WEBVTT X-TIMESTAMP-MAP=LOCAL:00:00:00.000,MPEGTS:0 01:26.143 --> 01:31.023 The Scholar and the Emperor 01:36.583 --> 01:37.783 I'm Meng Tinghui. 01:37.783 --> 01:39.743 An Rulan, the Metropolitan Champion, 01:39.863 --> 01:41.103 stole my policy essay. 01:41.263 --> 01:42.543 Please do justice for me. 01:43.063 --> 01:44.143 Confucius says, 01:44.623 --> 01:45.903 think twice before you act. 01:46.383 --> 01:48.503 Twice is enough. 01:48.943 --> 01:51.463 You spread the copies all over the capital 01:51.663 --> 01:53.143 and caused a huge stir. 01:53.623 --> 01:54.743 Do you have solid proof? 01:54.823 --> 01:56.463 Sir, you can call An Rulan 01:56.623 --> 01:57.783 here to face me. 01:58.103 --> 01:58.863 Sir, 01:59.663 --> 02:01.143 all those people outside 02:01.303 --> 02:02.703 were brought here by her. 02:04.983 --> 02:06.103 Bring in Metropolitan Champion An. 02:38.103 --> 02:40.703 Greetings, Mr. Dong. 02:41.703 --> 02:42.983 Ms. An, no need for formalities. 02:43.343 --> 02:45.743 I've prepared a seat for you. 02:45.903 --> 02:46.783 Please take your seat. 02:47.263 --> 02:48.183 Jiang Mei'er, 02:48.743 --> 02:50.023 what are you doing here? 02:53.823 --> 02:54.663 Mr. Lyu, 02:54.863 --> 02:56.663 that wretch Meng Tinghui 02:57.423 --> 02:58.463 set up my uncle 02:58.463 --> 02:59.503 and Mr. Feng. 03:00.783 --> 03:02.663 I hate her so much I could eat her flesh 03:03.223 --> 03:04.503 and sleep on her skin. 03:09.263 --> 03:10.583 Where is she now? 03:11.103 --> 03:12.383 She's the Provincial Champion now. 03:12.823 --> 03:14.343 She'll go to the capital for the finals. 03:14.903 --> 03:16.343 I have a way to deal with her. 03:17.983 --> 03:19.543 If you help me, 03:20.343 --> 03:22.463 you'll be doing a great service for the Baron 03:23.263 --> 03:24.583 in finding the real killer. 03:32.543 --> 03:34.303 Just help me, 03:38.783 --> 03:40.783 and I'm yours. 03:44.263 --> 03:46.263 You're talking nonsense. 03:46.583 --> 03:47.943 Have you lost it? 03:49.863 --> 03:50.903 Sir, please see the truth. 03:51.743 --> 03:53.303 Her real name is Jiang Mei'er. 03:53.503 --> 03:55.463 Her uncle was the former prefect of Shazhou. 03:55.623 --> 03:56.183 She and I both studied 03:56.183 --> 03:57.743 at the Shazhou Women's Academy. 03:58.103 --> 03:59.463 Back in Shazhou, she did nothing 03:59.463 --> 04:00.303 but bully her classmates 04:00.583 --> 04:02.863 and throw her weight around. 04:03.023 --> 04:04.303 She can change her name 04:04.303 --> 04:05.303 and deny it all she wants. 04:05.863 --> 04:07.143 But since she's the Metropolitan Champion, 04:07.423 --> 04:09.103 she must have real talent. 04:09.583 --> 04:10.583 Sir, 04:10.903 --> 04:12.863 allow me to debate the classics 04:12.943 --> 04:14.143 with Ms. An right here. 04:18.383 --> 04:19.903 Why are you all here today? 04:20.543 --> 04:22.183 You're here for justice, right? 04:22.583 --> 04:24.303 Then let's see 04:24.303 --> 04:25.743 just how much real talent 04:25.983 --> 04:28.103 the Metropolitan Champion actually has! 04:28.743 --> 04:29.503 That's right! 04:29.663 --> 04:31.103 We want to see real talent! 04:31.263 --> 04:31.983 Real talent! 04:31.983 --> 04:32.983 We want to see real talent! 04:32.983 --> 04:33.583 Real talent! 04:33.583 --> 04:34.983 We want to see real talent! 04:36.383 --> 04:37.023 Alright. 04:37.823 --> 04:39.543 I love people 04:39.623 --> 04:41.543 with real talent too. 04:43.583 --> 04:44.583 "When a nation prospers, 04:44.903 --> 04:46.023 it cherishes its people as wounded children. 04:46.103 --> 04:47.023 That is its blessing; 04:47.703 --> 04:48.703 when it falls, 04:49.063 --> 04:50.303 it treats them like dirt. 04:50.703 --> 04:51.783 That is its curse." 04:51.783 --> 04:53.023 Does this quote come from The Book of Rites 04:53.023 --> 04:53.903 or The Book of Documents? 05:00.703 --> 05:02.543 It's from The Book of Rites. 05:06.583 --> 05:06.943 No. 05:06.943 --> 05:07.543 The Book of Documents. 05:12.903 --> 05:14.263 It's from Zuo's Commentary. 05:14.783 --> 05:15.663 I just 05:15.663 --> 05:16.943 misremembered. 05:17.423 --> 05:18.423 What can a few words 05:18.423 --> 05:19.383 prove? 05:21.143 --> 05:22.343 Did you all hear that? 05:23.343 --> 05:25.343 That's a classic everyone knows. 05:25.543 --> 05:27.103 Yet she's saying she misremembered. 05:27.223 --> 05:28.903 Can someone this muddled 05:29.063 --> 05:30.103 really be the Metropolitan Champion? 05:30.623 --> 05:31.783 Has the Great Ning imperial exam 05:31.783 --> 05:32.903 become a joke? 05:33.143 --> 05:33.983 That's right! 