WEBVTT X-TIMESTAMP-MAP=LOCAL:00:00:00.000,MPEGTS:0 01:37.223 --> 01:38.223 Imperial examination fraud. 01:38.743 --> 01:39.663 The Ministry of Rites is derelict. 01:40.143 --> 01:41.143 It's all my fault. 01:41.663 --> 01:42.543 I know you've been through a lot. 01:43.383 --> 01:44.623 If you truly wish to repay me, 01:45.543 --> 01:47.503 don't destroy yourself. 01:48.103 --> 01:48.943 Do well on the exam. 01:49.503 --> 01:51.223 I remember in Shazhou, 01:52.343 --> 01:54.023 Your Majesty gave me a chance, 01:54.463 --> 01:55.423 yet I turned it down. 01:55.423 --> 01:57.143 I rejected your kindness. 01:57.343 --> 01:58.703 Now I understand. 01:59.503 --> 02:01.103 In this cruel, predatory world, 02:01.463 --> 02:04.583 purity of principle can get you killed. 02:05.423 --> 02:06.463 I am terrified 02:06.903 --> 02:08.063 that one day 02:09.303 --> 02:11.143 even you cannot shield me. 02:12.863 --> 02:13.423 I still remember 02:13.423 --> 02:14.903 how bold, vibrant and resourceful 02:15.823 --> 02:17.743 you were back in Shazhou. 02:18.583 --> 02:19.663 Your examination essays 02:19.863 --> 02:21.223 blazed with unyielding edge, 02:21.223 --> 02:22.343 driven by towering ambition. 02:25.743 --> 02:26.983 Now that I stand beside you, 02:28.223 --> 02:29.543 you need live in fear no longer. 02:31.623 --> 02:33.663 I look forward to seeing you wield power, 02:33.983 --> 02:35.183 serve the court, 02:36.183 --> 02:37.383 and bring good fortune to the people. 02:44.783 --> 02:47.623 You truly believe I am capable? 02:49.223 --> 02:50.223 I believe in 02:55.903 --> 02:56.583 the Meng Tinghui who 02:56.583 --> 02:58.703 debated the realm with me in Shazhou. 03:01.623 --> 03:03.903 May I still call you Hal? 03:34.463 --> 03:35.183 [Fuzhi.] 03:36.023 --> 03:37.583 [I must hold power,] 03:38.583 --> 03:40.183 [not only to protect you,] 03:40.703 --> 03:42.103 [but also to avenge myself.] 03:43.583 --> 03:44.503 [But my own strength alone] 03:44.503 --> 03:45.823 [is far too feeble.] 03:46.863 --> 03:48.103 [If I wish to stay in Jingdu,] 03:48.783 --> 03:49.463 [I must rely on] 03:49.463 --> 03:50.783 [my connection with Hal] 03:50.863 --> 03:52.423 [to get closer to him.] 03:53.543 --> 03:54.943 [Yet a ruler's heart is unfathomable.] 03:55.383 --> 03:56.823 [My future remains uncertain.] 03:58.663 --> 04:00.263 [While recovering in the palace,] 04:00.863 --> 04:02.543 [I shall prepare well for the Palace Exam.] 04:03.783 --> 04:04.423 [Miss you.] 04:05.343 --> 04:06.303 [Best Regards.] 04:15.383 --> 04:16.783 Meng Tinghui and His Majesty 04:16.783 --> 04:18.303 share such a deep history. 04:18.943 --> 04:20.583 No wonder His Majesty ignored the ministers 04:20.583 --> 04:22.143 and insisted she recover in the palace. 04:22.183 --> 04:23.423 What are you jealous of? 04:23.423 --> 04:25.023 Do you hope to win such a beauty? 04:25.023 --> 04:25.543 You... 04:25.623 --> 04:26.263 Nian. 04:26.503 --> 04:27.063 Zhishu. 04:27.063 --> 04:28.063 What are you two talking about? 04:28.063 --> 04:29.663 Nian has fallen for someone. 04:29.663 --> 04:30.503 Nonsense! 04:30.743 --> 04:32.303 Why grow flustered if it is not true? 04:34.383 --> 04:36.463 Nian has grown up. 04:36.543 --> 04:37.743 Which young lady has caught your eye? 04:37.823 --> 04:38.863 I will speak for you and ask 04:38.863 --> 04:40.623 Father and Mother to arrange the proposal. 04:40.743 --> 04:42.263 I stay cooped up in camp all day. 04:42.263 --> 04:43.743 I have no maiden in mind. 04:44.503 --> 04:45.543 But you, Zhili, 04:45.823 --> 04:47.303 you've been in the palace for days, 04:47.823 --> 04:49.543 Mother and I have missed you dearly. 04:51.303 --> 04:52.983 Miss Meng has now recovered, 04:53.143 --> 04:54.663 I'm relieved of my watch today. 04:55.863 --> 04:56.663 Zhili. 04:56.863 --> 04:57.823 His Majesty and Miss Meng 04:57.823 --> 04:59.023 met in Shazhou, 04:59.023 --> 05:00.103 and share a life‑and‑death bond. 05:00.143 --> 05:00.943 That is why His Majesty 05:00.943 --> 05:02.143 treats her with such special care. 05:02.903 --> 05:04.383 I already know all of this. 05:04.663 --> 05:05.663 What are you implying? 05:07.663 --> 05:08.183 We grew up alongside His Majesty 05:08.183 --> 05:09.423 since childhood, and he's always 05:09.423 --> 05:10.983 been particularly close to you. 05:10.983 --> 05:11.663 Now he has reached the age 05:11.663 --> 05:12.703 to choose an Empress, 05:12.823 --> 05:13.623 do you harbour 05:13.623 --> 05:15.103 any other feelings for him? 05:16.423 --> 05:16.823 You... 05:17.143 --> 05:18.423 Shen Zhishu! 05:18.783 --> 05:20.303 Why can you only think of romance? 05:20.623 --> 05:22.343 Though not blood siblings, His Majesty 05:22.343 --> 05:23.703 is closer than a real brother. 05:26.663 --> 05:27.663 Just like Nian and me, 05:27.983 --> 05:28.983 forever brother and sister. 05:29.583 --> 05:31.063 Looks like I won't get to be 05:31.303 --> 05:32.463 the emperor's brother‑in‑law. 05:33.983 --> 05:34.583 Zhili, 05:35.423 --> 05:36.703 you've worked hard these days. 05:36.863 --> 05:38.263 I can head home early today 05:38.383 --> 05:39.783 and make your favorite lotus‑leaf chicken. 05:40.463 --> 05:41.143 No need. 05:41.143 --> 05:42.463 I need to visit Mr. Gu. 05:42.463 --> 05:43.303 I will return late. 05:43.583 --> 05:44.783 Tell Mother for me. 05:44.943 --> 05:45.503 I'm off. 05:47.783 --> 05:48.223 I don't know 05:48.223 --> 05:49.623 what's so great about that old scholar. 05:49.623 --> 05:50.623 Prattling stuffy prose all day. 05:50.623 --> 05:51.783 Only Zhili enjoys his lectures. 05:53.023 --> 05:53.423 Hey, 05:53.623 --> 05:54.783 you are free today. 05:54.783 --> 05:55.423 It has been ages 05:55.423 --> 05:56.423 since I tasted lotus-leaf chicken. 05:56.423 --> 05:57.503 Let me try your cooking. 05:58.143 --> 05:59.343 I have duties at the training grounds. 05:59.623 --> 06:00.703 Eat on your own. 06:01.183 --> 06:02.023 I'll get home tomorrow morning. 06:04.303 --> 06:05.783 You two have passed the Metropolitan Exam. 06:06.343 --> 06:06.943 I have prepared a gift 06:06.943 --> 06:07.983 for each of you two. 06:08.463 --> 06:09.823 May you succeed 06:10.023 --> 06:10.783 in the Palace Exam. 06:13.623 --> 06:15.183 Stationery from Shanlian Tower. 