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Commandant Di.
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Cut us some slack, can't you?
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No kidding.
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We won't stand a chance.
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A bet's a bet.
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Win and you get half a day off.
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Those are the rules.
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Who's next?
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Your Majesty.
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Greetings, Your Majesty.
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During drills,
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skip the formalities.
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At ease.
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Thank you, Your Majesty.
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Nian.
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In just a few days,
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your form is even better now.
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You flatter me, Your Majesty.
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I must say,
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it's been ages since we last sparred.
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I've been itching for a match.
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You want a piece of His Majesty?
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You've got to get through me first.
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Don't forget
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about the drink you owe me
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from last time we crossed swords.
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Quit
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eyeing my meager stipend.
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Next time, I'm taking you down.
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This Imperial Guard
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was built from the ground up
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by the late Marquis.
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Now they're under your command,
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and rightly so.
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Nian.
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You've done your family proud.
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My father always said
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the Imperial Guard
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is Great Ning's sharpest spear.
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It must never lose its edge.
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[One day, Nian will]
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[stand tall like the late Marquis,]
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[holding his own ground,]
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[guarding the frontier.]
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I know it's been your aspiration since childhood
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to armor up and ride into battle.
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You don't belong
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here inside the palace walls
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merely as my shield.
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My father passed when I was young.
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Your Majesty gave me
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a home and a purpose.
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Now, guarding Your Majesty
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is the only feat I'll ever need.
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And I
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do so willingly.
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I'm pleased to have
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the two of you by my side.
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You're my right-hand men.
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The safety of the capital and my own
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rest on both of you.
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Nian.
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There's one more thing
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I need you to do for me.
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Select twelve light cavalrymen.
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Train them covertly.
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What for, Your Majesty?
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You'll know when the time comes.
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I'll see to it.
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Presented Candidates, enter the hall!
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Greetings, Your Majesty.
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Long live Your Majesty.
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Just grabbed some medicinal jelly.
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Anyone want a bite?
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Come on, try some!
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Here.
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I'll take one.
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Thank you so much.
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Thanks.
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There you go.
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Tinghui, uh, hey.
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Results are coming out today!
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Don't stress.
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W-We've totally got this!
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Take it easy.
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Fuzhi.
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I'm very much at ease.
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Just... would you stop pinching me?
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They're here! They're here!
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Good news!
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Where is Candidate An Qing from Jingdu?
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Right here! Right here!
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Congrats, Miss An, on placing
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16th in the Second Class of Presented Scholars!
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I passed! I actually passed!
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Zuo Qiurong from Jingzhou.
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Present.
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13th in the Third Class of Presented Scholars!
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I passed, too!
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I did it!
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Lu Xiaowan from Qingzhou.
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Here!
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16th in the Third Class of Presented Scholars!
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I made it! I made it, too!
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Fuzhi...
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Why didn't they call your name?
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Did something go wrong?
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Fuzhi?
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I snuck into the palace to get close to His Majesty
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and eavesdrop on state affairs.
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He found out.
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I probably pissed him off.
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He is impossible to read.
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He's not going to have your head, is he?
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He's the Son of Heaven.
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Surely he isn't that unforgiving?
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Meng Tinghui from Shazhou.
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By imperial decree:
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After thorough review of the proceedings
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of palace examination,
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the talented and virtuous
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Miss Meng Tinghui of the Shazhou Women's Academy
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has claimed the highest honors
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and is hereby appointed Top Scholar.
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Let this be known to all the realm.
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Fuzhi!
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It's mine.
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It's real...
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I'm the Top Scholar.
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I'm the Top Scholar!
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Hesitating over a move
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gives away a troubled mind.
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Chancellor.
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His Majesty has formally announced
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that Meng Tinghui
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is Great Ning's very first
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female Top Scholar to sweep all three exams.
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With backing like that,
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her future in the court
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is going to be unstoppable.
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A fresh Top Scholar?
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Just a shiny title.
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She hasn't been assigned an actual post yet.
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We might as well
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send her packing back home to wait around.
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Brilliant move as always, Chancellor.
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A masterclass in statecraft from a veteran.
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I am truly in awe.
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In the first year of Great Ning,
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the Top Scholar
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is Meng Tinghui from Shazhou!
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Congrats, Meng!
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Well done, Top Scholar!
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In the first year of Great Ning,
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the Top Scholar
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is Meng Tinghui from Shazhou!
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Make way!
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Well I'll be, Meng Tinghui actually pulled it off!
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Sweeping all three rounds!
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That's insane.
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Spring House used to host
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this rising star of literature.
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Ma'am,
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we have to set up a shrine where she'd stayed!
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Damn right we do!
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I'll lead the way.
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Awesome!
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You know what? Top Scholar
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actually graced our place.
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I mean it.
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Lady Meng! Top Scholar!
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Come celebrate at Spring House!
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Tinghui!
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Tinghui! Tinghui!
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Right over here!
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Over here!
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Can you see this?
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[Rising Star of Literature]
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[The World Is Your Oyster]
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That's my girl!
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We came up together!
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Tinghui, look over here.
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Well-earned, Top Scholar!
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You see all of this?
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Top Scholar!
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Well-done, Meng!
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Bravo, lady!
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Congrats!
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You have earned it!
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Did you see that?
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We go way back!
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Top Scholar!
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Congratulations!
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Changle Street
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is where
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the entire city's old and
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new money's is going.
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Take a look
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at this storefront here.
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Right up front,
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you have the premier Silk Manor in town.
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Right next door
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is the legendary Rouge Pavilion.
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And across the street is Spring House.
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If the owner weren't tied up with family drama,
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a prime spot like this
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would never hit the leasing market.
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Brilliant!
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What a spacious and imposing façade!
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With a quick fix-up,
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we can get up and running in no time.
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If I serve up some
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authentic mutton noodles here,
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we'll easily outstrip Spring House.
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I'm sold. I love it.
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I'm taking it.
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You're a woman of action, Miss Yan!
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Let's lock in the deposit, then, so we can
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get you a license over at
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Lord Ear-Pimp's.
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Lord Ear-Pimp?
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What's that supposed to mean?
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Well, Lord Ear-Pimp oversees
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all commercial operations across Jingdu—
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from food ingredients
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and shop safety
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to tax collection.
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Speak of the devil.
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You're looking
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at him right now:
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Lord Shen, Lord Ear-Pimp.
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Wait, who's that again?
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In Jingdu, his name is basically
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common knowledge:
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Shen Zhishu,
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as in young Lord Shen.
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To open a joint, Miss Yan,
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you'll need to
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go to him
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for all the paperwork.
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If fortune smiles on you,
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you might be open in three months.
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That's pretty much forever!
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We're right under the Emperor's nose, hence red tape.
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In this town,
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you can't throw a stone without hitting a merchant.
