1
00:00:18,111 --> 00:00:19,168
Your Honour.

2
00:00:19,249 --> 00:00:21,927
Here are all the exam papers of this year's humble scholars.

3
00:00:22,010 --> 00:00:23,625
(His Majesty begins a new round of exams.)

4
00:00:23,649 --> 00:00:24,869
(This is intended to help those from modest backgrounds.)

5
00:00:24,893 --> 00:00:28,766
(So, these scholars are eager to reach the top overnight.)

6
00:00:29,235 --> 00:00:31,400
- (How ridiculous.) - (Exactly.)

7
00:00:32,273 --> 00:00:35,470
(This essay discusses contemporary issues and maintenance of rivers.)

8
00:00:35,551 --> 00:00:37,129
(They are just full of arrogance and courage.)

9
00:00:37,153 --> 00:00:38,804
No wonder the Crown Prince told us

10
00:00:38,885 --> 00:00:42,000
to control these humble scholars.

11
00:00:43,330 --> 00:00:44,720
Just look at what they wrote.

12
00:00:49,680 --> 00:00:53,920
(Shen Xiao)

13
00:01:01,943 --> 00:01:03,830
Ambitions that no one cares about...

14
00:01:03,911 --> 00:01:05,926
An unnoticed talent...

15
00:01:10,090 --> 00:01:12,440
All it did was keep my hands warm.

16
00:01:21,193 --> 00:01:23,019
I will inform the Crown Prince

17
00:01:23,223 --> 00:01:24,838
that everything is running as usual.

18
00:02:26,445 --> 00:02:32,880
(Shadow Lord)

19
00:03:03,417 --> 00:03:04,631
Princess.

20
00:03:05,345 --> 00:03:07,123
The Crown Prince and the examiners were still in the Fengqi Pavilion.

21
00:03:07,147 --> 00:03:09,147
But the Second Prince had just appeared with his men.

22
00:03:12,673 --> 00:03:15,200
Then we might as well put on a good show.

23
00:03:15,367 --> 00:03:17,342
This one, this one,

24
00:03:17,586 --> 00:03:18,839
and this one too.

25
00:03:25,745 --> 00:03:26,782
Forget it.

26
00:03:26,895 --> 00:03:28,590
I'm in a good mood today.

27
00:03:28,713 --> 00:03:30,367
Let them all come with me.

28
00:03:30,762 --> 00:03:33,043
- Thank you, Your Majesty. - Thank you, Your Majesty.

29
00:03:44,026 --> 00:03:45,180
The Second Prince is here for investigation!

30
00:03:45,204 --> 00:03:47,044
No one is allowed to leave without permission!

31
00:03:55,145 --> 00:03:56,960
- Find the place. - Yes!

32
00:04:07,628 --> 00:04:08,864
Come on.

33
00:04:15,730 --> 00:04:16,944
Your Honour.

34
00:04:17,186 --> 00:04:18,586
The Princess is in Fengqi Pavilion.

35
00:04:20,446 --> 00:04:23,800
(Fengqi Pavilion)

36
00:04:28,666 --> 00:04:29,880
Second Prince.

37
00:04:34,659 --> 00:04:36,273
To what do I owe this, Second Brother?

38
00:04:36,672 --> 00:04:38,487
You are scaring my beauty here.

39
00:04:39,456 --> 00:04:40,831
Where is the Crown Prince?

40
00:04:41,017 --> 00:04:42,257
Someone sent a secret report

41
00:04:42,368 --> 00:04:44,232
that the Crown Prince had cheated on the latest imperial examination

42
00:04:44,256 --> 00:04:47,069
and secretly meet with the examiner here.

43
00:04:47,290 --> 00:04:48,623
You all can go.

44
00:04:50,674 --> 00:04:53,440
Second Brother, the Crown Prince has never even been here.

45
00:04:53,590 --> 00:04:55,590
You should not frame the heir to the throne.

46
00:04:56,649 --> 00:04:57,863
Frame him?

47
00:04:59,552 --> 00:05:00,960
Look for that place.

48
00:05:16,057 --> 00:05:17,271
Your Honour.

