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[English subtitles are available]
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[Palace of Devotion]
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[This drama is based on
historical data and legends]
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[The story and characters
portrayed are fictitious]
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[Episode 54]
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Mother.
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Though I'm involved in court affairs
following the late emperor's final wish,
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but my role is just
to assist Your Majesty.
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Hence in this court you are still
the one above all.
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Take the seat.
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The Empress Dowager is wise.
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Long live the Empress Dowager.
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The Empress Dowager is wise.
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Long live the Empress Dowager.
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[Three years later]
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I want this horse.
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[Guo Qing Wu, daughter of Guo Chong Xin]
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Take good care of it.
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Yes, Ms Guo.
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00:03:18,300 --> 00:03:19,270
Young Lady, you must be tired.
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I'm still good.
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Young Lady, where are you going?
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You're not returning to the palace?
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I'm off to see His Majesty.
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♫ What night is this ♫
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♫ As I float upon this stream ♫
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♫ What day is today ♫
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♫ That I share this boat
with Your Highness ♫
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[Cao Ru, daughter of Cao Li Yong]
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♫ I'm ashamed as I'm of low status ♫
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♫ My heart flutters endlessly ♫
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♫ When I know you're a prince ♫
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♫ There are trees on this hill ♫
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♫ I'm fond of you but you don't know ♫
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Here.
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♫ There are trees on this hill ♫
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♫ I'm fond of you but you don't know ♫
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♫ You do not know ♫
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That was
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Song of Yue Boatman.
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The ending I remember was that
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the prince was touched
by the maiden's voice.
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According to Chu border etiquette,
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his hands hovered over her shoulders
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as he placed a beautifully
embroidered silk
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on her.
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I don't like that ending.
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Why?
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00:05:53,510 --> 00:05:54,860
The Yue maiden's personality
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is passionate and innocent.
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00:05:57,830 --> 00:05:59,300
If she went with the prince
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and entered the perplexing Imperial Harem,
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not only will she lose her elegance,
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00:06:05,300 --> 00:06:06,390
but it'll hard to survive there as well.
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00:06:06,580 --> 00:06:08,230
If it were you,
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would you stay
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and accompany the prince?
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I don't know.
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00:06:59,800 --> 00:07:01,760
His Majesty has been frequently
leaving the palace of late
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00:07:02,460 --> 00:07:04,180
to see the Cao Clan's youngest daughter.
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Romance of the young.
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00:07:06,800 --> 00:07:08,080
Have you noticed how similar
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His Majesty is
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with the former emperor?
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00:07:14,630 --> 00:07:15,420
I understand
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00:07:15,510 --> 00:07:18,380
why you had the daughter of Guo family
stay in the palace.
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00:07:18,460 --> 00:07:22,050
I also fear that unnecessary problems
would arise in the future.
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His Majesty is loyal and affectionate.
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00:07:26,070 --> 00:07:29,510
That makes him very similar
to the late emperor.
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00:07:31,020 --> 00:07:33,909
Your concerns are valid too.
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Empress Dowager.
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Ms Guo sent a message to say
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she is feeling unwell
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and won't be coming over
for dinner tonight.
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00:07:44,610 --> 00:07:47,090
She's throwing a fit again at His Majesty?
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Your Majesty knows Ms Guo well.
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00:07:48,980 --> 00:07:50,460
I heard that
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00:07:50,550 --> 00:07:52,500
amongst the new tribute horses
from Tangut,
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she selected a superior stallion
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00:07:54,260 --> 00:07:56,950
which she intended as a birthday gift
for His Majesty.
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00:07:57,070 --> 00:07:58,280
But when she went to meet him,
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His Majesty was not there.
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00:07:59,950 --> 00:08:01,020
She was already cranky
while waiting for His Majesty.
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00:08:01,110 --> 00:08:02,980
When His Majesty finally returned,
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he wouldn't see her.
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She just returned and
is still mad over it.
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It's my fault
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00:08:14,300 --> 00:08:17,260
for trying to set them up together.
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00:08:17,460 --> 00:08:18,520
What are your plans now?
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00:08:19,830 --> 00:08:21,920
Would you go along
with His Majesty's wish?
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00:08:22,510 --> 00:08:25,230
Being affectionate is a virtue indeed.
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00:08:26,460 --> 00:08:28,550
But since he's the emperor,
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being overly affectionate
will be problematic for him.
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00:08:32,380 --> 00:08:34,059
I still hope
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his journey as a ruler
will be a smoother one.
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[I think]
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the Yue maiden is more suitable
living the simple Baiyue lifestyle.
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00:09:03,260 --> 00:09:05,820
[To live amongst nature
and its sceneries.]
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00:09:06,490 --> 00:09:08,250
[But she fancies the prince.]
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00:09:08,580 --> 00:09:10,380
[And the prince feels the same way too.]
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It will be a pity for them to be apart.
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Then may the prince
eventually find her in the end.
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00:09:24,820 --> 00:09:25,650
Wang Jian.
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00:09:28,190 --> 00:09:29,230
What are your orders, Your Majesty?
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Ready my brush and ink.
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00:09:31,230 --> 00:09:32,080
Yes, Your Majesty.
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My Majesty, your painting of Ms Cao
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looks so surreal.
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Seeing my dear on Huanhua River.
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She has pretty eyes and light brows.
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Her black hair tied up in a tall bun,
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with a dangling golden hairpin.
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00:10:06,230 --> 00:10:08,940
I couldn't help but to ask her for a date.
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00:10:10,060 --> 00:10:14,000
But she laughs and told me
not to flatter myself.
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00:10:23,460 --> 00:10:24,250
Your Majesty.
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00:10:24,330 --> 00:10:26,620
I don't understand what you wrote.
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00:10:27,910 --> 00:10:29,150
You don't have to understand it.
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00:10:29,230 --> 00:10:31,360
That's true.
As long as Ms Cao gets it.
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00:10:34,430 --> 00:10:35,590
Once the palace gates are opened tomorrow,
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00:10:35,670 --> 00:10:37,060
send this painting to Cao Residence.
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00:10:37,190 --> 00:10:38,220
Yes, Your Majesty.
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00:11:05,670 --> 00:11:07,990
His Majesty, the Emperor.
Her Majesty, the Empress Dowager.
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00:11:08,410 --> 00:11:12,910
Your Majesty, Empress Dowager.
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All rise.
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00:11:14,040 --> 00:11:15,530
Thank you, Your Majesty.
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00:11:16,420 --> 00:11:18,110
What do you want to bring up today?
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00:11:19,990 --> 00:11:21,470
I have a matter
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00:11:21,810 --> 00:11:25,600
that I'd like to discuss with Your Majesty
and the ministers.
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00:11:26,670 --> 00:11:27,620
Go ahead.
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00:11:28,290 --> 00:11:30,220
Before Lord Kou passed away,
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00:11:30,430 --> 00:11:34,140
he mentioned two strategies
in managing state affairs.
