1 00:01:27,000 --> 00:01:30,920 The Scholar and the Emperor 2 00:01:46,720 --> 00:01:48,240 -Cheers! -Come on. 3 00:01:55,840 --> 00:01:56,960 Mengmeng. 4 00:01:57,920 --> 00:01:59,840 Do you remember our promise? 5 00:01:59,920 --> 00:02:01,200 We said 6 00:02:01,720 --> 00:02:04,360 if neither of us found someone we loved, 7 00:02:04,440 --> 00:02:06,000 I'd run a tavern, 8 00:02:06,080 --> 00:02:08,200 and you'd teach at a girls' school. 9 00:02:10,040 --> 00:02:11,680 When we grew old, 10 00:02:11,760 --> 00:02:13,680 we'd keep each other company and never be lonely. 11 00:02:15,320 --> 00:02:16,960 Who would've thought 12 00:02:17,040 --> 00:02:18,280 you'd be getting married? 13 00:02:21,880 --> 00:02:23,840 Looks like fate has been kind to us. 14 00:02:25,960 --> 00:02:28,120 Zhili has Anian, 15 00:02:28,200 --> 00:02:29,440 I have His Majesty, 16 00:02:30,360 --> 00:02:31,760 and you have Young Lord Shen. 17 00:02:33,720 --> 00:02:34,560 Another toast. 18 00:02:34,640 --> 00:02:35,960 Cheers. 19 00:02:49,520 --> 00:02:50,360 Mengmeng. 20 00:02:50,440 --> 00:02:52,960 Ever since we came back from the hot springs, 21 00:02:53,040 --> 00:02:54,760 you've been acting strange. 22 00:02:54,840 --> 00:02:56,480 Is something bothering you? 23 00:02:57,360 --> 00:02:58,880 If Mengmeng had something on her mind, 24 00:02:58,960 --> 00:03:00,600 wouldn't she tell you? 25 00:03:01,400 --> 00:03:02,480 She must be worried 26 00:03:02,560 --> 00:03:04,240 about tomorrow's wedding. 27 00:03:04,320 --> 00:03:05,600 To wear the phoenix crown, 28 00:03:05,680 --> 00:03:06,880 you must bear its weight. 29 00:03:06,960 --> 00:03:08,400 Becoming mistress of the Central Palace 30 00:03:08,960 --> 00:03:10,760 won't be as carefree as serving at the Office. 31 00:03:10,840 --> 00:03:12,880 Relax. 32 00:03:12,960 --> 00:03:14,440 No matter how heavy the phoenix crown, 33 00:03:14,520 --> 00:03:17,040 all of us will be there to help you carry it. 34 00:03:17,120 --> 00:03:18,120 Exactly. 35 00:03:18,720 --> 00:03:20,880 His Majesty will protect you at court. 36 00:03:20,960 --> 00:03:23,080 My brother and Anian will watch over you in the palace. 37 00:03:23,160 --> 00:03:25,360 Fuzhi and I will stay by your side. 38 00:03:25,440 --> 00:03:28,400 And Yin Qing will keep you laughing. 39 00:03:28,480 --> 00:03:29,880 The five of us from the Office 40 00:03:29,960 --> 00:03:32,240 will always have your back. 41 00:03:32,320 --> 00:03:33,360 Come. 42 00:03:37,040 --> 00:03:38,200 Cheers. 43 00:03:43,400 --> 00:03:44,560 Cheers. 44 00:03:51,680 --> 00:03:53,920 I'm afraid this is all just a dream. 45 00:03:54,000 --> 00:03:55,440 And when I wake up, 46 00:03:56,800 --> 00:03:58,400 it'll all be gone. 47 00:04:06,800 --> 00:04:07,640 Mengmeng. 48 00:04:08,480 --> 00:04:10,760 If they ever wrong you in the palace, 49 00:04:11,240 --> 00:04:12,360 come back to Bofeng Tavern. 50 00:04:12,920 --> 00:04:14,360 This will always be your home. 51 00:04:14,960 --> 00:04:16,480 And I'll always be here for you. 52 00:04:16,560 --> 00:04:19,520 I don't care whether you live in wealth and splendor. 53 00:04:19,600 --> 00:04:21,440 I only wish you 54 00:04:21,520 --> 00:04:23,400 joy and good health, year after year. 55 00:04:24,160 --> 00:04:25,360 Mengmeng. 56 00:04:26,200 --> 00:04:28,320 Whether you're Director Meng of the Office 57 00:04:28,400 --> 00:04:30,120 or Her Majesty the Empress of the Central Palace, 58 00:04:30,880 --> 00:04:32,320 to me, 59 00:04:32,400 --> 00:04:34,960 you'll always be the sister who helped me grow 60 00:04:35,480 --> 00:04:37,040 and kept me safe. 61 00:04:38,280 --> 00:04:39,800 You'll always be 62 00:04:39,880 --> 00:04:43,080 the girl I'm proudest of and admire most. 63 00:04:52,760 --> 00:04:53,880 All right. 64 00:04:54,480 --> 00:04:55,840 You're getting married tomorrow. 65 00:04:55,920 --> 00:04:57,360 No getting sentimental tonight. 66 00:04:57,440 --> 00:04:58,280 Come. 67 00:05:03,880 --> 00:05:05,120 Let's drink to... 68 00:05:05,640 --> 00:05:06,720 -The Empress of Daning! -The Empress of Daning! 69 00:05:09,080 --> 00:05:10,160 And 70 00:05:10,240 --> 00:05:11,720 to nights when we can still drink like this. 71 00:05:40,960 --> 00:05:42,520 Your Highness. 