1
00:01:31,640 --> 00:01:32,700
=The Road to Splendor=

2
00:01:32,700 --> 00:01:34,760
(Adapted from China Literature author
Zhizhi's novel of the same name)

3
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=Episode 15=

4
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Come look over here.

5
00:01:41,561 --> 00:01:42,360
Wait for me!

6
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Stop right there!

7
00:01:46,001 --> 00:01:47,001
Now,

8
00:01:47,001 --> 00:01:48,520
your problem is taken care of.

9
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I wasn't seeing the bigger picture.

10
00:01:51,960 --> 00:01:52,840
Before,

11
00:01:53,040 --> 00:01:54,799
you were being blackmailed by Madam Zuo.

12
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You had the reputations
of Ganlin's young women to protect,

13
00:01:57,120 --> 00:01:58,000
so you couldn't openly help.

14
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As the Art of War says,

15
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ordinary minds plan the move,

16
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and wise minds shape the game.

17
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I, Tingyun,

18
00:02:06,599 --> 00:02:07,680
am truly impressed.

19
00:02:09,199 --> 00:02:10,000
There's more over here.

20
00:02:13,439 --> 00:02:15,520
(Mo Residence)
I was wrong, General.

21
00:02:16,719 --> 00:02:19,639
Please forgive me!

22
00:02:20,639 --> 00:02:23,560
Please come out and see me!

23
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Don't worry.

24
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I won't go soft on her this time.

25
00:02:27,520 --> 00:02:29,960
I was wrong, General!

26
00:02:30,919 --> 00:02:32,879
Please forgive me!

27
00:02:39,000 --> 00:02:39,719
Madam!

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Madam!

29
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Madam!

30
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After bringing such disgrace upon us,

31
00:02:43,639 --> 00:02:44,479
you have no place

32
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in this family.

33
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A widow is dead.

34
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Miss Xie said

35
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there's no point

36
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in taking this any further.

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Take this silver,

38
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go somewhere else,

39
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and make a decent life for yourself.

40
00:02:58,439 --> 00:02:59,719
I was wrong.

41
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Madam,

42
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Miss Xie really knows
how to work things.

43
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Her man killed Lu Dahu

44
00:03:24,080 --> 00:03:25,199
and still got promoted.

45
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Yet General was the one punished.

46
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Mo's been demoted from third rank
to fourth.

47
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Now my child's future

48
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has even fewer prospects.

49
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Eat some more.

50
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Come sit down.

51
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Mr. Zhao, I was wrong.

52
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Okay?

53
00:04:25,199 --> 00:04:26,160
What's for dinner?

54
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Mr. Zhao, you've really lost weight.

55
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Why do you care?

56
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I'm not your father anyway,

57
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or your brother.

58
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You're Mr. Zhao.

59
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Happy now?

60
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I really was wrong, Mr. Zhao.

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I won't do it again.

62
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Again?

63
00:04:44,399 --> 00:04:45,759
If you're sorry, then eat.

64
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Mr. Zhao, you're going to choke me!

65
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Whatever. You're still finishing it.

66
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Got it?

67
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Mr. Zhao, I'm sorry!

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(Mother,)

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(I am far away in Ganlin,)

70
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(but all is well.)

71
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(Has your cough)

72
00:04:59,639 --> 00:05:00,680
(gotten any better?)

73
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(I've worried about you day and night.)

74
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(Please take good care of yourself.)

75
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Should we tell the Ninth Young Lady

76
00:05:07,160 --> 00:05:08,480
about the Old Madam's passing?

77
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Since she's cut ties with the family,

78
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let her stay free and far away
from all this.

79
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(Zhao Residence)

80
00:05:31,160 --> 00:05:32,839
Your favorite chilled sand-rice cakes.

81
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Zheng San bought them at the market
this morning.

82
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Just leave them there.

83
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Sanniang,

84
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steam two extra baskets
of mixed-grain buns later.

85
00:05:40,240 --> 00:05:42,000
Have Sen take them to the camp
this afternoon.

86
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For lunch,

87
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soak the dried radish until it's soft
and add a little salt.

88
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Blanch the wild greens from the backyard
and make a soup.

89
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And

90
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that salted fish Ms. Zhang
brought yesterday...

91
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just steam half of it.

92
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Let's make it last.

93
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All right.

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Sanniang, don't listen to her.

95
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She's always generous

96
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with the men and me,

97
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but stingy with herself.

98
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Mr. Zhao, what are you doing back?

99
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We live in town.

100
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If we want something,

101
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we can always buy it at the market.

102
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We can eat whatever we like
whenever we like.

103
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So of course we should save

104
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the good food for the men.

105
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Aren't you on duty today, Mr. Zhao?

106
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They're issuing grain today.

107
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I left Biao to keep an eye on things
at camp.

108
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I brought a few of the men

109
00:06:30,959 --> 00:06:32,279
back to Ganlin to reinforce the granary

110
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before the sandstorms hit.

111
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And I get

112
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a little break out of it,

113
00:06:39,199 --> 00:06:40,279
with an excuse to come home more often.

114
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The men can tag along

115
00:06:43,480 --> 00:06:44,560
and score a few hot meals too.

116
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Hurry up, everyone!

117
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Okay.

118
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What are you thinking about?

119
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You've got a big smile on your face.

120
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Tonight,

121
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I'm betting

122
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we're getting cured pork.

123
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Keep dreaming.

124
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Let's finish early

125
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and get home early.

126
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You got it!

127
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Come on!

128
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Put your backs into it!

129
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You got it!

130
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Don't worry, Yucheng.

131
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That's incredible.

132
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You said there'd be cured pork,

133
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and there really is!

134
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Someone must've tipped Sanniang off.

135
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Yeah.

136
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What a coincidence.

137
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Mr. Zhao,

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Miss Xie saved this specially for you.

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Jerky.

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Hey,

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the flatbread.

142
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You've got enough for the road.

143
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Okay.

144
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He just left like that?

145
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Miss Xie, what are you doing out here?

146
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Mr. Zhao said his promotion

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came with a raise,

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so he had someone bring you

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lotus seeds all the way from Yongning.

150
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By the time they sprout,

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he'll be home on leave.

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♪The past brushes by
like a falling leaf♪

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♪So light, yet my steps still pause
for you♪

154
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♪Through every rise and fall,
our memories remain without regret♪

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I'm leaving.

156
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♪Carved into the rings of time♪

157
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♪How I wish I could stay
a little longer, but I can't♪

158
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♪I turn away, afraid goodbye
will fill my eyes with tears♪

159
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♪Etched deep within my heart,
yet buried without a word♪

160
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♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

161
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♪Still makes us want to believe♪

162
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♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪

163
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♪I turn away, afraid no one
will ever come home to me again♪

164
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(Frontier Patrol)

165
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♪If we can build our future together,
no storm can chill my heart♪

166
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♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

167
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♪Still makes us want to believe♪

168
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♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪

169
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Miss Xie,

170
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a letter came from the capital.

