
00:41:26,160 --> 00:41:30,080
I heard the maids say
you should drink something warming now.

632
00:41:42,480 --> 00:41:43,320
Careful, hot.

633
00:41:48,320 --> 00:41:49,280
How is it?

634
00:41:50,000 --> 00:41:50,840
Quite sweet.

635
00:41:50,920 --> 00:41:51,760
Thanks, A-Nian.

636
00:41:54,800 --> 00:41:56,080
Rest well, Sister.

637
00:41:56,840 --> 00:41:57,800
I'll go now.

638
00:42:01,824 --> 00:42:03,824
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