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♪The falling snow♪
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♪Is bitter cold♪
3
00:00:27,240 --> 00:00:29,920
♪My sigh♪
4
00:00:30,360 --> 00:00:34,400
♪Misted the path in front of me♪
5
00:00:36,560 --> 00:00:42,680
♪The moonlight knows my intention♪
6
00:00:44,800 --> 00:00:51,240
♪I just want to make a place
for me in your heart♪
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00:00:53,760 --> 00:00:57,560
♪I laugh and I cry♪
8
00:00:58,280 --> 00:01:02,040
♪Quietly building a pond in my heart♪
9
00:01:02,840 --> 00:01:06,720
♪I accept all the gifts from sorrow♪
10
00:01:07,520 --> 00:01:11,360
♪I can't let down my regrets♪
11
00:01:12,000 --> 00:01:15,800
♪I won't admit defeat♪
12
00:01:16,400 --> 00:01:20,200
♪I slowly chew on
the bitterness of life♪
13
00:01:20,920 --> 00:01:24,480
♪The fragrance remains the same
after the bleak winter♪
14
00:01:25,280 --> 00:01:29,480
♪Awaiting spring to color
the way back home♪
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[The Double]
16
00:01:36,280 --> 00:01:39,000
[Episode 6]
17
00:01:44,240 --> 00:01:45,000
Yao.
18
00:01:48,040 --> 00:01:49,160
Oh, my dear Yao.
19
00:01:49,880 --> 00:01:50,520
My dear,
20
00:01:54,680 --> 00:01:55,960
what's wrong with Yao?
21
00:01:56,160 --> 00:01:57,840
Take a look at these rashes.
22
00:01:58,000 --> 00:01:59,200
She has rashes all over.
23
00:02:01,480 --> 00:02:04,440
Did any of you have sandalwood
with you just now?
24
00:02:04,720 --> 00:02:05,680
You see, Third Lady
25
00:02:05,960 --> 00:02:07,680
can't get into contact with sandalwood.
26
00:02:07,800 --> 00:02:09,800
Everyone in the Jiang's Residence
knows this.
27
00:02:10,040 --> 00:02:11,480
Naturally,
they wouldn't have it on them.
28
00:02:12,160 --> 00:02:13,400
Could it be someone
29
00:02:13,920 --> 00:02:15,400
among the guests might have carried it?
30
00:02:23,480 --> 00:02:24,520
Speak up if you have something to say.
31
00:02:27,160 --> 00:02:27,880
Third Young Lady
32
00:02:29,160 --> 00:02:31,240
started to develop rashes
after wearing the earrings given
33
00:02:31,240 --> 00:02:32,160
by Second Young Lady.
34
00:02:32,560 --> 00:02:34,360
Could it be that there's something
in the earrings...
35
00:02:37,880 --> 00:02:39,440
Take off the earrings and check them.
36
00:02:39,720 --> 00:02:40,240
Yes.
37
00:02:56,400 --> 00:02:57,160
Second Young Lady,
38
00:02:57,320 --> 00:02:58,240
why did you do this?
39
00:02:58,560 --> 00:03:00,440
I know you're not content
40
00:03:00,440 --> 00:03:02,000
and not fond of Third Lady.
41
00:03:02,480 --> 00:03:04,280
But such an act is simply too much.
42
00:03:05,080 --> 00:03:06,400
I don't dislike Ruoyao at all,
43
00:03:07,720 --> 00:03:09,000
nor did I add any fragrance.
44
00:03:09,600 --> 00:03:11,240
All the evidence points to you.
45
00:03:11,400 --> 00:03:12,680
What else is there to deny?
46
00:03:13,320 --> 00:03:13,880
Li,
47
00:03:16,120 --> 00:03:17,240
explain yourself.
48
00:03:20,080 --> 00:03:20,680
Father,
49
00:03:21,880 --> 00:03:22,800
can you give me
50
00:03:22,960 --> 00:03:24,680
some time alone with Ruoyao?
51
00:03:25,440 --> 00:03:26,520
What are you up to?
52
00:03:27,080 --> 00:03:28,480
I experienced similar symptoms
53
00:03:29,040 --> 00:03:30,560
when I was at Zhennv Hall.
54
00:03:31,400 --> 00:03:32,520
I know a way
55
00:03:32,800 --> 00:03:34,080
to make Ruoyao feel better.
56
00:03:34,360 --> 00:03:35,240
What kind of method
57
00:03:35,240 --> 00:03:36,800
that your father and I
shouldn't know about?
58
00:03:38,280 --> 00:03:38,960
Mother,
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00:03:39,080 --> 00:03:39,880
please trust me.
60
00:03:41,760 --> 00:03:43,040
With you and Father here,
61
00:03:44,200 --> 00:03:45,040
what are you afraid of?
62
00:04:08,120 --> 00:04:09,000
They're all gone.
63
00:04:09,120 --> 00:04:10,080
Just say what you want.
64
00:04:10,400 --> 00:04:11,280
Why did you do this to me?
65
00:04:11,760 --> 00:04:12,480
Ruoyao,
66
00:04:13,320 --> 00:04:15,160
I didn't mean
to steal your limelight today.
67
00:04:15,880 --> 00:04:16,760
As your older sister,
68
00:04:16,840 --> 00:04:18,200
I only want to extend my congratulations
69
00:04:18,320 --> 00:04:19,360
like any other sister would do.
70
00:04:19,760 --> 00:04:20,400
But
71
00:04:22,600 --> 00:04:25,520
someone deliberately stops me
from attending your ceremony.
72
00:04:28,000 --> 00:04:29,800
Stop feigning your innocence.
73
00:04:30,200 --> 00:04:30,920
Tell me.
74
00:04:31,240 --> 00:04:32,520
Why did you use sandalwood to harm me?
75
00:04:32,960 --> 00:04:34,800
You clearly knew
you're allergic to sandalwood.
76
00:04:35,880 --> 00:04:38,160
Yet, you endured this pain out of a ploy
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00:04:38,200 --> 00:04:39,640
to vent your anger
because of the ceremony.
78
00:04:40,080 --> 00:04:41,280
It must have been really hard on you.
79
00:04:42,120 --> 00:04:43,360
Then we have nothing to discuss further.
80
00:04:43,800 --> 00:04:44,800
Let Father come in
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00:04:45,640 --> 00:04:47,240
so he can see your vicious true colors.
82
00:04:47,880 --> 00:04:49,480
I asked them to leave
83
00:04:49,760 --> 00:04:51,080
to preserve your dignity.
84
00:04:51,520 --> 00:04:52,680
Do you think the ploy
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00:04:52,880 --> 00:04:53,920
of harming yourself
86
00:04:54,160 --> 00:04:55,400
would make them punish me?
87
00:04:56,280 --> 00:04:57,120
What do you mean?
88
00:04:57,480 --> 00:04:59,240
If you're certain that I'm behind this,
89
00:05:00,120 --> 00:05:01,080
how about I make a deduction
90
00:05:01,080 --> 00:05:02,240
of what will happen next?
91
00:05:03,240 --> 00:05:03,960
First of all,
92
00:05:04,600 --> 00:05:05,960
I'll ask my maid,
93
00:05:06,080 --> 00:05:07,720
Xiangqiao, to testify for me.
94
00:05:08,760 --> 00:05:10,320
After I bought these earrings,
95
00:05:10,640 --> 00:05:12,080
the earrings have been
in her safekeeping.
96
00:05:12,440 --> 00:05:13,480
I've never touched them since.
97
00:05:14,320 --> 00:05:14,960
I know
98
00:05:15,440 --> 00:05:17,320
Xiangqiao works for you and your mother.
99
00:05:18,120 --> 00:05:20,600
So she'll go to great lengths
to frame me.
100
00:05:21,040 --> 00:05:22,880
It was Second Lady
who put the fragrance in there.
101
00:05:23,160 --> 00:05:24,160
I saw it myself.
102
00:05:24,280 --> 00:05:25,880
Nonsense!
You're making slanderous accusations.
103
00:05:26,160 --> 00:05:26,760
Xiangqiao,
104
00:05:26,840 --> 00:05:28,440
you must have lost your conscience
105
00:05:28,640 --> 00:05:30,360
to make up such a baseless accusation.
106
00:05:30,560 --> 00:05:31,440
No, I'm not!
107
00:05:32,680 --> 00:05:34,120
If I'm lying,
108
00:05:34,760 --> 00:05:35,720
heaven shall strike me with lightning!
109
00:05:38,240 --> 00:05:38,960
Then
110
00:05:39,720 --> 00:05:41,280
Mother will take the opportunity
to aggravate the situation.
111
00:05:41,800 --> 00:05:42,400
Li,
112
00:05:42,760 --> 00:05:44,920
you could've come to me directly
if you're not happy.
113
00:05:45,200 --> 00:05:46,400
Ruoyao is your younger sister.
114
00:05:46,720 --> 00:05:49,040
How could you not consider
your family ties?
115
00:05:49,600 --> 00:05:51,160
Isn't this the truth?
116
00:05:51,160 --> 00:05:52,120
Of course not.
117
00:05:52,440 --> 00:05:54,240
Because the earrings containing
the fragrance
118
00:05:55,120 --> 00:05:56,040
are imitations.
119
00:05:57,280 --> 00:05:57,920
What?
120
00:05:58,160 --> 00:06:00,880
A few days ago,
I spent 20 liang of silver
121
00:06:00,880 --> 00:06:03,000
on these earrings at the Jixiang Store.
122
00:06:03,480 --> 00:06:05,360
Earrings of this quality and price
123
00:06:05,360 --> 00:06:06,640
are rarely seen in the entire store.
124
00:06:06,960 --> 00:06:09,440
Moreover, the craftsmanship
of these earrings is rough.
125
00:06:09,880 --> 00:06:11,000
Forget about 20 liang.
126
00:06:11,600 --> 00:06:13,040
They're not even worth one liang.
127
00:06:13,280 --> 00:06:14,880
Our grandmother is knowledgeable
about these things.
128
00:06:15,040 --> 00:06:16,080
She would notice at a glance.
129
00:06:23,360 --> 00:06:24,840
Products from Jixiang Store
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00:06:25,360 --> 00:06:27,440
cannot possibly be of this quality.
131
00:06:27,760 --> 00:06:28,760
So here comes the question.
132
00:06:30,120 --> 00:06:32,640
Who swapped the earrings
133
00:06:32,840 --> 00:06:33,800
that I originally intended to give you?
