01x08 - Episode 8

[bunniefuu]

♪ The falling snow ♪

♪ Is bitter cold ♪

♪ My sigh ♪

♪ Misted the path in front of me ♪

♪ The moonlight knows my intention ♪

♪ I just want to make a place

for me in your heart ♪

♪ I laugh and I cry ♪

♪ Quietly building a pond in my heart ♪

♪ I accept all the gifts from sorrow ♪

♪ I can't let down my regrets ♪

♪ I won't admit defeat ♪

♪ I slowly chew on

the bitterness of life ♪

♪ The fragrance remains the same

after the bleak winter ♪

♪ Awaiting spring to color

the way back home ♪

[The Double]

[Episode 8]

I'm in a good mood today.

So I'll join you for a while.

Mr. Li, what are you looking at?

Duke Su, please enjoy your tea.

Both of us

shall take our leave first.

So is it still your treat?

Please enjoy,

Duke Su.

He's just a dog running errands

for the Emperor.

What's there to be c*ck of?

Let it go. No need to provoke him.

You can bear this insult. But I can't.

I said, don't provoke him.

My Lord, can I really order anything?

Go ahead.

All right.

I thought the Ye family

of Luyang is rich.

You bought your way

into the Imperial Academy.

This painting of mine

is the former dynasty's artist,

Li Zhaodao's original work,

titled "Pine Shade".

It is priceless and invaluable.

Everyone, take a look.

He indeed damaged this painting.

You bully others with your power

and completely being unreasonable.

I happen to be in a great mood today.

[Meng Hongjin]

If you compensate me 3,000 gold liang,

I won't pursue this matter.

You're trying to extort me.

Who's that?

Ye Shijie,

the eldest son of the Ye family

from Luyang.

That means he's Second Lady Jiang's

maternal older cousin.

Correct.

I guess we've interrupted

the Li brothers from watching the show,

I'm reporting you

to the authorities today.

Take him away!

What are you doing? Stop!

Don't touch me!

Wait!

- Make way, please.

- Jiang Li.

Jiang Li.

What?

Don't go.

Hold this.

So Second Lady Jiang,

are you here to join the fuss?

Lady Meng,

can I borrow this painting?

Let me take a look at it.

Oh, let me see it.

[Spring of the First Year of Tianbao,

by Li Zhaodao]

Master Li's ink artwork

is indeed valuable.

The value lies in its artistic charm.

So it's priceless and rare.

But

this painting is an imitation.

What nonsense are you spouting?

It's really an imitation.

Take a look

at this silk fabric for painting.

In the previous dynasty,

they only produced silk cloth

that was coarse and thin.

But the silk fabric of this painting

is pristine and delicate.

This is clearly double silk.

So Master Li of the former dynasty

couldn't have used double silk

of this dynasty.

[Spring of the First Year of Tianbao

by Li Zhaodao] This seal is also fake.

The former dynasty

seldom used stone-carved seals.

If it were a seal

from the former dynasty,

it would have the unique marks

of the seals from that time.

The ends of each stroke

in the seal script

would be slightly thicker

than the original stroke,

and the color would be lighter,

appearing yellowish.

But the ends of the strokes

in the seal on this ink artwork

are all smooth,

and the color is reddish,

which is obviously not right.

She has a point.

It was an imitation?

That's right. The color isn't right.

It's red.

So the color is off.

Give me back the painting.

Forget it. I won't pursue

this matter anymore.

Whether you are talking nonsense

or I was deceived,

I'll find out the truth myself.

But even if this is an imitation,

it has its own value.

You damaged my painting.

I'll let this matter go

after you pay me five gold liang.

Never.

If it weren't

for Second Lady Jiang today,

I would have fallen for your trick.

Ye Shijie, stop spouting nonsense.

When did I try to trick you

out of money?

Still denying, huh?

Come with me and dispute at the yamen.

Ye Shijie, you better don't

Mr. Ye,

this is probably a misunderstanding.

Lady Meng has also been deceived,

which is already unfortunate for her.

How about

Second Lady Jiang,

you don't need to help her.

She tried to deceive me today.

If she doesn't face consequences,

she will deceive more people

in the future.

Today, I'm not fighting for myself.

I'm upholding a sense of justice.

