The Princess Royal (2024) s01e30 Episode Script
Episode 30
1
[The Princess Royal]
[Adapted from Mo Shu Bai's novel,
The Princess Royal on jjwxc.net]
[This is a work of fiction.]
[Episode 30]
I contacted my friends
around the country
to check
the published examination essays
on all the bulletin boards
across the country.
My essay was finally found
posted in our neighboring county.
It was then I realized
that someone had stolen
my exam candidature.
I understand
your predicament.
Consort Rou shall do you justice.
- Thank you, Mr. Pei.
- Thank you, Mr. Pei.
You may leave now.
Consort Rou has arrived!
Your Highness.
Skip the formalities.
Mr. Pei.
You've interrogated them.
Have you noticed anything wrong?
After listening to these candidates
whose candidatures were stolen,
I've indeed found
there was something strange.
First,
these people all come from Youzhou.
Second,
most of them realized
they had been replaced
after checking the published essays
posted on the bulletins.
Before the scripts reached the capital,
no one knew who would
pass the examination.
So,
it's likely that no one would
take action at this point.
If someone wanted
to tamper with the scripts
and replace the candidates' names,
there are only
two possible stages to do so.
The first stage
is when the officials
open the scripts to read
and sort them according to region.
The second stage
is when the scripts are sent back
to all the counties.
The people in charge of these stages
are often from the powerful clans
who manage different territories.
Then, how do you suggest
we proceed with this?
Of course, we have to investigate.
You even dare
to investigate the Shangguan Family?
Your Highness?
You're right.
However, many officials
are involved in this
and most of them come
from the noble families in the capital.
I'm afraid it's not easy
to get to the bottom of this.
I understand your concerns.
His Majesty sent me here
just to resolve your problems.
If you would trust me, Your Highness,
you may leave the entire case to me.
I guarantee
that I will resolve this properly.
Thank you in advance, Mr. Pei.
We'll be counting on you.
Mother.
Cheng.
We believe that Mr. Pei is trustworthy,
right?
Thank you for your trust,
Your Highnesses.
I'll just play along with Mr. Pei
and put on this act together.
[Shangguan's Mansion]
Mr. Pei,
what are you doing?
Miss Shangguan,
as the Deputy Supervisor
of the Inspectorate Office,
you should know
that the Inspectorate Office
has been investigating
the imperial examination fraud lately.
Four men from the Shangguan Family
are involved in this.
I would like to take them back
for interrogation.
I hope you'll allow me to do so.
You came all the way here, Mr. Pei.
As a member of the Inspectorate Office,
I ought to set an example.
I will bring them personally
to the Inspectorate Office
and hand them over to you.
Kneel!
Kneel!
Prince Su,
Consort Rou, and Princess Huayue.
I have brought the four suspects
from the Shangguan Family.
Please give the command.
No wonder His Majesty
appreciates you a lot, Mr. Pei.
That was swift.
Thank you.
You flatter me, Your Highness.
I will need you to take these people here
for interrogation as well.
I shall see to it right away.
- Don't move!
- No one moves!
I am here
by order of Prince Su
and Consort Rou
to arrest the suspects.
Take these suspects
who committed fraud out.
- Yes, sir!
- Yes, sir!
- Move it!
- Move it!
Hurry.
Mr. Pei is wise indeed!
With Mr. Pei around,
scholars like us can study in peace.
If there's any other grievance,
Mr. Pei will also make sure
justice is served.
- Mr. Pei!
- Mr. Pei!
Mr. Pei, nice work.
Kneel!
Your Highness.
I've brought you
the people you requested.
Thank you, Mr. Pei.
You are truly decisive.
Your Highness.
Consort Rou
is not a fool
and she's always maintained
a good reputation
in the palace.
Why would she
Do you know
what's the scariest thing
about wielding power?
It's when it corrodes one's heart,
the person whose heart
is almost corroded to the core
cannot feel anything at all.
In most people's lives,
they may experience
wielding some degree of power,
which leads to reckless behavior
and speech.
Therefore, the easiest way
to destroy someone
is to suddenly give them
something beyond their reach.
That way,
even if you do nothing,
they will destroy themselves eventually.
Mr. Pei, you have been working hard
and running around recently
and you've lost quite some weight.
Thank you, Your Highness.
It is my duty
to work for you.
I called you here today
to discuss something with you.
Please go ahead, Your Highness.
Too many people are involved
in the imperial examination fraud.
I'm afraid it won't be solved
anytime soon.
It'd be bad if the imperial examination
got delayed because of this.
That's why I would like you to help me
talk to the other candidates.
Let them take the examination first.
We'll resolve
part of the case
and slowly deal with the rest.
Of course,
they have wasted much time in Huajing.
So as compensation,
they can receive 50 silver taels each.
What do you think?
We'll do as you say, Your Highness.
I will talk to the candidates tomorrow.
That would be good.
Thank you for your help
over the past few days.
Let me show you my gratitude
with a cup of tea.
That would be my honor.
But now,
I also need your help to catch
another big fish for me.
[Wang's Mansion]
By order of Consort Rou,
I am here to arrest Wang Houwen.
Hand him over.
Stall them.
I'm going to see Mr. Wang.
Shut the gates.
If you want to get promoted
Spend money! Spend money!
What a clever bird.
You're such sensible creatures.
Mr. Wang.
Not so loud.
Pei Wenxuan and his men
are here to arrest you.
Wait.
Didn't you give Consort Rou the money?
I did.
How could they go back
on their word, then?
I knew people from humble backgrounds
could not be trusted.
They're so greedy.
They have no regard for our promise.
Exactly.
What should we do now, then?
Well,
go to the Ministry of Justice
to see Mr. Su.
Tell him
that Pei Wenxuan
is overstepping his boundaries
by trespassing on my mansion.
Wait.
Tell him this as well.
Pei Wenxuan hit a court official.
Ask him to arrest Pei Wenxuan.
Mr. Wang.
Will you see Pei Wenxuan, then?
Is he even worthy of meeting me?
No way! No way!
Listen to that.
Even a bird knows better than you.
Why am I even keeping you here?
What's his rank compared to mine?
He thinks he can see me
when he wants to?
Just tell him
that I'm sleeping
and that we can talk when I'm up.
Go!
Yes, sir.
Mr. Wang is sleeping.
Sleeping?
As the Minister of Personnel,
he ordered other officials
to accept bribes
and replace the candidates' names
on the scripts as he pleases.
Do you know
many commoners
have spent their whole lives studying,
but their endeavors have been destroyed
thanks to him?
And he can still sleep.
You need to prove your words
with evidence.
Evi
You want evidence?
Tell Mr. Wang to come out
and follow me
to the Inspectorate Office.
