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♪The falling snow♪

♪Is bitter cold♪

♪My sigh♪

♪Misted the path in front of me♪

♪The moonlight knows my intention♪

♪I just want to make a place for me in your heart♪

♪I laugh and I cry♪

♪Quietly building a pond in my heart♪

♪I accept all the gifts from sorrow♪

♪I can't let down my regrets♪

♪I won't admit defeat♪

♪I slowly chew on the bitterness of life♪

♪The fragrance remains the same after the bleak winter♪

♪Awaiting spring to color the way back home♪

[The Double]

[Episode 6]

Yao.

Oh, my dear Yao.

My dear,

what's wrong with Yao?

Take a look at these rashes.

She has rashes all over.

Did any of you have sandalwood with you just now?

You see, Third Lady

can't get into contact with sandalwood.

Everyone in the Jiang's Residence knows this.

Naturally, they wouldn't have it on them.

Could it be someone

among the guests might have carried it?

Speak up if you have something to say.

Third Young Lady

started to develop rashes after wearing the earrings given

by Second Young Lady.

Could it be that there's something in the earrings...

Take off the earrings and check them.

Yes.

Second Young Lady,

why did you do this?

I know you're not content

and not fond of Third Lady.

But such an act is simply too much.

I don't dislike Ruoyao at all,

nor did I add any fragrance.

All the evidence points to you.

What else is there to deny?

Li,

explain yourself.

Father,

can you give me

some time alone with Ruoyao?

What are you up to?

I experienced similar symptoms

when I was at Zhennv Hall.

I know a way

to make Ruoyao feel better.

What kind of method

that your father and I shouldn't know about?

Mother,

please trust me.

With you and Father here,

what are you afraid of?

They're all gone.

Just say what you want.

Why did you do this to me?

Ruoyao,

I didn't mean to steal your limelight today.

As your older sister,

I only want to extend my congratulations

like any other sister would do.

But

someone deliberately stops me from attending your ceremony.

Stop feigning your innocence.

Tell me.

Why did you use sandalwood to harm me?

You clearly knew you're allergic to sandalwood.

Yet, you endured this pain out of a ploy

to vent your anger because of the ceremony.

It must have been really hard on you.

Then we have nothing to discuss further.

Let Father come in

so he can see your vicious true colors.

I asked them to leave

to preserve your dignity.

Do you think the ploy

of harming yourself

would make them punish me?

What do you mean?

If you're certain that I'm behind this,

how about I make a deduction

of what will happen next?

First of all,

I'll ask my maid,

Xiangqiao, to testify for me.

After I bought these earrings,

the earrings have been in her safekeeping.

I've never touched them since.

I know

Xiangqiao works for you and your mother.

So she'll go to great lengths to frame me.

It was Second Lady who put the fragrance in there.

I saw it myself.

Nonsense! You're making slanderous accusations.

Xiangqiao,

you must have lost your conscience

to make up such a baseless accusation.

No, I'm not!

If I'm lying,

heaven shall strike me with lightning!

Then

Mother will take the opportunity to aggravate the situation.

Li,

you could've come to me directly if you're not happy.

Ruoyao is your younger sister.

How could you not consider your family ties?

Isn't this the truth?

Of course not.

Because the earrings containing the fragrance

are imitations.

What?

A few days ago, I spent 20 liang of silver

on these earrings at the Jixiang Store.

Earrings of this quality and price

are rarely seen in the entire store.

Moreover, the craftsmanship of these earrings is rough.

Forget about 20 liang.

They're not even worth one liang.

Our grandmother is knowledgeable about these things.

She would notice at a glance.

Products from Jixiang Store

cannot possibly be of this quality.

So here comes the question.

Who swapped the earrings

that I originally intended to give you?

You don't have to frame Xiangqiao.

She's not that bold.

Well, a person's boldness can be nurtured,

During this time,

I've always given Xiangqiao good things.

Good things

naturally breed courage.

She thought I would be kicked out sooner or later.

This expensive pair of earrings

will eventually end up in Mother's hands.

It's better to keep them herself.

Do you really think people are that foolish?

Who would believe your story?

Well,

I have witness.

I wasn't sure

if Xiangqiao would switch them out.

