WEBVTT X-TIMESTAMP-MAP=LOCAL:00:00:00.000,MPEGTS:0 00:29.343 --> 00:29.983 Father. 00:32.263 --> 00:33.703 Haven't I told you before? 00:34.023 --> 00:35.823 Whether in public or in private, 00:35.863 --> 00:37.703 you should just call me "Master." 00:37.903 --> 00:40.143 "Our bodies are gifts from our parents." 00:40.343 --> 00:41.583 This life of mine is 00:41.583 --> 00:43.423 entirely a gift from you, Father. 00:43.903 --> 00:45.143 Had you not taken me in 00:45.383 --> 00:46.983 as your student in Jiankang 00:46.983 --> 00:48.343 and guided me so diligently, 00:48.343 --> 00:50.263 I would never have reached where I am today. 00:50.263 --> 00:51.343 Everything I believe in and aspire to 00:51.343 --> 00:53.303 has also been nurtured by your teaching. 00:53.303 --> 00:56.023 I would never dare show you anything but respect. 01:00.863 --> 01:01.623 Good. 01:02.343 --> 01:03.303 My good son. 01:10.943 --> 01:13.143 You are every bit a son of the Xie family. 01:14.703 --> 01:16.863 You've done well these past few years. 01:16.943 --> 01:19.143 You used the reform as a pretext to reshape the salt and iron monopoly 01:19.143 --> 01:20.303 and clear the waterways. 01:20.303 --> 01:21.863 The people will remember you 01:21.863 --> 01:22.823 and support you. 01:25.503 --> 01:26.943 But the reform 01:27.423 --> 01:30.023 was ultimately initiated by Xiao Wuyi. 01:32.703 --> 01:34.023 If you want to become 01:35.303 --> 01:37.583 the true ruler of the realm, 01:38.023 --> 01:40.943 you must sweep aside 01:43.143 --> 01:44.783 anyone who stands in your way, 01:45.463 --> 01:46.863 one by one, like dust. 03:20.263 --> 03:24.303 [Key to the Phoenix Heart] 03:24.383 --> 03:27.263 [Episode 22] 03:28.023 --> 03:30.063 I still have a New Year's gift for you. 03:40.143 --> 03:41.143 What do you think? 03:45.503 --> 03:49.863 ♪ You know my resolve to live and die together ♪ 03:49.863 --> 03:53.543 ♪ Believe in my persistence that I won't run away ♪ 03:53.543 --> 03:57.703 ♪ You know I'm unyielding ♪ 03:59.543 --> 04:01.463 ♪ Don't give up or dodge ♪ My red steed. 04:10.903 --> 04:12.543 Wait, not this one. 04:13.783 --> 04:15.503 I have a Hetian white jade crown 04:15.903 --> 04:17.023 that Yaoyao gave me. 04:18.023 --> 04:18.743 Today 04:18.983 --> 04:21.303 is the day she'll be officially invested. 04:21.343 --> 04:22.583 I want to wear that one. 04:22.783 --> 04:23.343 Yes. 04:31.063 --> 04:33.503 To Prince Jing'an's Mansion. 04:36.303 --> 04:37.223 Grand Tutor Xie, 04:37.223 --> 04:38.223 have you heard? 04:38.263 --> 04:40.023 Something terrible happened at the grain canal. 04:40.023 --> 04:42.023 The Xiao family embezzled funds for the canal. 04:42.023 --> 04:43.543 They replaced river sand with mud and silt, 04:43.543 --> 04:44.903 causing the grain canal to collapse, 04:44.903 --> 04:46.583 and nearly 100 laborers were killed or injured. 04:46.583 --> 04:48.783 The County Sheriff has hanged himself. 04:48.903 --> 04:51.823 The outraged crowds have already reached Jiankang. 04:52.583 --> 04:53.983 There are so many guests today. 04:53.983 --> 04:54.663 Yes. 04:55.983 --> 04:57.463 Congratulations, congratulations. 04:57.463 --> 04:58.583 Please come in. 05:00.223 --> 05:01.103 Why have so many 05:01.103 --> 05:03.423 officials' families come to attend the ceremony today? 05:03.423 --> 05:05.223 Congratulations, congratulations. 05:05.223 --> 05:06.343 Did you invite them? 05:07.543 --> 05:08.663 Of course not. 05:08.863 --> 05:09.903 It must've been Wuyi. 05:09.903 --> 05:10.863 I didn't. 05:10.983 --> 05:11.663 Then... 05:11.983 --> 05:13.543 Father, don't worry about it. 05:13.543 --> 05:14.983 It's not every day Wuyi throws such a grand affair. 05:14.983 --> 05:16.543 Of course they came to help him make a good showing. 05:16.543 --> 05:19.263 His Highness Prince Qi has arrived! 05:20.023 --> 05:21.903 -Your Highness. -Your Highness. 05:24.503 --> 05:25.583 Congratulations. 05:26.023 --> 05:27.023 I'm not late, am I? 05:27.783 --> 05:30.503 Your Highness has arrived at just the right time. 05:31.463 --> 05:32.103 Thank you. 05:43.983 --> 05:44.863 From now on, 05:44.863 --> 05:46.303 we are no longer brothers, 05:48.983 --> 05:50.423 but ruler and subject. 05:56.983 --> 05:58.303 Who is beating the drum? 05:58.463 --> 06:00.223 This must be a grave injustice. 06:06.423 --> 06:08.303 Someone is sounding the Petition Drum. 06:08.303 --> 06:09.183 Petition Drum? 06:11.423 --> 06:12.223 It's struck only when the people 06:12.223 --> 06:13.103 have suffered a great injustice 06:13.103 --> 06:14.423 or when enemy forces are invading. 06:14.423 --> 06:16.463 Anyone who dares to strike that drum, 06:16.663 --> 06:18.223 whether their accusation is true or false, 06:18.223 --> 06:19.903 must first endure 30 strikes of the cane 06:19.903 --> 06:21.863 to prove they're not making a false accusation. 06:21.863 --> 06:23.583 Wouldn't that leave them dead or crippled? 