06:15.503 --> 06:17.663 The brushes and ink are finest quality. 06:20.303 --> 06:21.223 Thank you, sir. 06:23.903 --> 06:24.423 Zhili. 06:34.063 --> 06:34.743 A seal Mr. Gu 06:34.743 --> 06:36.423 carved with his own hands? 06:36.903 --> 06:37.703 Carving a seal 06:37.703 --> 06:38.983 takes a great deal of time. 06:39.223 --> 06:40.103 Did you finish it 06:40.263 --> 06:41.623 before the Metropolitan Exam? 06:43.303 --> 06:44.943 Weren't you afraid I might fail? 06:46.223 --> 06:47.023 I believe in you. 06:48.103 --> 06:50.103 You possess outstanding talent 06:50.623 --> 06:51.623 and sharp insight. 06:51.623 --> 06:52.983 The court needs wise people like you. 06:54.543 --> 06:55.583 Thank you, sir. 06:55.783 --> 06:57.023 I shall treasure it always. 06:59.263 --> 06:59.943 Dear. 07:03.183 --> 07:04.183 Greetings, Mrs. Gu. 07:07.383 --> 07:09.463 My husband celebrates 07:09.623 --> 07:10.503 his pupils' success today, 07:10.503 --> 07:11.863 as his wife, I ought to come 07:11.863 --> 07:12.743 offer my congratulations. 07:13.903 --> 07:14.623 Zhili, 07:14.983 --> 07:16.543 do you like this seal? 07:16.983 --> 07:19.023 My husband toiled over it for days, 07:19.223 --> 07:20.463 his eyes ached terribly. 07:20.863 --> 07:21.863 I massaged them each day 07:21.863 --> 07:23.023 to ease the strain. 07:24.063 --> 07:25.103 This seal 07:25.263 --> 07:26.343 is a small token 07:26.343 --> 07:27.623 from us both. 07:32.143 --> 07:33.223 Thank you for your kindness, Madam. 07:34.343 --> 07:35.023 Dear, you must 07:35.343 --> 07:37.263 take better care of yourself hereafter. 07:37.623 --> 07:39.783 Else I shall get no rest either. 07:40.583 --> 07:41.383 You truly are 07:41.383 --> 07:42.943 a devoted couple. 07:43.223 --> 07:44.543 We admire you greatly. 07:45.263 --> 07:46.103 Someday 07:46.103 --> 07:47.583 you will all build families too. 07:48.663 --> 07:50.663 My husband teaches you knowledge, 07:50.863 --> 07:51.623 while I will help you 07:51.623 --> 07:52.983 weigh matters 07:52.983 --> 07:54.223 of marriage. 07:56.223 --> 07:57.543 Especially you, Zhili. 07:58.503 --> 07:59.903 If there is someone you fancy, 07:59.983 --> 08:01.063 you must tell me. 08:03.623 --> 08:04.543 Thank you, Madam. 08:06.103 --> 08:06.663 Alright, 08:06.983 --> 08:07.783 I still have matters to attend to. 08:08.183 --> 08:09.103 You may go now. 08:10.463 --> 08:11.703 We take our leave, sir. 08:18.663 --> 08:20.023 Usually at home, 08:20.903 --> 08:22.223 you wouldn't even lift a teacup, 08:22.663 --> 08:23.143 yet now you 08:23.143 --> 08:24.463 carved a seal yourself. 08:24.663 --> 08:25.703 Aren't you afraid of hurting your hands? 08:27.703 --> 08:29.063 Look at you now. 08:29.743 --> 08:30.423 Hardly the gentle maiden 08:30.423 --> 08:31.583 you once were. 08:32.103 --> 08:32.623 Are you saying I'm not 08:32.623 --> 08:34.183 as young and beautiful as before? 08:34.383 --> 08:35.663 You're the one who changed first. 08:35.663 --> 08:36.303 Enough. 08:37.703 --> 08:38.623 I have state affairs to handle. 08:40.623 --> 08:41.983 Doukou, you see? He grows 08:42.343 --> 08:43.783 ever more short-tempered with me. 08:51.783 --> 08:52.783 Ladies. 08:52.823 --> 08:55.383 Guess what this is? 08:55.823 --> 08:57.743 This is the legendary 08:57.743 --> 08:59.143 Pearl brightening face powder. 08:59.503 --> 09:01.183 Beloved by all who lay eyes on it. 09:01.903 --> 09:03.463 Pearl brightening face powder? 09:03.543 --> 09:04.303 Miss Huarong, 09:04.343 --> 09:05.543 last time you told me you wished to 09:05.543 --> 09:07.223 fair and beautify your skin. 09:07.383 --> 09:08.383 After we spoke, 09:08.503 --> 09:09.943 I pondered day and night 09:09.983 --> 09:12.063 and worked tirelessly 09:12.143 --> 09:13.943 until I finally crafted 09:13.943 --> 09:16.623 this exclusive powder just for you. 09:19.863 --> 09:21.503 Apply it morning and night, 09:21.503 --> 09:22.663 your face will surely become 09:22.663 --> 09:24.703 smooth as cream, fair as jade, 09:24.703 --> 09:25.703 soft to the touch 09:25.703 --> 09:28.463 and admired by every soul you meet. 09:28.583 --> 09:29.543 I want some too! 09:29.543 --> 09:30.663 There's plenty for everyone. 09:30.663 --> 09:31.823 One at a time. 09:32.103 --> 09:32.863 No need to rush. 09:32.863 --> 09:34.583 Everyone gets some. 09:36.143 --> 09:37.143 Your post as imperial pharmacist 09:37.143 --> 09:38.303 must be awfully idle, 09:38.303 --> 09:39.583 always finding time to come here. 09:39.743 --> 09:41.343 If others find out, 09:41.383 --> 09:42.783 you'll be in for a good thrashing. 09:43.543 --> 09:44.663 It's good that he's not busy. 09:44.663 --> 09:45.263 Otherwise, 09:45.263 --> 09:47.183 who'd make our balms and powders? 09:47.183 --> 09:48.623 Exactly, that's right. 09:48.743 --> 09:49.623 So lovely ladies, 09:49.623 --> 09:50.703 you must 09:50.703 --> 09:52.223 try my wares. 09:52.583 --> 09:53.343 Now, 09:53.383 --> 09:54.623 for our final 09:54.623 --> 09:56.103 balm today. 09:56.463 --> 09:57.943 Magnolia Balm. 09:59.063 --> 10:00.103 Apply it all over your body each night, 10:00.103 --> 10:01.343 and I promise when you wake up, 10:01.343 --> 10:02.423 you'll still smell lovely, 10:02.583 --> 10:03.263 and your skin will be radiant. 10:03.263 --> 10:04.743 Only five taels. 10:04.863 --> 10:05.983 It was three taels the other day. 10:06.103 --> 10:07.503 Why jump straight to five? 10:07.623 --> 10:08.183 Too costly? 10:08.903 --> 10:09.703 Only for five taels, 10:09.983 --> 10:12.063 you shall have beauty, fragrance 10:12.263 --> 10:13.943 and joy each day. 10:14.263 --> 10:14.583 Do you think 10:14.583 --> 10:16.343 you're just buying Magnolia Balm? 10:16.343 --> 10:17.223 No, no, no. 10:17.703 --> 10:19.983 You are investing in your beauty. 10:20.903 --> 10:21.423 Come closer. 10:21.743 --> 10:22.823 I'll tell you a secret. 10:23.783 --> 10:24.823 You know Miss Meng 10:24.823 --> 10:26.583 staying inside the palace? 