1 00:00:29,320 --> 00:00:29,960 Father. 2 00:00:32,240 --> 00:00:33,700 Haven't I told you before? 3 00:00:34,030 --> 00:00:35,830 Whether in public or in private, 4 00:00:35,840 --> 00:00:37,700 you should just call me "Master." 5 00:00:37,880 --> 00:00:40,140 "Our bodies are gifts from our parents." 6 00:00:40,320 --> 00:00:41,560 This life of mine is 7 00:00:41,560 --> 00:00:43,420 entirely a gift from you, Father. 8 00:00:43,880 --> 00:00:45,150 Had you not taken me in 9 00:00:45,390 --> 00:00:46,960 as your student in Jiankang 10 00:00:46,960 --> 00:00:48,320 and guided me so diligently, 11 00:00:48,320 --> 00:00:50,240 I would never have reached where I am today. 12 00:00:50,240 --> 00:00:51,350 Everything I believe in and aspire to 13 00:00:51,350 --> 00:00:53,280 has also been nurtured by your teaching. 14 00:00:53,280 --> 00:00:56,010 I would never dare show you anything but respect. 15 00:01:00,840 --> 00:01:01,600 Good. 16 00:01:02,320 --> 00:01:03,280 My good son. 17 00:01:10,950 --> 00:01:13,150 You are every bit a son of the Xie family. 18 00:01:14,710 --> 00:01:16,840 You've done well these past few years. 19 00:01:16,920 --> 00:01:19,150 You used the reform as a pretext to reshape the salt and iron monopoly 20 00:01:19,150 --> 00:01:20,310 and clear the waterways. 21 00:01:20,310 --> 00:01:21,870 The people will remember you 22 00:01:21,870 --> 00:01:22,800 and support you. 23 00:01:25,480 --> 00:01:26,950 But the reform 24 00:01:27,400 --> 00:01:30,039 was ultimately initiated by Xiao Wuyi. 25 00:01:32,680 --> 00:01:34,039 If you want to become 26 00:01:35,280 --> 00:01:37,590 the true ruler of the realm, 27 00:01:38,039 --> 00:01:40,920 you must sweep aside 28 00:01:43,120 --> 00:01:44,780 anyone who stands in your way, 29 00:01:45,479 --> 00:01:46,840 one by one, like dust. 30 00:03:20,260 --> 00:03:24,280 [Key to the Phoenix Heart] 31 00:03:24,380 --> 00:03:27,240 [Episode 22] 32 00:03:30,280 --> 00:03:31,190 Xiao Wuyi, 33 00:03:32,240 --> 00:03:34,370 you need to learn to take what you want. 34 00:03:45,910 --> 00:03:48,640 ♪ One glance from near stirs my heart ♪ 35 00:03:48,860 --> 00:03:51,410 ♪ This fleeting moment ♪ 36 00:03:53,110 --> 00:03:57,120 ♪ Tugs the threads woven by fate ♪ 37 00:03:54,310 --> 00:03:55,240 Xiao Wuyi. 38 00:03:57,290 --> 00:03:59,290 ♪ Bound tight evermore ♪ 39 00:03:58,870 --> 00:03:59,960 Do you hear me? 40 00:04:06,360 --> 00:04:07,120 I hear you. 41 00:04:08,590 --> 00:04:09,280 Good. 42 00:04:21,920 --> 00:04:23,120 You're really drunk. 43 00:04:24,680 --> 00:04:25,510 I'm not. 44 00:04:26,600 --> 00:04:28,660 I still have a New Year's gift for you. 45 00:04:38,720 --> 00:04:39,720 What do you think? 46 00:04:44,110 --> 00:04:48,450 ♪ You know my resolve to live and die together ♪ 47 00:04:48,470 --> 00:04:52,130 ♪ Believe in my persistence that I won't run away ♪ 48 00:04:52,150 --> 00:04:56,300 ♪ You know I'm unyielding ♪ 49 00:04:57,120 --> 00:05:00,040 ♪ Don't give up or dodge ♪ 50 00:04:58,290 --> 00:04:59,050 My red steed. 51 00:05:00,640 --> 00:05:04,410 ♪ You know me, seeing things through from start to finish ♪ 52 00:05:03,160 --> 00:05:05,240 My Miraculous Craft has made a lot of money, 53 00:05:04,930 --> 00:05:09,050 ♪ You see my move under rebellious cover ♪ 54 00:05:05,240 --> 00:05:06,560 so I redeemed it. 55 00:05:06,680 --> 00:05:08,110 You're going to the battlefield, 56 00:05:08,110 --> 00:05:09,310 so you need the finest horse. 57 00:05:09,310 --> 00:05:13,300 ♪ You know me, I'm willing to be with you till the end ♪ 58 00:05:10,750 --> 00:05:12,270 It can bring you home. 59 00:05:13,320 --> 00:05:17,250 ♪ Burn the fire in my heart ♪ 60 00:05:18,870 --> 00:05:19,430 Yaoyao. 61 00:05:19,640 --> 00:05:22,410 ♪ Sincere hearts remain as of old ♪ 62 00:05:25,140 --> 00:05:26,140 I'll do my best... 63 00:05:28,800 --> 00:05:30,600 to spend every New Year with you. 64 00:05:59,720 --> 00:06:01,360 Wait, not this one. 65 00:06:02,600 --> 00:06:04,330 I have a Hetian white jade crown 66 00:06:04,720 --> 00:06:05,850 that Yaoyao gave me. 67 00:06:06,870 --> 00:06:07,560 Today 68 00:06:07,800 --> 00:06:10,130 is the day she'll be officially invested. 69 00:06:10,160 --> 00:06:11,420 I want to wear that one. 70 00:06:11,620 --> 00:06:12,180 Yes. 71 00:06:19,880 --> 00:06:22,320 To Prince Jing'an's Mansion. 72 00:06:25,120 --> 00:06:26,050 Grand Tutor Xie, 73 00:06:26,070 --> 00:06:27,070 have you heard? 74 00:06:27,090 --> 00:06:28,870 Something terrible happened at the grain canal. 75 00:06:28,870 --> 00:06:30,870 The Xiao family embezzled funds for the canal. 76 00:06:30,870 --> 00:06:32,390 They replaced river sand with mud and silt, 77 00:06:32,390 --> 00:06:33,720 causing the grain canal to collapse, 78 00:06:33,720 --> 00:06:35,430 and nearly 100 laborers were killed or injured. 79 00:06:35,430 --> 00:06:37,630 The County Sheriff has hanged himself. 80 00:06:37,720 --> 00:06:40,650 The outraged crowds have already reached Jiankang. 81 00:06:41,430 --> 00:06:42,830 There are so many guests today. 82 00:06:42,830 --> 00:06:43,510 Yes. 83 00:06:44,830 --> 00:06:46,310 Congratulations, congratulations. 84 00:06:46,310 --> 00:06:47,170 Please come in. 85 00:06:49,070 --> 00:06:49,920 Why have so many 86 00:06:49,920 --> 00:06:52,240 officials' families come to attend the ceremony today? 87 00:06:52,240 --> 00:06:54,040 Congratulations, congratulations. 88 00:06:54,040 --> 00:06:55,170 Did you invite them? 89 00:06:56,390 --> 00:06:57,480 Of course not. 90 00:06:57,680 --> 00:06:58,720 It must've been Wuyi. 91 00:06:58,720 --> 00:06:59,680 I didn't. 92 00:06:59,800 --> 00:07:00,480 Then... 93 00:07:00,800 --> 00:07:02,360 Father, don't worry about it. 94 00:07:02,360 --> 00:07:03,800 It's not every day Wuyi throws such a grand affair. 95 00:07:03,800 --> 00:07:05,360 Of course they came to help him make a good showing. 96 00:07:05,360 --> 00:07:08,110 His Highness Prince Qi has arrived! 