Joy of Life (2019) s02e10 Episode Script
Season 2, Episode 10
1
(Joy of Life Season 2)
(Episode 10)
What's this?
A seat granted by His Majesty.
Even the crown prince is standing. Who is he?
The chief councilor, General Qin Ye.
The chief councilor, huh?
- So, he's the top military officer. - That's right.
Every soldier we have in the Qing Kingdom
is under General Qin's disposal.
He's not wearing any armor.
That's unnecessary. This is a court session.
If so, who does this empty seat belong to, then?
Salute.
Don't do this. I don't deserve it.
They're not bowing to you.
Stop sleeping.
All of them are watching.
Chancellor Lin, you're here.
I wasn't sleeping.
I was awake.
(Lin Ruo Fu, Chancellor)
So, Uncle is that mighty?
He's the head of all officials.
Lord Fan, you
This is my position.
I'll stand here.
Your position is over there.
You should stand there. I won't join you.
- Where's the throne? - What?
Why isn't this the throne?
Why did you drag me here?
His Majesty thought the throne was uncomfortable.
That's why he changed it.
He's quite willful, huh?
Lower your volume.
His Majesty said
the seat doesn't matter.
What matters is the person sitting above it.
His Majesty's words do make sense.
His Majesty's words always made sense.
So, besides His Majesty,
only the two of them can sit, huh?
Three of them.
There are only two empty seats.
You're right.
Were you waiting for me?
What act are you guys staging now?
What do you mean?
Did you teach Fan Xian how to write his self-defense statement?
It was his own idea.
Did you not instigate him at all?
No.
I don't trust you at all.
You know that it's difficult for me to speak with my identity.
However, the Censorate is infuriated.
You should speak up for him later.
Why are you keeping quiet?
I can't speak up for him.
Not even a single word.
Stop pretending.
Thank you.
Put your back into it.
Has General Qin always been like this?
Can you stop teasing the old general?
I'm just asking. Can't I do so?
Fan Xian.
That's me.
You are?
I've read your poem collections.
I admire your flair too.
I didn't write them.
I know.
A deity appeared in your dream
and taught you how to write them.
There's no deity.
I come from a different era.
All educated individuals should know
how to manifest illustrious virtues.
How could you not know that?
No matter who's your backer,
and no matter how amazing your literary talent is,
Today, I must uphold the law and eradicate evil.
You are?
This is the left censor-in-chief,
Lai Ming Cheng.
Your Highness.
Lord Lai is the top official within the Censorate.
Both his character and knowledge are truly impressive.
Lord Lai, you should reserve your strength for the main event.
Your Highness, you must be joking.
We'll know who's loyal and who's treacherous
in the court session later.
There's no issue with his character.
It's just that he's inflexible.
If not, he wouldn't have remained in the Censorate all his life.
How do you plan to deal with the situation?
I'm an honest person. I'll deal with it honestly.
An honest person, huh?
I like that.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Cheng Ze, please spare the formalities.
It'll damage our bond if you stay too courteous.
Your Highness, your words have warmed my heart.
As long as it doesn't burn it.
- That cooled down my heart. - That was quick.
Your Highness, we encourage each other.
Why hasn't President Chen arrived yet?
I don't believe this.
You're no longer young, you know?
- Now, you can't even push me up the steps. - As if!
What are you hiding in your wheelchair?
It's so dense!
Divine soldiers.
I can never trust your words.
This won't do. I need to get help.
- Wait here. - No need for that.
Help has arrived.
President.
Your Highness, you're here too.
Let me push him.
You blocked my steed when we first met.
Why are you digging up old debts now?
I knew you were bold before this.
I never expected you to be this bold.
You're going against the Censorate alone. That's gutsy of you.
Your Highness, are you here to enjoy the show too?
Isn't that obvious?
- Cheng Ru. - Cheng Ru.
What's with all the sweat?
Don't do anything stupid later.
Don't worry. I'm not a lunatic.
What's going on?
His Majesty will arrive soon.
Lord Fan, hurry and return to your position.
Remember, don't move casually.
How many times will they ring the bell?
Hurry up.
Everyone,
I assume you all have heard about
the incident with the Censorate.
Have you all read Fan Xian's defense booklet?
You guys haven't read it, huh?
Read it carefully.
Read it thoroughly.
Lai Ming Cheng.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Who are you trying to impeach here?
I'm impeaching Fan Xian, a law official,
for accepting bribes
and disregarding the law!
Fan Xian.
- Yes, Your Majesty. - Do you confess your crime?
I have no crime to confess.
Accepting bribes and disregarding the law?
I have no idea where that came from.
Lai Ming Cheng.
The Vegetable Inspection Office bribed the First Bureau.
Fan Xian took the bribe in public.
We have many witnesses of his crime.
This is absolutely true.
Do you confess your crime?
I didn't take any bribes. I'm innocent.
Fan Xian,
I have both witnesses and evidence of your crime here.
How dare you still deny it?
I didn't take any bribes. How should I confess?
Your Majesty, please allow me to summon the witnesses here.
Spare yourself from the trouble.
Who was the one who tried to bribe him?
It was Eunuch Dai.
Summon him.
Summon Eunuch Dai.
Summon Eunuch Dai.
Summon Eunuch Dai.
Chen Ping Ping.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Fan Xian works for the Overwatch Council.
How do you explain yourself?
Your Majesty, the Overwatch Council is under you too.
No favoritism will be practiced
in front of the law.
If so, do you think Fan Xian looks like an unlawful individual?
He does.
But
Your Majesty, to be honest,
even since I took over the Overwatch Council,
everyone looks like an unlawful individual to me.
Listen to what he's saying.
What nonsense is he talking about?
Precisely.
Everyone looks unlawful to you?
