Original subtitles

Episode 34

Lord Xu,

there is no approval of County Magistrate

or the signature of Secretary Wang.

I am afraid it doesn't meet the rule.

The receipt document was sent to me by the Ministry of Rites directly.

I'll be solely responsible for all the matters about the Imperial Envoy,

such as welcome and reception, naturally.

But…

But what?

The Imperial Envoys will arrive in a few days.

If there's any delay,

can you take it?

Scribe Cai,

I've handed the budget over to you.

If there's any delay or neglect,

you'll be dismissed and investigated.

What an ungrateful man!

He's arrogant when achieving his ambition.

I must be crazy.

How can I ally with

this ungrateful wolf?

Hu County yamen

Don't be lazy on it.

Make it clean.

How many times has the sundial been cleaned?

My Lord. My Lord.

I've cleaned it three times.

Not enough.

Clean it for three more times with clear water.

Yes.

Well.

Have all the drums at the gate been replaced?

Rest assured, My Lord.

They've all been replaced.

And

fence at the gate has all been whitewashed.

Supervise their work here.

Yes.

Everyone,

time is short and task is heavy.

All the halls in the county yamen

must be cleaned today,

otherwise,

your salary of one,

well, three months will be deducted.

Do you hear?

Yes.

Go.

My Lord,

do something about it.

We can't let those people behave so arrogantly.

Yes, My Lord.

If we don't find a way to fix it,

all our previous efforts will be wasted.

Don't panic.

Let's see

what they will do.

We'll just bear it for the moment.

Don't act rashly.

I have my own plan.

Yes, My Lord.

Judicial Clerk Ye.

I'm here. Come in.

Please.

Secretary.

Judicial Clerk Ye.

You come here to…

You bastards.

You can't do anything well.

Look at it.

The back of the plaque is so dirty.

Do you know

what the plaque represents?

Take down the plaque quickly.

Listen.

You must make it spotless.

Got it.

Bastards.

My Lord, it's really clean.

It looks different.

Lord Wang.

That can't be true!

Is this Lord Xu?

Why does Lord Xu

climb the ladder in person?

I think Lord Xu's legs

have become thinner these two days.

Well, I saw Lord Xu

being so busy

these days.

Why do you clean the back of the plaque repeatedly?

You don't have to do this.

The Imperial Envoys will not see it.

Lord Xu, be careful.

Take it.

That's not true.

Yes. The Imperial Envoys will not

go up to the lintel to check

if the plaque is clean.

But His Majesty sent them here,

which is the honor of Hu County.

I have to try my best to

serve the Imperial Court and His Majesty.

Well,

even if the Imperial Envoys don't check it

and find it,

we still have to be earnest.

Enough, Lord Xu.

You even relate the plaque

to His Majesty.

You're going too far.

It's not far at all.

No one would expect

Imperial Envoys would come to Hu County.

What about now?

He's coming.

Seeing the Imperial Envoys is like seeing His Majesty.

How do you know

I won't be summoned to the presence of His Majesty?

Lord Xu

is really ambitious.

Yes, agree.

It's admirable.

It's admirable.

Let's go.

A small man is intoxicated by success.

A good man will be ostracized.

-Go up to clean it. -Yes.

I have lost.

You have better skills than me.

If my son

can be as half knowledgeable as you are,

I'll feel content.

Xiaokun just lost his head for the moment.

By the way,

I heard you left the Capital City

because of some rumors.

Unexpectedly,

the Imperial Court

made a new assignment to you.

Her Highness

spoke for me.

Oh, I see.

I believe you can realize your ambition

in this journey to Guizhou.

Lord Guan,

we will arrive at Hu County soon.

Soon.

You've been fatigued by the long journey.

You had a hard time.

Not really.

Guizhou has beautiful mountain and clear rivers.

The beautiful scenery along the way

is really a feast to the eyes.

I like it very much.

Yingying, I'm coming.

Why haven't they come?

My Lord, Imperial Envoys'

guard of honor has arrived.

They're coming. They're coming.

Imperial Envoys are arriving.

You actually beat me to the punch.

You really don't save face for me

in front of all officials and people

of the county.

I am in charge of

everything today.

You, a County Magistrate who holds down a job without doing a stroke of work,

are not qualified to walk ahead of me.

I should be the first to meet the Imperial Envoys.

It's really good to be an official.

It's wonderful to be an official.

An official wears a black gauze cap.

Suddenly, a dignitary arrives.

They step down the sedan chair and run.

You run,

and he runs as well.

Is it funny?