49
00:05:17,391 --> 00:05:18,966
We shouldn't linger here.

50
00:05:24,681 --> 00:05:26,055
Let him deal with it.

51
00:05:51,122 --> 00:05:52,817
The broken rope has been bothering His Majesty.

52
00:05:52,841 --> 00:05:54,538
I humbly pray for Your Majesty's forgiveness.

53
00:05:54,562 --> 00:05:57,255
Don't let such trivial things spoil your fun.

54
00:06:33,194 --> 00:06:34,728
What an interesting person.

55
00:06:36,401 --> 00:06:38,416
You will be the head slut today.

56
00:06:42,898 --> 00:06:44,815
Nights like this are precious.

57
00:06:44,914 --> 00:06:47,034
Second Brother, are you here to witness the ceremony?

58
00:06:47,297 --> 00:06:48,511
Absurd.

59
00:06:48,961 --> 00:06:51,016
You act shamelessly.

60
00:06:51,376 --> 00:06:53,456
Aren't you afraid that the Empress will find out?

61
00:06:58,809 --> 00:07:00,023
Your Honour.

62
00:07:02,834 --> 00:07:04,634
We've looked everywhere. Nothing appeared.

63
00:07:06,177 --> 00:07:08,432
This was nothing new for the noble ladies of the Ye Dynasty

64
00:07:08,456 --> 00:07:10,972
to find a handsome friend for fun.

65
00:07:11,201 --> 00:07:13,016
Moreover, Empress Cui came from a noble family.

66
00:07:13,040 --> 00:07:14,400
He is used to being served.

67
00:07:14,557 --> 00:07:16,372
He doesn't know how to please a woman.

68
00:07:17,810 --> 00:07:19,583
The pleasure of indoor space

69
00:07:21,107 --> 00:07:23,120
is something you have to find out for yourself.

70
00:07:29,290 --> 00:07:30,504
Let's go.

71
00:07:41,714 --> 00:07:43,024
Take a closer look.

72
00:07:43,105 --> 00:07:44,240
Yes.

73
00:07:53,818 --> 00:07:55,152
Take me to bed.

74
00:08:09,755 --> 00:08:11,729
You are not from Xianke Bordello.

75
00:08:11,978 --> 00:08:14,218
You disguised yourself as a prostitute and approached me.

76
00:08:14,955 --> 00:08:16,529
Who sent you?

77
00:08:21,650 --> 00:08:22,864
Nobody sent me.

78
00:08:23,122 --> 00:08:24,447
I just know that

79
00:08:25,035 --> 00:08:27,860
His Majesty does not want this matter to be known by the Second Prince.

80
00:08:29,906 --> 00:08:31,529
I am just a bachelor from a simple family.

81
00:08:31,553 --> 00:08:33,473
Even though the Ye Dynasty had held a new test,

82
00:08:33,569 --> 00:08:36,663
I know very well that success depends on it

83
00:08:37,642 --> 00:08:39,537
recommendations made outside the exam room.

84
00:08:41,283 --> 00:08:43,228
So, I beg Your Majesty

85
00:08:45,324 --> 00:08:46,978
to review my submission

86
00:08:47,091 --> 00:08:49,351
and recommended me a path to a brighter future.

87
00:08:52,410 --> 00:08:53,930
Since you come from a humble background,

88
00:08:54,001 --> 00:08:56,398
You heard why the Second Prince came here.

89
00:08:56,479 --> 00:08:58,294
Why don't you hand over the jade pendant to him?

90
00:08:59,058 --> 00:09:00,848
The search for the Second Prince was just a pretext.

91
00:09:00,872 --> 00:09:02,802
His real goal was a power struggle with the Crown Prince.

92
00:09:02,826 --> 00:09:04,880
If I had offered her the pendant,

93
00:09:05,203 --> 00:09:06,896
I would just be asking for trouble.

94
00:09:07,682 --> 00:09:09,215
I'm not looking for trouble.

95
00:09:09,689 --> 00:09:11,689
I just want to get His Majesty's recommendation

96
00:09:11,746 --> 00:09:13,767
through my talent and ambition.