Consort Rou will judge justly there.
Otherwise,
don't blame me for being rude.
I'd love to see how rude you can be.
Are you going to trespass
on our mansion?
Rush in.
Storm the gates! Arrest him!
Let's see who's bold enough to stop us.
Clear the path!
Don't move!
What are you doing?
Mr. Wang.
Don't you have any regard for the law?
Time to wake up.
You are having a good life, aren't you?
Even birds
in a noble family
would have a better life, right?
Noble families are better!
Noble families are better!
How dare you!
Who let you in?
I am the Minister of Personnel.
What are you trying to do?
What do you think, Mr. Wang?
Take him.
You dare?
Pei Wenxuan!
You've gone too far.
I'm three ranks
higher than you, after all.
You can't force your way in.
Mr. Wang,
I am here by order of Consort Rou
to fulfill my duties.
Consort Rou has said
that you're the Minister of Personnel,
so we have to investigate you.
You did a terrible job
handling the imperial examination fraud,
even worse than her second uncle.
Nonsense!
Her second uncle was just
a broad bean seller!
How could you compare me
Mr. Wang, keep your grievances
to yourself now.
We can seek justice for you
in the Inspectorate Office later.
Take him.
Mr. Pei!
What are you doing?
- Let go of my master!
- Let go.
Mr. Wang.
Where were you earlier?
They barged in just like that.
We couldn't stop them.
Mr. Pei, whom are you taking
to the Inspectorate Office?
Mr. Su, you're finally here.
Pei Wenxuan
overstepped his boundaries
and trespassed on my property.
Had you been here any later,
he would have beaten me up.
Mr. Wang.
Get some rest elsewhere.
Very well.
Mr. Wang.
He
I knew that under such circumstances,
you would come sooner or later.
You've overstepped your boundaries,
trespassed on private property,
and tried to hit a court official.
Pei Wenxuan.
These are all serious offenses.
Mr. Su.
I am here by order of Consort Rou
to fulfill her commands.
Are you going to disobey
Consort Rou's order?
Mu Hong.
Yes, sir.
Take him.
How dare you!
Mr. Pei.
Are you resisting arrest brazenly?
You're over-exaggerating.
I am just doing my job as instructed.
There's nothing wrong with that.
If there's something wrong with that,
you should be heading to the palace
and throwing Consort Rou
into prison instead.
What do I have to do with this?
Take him!
How dare you? Who
Stop.
I will go to the Ministry of Justice
with you.
But Prince Su
would never let anything happen to me.
I'd love to see
how long you can lock me up.
That depends on my mood,
Mr. Pei.
Young Master, the Ministry
It's fine.
When Pei Wenxuan climbs in,
what kind of unreasonable request
should I make?
Your Highness!
Bad news!
The Prince Consort
has been arrested by Mr. Su!
Why would Su Rongqing
suddenly arrest him?
The Prince Consort and his men
barged into Wang's Mansion
to arrest Minister Wang,
so he sent someone to the Ministry
of Justice to lodge a case.
Then Mr. Su went there
and arrested the Prince Consort.
Let's go to the palace now.
Wait.
I can't.
Get someone to find out
where Pei Wenxuan is.
Keep him guarded
while we make our way there.
But Mr. Su wouldn't
You don't understand.
He may look like a gentle soul,
but if someone gets in his way,
he would turn into
a venomous and murderous snake.
Mu Hong, get some ointment.
Mr. Pei may have been injured
in our scuffle earlier.
I'm fine. It's just a slight injury.
Mu Hong, you may leave now.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Pei.
You don't seem worried at all.
Why should I?
You've offended a lot of people lately.
I'm sure you've offended
even more people
at the Ministry of Justice.
What's making you so happy?
It's been a really long time
since we talked to each other
face-to-face with such honesty.
You barged into Wang's Mansion today
and willingly followed me back here.
I guess you're doing this
to intensify the dispute
between Consort Rou and Minister Wang.
Consort Rou has never been able
to see the situation clearly.
So, you caused a huge scene
and arrested me back here
to give them a warning, I reckon?
Looks like you've built connections
with lots of people in the palace.
But I should remind you
that it's a disreputable thing
to form a clique
to pursue selfish interests.
I have a piece of reminder
for you as well.
Today,
I can release you.
But if there's a next time,
it will cost you your life.
When it comes to dirty tricks
like clearing obstacles,
I'm sure you can do everything.
But before that,
I'd like to ask you something.
If I'm gone, what about the Princess?
Mr. Su.
I have another question
that I'd like to ask.
Go ahead.
When did you travel back?
It was a month before the spring banquet
held by the Princess.
When I woke up,
it felt like I had a long dream.
This is my study during my younger days.
Am I dreaming?
Is Heaven
giving me a second chance?
Rong.
Are you here too?
Since you were back,
why did you
Why did I let you marry her?
What if I say
that I hope you two can be happy?
Will you believe me?
Only if Li Chuan doesn't
ascend the throne, right?
Young Master.
The Princess is here for Mr. Pei.
Where is he?
Your Highness,
how come you came here personally?
Where is Pei Wenxuan?
Mr. Pei is fine.
I just brought him here
for a few questions
and I would release him afterward.
But I didn't expect you
to have come here already.
You probably didn't expect
that I would think of you
as a villain, did you?
You must have thought
I would head to the palace first.
Your Highness, you know me well.
Yet you don't know me at all.
Su Rongqing.
Actually, I have never hated you
even though you killed me.
I know
you had your reasons.
But let me tell you this.
If you kill Pei Wenxuan,
I will hate you.
I will hate you forever.
Is everything fine?
Are you hurt?
Rest assured.
It's just a slight contusion.
On your arm? Can you move your arm?
I'm fine.
You gave me a scare.
Careful.
Does it hurt?
No, it's just a minor injury.
I'll be fine after a few days' rest.
Besides, getting injured
can put us at an advantage.
Why is that?
It's Su Rongqing's fault
that I got injured,
so that means
he'll be losing his position
as the Minister of Justice.
You
You're still thinking of this
when you're injured?
But I was about to ask you this.
What were you thinking today?
Why did you go to Wang Houwen?
Consort Rou ordered me
to tell the candidates
to stop pursuing their cases of someone
stealing their exam candidatures,
and if they agree to it,
they can take
the imperial examination normally
and receive a substantial sum of money.
If they don't agree,
then Consort Rou
Consort Rou is trying
to benefit from both sides.
She wants to gain a good reputation
for pleading for the people
while trying not to offend
the noble families.
That's why you went to Wang's Mansion
and caused a scene there
so that he would antagonize Consort Rou.
Yes.
What's more, I even prepared
a beautiful poem for Consort Rou.
What poem?
You will know when the time comes.