134
00:06:33,800 --> 00:06:35,120
You don't have to frame Xiangqiao.
135
00:06:35,400 --> 00:06:36,400
She's not that bold.
136
00:06:37,440 --> 00:06:39,080
Well, a person's boldness
can be nurtured,
137
00:06:39,760 --> 00:06:40,680
During this time,
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00:06:40,840 --> 00:06:42,480
I've always given Xiangqiao good things.
139
00:06:43,240 --> 00:06:44,600
Good things
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00:06:44,600 --> 00:06:46,280
naturally breed courage.
141
00:06:46,600 --> 00:06:49,040
She thought I would be kicked out
sooner or later.
142
00:06:49,040 --> 00:06:50,280
This expensive pair of earrings
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00:06:50,280 --> 00:06:51,880
will eventually end up
in Mother's hands.
144
00:06:52,680 --> 00:06:54,040
It's better to keep them herself.
145
00:06:54,280 --> 00:06:55,840
Do you really think
people are that foolish?
146
00:06:56,400 --> 00:06:58,520
Who would believe your story?
147
00:06:58,880 --> 00:06:59,640
Well,
148
00:07:00,400 --> 00:07:01,120
I have witness.
149
00:07:01,600 --> 00:07:02,720
I wasn't sure
150
00:07:02,720 --> 00:07:03,960
if Xiangqiao would switch them out.
151
00:07:04,480 --> 00:07:06,280
So I had Tong follow her.
152
00:07:06,720 --> 00:07:07,880
She indeed went to see
153
00:07:07,880 --> 00:07:09,160
that craftsman who specializes
in counterfeits.
154
00:07:09,760 --> 00:07:11,880
Everything will fall into place
after Father's probing.
155
00:07:12,040 --> 00:07:12,840
So what?
156
00:07:13,480 --> 00:07:14,720
How can we prove
157
00:07:14,960 --> 00:07:15,920
that a greedy maid
158
00:07:15,920 --> 00:07:17,280
was the one who put the fragrance?
159
00:07:17,400 --> 00:07:18,600
Of course with physical evidence.
160
00:07:18,960 --> 00:07:20,720
The fragrance is in Xiangqiao's room.
161
00:07:20,840 --> 00:07:21,880
If you don't believe it,
162
00:07:22,440 --> 00:07:24,680
I'll ask Father to investigate.
163
00:07:24,760 --> 00:07:25,720
How is that possible?
164
00:07:25,880 --> 00:07:27,400
It's not that Xiangqiao is incompetent.
165
00:07:27,880 --> 00:07:29,200
It's just that many people
in this world are not content
166
00:07:30,360 --> 00:07:32,480
with what they have but envy others
who have more.
167
00:07:33,080 --> 00:07:34,480
Yunshuang has long been jealous of her.
168
00:07:36,120 --> 00:07:36,800
This is from Madam Ji.
169
00:07:38,240 --> 00:07:38,920
All right.
170
00:07:40,560 --> 00:07:41,840
This is my last warning.
171
00:07:42,200 --> 00:07:43,280
Don't ruin Madam's plan.
172
00:07:43,880 --> 00:07:46,240
If you still remember
that I brought you to work here,
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00:07:46,560 --> 00:07:47,920
don't stir any trouble.
174
00:07:48,440 --> 00:07:50,000
So what if you were the one
who brought me into this household?
175
00:07:50,600 --> 00:07:52,120
Why must you always mention it?
176
00:07:52,600 --> 00:07:53,640
Everyone relies on their own abilities.
177
00:07:56,520 --> 00:07:59,120
You can't blame others
if you're not doing well.
178
00:08:14,280 --> 00:08:15,560
If this scheme to frame me succeeds,
179
00:08:16,240 --> 00:08:18,160
it will be Xiangqiao's credit.
180
00:08:18,280 --> 00:08:19,040
If it fails,
181
00:08:19,920 --> 00:08:21,960
do you think Yunshuang
won't use this opportunity
182
00:08:22,120 --> 00:08:22,840
to get rid of Xiangqiao?
183
00:08:23,280 --> 00:08:24,080
So you've been instigating the two maids
184
00:08:24,600 --> 00:08:26,160
from the beginning.
185
00:08:26,720 --> 00:08:27,840
I'm just protecting myself.
186
00:08:28,120 --> 00:08:29,240
If I'm not careful,
187
00:08:29,920 --> 00:08:31,440
won't it be adding
188
00:08:32,160 --> 00:08:33,280
"deceiving mother, harming sister"
to the crimes
189
00:08:33,280 --> 00:08:34,640
of matricide and fratricide
against myself?
190
00:08:36,040 --> 00:08:37,120
It's been so long.
191
00:08:37,760 --> 00:08:39,200
What is Li doing?
192
00:08:42,360 --> 00:08:43,960
Let them talk a bit longer.
193
00:08:44,680 --> 00:08:46,240
Both of them are grown now.
194
00:08:46,560 --> 00:08:47,960
What can happen?
195
00:08:50,680 --> 00:08:52,240
Since you've figured
everything out so clearly,
196
00:08:52,680 --> 00:08:53,960
why did you tell me alone?
197
00:08:54,200 --> 00:08:55,680
Why didn't you say it
198
00:08:56,600 --> 00:08:57,480
in front of everyone earlier?
199
00:08:57,880 --> 00:08:59,120
I don't want to be your enemy.
200
00:09:00,120 --> 00:09:01,320
But don't think about driving me away.
201
00:09:01,840 --> 00:09:04,160
I returned to reclaim what's mine.
202
00:09:05,160 --> 00:09:06,280
If you keep getting in my way,
203
00:09:06,400 --> 00:09:07,440
I won't let it go.
204
00:09:07,800 --> 00:09:09,000
That's all I have to say.
205
00:09:09,520 --> 00:09:11,480
As for whether you want to pin the blame
206
00:09:11,480 --> 00:09:12,480
on me,
207
00:09:13,240 --> 00:09:14,240
that's up to you.
208
00:09:15,960 --> 00:09:18,000
Li grew up in Zhennv Hall.
209
00:09:18,200 --> 00:09:19,720
We don't know her temperament well.
210
00:09:20,280 --> 00:09:21,680
Her intentions may be good.
211
00:09:22,120 --> 00:09:24,880
But she might not handle it properly.
212
00:09:25,280 --> 00:09:26,680
I can't help but worry
213
00:09:27,200 --> 00:09:28,800
even when we're out here.
214
00:09:34,920 --> 00:09:35,640
Father,
215
00:09:36,920 --> 00:09:38,200
Ruoyao is much better now.
216
00:09:57,960 --> 00:09:58,640
Yao,
217
00:09:59,600 --> 00:10:00,600
how are you feeling now?
218
00:10:01,240 --> 00:10:02,120
Much better.
219
00:10:02,600 --> 00:10:03,640
Thanks to Li.
220
00:10:04,560 --> 00:10:07,440
We misunderstood Li
regarding the earrings.
221
00:10:11,680 --> 00:10:12,360
Yao,
222
00:10:13,240 --> 00:10:14,080
tell me.
223
00:10:14,480 --> 00:10:15,400
What's the misunderstanding?
224
00:10:15,880 --> 00:10:17,480
I'm feeling a bit tired now.
225
00:10:17,600 --> 00:10:18,480
I want to sleep for a while.
226
00:10:19,160 --> 00:10:20,280
If it was a misunderstanding,
227
00:10:20,640 --> 00:10:21,760
then it's good that it's resolved.
228
00:10:23,000 --> 00:10:23,680
My dear,
229
00:10:24,760 --> 00:10:26,480
don't worry too much.
230
00:10:29,240 --> 00:10:29,960
Yao,
231
00:10:30,840 --> 00:10:32,120
get some rest.
232
00:10:33,640 --> 00:10:34,600
Everyone can go back now.
233
00:10:39,680 --> 00:10:40,280
Mother,
234
00:10:40,800 --> 00:10:41,840
give me the antidote.
235
00:10:42,120 --> 00:10:43,200
What did she say to you?
236
00:10:43,840 --> 00:10:44,600
Mother,
237
00:10:44,880 --> 00:10:46,120
your idea of making me
break out in a rash
238
00:10:46,120 --> 00:10:47,000
wasn't good at all.
239
00:10:47,480 --> 00:10:49,200
The maids you sent over
240
00:10:49,360 --> 00:10:51,040
are more of a trouble than a help.
241
00:10:56,960 --> 00:10:59,520
The matter was resolved just like that?
242
00:10:59,920 --> 00:11:00,560
Yes.
243
00:11:00,840 --> 00:11:02,600
I heard it was all a misunderstanding.
244
00:11:04,800 --> 00:11:06,000
Bring Li here.
245
00:11:06,440 --> 00:11:07,120
Yes.
246
00:11:15,200 --> 00:11:16,560
Greetings, Grandmother.
247
00:11:17,520 --> 00:11:19,320
I made pear soup
248
00:11:19,560 --> 00:11:20,960
and thought of you.
249
00:11:22,080 --> 00:11:23,000
Thank you, Grandmother.
250
00:11:23,480 --> 00:11:23,880
Come.
251
00:11:24,480 --> 00:11:25,520
Sit here and enjoy it.
252
00:11:34,840 --> 00:11:36,800
I heard Ruoyao was sick today.
253
00:11:37,400 --> 00:11:39,400
Her mother summoned you for questioning.
254
00:11:39,840 --> 00:11:40,920
What happened?
255
00:11:41,560 --> 00:11:43,080
It was nothing serious.
256
00:11:43,920 --> 00:11:45,680
Ruoyao wasn't feeling well, that's all.
257
00:11:57,840 --> 00:12:01,360
Some people are spreading rumors
that you harbored ill intentions.
258
00:12:02,240 --> 00:12:04,760
The gift you sent turned out
to be poisonous.
259
00:12:05,240 --> 00:12:06,880
I'm not blind, you know.
260
00:12:07,720 --> 00:12:09,000
You can tell me the truth.
261
00:12:09,840 --> 00:12:11,560
It was my maids
262
00:12:12,200 --> 00:12:13,640
who made a mistake.
263
00:12:14,080 --> 00:12:16,000
She mixed up the gift
I wanted to give Ruoyao.
264
00:12:16,840 --> 00:12:18,280
Mother will punish them.
265
00:12:19,760 --> 00:12:21,600
You're truly sensible girls.
266
00:12:22,240 --> 00:12:25,520
It's heartbreaking
to see you suffer such grievance.