97
00:09:26,801 --> 00:09:28,015
Daughter.

98
00:09:28,096 --> 00:09:29,310
Are you okay?

99
00:09:33,778 --> 00:09:34,992
This...

100
00:09:41,765 --> 00:09:43,238
Recommendation?

101
00:09:43,370 --> 00:09:45,004
How impressive for a humble scholar.

102
00:09:47,570 --> 00:09:49,103
To gain fame and official rank,

103
00:09:49,425 --> 00:09:52,200
you used despicable means to offer yourself to me.

104
00:09:52,715 --> 00:09:53,929
I do not dare.

105
00:09:54,650 --> 00:09:56,624
This was not my doing at all.

106
00:09:56,722 --> 00:09:58,480
I will find the antidote now.

107
00:10:05,378 --> 00:10:06,911
Do it well.

108
00:10:08,289 --> 00:10:09,880
As for your recommendations,

109
00:10:10,066 --> 00:10:11,560
we'll discuss that later.

110
00:11:54,425 --> 00:11:56,318
(Even though he is arrogant and domineering, )

111
00:11:57,353 --> 00:11:58,567
(he...)

112
00:12:10,745 --> 00:12:11,959
(This...)

113
00:12:17,338 --> 00:12:18,552
Resign!

114
00:12:30,059 --> 00:12:31,135
This is your gift.

115
00:12:31,329 --> 00:12:32,543
Go out.

116
00:12:38,849 --> 00:12:40,129
What do you mean, Your Majesty?

117
00:12:40,497 --> 00:12:43,407
The medicine in the wine wasn't my doing, and you promised me...

118
00:12:43,488 --> 00:12:45,840
I would never recommend someone so shameless.

119
00:12:46,138 --> 00:12:48,489
Don't you, humble scholars, value integrity and honor above all else?

120
00:12:48,513 --> 00:12:50,550
But your skill in selling yourself for progress

121
00:12:50,689 --> 00:12:52,840
even surpassing the prostitute Xianke Bordello.

122
00:12:53,593 --> 00:12:56,553
If you are willing to serve the nobles, why bother taking the imperial examination?

123
00:12:56,633 --> 00:12:59,033
You should feel comfortable being a slut.

124
00:13:06,483 --> 00:13:08,520
You are truly a special daughter.

125
00:13:08,698 --> 00:13:10,272
Last night, you were the one who announced me

126
00:13:10,296 --> 00:13:11,924
head courtesan before the Second Prince.

127
00:13:11,948 --> 00:13:13,681
But today, you deny everything.

128
00:13:14,004 --> 00:13:16,285
You play with people's hearts and ignore your promises.

129
00:13:17,330 --> 00:13:18,904
If we talk about shamelessness,

130
00:13:19,858 --> 00:13:21,672
Your Majesty deserves it more than me.

131
00:13:22,530 --> 00:13:23,744
Goodbye.

132
00:13:29,265 --> 00:13:31,039
He's really grumpy.

133
00:13:37,193 --> 00:13:38,271
Daughter.

134
00:13:38,370 --> 00:13:40,904
Last night, did the fake show become real?

135
00:13:44,035 --> 00:13:45,312
My body is mine to control.

136
00:13:45,466 --> 00:13:46,839
Fun is the main thing.

137
00:13:49,496 --> 00:13:51,341
It seems that His Majesty respects him very much.

138
00:13:51,802 --> 00:13:53,095
That rarely happens.

139
00:13:53,218 --> 00:13:55,048
That Cui has had savings for many years.

140
00:13:55,129 --> 00:13:58,262
Does he still expect you to maintain his reputation now?

141
00:13:58,530 --> 00:13:59,744
Shameless.

142
00:14:01,682 --> 00:14:02,719
Last night,

143
00:14:02,855 --> 00:14:04,077
I slept very well.

144
00:14:04,158 --> 00:14:05,451
Not a single dream all night.

145
00:14:06,170 --> 00:14:08,774
Maybe this drug also has a calming effect?

146
00:14:09,609 --> 00:14:11,543
Love beans have no such properties.