05:34.783 --> 05:36.543 Exactly! 05:37.063 --> 05:38.863 - That's right! - That's right! 05:38.863 --> 05:39.543 Sir, 05:39.863 --> 05:40.703 the Metropolitan Champion essay 05:40.703 --> 05:41.903 was not written by her. 05:42.503 --> 05:43.743 I beg you to see the truth. 05:44.183 --> 05:44.943 Confucius says, 05:44.943 --> 05:46.223 know what you know. 05:46.423 --> 05:47.063 Sir, 05:47.583 --> 05:49.023 I studied for years 05:49.023 --> 05:49.983 to earn this title. 05:50.263 --> 05:51.983 Now she's framing me like this. 05:52.303 --> 05:53.823 Please, you have to stand up for me! 05:54.543 --> 05:55.343 Confucius says, 05:55.343 --> 05:56.423 watch what a person does 05:56.423 --> 05:57.263 and why they do it. 05:57.263 --> 05:57.863 Sir, 05:57.943 --> 05:59.143 since she insists the essay 05:59.143 --> 06:00.103 is hers, 06:00.743 --> 06:02.503 why not have her rewrite it on the spot? 06:02.983 --> 06:04.903 I'll take the test alongside her. 06:05.503 --> 06:06.663 Then we'll see 06:06.943 --> 06:07.823 who's telling the truth. 06:07.823 --> 06:08.423 Sir. 06:08.823 --> 06:09.903 No need for a retest. 06:10.383 --> 06:12.183 These words in black and white are mine. 06:12.183 --> 06:12.863 Can't be wrong. 06:13.183 --> 06:14.623 Can you let me 06:14.783 --> 06:15.743 finish my sentence? 06:15.943 --> 06:17.383 All this shouting. 06:17.383 --> 06:18.423 What a disgrace! 06:18.943 --> 06:20.503 This isn't the exam hall. 06:20.943 --> 06:22.023 No tests here! 06:22.223 --> 06:24.623 Do you really think 06:24.703 --> 06:25.703 you can twist the truth 06:25.703 --> 06:27.343 with your slick tongue? 06:29.063 --> 06:29.943 Jiang Mei'er. 06:30.383 --> 06:31.063 If I 06:31.063 --> 06:32.223 could take down your uncle, 06:32.743 --> 06:34.423 I can take you down too. 06:35.023 --> 06:35.783 Didn't you see 06:35.783 --> 06:37.223 how your uncle died? 06:38.383 --> 06:40.063 A crossbow bolt through the heart. 06:40.143 --> 06:41.223 He died in one shot. 06:41.583 --> 06:42.903 Let me guess 06:43.903 --> 06:44.783 how you stole 06:44.783 --> 06:46.143 my Metropolitan Champion title. 06:47.423 --> 06:48.263 Was it through your uncle's 06:48.263 --> 06:49.583 pathetic connections? 06:50.183 --> 06:51.303 Or 06:53.303 --> 06:54.223 did you make 06:54.223 --> 06:55.823 some dirty deal? 06:57.103 --> 06:58.463 You care more about your face 06:58.463 --> 06:59.903 than anything. 07:01.303 --> 07:03.383 You fancy yourself the fairest. 07:04.103 --> 07:05.823 Don't tell me you got it through... 07:07.463 --> 07:09.183 Just help me, 07:10.703 --> 07:12.623 and I'm yours. 07:13.903 --> 07:15.383 Shut your mouth! 07:17.103 --> 07:18.223 Meng Tinghui! 07:19.623 --> 07:20.823 Order! 07:20.823 --> 07:21.743 You lunatic! 07:23.183 --> 07:24.143 The trial's not over yet. 07:24.223 --> 07:25.143 Separate them! 07:25.143 --> 07:26.143 Court adjourned! 07:27.263 --> 07:28.423 The trial's not over yet! 07:33.143 --> 07:34.863 Meng Tinghui! 07:35.223 --> 07:36.823 You've ruined me. 07:36.983 --> 07:38.423 I'll kill you! 07:40.463 --> 07:41.143 Sir, 07:41.623 --> 07:42.783 you heard her, didn't you? 07:42.943 --> 07:44.383 Isn't the truth clear enough? 07:46.743 --> 07:47.383 Guards. 07:48.063 --> 07:49.983 Arrest this fraud who stole 07:49.983 --> 07:52.303 the title of Metropolitan Champion. 08:06.703 --> 08:08.823 So you're all 08:08.823 --> 08:10.143 in cahoots! 08:10.703 --> 08:12.023 The exam hall 08:13.023 --> 08:14.303 and the courtroom 08:14.943 --> 08:15.823 are full of 08:15.823 --> 08:17.863 wolves that devour their prey! 08:19.703 --> 08:21.583 Now you understand that? 08:22.663 --> 08:23.783 Too bad. 08:24.223 --> 08:25.503 It's too late. 08:26.943 --> 08:27.423 You thought 08:27.423 --> 08:28.903 bringing a bunch of ignorant commoners 08:28.903 --> 08:30.063 would help you? 08:34.343 --> 08:35.223 In the end, 08:35.223 --> 08:36.583 you still fell into my hands. 08:37.103 --> 08:38.303 From now on, 08:38.743 --> 08:40.063 there is 08:40.223 --> 08:41.023 no Meng Tinghui 08:41.023 --> 08:43.063 in the women's special exam. 08:48.463 --> 08:49.463 In this world, 08:53.583 --> 08:54.743 the shameless 08:56.663 --> 08:58.783 outlive the fearless. 08:59.063 --> 09:00.143 Meng Tinghui, 09:01.303 --> 09:02.783 whether in Shazhou 09:03.023 --> 09:04.303 or the capital, 09:04.903 --> 09:06.623 I can easily destroy 09:07.503 --> 09:10.063 everything you cherish. 09:10.623 --> 09:11.623 Destroy it! 09:17.943 --> 09:18.823 Let me go! 09:18.823 --> 09:19.583 Pull them apart! 