267
00:12:26,840 --> 00:12:28,560
After drinking the pear soup today,
268
00:12:29,360 --> 00:12:30,800
I no longer feel wronged.
269
00:12:35,680 --> 00:12:39,200
I know those two maids in your court
270
00:12:39,360 --> 00:12:41,280
were chosen by your mother.
271
00:12:44,240 --> 00:12:45,080
Madam Zhang,
272
00:12:48,080 --> 00:12:50,080
please accompany Li to Fangfei Garden.
273
00:12:50,400 --> 00:12:50,960
Yes.
274
00:12:51,960 --> 00:12:52,680
Grandmother...
275
00:12:52,880 --> 00:12:54,160
I made up my mind.
276
00:12:54,760 --> 00:12:56,280
So just follow my decision.
277
00:12:58,160 --> 00:12:59,200
That woman is not home.
278
00:12:59,200 --> 00:13:00,400
This place is ours now.
279
00:13:00,600 --> 00:13:01,520
We can do
280
00:13:01,760 --> 00:13:02,920
whatever we want.
281
00:13:05,760 --> 00:13:06,520
Hello, Zhang and Wang.
282
00:13:06,680 --> 00:13:07,520
Oh, Li and Zhao.
283
00:13:07,640 --> 00:13:08,600
Why are you here?
284
00:13:08,840 --> 00:13:10,080
We're here to catch you.
285
00:13:10,080 --> 00:13:10,520
Get them!
286
00:13:11,240 --> 00:13:12,040
What are you doing?
287
00:13:12,840 --> 00:13:13,480
Why are you taking us away?
288
00:13:13,960 --> 00:13:15,480
Don't touch me.
289
00:13:15,480 --> 00:13:16,200
You're hurting me.
290
00:13:16,720 --> 00:13:17,840
Let go! Let go!
291
00:13:17,840 --> 00:13:19,800
- Oh, stop it!
- Let go.
292
00:13:20,400 --> 00:13:22,720
Drag these two troublemakers out
293
00:13:23,080 --> 00:13:24,200
and punish them with the family rules.
294
00:13:26,240 --> 00:13:26,960
Madam Zhang,
295
00:13:26,960 --> 00:13:27,760
could there be a mistake?
296
00:13:27,760 --> 00:13:28,240
Madam Zhang,
297
00:13:28,360 --> 00:13:29,240
we're innocent.
298
00:13:29,240 --> 00:13:29,760
That's right.
299
00:13:30,040 --> 00:13:30,760
Take them away.
300
00:13:31,440 --> 00:13:32,000
Madam Zhang.
301
00:13:32,200 --> 00:13:32,880
Madam Zhang!
302
00:13:33,640 --> 00:13:34,640
- Zhang. Wang.
- Li. Zhao.
303
00:13:34,640 --> 00:13:36,720
- We're innocent.
- We're innocent.
304
00:13:36,920 --> 00:13:38,960
Xiangqiao, this is all your fault.
305
00:13:38,960 --> 00:13:39,960
How is it my fault?
306
00:13:40,680 --> 00:13:42,600
- Go!
- I'm not going.
307
00:13:42,840 --> 00:13:43,800
- No, I'm not leaving!
- I don't want to go!
308
00:13:44,040 --> 00:13:45,640
No, I don't want to go!
309
00:13:46,040 --> 00:13:47,000
I'm innocent!
310
00:13:47,080 --> 00:13:49,080
Second Lady, we're innocent!
311
00:13:49,440 --> 00:13:50,400
I don't want to leave.
312
00:13:50,640 --> 00:13:52,480
Second Lady, we're innocent!
313
00:13:52,680 --> 00:13:53,760
We're innocent!
314
00:13:56,200 --> 00:13:57,680
Second Lady, you must be in shock.
315
00:13:58,080 --> 00:13:59,920
Old Madam has instructed
316
00:14:00,040 --> 00:14:01,960
to send you new maids tomorrow.
317
00:14:02,280 --> 00:14:04,440
You can keep the ones that suit you.
318
00:14:05,000 --> 00:14:06,000
I'm grateful to Grandmother
319
00:14:06,760 --> 00:14:08,760
and thank you too, Madam Zhang,
for coming.
320
00:14:09,360 --> 00:14:10,360
Would you like to come in for some tea?
321
00:14:10,760 --> 00:14:12,040
I still need to report back.
322
00:14:12,480 --> 00:14:13,720
Second Lady, please rest well.
323
00:14:14,280 --> 00:14:14,760
All right.
324
00:14:18,320 --> 00:14:18,960
Jiang Li!
325
00:14:24,920 --> 00:14:26,520
You won this fight beautifully.
326
00:14:26,680 --> 00:14:28,200
Grandmother never gets involved
327
00:14:28,200 --> 00:14:29,120
in household affairs.
328
00:14:29,360 --> 00:14:30,800
This time, she stepped in
329
00:14:31,200 --> 00:14:33,000
and took care of everything
just for you.
330
00:14:33,280 --> 00:14:34,280
What did you do?
331
00:14:34,600 --> 00:14:36,040
It's because Grandmother
has a kind heart.
332
00:14:36,360 --> 00:14:37,800
Grandmother is very perceptive,
you know?
333
00:14:38,160 --> 00:14:39,480
Even if she saw through
Eldest Aunt's schemes,
334
00:14:39,600 --> 00:14:41,960
she wouldn't say anything.
335
00:14:42,400 --> 00:14:43,840
This time, Madam Zhang came over
336
00:14:44,000 --> 00:14:45,520
and took care of everything for you.
337
00:14:46,040 --> 00:14:48,800
You can rest easy now
338
00:14:48,800 --> 00:14:49,880
and won't be harmed
339
00:14:49,880 --> 00:14:51,560
by those clumsy tricks anymore.
340
00:14:52,120 --> 00:14:53,560
I must thank you,
341
00:14:53,960 --> 00:14:55,200
my good cousin.
342
00:14:58,160 --> 00:14:59,000
It's Jingrui,
343
00:14:59,920 --> 00:15:01,480
or just Rui is fine.
344
00:15:04,280 --> 00:15:06,120
After all, it's hard to refuse a favor.
345
00:15:06,480 --> 00:15:08,240
And I really like
346
00:15:08,240 --> 00:15:09,240
the little turtle you gave me.
347
00:15:10,320 --> 00:15:10,840
By the way,
348
00:15:11,120 --> 00:15:13,000
I heard your chrysanthemum tea
is especially good.
349
00:15:13,160 --> 00:15:14,000
Let me try some.
350
00:15:14,240 --> 00:15:14,760
Come on.
351
00:15:16,600 --> 00:15:17,400
Old Madam,
352
00:15:17,720 --> 00:15:19,840
we've dealt with those two maids.
353
00:15:20,040 --> 00:15:22,160
Tomorrow, help pick someone reliable
354
00:15:22,640 --> 00:15:23,960
to send over.
355
00:15:24,760 --> 00:15:25,360
Yes.
356
00:15:29,080 --> 00:15:30,560
She's been managing the household
for so many years.
357
00:15:31,240 --> 00:15:32,880
Why can't she let it go?
358
00:15:33,680 --> 00:15:35,560
Li came back with nothing
359
00:15:36,000 --> 00:15:37,880
and suffered so much in the mountains.
360
00:15:38,160 --> 00:15:39,960
What harm is there
in being generous with her?
361
00:15:41,960 --> 00:15:43,680
Yuanbai has his heart set on her.
362
00:15:45,080 --> 00:15:46,280
We're all women.
363
00:15:47,040 --> 00:15:48,280
And I can't say
364
00:15:48,760 --> 00:15:50,400
that Yuanbai is wrong.
365
00:15:50,800 --> 00:15:52,200
The Madam is a smart person.
366
00:15:52,560 --> 00:15:54,920
I'm sure she'll behave in the future.
367
00:15:55,880 --> 00:15:57,480
Let's hope your words come true.
368
00:16:00,760 --> 00:16:03,440
Why did Old Madam suddenly ask
about this?
369
00:16:04,040 --> 00:16:05,880
I'm not too sure either.
370
00:16:05,960 --> 00:16:06,840
I heard
371
00:16:06,960 --> 00:16:08,920
Old Madam summon Second Lady over
372
00:16:08,920 --> 00:16:10,760
and sell her maids from her courtyard.
373
00:16:11,160 --> 00:16:12,800
It's said to send new maids for her.
374
00:16:14,480 --> 00:16:16,400
She's trying to keep me in check.
375
00:16:17,640 --> 00:16:18,680
But the Old Madam
376
00:16:18,680 --> 00:16:19,880
didn't pursue this matter.
377
00:16:20,240 --> 00:16:21,040
This means
378
00:16:21,440 --> 00:16:23,200
she doesn't to have a fallout with you.
379
00:16:23,400 --> 00:16:25,320
It was clearly Ruoyao's
coming-of-age ceremony.
380
00:16:25,920 --> 00:16:28,000
Yet, that girl stole the limelight.
381
00:16:28,560 --> 00:16:30,120
I even had to adorn her hair
382
00:16:30,120 --> 00:16:32,160
in front of everyone.
383
00:16:32,680 --> 00:16:33,760
Since it's come to this,
384
00:16:34,320 --> 00:16:36,040
I must fulfill my duties
385
00:16:36,240 --> 00:16:38,040
as a mother now.
386
00:16:38,440 --> 00:16:39,600
What do you have in mind, Madam?
387
00:16:41,920 --> 00:16:43,560
Now that she has entered adulthood,
388
00:16:44,120 --> 00:16:45,440
I must plan
389
00:16:45,960 --> 00:16:47,960
her marriage properly
390
00:16:48,720 --> 00:16:49,600
to avoid
391
00:16:50,120 --> 00:16:51,800
being accused of ill-treatment.
392
00:17:03,040 --> 00:17:04,840
My Lady, my name is Bai Xue.
393
00:17:05,120 --> 00:17:06,600
This is her birth record.
394
00:17:06,880 --> 00:17:07,680
Young Lady, please review it.
395
00:17:07,999 --> 00:17:09,039
If you're satisfied with her,
396
00:17:09,120 --> 00:17:10,160
you can keep her around.
397
00:17:12,640 --> 00:17:13,680
Thank you, Madam Zhang.
