Original subtitles

You really are a clean and honest young official.

But I don't like it

when you talk to me so seriously.

It makes me uncomfortable.

On your knees.

Your Highness.

Kneel.

Astounding.

Even the way you kneel

looks better than other men.

You flatter me, Your Highness.

I dislike government integrity,

cleanliness, and honesty.

I like the way you look in front of me,

with all your emotions kept inside.

Yurong.

Play along, won't you?

Your plan is an unprecedented one.

This is a national affair.

I can't do as you say.

It's rare for you to be so firm.

Very well.

Rise and eat.

GOVERN PEOPLE, SERVE THE HEAVENS

The Annual Exam is on the 10th of next month.

As for the guidelines and rules,

they are in the memorial.

I feel at ease leaving the Annual Exam

in your hands.

Your Majesty, the Eldest Princess wishes to see you.

Your Majesty.

Mr. Shen is here too.

Am I interrupting your conversation?

Not at all.

That concludes my report.

I'll take my leave.

Mr. Shen.

I came up with an idea

and I'd like your opinion on it.

I heard the Annual Exam is just around the corner.

The questions are mostly the same yearly.

We never got any remarkable talents.

I have a better idea for the exam this year.

What might it be?

Why not let the men and women compete in teams?

Nonsense.

The teachings in the Imperial Academy and School of Integrity are different.

How could men and women take the same exam?

Do you assume the noblewomen

would be a liability for the gentlemen of the capital?

-That's not... -Your Majesty.

Do not forget.

I was sent away as a hostage to bring peace to the Great Yan.

Aren't you sitting steadily on that throne

thanks to me?

So do not underestimate women.

At a crucial time,

we can be as capable as men.

It's high time you gave them

a chance to compete with men.

What do you think of this idea, Mr. Shen?

Very well.

Let's proceed with your idea.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

GOVERN PEOPLE, SERVE THE HEAVENS

Yurong.

I came here today because of you,

so do not be wayward again next time.

Lest you want me to show you

how to be obedient.

TAIJI HALL

JIANG RESIDENCE

Just a light stroke.

Like so?

Not bad.

Jiang Li!

Jiang Li.

I have an interesting thing to tell you.

What is it?

The Imperial Academy and School of Integrity will have a joint Annual Exam

where men and women will team up.

That has never been done before.

Why is there such a unique exam?

You know nothing.

The new Annual Exam system

was approved by His Majesty.

And the top scholar, Shen Yurong,

is already setting it up.

And I heard

His Majesty will personally meet

the first placers in this Annual Exam.

This is a chance of a lifetime.

Who do you think I should team up with?

Me.

You?

Goodness.

It hurts.

Jiang Li.

You must at least get into the School of Integrity first.

However,

I must talk you out of this ridiculous idea.

The School of Integrity

is for the daughters

of beautiful talents from families of officials in the capital.

Your looks

are somewhat passable.

But it's

quite a unique beauty.

As for talent...

You have a long way to go!

Even if Uncle Yuanbai pulls some strings for you

and gets you into the School of Integrity,

you'll still get eliminated.

You'll be the greatest laughingstock in the capital.

It's not bad

to give people a good laugh.

Why are you so undaunted?

Uncle Yuanbai will never let you go.

Let's have a bet.

If you get in,

Little Backbone and I

will do a handstand and walk around

the Imperial Academy.

Can you do a handstand?

Show us now if you can.

You...

You two...

I won't argue with you!

Why don't I see Bingji these days?

According to Madam Ji,

Bingji has caught a cold recently.

She will visit you

when he gets well.

Using a child for a show of displeasure.

Old Madam, Ms. Jiang Li requested to see you.

Let her in.

Grandmother.

Li'er.

Why the sudden visit?

I came to thank you.

Bai Xue is kind, thoughtful,

and agile too.

She's a rare find.

She is your maid now.

Instruct her with care.

Grandmother.

I have a request.

Sit.

I'm listening. What's up?

I've been in Zhennv Hall for ten years

and I have a notorious reputation.

Now, Father brought me back

and the Jiang family made me look dignified.

But to other people,

I am always the same sinner.

Li'er.

You're overthinking.

Grandmother.

I'd like to study at the School of Integrity.

First, to hone my character

and second, to make a name for myself.

It's great for a woman to pursue knowledge.

Do you think so too?

Certainly.

People should know

the kind of person you are.

Grandmother.

Look.

I wrote this.

Good handwriting.

The Zhennv Hall is not a place for studying and writing.

You must have practiced hard.

Earning your praise

was worth the effort.

Come.

Your father has excellent handwriting as well.