72 00:05:42,600 --> 00:05:43,840 By this time tomorrow, 73 00:05:43,920 --> 00:05:45,240 every lantern in the capital 74 00:05:46,560 --> 00:05:47,760 will be covered in funeral white. 75 00:05:50,520 --> 00:05:52,240 Eight years of blood debt 76 00:05:52,320 --> 00:05:53,600 will finally be repaid. 77 00:05:53,680 --> 00:05:55,440 At the Battle of Humen Pass, 78 00:05:55,520 --> 00:05:57,480 when Ying Gua was still Crown Prince, 79 00:05:57,560 --> 00:06:00,040 that arrow pierced more than my uncle's throat. 80 00:06:00,120 --> 00:06:02,520 It shattered the fortunes of my mother's clan. 81 00:06:04,240 --> 00:06:05,240 After that, 82 00:06:05,880 --> 00:06:07,840 Father saw only my elder brother. 83 00:06:09,680 --> 00:06:11,120 What is he? 84 00:06:12,000 --> 00:06:13,520 Just a coward hiding in the royal tent, 85 00:06:13,600 --> 00:06:15,280 playing at schemes and power. 86 00:06:15,360 --> 00:06:16,400 Your Highness. 87 00:06:16,480 --> 00:06:18,200 The time for revenge has come. 88 00:06:19,320 --> 00:06:21,080 Daning's Left Chancellor believes 89 00:06:21,160 --> 00:06:22,640 you came to present warhorses 90 00:06:22,720 --> 00:06:24,120 and secure the marriage alliance. 91 00:06:26,520 --> 00:06:28,200 We already have the gate-opening warrant. 92 00:06:28,920 --> 00:06:31,360 Once the signal is given tomorrow, 93 00:06:31,440 --> 00:06:33,520 Beijian's Wolf Cavalry assassins 94 00:06:33,600 --> 00:06:35,040 can ride straight into the capital. 95 00:06:35,760 --> 00:06:36,600 Yes. 96 00:06:42,000 --> 00:06:43,520 I've kept you waiting, Second Prince. 97 00:06:47,120 --> 00:06:49,880 Mr. Shangguan, you leave no trace on snow. 98 00:06:49,960 --> 00:06:51,360 Even Beijian's Wind Listeners 99 00:06:51,440 --> 00:06:53,360 couldn't sense your presence. 100 00:06:53,440 --> 00:06:54,840 Truly remarkable. 101 00:06:54,920 --> 00:06:56,800 You're too kind, Second Prince. 102 00:06:57,440 --> 00:06:58,560 More importantly, 103 00:06:58,640 --> 00:07:00,920 you should be more concerned with tomorrow's operation. 104 00:07:05,240 --> 00:07:06,760 At tomorrow's imperial wedding, 105 00:07:06,840 --> 00:07:08,560 the bridal procession must leave the Office 106 00:07:08,640 --> 00:07:09,840 and pass along Changle Street. 107 00:07:10,560 --> 00:07:12,560 We've already turned the commander of its escort. 108 00:07:13,880 --> 00:07:16,280 He'll claim he's searching for assassins 109 00:07:16,360 --> 00:07:17,880 and draw away half the Imperial Guard. 110 00:07:17,960 --> 00:07:19,760 The alleys here form a maze. 111 00:07:19,840 --> 00:07:21,960 This is where Ying Gua will die. 112 00:07:24,120 --> 00:07:25,200 Sir, 113 00:07:25,280 --> 00:07:26,320 are you truly certain 114 00:07:26,400 --> 00:07:28,160 this ambush cannot fail? 115 00:07:28,800 --> 00:07:31,400 Ying Gua is sly as a fox. 116 00:07:31,480 --> 00:07:33,520 Back then, with only 3,000 light cavalry, 117 00:07:33,600 --> 00:07:35,480 he lured my army of 30,000 into a death trap. 118 00:07:35,560 --> 00:07:38,360 If this is another one of his schemes, 119 00:07:38,440 --> 00:07:40,680 you and I will be trapped with nowhere to run. 120 00:07:40,760 --> 00:07:42,320 With our forces working openly and in secret, 121 00:07:42,400 --> 00:07:44,320 Second Prince, you have nothing to fear. 122 00:07:44,400 --> 00:07:46,240 Your Highness's Wolf Cavalry will strike head-on. 123 00:07:46,320 --> 00:07:48,640 My Blood Moon Society assassins are already in place 124 00:07:48,720 --> 00:07:50,480 to support the Princess from the shadows. 125 00:07:51,480 --> 00:07:53,920 Even if Ying Gua casts a net across heaven and earth, 126 00:07:54,000 --> 00:07:54,920 this wedding feast 127 00:07:55,480 --> 00:07:57,960 will still be his last meal. 128 00:07:59,760 --> 00:08:00,800 Interesting. 129 00:08:03,520 --> 00:08:06,520 But after all this time working with you, 130 00:08:07,040 --> 00:08:08,960 I've never seen your true face. 131 00:08:09,040 --> 00:08:11,160 The day Zhongwan is restored, 132 00:08:11,240 --> 00:08:13,320 this face hidden in dust for ten years 133 00:08:13,840 --> 00:08:15,600 will see daylight again. 134 00:08:17,280 --> 00:08:18,800 Then, Second Prince, 135 00:08:18,880 --> 00:08:21,120 we can drink wine from Ying Gua's skull. 136 00:08:26,440 --> 00:08:27,720 The Hour of the Rooster has passed. 