398
00:17:18,920 --> 00:17:19,688
[Bai Xue, born on the 18th day of the fifth
month in the 42nd year of Zhangping, from
399
00:17:19,700 --> 00:17:20,480
Zaohua Village in Huaixiang, has sold herself
to the Jiang's Residence due to poor harvest]
400
00:17:21,080 --> 00:17:21,640
My Lady,
401
00:17:21,800 --> 00:17:23,120
I'm healthy and strong.
402
00:17:23,360 --> 00:17:24,600
I can clean the courtyard.
403
00:17:25,400 --> 00:17:27,120
Your birth records stated
404
00:17:27,720 --> 00:17:29,240
that you're from Zaohua Village.
405
00:17:33,920 --> 00:17:35,280
I know a girl
406
00:17:36,000 --> 00:17:37,280
who's also from Zaohua Village.
407
00:17:37,680 --> 00:17:39,040
What's her name?
408
00:17:39,240 --> 00:17:40,240
I may know her.
409
00:17:40,720 --> 00:17:41,480
Haitang.
410
00:17:42,640 --> 00:17:43,600
She's over 20 years old.
411
00:17:44,120 --> 00:17:45,280
She has two younger brothers.
412
00:17:46,240 --> 00:17:47,480
I've never heard of her before.
413
00:17:47,880 --> 00:17:51,120
But my parents have been living
in Zaohua Village for a long time.
414
00:17:51,400 --> 00:17:52,320
I can write home
415
00:17:52,480 --> 00:17:53,800
and them to ask around.
416
00:17:54,520 --> 00:17:55,680
Thank you.
417
00:18:03,360 --> 00:18:04,040
Li,
418
00:18:04,040 --> 00:18:06,080
why are you searching
for a girl named Haitang?
419
00:18:06,640 --> 00:18:09,280
Haitang was my maid.
420
00:18:10,480 --> 00:18:11,320
After that incident,
421
00:18:11,320 --> 00:18:12,600
I never saw her again.
422
00:18:13,160 --> 00:18:14,720
Her disappearance is fishy.
423
00:18:15,680 --> 00:18:16,960
Perhaps she knows something.
424
00:18:17,440 --> 00:18:18,680
I'm not sure
425
00:18:18,680 --> 00:18:20,000
if she was also harmed.
426
00:18:21,160 --> 00:18:22,280
If I can find her,
427
00:18:23,800 --> 00:18:27,160
it might reveal the truth
of what happened.
428
00:18:49,880 --> 00:18:50,640
My dear.
429
00:18:53,440 --> 00:18:54,160
My dear,
430
00:18:54,680 --> 00:18:55,600
you're back.
431
00:18:58,640 --> 00:18:59,400
Are you all right?
432
00:19:02,000 --> 00:19:02,800
Does it hurt?
433
00:19:03,520 --> 00:19:04,440
I'm fine.
434
00:19:04,800 --> 00:19:06,160
Next time, let the servants handle
435
00:19:06,320 --> 00:19:07,880
the needlework.
436
00:19:08,240 --> 00:19:10,600
I've always sewn
437
00:19:10,800 --> 00:19:12,560
all of your clothing myself
over the years.
438
00:19:14,000 --> 00:19:16,240
Everything in this house
439
00:19:16,360 --> 00:19:18,400
is handled with these hands.
440
00:19:20,480 --> 00:19:21,920
My dear, it must be hard on you.
441
00:19:22,360 --> 00:19:24,840
It's something I learned after marriage.
442
00:19:25,280 --> 00:19:28,240
My parents never taught me these things.
443
00:19:28,720 --> 00:19:30,160
They only let me focus
on practicing music.
444
00:19:30,720 --> 00:19:31,600
That's right.
445
00:19:34,080 --> 00:19:35,600
When we first met,
446
00:19:36,960 --> 00:19:39,480
you played a song
447
00:19:40,000 --> 00:19:41,560
at your father's banquet,
448
00:19:42,280 --> 00:19:44,880
a memory I cherish.
449
00:19:45,560 --> 00:19:47,400
But now, these hands
450
00:19:47,840 --> 00:19:50,240
have worn out from the house's affairs.
451
00:19:51,800 --> 00:19:53,200
My little hardships
452
00:19:53,240 --> 00:19:54,800
are nothing compared to yours.
453
00:19:56,000 --> 00:19:57,400
You must be tired.
454
00:20:02,880 --> 00:20:03,560
Here, have some tea.
455
00:20:03,840 --> 00:20:04,440
All right.
456
00:20:06,000 --> 00:20:08,840
I've been unable
to manage Li's affairs properly.
457
00:20:09,320 --> 00:20:12,760
I feel ashamed of my role as a mother.
458
00:20:14,120 --> 00:20:15,800
It's not entirely your fault.
459
00:20:16,280 --> 00:20:17,960
Although Li has been
in the mountains for years,
460
00:20:18,320 --> 00:20:19,600
she's gentle and sensible.
461
00:20:20,040 --> 00:20:22,080
I want to find a good husband for her.
462
00:20:23,360 --> 00:20:26,000
I heard the Ministry of Personnel's
Secretary's son
463
00:20:26,000 --> 00:20:26,960
is still not married.
464
00:20:27,080 --> 00:20:29,320
He has a good appearance and character.
465
00:20:29,920 --> 00:20:31,520
His family background
is not as prestigious.
466
00:20:36,520 --> 00:20:38,760
Mr. Zhao's rank is below yours.
467
00:20:39,280 --> 00:20:41,320
But he is loyal and steady,
468
00:20:42,040 --> 00:20:45,120
which is rare in official circles.
469
00:20:45,760 --> 00:20:49,720
Zhao Qi is also dignified
and knowledgeable.
470
00:20:50,040 --> 00:20:51,960
I'm sure he would treat Li well.
471
00:20:59,960 --> 00:21:01,320
Li was raised in Zhennv Hall
472
00:21:01,680 --> 00:21:03,160
without formal education
473
00:21:03,600 --> 00:21:05,120
and a questionable reputation
in the past.
474
00:21:05,920 --> 00:21:08,800
With the current emperor's promotion
of female education,
475
00:21:09,680 --> 00:21:10,520
it's natural
476
00:21:10,520 --> 00:21:12,760
to want a well-educated daughter-in-law.
477
00:21:13,080 --> 00:21:15,840
Li is lacking in this aspect.
478
00:21:16,440 --> 00:21:18,360
If someone marries her
479
00:21:18,880 --> 00:21:20,000
just to gain favor with you
480
00:21:20,280 --> 00:21:22,400
but mistreats her,
481
00:21:22,640 --> 00:21:24,080
won't that be my fault?
482
00:21:26,520 --> 00:21:29,200
So after much consideration,
483
00:21:29,200 --> 00:21:30,560
I sought the Zhao family
484
00:21:30,800 --> 00:21:32,200
and asked for their opinion.
485
00:21:32,440 --> 00:21:33,880
They willingly agreed.
486
00:21:34,200 --> 00:21:36,720
Besides, Li has your support.
487
00:21:37,240 --> 00:21:40,080
She won't suffer after she marries.
488
00:21:41,120 --> 00:21:42,400
You're right.
489
00:21:43,240 --> 00:21:46,400
But we should also consider
Li's feelings.
490
00:21:58,360 --> 00:22:00,280
Why are you staring at me, Father?
491
00:22:03,440 --> 00:22:07,600
I think you're now an adult
492
00:22:09,800 --> 00:22:12,520
and it's time to discuss your marriage.
493
00:22:13,800 --> 00:22:15,280
I've only just returned.
494
00:22:16,200 --> 00:22:17,760
You're already trying to send me away?
495
00:22:20,280 --> 00:22:21,880
Don't be ridiculous.
496
00:22:22,720 --> 00:22:24,280
We've just reunited
497
00:22:24,680 --> 00:22:26,120
and now we're talking about separating.
498
00:22:27,640 --> 00:22:28,960
I feel upset.
499
00:22:30,960 --> 00:22:33,400
I'm not forcing you to marry now.
500
00:22:34,400 --> 00:22:36,240
We can meet him first.
501
00:22:36,560 --> 00:22:38,320
If it's a good match,
502
00:22:38,880 --> 00:22:40,800
then we can discuss marriage later.
503
00:22:42,240 --> 00:22:45,680
Your mother has worked hard
on this for you.
504
00:22:48,720 --> 00:22:50,520
You can't let her down.
505
00:22:53,480 --> 00:22:54,160
All right.
506
00:22:55,760 --> 00:22:57,240
I'll do as you say.
507
00:23:02,160 --> 00:23:02,800
Li,
508
00:23:03,120 --> 00:23:04,160
why did Ji Shuran
509
00:23:04,160 --> 00:23:06,000
suddenly introduce
a marriage prospect to you?
510
00:23:09,040 --> 00:23:11,840
I'm sure Shuran wants to get rid of me
511
00:23:12,120 --> 00:23:13,400
so she's eager to marry me off quickly.
512
00:23:15,160 --> 00:23:16,560
Who is Zhao Qi?
513
00:23:17,440 --> 00:23:18,760
I did ask around.
514
00:23:18,920 --> 00:23:19,840
He's a talented scholar.
515
00:23:20,440 --> 00:23:22,440
Three years ago,
he performed exceptionally well
516
00:23:22,440 --> 00:23:23,400
during the imperial examination,
517
00:23:23,560 --> 00:23:25,440
earning a personal audience
and rewards from the emperor.
518
00:23:25,880 --> 00:23:27,600
However, he refused official positions.
519
00:23:29,960 --> 00:23:31,520
Why would Ji Shuran
520
00:23:32,000 --> 00:23:34,360
give me such a good match with me?
521
00:23:35,000 --> 00:23:36,960
Maybe if the match is not good enough,
522
00:23:37,160 --> 00:23:39,240
Master wouldn't agree so easily.
523
00:23:40,800 --> 00:23:41,720
There must be something fishy.
524
00:23:44,280 --> 00:23:46,200
How about you talk to Master
525
00:23:46,320 --> 00:23:47,160
and reject him?
526
00:23:48,160 --> 00:23:48,880
It won't be a good idea.
527
00:23:49,800 --> 00:23:51,280
He's already said
528
00:23:51,360 --> 00:23:52,640
it was Ji Shuran's wish
529
00:23:52,640 --> 00:23:53,320
and we can't disappoint her.
530
00:23:54,200 --> 00:23:55,440
If I insist,
531
00:23:55,960 --> 00:23:57,440
I will be ungrateful.
532
00:24:01,040 --> 00:24:01,640
Li,
533
00:24:01,840 --> 00:24:03,240
what if you talk to Old Madam?