10:27.663 --> 10:28.423 Even she is 10:28.743 --> 10:30.623 a regular customer of my Magnolia Balm. 10:30.703 --> 10:31.423 Otherwise, 10:31.823 --> 10:33.183 how do you think she managed 10:33.183 --> 10:34.263 to stay in the palace this long? 10:34.903 --> 10:36.863 You know what I mean. 10:39.343 --> 10:40.583 Hurry up and buy! 10:40.703 --> 10:41.943 - I want some too! - Me too! 10:41.943 --> 10:43.543 Plenty in stock for everyone. 10:43.543 --> 10:45.183 Here you go. 10:45.183 --> 10:45.703 Here. 10:45.703 --> 10:46.543 Give it to me first. 10:49.623 --> 10:50.783 Next time I will craft more 10:50.783 --> 10:52.943 exclusive balms for all of you. 10:52.943 --> 10:53.783 Great! 10:55.223 --> 10:57.183 This powder smells so good! 10:57.263 --> 10:58.583 Lovely! 10:59.383 --> 11:00.503 It's great. 11:03.423 --> 11:04.703 Greetings, fair lady, 11:05.423 --> 11:06.423 you look unfamiliar. 11:06.823 --> 11:07.863 I've got the legendary 11:07.863 --> 11:09.583 Pearl brightening face powder 11:09.583 --> 11:10.463 that everyone adores. Care for a jar? 11:12.183 --> 11:13.943 Is Meng Tinghui really a regular of yours? 11:18.903 --> 11:20.063 That is a little secret 11:20.063 --> 11:21.823 between Miss Meng and me. 11:22.823 --> 11:24.103 She regularly buys 11:24.223 --> 11:25.663 my Pearl brightening face powder. 11:25.823 --> 11:27.143 Even His Majesty uses it. 11:27.183 --> 11:29.063 Miss Meng bought it for him. 11:29.663 --> 11:30.823 She begged me for ages, 11:30.823 --> 11:32.103 and I reluctantly 11:32.183 --> 11:33.183 agreed to sell it to her. 11:35.263 --> 11:36.903 Then give me the same 11:37.103 --> 11:38.103 as what Meng Tinghui bought. 11:39.823 --> 11:40.943 This is the last jar. 11:41.103 --> 11:42.143 You're a smart lady, 11:42.343 --> 11:44.103 willing to invest in your beauty. 11:44.503 --> 11:45.343 Flat price. 11:45.703 --> 11:46.503 Twenty taels. 11:47.943 --> 11:48.703 You charged 11:48.703 --> 11:49.943 those ladies a different price 11:49.943 --> 11:51.183 just now. 11:52.463 --> 11:53.663 Rarity drives the price. 11:53.823 --> 11:55.103 This is the final jar. 11:55.143 --> 11:56.623 Madam, the sooner you buy, 11:56.623 --> 11:58.343 the sooner you shine, 11:58.343 --> 12:00.783 and find your ideal match sooner too. 12:03.783 --> 12:05.543 We look about the same age, 12:05.783 --> 12:07.303 I'd rather not be called "Madam." 12:07.983 --> 12:09.343 I didn't bring any silver with me. 12:09.623 --> 12:10.583 Come with me to get it. 12:11.063 --> 12:11.823 You know what. 12:11.823 --> 12:13.423 Miss Meng always praises me. 12:14.663 --> 12:15.703 I'll try it out at home. 12:18.263 --> 12:19.023 Fairy lady, 12:19.863 --> 12:21.063 it just occurred to me 12:21.063 --> 12:22.183 I have urgent business. 12:22.743 --> 12:24.023 We can settle payment later. 12:24.023 --> 12:24.783 I must take my leave. 12:25.383 --> 12:26.223 Miss Meng. 12:27.223 --> 12:28.183 What are you doing here? 12:29.383 --> 12:31.063 Miss Meng? 12:31.743 --> 12:32.663 I'm off. 12:33.303 --> 12:33.983 Sir, 12:34.303 --> 12:35.623 I've caught a swindler, 12:35.823 --> 12:37.503 selling cosmetics at inflated prices 12:37.503 --> 12:38.623 to the palace ladies. 12:38.743 --> 12:39.543 He's all yours. 12:39.703 --> 12:40.583 No. 12:40.703 --> 12:42.023 It's all a misunderstanding. 12:42.143 --> 12:42.903 Miss Meng. 12:42.903 --> 12:44.143 If anything in my bag 12:44.783 --> 12:45.623 catches your eye, 12:45.623 --> 12:46.423 you may take it. 12:48.663 --> 12:49.383 Thank you. 12:49.863 --> 12:50.503 You're welcome. 12:52.423 --> 12:53.943 She's my friend. 12:56.223 --> 12:58.063 Well, look who it is again. 12:58.663 --> 12:59.863 Take him away. Five strokes. 13:00.783 --> 13:02.783 It's a misunderstanding! 13:03.983 --> 13:04.703 Really! 13:04.863 --> 13:05.503 Captain Di, 13:05.743 --> 13:06.543 do you need 13:06.543 --> 13:07.903 Pearl brightening face powder? 13:08.383 --> 13:09.623 Lifetime free supply, how about it? 13:14.023 --> 13:14.743 Chancellor Xu, you profess 13:14.743 --> 13:16.623 to honour me as your sovereign, 13:18.383 --> 13:20.103 yet you act first, report later, 13:20.103 --> 13:21.743 arbitrarily scrapping the Women's Exam. 13:21.743 --> 13:23.703 Has the court turned into 13:24.383 --> 13:26.303 your private domain? 13:26.503 --> 13:27.663 Calm your wrath, Your Majesty. 13:28.423 --> 13:30.823 I speak for the six ministries 13:30.823 --> 13:32.863 and over a hundred officials. 13:32.863 --> 13:34.343 This exam fraud scandal 13:34.503 --> 13:36.983 has thrown Jingdu into chaos. 13:37.183 --> 13:39.223 The Great Ning Code explicitly states 13:39.223 --> 13:40.303 that the chief examiner holds the authority 13:40.303 --> 13:42.143 to nullify the entire examination 13:42.143 --> 13:43.463 in cases of major fraud. 13:44.703 --> 13:46.983 I only follow the letter of the law. 13:47.303 --> 13:49.503 What fine talk. 13:49.503 --> 13:51.503 The Late Emperor granted you 13:51.503 --> 13:52.863 that dragon‑head staff to aid my governance, 13:52.863 --> 13:54.943 not to rule in my stead. 13:55.223 --> 13:58.103 My conscience bears no guilt. 13:58.103 --> 14:00.183 When Your Majesty was crown prince, 14:00.183 --> 14:01.503 you studied The Emperor's Canon at eight, 14:01.503 --> 14:02.943 and statecraft at twelve. 14:02.943 --> 14:03.863 Every page 14:03.863 --> 14:05.823 was taught by me. 14:05.823 --> 14:07.903 Everything I do now 14:08.063 --> 14:09.343 is for Your Majesty, 14:09.343 --> 14:10.383 for the court 14:10.383 --> 14:11.943 with not a trace of selfish intent. 14:12.103 --> 14:13.343 I am fed up with your pretences 14:13.343 --> 14:15.223 of acting in my best interest. 14:15.583 --> 14:16.863 I sought to reform canal transport. 14:16.863 --> 14:17.783 You called it reckless. 14:17.863 --> 14:19.063 I sought to reorganize the imperial guards. 14:19.063 --> 14:19.943 You called it radical. 14:19.943 --> 14:21.663 Now you seek to forcibly scrap 14:21.663 --> 14:23.343 the exam I reinstated. 14:27.063 --> 14:28.303 Are all my decisions 14:28.863 --> 14:30.983 wrong in your eyes? 14:39.103 --> 14:39.943 Your Majesty. 