97 00:07:08,870 --> 00:07:10,730 -Your Highness. -Your Highness. 98 00:07:13,350 --> 00:07:14,410 Congratulations. 99 00:07:14,870 --> 00:07:15,870 I'm not late, am I? 100 00:07:16,600 --> 00:07:19,330 Your Highness has arrived at just the right time. 101 00:07:20,310 --> 00:07:20,950 Thank you. 102 00:07:32,830 --> 00:07:33,680 From now on, 103 00:07:33,680 --> 00:07:35,159 we are no longer brothers, 104 00:07:37,830 --> 00:07:39,270 but ruler and subject. 105 00:07:45,810 --> 00:07:47,140 Who is beating the drum? 106 00:07:47,310 --> 00:07:49,040 This must be a grave injustice. 107 00:07:55,270 --> 00:07:57,159 Someone is sounding the Petition Drum. 108 00:07:57,159 --> 00:07:58,020 Petition Drum? 109 00:08:00,270 --> 00:08:01,070 It's struck only when the people 110 00:08:01,070 --> 00:08:01,920 have suffered a great injustice 111 00:08:01,920 --> 00:08:03,240 or when enemy forces are invading. 112 00:08:03,240 --> 00:08:05,300 Anyone who dares to strike that drum, 113 00:08:05,510 --> 00:08:07,040 whether their accusation is true or false, 114 00:08:07,040 --> 00:08:08,720 must first endure 30 strikes of the cane 115 00:08:08,720 --> 00:08:10,680 to prove they're not making a false accusation. 116 00:08:10,680 --> 00:08:12,430 Wouldn't that leave them dead or crippled? 117 00:08:12,430 --> 00:08:14,560 Therefore, unless someone has genuinely suffered a serious injustice, 118 00:08:14,560 --> 00:08:16,510 no one would risk their own life like this. 119 00:08:16,510 --> 00:08:19,190 Something major is about to happen at court. 120 00:08:23,640 --> 00:08:25,140 It has begun. 121 00:08:32,690 --> 00:08:33,380 My Lord! 122 00:08:34,390 --> 00:08:35,630 Who is it you intend to accuse? 123 00:08:35,630 --> 00:08:37,870 We accuse the Commander of the Beifu Army, 124 00:08:37,870 --> 00:08:40,240 the Heir of Prince Jing'an, Xiao Wuyi, 125 00:08:40,360 --> 00:08:42,720 and his brother, Xiao Yao, supervisor of the grain canal works. 126 00:08:42,720 --> 00:08:43,320 What? 127 00:08:43,320 --> 00:08:45,790 My Lord, please seek justice for us! 128 00:08:57,390 --> 00:08:59,250 The auspicious hour has arrived. 129 00:09:08,960 --> 00:09:11,440 We respectfully invite Prince Qi, the Regent, to bestow 130 00:09:11,440 --> 00:09:14,550 the imperial decree and seal upon the Consort of the Heir of Prince Jing'an 131 00:09:14,550 --> 00:09:17,150 and read out the proclamation of investiture. 132 00:09:26,360 --> 00:09:27,200 Report! 133 00:09:39,510 --> 00:09:42,040 Where are the accused, Xiao Wuyi and Xiao Yao? 134 00:09:44,720 --> 00:09:46,790 I pay my respects to Your Highness. 135 00:09:46,790 --> 00:09:47,870 Your Highness, 136 00:09:47,960 --> 00:09:49,320 I have no wish to disrupt 137 00:09:49,320 --> 00:09:51,080 the Heir's Consort investiture ceremony. 138 00:09:51,080 --> 00:09:53,210 But the Petition Drum has been struck. 139 00:09:53,360 --> 00:09:54,670 According to the laws of Ye, 140 00:09:54,670 --> 00:09:56,670 the main culprits must be detained immediately: 141 00:09:56,670 --> 00:09:59,240 Young Lord Xiao and Eldest Young Master Xiao. 142 00:10:00,670 --> 00:10:02,240 Please forgive the offense. 143 00:10:02,240 --> 00:10:03,040 How insolent! 144 00:10:04,870 --> 00:10:06,550 Today, at the investiture ceremony, 145 00:10:06,550 --> 00:10:08,870 I'd like to see who dares arrest them! 146 00:10:09,830 --> 00:10:11,480 The Ministry of Justice never 147 00:10:11,480 --> 00:10:13,510 makes arrests without evidence. 148 00:10:13,870 --> 00:10:16,000 The grain canal in Hexi has collapsed, 149 00:10:16,000 --> 00:10:18,440 causing over 1,000 casualties and public outrage. 150 00:10:18,440 --> 00:10:19,320 Our investigation found 151 00:10:19,320 --> 00:10:20,960 that County Magistrate Wei Min, a man of humble birth, 152 00:10:20,960 --> 00:10:22,870 was personally promoted by Young Lord Xiao. 153 00:10:22,870 --> 00:10:23,910 In his home, 154 00:10:23,910 --> 00:10:25,960 we found years of correspondence between him 155 00:10:25,960 --> 00:10:27,750 and Young Lord Xiao and Eldest Young Master Xiao, 156 00:10:27,750 --> 00:10:29,480 along with 1,000 taels of gold. 157 00:10:30,510 --> 00:10:32,360 Moreover, the letters reveal evidence 158 00:10:32,360 --> 00:10:34,360 that the Xiaos embezzled the canal repair funds 159 00:10:34,360 --> 00:10:36,320 and abused their power for personal gain. 160 00:10:36,320 --> 00:10:38,920 Commandant of Justice, if the sons are guilty, 161 00:10:39,160 --> 00:10:41,550 shouldn't the father be guilty as well? 162 00:10:42,350 --> 00:10:44,010 You may arrest the two of them, 163 00:10:44,340 --> 00:10:46,310 but you'll be taking me too! 164 00:10:47,150 --> 00:10:48,750 I'd like to see which of you dares! 165 00:10:48,750 --> 00:10:49,950 Take Prince Jing'an, 166 00:10:50,030 --> 00:10:52,160 the Heir, and Eldest Young Master Xiao 167 00:10:52,720 --> 00:10:55,050 to the Court of Judicial Review together. 168 00:10:55,240 --> 00:10:56,790 Yes, Your Highness. 169 00:10:57,550 --> 00:10:58,840 Order the Three Judicial Offices to send officials 170 00:10:58,840 --> 00:11:01,670 to conduct a thorough investigation at the grain canal. 171 00:11:01,670 --> 00:11:02,910 If they have been wronged, 172 00:11:02,910 --> 00:11:04,570 I will ensure justice is done. 173 00:11:06,550 --> 00:11:07,750 If they are guilty... 174 00:11:10,320 --> 00:11:12,400 I will never allow anyone 175 00:11:13,200 --> 00:11:14,870 to escape the law. 176 00:11:16,270 --> 00:11:18,800 Prince Jing'an, please forgive the offense. 177 00:11:22,000 --> 00:11:24,000 Young Lord Xiao, please. 178 00:11:29,350 --> 00:11:31,760 Don't worry. I'll be back. 179 00:11:53,480 --> 00:11:56,280 Your Highness, please bestow the decree and seal. 180 00:12:04,000 --> 00:12:07,000 Your Highness, please proceed with the investiture. 181 00:12:21,240 --> 00:12:23,800 [Court of Judicial Review] 182 00:12:38,270 --> 00:12:40,240 Young Lord Xiao, you seem so composed. 