534
00:24:03,520 --> 00:24:05,800
So what it's a bit rush
535
00:24:06,560 --> 00:24:08,160
to find a good husband
for a stepdaughter?
536
00:24:08,720 --> 00:24:09,840
Ji Shuran is not wrong in this matter.
537
00:24:10,800 --> 00:24:11,520
Then...
538
00:24:11,520 --> 00:24:12,520
It's not a huge problem.
539
00:24:13,120 --> 00:24:15,320
Grandmother can't blame her entirely.
540
00:24:17,200 --> 00:24:18,240
This matter
541
00:24:20,120 --> 00:24:21,200
is up to us.
542
00:24:23,120 --> 00:24:24,320
Mr. Jiang,
543
00:24:26,640 --> 00:24:27,920
this is my son, Zhao Qi.
544
00:24:29,360 --> 00:24:30,400
Greetings, Mr. Jiang.
545
00:24:31,160 --> 00:24:32,200
Greetings, Mrs. Jiang.
546
00:24:34,480 --> 00:24:38,000
[Zhao Qi]
Not bad, quite dignified.
547
00:24:38,640 --> 00:24:40,880
Second Lady Jiang looks lovely.
548
00:24:41,360 --> 00:24:42,360
Greetings, Mrs. Zhao.
549
00:24:43,880 --> 00:24:45,680
Here are some tokens of courtesy.
550
00:24:46,000 --> 00:24:46,720
Have a seat.
551
00:24:52,360 --> 00:24:53,200
Serve the tea.
552
00:24:54,720 --> 00:24:56,080
Our courtyards
553
00:24:56,560 --> 00:24:58,240
have several pleasant views.
554
00:24:59,200 --> 00:25:00,520
Mr. Zhao,
since it's your first time here,
555
00:25:01,200 --> 00:25:04,400
how about we let Li show you around?
556
00:25:06,920 --> 00:25:07,560
That'd be great.
557
00:25:13,120 --> 00:25:14,040
Second Lady Jiang, after you.
558
00:25:20,400 --> 00:25:22,120
Finding a good husband for Jiang Li
559
00:25:22,400 --> 00:25:24,200
is the best solution
for dealing with her.
560
00:25:24,680 --> 00:25:26,240
Mr. Zhao made some trouble
a few years ago
561
00:25:26,640 --> 00:25:29,120
and sought help from my father
to get out of it.
562
00:25:30,120 --> 00:25:32,040
This gave my father
a lifelong hold over him.
563
00:25:32,360 --> 00:25:33,960
I hate Jiang Li.
564
00:25:34,480 --> 00:25:35,800
Without us getting involved,
565
00:25:36,360 --> 00:25:37,400
she'll be living
566
00:25:38,440 --> 00:25:41,240
under the Zhao family's thumb forever
after marrying.
567
00:25:42,320 --> 00:25:42,840
[Liuyu Pavilion]
568
00:25:42,840 --> 00:25:43,560
Second Lady Jiang,
569
00:25:44,280 --> 00:25:45,200
I've prepared a gift
570
00:25:45,480 --> 00:25:46,640
for our first meeting.
571
00:25:53,600 --> 00:25:54,480
It's cosmetic.
572
00:25:54,960 --> 00:25:55,560
Yes.
573
00:25:56,040 --> 00:25:56,960
This is made
574
00:25:56,960 --> 00:25:58,240
from purple jasmine,
575
00:25:58,640 --> 00:26:00,480
giving it a hint of cold purple.
576
00:26:00,640 --> 00:26:01,640
It's delicate yet elegant.
577
00:26:02,200 --> 00:26:04,160
It's not suitable for ordinary women.
578
00:26:04,480 --> 00:26:06,040
But just right for you.
579
00:26:06,560 --> 00:26:08,120
Mr. Zhao, you're being thoughtful.
580
00:26:08,800 --> 00:26:11,040
But I did not prepare anything for you.
581
00:26:11,120 --> 00:26:11,760
It's all right.
582
00:26:12,400 --> 00:26:13,600
We'll stop the pleasantries here.
583
00:26:13,600 --> 00:26:15,040
Living in Zhennv Hall for ten years
584
00:26:15,480 --> 00:26:17,160
and able to return in a grand fashion.
585
00:26:17,520 --> 00:26:19,600
I'm sure you're a smart person.
586
00:26:20,160 --> 00:26:22,880
Shall we be frank?
587
00:26:23,360 --> 00:26:24,640
Mr. Zhao, you're straightforward.
588
00:26:25,040 --> 00:26:26,480
I don't like beating
around the bush either.
589
00:26:27,120 --> 00:26:28,160
Great.
590
00:26:28,400 --> 00:26:29,520
I'll drop my act now.
591
00:26:30,240 --> 00:26:31,800
Listen.
592
00:26:32,000 --> 00:26:33,120
My parents
593
00:26:33,120 --> 00:26:35,440
hope for a prosperous family line.
594
00:26:35,520 --> 00:26:36,120
So
595
00:26:36,120 --> 00:26:38,040
after we're married,
596
00:26:38,040 --> 00:26:39,960
our top priority
is to grow the family tree.
597
00:26:43,080 --> 00:26:45,040
Mr. Zhao, you sure are frank.
598
00:26:45,880 --> 00:26:47,160
But you're excited about this too early.
599
00:26:49,000 --> 00:26:49,880
Well, you see.
600
00:26:50,240 --> 00:26:52,520
I'll skip the romance part
601
00:26:52,840 --> 00:26:54,400
so you don't have to pretend
602
00:26:54,560 --> 00:26:56,000
to accept and reject my proposal.
603
00:26:56,040 --> 00:26:57,000
You still have to marry me
604
00:26:57,000 --> 00:26:58,000
after going back and forth like this.
605
00:26:58,000 --> 00:26:58,560
Right?
606
00:26:59,320 --> 00:27:01,360
So you never thought I'd reject you.
607
00:27:05,480 --> 00:27:06,640
You dare refuse a marriage proposal?
608
00:27:06,720 --> 00:27:07,520
Can't I?
609
00:27:08,000 --> 00:27:09,160
What a joke.
610
00:27:09,360 --> 00:27:09,880
Besides me,
611
00:27:09,880 --> 00:27:10,880
who else can you aim
to marry to climb the ladder?
612
00:27:13,520 --> 00:27:15,040
Since ancient times,
613
00:27:15,280 --> 00:27:17,120
marriages have always been about status.
614
00:27:18,000 --> 00:27:18,880
Speaking for which,
615
00:27:18,880 --> 00:27:20,240
I'm a legitimate daughter
of a prestigious family,
616
00:27:20,760 --> 00:27:22,680
and your father's rank isn't that high.
617
00:27:23,080 --> 00:27:24,960
Can I even climb higher by marrying you?
618
00:27:25,120 --> 00:27:26,040
Do I need to aim for you?
619
00:27:26,320 --> 00:27:27,680
Do you really think
620
00:27:27,680 --> 00:27:29,640
your status as a legitimate daughter
621
00:27:29,760 --> 00:27:30,880
allows you
622
00:27:30,880 --> 00:27:32,040
to pick any man in this world?
623
00:27:32,400 --> 00:27:34,360
You probably don't know
624
00:27:34,360 --> 00:27:35,440
how the other elites
625
00:27:36,040 --> 00:27:37,400
in the city view you.
626
00:27:37,720 --> 00:27:40,040
Then please enlighten me.
627
00:27:40,480 --> 00:27:43,120
Then I shall reluctantly
628
00:27:43,240 --> 00:27:44,520
explain it to you.
629
00:27:47,920 --> 00:27:49,280
In noble family marriage unions,
630
00:27:49,480 --> 00:27:52,080
the most important thing is reputation.
631
00:27:52,640 --> 00:27:54,560
Then appearance and talent come after.
632
00:27:54,880 --> 00:27:56,800
A lady's virtue is important.
633
00:27:57,680 --> 00:27:58,920
How's yours?
634
00:28:03,240 --> 00:28:04,400
Your clothing styles
635
00:28:04,640 --> 00:28:05,640
are common and intolerable.
636
00:28:06,640 --> 00:28:08,040
As for your appearance,
637
00:28:10,000 --> 00:28:10,760
quite unique.
638
00:28:11,280 --> 00:28:12,680
You're not properly cared for
and show signs of weariness.
639
00:28:13,280 --> 00:28:14,680
As for your talent,
640
00:28:15,200 --> 00:28:17,080
you've stayed in the mountains
for ten years
641
00:28:17,320 --> 00:28:18,960
without proper education.
642
00:28:18,960 --> 00:28:19,720
So
643
00:28:19,720 --> 00:28:21,680
how many characters can you even read?
644
00:28:22,280 --> 00:28:23,320
As for reputation,
645
00:28:23,680 --> 00:28:26,360
everyone knows
about the matricide and fratricide.
646
00:28:26,720 --> 00:28:28,520
If you were from an ordinary family,
647
00:28:28,520 --> 00:28:30,200
you'd marry just anyone.
648
00:28:30,360 --> 00:28:31,520
But now,
649
00:28:31,520 --> 00:28:32,840
being the legitimate daughter
of the Jiang family,
650
00:28:32,960 --> 00:28:34,240
you could choose
651
00:28:34,240 --> 00:28:35,680
among some lower-class prospects
652
00:28:35,760 --> 00:28:36,960
or settle for a lesser status.
653
00:28:37,120 --> 00:28:38,800
Even if you were willing,
654
00:28:39,200 --> 00:28:40,760
your family wouldn't want
to be disgraced.
655
00:28:41,880 --> 00:28:43,120
In the capital,
656
00:28:43,360 --> 00:28:44,640
[Liuyu Pavilion]
those above Rank Five
657
00:28:45,000 --> 00:28:46,200
won't accept you.
658
00:28:46,440 --> 00:28:47,640
While those below Rank Five
659
00:28:47,720 --> 00:28:49,320
are not in your family's favor.
660
00:28:49,680 --> 00:28:50,560
That's why
661
00:28:50,720 --> 00:28:53,120
our Zhao family agreed
to this arrangement today.
662
00:28:54,120 --> 00:28:56,440
This is due to your devout praying.
663
00:28:56,720 --> 00:28:59,320
Does that mean
you're the only prospect for me?
664
00:28:59,600 --> 00:29:00,360
Do you have any other choice?
