WEBVTT X-TIMESTAMP-MAP=LOCAL:00:00:00.000,MPEGTS:0 01:39.063 --> 01:40.423 Look at his jade-like face. 01:40.423 --> 01:41.663 Fine features. 01:41.943 --> 01:43.503 A graceful air. 01:43.703 --> 01:44.943 Good appearance. 01:45.303 --> 01:46.423 Dashing charm. 01:46.583 --> 01:47.663 And dignified bearing. 01:47.863 --> 01:49.503 Since when has Shazhou 01:49.503 --> 01:51.023 ever seen such a handsome man? 01:51.303 --> 01:52.863 How elegant even while 01:53.223 --> 01:54.223 eating mutton! 01:54.223 --> 01:55.663 Must be from the gentle south. 01:55.783 --> 01:57.703 Like a painting 01:57.703 --> 01:59.343 come to life. 01:59.503 --> 02:01.583 Even gnawing bones, he's refined. 02:01.943 --> 02:03.423 Good looks make 02:03.663 --> 02:05.023 any act a pleasure. 02:05.303 --> 02:06.703 I'll go invite him for a drink. 02:06.863 --> 02:07.583 Let me do it. 02:07.943 --> 02:08.823 Me! 02:09.023 --> 02:09.863 Me! 02:10.423 --> 02:11.183 Me! 02:11.423 --> 02:12.303 Me! 02:22.023 --> 02:23.103 Bring my finest grape wine 02:23.103 --> 02:23.903 for this young master. 02:29.423 --> 02:31.023 Here's to you, sir. 02:31.583 --> 02:32.543 Ladies. 02:33.423 --> 02:33.983 Stop there. 02:39.423 --> 02:40.183 No need to continue. 02:44.143 --> 02:44.983 Ms. Yan. 02:47.583 --> 02:48.423 I was blind to help 02:48.423 --> 02:49.383 Jiang Mei'er before. 02:49.423 --> 02:50.143 Could you ask your 02:50.143 --> 02:51.423 father not to cut off our business? 02:51.423 --> 02:52.183 My father said 02:52.183 --> 02:52.983 if I can't win 02:52.983 --> 02:53.823 your business back, 02:53.823 --> 02:55.463 he'll break my legs! 02:55.463 --> 02:56.423 Please, you're a merciful woman! 02:56.423 --> 02:57.863 I beg your forgiveness! 02:58.143 --> 02:58.823 Too late. 02:59.143 --> 03:00.463 You should have thought of that 03:00.463 --> 03:01.823 when you helped her. 03:03.143 --> 03:03.863 I was wrong. 03:03.943 --> 03:05.183 I didn't recognize your stature. 03:05.183 --> 03:06.423 Please don't leave me to die! 03:06.423 --> 03:07.383 Get out! 03:07.703 --> 03:09.103 Don't disturb my business! 03:11.703 --> 03:12.423 Yan Fuzhi! 03:12.703 --> 03:13.983 Are you really leaving me to death? 03:14.463 --> 03:15.663 Jiang Mei'er was right. 03:15.863 --> 03:16.423 You're also 03:16.423 --> 03:17.703 a venomous woman, 03:17.863 --> 03:18.863 just like Meng Tinghui, 03:18.863 --> 03:19.543 a wolf that 03:19.543 --> 03:20.743 devours people without mercy! 03:22.863 --> 03:23.983 How dare you speak ill of Tinghui? 03:23.983 --> 03:25.423 I'll show you what a truly 03:25.423 --> 03:26.863 venomous heart looks like, 03:27.103 --> 03:28.743 and what it means to devour you without mercy! 03:30.423 --> 03:31.103 Get up! 03:35.663 --> 03:36.303 Help! 03:39.303 --> 03:40.303 If you ever set foot in 03:40.303 --> 03:41.143 Bofeng House again, 03:41.423 --> 03:42.823 I'll kick your sorry ass right out! 03:51.583 --> 03:52.303 Back to your meals! 03:56.423 --> 03:57.703 Such a pretty girl, 03:57.863 --> 03:59.303 yet so fierce and sharp-tongued. 03:59.663 --> 04:00.663 Even if you're disciplining 04:00.983 --> 04:02.543 your husband, there's a limit, isn't there? 04:02.743 --> 04:04.103 Who says I'm his wife? 04:04.103 --> 04:04.823 He's not worthy. 04:04.983 --> 04:06.583 You're just a handsome face 04:06.583 --> 04:07.703 with no brains. 04:07.703 --> 04:09.303 Strutting like a peacock the moment you see a woman. 04:10.983 --> 04:12.463 Those are harsh words, miss. 04:13.743 --> 04:15.383 I was only trying to mediate. 04:15.623 --> 04:16.983 But with a temper like yours, 04:17.263 --> 04:18.183 no wonder that gentleman 04:18.183 --> 04:19.183 would rather take a beating 04:19.183 --> 04:20.383 than marry you. 04:20.823 --> 04:21.423 You! 04:22.063 --> 04:22.823 You get out too! 04:22.823 --> 04:23.623 Whether I marry or not 04:23.623 --> 04:24.623 is none of your business, 04:24.623 --> 04:25.423 you lecherous fool 04:25.423 --> 04:26.303 full of romantic drivel! 04:28.303 --> 04:29.743 On what authority? 04:31.383 --> 04:33.263 Because I run this place! 04:33.503 --> 04:34.183 Now. 04:34.503 --> 04:35.143 Immediately. 04:35.303 --> 04:35.863 Out! 04:38.943 --> 04:39.623 Get out! 04:42.183 --> 04:42.703 You! 04:44.743 --> 04:45.183 Out! 04:46.303 --> 04:47.823 You really are a fiery one. 04:48.303 --> 04:48.943 From now on, 04:48.943 --> 04:50.183 don't set foot in this place again. 04:51.503 --> 04:52.503 And why would I... 04:53.943 --> 04:54.623 Huang? 04:54.823 --> 04:55.743 What are you doing here? 04:55.743 --> 04:56.943 The Master sent me to find you. 04:56.943 --> 04:57.703 Hold on. 04:57.703 --> 04:58.823 I need to settle this with her. 04:58.983 --> 05:00.383 She actually hit me with an abacus! 05:01.183 --> 05:02.063 Mr. Shen, 05:02.823 --> 05:04.263 you really don't want to mess with her. 05:05.583 --> 05:06.743 She's just a restaurant owner. 05:06.743 --> 05:07.743 What's so special? 05:08.263 --> 05:09.823 She's Meng Tinghui's closest friend. 05:10.823 --> 05:12.943 She even swung a knife at Master. 05:15.383 --> 05:16.143 You mean 05:16.703 --> 05:17.823 the Master? 05:21.503 --> 05:22.423 Well, at least I can stay out of her way. 05:22.423 --> 05:23.143 Wait for me! 05:28.383 --> 05:29.743 This way, please. 05:31.423 --> 05:32.823 Mr. Shen has arranged 05:33.143 --> 05:33.943 your lodgings 05:33.943 --> 05:34.943 in the eastern wing 05:34.943 --> 05:36.303 of the government office. 