Justice?

Everyone, take a look.

It was Ye Shijie

who spoke disrespectfully to me

and made unfounded speculations.

- No, it was you.

- No, he didn't.

- She tried to ruin his reputation.

- Ruin my reputation.

You were the one trying

to tarnish his reputation

and making a ruckus here.

Now you're acting

like you're innocent here.

I

I can't live anymore.

I don't want to live anymore.

All right. That's enough.

Lady Meng,

you can't live for this reason?

[Ma family]

There are more grievances in the future.

Won't that mean you have

to die a hundred times?

He is also at fault.

Mr. Ye,

you don't show compassion toward a lady.

All you care about is only thinking

about how to free yourself.

That's not the conduct of a gentleman.

Jiang Jingrui,

give me the money.

[Ma's Restaurant]

I've bought this painting.

Take it and tear it up

to vent your anger.

So no one gets tricked after this.

Here.

Who wants your money?

I'll just give this painting to you all.

Let's go!

What a busybody.

Who are you calling a busybody?

Li arguing with someone

on the street and seeking attention.

She completely lacks the manners

of a Jiang family woman.

I think

Second Lady Jiang is quite courageous.

Ruoyao,

how about we consider teaming up

with Second Lady Jiang?

After all, she's also

from your Jiang family.

What do you think?

You can team up with whoever you want.

Ruoyao.

Mr. Zhou, see you.

I told you earlier

that your plan is too childish

and won't work.

If it weren't for Jiang Li,

I would have my hands on Ye Shijie.

When the time comes,

I'll offer him some help.

He will only be grateful to me.

Li Lian,

they are relatives by marriage.

If you don't come up with a plan soon,

Father will really get angry.

I understand.

Don't get yourself involved

in matters like this in the future.

That Meng Hongjin is the daughter

of General Xuanwei, Meng Youde.

When she gets angry,

she even dares to bite a dog.

Why didn't you say earlier?

You've already done him

such a huge favor.

You should discuss

the Entry Exam with him.

No rush.

We're running out of time here.

Fine. Let's see

when you start getting anxious.

Carry this box for me.

Second Lady Jiang,

His Lordship wants to buy you tea.

Duke Su?

Did she commit some crime again?

Mr. Jiang, we're just inviting her

for some tea.

Oh, tea.

Then I'll go with her.

Mr. Jiang.

His Lordship only invites

Second Lady Jiang.

There's nothing Duke Su

and I can talk about.

We shall take our leave then.

Excuse us.

We'll take this way.

This way, then.

Jiang

It's fine.

Listen. I have a bad temper.

- Jiang Jingrui.

- Hey, buddy.

Here's some money.

Ouch!

I'll go now.

[Awakening Stone. Drunken Moon]

Duke Su, what matters do I owe again?

You're the second person

who asked that question today.

Please have some tea.

I dare not.

I thought I was brought here

to be interrogated.

Don't be so angry,

Li.

Duke Su,

the name "Li" was given by an elder.

[Also a cat breed]

We're not close enough

for you to address me as such.

When a cat is caught by the tail,

it looks just like you do now.

I've had my tea.

So I'll take my leave.

[Awakening Stone. Drunken Moon]

Duke Su, what's the meaning of this?

Why did you stand up

for Ye Shijie earlier?

Ye Shijie is my cousin.

I can't ignore him when he's in trouble.

I heard this year's exam requires students

from two schools to team up.

Did you set your eyes on him?

Yes. Is that a problem?

Shen Yurong is in charge of the exam

by imperial decree.

Do you think

you can pass under his watch?

If I can't pass,

are you going

to accuse him

of favoritism and corruption for me?

Smart enough.

Second Lady Jiang,

I heard a story before.

It's pretty interesting.

How about I tell you about it?

It's called,

"Duke Huang of the East Sea".

Duke Huang from the East Sea

gained divine power in his youth.

He went up the mountains

taming wild beasts and admired by many.

He thought he was unrivaled.

Later, a big white tiger appeared

in the East Sea.

Duke Huang went to subdue it

but was k*lled instead.

Have you heard this story?

Duke Su, are you trying to remind me

that the people I face now

are just young snakes and weak tigers,

luckily subdued by me?