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00:11:34,440 --> 00:11:37,240
Eliminating loafers and
recruiting talents.
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00:11:37,350 --> 00:11:40,110
What do Your Majesty and the ministers
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00:11:41,000 --> 00:11:42,920
think about this?
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00:11:44,670 --> 00:11:48,750
The latter pertains to
absorbing talented individuals
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into the administration.
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00:11:52,750 --> 00:11:54,070
As for the former,
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what do you ministers think of it?
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00:11:59,840 --> 00:12:01,960
Your Majesty. Empress Dowager.
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00:12:02,620 --> 00:12:04,670
In my opinion, eliminating loafers
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00:12:05,260 --> 00:12:08,940
should be about the setting up
of government posts.
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00:12:09,350 --> 00:12:10,780
Please elaborate, Lord Su.
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00:12:11,030 --> 00:12:14,000
Song Dynasty's government posts are
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00:12:14,570 --> 00:12:17,330
bureaucratic and redundant.
145
00:12:17,460 --> 00:12:19,840
Our departments are messy,
unorganized and overly large.
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00:12:20,020 --> 00:12:22,270
This allows for more loafers
to breed within.
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00:12:22,430 --> 00:12:24,110
Lord Su is right.
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00:12:24,590 --> 00:12:25,920
These dispensable posts
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not only drain our national treasury dry
150
00:12:29,670 --> 00:12:32,350
in the form of additional wages paid,
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00:12:32,550 --> 00:12:34,010
but most importantly,
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00:12:34,140 --> 00:12:38,700
many officials end up under-performing
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00:12:38,830 --> 00:12:40,440
and feeding at public trough.
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00:12:40,580 --> 00:12:43,380
This doesn't benefit
in assisting His Majesty
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nor does it benefit the people.
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00:12:46,140 --> 00:12:51,300
I plan to investigate those
who fail their duties
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and purge them.
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00:12:53,220 --> 00:12:54,950
What you said is true, Empress Dowager.
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00:12:55,340 --> 00:12:58,720
Government officials should prioritize
their country and its people.
160
00:12:59,280 --> 00:13:02,480
Those who are self-serving, expendable
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and under-performing should be eliminated.
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00:13:07,940 --> 00:13:09,440
I'd like to volunteer myself
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00:13:10,300 --> 00:13:13,300
to share the burden of Your Majesty
and Empress Dowager
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00:13:13,560 --> 00:13:14,970
by identifying these loafers.
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We'll have
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Lord Su to handle that.
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00:13:21,990 --> 00:13:23,190
I accept the decree.
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00:13:24,990 --> 00:13:26,750
Any ideas
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00:13:27,990 --> 00:13:31,080
about recruiting talents?
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00:13:31,390 --> 00:13:32,430
Empress Dowager.
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00:13:33,230 --> 00:13:36,190
It has been years since the late emperor
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abolished the imperial examination.
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I suggest that we reinstate
the imperial examination
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to select talented candidates
for the state.
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00:13:43,400 --> 00:13:46,960
The resurgency of the state
relies on talents.
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It is a pity
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if they aren't recruited by the state.
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Imperials examinations
should be restored indeed.
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Empress Dowager.
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00:13:59,460 --> 00:14:01,740
I suggest we add
an imperial martial arts examination.
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00:14:01,820 --> 00:14:03,530
Imperial martial arts examination?
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00:14:04,190 --> 00:14:05,080
Yes, Empress Dowager.
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00:14:05,160 --> 00:14:07,870
Though the state is free from war now,
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we must be remain vigilant
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00:14:09,380 --> 00:14:10,240
and strive to stabilize the country
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by fortifying our armies.
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00:14:12,550 --> 00:14:13,670
The imperial martial arts examination
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can help us recruit capable leaders
for our troops.
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00:14:16,590 --> 00:14:19,570
Lord Guo's suggestion is
in accordance with mine.
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00:14:20,200 --> 00:14:22,240
I think the idea is not bad too.
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00:14:23,200 --> 00:14:24,850
It's just that
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we've never had one before.
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00:14:27,820 --> 00:14:29,720
As for the assessment content,
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00:14:30,010 --> 00:14:31,960
what do you have in mind, Lord Guo?
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00:14:32,620 --> 00:14:33,650
Empress Dowager.
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00:14:34,060 --> 00:14:36,650
It will naturally assess
one's martial arts ability.
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00:14:37,230 --> 00:14:38,080
Your Majesty.
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00:14:40,860 --> 00:14:41,660
Empress Dowager.
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00:14:42,900 --> 00:14:46,570
If the imperial martial arts examination
is to enlist potential leaders,
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00:14:46,980 --> 00:14:47,810
I think that
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00:14:48,300 --> 00:14:49,620
apart from martial arts abilities,
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00:14:49,700 --> 00:14:52,460
we ought to assess them
on military strategy and war craft.
203
00:14:52,850 --> 00:14:54,850
That is a reasonable suggestion, Lord Su.
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00:14:55,020 --> 00:14:58,550
The matter of these two
imperial examinations
205
00:14:59,350 --> 00:15:02,390
will be overseen by Lord Cao and Lord Guo.
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00:15:02,820 --> 00:15:03,620
Both of you
207
00:15:03,700 --> 00:15:06,470
are to draft an assessment program
as soon as possible
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00:15:06,720 --> 00:15:09,280
to show His Majesty and myself.
209
00:15:11,360 --> 00:15:12,790
What do you think of it, Your Majesty?
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00:15:14,200 --> 00:15:16,510
So be it.
211
00:15:17,420 --> 00:15:18,660
Yes, Your Majesties.
212
00:15:20,790 --> 00:15:22,030
Where is Ms Cao's reply?
213
00:15:22,110 --> 00:15:23,100
Inside, Your Majesty.
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00:15:39,710 --> 00:15:41,800
Putting on my hairpin and make up.
215
00:15:42,090 --> 00:15:43,650
Even if it was only for a brief meet up,
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00:15:44,200 --> 00:15:46,310
I'm grateful he knows my feelings.
217
00:15:46,760 --> 00:15:48,440
Only the heavens know
how deep my affections are.
218
00:15:49,620 --> 00:15:52,020
It seems Ms Cao really gets
your feelings for her.
219
00:15:53,260 --> 00:15:54,570
She's extremely intelligent.
220
00:15:55,310 --> 00:15:56,310
Moreover, we're...
221
00:15:58,220 --> 00:15:59,380
You wouldn't understand
even if I told you.
222
00:15:59,730 --> 00:16:01,970
How am I to know if you never told me?
223
00:16:02,580 --> 00:16:04,190
It's always about
224
00:16:04,310 --> 00:16:06,490
securing the other's heart
and never being apart.
225
00:16:08,750 --> 00:16:10,220
You know quite a bit.