Your words are so mean.

I think

you look depressed,

so I told a joke to amuse you.

All officials play up to superiors

and bully subordinates.

You think it's funny,

but many people

can't get this funny chance

though they want.

You are right.

I'm Hua Qingfeng who comes to welcome you, Imperial Envoys.

Your Highness, please.

Lord Guan, after you.

OK.

Well.

I'm Xu Boyi, County Magistrate Assistant of Hu County.

I'm here to welcome you, Imperial Envoys.

Don't stand on ceremony.

Forego the formalities.

Please stand up.

Please stand up.

Thank you, Imperial Envoys.

I am Guan Haishan, Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

This is Li Xuancheng,

Royal Uncle Li.

Here are my respects, Minister Guan.

Here are my respects, Your Highness.

Don't stand on ceremony.

I am just a Deputy Envoy.

Lord Guan will make decisions.

Are you County Magistrate Hua?

Yes, I am.

So this is County Magistrate Assistant Xu.

Yes.

Well, Your Highness,

let's follow

these two local Magistrates

to meet people.

Lord Guan, please.

I am Ye Xiaotian, Judicial Clerk of Hu County.

Here are my respects, Minister Guan.

Here are my respects, Imperial Envoy Li.

Judicial Clerk Ye,

you are as elegant as usual

after we parted in the Capital City.

Congratulations.

My Lord, you're as healthy as before,

which makes me feel so happy.

Here are my respects, Your Highness.

Judicial Clerk Ye.

As the saying goes, people will meet.

You and I

are destined to meet again.

You're right, Your Highness.

It is a small world.

Such dignitaries like Guan Haishan and Royal Uncle Li

actually know Ye Xiaotian.

He hides it really deep.

Their impressions show that

they don't get along.

Welcome, Imperial Envoy Li.

Welcome Your Highness to Hu County.

Good. Please be seated.

As far as I know,

it has been less than three years since Hu County was set up,

but it has made such big achievements.

It really has made contributions.

Imperial Court supports and pacifies remote counties

in different parts of the state.

I'm just doing what I can

relying on the Imperial Court.

I'm really flattered.

His Highness and I come under imperial decree.

We both hope to make it a success.

This is the Imperial Court's dignity

and the merits of you all.

I wonder what plans you have.

Do you have your ways?

Lord Guan.

Your Highness.

Please rest assured.

Imperial Envoy Li, rest assured.

I will go to ask those

village heads, neighborhood heads, borough chiefs,

senior cares and tribal leaders to

respond to the call

by changing names.

They are all

people of prestige in the local.

As long as they're willing to change names,

people subordinate to them

will definitely follow.

County Magistrate Assistant Xu, you've really worked hard.

That's my duty.

That's what I should do.

Though Xu Boyi

likes flattery,

he's clever and capable.

As for the County Magistrate,

he's a bit useless

like a punch bag.

He's not important.

Well,

I forgot the monkey who

created a tremendous uproar.

Have a taste.

I want to go back to Capital City early.

You naughty monkey.

Don't make trouble again.

Everyone, please.

Judicial Clerk Ye, please stay.

His Highness wants to meet you.

Go.

Your Highness, what's your order?

Judicial Clerk Ye,

why not sit down first?

I came under imperial decree,

so I have the right to make arbitrary decisions

on all matters related to Hu County.

Also, I have the right to make

appointment and removal of officials under the fifth rank.

I will award those brave persons

and punish those incapable persons

to show the emperor's being discriminating in his rewards and punishments.

I ask you to come

to remind you that

you should perform well.

Otherwise, I can't be partial to you

though I have the intention.

Thank you for your care.

But by rights,

well, Lord Guan should

have the right

to make arbitrary decisions.

Well.

I am also an Imperial Envoy.

Don't I have the right of consultation and discussion?

In fact,

whether you have it or not

does not have much to do with me.

I'm quite satisfied with

my present state.

Though I haven't made many contributions,

I didn't do anything wrong,

so I won't be punished.

Your Highness have had a long journey.

You should have a rest.

I'm leaving.

Why leave in a hurry?

Sit for more a while.

Actually,

I am just married.

I'm afraid I'll be complained about

if I leave my wife at home for too long.

What?

You've married?

I have just been married.

Well, you actually know my wife.

She's Xia Yingying.

Li Xuancheng

is really unwilling to give up.

He actually comes to Hu County.

Yingying,

what are you doing now?

Madame,

I am surnamed Ye,

named Xiaotian.

I am Magistrate of Hu County.

What is Magistrate?