665
00:29:00,760 --> 00:29:02,760
Considering your nobility,
666
00:29:03,160 --> 00:29:05,080
why would you want
to marry someone like me?
667
00:29:05,440 --> 00:29:07,720
Grow the family tree.
668
00:29:12,880 --> 00:29:14,960
I guess you're not young anymore.
669
00:29:17,280 --> 00:29:20,120
You see, men don't age
as gracefully as women.
670
00:29:21,120 --> 00:29:23,200
I can see the lines around your eyes.
671
00:29:23,560 --> 00:29:24,160
Really?
672
00:29:27,360 --> 00:29:27,880
Wait.
673
00:29:28,280 --> 00:29:29,680
Just tell me what you want to say.
674
00:29:30,000 --> 00:29:32,560
In the capital, a fine man like you
675
00:29:32,960 --> 00:29:35,040
who is still unmarried at such an age
676
00:29:35,480 --> 00:29:37,560
and solely focused
on pleasing your parents
677
00:29:38,120 --> 00:29:39,400
can only mean one thing.
678
00:29:42,760 --> 00:29:43,800
What could it be?
679
00:29:43,960 --> 00:29:46,320
You have a lover but can't marry her.
680
00:29:48,400 --> 00:29:52,040
I never expected you can be so witty.
681
00:29:53,160 --> 00:29:53,880
Have a grape.
682
00:29:54,760 --> 00:29:55,360
Why?
683
00:29:56,280 --> 00:29:58,240
Does she not meet the standards
of your Zhao family?
684
00:29:58,600 --> 00:29:59,960
Who is this lady from your neighborhood?
685
00:30:01,440 --> 00:30:01,920
You...
686
00:30:02,880 --> 00:30:04,040
What are you talking about?
687
00:30:04,840 --> 00:30:06,600
Others may not understand, but I do.
688
00:30:08,760 --> 00:30:09,920
When you were young,
689
00:30:09,920 --> 00:30:11,840
you saw how beautiful the lady
from the neighborhood was.
690
00:30:12,120 --> 00:30:13,840
So you secretly have affairs with her
691
00:30:13,960 --> 00:30:16,520
and play a role
as a husband for nothing.
692
00:30:17,000 --> 00:30:18,880
You clearly like her
but couldn't bring her home
693
00:30:19,480 --> 00:30:21,080
for fear of being scolded
by your parents.
694
00:30:21,440 --> 00:30:22,920
So you overlook your marriage.
695
00:30:23,800 --> 00:30:25,600
But you were still young,
696
00:30:26,040 --> 00:30:28,320
so you have ample excuses
to drag your marriage.
697
00:30:28,880 --> 00:30:29,600
Now
698
00:30:29,600 --> 00:30:30,680
that you're older,
699
00:30:31,040 --> 00:30:32,840
how can your parents tolerate
this anymore?
700
00:30:33,560 --> 00:30:34,200
You
701
00:30:34,360 --> 00:30:35,440
can't delay it
702
00:30:36,000 --> 00:30:38,120
and are afraid
of exposing your secret affair.
703
00:30:39,520 --> 00:30:41,400
So you must quickly find
704
00:30:41,400 --> 00:30:44,240
a suitable match
from a respectable family.
705
00:30:44,600 --> 00:30:45,280
However,
706
00:30:46,040 --> 00:30:47,920
those suitable matches look down on you
707
00:30:48,640 --> 00:30:51,840
because you're old.
708
00:30:52,680 --> 00:30:54,760
You can't aim for those
with high standards
709
00:30:54,960 --> 00:30:57,040
and your parents won't accept
those with low standards.
710
00:30:57,400 --> 00:30:58,680
So you set your eyes on me,
711
00:30:58,720 --> 00:31:01,200
a notorious legitimate daughter
from a renowned family.
712
00:31:01,520 --> 00:31:05,040
So you're begging me to be noble,
713
00:31:05,120 --> 00:31:07,280
self-sacrificing, and heroic,
714
00:31:07,480 --> 00:31:09,360
rescuing you from dire situations.
715
00:31:09,440 --> 00:31:10,440
Baseless statements,
716
00:31:10,440 --> 00:31:11,120
speaking nonsense,
717
00:31:11,120 --> 00:31:11,640
fabricating out of thin air,
718
00:31:11,640 --> 00:31:12,400
and misleading.
719
00:31:13,040 --> 00:31:15,160
Mr. Zhao, you indeed
have exceptional abilities,
720
00:31:15,240 --> 00:31:16,080
are well-versed in literature,
721
00:31:16,080 --> 00:31:17,240
and possess remarkable talent.
722
00:31:17,320 --> 00:31:17,840
You...
723
00:31:17,960 --> 00:31:18,760
Don't you point at me.
724
00:31:19,640 --> 00:31:20,200
Zhao Qi,
725
00:31:20,440 --> 00:31:21,800
[Liuyu Pavilion]
let me be clear.
726
00:31:22,000 --> 00:31:23,320
I will not marry you.
727
00:31:23,640 --> 00:31:25,760
First, I'm discerning
728
00:31:26,000 --> 00:31:27,400
and won't tolerate any deception.
729
00:31:27,760 --> 00:31:29,840
Second,
I have other matters to attend to.
730
00:31:29,840 --> 00:31:30,880
I can't marry anyone.
731
00:31:31,120 --> 00:31:31,720
You go
732
00:31:31,840 --> 00:31:32,920
and reject this marriage proposal.
733
00:31:33,400 --> 00:31:34,840
Or else, when I'm in a bad mood,
734
00:31:35,200 --> 00:31:37,120
I'll bring my family
to visit your secret lover
735
00:31:37,120 --> 00:31:38,160
and send them to your Zhao family.
736
00:31:38,480 --> 00:31:39,560
At this moment,
737
00:31:40,000 --> 00:31:42,600
are you threatening me now?
738
00:31:42,840 --> 00:31:44,280
It's not a threat.
739
00:31:44,720 --> 00:31:46,280
Just ending our engagement.
740
00:31:47,320 --> 00:31:50,440
Now, it's a threat.
741
00:31:52,000 --> 00:31:52,840
Zhao Qi,
742
00:31:53,440 --> 00:31:54,440
listen to me clearly.
743
00:31:55,480 --> 00:31:57,720
You can toy
744
00:31:58,080 --> 00:31:59,240
with a lady without support
745
00:31:59,240 --> 00:32:01,240
and use a lady from a noble family
to continue your family line.
746
00:32:01,440 --> 00:32:02,720
I've never heard of such logic.
747
00:32:03,520 --> 00:32:05,120
Today, I'll let your behavior slide.
748
00:32:05,400 --> 00:32:06,720
But if I ever find out
749
00:32:07,120 --> 00:32:09,600
you treat other ladies like this.
750
00:32:09,880 --> 00:32:11,280
I'll expose everything
751
00:32:11,760 --> 00:32:14,200
and your Zhao family
will lose face in the capital.
752
00:32:17,280 --> 00:32:17,960
What are you waiting for?
753
00:32:18,800 --> 00:32:21,680
If we keep this conversation on,
754
00:32:22,400 --> 00:32:23,720
it'll get more disgraceful.
755
00:32:27,680 --> 00:32:30,120
I've always taken care of myself.
756
00:32:37,600 --> 00:32:39,480
These two have been away
for quite a while.
757
00:32:39,840 --> 00:32:41,360
They must be getting along well.
758
00:32:45,320 --> 00:32:47,840
Mr. Zhao doesn't seem
to be interested in me.
759
00:32:48,320 --> 00:32:49,440
What... What?
760
00:32:55,320 --> 00:32:56,080
Yes, Mother.
761
00:32:59,160 --> 00:33:01,480
Let's discuss
this marriage matter again.
762
00:33:16,760 --> 00:33:18,160
Li, you're so clever.
763
00:33:18,920 --> 00:33:20,800
How did you know he had a lover?
764
00:33:22,440 --> 00:33:23,800
I had a friend
765
00:33:24,320 --> 00:33:26,080
who went through this kind of ordeal.
766
00:33:26,520 --> 00:33:27,680
Ever since we have Ping'an,
767
00:33:27,760 --> 00:33:28,360
[Inner Tranquility]
768
00:33:28,360 --> 00:33:29,720
He hasn't touched me since.
769
00:33:30,600 --> 00:33:31,920
He spends his time outside drinking
770
00:33:32,000 --> 00:33:33,320
and having fun with his lover.
771
00:33:33,840 --> 00:33:35,000
[Dai Yun]
772
00:33:35,000 --> 00:33:35,880
Madam Xue,
773
00:33:36,760 --> 00:33:38,920
I'm sorry that you have
to hear about this.
774
00:33:40,760 --> 00:33:42,520
What's your plan after this?
775
00:33:43,320 --> 00:33:44,840
Now that I have Ping'an,
776
00:33:45,200 --> 00:33:46,440
his family has a descendant,
777
00:33:47,040 --> 00:33:48,520
his parents no longer care
778
00:33:48,760 --> 00:33:49,960
even if he's leading a dissolute life.
779
00:33:51,040 --> 00:33:52,680
This is how my life
is going to be after this.
780
00:33:53,160 --> 00:33:53,920
As for you,
781
00:33:54,600 --> 00:33:57,120
you must keep this in mind.
782
00:33:58,680 --> 00:34:01,240
People who target women
783
00:34:01,720 --> 00:34:03,160
for the sake
of continuing the family line
784
00:34:03,480 --> 00:34:04,560
are shameless.
785
00:34:05,400 --> 00:34:08,240
Women face bad consequences for mistakes
786
00:34:08,440 --> 00:34:10,520
while men often get away
with a carefree attitude.
787
00:34:10,840 --> 00:34:12,920
His family even go great lengths
to cover it up.
788
00:34:13,320 --> 00:34:14,280
It makes me speechless.
789
00:34:15,079 --> 00:34:16,919
But Ji Shuran seems determined
790
00:34:16,920 --> 00:34:18,360
to kick you from the family.
791
00:34:18,840 --> 00:34:21,400
Besides, marriage decisions
are dictated by parents
792
00:34:21,400 --> 00:34:22,160
and matchmakers.
793
00:34:22,760 --> 00:34:24,280
Today, you managed
to get rid of Mr. Zhao.
794
00:34:24,440 --> 00:34:26,480
There will be other prospects coming
after this.
795
00:34:27,360 --> 00:34:28,880
What should we do then?
796
00:34:32,039 --> 00:34:33,639
To stay in the Jiang's Residence,
797
00:34:34,160 --> 00:34:35,400
I need to find another way.