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Trade permits are strictly limited.
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If you can't get a local official to
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put in a good word for you,
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waiting a year or more
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is totally standard.
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If I'd known...
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I wouldn't have thrown him out.
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Well, good luck next time.
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Lord Shen, hello?
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Over here.
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He actually ignored me!
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Lord Shen.
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Am I intruding?
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Well, Mr. Yu and I agreed on
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the reservation a while back.
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I didn't expect you to still be here, ladies.
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We're here for you, Lord Shen.
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Lord Shen.
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Come on in and sit with us.
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I'm afraid we have to monopolize
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Spring House for today.
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So you'll have to make do
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and join us.
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But we've gone to the trouble
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of preparing fine wine for you.
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This is "Mellow Spring."
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Let me pour you a cup first.
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Do take a sip.
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Much obliged.
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Lord Shen,
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drink up.
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How do you find it?
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Let me refill you, Lord Shen.
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It's been a while since we last met.
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Look at you, how emaciated.
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Can you imagine? He was even bonier as a child.
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When we were young,
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Father insisted
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on arranging a betrothal for us.
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But I adamantly refused.
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Only then did he give up the idea.
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Looking back now,
289
00:16:58,630 --> 00:17:00,320
I really regret it.
290
00:17:06,200 --> 00:17:07,600
Speaking of childhood,
291
00:17:07,870 --> 00:17:08,910
one Shangsi Festival,
292
00:17:08,910 --> 00:17:10,720
he helped chase away wasps for me.
293
00:17:11,110 --> 00:17:11,790
Funny how
294
00:17:11,790 --> 00:17:12,680
he got stung and
295
00:17:12,680 --> 00:17:13,590
swelled up like a pufferfish!
296
00:17:14,000 --> 00:17:15,110
That's not remotely hilarious.
297
00:17:15,110 --> 00:17:15,750
When we were little,
298
00:17:15,750 --> 00:17:17,480
he waded into the river to catch fish for me,
299
00:17:17,480 --> 00:17:18,790
but ended up tumbling in
300
00:17:18,790 --> 00:17:20,200
and came out a drowned rat.
301
00:17:24,550 --> 00:17:26,160
Ladies, can we quit this expose-Shen-Zhishu race?
302
00:17:26,270 --> 00:17:27,550
I have matters to attend to.
303
00:17:27,550 --> 00:17:28,400
I'll take my leave now.
304
00:17:29,350 --> 00:17:31,030
You're not leaving.
305
00:17:38,030 --> 00:17:38,960
Zhishu!
306
00:17:39,400 --> 00:17:41,400
You were so sweet on me back in Shazhou.
307
00:17:41,400 --> 00:17:42,440
Where did all those vows go?
308
00:17:42,640 --> 00:17:43,640
Are you going to tell me why
309
00:17:43,640 --> 00:17:45,000
you acted like a stranger in Jingdu?
310
00:17:45,550 --> 00:17:47,720
Oh, I see you've found two new sweethearts.
311
00:17:48,880 --> 00:17:49,790
Who the heck is she?
312
00:17:50,510 --> 00:17:52,160
I'm the one he holds dearest in his heart,
313
00:17:52,240 --> 00:17:53,880
the one he's going to marry with full rites.
314
00:17:54,030 --> 00:17:55,070
So who do you think I am?
315
00:18:07,790 --> 00:18:08,440
My apologies.
316
00:18:09,640 --> 00:18:10,550
My wife has a fiery temper.
317
00:18:10,550 --> 00:18:11,550
Forgive us.
318
00:18:13,000 --> 00:18:13,880
Wife?
319
00:18:22,270 --> 00:18:23,400
You're shameless!
320
00:18:23,830 --> 00:18:24,640
Scoundrel!
321
00:18:25,510 --> 00:18:26,070
You're...!
322
00:18:29,790 --> 00:18:30,640
Just felt like it.
323
00:18:34,960 --> 00:18:35,640
Miss Yan.
324
00:18:35,830 --> 00:18:37,550
Thanks for helping me out of a tight spot.
325
00:18:37,550 --> 00:18:37,960
How about
326
00:18:37,960 --> 00:18:39,440
being a bit more tactful next time, though?
327
00:18:39,680 --> 00:18:40,200
Well, then.
328
00:18:40,270 --> 00:18:40,750
Any
329
00:18:40,750 --> 00:18:41,880
gesture of gratitude?
330
00:18:45,030 --> 00:18:46,440
As the fairy tales go,
331
00:18:46,550 --> 00:18:48,400
a life-saving favor is repaid by marriage.
332
00:18:49,000 --> 00:18:50,310
But let's skip that for us.
333
00:18:50,550 --> 00:18:52,200
You left a permanent scar in me.
334
00:18:53,270 --> 00:18:55,000
Miss Yan, you can just spit it out.
335
00:18:55,480 --> 00:18:57,200
Fine, I'll be direct.
336
00:18:57,720 --> 00:18:59,160
I plan to bring Bofeng House here,
337
00:18:59,160 --> 00:19:00,160
along with my signature,
338
00:19:00,160 --> 00:19:01,720
authentic Shazhou cuisine.
339
00:19:01,720 --> 00:19:02,830
I've already picked a spot.
340
00:19:02,830 --> 00:19:03,640
Right next door.
341
00:19:04,030 --> 00:19:06,550
But I've heard that
342
00:19:06,550 --> 00:19:08,000
getting a trade permit
343
00:19:08,000 --> 00:19:09,440
can take a year or more.
344
00:19:09,830 --> 00:19:12,200
So, Lord Shen, I wonder if you're down
345
00:19:12,200 --> 00:19:12,960
to vouch for me
346
00:19:12,960 --> 00:19:13,920
and expedite the process.
347
00:19:16,400 --> 00:19:17,920
I knew you had an ulterior motive.
348
00:19:18,160 --> 00:19:19,750
Just go through the due procedures.
349
00:19:19,750 --> 00:19:20,590
If you're approved,
350
00:19:20,590 --> 00:19:21,830
someone will notify you.
351
00:19:22,110 --> 00:19:23,440
You will help me.
352
00:19:23,880 --> 00:19:25,160
And if I refuse?
353
00:19:25,440 --> 00:19:25,750
If...
354
00:19:26,830 --> 00:19:28,720
If you refuse,
355
00:19:29,200 --> 00:19:29,960
don't expect me to
356
00:19:29,960 --> 00:19:31,200
speak to you again in Jingdu.
357
00:19:32,510 --> 00:19:33,720
Isn't your way of asking favors
358
00:19:33,720 --> 00:19:34,920
a bit loud indeed?
359
00:19:35,070 --> 00:19:35,920
But I, regretfully,
360
00:19:36,110 --> 00:19:37,310
just don't buy it.