So I had Tong follow her.

She indeed went to see

that craftsman who specializes in counterfeits.

Everything will fall into place after Father's probing.

So what?

How can we prove

that a greedy maid

was the one who put the fragrance?

Of course with physical evidence.

The fragrance is in Xiangqiao's room.

If you don't believe it,

I'll ask Father to investigate.

How is that possible?

It's not that Xiangqiao is incompetent.

It's just that many people in this world are not content

with what they have but envy others who have more.

Yunshuang has long been jealous of her.

This is from Madam Ji.

All right.

This is my last warning.

Don't ruin Madam's plan.

If you still remember that I brought you to work here,

don't stir any trouble.

So what if you were the one who brought me into this household?

Why must you always mention it?

Everyone relies on their own abilities.

You can't blame others if you're not doing well.

If this scheme to frame me succeeds,

it will be Xiangqiao's credit.

If it fails,

do you think Yunshuang won't use this opportunity

to get rid of Xiangqiao?

So you've been instigating the two maids

from the beginning.

I'm just protecting myself.

If I'm not careful,

won't it be adding

"deceiving mother, harming sister" to the crimes

of matricide and fratricide against myself?

It's been so long.

What is Li doing?

Let them talk a bit longer.

Both of them are grown now.

What can happen?

Since you've figured everything out so clearly,

why did you tell me alone?

Why didn't you say it

in front of everyone earlier?

I don't want to be your enemy.

But don't think about driving me away.

I returned to reclaim what's mine.

If you keep getting in my way,

I won't let it go.

That's all I have to say.

As for whether you want to pin the blame

on me,

that's up to you.

Li grew up in Zhennv Hall.

We don't know her temperament well.

Her intentions may be good.

But she might not handle it properly.

I can't help but worry

even when we're out here.

Father,

Ruoyao is much better now.

Yao,

how are you feeling now?

Much better.

Thanks to Li.

We misunderstood Li regarding the earrings.

Yao,

tell me.

What's the misunderstanding?

I'm feeling a bit tired now.

I want to sleep for a while.

If it was a misunderstanding,

then it's good that it's resolved.

My dear,

don't worry too much.

Yao,

get some rest.

Everyone can go back now.

Mother,

give me the antidote.

What did she say to you?

Mother,

your idea of making me break out in a rash

wasn't good at all.

The maids you sent over

are more of a trouble than a help.

The matter was resolved just like that?

Yes.

I heard it was all a misunderstanding.

Bring Li here.

Yes.

Greetings, Grandmother.

I made pear soup

and thought of you.

Thank you, Grandmother.

Come.

Sit here and enjoy it.

I heard Ruoyao was sick today.

Her mother summoned you for questioning.

What happened?

It was nothing serious.

Ruoyao wasn't feeling well, that's all.

Some people are spreading rumors that you harbored ill intentions.

The gift you sent turned out to be poisonous.

I'm not blind, you know.

You can tell me the truth.

It was my maids

who made a mistake.

She mixed up the gift I wanted to give Ruoyao.

Mother will punish them.

You're truly sensible girls.

It's heartbreaking to see you suffer such grievance.

After drinking the pear soup today,

I no longer feel wronged.

I know those two maids in your court

were chosen by your mother.

Madam Zhang,

please accompany Li to Fangfei Garden.

Yes.

Grandmother...

I made up my mind.

So just follow my decision.

That woman is not home.

This place is ours now.

We can do

whatever we want.

Hello, Zhang and Wang.

Oh, Li and Zhao.

Why are you here?

We're here to catch you.

Get them!

What are you doing?

Why are you taking us away?

Don't touch me.

You're hurting me.

Let go! Let go!

- Oh, stop it! - Let go.

Drag these two troublemakers out

and punish them with the family rules.

Madam Zhang,

could there be a mistake?

Madam Zhang,

we're innocent.

That's right.

Take them away.

Madam Zhang.

Madam Zhang!

- Zhang. Wang. - Li. Zhao.

- We're innocent. - We're innocent.

Xiangqiao, this is all your fault.

How is it my fault?

- Go! - I'm not going.

- No, I'm not leaving! - I don't want to go!

No, I don't want to go!

