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If he never went to take the exam, then why is he the new official now?
Sir
"I'm the real offical"
Sir.
I've checked all the inns in the city.
And?
Last year, there was no record of anyone named Zhou Qing staying at any of the inns 3 months prior to the exam.
-What about the temples? -No record
So was the new official really living outside the city at that time?
Sir, were you able to get any information?
I got like the thread of a spider web. Go take a look at what he wrote.
If you really should have been the new official, then how did the other new official get to where he is now?
And how did you end up in this condition?
I came to take the exam without any greed. After the exam, I waited for the results without any anxiety.
Every day, I went to admire the view of the river and the mountains.
Then one day, my big brother came rushing to find me. Not in the usual way. He was very happy.
Little brother
Little brother
Little brother
I have good news for you. Something you should be very happy about.
What?
I congratulate you. You passed the exam with top marks. You've now got the position of a high ranking official.
Really? I did?
Here is the letter from the exam center. Here open it yourself.
-Wow! I really am a high ranking official now. -Yes, Here is the proof. And this is not a dream.
You've already prepared a meal and wine.
Yes. As soon as I got the good news, I went shopping for food to prepare this meal for you.
The old man thinks this is not enough. That's why he went into the woods to hunt. He hopes to catch a wild pig.
-You have to get drunk tonight. -But I can't drink that much.
Sit
No, new official. Sit at the top of the table. Come, come sit here.
Sit. I will propose a huge toast to you.
-Let's wait for the old man to come back. -He said to drink while waiting.
Don't know how much he is going to hunt before he comes back.
Please don't pour it for me.
It is my honor to pour the wine for the new official here.
Your life satisfaction shouldn't end here.
Here, I propose this toast to you.
Thanks big brother.
May you have more and more successes in life starting from now on. But don't forget that I'm your sworn big brother.
You have a lot of heart in your words. We're sworn brothers.
Good. You're a good sworn younger brother. Here.
The wine smells weird.
Is it a little too spicy?
I don't know.
What kind of wine is this?
It's good? Here drink some more.
Here drink another cup.
What's in the wine?
I feel like my throat is on fire.
Why didn't you even drink a sip?
I told you we were going to drink together.
No
What was in the wine?
Wine is wine. What could be in it?
This wine........there's poison in the wine!
The bad thing is that you haven't died from the poison yet!
I did this because I had no other choice. I'm not satisfied!
Heaven was really unfair to me!
I studied more than you! I'm smarter than you!
If you can get a high ranking official position then what should I get huh?
You're exhausted now.
I'll wait until you're out of energy. I will slowly finish you off.
Soon there will only be one Zhou Qing in the world and that's me
New official? That was also be me and only me
You can't go!
You haven't died yet?
Even if I died, I won't let you off!
It's a good thing you came back! Otherwise, I would have thought you were dead.
Then there will be evidence left behind.
Elder man
Go quickly. Go and file a case against him!
No one can go!
Go quickly! I will stall and protect you!
The old man's last words warned me. He said I have to seek revenge by filing a case in court. I ran away from that place.
What I didn't expect was that I fell into a pit. I fell unconscious for a day and a night.
What I didn't expect was that I fell into a pit. I fell unconscious for a day and a night.
Based on what you just said, that old woodcutter is probably dead by now
Mr. Zhan
Sir
You've been to all sorts of places and have a great deal of knowledge. How much of his story do you believe?
Sir, it's tough to say but what he has told us makes sense and it's plausible
He wouldn't file a case against someone for no reason
Mr. Gongsun
I feel the same way
I've completed investigating part of this case. I feel that you have suffered a lot under the hands of someone else.
But I have only listened to your side of the story
I can't come to a decision yet just on this
Wait until I have completed investigating the case. If what you said is completely true
I will make sure that justice is done for you. I hope that the truth will come out.
No need to *** your head
*** Chao, Ma Ha
Sir
He doesn't have a place to stay. He can't eat on his own. It will be tough to find a suitable place for him.