798
00:34:36,480 --> 00:34:37,240
What way?
799
00:34:42,520 --> 00:34:43,360
Walk out of here.
800
00:34:50,559 --> 00:34:52,599
[Yang's Residence]
801
00:35:00,080 --> 00:35:01,120
What's the meaning of this?
802
00:35:01,440 --> 00:35:04,200
Yang Song is suspected of colluding
with merchants to sell official salt.
803
00:35:04,280 --> 00:35:05,720
We were ordered to arrest him.
804
00:35:05,720 --> 00:35:06,880
But only female members
are in the house.
805
00:35:07,000 --> 00:35:07,840
Even as secret guards,
806
00:35:07,840 --> 00:35:09,240
you cannot barge in like this.
807
00:35:09,600 --> 00:35:10,320
Mrs. Yang,
808
00:35:11,200 --> 00:35:12,200
since there are women in the house,
809
00:35:12,280 --> 00:35:13,480
we won't search further.
810
00:35:14,280 --> 00:35:15,800
Please ask him to come out.
811
00:35:16,880 --> 00:35:17,600
Duke Su,
812
00:35:18,120 --> 00:35:19,440
there must be a mistake.
813
00:35:19,720 --> 00:35:20,800
My husband would never commit
814
00:35:20,800 --> 00:35:21,960
such a crime.
815
00:35:22,320 --> 00:35:23,600
He has been honest
and upright all his life.
816
00:35:23,720 --> 00:35:25,400
He never accepted any bribes.
817
00:35:25,560 --> 00:35:26,480
But he has certainly given out a lot
818
00:35:26,480 --> 00:35:28,040
from this household.
819
00:35:28,280 --> 00:35:30,160
How could such a person break the law?
820
00:35:30,360 --> 00:35:31,160
Madam, please sit.
821
00:35:31,800 --> 00:35:32,760
Please have a seat.
822
00:35:39,400 --> 00:35:41,080
I believe you are unaware
of this matter.
823
00:35:41,760 --> 00:35:43,200
I have investigated
many cases like this.
824
00:35:43,680 --> 00:35:45,240
Even when the Ministry of Justice
has given the verdict,
825
00:35:45,520 --> 00:35:47,960
the families are left crying,
while the guilty walk free,
826
00:35:48,720 --> 00:35:49,600
unaware
827
00:35:49,880 --> 00:35:50,800
that their actions
828
00:35:51,200 --> 00:35:53,240
have offended the Emperor.
829
00:35:53,720 --> 00:35:54,680
When the Emperor is enraged,
830
00:35:54,680 --> 00:35:55,720
His Majesty doesn't spare the family.
831
00:35:56,240 --> 00:35:57,920
Do you know
832
00:35:58,240 --> 00:35:59,280
where these people ended up?
833
00:36:00,240 --> 00:36:01,440
They're enslaved
834
00:36:01,440 --> 00:36:03,040
and confined
at the Office of Instruction.
835
00:36:03,400 --> 00:36:07,240
Until death, they have no idea
who put them there.
836
00:36:08,040 --> 00:36:09,320
Put the wives aside.
837
00:36:09,840 --> 00:36:12,600
Even the pitiful children become slaves
838
00:36:13,320 --> 00:36:14,560
with no future at all.
839
00:36:18,280 --> 00:36:19,400
Where is Yang Song?
840
00:36:45,800 --> 00:36:46,920
Confession letter.
841
00:36:47,880 --> 00:36:48,720
We've been tricked.
842
00:36:53,920 --> 00:36:54,520
Your Majesty,
843
00:36:55,000 --> 00:36:56,760
[Prosperous Era]
the bureau has corrupted officials.
844
00:36:56,960 --> 00:36:58,520
I have failed in my duty.
845
00:36:59,040 --> 00:37:00,600
I'm willing to take responsibility
for my negligence.
846
00:37:01,040 --> 00:37:02,120
But before that,
847
00:37:02,120 --> 00:37:02,600
[Kong Zhaofeng]
848
00:37:02,600 --> 00:37:03,800
I ask
849
00:37:03,800 --> 00:37:05,680
for a chance to rectify the situation.
850
00:37:06,160 --> 00:37:08,240
I will punish those involved
in the Bureau of Salt and Iron.
851
00:37:08,360 --> 00:37:10,880
I'm truly grateful to Duke Su
852
00:37:10,880 --> 00:37:13,040
for uncovering corruption
in the Bureau of Salt and Iron.
853
00:37:13,200 --> 00:37:15,240
You don't need to praise me, Mr. Kong.
854
00:37:15,760 --> 00:37:17,080
I put in so much effort.
855
00:37:17,280 --> 00:37:19,360
Yet, I only managed to catch
this small corrupt official.
856
00:37:19,600 --> 00:37:20,760
Such is my incompetence.
857
00:37:21,040 --> 00:37:21,760
So
858
00:37:22,120 --> 00:37:23,520
let me take the blame.
859
00:37:23,880 --> 00:37:26,320
Duke Su deserves credit
for the case of the illegal salt trade.
860
00:37:26,720 --> 00:37:27,840
As for the Bureau of Salt and Iron,
861
00:37:27,960 --> 00:37:28,920
corruption has been prevalent
and deep-rooted.
862
00:37:29,120 --> 00:37:30,760
It cannot be accomplished overnight.
863
00:37:31,040 --> 00:37:33,160
But take this as a warning, Mr. Kong.
864
00:37:33,760 --> 00:37:35,000
Be extremely cautious from now on.
865
00:37:35,640 --> 00:37:38,040
I won't disappoint Your Majesty's trust.
866
00:37:39,080 --> 00:37:39,760
You're dismissed.
867
00:37:40,440 --> 00:37:41,040
Mr. Shen.
868
00:37:41,120 --> 00:37:41,680
Yes, Your Majesty.
869
00:37:42,560 --> 00:37:45,320
How is the progress
on the examination reform?
870
00:37:45,600 --> 00:37:46,440
Your Majesty,
871
00:37:46,720 --> 00:37:48,040
I have started to abolish
872
00:37:48,040 --> 00:37:50,280
the -submission of writing samples
and public recommendations.
873
00:37:50,520 --> 00:37:51,800
Now, rankings will be determined solely
by the examination papers.
874
00:37:51,960 --> 00:37:52,840
The new anonymous grading system
875
00:37:52,880 --> 00:37:54,880
has also been implemented
in the recent provincial examinations.
876
00:37:54,960 --> 00:37:55,800
For next year's Imperial Examination,
877
00:37:56,160 --> 00:37:57,960
all examination halls will implement
the new system.
878
00:37:58,320 --> 00:37:59,000
Other than that,
879
00:37:59,080 --> 00:38:00,960
post stations have been set up
in several counties
880
00:38:00,960 --> 00:38:01,720
near the capital
881
00:38:01,880 --> 00:38:03,520
to provide travel vouchers and subsidies
882
00:38:03,640 --> 00:38:04,560
for underprivileged students
883
00:38:04,720 --> 00:38:05,960
heading to the capital for exams.
884
00:38:06,200 --> 00:38:07,400
After implementing this policy,
885
00:38:07,720 --> 00:38:09,080
it has raised the public spirit.
886
00:38:09,520 --> 00:38:11,480
The number of candidates
is increasing daily.
887
00:38:11,720 --> 00:38:12,480
Your Majesty,
888
00:38:12,560 --> 00:38:15,280
it's commendable to give
underprivileged students opportunities.
889
00:38:15,400 --> 00:38:17,760
However, adding new rules
and rejecting pre-submitted work
890
00:38:18,040 --> 00:38:19,560
will increase the burden on examiners.
891
00:38:19,640 --> 00:38:21,400
I have heard during the recent exams,
892
00:38:21,400 --> 00:38:22,880
there were several cases
of misjudgments,
893
00:38:23,320 --> 00:38:24,560
leading candidates to protest
at the government office.
894
00:38:24,960 --> 00:38:25,760
The capital's post stations
895
00:38:25,840 --> 00:38:27,720
also experienced chaos and overcrowding.
896
00:38:28,320 --> 00:38:30,000
The imperial exams are held
once every three years.
897
00:38:30,320 --> 00:38:31,880
Relying on a single exam
to determine success
898
00:38:32,040 --> 00:38:34,120
can lead to talented individuals
being overlooked
899
00:38:34,120 --> 00:38:36,120
and mediocre ones being selected.
900
00:38:36,440 --> 00:38:38,080
If the chief examiner could understand
901
00:38:38,200 --> 00:38:39,560
some genuinely talented candidates
902
00:38:39,560 --> 00:38:41,240
through pre-submitted work,
903
00:38:41,240 --> 00:38:42,640
they would be better informed.
904
00:38:42,800 --> 00:38:43,920
Hastily abolishing this system
905
00:38:44,120 --> 00:38:46,080
could compromise fairness.
906
00:38:46,840 --> 00:38:48,200
Better informed, huh?
907
00:38:48,720 --> 00:38:50,840
Is it better informed
about the candidates' talents
908
00:38:50,840 --> 00:38:53,200
or the candidates' family backgrounds?
909
00:38:54,960 --> 00:38:55,680
Your Majesty,
910
00:38:56,400 --> 00:38:57,240
I believe
911
00:38:57,520 --> 00:38:59,000
that since pre-submitted work
912
00:38:59,240 --> 00:39:01,480
can lead to collusion
between candidates and examiners,
913
00:39:01,680 --> 00:39:03,000
abolishing it is the right move.
914
00:39:03,520 --> 00:39:05,520
As for Mr. Li's concerns,
915
00:39:05,920 --> 00:39:09,200
the issue lies not in the new system
but in academic administration.
916
00:39:09,880 --> 00:39:13,520
Appointing competent officials
to enhance academic administration
917
00:39:13,760 --> 00:39:16,800
to support the new exams is the way
to address the fundamental problems.
918
00:39:24,480 --> 00:39:25,760
A new system will inevitably
919
00:39:26,120 --> 00:39:27,400
have some shortcomings at first.
920
00:39:27,720 --> 00:39:28,960
We can address them one by one.
921
00:39:29,640 --> 00:39:30,680
If we hesitate
922
00:39:30,800 --> 00:39:32,320
and cling to old practices,
923
00:39:32,560 --> 00:39:34,000
then reforms throughout history
924
00:39:34,280 --> 00:39:35,400
would never have succeeded.