226
00:16:10,620 --> 00:16:12,940
I've learnt from
being around Your Majesty.
227
00:16:13,190 --> 00:16:14,640
I'm feeling good today.
228
00:16:14,960 --> 00:16:15,860
Ready my clothes.
229
00:16:16,060 --> 00:16:17,970
I'll show them some real skills
on the football field.
230
00:16:18,120 --> 00:16:18,970
Yes, Your Majesty.
231
00:16:26,580 --> 00:16:27,870
Where are you heading, Your Majesty?
232
00:16:29,040 --> 00:16:30,190
Off to play football again?
233
00:16:30,790 --> 00:16:31,690
Why are you here?
234
00:16:32,050 --> 00:16:34,050
I want to show Your Majesty something.
235
00:16:34,430 --> 00:16:35,350
As you can see,
236
00:16:35,480 --> 00:16:37,360
I'm playing football today.
Another time.
237
00:16:38,460 --> 00:16:39,310
Another time, again?
238
00:16:40,170 --> 00:16:41,680
Let's go, Wang Jian.
239
00:16:41,760 --> 00:16:42,690
Yes, Your Majesty.
240
00:16:43,140 --> 00:16:45,310
I'll follow you
to the football field then.
241
00:16:45,430 --> 00:16:47,020
It's full of men over there.
242
00:16:47,510 --> 00:16:49,100
It won't be suitable for you as a lady.
243
00:16:49,750 --> 00:16:50,980
You're better off being with Mother
244
00:16:51,060 --> 00:16:52,110
to learn some needlework.
245
00:16:54,380 --> 00:16:55,230
Your Majesty.
246
00:16:57,280 --> 00:16:58,160
Yi Jian.
247
00:16:59,480 --> 00:17:01,750
Do you have any good plans
248
00:17:03,090 --> 00:17:04,750
to identify those loafing officials?
249
00:17:05,190 --> 00:17:07,619
I have yet to come up with a sure-fire one.
250
00:17:08,099 --> 00:17:09,790
Eradicating redundant posts
will be cumbersome
251
00:17:10,430 --> 00:17:13,020
as it is associated
with political corruption.
252
00:17:13,190 --> 00:17:14,589
The officials will cover up
for one another.
253
00:17:14,690 --> 00:17:16,589
Hence the problem can't merely be resolved
254
00:17:16,670 --> 00:17:19,190
by streamlining administrative structures.
255
00:17:19,630 --> 00:17:20,480
That's true.
256
00:17:21,430 --> 00:17:23,190
In comparison with recruiting talents,
257
00:17:23,770 --> 00:17:28,050
discarding inefficient officials
will be a more complicated task.
258
00:17:28,359 --> 00:17:29,910
However I believe
259
00:17:30,180 --> 00:17:32,950
you will come out will a strategic plan
to resolve this issue.
260
00:17:33,790 --> 00:17:35,190
Since you have faith in me,
261
00:17:35,950 --> 00:17:36,790
I'll do my best.
262
00:17:37,310 --> 00:17:38,260
Eunuch Zhang.
263
00:17:39,340 --> 00:17:40,660
Have His Majesty meet me now.
264
00:17:40,740 --> 00:17:43,020
I'd like to listen to his opinions
on this matter.
265
00:17:43,810 --> 00:17:44,890
Your Majesty.
266
00:17:45,450 --> 00:17:47,430
His Majesty is at the football field now.
267
00:17:47,610 --> 00:17:49,610
Should I still get him over here?
268
00:17:49,910 --> 00:17:52,030
Why has he gone over there again?
269
00:17:52,310 --> 00:17:55,200
A few elite football players have been
brought in by Chancellor Wang again.
270
00:17:55,430 --> 00:17:57,060
I heard they are Bashu's
271
00:17:57,140 --> 00:17:58,710
brightest football players.
272
00:17:58,890 --> 00:18:00,610
His Majesty is curious about them.
273
00:18:01,380 --> 00:18:03,860
Ever since Shou Yi
started to like football,
274
00:18:04,240 --> 00:18:07,240
Chancellor Wang has played up to this
275
00:18:07,550 --> 00:18:10,230
by importing a bunch of top footballers
276
00:18:10,310 --> 00:18:12,790
into the palace to train with Shou Yi.
277
00:18:14,090 --> 00:18:16,000
I suppose this is already
the seventh batch of players?
278
00:18:16,620 --> 00:18:19,260
Seems like Chancellor Wang
is trying his best
279
00:18:19,640 --> 00:18:21,760
to avoid being discarded as a loafer.
280
00:18:29,040 --> 00:18:29,850
Eunuch Zhang.
281
00:18:30,500 --> 00:18:32,380
Why have you brought along these letters
282
00:18:32,470 --> 00:18:33,310
and official documents?
283
00:18:33,520 --> 00:18:34,270
Your Majesty.
284
00:18:56,760 --> 00:18:58,180
These are
285
00:18:59,090 --> 00:19:05,090
past letters between the ministers
and Ding Wei.
286
00:19:07,380 --> 00:19:10,820
These were found in Ding Wei's residence
287
00:19:11,370 --> 00:19:13,850
before he was exiled from the capital.
288
00:19:14,660 --> 00:19:16,040
As for these documents,
289
00:19:16,270 --> 00:19:18,920
they describe Ding Wei's interactions
with his minister cronies
290
00:19:19,480 --> 00:19:22,630
in the capital and other regions.
291
00:19:23,670 --> 00:19:25,700
These letters and documents
292
00:19:25,780 --> 00:19:27,720
have yet to be read by me.
293
00:19:30,950 --> 00:19:34,540
Before this very court,
294
00:19:34,990 --> 00:19:39,510
I intend to publicly incinerate them.
295
00:19:39,970 --> 00:19:41,410
Today onwards,
296
00:19:41,690 --> 00:19:44,640
I shall forgive those all parties involved
297
00:19:44,790 --> 00:19:48,790
with Ding Wei's case.
298
00:19:50,540 --> 00:19:51,510
Eunuch Zhang.
299
00:19:51,650 --> 00:19:52,480
Yes, Empress Dowager.
300
00:19:52,560 --> 00:19:55,680
Burn all of these.
301
00:19:55,920 --> 00:19:58,000
I shall do so. Bring it over.
302
00:20:00,400 --> 00:20:01,320
Over here.
303
00:20:17,950 --> 00:20:18,980
Lord Wang.
304
00:20:19,620 --> 00:20:20,590
Yes, Empress Dowager.
305
00:20:20,670 --> 00:20:21,710
After the court has adjourned,
306
00:20:22,020 --> 00:20:24,100
you shall inform ministers
of all departments
307
00:20:24,750 --> 00:20:29,180
to submit a list of their family ties
308
00:20:30,020 --> 00:20:31,430
within the capital
309
00:20:31,830 --> 00:20:33,430
for His Majesty's perusal.
