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[The Virtuous Queen of Han]

[Episode Thirty-Two]

Your Majesty.

Is something wrong with Ju Er?

He's fine, and sound asleep.

What brings you here to Feichang Palace then?

You should be having a proper rest.

You've lost weight these days.

I have an important matter to report to Your Majesty.

What is it?

This time that Ju Er fell ill

made me realize that the offspring of Great Han must be abundant.

Therefore, I ask that Your Majesty accept the proposal to

select new concubines.

Why are you like those officials?

That night, Your Majesty said that this is the only son you have.

You have to look after him in person.

That was when I came to the realization.

That wasn't what I meant when I said that.

I understand.

Just as Your Majesty has said, the officials had this in mind as well.

This isn't just our family matter, but a national issue.

This concerns the stability of the imperial family of Great Han.

I ask that Your Majesty reconsider this suggestion.

There are a lot of national affairs to take care of.

I am in no mood to have any pleasures in the harem.

Besides, I am already content with you as my wife.

I have no desire for others.

Why would I bother to select new concubines?

Your Highness, can I say a few words?

Please go ahead.

His Majesty is unwilling to select new concubines

because he cares about your feelings.

Your Highness should consider his Majesty's affections for you.

Look, Duan Hong also understands me.

Your Majesty, I'm blessed to have your deep affections for me

but it will be hard for me to bear you another son.

I've failed the imperial clan.

If Your Majesty keep defending me

it will only arouse criticisms among officials.

Criticisms?

There are already many concubines in the harem.

Who can say for sure that I will not have more sons in the future?

Your Majesty, as the ruler of a nation

you have a duty to reassure the people.

Although I'm in the harem

I'm not completely ignorant of the current situation.

All the feudal kings, Your Majesty's brothers and uncles

all took hold of military powers in their own territories.

Since the founding of Han, it's been known that

feudal kings have always stirred up trouble every now and then.

If we have very few offspring in the imperial family

once Your Majesty falls ill

these villains will make use of the chance to start war.

The people will be plunged into great suffering and misery.

As the Prefect of the Gentlemen-of-the-Palace

Duan Hong wasn't even here in Chang An during our national mourning.

It's not for me to ask the reasons.

But I am sure that Duan Hong can also understand what I just said.

I beg Your Majesty to allow me to fulfill Empress Dowager's last wish.

Allow me to carry out my filial duties with you.

Please announce for the selection of new concubines.

That is Empress Dowager's last wish?

Yes, I am telling the truth.

At that time, Your Majesty was still grieving the loss of your mother.

It didn't seem to be the right time to tell you about it.

Now, I only ask that Your Majesty put the nation first.

Accept the proposal to select new concubines

so that the imperial family can grow in abundance

and also fulfill your filial duties.

I hope that Your Majesty will write the imperial decree to select concubines.

Under the ginkgo tree, Your Majesty was upset about not doing enough for Mother.

All right.

I understand.

Duan Hong, since you're here, you will serve as my witness.

In the future, no matter how many concubines there might be in this harem

I will never betray the Empress.

As long as I shall live, Zi Fu is to stay as my empress.

I'll obey the imperial decree.

Sister, I hear that many of the girls who are attending the selection

have gone for divination and fortune-telling.

Why don't we do that as well?

Let's see if we have any chance in the concubine selection.

Fortune-telling?

That is used to deceive those plain, untalented, and ignorant women

who only want to make it into the palace.

Why would I need that?

Of course, you're fine without it but I...

My silly sister.

Is fortune-telling free of charge?

If we're going to spend money, we should spend it on clothes.

Then we can look better during the concubine selection.

'Accurate foretell of destiny.'

'A charge of a hundred taels of gold. Non-negotiable.'

'If you can solve my quiz, then it shall be free.'

If we can solve his quiz, we won't have to pay.

He sounds so full of himself.

I'd like to see how accurately he can tell one's destiny.

Let's go.

'A summer insect can not talk about snow.'

'It is impossible to speak to persons of limited experience.'

Sister, how can a summer insect possibly have witnessed ice and snow?

It is incredibly ridiculous to talk to a summer insect about snow.

Therefore, this verse must be paired with an equally ridiculous one.

Winter isn't a good time to grow silkworms?

How could they come out of their cocoons?