But after becoming the Chancellor,

random words he writes

become a treasured calligraphy to others.

So he stopped writing.

Show these writings to him.

He will be thrilled.

Then ask him to send you to the school.

And I'll prepare the Four Treasures of Study for you.

I don't dare to.

Are you concerned this might displease someone?

Do not be concerned.

I'm keeping this.

I'll tell your father about this.

Thank you.

Have some pear soup.

All right.

This is Li'er's handwriting.

What do you think?

Neat but forceful.

Straight but sharp.

So you think it's good too.

Is this enough to enroll her

in the School of Integrity?

Does Li'er want to study at the School of Integrity?

What do you think?

Well...

I'm glad that Li'er

is passionate about learning.

But the School of Integrity is unlike other private schools.

Every year, women would get expelled

due to lackluster results.

Li'er barely had an education before this.

I'm worried the people there might give her a hard time.

Yuanbai is the Chief Secretariat.

His children

must not be illiterate and mocked by the people.

After years in Zhennv Hall,

Li'er still managed to have remarkable handwriting.

She obviously worked hard to accomplish this.

Bullies won't dwindle her spirit.

I think

this handwriting

is better than Ruoyao's, whom you raised.

Indeed, Old Madam.

However, we don't get to decide

if Li'er can be admitted there.

Dear,

we can hire a teacher

to test Li'er's knowledge.

Knowing her capability

is the best for her and the family.

That makes sense.

Ask Yuanping

to hire the teacher who has taught Jiang Jingrui before.

He is experienced and sharp.

He once said

that Jingrui would be recommended to the Imperial Academy.

And he was right.

Yes.

I'll go to Yuanping later.

Wait, dear.

The Imperial Academy and School of Integrity aren't the same.

Then who do you think we should hire?

I know someone for the task.

If he thinks Jiang Li

can pass the selection of the School of Integrity,

then people won't criticize our family

and the school.

Mr. Shen.

Chancellor Jiang.

Let's have a word in private.

You are in charge of the Annual Exam for both institutes.

You've been working hard for many days.

Do you have some time?

Thank you for your concern.

It's my day off. I have some time.

Perfect.

I need a favor from you.

My daughter Jiang Li wants to enroll in the School of Integrity.

But as you know,

she has never gone to a proper school.

She's your daughter. Naturally, she will do remarkably.

I hope you are right.

Test her knowledge for me.

Then my wife and I can feel at ease.

Is there a problem, Mr. Shen?

It's a request from an elder.

I'll do my best.

Much appreciated.

Mrs. Jiang.

Mr. Shen, please take a seat.

Have some tea first.

I'll bring Li'er here.

Mr. Shen.

Li'er spent ten years at Zhennv Hall.

If she offends you in any way,

I hope you won't mind.

You're too polite, Madam Ji.

Mr. Shen.

A token of appreciation.

There's no need for such courtesy.

I'll take it that you accept the silver.

Remember to do your job well.

Li'er is our family's legitimate daughter.

It shouldn't be a problem for her to get

into the School of Integrity.

Mr. Shen, please do not disappoint me.

I thought the money was for...

Why are you helping Jiang Li?

Do you know why I asked Mr. Shen to test her?

I have no idea indeed.

Mr. Shen came from an impoverished family.

When he became the top scorer,

he held a banquet to meet people in high places,

but no one attended.

It was all for nothing.

Therefore, he hates

the privileged who throw their weight around.

No money can sway him.

I hired him

so he could hate Jiang Li to the bones.

Greetings, Mr. Shen.

Mr. Shen.

You're being a bit inappropriate.

You remind me...

of an old friend.

I apologize for my inappropriate behavior.

My father often talks about you.

It's an honor

to have your guidance.

The time limit is one incense.

I'll mark the paper when the incense burns out.

Have you been to Qingcheng Mountain?

Yes.

With whom?

She is gone.

Let's not talk about her anymore.

Are you afraid of thunder?

We shouldn't talk

about personal things.

Ms. Jiang Li.

Show some respect.

The nights of Qingcheng Mountain

are piercing cold.

It's cold enough to see through everything.

I never understood

why my loved ones were so ruthless.

They made me stay on Qingcheng Mountain for ten years.

But I get it now.

I saw the money my mother left.

I know I misunderstood.

It turns out my mother still cares about me.

Therefore, I have a request.

I survived ten years

on Qingcheng Mountain.

Now, I only want to rely on myself.

So I hope you are fair

in your judgment.

ZHONGNAN MOUNTAIN'S NORTHERN PEAKS ARE BEAUTIFUL

WITH SNOW SEEMINGLY CONNECTED TO FLOATING CLOUDS

THE SUNSET'S AFTERGLOW SHINES BETWEEN TREES AFTER SNOWING

THE COLD INTENSIFIES AT NIGHT IN THE CITY

The handwriting...