147
00:14:11,867 --> 00:14:12,897
Over the years,

148
00:14:12,978 --> 00:14:15,192
You are haunted by nightmares, barely able to sleep at night.

149
00:14:15,216 --> 00:14:16,869
Why were you suddenly able to rest well last night?

150
00:14:16,893 --> 00:14:19,261
Maybe it's not the medicine that works,

151
00:14:19,449 --> 00:14:20,663
but the person?

152
00:14:23,696 --> 00:14:24,761
(You play with people's hearts)

153
00:14:24,785 --> 00:14:26,224
and ignore your promises.

154
00:14:26,305 --> 00:14:28,963
(If we're talking about shamelessness, His Majesty deserves it more than I do.)

155
00:14:28,987 --> 00:14:31,947
This medicine didn't seem like something a humble scholar could obtain.

156
00:14:32,058 --> 00:14:33,912
It seemed that it wasn't Second Brother's doing either.

157
00:14:34,722 --> 00:14:36,696
Maybe the person who set me up

158
00:14:36,898 --> 00:14:39,152
nothing to do with court politics.

159
00:14:39,844 --> 00:14:44,733
(Hugging my pillow)

160
00:14:44,845 --> 00:14:48,920
(I lie down near the north window, )

161
00:14:49,083 --> 00:14:51,314
(my lover comes)

162
00:14:51,395 --> 00:14:57,367
(and we laughed together.)

163
00:14:57,772 --> 00:15:01,533
(So many little joys, )

164
00:15:01,614 --> 00:15:06,400
(so many surprises, )

165
00:15:06,806 --> 00:15:11,128
(how long can)

166
00:15:11,277 --> 00:15:15,440
(does this softness last long?)

167
00:15:15,817 --> 00:15:17,880
So many little joys, so many surprises,

168
00:15:18,091 --> 00:15:19,905
How long can this tenderness last?

169
00:15:21,930 --> 00:15:23,144
Beautiful song.

170
00:15:23,786 --> 00:15:25,142
Mr. Cui, if you like it,

171
00:15:25,254 --> 00:15:26,669
I will sing it to you every day.

172
00:15:27,034 --> 00:15:28,591
But today,

173
00:15:28,769 --> 00:15:30,743
You must return to the Princess's residence.

174
00:15:30,889 --> 00:15:32,704
No matter what, you are still the Prince Consort.

175
00:15:33,662 --> 00:15:36,023
Just say what you want to say.

176
00:15:37,858 --> 00:15:40,256
I heard it last night,

177
00:15:40,378 --> 00:15:42,552
Princess Zhao Yang is in Xianke Bordello,

178
00:15:43,410 --> 00:15:44,920
meet a boy friend.

179
00:15:46,937 --> 00:15:48,015
I think it is

180
00:15:48,162 --> 00:15:49,947
if you come back today,

181
00:15:50,116 --> 00:15:52,290
the rumors will self-destruct.

182
00:16:00,290 --> 00:16:02,239
He deliberately let the news slip

183
00:16:02,384 --> 00:16:04,580
because he wanted certain people to hear it.

184
00:16:04,721 --> 00:16:07,000
He was only acting on behalf of the Crown Prince.

185
00:16:07,180 --> 00:16:08,675
Why take it so seriously?

186
00:16:10,913 --> 00:16:12,368
But what if

187
00:16:13,411 --> 00:16:15,644
the Princess actually made the act come true?

188
00:16:19,010 --> 00:16:21,144
You always know how to act with restraint

189
00:16:21,599 --> 00:16:22,908
and understanding when to move forward and when to step back.

190
00:16:22,932 --> 00:16:24,867
That's what I like most about you.

191
00:16:24,994 --> 00:16:26,208
Do you understand?

192
00:16:30,116 --> 00:16:31,960
I have crossed the line.

193
00:16:41,328 --> 00:16:46,120
(East Palace)

194
00:17:13,082 --> 00:17:15,560
His Majesty spent the night at Xianke Bordello last night.

195
00:17:17,962 --> 00:17:20,496
If so, where do you spend the night?

