Original subtitles

♪By the riverside♪

♪I sow a seed of karma♪

♪Forlorn fates intertwine♪

♪Written in the stars♪

♪Should your passion smolder out♪

♪Will you give up on your ideal world?♪

♪Our past can only be entrusted to memories♪

♪I'm mooning over you♪

♪Amidst loneliness♪

♪Berthed in sleepless nights♪

♪You're my desire♪

♪That teems underneath♪

♪I'm drowned in your beautiful eyes♪

♪I'm mooning over you♪

♪Next to the Three-life Stone♪

♪I cross the Bridge of Forgetfulness♪

♪Gazing at moonlit nights♪

♪The moon appears brighter because of you♪

♪Leaning against the tower, it returns my gaze♪

♪Gazing at moonlit nights♪

♪The moon appears brighter because of you♪

♪Leaning against the tower, it returns my gaze♪

[The Legend of Anle] [Adapted from a novel by Xing Ling]

[Episode 3]

I made the right choice

to join the Court of Judicial Review.

I read through the case file

and I found something odd.

Gu Yunnian manipulated those officials

with false accusations against them fabricated by Pei Zhan.

If Pei Zhan were to remove,

the entire imperial court would overturn instantly.

There's one more thing.

A few days ago, Han Ye and I

ran into Gu Qishan downtown.

He was imperious and acted outrageously.

Strangely, Han Ye

halted me that day.

He was right.

Because the conflict between Marquis Zhongyi and him

has been long-standing.

Nevertheless, Han Ye's a gentleman,

and he's no match

for a devious fox like Marquis Zhongyi.

Thanks to his niceties,

I got to make myself useful.

To deal with such a cunning one,

aside from some tricks,

we must catch him off guard,

uprooting his gang

to clean them up in a fell swoop.

Otherwise,

our short-sighted effort

will be cut short.

So when can we take action?

The metropolitan examination.

Li Chong'en, the chief examiner,

is the henchman of Marquis Zhongyi too.

So, fraud is very likely

to happen in the metropolitan examination.

This

is the complete name list of Marquis Zhongyi's henchmen.

Of course, you can assume them

as the accomplices

in the murder of the Di family.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

If you want to know what's going on, satisfy your curiosity.

If you care about her, show your care.

Official Ren is inside the room.

We'll go and check it out.

Wei Shuo, no.

Is this something I can see?

Wen Shuo.

Don't be rude.

Cut it

from here.

Slowly cut

from the joint.

I think this requires a lot of practice.

But there are so many criminals under your control,

it's quite...

Official Luo.

Your Highness.

What brings you here?

I came here for you.

Seriously?

I thought you were here for me.

Good timing.

The punishment I used on the criminals in the Ministry of Justice

was somehow lacking.

I heard

that Official Ren has a knack for corporal punishment.

Hence, I want to seek her advice.

Your Highness.

Do you mind having a look at it?

Don't be obsessed with the underhandedness.

Your Highness.

I started to learn

because of your advice.

Yet you refused to teach me.

Hence, I seek someone else for discussion.

But this isn't what you should discuss.

If you said so,

let's discuss this then.

[The List of Handsome Men in the Capital]

The List of Handsome Men in the Capital?

The top two

are Your Highness and Official Luo, respectively.

This is absurd.

What about me?

Truth be told,

I do dabble

in some other things too.

Now that the two handsome gentlemen are before me.

Both of you shine in your own unique way.

Without a pair of keen eyes,

it's out of the question to appreciate your beauty.

Let me take a closer look.

Official Luo.

Pretty good.

Your Highness.

Pretty good.

Not you.

I...

Official Luo.

You look great

in the flesh.

However,

I expect you to be more elegant.

And in this sense,

Your Highness is better.

Your Highness.

I'm complimenting you.

Happy?

Can I be your crown princess?

No.

If you don't like her,

why don't you give her to me?

Official Luo.

I'm not an object

to be passed

between you two.

Don't take me lightly.

I mean no disrespect.

Official Ren.

It's just that I think

the Ministry of Justice is a more suitable place for you.

As you have to obey orders

in the Court of Judicial Review,

which will make you uncomfortable.

I can manage 30,000 navies effortlessly.

300 guards alone is just a piece of cake.

But there's someone

above the 300 guards.