Mr. Shen.

What do you think?

Can I get into the School of Integrity?

I think

you are indeed talented.

But you need a teacher for a year or two

before getting into the School of Integrity.

Since I have talent indeed,

why the wait?

Why won't you look at me?

I will inform Chancellor Jiang honestly.

It's getting late.

Goodbye.

Mr. Shen, do you hate me?

Or did I offend you in some way?

Why do you ask?

Why are you doing this to me?

Was it your doing?

Why are you doing this to me?

Why?

You...

People claim that you are ever so noble

and stand against objections

to carve a new path of Imperial Examination for the poor.

You are a wise

and good official.

I only ask

for a chance to study outside.

You know I am just as good as others.

I deserve to study in the School of Integrity.

But you are thinking about writing me off now.

Am I wrong about you

or are the people mistaken?

Do you really have a clear conscience?

Do I have a clear conscience?

IMPROVE VIRTUES AND EXPAND ACHIEVEMENTS

-Mr. Shen. -Mr. Shen.

Well?

Is Li'er worthy of the School of Integrity

with her current knowledge?

Despite the years she spent on the mountain,

having such knowledge

shows that she is gifted

and of profound scholarship.

But the School of Integrity is meant for female scholars.

I think

she would fare better if she were taught by a teacher

for another year.

In that case,

we'll proceed with your suggestion.

I'll take my leave.

All right.

I'll see you off.

IMPROVE VIRTUES AND EXPAND ACHIEVEMENTS

Why are you reading books for Ruyun's entrance exam?

Ruyun can't learn it.

If I study this, I can teach her.

Do you want to study in the School of Integrity?

If I weren't married,

I'd check out the school for sure.

JIANG RESIDENCE

Mr. Shen.

Take care.

There is something I admire

about Ms. Jiang Li.

I'm all ears.

I came from an impoverished family.

As an official,

I've seen many who use education as a front for personal gains.

But Ms. Jiang Li's desire to pursue knowledge

is truly hard to come by.

It may be hard to get into the School of Integrity,

but a year's delay will undermine her desire to learn.

It's not worth it.

I heard Mr. Shen say

it's better to send Jiang Li to school next year.

Why did his lordship change his mind?

Perhaps Mr. Shen mentioned something to him

when his lordship saw him off.

But now,

his lordship got someone to help Jiang Li pack indeed.

Mother!

Mother.

Have you heard?

Jiang Li is leaving for the School of Integrity.

Go back to your guqin practice.

Mother.

Why didn't you stop her?

Do you expect me

to call her my sister in school?

You dare raise your voice against me over this trivial matter.

Don't you remember my lesson on composure since you were little?

Or do you think your privileged background

and outstanding musical talent are nothing compared to that country girl?

-I... -Go back to guqin practice.

Any updates from the scouts?

The shop is open. There's no news as of now.

Watch closely.

Yang Song's dead, so money can't be taken out of the Bureau of Salt and Iron.

But Li Zhongnan's business goes on.

One link will move the other.

He will make a move.

Yes.

By the way, my lord,

I heard there are big changes to the Annual Exam this year.

How so?

Eldest Princess Wanning went to His Majesty

and proposed a joint exam between the two schools,

making the students take the exam in teams.

His Majesty already approved it.

Is Shen Yurong still the examiner?

Yes.

The new system is undoubtedly

providing those scholars

a chance to openly form cliques.

Shen Yurong

never openly fawned over any rich or powerful families.

He hates the forming of factions too.

It seems like

things are quite interesting.

That's not the only interesting thing.

Shen Yurong also helped Jiang Li get into the School of Integrity.

What a good show.

It's worth watching.

CONCEAL TALENT AND DRAW NO ATTENTION

But why are you so cruel?

You want to destroy my reputation

and kill me here too.

Have you been to Qingcheng Mountain?

The nights of Qingcheng Mountain are piercing cold.

It's cold enough to see through everything.

...why my loved ones

were so ruthless.

Mr. Shen, do you hate me?

Why are you doing this to me?

Why?

Yurong?

The food is ready.

Yurong.

Yurong?

Why aren't you answering and locking yourself up in there?

Come out for dinner.

There's a storm. Where are you going, Yurong?

JIANG RESIDENCE

As you expected,

someone dug up

her ladyship's grave.

He has always been paranoid.

I think we'll be safe for some time.

It's all thanks to your cautiousness then.

Help her change into my clothing.

She's already gone.

Why should she wear your ragged clothes?