310
00:20:33,910 --> 00:20:35,340
I shall do so.
311
00:20:36,620 --> 00:20:38,100
Why is the purpose for that?
312
00:20:38,640 --> 00:20:39,600
Your Majesty.
313
00:20:40,910 --> 00:20:44,160
For generations, these ministers
have come from families of scholars
314
00:20:44,470 --> 00:20:46,030
and are well educated.
315
00:20:46,220 --> 00:20:48,150
Hence amongst their kin,
316
00:20:48,430 --> 00:20:51,100
there ought to be those who are
able to assist Your Majesty.
317
00:20:51,500 --> 00:20:53,620
Should there be anyone willing
318
00:20:53,790 --> 00:20:55,350
to pledge their loyalty to the state,
319
00:20:55,740 --> 00:20:57,540
their names can be submitted to me
320
00:20:57,620 --> 00:21:02,310
and I shall deliberately consider them.
321
00:21:03,000 --> 00:21:04,390
That is wise of the Empress Dowager.
322
00:21:06,230 --> 00:21:08,650
Thank you for your grace, Empress Dowager.
323
00:21:11,550 --> 00:21:14,600
I object, Empress Dowager.
324
00:21:15,980 --> 00:21:17,460
If all these ministers recommend
325
00:21:17,590 --> 00:21:20,100
their families and friends,
326
00:21:21,110 --> 00:21:25,140
wouldn't it breed nepotism then?
327
00:21:25,640 --> 00:21:26,640
As the saying goes,
328
00:21:26,910 --> 00:21:29,910
as one rises to power, his family
and followers will benefit too.
329
00:21:30,380 --> 00:21:34,140
The late emperor has always practised
openness in recruiting officials
330
00:21:34,590 --> 00:21:36,220
to absorb all possible human talents.
331
00:21:36,340 --> 00:21:39,130
Essentially, this sustains
our state's prosperity.
332
00:21:39,260 --> 00:21:42,710
Please reconsider this, Empress Dowager.
333
00:21:43,110 --> 00:21:48,280
One doesn't avoid family when it comes to
appointing competent individuals.
334
00:21:49,380 --> 00:21:52,390
I shall make the final decision
with much deliberation.
335
00:21:52,480 --> 00:21:53,910
Is Grant Tutor implying that
336
00:21:54,700 --> 00:21:56,780
the Empress Dowager's evaluations
are short-sighted?
337
00:21:57,510 --> 00:21:58,850
I wouldn't dare imply so.
338
00:21:59,500 --> 00:22:02,530
I'm just taking precautions
339
00:22:02,630 --> 00:22:04,300
and considering viable
preventive measures.
340
00:22:04,380 --> 00:22:07,160
Family and friends are often
tied with benefits.
341
00:22:07,240 --> 00:22:08,930
After being in authority,
342
00:22:09,010 --> 00:22:11,960
they might confederate and conspire
together against the government.
343
00:22:12,070 --> 00:22:15,570
This will not bring any benefit at all.
344
00:22:16,670 --> 00:22:19,020
You're incorrect, Grand Tutor.
345
00:22:19,430 --> 00:22:22,470
Should there be incompetent individuals
recommended,
346
00:22:22,690 --> 00:22:24,480
the Empress Dowager will know
how to deal with them.
347
00:22:24,670 --> 00:22:25,830
What is the matter with that?
348
00:22:25,950 --> 00:22:27,670
The Empress Dowager has long
attended state affairs.
349
00:22:27,750 --> 00:22:30,510
She has a keen eye
for selecting competent individuals.
350
00:22:30,590 --> 00:22:33,070
Thus, I agree with the Empress Dowager
on this.
351
00:22:33,740 --> 00:22:37,710
We agree with Her Majesty too.
352
00:22:37,790 --> 00:22:41,070
Since many of you agree with me,
353
00:22:42,710 --> 00:22:45,190
I guess Lord Cao was worrying too much.
354
00:22:45,540 --> 00:22:48,300
Please forgive me for
not sharing the same opinion.
355
00:22:55,950 --> 00:22:56,860
Lord Cao.
356
00:22:58,020 --> 00:22:59,310
Hold on, Lord Cao.
357
00:23:02,550 --> 00:23:03,860
Hold on.
358
00:23:04,950 --> 00:23:07,470
Lord Wang, what is it that
you'd like to enlighten me with?
359
00:23:08,190 --> 00:23:09,380
No, I wouldn't dare.
360
00:23:09,470 --> 00:23:10,300
Lord Cao.
361
00:23:11,590 --> 00:23:14,910
The thing you said
362
00:23:15,550 --> 00:23:16,900
at the hall back then
363
00:23:16,980 --> 00:23:19,670
was indeed true and reasonable.
364
00:23:20,790 --> 00:23:23,340
Didn't you also agree with Her Majesty?
365
00:23:24,180 --> 00:23:27,380
Yes. This is my understanding.
366
00:23:27,850 --> 00:23:31,200
Her Majesty must have trusted
us ministers deeply
367
00:23:31,400 --> 00:23:34,230
to actually come up with that decree.
368
00:23:35,110 --> 00:23:36,410
So I don't understand why
369
00:23:36,510 --> 00:23:39,670
you would disagree
with Her Majesty's decision?
370
00:23:40,830 --> 00:23:41,740
Lord Wang.
371
00:23:42,860 --> 00:23:44,660
Do you really not know why
372
00:23:44,740 --> 00:23:46,380
or you're simply trying to test me?
373
00:23:46,740 --> 00:23:48,870
I wouldn't dare. I really am clueless.
374
00:23:48,950 --> 00:23:51,640
Hence, please enlighten me.
375
00:23:53,100 --> 00:23:55,910
Once Her Majesty has gotten that list,
376
00:23:56,340 --> 00:23:58,510
those family and friends on the list
377
00:23:58,590 --> 00:24:01,780
will probably never be successful
in their political career ever again.
378
00:24:01,860 --> 00:24:02,510
This...
379
00:24:02,590 --> 00:24:04,340
How does it translate to that, Lord Cao?
380
00:24:06,450 --> 00:24:07,920
The reason Her Majesty
381
00:24:08,070 --> 00:24:11,120
burnt those letters and documents
382
00:24:11,590 --> 00:24:13,310
was to reassure the ministers.
383
00:24:18,550 --> 00:24:21,030
What she really seeks is that list.
384
00:24:21,640 --> 00:24:23,310
Once the list is submitted,
385
00:24:24,770 --> 00:24:26,530
all family and friends in the capital
386
00:24:26,690 --> 00:24:29,170
of those ministers
387
00:24:29,670 --> 00:24:31,710
will practically be
388
00:24:32,670 --> 00:24:35,260
under her absolute control.
389
00:24:36,190 --> 00:24:37,960
So that's what it really is.
390
00:24:38,250 --> 00:24:39,160
Lord Wang.
