Original subtitles

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by ❀ The Good and The Beauty Team ⚔ @Viki.com

The other nine are all run by your proteges.

I haven't heard such words for a long time.

Please forgive me, Teacher.

Perhaps it is because I have just returned from the brink of death.

Regarding this, I have lost my sense of reverence.

Did you really think I would kill you just because of what you said?

No. You're wrong.

You're wrong.

You did a good job.

I hope to have someone like you by my side,

to play the devil's advocate, and to pour cold water on things.

That way, I can stay alert at all times.

Very good.

Now, focus on getting well.

The new reforms are complex and tangled.

The court needs you.

And I need you, too.

His Majesty has ordered the Three Judicial Offices to investigate your case.

If the final result points to Wang Xuan Fan,

even if he is a cabinet minister,

he must be brought to justice.

Thank you, Teacher.

Take good care of yourself.

I shall take my leave.

Take care, Teacher.

Just now, I saw the Grand Secretary leave with a displeased look.

Did the conversation not go well?

He told me not to hold a grudge against Wang Xuan Fan.

But I cut him off with a rebuttal.

Although I had guessed...

he would plead for Wang Xuan Fan,

I didn't expect...

he would go to such lengths for him.

I mentioned the corruption in River Works.

Six of the officials in charge are Wang Xuan Fan's protégés.

Yet he only commented, "He has gone too far."

How flippant.

Is that why you chose to refute him to his face?

I had to push him to see which way he would choose.

But after today's test, I now see

that his ties to Wang Xuan Fan run far deeper than I ever expected.

With that in mind, we have to be on guard.

Not just in court, but also in business.

I must remain fully alert.

As for Grandmother and Second Brother, I should also send a letter to them.

Why don't we go back to Tongzhou for a visit?

That ungrateful wretch!

How dare he lecture me to my face?

He said I'm responsible for the fifteen breaches in the lower Huai River.

He's insane. What can those words do to you?

He is threatening me.

If I don't deal with Wang Xuan Fan, he'll crack down hard in the Huai River region.

When that happens, not just Wang Xuan Fan,

but half the court will be dragged down.

Husband.

He controls the Ministry of Revenue.

If he truly takes action,

even I won't be able to stop it.

Zhang Qi.

The Grand Secretary's meaning is,

"Lord Wang, please take a step back this time."

Return to your hometown to rest for a few days.

Once this blows over, you can seek reinstatement.

Since the Grand Secretary has put it that way,

I shall obey.

Careful, go slowly.

So many boxes.

What's inside all these boxes?

They're files from the archives repository of the Judicial Office.

But they're all from ten years ago.

Back then, the late Prince Chengqing plotted rebellion.

To get inside information on the court officials, he bribed the Judicial Office,

and had the records of the officials' words and deeds shipped out by boat.

In the end, the Cabinet at the time

dispatched river pirates to intercept and kill them in secret.

I was at the Grain Transport Office then and happened to come across them.

But these are from ten years ago.

Can they still be useful now?

Yes.

Every major decision a person makes leaves a trail that can be followed.

Ten years ago, when Teacher just joined the Cabinet,

he was full of aspirations for land equalization to save the world.

However, it was also these ten-year-old files that told me

that he overvalues competence when choosing people,

and undervalues integrity.

Why are only half of these files left?

I've already read all of Teacher's files.

I keep the useful ones with me.

Then I assume you've read all of Wang Xuan Fan's files, too.

I've read the files of all the high-ranking officials.

So how do you plan to investigate?

For Teacher to shield Wang Xuan Fan to this extent,

Wang Xuan Fan must have considerable compromising evidence against him.

Could it be treason?

Could the Grand Secretary and the late Prince Chengqing

have been colluding secretly?

That's a thought.

But there's nothing here on the late Prince Chengqing.

Only on the late Prince Ruichang.

Before I got rid of the late Prince Ruichang's heir,

I had read through all the files on the late Prince Ruichang.

It should be here.

Here.