I am surnamed Ye,

named Xiaotian.

I am Prefectural Magistrate of Tongren.

Can you say

some officials of higher ranks?

Again. Again.

Come on.

I am, I am Provincial Governor of Guizhou.

What is Provincial Governor of Guizhou?

Why are you laughing?

Look at you.

You're so gorgeously dressed.

Your red lips

make you look so strange.

Stop laughing.

If you are not serious again,

I will marry you

to the old bachelor

in his 60s who is a gatekeeper.

No, My Lady.

Then do it quickly.

Come on.

Madame,

I am surnamed Ye,

named Xiaotian.

I am the Number One Scholar this year,

as well as the Grand Marshal of the three armies.

Since I met your granddaughter Yingying,

I fell in love with her at first sight.

I heard Yingying has been 15,

but she hasn't married yet,

so I come here

to seek a marriage sincerely.

If I can marry her,

I'll be my greatest honor.

These words

sound good.

Look at you.

Do you think you are Ge Long?

You look like a gorilla.

I really can't count on you.

Xiaotian has come back to Hu County.

Why doesn't he come to see me?

I feel so bored.

Good ball.

Clap!

Great.

Big brother.

Brother Xiaotian.

Stop eating.

If you become fatter,

you can be Prefectural Magistrate of Tongren.

Big brother,

so you mean I can be the Prefectural Magistrate

if I become fatter.

No.

I mean,

Prefectural Magistrate of Tongren is so fat.

Once, I saw he could only get out

from the chair

with the help of two yamen runners.

No one will help you in the future.

Big brother,

to be honest,

I've never seen

someone who's fatter than me.

But I want to

move the shop to Tongren.

I think Hu County is too small

without much development space.

I can move it to Tongren

so that I can the legendary Prefectural Magistrate.

What do you think?

Daheng.

-Look at you. I said you are fat. -I asked…

Are you alright?

I'm fine. Big brother.

I asked you not to eat so much.

Well,

Tomorrow, Xu Boyi will

gather the leaders of all the tribes

to have a ceremony of changing customs.

I asked you to contact

the castellans of two villages.

How's it going?

Rest assured.

Gao Ya, Li Bohao

and you must be of one mind.

But Castellan Gao and Castellan Li

are the leaders.

With their identity,

they won't consider from personal interest

but the benefit of the villages.

Big brother,

what benefit can Xu offer to them?

You're their great benefactor,

so they will support you.

Anyway,

they said they'd help you.

Don't forget

who leads the water

to your village.

And you.

Who let you read those Porn book?

I…

So you should

keep watch on it.

Don't mess it up.

Do you hear?

I'm asking you.

You.

Keep watch on it.

I know.

What's that attitude?

You…

Luo Daheng,

when did you become so nagging?

It's fine to say it once.

You don't have to say it repeatedly.

I trust you,

but I don't trust…

So you mean

you don't trust my dad.

Let me tell you.

If I were you,

I would not stand still here,

but go to Master.

What are you doing?

I got it.

I got it. I got it.

Don't mess it up.

So nagging.

Imperial Envoy Li and Imperial Envoy Guan,

please.

Everyone,

as the sage said,

kind words are not as popular as benevolent reputation.

Good governance is not as good as good education.

Good governance

keeps people in owe.

Good education

is loved by people.

As the sage said,

you can't govern by force alone.

You must provide good education.

Today, the ceremony of changing customs

is based on the imperial edict.

You should follow it.

All the gentlemen should follow the imperial edict

and tell people around

to change existing habits and customs.

It must be spread

and known by everyone.

In that case,

this can be implemented successfully.

He's speaking.

My Lord.

A batch of military supplies

leaving from the post road early in the morning,

was robbed by the bandits.

I'm only responsible for the post road repair.

The robbery of the supplies has nothing to do with me.

My Lord,

the supplies were robbed within the county.

It has nothing to do with the post road,

but has something to do with the county's public security.

Since Dragon Gang

has been wiped out,

there are only robbers who hold up travelers,

no gang bandits.

How could they rob the military carriages?

My Lord,

the bandit chieftain of Dragon Gang was executed.

His subordinate men originally couldn't do anything big.

However, these years, there have been constant military supplies

passing through the post road.

It is a big temptation,

attracting a lot of bandits.

Dragon Gang's men merged several groups of bandits.

Now they've formed a big team.

They'll possibly come back again.

We need to give the matter further thought.

You go to deal with it.

I'll accompany the Imperial Envoys.

My Lord. My Lord.