Are all the officials' sons

taken care of?

My Lord.

Actually, these officials

have long bowed down to you.

Why do you need to help their sons?

The favor given now

will be our leverage against them in the future.

Things can run smoothly if we know them better.

Keep this well.

Yes, My Lord.

My Lord.

Academician Li sent you a message.

He said he would help your son in the metropolitan examination.

Li Chong'en

can take a hint.

It's Marquis Zhongyi?

Scratch that.

After all, I'll have nothing to fear

once I become the Crown Princess.

Good.

You're brave.

Good?

Your Highness.

Was that a green light?

No, it wasn't.

No?

But you nodded just now.

Come here.

Did he nod just now?

Yes.

No?

Your Highness.

A year later,

I'll become the Crown Princess for sure.

Official Ren, you're amusing.

I won't be the Crown Princess if I'm bored.

Right?

Well.

I'll continue

with this interesting bet.

I'm not going to stop until I become the Crown Princess.

Ren Anle.

Yes?

[Ren's Residence]

That's right.

It'll make sense for the Crown Prince

that both Luo Mingxi and I are acquainted after he found us there tonight.

And he won't have doubts

when you two meet again.

True.

After all,

we're going to join hands publicly

to eradicate all evil lackeys and murderers.

Young Lady.

What's this?

The List of Handsome Men in the Capital?

Yuanqin.

Place it above the candle.

What a good name list.

Next,

we'll start with the biggest fish.

[Marquis Zhongyi, Gu Yunnian] [Minister of Court of Judicial Review, Pei Zhan]

Everything is all set, sir.

Good.

The metropolitan examination ends in three days,

which falls on your appearance night.

Perfect timing.

[The 15th day of the 2nd month, Appearance Night of the Courtesan]

Quite a setup.

I'm looking forward

to the appearance of the unmatched courtesan.

Ren Anle.

Is this the reason you put aside your books

to come to Lingxiang Pleasure House?

Your Highness.

You're here to catch a glimpse of her beauty too.

Pipe down.

Even a fight

might need brew to spice it up.

Naturally, I need beautiful faces

to perk me up while reading dull books.

Beautiful.

So beautiful.

She's right, Your Highness.

I really need some relaxation

after the metropolitan examination this morning.

Always stay prudent.

Don't slack off.

Your Highness.

Stop reprimanding Wen Shuo.

Can't you spare me some time

to appreciate your countenance?

If I do so,

will you return to the Court of Judicial Review?

Maybe.

Try me.

All right.

You can appreciate my face.

Wen Shuo.

Yes.

Count to ten.

After that,

take Official Ren back.

Count slowly.

I'll stare at you.

One.

Two.

How delicate.

Three.

Why?

Calling it quits?

I'll be dragged back to the Court of Judicial Review

after ten counts.

I'm not down for a deal that's less in my favor.

Anyway, I have more chances to see you afterward.

There is no rush.

Out of the way.

Move.

Go away.

Clear this place out.

Leave now.

-Go. -Leave.

Scram.

-What's with you? -Move.

What are you doing?

Move.

A familiar face here.

It's him.

Not only him.

Leave now.

[Lin Cong, the son of Lin Guozhong] Thank you for the arrangement.

[Gu Qishan, the son of Marquis Zhongyi] Not worth mentioning it.

You're just released from the Court of Judicial Review.

I must

do you the honor.

Your Highness.

The man beside Gu Qishan.

Isn't he the drunk murderer, Lin Cong?

He is.

A good chance to take them all down.

Do you have any reasons to capture him

when his case is closed?

Go over there.

Who are you?

Get out.

Who are you to drive us out?

Get out of this place now.

What's going on now?

Leave right now.

What has happened?

Come on. Let's look around.

What's going on?

My Lord.

Today is a great day.

Cheer up.

Tell me anything you want.

Mr. Hu.

Today, I'll take the entire Lingxiang Pleasure House

for my guest.

My Lord.

I'm so sorry.

But today is the appearance night of Miss Linlang.

These scholars made their trip here

to catch a glimpse of the beauty.

It's not a good idea

to chase them away, though.

They are merely some lowborn foreign scholars

who come from nothing.

They don't deserve to be here for the beauty.

Listen to me well.

You're undeserved now

and ever.