14:40.663 --> 14:42.743 When you were Crown Prince, 14:42.863 --> 14:45.103 I taught you a ruler must 14:45.583 --> 14:48.223 hold firm to his own judgment. 14:48.543 --> 14:51.143 Now that you have grown resolute, 14:51.903 --> 14:53.823 you grow weary of me. 14:53.983 --> 14:56.943 You defend the Women's Exam so fiercely, 14:57.103 --> 14:58.183 is it because you think 14:58.183 --> 14:59.743 I am old and incompetent, 14:59.743 --> 15:01.423 unfit to stand at your side? 15:01.783 --> 15:03.183 What the Great Ning needs is never 15:04.383 --> 15:06.223 merely a ruler who preserves old ways. 15:07.863 --> 15:10.023 You should have stepped aside long ago. 15:15.783 --> 15:18.703 It was because I once loosened my grip 15:19.623 --> 15:22.503 that the women's exam descended into chaos. 15:24.463 --> 15:25.503 Today I shall 15:25.503 --> 15:27.303 play the part of a rebellious minister. 15:27.383 --> 15:29.063 As long as this Dragon-head Staff 15:29.063 --> 15:30.743 remains in my hands, 15:31.623 --> 15:32.983 the women's imperial exam 15:33.103 --> 15:34.423 must be abolished. 15:34.783 --> 15:36.343 I concur. 15:53.623 --> 15:55.023 It has been half a year since my enthronement. 15:55.223 --> 15:57.663 The realm enjoys peace, and all things take on a new look. 15:58.663 --> 16:00.503 I now restore the Women's Exam, 16:00.503 --> 16:01.703 selecting people solely on merit. 16:03.103 --> 16:04.223 Father, Mother, 16:04.903 --> 16:07.143 Chancellor Xu has held power for years, 16:07.543 --> 16:09.463 with all key posts filled by his protégés. 16:10.703 --> 16:12.223 Though I have inherited the throne, 16:13.143 --> 16:14.983 my edicts scarcely pass beyond the palace walls. 16:16.263 --> 16:17.903 By overriding all dissent 16:18.303 --> 16:20.143 to revive the Women's Exam, 16:20.943 --> 16:22.743 I wield it as a blade 16:23.143 --> 16:24.903 to break free from this predicament. 16:32.943 --> 16:33.663 Everyone. 16:33.983 --> 16:35.663 His Majesty is arriving at the library. 16:35.703 --> 16:36.983 Please withdraw immediately. 17:02.263 --> 17:03.263 Is it this copy of the Great Ning Code 17:03.263 --> 17:04.503 that Your Majesty seeks? 17:13.263 --> 17:15.223 Meng Tinghui, how dare you 17:15.503 --> 17:17.023 to sneak into the royal library 17:17.023 --> 17:18.783 and hide yourself here 17:18.783 --> 17:19.983 while Steward dismissed everyone. 17:20.103 --> 17:21.263 I've long heard that the library 17:21.263 --> 17:22.383 holds countless works, 17:22.383 --> 17:23.543 so I came to see for myself. 17:23.983 --> 17:25.143 And no one stopped me, 17:25.143 --> 17:26.263 so how is it "sneaking"? 17:26.423 --> 17:28.303 Besides, I was reading in the corner 17:28.343 --> 17:29.903 and didn't see Steward at all. 17:30.303 --> 17:31.503 The women's exam has been abolished, 17:31.503 --> 17:32.903 why are you still reading? 17:33.143 --> 17:34.103 I presume Your Majesty 17:34.103 --> 17:35.583 won't let it be abolished so easily. 17:35.583 --> 17:37.623 I shall abide by your official decree 17:37.623 --> 17:38.623 rather than Chancellor Xu's orders 17:39.023 --> 17:40.663 and prepare earnestly. 17:40.983 --> 17:42.623 Sharp‑tongued as ever. 17:43.263 --> 17:44.583 Seems you've fully recovered. 17:44.983 --> 17:46.343 That frail air you bore days ago 17:46.343 --> 17:47.223 is long gone. 17:47.503 --> 17:49.663 I was worn in body and spirit those days 17:50.183 --> 17:51.303 and drank a little too much wine, 17:52.183 --> 17:53.983 I misbehaved in your presence, that's true. 17:54.423 --> 17:55.663 Yet the courage to stand beside Hal 17:55.663 --> 17:57.383 through life and death 17:57.743 --> 18:02.263 is also real.I wonder which side of me Your Majesty prefers to see? 18:05.743 --> 18:06.983 Those selected in the imperial exam 18:07.263 --> 18:08.383 must prove themselves worthy 18:08.383 --> 18:09.423 in every respect. 18:09.743 --> 18:11.623 I find Hal in Shazhou 18:12.023 --> 18:13.463 far more interesting 18:14.143 --> 18:15.383 than Your Majesty is now. 18:20.503 --> 18:21.583 Do you know 18:22.143 --> 18:24.223 that I hate being manipulated? 18:25.023 --> 18:26.263 I come not to manipulate you, 18:26.823 --> 18:28.263 but to ease your burdens. 18:36.863 --> 18:37.903 This game of go 18:37.903 --> 18:38.983 has reached a stalemate. 18:38.983 --> 18:40.183 The two sides are evenly matched. 18:40.783 --> 18:42.263 Are you wishing for me to lose? 18:42.263 --> 18:43.143 In some contests, 18:43.143 --> 18:44.423 to lose is to win. 18:44.503 --> 18:45.663 Then you should know 18:45.983 --> 18:48.703 that breaking a deadlock is what I do best. 18:49.183 --> 18:50.783 That move 18:51.023 --> 18:52.103 is brilliant. 18:52.103 --> 18:54.263 Since Chancellor Xu likes to argue by the book 18:54.383 --> 18:55.703 and pressure with the Great Ning Code, 18:55.783 --> 18:56.943 the way to break this deadlock 18:57.183 --> 18:58.583 is to meet him with the same courtesy. 18:58.743 --> 19:00.303 He has announced to the realm 19:00.463 --> 19:01.823 that the Women's Exam is canceled. 19:02.343 --> 19:03.263 By now, 19:03.263 --> 19:04.583 many examinees have likely left for home. 19:04.863 --> 19:05.663 Meng Tinghui, 19:05.863 --> 19:06.703 I want to see whether your way 19:06.703 --> 19:08.223 of "arguing by the book" 19:08.223 --> 19:09.503 can truly convince 19:09.503 --> 19:10.823 Chancellor Xu. 19:10.943 --> 19:12.103 I hold little influence 19:12.343 --> 19:14.183 and have no connections in Jingdu. 19:15.583 --> 19:17.663 Nor am I yet your official. 19:22.303 --> 19:23.143 Chancellor Gu 19:24.823 --> 19:25.703 can be utilised. 19:40.303 --> 19:41.183 My Lord. 19:41.183 --> 19:42.703 Madam asks you to join her for dinner. 19:43.463 --> 19:44.663 I still have unfinished business. 19:45.663 --> 19:47.023 Tell her to dine without me. 19:47.263 --> 19:48.223 My Lord. 19:48.223 --> 19:50.623 Madam cooked personally today 19:50.623 --> 19:51.783 and prepared a full feast. 19:51.863 --> 19:53.143 She has laboured all day. 19:53.263 --> 19:55.223 Please, my lord, come join her. 20:13.783 --> 20:15.143 Dear, you're here. 20:15.983 --> 20:17.183 I prepared this entire feast 20:17.183 --> 20:18.863 especially for you. 20:19.143 --> 20:20.143 I never thought it would be 20:20.503 --> 20:21.783 so difficult to get you here. 20:28.863 --> 20:30.143 State affairs keep me occupied lately. 