05:36.503 --> 05:38.383 I'll take you there now. 05:40.383 --> 05:42.823 Who is this Mr. Shen 05:42.823 --> 05:43.623 you speak of? 05:44.183 --> 05:45.183 That would be me. 05:47.423 --> 05:48.063 Father, 05:48.303 --> 05:50.303 it's your handsome, 05:50.303 --> 05:51.423 charming, 05:51.423 --> 05:52.943 and elegant son, 05:53.263 --> 05:53.983 Shen Zhishu. 05:55.703 --> 05:56.623 Zhishu! 05:58.303 --> 05:59.303 My boy's made it! 06:00.143 --> 06:00.823 Come on, spin around. 06:00.823 --> 06:01.983 Let me get a good look at you. 06:03.183 --> 06:04.823 What a Mr. Shen! 06:04.823 --> 06:06.063 You've got some nerve! 06:06.503 --> 06:08.063 Helping the Emperor slip out of the palace. 06:08.063 --> 06:09.183 You nearly doomed our 06:09.183 --> 06:10.183 entire Shen clan! 06:10.983 --> 06:12.263 I was just serving my lord and 06:12.263 --> 06:12.983 sharing his burdens. 06:12.983 --> 06:14.063 Sharing his burdens? 06:14.263 --> 06:16.063 Our family has upheld its honor for generations. 06:16.063 --> 06:16.863 How did we end up with 06:16.863 --> 06:18.703 a reckless rogue like you? 06:18.703 --> 06:19.143 Father! 06:19.303 --> 06:20.143 Stop! 06:20.143 --> 06:20.623 Father! 06:20.623 --> 06:21.863 Listen, I'm a titled official now. 06:21.863 --> 06:23.183 Assaulting a court officer 06:23.183 --> 06:24.143 is a crime, you know! 06:24.423 --> 06:25.383 I'll beat you dead first, 06:25.383 --> 06:26.303 then apologize to the late Emperor. 06:27.623 --> 06:28.183 Don't run! 06:28.183 --> 06:28.863 Father! 06:29.383 --> 06:31.423 I order you to put down that weapon right now! 06:31.423 --> 06:32.383 If you swing too hard 06:32.383 --> 06:32.943 and kill me, 06:32.943 --> 06:33.863 who'll hold your funeral 06:33.863 --> 06:34.423 and see you off? 06:34.423 --> 06:36.143 You dare curse your own father? 06:36.143 --> 06:37.383 So full of yourself now! 06:37.823 --> 06:38.623 Get back here! 06:38.863 --> 06:39.623 Stand still! 06:39.943 --> 06:41.063 I'm so pissed off! 06:42.263 --> 06:42.943 Your Majesty, 06:43.383 --> 06:44.183 if you don't go out now, 06:44.183 --> 06:45.503 Mr. Shen will be beaten to death. 06:45.983 --> 06:46.863 What's the hurry? 06:47.383 --> 06:48.983 It's been ages since I've witnessed 06:49.463 --> 06:50.503 such a loving 06:50.503 --> 06:51.383 father-son scene. 06:51.463 --> 06:52.263 You unfilial son! 06:52.303 --> 06:52.743 Father! 06:52.863 --> 06:53.423 I really... 06:53.423 --> 06:54.743 Still running, are you? 06:54.743 --> 06:55.383 Stop gawking! 06:55.383 --> 06:55.983 Come out now, 06:55.983 --> 06:57.183 or I'll be smashed! 06:57.183 --> 06:57.863 Call for help? 06:57.863 --> 06:59.063 I'll take them on too! 07:01.863 --> 07:04.703 Your servant Shen Wuchen kowtows to Your Majesty. 07:05.063 --> 07:06.743 Grand Tutor, you're as fierce as ever. 07:06.983 --> 07:08.423 Still no missed swing. 07:08.623 --> 07:09.943 Father, you sure kneel fast. 07:09.943 --> 07:11.183 Better at that than hitting me. 07:11.503 --> 07:12.503 Rise, Grand Tutor. 07:14.823 --> 07:15.743 This journey 07:15.863 --> 07:17.063 was my own doing. 07:17.263 --> 07:18.703 I ordered Zhishu not to refuse. 07:18.943 --> 07:20.303 If you blame him, 07:20.623 --> 07:21.823 I'm the one at fault. 07:22.943 --> 07:24.503 Since Your Majesty speaks for him, 07:24.703 --> 07:26.263 I'll let him off this time. 07:27.303 --> 07:27.983 The Shazhou case 07:27.983 --> 07:29.983 was solved with open moves and hidden ones. 07:30.383 --> 07:32.143 It's not only cleared corruption in military supplies, 07:32.143 --> 07:33.943 but also served as a clever counterbalance against 07:33.943 --> 07:35.063 the Grand Chancellor. 07:35.263 --> 07:36.503 I see the late Emperor's 07:36.743 --> 07:38.383 spirit in you once more. 07:38.543 --> 07:39.623 You flatter me. 07:41.063 --> 07:42.823 I've watched closely. 07:42.863 --> 07:44.743 The court is tense. 07:46.183 --> 07:47.703 Your Majesty has few 07:47.703 --> 07:48.583 reliable allies. 07:48.823 --> 07:49.983 Building trusted circles 07:50.143 --> 07:51.183 can't wait. 07:52.423 --> 07:53.863 Left Vice Minister of War, Pei Jinghe 07:53.943 --> 07:55.503 is capable, shrewd, upright. 07:55.583 --> 07:57.583 Yet he's sidelined for opposing 07:57.583 --> 07:58.623 Liu Ren's overreach 07:58.623 --> 08:00.143 and still idle. 08:00.623 --> 08:03.383 He's ready for Your Majesty's call. 08:03.983 --> 08:05.863 You're out of court, 08:06.103 --> 08:08.303 yet see it clear as day. 08:08.303 --> 08:09.623 The realm is a chessboard; 08:09.743 --> 08:10.823 the sovereign, the player. 08:11.183 --> 08:12.623 Though removed from court, 08:12.623 --> 08:14.383 I'm still Your Majesty's piece 08:14.823 --> 08:16.183 for the country's stability. 08:16.743 --> 08:18.183 Today, Chancellor controls 08:18.303 --> 08:19.983 four of the six ministries. 08:21.063 --> 08:22.183 Every talent from 08:22.183 --> 08:23.303 the civil exams 08:23.823 --> 08:24.623 has become 08:24.623 --> 08:25.623 his protégé. 08:26.583 --> 08:28.503 I now have no choice but to seek talent 08:28.983 --> 08:30.183 from the women's 08:30.183 --> 08:31.223 imperial examination, 08:31.583 --> 08:32.823 a path he refuses to touch. 08:36.663 --> 08:37.303 Your Majesty. 08:38.023 --> 08:39.903 One more word. 08:40.783 --> 08:43.343 Every emperor has his own court. 08:43.583 --> 08:44.943 The two chancellors are 08:44.943 --> 08:46.023 gaining power fast. 08:46.303 --> 08:47.823 If they join hands, 08:48.183 --> 08:49.583 you'll have trouble holding your own. 08:50.343 --> 08:52.343 The Left Chancellor's overreach 08:52.663 --> 08:54.463 has already angered the other. 08:54.823 --> 08:57.183 Use that to your advantage. 08:59.183 --> 09:00.663 No need for me 09:01.023 --> 09:03.023 to lecture you on the art of balance. 