361
00:19:38,920 --> 00:19:39,400
Adieu.
362
00:19:41,640 --> 00:19:42,920
Ten jugs of Shazhou White.
363
00:19:45,480 --> 00:19:47,070
What? I didn't catch that.
364
00:19:49,750 --> 00:19:52,830
Plus five jugs of Shazhou tribute wine.
365
00:19:52,830 --> 00:19:53,400
Plus,
366
00:19:53,400 --> 00:19:55,000
don't push your luck.
367
00:19:59,750 --> 00:20:00,310
I'll need to
368
00:20:00,310 --> 00:20:01,790
see Miss Yan's sincerity first.
369
00:20:01,960 --> 00:20:02,480
How about
370
00:20:02,750 --> 00:20:03,440
an extra home-cook
371
00:20:03,440 --> 00:20:04,680
full Shazhou feast by you?
372
00:20:05,270 --> 00:20:05,960
In your dreams.
373
00:20:09,960 --> 00:20:11,720
Well, I'll just sadly take a sip elsewhere.
374
00:20:15,400 --> 00:20:15,920
Stop right there.
375
00:20:24,720 --> 00:20:26,270
Ten jugs of Shazhou White,
376
00:20:26,510 --> 00:20:28,270
five jugs of tribute wine,
377
00:20:28,270 --> 00:20:29,680
plus a table of my cooking.
378
00:20:29,920 --> 00:20:30,720
Take it or leave it.
379
00:20:33,350 --> 00:20:34,750
You could've budged earlier.
380
00:20:35,790 --> 00:20:36,640
Miss Yan,
381
00:20:36,880 --> 00:20:38,110
next time you want to meet me,
382
00:20:38,110 --> 00:20:39,200
just send a note.
383
00:20:39,400 --> 00:20:40,750
Saves you from the whole
384
00:20:40,830 --> 00:20:42,350
elaborate show.
385
00:20:42,750 --> 00:20:43,110
Bast...!
386
00:20:44,720 --> 00:20:45,640
Watch your attitude.
387
00:20:46,480 --> 00:20:47,590
We're in the imperial city.
388
00:20:52,590 --> 00:20:53,160
Get lost.
389
00:20:53,350 --> 00:20:54,920
Who wants to see you anyway?
390
00:20:56,240 --> 00:20:56,880
What did you say?
391
00:20:57,070 --> 00:20:58,310
I said,
392
00:20:59,350 --> 00:21:01,070
Get the hell out of my sight, now!
393
00:21:47,510 --> 00:21:48,270
Thank you, Teacher.
394
00:21:51,160 --> 00:21:51,790
Uncle.
395
00:21:51,960 --> 00:21:52,750
Long time no see.
396
00:21:54,200 --> 00:21:54,640
Zhili.
397
00:21:55,110 --> 00:21:56,680
Father and Mother prepared a big meal
398
00:21:56,680 --> 00:21:57,750
to celebrate your entry
399
00:21:57,750 --> 00:21:58,540
into the Imperial Academy.
400
00:21:58,920 --> 00:21:59,790
Why are you so late?
401
00:22:01,440 --> 00:22:02,160
Uncle,
402
00:22:02,640 --> 00:22:03,640
thanks for escorting her back.
403
00:22:03,790 --> 00:22:04,960
I'll take it from here.
404
00:22:09,400 --> 00:22:10,960
May you bear in mind the scholarly aspirations.
405
00:22:11,030 --> 00:22:12,020
Your future is vast as the sea.
406
00:22:12,400 --> 00:22:13,640
Your post at the Academy is set.
407
00:22:13,880 --> 00:22:14,550
Remember to
408
00:22:14,720 --> 00:22:15,750
hone your character
409
00:22:15,880 --> 00:22:17,580
till you're as consummate as the halls of jade there.
410
00:22:17,750 --> 00:22:18,070
Here.
411
00:22:19,550 --> 00:22:20,550
Thank you, Teacher.
412
00:22:22,480 --> 00:22:23,830
Uncle, you should head back too.
413
00:22:24,480 --> 00:22:25,830
Aunt must be waiting.
414
00:22:26,200 --> 00:22:27,000
At your leisure,
415
00:22:27,240 --> 00:22:28,920
do pay us a visit. With Aunt.
416
00:22:31,110 --> 00:22:31,590
Go on now.
417
00:22:32,270 --> 00:22:33,110
Your parents are waiting.
418
00:22:33,110 --> 00:22:34,240
He's right.
419
00:22:34,790 --> 00:22:36,240
Don't keep them waiting.
420
00:22:36,680 --> 00:22:37,510
Let's head in, Zhili.
421
00:22:43,550 --> 00:22:44,550
What did you just call me?
422
00:22:44,720 --> 00:22:45,750
Disrespectful.
423
00:22:45,960 --> 00:22:46,680
Call me sis.
424
00:22:47,310 --> 00:22:48,270
Fine, sis.
425
00:22:49,400 --> 00:22:49,880
We've got
426
00:22:49,880 --> 00:22:51,070
all the fine dishes in the world.
427
00:22:51,480 --> 00:22:52,590
The exam took a toll on you.
428
00:22:53,110 --> 00:22:54,880
You'll need to eat a lot to replenish.
429
00:22:58,510 --> 00:22:59,640
The last dish—
430
00:23:00,240 --> 00:23:02,240
sweet and sour ribs, your mother's favorite.
431
00:23:02,350 --> 00:23:03,240
Well, I'll just t...
432
00:23:03,680 --> 00:23:04,400
Take a seat.
433
00:23:04,920 --> 00:23:05,830
Thanks for the meal, Father.
434
00:23:06,350 --> 00:23:06,880
Mom.
435
00:23:07,000 --> 00:23:08,240
We owe you a big one today.
436
00:23:08,310 --> 00:23:09,200
I'm starting to forget
437
00:23:09,200 --> 00:23:10,220
the taste of dad's cooking.
438
00:23:10,590 --> 00:23:11,960
My nice, shiny jawline is getting
439
00:23:11,960 --> 00:23:13,110
sharper from weight loss.
440
00:23:13,160 --> 00:23:14,510
When the tiger's away,
441
00:23:14,510 --> 00:23:15,720
the monkey plays.
442
00:23:16,830 --> 00:23:17,830
Aren't you having
443
00:23:17,830 --> 00:23:19,070
the moment of your life?
444
00:23:19,880 --> 00:23:21,880
I heard His Majesty has made you "Ear-Pimp",
445
00:23:21,880 --> 00:23:23,310
making poetry and leisure your duty.
446
00:23:23,590 --> 00:23:24,400
I can't help but wonder
447
00:23:24,640 --> 00:23:25,270
how many days
448
00:23:25,270 --> 00:23:27,070
you spent pestering him just so you get the post?
449
00:23:28,240 --> 00:23:28,880
Mom!