September 3rd, 24th year of Jingning.

Li Zhi invited Liu Heng, the hermit of Yuyang,

to hold a ritual for his late mother at his residence.

Zhou Feng, Prince Chengqing's Chief Secretary, and Wang Nian En,

Director of the Transmission Office, Wang Xuan Fan's butler, were all present.

After the banquet, Wang Nian En sent a string of eighteen amber beads,

along with two baskets each of tangerines and pears,

to the Great Scholar of the East Hall,

Fu Hai Lian's residence.

Who is this hermit of Yuyang?

Do you know the Chunyuan Cult?

♪ Those who are good suffer poverty and live shorter lives ♪

♪ Those who are evil enjoy wealth and live for a long time ♪

Someone just threw a stone in.

This was tied to it.

♪ Heaven is also one who fears the strong and bullies the weak ♪

You suspect Wang Xuan Fan?

Who else could it be?

He's getting desperate.

Power tempts the heart.

He can't bring himself to walk away.

Grand Secretary. Madam.

Eunuch Zhang sent word.

His Majesty has recalled Ye Xian

and ordered him to investigate Wang Xuan Fan's attempted assassination of Chen Yan Yun.

Grand Secretary, that brat Ye Xian won't be on our side.

By imperial decree, the attempted assassination of Chen Yan Yun

will be tried by the Mystic Flame Guard,

with the Punishment Ministry and Supreme Court assisting.

Commander of the Mystic Flame Guard,

Ye Xian is ordered to return to the capital immediately.

Be careful with those.

Keep Master's and Madam's valuables separate.

Don't bump the precious items.

Be careful! Hurry up.

- All your fault! - Hurry up.

If you hadn't insisted on fighting Chen Yan Yun,

we wouldn't be in this mess.

Say something!

This clearly has nothing to do with us.

Are you done?

Stop yelling at me.

You just blame me. Are you not at fault?

- Take it to court. - This is all your fault.

What can we do?

What are we going to do now?

What happened?

- Third Master. - Hey!

Ye Xian, what's wrong with you?

So you really are injured.

- I'm fine. - I thought his injury was fake.

Ye Xian.

Let's get down to business.

How many are dead?

Three.

Besides Wang Xuan Fan and his wife, their butler as well.

Wang Nian En?

How do you know?

Let's go and take a look first.

Lord Wang and his wife died of charcoal poisoning.

The butler, Wang Nian En, was strangled to death.

There are clear signs of a struggle.

The time of death for all three was between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. this morning.

On the butler's body, was there any evidence left?

You have sharp eyes, My Lord.

Look.

Wang Xuan Fan and his wife were killed by the butler with charcoal.

But the one who killed the butler was someone else.

Any other findings?

Here. How did he get this cut?

Madam, this wound matches the victim's thumbnail.

He must have pinched it himself before he died.

But if he was being strangled, why would he pinch himself so hard?

And in that spot.

I remember now.

When we found the butler's body,

he was sitting on the floor,

his left hand was held in a pose.

It was quite peculiar.

Later, when the body was moved, the hand's position changed.

Do you remember what the pose was?

It was...

like this.

Chunyuan Cult.

Chunyuan Cult?

You've searched the entire residence, right?

Not even a chicken could have escaped.

Do you know something?

I have some suspicions.

To be certain...

I'll have to test it out.

First, Chen Yan Yun was nearly assassinated.

Then Wang Xuan Fan and his wife died of charcoal poisoning.

Both of them were my cabinet ministers.

I never imagined the capital's security could get this bad!

Your Majesty, this case is not a security failure.

Please, go on.

Wang Xuan Fan was an aide who followed me for years.

Jiu Heng is my protégé.

Others have many suspicions about this case, but they do not dare to inquire closely.

Allow me to ask the questions myself.

Lord Wang.

I am here.

The Supreme Court previously confirmed

that Wang Xuan Fan sent men to follow Chen Jiu Heng.

- Is that true? - Yes, it is true.

His men confessed.