Once I triumph in the metropolitan examination,

you're even worth less than the mud on my boots.

Who do you think you are?

Stay away.

How could you humiliate us?

Are you undermining us?

-This is ridiculous. -How could you say that?

You're throwing your weight around.

What a lowbrow sorry bunch

who only bring trouble!

How dare they be confident that they can ace the examination?

Your Highness.

I'm going to teach them a lesson.

Wait and observe first.

Everyone, look at this.

I'm soon becoming a marquis.

Lin Cong.

Am I right?

Look how arrogant he is.

His Lordship will rank first, and I will rank second.

Do you agree?

Yes, rightfully so.

Sounds reasonable.

You'll surely triumph over the metropolitan examination, My Lord.

Right.

Every one of us will ace the examination.

Exactly.

Let's drink to the fullest tonight.

It's all on me.

He's overconfident

about the metropolitan examination.

Not only Gu Qishan,

but also Lin Cong, who's just out

seems confident too.

Isn't he the suspect

the Ministry of Justice failed to capture?

Official Luo, you're known for your iron fist.

But this time,

you've encountered a hard nut.

I didn't know that Jing State is such a wonderful place.

Anyone can get a post

if they have a powerful father.

They won't have to be worried even if they mess up in the examination

because their fathers will help them.

Look how arrogant they are.

Will they even think

that even if they skip the examination,

they can also...

The metropolitan examination isn't child's play.

Don't make any wild guess

without evidence.

Hurry up.

Serve the brew.

Come on. Here.

Faster.

Mr. Hu.

Why hasn't Linlang shown up yet?

You've graced us with your presence tonight.

Hence, Miss Linlang

has to take some time to glam up

for your sake.

Looks like I shall invite her out

personally.

[Linlang, the courtesan of Lingxiang Pleasure House]

-Bravo! -Bravo!

Gentlemen.

Tonight,

if you can get this ball bouquet,

I, Linlang,

will serenade you with my song.

-Sure! -Sure!

Excellent!

Good.

Bravo!

How stunning.

She's exceptionally gorgeous

and dances gracefully.

Looking at her makes my heart sway.

It's a shame that someone has a heart of stone

and has no response to this.

-Give it to me. -It's mine.

-It's mine. -It's mine.

-Over there. -Don't snatch my thing.

-Give it to me. -It's mine.

-Don't snatch it. -Give it to me.

By any chance,

despite her divine beauty,

Your Highness will never fall for her,

instead of me?

A real man should stand tall,

and not fall for anything.

Well, then.

If you won't fall,

I'll fall for you.

Official Ren.

Careful, don't fall off.

Your Highness.

I'm going to fall for you.

Ren Anle.

Don't be ridiculous.

I know you really care about me.

You're still holding my hand.

Your Highness, have you fallen for me...

What's that?

Oh, no.

Hurry up and check on him.

Come on.

My Lord.

Let's leave this place.

Hurry up.

Is he still breathing?

He's dead.

Lin Cong fell off and died.

Indeed, Official Luo only shows up

at places with death cases.

No doubt, those people will be in trouble

sooner or later.

I wonder if he fell off himself

or someone pushed him.

So, here comes my first case

in the Court of Judicial Review.

[Court of Judicial Review] I'm from the Court of Judicial Review.

Everyone stays.

I heard that the closing argument for Lin Cong's murder

was that the victim died

after being pushed by the drunk Lin Cong.

This is indeed retribution.

Who pushed him off just now?

What's the hassle?

He fell off from a height by himself.

What does it have to do with us?

You're the new Official Ren in the Court of Judicial Review?

She's truly a beauty.

Exactly.

But since you serve the Court of Judicial Review,

you should show me some respect.

Or do you want my father to chuck you out?

That's right.

It's ill-advised if the Marquis

sends someone over.

I'm afraid

you might lose your job by then.

He's right.

True.

What has gotten into her

to get on His Lordship's bad side?

Jeez.

Sirs,

I'm just doing my job.

Please be understanding.

Please.

Normally,

I would've escorted you back safe and sound, My Lord.

But unfortunately,

the Crown Prince is here today.

I suppose you know

His Highness well.

Your Highness.

Today, I'm going

to show you the prowess of the boss...