Indeed.
Let me take a look, then.
Do you think Chancellor Lin looks like one?
He looks exactly like one.
How could Chancellor Lin look like an unlawful individual?
That's nonsense.
President Chen,
you have sharp eyes.
I have poor vision. Sorry for that.
Chancellor Lin,
President Chen was just joking with you.
Your Majesty, I love to joke around.
You two are too close to Fan Xian.
Your words don't count.
General Qin.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Do you think Fan Xian looks like an unlawful individual?
Your Majesty,
fighting in war is the only thing I know.
I know nothing else.
However,
I don't think he looks like one.
But why?
Fan Xian went to Northern Qi as our diplomat.
He raised the Qing Kingdom's flag in another state.
Even soldiers like us were impressed with his feat.
- Indeed. - He's right.
I've also heard about that.
A talented youth like him
doesn't look like a crook.
Thank you, General Qin.
I'm just speaking the truth.
I heard that
you even seduced the Saintess of Northern Qi.
Great job!
General Qin, that's just a rumor!
But it might be true.
Uncle!
That's not true!
I was just saying.
Please don't take it to heart.
Understood.
Isn't that Eunuch Dai?
My shoe fell off.
Let me put on my shoes first before I go to the court.
I
I
If you cause disorder in the court,
all of us will be implicated too.
He's truly bold.
That's right.
He actually did that.
I'm Eunuch Dai.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Lai Ming Cheng.
Eunuch Dai,
please read this.
This is the testimony.
The First Bureau sealed off the Vegetable Inspection Office.
Eunuch Dai, you rushed there
and bribed Fan Xian with 3,000 taels.
Eunuch Dai,
do you admit your crime?
Wait, I
- But - How could one give out bribes
in public?
It doesn't make sense, don't you think?
He gave him a sealed letter.
If so, how would you know that he bribed him with money?
Fan Xian opened the letter.
Not only that,
but he also told everyone there about the amount.
All of the witnesses saw what happened.
He's daring enough to take bribes in public.
We can see that Fan Xian
is truly arrogant!
Why are you staring at me?
He's asking you.
Answer him.
Eunuch Dai,
we have concrete evidence of your crime.
You have to think twice before you speak.
Eunuch Dai,
don't panic. It's just 3,000 taels.
The Vegetable Inspection Office is under the Imperial Harem.
You won't be affected by such charges.
3,000 taels?
3,000 taels is only the tip of the iceberg!
Your Majesty,
the Censorate has done our investigation diligently.
The Vegetable Inspection Office has committed many misdeeds.
We acquired evidence of their crime easily.
The Vegetable Inspection Office had exploited vegetable farmers.
They stopped at nothing.
And, Eunuch Dai was the cause of everything.
He has more than two private manors outside the city.
And, he even used the price to set up a trap for vegetable farmers.
Some of them were forced
to sell their children away because of him.
Some even sold their daughters to brothels because of him.
He has committed unpardonable crimes.
His actions infuriate even the heavens!
The people call them the Extortion Office in secret.
Lord Lai, you're generous with your words.
I just don't know if your evidence is solid enough.
I have plenty of solid evidence.
Your Majesty, please take a look.
Lord Lai.
Chancellor Lin.
Laws in the Qing Kingdom are strict.
The Ministry of Justice, Court of Judicial Review,
and the magistrate offices, we all uphold our own duties.
Even if one of the subjects is breaking the law,
we should investigate them according to the law.
How could we present the evidence
to His Majesty as it is?
Chancellor Lin,
are you saying that I shouldn't review the fold?
Your Majesty, you're the ruler of the kingdom.
There's nothing you shouldn't review.
However, as I lead the Six Ministries,
I'm responsible for sharing your burden with you.
Your Majesty, if you're troubled because of this,
and if this continues,
I'm afraid the Six Ministries will slack off,
and no one will respect the law.
You have a point.
I should not review the fold.
Chancellor Lin, you're wrong.
Firstly, the Vegetable Inspection Office is under the Imperial Harem.
His Majesty should pass righteous judgment.
Secondly, the Censorate is responsible for impeaching unlawful subjects.
We're not overstepping our boundary by presenting evidence to His Majesty.
There's a third point, right?
Thirdly,
Chancellor Lin, the Six Ministries are under you.
I'm impeaching Fan Xian for this case.
As everyone knows,
Fan Xian will be your son-in-law soon, Chancellor Lin.
You should try to avoid suspicion.
So, Lord Lai,
you're worried that I might practice favoritism?
Everyone practices favoritism.
Chancellor Lin is upright and just.
You think he'll practice favoritism?
I'll never believe it.
Me too.
Your Majesty,
Lord Lai has a point.
Your Majesty, you should pass judgment
to the Vegetable Inspection Office's case.
I trust your judgment.
But I don't trust my own judgment.
Lai Ming Cheng.
- Yes, Your Majesty. - Show it to him.
I know my fault now!
Your Majesty, please spare me!
I'm willing to give up all my assets
and atone for my mistakes!
Your Majesty,
he has confessed his crime.
He's done for.
Take him away.
Your Majesty, please spare me!
Please spare me!
Please spare me!
Your Majesty!
Lord Fan, how do you feel
after witnessing that?
That Dai fellow is truly atrocious.
Lord Lai, you rid the world of a great evil. The people will remember you.
Since it has come to this,
do you confess your crime?
What crime have I committed?
Do you dare to say that you didn't take the 3,000 taels?
I did.
- That means he's confessing to his crime. - Wait.
Lord Lai, are you saying that I accepted the bribe
just because I took the 3,000 taels?
Do you dare to say otherwise?
Lord Lai,
how dare you slander a prince?
What nonsense are you talking about?
I took the bribe in public back then, right?