06:23.583 --> 06:25.743 Therefore, unless someone has genuinely suffered a serious injustice, 06:25.743 --> 06:27.663 no one would risk their own life like this. 06:27.663 --> 06:30.343 Something major is about to happen at court. 06:34.823 --> 06:36.303 It has begun. 06:43.863 --> 06:44.543 My Lord! 06:45.543 --> 06:46.783 Who is it you intend to accuse? 06:46.783 --> 06:49.023 We accuse the Commander of the Beifu Army, 06:49.023 --> 06:51.423 the Heir of Prince Jing'an, Xiao Wuyi, 06:51.543 --> 06:53.903 and his brother, Xiao Yao, supervisor of the grain canal works. 06:53.903 --> 06:54.503 What? 06:54.503 --> 06:56.943 My Lord, please seek justice for us! 07:08.543 --> 07:10.423 The auspicious hour has arrived. 07:20.143 --> 07:22.623 We respectfully invite Prince Qi, the Regent, to bestow 07:22.623 --> 07:25.703 the imperial decree and seal upon the Consort of the Heir of Prince Jing'an 07:25.703 --> 07:28.303 and read out the proclamation of investiture. 07:37.543 --> 07:38.383 Report! 07:50.663 --> 07:53.223 Where are the accused, Xiao Wuyi and Xiao Yao? 07:55.903 --> 07:57.943 I pay my respects to Your Highness. 07:57.943 --> 07:59.023 Your Highness, 07:59.143 --> 08:00.503 I have no wish to disrupt 08:00.503 --> 08:02.263 the Heir's Consort investiture ceremony. 08:02.263 --> 08:04.383 But the Petition Drum has been struck. 08:04.543 --> 08:05.823 According to the laws of Ye, 08:05.823 --> 08:07.823 the main culprits must be detained immediately: 08:07.823 --> 08:10.423 Young Lord Xiao and Eldest Young Master Xiao. 08:11.823 --> 08:13.423 Please forgive the offense. 08:13.423 --> 08:14.223 How insolent! 08:16.023 --> 08:17.703 Today, at the investiture ceremony, 08:17.703 --> 08:20.023 I'd like to see who dares arrest them! 08:20.983 --> 08:22.663 The Ministry of Justice never 08:22.663 --> 08:24.663 makes arrests without evidence. 08:25.023 --> 08:27.183 The grain canal in Hexi has collapsed, 08:27.183 --> 08:29.623 causing over 1,000 casualties and public outrage. 08:29.623 --> 08:30.503 Our investigation found 08:30.503 --> 08:32.143 that County Magistrate Wei Min, a man of humble birth, 08:32.143 --> 08:34.023 was personally promoted by Young Lord Xiao. 08:34.023 --> 08:35.063 In his home, 08:35.063 --> 08:37.143 we found years of correspondence between him 08:37.143 --> 08:38.903 and Young Lord Xiao and Eldest Young Master Xiao, 08:38.903 --> 08:40.663 along with 1,000 taels of gold. 08:41.663 --> 08:43.543 Moreover, the letters reveal evidence 08:43.543 --> 08:45.543 that the Xiaos embezzled the canal repair funds 08:45.543 --> 08:47.503 and abused their power for personal gain. 08:47.503 --> 08:50.103 Commandant of Justice, if the sons are guilty, 08:50.343 --> 08:52.703 shouldn't the father be guilty as well? 08:53.503 --> 08:55.183 You may arrest the two of them, 08:55.503 --> 08:57.463 but you'll be taking me too! 08:58.303 --> 08:59.903 I'd like to see which of you dares! 08:59.903 --> 09:01.103 Take Prince Jing'an, 09:01.183 --> 09:03.343 the Heir, and Eldest Young Master Xiao 09:03.903 --> 09:06.223 to the Court of Judicial Review together. 09:06.423 --> 09:07.943 Yes, Your Highness. 09:08.703 --> 09:10.023 Order the Three Judicial Offices to send officials 09:10.023 --> 09:12.823 to conduct a thorough investigation at the grain canal. 09:12.823 --> 09:14.063 If they have been wronged, 09:14.063 --> 09:15.743 I will ensure justice is done. 09:17.703 --> 09:18.903 If they are guilty... 09:21.503 --> 09:23.583 I will never allow anyone 09:24.383 --> 09:26.023 to escape the law. 09:27.423 --> 09:29.983 Prince Jing'an, please forgive the offense. 09:33.183 --> 09:35.183 Young Lord Xiao, please. 09:40.503 --> 09:42.943 Don't worry. I'll be back. 10:04.663 --> 10:07.463 Your Highness, please bestow the decree and seal. 10:15.183 --> 10:18.183 Your Highness, please proceed with the investiture. 10:32.423 --> 10:34.983 [Court of Judicial Review] 10:49.423 --> 10:51.423 Young Lord Xiao, you seem so composed. 10:51.423 --> 10:52.543 Are you that certain 10:53.423 --> 10:56.023 I won't find conclusive evidence against you? 10:56.263 --> 10:57.903 There is a list in my residence 10:57.903 --> 10:58.783 recording every official 10:58.783 --> 10:59.903 who has ever attempted 10:59.903 --> 11:01.063 to bribe me. 11:01.783 --> 11:04.383 I've already sent a copy to the Eastern Palace. 11:04.423 --> 11:07.183 Now I'll hand the original copy of the list to you. 11:07.183 --> 11:08.623 If such a list really exists, 11:08.623 --> 11:09.903 why didn't you mention it earlier? 11:09.903 --> 11:11.383 Today, before the public, 11:11.663 --> 11:13.303 the Petition Drum has been struck, 11:13.303 --> 11:15.383 so you've come bearing the will of the people. 11:15.383 --> 11:16.663 Whether the accusations are true or false, 11:16.663 --> 11:19.423 they must go through the Court of Judicial Review's process to convince everyone. 