Arrange a room for him.
Wait
Why are you shaking your head?
You don't want to be separated from Siu Chi Er?
Sir. He understands all about the care and good will of others. Just send him back to that place. I've thought of something.
Fine. Take him back then.
Mr. Gongsun, have you come up with a really brilliant idea?
Did you think of it?
We're thinking the same thing.
What plan? Let's hear it.
A disabled person files a case against an official. This is not something small.
If the news spread, people will be talking about it all over the place.
Yes
If Zhou Qing was lying, nobody would care.
But if he was telling the truth, the other Zhou Qing would take some kind of action.
By action, you mean kill the disabled Zhou Qing to silence him?
If he does that then the culprit will be essentially confessing that he really did it right?
I see where you're going with this. That's a wise plan. But a disabled person and a beggar. What I'm worried about is...
Sir, I'll be keeping a close watch to see if any thing strange happens around that place
Good!
Yes. You can take that responsibility. If there really is some kind of action, I know you can take care of it.
You're back!
Has Mr. Bao finished investigating his case?
He put it on hold. Take good care of him. He'll have to come back to court in 2 days.
Don't worry. I've taken care of him for a long time.
Take care
Go over the step
Was Mr. Bao nice to you?
Did he do justice for you?
What I've thought of is probably true. Mr. Bao is famously known as "Justice Bao". He'll uncover the truth for you.
Are you hungry? Did Mr. Bao feed you?
That's too bad. He is such a high ranking official and he didn't even give you lunch.
You're lucky this time. The news have spread already.
Here I got some beef for you.
Some of my friends gave some money for us to help you sue.
They said that if you succeed in suing that scholar, they will go and sue the guy who sells meat
A lot of people let power get to their heads.
What's wrong?
Why do you look so miserable?
What? You're going to move?
Why move? Move where?
No way I'm moving. This is our place.
There is no place to move to. How are we going to sleep on the streets?
Really? Are you sure?
Mr. Zhou, I think this has to be for real. It's all over the place!
I've heard officers from Kaifeng court talking about it in the tea houses and wine places.
No need to believe them.
Mr. Zhou, a lot of people are talking about it.
He can't talk. He can't see. He can't write. How did he file the case?
I heard that Mr. Bao would ask him a question and he would write the answer down with a brush in his mouth.
Will he really believe a disabled person?
I don't know if Mr. Bao believes him or not.
But, I'm just warning you. Please be careful Mr. Zhou.
I think it's a good idea to go to Kaifeng court and ask about it.
Thanks for your concern Mr. Zhang.
But there is no need to make a big deal out of a false story.
Just investigate secretly.
That's wise of you.
I'm not wise. I've never done such a terrible thing in my whole life.
No need to be bothered by such rumors.
What are you doing here?
Nothing. I'm just tired from walking. Just came in to rest.
Go ahead. Rest. There is no fee.
Thank you.
Here eat.
When you're done eating, you have to drink some soup.
What are you doing?
Hapless man. What's the matter with you? He's just taking a quick break here. What's the matter with you?
Is he crazy?
Hapless man. What's the matter with you?
Honey. You're back.
You haven't gone to bed yet?
-I've been waiting for you to come back. -Well, now I'm back.
Dad came to visit today.
Something important?
No. He was just visiting.
Well that's good.
Honey, what's wrong with you today? Your mind seems to be in a totally different place.
What are you talking about? I'm fine.
No. You're acting a bit different than usual.
What kind of nonsense are you saying? I'm just stressed lately that's all.
Enough. Let's call it a day. Everything will be fine tomorrow.
Do the 2 of them know that you guys are secretly protecting them?
I don't think so.
Don't let them know. Otherwise, things can get more complex.
Ma Han
How did you lose track of the guy you were following?
He went around a corner and into an abandoned house.
Didn't keep following him so that he won't find out.