137 00:08:28,280 --> 00:08:29,880 Ying Gua's death draws near. 138 00:08:30,840 --> 00:08:32,840 Daning's destiny 139 00:08:32,920 --> 00:08:34,440 has run its course too. 140 00:08:43,440 --> 00:08:45,600 This time, I'll do it myself 141 00:08:46,440 --> 00:08:48,200 and take Ying Gua's head. 142 00:08:50,560 --> 00:08:52,040 The imperial wedding of Emperor and Empress 143 00:08:52,120 --> 00:08:53,480 is a grand rite of state. 144 00:08:53,560 --> 00:08:54,880 We now present these betrothal gifts 145 00:08:54,960 --> 00:08:57,040 to show the Son of Heaven's solemn devotion 146 00:08:57,120 --> 00:08:59,640 and honor the Empress's virtue as mother of the realm. 147 00:08:59,720 --> 00:09:02,680 Ten bolts of scarlet silk with golden phoenix brocade, 148 00:09:02,760 --> 00:09:04,640 one pair of green-jade nuptial cups, 149 00:09:04,720 --> 00:09:06,960 one pair of kingfisher-feather paired-phoenix vases, 150 00:09:07,040 --> 00:09:08,680 one black-glass pearl, 151 00:09:08,760 --> 00:09:10,600 one lingzhi-shaped ruyi scepter, 152 00:09:10,680 --> 00:09:13,160 and one set of gold-feather phoenix hairpins. 153 00:09:13,240 --> 00:09:14,360 May dragon and phoenix bless this union. 154 00:09:14,440 --> 00:09:16,320 Will I still get to see you often 155 00:09:17,000 --> 00:09:18,240 after this, Your Majesty? 156 00:09:18,920 --> 00:09:19,840 Of course. 157 00:09:19,920 --> 00:09:21,840 I'll always be your Mengmeng. 158 00:09:21,920 --> 00:09:23,760 We promised not to cry today. 159 00:09:23,840 --> 00:09:26,160 We're sending Mengmeng off with smiles. 160 00:09:28,080 --> 00:09:30,440 The auspicious hour approaches. 161 00:09:30,520 --> 00:09:33,600 We respectfully invite Her Majesty the Empress. 162 00:11:12,480 --> 00:11:14,840 I never thought those stories in the novels 163 00:11:14,920 --> 00:11:16,680 would actually come true. 164 00:11:16,760 --> 00:11:17,600 Shunzi. 165 00:11:17,680 --> 00:11:20,320 Go buy me a few more copies of the Spring and Autumn Annals. 166 00:11:20,400 --> 00:11:21,560 Boss, what for? 167 00:11:22,520 --> 00:11:23,480 Obviously, next year 168 00:11:23,560 --> 00:11:25,240 I'm going to pass the metropolitan exam too. 169 00:11:39,400 --> 00:11:40,440 Your Highness. 170 00:11:40,520 --> 00:11:42,000 The phoenix palanquin has reached the street. 171 00:11:43,640 --> 00:11:44,480 Look. 172 00:11:44,560 --> 00:11:45,920 What a sight. 173 00:11:48,280 --> 00:11:50,120 Die, Ying Gua. 174 00:11:56,760 --> 00:11:58,000 Run! 175 00:13:07,680 --> 00:13:09,360 You think stopping me 176 00:13:10,240 --> 00:13:11,680 means this is over? 177 00:13:16,040 --> 00:13:17,400 Back to the hall! Protect His Majesty! 178 00:13:21,240 --> 00:13:23,040 The auspicious hour has arrived. 179 00:13:23,120 --> 00:13:27,400 Escort Their Majesties into the hall to honor the ancestors. 180 00:13:55,920 --> 00:13:59,080 Their Majesties, present the incense. 181 00:14:21,520 --> 00:14:24,000 First bow: to the Sacred Ancestor who founded the realm. 182 00:14:28,000 --> 00:14:29,200 Yao'er. 183 00:14:29,880 --> 00:14:33,240 Second bow: may the realm endure forever. 184 00:14:40,320 --> 00:14:42,400 Third bow: may Emperor and Empress be of one heart. 185 00:14:42,480 --> 00:14:44,600 Yao'er, kill him. 186 00:14:46,840 --> 00:14:48,320 -The rites are complete. -Yao'er. 187 00:14:48,400 --> 00:14:49,920 Kill him. 188 00:14:51,640 --> 00:14:54,160 Yao'er, kill him. 189 00:14:55,240 --> 00:14:57,880 Yao'er, he destroyed your kingdom. 190 00:14:58,360 --> 00:14:59,560 Kill him. 191 00:14:59,640 --> 00:15:00,720 Yao'er. 192 00:15:00,800 --> 00:15:02,840 He destroyed your kingdom. 193 00:15:02,920 --> 00:15:04,000 Kill him. 194 00:15:20,200 --> 00:15:21,200 Yao'er. 195 00:15:22,240 --> 00:15:23,680 Kill him. 196 00:15:27,080 --> 00:15:28,200 Your Majesty. 197 00:15:30,920 --> 00:15:32,600 Guards! Protect His Majesty! 198 00:15:33,120 --> 00:15:34,200 Your Majesty. 199 00:15:34,280 --> 00:15:35,120 Mengmeng. 200 00:15:35,200 --> 00:15:36,360 What's wrong? 201 00:16:25,160 --> 00:16:26,840 One step closer 202 00:16:26,920 --> 00:16:27,960 and your Emperor 203 00:16:28,040 --> 00:16:29,560 dies without a burial place. 204 00:17:10,240 --> 00:17:11,920 Enough of your tricks. 