09:19.583 --> 09:21.023 If you ruin me, you won't live either! 09:25.543 --> 09:26.383 This is a courtroom! 09:26.383 --> 09:28.183 You're both a disgrace to scholars! 09:28.903 --> 09:29.823 Confucius says, 09:29.903 --> 09:32.183 in ritual, harmony matters most. 09:32.663 --> 09:33.543 Meng, 09:33.943 --> 09:35.223 just confess to 09:35.223 --> 09:38.303 falsely accusing the Metropolitan Champion, 09:38.343 --> 09:40.743 and I'll make sure you stay alive. 09:41.063 --> 09:41.663 Sir. 09:42.143 --> 09:43.503 She caused such a scene 09:43.703 --> 09:45.183 and nearly killed me. 09:45.183 --> 09:46.743 She can't be spared. 09:46.743 --> 09:47.663 The case of the real Metropolitan Champion 09:47.663 --> 09:49.223 is already public knowledge. 09:50.383 --> 09:51.663 If something happens to me, 09:52.383 --> 09:54.383 it'll only prove my accusation. 09:54.983 --> 09:55.543 Can you 09:55.543 --> 09:57.183 still wash your hands of it then, sir? 09:57.223 --> 09:58.703 If you stop now, 09:59.463 --> 10:00.623 you might still save your own neck. 10:01.863 --> 10:03.423 Smooth talker. 10:03.423 --> 10:04.063 Sir. 10:04.303 --> 10:05.343 Arrest her. 10:05.503 --> 10:06.143 Confucius says, 10:06.623 --> 10:08.503 don't meddle where you don't belong. 10:09.343 --> 10:10.503 I know what I'm doing 10:10.823 --> 10:12.143 with this case. 10:12.463 --> 10:14.103 Keep your opinions to yourself, Ms. An. 10:15.303 --> 10:16.383 Throw her in jail. 10:21.343 --> 10:22.023 Sir. 10:22.023 --> 10:23.423 We got visitors from Tiger Roar. 10:29.263 --> 10:30.343 Mr. Dong, 10:30.703 --> 10:32.863 what do you plan to do with Meng Tinghui? 10:33.823 --> 10:35.303 I've already arranged it. 10:36.023 --> 10:37.063 I'll announce 10:37.183 --> 10:38.143 that Meng Tinghui 10:38.143 --> 10:39.863 went mad from failing the exam. 10:40.183 --> 10:41.623 I'll lock her up for a while. 10:41.863 --> 10:42.983 Once things die down, 10:42.983 --> 10:44.943 I'll send her back to Shazhou. 10:45.783 --> 10:47.703 You're quite the upright official. 10:48.623 --> 10:50.663 killing Meng Tinghui 10:50.783 --> 10:52.743 would only blow things up. 10:53.023 --> 10:55.343 I'm doing this for the greater good. 10:58.783 --> 11:00.103 Mr. Lyu, 11:00.503 --> 11:01.583 see that? 11:02.143 --> 11:02.943 He 11:02.943 --> 11:04.623 doesn't respect you at all. 11:04.863 --> 11:06.703 He's leaving himself a way out. 11:07.023 --> 11:08.223 Mei'er, don't worry. 11:10.263 --> 11:11.863 I've already invited Mrs. Dong 11:12.143 --> 11:13.303 and her kid 11:13.863 --> 11:15.543 for tea at the teahouse. 11:20.943 --> 11:22.303 This... You... 11:22.543 --> 11:23.863 What are you doing? 11:25.223 --> 11:26.823 I did exactly what you said. 11:27.063 --> 11:28.263 What more do you want? 11:29.103 --> 11:30.223 I want to see the Baron! 11:35.903 --> 11:36.903 See the Baron? 11:39.463 --> 11:41.423 Now you think you can walk all over me? 11:43.143 --> 11:44.023 Dong Shoucai. 11:44.383 --> 11:45.543 That title of yours 11:46.103 --> 11:48.183 was a gift from the Gang. 11:48.463 --> 11:50.423 How dare you put on airs with me! 11:52.263 --> 11:53.183 Don't forget. 11:54.143 --> 11:55.543 You still haven't repaid what you owe 11:55.543 --> 11:56.583 from buying your official post. 11:57.183 --> 11:58.783 If the Baron finds out, 11:59.383 --> 12:00.943 you're as good as dead! 12:05.263 --> 12:07.343 So think carefully, Mr. Dong. 12:08.023 --> 12:11.783 Do you want wealth and glory, 12:13.183 --> 12:15.143 or do you want to lose your family? 12:17.583 --> 12:18.783 I'll leave it all to you, 12:18.783 --> 12:20.063 Mr. Lyu, Ms. An. 12:34.383 --> 12:36.623 Arrest everyone involved 12:36.623 --> 12:37.703 in the exam fraud 12:38.023 --> 12:40.383 and hold them for trial. 12:41.023 --> 12:41.943 Yes, Your Majesty. 12:43.623 --> 12:44.343 Take them away! 12:52.623 --> 12:53.303 Your Majesty, 12:53.583 --> 12:54.743 Zhili told me 12:54.743 --> 12:55.623 to rush this to you. 12:55.823 --> 12:56.983 It's a petition for justice 12:56.983 --> 12:58.663 written by Meng Tinghui. 12:58.863 --> 13:00.063 It's been copied countless times 13:00.543 --> 13:01.623 and spread throughout the streets 13:01.623 --> 13:02.543 of the capital. 13:06.663 --> 13:07.783 She sure knows 13:08.183 --> 13:09.863 how to set a fire fast and fierce. 13:10.103 --> 13:11.303 Where is she now? 13:11.303 --> 13:12.943 She's now at the capital prefecture. 13:13.703 --> 13:14.743 To the capital prefecture. 13:47.583 --> 13:48.263 Jiang Mei'er. 13:50.183 --> 13:51.903 You'd better kill me today. 