391
00:24:41,220 --> 00:24:43,910
Lord Ding is your son-in-law, isn't he?
392
00:24:44,200 --> 00:24:45,170
Yes, precisely.
393
00:24:45,320 --> 00:24:48,350
Now that he's in exile,
394
00:24:48,430 --> 00:24:50,620
do you think Her Majesty
would ever appoint
395
00:24:50,830 --> 00:24:52,350
any relative of yours after this
396
00:24:52,430 --> 00:24:54,190
to replace Lord Ding's position?
397
00:24:54,420 --> 00:24:56,370
It does seem like...
398
00:25:06,080 --> 00:25:09,630
Cao Jian is always against me.
399
00:25:10,260 --> 00:25:13,200
He can't wait for me
to renounce my regency sooner
400
00:25:13,630 --> 00:25:14,940
and leave the Imperial Court.
401
00:25:15,430 --> 00:25:16,950
Back then,
402
00:25:17,190 --> 00:25:18,950
I've advised the late emperor
numerous times
403
00:25:19,430 --> 00:25:22,490
to release Grand Tutor from his post.
404
00:25:22,850 --> 00:25:25,830
But due to his loyalty
towards Emperor Taizong,
405
00:25:25,910 --> 00:25:27,790
he couldn't do it.
406
00:25:27,980 --> 00:25:28,790
Yi Jian.
407
00:25:30,040 --> 00:25:32,960
Guo Chong Xin and you must both
hold the Bureau of Military Affairs.
408
00:25:33,550 --> 00:25:35,120
You two must work together
409
00:25:35,500 --> 00:25:37,260
and grab hold of military power.
410
00:25:37,700 --> 00:25:40,990
With that, Cao Jian and his cronies
wouldn't dare to act rashly.
411
00:25:41,340 --> 00:25:44,430
Only then will the Imperial Court
continue to stand firmly.
412
00:25:44,550 --> 00:25:48,870
Yes. Guo Chong Xin was a soldier
that guarded the state borders.
413
00:25:49,050 --> 00:25:50,690
The late emperor had a keen eye
414
00:25:50,900 --> 00:25:53,020
and made him the deputy commissioner
of the Bureau of Military Affairs.
415
00:25:53,180 --> 00:25:56,590
Guo Chong Xin is grateful for that
416
00:25:56,670 --> 00:25:57,920
and remains loyal to his emperor.
417
00:25:58,770 --> 00:26:00,220
Even so,
418
00:26:01,620 --> 00:26:03,710
I'm still worried.
419
00:26:04,190 --> 00:26:06,070
We must truly bind his loyalty to us.
420
00:26:07,100 --> 00:26:09,070
I've been thinking a lot about it
421
00:26:10,540 --> 00:26:12,570
and it seems like only marriage
would do so.
422
00:26:12,820 --> 00:26:14,410
You mean for
423
00:26:15,350 --> 00:26:18,230
His Majesty to marry the eldest daughter
of Guo Chong Xin?
424
00:26:18,500 --> 00:26:22,660
I watched Qing Wu grow up
since she was young.
425
00:26:23,620 --> 00:26:26,590
Though occasionally impatient,
426
00:26:26,860 --> 00:26:28,270
she'll do fine with some guidance.
427
00:26:28,500 --> 00:26:32,100
I plan to appoint her as the empress.
428
00:26:32,870 --> 00:26:33,850
What do you think?
429
00:26:34,570 --> 00:26:35,760
I think it's feasible.
430
00:26:36,120 --> 00:26:38,350
If Your Majesty has identified
the suitable candidate,
431
00:26:38,490 --> 00:26:39,650
then I shall bring this matter up
432
00:26:39,730 --> 00:26:42,200
in front of court tomorrow
433
00:26:42,430 --> 00:26:45,590
to allow Your Majesty to determine
the marriage of His Majesty.
434
00:26:46,540 --> 00:26:47,710
Empress Dowager.
435
00:26:47,830 --> 00:26:49,540
According to your orders,
436
00:26:49,740 --> 00:26:50,830
the ministers have written
437
00:26:50,910 --> 00:26:52,950
their name lists onto the screen.
438
00:26:53,700 --> 00:26:54,510
Yi Jian.
439
00:26:55,040 --> 00:26:56,490
Let's have a look at it together.
440
00:26:56,710 --> 00:26:57,490
Yes.
441
00:27:07,770 --> 00:27:08,580
Here it is.
442
00:27:22,590 --> 00:27:23,590
Empress Dowager.
443
00:27:23,670 --> 00:27:25,540
This is the list
444
00:27:25,620 --> 00:27:26,710
as requested of the ministers
445
00:27:26,790 --> 00:27:29,680
regarding the names of family and friends?
446
00:27:29,830 --> 00:27:30,720
Precisely.
447
00:27:31,720 --> 00:27:35,040
I wanted the list to be illustrated
as a chart.
448
00:27:35,160 --> 00:27:38,850
Your Majesty is planning to appoint
officials according to the names or...
449
00:27:40,770 --> 00:27:42,690
Yi Jian, take a closer look
450
00:27:43,610 --> 00:27:46,450
and see if you noticed something
about this chart.
451
00:27:46,980 --> 00:27:50,570
Should they be appointed or not.
452
00:27:51,300 --> 00:27:52,340
Ding Wei.
453
00:27:53,390 --> 00:27:55,590
These here are families of Ding Wei.
454
00:27:56,930 --> 00:27:59,170
Followed by disciples
of their family members.
455
00:28:01,760 --> 00:28:04,880
These disciples come from
the same town as Ding Wei.
456
00:28:07,070 --> 00:28:08,140
Therefore,
457
00:28:08,710 --> 00:28:09,870
if we trace them,
458
00:28:09,950 --> 00:28:12,090
it'll lead us back to Ding Wei.
459
00:28:14,670 --> 00:28:16,620
The Empress Dowager is indeed very wise.
460
00:28:16,950 --> 00:28:17,900
A single chart
461
00:28:17,980 --> 00:28:21,220
is enough to review the entire structure
of the Imperial Court.
462
00:28:23,100 --> 00:28:24,190
Ding Wei
463
00:28:24,910 --> 00:28:27,130
may have been exiled to Suzhou,
464
00:28:27,260 --> 00:28:29,950
but his influence within the court
has never waned
465
00:28:30,040 --> 00:28:32,210
and is still capable of
weighing on our state affairs.
466
00:28:32,710 --> 00:28:34,070
The chart
467
00:28:34,740 --> 00:28:36,180
can also be known as
468
00:28:36,260 --> 00:28:38,800
Ding Wei's relationship diagram
with others within the capital.
469
00:28:41,100 --> 00:28:42,470
I must never
470
00:28:44,190 --> 00:28:46,500
underestimate him.
471
00:28:46,800 --> 00:28:48,710
I've placed ears and eyes in Suzhou
472
00:28:48,830 --> 00:28:49,900
to keep a close watch on Ding Wei.