196
00:17:23,298 --> 00:17:24,591
Don't forget,

197
00:17:25,393 --> 00:17:27,671
you are now the wife of the Cui family.

198
00:17:27,841 --> 00:17:30,215
While you were playing around with your master,

199
00:17:30,409 --> 00:17:31,644
you barely remember

200
00:17:31,773 --> 00:17:34,373
that you are also the Prince Consort of the Ye Imperial Family.

201
00:17:37,018 --> 00:17:40,560
This is no longer the time for you to take advantage of me to escape the Cold Palace.

202
00:17:41,041 --> 00:17:42,617
Now you have stepped over the Cui family to become high

203
00:17:42,641 --> 00:17:44,276
and obtain His Majesty's favor,

204
00:17:44,405 --> 00:17:47,204
You don't even want to keep up the facade.

205
00:17:48,353 --> 00:17:49,567
Maintain the facade?

206
00:17:51,170 --> 00:17:53,384
We are just husband and wife in name.

207
00:17:53,762 --> 00:17:55,080
Don't interfere with each other

208
00:17:55,239 --> 00:17:56,892
is the last courtesy between us.

209
00:17:57,314 --> 00:17:58,927
I hope you will remember it.

210
00:18:01,969 --> 00:18:03,183
Let's go.

211
00:18:03,417 --> 00:18:05,377
The Crown Prince didn't like to be kept waiting.

212
00:18:08,274 --> 00:18:10,048
What should we do now?

213
00:18:10,417 --> 00:18:12,977
His Majesty wants to use this new exam to promote humble scholars

214
00:18:13,058 --> 00:18:14,374
and suppress our noble clans.

215
00:18:14,457 --> 00:18:16,614
If a humble scholar really appeared among them

216
00:18:16,710 --> 00:18:18,587
the top three successful candidates this year,

217
00:18:18,681 --> 00:18:19,895
I'm afraid

218
00:18:20,201 --> 00:18:21,719
there will be endless problems.

219
00:18:21,890 --> 00:18:24,584
- Of course. - Second Brother didn't get any evidence last night,

220
00:18:24,761 --> 00:18:26,441
but he remained in the palace all night.

221
00:18:26,513 --> 00:18:29,046
He accused me in front of my father of secretly meeting the examiners.

222
00:18:29,514 --> 00:18:30,847
His Majesty was not happy

223
00:18:30,963 --> 00:18:33,604
and have forbidden my people to participate in the evaluation of the new test.

224
00:18:33,628 --> 00:18:35,969
His Highness explained that he would review the test papers himself.

225
00:18:35,993 --> 00:18:37,897
Papers submitted by humble scholars can no longer be destroyed.

226
00:18:37,921 --> 00:18:39,598
That is the real crisis.

227
00:18:39,704 --> 00:18:41,958
Princess Zhao Yang and the Empress have arrived.

228
00:18:43,370 --> 00:18:44,584
Come

229
00:18:53,467 --> 00:18:55,400
Your Highness, I pay my respects.

230
00:19:08,514 --> 00:19:10,352
Second Sister showed up unexpectedly last night.

231
00:19:10,376 --> 00:19:12,469
Fortunately, he did not find this thing.

232
00:19:17,897 --> 00:19:19,111
Zhao Yang.

233
00:19:19,306 --> 00:19:21,986
I'm sure you heard my conversation with the officials earlier.

234
00:19:23,530 --> 00:19:25,930
Dad plans to review this year's exam papers himself.

235
00:19:26,297 --> 00:19:27,951
Do you have a way to solve it?

236
00:19:31,209 --> 00:19:32,464
Don't worry, Your Majesty.

237
00:19:33,145 --> 00:19:35,000
During every paper that His Majesty saw

238
00:19:35,258 --> 00:19:37,272
comes from the hands of a noble family,

239
00:19:37,609 --> 00:19:39,729
there was no way the humble scholars would stand a chance.

240
00:19:39,929 --> 00:19:41,143
Of course.

241
00:19:41,786 --> 00:19:43,879
The only variable is Dad himself.