If he was really in a disguise, why did he go there?
Sir, this is suspicious activity. I will go investigate now.
Mr. Zhang!
We can consider this as a piece of evidence.
Honey. Honey, what's wrong?
What's the matter?
Lo Er said you've been having nightmares recently.
Thanks for your concern dad. It's just that I've been very tired. That's why.
Very tired?
I've noticed some of your stress
Dad
You once told me that you became an official without expecting to. You also said you've been looking for more chances to get involved.
You remember that?
Yes I have those intentions but that's not something I can get by force.
Yes. But with your position, the palace won't ignore you.
Here's my advice. After another 3 to 4 months, Lo Er will have her baby. That's very important.
After that, I will go see his Majesty about letting you go out to get more involved.
Then work very hard for his Majesty ok?
I appreciate your kindness for me dad. I'll let you make the plans
Good. When that time comes, you'll be a dad and I'll be a grandpa.
Once you get to go out to do more duties, that's another piece of good news.
This is all because of your merits dad.
Here's an invitation.
Mr. Bao sent it
He invited me to dinner tomorrow night to discuss something.
Can you come with me?
No. He invited you only. I shouldn't come.
It's OK. He's a nice guy.
And he has complimented you a lot.
Just say "thank you" to him on my behalf. It's better that I don't go.
Fine.
Mr. Bao rarely invites me like this. What kind of important things does he want to discuss?
You admire my son-in-law very much Mr. Bao. And since I'm his father-in-law, I have to thank you for that with a cup of wine.
Not necessary but I'll have to show some respect.
I've heard that your son-in-law was an orphan and had to rely only on himself to succeed.
Yes. That's his strength.
He grew up in a temple when he was a kid and studied hard to one day become someone who can benefit the country.
He's an official and he got to marry your daughter. Didn't he ever go back to his village to pay respects to his ancestors?
I've reminded him before. He was an orphan and he grew up in a temple. He doesn't know where his grandparents' graves are.
Well then that's a sad story.
Why?
For generations, people have greatly respected their ancestors. Your son-in-law has the honor of being an official but is unable to pay respects to his ancestors.
Isn't that sad?
Why are you so interested in his ancestors?
A tree needs to have a root to be able to grow. It can't go against that nature. A person who doesn't know about his roots is someone to feel sorry for.
Are you trying to imply something with those words?
I have something to say from the bottom of my heart but it's difficult. That's why I'm trying to say it indirectly.
Mr. ***, please don't get angry or blame me.
Mr. Bao, we have a strong friendship unlike any other. Just say what you need to say.
I only dare sit after I say it.
Say it Mr. Bao
How would you feel about someone who do know his roots and doesn't pay respects to his ancestors?
No respect for such a person.
How about someone who doesn't show gratitude to a person who has helped him?
And who is this person?
What if someone was blinded by greed and got blood in his hands to get what he wants? Like killing someone to take another person's place?
Someone who thinks of a position granted by His Majesty as something he can easily mess with. What do you think of such a person?
Are you talking about my son-in-law Zhou Qing?
Mr. ***, if it's really him
Impossible!
Mr. ***
Mr. Bao
This is not a small problem.
That's why I invited you over to secretly discuss it with you.
Mr. Bao, you don't say things without a reason.
-I'm guessing that -I won't cover the truth anymore.
Someone has filed a case against your son-in-law.
And what's it for?
For being ungrateful to someone who helped him. For pretending to be someone he's not.
There's more. He also murdered an old man to keep things a secret.
And these are accusations against Zhou Qing. His Majesty chose him himself. How could he have taken someone else's place?
He took the place of someone else named "Zhou Qing"
Mr. Bao, you believe that?
Before the truth comes out, I half believe it and half don't.
-I haven't finished investigating yet. -Mr. Bao, you can't decided like this.
No. I have to investigate Zhou Qing.
I didn't want you to be shocked. That's why I invited you over.
Please understand and forgive me.