11:19.423 --> 11:22.303 If I hadn't come, it would've damaged your reputation. 11:22.303 --> 11:23.183 And by coming, 11:24.063 --> 11:26.023 I placed my bet on your competence. 11:26.263 --> 11:27.423 In that case, 11:27.423 --> 11:29.823 I should be thanking you, Young Lord Xiao? 11:29.823 --> 11:31.103 There is one more thing 11:31.503 --> 11:32.543 I'd ask you to consider, Commandant of Justice. 11:32.543 --> 11:34.223 Please go on, Young Lord Xiao. 11:34.303 --> 11:36.543 I've long heard that you're strict and impartial. 11:36.543 --> 11:38.303 However, my father is elderly, 11:38.503 --> 11:40.183 and my elder brother's leg is badly crippled. 11:40.183 --> 11:41.543 Neither could endure torture. 11:41.543 --> 11:43.063 Moreover, every order regarding the grain canal work 11:43.063 --> 11:44.303 was issued by me. 11:44.663 --> 11:46.023 If torture is to be used, 11:46.383 --> 11:47.783 I'm willing to endure it in their place. 11:47.783 --> 11:49.903 Xiao Wuyi, don't shield me! 11:50.423 --> 11:51.383 Since I dared to come in, 11:51.383 --> 11:52.823 I am not afraid of interrogation! 11:52.823 --> 11:54.463 What do you mean by "elderly"? 11:54.823 --> 11:56.903 I'm sturdier than the two of them put together! 11:56.903 --> 11:58.463 Interrogate me if you must! 11:58.823 --> 12:00.063 Rest assured, everyone. 12:00.063 --> 12:01.943 If this turns out to be a frame-up, 12:02.143 --> 12:05.743 I will absolutely restore the good name of 12:05.903 --> 12:06.903 your household. 12:14.383 --> 12:15.303 I entered prison 12:16.063 --> 12:17.303 precisely to see 12:18.023 --> 12:19.183 just how far 12:19.423 --> 12:21.823 the person behind all this is willing to go. 12:31.183 --> 12:31.783 Yuanji. 12:34.903 --> 12:36.143 Mother had some calming tonic 12:36.143 --> 12:37.143 and is asleep now. 12:39.263 --> 12:40.623 The letters and ledgers in the household 12:40.623 --> 12:41.823 have all been seized. 12:42.023 --> 12:43.143 Could it be that the Ministry of Justice 12:43.143 --> 12:44.023 has been acting under someone's orders, 12:44.023 --> 12:45.103 trying to frame us? 12:46.663 --> 12:47.583 I don't think so. 12:47.823 --> 12:49.263 Commandant of Justice Lu, who came today, 12:49.263 --> 12:50.903 was newly promoted last year. 12:51.023 --> 12:52.263 During these years of reform, 12:52.263 --> 12:53.183 while serving in the provinces, 12:53.183 --> 12:54.623 he punished commoners who cheated in the marketplace 12:54.623 --> 12:56.183 and sentenced noble clans who seized land by force alike. 12:56.183 --> 12:57.263 He's a ruthless but upright official 12:57.263 --> 12:59.183 who enforces the law without favor. 12:59.183 --> 13:01.303 Since he personally came to make the arrest today, 13:01.303 --> 13:03.623 he surely wouldn't act without evidence. 13:03.903 --> 13:04.903 The plaintiffs 13:04.903 --> 13:06.543 accuse the Beifu Army of embezzling 13:06.543 --> 13:07.943 and taking bribes during the canal repairs, 13:07.943 --> 13:08.903 and cutting corners on the work— 13:08.903 --> 13:10.783 which caused the grain canal to collapse 13:10.783 --> 13:11.903 and killed many conscripted laborers. 13:11.903 --> 13:13.223 Yao would never do that. 13:18.423 --> 13:20.543 Letters, ledgers... 13:23.183 --> 13:23.783 Nanxing. 13:24.303 --> 13:24.783 My Lady. 13:24.943 --> 13:26.783 You have a photographic memory for the accounts. 13:26.783 --> 13:30.063 You've been helping me with the accounts these past years. 13:33.023 --> 13:34.703 So help me reconstruct them. 13:36.663 --> 13:37.143 Yes. 13:40.543 --> 13:41.543 Ledgers... 13:42.543 --> 13:43.783 Letters... 13:45.703 --> 13:46.783 Handwriting... 13:52.263 --> 13:53.503 What's wrong, Yuanji? 13:56.303 --> 13:56.903 Nothing. 13:57.583 --> 13:58.983 I just suddenly realized 13:59.303 --> 14:01.703 I haven't seen Qing Long and Yan Yue around. 14:02.143 --> 14:04.023 Right, where are they? 14:07.703 --> 14:10.103 Xiao Wuyi and Xiao Ju have been imprisoned. 14:10.423 --> 14:12.823 Have you prepared 14:13.023 --> 14:15.223 the forged correspondence I asked for? 14:21.543 --> 14:22.943 Afraid it'll be exposed? 14:25.263 --> 14:26.383 For the Xiao family, 14:27.423 --> 14:28.543 this will be a capital offense. 14:28.543 --> 14:31.303 They deserve it. 14:32.943 --> 14:34.903 I won't go back on my promise to you. 14:35.423 --> 14:37.983 I've already requested Prince Qi's approval 14:38.183 --> 14:39.983 to reopen the Lantai gathering. 14:40.183 --> 14:40.943 Get up first. 14:41.623 --> 14:42.183 Come on. 14:46.263 --> 14:47.023 Zhaolin, 14:48.303 --> 14:49.583 when the time comes... 14:51.023 --> 14:53.703 you'll be a student of mine, 14:53.943 --> 14:55.423 and no one will ever 14:55.783 --> 14:57.783 look down on your background again. 15:03.703 --> 15:04.303 Thank you, 15:06.063 --> 15:07.023 Grand Tutor Xie. 15:13.903 --> 15:15.223 Are those people 15:16.103 --> 15:17.663 helping you cook the books 15:18.583 --> 15:19.583 actually trustworthy? 