242
00:19:44,243 --> 00:19:46,040
But at this time, in the East Palace,

243
00:19:46,217 --> 00:19:48,777
the only one who can approach the test paper before His Majesty

244
00:19:51,521 --> 00:19:52,735
are you.

245
00:20:00,802 --> 00:20:02,016
What?

246
00:20:03,145 --> 00:20:04,399
Are there any difficulties?

247
00:20:10,402 --> 00:20:11,616
Crown Prince,

248
00:20:12,298 --> 00:20:14,588
Dad has recently become more firm in making decisions.

249
00:20:14,612 --> 00:20:17,132
He also called Second Brother more often before him.

250
00:20:17,705 --> 00:20:19,496
Even though it was easy for me to enter the palace,

251
00:20:19,520 --> 00:20:22,453
this may not be the most appropriate moment.

252
00:20:22,867 --> 00:20:26,040
I'm afraid that even the slightest mistake could ruin the bigger plan.

253
00:20:33,810 --> 00:20:35,024
Zhao Yang.

254
00:20:45,209 --> 00:20:47,624
(Yes, that's him! Tell him to hold the apple!)

255
00:20:47,978 --> 00:20:49,360
(This is fun!)

256
00:20:49,658 --> 00:20:52,120
(Hold the apple tightly. Don't let it fall.)

257
00:20:54,691 --> 00:20:58,200
(If you shake again and I miss it, don't blame me.)

258
00:21:15,617 --> 00:21:16,897
Please calm down, Your Majesty.

259
00:21:20,698 --> 00:21:22,185
Back when you were eager to get out of the Cold Palace,

260
00:21:22,209 --> 00:21:23,920
you do everything you can to please me,

261
00:21:24,123 --> 00:21:25,977
(and you're not afraid of anything.)

262
00:21:45,090 --> 00:21:46,886
I don't want Dad to see it

263
00:21:47,008 --> 00:21:49,502
even one exam paper from a humble scholar.

264
00:21:51,114 --> 00:21:52,649
Don't mess it up.

265
00:21:54,817 --> 00:21:56,014
Zhao Yang understood.

266
00:21:56,249 --> 00:21:58,129
He will definitely do everything in his power.

267
00:22:03,962 --> 00:22:05,176
Your Honour.

268
00:22:06,251 --> 00:22:07,981
Have both in the East Palace

269
00:22:08,157 --> 00:22:09,451
truly a blessing.

270
00:22:10,417 --> 00:22:11,712
Don't disappoint me.

271
00:22:16,698 --> 00:22:18,033
I will comply, Your Majesty.

272
00:22:43,034 --> 00:22:44,248
Does it hurt?

273
00:22:58,529 --> 00:23:00,200
I am used to.

274
00:23:01,376 --> 00:23:02,969
(Back when you were eager to get out of the Cold Palace,)

275
00:23:02,993 --> 00:23:04,793
(you do everything you can to please me,)

276
00:23:04,870 --> 00:23:06,765
(and you're not afraid of anything.)

277
00:23:08,332 --> 00:23:10,410
(Mother, you can be saved!)

278
00:23:10,719 --> 00:23:12,270
(I got ancient ginseng.)

279
00:23:12,370 --> 00:23:14,560
(After you eat it, you will be better.)

280
00:23:27,071 --> 00:23:28,966
Mother!

281
00:23:33,970 --> 00:23:35,726
Mother, please wake up.

282
00:23:35,846 --> 00:23:37,960
Don't leave me here alone.

283
00:23:47,106 --> 00:23:48,640
Mother...

284
00:23:50,659 --> 00:23:52,320
(Since that day, )

285
00:23:52,849 --> 00:23:54,223
(I swear)

286
00:23:54,849 --> 00:23:57,224
(I will survive and get out of this Cold Palace.)

287
00:23:58,771 --> 00:24:01,265
(I will live the best life this world can offer.)

288
00:24:09,067 --> 00:24:10,281
Over the years,

289
00:24:10,530 --> 00:24:12,026
The Crown Prince has formed a faction for personal gain,

290
00:24:12,050 --> 00:24:14,106
imposed heavy levies, and put his loyal officials to death.