13:52.983 --> 13:55.023 Or I'll make your life a living hell. 13:55.663 --> 13:57.023 Killing you with one strike 13:57.983 --> 13:59.183 would be too boring. 13:59.463 --> 14:01.423 I want to torture you 14:01.423 --> 14:02.863 bit by bit. 14:03.663 --> 14:06.903 I'll get it all back a thousand times over! 14:17.343 --> 14:18.903 Anything else you want to say? 14:20.703 --> 14:22.303 You deserve it. 14:22.343 --> 14:23.703 You deserve to die. 14:23.783 --> 14:25.863 One day you'll pay for what you've done. 14:39.143 --> 14:40.463 She failed to frame me, 14:40.463 --> 14:41.623 so she killed herself, 14:41.743 --> 14:43.463 set the jail on fire, and burned to death. 14:43.463 --> 14:44.303 Understand? 14:44.383 --> 14:45.223 - Yes! - Yes. 16:14.943 --> 16:16.103 Still trying to run? 16:16.543 --> 16:17.503 Meng Tinghui, 16:17.703 --> 16:18.783 you killed over a hundred men 16:18.783 --> 16:19.703 of the Black Tiger Gang! 16:19.823 --> 16:21.503 Now I'll make you join them in death! 16:24.463 --> 16:25.303 Meng Tinghui! 16:29.703 --> 16:30.543 Meng Tinghui! 16:31.583 --> 16:33.583 Since the fire couldn't kill you, 16:33.903 --> 16:36.183 I'll finish you off myself. 16:43.063 --> 16:43.703 Fall back! 16:44.863 --> 16:46.463 Meng Tinghui, you lunatic! 17:27.823 --> 17:28.543 She's there! 17:35.743 --> 17:36.863 I'll kill you! 17:40.703 --> 17:41.223 Get back! 17:43.343 --> 17:43.983 After her! 18:06.063 --> 18:07.263 Hal, 18:07.743 --> 18:09.623 they're trying to kill me. 18:11.863 --> 18:12.783 Leave it to me. 18:24.903 --> 18:26.583 I studied 18:27.223 --> 18:28.743 for years, 18:29.623 --> 18:31.783 living by the teachings of the sages. 18:32.383 --> 18:34.063 The day I passed the exam, 18:34.983 --> 18:37.023 I swore 18:37.543 --> 18:39.223 to be an upright official. 18:39.663 --> 18:41.623 But I took a wrong turn 18:42.143 --> 18:43.583 and went down the wrong path. 18:44.343 --> 18:47.463 I've been a coward my whole life. 18:48.423 --> 18:49.983 I deserve this. 18:50.783 --> 18:52.383 I regret it deeply. 18:53.303 --> 18:55.023 I will pay with my life. 18:55.943 --> 18:57.703 But my family is innocent. 18:58.703 --> 18:59.983 Please show mercy, 19:01.223 --> 19:03.103 Your Majesty. 19:28.623 --> 19:29.383 Ms. Meng. 19:48.383 --> 19:49.263 Meng 19:49.263 --> 19:50.743 is just an orphan from the streets. 19:50.743 --> 19:51.743 How could His Majesty 19:51.743 --> 19:53.183 personally seek justice for her? 19:54.383 --> 19:56.383 So many noble ladies in the court 19:56.423 --> 19:58.223 are desperate for His Majesty's favor, 19:58.543 --> 19:59.823 but he won't even glance at them. 20:00.063 --> 20:02.463 Yet he values her so much. 20:03.063 --> 20:04.943 His Majesty values the imperial exam. 20:05.303 --> 20:06.543 This was his first exam 20:06.543 --> 20:07.663 since he took the throne, 20:08.023 --> 20:09.623 and it was tainted by fraud. 20:09.743 --> 20:10.943 His Majesty is showing 20:11.143 --> 20:12.943 his resolve to the whole world. 20:13.103 --> 20:14.823 But she shouldn't enter the palace. 20:15.503 --> 20:17.583 Since His Majesty was young, 20:17.583 --> 20:18.183 no woman 20:18.183 --> 20:19.583 other than you 20:19.583 --> 20:20.663 has ever lived in the palace. 20:21.143 --> 20:22.103 I'm afraid 20:22.103 --> 20:23.383 she wants to stay in the palace for good. 20:23.383 --> 20:24.063 After all, 20:24.063 --> 20:25.703 that's much easier than taking the exam. 20:25.903 --> 20:26.663 Hal! 20:32.423 --> 20:33.183 Ms. Meng. 20:37.023 --> 20:37.823 It's you. 20:38.983 --> 20:40.183 Where am I? 20:40.183 --> 20:41.183 Can't you tell? 20:41.183 --> 20:42.463 This is the palace. 20:43.903 --> 20:44.623 Actually, 20:44.703 --> 20:45.583 I was going to ask you. 20:45.663 --> 20:46.543 In Shazhou, 20:46.623 --> 20:47.303 what exactly happened 20:47.303 --> 20:48.623 between you and His Majesty? 20:49.063 --> 20:49.903 Chief Steward You, 20:50.103 --> 20:51.583 when I stepped out, 20:51.583 --> 20:53.063 His Majesty said he wanted some soup. 20:53.143 --> 20:54.263 You should hurry back and check. 20:55.223 --> 20:55.903 Alright. 21:00.383 --> 21:01.223 Ms. Meng, 21:01.383 --> 21:02.463 you're finally awake. 21:02.863 --> 21:04.063 His Majesty saved you. 21:04.263 --> 21:05.823 You've been out for two days 21:05.823 --> 21:07.063 with a high fever. 21:07.263 --> 21:08.743 Are you feeling any better now? 21:12.063 --> 21:13.303 This is from the imperial physician. 21:13.383 --> 21:14.623 It strengthens your body and reduces fever. 21:14.823 --> 21:15.863 Drink it while it's warm. 21:18.063 --> 21:19.743 He's actually the Emperor. 