09:10.583 --> 09:12.663 Was this painting excluded from the top rank 09:12.663 --> 09:14.303 because of weak brushwork? 09:15.023 --> 09:15.703 Not quite. 09:16.103 --> 09:17.303 It only depicts still objects 09:17.703 --> 09:18.583 and lacks life. 09:20.703 --> 09:21.543 I disagree. 09:22.783 --> 09:23.703 Zhili, you're here. 09:40.303 --> 09:40.943 Master. 09:46.903 --> 09:49.823 This painting shows a scene at dusk in late spring. 09:50.303 --> 09:52.183 But the plants, trees, 09:52.183 --> 09:53.183 clouds, and mist 09:53.583 --> 09:55.023 are all too bright and showy. 09:55.423 --> 09:56.943 That robs it of its sense of reality. 09:57.303 --> 09:58.303 When a painting loses truth, 09:58.663 --> 09:59.703 its spirit scatters. 10:00.583 --> 10:01.583 When a person loses truth, 10:01.903 --> 10:02.943 they're hollow inside. 10:04.063 --> 10:05.663 Zhili, have a seat. 10:08.343 --> 10:09.463 Zhili truly understands 10:09.463 --> 10:10.783 master's mind best. 10:11.703 --> 10:12.943 Quick-witted and sharp, 10:13.063 --> 10:14.663 and blessed with such a gift. 10:15.023 --> 10:16.303 With your learning, in this 10:16.703 --> 10:17.823 special women's examination, 10:18.023 --> 10:18.943 passing is the least of it, 10:19.303 --> 10:20.583 taking top honors 10:20.783 --> 10:21.783 is well within reach. 10:24.023 --> 10:25.543 You passed the palace exam back then, 10:25.543 --> 10:26.703 and upon joining the Ministry of Works, 10:26.943 --> 10:28.063 your essay On Water Management 10:28.063 --> 10:29.023 caused quite a stir at court. 10:29.423 --> 10:30.223 Once put into practice, 10:30.223 --> 10:31.943 it solved the flooding in South 10:31.943 --> 10:33.063 and relieved the people's suffering. 10:33.223 --> 10:34.583 I wish to follow you 10:34.583 --> 10:35.463 into office 10:35.703 --> 10:36.783 and share your burdens. 10:37.183 --> 10:39.423 But yesterday my father told me 10:39.783 --> 10:40.343 Chancellor Xu 10:40.343 --> 10:41.703 strongly opposes the women's examination. 10:42.023 --> 10:43.183 Even if we pass, 10:43.183 --> 10:44.463 we can't hold rank above sixth grade. 10:44.823 --> 10:45.463 So I fear 10:45.703 --> 10:47.023 we'll have little chance 10:47.343 --> 10:48.583 to put our talents to use. 10:52.223 --> 10:53.703 Talent has nothing to do with 10:53.823 --> 10:54.823 looks or gender. 10:55.223 --> 10:56.223 His Majesty pushed this through 10:56.223 --> 10:57.543 despite opposition, which is 10:57.823 --> 10:59.063 a clear proof of his will 10:59.063 --> 10:59.943 to recruit true talent. 11:00.223 --> 11:01.703 When you enter court in the future, 11:02.183 --> 11:03.463 I will do everything I can 11:04.583 --> 11:06.023 to support you. 11:08.783 --> 11:09.943 Master, you are indeed a worthy chancellor, 11:10.423 --> 11:11.423 bringing fortune to the people, 11:11.823 --> 11:12.943 opening paths for the humble, 11:13.023 --> 11:14.223 and vindicating women. 11:14.663 --> 11:15.703 Your integrity has never 11:15.703 --> 11:17.023 fallen short of Chancellor Xu's. 11:17.903 --> 11:19.343 Yet he has roots in three courts 11:19.703 --> 11:20.943 and control over four ministries. 11:21.423 --> 11:23.903 I truly feel wronged for you. 11:23.943 --> 11:25.943 I have never cared for rank or power. 11:26.423 --> 11:27.583 I have always been loyal. 11:27.663 --> 11:28.943 Even if His Majesty grants all 11:28.943 --> 11:30.583 six ministries to Chancellor Xu, 11:31.103 --> 11:32.583 I bear no grudge. 11:33.703 --> 11:35.303 I only grieve that 11:35.943 --> 11:36.543 the world knows 11:36.543 --> 11:38.223 of Chancellor Xu's virtue, 11:38.943 --> 11:40.943 but not the Emperor's wisdom. 11:41.583 --> 11:43.903 All praise a wise chancellor as rare. 11:44.183 --> 11:46.223 Only you truly live up to the name. 11:50.823 --> 11:52.943 I shall support His Majesty 11:53.223 --> 11:54.303 in forging a new path. 11:55.303 --> 11:56.063 Then women too 11:56.063 --> 11:57.583 may stand with dignity 11:57.703 --> 11:58.703 at court. 12:01.423 --> 12:03.303 We will always hold 12:03.583 --> 12:05.183 your great vision in our hearts. 12:10.463 --> 12:11.583 Zhao Chunnuan? 12:12.023 --> 12:12.583 Here. 12:15.663 --> 12:16.703 Xie Yunxi? 12:16.983 --> 12:17.623 Present. 12:18.943 --> 12:19.663 Tinghui, 12:19.823 --> 12:20.783 did you see that? 12:21.183 --> 12:22.303 She just took 12:22.303 --> 12:23.783 a whole box of ink. 12:25.663 --> 12:27.063 Are you here to keep my company 12:27.503 --> 12:28.743 or just to watch the show? 12:29.703 --> 12:30.823 I'm here to cheer on my 12:30.823 --> 12:31.783 Tinghui, of course! 12:32.063 --> 12:33.103 Last night I dreamed you 12:33.103 --> 12:34.703 topped the list! 12:36.543 --> 12:38.023 It literally woke me up laughing. 12:38.183 --> 12:38.983 Fuzhi! 12:40.543 --> 12:41.543 Then I couldn't get back to sleep, 12:41.543 --> 12:42.183 so I got up 12:42.183 --> 12:43.103 and made you some 12:43.223 --> 12:43.863 apricot cakes. 12:44.023 --> 12:44.783 They're right here. 12:48.583 --> 12:49.543 Oh, I forgot them. 12:50.543 --> 12:51.783 I'll have them when we get back. 12:53.063 --> 12:54.183 Meng Tinghui? 12:54.703 --> 12:55.303 Here. 12:57.703 --> 12:58.903 You go wait for me at home. 12:58.943 --> 12:59.943 I'll stay right here with you. 12:59.943 --> 13:00.583 I'm not going anywhere. 13:00.583 --> 13:01.303 Don't worry. 13:01.303 --> 13:02.223 You're the best. 13:02.223 --> 13:03.183 No need to be nervous. 13:03.183 --> 13:04.063 You'll nail this 13:04.063 --> 13:04.583 provincial exam. 13:05.423 --> 13:06.023 Fuzhi, 13:06.583 --> 13:07.903 if you keep talking, I'll get dizzy. 