I'm innocent!

Second Lady, we're innocent!

I don't want to leave.

Second Lady, we're innocent!

We're innocent!

Second Lady, you must be in shock.

Old Madam has instructed

to send you new maids tomorrow.

You can keep the ones that suit you.

I'm grateful to Grandmother

and thank you too, Madam Zhang, for coming.

Would you like to come in for some tea?

I still need to report back.

Second Lady, please rest well.

All right.

Jiang Li!

You won this fight beautifully.

Grandmother never gets involved

in household affairs.

This time, she stepped in

and took care of everything just for you.

What did you do?

It's because Grandmother has a kind heart.

Grandmother is very perceptive, you know?

Even if she saw through Eldest Aunt's schemes,

she wouldn't say anything.

This time, Madam Zhang came over

and took care of everything for you.

You can rest easy now

and won't be harmed

by those clumsy tricks anymore.

I must thank you,

my good cousin.

It's Jingrui,

or just Rui is fine.

After all, it's hard to refuse a favor.

And I really like

the little turtle you gave me.

By the way,

I heard your chrysanthemum tea is especially good.

Let me try some.

Come on.

Old Madam,

we've dealt with those two maids.

Tomorrow, help pick someone reliable

to send over.

Yes.

She's been managing the household for so many years.

Why can't she let it go?

Li came back with nothing

and suffered so much in the mountains.

What harm is there in being generous with her?

Yuanbai has his heart set on her.

We're all women.

And I can't say

that Yuanbai is wrong.

The Madam is a smart person.

I'm sure she'll behave in the future.

Let's hope your words come true.

Why did Old Madam suddenly ask about this?

I'm not too sure either.

I heard

Old Madam summon Second Lady over

and sell her maids from her courtyard.

It's said to send new maids for her.

She's trying to keep me in check.

But the Old Madam

didn't pursue this matter.

This means

she doesn't to have a fallout with you.

It was clearly Ruoyao's coming-of-age ceremony.

Yet, that girl stole the limelight.

I even had to adorn her hair

in front of everyone.

Since it's come to this,

I must fulfill my duties

as a mother now.

What do you have in mind, Madam?

Now that she has entered adulthood,

I must plan

her marriage properly

to avoid

being accused of ill-treatment.

My Lady, my name is Bai Xue.

This is her birth record.

Young Lady, please review it.

If you're satisfied with her,

you can keep her around.

Thank you, Madam Zhang.

[Bai Xue, born on the 18th day of the fifth month in the 42nd year of Zhangping, from Zaohua Village in Huaixiang, has sold herself to the Jiang's Residence due to poor harvest]

My Lady,

I'm healthy and strong.

I can clean the courtyard.

Your birth records stated

that you're from Zaohua Village.

I know a girl

who's also from Zaohua Village.

What's her name?

I may know her.

Haitang.

She's over 20 years old.

She has two younger brothers.

I've never heard of her before.

But my parents have been living in Zaohua Village for a long time.

I can write home

and them to ask around.

Thank you.

Li,

why are you searching for a girl named Haitang?

Haitang was my maid.

After that incident,

I never saw her again.

Her disappearance is fishy.

Perhaps she knows something.

I'm not sure

if she was also harmed.

If I can find her,

it might reveal the truth of what happened.

My dear.

My dear,

you're back.

Are you all right?

Does it hurt?

I'm fine.

Next time, let the servants handle

the needlework.

I've always sewn

all of your clothing myself over the years.

Everything in this house

is handled with these hands.

My dear, it must be hard on you.

It's something I learned after marriage.

My parents never taught me these things.

They only let me focus on practicing music.

That's right.

When we first met,

you played a song

at your father's banquet,

a memory I cherish.

But now, these hands

have worn out from the house's affairs.

My little hardships

are nothing compared to yours.

You must be tired.

Here, have some tea.

All right.

I've been unable to manage Li's affairs properly.

I feel ashamed of my role as a mother.

It's not entirely your fault.

Although Li has been in the mountains for years,

she's gentle and sensible.

I want to find a good husband for her.

I heard the Ministry of Personnel's Secretary's son

is still not married.

He has a good appearance and character.

His family background is not as prestigious.