That's precisely why we have concrete evidence of your crime!
Let me ask you this, then.
Wasn't His Highness there as well?
His Highness?
His Highness was there?
His Highness was there.
If I did break the law,
why didn't His Highness impeach me after so long?
Lord Lai said I accepted bribes,
yet His Highness acted as if he saw nothing.
Doesn't that mean His Highness was in cahoots with me?
- This - How dare you slander a prince?
You deserved to be executed!
Why would His Highness be there?
I was at the Vegetable Inspection Office back then.
You.
Did you see him taking the bribe?
Yes, I did. Just like what Lord Lai had said,
he broke the law by taking the 3,000 taels.
I should've impeached Fan Xian as well.
If so, why didn't you do so?
It's because I trusted you.
Fan Xian impressed the world with his talent.
He was known as the poetic genius not long after coming here.
And, he holds an important post in the Overwatch Council.
He has a bright future ahead of him.
No matter how I think about it, it didn't make sense
for him to destroy his future for 3,000 taels.
If I knew this was his true nature, I would've impeached him.
However, he took the bribe in public.
I was perplexed.
I thought he had an ulterior motive.
Therefore, I tried to wait it out.
Excellent words.
Your Highness, you took the words
right out of my mouth.
Maybe you took the risk because you thought
3,000 taels was a small sum!
Ridiculous!
The people in the capital might not even save up to ten taels per year!
To them, 3,000 taels
is a sum so huge that it's unimaginable.
As officials,
we should obey the law and understand the people.
Lord Lai, I can't believe you actually said that.
That was utterly disappointing.
But you did take the 3,000 taels!
- That's right. - You took it!
Yes, you're right.
Lord Lai, have you gone fishing before?
Do you think you can catch a fish
with no bait?
So, you took the bribe on purpose
so that the Vegetable Inspection Office could take the bait?
To be honest,
I've taken their misdeeds to heart long ago.
Lord Lai, I intend to rid the kingdom of all evil just like you.
We're bonded by an unspoken affinity.
Look at him!
Lord Fan has a silver tongue indeed!
I'm just stating facts.
So, you say that you were investigating them as well?
Do you have any concrete evidence, then?
I handed the 3,000 taels to President Chen right after taking it.
I've also told him that I intend to investigate them.
Really?
That's right.
Doesn't that make this a misunderstanding, then?
This was a misunderstanding from the start.
President Chen,
it's not that I don't trust you.
But I have one more question.
Lord Fan,
since you said it was a misunderstanding,
why didn't you explain yourself in the defense booklet
when I impeached you
back then?
Lord Lai, I didn't dare to explain myself over there.
But why?
The Vegetable Inspection Office is just a small department.
They are not bold enough to do that.
And, there are plenty of corrupt individuals in the court.
So, you suspect the Censorate too?
It's more than just the Censorate.
From the lowest officials
to the highest imperial relatives,
I don't dare
to trust any of them.
Since you're investigating a case of corruption,
why do we not see the bribe you took
even after so long?
I'm afraid the Vegetable Inspection Office would've been at large
had it not been for the Censorate.
It's because I hesitated.
What did you hesitate about?
It's our duty to investigate corruption.
But the issue is, how long can we keep up the investigation
- and how deep can we go? - Are you afraid?
I'm not afraid. I'm just worried.
Clean and honest governance is the foundation of our officialdom.
Since we're receiving His Majesty's grace,
how can we indulge ourselves in rest?
Lord Lai, does that represent your stand or the Censorate's?
Serving the kingdom is the duty of the Censorate.
If the Overwatch Council doesn't dare to investigate something,
the Censorate will!
The Censorate doesn't fear the things
that the Overwatch Council fears!
That was impressive.
Listen to him.
Chen Ping Ping.
I'm truly ashamed.
The Overwatch Council has been negligent all these years.
You need to give me an account.
Your Majesty,
during this period,
we uncovered corrupt officials in all kinds of departments.
And some have wide implications.
Initially, I want to put them aside.
But today, it seems like
we should hand such a responsibility to the Censorate.
So, President Chen, you prepared that name list long ago?
Coincidentally, I managed to prepare it by today.
So, you were waiting for this moment, huh?
If the Censorate isn't willing to take it,
the Overwatch Council won't force them.
So, you guys already uncovered the corrupt officials?
If so, the Overwatch Council could've just dealt with them, am I right?
Why are you guys outsourcing your tasks?
That's why I said it has wide implications.
Seems like the Overwatch Council is afraid.
It's not that we're afraid.
It's just that it takes up time and energy.
Some officials aren't here, yet they have close ties with the capital.
Some are even
connected to the princes.
If we want to investigate the case thoroughly,
it'll take up too much time.
The Overwatch Council has plenty of tasks to complete.
We don't have that much time and energy.
General Qin, since you already asked me that question,
does that mean you wish to take a look?
Don't.
I'm illiterate.
I cannot understand it either.
I won't read it.
Chancellor Lin?
No one dares to take it!
Your Majesty!
The Censorate is willing to take the name list.
How can we stand back when we need to serve the kingdom?
Your courage is commendable.
You should talk after reading it.
Your Majesty! I have something to say!
Your Majesty,
Lord Lai's courage and loyalty are truly admirable.
They break our hearts.
However, if the princes are truly involved as well,
I'm afraid Lord Lai isn't able to bear this heavy burden!
We have the law!
Why can't I bear this heavy burden?
We'll be clearing the imperial family's name
by investigating the truth.
If the princes are truly involved in this
Lord Lai, please consider your own position first!
Do not act recklessly!
Your Majesty,
even if the princes are involved,
the Censorate will get to the bottom of this!
The imperial censors descend from the heavens,
and they fear no imperial relatives.
They're here to eradicate treacherous officials
for the prosperity of the kingdom.