205 00:17:12,000 --> 00:17:13,360 Who are you, 206 00:17:13,440 --> 00:17:15,920 to attempt regicide in Sacred Ancestor Hall? 207 00:17:17,200 --> 00:17:18,560 More than ten years ago, 208 00:17:19,160 --> 00:17:20,840 a hundred thousand of my people were slaughtered. 209 00:17:22,040 --> 00:17:23,000 That blood debt... 210 00:17:24,880 --> 00:17:26,000 have you forgotten? 211 00:17:34,080 --> 00:17:35,800 A Zhongwan remnant. 212 00:17:37,200 --> 00:17:38,640 You destroyed our home and nation, 213 00:17:38,720 --> 00:17:40,920 then call us remnants? 214 00:17:41,000 --> 00:17:43,720 Today I'll use the Son of Heaven's blood 215 00:17:43,800 --> 00:17:46,520 to honor the dead of Zhongwan. 216 00:17:46,600 --> 00:17:48,200 I'll fight you to the death! 217 00:18:55,440 --> 00:18:56,720 Yin Qing? 218 00:18:56,800 --> 00:18:57,840 How could it be you? 219 00:19:05,040 --> 00:19:07,320 You've hidden behind a mask for so long. 220 00:19:07,840 --> 00:19:09,760 At last you show yourself. 221 00:19:09,840 --> 00:19:10,680 Did you truly think my palace 222 00:19:10,760 --> 00:19:12,400 was somewhere you could come and go as you please? 223 00:19:20,560 --> 00:19:22,360 Mengmeng, you knew already? 224 00:19:31,840 --> 00:19:33,600 Yin Qing, your incense... 225 00:19:34,480 --> 00:19:35,880 I replaced it three days ago. 226 00:19:35,960 --> 00:19:37,920 Today I used myself as bait 227 00:19:38,000 --> 00:19:40,400 to draw all of you out. 228 00:19:40,480 --> 00:19:42,880 Do you know how long I've waited for this moment? 229 00:19:42,960 --> 00:19:45,920 You joined forces with him to trap us? 230 00:20:14,320 --> 00:20:15,160 Reporting to Your Majesty. 231 00:20:15,920 --> 00:20:17,640 All nine gates around the hall are sealed. 232 00:20:17,720 --> 00:20:20,240 None of them will escape today. 233 00:20:20,320 --> 00:20:23,120 Beijian's Second Prince and his Wolf Cavalry are destroyed. 234 00:20:23,200 --> 00:20:25,120 The Blood Moon Society has no one left to rely on. 235 00:20:25,880 --> 00:20:27,680 -Impossible. -Left Chancellor. 236 00:20:28,640 --> 00:20:31,240 You privately issued tribute credentials 237 00:20:31,320 --> 00:20:33,320 that allowed Beijian's Second Prince 238 00:20:33,400 --> 00:20:34,640 to ally with the Blood Moon Society 239 00:20:34,720 --> 00:20:36,000 and sneak armed men into the capital. 240 00:20:36,080 --> 00:20:37,000 Your Majesty, please hear me. 241 00:20:37,720 --> 00:20:39,120 I must have fallen for a traitor's scheme 242 00:20:39,200 --> 00:20:41,200 when I issued those tribute credentials. 243 00:20:41,280 --> 00:20:43,440 Your Majesty, what matters most now 244 00:20:43,520 --> 00:20:45,360 is exterminating the Zhongwan remnants. 245 00:20:46,720 --> 00:20:47,720 Ying Gua. 246 00:20:49,040 --> 00:20:50,600 I came here today 247 00:20:51,360 --> 00:20:53,320 with no intention of leaving alive. 248 00:20:54,560 --> 00:20:55,880 Seize him. 249 00:21:14,600 --> 00:21:16,720 Yin Qing, stop. 250 00:21:16,800 --> 00:21:17,880 Don't cling to this madness. 251 00:21:17,960 --> 00:21:19,080 You're the one lost in madness. 252 00:21:19,920 --> 00:21:22,120 I endured humiliation and planned every step 253 00:21:22,200 --> 00:21:24,080 to raise you above everyone else in Daning. 254 00:21:24,160 --> 00:21:25,760 Kill Ying Gua today, 255 00:21:26,720 --> 00:21:28,160 and Zhongwan can be restored. 256 00:21:29,120 --> 00:21:30,160 Restore the kingdom? 257 00:21:30,240 --> 00:21:31,880 That would only uproot the people. 258 00:21:33,040 --> 00:21:34,160 This blood feud... 259 00:21:34,240 --> 00:21:35,080 I would rather not avenge it. 260 00:21:36,720 --> 00:21:37,560 Besides, 261 00:21:38,600 --> 00:21:40,240 I am now a citizen of Daning. 262 00:21:42,720 --> 00:21:44,800 Director Meng is in league with the Blood Moon Society? 263 00:21:44,880 --> 00:21:45,920 -Impossible. -Impossible. 264 00:21:46,840 --> 00:21:48,800 Seize every remaining member 265 00:21:48,880 --> 00:21:50,160 of the Blood Moon Society. 266 00:21:50,240 --> 00:21:52,000 You forced my hand. 267 00:22:29,920 --> 00:22:31,600 Look closely. 268 00:22:32,200 --> 00:22:35,000 Would you truly let her become Empress of Daning? 269 00:22:35,760 --> 00:22:37,920 The Mystic Bird emblem? 270 00:22:39,600 --> 00:22:42,160 The mark of Zhongwan royalty. 