Wang Xuan Fan was worried that Chen Yan Yun

might expose his past connections with Prince Chengqing.

He ordered the men to follow Chen Yan Yun.

Reporting his every move.

Did you question Wang Xuan Fan yourself?

Wang Xuan Fan was unruly and refused to see me.

If you have a conclusion, please speak freely.

In my humble opinion... whether it was the attempted assassination of Chen Jiu Heng

or Wang Xuan Fan poisoned to death, these two cases are actually one.

If Wang Xuan Fan

was the only mastermind behind the attempt on Chen Jiu Heng's life,

then... among those who could have poisoned Wang Xuan Fan,

Chen Jiu Heng is the prime suspect.

This...

- I think so, too. - I never expected this.

Indeed.

In my opinion, for an ordinary person,

poisoning Wang Xuan Fan would be unthinkable.

But Chen Yan Yun holds a high office, is well-versed in underworld tactics,

and is skilled in martial arts.

If he were the one to do it, then I believe it would be highly probable.

This case is too heinous.

I beg Your Majesty to investigate fully, bring the culprit to justice,

and execute him publicly.

I beg Your Majesty to investigate fully,

bring the culprit to justice,

and execute him publicly!

- This... - Your Majesty.

In my opinion, Chen Jiu Heng should be charged with his crimes.

Order the authorities to arrest him and restore the court's integrity.

Chen Yan Yun has arrived!

I pay my respects to Your Majesty.

You may rise, Subject Chen.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

What's wrong?

Why are you at court instead of resting at home?

Your Majesty, I heard that...

Wang Xuan Fan and his wife met a tragic end.

So I thought I'd better come to court.

Otherwise, I fear... people will talk, and I'll be unjustly blamed.

What does he mean by that?

What is he doing?

Lord Chen, don't tar all the officials here with the same brush.

I have a question. I heard that you, Lord Chen, were severely injured.

Why do you look so healthy now?

Lord Su, you visited my residence a few days ago.

You even said you would pray day and night for my swift recovery.

Now that I have recovered a bit, why are you unhappy?

I was just raising a reasonable question.

Why must you mock me, Lord Chen?

A question?

Are you questioning the Grand Secretary?

Grand Secretary,

didn't you bring an imperial physician to my residence a few days ago?

So, Lord Su, are you questioning the physician or the Grand Secretary?

This...

Enough. Let's get to the point.

Don't waste time on pointless arguments.

Jiu Heng, Wang Xuan Fan and his wife died tragically.

You... are under suspicion.

For now, remain in a state of guilt.

Three Judicial Offices will handle the inquiry.

Your Excellency, what do you mean by this?

Just the other day, you told me yourself

that regarding Wang Xuan Fan's collusion with the late Prince Chengqing,

there was no solid evidence.

I advised you to drop it and stop this emotional feud.

You remained silent then.

Last night, Wang Xuan Fan died in his home.

Do you dare to say...

that this matter has nothing to do with you?

Your Excellency, I have been truly wronged.

I was silent then because my heart was filled with bitterness.

It was beyond words.

What were you bitter about?

I don't understand.

I had already

presented the evidence of Wang Xuan Fan's river project embezzlement to you.

Why did you still protect him so?

It seems... Wang Xuan Fan was telling the truth.

What did Wang Xuan Fan say?

After the relief grain case, I drank with Wang Xuan Fan.

He said that the things he did for you

were far more than what I had done.

The whole idea of replacing grain with bran

was because you wanted to bring down Fan Chuan.

In the end, Wang Xuan Fan took the grain merchants' cut,

but you threw him into the imperial jail.

However, the cut Wang Xuan Fan took was actually taken on your behalf.

How dare you bring baseless words spoken while drunk to this court?

You are becoming increasingly muddled.

Drunken words are baseless.

Then, you've concluded that I harbor resentment based solely on old grudges?

Isn't that equally baseless?

This is pure sophistry!

Where is the Supreme Court?

I am here.

The Punishment Ministry.

I am here.