The Qing Kingdom is blessed indeed.
The imperial censors descend from the heavens!
The Qing Kingdom is blessed indeed!
Your Majesty, Lord Lai is truly the backbone of the kingdom.
I'm willing to take back the painting I delivered to the Censorate.
Do you think you can take it back at will?
I shall apologize to the Censorate.
- Fan Xian. - Yes, Your Majesty.
You wrote in your defense booklet that traitorous officials are in power.
I want to ask you this.
Who were you referring to?
Naturally, it's all the corrupt officials in the world.
I wasn't referring to the censors in the Censorate.
- Lai Ming Cheng. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Do your job well.
Your Majesty.
I hope I can return justice to the Qing Kingdom.
I'm looking forward to it.
Chancellor Lin.
Uncle, let me help you.
I'm not that old.
Uncle, your authority in the court was extraordinary.
You tried to use him to do your dirty work, huh?
What?
You wanted to use the Censorate to investigate Prince Cheng Ze.
Uncle, I can't hide anything from you indeed.
Did Chen Ping Ping teach you that?
I figured it out myself.
Lai Ming Cheng is a great instrument indeed.
But Uncle, I still have some questions.
The officials who spoke in the court session
weren't arranged by me.
It wouldn't have worked out that well
if they didn't add fuel to the flame.
Do you wish to know
who they serve?
Was it your arrangement?
But how did you know that I was targeting Prince Cheng Ze?
I've been the chancellor for many years.
It's not like I did nothing all these years.
Uncle, you won't be implicated
by their involvement, right?
Who said they were under me?
They weren't under you?
Who were they under, then?
Cheng Ze!
Cheng Ze, slow down.
Your Highness, what do you need?
The court session was lively today.
Cheng Ze, what do you think?
Lord Lai was pretty gutsy.
The existence of the Censorate was pointless all these years.
I'm sure all those imperial censors had enough.
If not, they wouldn't take up the task of investigating corrupt officials.
But speaking of which,
investigating corrupt officials is a good thing.
It's good as long as it doesn't involve personal feuds.
Personal feuds?
What do you mean?
Cheng Ze, could it be that you already predicted the list of names
inside the name list?
I have no idea.
We should still reflect on our own actions.
As princes,
we should be wary of officials who try to get close to us.
We mustn't bring shame to the imperial family.
Cheng Ze, don't you agree?
Your Highness, that was particular of you.
I was just expressing what I felt.
Look at the officials who spoke today.
They said that the imperial censors descended from the heavens.
They were so excited and passionate.
Those officials actually adopted a clear stand.
That's rare.
Do you know what that means?
That means fighting corruption is the will of the people.
What's wrong?
I'm impressed.
Why do you say so?
You threw a bowl at a cook.
Your Highness, this plot of yours
is quite devious.
What did you say? Cook?
Your Highness, I'll surely remember
the lesson you taught me.
I will never forget about it.
Your Highness.
Don't you think we should
help Lord Lai after this?
We?
What do you mean?
Your Highness, over here.
Please.
Your Highness, since we belong to your faction,
naturally, we'll do our best to serve you.
Wait.
Those fools in the Censorate insist on investigating the case themselves.
We can just sit and enjoy the show.
Why should we join them?
What are you staring at?
Your Highness, didn't you arrange for them
to speak during the court session?
Who are you referring to?
Those who instigated Lord Lai to take up the task.
Those who said the imperial censors descended from the heavens.
Who said I arranged for them to do so?
Don't they belong to your faction?
Wait, what do you mean by that?
They've always been in your faction.
If so, how could I have no idea?
That makes sense.
You see,
there are plenty of officials in your faction.
However, these officials have easy jobs.
They're quite useless.
Maybe they didn't have the chance to see you yet.
Do they truly belong to my faction?
Yes, that's true.
Why did they come out and speak, then?
Didn't you arrange for it?
Why should I?
Why did they have to speak at that moment?
No wonder Cheng Ze said I threw a bowl at a cook.
A cook?
What cook?
The ones from the Vegetable Inspection Office?
So, the crown prince's faction follows your will too?
It's not that hard to make them heed my will.
Uncle, you're truly impressive.
Not as impressive as you.
You've returned for some time.
Even so, you didn't visit Wan Er at all.
What's wrong?
Did the Saintess of Northern Qi forbid you to visit her?
Uncle,
you mustn't believe in those rumors.
That saintess and I
My relationship with Wan Er is
You know my character the best.
Don't explain yourself to me. Explain yourself to Wan Er.
It's not that I don't want to visit Wan Er.
But I have plenty of affairs to attend to after my return.
I had no time.
That's not an excuse.
Uncle, I do have bitter reasons behind my actions.
It has nothing to do with the Saintess of Northern Qi.
She's been waiting for you.
If so, I'll visit her tonight.
Tonight?
Not tonight.
I'll visit her during the day when I'm free.
You better marry her while I'm still around.
You scared me.
Your body is sturdier than mine.
The world is unpredictable.
Fan Xian was pretty capable.
Did you teach him that?
No, he figured it out himself.
It's kind of impressive for him to figure this out at his age.
Fan Xian never let us down
ever since he came to the capital.
Is your leg okay?
My leg is sore from standing too long.
- I'm fine. - It's okay.
I'll grant you a seat in the court next time.
Your Majesty, please don't. I don't deserve it.
Has Fan Xian entered the family ancestral hall?
That's good too. With that temper of his,
he shouldn't pray to your ancestors first.
It doesn't matter if he enters the ancestral hall or not.
His surname is still Fan.
As for the troubles he got into,
I'll educate him on it.
If he does get in trouble, I'll bail him out.
Your Majesty, that's how he is.