450
00:23:29,160 --> 00:23:30,070
He's being harsh again.
451
00:23:31,000 --> 00:23:31,550
What I do
452
00:23:31,550 --> 00:23:32,920
is serious, important work.
453
00:23:32,960 --> 00:23:34,000
It's not like I have a say
454
00:23:34,070 --> 00:23:35,300
in what His Majesty has me do.
455
00:23:36,480 --> 00:23:38,350
The other day, you scolded him for whiling away his youth.
456
00:23:38,790 --> 00:23:40,110
Now you're accusing him
457
00:23:40,200 --> 00:23:41,480
of currying favor for a post.
458
00:23:42,000 --> 00:23:42,550
What?
459
00:23:42,750 --> 00:23:44,070
You have to wake up one day
460
00:23:44,070 --> 00:23:45,720
finding your son one of those stuffy pedant,
461
00:23:45,880 --> 00:23:46,920
wearing a stern face all day.
462
00:23:47,070 --> 00:23:48,350
Does that make you happy?
463
00:23:50,590 --> 00:23:51,440
Thanks, mom.
464
00:23:53,000 --> 00:23:54,880
Since His Majesty bestowed the post on him,
465
00:23:54,960 --> 00:23:56,400
his every move's been under scrutiny.
466
00:23:56,720 --> 00:23:58,110
If he misses the wrong move,
467
00:23:58,310 --> 00:23:59,030
it'll be a blade
468
00:23:59,030 --> 00:24:00,440
used against him sooner or later.
469
00:24:01,350 --> 00:24:03,350
Don't get fooled by Brother's casual demeanor.
470
00:24:03,400 --> 00:24:04,400
When it comes to serious matters,
471
00:24:04,400 --> 00:24:05,400
he's no slouch.
472
00:24:05,920 --> 00:24:07,310
His Majesty's well aware of that.
473
00:24:07,310 --> 00:24:08,440
Hence the post.
474
00:24:09,440 --> 00:24:10,350
My sweet, sweet sister.
475
00:24:10,680 --> 00:24:11,400
What a showcase
476
00:24:11,400 --> 00:24:12,550
of sibling love.
477
00:24:13,880 --> 00:24:14,550
Thank you, Father.
478
00:24:16,070 --> 00:24:16,680
Dad,
479
00:24:16,960 --> 00:24:18,440
no one in the court,
480
00:24:18,510 --> 00:24:20,160
except me, your beloved son,
481
00:24:20,160 --> 00:24:21,510
would be cut out for the post.
482
00:24:22,200 --> 00:24:23,510
I'm not going to deny the fact that
483
00:24:23,510 --> 00:24:24,510
I am indulgence incarnate.
484
00:24:24,640 --> 00:24:26,310
But there's a lot more to it than meets the eye.
485
00:24:26,590 --> 00:24:27,350
Arrogant!
486
00:24:30,000 --> 00:24:31,510
Others would kill for a path to high office,
487
00:24:31,510 --> 00:24:32,200
but you—
488
00:24:32,200 --> 00:24:33,350
you're narrowing yours.
489
00:24:33,550 --> 00:24:34,880
You were, to say the least, a Councilor.
490
00:24:34,880 --> 00:24:35,750
And now?
491
00:24:36,110 --> 00:24:36,920
You can't even attend court
492
00:24:36,920 --> 00:24:38,640
without getting permission first.
493
00:24:39,350 --> 00:24:40,310
Will you just look up to Nian?
494
00:24:40,790 --> 00:24:42,590
Growing up, he's been much more sensible than you.
495
00:24:42,590 --> 00:24:44,440
He never worries us,
496
00:24:44,440 --> 00:24:45,960
and is very attentive.
497
00:24:48,000 --> 00:24:48,590
Thank you, Father.
498
00:24:49,400 --> 00:24:49,960
Sis...
499
00:24:49,960 --> 00:24:50,750
Nian, I want that.
500
00:24:52,000 --> 00:24:53,310
With no ambition
501
00:24:53,310 --> 00:24:54,350
and all show,
502
00:24:54,440 --> 00:24:56,070
you're headed for a nasty fall.
503
00:24:57,680 --> 00:24:58,160
Here, Father,
504
00:24:58,350 --> 00:24:59,200
try some of these.
505
00:25:02,310 --> 00:25:03,070
Mother.
506
00:25:04,720 --> 00:25:05,680
You carry none
507
00:25:05,680 --> 00:25:07,400
of my qualities in your blood,
508
00:25:08,920 --> 00:25:10,030
let alone your mother's.
509
00:25:11,070 --> 00:25:12,160
Just watch Nian and learn.
510
00:25:13,030 --> 00:25:14,270
My eyes, nose, mouth—
511
00:25:14,270 --> 00:25:15,200
I'm a chip off your block.
512
00:25:15,440 --> 00:25:16,550
"Nian", "Nian", "Nian".
513
00:25:16,880 --> 00:25:17,240
Is
514
00:25:17,240 --> 00:25:18,720
Nian your son by blood, or I am?
515
00:25:18,720 --> 00:25:19,790
If it were possible,
516
00:25:19,960 --> 00:25:21,270
of course I'd wish Nian
517
00:25:21,270 --> 00:25:22,160
were my son by blood.
518
00:25:23,510 --> 00:25:24,790
His Di family is full of loyal heroes.
519
00:25:25,240 --> 00:25:26,240
At only 18, Nian undertook
520
00:25:26,240 --> 00:25:27,480
to patrol the borders for His Majesty.
521
00:25:27,480 --> 00:25:27,920
And you?
522
00:25:28,240 --> 00:25:29,640
All you do is take His Majesty
523
00:25:29,640 --> 00:25:30,680
out hunting and hawking.
524
00:25:30,680 --> 00:25:32,070
What kind of minister is that?
525
00:25:32,270 --> 00:25:33,750
You should visit the palace less often.
526
00:25:34,240 --> 00:25:34,920
His Majesty
527
00:25:34,920 --> 00:25:36,110
ought to be accompanied by
528
00:25:36,110 --> 00:25:37,580
loyal and upright ministers like Nian.
529
00:25:37,790 --> 00:25:39,000
But I did all that for his sake!
530
00:25:39,000 --> 00:25:39,960
Alright, Zhishu,
531
00:25:40,160 --> 00:25:41,200
enough.
532
00:25:44,440 --> 00:25:45,920
Well, His Majesty can't do without me.
533
00:25:46,550 --> 00:25:47,550
If I stop visiting him,
534
00:25:47,680 --> 00:25:48,510
within three days,
535
00:25:48,590 --> 00:25:49,960
His Majesty will come looking for me.
536
00:25:51,110 --> 00:25:51,750
You all hear that?
537
00:25:51,750 --> 00:25:53,200
What nonsense is he spouting?