21:22.463 --> 21:23.343 We met briefly 21:23.983 --> 21:25.143 at the exam hall entrance 21:25.143 --> 21:26.063 back then, 21:26.623 --> 21:28.863 and now we meet again in the palace. 21:29.903 --> 21:31.343 Thank you for taking care of me. 21:31.343 --> 21:32.463 Don't mention it. 21:33.343 --> 21:34.823 On the day of the Metropolitan Exam, 21:34.903 --> 21:36.543 I thought I'd be the top scorer. 21:36.823 --> 21:38.423 But there's always someone better. 21:38.663 --> 21:39.783 After reading your essay, 21:39.783 --> 21:41.343 I couldn't sleep at night. 21:41.903 --> 21:42.663 I just wanted to 21:42.703 --> 21:44.423 meet the person who wrote it. 21:44.503 --> 21:45.943 I never expected it to be you. 21:46.063 --> 21:47.503 I'm truly delighted. 21:49.503 --> 21:50.503 Do you know 21:51.143 --> 21:52.743 how Ms. Yan is doing now? 21:52.743 --> 21:53.543 Don't worry. 21:53.783 --> 21:55.823 Ms. Yan has been sent back to Spring House. 21:56.023 --> 21:56.903 She's all right. 21:57.703 --> 21:58.623 Drink it while it's warm. 22:01.983 --> 22:03.063 I'm still shaken 22:03.503 --> 22:05.143 when I think about what happened to you. 22:05.983 --> 22:07.383 Thankfully, you fought back brilliantly 22:07.783 --> 22:09.063 and didn't let them win. 22:09.383 --> 22:10.383 Now it's all good. 22:10.743 --> 22:11.783 His Majesty has restored 22:11.783 --> 22:12.903 your title of Metropolitan Champion 22:13.183 --> 22:14.783 and thrown Jiang Mei'er in jail. 22:15.023 --> 22:16.343 That's truly satisfying. 22:17.783 --> 22:19.583 Has His Majesty been here lately? 22:19.903 --> 22:20.583 No. 22:20.943 --> 22:22.343 With such a big incident, 22:22.503 --> 22:23.663 he's very busy. 22:24.223 --> 22:25.863 But he did tell me 22:25.863 --> 22:26.783 to take good care of you. 22:27.143 --> 22:28.983 Can I go see him? 22:28.983 --> 22:30.463 Focus on recovering first. 22:30.703 --> 22:31.583 I can pass along 22:31.703 --> 22:32.863 any message for you. 22:33.143 --> 22:34.343 I want to go to the Ministry of Justice. 22:50.903 --> 22:51.543 Captain Huang. 22:53.303 --> 22:54.103 Captain Huang. 22:54.623 --> 22:56.183 I'd like to speak with her alone. 23:13.423 --> 23:14.103 Go on. 23:14.423 --> 23:16.183 How did you get in with Lyu Er, 23:16.663 --> 23:17.823 bribe the examiners, 23:18.463 --> 23:19.623 and set the fire to kill me? 23:20.623 --> 23:21.503 You're 23:22.143 --> 23:23.543 no better than me. 23:24.983 --> 23:25.903 You only got to 23:25.903 --> 23:27.463 where you are 23:27.463 --> 23:29.023 by climbing into the Emperor's bed. 23:29.823 --> 23:31.103 Without a man, 23:31.743 --> 23:33.183 you're nothing! 23:37.223 --> 23:38.343 Meng Tinghui. 23:39.383 --> 23:41.143 You're still so arrogant 23:41.423 --> 23:42.823 and self-righteous. 23:43.303 --> 23:45.183 You know what I hate most about you? 23:47.063 --> 23:48.783 It's those eyes of yours. 23:49.743 --> 23:50.823 You're just a 23:50.823 --> 23:52.583 lowly orphan. 23:52.583 --> 23:53.183 What gives you the right 23:53.183 --> 23:54.503 to look at me like that? 23:56.383 --> 23:57.303 I 23:58.703 --> 24:00.183 come from a noble family 24:00.703 --> 24:02.183 and have unparalleled beauty. 24:04.103 --> 24:06.903 I was supposed to have a glorious life. 24:08.503 --> 24:09.663 It's all your fault. 24:11.303 --> 24:13.743 You pushed me to this. 24:14.103 --> 24:16.103 You forced me to get rid of you! 24:17.103 --> 24:17.783 How much more 24:17.783 --> 24:19.423 do you want to destroy me? 24:19.423 --> 24:20.583 You were the one 24:20.583 --> 24:21.743 who destroyed yourself! 24:22.943 --> 24:24.983 You thought your name protected you. 24:25.663 --> 24:26.903 You had power, 24:27.383 --> 24:29.063 but all you did was bully the innocent. 24:29.423 --> 24:30.743 Your jealousy, 24:30.743 --> 24:31.943 greed, and delusions 24:32.223 --> 24:33.463 drove you to ruin. 24:34.263 --> 24:35.943 If you confess honestly, 24:36.583 --> 24:37.863 maybe your sentence will be reduced. 24:38.583 --> 24:40.903 But you only get one chance. 24:47.183 --> 24:48.143 Meng Tinghui! 24:48.743 --> 24:50.903 Can you say you have no ambition? 24:51.703 --> 24:54.303 Can you say you don't want to climb higher? 24:54.823 --> 24:56.103 We're the exact 24:56.103 --> 24:57.143 same kind. 24:58.143 --> 24:59.623 You're just better 24:59.623 --> 25:01.903 at pretending than I am. 25:02.783 --> 25:04.183 Now you're pretending 25:04.183 --> 25:05.183 to spare me? 25:06.103 --> 25:08.183 Do you even believe that nonsense yourself? 