Your Majesty, you're the only one who can tolerate his temper.
(Joy of Life Season 2)
(Episode 10)
What's this?
A seat granted by His Majesty.
Even the crown prince is standing. Who is he?
The chief councilor, General Qin Ye.
The chief councilor, huh?
- So, he's the top military officer. - That's right.
Every soldier we have in the Qing Kingdom
is under General Qin's disposal.
He's not wearing any armor.
That's unnecessary. This is a court session.
If so, who does this empty seat belong to, then?
Salute.
Don't do this. I don't deserve it.
They're not bowing to you.
Stop sleeping.
All of them are watching.
Chancellor Lin, you're here.
I wasn't sleeping.
I was awake.
(Lin Ruo Fu, Chancellor)
So, Uncle is that mighty?
He's the head of all officials.
Lord Fan, you
This is my position.
I'll stand here.
Your position is over there.
You should stand there. I won't join you.
- Where's the throne? - What?
Why isn't this the throne?
Why did you drag me here?
His Majesty thought the throne was uncomfortable.
That's why he changed it.
He's quite willful, huh?
Lower your volume.
His Majesty said
the seat doesn't matter.
What matters is the person sitting above it.
His Majesty's words do make sense.
His Majesty's words always made sense.
So, besides His Majesty,
only the two of them can sit, huh?
Three of them.
There are only two empty seats.
You're right.
Were you waiting for me?
What act are you guys staging now?
What do you mean?
Did you teach Fan Xian how to write his self-defense statement?
It was his own idea.
Did you not instigate him at all?
No.
I don't trust you at all.
You know that it's difficult for me to speak with my identity.
However, the Censorate is infuriated.
You should speak up for him later.
Why are you keeping quiet?
I can't speak up for him.
Not even a single word.
Stop pretending.
Thank you.
Put your back into it.
Has General Qin always been like this?
Can you stop teasing the old general?
I'm just asking. Can't I do so?
Fan Xian.
That's me.
You are?
I've read your poem collections.
I admire your flair too.
I didn't write them.
I know.
A deity appeared in your dream
and taught you how to write them.
There's no deity.
I come from a different era.
All educated individuals should know
how to manifest illustrious virtues.
How could you not know that?
No matter who's your backer,
and no matter how amazing your literary talent is,
Today, I must uphold the law and eradicate evil.
You are?
This is the left censor-in-chief,
Lai Ming Cheng.
Your Highness.
Lord Lai is the top official within the Censorate.
Both his character and knowledge are truly impressive.
Lord Lai, you should reserve your strength for the main event.
Your Highness, you must be joking.
We'll know who's loyal and who's treacherous
in the court session later.
There's no issue with his character.
It's just that he's inflexible.
If not, he wouldn't have remained in the Censorate all his life.
How do you plan to deal with the situation?
I'm an honest person. I'll deal with it honestly.
An honest person, huh?
I like that.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Cheng Ze, please spare the formalities.
It'll damage our bond if you stay too courteous.
Your Highness, your words have warmed my heart.
As long as it doesn't burn it.
- That cooled down my heart. - That was quick.
Your Highness, we encourage each other.
Why hasn't President Chen arrived yet?
I don't believe this.
You're no longer young, you know?
- Now, you can't even push me up the steps. - As if!
What are you hiding in your wheelchair?
It's so dense!
Divine soldiers.
I can never trust your words.
This won't do. I need to get help.
- Wait here. - No need for that.
Help has arrived.
President.
Your Highness, you're here too.
Let me push him.
You blocked my steed when we first met.
Why are you digging up old debts now?
I knew you were bold before this.
I never expected you to be this bold.
You're going against the Censorate alone. That's gutsy of you.
Your Highness, are you here to enjoy the show too?
Isn't that obvious?
- Cheng Ru. - Cheng Ru.
What's with all the sweat?
Don't do anything stupid later.
Don't worry. I'm not a lunatic.
What's going on?
His Majesty will arrive soon.
Lord Fan, hurry and return to your position.
Remember, don't move casually.
How many times will they ring the bell?
Hurry up.
Everyone,
I assume you all have heard about
the incident with the Censorate.
Have you all read Fan Xian's defense booklet?
You guys haven't read it, huh?
Read it carefully.
Read it thoroughly.
Lai Ming Cheng.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Who are you trying to impeach here?
I'm impeaching Fan Xian, a law official,
for accepting bribes
and disregarding the law!
Fan Xian.
- Yes, Your Majesty. - Do you confess your crime?
I have no crime to confess.
Accepting bribes and disregarding the law?
I have no idea where that came from.
Lai Ming Cheng.
The Vegetable Inspection Office bribed the First Bureau.
Fan Xian took the bribe in public.
We have many witnesses of his crime.
This is absolutely true.
Do you confess your crime?
I didn't take any bribes. I'm innocent.
Fan Xian,
I have both witnesses and evidence of your crime here.
How dare you still deny it?
I didn't take any bribes. How should I confess?
Your Majesty, please allow me to summon the witnesses here.
Spare yourself from the trouble.
Who was the one who tried to bribe him?
It was Eunuch Dai.
Summon him.
Summon Eunuch Dai.
Summon Eunuch Dai.
Summon Eunuch Dai.
Chen Ping Ping.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Fan Xian works for the Overwatch Council.
How do you explain yourself?
Your Majesty, the Overwatch Council is under you too.
No favoritism will be practiced
in front of the law.
If so, do you think Fan Xian looks like an unlawful individual?
He does.
But
Your Majesty, to be honest,
even since I took over the Overwatch Council,
everyone looks like an unlawful individual to me.
Listen to what he's saying.
What nonsense is he talking about?
Precisely.
Everyone looks unlawful to you?
Indeed.
Let me take a look, then.