20:31.103 --> 20:33.863 Even so, you must take care of yourself. 20:35.383 --> 20:38.343 Don't sleep in your study tonight. 20:48.863 --> 20:50.503 Now that the exam has been abolished, 20:50.703 --> 20:51.823 there's a mountain of work. 20:52.463 --> 20:53.463 You may retire for the night without me. 20:53.623 --> 20:55.503 You drive yourself to exhaustion 20:56.223 --> 20:57.783 all for Shen Zhili, is it not? 20:58.503 --> 20:59.663 Truth be told, it was wise of you 20:59.663 --> 21:01.703 to send her to the palace. 21:01.983 --> 21:02.983 She and His Majesty 21:02.983 --> 21:04.543 grew up together. 21:04.543 --> 21:06.383 Spending each day together hereafter, 21:06.463 --> 21:08.783 she may well become Empress before long. 21:10.663 --> 21:11.423 Nonsense. 21:11.823 --> 21:13.023 Romance between ruler and subject 21:13.023 --> 21:14.823 means extermination of nine kin generations. 21:15.623 --> 21:16.903 Do you wish to destroy the Shens? 21:17.383 --> 21:18.383 Speak of this 21:18.583 --> 21:19.623 no more. 21:19.943 --> 21:20.663 I was merely 21:20.663 --> 21:22.463 planning for your benefit. 21:22.783 --> 21:23.703 Shen Zhili 21:23.703 --> 21:25.503 is your most promising pupil. 21:25.583 --> 21:27.223 If she ascends as Empress, 21:27.223 --> 21:28.583 you'll soon rise to become 21:28.583 --> 21:30.303 Great Ning's true foremost chancellor. 21:30.383 --> 21:32.223 The emperor's marriage concerns the entire court. 21:32.783 --> 21:34.183 You have no right to meddle. 21:35.503 --> 21:36.823 How strange. 21:36.983 --> 21:38.703 Every time Shen Zhili's name comes up, 21:38.903 --> 21:40.503 you lose your composure. 21:42.223 --> 21:43.423 She's different from you. 21:43.863 --> 21:44.903 She holds ambitions, 21:45.263 --> 21:46.863 aspiring to deliberate politics in court. 21:47.863 --> 21:49.943 She would never be content to stay in the harem. 21:50.463 --> 21:51.863 Do you look down on me 21:51.863 --> 21:53.143 for lacking ambition? 21:53.743 --> 21:55.143 What good are female officials? 21:55.463 --> 21:57.463 They are mere sinecures. 21:57.463 --> 21:58.423 Each one longs to resign 21:58.423 --> 21:59.583 and wed a decent husband. 21:59.983 --> 22:00.983 Will she never marry 22:01.183 --> 22:02.703 just because she's a female official? 22:02.943 --> 22:04.783 Besides, I propose she wed the Emperor. 22:05.143 --> 22:06.703 What's there to object to? 22:07.063 --> 22:08.783 His Majesty has his own plans. 22:09.343 --> 22:10.503 Matters such as this are beyond our sway. 22:11.263 --> 22:12.023 If you're so idle, 22:12.023 --> 22:13.263 go to the theater. 22:14.303 --> 22:15.783 Be careful, loose lips invite disaster. 22:22.943 --> 22:23.943 What wine is this? 22:24.823 --> 22:26.223 This is specially fortified tonic wine 22:26.223 --> 22:27.983 to boost male virility. 22:41.463 --> 22:42.863 Look at him. 22:43.183 --> 22:43.783 He has forgotten 22:43.783 --> 22:44.903 where he came from. 22:45.103 --> 22:46.463 Always giving me the cold shoulder. 22:47.543 --> 22:48.183 My lady, 22:48.543 --> 22:49.583 please calm down. 22:50.423 --> 22:51.183 Pour the wine away. 22:52.063 --> 22:52.823 Yes. 23:17.663 --> 23:18.743 Ever since Chancellor Xu forced through 23:18.743 --> 23:20.143 the cancellation of the Women's Exam, 23:20.263 --> 23:21.063 the threshold of my mansion 23:21.063 --> 23:22.743 has been worn down by examinees. 23:23.343 --> 23:24.743 I've been refusing all guests. 23:25.063 --> 23:26.143 I only came because it was you 23:26.303 --> 23:27.423 who invited me. 23:28.183 --> 23:29.623 I know you face a dilemma. 23:29.943 --> 23:31.183 Today I've brought someone 23:31.183 --> 23:32.223 who may help ease your burden. 23:45.743 --> 23:46.663 You are? 23:51.023 --> 23:52.223 I'm Meng Tinghui. 23:52.463 --> 23:53.543 Greetings, sir. 23:55.863 --> 23:56.503 Zhili. 23:56.903 --> 23:57.623 I know you have been 23:57.623 --> 23:59.143 attending to her inside the palace. 23:59.423 --> 24:00.343 You brought her here 24:00.383 --> 24:01.943 to discuss the Women's Exam, I presume. 24:02.463 --> 24:03.183 Exactly. 24:04.223 --> 24:05.343 Your Excellency, 24:06.143 --> 24:06.903 I have studied 24:06.903 --> 24:07.983 the Code of the Great Ning for days 24:07.983 --> 24:09.383 and devised a plan 24:09.783 --> 24:10.903 to overturn Chancellor Xu's 24:10.903 --> 24:12.183 memorial to abolish the women's exam. 24:12.183 --> 24:13.903 But this requires your support... 24:13.903 --> 24:14.543 Reckless talk. 24:16.663 --> 24:17.303 Zhili. 24:17.783 --> 24:18.623 I know you brought her 24:18.623 --> 24:19.943 hoping to reinstate the exam, 24:20.343 --> 24:21.663 but I'm afraid I cannot help you. 24:21.663 --> 24:22.423 Sir. 24:23.143 --> 24:24.223 I heard from my father 24:24.223 --> 24:25.223 that you never signed 24:25.223 --> 24:26.263 Chancellor Xu's decree. 24:26.463 --> 24:27.863 Since he's already made his decision, 24:28.343 --> 24:29.303 whether I sign or not 24:29.463 --> 24:30.623 won't change the outcome. 24:31.183 --> 24:33.223 I have, however, made arrangements for you. 24:33.663 --> 24:35.423 Scholar Liu of the Imperial Academy 24:35.423 --> 24:35.943 is an old friend, 24:35.943 --> 24:37.423 you may study directly under him. 24:37.743 --> 24:38.423 Sir. 24:38.823 --> 24:40.063 I took the imperial exam 24:40.623 --> 24:42.023 not to remain in court 24:42.343 --> 24:44.183 relying on my lineage and your patronage. 24:44.583 --> 24:46.343 The exam's been suspended for 9 years. 24:46.543 --> 24:47.623 If it is abolished now, 24:47.703 --> 24:49.263 it may never be restored. 24:49.983 --> 24:50.783 Women across the realm 24:50.783 --> 24:52.383 will see no path forward, 24:52.423 --> 24:53.783 trapped within household walls forever. 