183 00:12:40,240 --> 00:12:41,370 Are you that certain 184 00:12:42,240 --> 00:12:44,840 I won't find conclusive evidence against you? 185 00:12:45,080 --> 00:12:46,720 There is a list in my residence 186 00:12:46,720 --> 00:12:47,600 recording every official 187 00:12:47,600 --> 00:12:48,720 who has ever attempted 188 00:12:48,720 --> 00:12:49,910 to bribe me. 189 00:12:50,630 --> 00:12:53,230 I've already sent a copy to the Eastern Palace. 190 00:12:53,270 --> 00:12:56,000 Now I'll hand the original copy of the list to you. 191 00:12:56,000 --> 00:12:57,440 If such a list really exists, 192 00:12:57,440 --> 00:12:58,750 why didn't you mention it earlier? 193 00:12:58,750 --> 00:13:00,210 Today, before the public, 194 00:13:00,510 --> 00:13:02,150 the Petition Drum has been struck, 195 00:13:02,150 --> 00:13:04,200 so you've come bearing the will of the people. 196 00:13:04,200 --> 00:13:05,510 Whether the accusations are true or false, 197 00:13:05,510 --> 00:13:08,240 they must go through the Court of Judicial Review's process to convince everyone. 198 00:13:08,240 --> 00:13:11,120 If I hadn't come, it would've damaged your reputation. 199 00:13:11,120 --> 00:13:12,030 And by coming, 200 00:13:12,910 --> 00:13:14,840 I placed my bet on your competence. 201 00:13:15,080 --> 00:13:16,270 In that case, 202 00:13:16,270 --> 00:13:18,670 I should be thanking you, Young Lord Xiao? 203 00:13:18,670 --> 00:13:19,930 There is one more thing 204 00:13:20,320 --> 00:13:21,390 I'd ask you to consider, Commandant of Justice. 205 00:13:21,390 --> 00:13:23,050 Please go on, Young Lord Xiao. 206 00:13:23,120 --> 00:13:25,390 I've long heard that you're strict and impartial. 207 00:13:25,390 --> 00:13:27,120 However, my father is elderly, 208 00:13:27,320 --> 00:13:29,000 and my elder brother's leg is badly crippled. 209 00:13:29,000 --> 00:13:30,390 Neither could endure torture. 210 00:13:30,390 --> 00:13:31,910 Moreover, every order regarding the grain canal work 211 00:13:31,910 --> 00:13:33,120 was issued by me. 212 00:13:33,510 --> 00:13:34,840 If torture is to be used, 213 00:13:35,200 --> 00:13:36,630 I'm willing to endure it in their place. 214 00:13:36,630 --> 00:13:38,720 Xiao Wuyi, don't shield me! 215 00:13:39,240 --> 00:13:40,200 Since I dared to come in, 216 00:13:40,200 --> 00:13:41,640 I am not afraid of interrogation! 217 00:13:41,640 --> 00:13:43,300 What do you mean by "elderly"? 218 00:13:43,670 --> 00:13:45,750 I'm sturdier than the two of them put together! 219 00:13:45,750 --> 00:13:47,280 Interrogate me if you must! 220 00:13:47,670 --> 00:13:48,910 Rest assured, everyone. 221 00:13:48,910 --> 00:13:50,790 If this turns out to be a frame-up, 222 00:13:50,980 --> 00:13:54,580 I will absolutely restore the good name of 223 00:13:54,750 --> 00:13:55,750 your household. 224 00:14:03,200 --> 00:14:04,130 I entered prison 225 00:14:04,910 --> 00:14:06,120 precisely to see 226 00:14:06,840 --> 00:14:08,000 just how far 227 00:14:08,240 --> 00:14:10,670 the person behind all this is willing to go. 228 00:14:20,000 --> 00:14:20,630 Yuanji. 229 00:14:23,720 --> 00:14:24,960 Mother had some calming tonic 230 00:14:24,960 --> 00:14:25,960 and is asleep now. 231 00:14:28,080 --> 00:14:29,440 The letters and ledgers in the household 232 00:14:29,440 --> 00:14:30,640 have all been seized. 233 00:14:30,870 --> 00:14:31,960 Could it be that the Ministry of Justice 234 00:14:31,960 --> 00:14:32,870 has been acting under someone's orders, 235 00:14:32,870 --> 00:14:33,930 trying to frame us? 236 00:14:35,480 --> 00:14:36,410 I don't think so. 237 00:14:36,670 --> 00:14:38,080 Commandant of Justice Lu, who came today, 238 00:14:38,080 --> 00:14:39,740 was newly promoted last year. 239 00:14:39,870 --> 00:14:41,080 During these years of reform, 240 00:14:41,080 --> 00:14:42,000 while serving in the provinces, 241 00:14:42,000 --> 00:14:43,440 he punished commoners who cheated in the marketplace 242 00:14:43,440 --> 00:14:45,030 and sentenced noble clans who seized land by force alike. 243 00:14:45,030 --> 00:14:46,080 He's a ruthless but upright official 244 00:14:46,080 --> 00:14:48,000 who enforces the law without favor. 245 00:14:48,000 --> 00:14:50,120 Since he personally came to make the arrest today, 246 00:14:50,120 --> 00:14:52,450 he surely wouldn't act without evidence. 247 00:14:52,720 --> 00:14:53,750 The plaintiffs 248 00:14:53,750 --> 00:14:55,360 accuse the Beifu Army of embezzling 249 00:14:55,360 --> 00:14:56,790 and taking bribes during the canal repairs, 250 00:14:56,790 --> 00:14:57,750 and cutting corners on the work— 251 00:14:57,750 --> 00:14:59,630 which caused the grain canal to collapse 252 00:14:59,630 --> 00:15:00,720 and killed many conscripted laborers. 253 00:15:00,720 --> 00:15:02,050 Yao would never do that. 254 00:15:07,240 --> 00:15:09,360 Letters, ledgers... 255 00:15:12,030 --> 00:15:12,630 Nanxing. 256 00:15:13,150 --> 00:15:13,630 My Lady. 257 00:15:13,790 --> 00:15:15,630 You have a photographic memory for the accounts. 258 00:15:15,630 --> 00:15:18,890 You've been helping me with the accounts these past years. 259 00:15:21,870 --> 00:15:23,550 So help me reconstruct them. 260 00:15:25,480 --> 00:15:25,960 Yes. 261 00:15:29,360 --> 00:15:30,360 Ledgers... 262 00:15:31,360 --> 00:15:32,600 Letters... 263 00:15:34,550 --> 00:15:35,630 Handwriting... 264 00:15:41,080 --> 00:15:42,340 What's wrong, Yuanji? 265 00:15:45,120 --> 00:15:45,720 Nothing. 266 00:15:46,410 --> 00:15:47,810 I just suddenly realized 267 00:15:48,150 --> 00:15:50,550 I haven't seen Qing Long and Yan Yue around. 268 00:15:50,960 --> 00:15:52,840 Right, where are they? 269 00:15:56,550 --> 00:15:58,950 Xiao Wuyi and Xiao Ju have been imprisoned. 270 00:15:59,240 --> 00:16:01,670 Have you prepared 271 00:16:01,870 --> 00:16:04,070 the forged correspondence I asked for? 272 00:16:10,360 --> 00:16:11,760 Afraid it'll be exposed? 