13:07.903 --> 13:08.583 Okay, I'll stop. 13:10.583 --> 13:12.063 Meng Tinghui? 13:21.943 --> 13:22.583 Tinghui! 13:35.943 --> 13:38.063 The provincial exam begins. 15:01.503 --> 15:02.263 We've reached Jingdu's boundary. 15:02.263 --> 15:02.863 Your Majesty. 15:03.503 --> 15:04.463 Return to the palace, now. 15:04.503 --> 15:04.863 Yes. 15:07.583 --> 15:08.183 Follow me. 15:25.383 --> 15:26.383 Welcome, Your Majesty. 15:26.743 --> 15:28.303 I've been waiting here for some time. 15:28.663 --> 15:29.463 Thank you, Chancellor Gu. 15:56.423 --> 15:57.263 Today is the day 15:57.263 --> 15:58.863 His Majesty comes out of retreat. 15:59.263 --> 16:00.383 It's already noon, 16:00.663 --> 16:01.063 yet 16:01.063 --> 16:02.503 there's still no sign of him? 16:02.783 --> 16:03.423 Strange. 16:03.623 --> 16:05.023 Even Chancellor Gu hasn't arrived. 16:05.423 --> 16:06.143 Silence! 16:12.543 --> 16:13.903 How dare you make such noise 16:14.543 --> 16:16.263 before the Ancestral Hall! 16:33.183 --> 16:36.023 His Majesty's retreat is a major event. 16:36.423 --> 16:38.863 How could a Chancellor be late? 16:39.503 --> 16:40.543 What a disgrace! 16:41.863 --> 16:43.743 You are absolutely right. 16:48.903 --> 16:50.023 [Last night, my scouts] 16:50.023 --> 16:52.183 [clearly saw the imperial carriage return to the palace.] 16:52.863 --> 16:53.863 [Could it be...] 17:15.223 --> 17:18.943 His Majesty has already completed his retreat. 17:19.823 --> 17:21.943 Your Majesty. 17:22.423 --> 17:24.943 May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings. 17:25.943 --> 17:27.263 All ministers, rise. 17:34.943 --> 17:36.263 Chancellor Xu, your temples 17:36.703 --> 17:37.983 have gained a few more white strands. 17:39.223 --> 17:40.863 It seems that during my ten days of retreat, 17:41.223 --> 17:43.103 you have labored greatly in 17:43.543 --> 17:46.183 governing the state. 17:47.023 --> 17:49.263 I am merely fulfilling my duties. 17:50.943 --> 17:52.343 Such trivial affairs are hardly worth 17:52.343 --> 17:53.543 mentioning compared to 17:53.543 --> 17:55.623 Your Majesty's retreat, in which you contemplate 17:55.623 --> 17:56.983 the great way of governance. 17:58.223 --> 17:59.543 Chancellor Xu, do you know 17:59.863 --> 18:01.423 what I have been contemplating? 18:01.743 --> 18:04.423 I have been privileged to serve in three courts, 18:04.703 --> 18:06.223 and I have some modest insight 18:06.543 --> 18:08.023 into court affairs. 18:08.543 --> 18:10.583 I venture to guess that 18:10.583 --> 18:11.823 Your Majesty's retreat 18:12.703 --> 18:13.623 must have been devoted to 18:13.623 --> 18:16.583 meditating on the late Emperor's governing strategies. 18:17.303 --> 18:20.143 As a veteran of three courts, 18:21.103 --> 18:22.783 you truly understand my heart. 18:26.743 --> 18:27.623 Your Majesty, 18:28.023 --> 18:29.583 an urgent dispatch. 18:29.703 --> 18:30.863 Please peruse it. 18:46.463 --> 18:48.503 This is critical. 18:49.543 --> 18:50.343 Steward You, 18:50.783 --> 18:51.703 take the ministers 18:51.703 --> 18:52.943 to the main hall and wait. 18:53.543 --> 18:55.263 Chancellor Gu and I will follow shortly. 18:55.343 --> 18:56.023 Yes, Your Majesty. 19:25.543 --> 19:27.543 Snoring loud in the main hall. 19:27.543 --> 19:28.543 How disgraceful! 19:29.863 --> 19:31.183 It's past the third watch. 19:31.583 --> 19:32.903 Tea's been refilled thrice. 19:33.263 --> 19:34.943 When will His Majesty arrive? 19:35.343 --> 19:36.223 Ministers, 19:36.263 --> 19:37.183 be patient. 19:37.783 --> 19:39.023 His Majesty will be here soon. 19:40.063 --> 19:40.943 Chancellor Xu, 19:41.423 --> 19:42.983 His Majesty, mindful of your age, 19:43.423 --> 19:44.823 has granted you an armchair. 20:18.063 --> 20:18.663 Gu Qin, 20:19.103 --> 20:21.543 what matter keeps you clinging to His Majesty? 20:22.223 --> 20:24.943 Your Majesty arrives! 20:53.783 --> 20:54.703 Thank you, Your Majesty. 21:25.023 --> 21:26.463 My ministers, you have toiled late 21:26.463 --> 21:27.543 into the night on state affairs. 21:28.183 --> 21:29.023 I am grateful. 21:29.543 --> 21:31.263 I spent ten days in retreat, 21:31.503 --> 21:33.263 while Chancellor Xu managed the government. 21:34.023 --> 21:35.983 I have prepared a special gift for you. 21:36.063 --> 21:36.983 Let it be read! 21:50.743 --> 21:52.743 Your Majesty, what is the meaning of this? 21:52.743 --> 21:53.943 Do you know that 21:53.943 --> 21:55.783 your prized protégé Ding Chong, 21:56.543 --> 21:58.023 using your personally inscribed plaque 21:58.023 --> 21:59.103 as a talisman, 21:59.423 --> 22:01.503 deceived superiors and oppressed the people in Shazhou, 22:01.503 --> 22:02.703 corrupt, tyrannical, 22:02.703 --> 22:04.023 and high-handed? 22:04.263 --> 22:04.863 Your Majesty, 22:05.223 --> 22:06.583 Ding Chong told me himself 22:06.583 --> 22:07.263 that he has 22:07.263 --> 22:08.823 long enjoyed your protection. 22:09.423 --> 22:11.543 These are all his crimes. 22:14.063 --> 22:14.783 Absurd! 22:15.263 --> 22:16.743 Collusion between officials and bandits? 22:16.743 --> 22:17.783 Trafficking military equipment? 22:18.623 --> 22:20.023 I knew nothing of 22:20.263 --> 22:21.863 his deeds! 22:22.103 --> 22:23.623 How can you speak of my protection? 22:23.783 --> 22:25.263 But was not that plaque inscribed 22:25.263 --> 22:26.943 by your own hand? 22:27.423 --> 22:28.463 I can see clearly. 22:28.743 --> 22:29.503 The calligraphy 22:29.503 --> 22:31.263 is yours. 22:36.863 --> 22:38.183 Your Majesty, hear me clearly. 22:38.783 --> 22:40.983 The Chancellor Xu's protégés are spread across the country, 22:40.983 --> 22:42.063 so it's inevitable that some corrupt officials 22:42.063 --> 22:43.183 might misuse his inscriptions. 