The Censorate.

Grand Secretary.

The Supreme Court shall lead the case of Wang Xuan Fan.

The Punishment Ministry and the Censorate shall assist.

Chen Yan Yun is under heavy suspicion!

Report!

Commander of the Mystic Flame Guard, Ye Xian, requests an audience.

Your Majesty, I ordered my men to seal off Wang Xuan Fan's residence.

After interrogating all its members, we made a major discovery.

What discovery? Report it at once.

Your Majesty.

Hasn't the court session ended?

Why hasn't Third Master come out yet?

This... is the mark of the Chunyuan Cult?

Your Majesty, the Chunyuan Cult uses various marks.

This mark is called "Fearless".

It signifies a willingness to die and to charge forward bravely.

I found this totem on the back of the Wang family's butler.

But as far as I know, back then,

the Chunyuan Cult failed in its rebellion with Prince Chengqing.

They were all wiped out.

Your Majesty, only the majority were wiped out back then.

Some remnants escaped into the Northern Tribes and served the local court.

Such a thing happened?

Why would the Northern Tribes court use them?

Among those who fled to the Northern Tribes back then,

some held official academic titles in our Dayan Empire.

Therefore, the Northern Tribes court

recruited them as scholars and advisors, granting them official posts.

Then why did Wang Xuan Fan

hire a Chunyuan Cult member as his butler?

Your Majesty, although the Chunyuan Cult was powerful back then,

most were eventually executed.

Those surfacing now are merely hidden remnants.

They cannot cause much trouble.

In my opinion, Three Judicial Offices should investigate closely.

Meanwhile, keep it strictly confidential

to prevent rumors from leaking and misleading the public.

You are absolutely right.

Then, should we still arrest Lord Chen?

Let Jiu Heng return home to recover from his injuries.

Your Majesty, I must return to Wenyuan Library.

I shall take my leave now.

I...

What is it, Master?

The Wang household's butler had "Fearless" tattooed on his back.

Did you know about this?

Who said that?

Ye Xian uncovered it.

That's impossible.

The Chunyuan Cult followers believe in purity, both in coming and in leaving.

Even for their parents or loved ones, they would never damage their own bodies.

Let alone tattooing the Fearless mark on the body.

Could it be a fake?

Oh no.

It's a trap.

Ye Xian!

My Lord.

Are you hungry? These are meat pies.

Eat them while they're hot.

I'm not hungry. His Majesty asked me to stay in the palace.

You should head back.

His Majesty asked you to stay?

You could have just sent someone out to tell us.

Yet you came out yourself.

Were you worried I'd be anxious?

I came... to tell Li Xian Huai.

Right, right.

Why do you always say the opposite of what you mean?

Third Master.

You're out. How did it go?

Don't worry.

Why are you here?

I couldn't rest easy waiting at the residence.

He is so crafty. What's there to worry about?

Ye Xian, is there any point in always talking like that?

If you two find him annoying, then don't use him.

Mind your own business.

Am I wrong?

Every time they get into something, you end up dragged into it.

And you two, you're already married. Can't you leave Ye Xian alone?

Let's go home.

See? They're both speechless.

Rui Xiang, why do I like him just the way he is?

Miss, you have a good eye.

What's this?

Ye Xian gave it to me.

He's arranged for us to meet His Majesty the day after tomorrow.

- I... - I...

pay respects to Your Majesty.

Rise, please.

- Thank you, Your Majesty. - Thank you, Your Majesty.

Gu Jin Zhao, we meet again.

You're really something

getting both Subject Chen and Subject Ye to compete for you.

Your Majesty, you are too precious to risk traveling in commoner's clothes.

There are many people here.

You should return to the palace at once.

For once, Lord Chen makes a point.

I shall escort Your Majesty back now.

Come on. I finally got the Empress Dowager's permission to leave the palace.

I won't mention the three of you anymore, all right?

Really, I promise not to bring it up again.

You two may leave. I have something to say to Subject Chen.