171
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(The new emperor has ascended
the throne.)

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(He is in urgent need of capable men.)

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Ascended the throne...

174
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In that case,

175
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Mr. Zhao's promotion
to Battalion Commander

176
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has become more urgent than ever.

177
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(The Capital)

178
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(Revere Heaven and Honor the Ancestors)

179
00:13:14,920 --> 00:13:17,400
(Yu Guodong, Left Censor-in-Chief
of the Censorate)

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00:13:30,480 --> 00:13:32,920
(Revere Heaven and Honor the Ancestors)

181
00:13:34,279 --> 00:13:38,440
Long live Your Majesty!

182
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Your son

183
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is truly an exceptional young man.

184
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Lord Yu,

185
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you've raised him well.

186
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Congratulations.

187
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Doing well in his studies

188
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doesn't mean he'll make a good official.

189
00:13:55,399 --> 00:13:57,840
(Lord Liu, Right Vice Censor-in-Chief)
I hear the Ministry of Personnel

190
00:13:57,840 --> 00:13:58,919
is sending officials
to survey the northwest.

191
00:13:59,159 --> 00:13:59,720
I say

192
00:13:59,840 --> 00:14:01,360
they should take Young Lord Yu along.

193
00:14:02,039 --> 00:14:03,480
He can learn how things work early on,

194
00:14:04,320 --> 00:14:05,799
so when he joins one
of the Six Ministries,

195
00:14:05,919 --> 00:14:07,440
he'll know exactly what he's doing.

196
00:14:11,799 --> 00:14:12,559
If you'll

197
00:14:12,879 --> 00:14:13,559
excuse me.

198
00:14:18,960 --> 00:14:21,480
An inspection tour
is a very lucrative assignment.

199
00:14:22,519 --> 00:14:23,919
Why aren't you interested?

200
00:14:25,279 --> 00:14:26,960
I've benefited from our family's
influence long enough.

201
00:14:28,679 --> 00:14:29,840
From now on,

202
00:14:31,279 --> 00:14:32,440
I want to make my own name at court.

203
00:14:34,799 --> 00:14:36,039
Go home

204
00:14:37,679 --> 00:14:39,519
and see what your mother has to say.

205
00:14:42,240 --> 00:14:44,080
Your father told me today

206
00:14:44,320 --> 00:14:46,919
about an inspection assignment
in the northwest.

207
00:14:48,399 --> 00:14:50,279
I already turned Father down today.

208
00:14:50,399 --> 00:14:50,759
I don't want to...

209
00:14:50,759 --> 00:14:51,480
Good.

210
00:14:53,679 --> 00:14:55,200
Don't follow your father's plan.

211
00:14:56,159 --> 00:14:57,679
Stay right here

212
00:14:57,799 --> 00:14:58,879
and don't go anywhere.

213
00:14:59,440 --> 00:15:01,000
The Emperor has only
just taken the throne,

214
00:15:01,000 --> 00:15:02,559
and he needs capable men around him.

215
00:15:02,879 --> 00:15:04,120
You should stay

216
00:15:05,000 --> 00:15:06,440
at the Hanlin Academy.

217
00:15:06,960 --> 00:15:07,679
For one,

218
00:15:07,759 --> 00:15:09,120
you'll have regular access
to His Majesty.

219
00:15:09,240 --> 00:15:10,080
And for another,

220
00:15:10,080 --> 00:15:11,600
you'll be perfectly placed

221
00:15:13,000 --> 00:15:14,639
to handle confidential documents

222
00:15:14,799 --> 00:15:16,879
and draft imperial edicts.

223
00:15:16,960 --> 00:15:19,480
Those important duties will naturally
fall to someone close to the Emperor.

224
00:15:19,799 --> 00:15:21,840
That's so much better

225
00:15:21,840 --> 00:15:23,039
than trudging around
on inspection tours.

226
00:15:24,919 --> 00:15:26,399
So you absolutely must not go.

227
00:15:29,320 --> 00:15:31,240
Stay in the capital,
attend to your parents,

228
00:15:32,200 --> 00:15:33,840
and serve before His Majesty.

229
00:15:34,039 --> 00:15:35,399
That's the path you should take.

230
00:15:48,600 --> 00:15:49,519
I understand

231
00:15:50,200 --> 00:15:51,080
your concern, Mother.

232
00:15:52,879 --> 00:15:54,840
But something Father said today

233
00:15:55,360 --> 00:15:56,799
made everything clear to me.

234
00:15:58,440 --> 00:16:01,000
For more than twenty years,
this family has raised and protected me.

235
00:16:02,360 --> 00:16:04,480
Now it's time for me to repay that debt.

236
00:16:06,440 --> 00:16:07,600
The inspection may be difficult,

237
00:16:08,240 --> 00:16:08,960
but it would let me

238
00:16:09,200 --> 00:16:10,360
see how the people truly live

239
00:16:10,919 --> 00:16:11,919
and gain real experience.

240
00:16:13,799 --> 00:16:14,559
Besides,

241
00:16:15,480 --> 00:16:16,480
with the Yan family fallen,

242
00:16:16,679 --> 00:16:18,159
if we want to take control
of the northwest salt trade

243
00:16:18,159 --> 00:16:19,279
from Grand Secretary Liu's faction,

244
00:16:19,759 --> 00:16:20,759
we need someone

245
00:16:20,960 --> 00:16:22,840
from our own family whom we can trust.

246
00:16:23,679 --> 00:16:24,559
If I go,

247
00:16:24,759 --> 00:16:26,279
we can accomplish both at once.

248
00:16:28,879 --> 00:16:29,799
I hope, Mother,

249
00:16:30,120 --> 00:16:31,480
you'll allow me to leave.

250
00:16:38,320 --> 00:16:40,120
If you've already made up your mind,

251
00:16:41,399 --> 00:16:43,480
why come tell me all this?

252
00:16:44,679 --> 00:16:45,960
Do as you wish.

253
00:16:48,440 --> 00:16:49,759
Thank you, Mother.

254
00:16:52,080 --> 00:16:53,000
I'll take my leave.

255
00:17:02,480 --> 00:17:03,600
Go tell the master

256
00:17:04,559 --> 00:17:05,880
that I've persuaded him to go.

257
00:17:07,240 --> 00:17:09,200
Have him give the boy
a few more instructions

258
00:17:09,200 --> 00:17:10,279
about the family's important affairs.

259
00:17:11,799 --> 00:17:12,720
Yes, Madam.

260
00:17:13,080 --> 00:17:15,640
(Yu Residence)

261
00:17:22,279 --> 00:17:22,960
Young Madam.

262
00:17:29,640 --> 00:17:30,839
Put these away.

263
00:17:35,119 --> 00:17:36,279
Young Master said not to touch them.

264
00:17:36,640 --> 00:17:37,319
He said

265
00:17:37,319 --> 00:17:38,519
these old books are already damaged,

266
00:17:38,519 --> 00:17:39,440
which is a shame.