271 00:22:42,920 --> 00:22:44,360 You're the Princess of Zhongwan. 272 00:22:45,080 --> 00:22:46,840 A Zhongwan princess 273 00:22:46,920 --> 00:22:49,840 has been manipulating Daning's court? 274 00:22:49,920 --> 00:22:50,880 Guards! 275 00:22:50,960 --> 00:22:52,760 Execute her on the spot. 276 00:22:52,840 --> 00:22:54,320 Who dares? 277 00:22:56,440 --> 00:22:57,480 Your Majesty. 278 00:22:58,560 --> 00:23:01,560 Did you know her identity all along? 279 00:23:02,440 --> 00:23:03,680 Your Majesty. 280 00:23:03,760 --> 00:23:05,520 Are you going to hand Daning 281 00:23:05,600 --> 00:23:08,080 over to the remnants of Zhongwan? 282 00:23:08,160 --> 00:23:09,560 Meng Tinghui previously 283 00:23:09,640 --> 00:23:11,760 knew nothing of her birth. 284 00:23:12,320 --> 00:23:14,600 But everything she has done for Daning, 285 00:23:15,240 --> 00:23:16,760 I know better than anyone. 286 00:23:17,280 --> 00:23:18,800 Stop pretending, Princess. 287 00:23:19,600 --> 00:23:21,640 We planned the Infinity Pill disaster together. 288 00:23:22,200 --> 00:23:23,840 Gu Qin's execution, 289 00:23:23,920 --> 00:23:25,720 the collapse of the Beijian marriage alliance— 290 00:23:25,800 --> 00:23:27,480 all of it was to plunge Daning 291 00:23:27,560 --> 00:23:28,840 into crisis at home and abroad. 292 00:23:28,920 --> 00:23:31,600 You think if you cut off every path she has in Daning 293 00:23:32,120 --> 00:23:34,080 and pin every disaster on her, 294 00:23:34,160 --> 00:23:35,920 she'll restore Zhongwan with you? 295 00:23:36,000 --> 00:23:37,640 You keep her beside you 296 00:23:38,200 --> 00:23:39,680 only because you want to use her too. 297 00:23:39,760 --> 00:23:41,160 Between you will always stand 298 00:23:41,240 --> 00:23:42,800 the hundred thousand dead of Zhongwan. 299 00:23:42,880 --> 00:23:44,800 You can never be together. 300 00:23:45,400 --> 00:23:47,400 Your Majesty, no more words. 301 00:23:47,480 --> 00:23:49,600 Execute this witch and the Zhongwan remnants at once 302 00:23:49,680 --> 00:23:51,000 and end the threat forever. 303 00:23:51,080 --> 00:23:53,600 You all keep calling me a witch who will ruin the realm. 304 00:24:07,640 --> 00:24:09,760 Today I'll carve away this Mystic Bird emblem 305 00:24:09,840 --> 00:24:11,600 and show you where my loyalty lies. 306 00:24:11,680 --> 00:24:12,560 Don't! 307 00:24:49,840 --> 00:24:52,040 The Mystic Bird emblem is destroyed. 308 00:24:53,560 --> 00:24:55,200 I am no longer the Princess of Zhongwan. 309 00:24:56,800 --> 00:24:58,280 I am only Meng Tinghui. 310 00:25:44,080 --> 00:25:45,080 Left Chancellor... 311 00:25:47,440 --> 00:25:49,720 If you want to harm His Majesty of Daning, 312 00:25:49,800 --> 00:25:52,960 you'll have to step over Xu Ting's body first. 313 00:26:04,960 --> 00:26:07,360 -Left Chancellor. -Left Chancellor. 314 00:26:07,440 --> 00:26:09,520 -Chancellor! -Left Chancellor, wake up! 315 00:26:10,160 --> 00:26:11,080 Fetch the imperial physician! 316 00:26:11,160 --> 00:26:12,240 -Quickly! -Yes! 317 00:26:12,320 --> 00:26:14,200 -Imperial physician... -Your Majesty. 318 00:26:20,400 --> 00:26:21,320 Your Majesty. 319 00:26:23,120 --> 00:26:24,880 I was wrong before. 320 00:26:27,200 --> 00:26:28,600 Please... don't hold it against me. 321 00:26:40,800 --> 00:26:42,200 I... 322 00:26:44,440 --> 00:26:46,960 can no longer serve Your Majesty. 323 00:26:47,840 --> 00:26:49,920 -Chancellor! -Chancellor! 324 00:26:50,000 --> 00:26:51,520 -Chancellor! -Chancellor! 325 00:26:56,200 --> 00:27:00,280 -Chancellor! -Chancellor! 326 00:27:05,400 --> 00:27:06,440 Chancellor. 327 00:27:15,080 --> 00:27:16,360 Princess. 328 00:27:17,280 --> 00:27:18,920 We should be happy. 329 00:27:19,520 --> 00:27:20,480 I avenged you, 330 00:27:21,440 --> 00:27:23,080 and my younger sister as well. 331 00:27:46,920 --> 00:27:49,600 Kill 332 00:27:50,200 --> 00:27:52,280 every last Blood Moon remnant. 333 00:28:54,440 --> 00:28:56,560 Xu Ting is dead, 334 00:28:56,640 --> 00:28:58,200 and now your heart aches? 335 00:29:00,320 --> 00:29:01,960 When Daning's iron cavalry 336 00:29:02,040 --> 00:29:04,400 slaughtered my people of Zhongwan, 337 00:29:05,240 --> 00:29:07,480 do you know how it tore my heart apart? 