If I encounter a real fierce tiger

in the future,

I won't escape death either.

Second Lady Jiang,

I rarely read people's fortunes.

But I'll make an exception today.

The path you're on

has a fierce tiger ahead

and a cliff behind.

I advise you to pause

and think carefully

before moving forward.

Who is the real fierce tiger?

You will find out in time.

Li,

I have no choice.

If she wants,

she could crush us like ants.

Duke Su, you've been an official

for many years.

Have you ever k*lled a tiger?

What were you thinking

when you k*lled it?

When I raise my blade and bring it down,

I think of nothing.

I think of nothing but seeking justice.

Justice?

It's ugly.

Try to make do with it.

What does my business

have to do with you?

Maybe in the future,

our paths will converge.

Second Lady Jiang

stomped on the snack you gave her.

Well stomped.

If you want to enjoy the show,

you must first support the actors.

Tong.

Tong?

Li.

Li, why are you back so late?

Something happened after school.

I got into a conflict.

It will probably reach home soon.

We must make the preparations.

My Lady, I have a message

from Old Madam.

She wants you to go to Wanfeng Hall.

[Wanfeng Hall. Humble Underneath]

You're the mother,

you can just handle it yourself.

Why drag me into this?

In the past, I always thought

Li should learn proper manners

before attending the School of Integrity.

Li knows this.

But I'm worried

she might not accept it willingly

if I were to handle this matter.

Old Madam, she listens to you.

I hope you can teach her

our family rules and traditions well.

Second Lady is here.

Greetings, Grandmother.

Greetings, Mother.

Li, Yu'er said

you had a dispute with Lady Meng

in public today.

Is that true?

Yes, it is true.

Do you know that Lady Meng's

father is General Xuanwei?

Yes, I know.

If you know,

why did you still confront her?

Your actions will put your father

in a difficult position.

Mother,

I don't know how this matter

had anything to do with Father.

Li, you may not know this.

General Xuanwei and Chancellor Li

have a close relationship.

Although they don't seem

to interact much on the surface,

they have deep connections.

In court,

Chancellor Li and your father

often have differing opinions.

Your actions have now escalated

the tension between them.

Chancellor Li?

Who is the real fierce tiger?

You will find out in time.

Our Jiang family has always

had strict family rules.

The most important rule

is not to stir up trouble.

That doesn't mean

our children should hide

when they make mistakes or face issues.

But in the capital,

the officialdom is complex

and people are complicated.

Your father has a hard time

navigating around it.

Li, you were reckless this time.

Grandmother, please calm down.

It was also my fault

for not keeping an eye on Li.

She is straightforward

and may clash with other students.

I'll make sure to step in

and stop her next time.

You're indeed wrong.

Your sister just started

at the School of Integrity

and isn't familiar with the rules there.

You should have watched out for her.

How could you leave her alone?

Old Madam,

it's also my fault

that Li got into this trouble today.

How about Li stays with me

for a few days

to learn the rules?

I want her to quickly learn

the ways of the capital.

No rush.

We still need to listen

to what Li has to say.

Grandmother,

I did nothing wrong today.

Years ago, I made a mistake

and was sent to Zhennv Hall.

Father bore the brunt

of the scandal because of me.

It was my lack of education

and carelessness.

People gossiped badly

about Father.

By chance,

I recognized that the painting

was a fake today,

which disproved

the rumors of my ignorance

and restored Father's reputation.

Moreover,

knowing the painting was fake

and not exposing it would be dishonest.

Although there were some mistakes today,

they didn't harm anyone's dignity.

If I just kept quiet about this,

that would tarnish

the Jiang family's reputation.

If you put it that way,

you've also considered

the bigger picture.

Grandmother,

no matter how well Li explained it,

it doesn't change the fact

that she got into a dispute

in the street.

There's no justification

for our family's conduct.

She was almost in a fight

with someone on the street.

Onlookers were pointing fingers

at the Jiang family.

When others are criticizing

the Jiang family,

you just stand by and watch?

I

I only heard about it.

By the time I arrived,

the crowd had dispersed.

Yu'e, don't take rumors seriously.

How could relay this to Grandmother?

The gossip is so unpleasant.

Imagine how disgraceful

you were at the time.