15:19.583 --> 15:20.383 They don't know 15:20.383 --> 15:21.503 what they're doing, 15:21.863 --> 15:23.903 nor do they know who they're working for. 15:23.903 --> 15:24.663 Excellent. 15:53.423 --> 15:54.383 Are you alright? 15:59.343 --> 15:59.863 Let's go! 16:05.663 --> 16:06.263 Hurry. 16:14.423 --> 16:15.263 Mr. Liu, 16:16.343 --> 16:19.183 since when did you become Grand Tutor Xie's lackey? 16:21.663 --> 16:23.423 You knew I collected rare books. 16:23.423 --> 16:25.223 Xiao Yao, Xiao Wuyi, 16:25.663 --> 16:28.943 and even Prince Jing'an had all borrowed and annotated them. 16:28.943 --> 16:31.223 So you used me to obtain 16:31.623 --> 16:33.423 the handwriting of every member 16:33.463 --> 16:36.023 of the Xiao family by borrowing books from me. 16:36.943 --> 16:40.023 Back then, when you gave me a deed of debt... 16:40.503 --> 16:41.823 I offer this deed of debt 16:42.183 --> 16:43.103 as proof 16:43.903 --> 16:45.383 that I'll surely repay the debt someday. 16:45.383 --> 16:47.303 When you said you'd repay me for saving your life, 16:47.303 --> 16:48.903 you'd already thought of how you could use me? 16:48.903 --> 16:50.663 Absolutely not! I... 16:53.863 --> 16:54.943 I admire you. 16:57.263 --> 16:58.863 But I didn't dare to tell you. 17:02.983 --> 17:04.103 I knew all along. 17:05.823 --> 17:09.063 I've frequented the bookstore these past couple of years. 17:10.423 --> 17:11.943 Could you really not tell how I felt about you? 17:11.943 --> 17:13.623 It's precisely because I know 17:13.823 --> 17:16.383 that I'm even more aware I'm not worthy of you. 17:16.663 --> 17:17.903 Whether you were the Consort of the Heir of Prince Jing'an back then 17:17.903 --> 17:19.143 or are the head of the He family now, 17:19.143 --> 17:20.543 I was never worthy of you. 17:22.703 --> 17:23.903 I'm merely a commoner, 17:23.903 --> 17:25.063 full of ideals. 17:25.423 --> 17:26.823 Anyone can trample on me. 17:27.383 --> 17:28.583 Only Grand Tutor Xie. 17:29.383 --> 17:30.223 He promised me. 17:30.583 --> 17:31.983 As long as Xiao Wuyi falls 17:32.143 --> 17:34.743 and the noble clans revive the Lantai gathering, 17:34.743 --> 17:36.503 he'll give me an official post. 17:48.023 --> 17:50.143 You're the third child in your family. 17:50.463 --> 17:52.423 You once studied at Luming Academy 17:53.423 --> 17:55.863 and were classmates with my second brother. 17:56.423 --> 17:57.463 Back then, 17:58.063 --> 18:00.503 I often secretly put on my second brother's clothes 18:00.503 --> 18:03.303 and sneaked into the academy to sit in on lectures. 18:03.423 --> 18:05.343 We got to know each other over time. 18:05.863 --> 18:07.463 We shared the same interests 18:07.663 --> 18:09.263 and often studied together. 18:09.903 --> 18:12.063 It was only then that my brother told you 18:12.063 --> 18:13.303 I was actually a girl. 18:14.103 --> 18:15.823 You were shocked yet delighted 18:16.183 --> 18:19.463 and said you'd return home and ask your parents to arrange our marriage. 18:19.463 --> 18:20.903 But just at that time, 18:21.423 --> 18:23.023 my aunt, Empress Dowager He, 18:23.063 --> 18:24.623 was choosing someone from the clan 18:24.623 --> 18:26.303 to marry into Prince Jing'an's household. 18:26.303 --> 18:27.703 But I was in love with you. 18:28.063 --> 18:29.383 After my aunt found out, 18:29.463 --> 18:31.023 she sent people to kill you. 18:36.983 --> 18:37.943 I thought 18:38.903 --> 18:40.063 you were dead. 18:42.183 --> 18:43.343 But I never imagined 18:45.663 --> 18:47.263 that day at the bookstore... 18:47.503 --> 18:48.503 Pei Runheng? 18:51.183 --> 18:52.863 I'd see you again. 18:54.983 --> 18:55.823 Impossible. 18:58.143 --> 18:59.583 You definitely got the wrong person. 18:59.583 --> 19:01.623 You were born in the Year of the Tiger. 19:02.703 --> 19:05.983 There's a plum blossom-shaped scar on your left arm. 19:07.903 --> 19:11.383 You got it when you were protecting me from wild bees while we were 19:11.383 --> 19:14.503 picking mulberries in the back mountain of the academy. 19:15.583 --> 19:16.823 And your handwriting. 19:19.423 --> 19:20.823 I would never mistake it. 19:24.143 --> 19:26.103 Then why didn't you tell me sooner? 19:29.263 --> 19:32.183 In the second year after I married into Prince Jing'an's household, 19:32.183 --> 19:34.423 Empress Dowager He found a pretext 19:34.623 --> 19:36.143 and convicted your family. 19:36.903 --> 19:38.663 Your father and brothers died, 19:38.743 --> 19:41.223 and your mother, in her despair, took her own life along with your sister. 19:41.223 --> 19:42.983 I'm a daughter of the He family. 19:43.183 --> 19:45.943 Our families have long been bound by a blood feud. 19:46.063 --> 19:48.263 I didn't dare let you remember the past. 19:48.903 --> 19:50.543 I foolishly convinced myself 19:51.663 --> 19:53.583 that as long as I didn't speak of it, 19:53.663 --> 19:56.903 we could have a fresh start together. 