473
00:28:49,980 --> 00:28:52,340
We'll immediately hear from them
should there any movement.
474
00:28:55,430 --> 00:28:59,760
In the future, any form of recruitment,
promotion or appointing of officials
475
00:29:00,130 --> 00:29:02,370
should first refer to this chart.
476
00:29:02,840 --> 00:29:05,040
Names that are on the chart
477
00:29:05,690 --> 00:29:06,930
must never be used.
478
00:29:07,220 --> 00:29:10,910
This can defer Ding Wei
from initiating a rebellion once more
479
00:29:11,190 --> 00:29:15,190
and prevent the ministers from conniving
480
00:29:16,540 --> 00:29:19,350
to form a collusion.
481
00:29:31,070 --> 00:29:31,920
Young Lady.
482
00:29:33,430 --> 00:29:34,220
Young Lady.
483
00:29:35,620 --> 00:29:36,500
Young Lady.
484
00:29:37,980 --> 00:29:38,860
Young Lady.
485
00:29:44,100 --> 00:29:46,070
Young Lady. You're here for...
486
00:29:48,190 --> 00:29:50,260
This mandarin just arrived from Jiangnan.
487
00:29:50,500 --> 00:29:51,670
It was for His Majesty.
488
00:29:52,100 --> 00:29:52,750
Where is he?
489
00:29:52,830 --> 00:29:54,430
Unfortunately I don't know as well.
490
00:29:54,590 --> 00:29:55,620
You don't?
491
00:29:56,910 --> 00:29:58,700
You're His Majesty's personal servant.
492
00:29:58,940 --> 00:30:00,420
But you don't know where he is?
493
00:30:00,500 --> 00:30:01,710
I really don't.
494
00:30:01,790 --> 00:30:03,380
His Majesty left the palace
without me knowing.
495
00:30:03,590 --> 00:30:04,930
I'll tell on the Empress Dowager and
496
00:30:05,710 --> 00:30:07,640
let her punish you.
Perhaps you'll be more aware next time?
497
00:30:11,120 --> 00:30:13,040
[Making practical use of truth]
498
00:30:11,190 --> 00:30:14,910
A just cause attracts much support,
an unjust one finds little.
499
00:30:15,550 --> 00:30:18,890
When support is extremely lacking,
friends and family turn their backs.
500
00:30:19,910 --> 00:30:23,610
When support is abundant,
people naturally submit to one.
501
00:30:25,860 --> 00:30:31,220
When these two battle against one another,
502
00:30:33,660 --> 00:30:38,670
victory will be definite for the one who
has the people's allegiance behind him.
503
00:30:40,740 --> 00:30:45,900
This is the main idea
of Mencius' Gongsun Chou.
504
00:30:46,260 --> 00:30:49,140
A king that practices
benevolent governance
505
00:30:50,500 --> 00:30:53,140
will gain more supporters and followers.
506
00:30:54,080 --> 00:30:55,440
A king who rejects
507
00:30:56,070 --> 00:30:58,140
benevolent governance
508
00:30:59,310 --> 00:31:03,220
will lose his supporters and followers.
509
00:31:04,020 --> 00:31:05,350
When a king
510
00:31:06,060 --> 00:31:08,270
loses many of his supporters
and followers,
511
00:31:08,460 --> 00:31:10,340
even his family
512
00:31:10,630 --> 00:31:12,880
will eventually betray him.
513
00:31:13,610 --> 00:31:15,630
A king who cherishes his people
514
00:31:16,190 --> 00:31:18,640
and practices benevolent governance
515
00:31:18,840 --> 00:31:21,550
will have the hearts of his people.
516
00:31:22,140 --> 00:31:23,260
Such a king
517
00:31:23,820 --> 00:31:26,910
will win his battles without going to war.
518
00:31:27,360 --> 00:31:28,920
This king will be invincible.
519
00:31:29,070 --> 00:31:30,930
That is true, indeed.
520
00:31:31,440 --> 00:31:34,120
You are the king and I'm your subject.
521
00:31:34,310 --> 00:31:36,580
Hence I should fear and
522
00:31:37,020 --> 00:31:38,220
worship you.
523
00:31:38,670 --> 00:31:39,980
But there is one
524
00:31:40,190 --> 00:31:43,220
that you and me both
525
00:31:43,670 --> 00:31:46,910
have to revere and honour.
526
00:31:47,310 --> 00:31:48,630
Who is this person that you speak of?
527
00:31:49,400 --> 00:31:50,590
It's not who,
528
00:31:50,910 --> 00:31:54,190
but the concept mentioned
in my class earlier,
529
00:31:54,670 --> 00:31:56,340
the central thought in Confucianism.
530
00:31:57,640 --> 00:31:59,060
What is that?
531
00:31:59,430 --> 00:32:02,550
It refers to benevolent governance.
532
00:32:04,980 --> 00:32:07,810
That is the essence of Confucianism.
533
00:32:08,500 --> 00:32:11,470
I genuinely hope it lives on
534
00:32:11,790 --> 00:32:14,100
and will not perish in the Song Dynasty.
535
00:32:14,740 --> 00:32:16,150
Please pardon my frankness.
536
00:32:17,580 --> 00:32:21,420
In my heart, this essence of Confucianism
537
00:32:21,710 --> 00:32:24,710
is more important than Your Majesty.
538
00:32:26,360 --> 00:32:27,210
That's great.
539
00:32:27,710 --> 00:32:30,100
To have such a considerate
and sympathetic subject like you
540
00:32:30,700 --> 00:32:31,810
is something that I wish for.
541
00:32:33,020 --> 00:32:33,980
Your Majesty.
542
00:32:35,380 --> 00:32:37,590
After the late emperor's passing,
543
00:32:39,740 --> 00:32:41,980
Empress Dowager has attended
state affairs all these years
544
00:32:42,070 --> 00:32:44,930
and has yet to hand power
back to Your Majesty.
545
00:32:45,870 --> 00:32:48,090
This goes against
the late emperor's last will.
546
00:32:49,260 --> 00:32:52,950
This is not a practice of good governance.
547
00:32:54,740 --> 00:32:57,590
I was still young and gullible
548
00:32:58,260 --> 00:32:59,490
when the late emperor passed away.
549
00:32:59,590 --> 00:33:02,320
Fortunately, Empress Dowager was there
to assist me.
550
00:33:02,670 --> 00:33:04,190
The reason she's holding onto it
551
00:33:05,070 --> 00:33:06,920
is her worries that I'm not ready yet.
552
00:33:07,430 --> 00:33:09,750
The Empress Dowager cherishes the people
and always selects the right personnel.
553
00:33:09,830 --> 00:33:11,670
The peace and harmony that our people
554
00:33:11,830 --> 00:33:12,880
experience today
555
00:33:13,740 --> 00:33:15,120
is all thanks to the Empress Dowager.