I also heard

that the person who was tricked

by Meng Hongjin

is Ye Shijie of the Ye family

from Luyang.

They have a close relationship with Li.

So it's no wonder

she defended him fervently.

Since they're family

and both studying in the capital,

why has Li never mentioned him

after returning home all this time?

It seems like our Jiang family

is deliberately distancing ourselves

from relatives.

Li, were you in contact

with the Ye family

even before you returned?

I've never met Ye Shijie.

If Ruoyao hadn't informed me,

I wouldn't have known he was my cousin.

I didn't expect to unknowingly help

a relative in distress.

Grandmother,

my birth mother may have passed away.

But she was related to the Ye family.

If I turn a blind eye

and let my cousin be taken

to the county office,

if this matter spreads

what would people think

of the Jiang family's upbringing?

What about Father?

Why are you dragging Father into this?

That's right.

You may not know this, my dear sisters.

An official from the Ministry of Rites

disrupted his elder brother's funeral

because he was drunk.

When the officials brought it up,

he was accused

of disregarding familial relations.

Out of anger, the Emperor punished him

with ten floggings.

Being an official,

it's not easy for Father.

If this matter were blown out

of proportion,

what should we do then?

Yu'e, I wonder who you meant

being disgraced?

Whose reputation is at stake?

Li is right.

We owe Li a lot

over these ten years.

I understand

if you've been resenting the family.

I just hope you can forgive and forget.

After all,

you have Ye family blood in you.

If you're close to your cousin,

there's no need to keep it from us.

Keep it from you?

Are you saying I'm not being honest?

I will always believe whatever you say.

Grandmother!

Grandmother.

Greetings, Grandmother.

Greetings, Aunt Shuran.

Aunt Shuran,

I was with Jiang Li when it happened.

I can testify for her.

Jiang Li didn't intend to hide anything.

At first,

she didn't know the people

who were in dispute.

She only found out after I told her.

Whether it's disgraceful

or making a scene or not,

the door is wide opened, Aunt Shuran.

You can hear what people are saying.

Everyone

at the scene

praised Jiang Li.

Our Second Lady Jiang's

reputation outside

is good.

I know you're close with Li.

You'd naturally take her side.

But as a lady,

we should always watch our conduct.

It's admirable for Li

to stand up for justice.

But for a lady to interfere

in men's affairs in public

is not elegant and reflects poorly

on our morals.

Speaking of morals,

you're trying to make

a logical argument today?

Then can you criticize Duke Su too?

What does this have to do with Duke Su?

Grandmother, if you must know.

Naturally, it's because

he praised Jiang Li endlessly.

After the matter was resolved,

we were about to leave

when Duke Su personally sent someone

to invite Jiang Li for tea.

What did he say to you?

What did he say?

Nothing much.

He just complimented me.

Duke Su said,

"Like father, like daughter".

He also sent his regards to Father.

Since that's the case,

it seems today's incident

was not Jiang Li's fault after all.

All right. Now that everything is clear,

you can all go back.

Well, the children are young

and afraid of tarnishing

the family's reputation

ended up disturbing Old Madam's rest.

We'll leave now.

We won't be disturbing you now.

Grandmother, I'll take my leave too.

Grandmother, I'll take my leave too.

I was worried at first.

But it seems our Li is quite clever.

[Wanfeng Hall]

Duke Su sure is useful.

No wonder you insisted

that I mention Duke Su

in front of Grandmother.

One praise from him is enough

to outweigh a hundred criticisms

from Ji Shuran.

Did Duke Su really praise you?

No.

I can't believe you made such a lie.

If Duke Su finds out later,

he will surely hold you accountable.

He doesn't have the time.

Young Master,

Mr. Li requests to see you.

Mr. Li?

Yes.

I wonder what brings you here, Mr. Li.

I've heard about Meng Hongjin trying

to deceive you today.

Mr.Ye, you're modest yet confident.

What a true gentleman.

That's why I came here

to make friends with you.

[Talents Flourish Here]

You're too kind, Mr. Li.

In the past, you only focused

on studying the classics.

Perhaps not fully understanding

the ways of the capital.

There are all kinds of people here.

Without a strong support network,

one may fall victim to schemes.

I'll just be frank. I admire you.

If you're willing to be friends,

I'll ensure your well-being.