I understand. In the eyes of many, he's an official.
Personally, he's my son-in-law.
But I have something else to say. I hope you will understand.
Go ahead Mr. ***.
What if it turns out to be false accusations?
In that case, I will punish the plaintiff heavily.
And make sure that justice is done for Zhou Qing.
That's it?
That's the only thing I can do according to the law.
But I also have to ask you Mr. ***, what will you do if the accusations turn out to be true?
Punish him according to the law.
I will stand up for what is right.
Thank you Mr. ***.
What are you guys doing here?
What? I'm going to ask you. Is this your house?
No. But is this your house?
Yes it is. It belongs to our master. You beggar has lived here for over a year.
Our master asked us to get rent from you today with interest.
Don't say nonsense. This house belongs to Mrs. ***.
What are you guys going to do?
This disabled guy is a waste of space in the world.
The 2 of you being alive is a true waste of space.
Who are you?
Who are you guys?
Someone must have sent you guys.
Who are you?
Zhan Zhao.
Come to Kaifeng Court with me.
Honey
I thought you were asleep.
You kept tossing and turning. How could I sleep?
What are you thinking about?
Nothing.
Just go to sleep. Ignore me.
How can I ignore you? You haven't been sleeping well these days.
I know that you're hiding some kind of problem.
I have nothing to hide from you.
Having trouble sleeping is something that can happen occasionally to everyone.
We're married. I can read your face. Honey, please tell me what's going on in your mind.
There really is nothing. Don't let it bother you.
No. I've been observing your behavior lately and it's making me uncomfortable.
Who is it?
It's Xiao Yi.
It's late. What's the matter?
Someone named Wu wants to see the master.
Mr. Zhou
I already told you! Don't come unless it's urgent! Why didn't you listen?
I didn't want to come. But it really is urgent so I have to.
Everything went ok?
I'm embarrassed to say that things didn't go well.
So simple and it didn't go well?
A problem came up. Zhan Zhao took those 2 guys to Kaifeng Court.
Mr. Zhou
You deserve to die!
Pretty soon the truth is going to come out!
Mr. Zhou, please don't freak out! Nothing can happen out of this. They can't ask those 2 guys anything.
What are you saying?
Those 2 guys don't know me. They won't have any clue about you either.
I ran out of money. It wasn't enough.
Then what are you doing here right now?
I want to return to the village and avoid things. But I need some money for it.
You couldn't get the job done yet you still want money.
No time for this. We'll talk tomorrow.
-Mr. Zhou -I told you to leave! We'll talk tomorrow and don't come back here again! If something comes up, I'll come to you. Go!
I'll see you tomorrow then.
One is a beggar. One is a disabled person.
What kind of grudge did you guys have on these 2 to want to kill them?
Mr. Bao, we didn't want to kill them. We just wanted to kick them out.
Mr. Zhan. Tell me what you saw.
Yes. I saw them approach Zhou Qing wanting to kill him. They also said that a disabled person like that is a waste of space in the world.
Was this knife the weapon?
Yes.
-Su Chi Er -Here
Who does that abandoned house belong to?
It used to belong to Mrs. ***. But her business went so well and she earned a lot of money so she moved away.
She felt bad for me so she let me live there for free.
Do you have evidence to back you up?
The neighbors can serve as proofs.
Do you have a grudge against these 2 guys?
I have no idea how I could have a grudge against them. Never met them before.
You guys tried to kill them. Someone must have told you guys to do so.
Is this true or not?
Mr. Bao, no one told us to do so. Really.
The truth is coming out and you still try to deny it!
Do I have to punish you or are you going to tell the truth?
Mr. Bao is fair when he judge cases. He is lenient. If you guys tell the truth he will go easy on you guys. Otherwise, neither of you will escape the death penalty.
Correct. No need to cover up or take a hit for the real culprit.
If you guys keep denying the truth, both your heads will end up on the dog guillotine!