Do as I say first.

I'll explain everything one day.

I just feel sorry for Jiang Li.

Even in death, she couldn't have peace.

Miss.

Her ladyship would surely watch over us.

She won't hold it against you.

We cleared one obstacle.

It's time.

I must leave for school.

Miss.

Can I go with you?

I don't feel at ease that you're alone.

Do you know anyone who brings her maid to school?

But since we left Zhennv Hall

and came back,

I've never left your side.

At least we'll have each other's back if anything happens.

If you go to school by yourself,

I'm worried that...

Have I ever gotten the short end of the stick?

You, on the other hand,

must take good care of yourself

while I'm away.

JIANG RESIDENCE

The guqin broke. I'm bringing a new one.

Perhaps we can sit closer together, Ruoyao?

Never mind.

You two can go ahead.

I'll ask Mother for another carriage.

It's such a pity that we can't go

to school together.

See you at the School of Integrity then.

All right.

Miss, Madam Ji left early today.

Where can we get a carriage?

Jiang Li.

Aren't you going to school?

Yes.

I'm about to go.

Where is your sisters' carriage then?

They left.

Never mind. I can walk there.

I am a kindhearted person.

I hate seeing people get mistreated.

Jiang Li.

You can go with me.

-Let's go. -Load the snacks for me!

All right.

BENEFITTING THE PEOPLE

This is a blessing in disguise for you.

Why squeeze in a carriage with them?

You'll feel aggrieved.

Do they always go to school in the same carriage?

Not really.

Sometimes, Zhou Yanbang

would pick up Jiang Ruoyao.

Are you going to the School of Integrity

just to meet Zhou Yanbang?

What else could it be?

Isn't it better to stay at home?

Why detain yourself there?

I bet this is about Zhou Yanbang.

Listen to me.

He is already engaged.

He's not worth your time.

I heard

His Majesty would personally meet

the first placer in the School of Integrity's Annual Exam.

His Majesty will also give a reward.

I want

that reward.

You want to enter the palace for a reward?

What do you take the School of Integrity for?

You can't simply get first place.

This year's exam will be taken as a team of four.

The ranking is based on the team.

I doubt anyone will even

team up with you.

The one with the best chance to be the first placer and meet His Majesty

is the team with Chancellor Li's two sons.

His eldest son Li Jin

is always in the top three in this year's periodic exams.

He usually keeps a very low profile.

His second son Li Lian

may not be as outstanding as Li Jin,

but he is a skilled organizer.

He is good at gathering talents and visionaries.

The Li family's sons

are in the top tier of the School of Integrity.

They are the sons of a powerful and important official.

Sadly, Li Zhongnan

and Uncle Yuanbai are rivals in the imperial court,

so we can't team up with them.

It's not a bad thing to team up

with the Jiang sisters too.

Jiang Ruoyao

is the precious daughter of the Jiang family.

She is the best guqin player in the School of Integrity.

They may be good with literature

but not with sports.

However, one of them has a good fiancé.

Zhou Yanbang is an excellent rider and archer.

Not even the sons of the Li family

can match his skills.

SURPASS VIRTUE AND KNOWLEDGE

RESPECT AND EMULATE THE EXCELLENT

Did you see that?

Jiang Ruoyao and Mr. Zhou are

in the School of Integrity's second tier.

They are

from renowned families

and are engaged to each other.

-They are basically inseparable. -Yes.

No matter how hard you try,

you'll never separate them.

-Is there a third tier? -Watch where you're going.

You're...

You're Xue...

What are you doing here?

Did you suffer brain damage?

If you can come here,

why can't the Jiang family's daughter be here?

Yes.

Ms. Jiang Li, who attempted matricide and fratricide.

Who are you talking about?

Listen up!

If you ever say that again,

I'll make you pay!

Did you see that?

Shen Ruyun.

She is in the third tier of the School of Integrity.

A family member became successful,

then she rode on his success and got into the School of Integrity.

Well-respected and influential families won't hang out with them,

so they can only form their own little group.

But it's too late for you

to join them now.

Is there a fourth tier?

Yes. That's us.

We're ready any time

to pack up and leave.

The late emperor founded a girls' school

and set up a new area in the Imperial Academy.

The area was built and was renamed

the School of Integrity.

He wanted women to learn etiquette and see the big picture.

His Majesty carries on this legacy and emphasizes women's education,

so he expanded the School of Integrity's system.

Now, the two schools

don't study together,

but this courtyard

is shared by both.

-Stop it! Stop right there! -How can you hit me?

-Stop! -It's me!

Stop!

You hit too hard!

Stop him!

-Come on! -Enough!