267
00:17:39,599 --> 00:17:41,519
He spent ages arranging the order
for restoring them.

268
00:17:41,519 --> 00:17:42,599
If it gets mixed up,

269
00:17:42,720 --> 00:17:44,079
he'll have to start all over again.

270
00:17:47,640 --> 00:17:49,319
But how does any of this
help his career?

271
00:17:50,799 --> 00:17:52,119
Doesn't he read enough

272
00:17:52,119 --> 00:17:53,279
all day at the Hanlin Academy?

273
00:17:54,640 --> 00:17:55,680
Why come home

274
00:17:56,279 --> 00:17:58,359
and waste time on work that isn't
even his responsibility?

275
00:18:04,000 --> 00:18:05,640
If you'd known Madam didn't like them,

276
00:18:06,480 --> 00:18:07,279
you might not have

277
00:18:07,279 --> 00:18:08,799
brought those old books home.

278
00:18:14,240 --> 00:18:15,279
Had I known...

279
00:18:16,599 --> 00:18:18,160
she might never have become Young Madam.

280
00:18:21,200 --> 00:18:22,759
Your personal misconduct

281
00:18:23,519 --> 00:18:25,079
got you demoted by Commander Wang.

282
00:18:26,960 --> 00:18:29,400
You nearly lost your hereditary post
altogether.

283
00:18:30,920 --> 00:18:32,559
With officials coming from the capital
for inspection,

284
00:18:33,039 --> 00:18:34,720
you need to seize the chance

285
00:18:34,960 --> 00:18:36,000
to get your old rank back.

286
00:18:36,839 --> 00:18:38,400
Easy for you to say.

287
00:18:39,000 --> 00:18:41,559
Getting reinstated isn't that simple.

288
00:18:42,000 --> 00:18:43,559
I need merit to my name.

289
00:18:43,799 --> 00:18:45,039
There's no war going on,

290
00:18:45,279 --> 00:18:46,839
so where am I supposed to find

291
00:18:46,960 --> 00:18:48,119
the military merit for a promotion?

292
00:18:48,359 --> 00:18:49,559
There's no need to rush.

293
00:18:52,039 --> 00:18:53,240
No need to rush?

294
00:18:54,440 --> 00:18:56,119
I've already given you three children!

295
00:18:57,759 --> 00:18:58,920
Madam Wang ordered

296
00:18:59,440 --> 00:19:01,599
a formal welcome
for the visiting inspectors.

297
00:19:02,960 --> 00:19:04,279
I pulled a few strings

298
00:19:05,119 --> 00:19:06,319
and got the assignment.

299
00:19:07,279 --> 00:19:08,759
I figured it would give the Mo family

300
00:19:09,160 --> 00:19:11,240
a chance to make a good impression
on the officials.

301
00:19:12,079 --> 00:19:14,079
As long as you don't mess it up,

302
00:19:14,680 --> 00:19:15,480
there'll still be

303
00:19:16,000 --> 00:19:17,400
other chances down the road.

304
00:19:20,680 --> 00:19:21,720
But, my dear,

305
00:19:22,359 --> 00:19:24,079
something just occurred to me.

306
00:19:25,200 --> 00:19:26,200
For the welcome ceremony,

307
00:19:26,200 --> 00:19:27,920
you'll need shehuo performances
and yangge dances.

308
00:19:27,920 --> 00:19:29,240
You're good at arranging
that sort of thing.

309
00:19:29,839 --> 00:19:32,559
But copying out the inspectors' roster

310
00:19:32,559 --> 00:19:34,079
takes a careful hand.

311
00:19:34,599 --> 00:19:35,839
You can't even read.

312
00:19:35,839 --> 00:19:37,160
You know I can't read,

313
00:19:38,000 --> 00:19:39,680
so get one of your men over here
to help.

314
00:19:40,359 --> 00:19:41,880
That won't do.

315
00:19:42,039 --> 00:19:43,400
To copy the roster,

316
00:19:43,519 --> 00:19:44,759
you don't just need to be literate.

317
00:19:44,880 --> 00:19:46,680
You need excellent handwriting too.

318
00:19:47,519 --> 00:19:48,720
Upside down.

319
00:19:50,000 --> 00:19:51,039
That's what I'm saying.

320
00:19:51,039 --> 00:19:53,400
The men in my camp are a rough bunch.

321
00:19:53,400 --> 00:19:55,200
They're no good at delicate work
like this.

322
00:19:55,559 --> 00:19:56,160
So...

323
00:19:57,839 --> 00:19:59,880
you'll have to ask Miss Xie.

324
00:20:00,960 --> 00:20:01,920
Ask her?

325
00:20:03,600 --> 00:20:05,279
(Zhao Residence)

326
00:20:05,279 --> 00:20:07,319
Why is it so unbearably hot today?

327
00:20:21,440 --> 00:20:22,440
Just knock, Madam.

328
00:20:22,440 --> 00:20:23,160
Don't rush me.

329
00:20:30,559 --> 00:20:32,000
Just knock, Madam.

330
00:20:33,400 --> 00:20:34,559
Can't you see I'm burning up?

331
00:20:34,559 --> 00:20:35,559
I'm drenched in sweat.

332
00:20:35,559 --> 00:20:36,759
Let me cool off first.

333
00:20:43,279 --> 00:20:43,920
Madam.

334
00:20:44,079 --> 00:20:45,480
Stop meddling.

335
00:20:56,799 --> 00:20:57,519
Madam,

336
00:20:57,680 --> 00:20:59,000
do you need something?

337
00:20:59,599 --> 00:21:00,119
No.

338
00:21:00,880 --> 00:21:01,720
Nothing in particular.

339
00:21:02,559 --> 00:21:03,440
I was just looking around.

340
00:21:03,839 --> 00:21:04,799
Just looking.

341
00:21:06,680 --> 00:21:08,160
(Visiting Inspectors)

342
00:21:12,079 --> 00:21:14,119
I heard you're in charge

343
00:21:14,119 --> 00:21:15,440
of welcoming the visiting inspectors.

344
00:21:15,640 --> 00:21:16,559
I was wondering

345
00:21:16,960 --> 00:21:18,759
if there's anything I can help with.

346
00:21:22,240 --> 00:21:23,400
Now that you mention it,

347
00:21:24,319 --> 00:21:25,640
there is one thing.

348
00:21:26,359 --> 00:21:26,960
I've

349
00:21:26,960 --> 00:21:28,200
seen a thing or two,

350
00:21:28,759 --> 00:21:29,559
and I'm

351
00:21:29,559 --> 00:21:30,519
pretty thorough when I do things.

352
00:21:30,880 --> 00:21:32,160
I know how to handle myself

353
00:21:32,440 --> 00:21:33,440
in most situations.

354
00:21:35,359 --> 00:21:36,680
But my handwriting

355
00:21:37,599 --> 00:21:38,799
is nothing to brag about.