19:57.703 --> 19:59.063 But I never expected... 20:00.903 --> 20:01.663 I never expected 20:01.663 --> 20:03.783 you to be deceived and used by Xie Huaigui. 20:04.623 --> 20:08.663 Runheng, you can still turn back now. 20:12.823 --> 20:14.143 My right hand is ruined. 20:15.063 --> 20:16.223 I can no longer prove 20:16.223 --> 20:18.863 that those letters and ledgers were forged by me. 20:18.863 --> 20:20.223 You are living proof. 20:22.343 --> 20:23.183 Jiayu. 20:34.903 --> 20:39.063 What exactly is the crime Grand Tutor Xie intends to pin on the Xiao family? 20:39.183 --> 20:40.023 Treason... 20:45.103 --> 20:47.023 and collaboration with the enemy. 20:55.423 --> 20:57.903 Tell us everything you know. 20:59.863 --> 21:00.863 At this point, 21:01.423 --> 21:02.143 Runheng, 21:02.583 --> 21:04.783 for the sake of the person you once were, 21:04.823 --> 21:06.623 don't keep going down this road. 21:18.423 --> 21:19.983 Third Alley, Shanghe Ward. 21:20.983 --> 21:22.863 The scholars who forged the letters and ledgers 21:22.863 --> 21:24.063 are all hidden there. 21:24.423 --> 21:25.423 If you move quickly, 21:25.423 --> 21:27.823 you might still be able to save some of them. 21:31.863 --> 21:32.943 Too late again. 21:48.183 --> 21:49.943 The outcome is not yet decided. 21:51.503 --> 21:53.663 Prince Qi, don't you think you've come a little early? 21:53.663 --> 21:54.783 These past few days, 21:55.143 --> 21:56.943 the evidence has been piling up— 21:56.983 --> 21:58.943 Xiao Yao's corruption in the grain canal project, 21:58.943 --> 22:01.503 and Xiao Ju's sale of military supplies and leaking of military intelligence. 22:01.503 --> 22:02.823 Not just your family— 22:02.903 --> 22:05.463 many of the common-born officials you promoted 22:05.463 --> 22:07.143 have been dragged down with you as well. 22:07.143 --> 22:10.463 Now, the public in and out of Jiankang is outraged, 22:11.183 --> 22:14.503 demanding severe punishment for your family 22:14.663 --> 22:17.223 and a strict investigation of common-born officials. 22:17.223 --> 22:20.183 Do you think you still have a way out, 22:22.103 --> 22:23.823 Crown Prince Wenxi? 22:32.223 --> 22:35.463 From the day His Majesty returned the Phoenix Heart Token to you, 22:35.463 --> 22:37.223 I was certain of your identity. 22:38.063 --> 22:39.903 From supervising the grain canal 22:41.183 --> 22:43.183 to charges of treason, it's exactly 22:44.103 --> 22:47.823 the same pattern as the downfall of the An and Lu families back then. 22:49.423 --> 22:52.543 Grand Tutor Xie has certainly put a great deal of thought 22:54.263 --> 22:56.543 into choosing the Xiao family's crimes. 22:59.063 --> 23:01.983 So you really do know the truth behind the An-Lu case. 23:02.183 --> 23:03.263 And since you know, 23:03.623 --> 23:04.623 you should also realize 23:04.623 --> 23:07.103 that Grand Tutor Xie isn't leaving you any way out. 23:07.103 --> 23:08.423 Xie Jiayu acted fast 23:08.863 --> 23:11.703 and found the one who forged the letters and ledgers. 23:11.703 --> 23:13.223 But that man's hand is ruined. 23:13.223 --> 23:14.223 He can't testify. 23:16.503 --> 23:18.863 For the sake of our past brotherhood, 23:19.903 --> 23:21.583 I can spare your whole family... 23:21.583 --> 23:24.703 I won't agree to the conditions you're about to propose. 23:28.703 --> 23:30.943 Hand over the Beifu Army and the Phoenix Heart Token, 23:30.943 --> 23:32.703 and write a divorce agreement. 23:33.103 --> 23:35.143 I want you to tell Xie Jiayu yourself 23:35.143 --> 23:36.743 that you want to divorce her. 23:38.703 --> 23:40.903 Do you honestly think that's possible? 23:57.423 --> 23:58.623 I think it is. 24:07.143 --> 24:09.423 Xie Jiayu is her own person. 24:09.983 --> 24:11.143 Her life 24:12.183 --> 24:13.383 and her feelings 24:14.463 --> 24:16.263 should be hers to choose. 24:17.663 --> 24:19.623 You're forcing her to come back to you— 24:19.623 --> 24:21.223 is it because you love her 24:23.183 --> 24:25.343 or because you hate me? 24:25.343 --> 24:28.223 That was Xie Jiayu's own wrong choice to begin with. 24:29.423 --> 24:30.423 I'm merely giving her 24:30.423 --> 24:32.103 a chance to choose again. 24:38.343 --> 24:39.223 Li Yizhi. 24:42.623 --> 24:45.023 You shouldn't have dragged the Xiao family 24:45.223 --> 24:47.903 and all those common-born officials into this. 24:50.463 --> 24:53.103 Do you really think all those commoners you promoted 24:53.103 --> 24:55.623 are people of both talent and good character? 24:57.703 --> 25:00.583 Cruel and corrupt officials mostly come from humble origins. 25:00.583 --> 25:03.423 The common people have long since grown to despise the reforms. 25:03.423 --> 25:06.663 Even if everything you've done was meant to save the realm, 25:07.063 --> 25:07.983 then tell me— 25:08.463 --> 25:11.903 how many people can truly understand your intentions? 