22:43.423 --> 22:44.343 That's not something 22:44.343 --> 22:46.263 he could have foreseen. 22:47.343 --> 22:49.183 Moreover, Shazhou is a remote border region. 22:49.183 --> 22:50.583 Chancellor Xu has labored tirelessly 22:50.583 --> 22:51.303 for Your Majesty 22:51.303 --> 22:52.303 and the state. 22:52.303 --> 22:53.343 Ding falsified his achievements. 22:53.343 --> 22:55.223 That is beyond the Chancellor Xu's control. 22:57.343 --> 22:58.023 Your Majesty, 22:58.263 --> 22:59.423 I oversee the Ministry of War. 22:59.623 --> 23:01.183 I let a treacherous official like Ding 23:01.183 --> 23:02.023 slip through. 23:02.023 --> 23:03.503 I neglected my oversight. 23:03.543 --> 23:04.543 The fault is mine alone. 23:04.783 --> 23:06.183 Chancellor Xu bears no blame. 23:06.423 --> 23:08.423 I only asked one question, 23:08.863 --> 23:10.343 and you all leap to 23:10.343 --> 23:11.623 his defense. 23:11.863 --> 23:13.583 Am I wrong, 23:13.583 --> 23:16.023 or is he above questioning? 23:16.023 --> 23:16.543 Your Majesty, 23:16.543 --> 23:18.463 I have served in three courts. 23:18.743 --> 23:20.583 My loyalty is witnessed by all. 23:21.263 --> 23:22.463 Even this leg, 23:22.863 --> 23:24.583 injured when I shielded 23:24.623 --> 23:26.343 the late Emperor from bandits, 23:26.463 --> 23:27.543 bears the scar of my devotion. 23:28.543 --> 23:30.743 I rely on my unyielding loyalty 23:30.783 --> 23:32.023 and hard-won achievements 23:32.263 --> 23:33.543 to command the respect of the court. 23:33.943 --> 23:35.023 But Your Majesty, 23:35.303 --> 23:36.463 who has misled you during your time 23:36.783 --> 23:38.303 in Shazhou, and what slanderous whispers 23:38.703 --> 23:40.543 have clouded your judgment, 23:40.583 --> 23:42.063 that you now harbor such 23:42.063 --> 23:43.823 dissatisfaction and suspicion toward me? 23:44.503 --> 23:46.943 Chancellor Xu, surely you are mistaken. 23:47.783 --> 23:48.743 I have spent the past ten days 23:48.743 --> 23:50.823 in seclusion at the Ancestral Hall, 23:51.023 --> 23:52.503 fasting and reflecting on governance. 23:52.503 --> 23:54.263 When did I ever go to Shazhou? 23:56.623 --> 23:57.463 It seems that Your Majesty, 23:57.463 --> 23:59.223 having visited that wild frontier, 23:59.583 --> 24:01.263 has picked up quite a talent 24:01.543 --> 24:03.263 for playing the rogue. 24:03.543 --> 24:04.543 I recall now. 24:04.983 --> 24:07.543 I did visit Shazhou ten years ago. 24:08.023 --> 24:09.023 Perhaps 24:09.023 --> 24:10.863 you've confused old tales. 24:10.863 --> 24:12.023 I have a witness! 24:12.023 --> 24:13.263 Name him. 24:13.263 --> 24:14.023 It's Shen Zhishu! 24:14.023 --> 24:14.623 Shen? 24:15.063 --> 24:16.063 Have you been to Shazhou? 24:16.343 --> 24:17.263 I have, 24:17.983 --> 24:18.863 Your Majesty. 24:20.343 --> 24:22.503 Acting on your orders, I inspected Shazhou, 24:22.503 --> 24:24.103 witnessed its chaos firsthand, 24:24.103 --> 24:26.023 and brought back evidence against Ding Chong. 24:26.503 --> 24:27.583 Shen Zhishu, how dare you! 24:27.983 --> 24:29.263 That night in the Ancestral Hall, 24:29.263 --> 24:30.223 you impersonated His Majesty. 24:30.543 --> 24:32.023 It was I who sent you to Shazhou 24:32.023 --> 24:33.183 to retrieve His Majesty! 24:33.183 --> 24:34.503 Chancellor Xu, choose your words. 24:34.703 --> 24:36.583 Trespassing the Ancestral Hall is a grave offense. 24:37.023 --> 24:39.103 Do not add another charge to your list 24:39.103 --> 24:40.063 just to smear me 24:40.543 --> 24:42.303 and Shen Zhishu. 24:42.303 --> 24:43.103 Your Majesty, please. 24:43.543 --> 24:45.183 Chancellor Xu is advanced in years. 24:45.463 --> 24:47.623 Mistakes of memory are only natural. 24:52.183 --> 24:54.223 So this entire journey 24:54.263 --> 24:57.063 was a trap set for me. 24:57.343 --> 24:58.943 Chancellor Xu, you are mistaken. 24:59.223 --> 24:59.863 Your Majesty, 24:59.863 --> 25:01.263 I have investigated this matter for a long time 25:01.263 --> 25:02.263 and obtained solid evidence. 25:02.543 --> 25:03.863 Wang Qi, the military governor 25:03.863 --> 25:04.863 of Shazhou, defied regulations, 25:05.463 --> 25:06.743 bypassed General Gao Meng, 25:06.983 --> 25:08.743 and secretly colluded with Minister of War, Liu Ren. 25:08.743 --> 25:10.303 They embezzled 300,000 taels of military funds. 25:10.623 --> 25:11.583 Wang Qi and Gao Meng 25:11.583 --> 25:13.023 are waiting outside the hall 25:13.263 --> 25:14.943 to confront Minister Liu in court, 25:14.943 --> 25:15.943 so that the truth may be seen. 25:16.303 --> 25:16.863 Summon them. 25:16.903 --> 25:17.783 Summon them. 25:21.063 --> 25:23.543 Your Majesty, we confess our crime. 25:26.223 --> 25:26.823 Your Majesty. 25:27.863 --> 25:29.023 I was foolish for a moment. 25:29.263 --> 25:30.223 I know I deserve death. 25:30.303 --> 25:31.343 I beg for mercy! 25:31.543 --> 25:32.223 Your Majesty, 25:32.583 --> 25:34.023 have mercy! 25:35.463 --> 25:36.263 Chancellor Xu. 25:36.703 --> 25:38.263 Liu Ren held a pivotal post 25:38.263 --> 25:39.783 yet conspired with frontier generals, 25:39.783 --> 25:42.343 embezzling funds and compromising military affairs. 25:42.783 --> 25:44.543 With both witnesses and evidence at hand, 25:45.223 --> 25:47.023 how should he be punished under the law? 25:47.223 --> 25:48.103 Your Majesty, 25:48.703 --> 25:49.783 according to the Code, 25:50.263 --> 25:51.423 he shall receive a hundred lashes, 25:51.623 --> 25:53.703 be dismissed, and have his property confiscated. 25:53.823 --> 25:55.543 However, in consideration of his years of service... 