338 00:29:08,000 --> 00:29:09,640 You and I, 339 00:29:09,720 --> 00:29:11,400 Zhongwan and Daning, 340 00:29:11,480 --> 00:29:12,680 can never share the same sky. 341 00:29:14,920 --> 00:29:18,280 If this blood feud can never be settled, 342 00:29:19,720 --> 00:29:21,440 then today I'll use your life 343 00:29:23,040 --> 00:29:25,520 to end it once and for all. 344 00:29:50,240 --> 00:29:51,280 Sir. 345 00:29:52,000 --> 00:29:53,160 Your Majesty. 346 00:29:53,240 --> 00:29:54,440 Mengmeng. 347 00:30:00,560 --> 00:30:03,440 Haven't Daning and Zhongwan shed enough blood? 348 00:30:05,640 --> 00:30:07,600 Your Majesty, please spare Yin Qing. 349 00:30:08,720 --> 00:30:11,160 The hairpin I gave you with my own hands... 350 00:30:12,960 --> 00:30:15,320 and you use it to threaten me? 351 00:30:15,400 --> 00:30:17,040 I know Your Majesty hates Yin Qing, 352 00:30:18,040 --> 00:30:20,600 but I can't watch him die. 353 00:30:21,880 --> 00:30:23,040 And I can't stand by 354 00:30:23,120 --> 00:30:25,360 while hatred between Daning and Zhongwan deepens. 355 00:30:26,240 --> 00:30:28,200 The Left Chancellor died protecting me. 356 00:30:28,720 --> 00:30:30,520 If I don't kill him today, 357 00:30:31,200 --> 00:30:34,080 what right have I to defend the realm and protect the people? 358 00:30:34,160 --> 00:30:35,240 Today 359 00:30:36,040 --> 00:30:37,400 is the day he dies. 360 00:30:39,400 --> 00:30:40,480 Stop! 361 00:30:41,040 --> 00:30:42,320 I am protecting Yin Qing 362 00:30:43,560 --> 00:30:45,920 for Daning's sake as well. 363 00:30:49,880 --> 00:30:51,960 Your Majesty, Meng Tinghui has bewitched your heart. 364 00:30:52,040 --> 00:30:54,040 You must not release the mastermind behind this. 365 00:30:54,120 --> 00:30:55,680 I beg Your Majesty 366 00:30:55,760 --> 00:30:57,840 to execute the Princess of Zhongwan and her followers 367 00:30:57,920 --> 00:30:59,040 and bring peace to the realm. 368 00:30:59,120 --> 00:31:00,160 Your Majesty. 369 00:31:00,240 --> 00:31:01,720 Spare the tiger, and disaster will follow. 370 00:31:02,560 --> 00:31:03,920 Today we absolutely cannot 371 00:31:04,000 --> 00:31:05,800 let them leave Sacred Ancestor Hall. 372 00:31:05,880 --> 00:31:06,720 Anian. 373 00:31:06,800 --> 00:31:08,120 Must you really kill every last one? 374 00:31:08,200 --> 00:31:09,120 Your Majesty. 375 00:31:09,200 --> 00:31:10,240 We failed to root them out before. 376 00:31:10,320 --> 00:31:11,480 That caused today's calamity. 377 00:31:11,560 --> 00:31:13,000 We must not repeat that mistake. 378 00:31:13,080 --> 00:31:15,560 Zhishu, you know Mengmeng would never harm His Majesty. 379 00:31:15,640 --> 00:31:17,480 -Please... -We beg Your Majesty 380 00:31:17,560 --> 00:31:20,640 to execute the Princess of Zhongwan and her followers 381 00:31:20,720 --> 00:31:22,080 and bring peace to the realm. 382 00:32:13,760 --> 00:32:14,880 The phoenix pendant is broken. 383 00:32:15,800 --> 00:32:17,280 Our private bond is ended. 384 00:32:17,920 --> 00:32:20,680 But I will not yield one inch of Daning's realm. 385 00:32:24,320 --> 00:32:25,480 Let them go. 386 00:32:26,040 --> 00:32:27,440 -Your Majesty! -Your Majesty! 387 00:33:58,800 --> 00:34:00,720 The dragon throne sways, 388 00:34:00,800 --> 00:34:02,800 the witch beguiles, 389 00:34:02,880 --> 00:34:05,200 loyal ministers fall, 390 00:34:05,280 --> 00:34:07,000 the frontiers burn. 391 00:34:07,080 --> 00:34:08,720 The Emperor is besotted, 392 00:34:08,800 --> 00:34:11,360 the realm withers. 393 00:34:11,440 --> 00:34:13,240 The dragon throne sways, 394 00:34:13,320 --> 00:34:15,320 the witch beguiles, 395 00:34:15,400 --> 00:34:17,480 loyal ministers fall, 396 00:34:17,560 --> 00:34:19,800 the frontiers burn. 397 00:34:45,480 --> 00:34:46,360 Proprietor Yan. 398 00:34:46,440 --> 00:34:49,440 Will Lord Meng really restore Zhongwan and attack Daning? 399 00:34:50,880 --> 00:34:51,760 -Proprietor Yan! -Boss! 400 00:34:51,840 --> 00:34:53,000 Bad news! 401 00:34:53,080 --> 00:34:53,920 War is coming! 402 00:34:54,000 --> 00:34:55,840 My relatives at the border saw enemy troops. 403 00:34:56,840 --> 00:34:59,000 Then let's hurry and stockpile grain. 404 00:34:59,080 --> 00:34:59,920 If war really breaks out, 405 00:35:00,000 --> 00:35:01,560 grain will be what keeps us alive. 