I had everything planned out,
but I didn't expect Su Rongqing to come.
Back at the Ministry of Justice today,
why did you seem flustered
when you saw Su Rongqing?
I keep having this feeling
that he'd do something to you.
I'm scared.
Think about it.
We just found out his true identity,
and right now,
the imperial examination
is about to begin.
You're a dangerous threat to him.
And him?
He's a gentleman on the surface,
but he is decisive and assertive.
I'm just afraid
something would go wrong.
Rest assured.
Are you getting me home?
What home?
You're in my carriage, and you think
you're going back to your place?
Back to the Princess's Mansion
with me, Mr. Pei.
No, not now.
Consort Rou is searching for evidence
to prove that you bought
a house next to mine.
If His Majesty finds out,
he will lose his trust in me.
I
How about this?
It's me who's crazy over Mr. Pei,
and even though we're divorced,
I just wouldn't let him go.
So, when I heard
that Mr. Pei was meeting
another lady tonight,
I planned to go out
to catch them red-handed,
but instead, I saw you in danger,
so I rescued you
and tied you up to return
to the Princess's Mansion.
I have to put on a convincing image
of a lovesick girl.
Details, you know?
Fine.
[Princess's Mansion]
Your Highness.
It's Consort Rou's men.
Your Highness.
You disobeyed the order
and left your mansion without permission.
Yes, I did that.
So what?
I
If you have time to interrogate me,
why don't you go ask your master
what's taking her so long
with Chen Houzhao's case?
Has she even found out anything?
I agreed to the confinement
because I respect my father,
but she'd better not assume
any unwarranted authority
and think of me as a pushover instead.
Go back and tell her
that if she asks any dubious woman
to approach
the former Prince Consort again,
I might just declare war against her.
Invite the Prince Consort in.
Yes, Your Highness.
Your Highness, he's a court official
He is my former prince consort.
Since we had been married,
he will be mine for his whole life.
Even when he dies,
he will have to die here, understood?
If you keep getting in my way,
I'll make sure you die here as well.
Let's go inside.
What dubious woman?
Why is she so obsessed over a man
who divorced her?
Has she no shame?
What gives her the right
to be so arrogant?
Mother,
I will tell Father immediately
that she left her mansion
without permission to rescue Pei Wenxuan.
No.
The fact that she
accepted her confinement
shows that your father
has done enough to make her yield to us.
You should be thankful
that she didn't make any scene.
Don't cause any more trouble.
Why would Pei Wenxuan
mess with Wang Houwen like that?
I think
he's setting us up
instead of helping us.
I asked him to do that.
Now that we've taken over
the Inspectorate Office,
your father would want us to take action
against the noble families.
I'm making an example of Wang Houwen.
I can have him arrested
or released,
but this will warn the noble families
that we are a force to be reckoned with.
Now that Pei Wenxuan is in trouble,
who will deal with those candidates?
What should we do now?
We still have to
apologize to him in person.
How about you write an apology letter
and attach some money to him?
Tell him that it's a misunderstanding.
Fine.
But we are still getting pushed around.
I'm off.
Your Highness,
here's a letter from Wang's Mansion.
There lived a sparrow
that fed on pigswill in the alleys,
until it landed on a tall branch
and called itself a phoenix.
Clad in hues of gold and emerald
with a pearl in its mouth,
its filth and stench
still linger nevertheless.
How bold of Wang Houwen!
How could he insult you like this?
I must make an example of you now.
Mr. Su really knows
how to get the job done.
Eat up.
It's a tribute. It's awesome.
Hand Wang Houwen over!
They're here again? What a nuisance.
Prince Su, Consort Rou?
What's going on here?
What's wrong with you, Wang Houwen?
I didn't do anything.
Take him!
How dare you!
I am the Minister of Personnel,
from the Wang Family of Donghai
How dare you slap me?
Remember this.
I may be a consort's son,
but I'm a prince all the same.
Remember this.
I can slap you
whenever I like.
You're not worthy
of disputing my status.
Is there any regard for the law here?
Take him!
Xiao Rou, I'll tell His Majesty
what you've done!
[Inspectorate Office]
Consort Rou, Prince Su.
You've slapped and arrested me.
You've already completed
the standard procedure.
Time to release me.
My birds are waiting for me at home.
Mr. Wang, you do have
a penchant for birds.
They're in your paintings, writings,
and even poetry.
Maybe you should think about
how you should confess.
Do you want to do it yourself
or do you want me
to get someone to help you?
Your Highness, stop freaking me out.
Why don't we talk about this privately?
Speak.
I sent Wang Quan
to deliver the money, didn't I?
If you need more,
I can gather more.
I still have
a fief in Donghai.
I planned to save it for Dun Min,
but I can
Trying to bribe me?
Write this down.
Mr. Wang tried to bribe me.
Your Highness.
Mr. Wang,
you don't have to worry
about my finances.
However, you could help me
with another thing now.
I heard that you are talented
and knowledgeable,
and I received a poem
that's a bit hard for me to understand.
Perhaps you can explain it to me.
Your Highness,
you could have said so.
"There lived a sparrow
that fed on pigswill in the alleys,
until it landed on a tall branch
and called itself a phoenix."
These two lines mean
that there was a sparrow
that lived
in a terrible environment,
until it got lucky
and became a phoenix.
What's next?
"Clad in hues of gold and emerald
with a pearl in its mouth,
its filth and stench
still linger nevertheless."
That's a little bit complicated.
But, to put it simply,
if someone is born into a humble family,
even if they manage to go
from rags to riches,
they could never hide their
Wang Houwen, you abhorrent old jerk!
As a high-ranked and powerful minister,
you probably have never
been tortured before.
If you don't confess today,
you'll have a taste
of everything at our disposal.
Mother, let's go.
Mr. Wang, a word of advice.
Confess quickly,
or else even the Dragon King
of the East Sea can't save you.
Treat him properly.
Wait, Your Highness.
You told me to analyze the poem.
Are uneducated people
emotionally unstable as well?
The Vice Minister of Justice,
Su Rongqing,
didn't take good care of the Vice Minister
of Personnel, Pei Wenxuan,
which caused Pei Wenxuan injured.
Therefore, three months of his salary
will be deducted.
In addition,
the Left Minister of Justice,
Pei Liming,
will be promoted to Minister of Justice.
As you wish, Your Majesty.
Do you two have anything to say?
Your Majesty, I have received news
that Consort Rou and Prince Su
showed no regard for the law
and arrested the Minister of Personnel,
Wang Houwen, even when they don't
have substantial evidence.
All the officials feel threatened
by this outcome.
I hope you will investigate
this issue thoroughly
and not let all the officials down.
I agree.