356
00:21:39,759 --> 00:21:40,759
You're well educated,

357
00:21:41,279 --> 00:21:42,480
and you have beautiful handwriting.

358
00:21:43,519 --> 00:21:45,119
This is the inspectors' roster.

359
00:21:45,240 --> 00:21:46,279
Could you

360
00:21:47,519 --> 00:21:48,599
make a few copies for me?

361
00:21:55,640 --> 00:21:56,799
Since you're asking,

362
00:21:57,119 --> 00:21:57,920
of course

363
00:21:57,920 --> 00:21:59,200
I'll be happy to help.

364
00:21:59,559 --> 00:22:01,279
I knew I could count on you.

365
00:22:01,599 --> 00:22:02,200
Here, here.

366
00:22:02,200 --> 00:22:02,839
I'll carry that for you.

367
00:22:03,119 --> 00:22:03,960
Have some sense.

368
00:22:03,960 --> 00:22:04,440
Take it.

369
00:22:05,599 --> 00:22:06,160
Honestly,

370
00:22:06,400 --> 00:22:07,680
what good are men?

371
00:22:08,119 --> 00:22:09,920
All they do is pick on you.

372
00:22:11,359 --> 00:22:13,799
I heard this year's top scholar
is among the inspectors.

373
00:22:13,799 --> 00:22:14,560
(Yu Jingxiu, Compiler
of the Hanlin Academy)

374
00:22:15,480 --> 00:22:16,279
You've seen a lot of the world.

375
00:22:18,440 --> 00:22:19,519
Have you ever met a top scholar?

376
00:22:25,360 --> 00:22:27,680
(Yu Jingxiu, Junior Sixth Rank,
Compiler of the Hanlin Academy)

377
00:22:28,039 --> 00:22:29,519
The court sends inspectors

378
00:22:30,359 --> 00:22:31,759
to evaluate military officers

379
00:22:32,079 --> 00:22:33,279
on conduct, diligence, ability,
and performance.

380
00:22:33,480 --> 00:22:34,799
As long as I pass the inspection,

381
00:22:35,319 --> 00:22:36,799
once my military merit is reported
to the court,

382
00:22:37,160 --> 00:22:38,920
I'll become a junior fifth-rank
deputy battalion commander.

383
00:22:41,720 --> 00:22:43,200
From junior fifth to senior fifth,

384
00:22:43,559 --> 00:22:44,319
the path gets much easier.

385
00:22:47,839 --> 00:22:49,359
But the merit for those warhorses

386
00:22:50,119 --> 00:22:51,960
was reported nearly six months ago,

387
00:22:52,680 --> 00:22:54,279
and the court still hasn't responded.

388
00:22:56,519 --> 00:22:58,039
Jin Yuanbao sent word.

389
00:22:58,200 --> 00:23:00,279
After Yu Jingxiu became the top scholar,

390
00:23:00,279 --> 00:23:01,240
he entered the Hanlin Academy

391
00:23:01,599 --> 00:23:03,119
and became a compiler.

392
00:23:04,359 --> 00:23:05,680
What does it have to do
with an inspection?

393
00:23:06,759 --> 00:23:08,400
His showing up in Ganlin Town now

394
00:23:08,640 --> 00:23:10,240
probably means he's up to no good.

395
00:23:12,160 --> 00:23:13,559
You've never dealt with him.

396
00:23:13,880 --> 00:23:15,039
Back in Huaying,

397
00:23:15,039 --> 00:23:16,079
he hid his true intentions well.

398
00:23:16,920 --> 00:23:18,440
He's not someone to underestimate.

399
00:23:20,240 --> 00:23:20,839
Doesn't matter.

400
00:23:22,799 --> 00:23:24,440
Whatever he throws at us,
we'll deal with it.

401
00:23:25,200 --> 00:23:26,640
I'd like to see

402
00:23:27,000 --> 00:23:28,640
what he's really up to.

403
00:23:31,560 --> 00:23:34,160
(Ganlin Town)

404
00:23:37,559 --> 00:23:38,160
Young Master.

405
00:23:38,440 --> 00:23:39,200
All this fanfare

406
00:23:39,200 --> 00:23:40,319
must be for the top scholar,

407
00:23:40,319 --> 00:23:40,960
you.

408
00:23:41,160 --> 00:23:41,799
Too noisy.

409
00:23:44,799 --> 00:23:46,039
Find a quieter way around.

410
00:23:53,119 --> 00:23:54,000
What's going on?

411
00:23:54,720 --> 00:23:55,599
Looks like

412
00:23:55,680 --> 00:23:57,559
a cart up ahead got stuck.

413
00:24:02,319 --> 00:24:03,119
One more time.

414
00:24:05,039 --> 00:24:05,839
The cart's stuck?

415
00:24:07,480 --> 00:24:07,960
Come on.

416
00:24:07,960 --> 00:24:08,559
Let's help.

417
00:24:08,640 --> 00:24:09,039
All right.

418
00:24:11,839 --> 00:24:12,519
Thank you.

419
00:24:12,839 --> 00:24:13,440
Together.

420
00:24:13,440 --> 00:24:14,759
One, two, three.

421
00:24:15,200 --> 00:24:15,960
Here we go.

422
00:24:18,440 --> 00:24:19,519
Thank you, sir.

423
00:24:19,960 --> 00:24:21,000
I appreciate it.

424
00:24:21,640 --> 00:24:22,200
Thank you.

425
00:24:24,680 --> 00:24:25,720
Want to wash your hands?

426
00:24:26,319 --> 00:24:26,720
Here.

427
00:24:50,039 --> 00:24:51,160
How you doing?

428
00:24:53,640 --> 00:24:54,400
It's you.

429
00:24:57,759 --> 00:24:58,279
Let's go.

430
00:25:07,039 --> 00:25:07,839
Lord Liu,

431
00:25:08,000 --> 00:25:09,599
this is only part of our grain reserve.

432
00:25:09,599 --> 00:25:10,400
More

433
00:25:10,400 --> 00:25:11,640
will be brought in later.

434
00:25:14,640 --> 00:25:15,880
Very good.

435
00:25:16,440 --> 00:25:17,759
Supplies may be scarce,

436
00:25:17,759 --> 00:25:18,920
but they're well managed.

437
00:25:19,240 --> 00:25:20,079
My Lords,

438
00:25:20,720 --> 00:25:21,519
this is

439
00:25:21,599 --> 00:25:24,039
the list of officers up for promotion.

440
00:25:25,119 --> 00:25:26,440
The officer in charge
of military supplies

441
00:25:26,519 --> 00:25:27,319
is surnamed Zhao.

442
00:25:27,720 --> 00:25:29,319
He's been credited with merit as well.

443
00:25:29,400 --> 00:25:31,839
Please review the records.

444
00:25:35,360 --> 00:25:37,000
(Zhao Ling, Company Commander,
Ganlin Left Garrison)

445
00:25:37,480 --> 00:25:38,480
Commander Zhao...