Who is he?

Your cousin.

Do you remember him?

My cousin?

A relative from your mother's side.

He's your cousin, Ye Shijie.

He just came

from Luyang this year.

Wealthy and ranks among the best.

He's the richest in his hometown.

However, he is too much of a loner.

He only reads and never makes friends.

Does he have a team yet?

How is his grades?

He got top-notch grades on literary tests.

Did you think I didn't ask him?

But he

gave me the cold shoulder.

BROADEN KNOWLEDGE WITH PROPRIETY

Who is she?

Who is this girl?

Jiang Li, you're finally here.

Jiang Li?

Is she Jiang Li, who came back from Zhennv Hall?

A scandal happened

at Zhennv Hall a while ago.

With the influence of such a place,

she probably doesn't behave well.

Is she here for Mr. Zhou?

My sister is new to this school.

I hope you'll bear with her.

If she offends you in any way,

I apologize in advance on her behalf.

Jiang Li.

You came too late.

I saved a seat for you,

but there are too many people,

so I'm embarrassed to keep it for you.

Ruoyao, forget her.

She is older than us.

She can find her own seat.

Yes.

I won't trouble you with that.

-Back to our seats. -Class is starting.

Are you Jiang Li?

HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIP

Yes.

Greetings, Ms. Xiao.

Take a seat.

You'll be taking the Annual Exam soon.

I hope you can see me again

when the results are out.

Let the class begin.

Go away!

LIU XU

I'll bring it tomorrow.

I have two gifts for you.

Do you want to see the one in my left hand or right hand first?

Right hand.

I especially bought this for you.

Your favorite pastries.

What are you looking at?

Isn't that Jiang Li?

I can bring her here, so can you stare at her all day.

I'm just curious

why she suddenly came to the school.

She's not as qualified as you.

All right.

You haven't seen the gift

on my other hand.

I had this hairpin custom-made for you.

Wear it

and you'll be the most beautiful Jiang Ruoyao.

Smooth talker.

Interesting.

Look.

She's the Chief Secretariat's daughter.

Don't you think she is prettier than Ruoyao?

I heard she was Zhou Yanbang's original fiancée.

The younger sister stole the older sister's fiancé.

Will the older sister get him back?

Given her tarnished reputation,

after the Marquis of Ningyuan canceled the engagement,

no one else proposed.

I should try my luck

and make her my concubine.

Try it if you can.

Let's go.

Ms. Jiang Li, care to join me for some tea later?

What was that for?

A bunch of men who gossip

about the School of Integrity's female students in broad daylight.

You should be ashamed.

You're a brute

who dares to argue against men.

No men in the city would marry you!

If I have to be virtuous

just to marry someone of your standards,

I'd rather shave my head and become a nun.

What did you say?

You...

What did you say?

Forget it. Don't argue with her.

Liu Xu from the School of Integrity is famous for her rudeness.

Let's go.

-Come on. -Such bad luck.

You...

-Let's go. -Forget it.

Come on.

-Let's go. -Such bad luck.

-Come on. -I...

-If she weren't a girl... -Forget it.

-All right. -Thank you.

I wasn't helping you.

I hate it when people get in my way.

I know you.

You used my mother at the Zhennv Hall.

The elders like you, but I don't.

You're full of schemes.

I've heard that you're a candid person.

The rumors didn't disappoint.

I'm magnanimous,

unlike the scheming and treacherous kind you are.

My lord, news from the Red Pavilion.

A customer by the alias "Lonely Gentleman"

always splurged his money.

He got drunk lately

and said he can't frequent the place anymore.

I bet that coward's stream of revenue is cut off

but wants to save face.

What's the Lonely Gentleman's background?

He's from Qiantang and came to the capital a couple of years ago.

Qiantang?

Judge Kong's wife is from Qiantang as well.

Duke Su.

My apologies.

Your regular booth on the second floor

is occupied today.

I'll prepare another booth for you.

Are you new here?

Don't you know that is Duke Su's spot?

It couldn't be helped.

Mr. Li insisted on taking the booth.

I offered a different spot,

but he wouldn't take it.

Mr. Li?

We rarely get to meet.

I'll share his table.

Duke Su, they ordered us

not to disturb them.

Do you think...

Messrs. Li.

You're in a good mood today.

What's your business here, Duke Su?

I'm not always working.

Today, I'm here for some tea.

The view here is stunning.

But we've taken the spot.

If it's tea you want,

sit somewhere else.

As for the tea,

it's on me.

That's fine.

I don't usually fancy a crowd.

But I'm in a good mood today.

I'll join you for a while.

Mr. Li, what are you looking at?