'A summer insect can not talk about snow.'

'It is impossible to speak to persons of limited experience.'

Winter silkworms break out of their cocoons.

It is a matter to laugh about.

This lady is right.

You won't have to pay a hundred taels of gold.

But only one of you can get your fortune told.

Although you were born in poverty, your beauty and talent are outstanding.

You are sure to stand out among the crowd.

Good fortune is upon you.

I thought that you'd be skilled at this.

That is such a cliche. I could say that as well.

I, Wang Sang, have always been complimented by my relatives

for my good looks and my self-taught talent in music and arts.

I came first in all the rounds of this concubine selection

from village to county, then to prefecture.

My sister was also selected by just accompanying me.

How would I be worried that good fortune is not coming my way?

Don't be so anxious. Allow me to continue.

You're sure to have a strange encounter in the capital.

But this encounter might not be good for you.

Why isn't it good?

Are you jinxing me because I don't seem to believe you?

You're such a petty-minded fortune-teller.

Why are you in my way? Watch it!

Apologize to me quickly.

I'm sorry.

You're one who's blind and you dare to blame her for it?

You should be the one to apologize. Pay us for medical treatment.

They are just some tricksters scamming for money. Let's go.

Stop right there!

Watch your mouth.

What tricksters?

We are descendants of respectful families

chosen to meet His Majesty in the palace.

Sister, I am fine.

I was the careless one. Don't be angry.

Let's go.

Don't you dare leave without an apology!

Sister!

The path turns and another strange flower blossoms.

What are you talking about, sir?

Shallow breath and gentle voice.

Watery eyes.

Delicate and charming.

You're like a frail willow in the wind.

How could any heroes and great men not favor such a lady?

You have great potential.

I could give you a few words of advice

for your trip to the palace with your sister.

But sir, I don't have a hundred taels of gold to pay you.

You can thank me later, when you make it into the harem.

Listen.

Be yielding and put on a delicate front.

The Empress arrives!

Greetings to Your Highness.

You may all rise.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Your Highness, after rounds of elimination

we have selected nine ladies of outstanding appearance and good conduct

from the descendants of respectful families.

Your Highness, please enjoy the performances of their talents

and then make the final selection.

You may all demonstrate your talents.

Sister!

Carry her into the inner hall!

- Summon the imperial physician! - Yes.

Your Highness, my sister was born a frail child.

She passes out very often.

Please do not worry about her.

My sister has hindered the Empress from selecting the concubines.

I ask for your forgiveness on her behalf.

There are more spectacular aspects to the rest of my dance.

I hope to finish my dance.

Do you feel better now, after having some hot soup?

Be at ease.

The imperial physician said that you passed out from anemia.

You will need to eat more and take more nourishment.

But why are you so frail?

Your Highness, I am Wang Yan. I come from a poor village in Luoyang.

I've grown up in poverty.

Fortunately, His Majesty chooses the concubines regardless of wealth.

Hence, my sister and I can take part in this selection.

Your sister?

Did my older sister, Wang Sang, dance very well just now?

You are of the same family

so you should share the same treatment in daily life and needs.

Why is she strong, healthy, and nimble

but you're so frail and weak?

My sister has always been beautiful and talented.

She can learn well with just a glance.

She is so much better than I, who is dumb and timid.

My parents placed all their hopes on my sister in this selection.

I hope that she can be chosen as well.

But there's nothing much that I can do to help her.

All I can do is to give more of my food to my sister

so that she can have more energy to dance with ease.

You starve yourself in order to help her get selected?

As long as my sister can be chosen, my family will no longer have to suffer.

My younger brother can also go to school.

You've sacrificed so much for your family.

Don't you feel aggrieved?

Why would I?

I am already very fortunate

to be able to enter the palace and witness the glamour of Your Highness.

If my sister can be successfully chosen

it will be the biggest blessing for my family.

Your Highness, did I interrupt my sister's dance

at the most exciting part?

I beg Your Highness not to deprive my sister

of her opportunity because of me.

I beg Your Highness to watch her dance again.

Don't worry.

Every descendant of respectful families have a chance to perform.

After the appraisal by the Empress

the following descendants of respectful families are outstanding

in both appearance and talent.

They will enter the harem to serve as persons of the household

and learn rules of the palace in the Lateral Courts.