Mr. Zhao's rank is below yours.

But he is loyal and steady,

which is rare in official circles.

Zhao Qi is also dignified and knowledgeable.

I'm sure he would treat Li well.

Li was raised in Zhennv Hall

without formal education

and a questionable reputation in the past.

With the current emperor's promotion of female education,

it's natural

to want a well-educated daughter-in-law.

Li is lacking in this aspect.

If someone marries her

just to gain favor with you

but mistreats her,

won't that be my fault?

So after much consideration,

I sought the Zhao family

and asked for their opinion.

They willingly agreed.

Besides, Li has your support.

She won't suffer after she marries.

You're right.

But we should also consider Li's feelings.

Why are you staring at me, Father?

I think you're now an adult

and it's time to discuss your marriage.

I've only just returned.

You're already trying to send me away?

Don't be ridiculous.

We've just reunited

and now we're talking about separating.

I feel upset.

I'm not forcing you to marry now.

We can meet him first.

If it's a good match,

then we can discuss marriage later.

Your mother has worked hard on this for you.

You can't let her down.

All right.

I'll do as you say.

Li,

why did Ji Shuran

suddenly introduce a marriage prospect to you?

I'm sure Shuran wants to get rid of me

so she's eager to marry me off quickly.

Who is Zhao Qi?

I did ask around.

He's a talented scholar.

Three years ago, he performed exceptionally well

during the imperial examination,

earning a personal audience and rewards from the emperor.

However, he refused official positions.

Why would Ji Shuran

give me such a good match with me?

Maybe if the match is not good enough,

Master wouldn't agree so easily.

There must be something fishy.

How about you talk to Master

and reject him?

It won't be a good idea.

He's already said

it was Ji Shuran's wish

and we can't disappoint her.

If I insist,

I will be ungrateful.

Li,

what if you talk to Old Madam?

So what it's a bit rush

to find a good husband for a stepdaughter?

Ji Shuran is not wrong in this matter.

Then...

It's not a huge problem.

Grandmother can't blame her entirely.

This matter

is up to us.

Mr. Jiang,

this is my son, Zhao Qi.

Greetings, Mr. Jiang.

Greetings, Mrs. Jiang.

[Zhao Qi] Not bad, quite dignified.

Second Lady Jiang looks lovely.

Greetings, Mrs. Zhao.

Here are some tokens of courtesy.

Have a seat.

Serve the tea.

Our courtyards

have several pleasant views.

Mr. Zhao, since it's your first time here,

how about we let Li show you around?

That'd be great.

Second Lady Jiang, after you.

Finding a good husband for Jiang Li

is the best solution for dealing with her.

Mr. Zhao made some trouble a few years ago

and sought help from my father to get out of it.

This gave my father a lifelong hold over him.

I hate Jiang Li.

Without us getting involved,

she'll be living

under the Zhao family's thumb forever after marrying.

[Liuyu Pavilion]

Second Lady Jiang,

I've prepared a gift

for our first meeting.

It's cosmetic.

Yes.

This is made

from purple jasmine,

giving it a hint of cold purple.

It's delicate yet elegant.

It's not suitable for ordinary women.

But just right for you.

Mr. Zhao, you're being thoughtful.

But I did not prepare anything for you.

It's all right.

We'll stop the pleasantries here.

Living in Zhennv Hall for ten years

and able to return in a grand fashion.

I'm sure you're a smart person.

Shall we be frank?

Mr. Zhao, you're straightforward.

I don't like beating around the bush either.

Great.

I'll drop my act now.

Listen.

My parents

hope for a prosperous family line.

So

after we're married,

our top priority is to grow the family tree.

Mr. Zhao, you sure are frank.

But you're excited about this too early.

Well, you see.

I'll skip the romance part

so you don't have to pretend

to accept and reject my proposal.

You still have to marry me

after going back and forth like this.

Right?

So you never thought I'd reject you.

You dare refuse a marriage proposal?

Can't I?

What a joke.

Besides me,

who else can you aim to marry to climb the ladder?

Since ancient times,

marriages have always been about status.

Speaking for which,

I'm a legitimate daughter of a prestigious family,

and your father's rank isn't that high.