I mean, as the vice minister of the Court of Judicial Review,

I'm going to show you

my investigative prowess.

I'll surely bring the murderer

to light.

I know now.

It's you.

No.

Not me.

You were the closest one to the deceased,

(and you were following him)

(closely.)

It must be you.

You wronged me.

I've been tight with him.

That's why I was always beside him.

They all know that.

I did not kill him.

Move aside.

Don't look down.

You.

Me?

You stood closest to the railing just now.

The dead was blocking your way all the time

from getting the ball bouquet.

Hence, you hated him

and pushed him down.

You wronged me.

It wasn't me.

I was with Young Marquis just now.

They can be my witness.

And them too.

Shut up and move aside.

Your Highness.

She kept guessing wrong.

Even I have a better memory than she.

Keep quiet.

Let's just watch.

In other words,

the one who stood closest to the railing

while competing for the ball bouquet with the dead

could push him down.

And that's the murderer.

It's you.

Not me.

Official Ren.

Please spare me.

Everyone was competing for the ball bouquet.

I just randomly pushed him.

I didn't know he would fall.

I didn't do that intentionally.

I didn't mean to kill him.

See, he confessed.

Your Highness.

What do you say?

Am I smart?

Am I fast?

You're fast.

I don't care about your comment at all.

Yes, Your Highness?

Not bad.

However, with your body control,

you shouldn't have hurt him.

Why do you sound

like a tutor in the academy?

But tutors

would pat on one's head when they praise.

Why don't you pat on my head, Your Highness?

I don't pat. Instead,

I have a punishment ruler.

Do you want it?

As long as it's from you,

yes.

Enough.

Clean the mess up.

What a bad day.

I lost the beauty

and ended up in a murder scene.

Let's leave.

My lord.

My lord.

Let go.

Please believe in me.

Let go.

I didn't mean to kill him.

-Get off. -I...

I count to three, and you let go.

My lord.

Shut up.

No one is leaving here.

Ren Anle.

Don't touch the corpse.

Your Highness, you don't cherish the beauty,

but you might have an interest in this.

Your Highness.

What's this?

Take all of them to the Court of Judicial Review

for questioning.

Why?

Why?

Why are we being taken to the Court of Judicial Review?

No idea.

[Marquis Zhongyi's Residence]

My lord.

Bad news.

Someone died in Lingxiang Brothel.

Young Master was taken to the Court of Judicial Review.

What?

Someone died in Lingxiang Brothel.

Young Master was taken to the Court of Judicial Review.

Useless fool!

How could you let anyone take him?

Your Highness.

The deceased was Lin Cong.

And the exam note

was found on his body.

Cheating in the imperial examination

is a heinous sin

that disrupts the people's faith, the order of the state,

as well as the emperor's wise governance.

Please scrutinize the case, Your Majesty.

Bring it to me.

I want to know

who's involved.

This note is found on the body of a fatal fall victim, Lin Cong.

He sat for the imperial examination earlier today.

[Gu Qishan, the son of Marquis Zhongyi] He was the son of the Deputy Minister of Works.

And he had a close connection with the names on this list.

I'm afraid the leaked answer

might get many people involved.

So, you are accusing them

with only this note?

Did you catch them on the spot

or do you have a witness?

What if someone framed them on purpose?

Whether this is a setup or cheat,

we'll get to the bottom to find it out.

Get to the bottom?

Your Majesty.

I'm afraid it might raise a stir

in the imperial court.

Your Majesty.

Please allow the investigation.

Here's the thing.

I will give you three days.

Within these three days,

keep the investigation in low profile.

Yes, Your Majesty.

[Marquis Zhongyi's Residence]

Official Ren.

It's late now.

Why did the marquis have someone bring me here?

What's the matter?

Official Ren.

For what happened just now,

I won't blame you.

You're naive

and new to the post.

It's understandable that you forgot to inform me in the first place

when a murder case occurred in Lingxiang Brothel.

It's fine.

You will know what to do

next time.

Thank you for enlightening me.

I'm to blame.

I was eager

to impress the Crown Prince

and cause your son

to be taken to the Court of Judicial Review.

Official Ren, you're new in the Court of Judicial Review.

But His Highness seems to be always around you.

Oh, gosh.

He has been keeping a close eye on me

to check if I read books.