Jiang Rou! Xue Mei!

Wang Yan!

And Yang Su Fang!

Persons of the household, step forward to thank Her Highness.

Thank you, Your Highness!

My dear sisters, please get up.

The descendants of respectful families who are chosen into the harem

are all of great talent.

But it isn't just about the talents.

Kindheartedness and conduct are also key factors.

Some of you are willing to starve for the sake of your family.

But some would neglect your family in order to win.

I have my own considerations for who to choose.

Those who are willing to sacrifice themselves for others

irregardless of pros and cons

and do not seek out personal gains

are ones who can get along well with my sisters in the harem

and set an example for all.

They can also bear offspring for the imperial family of Han

who will care for the people.

I hope that you can all serve His Majesty well

and be kind to one another.

Bear offspring for the imperial family and bring joy to us all.

We'll obey the teachings of Your Highness.

Those who aren't chosen shouldn't be upset.

There are different reasons behind it.

If you've made a mistake, then correct it.

If you've made no mistakes, then you should understand

that sometimes, fate is beyond your control.

Just be content with your life.

Persons of the household may now enter the harem.

Those who weren't chosen will leave the palace today.

We now take our leave.

We now take our leave.

Zi Fu is so thoughtful.

You know that I've been having discomfort in my throat

so you specially prepared this fruit stew to nourish my lungs.

Your Majesty has been coming over to Jiaofang Palace day after day.

That is why I can express my concern for you.

But the new persons of the household have yet to hear

even the coughing of Your Majesty.

I promised Shi Yi yesterday that I'd be here to check on her homework.

How could I break my promise to my own daughter?

Here is the homework that Your Majesty asked to see.

Good, I'll see if Shi Yi's handwriting has improved or not.

It's 'By the shores of the marsh.' (Poem in The book of Odes)

Are you sure you're not giving me homework?

'By the shores of that marsh there are rushes and lotus plants.'

'There is the beautiful lady. I am tortured for her, but for what?'

'By the shores of the marsh'

reflects the feelings of those new concubines.

They have been waiting all day long for you, Your Majesty.

All men in the world want to rob me of my nation.

All women in the world want to steal my heart.

Only Zi Fu would push me away when I reach out for you.

As a woman, I definitely wish for a lifetime with my husband.

We each take care of our duties and share our lives together.

Nothing is better than a harmonious marriage.

No one else but us are in this marriage.

However, my husband is the emperor and I am the empress.

I not only share my husband's glory, but also share the same responsibility.

I cannot ignore the peace and prosperity of Great Han

for my own selfish reasons.

Zi Fu...

Moreover, I am just putting myself in their shoes.

Years ago, when Your Majesty was out investigating the needs of the people

I waited for you all alone in the Lateral Courts.

As seasons went by

I can still taste that loneliness of waiting for Your Majesty.

I can empathize with how those new concubines feel right now.

You only remember the loneliness of waiting for your husband.

But I remember the times when you were framed, poisoned

and on the verge of death.

You're not afraid to bring up the past.

But I'm afraid that the history will repeat itself.

In the harem, troubles brew when more people come in.

Those persons of the household will start being cocky once they are favored.

By then, there will be pangs of jealousy.

Who knows how aggrieved you will be?

That won't happen.

It is different now.

I am already the Empress now.

I can protect myself.

Moreover, the persons of the household that I have chosen

are all kind and pure-hearted.

They are all outstanding in appearance.

They truly excel in both virtues and beauty.

Just like Lady Wang and...

All right, all right.

I'll listen to you.

The path turns and another strange flower blossoms.

I can give you a few words of advice for your trip to the palace.

Listen.

Be yielding and put on a delicate front.

Be yielding means that

during the period of the selection, your sister is your first priority.

In all basic necessities of life, yield whatever you can to her.

For example, I'll have to give my food to my sister even if I'm hungry?

When you're left with nothing will be the day when you get everything.

What does putting on a delicate front mean?

Once you get to see His Majesty, you must appear frail and delicate.

You must win him over with your tears.

Sir, you want me to put on an act?

I couldn't do that.

- I'm very dumb, I... - If you can't, then hurt yourself.

Just get teary eyed like you did when you fell and hurt yourself.

His Majesty arrives!