[Talents Flourish Here]

Apart from the Imperial Academy,

the whole capital city

won't dare to offend you anymore.

Are you suggesting that we team up

for the upcoming exams?

Yes.

Those at the Imperial Academy

are all aiming for success

in their careers.

Once they achieve that,

navigating the political circles

becomes a skill.

Mr. Shen's wise decision

in reforming the system

has given us a chance

to learn this skill here.

Think about it. If you join us,

you'll have a chance

to excel and gain favor,

not just securing your future

but also studying without worries

and help you take care

of any unnecessary troubles.

What do you think?

No rush.

You can give me your answer tomorrow.

I'll take my leave now.

[Ye's Residence]

Second Lady Jiang.

Yes?

The exams are approaching.

I heard you still haven't formed a team.

Thank you for your concern.

It's indeed true.

We were betrothed once,

which makes it somewhat our fate.

I'm impressed with your experiences.

It's a pity if someone

as talented as you were

to be expelled right

after entering the academy.

Morally and logically,

I should lend you a hand.

Have you asked Ruoyao's opinion?

If you're willing,

I'll persuade Ruoyao for you.

[Extended Virtues and Knowledge]

Mr. Zhou,

weren't you

with my other two cousins?

Now you're trying

to get close to Jiang Li.

So which one are you planning

to push out?

Or are you just being greedy

and want both of them?

I'm just trying

to help Second Lady Jiang.

Besides,

my marriage with Jiang Ruoyao

isn't set in stone yet.

How about this? Go back now

and break off your engagement

with Jiang Ruoyao.

Only then continue with Jiang Li.

When that happens, you can naturally

form a team.

Jiang Jingrui,

that's going too far.

I just spoke

about what was on your mind.

Go back and ask your parents

if they agree to let you break

another engagement.

Jiang Li, let's go.

Ignore him.

[Extended Virtues and Knowledge]

Mr. Ye! Mr. Ye!

Are you treating my favor as a grudge?

What do you mean?

I helped you.

Yet, you keep avoiding me.

What are you afraid of?

Are you afraid

that I want you to return the favor?

What else do you want then?

Buy me some tea.

I refuse.

I'll wait for you at the tea house

after school.

[Embrace Universal Knowledge. Erudite]

[Dedication. Book Principles Insight]

I heard about

how you taught Meng Hongjin

a lesson yesterday.

So?

I thought you were like them

who bully the weak and fear the strong.

But you have some principles.

It makes me want to get

to know you better.

I'm Liu Xu.

If you face any trouble at school,

just mention my name.

I'll cover you.

Thank you.

I heard you haven't formed a team yet.

Coincidentally, I haven't either.

How about we team up?

The two of us?

With

your dim-witted cousin?

We don't have great odds.

What if we add Ye Shijie into the mix?

Ye Shijie?

The one from the Ye family of Luyang?

Yes.

He does have some knowledge.

But is he willing to join our group?

I'm not sure.

But we should give it a try.

This way, please.

I've been waiting for an hour.

[Tolerance]

A young lady should dress up

before an appointment.

I think I'm quick enough.

Consider the tea on me.

Have as much as you like.

Shijie.

Let's stick to formalities.

We are family after all.

But why do you always keep me

at arm's length?

Second Lady Jiang,

you're a high-born lady

and I'm a merchant's son.

I don't deserve

the title of cousin.

Why?

Remember what you said

when Grandmother came to fetch you

from the capital years ago?

[Thirteen Years Ago]

Li.

My dear Li, it must be hard on you.

Come here and let me hug you.

[Old Mrs. Ye]

Come home with me.

I don't to go anywhere. This is my home.

Isn't my home also your home.

No, you're not my family!

[Ye Mingxuan]

Li, how could you be so outrageous?

My mother is standing right here.

I'm the Lady of the Jiang family.

I don't want to be part

of a merchant's household.

I'm not leaving with you.

Li, you should come with me.

Please come home with me.

No!

Mother. Mother.

Mother.

Mother!

After Grandmother reached home,

she fell seriously ill

and had to recuperate for a whole year.

Father was deeply troubled

by this for many years.

And now, you're here claiming kinship.

How can I still trust you?

Hence, the ties between the Jiang

and Ye families were cut off.