446
00:25:40,440 --> 00:25:41,599
(Zhao Ling, Company Commander)
what is he like?

447
00:25:42,799 --> 00:25:43,440
My Lord,

448
00:25:43,839 --> 00:25:45,000
his name is Zhao Ling.

449
00:25:45,279 --> 00:25:46,519
His fiancee is Miss Xie.

450
00:25:46,759 --> 00:25:47,839
The two of them

451
00:25:47,839 --> 00:25:48,680
are quite well known in Ganlin.

452
00:25:52,920 --> 00:25:53,920
Commander Zhao

453
00:25:54,599 --> 00:25:55,920
has been in the army less than a year,

454
00:25:56,599 --> 00:25:57,440
yet he's already risen

455
00:25:57,440 --> 00:25:58,960
from a senior seventh-rank
banner commander

456
00:25:59,079 --> 00:26:01,160
to a junior fifth-rank
deputy battalion commander.

457
00:26:01,720 --> 00:26:03,200
A rise that fast

458
00:26:03,599 --> 00:26:05,039
is certainly unusual.

459
00:26:10,400 --> 00:26:11,480
Young Lord Yu,

460
00:26:12,119 --> 00:26:14,519
his record lays it all out clearly.

461
00:26:15,319 --> 00:26:16,440
Commander Zhao

462
00:26:16,519 --> 00:26:18,960
first solved the army's salt shortage,

463
00:26:19,200 --> 00:26:21,200
then captured dozens of fine warhorses.

464
00:26:21,799 --> 00:26:22,920
Those are hardly

465
00:26:23,000 --> 00:26:24,799
ordinary accomplishments.

466
00:26:26,240 --> 00:26:27,480
Indeed.

467
00:26:27,480 --> 00:26:28,400
Speaking of salt...

468
00:26:32,119 --> 00:26:33,079
To be frank, Commander Wang,

469
00:26:33,759 --> 00:26:35,240
my family comes
from Yongning Prefecture.

470
00:26:36,160 --> 00:26:37,480
There's a notorious salt smuggler there

471
00:26:38,200 --> 00:26:39,200
known as Jiuweijiao.

472
00:26:39,920 --> 00:26:40,680
His real name

473
00:26:42,359 --> 00:26:43,680
is also Zhao Ling.

474
00:26:44,920 --> 00:26:47,160
He just happens
to share Commander Zhao's name

475
00:26:47,559 --> 00:26:48,640
and hometown.

476
00:26:54,279 --> 00:26:57,160
Perhaps it's simply a coincidence.

477
00:26:59,720 --> 00:27:01,880
There's something you may not know,
Young Lord Yu.

478
00:27:03,160 --> 00:27:04,519
When Commander Zhao

479
00:27:04,799 --> 00:27:06,519
enlisted,

480
00:27:06,640 --> 00:27:08,599
he carried an imperial letter
of introduction.

481
00:27:10,279 --> 00:27:11,079
With His Majesty himself

482
00:27:11,079 --> 00:27:13,200
vouching for him,

483
00:27:13,480 --> 00:27:14,960
even if he did have

484
00:27:15,039 --> 00:27:16,200
some connection

485
00:27:16,200 --> 00:27:17,519
to that salt smuggler,

486
00:27:18,839 --> 00:27:20,640
surely it wouldn't matter.

487
00:27:36,480 --> 00:27:37,359
Zhao Ling.

488
00:27:38,079 --> 00:27:40,279
The inspector came all this way,

489
00:27:41,119 --> 00:27:44,480
and yours is the only name he circled.

490
00:27:45,160 --> 00:27:46,960
Do you have some history

491
00:27:47,160 --> 00:27:48,720
with Young Lord Yu?

492
00:27:52,279 --> 00:27:53,519
I'm an uneducated soldier.

493
00:27:54,839 --> 00:27:56,200
I have no ties

494
00:27:58,799 --> 00:27:59,680
to officials from the capital.

495
00:28:07,920 --> 00:28:10,079
I can choose not to ask about your past.

496
00:28:11,480 --> 00:28:14,319
But the inspector
has flagged your record.

497
00:28:14,559 --> 00:28:16,720
If you can't get past this yourself,

498
00:28:17,839 --> 00:28:19,440
there's nothing I can do for you.

499
00:28:36,559 --> 00:28:37,200
Commander Zhao.

500
00:28:39,759 --> 00:28:41,079
Thank you for the water earlier.

501
00:28:43,079 --> 00:28:44,200
No need to thank me, Young Lord Yu.

502
00:28:45,119 --> 00:28:46,039
Had I known it was you,

503
00:28:47,359 --> 00:28:48,079
I wouldn't have offered.

504
00:28:49,240 --> 00:28:49,880
Commander Zhao,

505
00:28:51,279 --> 00:28:53,240
that imperial letter may fool the army,

506
00:28:54,759 --> 00:28:56,119
but it doesn't fool me.

507
00:28:57,319 --> 00:28:58,519
Does His Majesty know

508
00:28:59,200 --> 00:29:00,559
that you and Miss Fu

509
00:29:00,920 --> 00:29:02,359
aren't the respectable couple
you claim to be,

510
00:29:03,039 --> 00:29:04,039
but a pair of lovers

511
00:29:04,559 --> 00:29:06,799
who ran away together in disgrace?

512
00:29:07,359 --> 00:29:08,799
How did you manage to deceive
His Majesty

513
00:29:08,799 --> 00:29:09,519
into vouching for you

514
00:29:09,519 --> 00:29:10,839
and getting you into the army?

515
00:29:11,000 --> 00:29:12,079
That's deceiving the Emperor.

516
00:29:16,079 --> 00:29:17,480
Watch your words, Young Lord Yu.

517
00:29:18,079 --> 00:29:19,440
My fiancee

518
00:29:19,880 --> 00:29:20,920
comes from a respectable family.

519
00:29:21,599 --> 00:29:22,519
Our marriage

520
00:29:22,519 --> 00:29:23,880
was approved by our elders.

521
00:29:24,559 --> 00:29:26,319
You're deliberately slandering her

522
00:29:26,519 --> 00:29:27,599
by claiming she's

523
00:29:28,200 --> 00:29:28,960
Miss Fu.

524
00:29:30,640 --> 00:29:31,759
Do you have any proof?

525
00:29:34,079 --> 00:29:35,680
I'm afraid if I produce the proof,

526
00:29:36,759 --> 00:29:38,359
it'll ruin Miss Fu's reputation,

527
00:29:38,960 --> 00:29:40,160
and then you won't dare admit
who she is.

528
00:29:41,759 --> 00:29:42,480
After all, she and I

529
00:29:43,400 --> 00:29:46,279
once met as a prospective match
with our elders present.

530
00:29:46,480 --> 00:29:47,640
She was certainly beautiful.

531
00:29:48,559 --> 00:29:49,359
But

532
00:29:50,119 --> 00:29:51,359
her character was beneath contempt.