Can I even climb higher by marrying you?

Do I need to aim for you?

Do you really think

your status as a legitimate daughter

allows you

to pick any man in this world?

You probably don't know

how the other elites

in the city view you.

Then please enlighten me.

Then I shall reluctantly

explain it to you.

In noble family marriage unions,

the most important thing is reputation.

Then appearance and talent come after.

A lady's virtue is important.

How's yours?

Your clothing styles

are common and intolerable.

As for your appearance,

quite unique.

You're not properly cared for and show signs of weariness.

As for your talent,

you've stayed in the mountains for ten years

without proper education.

So

how many characters can you even read?

As for reputation,

everyone knows about the matricide and fratricide.

If you were from an ordinary family,

you'd marry just anyone.

But now,

being the legitimate daughter of the Jiang family,

you could choose

among some lower-class prospects

or settle for a lesser status.

Even if you were willing,

your family wouldn't want to be disgraced.

In the capital,

[Liuyu Pavilion] those above Rank Five

won't accept you.

While those below Rank Five

are not in your family's favor.

That's why

our Zhao family agreed to this arrangement today.

This is due to your devout praying.

Does that mean you're the only prospect for me?

Do you have any other choice?

Considering your nobility,

why would you want to marry someone like me?

Grow the family tree.

I guess you're not young anymore.

You see, men don't age as gracefully as women.

I can see the lines around your eyes.

Really?

Wait.

Just tell me what you want to say.

In the capital, a fine man like you

who is still unmarried at such an age

and solely focused on pleasing your parents

can only mean one thing.

What could it be?

You have a lover but can't marry her.

I never expected you can be so witty.

Have a grape.

Why?

Does she not meet the standards of your Zhao family?

Who is this lady from your neighborhood?

You...

What are you talking about?

Others may not understand, but I do.

When you were young,

you saw how beautiful the lady from the neighborhood was.

So you secretly have affairs with her

and play a role as a husband for nothing.

You clearly like her but couldn't bring her home

for fear of being scolded by your parents.

So you overlook your marriage.

But you were still young,

so you have ample excuses to drag your marriage.

Now

that you're older,

how can your parents tolerate this anymore?

You

can't delay it

and are afraid of exposing your secret affair.

So you must quickly find

a suitable match from a respectable family.

However,

those suitable matches look down on you

because you're old.

You can't aim for those with high standards

and your parents won't accept those with low standards.

So you set your eyes on me,

a notorious legitimate daughter from a renowned family.

So you're begging me to be noble,

self-sacrificing, and heroic,

rescuing you from dire situations.

Baseless statements,

speaking nonsense,

fabricating out of thin air,

and misleading.

Mr. Zhao, you indeed have exceptional abilities,

are well-versed in literature,

and possess remarkable talent.

You...

Don't you point at me.

Zhao Qi,

[Liuyu Pavilion] let me be clear.

I will not marry you.

First, I'm discerning

and won't tolerate any deception.

Second, I have other matters to attend to.

I can't marry anyone.

You go

and reject this marriage proposal.

Or else, when I'm in a bad mood,

I'll bring my family to visit your secret lover

and send them to your Zhao family.

At this moment,

are you threatening me now?

It's not a threat.

Just ending our engagement.

Now, it's a threat.

Zhao Qi,

listen to me clearly.

You can toy

with a lady without support

and use a lady from a noble family to continue your family line.

I've never heard of such logic.

Today, I'll let your behavior slide.

But if I ever find out

you treat other ladies like this.

I'll expose everything

and your Zhao family will lose face in the capital.

What are you waiting for?

If we keep this conversation on,

it'll get more disgraceful.

I've always taken care of myself.

These two have been away for quite a while.

They must be getting along well.

Mr. Zhao doesn't seem to be interested in me.

What... What?

Yes, Mother.

Let's discuss this marriage matter again.

Li, you're so clever.

How did you know he had a lover?

I had a friend

who went through this kind of ordeal.

Ever since we have Ping'an,

[Inner Tranquility]

He hasn't touched me since.

He spends his time outside drinking

and having fun with his lover.

[Dai Yun]

Madam Xue,

I'm sorry that you have to hear about this.

What's your plan after this?