The soldiers who guard the military supplies

blame us in order to

get rid of responsibility.

In addition, after Centurion Qiao went there,

he always took sides with his men.

I really can't handle it.

OK. OK.

I'm going to ask the Imperial Envoys for a leave.

My Lord,

shall I go with you?

No need.

You stay to accompany the Imperial Envoys.

It is very important.

Imperial Envoys,

something happened

on the post road,

so I need to go to handle it.

At present,

war is raging in the south.

A lot of military supplies are passing through the post road.

I really dare not delay it.

Hope you can forgive me.

It is important

as the post road is related to the military situation.

But custom change is related to popular feeling,

so it is also very important.

And,

the two Imperial Envoys are here.

How can you leave them

as the County Magistrate?

What County Magistrate Assistant Xu said makes sense.

Lord Guan and I came far from Capital City

to preside over the ceremony of changing customs,

which shows that the Imperial Court and His Majesty

attach importance to this matter.

But you, as the local magistrate, are not present.

It doesn't make sense.

To be honest,

there is a gang of fierce bandits at the post road,

who made trouble

and robbed military supplies.

I have to handle it.

Hope you can forgive me.

It's related to the public security.

So that's Judicial Clerk Ye's duty.

Let him go to handle it.

As the old saying goes,

in a team, one who does everything by himself is not qualified for the job,

and if he is not qualified for the job, a lot of talents will leave.

We can't do everything in person.

What do you think, County Magistrate?

Xu Boyi will be hard to succeed

as he is so narrow-minded

no matter how clever

and capable he is.

Since it is related to military situation,

it can't be neglected.

County Magistrate Hua,

just go.

Thank you, Imperial Envoys.

I'll leave it to you.

OK.

Go.

The tide is now turning.

Even if you stay,

you can't make big waves.

Everyone, everyone.

The county has been established for three years,

but the household registration management

is in a mess.

County officials are responsible for neglecting their duties,

but there are also other reasons.

For example,

the first names of people in all villages

are too messy and casual.

This is the most important reason.

Secretary Wang,

County Magistrate Assistant Xu said

Department of Revenue under you has poor management.

Trees rely on people,

while people rely on cultivation.

Xu Boyi hasn't climbed up to the high branch yet,

but he's so arrogant.

He doesn't accumulate virtue at all.

He may climb too high and take a wrong step,

thus falling

and no one catches him.

You're right.

The first name belongs to ourselves,

but it is

called by others.

A pleasant and catchy name

is easier to remember.

In addition,

father and son are of the same blood lineage.

Their first name should remain the same.

In this case,

you can remember your ancestors

and be remembered by your descendants.

A person's name

is like a tree's shadow.

Isn't that the significance if a name?

It makes sense.

Castellan Gao and Castellan Li

strongly respond to this changing customs and surnames.

They are good examples.

Next, let's welcome

Castellan Gao and Castellan Li

and the elders of the two villages

to take the lead to change their first names

on behalf of their people.

Well.

Here are my respects, My Lords.

County Magistrate Assistant Xu,

in my opinion,

changing customs and surnames

can't be decided rashly.

County Magistrate Assistant Xu,

it is too hasty.

Can you allow us to discuss with

people in the villages?

You two Castellans.

Didn't you promise me

to respond to this matter a few days ago?

Why do you promise and then deny in succession?

I was too rash.

I thought changing customs and surnames

was very easy,

so I promised you at once.

But after going back to the village,

the villagers were strongly opposed to it.

Though I am the castellans,

I am just trusted by people

and do some things for them.

I can't be arbitrary.

County Magistrate Assistant Xu,

my reason is the same.

It is supposed to be a good thing for the country and the people,

and the feudal government can cut taxes.

But these unruly people don't agree.

They're really unreasonable.

I won't be fooled

by you.

Do you know

who these two lords sitting on the platform are?

One is Minister of the Ministry of Rites,

and the other is a kinsman of the emperor.

It is obviously His Majesty attaches great importance to it.

Do you really want to displease His Majesty?

Since the two Castellans don't say it,

I'll say it.

Here are my respects, Imperial Envoys.

I am single

and fear nothing.

Our names are given by my parents.

How can we change our names at will

for a little benefit?

I have little talent and learning,

but I know

filial piety is the foundation of all virtues.

Even the emperor

can't force the people to be unfilial.

Is that right?

Yes.

Education should

take filial piety first.

Our court has always built families

and governed the state by filial piety.

Naturally, the emperor won't let the people be unfilial.

But to fix the surname

is not unfilial,

but great filial piety.