25:12.663 --> 25:15.223 And how many would actually appreciate them? 25:15.863 --> 25:18.063 All you'll get is more and more people 25:19.063 --> 25:20.983 wanting you dead. 25:29.983 --> 25:31.263 And you don't fully know 25:31.263 --> 25:32.863 this father of yours either. 25:32.863 --> 25:34.743 Xiao Ju was not dragged into this. 25:35.463 --> 25:36.943 He and your birth mother 25:37.383 --> 25:40.263 were both perpetrators of the An-Lu wrongful case. 25:41.103 --> 25:42.503 He's selfish and cowardly 25:42.503 --> 25:45.903 and will abandon all moral principles for his own interests. 25:46.863 --> 25:48.583 The downfall of the Xiao family 25:48.663 --> 25:49.663 is inevitable. 25:50.343 --> 25:52.543 If you really want to protect Xie Jiayu, 25:53.183 --> 25:57.223 divorce is the only path left. 26:17.663 --> 26:20.103 The grain canal collapsed, the Xiao family embezzled, 26:20.103 --> 26:24.223 Xiao Wuyi was imprisoned, and the ruler and his subject became estranged. 26:24.863 --> 26:25.903 You're very smart. 26:26.463 --> 26:28.503 You know that the truth of the An-Lu case 26:28.503 --> 26:30.303 is Xie Huaigui's real obsession 26:30.703 --> 26:31.903 and that if he learns 26:32.223 --> 26:34.183 Xiao Ju knew of the injustice back then 26:34.183 --> 26:35.223 yet concealed it, 26:35.863 --> 26:37.863 he will never let the Xiao family go. 26:42.863 --> 26:44.583 Xiao Wuyi has been imprisoned. 26:44.983 --> 26:45.943 Are you happy? 26:50.343 --> 26:51.423 If he dies, 26:51.743 --> 26:53.703 Xie Jiayu will be left without anyone to rely on. 26:53.703 --> 26:56.463 Your brother is now the Regent in name and in fact. 26:56.663 --> 26:58.623 You can also return to Southern Ye. 27:09.143 --> 27:10.143 I belong 27:10.943 --> 27:12.423 to you now, Your Highness. 27:13.223 --> 27:15.663 And I'll never go back in this life. 27:16.263 --> 27:18.103 Without Xiao Wuyi, the Beifu Army 27:18.263 --> 27:19.943 has lost its fighting spirit. 27:20.503 --> 27:23.983 It'll never again be a match for Your Highness's Black Eagle Army. 27:23.983 --> 27:26.143 From now on, the border will be secure. 27:26.863 --> 27:29.663 I should congratulate Your Highness. 27:30.903 --> 27:31.743 Is that so? 27:32.703 --> 27:35.823 You're helping your brother eliminate his greatest rival, 27:35.823 --> 27:38.463 and yet you still find such a pretty way to put it. 27:40.463 --> 27:41.343 Your Highness, 27:41.663 --> 27:43.263 all the warriors participating in today's mounted archery contest 27:43.263 --> 27:44.063 have arrived. 27:44.423 --> 27:46.623 The cattle, sheep, and Ye slaves have also been brought into the arena. 27:46.623 --> 27:47.383 I know. 27:49.223 --> 27:51.383 Then let me help Your Highness change. 27:59.743 --> 28:00.383 Lejun. 28:08.663 --> 28:09.463 What's wrong? 28:09.943 --> 28:10.983 My child... 28:11.863 --> 28:12.863 Our child? 28:14.463 --> 28:15.783 You did this on purpose. 28:16.023 --> 28:17.143 You didn't want him. 28:17.583 --> 28:19.503 You didn't want our child, did you? 28:20.863 --> 28:21.423 I... 28:22.663 --> 28:23.743 didn't... 28:29.183 --> 28:30.783 Lejun. Lejun! 28:36.663 --> 28:38.183 We were still a step too late. 28:38.183 --> 28:40.103 We only have Liu Zhaolin as a witness, 28:40.103 --> 28:41.543 but his hand is ruined. 28:42.103 --> 28:43.663 I'm afraid his testimony alone won't convince anyone. 28:43.663 --> 28:44.423 Not too late. 28:44.503 --> 28:46.503 At least now we know who's behind it. 28:46.503 --> 28:47.183 Jiayu. 28:49.423 --> 28:50.503 There is something 28:50.983 --> 28:52.143 you need to know now. 28:55.343 --> 28:57.183 If Xiao Wuyi keeps pushing himself like this, 28:57.183 --> 28:58.743 he probably won't even last 28:59.423 --> 29:00.503 another year. 29:04.343 --> 29:06.583 Xiao Wuyi didn't mean to keep it from you. 29:15.663 --> 29:16.663 Then how is he 29:17.663 --> 29:18.423 now? 29:20.223 --> 29:21.463 It's well controlled. 29:21.703 --> 29:24.023 In enclosed spaces or in the dark at night, 29:24.063 --> 29:24.903 it worsens. 29:25.543 --> 29:27.343 But he's learned to live with it. 29:28.943 --> 29:30.303 What worries me most now 29:30.383 --> 29:33.383 is that the Court of Judicial Review will use torture. 29:33.583 --> 29:34.703 I heard from Yuanji 29:34.743 --> 29:36.463 that Commandant of Justice Lu is a harsh official. 29:36.463 --> 29:38.543 If Xiao Wuyi's condition worsens... 29:39.583 --> 29:41.183 there's no telling what will happen. 29:41.183 --> 29:43.583 For now, the priority is finding a way to get him out 29:43.583 --> 29:44.743 as soon as possible. 29:47.143 --> 29:49.983 [Grand Tutor's Mansion] 29:50.023 --> 29:52.103 [Xie] 29:53.503 --> 29:55.383 Third Alley, Shanghe Ward has been emptied. 29:55.383 --> 29:57.903 Grand Tutor Xie, you've fabricated charges. 