538
00:25:53,400 --> 00:25:54,110
As if His Majesty
539
00:25:54,110 --> 00:25:55,160
can't hold court without you!
540
00:25:56,680 --> 00:25:57,750
Nian, dig in.
541
00:25:57,750 --> 00:25:58,640
You're elder in age
542
00:25:58,640 --> 00:26:00,400
than Zhili and Nian.
543
00:26:00,750 --> 00:26:01,240
How come
544
00:26:01,240 --> 00:26:02,400
you give us the most grief?
545
00:26:03,030 --> 00:26:03,590
People out there
546
00:26:03,590 --> 00:26:05,000
would take you for the baby.
547
00:26:05,640 --> 00:26:06,550
Because I'm good-looking?
548
00:26:10,830 --> 00:26:12,260
Because you've got nothing upstairs.
549
00:26:12,680 --> 00:26:14,240
Father, Mother,
550
00:26:14,590 --> 00:26:15,790
aren't we supposed to be celebrating?
551
00:26:15,790 --> 00:26:17,350
Sis came second in the Palace Exam,
552
00:26:17,880 --> 00:26:19,070
and got her dream post
553
00:26:19,070 --> 00:26:20,310
at the Imperial Academy.
554
00:26:20,790 --> 00:26:21,350
I've got
555
00:26:21,350 --> 00:26:22,310
a gift for you.
556
00:26:22,440 --> 00:26:23,000
Oh, right!
557
00:26:23,200 --> 00:26:24,550
How can we forget the main event?
558
00:26:24,680 --> 00:26:25,240
Zhili,
559
00:26:25,240 --> 00:26:26,860
your father and I have something for you too.
560
00:26:34,270 --> 00:26:35,160
Thanks, Nian.
561
00:26:35,790 --> 00:26:37,350
My gloves were just wearing out.
562
00:26:37,960 --> 00:26:39,200
You're the sweetest, Nian.
563
00:26:40,270 --> 00:26:41,880
Zhili, take a look at this.
564
00:26:43,310 --> 00:26:44,790
This four-treasure set was handmade
565
00:26:44,790 --> 00:26:46,920
by your father himself back in his academy days.
566
00:26:47,510 --> 00:26:48,550
This inkstone was carved
567
00:26:48,720 --> 00:26:50,400
from the Blue Mountain slate given as a
568
00:26:50,400 --> 00:26:51,550
royal favor from the late emperor
569
00:26:51,550 --> 00:26:52,680
when I earned triple firsts.
570
00:26:53,270 --> 00:26:54,270
It stays cool in summer and warm in winter,
571
00:26:54,270 --> 00:26:55,750
keeping the ink from drying out.
572
00:26:56,480 --> 00:26:58,110
Thank you, Father. Thank you, Mother.
573
00:26:58,110 --> 00:26:59,110
When I started my career,
574
00:26:59,440 --> 00:26:59,830
why
575
00:26:59,830 --> 00:27:00,920
didn't anyone give me a gift?
576
00:27:01,070 --> 00:27:01,920
What would you have wanted?
577
00:27:02,550 --> 00:27:04,270
Gambling chips made from Kingwood?
578
00:27:04,400 --> 00:27:05,750
or jade-carved dices?
579
00:27:07,160 --> 00:27:08,680
Or maybe buy back a few
580
00:27:09,000 --> 00:27:10,030
of your lady friends?
581
00:27:12,110 --> 00:27:12,680
Dad,
582
00:27:12,920 --> 00:27:14,480
am I really your own son?
583
00:27:14,960 --> 00:27:16,160
Why are you always picking on me?
584
00:27:16,310 --> 00:27:17,270
If you seriously think
585
00:27:17,480 --> 00:27:19,000
I've disgraced our family,
586
00:27:19,000 --> 00:27:19,750
I'll leave now.
587
00:27:22,270 --> 00:27:23,070
Brother...
588
00:27:24,640 --> 00:27:26,000
It's fine. I'm done.
589
00:27:32,200 --> 00:27:33,030
Shen Wuchen.
590
00:27:33,640 --> 00:27:34,960
Do you have to be so cruel
591
00:27:34,960 --> 00:27:35,920
to be kind?
592
00:27:36,400 --> 00:27:37,790
You hate to see him hurt,
593
00:27:37,920 --> 00:27:38,550
yet it is
594
00:27:38,550 --> 00:27:40,000
your words that cut him to the bone.
595
00:27:40,640 --> 00:27:41,550
Zhishu has done
596
00:27:41,550 --> 00:27:43,070
more than enough all these years.
597
00:27:45,400 --> 00:27:46,550
His Majesty has always
598
00:27:46,830 --> 00:27:48,550
seen Zhishu as a bosom friend and would
599
00:27:49,030 --> 00:27:50,310
trust him on everything.
600
00:27:51,030 --> 00:27:52,750
So the court can't even afford an infinitesimal
601
00:27:52,750 --> 00:27:53,830
misstep from Zhishu.
602
00:27:55,350 --> 00:27:56,880
The censors' pens
603
00:27:57,720 --> 00:27:59,680
cut sharper than any sword.
604
00:28:03,640 --> 00:28:05,070
Does that necessarily mean
605
00:28:06,440 --> 00:28:08,270
his father should turn that edge on him first?
606
00:28:10,750 --> 00:28:11,750
Just see for yourself.
607
00:28:12,160 --> 00:28:13,440
He never gets enough
608
00:28:13,440 --> 00:28:14,680
of the soup you made.
609
00:28:15,350 --> 00:28:16,400
But he didn't even touch it today.
610
00:28:40,790 --> 00:28:41,790
The appointment notice
611
00:28:41,790 --> 00:28:42,830
hasn't come yet.
612
00:28:44,640 --> 00:28:45,110
No idea
613
00:28:45,110 --> 00:28:46,440
how much longer we'll have to wait.
614
00:28:47,590 --> 00:28:48,240
Tinghui,
615
00:28:48,480 --> 00:28:50,240
maybe our posts are so great
616
00:28:50,240 --> 00:28:51,550
that those old fogies need
617
00:28:51,550 --> 00:28:52,680
extra time to deliberate.
618
00:28:53,640 --> 00:28:54,310
Miss Meng,
619
00:28:54,310 --> 00:28:55,590
the Ministry just sent a note.
620
00:28:55,590 --> 00:28:56,590
On my way!
621
00:28:59,880 --> 00:29:00,510
Thanks.
622
00:29:02,440 --> 00:29:03,270
Hurry up!
623
00:29:04,270 --> 00:29:05,480
Let's see which cushy job it is.
624
00:29:15,270 --> 00:29:16,270
"Return home and await orders".
625
00:29:16,960 --> 00:29:18,000
That can't be.