273 00:16:14,080 --> 00:16:15,210 For the Xiao family, 274 00:16:16,270 --> 00:16:17,390 this will be a capital offense. 275 00:16:17,390 --> 00:16:20,150 They deserve it. 276 00:16:21,790 --> 00:16:23,720 I won't go back on my promise to you. 277 00:16:24,270 --> 00:16:26,800 I've already requested Prince Qi's approval 278 00:16:27,030 --> 00:16:28,830 to reopen the Lantai gathering. 279 00:16:29,030 --> 00:16:29,790 Get up first. 280 00:16:30,450 --> 00:16:31,020 Come on. 281 00:16:35,080 --> 00:16:35,870 Zhaolin, 282 00:16:37,150 --> 00:16:38,410 when the time comes... 283 00:16:39,870 --> 00:16:42,550 you'll be a student of mine, 284 00:16:42,790 --> 00:16:44,240 and no one will ever 285 00:16:44,600 --> 00:16:46,600 look down on your background again. 286 00:16:52,550 --> 00:16:53,150 Thank you, 287 00:16:54,910 --> 00:16:55,840 Grand Tutor Xie. 288 00:17:02,720 --> 00:17:04,069 Are those people 289 00:17:04,920 --> 00:17:06,510 helping you cook the books 290 00:17:07,400 --> 00:17:08,400 actually trustworthy? 291 00:17:08,400 --> 00:17:09,200 They don't know 292 00:17:09,200 --> 00:17:10,329 what they're doing, 293 00:17:10,680 --> 00:17:12,750 nor do they know who they're working for. 294 00:17:12,750 --> 00:17:13,510 Excellent. 295 00:17:42,270 --> 00:17:43,200 Are you alright? 296 00:17:48,160 --> 00:17:48,690 Let's go! 297 00:17:54,510 --> 00:17:55,100 Hurry. 298 00:18:03,270 --> 00:18:04,110 Mr. Liu, 299 00:18:05,160 --> 00:18:08,020 since when did you become Grand Tutor Xie's lackey? 300 00:18:10,480 --> 00:18:12,260 You knew I collected rare books. 301 00:18:12,260 --> 00:18:14,060 Xiao Yao, Xiao Wuyi, 302 00:18:14,510 --> 00:18:17,790 and even Prince Jing'an had all borrowed and annotated them. 303 00:18:17,790 --> 00:18:20,070 So you used me to obtain 304 00:18:20,440 --> 00:18:22,240 the handwriting of every member 305 00:18:22,310 --> 00:18:24,840 of the Xiao family by borrowing books from me. 306 00:18:25,770 --> 00:18:28,860 Back then, when you gave me a deed of debt... 307 00:18:29,340 --> 00:18:30,670 I offer this deed of debt 308 00:18:31,030 --> 00:18:31,920 as proof 309 00:18:32,720 --> 00:18:34,230 that I'll surely repay the debt someday. 310 00:18:34,230 --> 00:18:36,150 When you said you'd repay me for saving your life, 311 00:18:36,150 --> 00:18:37,750 you'd already thought of how you could use me? 312 00:18:37,750 --> 00:18:39,510 Absolutely not! I... 313 00:18:42,680 --> 00:18:43,790 I admire you. 314 00:18:46,110 --> 00:18:47,710 But I didn't dare to tell you. 315 00:18:51,830 --> 00:18:52,920 I knew all along. 316 00:18:54,640 --> 00:18:57,900 I've frequented the bookstore these past couple of years. 317 00:18:59,240 --> 00:19:00,780 Could you really not tell how I felt about you? 318 00:19:00,780 --> 00:19:02,440 It's precisely because I know 319 00:19:02,670 --> 00:19:05,200 that I'm even more aware I'm not worthy of you. 320 00:19:05,480 --> 00:19:06,750 Whether you were the Consort of the Heir of Prince Jing'an back then 321 00:19:06,750 --> 00:19:07,960 or are the head of the He family now, 322 00:19:07,960 --> 00:19:09,360 I was never worthy of you. 323 00:19:11,550 --> 00:19:12,720 I'm merely a commoner, 324 00:19:12,720 --> 00:19:13,880 full of ideals. 325 00:19:14,240 --> 00:19:15,640 Anyone can trample on me. 326 00:19:16,200 --> 00:19:17,400 Only Grand Tutor Xie. 327 00:19:18,200 --> 00:19:19,060 He promised me. 328 00:19:19,400 --> 00:19:20,800 As long as Xiao Wuyi falls 329 00:19:20,960 --> 00:19:23,590 and the noble clans revive the Lantai gathering, 330 00:19:23,590 --> 00:19:25,320 he'll give me an official post. 331 00:19:36,850 --> 00:19:38,980 You're the third child in your family. 332 00:19:39,310 --> 00:19:41,240 You once studied at Luming Academy 333 00:19:42,240 --> 00:19:44,700 and were classmates with my second brother. 334 00:19:45,270 --> 00:19:46,310 Back then, 335 00:19:46,900 --> 00:19:49,350 I often secretly put on my second brother's clothes 336 00:19:49,350 --> 00:19:52,150 and sneaked into the academy to sit in on lectures. 337 00:19:52,240 --> 00:19:54,170 We got to know each other over time. 338 00:19:54,690 --> 00:19:56,290 We shared the same interests 339 00:19:56,510 --> 00:19:58,110 and often studied together. 340 00:19:58,750 --> 00:20:00,880 It was only then that my brother told you 341 00:20:00,880 --> 00:20:02,120 I was actually a girl. 342 00:20:02,930 --> 00:20:04,660 You were shocked yet delighted 343 00:20:05,030 --> 00:20:08,310 and said you'd return home and ask your parents to arrange our marriage. 344 00:20:08,310 --> 00:20:09,720 But just at that time, 345 00:20:10,270 --> 00:20:11,870 my aunt, Empress Dowager He, 346 00:20:11,880 --> 00:20:13,440 was choosing someone from the clan 347 00:20:13,440 --> 00:20:15,120 to marry into Prince Jing'an's household. 348 00:20:15,120 --> 00:20:16,520 But I was in love with you. 349 00:20:16,880 --> 00:20:18,210 After my aunt found out, 350 00:20:18,310 --> 00:20:19,840 she sent people to kill you. 351 00:20:25,830 --> 00:20:26,790 I thought 352 00:20:27,750 --> 00:20:28,880 you were dead. 353 00:20:31,030 --> 00:20:32,160 But I never imagined 354 00:20:34,480 --> 00:20:36,080 that day at the bookstore... 355 00:20:36,350 --> 00:20:37,350 Pei Runheng? 356 00:20:40,030 --> 00:20:41,680 I'd see you again. 357 00:20:43,830 --> 00:20:44,640 Impossible. 358 00:20:46,960 --> 00:20:48,400 You definitely got the wrong person. 359 00:20:48,400 --> 00:20:50,460 You were born in the Year of the Tiger. 360 00:20:51,550 --> 00:20:54,830 There's a plum blossom-shaped scar on your left arm. 361 00:20:56,750 --> 00:21:00,200 You got it when you were protecting me from wild bees while we were 362 00:21:00,200 --> 00:21:03,330 picking mulberries in the back mountain of the academy. 363 00:21:04,400 --> 00:21:05,660 And your handwriting. 364 00:21:08,270 --> 00:21:09,670 I would never mistake it. 365 00:21:12,960 --> 00:21:14,920 Then why didn't you tell me sooner? 