925
00:39:35,880 --> 00:39:36,440
Mr. Shen,
926
00:39:37,440 --> 00:39:38,880
you can proceed without hesitation.
927
00:39:40,560 --> 00:39:41,440
Thank you, Your Majesty.
928
00:39:42,120 --> 00:39:43,560
Speaking of the imperial exams,
929
00:39:44,120 --> 00:39:46,120
let's discuss the central six academies.
930
00:39:46,640 --> 00:39:48,520
The annual exams
of the Imperial Academy's six subjects
931
00:39:48,960 --> 00:39:50,680
have produced talents like Zhao Qi,
932
00:39:50,880 --> 00:39:52,000
who is not interested
in becoming an official.
933
00:39:52,400 --> 00:39:53,480
The School of Integrity
934
00:39:53,920 --> 00:39:56,080
initially established
to promote female education,
935
00:39:56,240 --> 00:39:58,520
has been overlooked in recent years.
936
00:39:59,000 --> 00:40:00,440
I want you to oversee
937
00:40:00,600 --> 00:40:02,680
this year's exams for both schools.
938
00:40:03,280 --> 00:40:04,760
I want you to keep an eye
939
00:40:05,280 --> 00:40:06,760
on those with genuine talent
940
00:40:07,200 --> 00:40:09,160
and high aspirations for me.
941
00:40:09,800 --> 00:40:11,560
I shall obey, Your Majesty.
942
00:40:14,280 --> 00:40:14,840
Yes, Your Majesty.
943
00:40:18,920 --> 00:40:19,680
[Benefit All Beings]
944
00:40:19,680 --> 00:40:21,000
Trinkets for sale!
945
00:40:21,640 --> 00:40:22,200
Master,
946
00:40:22,480 --> 00:40:24,200
we should have that fox Kong sit
947
00:40:24,320 --> 00:40:26,320
on our interrogation bench for a while.
948
00:40:27,160 --> 00:40:28,920
He has been in charge of the bureau
for so many years
949
00:40:29,320 --> 00:40:31,400
because of his clean reputation.
950
00:40:32,600 --> 00:40:33,800
Now, he is still untouchable.
951
00:40:34,040 --> 00:40:36,880
Are we going to watch him guard
while secretly stealing
952
00:40:37,120 --> 00:40:38,480
and let Yang take the fall?
953
00:40:38,800 --> 00:40:40,880
Yang was just a pawn.
954
00:40:43,760 --> 00:40:45,920
Have a taste of our fine wine!
955
00:40:49,600 --> 00:40:50,560
This is the finest tea
956
00:40:52,320 --> 00:40:54,120
of the year.
957
00:40:54,240 --> 00:40:55,960
Mr. Kong, have a cup.
958
00:41:03,800 --> 00:41:05,480
Tea can be refilled once spilled.
959
00:41:06,680 --> 00:41:08,760
But if someone gets a hold
of your weaknesses,
960
00:41:09,480 --> 00:41:11,120
it will be hard to break free.
961
00:41:11,560 --> 00:41:12,720
I was careless.
962
00:41:12,960 --> 00:41:13,840
But don't worry.
963
00:41:14,240 --> 00:41:16,960
I've cleaned up
the Bureau of Salt and Iron thoroughly.
964
00:41:17,160 --> 00:41:19,040
Xiao Heng won't find anything.
965
00:41:19,920 --> 00:41:21,080
I hope so.
966
00:41:35,400 --> 00:41:36,320
- Father.
- Father.
967
00:41:37,840 --> 00:41:39,920
Do you know why I asked you here?
968
00:41:43,200 --> 00:41:44,840
The money from the bureau
has been cut off
969
00:41:45,280 --> 00:41:47,080
[Li Jing]
and that side needs money.
970
00:41:47,600 --> 00:41:50,680
We need to fill this gap.
971
00:41:50,800 --> 00:41:51,800
Where should we start?
972
00:41:52,000 --> 00:41:52,880
- The Ye family.
- The Ye.
973
00:41:53,400 --> 00:41:54,760
The Ye and the Jiang family
974
00:41:55,600 --> 00:41:56,800
are in-laws.
975
00:41:57,160 --> 00:41:58,760
Since Jiang Yuanbai remarried
976
00:41:59,280 --> 00:42:00,720
and Ye Zhenzhen's daughter, Jiang Li,
977
00:42:01,200 --> 00:42:02,440
was sent to the Zhennv Hall,
978
00:42:02,680 --> 00:42:04,520
the Ye and the Jiang families
979
00:42:05,040 --> 00:42:06,760
have not been in contact since.
980
00:42:07,120 --> 00:42:08,200
[Li Lian]
The Ye family may be wealthy.
981
00:42:08,600 --> 00:42:10,040
But they lack prestige.
982
00:42:10,680 --> 00:42:12,720
Two years ago,
the Ye family used various means
983
00:42:12,840 --> 00:42:15,240
to get their son, Ye Shijie,
984
00:42:15,680 --> 00:42:16,720
into the Imperial Academy
985
00:42:16,960 --> 00:42:18,200
to study with us.
986
00:42:18,680 --> 00:42:19,600
If we control him,
987
00:42:20,000 --> 00:42:21,720
won't we control the entire Ye family?
988
00:42:22,000 --> 00:42:23,320
If you've thought of this,
989
00:42:23,800 --> 00:42:24,920
why didn't you take action?
990
00:42:25,280 --> 00:42:26,520
Ye Shijie is arrogant.
991
00:42:27,160 --> 00:42:29,040
We haven't found
the right opportunity yet.
992
00:42:34,840 --> 00:42:36,960
I'll pave the way for you.
993
00:42:38,560 --> 00:42:39,160
- Yes, Father.
- Yes, Father.
994
00:42:52,040 --> 00:42:54,200
Why aren't you drinking, Shen?
995
00:42:56,880 --> 00:42:57,680
A toast to you, Your Highness.
996
00:42:58,560 --> 00:43:01,560
Even your posture while holding
the wine glass looks graceful.
997
00:43:02,400 --> 00:43:03,520
No need for your toast.
998
00:43:04,360 --> 00:43:06,840
Today's banquet is for you.
999
00:43:07,400 --> 00:43:09,520
I heard His Majesty has appointed you
1000
00:43:09,680 --> 00:43:11,800
to oversee the examinations
at both schools.
1001
00:43:12,480 --> 00:43:14,480
You're truly a talented individual.
1002
00:43:16,520 --> 00:43:17,320
Thank you, Your Highness.
1003
00:43:26,360 --> 00:43:28,600
These are the schools
where talented individuals enter.
1004
00:43:28,960 --> 00:43:31,640
I'll carefully consider His Majesty's
intentions and work hard.
1005
00:43:32,000 --> 00:43:35,200
If it were just a routine examination,
it wouldn't be interesting.
1006
00:43:35,640 --> 00:43:37,440
How about a joint competition,
1007
00:43:37,720 --> 00:43:39,800
where the young gentlemen
from the Imperial Academy team up
1008
00:43:40,000 --> 00:43:43,440
with the ladies
from the School of Integrity?
1009
00:43:43,640 --> 00:43:44,960
That would be so interesting.
1010
00:43:45,440 --> 00:43:47,120
I'm looking forward to it.
1011
00:43:47,520 --> 00:43:48,240
No, that's not feasible.
1012
00:43:48,520 --> 00:43:49,560
After all, this is the Entry Exam
1013
00:43:49,960 --> 00:43:50,800
and should be taken seriously.
1014
00:43:51,440 --> 00:43:53,800
Why can't we try something innovative?
1015
00:43:54,560 --> 00:43:55,760
If we follow Your Highness's suggestion,
1016
00:43:56,080 --> 00:43:57,840
it may lead
to students forming factions,
1017
00:43:58,120 --> 00:44:00,400
which could harm the integrity
of our officials in the future.
1018
00:44:00,840 --> 00:44:02,600
Those with true talent
1019
00:44:02,840 --> 00:44:03,840
but poor social skills
1020
00:44:04,000 --> 00:44:05,480
or family background
1021
00:44:05,880 --> 00:44:07,480
might be overlooked.
1022
00:44:07,960 --> 00:44:10,680
This would not be beneficial
for our government's integrity.
1023
00:44:15,680 --> 00:44:19,120
You really are a clean young official
without flaws.
1024
00:44:22,480 --> 00:44:23,480
But I don't like it
1025
00:44:23,480 --> 00:44:25,160
when you talk to me so seriously.
1026
00:44:25,800 --> 00:44:26,720
It makes me uncomfortable.
1027
00:44:27,640 --> 00:44:28,200
On your knees.
1028
00:44:28,840 --> 00:44:29,440
Your Highness.
1029
00:44:30,400 --> 00:44:31,120
I said, kneel.
1030
00:44:53,440 --> 00:44:58,920
♪If there are no happy memories♪
1031
00:45:01,040 --> 00:45:06,520
♪How can we traverse
the forbidden land of sorrow♪
1032
00:45:08,320 --> 00:45:14,400
♪Two cold and unfeeling bodies♪
1033
00:45:15,080 --> 00:45:22,360
♪Holding hands, can we get
through the snow season♪
1034
00:45:23,400 --> 00:45:29,880
♪In the cold wind, in the long night♪
1035
00:45:30,680 --> 00:45:36,960
♪Embracing the remaining warmth♪
1036
00:45:38,240 --> 00:45:45,480
♪The depth of the sea, unfathomable♪
1037
00:45:45,560 --> 00:45:51,560
♪Can it bury yesterday's sighs♪
1038
00:45:52,240 --> 00:45:58,280
♪Continue to love,
cherishing it with my life♪
1039
00:46:00,120 --> 00:46:06,840
♪Continue to live,
even with only a glimmer of hope♪
1040
00:46:07,960 --> 00:46:14,760
♪Whether in sorrow or joy,
I believe in you♪
1041
00:46:15,760 --> 00:46:21,680
♪I'd rather be trapped
in the world's extremes♪
1042
00:46:22,400 --> 00:46:29,520
♪Continue to live,
exhausting all courage♪
1043
00:46:29,760 --> 00:46:37,040
♪Continue to love,
until the breath runs out♪
1044
00:46:37,920 --> 00:46:44,720
♪Traversing half a lifetime of loneliness,
just to meet you♪
1045
00:46:45,320 --> 00:46:51,760
♪After the hardships,
never to part again♪
1046
00:46:53,240 --> 00:47:01,200
♪After the hardships,
never to part again♪
72095
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