291
00:24:14,130 --> 00:24:16,423
I cannot let the fate of the Ye Dynasty fall into it

292
00:24:16,504 --> 00:24:19,419
the hands of someone who treats other people's lives as if they were nothing.

293
00:24:19,500 --> 00:24:20,596
And Your Majesty

294
00:24:20,677 --> 00:24:23,411
used the new test to bring in humble scholars and control the nobles.

295
00:24:23,435 --> 00:24:24,511
Just worry

296
00:24:24,633 --> 00:24:26,407
the stability of his imperial power,

297
00:24:26,536 --> 00:24:28,160
not the suffering of the people.

298
00:24:31,467 --> 00:24:33,281
It's time for us to move.

299
00:24:36,146 --> 00:24:38,306
The Crown Prince gave me the opportunity to meet His Majesty.

300
00:24:38,843 --> 00:24:41,936
I will make sure Your Majesty sees the answers of the humble scholars.

301
00:24:42,388 --> 00:24:43,881
Best Scholar in the imperial examinations

302
00:24:44,609 --> 00:24:46,344
definitely our man.

303
00:24:46,626 --> 00:24:47,640
The person

304
00:24:47,754 --> 00:24:49,188
it's already in place.

305
00:24:54,505 --> 00:24:56,640
Although I have never found this great gift,

306
00:24:58,354 --> 00:24:59,968
that should be quite surprising

307
00:25:00,786 --> 00:25:02,879
for the Crown Prince.

308
00:25:04,962 --> 00:25:07,176
(This year's Best Scholar comes from a humble family.)

309
00:25:07,403 --> 00:25:08,560
(Indeed.)

310
00:25:08,697 --> 00:25:10,955
His Majesty has specially arranged this banquet for the Best Scholars.

311
00:25:10,979 --> 00:25:13,151
- Crown Prince. - Crown Prince.

312
00:25:13,349 --> 00:25:15,174
- Crown Prince. - Crown Prince.

313
00:25:17,832 --> 00:25:19,886
Why is this year's Scholar of the Year a humble scholar?

314
00:25:20,754 --> 00:25:22,480
Is this the result of what you have arranged?

315
00:25:22,504 --> 00:25:24,344
Second Brother was also in the palace that day.

316
00:25:24,441 --> 00:25:26,121
- It's possible he interfered. - Yes.

317
00:25:26,165 --> 00:25:28,219
The Second Prince was in the palace that day.

318
00:25:30,553 --> 00:25:33,080
His Majesty has arrived.

319
00:25:35,434 --> 00:25:37,800
Greetings, Your Majesty.

320
00:25:41,010 --> 00:25:42,680
Everyone, you may rise.

321
00:25:43,216 --> 00:25:44,430
Let's start the banquet.

322
00:26:10,324 --> 00:26:12,599
Congratulations, Dad, for getting such a talented scholar.

323
00:26:12,623 --> 00:26:14,932
May I ask what important position you are referring to?

324
00:26:15,077 --> 00:26:16,690
to award the Best Scholars?

325
00:26:17,011 --> 00:26:18,880
Secretary of the sixth rank Censorate.

326
00:26:19,112 --> 00:26:21,600
What do you all think?

327
00:26:22,186 --> 00:26:24,626
Soon to be appointed Censorship Secretary? And sixth place, no less.

328
00:26:24,650 --> 00:26:27,383
Your Majesty, you must not do this.

329
00:26:27,849 --> 00:26:30,202
The Censor's Secretary was one of the Emperor's close servants.

330
00:26:30,226 --> 00:26:32,050
How could someone from a humble background be trusted to hold that position?

331
00:26:32,074 --> 00:26:34,142
I suggest appointing him as the magistrate of Lingnan County.

332
00:26:34,166 --> 00:26:36,076
His future appointment may be reconsidered after three years of experience.

333
00:26:36,100 --> 00:26:38,415
(Lingnan is a wild and remote region.)

334
00:26:38,659 --> 00:26:40,579
(They practically tried to kill him.)

335
00:26:44,179 --> 00:26:46,493
Your Majesty, Lingnan is hot and humid,

336
00:26:46,626 --> 00:26:47,946
filled with snakes and insects.