25:08.183 --> 25:09.023 We were 25:09.023 --> 25:10.383 never the same kind! 25:11.343 --> 25:12.423 But you got one thing right. 25:15.103 --> 25:17.103 I do want to climb higher. 25:18.263 --> 25:19.663 And right now, I've climbed high enough 25:19.663 --> 25:21.663 to decide whether you live or die. 25:22.823 --> 25:23.663 You won't write? 25:25.183 --> 25:26.823 Since you don't want the chance, 25:28.383 --> 25:29.423 forget it. 25:36.663 --> 25:37.463 Meng Tinghui! 25:38.103 --> 25:38.863 I'll write. 25:39.783 --> 25:40.543 I'll write. 25:41.143 --> 25:42.463 Just spare me, 25:42.823 --> 25:44.303 and I'll do anything. 25:50.663 --> 25:51.743 My mother said 25:52.423 --> 25:53.743 living is what matters most. 25:55.703 --> 25:56.903 Survive. 25:58.143 --> 25:59.183 Only by staying alive 25:59.183 --> 26:01.103 can you start over. 26:07.663 --> 26:09.183 I have to live. 26:11.063 --> 26:12.743 I have to live. 26:27.703 --> 26:29.543 The second-in-command of the Tiger Roar Gang 26:30.223 --> 26:31.903 is known as Mr. Lyu Er. 26:32.383 --> 26:33.663 The Black Tiger Gang in Shazhou 26:33.663 --> 26:35.783 was just a branch of the Tiger Roar Gang. 26:35.943 --> 26:36.943 I confessed everything. 26:37.703 --> 26:39.423 You said you'd reduce my sentence. 26:41.463 --> 26:42.303 Yes. 26:43.663 --> 26:45.063 Your crimes are grave. 26:45.703 --> 26:47.183 You should have been executed by slicing. 26:47.943 --> 26:49.783 But His Majesty granted you a swift end. 26:50.183 --> 26:51.543 That's already mercy. 26:52.663 --> 26:54.543 Meng Tinghui! 26:54.743 --> 26:55.663 I was wrong. 26:56.023 --> 26:56.983 I'm sorry. 26:57.543 --> 26:58.863 Please. 26:59.383 --> 27:00.783 I beg you. 27:01.183 --> 27:01.783 I'm begging you! 27:01.783 --> 27:02.743 - Jiang Mei'er. - Please spare me! 27:03.463 --> 27:04.303 I came today 27:04.303 --> 27:05.983 to see you off. 27:06.503 --> 27:07.263 I did... 27:07.543 --> 27:08.783 I did try to hurt you, 27:08.943 --> 27:09.543 but... 27:09.543 --> 27:10.303 but look, 27:10.303 --> 27:12.343 you're standing here just fine. 27:12.823 --> 27:14.823 And you even got His Majesty's favor. 27:14.943 --> 27:16.263 You should be thanking me 27:16.263 --> 27:18.383 for all this! 27:19.583 --> 27:21.343 Poison or silk. 27:22.143 --> 27:23.223 Take your pick. 27:35.303 --> 27:37.823 Meng Tinghui, you liar! 27:37.943 --> 27:39.623 You'll die a horrible death! 27:39.623 --> 27:41.863 The Tiger Roar Gang won't let you go. 27:41.903 --> 27:44.223 I'll come back to haunt you! 27:44.943 --> 27:47.023 I'm just afraid they won't come. 27:48.303 --> 27:49.623 No one who wrongs me 27:51.383 --> 27:53.343 will get away. 29:17.743 --> 29:19.183 Aren't the women at Balmy Pavilion 29:19.743 --> 29:20.983 enough for you? 29:20.983 --> 29:21.903 Baron, I was wrong. 29:22.583 --> 29:23.903 Dong Shoucai already killed himself in fear. 29:23.903 --> 29:24.663 Don't worry. 29:24.663 --> 29:25.703 He didn't say a word 29:25.703 --> 29:26.943 about the Tiger Roar Gang. 29:27.423 --> 29:28.103 Baron. 29:32.063 --> 29:32.583 Brother. 29:32.983 --> 29:33.503 Brother. 29:33.703 --> 29:34.543 I was wrong. 29:34.583 --> 29:35.143 Brother. 29:35.343 --> 29:36.463 I really was wrong. 29:36.463 --> 29:37.383 Spare me. 29:38.223 --> 29:38.823 Brother! 29:39.863 --> 29:41.183 Is this your first day in the game? 29:41.503 --> 29:42.303 That wretch 29:42.303 --> 29:43.383 already sold you out! 29:43.383 --> 29:44.063 Brother. 29:44.063 --> 29:44.943 I was completely blinded 29:44.943 --> 29:45.663 by that wretch. 29:46.303 --> 29:47.183 But I only wanted to 29:47.183 --> 29:48.223 find Meng Tinghui 29:48.223 --> 29:49.383 to help Baron vent his anger! 29:50.183 --> 29:50.783 Baron. 29:51.023 --> 29:51.583 Get up! 29:51.823 --> 29:52.263 Brother. 29:52.263 --> 29:53.343 You let your lust cloud your judgment 29:53.663 --> 29:54.823 and got used, 29:55.063 --> 29:56.423 and you call that helping Baron? 29:57.263 --> 29:59.303 Not afraid of court officials in life. 29:59.423 --> 30:01.223 Not afraid of the King of Hell in death. 30:02.623 --> 30:03.063 Baron. 30:03.063 --> 30:04.303 You're even more formidable 30:04.303 --> 30:05.263 than I am. 30:05.263 --> 30:05.983 Baron, 30:06.143 --> 30:06.983 please spare me! 30:09.943 --> 30:10.783 Get over here! 30:11.343 --> 30:11.863 Brother. 30:14.463 --> 30:15.063 Brother! 30:15.423 --> 30:17.343 I'm your little brother! 30:17.343 --> 30:18.063 Shut up. 30:18.063 --> 30:19.023 I don't want to die! 30:19.223 --> 30:19.823 Brother! 30:19.823 --> 30:21.023 I'm your own brother! 