Consort Rou and Prince Su are now
above Six Ministries
with no regard for the law, so
Father.
This is the money that Wang Houwen
sent to my mother as a bribe.
You can find
the Wang Family's emblem under it.
He also wrote a letter to her.
If you don't believe me,
you may check the evidence.
The evidence is clear.
If the Crown Prince broke the law,
he would be punished
just as a common person.
Now, Wang Houwen
is involved in embezzlement.
The Inspectorate Office
is investigating this case under orders.
So what if they arrested him?
Mr. Wang, take a look again.
Isn't this a well-written poem?
Your Highness.
What if I say
the handwriting looks like mine,
but I didn't write it?
Would you believe me?
Should I?
That depends on you.
Mr. Wang,
why don't you give me a few names,
and I'll ask His Majesty
to spare your life?
Your Highness, even until now,
you don't know
what the noble families truly are.
It may seem
that there are numerous noble families
in our country,
but in reality,
they've already combined
into one single entity.
We are bound together for good or ill.
If I betray one noble family,
I would be betraying
all the noble families.
As someone born into a noble family,
if I betray the noble families,
only death will await me.
That's why
I cannot tell you anything.
Likewise,
the moment you arrested me,
you have already chosen
to antagonize all the noble families.
Mr. Wang, is that a threat or advice?
Neither.
I know
that from now on,
I won't be leaving
the Inspectorate Office anymore.
Have you really made your decision?
Yes.
I will tell His Majesty
what you've just said.
Any more requests, Mr. Wang?
I have one final request.
Can you
release my birds?
Thank you, Consort Rou!
[Hanqiu Palace]
I think we can close the case
of imperial examination fraud now.
It's clear that Wang Houwen and eight
other officials abused their power
to undermine the imperial examination's
credibility and embezzle funds.
I suggest that they should
be sentenced to death,
and as for the others involved,
I suggest that they be imprisoned,
of which its duration will be determined
by the Ministry of Justice.
Official Pei, what do you think?
Your Majesty,
I agree
with Prince Su's suggestions.
Father,
upon further investigation,
we have determined
that 123 eligible candidates
have had their exam candidatures stolen.
I suggest that we hold
another examination
to return them
the opportunities they deserve.
Does anyone have other objections?
Congratulations on employing
the right person, Your Majesty.
Prince Su's decisive manner
will prove to be a valuable asset
to you in the future.
I'm flattered, Mr. Shangguan.
Father, I would like to volunteer
to be the chief examiner
for the upcoming examination
and recruit talents for you.
Cheng,
I'm pleased that you would offer
to take on this responsibility,
but given your young age,
many people may not be convinced.
I have
other arrangements.
He's here.
What brings you all here?
- Mr. Pei.
- Mr. Pei.
- Mr. Pei.
- Mr. Pei.
Mr. Pei, how are you doing now?
My friend, you must have suffered.
Mr. Pei, while you were absent,
everyone has been thinking about you.
Yes.
Thank you, everyone.
I'm feeling much better now.
That's great.
Mr. Pei,
ever since Mr. Wang
was sentenced to death,
the Ministry of Personnel
has been lacking a leader.
Consort Rou even sent someone to ask
whether there was anyone
who could assume
the role of the chief examiner.
We think
now that Consort Rou failed
to have Prince Su take over the position,
you might get recommended instead.
That's why we're here
to inform you of this.
Yes.
I'm sorry for making all of you worry.
Mr. Pei, don't say so.
All of us here
come from humble clans in the capital.
We are nothing compared
to the noble families.
We need someone that we can rely on.
Mr. Pei, you're exactly the person
we'd like to follow.
Thank you for thinking so highly of me.
Tomorrow,
I'll return to the Ministry of Personnel
and discuss the future with you.
- Good.
- Good.
- That's great.
- That's great.
Fulai!
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, I'm here.
What time is it?
Your Majesty, the sun has just risen.
I can't see again.
Your Majesty, let me summon
the imperial physician for you.
Wait.
Don't say a word of this to anyone else.
But, Your Majesty,
this is already the third time.
It's alright. I just need some rest.
Fulai.
Hurry up.
We're running out of time.
Pass this message to Consort Rou.
Tell her the imperial examination
is imperative, go!
Your Majesty
Go now!
Yes, Your Majesty.
[Taiji Hall]
The Inspectorate Office has already
closed the case
of the imperial examination fraud.
Consort Rou has done
an excellent job assisting Prince Su.
The metropolitan examination
has been delayed for months
and we should expedite it.
We have several vacancies
in the imperial court this year.
This is the opportunity
to recruit more talents for our country.
You're right, Your Majesty.
Mr. Pei is still recuperating.
He was supposed
to be the chief examiner.
Why don't we
Your Majesty.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Thank you for your concern,
Your Highness.
I have recovered from my injuries
and my peers have been updating me
on the various procedures
of the metropolitan examination.
The examination questions, examination
sites, and the evaluation system
are all in set order.
As soon as you give the command,
we can start right away.
Then, discuss with the Ministry of Rites
and choose a suitable date this month.
We can't put it off any longer.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, Mr. Pei is here.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Skip the formalities.
Well?
Pingyue finally allowed you
to leave her mansion?
Your Majesty,
please don't tease me anymore.
I'm finding myself
to be the subject of gossip everywhere.
Looks like Pingyue
does like you very much.
Her Highness is
Her Highness is simple.
Make sure you uphold the credibility
of the metropolitan examination.
We need reliable people
in the imperial court.
Internally,
I need to maintain good governance.
Externally,
I've always wanted to suppress
the northern enemies
to keep our country safe
from constant skirmishes.
Official Pei,
do you have any useful suggestions?
Perhaps
we could hold
a military examination next year.
A military examination?
That's a brilliant idea.
Mr. Pei.
His Majesty has high hopes for you.
Has His Majesty been experiencing
health issues lately?
His Majesty has been experiencing
temporary blindness in the morning
for the past two days.
Looks like chaos is drawing near.
♪Who gazes at the sky from afar?♪
♪Who gazes at the sky from afar?♪
♪In the night's chill breeze♪
♪What is she singing for?♪
♪The wind caresses the hills♪
♪The wind causes ripples on calm water♪
♪Moonlight graces passing souls♪
♪Her steps get slower and slower♪
♪She's trod a lengthy path♪
♪Memories lost then found♪
♪Gazing idly as clouds roll by♪
♪She holds a red candle♪
♪To brave the thick fog♪
♪Life can be bitter sometimes♪
♪Experience it with grace♪
♪Like a fleeting dream♪
♪Like a fleeting dream♪
♪Neither warmth nor cold will last♪
♪Like a fleeting dream♪
♪Like a fleeting dream♪
♪The moon is reflected in her eyes♪
♪In her gaze,
the unwavering faith remains♪
[The Princess Royal]
[Adapted from Mo Shu Bai's novel,
The Princess Royal on jjwxc.net]
[This is a work of fiction.]