626
00:29:18,350 --> 00:29:19,920
I made inquiries today.
627
00:29:20,400 --> 00:29:21,160
All the other
628
00:29:21,160 --> 00:29:22,270
female officials have
629
00:29:22,270 --> 00:29:23,440
already left for their posts.
630
00:29:23,830 --> 00:29:24,830
Both Shen Zhili
631
00:29:24,880 --> 00:29:26,200
and Zuo Qiurong
632
00:29:26,200 --> 00:29:26,680
are placed
633
00:29:26,680 --> 00:29:27,960
at the Imperial Academy.
634
00:29:28,160 --> 00:29:29,510
Everyone has a post now,
635
00:29:30,590 --> 00:29:32,200
except I'm sent back home.
636
00:29:33,510 --> 00:29:34,350
It seems someone
637
00:29:34,350 --> 00:29:35,880
is dead set on killing my career.
638
00:29:37,550 --> 00:29:38,270
Tinghui,
639
00:29:38,640 --> 00:29:40,440
you're personally chosen by His Majesty.
640
00:29:40,510 --> 00:29:41,550
Who'd have the nerve
641
00:29:41,550 --> 00:29:42,830
to block your appointment?
642
00:29:43,200 --> 00:29:44,350
Who else but
643
00:29:46,070 --> 00:29:47,200
Chancellor Xu?
644
00:29:49,030 --> 00:29:49,590
Fuzhi,
645
00:29:51,030 --> 00:29:52,240
I can't just sit here and take it.
646
00:29:53,200 --> 00:29:54,480
I need to find a way before dawn
647
00:29:54,480 --> 00:29:55,640
to see His Majesty.
648
00:29:56,110 --> 00:29:57,440
We'll figure it out together.
649
00:29:58,160 --> 00:29:58,920
I've got money,
650
00:29:58,920 --> 00:29:59,720
and you've got wit.
651
00:29:59,830 --> 00:30:01,310
Nothing can stop us.
652
00:30:04,830 --> 00:30:05,590
Miss Meng,
653
00:30:06,200 --> 00:30:07,550
Chancellor Xu requests your presence.
654
00:30:09,070 --> 00:30:09,790
Of all hours,
655
00:30:10,000 --> 00:30:11,880
he has to send for you in the dead of night?
656
00:30:12,110 --> 00:30:13,240
He's up to no good, I bet.
657
00:30:13,240 --> 00:30:14,720
He probably wants you silenced for good.
658
00:30:14,920 --> 00:30:16,350
They've already got us surrounded.
659
00:30:17,590 --> 00:30:19,200
There's no way out.
660
00:30:20,350 --> 00:30:21,070
This time,
661
00:30:22,030 --> 00:30:23,070
I have to go.
662
00:30:33,270 --> 00:30:34,680
My dear ministers, here,
663
00:30:35,000 --> 00:30:36,680
drink another cup with me.
664
00:30:37,240 --> 00:30:38,720
Thank you, Your Majesty.
665
00:30:43,200 --> 00:30:45,750
Presenting the newly minted Top Scholar, Meng Tinghui.
666
00:31:05,960 --> 00:31:08,200
Your subject Meng Tinghui
667
00:31:08,510 --> 00:31:09,720
greets Your Majesty.
668
00:31:10,110 --> 00:31:12,110
May Your Majesty enjoy eternal blessings.
669
00:31:24,200 --> 00:31:26,480
I summoned you tonight under the name
670
00:31:26,480 --> 00:31:27,440
of Chancellor Xu
671
00:31:27,440 --> 00:31:29,510
to see if your guts live up to your ambition.
672
00:31:30,030 --> 00:31:31,960
And you show up alone.
673
00:31:32,070 --> 00:31:32,680
I'm impressed.
674
00:31:34,030 --> 00:31:35,240
You're astute and dauntless.
675
00:31:36,000 --> 00:31:37,480
Offer our Top Scholar a seat.
676
00:31:41,440 --> 00:31:42,270
Thank you, Your Majesty.
677
00:31:46,960 --> 00:31:47,880
Meng Tinghui,
678
00:31:48,510 --> 00:31:50,070
your triple firsts
679
00:31:50,720 --> 00:31:52,790
have made me proud.
680
00:31:54,440 --> 00:31:56,720
The pleasure is beyond words.
681
00:31:56,920 --> 00:31:58,400
I owe this chance all to
682
00:31:58,960 --> 00:32:00,160
Your Majesty's blessings.
683
00:32:00,350 --> 00:32:01,920
I will prove worthy of your favor
684
00:32:02,160 --> 00:32:03,310
by doing my part.
685
00:32:03,750 --> 00:32:04,790
Everyone,
686
00:32:06,400 --> 00:32:08,720
let's all raise a glass to Meng Tinghui.
687
00:32:08,720 --> 00:32:10,550
To Top Scholar!
688
00:32:13,000 --> 00:32:15,110
I'm in such high spirits today.
689
00:32:15,200 --> 00:32:17,240
And I have a big announcement to make.
690
00:32:17,510 --> 00:32:19,550
Announcing Chancellor Xu!
691
00:32:35,440 --> 00:32:36,270
Your Majesty.
692
00:32:37,000 --> 00:32:38,640
Should you hope to summon Meng Tinghui
693
00:32:38,640 --> 00:32:40,110
under this old minister's name,
694
00:32:40,480 --> 00:32:41,790
you might want to let me know
695
00:32:41,790 --> 00:32:43,680
beforehand next time.
696
00:32:45,960 --> 00:32:48,400
And you've been drinking?
697
00:32:52,830 --> 00:32:54,270
Oh, hello, Chancellor Xu.
698
00:32:54,640 --> 00:32:57,030
The women's exam just concluded.
699
00:32:57,030 --> 00:32:57,960
I'm very delighted.
700
00:32:57,960 --> 00:33:00,200
I just feel like throwing a banquet for everyone.
701
00:33:00,200 --> 00:33:01,160
Chancellor Xu,
702
00:33:02,110 --> 00:33:03,070
come here. I'll top you up.
703
00:33:03,070 --> 00:33:03,680
Your Majesty,
704
00:33:03,920 --> 00:33:05,200
I have served three reigns,
705
00:33:05,750 --> 00:33:07,270
yet I have never seen an emperor
706
00:33:07,270 --> 00:33:09,640
conduct himself so poorly before his courtiers.
707
00:33:11,480 --> 00:33:12,400
Meng Tinghui.
708
00:33:12,640 --> 00:33:13,640
The appointment notice
709
00:33:13,640 --> 00:33:15,640
never reached you, did it?
710
00:33:15,640 --> 00:33:18,960
This banquet is for officials of the sixth rank and above.
711
00:33:19,270 --> 00:33:20,720
You don't belong here.