Do you think Chancellor Lin looks like one?
He looks exactly like one.
How could Chancellor Lin look like an unlawful individual?
That's nonsense.
President Chen,
you have sharp eyes.
I have poor vision. Sorry for that.
Chancellor Lin,
President Chen was just joking with you.
Your Majesty, I love to joke around.
You two are too close to Fan Xian.
Your words don't count.
General Qin.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Do you think Fan Xian looks like an unlawful individual?
Your Majesty,
fighting in war is the only thing I know.
I know nothing else.
However,
I don't think he looks like one.
But why?
Fan Xian went to Northern Qi as our diplomat.
He raised the Qing Kingdom's flag in another state.
Even soldiers like us were impressed with his feat.
- Indeed. - He's right.
I've also heard about that.
A talented youth like him
doesn't look like a crook.
Thank you, General Qin.
I'm just speaking the truth.
I heard that
you even seduced the Saintess of Northern Qi.
Great job!
General Qin, that's just a rumor!
But it might be true.
Uncle!
That's not true!
I was just saying.
Please don't take it to heart.
Understood.
Isn't that Eunuch Dai?
My shoe fell off.
Let me put on my shoes first before I go to the court.
I
I
If you cause disorder in the court,
all of us will be implicated too.
He's truly bold.
That's right.
He actually did that.
I'm Eunuch Dai.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Lai Ming Cheng.
Eunuch Dai,
please read this.
This is the testimony.
The First Bureau sealed off the Vegetable Inspection Office.
Eunuch Dai, you rushed there
and bribed Fan Xian with 3,000 taels.
Eunuch Dai,
do you admit your crime?
Wait, I
- But - How could one give out bribes
in public?
It doesn't make sense, don't you think?
He gave him a sealed letter.
If so, how would you know that he bribed him with money?
Fan Xian opened the letter.
Not only that,
but he also told everyone there about the amount.
All of the witnesses saw what happened.
He's daring enough to take bribes in public.
We can see that Fan Xian
is truly arrogant!
Why are you staring at me?
He's asking you.
Answer him.
Eunuch Dai,
we have concrete evidence of your crime.
You have to think twice before you speak.
Eunuch Dai,
don't panic. It's just 3,000 taels.
The Vegetable Inspection Office is under the Imperial Harem.
You won't be affected by such charges.
3,000 taels?
3,000 taels is only the tip of the iceberg!
Your Majesty,
the Censorate has done our investigation diligently.
The Vegetable Inspection Office has committed many misdeeds.
We acquired evidence of their crime easily.
The Vegetable Inspection Office had exploited vegetable farmers.
They stopped at nothing.
And, Eunuch Dai was the cause of everything.
He has more than two private manors outside the city.
And, he even used the price to set up a trap for vegetable farmers.
Some of them were forced
to sell their children away because of him.
Some even sold their daughters to brothels because of him.
He has committed unpardonable crimes.
His actions infuriate even the heavens!
The people call them the Extortion Office in secret.
Lord Lai, you're generous with your words.
I just don't know if your evidence is solid enough.
I have plenty of solid evidence.
Your Majesty, please take a look.
Lord Lai.
Chancellor Lin.
Laws in the Qing Kingdom are strict.
The Ministry of Justice, Court of Judicial Review,
and the magistrate offices, we all uphold our own duties.
Even if one of the subjects is breaking the law,
we should investigate them according to the law.
How could we present the evidence
to His Majesty as it is?
Chancellor Lin,
are you saying that I shouldn't review the fold?
Your Majesty, you're the ruler of the kingdom.
There's nothing you shouldn't review.
However, as I lead the Six Ministries,
I'm responsible for sharing your burden with you.
Your Majesty, if you're troubled because of this,
and if this continues,
I'm afraid the Six Ministries will slack off,
and no one will respect the law.
You have a point.
I should not review the fold.
Chancellor Lin, you're wrong.
Firstly, the Vegetable Inspection Office is under the Imperial Harem.
His Majesty should pass righteous judgment.
Secondly, the Censorate is responsible for impeaching unlawful subjects.
We're not overstepping our boundary by presenting evidence to His Majesty.
There's a third point, right?
Thirdly,
Chancellor Lin, the Six Ministries are under you.
I'm impeaching Fan Xian for this case.
As everyone knows,
Fan Xian will be your son-in-law soon, Chancellor Lin.
You should try to avoid suspicion.
So, Lord Lai,
you're worried that I might practice favoritism?
Everyone practices favoritism.
Chancellor Lin is upright and just.
You think he'll practice favoritism?
I'll never believe it.
Me too.
Your Majesty,
Lord Lai has a point.
Your Majesty, you should pass judgment
to the Vegetable Inspection Office's case.
I trust your judgment.
But I don't trust my own judgment.
Lai Ming Cheng.
- Yes, Your Majesty. - Show it to him.
I know my fault now!
Your Majesty, please spare me!
I'm willing to give up all my assets
and atone for my mistakes!
Your Majesty,
he has confessed his crime.
He's done for.
Take him away.
Your Majesty, please spare me!
Please spare me!
Please spare me!
Your Majesty!
Lord Fan, how do you feel
after witnessing that?
That Dai fellow is truly atrocious.
Lord Lai, you rid the world of a great evil. The people will remember you.
Since it has come to this,
do you confess your crime?
What crime have I committed?
Do you dare to say that you didn't take the 3,000 taels?
I did.
- That means he's confessing to his crime. - Wait.
Lord Lai, are you saying that I accepted the bribe
just because I took the 3,000 taels?
Do you dare to say otherwise?
Lord Lai,
how dare you slander a prince?
What nonsense are you talking about?
I took the bribe in public back then, right?
That's precisely why we have concrete evidence of your crime!
Let me ask you this, then.