25:55.543 --> 25:56.223 Approved. 25:57.023 --> 25:58.983 Follow Chancellor Xu's proposal. 25:59.263 --> 26:01.543 Strip Liu Ren of his post immediately. 26:01.823 --> 26:03.103 Wang Qi, as military governor, 26:03.103 --> 26:04.023 trafficked weapons 26:04.263 --> 26:05.583 and bribed court officials. 26:05.583 --> 26:06.583 Sentence him to immediate execution. 26:07.103 --> 26:09.303 General Gao Meng, though not the principal offender, 26:09.303 --> 26:10.703 failed in oversight 26:10.703 --> 26:11.943 and cannot escape blame. 26:11.943 --> 26:12.983 Demote him one rank, 26:13.223 --> 26:14.823 and let him serve in the army to redeem himself. 26:14.983 --> 26:15.943 All other officials in 26:15.943 --> 26:18.023 this case, both in the military and the Ministry 26:18.023 --> 26:19.463 must be thoroughly investigated. 26:19.983 --> 26:21.863 No leniency. 26:35.623 --> 26:36.303 Your Majesty, 26:36.583 --> 26:37.783 the post of Minister of War 26:37.783 --> 26:39.183 touches on the very foundation of the state. 26:39.183 --> 26:39.863 It cannot remain vacant. 26:40.223 --> 26:40.783 In my view, 26:40.783 --> 26:42.183 Left Vice Minister of War Pei Jinghe, 26:42.263 --> 26:44.263 a man of talent, selected by examination, 26:44.503 --> 26:46.463 was sidelined as Military Supply Supervisor 26:46.463 --> 26:47.343 solely because he 26:47.623 --> 26:48.423 opposed 26:48.423 --> 26:50.223 Liu Ren's high-handed ways. 26:50.223 --> 26:51.103 He has been idle ever since. 26:51.343 --> 26:52.343 Issue the decree at once. 26:52.583 --> 26:53.983 Recall him back to Jingdu, 26:54.063 --> 26:55.863 and appoint him Acting Minister of War. 26:56.063 --> 26:56.783 Your Majesty, 26:57.023 --> 26:58.263 the post of Minister of War 26:58.263 --> 26:59.303 bears grave responsibility. 26:59.543 --> 27:00.863 Such a hasty appointment 27:01.103 --> 27:02.543 may be ill-advised. 27:02.783 --> 27:04.943 Then let Chancellor Gu personally oversee him. 27:05.263 --> 27:07.223 Share credit for success and blame for failure. 27:07.263 --> 27:09.543 We shall work as one and 27:09.703 --> 27:10.983 not fail Your Majesty's trust. 27:11.503 --> 27:12.063 Good. 27:16.943 --> 27:18.503 So be it. 27:18.783 --> 27:19.783 My ministers, 27:20.343 --> 27:20.743 you'd best 27:20.743 --> 27:22.503 keep yourselves sharp. 27:23.343 --> 27:25.623 There will be many more late-night court sessions 27:26.743 --> 27:27.983 like this. 27:28.583 --> 27:29.023 Your Majesty. 27:29.023 --> 27:30.263 We see His Majesty out. 27:30.583 --> 27:32.343 We see His Majesty out. 27:41.343 --> 27:42.503 To celebrate her good friend 27:42.503 --> 27:44.343 Meng Tinghui winning the top spot in the exam, 27:44.343 --> 27:45.943 Ms. Yan is handing out free porridge for three days. 27:51.703 --> 27:53.223 Plenty for everyone, don't rush. 27:55.583 --> 27:56.223 Here you go. 27:56.943 --> 27:57.623 Slow down. 27:58.223 --> 27:59.223 Everyone gets some. 28:01.943 --> 28:02.783 It's cold out, 28:02.783 --> 28:03.943 so she's also prepared 28:03.943 --> 28:05.023 some herbal remedy. 28:05.023 --> 28:05.983 Have a cup, 28:05.983 --> 28:07.463 keep the chill away. 28:07.583 --> 28:08.263 Here, take it. 28:08.263 --> 28:09.423 She's a true benefactor! 28:09.423 --> 28:10.023 Thank you. 28:15.023 --> 28:15.703 Father! 28:18.263 --> 28:19.023 Careful! 28:19.263 --> 28:20.943 It's Meng Tinghui who passed, 28:20.943 --> 28:21.823 not you! 28:21.823 --> 28:22.703 And you have the mood 28:22.703 --> 28:23.743 to put on a front for her? 28:23.743 --> 28:24.983 How embarrassing! 28:24.983 --> 28:25.783 I'm ashamed for you! 28:26.023 --> 28:26.783 Come home with me now! 28:28.943 --> 28:30.463 Now that Bofeng House is profitable, 28:30.623 --> 28:32.023 I can do whatever I want. 28:32.023 --> 28:33.783 I'll send Tinghui to Jingdu for the further exams 28:33.783 --> 28:35.183 and open up new trade routes there. 28:35.263 --> 28:37.063 You're going with her to Jingdu? 28:38.543 --> 28:39.343 You're 28:39.343 --> 28:40.703 completely bewitched! 28:40.783 --> 28:42.543 I've raised a daughter for nothing. 28:43.263 --> 28:44.063 My dear, 28:45.303 --> 28:46.983 Fuzhi may be a girl, 28:47.263 --> 28:48.783 but she has her own mind. 28:49.063 --> 28:50.863 Don't listen to those gossiping old women saying 28:50.983 --> 28:52.103 a woman who shows her face in public 28:52.103 --> 28:53.223 won't find a husband. 28:53.503 --> 28:54.303 Fuzhi. 28:54.543 --> 28:55.783 Even if you never marry, 28:55.783 --> 28:57.223 we can still support you. 28:57.223 --> 28:58.303 Never marry? 28:58.783 --> 29:00.023 So she's going to spend her 29:00.023 --> 29:01.583 whole life with that Meng Tinghui? 29:02.063 --> 29:03.863 Parents decide, matchmakers arrange. 29:04.263 --> 29:06.063 I say who she marries, and that's that! 29:06.863 --> 29:07.783 Fuzhi, 29:08.703 --> 29:09.543 I'll talk to your father 29:09.703 --> 29:11.343 about your marriage. 29:13.103 --> 29:14.543 Don't keep arguing with him. 29:18.223 --> 29:18.863 My dear! 29:20.263 --> 29:20.863 Dear? 29:24.783 --> 29:25.783 - My dear. - My dear. 29:26.063 --> 29:26.783 Are you alright? 29:27.063 --> 29:28.623 I fell on my own. 29:29.023 --> 29:29.943 It wasn't Fuzhi's fault. 29:30.303 --> 29:30.943 After all these years, 29:30.943 --> 29:32.063 your knack for framing others 29:32.063 --> 29:33.543 hasn't changed one bit. 29:33.623 --> 29:34.263 You! 29:36.503 --> 29:37.183 Tinghui! 29:37.423 --> 29:38.583 Meng Tinghui! 29:38.983 --> 29:40.343 You dare stop me? 29:40.663 --> 29:41.303 - You dare? - I... 29:42.463 --> 29:43.463 I'm now a provincial graduate. 