533
00:29:51,759 --> 00:29:53,000
I wanted nothing to do with her.

534
00:29:56,000 --> 00:29:57,160
You know exactly

535
00:29:57,160 --> 00:29:58,720
what you did.

536
00:29:59,799 --> 00:30:01,960
And you still have the nerve
to smear her name?

537
00:30:03,240 --> 00:30:04,119
If it wasn't Zuo Junjie,

538
00:30:04,119 --> 00:30:05,119
then it was Zhao Junjie.

539
00:30:05,119 --> 00:30:07,079
Either way, she still ran off
with a man.

540
00:30:09,279 --> 00:30:10,200
So the accusation wasn't far off.

541
00:30:16,440 --> 00:30:18,440
Assaulting an imperial official?

542
00:30:19,839 --> 00:30:21,480
Do you ever want to return
to the capital?

543
00:30:43,680 --> 00:30:45,319
You're a beast in fine clothes.

544
00:30:51,240 --> 00:30:53,000
Ganlin Town is like a swamp.

545
00:30:55,920 --> 00:30:58,200
You have to walk over corpses
to carve a path forward.

546
00:30:58,319 --> 00:30:59,759
Ten lifetimes won't be enough
to get ahead.

547
00:31:01,200 --> 00:31:01,920
Coincidentally,

548
00:31:03,279 --> 00:31:04,640
you've run right into me.

549
00:31:05,359 --> 00:31:06,279
Want to turn things around?

550
00:31:07,319 --> 00:31:08,119
That's a bit difficult.

551
00:31:27,960 --> 00:31:28,599
Commander Zhao.

552
00:31:28,839 --> 00:31:29,720
Commander Wang gave orders.

553
00:31:29,920 --> 00:31:30,640
In three days,

554
00:31:30,880 --> 00:31:32,440
Young Lord Yu will inspect the stables.

555
00:31:32,960 --> 00:31:33,720
He wants you

556
00:31:33,720 --> 00:31:34,440
to prepare in advance

557
00:31:34,880 --> 00:31:35,720
for the inspection.

558
00:31:39,160 --> 00:31:39,880
Understood.

559
00:31:49,440 --> 00:31:50,640
Keep moving!

560
00:31:51,119 --> 00:31:52,640
Keep up, girls!

561
00:31:52,839 --> 00:31:53,720
Stop fooling around.

562
00:31:53,799 --> 00:31:54,640
Hurry up!

563
00:31:54,720 --> 00:31:56,440
Come on! A sandstorm's coming. Hurry!

564
00:31:56,440 --> 00:31:57,359
The wind's picking up!

565
00:31:57,680 --> 00:31:58,559
Come on!

566
00:31:58,640 --> 00:31:59,519
- Hurry up!
- Let's go!

567
00:32:00,240 --> 00:32:00,559
Go!

568
00:32:00,559 --> 00:32:01,200
Come on!

569
00:32:01,799 --> 00:32:03,039
Don't fall behind!

570
00:32:31,960 --> 00:32:33,759
(Ganlin Town is like a swamp.)

571
00:32:34,799 --> 00:32:36,960
(You have to walk over corpses
to carve a path forward.)

572
00:32:38,039 --> 00:32:39,640
(Ten lifetimes won't be enough
to get ahead.)

573
00:33:00,359 --> 00:33:02,519
If Ganlin is a swamp, as you say,

574
00:33:06,799 --> 00:33:08,400
then you can sink in it yourself.

575
00:33:10,920 --> 00:33:11,680
Yucheng.

576
00:33:11,920 --> 00:33:12,480
Yes?

577
00:33:12,839 --> 00:33:14,279
Find someone discreet.

578
00:33:16,319 --> 00:33:19,000
Have him loosen two nails
in the stable roof.

579
00:33:20,599 --> 00:33:21,640
A sandstorm is coming.

580
00:33:26,720 --> 00:33:28,319
It'll all look like an act of nature.

581
00:33:31,680 --> 00:33:33,359
(Advisory Hall)

582
00:33:33,359 --> 00:33:35,039
Young Lord Yu, welcome.

583
00:33:35,279 --> 00:33:36,559
Forgive me for not greeting you sooner.

584
00:33:36,559 --> 00:33:37,559
Young Lord Yu.

585
00:33:38,079 --> 00:33:39,400
Advisor Li,
you're a fourth-rank official.

586
00:33:39,400 --> 00:33:40,920
Why are you bowing

587
00:33:40,920 --> 00:33:41,880
to a sixth-rank official like me?

588
00:33:42,880 --> 00:33:44,839
You're inspecting the frontier
on your father's behalf.

589
00:33:45,240 --> 00:33:46,920
Your word

590
00:33:47,119 --> 00:33:49,119
carries Lord Yu's authority.

591
00:33:50,559 --> 00:33:52,200
Since you understand how this works,

592
00:33:52,440 --> 00:33:53,559
I'll get straight to the point.

593
00:33:55,559 --> 00:33:56,359
I've heard

594
00:33:59,039 --> 00:34:00,240
you have three offenses to your name.

595
00:34:01,680 --> 00:34:02,400
First,

596
00:34:03,000 --> 00:34:04,160
you withheld military funds,

597
00:34:04,160 --> 00:34:05,519
leaving the troops short on supplies

598
00:34:05,519 --> 00:34:06,480
and even without salt.

599
00:34:06,799 --> 00:34:07,599
Second,

600
00:34:08,239 --> 00:34:09,559
you seized civilian farmland,

601
00:34:09,559 --> 00:34:11,719
prompting over a hundred people
to file a joint petition.

602
00:34:11,840 --> 00:34:12,559
Third,

603
00:34:13,679 --> 00:34:15,239
you had an illicit affair with a widow.

604
00:34:15,960 --> 00:34:16,840
Young Lord Yu, I...

605
00:34:16,840 --> 00:34:17,159
This...

606
00:34:19,039 --> 00:34:20,360
But you also have three achievements.

607
00:34:26,679 --> 00:34:28,280
You built frontier fortifications

608
00:34:28,280 --> 00:34:29,519
and put down unrest
among displaced villagers.

609
00:34:31,000 --> 00:34:32,840
After the Yan family in Yongning fell,

610
00:34:34,000 --> 00:34:35,639
you took over the northwest salt trade.

611
00:34:35,800 --> 00:34:36,559
And the books

612
00:34:37,199 --> 00:34:38,599
have been kept remarkably clean.

613
00:34:41,719 --> 00:34:42,480
My Lord,

614
00:34:42,719 --> 00:34:44,159
if my little operation

615
00:34:44,239 --> 00:34:45,800
is worth your attention,

616
00:34:45,880 --> 00:34:46,360
then

617
00:34:46,480 --> 00:34:48,559
I'm willing to hand over the entire
northwest salt operation

618
00:34:49,000 --> 00:34:50,239
to you

619
00:34:50,559 --> 00:34:51,599
without taking a share for myself.