406 00:35:01,640 --> 00:35:02,480 Yes. 407 00:35:07,880 --> 00:35:09,720 -Your Majesty. -Grand Tutor, no need for ceremony. 408 00:35:11,000 --> 00:35:11,840 Please sit. 409 00:35:18,120 --> 00:35:19,760 I assume you've already heard 410 00:35:20,320 --> 00:35:22,240 that they're calling me a foolish ruler now? 411 00:35:22,320 --> 00:35:23,440 In my view, 412 00:35:24,040 --> 00:35:26,920 Your Majesty made the realm your board and benevolence your bait. 413 00:35:27,000 --> 00:35:28,680 That is great wisdom. 414 00:35:28,760 --> 00:35:30,600 Zhishu tells me 415 00:35:30,680 --> 00:35:33,640 Your Majesty intends to issue a new policy for Zhongwan. 416 00:35:33,720 --> 00:35:36,360 Those who submit will be freed from slave status and granted farmland. 417 00:35:36,440 --> 00:35:38,520 They may enter government through the examinations. 418 00:35:39,360 --> 00:35:40,200 This measure 419 00:35:41,000 --> 00:35:42,360 will show Zhongwan's survivors 420 00:35:42,440 --> 00:35:43,800 Daning's sincerity. 421 00:35:43,880 --> 00:35:45,120 I'll bear the infamy. 422 00:35:45,840 --> 00:35:47,320 But this game for the realm 423 00:35:47,920 --> 00:35:49,840 will be played by my rules. 424 00:35:50,400 --> 00:35:52,320 Your Majesty means to lead the campaign personally? 425 00:35:54,240 --> 00:35:56,560 With both chancellorships vacant and the court unsettled, 426 00:35:56,640 --> 00:35:58,920 and Beijian's wolfish ambitions, 427 00:35:59,000 --> 00:36:00,120 colluding with Zhongwan remnants 428 00:36:00,200 --> 00:36:01,280 to attack Your Majesty, 429 00:36:01,360 --> 00:36:02,800 this journey will be perilous. 430 00:36:02,880 --> 00:36:03,960 The realm needs a leader. 431 00:36:04,040 --> 00:36:06,040 I asked you here today 432 00:36:06,120 --> 00:36:07,960 precisely to have you hold the court 433 00:36:08,040 --> 00:36:10,120 and oversee the Six Ministries to keep the court stable. 434 00:36:11,440 --> 00:36:13,800 I let Yin Qing leave Sacred Ancestor Hall that day 435 00:36:13,880 --> 00:36:15,200 not for Meng Tinghui. 436 00:36:15,280 --> 00:36:17,400 Yin Qing leads the Zhongwan survivors. 437 00:36:17,480 --> 00:36:19,560 If we killed him in Daning's Sacred Ancestor Hall, 438 00:36:19,640 --> 00:36:21,400 it would inflame resentment among those survivors. 439 00:36:22,080 --> 00:36:23,760 Then Daning would face 440 00:36:23,840 --> 00:36:26,040 encirclement by Zhongwan and Beijian. 441 00:36:26,120 --> 00:36:28,040 We must fight Beijian sooner or later. 442 00:36:28,120 --> 00:36:30,560 So we might as well strike first. 443 00:36:31,520 --> 00:36:33,200 Besides, that day Meng Tinghui 444 00:36:33,280 --> 00:36:34,640 was gambling with her life too. 445 00:36:35,320 --> 00:36:37,960 She was betting I could find a third path, 446 00:36:38,040 --> 00:36:39,280 one different from Father's 447 00:36:39,360 --> 00:36:41,200 for resolving the feud between our two states. 448 00:36:41,960 --> 00:36:44,120 When you taught me the art of kingship, you said 449 00:36:44,200 --> 00:36:45,920 a true ruler of all under Heaven 450 00:36:46,000 --> 00:36:47,840 must be broad enough to embrace the realm. 451 00:36:48,760 --> 00:36:49,800 I intend to unite 452 00:36:49,880 --> 00:36:51,640 this fractured realm 453 00:36:51,720 --> 00:36:53,520 and give the people an age of peace and prosperity. 454 00:36:59,400 --> 00:37:00,840 Grand Tutor, will you help me 455 00:37:01,920 --> 00:37:03,560 play this game? 456 00:37:09,520 --> 00:37:10,600 I once said: 457 00:37:11,240 --> 00:37:12,760 all under Heaven is a chessboard, 458 00:37:12,840 --> 00:37:14,240 and the sovereign is the player. 459 00:37:16,040 --> 00:37:16,880 I 460 00:37:18,320 --> 00:37:19,560 am willing to take up this game 461 00:37:20,440 --> 00:37:21,960 for Your Majesty. 462 00:37:26,680 --> 00:37:28,720 I have not attended court in ten years. 463 00:37:30,240 --> 00:37:31,600 I never imagined 464 00:37:33,120 --> 00:37:34,400 I 465 00:37:34,480 --> 00:37:36,480 could once again share Your Majesty's burdens 466 00:37:37,320 --> 00:37:40,440 and serve Daning. 467 00:37:40,520 --> 00:37:42,000 With you holding the court, 468 00:37:42,560 --> 00:37:44,600 I can campaign without worry behind me. 469 00:37:45,080 --> 00:37:46,400 From this day forward, 470 00:37:47,080 --> 00:37:48,240 you will govern in my stead, 471 00:37:48,880 --> 00:37:50,200 and oversee the Six Ministries. 