[Episode 30]
I contacted my friends
around the country
to check
the published examination essays
on all the bulletin boards
across the country.
My essay was finally found
posted in our neighboring county.
It was then I realized
that someone had stolen
my exam candidature.
I understand
your predicament.
Consort Rou shall do you justice.
- Thank you, Mr. Pei.
- Thank you, Mr. Pei.
You may leave now.
Consort Rou has arrived!
Your Highness.
Skip the formalities.
Mr. Pei.
You've interrogated them.
Have you noticed anything wrong?
After listening to these candidates
whose candidatures were stolen,
I've indeed found
there was something strange.
First,
these people all come from Youzhou.
Second,
most of them realized
they had been replaced
after checking the published essays
posted on the bulletins.
Before the scripts reached the capital,
no one knew who would
pass the examination.
So,
it's likely that no one would
take action at this point.
If someone wanted
to tamper with the scripts
and replace the candidates' names,
there are only
two possible stages to do so.
The first stage
is when the officials
open the scripts to read
and sort them according to region.
The second stage
is when the scripts are sent back
to all the counties.
The people in charge of these stages
are often from the powerful clans
who manage different territories.
Then, how do you suggest
we proceed with this?
Of course, we have to investigate.
You even dare
to investigate the Shangguan Family?
Your Highness?
You're right.
However, many officials
are involved in this
and most of them come
from the noble families in the capital.
I'm afraid it's not easy
to get to the bottom of this.
I understand your concerns.
His Majesty sent me here
just to resolve your problems.
If you would trust me, Your Highness,
you may leave the entire case to me.
I guarantee
that I will resolve this properly.
Thank you in advance, Mr. Pei.
We'll be counting on you.
Mother.
Cheng.
We believe that Mr. Pei is trustworthy,
right?
Thank you for your trust,
Your Highnesses.
I'll just play along with Mr. Pei
and put on this act together.
[Shangguan's Mansion]
Mr. Pei,
what are you doing?
Miss Shangguan,
as the Deputy Supervisor
of the Inspectorate Office,
you should know
that the Inspectorate Office
has been investigating
the imperial examination fraud lately.
Four men from the Shangguan Family
are involved in this.
I would like to take them back
for interrogation.
I hope you'll allow me to do so.
You came all the way here, Mr. Pei.
As a member of the Inspectorate Office,
I ought to set an example.
I will bring them personally
to the Inspectorate Office
and hand them over to you.
Kneel!
Kneel!
Prince Su,
Consort Rou, and Princess Huayue.
I have brought the four suspects
from the Shangguan Family.
Please give the command.
No wonder His Majesty
appreciates you a lot, Mr. Pei.
That was swift.
Thank you.
You flatter me, Your Highness.
I will need you to take these people here
for interrogation as well.
I shall see to it right away.
- Don't move!
- No one moves!
I am here
by order of Prince Su
and Consort Rou
to arrest the suspects.
Take these suspects
who committed fraud out.
- Yes, sir!
- Yes, sir!
- Move it!
- Move it!
Hurry.
Mr. Pei is wise indeed!
With Mr. Pei around,
scholars like us can study in peace.
If there's any other grievance,
Mr. Pei will also make sure
justice is served.
- Mr. Pei!
- Mr. Pei!
Mr. Pei, nice work.
Kneel!
Your Highness.
I've brought you
the people you requested.
Thank you, Mr. Pei.
You are truly decisive.
Your Highness.
Consort Rou
is not a fool
and she's always maintained
a good reputation
in the palace.
Why would she
Do you know
what's the scariest thing
about wielding power?
It's when it corrodes one's heart,
the person whose heart
is almost corroded to the core
cannot feel anything at all.
In most people's lives,
they may experience
wielding some degree of power,
which leads to reckless behavior
and speech.
Therefore, the easiest way
to destroy someone
is to suddenly give them
something beyond their reach.
That way,
even if you do nothing,
they will destroy themselves eventually.
Mr. Pei, you have been working hard
and running around recently
and you've lost quite some weight.
Thank you, Your Highness.
It is my duty
to work for you.
I called you here today
to discuss something with you.
Please go ahead, Your Highness.
Too many people are involved
in the imperial examination fraud.
I'm afraid it won't be solved
anytime soon.
It'd be bad if the imperial examination
got delayed because of this.
That's why I would like you to help me
talk to the other candidates.
Let them take the examination first.
We'll resolve
part of the case
and slowly deal with the rest.
Of course,
they have wasted much time in Huajing.
So as compensation,
they can receive 50 silver taels each.
What do you think?
We'll do as you say, Your Highness.
I will talk to the candidates tomorrow.
That would be good.
Thank you for your help
over the past few days.
Let me show you my gratitude
with a cup of tea.
That would be my honor.
But now,
I also need your help to catch
another big fish for me.
[Wang's Mansion]
By order of Consort Rou,
I am here to arrest Wang Houwen.
Hand him over.
Stall them.
I'm going to see Mr. Wang.
Shut the gates.
If you want to get promoted
Spend money! Spend money!
What a clever bird.
You're such sensible creatures.
Mr. Wang.
Not so loud.
Pei Wenxuan and his men
are here to arrest you.
Wait.
Didn't you give Consort Rou the money?
I did.
How could they go back
on their word, then?
I knew people from humble backgrounds
could not be trusted.
They're so greedy.
They have no regard for our promise.
Exactly.
What should we do now, then?
Well,
go to the Ministry of Justice
to see Mr. Su.
Tell him
that Pei Wenxuan
is overstepping his boundaries
by trespassing on my mansion.
Wait.
Tell him this as well.
Pei Wenxuan hit a court official.
Ask him to arrest Pei Wenxuan.
Mr. Wang.
Will you see Pei Wenxuan, then?
Is he even worthy of meeting me?
No way! No way!
Listen to that.
Even a bird knows better than you.
Why am I even keeping you here?
What's his rank compared to mine?
He thinks he can see me
when he wants to?
Just tell him
that I'm sleeping
and that we can talk when I'm up.
Go!
Yes, sir.
Mr. Wang is sleeping.
Sleeping?
As the Minister of Personnel,
he ordered other officials
to accept bribes
and replace the candidates' names
on the scripts as he pleases.
Do you know
many commoners
have spent their whole lives studying,
but their endeavors have been destroyed
thanks to him?
And he can still sleep.
You need to prove your words
with evidence.
Evi
You want evidence?
Tell Mr. Wang to come out
and follow me
to the Inspectorate Office.
Consort Rou will judge justly there.