620
00:34:55,920 --> 00:34:57,199
The Yu family can protect you.

621
00:34:57,400 --> 00:34:58,400
I ask only one thing.

622
00:34:59,079 --> 00:34:59,840
This arrangement

623
00:35:01,480 --> 00:35:02,960
must remain discreet.

624
00:35:04,280 --> 00:35:05,519
Understood.

625
00:35:06,400 --> 00:35:07,199
One more thing.

626
00:35:09,199 --> 00:35:10,239
I hear

627
00:35:10,519 --> 00:35:11,400
a man who enlisted

628
00:35:11,400 --> 00:35:13,840
here in Ganlin this year is named

629
00:35:14,440 --> 00:35:15,239
Zhao Ling.

630
00:35:15,679 --> 00:35:16,760
Zhao Ling?

631
00:35:18,079 --> 00:35:19,199
Yes, that's right.

632
00:35:20,360 --> 00:35:21,880
Zhao Ling has accomplished

633
00:35:21,880 --> 00:35:23,880
something remarkable
these past six months.

634
00:35:23,880 --> 00:35:26,119
He captured thirty fine warhorses.

635
00:35:26,320 --> 00:35:27,519
It's one of the greatest feats

636
00:35:27,519 --> 00:35:29,920
Ganlin has ever seen.

637
00:35:30,199 --> 00:35:32,039
Perhaps they weren't warhorses at all,

638
00:35:32,039 --> 00:35:32,599
but

639
00:35:33,480 --> 00:35:34,519
civilian horses?

640
00:35:35,360 --> 00:35:37,199
Surely you jest, Young Lord Yu.

641
00:35:37,480 --> 00:35:38,599
If they were civilian horses,

642
00:35:38,599 --> 00:35:39,639
that wouldn't be merit.

643
00:35:39,719 --> 00:35:41,679
It would be a capital offense.

644
00:35:41,920 --> 00:35:43,440
Commander Zhao is an honorable man.

645
00:35:49,440 --> 00:35:51,880
Thank you for pointing that out,
Young Lord Yu.

646
00:35:53,079 --> 00:35:54,079
I happen

647
00:35:54,079 --> 00:35:55,599
to know a few horse ranchers.

648
00:35:56,559 --> 00:35:58,119
I'll ask whether

649
00:35:58,239 --> 00:36:00,679
any of them have lost good horses
in the past six months.

650
00:36:00,920 --> 00:36:02,320
And if they all insist

651
00:36:02,760 --> 00:36:05,159
that Zhao Ling stole their horses,

652
00:36:05,920 --> 00:36:08,400
then it won't be some legendary
military feat.

653
00:36:08,639 --> 00:36:09,880
It'll mean Zhao Ling

654
00:36:10,000 --> 00:36:11,760
murdered civilians
and claimed false military credit...

655
00:36:12,239 --> 00:36:13,159
a capital offense.

656
00:36:17,920 --> 00:36:19,840
Plant these civilian horseshoes
in the stable,

657
00:36:20,000 --> 00:36:21,159
and Zhao Ling will be finished.

658
00:36:21,480 --> 00:36:22,440
For something this simple,

659
00:36:22,639 --> 00:36:24,159
I can have someone take care of it.

660
00:36:24,400 --> 00:36:25,880
There's no need for you
to do it yourself.

661
00:36:26,320 --> 00:36:27,079
I hear

662
00:36:27,639 --> 00:36:28,800
there's a sandstorm coming today.

663
00:36:29,679 --> 00:36:31,760
Advisor Li and everyone in the army
keep saying

664
00:36:32,840 --> 00:36:34,320
Zhao Ling has achieved

665
00:36:35,199 --> 00:36:37,079
some extraordinary feat.

666
00:36:37,920 --> 00:36:39,639
I was born into the Yu family
of Yongning.

667
00:36:40,360 --> 00:36:41,920
My father holds high office.

668
00:36:43,199 --> 00:36:44,800
I studied for more than a decade

669
00:36:45,239 --> 00:36:46,599
to place first
in the imperial examination

670
00:36:46,920 --> 00:36:48,280
and earn His Majesty's favor,

671
00:36:48,679 --> 00:36:50,920
yet I'm still only a junior sixth-rank
Hanlin compiler.

672
00:36:52,719 --> 00:36:53,760
And Zhao Ling?

673
00:36:55,079 --> 00:36:56,960
He was a nobody.

674
00:36:57,039 --> 00:36:58,760
He's been in Ganlin for less
than a year,

675
00:36:59,800 --> 00:37:01,599
and he's already risen
to junior fifth rank.

676
00:37:06,079 --> 00:37:07,679
I'd like to see for myself

677
00:37:09,239 --> 00:37:10,320
just what kind

678
00:37:11,400 --> 00:37:13,920
of extraordinary feat
he supposedly pulled off.

679
00:37:22,160 --> 00:37:23,840
(Horse Garrison)

680
00:37:23,840 --> 00:37:24,559
Young Lord Yu.

681
00:37:24,760 --> 00:37:25,960
Commander Zhao sent men

682
00:37:25,960 --> 00:37:27,000
to take inventory a few days ago.

683
00:37:27,159 --> 00:37:28,440
But with a sandstorm coming today,

684
00:37:28,519 --> 00:37:30,840
all the horses must
be moved underground for shelter.

685
00:37:31,039 --> 00:37:32,880
I'm afraid you won't be able
to inspect them today.

686
00:37:33,039 --> 00:37:33,639
That's fine.

687
00:37:34,559 --> 00:37:36,199
I'll wait here until the storm passes.

688
00:37:37,440 --> 00:37:38,599
Go tell Commander Zhao

689
00:37:39,679 --> 00:37:41,400
I'll conduct a preliminary inspection
today.

690
00:37:42,039 --> 00:37:42,639
Another day,

691
00:37:43,119 --> 00:37:44,880
I'll return with the other officials
for a full inspection.

692
00:37:45,159 --> 00:37:45,599
Yes, sir.

693
00:37:51,360 --> 00:37:52,400
Hide them well.

694
00:37:52,679 --> 00:37:53,159
Yes.

695
00:38:01,760 --> 00:38:02,880
Why is the storm here so soon?

696
00:38:22,679 --> 00:38:23,960
Miss Xie, slow down!

697
00:38:26,719 --> 00:38:27,960
Miss Xie, slow down!

698
00:38:36,880 --> 00:38:37,519
Miss Xie.

699
00:38:38,079 --> 00:38:39,519
I think someone's in the stable.

700
00:38:41,599 --> 00:38:43,000
I'll go check.

701
00:38:43,000 --> 00:38:43,519
Sanniang,

702
00:38:43,519 --> 00:38:44,559
go get help.

703
00:38:44,559 --> 00:38:45,320
Wait, Miss Xie!

704
00:39:20,119 --> 00:39:21,079
You?