Greetings to Your Majesty.

You may get up.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Why have you cried?

I never thought that I would ever be favored by Your Majesty.

I'm surprised and happy.

I can't help but cry.

This is a small token from me and my sister.

Yuan Shu, thank you both for your generous gift.

It seems that your younger sister is greatly favored by His Majesty?

Judging by my sister's mediocrity and stupidity

she only succeeded because of your wise words.

If I had known, I'd have asked you for advice as well.

Please help me get into the palace...

Do not spoil the big plot.

Different fate, different personalities.

You must not insist upon it.

If you go against destiny, you might both end up badly.

You're too competitive, snobbish, and outspoken.

You will definitely stir up jealousy.

The harem is not where you should be.

If you could ensure that your sister stays a favorite for long

then your family can live in prosperity for years.

If not...

I understand.

In the future, I'll be the messenger for my sister.

I'll just do my best to assist her.

I wonder what great strategy you have for my sister this time?

She must be respectful and yielding to others as always.

She only needs to stay dumb and timid.

Don't worry. She is naturally so.

I will take my leave now.

You're after wealth and luxury.

What I want is chaos

for the imperial family of Great Han!

Sister.

Greetings to...

Please do not stand on ceremony, my sister.

Sister is alone in here on Mother's birthday.

It must be that you miss her dearly.

But the dead are dead. I hope that you can stop grieving soon.

If there's something weighing on your mind

you can be forthright with me.

I wouldn't dare to do so.

If I have offended you in any way, I beg you for forgiveness.

I wish to borrow a glass of wine to apologize to you with it.

I prepared this for Mother.

I beg Your Highness for forgiveness.

I am the careless one.

I hope that you won't take it to heart.

Your Highness has always been thoughtful and careful.

How could you have been careless?

At most, you're just a hypocrite.

Sister...

I truly want the best for you.

But I can't be well at all because of Your Highness.

When I first sent you into the palace, you were framed for murder.

I risked offending Empress Chen and Grand Princess Dou

in order to protect you.

When you were poisoned by voodoo and critically ill

I risked going against my mother to take the princesses to you.

I treated you with great affection and faith.

I've never forgotten the kindness that you've shown me.

I can only do my best to repay your kindness.

Repay my kindness?

How did you repay my kindness?

For your bosom friend, for your own desire to be crowned as the empress

and for your fear of being accused of monopolizing the harem

you tore apart two people who are in love with each other.

That is how you repay my kindness?

I ended up being married off to a faraway place.

I couldn't stay by my mother's side to serve her.

I nearly couldn't make it to see her before she died.

That is how you repay my kindness?

There is already animosity between me and my husband.

But you had to give me another kick when I was already down.

You drove a wedge between us.

That is how you repay my kindness?

I didn't do so.

Could it be that Marquess of Ruyin...

How could a spoiled and willful person like me

be fit to be a close kin of the Empress?

If I turned out to obstruct the future career of your brother

wouldn't that have been worse?

Fortunately, after the fuss that Marquess of Ruyin kicked up

I got to know what Your Highness is truly thinking.

That was never my intention.

I just wanted to help you get along better with the marquess.

Perhaps I didn't choose my words well that day

and Marquess of Ruyin misinterpreted my words.

But I've never once slandered Princess.

Moreover, I didn't force Wei Qing...

You didn't?

Then someone else forced him to give up the one he loves?

You're trying to say that Mother did it?

I do not wish to lie to you.

But I also do not wish to break my promise.

Please forgive me for not being able to tell you the truth.

You're really smart.

You put all the blame on a dead person. Then there is no witness.

I know that nothing I say can change your mind.

It is just that hate and despair will harm your health.

I hope that you can let it all go.

You repaid my kindness with ill will.

You are sure to be punished severely by the gods.

You'll fall out with your husband and all of your closest kin.

When you're all alone by yourself, I can let it all go.

This one is good. I'll take it.

How much did that customer pay for this?

I'll pay twice as much.

I won't give it to you even if you pay twice as much for it.

Young master, he would like to...

Give that back to me.

This jade loop is on me so it is mine now.

Is that so?

Who would dare to take it from me?

You call that a jade loop?

Let me tell you what that is. It is a jade thumb ring.

That is worn on the thumb to assist the pulling of the bowstring.