712
00:33:21,110 --> 00:33:21,720
Chancellor,
713
00:33:21,720 --> 00:33:23,270
if you'd still trouble yourself with me
714
00:33:23,590 --> 00:33:25,030
for all my insignificance.
715
00:33:26,000 --> 00:33:27,200
Am I right to assume that
716
00:33:27,310 --> 00:33:29,240
it was also your idea
717
00:33:29,590 --> 00:33:31,640
to send me back home?
718
00:33:31,750 --> 00:33:32,440
Hold on.
719
00:33:34,590 --> 00:33:35,830
Send her back?
720
00:33:36,160 --> 00:33:37,510
I personally elevated
721
00:33:37,510 --> 00:33:39,160
a female Top Scholar with triple firsts,
722
00:33:39,160 --> 00:33:40,440
whom I hold in high regard.
723
00:33:40,510 --> 00:33:41,480
How did she end up
724
00:33:41,880 --> 00:33:43,590
with nowhere to go?
725
00:33:43,590 --> 00:33:44,550
Chancellor,
726
00:33:44,920 --> 00:33:46,160
care to explain?
727
00:33:46,880 --> 00:33:48,160
If I may, Your Majesty.
728
00:33:49,480 --> 00:33:50,830
There are no vacancies right now
729
00:33:51,110 --> 00:33:52,160
across all Six Ministries.
730
00:33:52,400 --> 00:33:53,680
Wouldn't her genius be squandered
731
00:33:54,070 --> 00:33:55,590
on a minor post?
732
00:33:56,270 --> 00:33:56,880
Huo An,
733
00:33:57,030 --> 00:33:57,680
step forward.
734
00:33:58,350 --> 00:34:00,000
Escort Miss Meng back to Shazhou.
735
00:34:00,110 --> 00:34:01,160
Pending further orders.
736
00:34:01,590 --> 00:34:02,590
Since the Six Ministries
737
00:34:02,590 --> 00:34:03,960
can't make room for her.
738
00:34:03,960 --> 00:34:05,680
Get her in the Censorate.
739
00:34:08,590 --> 00:34:10,480
The Black Tiger Gang in Shazhou,
740
00:34:10,480 --> 00:34:12,200
the Tiger Roar Gang in Jingdu,
741
00:34:12,200 --> 00:34:13,750
Ding Chong who aids the wicked,
742
00:34:13,750 --> 00:34:15,030
and that swindler
743
00:34:15,030 --> 00:34:16,230
Dong Shoucai—
744
00:34:16,230 --> 00:34:17,190
How many more of them
745
00:34:17,190 --> 00:34:18,740
are still running rampant across this land?
746
00:34:19,800 --> 00:34:20,590
And you lot
747
00:34:21,440 --> 00:34:22,760
are sitting idly by
748
00:34:23,190 --> 00:34:24,760
as the snakes and vipers are slithering
749
00:34:24,760 --> 00:34:26,030
right under your nose!
750
00:34:26,360 --> 00:34:28,000
What else can I do but set up
751
00:34:28,000 --> 00:34:29,030
a Censorate
752
00:34:29,320 --> 00:34:31,550
to uproot injustice across the realm?
753
00:34:31,550 --> 00:34:32,760
Your Majesty, I'm afraid
754
00:34:32,760 --> 00:34:34,670
you fail to do us justice.
755
00:34:35,000 --> 00:34:36,110
And is it any wiser to set up
756
00:34:36,440 --> 00:34:37,360
a new office staffed by
757
00:34:37,360 --> 00:34:39,070
inexperienced novices?
758
00:34:39,110 --> 00:34:40,800
Tell me, then, what's behind
759
00:34:41,920 --> 00:34:43,320
your eagerness
760
00:34:43,320 --> 00:34:45,710
to banish the talent of my choice from Jingdu?
761
00:34:45,920 --> 00:34:48,360
What is it that you're after?
762
00:34:50,320 --> 00:34:51,030
Your Majesty,
763
00:34:51,920 --> 00:34:53,710
creating a new office is no small matter.
764
00:34:53,920 --> 00:34:55,030
If we rush the decision,
765
00:34:55,030 --> 00:34:56,920
it could cause turmoil in the court.
766
00:34:56,920 --> 00:34:58,440
My decision is final.
767
00:34:59,190 --> 00:35:00,510
From today onward,
768
00:35:01,840 --> 00:35:04,670
Meng Tinghui is appointed Chief of the Censorate,
769
00:35:04,760 --> 00:35:06,710
operating outside the Chancellors and Ministries.
770
00:35:07,030 --> 00:35:08,630
She reports directly to me.
771
00:35:17,360 --> 00:35:18,230
It shall be done.
772
00:35:18,630 --> 00:35:19,920
Thank you, Your Majesty.
773
00:35:20,110 --> 00:35:21,190
If we're assembling a unit,
774
00:35:21,880 --> 00:35:24,000
we need some fresh blood to make it lively.
775
00:35:24,480 --> 00:35:26,840
Shen Zhili, finishing second in the exam,
776
00:35:26,840 --> 00:35:28,070
spends all her days
777
00:35:28,070 --> 00:35:30,110
in the middle of deadwood—how dull is that?
778
00:35:30,280 --> 00:35:31,280
Effective immediately,
779
00:35:31,800 --> 00:35:33,280
she is transferred to the Censorate
780
00:35:33,670 --> 00:35:36,110
to assist Meng Tinghui.
781
00:35:37,710 --> 00:35:38,550
Your Majesty.
782
00:35:38,550 --> 00:35:39,230
Your Majesty,
783
00:35:40,190 --> 00:35:42,150
it is most improper to entrust
784
00:35:42,150 --> 00:35:43,190
such duties on two girls.
785
00:35:43,840 --> 00:35:45,800
You're throwing the court into chaos!
786
00:35:46,110 --> 00:35:46,880
I...
787
00:35:48,030 --> 00:35:51,000
I insist that you revoke this decree.
788
00:35:53,030 --> 00:35:55,030
Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
789
00:35:59,030 --> 00:36:01,760
Chancellor, this Dragon-head Staff of yours
790
00:36:02,550 --> 00:36:04,590
might overshadow the seals of the Six Ministries.
791
00:36:04,590 --> 00:36:07,070
Now, are you taking on the imperial seal, too?
792
00:36:07,590 --> 00:36:09,320
You abuse your seniority
793
00:36:09,360 --> 00:36:10,960
and repeatedly
794
00:36:10,960 --> 00:36:11,710
defy my will.
795
00:36:11,710 --> 00:36:12,840
Do you think
796
00:36:14,630 --> 00:36:16,710
you're beyond my reach?
797
00:36:18,070 --> 00:36:19,000
Your Majesty,
798
00:36:20,880 --> 00:36:22,960
do you have an idea what you're doing?