I am grateful for Your Majesty's help.

By recalling Commander Ye in time, I was able to force Teacher to back down.

There is no need for such formality.

I should be the one thanking you.

If you hadn't discovered...

that Wang Xuan Fan's butler, a Chunyuan Cult remnant,

was actually recommended by Lord Fu,

I would never have imagined

that my Grand Secretary would be involved with the Chunyuan Cult remnants.

There might be more to it.

No need to speak up for him.

With his intelligence and means...

would he recommend someone of unknown origin?

I tell you, Lord Fu must have known Wang Nian En's background very clearly.

Actually, Lord Fu has served the state well.

I have always been mindful of that. But he has gone too far.

Deceiving the emperor and seizing power.

He must be clear that this empire belongs to the Li family, not the Fu family.

And now, he's even involved with the Chunyuan Cult remnants.

There might even be a bigger conspiracy at play.

Fortunately, I still have you and Subject Ye.

You risk your lives to help me.

I do not deserve such praise.

There is no way for me to further reward Ye Xian's contributions.

I'll have to wait until I assume full authority.

As for you, Subject Chen, I have already spoken with Imperial Mother.

You are promoted to Great Scholar of the Jianji Hall.

- Your Majesty... - Imperial Mother has already agreed.

With her support, Lord Fu should not refuse.

Then I... thank Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager.

Then, Lord Chen, focus on your recovery.

I look forward to your speedy recovery

and return to Wenyuan Library standing your ground against Lord Fu.

I shall obey Your Majesty's decree.

I never expected His Majesty to take the initiative to join forces with you.

Without His Majesty's help,

I would have had to lie low for at least a few more years

before I dared to confront Teacher.

If His Majesty didn't have Ye Xian and me as his pawns

he'd be completely hopeless.

I can only say... the timing was right.

However, our young Emperor is maturing quite rapidly.

We'll see.

Do you think the Grand Secretary knows

the mark on the butler's back was forged by someone under Ye Xian's orders?

It's hard to say.

But whether he knows or not, between him and me, there's no turning back now.

But what if...

those Chunyuan Cult remnants really are the Grand Secretary's men?

He certainly won't let you off.

That is exactly why I had to drop all pretenses...

and openly break with him in court.

I brought the conflict out into the open.

It's better than...

him using the guise of a teacher to plot against me from the shadows.

The only trouble is, all my men are being watched by him.

They can't make a move.

I plan to send Qing Pu to Shanxi.

Aren't those Chunyuan Cult remnants mostly hiding in the Northern Tribes?

The Northern Tribes are close to Shanxi,

and I've already established many businesses there.

On the surface, I'll have Qing Pu manage the business for me.

But in secret, I'll have her investigate leads on Chunyuan Cult remnants.

Besides, she's skilled in martial arts, enough to defend herself.

What do you think?

That is a good plan.

Eldest Sister, please read it. I'll step out now.

All right.

I have participated in the Shicheng trade fair twice.

I noticed an interpreter working for a Northern Tribes merchant.

His behavior was quite suspicious.

He burned incense every day.

When asked which deity he worshipped, he was very evasive.

Following your orders, I didn't want to alert him.

When Wang Xuan Fan first arrived in the capital,

Wang Nian En was recommended to him by Fu Hai Lian.

I have been following this lead the whole time.

Unfortunately, up until now, I have found nothing.

Chunyuan Cult is very active in the capital.

They don't even act that discreetly.

If Wang Nian En were just an ordinary Chunyuan Cult member,

how could he have survived the Mystic Flame Guard's investigation?

He would have left traces long ago.

How could we have found nothing?

You mean... someone is covering for him?

But Wang Xuan Fan is already dead.

Could it be Fu Hai Lian?

Hard to say for now.

But you already suspect him, don't you?

I knew it. With Fu Hai Lian's shrewdness,

how could he place someone of an unknown origin in Wang Xuan Fan's residence?

He must have known Wang Nian En was a Chunyuan Cult remnant.