Now that I have Ping'an,

his family has a descendant,

his parents no longer care

even if he's leading a dissolute life.

This is how my life is going to be after this.

As for you,

you must keep this in mind.

People who target women

for the sake of continuing the family line

are shameless.

Women face bad consequences for mistakes

while men often get away with a carefree attitude.

His family even go great lengths to cover it up.

It makes me speechless.

But Ji Shuran seems determined

to kick you from the family.

Besides, marriage decisions are dictated by parents

and matchmakers.

Today, you managed to get rid of Mr. Zhao.

There will be other prospects coming after this.

What should we do then?

To stay in the Jiang's Residence,

I need to find another way.

What way?

Walk out of here.

[Yang's Residence]

What's the meaning of this?

Yang Song is suspected of colluding with merchants to sell official salt.

We were ordered to arrest him.

But only female members are in the house.

Even as secret guards,

you cannot barge in like this.

Mrs. Yang,

since there are women in the house,

we won't search further.

Please ask him to come out.

Duke Su,

there must be a mistake.

My husband would never commit

such a crime.

He has been honest and upright all his life.

He never accepted any bribes.

But he has certainly given out a lot

from this household.

How could such a person break the law?

Madam, please sit.

Please have a seat.

I believe you are unaware of this matter.

I have investigated many cases like this.

Even when the Ministry of Justice has given the verdict,

the families are left crying, while the guilty walk free,

unaware

that their actions

have offended the Emperor.

When the Emperor is enraged,

His Majesty doesn't spare the family.

Do you know

where these people ended up?

They're enslaved

and confined at the Office of Instruction.

Until death, they have no idea who put them there.

Put the wives aside.

Even the pitiful children become slaves

with no future at all.

Where is Yang Song?

Confession letter.

We've been tricked.

Your Majesty,

[Prosperous Era] the bureau has corrupted officials.

I have failed in my duty.

I'm willing to take responsibility for my negligence.

But before that,

[Kong Zhaofeng]

I ask

for a chance to rectify the situation.

I will punish those involved in the Bureau of Salt and Iron.

I'm truly grateful to Duke Su

for uncovering corruption in the Bureau of Salt and Iron.

You don't need to praise me, Mr. Kong.

I put in so much effort.

Yet, I only managed to catch this small corrupt official.

Such is my incompetence.

So

let me take the blame.

Duke Su deserves credit for the case of the illegal salt trade.

As for the Bureau of Salt and Iron,

corruption has been prevalent and deep-rooted.

It cannot be accomplished overnight.

But take this as a warning, Mr. Kong.

Be extremely cautious from now on.

I won't disappoint Your Majesty's trust.

You're dismissed.

Mr. Shen.

Yes, Your Majesty.

How is the progress on the examination reform?

Your Majesty,

I have started to abolish

the -submission of writing samples and public recommendations.

Now, rankings will be determined solely by the examination papers.

The new anonymous grading system

has also been implemented in the recent provincial examinations.

For next year's Imperial Examination,

all examination halls will implement the new system.

Other than that,

post stations have been set up in several counties

near the capital

to provide travel vouchers and subsidies

for underprivileged students

heading to the capital for exams.

After implementing this policy,

it has raised the public spirit.

The number of candidates is increasing daily.

Your Majesty,

it's commendable to give underprivileged students opportunities.

However, adding new rules and rejecting pre-submitted work

will increase the burden on examiners.

I have heard during the recent exams,

there were several cases of misjudgments,

leading candidates to protest at the government office.

The capital's post stations

also experienced chaos and overcrowding.

The imperial exams are held once every three years.

Relying on a single exam to determine success

can lead to talented individuals being overlooked

and mediocre ones being selected.

If the chief examiner could understand

some genuinely talented candidates

through pre-submitted work,

they would be better informed.

Hastily abolishing this system

could compromise fairness.

Better informed, huh?

Is it better informed about the candidates' talents

or the candidates' family backgrounds?

Your Majesty,

I believe

that since pre-submitted work

can lead to collusion between candidates and examiners,

abolishing it is the right move.

As for Mr. Li's concerns,

the issue lies not in the new system but in academic administration.