Would we dare to keep in touch?

What are you doing?

Shijie, let me explain first.

There's something I've been keeping

in my heart for many years.

I've always wanted

to tell Grandmother myself.

But I never had the chance.

I don't need to hear your excuses.

It's not.

I may be young back then.

But I was not a heartless person.

I thought I was protecting

the Jiang family and my father

from Grandmother and all of you.

Little did I know, I was just naive

and being manipulated unknowingly.

Tong, tell me everything you know.

I want to know

about Li's past entanglements

with the Ye family.

During her ten years at Zhennv Hall,

Young Lady has always regretted

for what she did back then.

Go and see your mother.

Mother, what's wrong?

Li.

Li, you're here.

Li, can you tell me

how I treat you?

You treat me well.

I raised you since you were little.

I've always favored you.

Even Ruoyao wears your hand me down.

But

how can I withstand

the idle gossip from outsiders?

What did they say?

I

I

Mother, what's wrong?

Second Lady,

your maternal grandmother

is here to pick you up.

There are rumors outside

that Madam mistreats you.

For them to say such things

really breaks Madam's heart.

That's why Madam fell ill

from such slander.

Could there be some misunderstanding?

Please blame me for being harsh.

The Ye family of Luyang

is a merchant family.

Do you think they genuinely

want to take you back?

They just want to control and use you

and leverage My Lord's official position

for their business in the future.

They say a stepmother's life

is difficult.

If you go with that Ye family,

it will confirm the slander

against Madam.

Those are slanders!

They just trying

to push Madam to the brink.

Mother, don't be angry.

I won't go anywhere.

The Jiang family is my home.

I won't let anyone bully Mother.

It's heart wrenching.

I was young and foolish then.

I believed their words

about the Ye family being greedy.

How was your life

in the Jiang family afterward?

How did your stepmother treat you?

She was meticulous.

She's always kind

to me in public and private.

If I didn't want to study,

I didn't have to.

If I didn't want to practice calligraphy,

I didn't have to.

If I didn't want to do embroidery,

I didn't have to.

She covered up my mistakes

and allowed me

to become more and more arrogant

at home.

Are you suggesting

Spoil me rotten.

These are just your words.

Now you're telling me all this

because you want to reconcile

with the Ye family

without offending

the Meng family, right?

So you're upset with me

because of this incident.

Are you upset

about not sending Meng Hongjin

to the authorities

and giving her a way out?

Isn't that so?

I didn't mean to give her a way out.

It's just that in this complex capital,

there are various powers at play.

Even though the Ye family is wealthy,

their lack of official positions

makes them vulnerable.

In the world of officials and merchants,

officials have authority over merchants.

Giving Meng Hongjin a way out

is also for your sake.

If you kept pushing

and causing a fallout,

the Meng family

would seek a death warrant.

You're a smart person.

You were just upset yesterday.

That's why I dare to remind you of this.

I understand that.

Otherwise,

I wouldn't have let her off this time.

What do you mean by this?

I never like owing any favors.

This is my gratitude

for your help yesterday.

Your way of expressing thanks

is indeed characteristic

of the Ye family.

Your family is of a business background.

But I am not.

If my assistance becomes a transaction,

wouldn't I also become

someone like Meng Hongjin?

Return it in another way.

What do you have in mind?

Team up with me

and help me pass the exam.

This

It shouldn't be difficult

for you, right?

To be honest,

Li Lian approached me.

Li Lian, the son of Li Zhongnan?

Yes.

Do you know the relationship

between Meng Hongjin and Li Lian?

Do I need to know?

General Xuanwei, Meng Hongjin's father,

has a close relationship

with Li Zhongnan.

The two families have deep ties.

Perhaps Li Lian and Meng Hongjin

are already acquainted.

You shouldn't speculate

on this matter so lightly.

When did Li Lian approach you?

It was after Meng Hongjin

caused trouble.

That's right.

What do you mean?

I'm guessing he would say

if you join his group,

similar incidents

won't happen to you again.

How did you know?

In that case,

Li Lian was behind Meng Hongjin's plot.

Shijie,

their original plan

was to use Meng Hongjin

to make things difficult for you first.

Then come to your aid

when you're helpless against Lady Meng.