24:54.303 --> 24:56.143 If we can stop Chancellor Xu now, 24:56.583 --> 24:58.023 I am willing to do all I can. 24:58.183 --> 24:59.223 I ask for your support, sir. 24:59.903 --> 25:01.583 This does not sound like you. 25:07.463 --> 25:08.263 Meng Tinghui, 25:09.103 --> 25:10.623 The abolition of the exam 25:10.623 --> 25:11.663 stems from you. 25:11.823 --> 25:13.343 Even His Majesty couldn't stop it. 25:13.343 --> 25:14.503 What can we do? 25:14.783 --> 25:16.423 First you entered the palace and stirred gossip, 25:16.663 --> 25:18.503 then you urged Zhili to submit a plea. 25:19.463 --> 25:21.343 If all women follow your lead, 25:21.743 --> 25:23.583 seeking fame, clinging to power, 25:24.023 --> 25:25.663 what would become of the court? 25:25.903 --> 25:27.023 What makes you think 25:27.023 --> 25:27.743 I would help you 25:27.743 --> 25:28.983 oppose Chancellor Xu? 25:29.543 --> 25:30.583 In this court, 25:30.663 --> 25:32.663 the only one who can stand against him 25:33.103 --> 25:34.263 is you, sir. 25:34.583 --> 25:35.903 But the Men's Exam 25:35.903 --> 25:37.103 is controlled by Chancellor Xu, 25:37.303 --> 25:39.383 even with your distinguished record, 25:39.383 --> 25:40.623 you're overshadowed. 25:40.703 --> 25:41.943 But if you 25:41.943 --> 25:43.543 champion the women of the realm, 25:43.703 --> 25:44.983 then the female officials 25:45.223 --> 25:47.663 will be your loyal followers. 25:47.783 --> 25:48.423 Sir, 25:48.423 --> 25:49.943 please hear my plan first 25:49.943 --> 25:50.863 before you decide. 25:51.343 --> 25:52.463 Sir, calm down. 25:52.743 --> 25:54.663 Let's hear what Miss Meng has to say. 25:56.423 --> 25:57.263 The Great Ning Code's Recommendation System 25:57.263 --> 25:58.023 states: To ensure a student's 25:58.383 --> 25:59.983 moral and academic standing, fellow townsmen 25:59.983 --> 26:01.983 may recommend and vouch for one another. 26:01.983 --> 26:02.743 If we can gather letters of recommendation 26:02.743 --> 26:04.503 from women's academies across the prefectures, 26:04.503 --> 26:06.623 with a joint petition, requesting 26:06.903 --> 26:08.463 the restoration of the Women's Exam, 26:08.703 --> 26:10.743 we can create an unstoppable wave of public opinion. 26:11.143 --> 26:11.983 At that point, 26:12.383 --> 26:14.423 even Chancellor Xu may oppose His Majesty, 26:14.743 --> 26:17.023 he cannot ignore public opinion. 26:17.303 --> 26:18.783 You've already planned this out. 26:19.103 --> 26:20.503 Why come to me? 26:20.703 --> 26:22.583 I can manage the petition, 26:23.783 --> 26:25.383 but the letters of recommendation... 26:25.943 --> 26:27.423 I'm just a commoner, 26:27.423 --> 26:28.383 I can't possibly get them myself. 26:28.943 --> 26:30.063 But if you 26:30.063 --> 26:32.023 pledge to champion the scholars, 26:32.063 --> 26:33.463 hundreds will answer your call. 26:34.383 --> 26:35.103 Sir, 26:35.383 --> 26:36.943 this is a letter from my father himself, 26:37.063 --> 26:38.303 confirming this plan is viable. 26:47.863 --> 26:49.063 It has already been five days. 26:49.423 --> 26:50.663 Miss Meng said she would 26:50.663 --> 26:51.943 bring the recommendation letters 26:51.943 --> 26:52.783 and come back to us. 26:52.983 --> 26:53.863 But so far, 26:54.263 --> 26:55.583 not a word. 26:57.503 --> 26:58.663 We may be waiting in vain. 26:59.383 --> 27:00.903 The court has already proclaimed 27:01.343 --> 27:02.583 the Women's Exam abolished. 27:02.903 --> 27:04.023 If we keep waiting, 27:04.263 --> 27:05.423 it'll be for nothing. 27:06.063 --> 27:07.543 We studied for years 27:07.783 --> 27:09.343 and finally passed the Provincial Exam. 27:09.863 --> 27:11.103 Now the court cancels the exam 27:11.103 --> 27:11.783 just like that. 27:12.063 --> 27:13.143 Are we women 27:13.903 --> 27:15.223 destined to never sit for it? 27:28.543 --> 27:29.583 Wonderful news! 27:31.263 --> 27:32.343 I've got the letters! 27:33.303 --> 27:34.983 Chancellor Gu used extra school lands 27:35.023 --> 27:36.783 to fund academies 27:37.063 --> 27:37.863 and win the letters of recommendation 27:37.863 --> 27:39.103 for us. 27:39.463 --> 27:40.943 Restoring the exam is within reach! 27:41.903 --> 27:43.823 Wonderful! 27:43.823 --> 27:45.023 Hope at last! 27:45.103 --> 27:45.943 Let us sign 27:45.943 --> 27:47.063 the joint petition now, 27:47.063 --> 27:48.143 take these recommendation letters, 27:48.383 --> 27:49.863 and go to Chancellor Xu's manor 27:49.863 --> 27:51.263 to plead for the reinstatement of the exam. 27:51.543 --> 27:52.583 Yes! Yes! 27:52.583 --> 27:54.103 I'm in! 27:54.103 --> 27:56.623 I'm coming too! 27:57.223 --> 27:58.423 We want to take the exam! 27:58.423 --> 27:59.783 We want to see Chancellor Xu! 27:59.823 --> 28:01.223 We want to take the exam! 28:01.343 --> 28:03.183 We want to see Chancellor Xu! 28:10.623 --> 28:11.343 How dare you! 28:11.743 --> 28:14.143 Gathering and causing trouble here! 28:14.303 --> 28:15.383 Drive them all away! 28:15.383 --> 28:16.063 Yes, sir! 28:16.383 --> 28:17.423 We're only petitioning, 28:17.543 --> 28:18.743 what crime have we committed? 28:18.943 --> 28:20.263 What right do you have to drive us away? 28:20.263 --> 28:21.383 Everyone, don't be afraid! 28:21.543 --> 28:22.943 Anyone who harms Presented Candidates without cause 28:23.103 --> 28:24.583 shall receive twenty strokes and one year of labour. 28:24.583 --> 28:25.543 We will not leave! 28:25.543 --> 28:26.983 Chancellor Xu arrives. 28:26.983 --> 28:28.023 We're not leaving! 28:39.583 --> 28:40.823 Your Excellency, on behalf of 28:41.743 --> 28:43.183 female scholars from seven prefectures 28:43.383 --> 28:44.823 and nineteen counties of Great Ning, 28:45.143 --> 28:46.183 we bring letters of recommendation 28:46.183 --> 28:47.303 and a joint petition 28:47.663 --> 28:48.783 to submit our request. 28:52.743 --> 28:53.743 Meng Tinghui. 28:54.943 --> 28:56.463 You made the exam scandal 28:56.463 --> 28:58.063 the talk of the city. 28:58.503 --> 29:00.143 Now you've incited these scholars 29:00.143 --> 29:01.143 to besiege my mansion. 29:01.143 --> 29:02.903 You show utter disregard for the law. 29:03.063 --> 29:03.863 It seems 29:04.783 --> 29:05.783 the Women's Exam 29:05.943 --> 29:07.583 was rightly suspended. 29:07.783 --> 29:09.423 Examination fraud has existed since ancient times. 