You don't even know what it is.

- What a joke you are. - You...

I'll fight it out with you!

Fight? You?

If a man wants to fight, go and fight enemies on the battlefield!

Protect Great Han.

You're going to fight with me over a jade thumb ring?

Stop fighting!

Thief! Here comes a treasure!

Just you wait and see!

I, Wang Fu, will not be trifled with!

I, Huo Qu Bing, will be waiting for you!

Qu Bing's swordsmanship has improved.

Great!

Your Majesty, thank you for bestowing the soccer ball to me!

Stop praising him, Your Majesty.

Look. He loves to show off to you even more now.

That's good. I want to see what other tricks he has up his sleeves.

Great swordsmanship!

Greetings to Emperor and Empress.

Don't stand on ceremony!

Qu Bing, your skills have improved quite a bit.

I have been learning and training diligently.

Only then can I one day catch up with my mentor's mentor, Uncle Duan.

You can't even defeat your uncle.

And you already want to defeat your Uncle Duan?

I'll wait for Uncle's victorious return

and then challenge him to three rounds of sword fighting.

After I defeat him, I'll challenge Uncle Duan.

How ambitious!

We have many capable men in Great Han and young ones are stepping up.

This is truly our blessing.

Your Majesty is wise.

Qu Bing is indeed of great potential.

He learned the skills of archery from Wei Qing at a young age.

He wasn't even taller than the bow.

He prides himself with his unusual strength

and practiced archery all day long then.

He almost severed all the tendons in his fingers.

That is what great aspirations and determination mean.

Your Majesty, Lady Wang and her younger brother, Wang Fu

seek audience with Your Majesty in the side hall.

They are here at the right time.

Qu Bing, you and Wang Fu are about the same age.

The both of you could become friends.

We are already enemies.

We've already fought with each other.

You fought with him?

So you mean that you have exchanged a few strokes with him?

I wouldn't say that.

He couldn't handle one single stroke of mine.

Are you saying that you hit him?

Auntie, I never meant to stir up any trouble.

Some time ago, I picked out a jade thumb ring.

It is a gift for Uncle upon his victorious return.

Who knew that Wang Fu was rude and unreasonable?

He tried to snatch away my ring.

All I did was punish him a bit.

He was hurt?

He deserved it.

Huo Qu Bing!

He was wrong to snatch away my jade ring in the first place!

He even wanted to hurt me!

I kicked a jade disk at him to stop him from taking my ring away.

He got so scared that he tripped over himself.

He fell and knocked his head.

Was he seriously hurt?

Compared to the injuries I sustained from all my training

that is nothing.

He'll survive.

You mean to say that it is fairly serious?

What have I always taught you?

We have to stay in harmony.

You should have treated him as family.

But you injured him instead!

I believe that Wang Fu is using his sister to ask Your Majesty

to uphold justice for him.

Your Majesty, it is my fault that I have not taught him well.

Huo Qu Bing injured others recklessly outside the palace.

This is against the teachings of etiquette and harmony of the family.

Please punish me, Your Majesty.

What wrong have you done, Auntie?

I will be responsible for my own deeds.

Your Majesty, punish me instead.

If I am to punish anyone

Wang Fu took another's valuables, which is robbery.

Lady Wang has also failed in teaching her brother.

She should also be punished for indulging him.

I'll see who would dare to come to me to uphold justice.

- Greetings to Emperor and Empress. - Greetings to Emperor and Empress.

I've brought my brother, Wang Fu, to beg Your Majesty for forgiveness.

Lady Wang, what crime did your brother commit?

I've grown up in poverty.

I can now do so well because of the kindness of Your Majesty and Empress.

Who knew that my brother would be so ungrateful

and get so cocky?

In order to come to the palace looking good and well-dressed

he even snatched the jade of another in public and stirred up trouble.

Is that so, Wang Fu?

Yes, Your Majesty!

Because I was summoned to meet Your Majesty for the first time

I was afraid to breach etiquette and embarrass Your Majesty

So... so I...

I know that I have done wrong!

I beg Your Majesty for punishment!

I have neglected my duties to discipline my brother.

Your Majesty and Your Highness dote on me, but I've let you both down.

I've failed to fulfill Empress' wish to have a harmonious family.

I am willing to be punished along with my brother.