366 00:21:18,110 --> 00:21:21,030 In the second year after I married into Prince Jing'an's household, 367 00:21:21,030 --> 00:21:23,240 Empress Dowager He found a pretext 368 00:21:23,440 --> 00:21:24,970 and convicted your family. 369 00:21:25,750 --> 00:21:27,480 Your father and brothers died, 370 00:21:27,590 --> 00:21:30,070 and your mother, in her despair, took her own life along with your sister. 371 00:21:30,070 --> 00:21:31,800 I'm a daughter of the He family. 372 00:21:32,030 --> 00:21:34,760 Our families have long been bound by a blood feud. 373 00:21:34,880 --> 00:21:37,080 I didn't dare let you remember the past. 374 00:21:37,720 --> 00:21:39,380 I foolishly convinced myself 375 00:21:40,480 --> 00:21:42,410 that as long as I didn't speak of it, 376 00:21:42,510 --> 00:21:45,720 we could have a fresh start together. 377 00:21:46,550 --> 00:21:47,880 But I never expected... 378 00:21:49,720 --> 00:21:50,270 I never expected 379 00:21:50,270 --> 00:21:52,600 you to be deceived and used by Xie Huaigui. 380 00:21:53,440 --> 00:21:57,480 Runheng, you can still turn back now. 381 00:22:01,640 --> 00:22:02,970 My right hand is ruined. 382 00:22:03,880 --> 00:22:05,070 I can no longer prove 383 00:22:05,070 --> 00:22:07,680 that those letters and ledgers were forged by me. 384 00:22:07,680 --> 00:22:09,070 You are living proof. 385 00:22:11,160 --> 00:22:12,000 Jiayu. 386 00:22:23,750 --> 00:22:27,880 What exactly is the crime Grand Tutor Xie intends to pin on the Xiao family? 387 00:22:28,010 --> 00:22:28,860 Treason... 388 00:22:33,920 --> 00:22:35,850 and collaboration with the enemy. 389 00:22:44,270 --> 00:22:46,720 Tell us everything you know. 390 00:22:48,680 --> 00:22:49,680 At this point, 391 00:22:50,270 --> 00:22:50,960 Runheng, 392 00:22:51,400 --> 00:22:53,600 for the sake of the person you once were, 393 00:22:53,640 --> 00:22:55,440 don't keep going down this road. 394 00:23:07,270 --> 00:23:08,800 Third Alley, Shanghe Ward. 395 00:23:09,830 --> 00:23:11,680 The scholars who forged the letters and ledgers 396 00:23:11,680 --> 00:23:12,880 are all hidden there. 397 00:23:13,240 --> 00:23:14,240 If you move quickly, 398 00:23:14,240 --> 00:23:16,640 you might still be able to save some of them. 399 00:23:20,680 --> 00:23:21,790 Too late again. 400 00:23:37,030 --> 00:23:38,760 The outcome is not yet decided. 401 00:23:40,350 --> 00:23:42,480 Prince Qi, don't you think you've come a little early? 402 00:23:42,480 --> 00:23:43,610 These past few days, 403 00:23:43,960 --> 00:23:45,760 the evidence has been piling up— 404 00:23:45,830 --> 00:23:47,790 Xiao Yao's corruption in the grain canal project, 405 00:23:47,790 --> 00:23:50,350 and Xiao Ju's sale of military supplies and leaking of military intelligence. 406 00:23:50,350 --> 00:23:51,640 Not just your family— 407 00:23:51,750 --> 00:23:54,300 many of the common-born officials you promoted 408 00:23:54,300 --> 00:23:55,960 have been dragged down with you as well. 409 00:23:55,960 --> 00:23:59,310 Now, the public in and out of Jiankang is outraged, 410 00:24:00,030 --> 00:24:03,350 demanding severe punishment for your family 411 00:24:03,480 --> 00:24:06,070 and a strict investigation of common-born officials. 412 00:24:06,070 --> 00:24:09,000 Do you think you still have a way out, 413 00:24:10,920 --> 00:24:12,640 Crown Prince Wenxi? 414 00:24:21,070 --> 00:24:24,310 From the day His Majesty returned the Phoenix Heart Token to you, 415 00:24:24,310 --> 00:24:26,040 I was certain of your identity. 416 00:24:26,880 --> 00:24:28,740 From supervising the grain canal 417 00:24:30,000 --> 00:24:32,000 to charges of treason, it's exactly 418 00:24:32,920 --> 00:24:36,650 the same pattern as the downfall of the An and Lu families back then. 419 00:24:38,240 --> 00:24:41,370 Grand Tutor Xie has certainly put a great deal of thought 420 00:24:43,110 --> 00:24:45,370 into choosing the Xiao family's crimes. 421 00:24:47,880 --> 00:24:50,810 So you really do know the truth behind the An-Lu case. 422 00:24:51,000 --> 00:24:52,110 And since you know, 423 00:24:52,440 --> 00:24:53,440 you should also realize 424 00:24:53,440 --> 00:24:55,920 that Grand Tutor Xie isn't leaving you any way out. 425 00:24:55,920 --> 00:24:57,270 Xie Jiayu acted fast 426 00:24:57,680 --> 00:25:00,550 and found the one who forged the letters and ledgers. 427 00:25:00,550 --> 00:25:02,070 But that man's hand is ruined. 428 00:25:02,070 --> 00:25:03,070 He can't testify. 429 00:25:05,350 --> 00:25:07,680 For the sake of our past brotherhood, 430 00:25:08,750 --> 00:25:10,400 I can spare your whole family... 431 00:25:10,400 --> 00:25:13,530 I won't agree to the conditions you're about to propose. 432 00:25:17,550 --> 00:25:19,790 Hand over the Beifu Army and the Phoenix Heart Token, 433 00:25:19,790 --> 00:25:21,520 and write a divorce agreement. 434 00:25:21,920 --> 00:25:23,960 I want you to tell Xie Jiayu yourself 435 00:25:23,960 --> 00:25:25,560 that you want to divorce her. 436 00:25:27,550 --> 00:25:29,750 Do you honestly think that's possible? 437 00:25:46,240 --> 00:25:47,440 I think it is. 438 00:25:55,980 --> 00:25:58,250 Xie Jiayu is her own person. 439 00:25:58,830 --> 00:25:59,960 Her life 440 00:26:01,030 --> 00:26:02,200 and her feelings 441 00:26:03,310 --> 00:26:05,110 should be hers to choose. 442 00:26:06,480 --> 00:26:08,440 You're forcing her to come back to you— 443 00:26:08,440 --> 00:26:10,070 is it because you love her 444 00:26:12,000 --> 00:26:14,160 or because you hate me? 445 00:26:14,180 --> 00:26:17,040 That was Xie Jiayu's own wrong choice to begin with. 446 00:26:18,270 --> 00:26:19,240 I'm merely giving her 447 00:26:19,240 --> 00:26:20,920 a chance to choose again. 448 00:26:27,160 --> 00:26:28,070 Li Yizhi. 449 00:26:31,440 --> 00:26:33,840 You shouldn't have dragged the Xiao family 450 00:26:34,070 --> 00:26:36,730 and all those common-born officials into this. 451 00:26:39,310 --> 00:26:41,920 Do you really think all those commoners you promoted 452 00:26:41,920 --> 00:26:44,450 are people of both talent and good character? 