He even

followed me

to Lingxiang Brothel.

I'm delighted to know

that you're on intimate terms with His Highness.

Very good.

I'll surely endorse you

as the Crown Princess

if His Majesty seeks opinions.

Do you mean it, My Lord?

Words from Marquis Zhongyi do carry some weight.

Please sit.

Wonderful.

Tonight's incident has nothing to do with my son.

Helping me

is helping yourself too.

Certainly.

Even if the young marquis is involved in this,

I would know what to do.

I shall thank you in advance, Official Ren.

I hope

I didn't disturb your night.

Not at all.

Li You.

Show her off.

Yes.

My lord.

Don't forget your promise.

Your Highness.

How did His Majesty respond?

His Majesty

wanted to keep this low-key

since there's no evidence.

Isn't the note

solid evidence?

His Majesty said so because he had concerns for the imperial officials.

Not only that,

something's strange about this incident.

True, though.

Logically, Lin Cong should've been prudent

about the cheating conduct.

Why should he carry the notes out with him?

Like he's showing off.

But come to think of it,

he's less conspicuous than the one

who confidently claimed that he could ace the imperial examination.

This bunch is

at Gu Qishan's bidding.

Concerning what you said,

someone has cast a huge web over them.

But who'll stand to gain?

Your Highness.

You've figured it out, haven't you?

Your Highness.

Official Ren is here.

Good timing.

No need to show her in.

I'll go and meet her.

Yes.

Ren Anle.

You scared me.

I was hoping

to surprise you

since you rarely come out to welcome me.

Your Highness.

Are you not inviting me in?

Let's just talk

here.

I've been moving about

for your case.

It's fine if you don't invite me in.

But how could you shut me out?

It's not appropriate for you to stop by at this hour.

It'll be worse

if you go inside.

It's not the first time

we've stayed together late at night.

Our relationship became complex long ago.

As long as we know we're clean.

What if Di Ziyuan in Dai Mountain

learns about us?

I heard that you'd send her a gift every month.

I wonder

if you send her an intimate gift like this?

Give it to me.

No.

This is the proof of our close relationship.

I'm not giving it to you.

Ren Anle.

She isn't someone you can joke on.

You're down tonight, Your Highness.

What did His Majesty say?

We only have three days.

If we fail to find ample evidence,

the son of Marquis Zhongyi you hate

might be released.

Feel free to come to see me at the Court of Judicial Review.

My future father-in-law

is ndeed supportive.

He knows that both of us

must stick together.

I go to the Court of Judicial Review for the case.

Whatever you say.

Since you're coming,

you're there for me.

As a water bandit,

I know I should put my utmost effort

and relieve your worries

to secure the position of the Crown Princess.

Ren Anle.

I hope that you're serious about the case.

Your Highness, don't forget about this.

With Anle around,

the woes of the people will be lifted.

Hope so.

I only have one concern now.

If I manage

to resolve the case

perfectly,

how are you going to reward me?

If you can find the mastermind behind the cheating case,

naturally, the people will sing praises of you

and the imperial court will reward you.

I don't need that.

The thing I want is the position of the Crown Princess.

And I'm sure you know.

But if you can't grant my wish for now,

can you give me a status?

What do you say?

Now, let's make a vow to Heaven.

That's our deal.

Please don't renege on your word, Your Highness.

Ren Anle, you...

Look how eager you are to make a pinky promise with me.

I'm not.

Whether you're eager or not,

we have to complete the task in three days.

We only have three days.

So, please come to the Court of Judicial Review tomorrow.

We must make it through this tough battle.

All right?

Your Highness.

I will do my very best.

Please come tomorrow.

You almost got me fooled.

Are you not going to send me off

even after you've shut me out?

[Crown Prince's Residence]

Miss.

They're here waiting for you.

The road you see me off

is so much shorter than the journey I sent you off.

How about I follow behind your carriage

and finish the journey I owe you?

And then, I won't have to send you off anymore.

That won't be necessary.

Anyway, we have more time ahead.

Ren Anle.

Only three days are given.

Why aren't you anxious about it?

Your Highness.

Both of us have three days.

You can join me

for the investigation tomorrow

so you'll know whether I'm anxious or not.

All right.

As expected.

You don't say no

to what you promised tonight.