799
00:36:31,070 --> 00:36:33,320
I was only bantering
800
00:36:33,320 --> 00:36:34,710
with Chancellor Xu.
801
00:36:36,760 --> 00:36:37,710
Hey.
802
00:36:39,150 --> 00:36:40,510
You all didn't actually think
803
00:36:40,510 --> 00:36:42,280
I was going to hurt him, did you?
804
00:36:42,280 --> 00:36:45,110
Chancellor Xu is one of the
805
00:36:45,480 --> 00:36:47,320
pillars of the realm of Great Ning.
806
00:36:48,550 --> 00:36:49,230
Everyone,
807
00:36:50,280 --> 00:36:53,150
let's drink a toast with Chancellor Xu.
808
00:36:53,630 --> 00:36:54,920
Your Majesty, you're drunk.
809
00:36:55,360 --> 00:36:56,230
Your Majesty...
810
00:36:56,760 --> 00:36:57,480
Your Majesty!
811
00:36:57,480 --> 00:36:58,190
Watch out!
812
00:36:58,800 --> 00:36:59,510
Your Majesty!
813
00:37:00,150 --> 00:37:01,800
Keep drinking with him for me.
814
00:37:04,550 --> 00:37:06,070
His Majesty never drinks.
815
00:37:06,880 --> 00:37:08,400
How did he get so drunk today?
816
00:37:09,150 --> 00:37:11,280
A Top Scholar entering court?
817
00:37:15,510 --> 00:37:18,070
More like a trouble brewing!
818
00:37:32,800 --> 00:37:33,440
Your Majesty,
819
00:37:33,800 --> 00:37:34,400
careful.
820
00:37:48,590 --> 00:37:49,320
Your Majesty,
821
00:37:49,840 --> 00:37:50,840
it's very late.
822
00:37:51,150 --> 00:37:52,550
Will Miss Meng still be here?
823
00:38:13,480 --> 00:38:14,280
Commander Huang,
824
00:38:14,440 --> 00:38:15,630
can I see His Majesty?
825
00:38:23,230 --> 00:38:24,280
Thanks for the trouble.
826
00:38:55,760 --> 00:38:56,670
The banquet is over.
827
00:38:56,670 --> 00:38:58,070
Why are you still here?
828
00:39:02,800 --> 00:39:04,110
Your Majesty summoned me.
829
00:39:04,630 --> 00:39:06,150
When did I ever summon you?
830
00:39:06,550 --> 00:39:08,070
If Your Majesty didn't,
831
00:39:08,590 --> 00:39:09,710
I'll take my leave.
832
00:39:15,670 --> 00:39:17,840
Why don't you bow when you see me?
833
00:39:23,150 --> 00:39:26,400
Your subject Meng Tinghui greets Your Majesty.
834
00:39:27,190 --> 00:39:28,590
I was worried
835
00:39:29,030 --> 00:39:30,920
that appointing you Chief of the Censorate
836
00:39:30,920 --> 00:39:32,000
was too bold a move.
837
00:39:32,920 --> 00:39:33,880
Now you've convinced me
838
00:39:33,880 --> 00:39:35,400
that was more than just a whim.
839
00:39:35,710 --> 00:39:37,400
If that's the case,
840
00:39:38,630 --> 00:39:40,150
you wouldn't have feigned
841
00:39:40,630 --> 00:39:41,800
drunkenness tonight,
842
00:39:41,880 --> 00:39:43,510
just to promote me.
843
00:39:43,760 --> 00:39:44,510
Isn't this
844
00:39:44,510 --> 00:39:46,110
Censorate position
845
00:39:46,150 --> 00:39:46,840
everything
846
00:39:46,840 --> 00:39:48,110
you've been cozying up to me for?
847
00:39:48,360 --> 00:39:49,670
I gave you what you wanted.
848
00:39:49,840 --> 00:39:51,440
But the royal favor is ever fickle.
849
00:39:51,800 --> 00:39:53,440
You just rejected me the other day,
850
00:39:54,030 --> 00:39:54,920
yet tonight,
851
00:39:54,920 --> 00:39:56,280
you promoted me openly, despite
852
00:39:56,480 --> 00:39:57,760
the Chancellor's opposition.
853
00:39:58,030 --> 00:40:00,030
I can't read your mind,
854
00:40:00,800 --> 00:40:01,760
and that unsettles me.
855
00:40:04,440 --> 00:40:06,800
I've granted you power beyond the Chancellors.
856
00:40:07,190 --> 00:40:08,480
What more could you want?
857
00:40:08,800 --> 00:40:11,000
Or do you have other intentions?
858
00:40:16,800 --> 00:40:18,880
Your favor seems a blessing at first sight,
859
00:40:20,110 --> 00:40:21,110
but isn't it also
860
00:40:21,110 --> 00:40:23,190
putting a target on my back?
861
00:40:23,440 --> 00:40:24,590
If you insist that I
862
00:40:24,590 --> 00:40:25,710
repay you somehow,
863
00:40:26,480 --> 00:40:28,110
I am willing to risk my life
864
00:40:28,840 --> 00:40:31,360
to fully investigate the Tiger Roar Gang case.
865
00:40:32,110 --> 00:40:33,840
I ordered an investigation into the gang,
866
00:40:34,000 --> 00:40:35,000
but to this day,
867
00:40:35,000 --> 00:40:36,150
there is still no lead.
868
00:40:36,550 --> 00:40:38,000
No just any street gang
869
00:40:38,000 --> 00:40:39,670
gets to be all-powerful.
870
00:40:40,190 --> 00:40:41,400
Are you suspecting that
871
00:40:41,400 --> 00:40:42,590
they have connections in the c...
872
00:40:42,590 --> 00:40:44,230
Don't jump to conclusion until you have proof.
873
00:40:48,440 --> 00:40:49,960
Surprise me with your findings.
874
00:40:52,840 --> 00:40:54,710
I am willing to be your blade.
875
00:40:55,030 --> 00:40:55,710
But it's hard now
876
00:40:55,710 --> 00:40:57,000
to tell friend from foe in the court.
877
00:40:57,230 --> 00:40:58,360
I hope to select
878
00:40:58,360 --> 00:40:59,590
the Censorate's members myself.
879
00:40:59,590 --> 00:41:00,550
Only if
880
00:41:00,760 --> 00:41:02,110
Zhishu and Di Nian
881
00:41:02,230 --> 00:41:03,510
are included.
882
00:41:04,400 --> 00:41:05,190
Of course.
883
00:41:05,710 --> 00:41:06,880
Thanks, Your Majesty.
884
00:41:27,590 --> 00:41:28,150
Over there.
885
00:41:37,550 --> 00:41:38,110
We're here.
886
00:41:44,190 --> 00:41:45,360
Keep digging!
887
00:41:45,840 --> 00:41:46,550
Got it.
52944
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