453 00:26:46,550 --> 00:26:49,400 Cruel and corrupt officials mostly come from humble origins. 454 00:26:49,400 --> 00:26:52,250 The common people have long since grown to despise the reforms. 455 00:26:52,250 --> 00:26:55,510 Even if everything you've done was meant to save the realm, 456 00:26:55,890 --> 00:26:56,810 then tell me— 457 00:26:57,310 --> 00:27:00,750 how many people can truly understand your intentions? 458 00:27:01,510 --> 00:27:04,040 And how many would actually appreciate them? 459 00:27:04,680 --> 00:27:06,880 All you'll get is more and more people 460 00:27:07,880 --> 00:27:09,830 wanting you dead. 461 00:27:18,830 --> 00:27:20,110 And you don't fully know 462 00:27:20,110 --> 00:27:21,700 this father of yours either. 463 00:27:21,700 --> 00:27:23,560 Xiao Ju was not dragged into this. 464 00:27:24,310 --> 00:27:25,790 He and your birth mother 465 00:27:26,230 --> 00:27:29,090 were both perpetrators of the An-Lu wrongful case. 466 00:27:29,920 --> 00:27:31,350 He's selfish and cowardly 467 00:27:31,350 --> 00:27:34,750 and will abandon all moral principles for his own interests. 468 00:27:35,680 --> 00:27:37,410 The downfall of the Xiao family 469 00:27:37,480 --> 00:27:38,480 is inevitable. 470 00:27:39,160 --> 00:27:41,360 If you really want to protect Xie Jiayu, 471 00:27:42,000 --> 00:27:46,070 divorce is the only path left. 472 00:28:06,510 --> 00:28:08,920 The grain canal collapsed, the Xiao family embezzled, 473 00:28:08,920 --> 00:28:13,050 Xiao Wuyi was imprisoned, and the ruler and his subject became estranged. 474 00:28:13,680 --> 00:28:14,740 You're very smart. 475 00:28:15,310 --> 00:28:17,350 You know that the truth of the An-Lu case 476 00:28:17,350 --> 00:28:19,150 is Xie Huaigui's real obsession 477 00:28:19,550 --> 00:28:20,750 and that if he learns 478 00:28:21,070 --> 00:28:23,000 Xiao Ju knew of the injustice back then 479 00:28:23,000 --> 00:28:24,070 yet concealed it, 480 00:28:24,680 --> 00:28:26,680 he will never let the Xiao family go. 481 00:28:31,680 --> 00:28:33,410 Xiao Wuyi has been imprisoned. 482 00:28:33,830 --> 00:28:34,790 Are you happy? 483 00:28:39,160 --> 00:28:40,270 If he dies, 484 00:28:40,590 --> 00:28:42,550 Xie Jiayu will be left without anyone to rely on. 485 00:28:42,550 --> 00:28:45,280 Your brother is now the Regent in name and in fact. 486 00:28:45,510 --> 00:28:47,440 You can also return to Southern Ye. 487 00:28:57,960 --> 00:28:58,960 I belong 488 00:28:59,790 --> 00:29:01,250 to you now, Your Highness. 489 00:29:02,070 --> 00:29:04,510 And I'll never go back in this life. 490 00:29:05,090 --> 00:29:06,950 Without Xiao Wuyi, the Beifu Army 491 00:29:07,110 --> 00:29:08,770 has lost its fighting spirit. 492 00:29:09,350 --> 00:29:12,830 It'll never again be a match for Your Highness's Black Eagle Army. 493 00:29:12,830 --> 00:29:14,960 From now on, the border will be secure. 494 00:29:15,680 --> 00:29:18,480 I should congratulate Your Highness. 495 00:29:19,750 --> 00:29:20,590 Is that so? 496 00:29:21,550 --> 00:29:24,640 You're helping your brother eliminate his greatest rival, 497 00:29:24,640 --> 00:29:27,300 and yet you still find such a pretty way to put it. 498 00:29:29,310 --> 00:29:30,170 Your Highness, 499 00:29:30,480 --> 00:29:32,110 all the warriors participating in today's mounted archery contest 500 00:29:32,110 --> 00:29:32,910 have arrived. 501 00:29:33,270 --> 00:29:35,440 The cattle, sheep, and Ye slaves have also been brought into the arena. 502 00:29:35,440 --> 00:29:36,200 I know. 503 00:29:38,070 --> 00:29:40,200 Then let me help Your Highness change. 504 00:29:48,590 --> 00:29:49,200 Lejun. 505 00:29:57,480 --> 00:29:58,280 What's wrong? 506 00:29:58,790 --> 00:29:59,830 My child... 507 00:30:00,680 --> 00:30:01,710 Our child? 508 00:30:03,300 --> 00:30:04,630 You did this on purpose. 509 00:30:04,840 --> 00:30:05,970 You didn't want him. 510 00:30:06,400 --> 00:30:08,330 You didn't want our child, did you? 511 00:30:09,680 --> 00:30:10,270 I... 512 00:30:11,510 --> 00:30:12,590 didn't... 513 00:30:18,000 --> 00:30:19,610 Lejun. Lejun! 514 00:30:25,510 --> 00:30:27,030 We were still a step too late. 515 00:30:27,030 --> 00:30:28,920 We only have Liu Zhaolin as a witness, 516 00:30:28,920 --> 00:30:30,360 but his hand is ruined. 517 00:30:30,920 --> 00:30:32,510 I'm afraid his testimony alone won't convince anyone. 518 00:30:32,510 --> 00:30:33,240 Not too late. 519 00:30:33,320 --> 00:30:35,320 At least now we know who's behind it. 520 00:30:35,350 --> 00:30:36,000 Jiayu. 521 00:30:38,270 --> 00:30:39,330 There is something 522 00:30:39,830 --> 00:30:40,960 you need to know now. 523 00:30:44,160 --> 00:30:46,030 If Xiao Wuyi keeps pushing himself like this, 524 00:30:46,030 --> 00:30:47,560 he probably won't even last 525 00:30:48,240 --> 00:30:49,170 another year. 526 00:30:53,160 --> 00:30:55,420 Xiao Wuyi didn't mean to keep it from you. 527 00:31:04,480 --> 00:31:05,510 Then how is he 528 00:31:06,510 --> 00:31:07,240 now? 529 00:31:09,040 --> 00:31:10,300 It's well controlled. 530 00:31:10,520 --> 00:31:12,850 In enclosed spaces or in the dark at night, 531 00:31:12,880 --> 00:31:13,720 it worsens. 532 00:31:14,380 --> 00:31:16,180 But he's learned to live with it. 533 00:31:17,770 --> 00:31:19,140 What worries me most now 534 00:31:19,200 --> 00:31:22,200 is that the Court of Judicial Review will use torture. 535 00:31:22,400 --> 00:31:23,550 I heard from Yuanji 536 00:31:23,570 --> 00:31:25,310 that Commandant of Justice Lu is a harsh official. 537 00:31:25,310 --> 00:31:27,370 If Xiao Wuyi's condition worsens... 538 00:31:28,400 --> 00:31:30,030 there's no telling what will happen. 539 00:31:30,030 --> 00:31:32,430 For now, the priority is finding a way to get him out 540 00:31:32,430 --> 00:31:33,560 as soon as possible. 