Wasn't His Highness there as well?
His Highness?
His Highness was there?
His Highness was there.
If I did break the law,
why didn't His Highness impeach me after so long?
Lord Lai said I accepted bribes,
yet His Highness acted as if he saw nothing.
Doesn't that mean His Highness was in cahoots with me?
- This - How dare you slander a prince?
You deserved to be executed!
Why would His Highness be there?
I was at the Vegetable Inspection Office back then.
You.
Did you see him taking the bribe?
Yes, I did. Just like what Lord Lai had said,
he broke the law by taking the 3,000 taels.
I should've impeached Fan Xian as well.
If so, why didn't you do so?
It's because I trusted you.
Fan Xian impressed the world with his talent.
He was known as the poetic genius not long after coming here.
And, he holds an important post in the Overwatch Council.
He has a bright future ahead of him.
No matter how I think about it, it didn't make sense
for him to destroy his future for 3,000 taels.
If I knew this was his true nature, I would've impeached him.
However, he took the bribe in public.
I was perplexed.
I thought he had an ulterior motive.
Therefore, I tried to wait it out.
Excellent words.
Your Highness, you took the words
right out of my mouth.
Maybe you took the risk because you thought
3,000 taels was a small sum!
Ridiculous!
The people in the capital might not even save up to ten taels per year!
To them, 3,000 taels
is a sum so huge that it's unimaginable.
As officials,
we should obey the law and understand the people.
Lord Lai, I can't believe you actually said that.
That was utterly disappointing.
But you did take the 3,000 taels!
- That's right. - You took it!
Yes, you're right.
Lord Lai, have you gone fishing before?
Do you think you can catch a fish
with no bait?
So, you took the bribe on purpose
so that the Vegetable Inspection Office could take the bait?
To be honest,
I've taken their misdeeds to heart long ago.
Lord Lai, I intend to rid the kingdom of all evil just like you.
We're bonded by an unspoken affinity.
Look at him!
Lord Fan has a silver tongue indeed!
I'm just stating facts.
So, you say that you were investigating them as well?
Do you have any concrete evidence, then?
I handed the 3,000 taels to President Chen right after taking it.
I've also told him that I intend to investigate them.
Really?
That's right.
Doesn't that make this a misunderstanding, then?
This was a misunderstanding from the start.
President Chen,
it's not that I don't trust you.
But I have one more question.
Lord Fan,
since you said it was a misunderstanding,
why didn't you explain yourself in the defense booklet
when I impeached you
back then?
Lord Lai, I didn't dare to explain myself over there.
But why?
The Vegetable Inspection Office is just a small department.
They are not bold enough to do that.
And, there are plenty of corrupt individuals in the court.
So, you suspect the Censorate too?
It's more than just the Censorate.
From the lowest officials
to the highest imperial relatives,
I don't dare
to trust any of them.
Since you're investigating a case of corruption,
why do we not see the bribe you took
even after so long?
I'm afraid the Vegetable Inspection Office would've been at large
had it not been for the Censorate.
It's because I hesitated.
What did you hesitate about?
It's our duty to investigate corruption.
But the issue is, how long can we keep up the investigation
- and how deep can we go? - Are you afraid?
I'm not afraid. I'm just worried.
Clean and honest governance is the foundation of our officialdom.
Since we're receiving His Majesty's grace,
how can we indulge ourselves in rest?
Lord Lai, does that represent your stand or the Censorate's?
Serving the kingdom is the duty of the Censorate.
If the Overwatch Council doesn't dare to investigate something,
the Censorate will!
The Censorate doesn't fear the things
that the Overwatch Council fears!
That was impressive.
Listen to him.
Chen Ping Ping.
I'm truly ashamed.
The Overwatch Council has been negligent all these years.
You need to give me an account.
Your Majesty,
during this period,
we uncovered corrupt officials in all kinds of departments.
And some have wide implications.
Initially, I want to put them aside.
But today, it seems like
we should hand such a responsibility to the Censorate.
So, President Chen, you prepared that name list long ago?
Coincidentally, I managed to prepare it by today.
So, you were waiting for this moment, huh?
If the Censorate isn't willing to take it,
the Overwatch Council won't force them.
So, you guys already uncovered the corrupt officials?
If so, the Overwatch Council could've just dealt with them, am I right?
Why are you guys outsourcing your tasks?
That's why I said it has wide implications.
Seems like the Overwatch Council is afraid.
It's not that we're afraid.
It's just that it takes up time and energy.
Some officials aren't here, yet they have close ties with the capital.
Some are even
connected to the princes.
If we want to investigate the case thoroughly,
it'll take up too much time.
The Overwatch Council has plenty of tasks to complete.
We don't have that much time and energy.
General Qin, since you already asked me that question,
does that mean you wish to take a look?
Don't.
I'm illiterate.
I cannot understand it either.
I won't read it.
Chancellor Lin?
No one dares to take it!
Your Majesty!
The Censorate is willing to take the name list.
How can we stand back when we need to serve the kingdom?
Your courage is commendable.
You should talk after reading it.
Your Majesty! I have something to say!
Your Majesty,
Lord Lai's courage and loyalty are truly admirable.
They break our hearts.
However, if the princes are truly involved as well,
I'm afraid Lord Lai isn't able to bear this heavy burden!
We have the law!
Why can't I bear this heavy burden?
We'll be clearing the imperial family's name
by investigating the truth.
If the princes are truly involved in this
Lord Lai, please consider your own position first!
Do not act recklessly!
Your Majesty,
even if the princes are involved,
the Censorate will get to the bottom of this!
The imperial censors descend from the heavens,
and they fear no imperial relatives.
They're here to eradicate treacherous officials
for the prosperity of the kingdom.
The Qing Kingdom is blessed indeed.