29:43.583 --> 29:45.103 I don't even have to bow to a prefect. 29:45.263 --> 29:46.543 Are you sure you want to strike 29:46.783 --> 29:48.103 a court-recognized scholar? 29:48.103 --> 29:49.743 The whole Shazhou will talk. 29:50.223 --> 29:50.783 I, 29:51.343 --> 29:52.743 I can't control you, 29:53.103 --> 29:54.943 but I can control my daughter. 29:55.503 --> 29:56.023 Guards! 29:56.343 --> 29:57.343 Take her home! 29:57.543 --> 29:57.983 Tinghui! 29:57.983 --> 29:58.583 Hold on. 29:59.943 --> 30:00.583 I've already spoken 30:00.583 --> 30:02.303 with Shazhou's acting commissioner. 30:02.743 --> 30:04.343 Master Yan has been generous. 30:04.543 --> 30:05.823 Three days of free porridge 30:06.023 --> 30:07.063 to celebrate the exam results. 30:07.703 --> 30:08.983 And he has granted his daughter permission 30:09.103 --> 30:10.343 to accompany me to the capital. 30:10.983 --> 30:12.583 Absolute nonsense! 30:23.263 --> 30:24.623 We're here on the commissioner's orders 30:24.783 --> 30:27.023 to congratulate Meng Tinghui on the success. 30:27.463 --> 30:28.543 I, Meng Tinghui, 30:28.743 --> 30:29.743 thank the commissioner. 30:29.983 --> 30:31.583 The commissioner also sends this ceremonial silk 30:31.583 --> 30:32.943 to honor the Yan family, 30:33.183 --> 30:35.223 a tribute to the father and daughter's integrity. 30:40.263 --> 30:41.543 Much obliged. 30:42.063 --> 30:43.223 Thank you. 30:43.343 --> 30:44.023 Thank you. 30:44.183 --> 30:45.263 Meng Tinghui... 30:46.103 --> 30:47.223 you win. 30:47.583 --> 30:48.743 Thank you, Madam Yan. 30:49.783 --> 30:51.023 Please convey to the Commissioner 30:51.263 --> 30:52.503 that Madam Yan just said 30:52.543 --> 30:53.703 she is willing to copy 30:53.703 --> 30:54.703 a thousand... 30:54.703 --> 30:55.463 No, ten thousand. 30:55.463 --> 30:57.463 Ten thousand copies of the Infinite Life Sutra for me and Fuzhi, 30:57.743 --> 30:59.103 to pray for a safe journey 30:59.103 --> 30:59.983 to the capital. 31:00.703 --> 31:01.543 Nonsense! 31:15.863 --> 31:16.983 Thank you, Master Yan. 31:24.023 --> 31:25.743 Thank you, kind benefactor. 31:25.743 --> 31:26.263 Tinghui. 31:26.263 --> 31:27.263 I'm so lucky! 31:27.263 --> 31:27.783 Now I can go to 31:27.783 --> 31:29.063 Jingdu with you! 31:30.463 --> 31:31.303 That banner, I had it 31:31.303 --> 31:31.983 sent in advance 31:31.983 --> 31:33.423 through the Commissioner. 31:33.623 --> 31:35.423 I knew your father and stepmother 31:35.423 --> 31:36.503 would try to block us. 31:37.783 --> 31:38.543 Tinghui, 31:38.543 --> 31:39.623 you're too good to me. 31:39.623 --> 31:40.743 Meeting you in this life 31:40.743 --> 31:42.263 is my blessing. 31:43.943 --> 31:44.943 There are people watching. 31:52.783 --> 31:53.743 [Xiang,] 31:55.023 --> 31:55.863 [I've brought you] 31:55.863 --> 31:57.463 [your favorite apricot cakes.] 32:00.543 --> 32:01.743 [I miss you so much.] 32:03.543 --> 32:05.543 [I miss you holding me in that cage,] 32:06.223 --> 32:07.583 [keeping each other warm.] 32:10.103 --> 32:11.823 [I miss you playing the flute for me,] 32:12.863 --> 32:13.943 [teaching me] 32:14.223 --> 32:16.183 [your favorite melody.] 32:18.783 --> 32:19.783 [In that place,] 32:19.783 --> 32:21.103 [though it was unbearable,] 32:22.223 --> 32:23.183 [with you there,] 32:24.743 --> 32:26.063 [I found home.] 32:29.543 --> 32:30.783 [Xiang.] 32:32.583 --> 32:34.343 [I hate that I was so weak.] 32:36.543 --> 32:37.783 [I hate that] 32:37.783 --> 32:39.303 [I couldn't protect you.] 32:47.303 --> 32:48.263 [Tinghui,] 32:49.743 --> 32:51.543 [you must escape,] 32:52.903 --> 32:54.183 [as far as you can.] 32:54.863 --> 32:55.903 [Xiang,] 32:56.983 --> 32:58.023 [hold on.] 32:58.743 --> 33:00.463 [We can get out of here.] 33:00.823 --> 33:02.663 [We can survive.] 33:37.503 --> 33:38.503 [Xiang?] 33:40.703 --> 33:41.663 [Xiang?] 33:44.223 --> 33:45.463 [Xiang!] 33:47.583 --> 33:48.823 [Xiang!] 33:50.223 --> 33:52.223 [Xiang, say something!] 33:52.463 --> 33:53.663 [Xiang!] 33:55.823 --> 33:58.783 [Are you okay? Don't scare me.] 33:59.583 --> 34:01.023 [Xiang!] 34:07.503 --> 34:09.343 [Hold on, Xiang!] 34:41.823 --> 34:43.503 [Little wretch!] 34:58.863 --> 35:00.343 [How dare you touch me!] 35:01.103 --> 35:02.503 [You two can die together!] 35:05.023 --> 35:05.943 [Take her out.] 36:06.703 --> 36:07.783 [Xiang!] 36:09.383 --> 36:10.663 Shazhou is not 36:11.823 --> 36:13.583 what it once was. 36:15.383 --> 36:16.383 Those villains 36:17.063 --> 36:18.783 have finally faced their retribution. 36:24.343 --> 36:25.023 Xiang, 36:26.903 --> 36:28.303 I have never forgotten 36:29.583 --> 36:30.943 our promise. 36:37.023 --> 36:37.583 Look. 36:39.463 --> 36:40.703 I studied at the women's academy, 36:41.703 --> 36:42.863 passed the provincial exam, 36:43.583 --> 36:44.783 and am about to head to the capital 36:44.783 --> 36:45.983 for the metropolitan exam. 36:47.663 --> 36:49.863 They say the palace walls there are high 36:50.263 --> 36:51.623 and the halls vast, 36:52.343 --> 36:53.543 but surely there is a place 36:54.903 --> 36:56.983 that can hold our shared dream. 37:06.423 --> 37:09.103 I will step into that sovereign hall. 37:10.903 --> 37:12.903 I will make myself strong. 37:16.783 --> 37:18.183 I will protect Fuzhi. 37:20.863 --> 37:21.863 I will protect 37:21.863 --> 37:23.023 those beside me. 37:26.343 --> 37:27.583 I will make it so that 37:28.703 --> 37:30.063 no one in this world 37:30.063 --> 37:31.543 can trample on another's life at will. 37:35.583 --> 37:36.823 I will let the light 37:37.463 --> 37:38.983 shine on people 37:42.303 --> 37:44.503 like you and like me. 37:48.063 --> 37:48.863 [Tinghui,] 37:50.423 --> 37:52.303 [walk toward the light.] 