556
00:33:18,470 --> 00:33:22,340
Just now you said she picks
the right personnel for the job.
557
00:33:24,910 --> 00:33:26,550
But just days before,
558
00:33:27,500 --> 00:33:30,230
she asked ministers for names
of their family and friends.
559
00:33:31,250 --> 00:33:32,410
Do you believe
560
00:33:32,500 --> 00:33:35,320
she'll appoint any competent individuals
from that list of names?
561
00:33:36,020 --> 00:33:38,180
I doubt those on the list
562
00:33:38,440 --> 00:33:41,160
will ever be appointed again.
563
00:33:41,860 --> 00:33:44,330
Doesn't it break the practice of nepotism?
564
00:33:44,830 --> 00:33:45,840
We'll then be able
565
00:33:45,980 --> 00:33:48,070
to openly recruit talents
in a fair manner.
566
00:33:48,310 --> 00:33:53,040
But the Empress Dowager
is trying to eliminate dissidents instead.
567
00:33:53,980 --> 00:33:55,620
If I'm correct,
568
00:33:55,740 --> 00:33:58,830
she has yet to reveal that list
to Your Majesty?
569
00:34:02,380 --> 00:34:05,500
The Empress Dowager has definitely
contributed to the state.
570
00:34:06,340 --> 00:34:10,190
But she should never have seized
political power for herself.
571
00:34:10,270 --> 00:34:13,330
Now that Your Majesty has come of age,
572
00:34:13,469 --> 00:34:16,440
you should take over
and decide it for yourself.
573
00:34:20,190 --> 00:34:22,739
Qin Shi Huang sat on the throne
at thirteen.
574
00:34:22,870 --> 00:34:25,500
Emperor Han Wu ascended
at the age of sixteen.
575
00:34:25,580 --> 00:34:27,219
They are all great emperors.
576
00:34:28,100 --> 00:34:30,670
The late emperor along
with ancestors of Song
577
00:34:30,750 --> 00:34:32,420
had already achieved great things
578
00:34:33,380 --> 00:34:35,510
at your age.
579
00:34:37,469 --> 00:34:40,150
The Empress Dowager has been
seizing that power for too long
580
00:34:40,230 --> 00:34:41,260
single-handedly,
581
00:34:41,380 --> 00:34:42,510
which causes people to only know of
582
00:34:42,590 --> 00:34:45,590
the Empress Dowager but not you.
583
00:34:49,150 --> 00:34:52,960
You're the rightful owner of the throne
584
00:34:54,469 --> 00:34:56,510
that people look up to.
585
00:34:59,820 --> 00:35:01,820
After listening to your explanation,
586
00:35:02,300 --> 00:35:03,490
I am enlightened now.
587
00:35:04,620 --> 00:35:06,750
Hopefully we'll have similar
conversations in the future.
588
00:35:06,910 --> 00:35:10,880
I would certainly do so.
589
00:35:11,540 --> 00:35:14,060
May Your Majesty choose to
590
00:35:14,250 --> 00:35:16,940
take over the throne completely
as soon as possible.
591
00:35:17,020 --> 00:35:20,740
It will then benefit the people of Song.
592
00:35:27,030 --> 00:35:31,910
Your Majesty. Empress Dowager.
593
00:35:33,060 --> 00:35:34,060
All rise.
594
00:35:34,470 --> 00:35:36,060
Thank you, Your Majesty,
595
00:35:40,380 --> 00:35:42,140
What do you want to bring up today?
596
00:35:45,140 --> 00:35:46,380
I have one.
597
00:35:47,710 --> 00:35:50,190
Your Majesty has come of age
598
00:35:50,470 --> 00:35:52,020
and has completed the crowning ceremony.
599
00:35:52,170 --> 00:35:56,000
I think it is the right time
for Your Majesty to get married.
600
00:35:56,470 --> 00:35:57,950
Lord Su is right.
601
00:35:59,030 --> 00:36:00,780
The marriage of His Majesty
is an important state affair.
602
00:36:00,950 --> 00:36:01,910
Producing royal offspring
603
00:36:01,990 --> 00:36:03,950
will ensure Great Song has an heir.
604
00:36:04,060 --> 00:36:04,950
Lord Guo...
605
00:36:05,030 --> 00:36:06,790
Lord Guo is right.
606
00:36:08,030 --> 00:36:09,350
Does anyone of you have in mind
607
00:36:10,340 --> 00:36:12,230
the candidate for empress?
608
00:36:12,620 --> 00:36:13,470
Empress Dowager.
609
00:36:14,340 --> 00:36:17,510
I'd like to recommend
Lord Guo's eldest daughter.
610
00:36:17,870 --> 00:36:20,340
Lord Guo has taught his children well.
611
00:36:20,670 --> 00:36:24,220
His eldest daughter has long been known
for being kind, virtuous,
612
00:36:24,300 --> 00:36:25,420
and talented.
613
00:36:25,640 --> 00:36:28,840
She has shown excellent qualities of
being the empress at such a young age.
614
00:36:29,110 --> 00:36:29,860
I think
615
00:36:29,940 --> 00:36:33,660
that she and His Majesty are
616
00:36:33,740 --> 00:36:36,740
a match made in heaven.
617
00:36:37,430 --> 00:36:39,740
I also recommend
Lord Guo's eldest daughter.
618
00:36:39,870 --> 00:36:41,050
How is it a match made in heaven?
619
00:36:42,540 --> 00:36:44,310
Qing Wu was brought up in the palace
since young.
620
00:36:44,510 --> 00:36:45,630
Just like innocent playmates,
621
00:36:46,020 --> 00:36:47,800
I treat her like my real little sister.
622
00:36:47,910 --> 00:36:49,430
How am I suppose to marry her?
623
00:36:50,340 --> 00:36:51,380
On the other hand,
624
00:36:51,750 --> 00:36:54,510
Cao Ru is elegant, demure and has
motherly characteristics of an empress.
625
00:36:54,950 --> 00:36:55,350
I'd like to...
626
00:36:55,430 --> 00:36:58,120
The marriage of Your Majesty
is a crucial affair of the state.
627
00:36:59,140 --> 00:37:00,780
We must think through it thoroughly.
628
00:37:00,990 --> 00:37:02,750
We shall discuss this in the future.
629
00:37:03,470 --> 00:37:04,370
Court is adjourned.
630
00:37:04,960 --> 00:37:06,480
Court is adjourned.
631
00:37:14,050 --> 00:37:15,560
I pay my respects to My Lord.
632
00:37:17,100 --> 00:37:18,100
Xiang Han.
633
00:37:23,710 --> 00:37:25,470
What do you have there?
634
00:37:32,620 --> 00:37:34,350
It's a letter for Young Lady.
635
00:37:33,120 --> 00:37:34,820
[To Ru'er, private and personal]
636
00:37:34,970 --> 00:37:35,920
My Lord,
637
00:37:38,210 --> 00:37:39,860
it's a letter from His Majesty.