Otherwise,
don't blame me for being rude.
I'd love to see how rude you can be.
Are you going to trespass
on our mansion?
Rush in.
Storm the gates! Arrest him!
Let's see who's bold enough to stop us.
Clear the path!
Don't move!
What are you doing?
Mr. Wang.
Don't you have any regard for the law?
Time to wake up.
You are having a good life, aren't you?
Even birds
in a noble family
would have a better life, right?
Noble families are better!
Noble families are better!
How dare you!
Who let you in?
I am the Minister of Personnel.
What are you trying to do?
What do you think, Mr. Wang?
Take him.
You dare?
Pei Wenxuan!
You've gone too far.
I'm three ranks
higher than you, after all.
You can't force your way in.
Mr. Wang,
I am here by order of Consort Rou
to fulfill my duties.
Consort Rou has said
that you're the Minister of Personnel,
so we have to investigate you.
You did a terrible job
handling the imperial examination fraud,
even worse than her second uncle.
Nonsense!
Her second uncle was just
a broad bean seller!
How could you compare me
Mr. Wang, keep your grievances
to yourself now.
We can seek justice for you
in the Inspectorate Office later.
Take him.
Mr. Pei!
What are you doing?
- Let go of my master!
- Let go.
Mr. Wang.
Where were you earlier?
They barged in just like that.
We couldn't stop them.
Mr. Pei, whom are you taking
to the Inspectorate Office?
Mr. Su, you're finally here.
Pei Wenxuan
overstepped his boundaries
and trespassed on my property.
Had you been here any later,
he would have beaten me up.
Mr. Wang.
Get some rest elsewhere.
Very well.
Mr. Wang.
He
I knew that under such circumstances,
you would come sooner or later.
You've overstepped your boundaries,
trespassed on private property,
and tried to hit a court official.
Pei Wenxuan.
These are all serious offenses.
Mr. Su.
I am here by order of Consort Rou
to fulfill her commands.
Are you going to disobey
Consort Rou's order?
Mu Hong.
Yes, sir.
Take him.
How dare you!
Mr. Pei.
Are you resisting arrest brazenly?
You're over-exaggerating.
I am just doing my job as instructed.
There's nothing wrong with that.
If there's something wrong with that,
you should be heading to the palace
and throwing Consort Rou
into prison instead.
What do I have to do with this?
Take him!
How dare you? Who
Stop.
I will go to the Ministry of Justice
with you.
But Prince Su
would never let anything happen to me.
I'd love to see
how long you can lock me up.
That depends on my mood,
Mr. Pei.
Young Master, the Ministry
It's fine.
When Pei Wenxuan climbs in,
what kind of unreasonable request
should I make?
Your Highness!
Bad news!
The Prince Consort
has been arrested by Mr. Su!
Why would Su Rongqing
suddenly arrest him?
The Prince Consort and his men
barged into Wang's Mansion
to arrest Minister Wang,
so he sent someone to the Ministry
of Justice to lodge a case.
Then Mr. Su went there
and arrested the Prince Consort.
Let's go to the palace now.
Wait.
I can't.
Get someone to find out
where Pei Wenxuan is.
Keep him guarded
while we make our way there.
But Mr. Su wouldn't
You don't understand.
He may look like a gentle soul,
but if someone gets in his way,
he would turn into
a venomous and murderous snake.
Mu Hong, get some ointment.
Mr. Pei may have been injured
in our scuffle earlier.
I'm fine. It's just a slight injury.
Mu Hong, you may leave now.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Pei.
You don't seem worried at all.
Why should I?
You've offended a lot of people lately.
I'm sure you've offended
even more people
at the Ministry of Justice.
What's making you so happy?
It's been a really long time
since we talked to each other
face-to-face with such honesty.
You barged into Wang's Mansion today
and willingly followed me back here.
I guess you're doing this
to intensify the dispute
between Consort Rou and Minister Wang.
Consort Rou has never been able
to see the situation clearly.
So, you caused a huge scene
and arrested me back here
to give them a warning, I reckon?
Looks like you've built connections
with lots of people in the palace.
But I should remind you
that it's a disreputable thing
to form a clique
to pursue selfish interests.
I have a piece of reminder
for you as well.
Today,
I can release you.
But if there's a next time,
it will cost you your life.
When it comes to dirty tricks
like clearing obstacles,
I'm sure you can do everything.
But before that,
I'd like to ask you something.
If I'm gone, what about the Princess?
Mr. Su.
I have another question
that I'd like to ask.
Go ahead.
When did you travel back?
It was a month before the spring banquet
held by the Princess.
When I woke up,
it felt like I had a long dream.
This is my study during my younger days.
Am I dreaming?
Is Heaven
giving me a second chance?
Rong.
Are you here too?
Since you were back,
why did you
Why did I let you marry her?
What if I say
that I hope you two can be happy?
Will you believe me?
Only if Li Chuan doesn't
ascend the throne, right?
Young Master.
The Princess is here for Mr. Pei.
Where is he?
Your Highness,
how come you came here personally?
Where is Pei Wenxuan?
Mr. Pei is fine.
I just brought him here
for a few questions
and I would release him afterward.
But I didn't expect you
to have come here already.
You probably didn't expect
that I would think of you
as a villain, did you?
You must have thought
I would head to the palace first.
Your Highness, you know me well.
Yet you don't know me at all.
Su Rongqing.
Actually, I have never hated you
even though you killed me.
I know
you had your reasons.
But let me tell you this.
If you kill Pei Wenxuan,
I will hate you.
I will hate you forever.
Is everything fine?
Are you hurt?
Rest assured.
It's just a slight contusion.
On your arm? Can you move your arm?
I'm fine.
You gave me a scare.
Careful.
Does it hurt?
No, it's just a minor injury.
I'll be fine after a few days' rest.
Besides, getting injured
can put us at an advantage.
Why is that?
It's Su Rongqing's fault
that I got injured,
so that means
he'll be losing his position
as the Minister of Justice.
You
You're still thinking of this
when you're injured?
But I was about to ask you this.
What were you thinking today?
Why did you go to Wang Houwen?
Consort Rou ordered me
to tell the candidates
to stop pursuing their cases of someone
stealing their exam candidatures,
and if they agree to it,
they can take
the imperial examination normally
and receive a substantial sum of money.
If they don't agree,
then Consort Rou
Consort Rou is trying
to benefit from both sides.
She wants to gain a good reputation
for pleading for the people
while trying not to offend
the noble families.
That's why you went to Wang's Mansion
and caused a scene there
so that he would antagonize Consort Rou.
Yes.
What's more, I even prepared
a beautiful poem for Consort Rou.
What poem?
You will know when the time comes.
I had everything planned out,
but I didn't expect Su Rongqing to come.