The imperial censors descend from the heavens!
The Qing Kingdom is blessed indeed!
Your Majesty, Lord Lai is truly the backbone of the kingdom.
I'm willing to take back the painting I delivered to the Censorate.
Do you think you can take it back at will?
I shall apologize to the Censorate.
- Fan Xian. - Yes, Your Majesty.
You wrote in your defense booklet that traitorous officials are in power.
I want to ask you this.
Who were you referring to?
Naturally, it's all the corrupt officials in the world.
I wasn't referring to the censors in the Censorate.
- Lai Ming Cheng. - Yes, Your Majesty.
Do your job well.
Your Majesty.
I hope I can return justice to the Qing Kingdom.
I'm looking forward to it.
Chancellor Lin.
Uncle, let me help you.
I'm not that old.
Uncle, your authority in the court was extraordinary.
You tried to use him to do your dirty work, huh?
What?
You wanted to use the Censorate to investigate Prince Cheng Ze.
Uncle, I can't hide anything from you indeed.
Did Chen Ping Ping teach you that?
I figured it out myself.
Lai Ming Cheng is a great instrument indeed.
But Uncle, I still have some questions.
The officials who spoke in the court session
weren't arranged by me.
It wouldn't have worked out that well
if they didn't add fuel to the flame.
Do you wish to know
who they serve?
Was it your arrangement?
But how did you know that I was targeting Prince Cheng Ze?
I've been the chancellor for many years.
It's not like I did nothing all these years.
Uncle, you won't be implicated
by their involvement, right?
Who said they were under me?
They weren't under you?
Who were they under, then?
Cheng Ze!
Cheng Ze, slow down.
Your Highness, what do you need?
The court session was lively today.
Cheng Ze, what do you think?
Lord Lai was pretty gutsy.
The existence of the Censorate was pointless all these years.
I'm sure all those imperial censors had enough.
If not, they wouldn't take up the task of investigating corrupt officials.
But speaking of which,
investigating corrupt officials is a good thing.
It's good as long as it doesn't involve personal feuds.
Personal feuds?
What do you mean?
Cheng Ze, could it be that you already predicted the list of names
inside the name list?
I have no idea.
We should still reflect on our own actions.
As princes,
we should be wary of officials who try to get close to us.
We mustn't bring shame to the imperial family.
Cheng Ze, don't you agree?
Your Highness, that was particular of you.
I was just expressing what I felt.
Look at the officials who spoke today.
They said that the imperial censors descended from the heavens.
They were so excited and passionate.
Those officials actually adopted a clear stand.
That's rare.
Do you know what that means?
That means fighting corruption is the will of the people.
What's wrong?
I'm impressed.
Why do you say so?
You threw a bowl at a cook.
Your Highness, this plot of yours
is quite devious.
What did you say? Cook?
Your Highness, I'll surely remember
the lesson you taught me.
I will never forget about it.
Your Highness.
Don't you think we should
help Lord Lai after this?
We?
What do you mean?
Your Highness, over here.
Please.
Your Highness, since we belong to your faction,
naturally, we'll do our best to serve you.
Wait.
Those fools in the Censorate insist on investigating the case themselves.
We can just sit and enjoy the show.
Why should we join them?
What are you staring at?
Your Highness, didn't you arrange for them
to speak during the court session?
Who are you referring to?
Those who instigated Lord Lai to take up the task.
Those who said the imperial censors descended from the heavens.
Who said I arranged for them to do so?
Don't they belong to your faction?
Wait, what do you mean by that?
They've always been in your faction.
If so, how could I have no idea?
That makes sense.
You see,
there are plenty of officials in your faction.
However, these officials have easy jobs.
They're quite useless.
Maybe they didn't have the chance to see you yet.
Do they truly belong to my faction?
Yes, that's true.
Why did they come out and speak, then?
Didn't you arrange for it?
Why should I?
Why did they have to speak at that moment?
No wonder Cheng Ze said I threw a bowl at a cook.
A cook?
What cook?
The ones from the Vegetable Inspection Office?
So, the crown prince's faction follows your will too?
It's not that hard to make them heed my will.
Uncle, you're truly impressive.
Not as impressive as you.
You've returned for some time.
Even so, you didn't visit Wan Er at all.
What's wrong?
Did the Saintess of Northern Qi forbid you to visit her?
Uncle,
you mustn't believe in those rumors.
That saintess and I
My relationship with Wan Er is
You know my character the best.
Don't explain yourself to me. Explain yourself to Wan Er.
It's not that I don't want to visit Wan Er.
But I have plenty of affairs to attend to after my return.
I had no time.
That's not an excuse.
Uncle, I do have bitter reasons behind my actions.
It has nothing to do with the Saintess of Northern Qi.
She's been waiting for you.
If so, I'll visit her tonight.
Tonight?
Not tonight.
I'll visit her during the day when I'm free.
You better marry her while I'm still around.
You scared me.
Your body is sturdier than mine.
The world is unpredictable.
Fan Xian was pretty capable.
Did you teach him that?
No, he figured it out himself.
It's kind of impressive for him to figure this out at his age.
Fan Xian never let us down
ever since he came to the capital.
Is your leg okay?
My leg is sore from standing too long.
- I'm fine. - It's okay.
I'll grant you a seat in the court next time.
Your Majesty, please don't. I don't deserve it.
Has Fan Xian entered the family ancestral hall?
That's good too. With that temper of his,
he shouldn't pray to your ancestors first.
It doesn't matter if he enters the ancestral hall or not.
His surname is still Fan.
As for the troubles he got into,
I'll educate him on it.
If he does get in trouble, I'll bail him out.
Your Majesty, that's how he is.
Your Majesty, you're the only one who can tolerate his temper.