30:21.023 --> 30:21.623 Brother! 30:21.823 --> 30:22.423 Brother! 30:32.023 --> 30:32.703 Baron. 30:33.103 --> 30:34.063 This lesson 30:34.423 --> 30:35.703 will stick with him. 30:36.063 --> 30:37.223 Please let him stay 30:37.463 --> 30:39.423 and serve you 30:40.103 --> 30:41.423 to make amends. 30:50.623 --> 30:53.463 The Tiger Roar Gang spent ten years 30:54.743 --> 30:57.343 building a foothold in the capital. 30:59.663 --> 31:01.703 And now, because of him, 31:03.103 --> 31:04.983 we're being hunted all over the city. 31:05.383 --> 31:06.903 We've even caught the Emperor's attention. 31:07.343 --> 31:08.903 If we didn't have someone in the court, 31:09.383 --> 31:10.583 the entire Tiger Roar Gang 31:10.583 --> 31:11.623 would go down with you! 31:11.623 --> 31:13.463 No, Baron! 31:14.263 --> 31:15.823 It's my failure to teach him properly! 31:20.383 --> 31:21.103 Baron, 31:21.623 --> 31:22.863 we've followed you 31:23.103 --> 31:24.743 for over ten years. 31:24.903 --> 31:25.943 Please spare his life. 31:26.503 --> 31:27.663 I'm begging you. 31:36.703 --> 31:38.223 Everyone lie low for a while. 31:38.503 --> 31:39.943 Don't cause me any more trouble. 31:39.943 --> 31:40.623 Yes! 31:40.943 --> 31:42.103 Thank you for sparing me, Baron. 31:42.103 --> 31:42.623 Get out! 32:29.063 --> 32:29.663 Baron. 32:30.463 --> 32:31.223 Sit. 32:38.303 --> 32:39.183 Your brother... 32:39.863 --> 32:40.543 He's fine. 32:40.543 --> 32:41.343 Just lost a piece of flesh. 32:41.343 --> 32:42.223 Didn't hit bone. 32:42.343 --> 32:43.103 He'll live. 32:43.703 --> 32:44.623 Keep a close eye on him. 32:44.863 --> 32:46.623 The court's bearing down on us hard now. 32:47.263 --> 32:48.343 He's hot-tempered. 32:48.343 --> 32:49.463 If he goes out again, 32:50.343 --> 32:51.583 he won't be so lucky. 32:52.103 --> 32:52.823 Don't worry, Baron. 32:52.943 --> 32:54.143 If he's that reckless again, 32:54.343 --> 32:55.143 we won't bother with the rules. 32:55.183 --> 32:56.623 I'll break his legs myself. 33:01.183 --> 33:02.423 I had Li make this for you. 33:03.863 --> 33:04.983 Not sure if it fits. 33:12.463 --> 33:13.583 Don't be so impulsive anymore. 33:26.823 --> 33:27.623 Ms. Meng, 33:27.783 --> 33:28.343 you look much better 33:28.343 --> 33:29.423 than a few days ago. 33:29.783 --> 33:30.903 But you still need more rest. 33:31.623 --> 33:32.823 I've rested long enough. 33:34.143 --> 33:35.263 I'd like to go for a walk. 33:36.383 --> 33:38.303 I heard the Imperial Garden is beautiful. 33:39.783 --> 33:42.063 Does His Majesty go there often? 33:42.863 --> 33:44.543 He sometimes takes a short break there 33:44.623 --> 33:46.143 between reviewing memorials. 33:51.583 --> 33:52.183 Ms. Meng, 33:52.183 --> 33:53.543 get some rest. 33:58.423 --> 33:59.943 [I'm fully recovered now.] 34:01.063 --> 34:02.303 [The Palace Exam is coming soon.] 34:03.223 --> 34:05.183 [I have to seize the opportunity.] 34:10.423 --> 34:12.183 This was my mother's favorite flower. 34:14.703 --> 34:15.583 What a shame. 34:16.903 --> 34:18.543 A good flower can't bloom from bad soil. 34:19.703 --> 34:20.423 Huang Bo, 34:21.343 --> 34:22.503 get another sapling. 34:22.863 --> 34:23.383 Yes. 34:38.743 --> 34:40.143 I called you here 34:40.583 --> 34:41.863 to discuss one something. 34:42.823 --> 34:44.303 I want to establish The Surveillance Bureau. 34:44.743 --> 34:46.423 Independent of chancellors and ministries. 34:46.423 --> 34:47.863 It can monitor all officials, 34:47.863 --> 34:49.263 and root out evil below. 34:49.263 --> 34:50.383 Reporting directly to me. 34:52.263 --> 34:52.903 Your Majesty. 34:54.063 --> 34:54.743 Here. 34:58.543 --> 35:00.543 Your Majesty, if you want new talent... 35:01.903 --> 35:03.943 These seedlings may have no pests, 35:03.943 --> 35:05.183 but their roots are shallow. 35:05.943 --> 35:07.103 They can't withstand storms. 35:14.343 --> 35:15.423 [The Surveillance Bureau?] 35:16.423 --> 35:17.263 Is Ms. Meng 35:17.343 --> 35:18.903 still resting in the palace? 35:19.303 --> 35:20.143 Of course. 35:20.143 --> 35:21.463 His Majesty is so tender and caring. 35:21.463 --> 35:23.063 Imperial physicians and tonics. 35:23.063 --> 35:24.663 Nothing but the best care. 35:30.863 --> 35:31.863 Chancellor Xu is 35:31.863 --> 35:33.423 watching the aftermath of the women's exam. 35:33.863 --> 35:35.703 Your Majesty, if you bring Ms. Meng back now, 35:35.703 --> 35:36.303 I'm afraid... 