337
00:26:48,000 --> 00:26:49,671
The new Top Scholar would most likely perish in his post

338
00:26:49,695 --> 00:26:50,909
before three years have passed.

339
00:26:51,185 --> 00:26:52,399
I believe

340
00:26:52,544 --> 00:26:54,688
the position of sixth rank Censorate Secretary was a perfect appointment.

341
00:26:54,712 --> 00:26:56,206
I agree with that.

342
00:26:56,731 --> 00:26:59,680
Your Majesty, we agree with the Crown Prince.

343
00:27:04,335 --> 00:27:06,542
Your Majesty, if this person is only seeking comfort,

344
00:27:06,623 --> 00:27:07,837
he was not worthy of such a big responsibility.

345
00:27:07,861 --> 00:27:09,880
- We support the motion. - We support the motion.

346
00:27:45,018 --> 00:27:46,992
I was careless and startled His Majesty.

347
00:27:49,209 --> 00:27:51,184
It's okay to get drunk at the banquet.

348
00:27:51,458 --> 00:27:53,440
- Rise. - Thank you dad.

349
00:27:57,121 --> 00:27:58,456
I think

350
00:27:59,298 --> 00:28:01,992
wines of this quality were truly rare.

351
00:28:02,393 --> 00:28:03,960
If everyone keeps arguing,

352
00:28:04,104 --> 00:28:05,584
aren't we just ruining this opportunity?

353
00:28:07,217 --> 00:28:08,431
Dad,

354
00:28:08,583 --> 00:28:10,336
The Best Scholar had just entered the imperial palace.

355
00:28:10,360 --> 00:28:13,549
Sending him to take office in Lingnan seemed too cruel.

356
00:28:13,984 --> 00:28:15,198
Why not grant it

357
00:28:15,311 --> 00:28:18,268
the position of the eighth ranked Supervisory Censor to remain in the capital,

358
00:28:18,397 --> 00:28:20,277
where could Chancellor Xiao guide him personally?

359
00:28:20,383 --> 00:28:21,873
If he later proves incapable,

360
00:28:21,954 --> 00:28:23,928
it was not too late to send him to Lingnan.

361
00:28:24,409 --> 00:28:25,486
The Luming Banquet was held

362
00:28:25,630 --> 00:28:28,040
to celebrate my acquisition of talents to assist the court.

363
00:28:28,987 --> 00:28:32,800
Only Zhao Yang understands the true meaning of this wine.

364
00:28:35,176 --> 00:28:36,920
We will proceed according to your suggestions

365
00:28:37,770 --> 00:28:41,064
and gave him the post of Supervisor of Censors.

366
00:28:42,625 --> 00:28:44,120
Let's all enjoy the banquet.

367
00:28:44,498 --> 00:28:46,391
Thank you, Your Majesty.

368
00:28:49,692 --> 00:28:52,600
With just a few words, he had pleased Father

369
00:28:52,769 --> 00:28:54,987
while at the same time aligning himself with the wishes of the Crown Prince.

370
00:28:55,011 --> 00:28:56,560
He is very impressive.

371
00:28:57,026 --> 00:28:59,879
No wonder she is the Princess that His Majesty trusts the most.

372
00:29:01,379 --> 00:29:02,952
What's this?

373
00:29:04,345 --> 00:29:07,640
New Top Scholars entered the banquet to meet His Majesty.

374
00:29:58,186 --> 00:29:59,480
I, Shen Xiao,

375
00:29:59,755 --> 00:30:01,249
I hope His Majesty is always healthy.

376
00:30:02,018 --> 00:30:03,232
I'm fine.

377
00:30:03,642 --> 00:30:05,017
Get up and sit down.

378
00:30:05,514 --> 00:30:07,248
Thank you for Your Majesty's grace.

379
00:30:22,187 --> 00:30:23,720
May I report to His Majesty.

380
00:30:23,962 --> 00:30:25,010
I, Shen Xiao,

381
00:30:25,138 --> 00:30:27,600
wanted to impeach Princess Zhao Yang, Li Shu.