541 00:31:35,970 --> 00:31:38,820 [Grand Tutor's Mansion] 542 00:31:38,870 --> 00:31:40,930 [Xie] 543 00:31:42,350 --> 00:31:44,220 Third Alley, Shanghe Ward has been emptied. 544 00:31:44,220 --> 00:31:46,750 Grand Tutor Xie, you've fabricated charges. 545 00:31:47,640 --> 00:31:49,480 You framed the Beifu Army commander who bled 546 00:31:49,480 --> 00:31:51,880 for this nation as a traitor who colluded with the enemy. 547 00:31:51,880 --> 00:31:53,680 When you wake in the middle of the night, 548 00:31:53,680 --> 00:31:56,080 doesn't your conscience ever trouble you? 549 00:31:59,960 --> 00:32:01,560 Yaoyao, you're thoughtful. 550 00:32:04,170 --> 00:32:05,610 A troubled conscience? 551 00:32:09,460 --> 00:32:12,060 I'm only doing to him what he once did to others. 552 00:32:16,680 --> 00:32:17,480 You mean... 553 00:32:18,790 --> 00:32:20,680 Prince Jing'an framed the An and Lu families? 554 00:32:20,680 --> 00:32:22,790 He knew there was an injustice in the An-Lu case, 555 00:32:22,790 --> 00:32:23,920 yet he concealed it. 556 00:32:24,070 --> 00:32:26,270 How is that any different from framing? 557 00:32:26,350 --> 00:32:27,480 And Xiao Wuyi. 558 00:32:28,510 --> 00:32:30,240 Since he is Crown Prince Wenxi, 559 00:32:30,350 --> 00:32:31,640 he naturally must atone for 560 00:32:31,640 --> 00:32:33,900 the sins committed by his birth parents. 561 00:32:42,000 --> 00:32:44,750 Yaoyao, concocting an unjust case 562 00:32:45,350 --> 00:32:48,110 might be unfair to others, 563 00:32:48,400 --> 00:32:49,710 but to the Xiao family 564 00:32:49,880 --> 00:32:51,590 and Crown Prince Wenxi, 565 00:32:52,830 --> 00:32:54,110 it's Heaven's will. 566 00:32:55,030 --> 00:32:57,550 Heaven's justice always comes full circle— 567 00:32:58,070 --> 00:32:59,270 this is retribution. 568 00:33:02,880 --> 00:33:03,510 Father. 569 00:33:05,680 --> 00:33:06,880 What really happened 570 00:33:07,480 --> 00:33:09,410 to the An and Lu families back then? 571 00:33:13,310 --> 00:33:17,110 Just as the Xiao family is experiencing today. 572 00:33:17,280 --> 00:33:20,090 [Prince Jing'an's Mansion] 573 00:33:20,830 --> 00:33:21,590 My Lady, how did you know 574 00:33:21,590 --> 00:33:24,250 about the mechanism in Grand Tutor Xie's study? 575 00:33:25,070 --> 00:33:26,110 I was mischievous as a child 576 00:33:26,110 --> 00:33:28,370 and stumbled upon the mechanism by accident. 577 00:33:28,370 --> 00:33:30,570 You know what's inside the box, My Lady? 578 00:33:31,590 --> 00:33:32,270 No. 579 00:33:32,440 --> 00:33:35,570 But they must be extremely important to Grand Tutor Xie. 580 00:33:35,920 --> 00:33:37,960 Qizhou, Qingzhou... 581 00:33:38,440 --> 00:33:39,350 And Luzhou. 582 00:33:41,550 --> 00:33:42,480 Where did you go? 583 00:33:42,830 --> 00:33:44,070 After His Highness was imprisoned, 584 00:33:44,070 --> 00:33:46,120 Qing Long and I were ordered to go to Luzhou to find someone. 585 00:33:46,120 --> 00:33:46,680 Who? 586 00:33:46,960 --> 00:33:50,070 Prince Qi's adoptive mother, Madam Wang of the Lu family. 587 00:33:50,070 --> 00:33:52,270 Originally, she'd always been under His Highness's control, 588 00:33:52,270 --> 00:33:53,920 but she was poisoned at some point. 589 00:33:53,920 --> 00:33:55,070 We were still a step too late. 590 00:33:55,070 --> 00:33:56,270 A step too late again. 591 00:33:56,720 --> 00:33:58,000 Actually, Her Highness Princess Yunzhao 592 00:33:58,000 --> 00:33:59,860 also sent me to these three places 593 00:33:59,880 --> 00:34:01,510 to look for Madam Wang of the Lu family. 594 00:34:01,510 --> 00:34:03,920 It was shortly after Prince Qi was appointed Regent. 595 00:34:03,920 --> 00:34:04,880 That's also why 596 00:34:05,160 --> 00:34:07,760 I didn't go to Lingfeng Fort with Her Highness. 597 00:34:09,560 --> 00:34:11,219 What did Mother send you to do? 598 00:34:11,850 --> 00:34:14,250 To investigate Prince Qi's true identity. 599 00:34:14,510 --> 00:34:16,510 For Mao, for our family, 600 00:34:16,880 --> 00:34:19,679 you must be this pawn. 601 00:34:20,920 --> 00:34:22,280 I finally understand 602 00:34:23,440 --> 00:34:24,969 why Lejun killed my mother, 603 00:34:25,630 --> 00:34:26,840 why my father and mother 604 00:34:26,840 --> 00:34:28,500 divorced after I got married, 605 00:34:29,840 --> 00:34:31,030 and why my mother never approved 606 00:34:31,030 --> 00:34:32,630 of Mao and me being together. 607 00:34:36,190 --> 00:34:37,520 I understand it all now. 608 00:34:40,920 --> 00:34:43,210 [Shezhang Hall] 609 00:34:49,070 --> 00:34:51,280 I, Xie Jiayu, Consort of the Heir of Prince Jing'an, 610 00:34:51,280 --> 00:34:53,139 pay respects to Regent Prince Qi. 611 00:34:59,670 --> 00:35:00,670 Let her in. 612 00:35:11,150 --> 00:35:12,960 The corruption and treason of 613 00:35:13,280 --> 00:35:16,080 Prince Jing'an's family have all been confirmed. 614 00:35:18,280 --> 00:35:20,360 No matter how badly you want to save him, 615 00:35:20,360 --> 00:35:22,670 Xiao Wuyi has no other choice 616 00:35:23,230 --> 00:35:25,690 but to hand over the command of the Beifu Army 617 00:35:25,710 --> 00:35:27,150 and write a confession. 618 00:35:27,230 --> 00:35:28,000 I came today 619 00:35:28,480 --> 00:35:29,740 to give you something. 620 00:35:35,830 --> 00:35:37,510 [Li Mao's Lineage Investigation] 621 00:35:50,840 --> 00:35:52,800 Xiao Wuyi has known your true identity all along. 622 00:35:52,800 --> 00:35:54,330 If he wanted your position, 623 00:35:54,760 --> 00:35:56,420 it would've been his long ago. 624 00:35:58,070 --> 00:35:59,400 You trust him that much? 625 00:36:00,230 --> 00:36:02,030 The facts speak for themselves, 626 00:36:02,110 --> 00:36:03,910 whether you believe them or not. 627 00:36:08,250 --> 00:36:10,000 And if I keep you here, 628 00:36:11,360 --> 00:36:12,620 then all this evidence 629 00:36:14,480 --> 00:36:15,650 will mean nothing. 