29:10.143 --> 29:12.183 The guilty alone should bear punishment. 29:12.623 --> 29:15.183 Why punish the futures of all women for it? 29:15.503 --> 29:16.783 I dare to ask, 29:17.063 --> 29:17.623 is this for the lasting stability 29:17.623 --> 29:19.183 of the realm, 29:20.183 --> 29:21.063 or is it merely 29:21.063 --> 29:22.343 your personal agenda? 29:22.663 --> 29:23.463 Insolent! 29:23.903 --> 29:26.423 Since the late emperor 29:26.423 --> 29:28.823 permitted women to serve in office, 29:28.823 --> 29:30.223 almost no one has served to the end. 29:30.343 --> 29:31.983 They either resign halfway 29:31.983 --> 29:32.943 to raise families, 29:33.023 --> 29:34.463 or prove incapable. 29:34.783 --> 29:36.983 So the exam has remained suspended. 29:37.263 --> 29:39.783 You, a common woman, reside in the harem, 29:39.863 --> 29:42.183 do you truly seek official post, 29:43.183 --> 29:45.103 or do you only aim to 29:45.103 --> 29:46.303 win His Majesty's favor? 29:46.663 --> 29:48.863 I am willing to stake everything today 29:48.863 --> 29:50.023 to prove my conviction. 29:58.743 --> 30:00.143 I swear this oath 30:00.503 --> 30:01.663 in blood. 30:02.223 --> 30:03.463 If I fail the Palace Examination, 30:03.903 --> 30:05.263 I shall submit to the pleasure house. 30:08.663 --> 30:09.743 I only ask you, sir, 30:10.983 --> 30:12.823 will you reinstate the exam, 30:13.263 --> 30:15.183 and grant justice to all women of the realm? 30:21.863 --> 30:22.623 Very well. 30:23.463 --> 30:24.823 If any others among you 30:24.823 --> 30:26.823 dare swear this same oath, 30:27.503 --> 30:29.343 then I will believe 30:29.343 --> 30:30.743 you truly seek to take the exam. 30:38.183 --> 30:39.983 Why drag others into this? 30:40.223 --> 30:41.423 As I see it, 30:42.143 --> 30:43.703 you women scholars 30:43.703 --> 30:45.663 are all 30:45.663 --> 30:47.383 sound and fury. 30:47.383 --> 30:49.543 You think highly of yourselves, 30:50.063 --> 30:51.143 but at the critical moment, 30:51.143 --> 30:52.463 you shrink away. 30:52.943 --> 30:53.903 How can you bear great responsibility? 31:05.423 --> 31:06.423 When I left my hometown, 31:06.423 --> 31:07.303 I swore 31:07.943 --> 31:09.343 I would return in glory, 31:09.863 --> 31:10.503 or 31:11.463 --> 31:12.623 die trying. 31:16.103 --> 31:17.023 I will 31:17.343 --> 31:18.183 sign it too. 31:33.383 --> 31:34.383 Miss Meng. 31:34.543 --> 31:35.143 I... 31:36.583 --> 31:37.463 Miss Shen, 31:37.823 --> 31:38.863 you come from a noble house, 31:39.063 --> 31:40.063 too much is at stake. 31:40.063 --> 31:41.503 No, I... 31:42.943 --> 31:43.983 I faint at the sight of blood. 31:45.863 --> 31:48.063 You can use this red rouge. 31:54.023 --> 31:55.303 Zhili hails from a renowned clan. 31:55.423 --> 31:56.423 Her family holds great prestige. 31:57.063 --> 31:58.863 Yet she still strives 31:58.863 --> 31:59.783 for all women, 32:00.103 --> 32:01.103 I shall stand with her to the end. 32:02.383 --> 32:04.023 Today we stake everything. 32:04.103 --> 32:05.703 We must not let the world look down on us. 32:06.063 --> 32:06.423 Right. 32:06.663 --> 32:07.303 We cannot let them belittle us. 32:07.303 --> 32:08.343 Yeah. 32:08.623 --> 32:09.463 I will sign it too. 32:09.943 --> 32:11.063 Me too. 32:11.223 --> 32:12.743 And me. 32:13.383 --> 32:14.023 Count me in! 32:14.023 --> 32:15.383 And me. 32:15.383 --> 32:16.303 I'm in. 32:18.863 --> 32:20.983 And me. 32:20.983 --> 32:21.783 Me too. 32:32.903 --> 32:34.223 This is the irresistible tide, 32:34.703 --> 32:35.863 the will of the people. 32:36.623 --> 32:38.983 Women's academies and their students 32:39.223 --> 32:40.343 have spoken clearly. 32:41.863 --> 32:43.223 Please give us 32:43.423 --> 32:44.263 the chance 32:44.263 --> 32:45.783 to realize our ambitions. 32:46.503 --> 32:47.863 Please give us 32:47.863 --> 32:48.823 the chance 32:48.823 --> 32:50.863 to realize our ambitions. 33:01.423 --> 33:02.103 Fine. 33:03.743 --> 33:05.303 I shall wait and see. 33:06.983 --> 33:08.303 Should any trouble arise, 33:09.983 --> 33:12.023 don't blame me for being harsh. 33:25.783 --> 33:26.663 Yes! 33:31.463 --> 33:32.623 Great! 33:33.903 --> 33:35.023 Wonderful! 34:04.863 --> 34:06.543 You oversee people each day amid state affairs, 34:06.863 --> 34:08.423 but have you ever seen the capital from up here? 34:08.743 --> 34:10.103 Had you not invited me today, 34:10.583 --> 34:12.423 though I grew up within these palace walls, 34:12.623 --> 34:14.223 I never knew such a place existed. 34:16.463 --> 34:18.223 Back in Shazhou, Your Majesty said 34:18.543 --> 34:20.103 freedom was nothing but a distant wish. 34:20.383 --> 34:22.503 Now that I know your true identity, 34:22.823 --> 34:23.623 your name "Gua" 34:24.503 --> 34:25.743 comes to mean something 34:26.183 --> 34:27.263 to me now. 34:27.263 --> 34:28.183 As an emperor, 34:28.663 --> 34:30.583 true freedom can never be yours. 34:33.463 --> 34:34.303 My son, 34:34.863 --> 34:36.943 do you know why emperors call themselves "Gua"? 34:45.783 --> 34:47.143 The Book of Documents says: 34:47.743 --> 34:49.303 "When the sovereign is virtuous," 34:50.103 --> 34:51.623 "all lands remain in order." 34:51.903 --> 34:54.143 So the emperor's "Gua" 34:54.823 --> 34:57.023 is not about loneliness or isolation, 34:57.783 --> 34:59.983 but a great responsibility for the realm 35:00.943 --> 35:03.023 that only you can bear. 35:07.783 --> 35:09.783 Father, please take care. 35:09.943 --> 35:10.783 I... 35:11.223 --> 35:12.583 I'm afraid. 35:14.583 --> 35:15.623 Afraid of what? 35:15.983 --> 35:17.583 Tell me. 35:18.223 --> 35:20.663 Afraid that when I sit on that throne, 35:21.143 --> 35:24.503 I won't be able to bear the weight of it. 35:24.743 --> 35:26.423 Afraid of disappointing 35:26.423 --> 35:28.303 you and Mother. 35:28.303 --> 35:30.823 And afraid that 35:31.423 --> 35:33.743 in this vast palace, 35:34.023 --> 35:36.663 no one will care for me 35:36.823 --> 35:38.383 the way you both do. 35:38.943 --> 35:40.343 Lift your head. 35:41.583 --> 35:43.903 An Emperor may shed blood, 35:44.623 --> 35:46.143 may even lose his head, 35:46.823 --> 35:48.903 but he must never show weakness. 