Back at the Ministry of Justice today,
why did you seem flustered
when you saw Su Rongqing?
I keep having this feeling
that he'd do something to you.
I'm scared.
Think about it.
We just found out his true identity,
and right now,
the imperial examination
is about to begin.
You're a dangerous threat to him.
And him?
He's a gentleman on the surface,
but he is decisive and assertive.
I'm just afraid
something would go wrong.
Rest assured.
Are you getting me home?
What home?
You're in my carriage, and you think
you're going back to your place?
Back to the Princess's Mansion
with me, Mr. Pei.
No, not now.
Consort Rou is searching for evidence
to prove that you bought
a house next to mine.
If His Majesty finds out,
he will lose his trust in me.
I
How about this?
It's me who's crazy over Mr. Pei,
and even though we're divorced,
I just wouldn't let him go.
So, when I heard
that Mr. Pei was meeting
another lady tonight,
I planned to go out
to catch them red-handed,
but instead, I saw you in danger,
so I rescued you
and tied you up to return
to the Princess's Mansion.
I have to put on a convincing image
of a lovesick girl.
Details, you know?
Fine.
[Princess's Mansion]
Your Highness.
It's Consort Rou's men.
Your Highness.
You disobeyed the order
and left your mansion without permission.
Yes, I did that.
So what?
I
If you have time to interrogate me,
why don't you go ask your master
what's taking her so long
with Chen Houzhao's case?
Has she even found out anything?
I agreed to the confinement
because I respect my father,
but she'd better not assume
any unwarranted authority
and think of me as a pushover instead.
Go back and tell her
that if she asks any dubious woman
to approach
the former Prince Consort again,
I might just declare war against her.
Invite the Prince Consort in.
Yes, Your Highness.
Your Highness, he's a court official
He is my former prince consort.
Since we had been married,
he will be mine for his whole life.
Even when he dies,
he will have to die here, understood?
If you keep getting in my way,
I'll make sure you die here as well.
Let's go inside.
What dubious woman?
Why is she so obsessed over a man
who divorced her?
Has she no shame?
What gives her the right
to be so arrogant?
Mother,
I will tell Father immediately
that she left her mansion
without permission to rescue Pei Wenxuan.
No.
The fact that she
accepted her confinement
shows that your father
has done enough to make her yield to us.
You should be thankful
that she didn't make any scene.
Don't cause any more trouble.
Why would Pei Wenxuan
mess with Wang Houwen like that?
I think
he's setting us up
instead of helping us.
I asked him to do that.
Now that we've taken over
the Inspectorate Office,
your father would want us to take action
against the noble families.
I'm making an example of Wang Houwen.
I can have him arrested
or released,
but this will warn the noble families
that we are a force to be reckoned with.
Now that Pei Wenxuan is in trouble,
who will deal with those candidates?
What should we do now?
We still have to
apologize to him in person.
How about you write an apology letter
and attach some money to him?
Tell him that it's a misunderstanding.
Fine.
But we are still getting pushed around.
I'm off.
Your Highness,
here's a letter from Wang's Mansion.
There lived a sparrow
that fed on pigswill in the alleys,
until it landed on a tall branch
and called itself a phoenix.
Clad in hues of gold and emerald
with a pearl in its mouth,
its filth and stench
still linger nevertheless.
How bold of Wang Houwen!
How could he insult you like this?
I must make an example of you now.
Mr. Su really knows
how to get the job done.
Eat up.
It's a tribute. It's awesome.
Hand Wang Houwen over!
They're here again? What a nuisance.
Prince Su, Consort Rou?
What's going on here?
What's wrong with you, Wang Houwen?
I didn't do anything.
Take him!
How dare you!
I am the Minister of Personnel,
from the Wang Family of Donghai
How dare you slap me?
Remember this.
I may be a consort's son,
but I'm a prince all the same.
Remember this.
I can slap you
whenever I like.
You're not worthy
of disputing my status.
Is there any regard for the law here?
Take him!
Xiao Rou, I'll tell His Majesty
what you've done!
[Inspectorate Office]
Consort Rou, Prince Su.
You've slapped and arrested me.
You've already completed
the standard procedure.
Time to release me.
My birds are waiting for me at home.
Mr. Wang, you do have
a penchant for birds.
They're in your paintings, writings,
and even poetry.
Maybe you should think about
how you should confess.
Do you want to do it yourself
or do you want me
to get someone to help you?
Your Highness, stop freaking me out.
Why don't we talk about this privately?
Speak.
I sent Wang Quan
to deliver the money, didn't I?
If you need more,
I can gather more.
I still have
a fief in Donghai.
I planned to save it for Dun Min,
but I can
Trying to bribe me?
Write this down.
Mr. Wang tried to bribe me.
Your Highness.
Mr. Wang,
you don't have to worry
about my finances.
However, you could help me
with another thing now.
I heard that you are talented
and knowledgeable,
and I received a poem
that's a bit hard for me to understand.
Perhaps you can explain it to me.
Your Highness,
you could have said so.
"There lived a sparrow
that fed on pigswill in the alleys,
until it landed on a tall branch
and called itself a phoenix."
These two lines mean
that there was a sparrow
that lived
in a terrible environment,
until it got lucky
and became a phoenix.
What's next?
"Clad in hues of gold and emerald
with a pearl in its mouth,
its filth and stench
still linger nevertheless."
That's a little bit complicated.
But, to put it simply,
if someone is born into a humble family,
even if they manage to go
from rags to riches,
they could never hide their
Wang Houwen, you abhorrent old jerk!
As a high-ranked and powerful minister,
you probably have never
been tortured before.
If you don't confess today,
you'll have a taste
of everything at our disposal.
Mother, let's go.
Mr. Wang, a word of advice.
Confess quickly,
or else even the Dragon King
of the East Sea can't save you.
Treat him properly.
Wait, Your Highness.
You told me to analyze the poem.
Are uneducated people
emotionally unstable as well?
The Vice Minister of Justice,
Su Rongqing,
didn't take good care of the Vice Minister
of Personnel, Pei Wenxuan,
which caused Pei Wenxuan injured.
Therefore, three months of his salary
will be deducted.
In addition,
the Left Minister of Justice,
Pei Liming,
will be promoted to Minister of Justice.
As you wish, Your Majesty.
Do you two have anything to say?
Your Majesty, I have received news
that Consort Rou and Prince Su
showed no regard for the law
and arrested the Minister of Personnel,
Wang Houwen, even when they don't
have substantial evidence.
All the officials feel threatened
by this outcome.
I hope you will investigate
this issue thoroughly
and not let all the officials down.
I agree.
Consort Rou and Prince Su are now
above Six Ministries
with no regard for the law, so
Father.