472 00:37:50,280 --> 00:37:52,760 I will not fail this trust. 473 00:37:53,840 --> 00:37:55,360 I will do all in my power 474 00:37:55,440 --> 00:37:57,480 to keep Daning's court secure 475 00:37:57,560 --> 00:37:59,600 and await Your Majesty's triumphant return. 476 00:38:01,040 --> 00:38:01,880 Your Majesty. 477 00:38:01,960 --> 00:38:03,480 Yin Qing's group entered old Zhongwan lands in Qingzhou. 478 00:38:03,560 --> 00:38:05,640 Beijian has massed troops at the border but has not moved. 479 00:38:06,480 --> 00:38:08,400 Yeqi is drilling troops at Qingxia Pass as a show of force. 480 00:38:08,480 --> 00:38:10,120 Taishui cavalry raided our Jizhou camp at night, 481 00:38:10,200 --> 00:38:11,920 burning three of our army's granaries. 482 00:38:12,000 --> 00:38:13,720 War is breaking out everywhere. We cannot delay. 483 00:38:16,040 --> 00:38:17,800 Daning's forces will advance on three fronts. 484 00:38:17,880 --> 00:38:18,720 Shen Zhishu. 485 00:38:19,360 --> 00:38:21,160 Lead your army to Yeqi. Tell its king 486 00:38:21,240 --> 00:38:23,240 whether he will be Daning's enemy or friend 487 00:38:23,320 --> 00:38:24,560 is his choice to weigh. 488 00:38:25,280 --> 00:38:27,040 -I obey. -Di Nian. 489 00:38:27,120 --> 00:38:28,440 Lead an elite force against Taishui. 490 00:38:28,520 --> 00:38:30,400 You must take the city within seven days. 491 00:38:30,480 --> 00:38:32,000 I will not fail Your Majesty. 492 00:38:32,080 --> 00:38:32,920 Your Majesty. 493 00:38:33,000 --> 00:38:34,440 When the Second Prince's body returns, 494 00:38:34,520 --> 00:38:35,760 Beijian will seize the chance to attack. 495 00:38:35,840 --> 00:38:36,920 Then we'd face war on two fronts. 496 00:38:37,000 --> 00:38:38,160 No need to wait for Beijian. 497 00:38:38,640 --> 00:38:39,640 Three days from now, 498 00:38:39,720 --> 00:38:41,480 I will personally lead the army against Beijian. 499 00:38:41,560 --> 00:38:42,760 I'll make them understand 500 00:38:43,360 --> 00:38:45,800 Daning is not theirs to trample at will. 501 00:38:47,880 --> 00:38:49,560 I request to serve as the vanguard. 502 00:38:50,200 --> 00:38:52,320 I owe the Left Chancellor a great debt. 503 00:38:52,400 --> 00:38:53,960 I must avenge him. 504 00:38:55,120 --> 00:38:56,560 Even if I am shattered to pieces, 505 00:38:56,640 --> 00:38:57,560 I will not hesitate. 506 00:38:58,680 --> 00:38:59,560 Good. 507 00:39:00,760 --> 00:39:01,640 Soldiers. 508 00:39:01,720 --> 00:39:03,480 Powerful enemies surround us. 509 00:39:03,560 --> 00:39:05,040 One step back 510 00:39:05,120 --> 00:39:06,600 and our mountains and rivers shatter. 511 00:39:06,680 --> 00:39:07,960 One step forward 512 00:39:08,040 --> 00:39:09,640 and our iron bones forge the walls. 513 00:39:09,720 --> 00:39:12,400 I will live and die with every soldier. 514 00:39:12,480 --> 00:39:14,320 Defend our land! 515 00:39:15,120 --> 00:39:17,080 Protect our people! 516 00:39:17,160 --> 00:39:18,720 Defend our land! 517 00:39:18,800 --> 00:39:20,600 Protect our people! 518 00:39:20,680 --> 00:39:21,840 Defend our land! 519 00:39:21,920 --> 00:39:23,720 Protect our people! 520 00:39:23,800 --> 00:39:25,440 Defend our land! 521 00:39:25,520 --> 00:39:27,160 Protect our people! 522 00:39:39,920 --> 00:39:40,760 Princess. 523 00:39:42,600 --> 00:39:44,880 This is the detached palace where you often lived as a child. 524 00:39:46,400 --> 00:39:47,440 Do you remember it? 525 00:39:48,240 --> 00:39:49,600 I've seen it in dreams. 526 00:39:55,480 --> 00:39:58,160 Here are enshrined the spirit tablets of Zhongwan's royal kin 527 00:39:58,240 --> 00:39:59,720 and loyal martyrs. 528 00:40:00,520 --> 00:40:01,800 Every midnight, 529 00:40:02,680 --> 00:40:04,680 you can hear them weeping. 530 00:40:05,360 --> 00:40:06,800 After Zhongwan fell, 531 00:40:08,000 --> 00:40:09,720 Daning neglected this palace too. 532 00:40:10,360 --> 00:40:12,520 So we secretly established ourselves here. 533 00:40:12,600 --> 00:40:13,560 On the first night, 534 00:40:15,000 --> 00:40:17,840 many of our people were driven mad by phantom cries. 535 00:40:23,200 --> 00:40:24,040 Mr. Shangguan. 536 00:40:24,120 --> 00:40:26,000 The old clan chief has been waiting for some time.