29:58.823 --> 30:00.663 You framed the Beifu Army commander who bled 30:00.663 --> 30:03.063 for this nation as a traitor who colluded with the enemy. 30:03.063 --> 30:04.863 When you wake in the middle of the night, 30:04.863 --> 30:07.263 doesn't your conscience ever trouble you? 30:11.143 --> 30:12.743 Yaoyao, you're thoughtful. 30:15.343 --> 30:16.783 A troubled conscience? 30:20.623 --> 30:23.223 I'm only doing to him what he once did to others. 30:27.863 --> 30:28.903 You mean... 30:29.943 --> 30:31.863 Prince Jing'an framed the An and Lu families? 30:31.863 --> 30:33.943 He knew there was an injustice in the An-Lu case, 30:33.943 --> 30:35.103 yet he concealed it. 30:35.223 --> 30:37.423 How is that any different from framing? 30:37.503 --> 30:38.663 And Xiao Wuyi. 30:39.663 --> 30:41.423 Since he is Crown Prince Wenxi, 30:41.503 --> 30:42.823 he naturally must atone for 30:42.823 --> 30:45.063 the sins committed by his birth parents. 30:53.183 --> 30:55.903 Yaoyao, concocting an unjust case 30:56.503 --> 30:59.263 might be unfair to others, 30:59.583 --> 31:00.863 but to the Xiao family 31:01.063 --> 31:02.743 and Crown Prince Wenxi, 31:03.983 --> 31:05.263 it's Heaven's will. 31:06.183 --> 31:08.703 Heaven's justice always comes full circle— 31:09.223 --> 31:10.423 this is retribution. 31:14.063 --> 31:14.863 Father. 31:16.863 --> 31:18.223 What really happened 31:18.663 --> 31:20.583 to the An and Lu families back then? 31:24.463 --> 31:28.263 Just as the Xiao family is experiencing today. 31:28.463 --> 31:31.263 [Prince Jing'an's Mansion] 31:31.983 --> 31:33.343 My Lady, how did you know 31:33.343 --> 31:35.223 about the mechanism in Grand Tutor Xie's study? 31:36.223 --> 31:37.263 I was mischievous as a child 31:37.263 --> 31:39.543 and stumbled upon the mechanism by accident. 31:39.543 --> 31:41.743 You know what's inside the box, My Lady? 31:42.743 --> 31:43.423 No. 31:43.623 --> 31:46.743 But they must be extremely important to Grand Tutor Xie. 31:47.103 --> 31:49.143 Qizhou, Qingzhou... 31:49.623 --> 31:50.503 And Luzhou. 31:52.703 --> 31:53.663 Where did you go? 31:53.983 --> 31:55.223 After His Highness was imprisoned, 31:55.223 --> 31:57.303 Qing Long and I were ordered to go to Luzhou to find someone. 31:57.303 --> 31:57.863 Who? 31:58.143 --> 32:01.223 Prince Qi's adoptive mother, Madam Wang of the Lu family. 32:01.223 --> 32:03.423 Originally, she'd always been under His Highness's control, 32:03.423 --> 32:05.103 but she was poisoned at some point. 32:05.103 --> 32:06.223 We were still a step too late. 32:06.223 --> 32:07.423 A step too late again. 32:07.903 --> 32:09.183 Actually, Her Highness Princess Yunzhao 32:09.183 --> 32:11.023 also sent me to these three places 32:11.063 --> 32:12.663 to look for Madam Wang of the Lu family. 32:12.663 --> 32:15.103 It was shortly after Prince Qi was appointed Regent. 32:15.103 --> 32:16.063 That's also why 32:16.343 --> 32:18.943 I didn't go to Lingfeng Fort with Her Highness. 32:20.743 --> 32:22.383 What did Mother send you to do? 32:23.023 --> 32:25.423 To investigate Prince Qi's true identity. 32:25.663 --> 32:27.663 For Mao, for our family, 32:28.063 --> 32:30.823 you must be this pawn. 32:32.103 --> 32:33.463 I finally understand 32:34.623 --> 32:36.143 why Lejun killed my mother, 32:36.783 --> 32:38.023 why my father and mother 32:38.023 --> 32:39.663 divorced after I got married, 32:41.023 --> 32:42.183 and why my mother never approved 32:42.183 --> 32:43.783 of Mao and me being together. 32:47.343 --> 32:48.703 I understand it all now. 32:52.103 --> 32:54.383 [Shezhang Hall] 33:00.223 --> 33:02.463 I, Xie Jiayu, Consort of the Heir of Prince Jing'an, 33:02.463 --> 33:04.303 pay respects to Regent Prince Qi. 33:10.823 --> 33:11.823 Let her in. 33:22.303 --> 33:24.143 The corruption and treason of 33:24.463 --> 33:27.263 Prince Jing'an's family have all been confirmed. 33:29.463 --> 33:31.543 No matter how badly you want to save him, 33:31.543 --> 33:33.823 Xiao Wuyi has no other choice 33:34.383 --> 33:36.863 but to hand over the command of the Beifu Army 33:36.863 --> 33:38.303 and write a confession. 33:38.383 --> 33:39.183 I came today 33:39.663 --> 33:40.903 to give you something. 33:46.983 --> 33:48.663 [Li Mao's Lineage Investigation] 34:02.023 --> 34:03.983 Xiao Wuyi has known your true identity all along. 34:03.983 --> 34:05.503 If he wanted your position, 34:05.943 --> 34:07.583 it would've been his long ago. 34:09.223 --> 34:10.583 You trust him that much? 34:11.383 --> 34:13.183 The facts speak for themselves, 34:13.263 --> 34:15.063 whether you believe them or not. 34:19.423 --> 34:21.183 And if I keep you here, 34:22.543 --> 34:23.783 then all this evidence 34:25.663 --> 34:26.823 will mean nothing. 34:30.583 --> 34:31.903 Yaoyao, don't force me. 34:32.623 --> 34:34.463 I'm not the Li Mao I used to be. 34:35.263 --> 34:37.023 If I can't get what I want, 34:37.023 --> 34:38.823 then we'll all go down together. 