I ask that Your Majesty punish me.

Your Majesty, Lady Wang is modest and broadminded.

She had her brother tied up and taken into the hall. She is truly sincere.

Qu Bing might have a reason to strike back

but he was not forgiving enough.

He shouldn't have injured anyone accidentally either.

If Your Majesty is going to punish Lady Wang

- I'm willing to be... - Don't ask to be punished.

Huo Qu Bing, your aunt says that you aren't forgiving enough.

Do you admit your mistake?

Yes, I do.

That is good then.

Both Wang Fu and Qu Bing are young and hot-headed

but they have admitted their mistakes.

They are both still promising young men.

They are both of great potential to the future of Great Han.

I will pardon both of you of your sins.

Thank you for forgiving me, Your Majesty.

Thank you, Your Majesty!

It takes a fight for you to know each other.

From today onward, you are friends.

Qu Bing, why don't you go and untie Wang Fu?

Yes.

Here.

Lady Wang, you know right from wrong.

You have not grown arrogant, even when you are in favor.

You have not let me down.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Fortunately, I came to you for advice before my brother went to the palace.

Only then could my brother avoid being punished.

That was not all.

This strategy has also won your sister a reputation of modesty and virtue.

There are already others who say that

my sister is just as virtuous as the Empress!

You must remember that the more modest you are in front of His Majesty

the more you will win him over.

You should have heard the people of Chang An on your way here.

They are all joyous for Wei Qing's victory.

Wei Qing is victorious and the Empress is in power.

This current situation is as good as playing a game of chess.

The enemy strikes and we back off. Two steps backwards.

Sometimes, that can mean taking a huge step forward.

Retreat in order to advance?

When can we advance?

Your sister has already taken a huge step forward.

I love these delicate eyes of yours.

I love even more your pure and kind heart.

Greetings to Your Highness.

Don't stand on ceremony, Duan Hong.

I've just received a scroll to report.

I thought that His Majesty was here at Jiaofang Palace.

Unfortunately, His Majesty has already gone to Feichang Palace.

Is it urgent?

It isn't urgent news.

They are good news, one personal and one of national affairs.

Both are related to Uncle Yi.

Uncle Yi?

It hasn't been raining lately in Jinyang region

despite it being its rainy season.

His Majesty was worried that there might be a drought again.

Fortunately, Uncle Yi mentioned using the air in the mountains and valleys

to search for water resources during the previous drought.

Could it be that it's feasible in the Jinyang region?

He has already found a few new water resources.

He is still trying to find more.

Because His Majesty has been worried about this matter

and he mentioned that he would come to Your Highness

to relieve him of his worries

I rushed over here when I got the news.

Don't worry.

As the Empress, if someone in the palace can relieve His Majesty of his worries

I can also be at ease.

It's fine as long as you are at ease.

Now that I've reported the national affair

I'll tell you the personal news.

Uncle Yi sent over gifts of gratitude that children gave to His Majesty.

This is especially for Your Highness.

Uncle Yi has been traveling through all the prefectures these days.

He's been helping the poor, rescuing the orphans

building houses, and setting up schools.

Numerous orphans and poor children must have benefited from it.

Every time you see the writings and drawing of children

you are happy for days.

Although they are still young

they have written and drawn every stroke with great attention.

It tells the sincerity of their efforts.

If Your Highness learns that this school

is named after your deceased oldest brother

I believe that will make you even happier.

It is named after my oldest brother?

How would Uncle Yi know the name of my brother?

I told him about it.

I know that your oldest brother had always felt guilty of

not having achieved much in life

to bring glory to the family and your parents.

He will now be remembered for this school.

Thank you, Duan Hong.

It's been very busy in the harem lately.

Wei Qing is out on the battlefields.

I can't help being a bit more worried.

Now that I know about this school, it has brought me some joy.

The innocence of children often brings great comfort to one's mind.

It's been quite a long time since I remember what being a child is like.

This light-hearted melody reminds me of the days we went up the mountains

to pick wild fruits while we sang.

Today, upon seeing the drawings and writings of the children

and hearing about my oldest brother's name being remembered

memories of my childhood now appear before my eyes.

I hope that you can reunite with your father soon

get married, and bring honor to your family name.

I wish you the best with this tune.

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