But then again, if he knew Wang Nian En was a remnant,

why would he keep him in Wang Xuan Fan's residence for so many years?

It seems he is definitely connected to the Chunyuan Cult.

These are all just speculations. There is no solid evidence yet.

My men are being closely watched by him.

And I don't want to alert him.

So I have to rely on you.

Is this the first time you've begged me?

Did I beg you?

You don't have to investigate.

You know what?

The person I want to investigate most is you.

You know too much.

The Rebirth mark, the Fearless mark...

How could you know about them?

How could I not know?

Heir Apparent, you should read more often.

That's why I think you're like a remnant of the Chunyuan Cult.

You can follow that lead and investigate me.

Do you think I won't?

His Majesty asked me to tell you that He Wen Xin is in mourning.

Fu Hai Lian blamed Wang Xuan Fan's case on the Chunyuan Cult remnants.

And the assassination attempt was also pinned on Wang Xuan Fan.

Crossing paths with you, Wang Xuan Fan really had the worst luck.

Third Master, someone from the palace is here.

It seems the decree promoting you to Great Scholar of Jianji Hall has arrived.

Congratulations. His Majesty is counting on you and Fu Hai Lian

to balance each other out.

Thunder and rain, are all the Emperor's grace.

By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees.

Great Scholar of the Wenyuan Library,

Left Vice Minister of Revenue, Chen Yan Yun,

is well-versed in the classics, adept in worldly affairs,

ambitious in rectifying the times, and talented in governance.

He is promoted to Great Scholar of Jianji Hall,

and Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince.

It is hereby decreed.

I accept the decree and express my gratitude.

Long live Your Majesty!

Currently, the Fujian Customs Office, the Longjiang Shipyard,

and the Songjiang Silk Mill are all in urgent need of funds.

I have discussed with the Ministry of Revenue and propose that next year,

military funds for the Nine Borders be reduced by thirty percent

to support the economy.

Since the Cabinet has agreed,

- then I shall... - Your Majesty.

I have an objection.

Despite the opposition,

Teacher insisted on reducing the border forces and military funding.

But our dynasty and the Northern Tribes have fought for twenty years.

Peace was established only a year ago.

How can he be so certain that we can let our guard down?

Unless he is certain that they won't break the treaty,

and suddenly start a war.

But how can he be so sure?

There is only one explanation.

He has his own source of intelligence within the Northern Tribes.

And this source of intelligence is unknown to the Judicial Office,

the Wenyuan Library, and even His Majesty.

That means it is independent of the imperial court.

I will go to the palace now to see His Majesty.

Next time we meet, let's find a more secure place.

Don't worry. No one will find out.

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by ❀ The Good and The Beauty Team ⚔ @Viki.com

­

"Starry Night" - Zhou Shen

♫ I once held a brush to paint the seasons ♫

♫ But I fell into the chasm of time ♫

♫ Every shade of light and dark became a bitter wine ♫

♫ Every inch of longing turned to sorrow ♫

♫ I've seen through the sunrise and sunset ♫

♫ I can only lament that light and shadow can not coexist ♫

♫ A single mistake cast old friends away like drifting seagulls ♫

♫ With each step we drift further, then one glance back ♫

♫ The heart's burdens turn to rust ♫

♫ I send you on a thousand-mile trip under the Milky Way ♫

♫ A single thought, ceaseless and unyielding ♫

♫ You have a cherished companion to share your days ♫

♫ I, alone with my shadow, drift through the twilight hours ♫

♫ Memories of the past fill up every wrinkle of time ♫

♫ With each step we drift further, then one glance back ♫

♫ The heart's burdens turn to rust ♫

♫ I send you on a thousand-mile trip under the Milky Way ♫

♫ A single thought, ceaseless and unyielding ♫

♫ You have a cherished companion to share your days ♫

♫ I, alone with my shadow, drift through the twilight hours ♫

♫ Memories of the past fill up every wrinkle of time ♫

♫ Memories of the past fill up every wrinkle of time ♫