They just want to recruit you.

But they didn't expect me to show up.

Are you telling me this

to form a team with you

so you can pass the exam?

I want to establish myself

in the School of Integrity.

But what I want most

is for the Ye family to know

the real Jiang Li.

When I was young, I was deceived,

which broke Grandmother's heart.

The truth is,

family

is the most important to me.

Thank you for the tea, Shijie.

Jiang Li.

I'll join you.

Has General Meng's side

been taken care of?

Don't worry.

We sent clothes to his wife.

They also responded with gifts as well.

The issue between Li and Meng Hongjin

is considered settled.

I originally thought Li

would face bullying upon entering

the School of Integrity.

But I didn't expect her

to have such courage.

My Lord,

you have always been cautious

in court matters.

The School of Integrity

and the Imperial Academy

are for high-ranking officials

and nobles.

The conflict between Li

and Meng Hongjin is not a concern.

But I fear

it might cause trouble in the future

and implicate you.

You're overly cautious.

It's just a dispute

among younger generations.

As the Prime Minister,

I shouldn't be bogged down

by such matters.

Li has had a unique experience.

Don't you remember

how we brought her back initially?

When some matters are talked

about repeatedly,

they can reach the Emperor's ears.

My dear, you worry too much.

If Li can achieve such great things,

I will certainly discipline her.

[School of Integrity]

Come here.

Did Ye Shijie really agree

to join our group?

You seem to care about him a lot.

I'm just concerned about you.

Don't go.

Did he agree to join us?

You can ask him yourself later.

Jiang Li!

I've been asking around all morning.

Everyone at the Imperial Academy

has formed teams already.

Now, apart from you, me, and Ye Shijie,

we're short one person.

We'll have to figure something out

at the School of Integrity.

[Knowledge. Erudite. Dedication. Principle]

Aren't you the one

who caused trouble

on the first day of school

and got into a fight with others?

You even sleep during lessons.

The one who ignored me,

Liu Xu, the daughter

of the Minister of Revenue.

[Embrace Universal Knowledge. Erudite]

[Dedication. Book Principles Insight]

Jiang Jingrui.

Jiang Li, even if we need

to fill a spot,

we shouldn't pick her.

Jiang Jingrui.

[Embrace Universal Knowledge. Erudite]

[Dedication. Book Principles Insight]

Jiang Li, don't blame me

for not warning you.

If you want to pass the examination,

be careful who you choose.

Bringing in someone who talks big

but lacks substance

will only bring trouble.

[Embrace Universal Knowledge. Erudite]

[Dedication. Book Principles Insight]

But don't worry, Lady Liu.

I'll do everything I can

to make up for your shortcomings.

What shortcomings?

We're all classmates.

So let's not be that obvious.

[Embrace Universal Knowledge. Erudite]

[Dedication. Book Principles Insight]

Jiang Jingrui,

have I been too nice to you?

Woman! You're hurting me.

All right. Let me go.

Let go.

Come on. Let go.

Ouch.

Let my hand go.

[School of Integrity]

Mr. Ye,

you're here.

I was really caught off guard.

[Embrace Universal Knowledge. Erudite]

[Dedication. Book Principles Insight]

What happened to you?

Nothing.

[Embrace Universal Knowledge. Erudite]

[Dedication. Book Principles Insight]

Ye Shijie.

I didn't expect you to reject Mr. Li

and join this group of worthless people.

Is it worthless people

or a motley crew, we don't know that.

What did you say?

Meng Hongjin,

you can't even express yourself clearly.

I don't want to talk

to unreliable people

like you.

Ye Shijie,

there's still time to join us

if you leave them now.

The Emperor's reward

will surely include you.

I'm thankful

that Mr. Li thinks highly of me.

But I've already promised Jiang Li.

So I can't go back on my word.

Haven't you heard

about Jiang Li's dirty deeds

at the Zhennv Hall?

Aren't you worried

about tarnishing your reputation

for being with a tainted person

like her?

Meng Hongjin,

[Embrace Universal Knowledge. Erudite]

[Dedication. Book Principles Insight]

Those I interact with are sensible

and learn from wise teachings.

It's shameful of you to spread rumors

and cause trouble.

Apologize.

Apologize!