35:36.303 --> 35:37.943 Bringing new scholars into court 35:37.943 --> 35:39.863 is exactly how we counter Chancellor Xu. 35:41.703 --> 35:43.183 It was the Ministry of Rites' negligence 35:43.183 --> 35:45.063 that harmed Ms. Meng. 35:45.583 --> 35:46.583 The Palace Exam is approaching. 35:46.863 --> 35:48.103 I just want her 35:48.103 --> 35:49.303 to recover soon 35:49.303 --> 35:50.663 and prepare with peace of mind. 35:52.743 --> 35:53.423 Your Majesty, 35:53.943 --> 35:55.583 if Ms. Meng stays in the palace too long, 35:55.583 --> 35:56.783 people will talk. 35:57.623 --> 35:58.583 Chancellor Xu's faction 35:58.583 --> 35:59.823 is already watching closely. 36:00.783 --> 36:02.223 If they use this against you, 36:02.663 --> 36:04.383 it could damage your reputation 36:04.783 --> 36:06.823 and hurt Ms. Meng's future as well. 36:12.423 --> 36:13.863 You're absolutely right. 36:14.143 --> 36:15.063 Then have the imperial physician 36:15.063 --> 36:16.543 examine Ms. Meng again. 36:17.143 --> 36:17.903 If she's well, 36:17.903 --> 36:19.223 send her out of the palace immediately. 37:10.583 --> 37:11.903 The world is dark. 37:13.023 --> 37:14.143 The night is endless. 37:20.783 --> 37:22.143 Heaven is cruel. 37:23.823 --> 37:25.103 Tears soak my clothes! 37:25.423 --> 37:26.063 Your Majesty, 37:26.743 --> 37:27.743 should I stop her? 37:28.463 --> 37:29.703 Let her vent. 37:34.943 --> 37:36.503 Why fear 37:37.183 --> 37:38.663 the raging storm? 37:40.223 --> 37:43.903 I am the sword that slays demons! 37:46.623 --> 37:47.623 Ms. Meng has that wild spirit 37:47.623 --> 37:48.983 of Shazhou in her. 37:49.103 --> 37:50.223 You should have seen her. 37:50.383 --> 37:51.623 She's fierce when interrogating too. 37:52.223 --> 37:52.943 In no time, 37:53.023 --> 37:53.823 Jiang Mei'er confessed everything. 37:53.823 --> 37:55.103 She's never been ordinary. 37:55.583 --> 37:56.703 This setback 37:57.223 --> 37:59.343 will only make her more determined. 38:01.503 --> 38:02.383 Her next move 38:04.143 --> 38:05.223 will be to find herself 38:05.223 --> 38:07.143 a powerful backer. 38:07.783 --> 38:08.543 Your Majesty, 38:09.303 --> 38:10.663 Ms. Meng just recovered. 38:10.863 --> 38:12.423 If she's out in the rain, she'll get sick 38:12.503 --> 38:13.743 and miss the Palace Exam. 38:14.223 --> 38:14.903 Maybe 38:15.343 --> 38:16.743 I should take her back now. 38:31.663 --> 38:33.503 Why are you torturing yourself? 38:38.343 --> 38:39.743 Hal. 38:47.823 --> 38:48.863 Don't worry, Your Majesty. 38:49.543 --> 38:51.423 Ms. Meng just caught a chill. 38:51.423 --> 38:52.423 Nothing serious. 38:52.983 --> 38:54.023 Once she sobers up, 38:54.143 --> 38:55.383 one dose of cold remedy 38:55.383 --> 38:56.423 and she'll be fine. 38:56.423 --> 38:57.503 You may leave. 38:57.863 --> 38:58.423 Yes. 39:05.063 --> 39:05.863 Your Majesty, 39:06.143 --> 39:07.183 she's fine. 39:07.183 --> 39:08.063 It's getting late. 39:08.063 --> 39:09.623 We should head back. 39:15.703 --> 39:16.463 Hal. 39:34.263 --> 39:35.343 No need for formalities. 39:37.223 --> 39:37.863 No. 39:38.583 --> 39:39.703 You're the Emperor. 39:40.783 --> 39:42.063 I have to. 39:44.623 --> 39:47.143 Greetings, Your Majesty. 39:53.103 --> 39:54.103 You may leave. 39:54.503 --> 39:55.263 Your Majesty... 39:55.263 --> 39:56.383 I know what I'm doing. 40:14.983 --> 40:17.263 I never expected that Hal, who went through 40:17.263 --> 40:19.543 life and death with me in Shazhou, 40:21.383 --> 40:22.983 would be the Emperor. 40:24.303 --> 40:25.943 If you hadn't shown up 40:25.943 --> 40:27.743 that day at the capital prefecture, 40:28.383 --> 40:29.463 I would have been 40:30.783 --> 40:32.703 dead and in pieces. 40:45.183 --> 40:47.023 Thank you for saving me, Your Majesty. 40:47.503 --> 40:48.383 I 40:49.223 --> 40:50.903 don't know how to repay you. 41:01.863 --> 41:02.943 The exam fraud 41:03.343 --> 41:04.463 and the Ministry of Rites' negligence 41:04.703 --> 41:05.743 were my failure. 41:06.303 --> 41:07.383 You suffered because of it. 41:07.983 --> 41:09.343 If you truly want to repay me, 41:10.023 --> 41:12.103 stop destroying your own health. 41:12.703 --> 41:14.063 Focus on preparing for the exam. 41:14.103 --> 41:15.783 Back in Shazhou, 41:16.943 --> 41:18.743 you gave me a chance, 41:19.143 --> 41:19.983 and I turned down 41:19.983 --> 41:21.703 your kind offer. 41:22.903 --> 41:24.143 Now I understand. 41:24.423 --> 41:26.103 In this devouring world, 41:26.183 --> 41:29.223 being too proud will get you killed. 41:30.023 --> 41:31.103 I'm so scared. 41:31.503 --> 41:32.743 Scared that one day 41:33.943 --> 41:35.863 even you won't be able to protect me.