37:54.023 --> 37:55.823 [You must live.] 38:07.503 --> 38:08.143 Xiang. 38:09.303 --> 38:10.463 Going to Jingdu, 38:11.183 --> 38:13.063 I'll be away long. 38:14.183 --> 38:15.423 If you miss me, 38:16.863 --> 38:18.863 come in my dreams. 38:31.583 --> 38:32.503 I hear Jingdu 38:32.503 --> 38:33.503 is damp, 38:33.503 --> 38:34.303 so I brought you 38:34.303 --> 38:35.423 this rhino horn pillow for moisture. 38:36.383 --> 38:37.063 Fuzhi, 38:37.463 --> 38:38.343 are you coming for the exam 38:38.343 --> 38:39.183 or moving house? 38:39.503 --> 38:40.503 Tinghui, 38:40.583 --> 38:41.423 we're 38:41.423 --> 38:42.583 strangers in Jingdu. 38:42.583 --> 38:43.383 I'll make sure you're 38:43.383 --> 38:45.023 comfortable in every way. 38:45.343 --> 38:46.023 Meng Tinghui, 38:46.023 --> 38:46.903 pack up, 38:46.903 --> 38:47.783 time to go. 38:48.063 --> 38:49.183 Such a grand send-off. 38:49.583 --> 38:50.423 Aren't you afraid of 38:50.423 --> 38:51.543 bandits on the road? 38:51.543 --> 38:53.143 We have imperial protection. 38:54.183 --> 38:55.983 No bandit would dare touch 38:55.983 --> 38:56.543 a scholar 38:56.543 --> 38:57.903 heading to the capital. 38:58.183 --> 38:58.983 I will see 38:58.983 --> 39:00.263 my dearest Tinghui 39:00.263 --> 39:01.903 leave Shazhou in style. 39:01.903 --> 39:02.783 But it's a long journey... 39:02.783 --> 39:04.023 Don't worry. 39:04.063 --> 39:05.063 Every prefecture along the way 39:05.063 --> 39:06.023 will open doors 39:06.023 --> 39:07.263 for a provincial scholar. 39:07.263 --> 39:08.823 We'll have smooth sailing all the way. 39:12.943 --> 39:15.463 Jingdu, here we come! 39:15.463 --> 39:18.063 Here we come! 39:25.983 --> 39:26.983 Come back safe. 39:43.703 --> 39:44.303 Your Majesty. 39:45.983 --> 39:47.383 Here's the booster you've been waiting for. 39:48.783 --> 39:49.503 Booster? 39:51.703 --> 39:53.063 This list of provincial scholars. 39:53.063 --> 39:53.823 Isn't that the booster 39:53.823 --> 39:55.263 to break Chancellor Xu's grip? 39:58.823 --> 39:59.543 Good. 40:00.023 --> 40:02.063 The top scholar is Shen Zhili. 40:03.063 --> 40:04.303 One of our Shen clan. 40:04.303 --> 40:05.063 That's only natural. 40:05.143 --> 40:06.503 You got in by favor, she passed on merit. 40:06.663 --> 40:07.983 You still dare compare? 40:08.503 --> 40:09.303 Exactly. 40:10.583 --> 40:11.583 Shut it. 40:17.903 --> 40:19.063 Meng Tinghui? 40:20.423 --> 40:22.183 She's the top scholar from Shazhou. 40:22.583 --> 40:23.423 Could she be 40:23.583 --> 40:25.023 the same young lady who solved 40:25.023 --> 40:26.543 that case with His Majesty in Shazhou? 40:26.543 --> 40:27.863 A talent with virtue should be used 40:28.023 --> 40:29.183 in the hardest challenge. 40:29.623 --> 40:31.503 Chancellor Xu's protégés fill the six ministries. 40:31.583 --> 40:32.903 This women's examination 40:33.303 --> 40:34.863 is heaven-sent for me 40:34.863 --> 40:35.903 to promote the capable. 40:36.183 --> 40:36.863 This time, 40:36.863 --> 40:37.903 We'll knock that old die-hard 40:37.903 --> 40:38.703 flat. 40:40.783 --> 40:41.703 The wind is up. 40:42.423 --> 40:43.783 Let's see how she rides it 40:43.783 --> 40:44.903 to the clouds. 40:55.703 --> 40:56.663 The shops in Jingdu 40:56.663 --> 40:58.023 are livelier than Shazhou's. 40:58.023 --> 40:59.623 We must wander properly later. 41:00.183 --> 41:01.703 I've long heard of Jingdu's splendor, 41:01.823 --> 41:02.903 but now I see even books 41:02.903 --> 41:04.103 barely capture a tenth of it. 41:04.583 --> 41:05.303 Fuzhi, 41:05.903 --> 41:07.063 I hear Huiyin Studio 41:07.063 --> 41:08.423 is right on Changle Street, 41:08.583 --> 41:09.863 run by one Situ Xue. 41:10.063 --> 41:11.063 How do you know? 41:12.023 --> 41:13.063 How could I play her well 41:13.423 --> 41:14.503 without doing my homework first? 41:18.543 --> 41:19.423 Jingdu. 41:19.863 --> 41:20.903 We're really here! 41:21.703 --> 41:23.383 My name is Yan Fuzhi. 41:23.383 --> 41:25.063 She is Meng Tinghui. 41:25.263 --> 41:26.063 Jingdu. 41:26.063 --> 41:27.983 We are here. 41:29.583 --> 41:30.583 There are people watching! 41:38.663 --> 41:39.863 Welcome! 41:39.983 --> 41:41.343 Welcome! 41:41.583 --> 41:43.023 Welcome! 41:43.023 --> 41:44.263 Welcome! 41:44.383 --> 41:45.703 Welcome! 41:45.823 --> 41:46.903 Welcome! 41:47.303 --> 41:47.823 Right! 41:49.463 --> 41:51.463 Welcome to honored scholars. 41:52.143 --> 41:52.943 Shunzi! 41:54.503 --> 41:55.503 Scholars enter, 41:55.503 --> 41:57.063 names on the golden list. 42:00.903 --> 42:02.343 Look closely, boss, 42:02.503 --> 42:04.263 this one is the top scholar from Shazhou. 42:04.823 --> 42:06.503 With a top scholar here, 42:06.543 --> 42:07.503 my Spring House 42:07.503 --> 42:08.983 is truly honored. 42:09.143 --> 42:10.023 We house female scholars 42:10.023 --> 42:10.983 from all over 42:10.983 --> 42:12.343 for the metropolitan exam. 42:12.343 --> 42:13.263 Only the last top room 42:13.263 --> 42:15.183 is left. 42:15.823 --> 42:16.463 Shunzi, 42:16.463 --> 42:17.663 quickly lead the honored guests in. 42:18.703 --> 42:19.663 This way. 42:21.703 --> 42:22.783 When you pass, 42:22.783 --> 42:23.983 don't forget me, Yu Manchun. 42:24.503 --> 42:25.423 Watch you step, please. 43:05.943 --> 43:08.063 To the Tiger Roar Gang. 43:08.823 --> 43:10.703 To the master. 43:20.263 --> 43:22.263 Tiger's roar shakes the sky, 43:22.703 --> 43:24.623 brothers together as gold. 43:28.543 --> 43:29.183 Boss, 43:29.943 --> 43:30.863 the goods have arrived.