35:51.423 --> 35:52.423 My son, 35:53.223 --> 35:54.183 remember, 35:54.823 --> 35:56.543 the Emperor's solitude 35:56.663 --> 36:01.063 demands you cast aside private affections 36:01.583 --> 36:05.823 to uphold the greater good of all under heaven. 36:11.783 --> 36:13.143 Shazhou's wine. 36:13.663 --> 36:15.103 I specially prepared it for you. 36:18.743 --> 36:20.343 Since my father's admonition, 36:22.063 --> 36:25.103 I haven't dared to slacken even a moment. 36:25.463 --> 36:26.743 I haven't touched a drop 36:27.223 --> 36:28.623 of wine since then. 36:28.983 --> 36:29.703 I think 36:30.143 --> 36:32.903 the late emperor named you "Gua" 36:33.423 --> 36:35.623 not to doom you to solitude, 36:35.983 --> 36:38.303 but because you were his only heir. 36:39.543 --> 36:40.703 An emperor's hardships, 36:40.983 --> 36:41.783 burdens, 36:42.183 --> 36:43.063 solitude, 36:43.783 --> 36:44.863 who else but Your Majesty 36:45.183 --> 36:46.823 is worthy to bear them? 36:49.343 --> 36:50.343 You're right. 36:50.703 --> 36:52.143 Perhaps that was my father's 36:52.823 --> 36:54.343 deepest expectation for me. 36:55.503 --> 36:57.303 Then I shall break this vow today. 37:09.383 --> 37:10.303 I have never done this before. 37:10.423 --> 37:12.103 Drinking wine atop the imperial city wall 37:12.543 --> 37:14.063 at this hour. 37:14.583 --> 37:16.103 To watch Your Majesty drink 37:16.303 --> 37:17.623 atop the imperial ramparts 37:18.103 --> 37:19.583 is also a first for me. 37:20.223 --> 37:21.263 You are the first person 37:22.383 --> 37:24.543 for whom I willingly break my vow. 37:29.143 --> 37:30.103 Some things 37:30.103 --> 37:30.863 cannot be solved 37:30.863 --> 37:32.223 overnight. 37:33.103 --> 37:34.383 Yet drink while the wine lasts, 37:34.783 --> 37:35.903 seize the joy of the moment. 37:44.143 --> 37:45.783 I have not felt so lighthearted in ages. 37:47.823 --> 37:49.263 It seems whenever I am with you, 37:50.583 --> 37:51.263 I can briefly set aside 37:51.263 --> 37:52.823 all those troubles. 37:54.743 --> 37:55.463 Your Majesty, 37:55.983 --> 37:57.983 now that my wounds have healed, 37:58.983 --> 38:00.423 it's time I left the palace. 38:01.743 --> 38:02.663 You want to leave? 38:03.223 --> 38:04.863 If I stay, 38:05.423 --> 38:06.863 even if I pass the Palace Exam, 38:07.143 --> 38:08.503 people will surely gossip. 38:08.983 --> 38:10.943 They'll say Your Majesty played favorites. 38:11.423 --> 38:12.343 Do you need that? 38:13.183 --> 38:14.143 I will succeed, no matter what comes. 38:14.823 --> 38:15.903 That confident? 38:15.983 --> 38:16.903 May I ask 38:17.423 --> 38:18.583 have you decided 38:18.903 --> 38:20.503 the top three in the Palace Exam? 38:20.863 --> 38:22.543 You haven't even taken the exam yet, 38:22.903 --> 38:24.663 and you're already meddling in court affairs? 38:24.943 --> 38:26.023 If one must hold office 38:26.023 --> 38:27.183 to speak of policy, 38:28.063 --> 38:29.303 then how did the wise rulers of old 38:29.303 --> 38:30.863 earn their reputation 38:30.863 --> 38:32.143 for heeding counsel? 38:32.583 --> 38:34.743 The Surveillance Bureau holds a special mandate. 38:35.223 --> 38:36.663 It must be held by the capable. 38:37.463 --> 38:38.903 I wish to ease Your Majesty's burdens. 38:39.383 --> 38:40.903 It's a confidential matter, 38:40.903 --> 38:41.863 not yet announced. 38:42.423 --> 38:43.743 How did you learn of it? 38:44.143 --> 38:45.543 Passing through the imperial garden, 38:47.103 --> 38:48.463 I overheard Lord Shen 38:48.463 --> 38:49.543 discussing it with you. 38:50.063 --> 38:51.823 Isn't the revival of the Women's Exam 38:51.903 --> 38:53.903 meant to break the shackles of the court? 38:54.143 --> 38:55.103 If I am fortunate enough 38:55.983 --> 38:57.463 to claim first place, 38:58.543 --> 39:00.423 I will be the blade in your hand. 39:04.983 --> 39:05.983 Meng Tinghui. 39:07.703 --> 39:08.783 Do you truly think 39:08.783 --> 39:10.303 I will always indulge 39:10.303 --> 39:11.423 your overstepping? 39:11.583 --> 39:12.503 Mark this: 39:13.263 --> 39:14.503 where the blade strikes is always 39:15.143 --> 39:17.823 decided by the one who wields it. 39:32.263 --> 39:32.943 Dear sister, 39:32.943 --> 39:33.823 tell me, 39:33.943 --> 39:35.023 at the gate of the Xu Manor today, 39:35.023 --> 39:35.903 was Chancellor Xu so furious 39:35.903 --> 39:36.823 his whiskers bristled? 39:37.463 --> 39:39.383 We acted in accordance with the law. 39:39.583 --> 39:40.223 But you 39:40.343 --> 39:41.903 talk about it like it's a circus show. 39:42.063 --> 39:42.743 Chancellor Xu 39:42.743 --> 39:43.823 rarely makes a fool of himself. 39:43.823 --> 39:45.023 I need the details. 39:45.103 --> 39:45.943 And you were right there. 39:45.943 --> 39:46.663 - Give me the details. - Zhishu. 39:46.703 --> 39:47.543 I just recalled 39:47.543 --> 39:48.423 that unfinished game of go 39:48.423 --> 39:49.223 we left in the study. 39:49.463 --> 39:50.383 We may play the game later. 39:50.783 --> 39:51.183 Come on. 39:51.183 --> 39:52.023 I want to play it now. 39:52.063 --> 39:52.943 - Let's go, Zhishu. - Wait. 39:53.223 --> 39:53.743 Bye, Zhili. 39:54.503 --> 39:55.863 Did he bristle with anger? 39:56.303 --> 39:56.783 Zhili. 39:57.063 --> 39:57.863 Take your rest. 40:24.543 --> 40:25.263 Ginger. 40:26.703 --> 40:27.743 Three slices. 40:31.783 --> 40:33.663 Three red dates. 40:38.663 --> 40:40.383 Three grains of brown sugar. 40:58.823 --> 40:59.383 Zhili. 40:59.463 --> 40:59.943 Come in. 41:05.383 --> 41:05.983 Zhili. 41:06.743 --> 41:07.663 Are you feeling better? 41:08.503 --> 41:09.303 I'm fine. 41:10.463 --> 41:11.103 Um... 41:11.503 --> 41:12.823 I heard from the maid 41:13.063 --> 41:14.023 that this time of year, 41:14.143 --> 41:15.743 you need something warm for the body. 41:27.823 --> 41:28.583 Careful, it's hot. 41:33.663 --> 41:34.183 How is it? 41:35.343 --> 41:36.183 Quite sweet. 41:36.183 --> 41:37.223 Thank you, Nian. 41:40.143 --> 41:41.663 Good night, Zhili. 41:42.223 --> 41:43.143 I'll take my leave.