What a joke.

Why should I apologize to you

who are about to be expelled

from the school?

Ye Shijie, even if you're capable,

they'll only drag you down

if you team up with them.

You might be disappointed this time.

We're judged based

on the team's overall performance.

With Mr. Ye here,

we won't be that far behind.

Is that so? How about a bet?

If you're eliminated,

Ye Shijie,

you'll publicly kneel

and apologize to me.

Meng Hongjin, are you out of your mind?

Are you trying to imitate Jiang Li's

righteous behavior?

Her father is the Prime Minister.

What about you?

[Knowledge. Erudite. Dedication. Principle]

Meng Hongjin, listen here.

If you keep being unreasonable,

be prepared for a fight.

I bet you won't dare to agree.

A bunch of fools.

I'll make that bet.

[Embrace Universal Knowledge. Erudite]

[Dedication. Book Principles Insight]

Since it's a bet,

then the condition should be mutual.

If we're not eliminated,

then you

will kneel and apologize to Jiang Li.

Why?

Are you scared?

Not at all.

You just provoked me.

Here's a new bet.

If you're eliminated,

all of you today

will kneel and apologize to me.

Apologize!

This is between us.

It has nothing to do with the rest.

Don't go too far.

Weren't you just standing up

for justice?

Why?

Do you feel bad seeing

your cousin kneel before me?

Shijie.

Since you involved us all,

how can we exclude the Li brothers?

If we get eliminated,

we'll kneel.

But if we're not eliminated,

you and the Li brothers

will kneel and apologize.

How dare you!

Anyone with a bit of sense

wouldn't bet with you.

This time, you've dragged

the Li brothers

into this bet.

Our bet is as grand

as the Imperial Academy itself.

We could start a betting counter here.

You're out of your mind.

I don't want to be associated with you.

I heard someone talking about me.

Mr. Li is here.

Mr. Li.

You have no idea

how unreasonable they are.

They said if we lose the bet,

we all have to kneel to them.

Meng Hongjin,

you're really good

at playing the victim first.

We're all fellow students.

There's no need for all this kneeling.

It wouldn't sound good if word got out.

Mr. Li, you are reasonable.

But

you should keep an eye

on your teammates.

I just learned

that this whole bet started

because of Second Lady Jiang's

incident at Zhennv Hall.

So it's not really anyone else's fault.

Since everyone is so eager to bet,

let's do it this way.

Both of our teams will compete.

If you lose,

Second Lady Jiang will return

to Zhennv Hall herself.

Return to Zhennv Hall?

Meng Hongjin started this.

Why should Jiang Li go back?

How about this?

If we lose,

I, Li Lian, will become a monk.

Jiang Li.

From now on, you are me

and I am you.

No one can make us leave

without our consent.

Everything started at the Zhennv Hall.

I'll take you away from here

and never come back.

Mr. Li,

this is between Lady Meng and me.

No need to get you and others involved.

Mr. Ye,

if you change your mind

and join my side,

the bet

will be canceled.

You've been an official for many years.

Have you ever k*lled a tiger?

What did you think about

when you did it?

When I raise my blade to strike,

I don't think about anything.

No need to cancel the bet.

I'll accept

the bet.

Good.

Once said.

It cannot be taken back.

[Embrace Universal Knowledge. Erudite]

[Dedication. Book Principles Insight]

♪ If there are no happy memories ♪

♪ How can we traverse

the forbidden land of sorrow ♪

♪ Two cold and unfeeling bodies ♪

♪ Holding hands,

can we get through the snow season ♪

♪ In the cold wind, in the long night ♪

♪ Embracing the remaining warmth ♪

♪ The depth of the sea, unfathomable ♪

♪ Can it bury yesterday's sighs ♪

♪ Continue to love,

cherishing it with my life ♪

♪ Continue to live,

even with only a glimmer of hope ♪

♪ Whether in sorrow or joy,

I believe in you ♪

♪ I'd rather be trapped

in the world's extremes ♪

♪ Continue to live,

exhausting all courage ♪

♪ Continue to love,

until the breath runs out ♪

♪ Traversing half a lifetime

of loneliness, just to meet you ♪

♪ After the hardships,

never to part again ♪

♪ After the hardships,

never to part again ♪