In this case, we can inherit the surname of the ancestors

and pass it down to descendants.

You have long promised it.

The emperor has sent Imperial Envoys here,

but you go back on your word.

That's a crime of deceiving the emperor.

Imperial Envoy Guan,

what you said makes sense,

but

you need to seek our permission.

As far as I know,

most villagers are not willing to do it.

The two Castellans also know it,

but they

dare not say it.

Yes.

That's right.

They really dare not say it.

How?

We have

a violent local Magistrate.

County Magistrate Assistant Xu

is a big shot with a big hand.

No one dares

to oppose him.

Even the present County Magistrate

fears him.

The two Castellans

dealt with him courteously but without sincerity

as they were afraid

to defend him and get revenge.

They just wanted to wait for

the two Imperial Envoys

to redress the scales for us ordinary people.

Nonsense.

Redress the scales.

How dare you!

Xu Boyi.

You made such a ridiculous scene.

You really humiliated the Imperial Court.

Imperial Envoy Guan and Imperial Envoy Li,

changing existing habits and customs has always been a subtle thing.

It can't be accomplished in an action.

As local Magistrates,

we can't seek quick success and instant benefits,

otherwise we'll play to the gallery

make a laughingstock of ourselves.

Please calm your anger, Your Highness.

I believe Xu Boyi has his reasons.

County Magistrate Assistant Xu,

how do you explain

this situation today?

If you can't tell me your reasons,

I will punish you for the crime of deceiving the emperor.

My Lords,

I guess there must be some misunderstanding.

I have details to report.

Imperial Envoy Guan and Imperial Envoy Li,

I won't act so rashly.

I have really investigated it before.

People in all villages didn't oppose to it.

Really?

How do you explain today's situation?

You have no idea.

Minor officials like me want to do some things for Imperial Court,

but someone plays tricks

and sets obstacles and traps behind.

So it's really hard for me to do something.

There must be a trick

played by that person behind me today.

How can it be?

What grievance do you have?

Minister Guan and I will seek justice for you.

My Lords,

if I accuse anyone here

without concrete evidence,

it'll hurt my colleagues.

As the saying goes,

what a gentleman knows is morality,

and what a villain knows is interest.

My Lords,

this matter is related to the decency of Imperial Court.

Can I

have a talk

with Castellan Gao and Castellan Li?

First, it can ensure

the smooth progress of the ceremony.

Second,

if there's really someone

who incited the two Castellans to oppose to it

and take matter of Imperial Court lightly,

he'll give the show away.

Someone!

County Magistrate Assistant Xu,

I've prepared a backhand.

Originally, I planned to make the ceremony better.

Now I can lend it to you to help you.

Imperial Envoy Guan actually has this in hands.

Rest assured.

I will let the ceremony of changing customs go smoothly.

That'd be best.

But I need to remind you in advance.

If this matter can't be solved in the end,

someone has to take responsibility.

I think you should be very clear

about the punishment

for crime of deceiving the emperor.

I'll keep it in my mind.

OK. Go.

County Magistrate Assistant,

I'd like to say it once again.

This is a big event related to all people in the village.

Though I'm the castellan,

I can't make the decision alone.

Yes.

We didn't expect

so many people oppose to it.

I really can't go my own way.

Whether something can be done

depends on whether you want to do it.

I know

and I believe what you said

is all true.

But I more believe that

with your prestige,

you will persuade

those people.

Do you

know this?

Dad.

How is it?

Go to

tell Lord Ye that

Li and I will disappoint him.

Dad,

what on earth happened?

Dad, Judicial Clerk Ye

is the benefactor of our village.

We can't be ungrateful.

Others will gossip about us.

You don't understand.

I know what to do.

Imperial Envoy Guan and Imperial Envoy Li,

I've persuaded Castellan Gao and Castellan Li.

They're willing to lead all people of their villages

to change existing habits and customs.

Good.

It's good as long as it can be solved smoothly.

I'm going to prepare it.

Wait.

County Magistrate Assistant Xu,

did you ask them

who is behind this?

I did,

but they looked embarrassed

and didn't say it.

I think the ceremony of changing customs

is the most important now.

We'd better not deliberately create problems.

I think they will

tell the truth

after today.

Imperial Envoy Li and Imperial Envoy Guan,

I had some conflicts with Castellan Gao

and Castellan Li before.

Just now I had reassured them

by communicating with them,

and they have agreed to

lead their villagers to change

their existing habits and customs.

Next, let's welcome

Castellan Gao and Castellan Li

to sign in the name of all their villagers.