This is the money that Wang Houwen
sent to my mother as a bribe.
You can find
the Wang Family's emblem under it.
He also wrote a letter to her.
If you don't believe me,
you may check the evidence.
The evidence is clear.
If the Crown Prince broke the law,
he would be punished
just as a common person.
Now, Wang Houwen
is involved in embezzlement.
The Inspectorate Office
is investigating this case under orders.
So what if they arrested him?
Mr. Wang, take a look again.
Isn't this a well-written poem?
Your Highness.
What if I say
the handwriting looks like mine,
but I didn't write it?
Would you believe me?
Should I?
That depends on you.
Mr. Wang,
why don't you give me a few names,
and I'll ask His Majesty
to spare your life?
Your Highness, even until now,
you don't know
what the noble families truly are.
It may seem
that there are numerous noble families
in our country,
but in reality,
they've already combined
into one single entity.
We are bound together for good or ill.
If I betray one noble family,
I would be betraying
all the noble families.
As someone born into a noble family,
if I betray the noble families,
only death will await me.
That's why
I cannot tell you anything.
Likewise,
the moment you arrested me,
you have already chosen
to antagonize all the noble families.
Mr. Wang, is that a threat or advice?
Neither.
I know
that from now on,
I won't be leaving
the Inspectorate Office anymore.
Have you really made your decision?
Yes.
I will tell His Majesty
what you've just said.
Any more requests, Mr. Wang?
I have one final request.
Can you
release my birds?
Thank you, Consort Rou!
[Hanqiu Palace]
I think we can close the case
of imperial examination fraud now.
It's clear that Wang Houwen and eight
other officials abused their power
to undermine the imperial examination's
credibility and embezzle funds.
I suggest that they should
be sentenced to death,
and as for the others involved,
I suggest that they be imprisoned,
of which its duration will be determined
by the Ministry of Justice.
Official Pei, what do you think?
Your Majesty,
I agree
with Prince Su's suggestions.
Father,
upon further investigation,
we have determined
that 123 eligible candidates
have had their exam candidatures stolen.
I suggest that we hold
another examination
to return them
the opportunities they deserve.
Does anyone have other objections?
Congratulations on employing
the right person, Your Majesty.
Prince Su's decisive manner
will prove to be a valuable asset
to you in the future.
I'm flattered, Mr. Shangguan.
Father, I would like to volunteer
to be the chief examiner
for the upcoming examination
and recruit talents for you.
Cheng,
I'm pleased that you would offer
to take on this responsibility,
but given your young age,
many people may not be convinced.
I have
other arrangements.
He's here.
What brings you all here?
- Mr. Pei.
- Mr. Pei.
- Mr. Pei.
- Mr. Pei.
Mr. Pei, how are you doing now?
My friend, you must have suffered.
Mr. Pei, while you were absent,
everyone has been thinking about you.
Yes.
Thank you, everyone.
I'm feeling much better now.
That's great.
Mr. Pei,
ever since Mr. Wang
was sentenced to death,
the Ministry of Personnel
has been lacking a leader.
Consort Rou even sent someone to ask
whether there was anyone
who could assume
the role of the chief examiner.
We think
now that Consort Rou failed
to have Prince Su take over the position,
you might get recommended instead.
That's why we're here
to inform you of this.
Yes.
I'm sorry for making all of you worry.
Mr. Pei, don't say so.
All of us here
come from humble clans in the capital.
We are nothing compared
to the noble families.
We need someone that we can rely on.
Mr. Pei, you're exactly the person
we'd like to follow.
Thank you for thinking so highly of me.
Tomorrow,
I'll return to the Ministry of Personnel
and discuss the future with you.
- Good.
- Good.
- That's great.
- That's great.
Fulai!
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, I'm here.
What time is it?
Your Majesty, the sun has just risen.
I can't see again.
Your Majesty, let me summon
the imperial physician for you.
Wait.
Don't say a word of this to anyone else.
But, Your Majesty,
this is already the third time.
It's alright. I just need some rest.
Fulai.
Hurry up.
We're running out of time.
Pass this message to Consort Rou.
Tell her the imperial examination
is imperative, go!
Your Majesty
Go now!
Yes, Your Majesty.
[Taiji Hall]
The Inspectorate Office has already
closed the case
of the imperial examination fraud.
Consort Rou has done
an excellent job assisting Prince Su.
The metropolitan examination
has been delayed for months
and we should expedite it.
We have several vacancies
in the imperial court this year.
This is the opportunity
to recruit more talents for our country.
You're right, Your Majesty.
Mr. Pei is still recuperating.
He was supposed
to be the chief examiner.
Why don't we
Your Majesty.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Thank you for your concern,
Your Highness.
I have recovered from my injuries
and my peers have been updating me
on the various procedures
of the metropolitan examination.
The examination questions, examination
sites, and the evaluation system
are all in set order.
As soon as you give the command,
we can start right away.
Then, discuss with the Ministry of Rites
and choose a suitable date this month.
We can't put it off any longer.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, Mr. Pei is here.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Skip the formalities.
Well?
Pingyue finally allowed you
to leave her mansion?
Your Majesty,
please don't tease me anymore.
I'm finding myself
to be the subject of gossip everywhere.
Looks like Pingyue
does like you very much.
Her Highness is
Her Highness is simple.
Make sure you uphold the credibility
of the metropolitan examination.
We need reliable people
in the imperial court.
Internally,
I need to maintain good governance.
Externally,
I've always wanted to suppress
the northern enemies
to keep our country safe
from constant skirmishes.
Official Pei,
do you have any useful suggestions?
Perhaps
we could hold
a military examination next year.
A military examination?
That's a brilliant idea.
Mr. Pei.
His Majesty has high hopes for you.
Has His Majesty been experiencing
health issues lately?
His Majesty has been experiencing
temporary blindness in the morning
for the past two days.
Looks like chaos is drawing near.
♪Who gazes at the sky from afar?♪
♪Who gazes at the sky from afar?♪
♪In the night's chill breeze♪
♪What is she singing for?♪
♪The wind caresses the hills♪
♪The wind causes ripples on calm water♪
♪Moonlight graces passing souls♪
♪Her steps get slower and slower♪
♪She's trod a lengthy path♪
♪Memories lost then found♪
♪Gazing idly as clouds roll by♪
♪She holds a red candle♪
♪To brave the thick fog♪
♪Life can be bitter sometimes♪
♪Experience it with grace♪
♪Like a fleeting dream♪
♪Like a fleeting dream♪
♪Neither warmth nor cold will last♪
♪Like a fleeting dream♪
♪Like a fleeting dream♪
♪The moon is reflected in her eyes♪
♪In her gaze,
the unwavering faith remains♪