630 00:36:19,400 --> 00:36:20,730 Yaoyao, don't force me. 631 00:36:21,450 --> 00:36:23,300 I'm not the Li Mao I used to be. 632 00:36:24,090 --> 00:36:25,840 If I can't get what I want, 633 00:36:25,840 --> 00:36:27,640 then we'll all go down together. 634 00:36:30,320 --> 00:36:31,980 I'll give you one last chance. 635 00:36:33,230 --> 00:36:35,230 Take off those robes of the Heir's Consort, 636 00:36:35,230 --> 00:36:36,230 leave Xiao Wuyi, 637 00:36:36,570 --> 00:36:38,100 and stay by my side forever. 638 00:36:39,390 --> 00:36:40,150 Okay? 639 00:36:48,430 --> 00:36:49,110 No. 640 00:36:50,110 --> 00:36:53,280 I also have the letters exchanged between Grand Tutor Xie 641 00:36:53,280 --> 00:36:55,340 and your wet nurse over the past dozen years. 642 00:36:55,340 --> 00:36:56,780 He still doesn't know 643 00:36:57,280 --> 00:36:58,610 that I took the letters. 644 00:36:59,320 --> 00:37:00,720 I'll give you three days. 645 00:37:01,000 --> 00:37:02,200 If, after three days, 646 00:37:02,330 --> 00:37:04,400 Wuyi and the rest of the Xiao family have not returned 647 00:37:04,400 --> 00:37:07,180 and if the Court of Judicial Review has not cleared their name, 648 00:37:07,180 --> 00:37:09,380 then this record of your true identity, 649 00:37:10,320 --> 00:37:11,960 along with the letters between the Grand Tutor 650 00:37:11,960 --> 00:37:14,000 and your wet nurse over the past dozen years, 651 00:37:14,000 --> 00:37:16,060 will be spread throughout Jiankang. 652 00:37:22,590 --> 00:37:23,360 Mao, 653 00:37:24,630 --> 00:37:26,710 whether I'm the Heir's Consort or not, 654 00:37:26,710 --> 00:37:27,910 I'm still Xie Jiayu. 655 00:37:28,480 --> 00:37:30,340 Whether I'm with Xiao Wuyi or not, 656 00:37:31,070 --> 00:37:33,470 I won't choose to enter the palace with you. 657 00:37:34,760 --> 00:37:37,230 These past few years, I've traveled to many places 658 00:37:37,230 --> 00:37:38,560 and lived very happily. 659 00:37:39,840 --> 00:37:41,500 Don't stay trapped in the past 660 00:37:41,960 --> 00:37:43,820 and let it become your obsession. 661 00:37:45,650 --> 00:37:47,580 You were never this kind of person. 662 00:38:05,110 --> 00:38:08,550 [Court of Judicial Review] 663 00:38:29,510 --> 00:38:30,550 Yaoyao came. 664 00:38:34,150 --> 00:38:35,510 When did you 665 00:38:36,260 --> 00:38:38,260 start suspecting my true identity? 666 00:38:40,150 --> 00:38:43,670 From the moment Prince Changsha mutinied to force the abdication 667 00:38:43,670 --> 00:38:46,680 and you were suddenly pushed to the position of Regent. 668 00:38:46,680 --> 00:38:47,470 I thought 669 00:38:48,320 --> 00:38:51,380 it was at least after Lejun got rid of Princess Yunzhao. 670 00:38:51,840 --> 00:38:53,900 I didn't expect it to be even earlier. 671 00:38:54,840 --> 00:38:55,670 That night, 672 00:38:57,070 --> 00:38:59,030 when I saw you in Jiankang Palace, 673 00:38:59,280 --> 00:39:00,210 I was wondering: 674 00:39:00,880 --> 00:39:02,190 Grand Tutor Xie had been plotting for a long time, 675 00:39:02,190 --> 00:39:04,270 so why did he choose you specifically? 676 00:39:04,270 --> 00:39:05,310 As expected, 677 00:39:06,580 --> 00:39:08,920 His Majesty immediately sent people to Qizhou 678 00:39:08,920 --> 00:39:10,920 to investigate your true identity. 679 00:39:11,710 --> 00:39:14,170 Princess Yunzhao's Shadow Envoys also went 680 00:39:14,550 --> 00:39:17,010 and found out the truth they shouldn't have. 681 00:39:17,030 --> 00:39:19,320 But at that time, why didn't you... 682 00:39:19,320 --> 00:39:20,670 Why didn't I expose you 683 00:39:21,320 --> 00:39:24,250 and make this crime of deceiving the emperor public? 684 00:39:31,550 --> 00:39:33,810 Because you and I have the same ambition. 685 00:39:35,150 --> 00:39:36,610 What I cannot accomplish, 686 00:39:37,480 --> 00:39:39,210 you can accomplish in my place. 687 00:39:40,400 --> 00:39:41,920 I don't need an incompetent good man 688 00:39:41,920 --> 00:39:43,450 standing in that position. 689 00:39:43,880 --> 00:39:45,730 Ambition, ruthless methods— 690 00:39:45,760 --> 00:39:47,690 whoever holds that position needs both. 691 00:39:47,690 --> 00:39:50,820 I don't think there's anything wrong with your origins. 692 00:39:55,000 --> 00:39:56,800 You don't care about the throne, 693 00:39:57,910 --> 00:39:59,580 but you need a helper. 694 00:40:00,550 --> 00:40:02,230 So you chose me. 695 00:40:04,320 --> 00:40:05,630 For your ambition, 696 00:40:05,630 --> 00:40:06,800 I lost Yaoyao. 697 00:40:06,800 --> 00:40:08,660 I lost the life I was meant to have! 698 00:40:11,280 --> 00:40:13,140 I am not willing to be your puppet, 699 00:40:16,030 --> 00:40:18,670 and even less willing to accept that Yaoyao remains so devoted to you. 700 00:40:18,670 --> 00:40:20,590 She loves freedom more than anything, 701 00:40:20,590 --> 00:40:22,400 yet she's willing to be bound to your side 702 00:40:22,400 --> 00:40:24,000 and give everything for you! 703 00:40:35,590 --> 00:40:38,920 Those noble clans thought that making peace with Northern Qin 704 00:40:38,920 --> 00:40:41,320 could buy a corner of peace and prosperity. 705 00:40:42,000 --> 00:40:46,130 But that's only a fleeting prosperity confined within Jiankang's walls. 706 00:40:46,320 --> 00:40:47,360 Beyond the city, 707 00:40:47,480 --> 00:40:48,550 countless people on the Northern Border 708 00:40:48,550 --> 00:40:50,000 still live amid war. 709 00:40:54,360 --> 00:40:55,550 If we don't eliminate Northern Qin 710 00:40:55,550 --> 00:40:56,440 and reclaim our lost homeland, 711 00:40:56,440 --> 00:40:58,100 there can never be true peace! 712 00:40:58,630 --> 00:40:59,280 Yizhi, 713 00:41:00,100 --> 00:41:01,550 these were your own words 714 00:41:01,550 --> 00:41:03,150 while you were fleeing here. 715 00:41:03,800 --> 00:41:05,550 It was you who forgot. 716 00:41:16,630 --> 00:41:17,960 The person who chose you 717 00:41:19,790 --> 00:41:20,650 was never me... 718 00:41:25,360 --> 00:41:26,760 but yourself.