638
00:37:44,580 --> 00:37:45,950
Send it to the her.
639
00:37:46,950 --> 00:37:49,110
In future, whenever there is
any letter from His Majesty,
640
00:37:49,190 --> 00:37:50,390
you must inform me first.
641
00:37:50,470 --> 00:37:51,950
Yes, My Lord.
642
00:38:01,850 --> 00:38:02,610
Father.
643
00:38:04,950 --> 00:38:05,820
Hold on.
644
00:38:13,510 --> 00:38:15,100
What's the matter, Father?
645
00:38:15,730 --> 00:38:16,660
Do you know that
646
00:38:17,620 --> 00:38:20,340
Ru'er has been interacting frequently
with His Majesty recently?
647
00:38:20,750 --> 00:38:23,230
His Majesty even writes her letters.
648
00:38:27,860 --> 00:38:30,780
I know about it.
649
00:38:31,400 --> 00:38:34,320
They've known each other since young.
650
00:38:34,910 --> 00:38:36,780
When you entered the palace to teach,
651
00:38:36,990 --> 00:38:38,070
Ru'er would tag along too.
652
00:38:38,190 --> 00:38:40,910
It'd be normal that they
developed feelings for one another.
653
00:38:41,380 --> 00:38:43,270
But he has yet to take over the throne.
654
00:38:44,300 --> 00:38:47,160
There are still many pressing matters
in the Imperial Court.
655
00:38:48,620 --> 00:38:52,380
It's better for Ru'er to distance herself
from His Majesty.
656
00:38:53,140 --> 00:38:54,060
Father.
657
00:38:54,190 --> 00:38:56,780
His Majesty only has his eyes on Ru'er.
658
00:38:56,910 --> 00:39:00,480
Once Ru'er enters the Imperial Harlem,
659
00:39:00,820 --> 00:39:03,060
it will bring honour to our family.
660
00:39:03,230 --> 00:39:04,700
Why would you oppose to that?
661
00:39:05,860 --> 00:39:08,100
Being with a king is as dangerous
as being with a tiger.
662
00:39:08,430 --> 00:39:09,710
Upon entering the Imperial Harlem,
663
00:39:10,510 --> 00:39:11,670
she'll turn into
664
00:39:11,990 --> 00:39:14,670
one of the pawns in this court.
665
00:39:16,190 --> 00:39:18,270
She will forfeit her right
in deciding her own fate.
666
00:39:20,060 --> 00:39:21,990
With the change of political situation,
667
00:39:22,270 --> 00:39:24,340
she could end up being discarded
at any moment.
668
00:39:24,860 --> 00:39:28,990
She won't as happy and fortunate
as you picture her to be.
669
00:39:29,190 --> 00:39:29,950
Father.
670
00:39:31,230 --> 00:39:33,140
I'm not after happiness and fortune.
671
00:39:33,510 --> 00:39:35,430
It's the honour she would bring
to our ancestry.
672
00:39:36,860 --> 00:39:37,950
You're worrying too much.
673
00:39:40,580 --> 00:39:42,420
The Empress Dowager's agenda
674
00:39:43,190 --> 00:39:47,590
is to bind Guo Chong Xin's loyalty
through marriage
675
00:39:47,670 --> 00:39:49,340
and seize the military force.
676
00:39:51,990 --> 00:39:55,980
She'll be able to monopolize state affairs
to her will.
677
00:39:57,430 --> 00:40:01,760
Father, what you've mentioned
is not important.
678
00:40:02,340 --> 00:40:06,450
What is important is that
His Majesty is in love with Ru'er.
679
00:40:09,180 --> 00:40:10,540
So what?
680
00:40:11,060 --> 00:40:13,540
An emperor is not an ordinary person.
681
00:40:14,190 --> 00:40:15,810
In order to consolidate his throne,
682
00:40:16,060 --> 00:40:19,410
he'll have to readily betray
his loved ones at any moment.
683
00:40:21,950 --> 00:40:23,380
Are you really willing
684
00:40:23,680 --> 00:40:25,840
to let Ru'er live like that?
685
00:40:25,920 --> 00:40:26,730
Father,
686
00:40:27,670 --> 00:40:30,260
Ru'er has fallen deeply
for His Majesty.
687
00:40:30,340 --> 00:40:31,990
To split them apart
688
00:40:33,270 --> 00:40:34,500
is to hurt Ru'er.
689
00:40:34,580 --> 00:40:35,580
Then make the split immediate.
690
00:40:36,820 --> 00:40:38,380
A shorter suffering is better than
a longer one.
691
00:40:39,670 --> 00:40:40,780
Your Majesty.
692
00:40:44,750 --> 00:40:46,340
I'm here to see you, Your Majesty.
693
00:40:46,540 --> 00:40:48,540
What's the matter, Qing Wu?
694
00:40:49,030 --> 00:40:50,540
Why are you crying?
695
00:40:50,820 --> 00:40:53,470
I heard rumours in the palace today
696
00:40:54,670 --> 00:40:58,030
about His Majesty wanting
to make Cao Ru his empress.
697
00:40:58,630 --> 00:41:00,830
Hence I am here
698
00:41:01,190 --> 00:41:02,910
to congratulate Your Majesty
and His Majesty.
699
00:41:03,820 --> 00:41:06,300
What nonsense is that?
700
00:41:06,620 --> 00:41:09,540
The marriage of His Majesty
is an important state affair.
701
00:41:09,620 --> 00:41:11,380
I have yet to make any final decisions.
702
00:41:12,060 --> 00:41:15,030
How would anyone know
who it is going to be?
703
00:41:15,350 --> 00:41:16,390
Your Majesty.
704
00:41:16,470 --> 00:41:18,910
I have always been by your side
705
00:41:19,230 --> 00:41:20,670
to serve you
706
00:41:20,950 --> 00:41:22,190
as well as His Majesty.
707
00:41:22,540 --> 00:41:24,140
This I know.
708
00:41:24,460 --> 00:41:26,540
Come, stand up.
709
00:41:26,820 --> 00:41:27,990
Quick, have a seat.
710
00:41:29,390 --> 00:41:30,960
Don't be sad.
711
00:41:31,600 --> 00:41:35,320
The marriage of His Majesty
is decided by me.
712
00:41:36,140 --> 00:41:38,190
I've never said that
713
00:41:38,950 --> 00:41:41,300
I'm appointing Cao Ru as the empress.
714
00:41:42,730 --> 00:41:46,290
Pay no attention to the rumours
of the palace.
715
00:41:46,800 --> 00:41:47,690
Your Majesty.
716
00:41:49,060 --> 00:41:51,270
I don't want to leave you
717
00:41:51,350 --> 00:41:52,730
or His Majesty.
718
00:41:53,200 --> 00:41:56,840
[End of Episode 54]
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