34:41.503 --> 34:43.143 I'll give you one last chance. 34:44.383 --> 34:46.383 Take off those robes of the Heir's Consort, 34:46.383 --> 34:47.383 leave Xiao Wuyi, 34:47.743 --> 34:49.263 and stay by my side forever. 34:50.543 --> 34:51.303 Okay? 34:59.583 --> 35:00.263 No. 35:01.263 --> 35:04.463 I also have the letters exchanged between Grand Tutor Xie 35:04.463 --> 35:06.503 and your wet nurse over the past dozen years. 35:06.503 --> 35:07.943 He still doesn't know 35:08.463 --> 35:09.783 that I took the letters. 35:10.503 --> 35:11.903 I'll give you three days. 35:12.183 --> 35:13.383 If, after three days, 35:13.503 --> 35:15.583 Wuyi and the rest of the Xiao family have not returned 35:15.583 --> 35:18.343 and if the Court of Judicial Review has not cleared their name, 35:18.343 --> 35:20.543 then this record of your true identity, 35:21.503 --> 35:23.143 along with the letters between the Grand Tutor 35:23.143 --> 35:25.183 and your wet nurse over the past dozen years, 35:25.183 --> 35:27.223 will be spread throughout Jiankang. 35:33.743 --> 35:34.543 Mao, 35:35.783 --> 35:37.863 whether I'm the Heir's Consort or not, 35:37.863 --> 35:39.063 I'm still Xie Jiayu. 35:39.663 --> 35:41.503 Whether I'm with Xiao Wuyi or not, 35:42.223 --> 35:44.623 I won't choose to enter the palace with you. 35:45.943 --> 35:48.383 These past few years, I've traveled to many places 35:48.383 --> 35:49.743 and lived very happily. 35:51.023 --> 35:52.663 Don't stay trapped in the past 35:53.143 --> 35:54.983 and let it become your obsession. 35:56.823 --> 35:58.743 You were never this kind of person. 36:16.263 --> 36:19.703 [Court of Judicial Review] 36:40.663 --> 36:41.703 Yaoyao came. 36:45.303 --> 36:46.663 When did you 36:47.423 --> 36:49.423 start suspecting my true identity? 36:51.303 --> 36:54.823 From the moment Prince Changsha mutinied to force the abdication 36:54.823 --> 36:57.863 and you were suddenly pushed to the position of Regent. 36:57.863 --> 36:58.623 I thought 36:59.503 --> 37:02.543 it was at least after Lejun got rid of Princess Yunzhao. 37:03.023 --> 37:05.063 I didn't expect it to be even earlier. 37:06.023 --> 37:06.823 That night, 37:08.223 --> 37:10.183 when I saw you in Jiankang Palace, 37:10.463 --> 37:11.383 I was wondering: 37:12.063 --> 37:13.343 Grand Tutor Xie had been plotting for a long time, 37:13.343 --> 37:15.423 so why did he choose you specifically? 37:15.423 --> 37:16.463 As expected, 37:17.743 --> 37:20.103 His Majesty immediately sent people to Qizhou 37:20.103 --> 37:22.103 to investigate your true identity. 37:22.863 --> 37:25.343 Princess Yunzhao's Shadow Envoys also went 37:25.703 --> 37:28.183 and found out the truth they shouldn't have. 37:28.183 --> 37:30.503 But at that time, why didn't you... 37:30.503 --> 37:31.823 Why didn't I expose you 37:32.503 --> 37:35.423 and make this crime of deceiving the emperor public? 37:42.703 --> 37:44.983 Because you and I have the same ambition. 37:46.303 --> 37:47.783 What I cannot accomplish, 37:48.663 --> 37:50.383 you can accomplish in my place. 37:51.583 --> 37:53.103 I don't need an incompetent good man 37:53.103 --> 37:54.623 standing in that position. 37:55.063 --> 37:56.903 Ambition, ruthless methods— 37:56.943 --> 37:58.863 whoever holds that position needs both. 37:58.863 --> 38:01.983 I don't think there's anything wrong with your origins. 38:06.183 --> 38:07.983 You don't care about the throne, 38:09.063 --> 38:10.743 but you need a helper. 38:11.703 --> 38:13.383 So you chose me. 38:15.503 --> 38:16.783 For your ambition, 38:16.783 --> 38:17.983 I lost Yaoyao. 38:17.983 --> 38:19.823 I lost the life I was meant to have! 38:22.463 --> 38:24.303 I am not willing to be your puppet, 38:27.183 --> 38:29.823 and even less willing to accept that Yaoyao remains so devoted to you. 38:29.823 --> 38:31.743 She loves freedom more than anything, 38:31.743 --> 38:33.583 yet she's willing to be bound to your side 38:33.583 --> 38:35.183 and give everything for you! 38:46.743 --> 38:50.103 Those noble clans thought that making peace with Northern Qin 38:50.103 --> 38:52.503 could buy a corner of peace and prosperity. 38:53.183 --> 38:57.303 But that's only a fleeting prosperity confined within Jiankang's walls. 38:57.503 --> 38:58.543 Beyond the city, 38:58.663 --> 38:59.703 countless people on the Northern Border 38:59.703 --> 39:01.183 still live amid war. 39:05.543 --> 39:06.703 If we don't eliminate Northern Qin 39:06.703 --> 39:07.623 and reclaim our lost homeland, 39:07.623 --> 39:09.263 there can never be true peace! 39:09.783 --> 39:10.463 Yizhi, 39:11.263 --> 39:12.703 these were your own words 39:12.703 --> 39:14.303 while you were fleeing here. 39:14.983 --> 39:16.703 It was you who forgot. 39:27.783 --> 39:29.143 The person who chose you 39:30.943 --> 39:31.823 was never me... 39:36.543 --> 39:37.903 but yourself.