Miss.

What did the Emperor

and the Crown Prince say?

Speaking of the Emperor,

he'll remove whoever is in his way

by all means necessary

and keep his favored ones in check

with any ridiculous excuses.

What about the Crown Prince?

Him?

We have so much stuff ahead,

let's not waste time.

[Court of Judicial Review]

Huang Pu.

What in tarnation is wrong with you

to insist on questioning them?

But we won't know the truth

if we don't question them.

How are we going to face the people if we fail our duty?

Before that,

how are we going to face His Majesty?

Official Pei.

Given what you said,

we must get to the bottom of it.

You're so simple-minded.

He does have a point.

I find that what Official Huang said does make sense

before coming in.

The captives

must be interrogated one by one.

If they refuse to confess,

we shall use some punishment on them,

like searching them, giving lashes, stripping them naked,

and not providing food for three days and three nights.

Let's see if they'll confess.

You're hopeless.

Stripping them naked?

This is an investigation, not a robbery.

Let me put it this way,

the people involved in this case

are the descendants of dignitaries,

including the son of Marquis Zhongyi.

If you offend them,

I think your career

is meeting an end

before it starts.

Is it that serious?

Of course.

Official Pei.

You're indeed

the chief of the Court of Judicial Review.

Compared to us,

you're way more insightful.

Official Pei.

Please drink some water and calm down.

I'll obey you

on how to proceed with the case.

Still, it's no use.

Now that His Majesty was informed of this case,

we mustn't take this matter lightly.

You're right.

Oh, right.

If we can't fool them in broad daylight,

we can cut them some slack in private.

Be specific.

Well,

you can task me

with the questioning of those toffs.

By doing so, those dignitaries

won't hold you accountable.

Miss.

I doubt if this is a good idea.

Why not?

From His Majesty to His Highness,

there are eyes on this case.

You should stay away from this hassle.

You might end up losing 30,000 navies,

let alone becoming the Crown Princess.

The loss can be unmeasurable.

Let me tell you this.

To deal with this case,

we have to fulfill three conditions.

To satisfy His Majesty,

to make His Highness feel indebted to us,

and to gain support from Marquis Zhongyi.

That's right.

Most importantly,

we need the support of Marquis Zhongyi.

What's the next step?

What's next?

Closing this case is a breeze.

We can find several commoners

to be the scapegoats.

Official Ren,

this is risky.

Well, Official Pei.

We shouldn't get bogged down by trivial things

when we aim for something big.

Besides, Marquis Zhongyi

has come to me in person.

He promised

he'd support me to be the Crown Princess

if I could manage the case well.

After becoming the Crown Princess,

why should I be afraid of anything?

Since Marquis Zhongyi gave me his word,

why should we be afraid of anything?

Exactly.

Why should we be afraid of anything?

This is my token.

Take it

[Minister of the Court of Judicial Review] and act on my behalf.

Don't be afraid and do what you should do.

Sure.

Huang Pu.

You assist Official Ren

with the investigation.

You should learn from her.

Official Ren.

I'll be waiting the good news from you in my abode.

Do take a good rest, Official Pei.

What a lost cause.

I won't collaborate with you.

Yuanqin.

Put a tail on Pei Zhan.

Make sure he stays quiet these days.

Yuanshu has already taken care of that.

♪If I bet my all on it desperately♪

♪I know my heart will be uneasy♪

♪I give up on my light and hide it under a bushel♪

♪You're the moon in my heart♪

♪I can't dream to own you♪

♪But I'm willing to forsake my life for you♪

♪I'd go the distance for you♪

♪May the light stay with you♪

♪Romance aside♪

♪I fight for your destiny alongside you♪

♪You're my dream from the bygone youth♪

♪Arriving at the end of my life♪

♪I bear no regrets But when we reunite in our next life♪

♪Will you still remember me?♪

♪I've concealed my yearning for you♪

♪And guarded your smile♪

♪Please don't leave me in oblivion when we part ways♪

♪I'd go the distance for you♪

♪May the light stay with you♪

♪Romance aside♪

♪I fight for your destiny alongside you♪

♪You're my dream from the bygone youth♪

♪Arriving at the end of my life♪

♪I bear no regrets But when we reunite in our next life♪

♪Will you still remember me?♪