Appointing competent officials to enhance academic administration

to support the new exams is the way to address the fundamental problems.

A new system will inevitably

have some shortcomings at first.

We can address them one by one.

If we hesitate

and cling to old practices,

then reforms throughout history

would never have succeeded.

Mr. Shen,

you can proceed without hesitation.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Speaking of the imperial exams,

let's discuss the central six academies.

The annual exams of the Imperial Academy's six subjects

have produced talents like Zhao Qi,

who is not interested in becoming an official.

The School of Integrity

initially established to promote female education,

has been overlooked in recent years.

I want you to oversee

this year's exams for both schools.

I want you to keep an eye

on those with genuine talent

and high aspirations for me.

I shall obey, Your Majesty.

Yes, Your Majesty.

[Benefit All Beings]

Trinkets for sale!

Master,

we should have that fox Kong sit

on our interrogation bench for a while.

He has been in charge of the bureau for so many years

because of his clean reputation.

Now, he is still untouchable.

Are we going to watch him guard while secretly stealing

and let Yang take the fall?

Yang was just a pawn.

Have a taste of our fine wine!

This is the finest tea

of the year.

Mr. Kong, have a cup.

Tea can be refilled once spilled.

But if someone gets a hold of your weaknesses,

it will be hard to break free.

I was careless.

But don't worry.

I've cleaned up the Bureau of Salt and Iron thoroughly.

Xiao Heng won't find anything.

I hope so.

- Father. - Father.

Do you know why I asked you here?

The money from the bureau has been cut off

[Li Jing] and that side needs money.

We need to fill this gap.

Where should we start?

- The Ye family. - The Ye.

The Ye and the Jiang family

are in-laws.

Since Jiang Yuanbai remarried

and Ye Zhenzhen's daughter, Jiang Li,

was sent to the Zhennv Hall,

the Ye and the Jiang families

have not been in contact since.

[Li Lian] The Ye family may be wealthy.

But they lack prestige.

Two years ago, the Ye family used various means

to get their son, Ye Shijie,

into the Imperial Academy

to study with us.

If we control him,

won't we control the entire Ye family?

If you've thought of this,

why didn't you take action?

Ye Shijie is arrogant.

We haven't found the right opportunity yet.

I'll pave the way for you.

- Yes, Father. - Yes, Father.

Why aren't you drinking, Shen?

A toast to you, Your Highness.

Even your posture while holding the wine glass looks graceful.

No need for your toast.

Today's banquet is for you.

I heard His Majesty has appointed you

to oversee the examinations at both schools.

You're truly a talented individual.

Thank you, Your Highness.

These are the schools where talented individuals enter.

I'll carefully consider His Majesty's intentions and work hard.

If it were just a routine examination, it wouldn't be interesting.

How about a joint competition,

where the young gentlemen from the Imperial Academy team up

with the ladies from the School of Integrity?

That would be so interesting.

I'm looking forward to it.

No, that's not feasible.

After all, this is the Entry Exam

and should be taken seriously.

Why can't we try something innovative?

If we follow Your Highness's suggestion,

it may lead to students forming factions,

which could harm the integrity of our officials in the future.

Those with true talent

but poor social skills

or family background

might be overlooked.

This would not be beneficial for our government's integrity.

You really are a clean young official without flaws.

But I don't like it

when you talk to me so seriously.

It makes me uncomfortable.

On your knees.

Your Highness.

I said, kneel.

♪If there are no happy memories♪

♪How can we traverse the forbidden land of sorrow♪

♪Two cold and unfeeling bodies♪

♪Holding hands, can we get through the snow season♪

♪In the cold wind, in the long night♪

♪Embracing the remaining warmth♪

♪The depth of the sea, unfathomable♪

♪Can it bury yesterday's sighs♪

♪Continue to love, cherishing it with my life♪

♪Continue to live, even with only a glimmer of hope♪

♪Whether in sorrow or joy, I believe in you♪

♪I'd rather be trapped in the world's extremes♪

♪Continue to live, exhausting all courage♪

♪Continue to love, until the breath runs out♪

♪Traversing half a lifetime of loneliness, just to meet you♪

♪After the hardships, never to part again♪

♪After the hardships, never to part again♪

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