705
00:39:21,800 --> 00:39:22,960
What are you doing here?

706
00:39:25,440 --> 00:39:26,559
Why did you save me?

707
00:39:27,320 --> 00:39:29,119
Do you know what really happened
back in Huaying...?

708
00:39:29,239 --> 00:39:30,480
Shut your mouth.

709
00:39:46,000 --> 00:39:47,119
Push!

710
00:39:48,199 --> 00:39:49,239
Push!

711
00:39:57,679 --> 00:39:58,480
Mr. Zhao!

712
00:39:58,480 --> 00:39:58,920
What are you doing here?

713
00:39:58,920 --> 00:39:59,559
Miss Xie!

714
00:39:59,559 --> 00:40:00,719
She came to get the bamboo slips.

715
00:40:00,719 --> 00:40:01,920
The stable collapsed,

716
00:40:01,920 --> 00:40:02,719
and she went inside to save someone!

717
00:40:02,719 --> 00:40:03,400
Hurry!

718
00:40:03,400 --> 00:40:04,400
Go check on her!

719
00:40:05,159 --> 00:40:05,760
No.

720
00:40:06,800 --> 00:40:07,400
Mr. Zhao!

721
00:40:23,800 --> 00:40:25,119
Why did you really save me?

722
00:40:26,000 --> 00:40:27,559
I'd even help a stray dog

723
00:40:28,000 --> 00:40:28,960
if I found it hurt by the roadside.

724
00:40:29,920 --> 00:40:31,239
Besides, I need you alive

725
00:40:31,719 --> 00:40:32,800
to sign that written confession.

726
00:40:33,360 --> 00:40:35,199
Does that confession really mean
that much to you?

727
00:40:36,480 --> 00:40:37,800
One wrong move today,

728
00:40:38,519 --> 00:40:39,760
and you could've died here too.

729
00:40:40,800 --> 00:40:42,280
Dying alongside someone you hate...

730
00:40:43,199 --> 00:40:43,960
was that worth it?

731
00:40:48,440 --> 00:40:48,960
Tingyun.

732
00:40:49,679 --> 00:40:50,280
Tingyun!

733
00:40:51,000 --> 00:40:51,559
Tingyun!

734
00:40:52,400 --> 00:40:53,079
Tingyun!

735
00:40:56,519 --> 00:40:57,239
Mr. Zhao!

736
00:41:01,000 --> 00:41:01,679
Mr. Zhao!

737
00:41:03,719 --> 00:41:04,280
Tingyun!

738
00:41:06,599 --> 00:41:07,199
Mr. Zhao.

739
00:41:07,199 --> 00:41:07,719
Are you all right?

740
00:41:09,320 --> 00:41:10,119
I'm fine.

741
00:41:34,440 --> 00:41:35,440
The storm just passed.

742
00:41:36,679 --> 00:41:37,320
You...

743
00:41:39,119 --> 00:41:40,119
Go home and wait for me.

744
00:41:40,400 --> 00:41:41,280
I'll be back soon.

745
00:41:44,400 --> 00:41:44,960
Sanniang.

746
00:41:47,400 --> 00:41:48,960
Miss Xie, are you hurt?

747
00:41:49,800 --> 00:41:50,360
Let's go home.

748
00:41:51,079 --> 00:41:51,760
Come on.

749
00:41:51,920 --> 00:41:52,719
Let's get you home.

750
00:42:10,440 --> 00:42:11,840
Ganlin's military stables

751
00:42:11,840 --> 00:42:13,440
have always been built like a fortress.

752
00:42:14,639 --> 00:42:16,159
Funny how they collapsed
the moment I arrived.

753
00:42:16,639 --> 00:42:18,119
Can you look her in the eye

754
00:42:18,199 --> 00:42:19,239
and swear to Heaven

755
00:42:19,239 --> 00:42:20,320
that you had nothing to do with this?

756
00:42:20,480 --> 00:42:21,599
Can you swear

757
00:42:23,199 --> 00:42:24,239
you didn't tamper with it?

758
00:42:29,639 --> 00:42:31,880
You came all the way here in a sandstorm

759
00:42:32,320 --> 00:42:33,639
just to plant this

760
00:42:33,639 --> 00:42:34,440
and frame me!

761
00:42:54,920 --> 00:42:57,000
She was born a lady of a noble house.

762
00:42:58,840 --> 00:43:00,480
Now she wears rough clothes
and eats plain food,

763
00:43:00,960 --> 00:43:02,840
her hands scarred from hard labor,

764
00:43:02,840 --> 00:43:04,639
no different from the farm women
of Ganlin.

765
00:43:08,039 --> 00:43:09,320
I have only one question.

766
00:43:11,760 --> 00:43:12,599
Why

767
00:43:13,639 --> 00:43:15,440
would you let a jewel like her be buried
in the dust?

768
00:43:21,200 --> 00:43:23,760
(Next Episode)

769
00:43:50,199 --> 00:43:51,440
Tingyun.

770
00:43:52,440 --> 00:43:53,400
I want to ask you something.

771
00:43:55,840 --> 00:43:57,320
When we're married someday,

772
00:43:58,559 --> 00:44:00,000
what kind of couple
do you hope we'll be?

773
00:44:14,680 --> 00:44:19,000
♪The past brushes by
like a falling leaf♪

774
00:44:22,600 --> 00:44:26,960
♪So light, yet my steps still pause
for you♪

775
00:44:29,080 --> 00:44:33,720
♪Through every rise and fall,
our memories remain without regret♪

776
00:44:33,960 --> 00:44:36,760
♪Carved into the rings of time♪

777
00:44:37,920 --> 00:44:42,560
♪How I wish I could stay
a little longer, but I can't♪

778
00:44:45,760 --> 00:44:52,600
♪I turn away, afraid goodbye will fill
my eyes with tears♪

779
00:44:53,480 --> 00:45:00,000
♪Etched deep within my heart,
yet buried without a word♪

780
00:45:00,960 --> 00:45:04,400
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

781
00:45:04,920 --> 00:45:09,120
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

782
00:45:09,400 --> 00:45:15,080
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪

783
00:45:27,200 --> 00:45:31,080
♪For one fleeting moment, I found you
in the crowd♪

784
00:45:35,000 --> 00:45:39,000
♪Without a word, you lit up
half my life♪

785
00:45:40,720 --> 00:45:45,400
♪In silence, a love too deep for words♪

786
00:45:45,720 --> 00:45:48,400
♪Kept close within my heart♪

787
00:45:49,480 --> 00:45:54,320
♪From now on, no one else
is worth waiting for♪

788
00:45:57,840 --> 00:46:04,760
♪I turn away, afraid no one
will ever come home to me again♪

789
00:46:05,640 --> 00:46:12,120
♪If we can build our future together,
no storm can chill my heart♪

790
00:46:13,000 --> 00:46:16,520
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

791
00:46:16,960 --> 00:46:21,320
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

792
00:46:21,520 --> 00:46:27,240
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