Original subtitles

[New Life Begins]

[Adapted from the novel "Journey to the Qing Dynasty" by Duomu Muduo]

[Episode 23]

What's exactly going on now?

We're asked to shut down the restaurant for rectification

and copy the name list of the foreign envoys

who had come here before.

These will affect our business.

What benefits can he reap by doing so?

Marquis Yue definitely

did not come here to take over the restaurant.

Instead, he must be sent here by Second Young Lord

to find faults with Sixth Young Lord.

Marquis Yue isn't a character we should scare of.

The thing is what Second Young Lord is plotting.

We'd better not take any action

and endure this.

We shall see which way the cat jumps.

Have you finished?

Please calm yourself if you're snapped.

After all, it's Crowd Young Lord who ordered me to supervise the restaurant.

There were many foreigners dropped by here over these days.

It's ridiculous that plenty of foreigners

gather at the restaurant

of Xin State.

Inform the workers here

to stop accepting foreigners

after the business reopens.

I don't think it's a good idea, Your Lordship.

The prime reason this restaurant came into being

is to grant the foreigners who work in Xin State

a sense of belonging.

If we stop accepting foreigners,

what's this restaurant for, then?

This rule will be implemented with immediate effect

and no objections should be raised.

Although you've supervised the restaurant under Crown Young Lord's command,

we're the owner of the restaurant.

Do we have no place

in raising objections?

Objections?

Fine.

You'll stay out of the business completely

and stay at home to serve the family.

And it's good for all of us.

Ministry of Revenue has groomed plenty of talents.

I can just pick any of them

to run this restaurant very well.

I don't think I can put up with this.

I must think of a way to deal with him.

Father.

What are you doing now?

If I may be so bold,

[Remonstrate firmly] I'd like to impeach Marquis Yue Heng.

His behavior has hindered the operation of Delicacies of Nine States,

in which his sin is unspeakable and monstrous.

I can't tolerate this.

Father!

It's true that the Ministry of Revenue has overreached.

I can't tolerate their behavior either.

Song has sent Marquis of Wanxiang to supervise the restaurant.

Yet, he acts outrageously,

ignoring the prime point of the establishment of the restaurant.

Please unmake your summon, Father.

As long as Marquis Yue does not intervene with the business,

I'm willing to do anything for you

and devote myself to Xin State.

Even if you confiscate all of...

half of my property.

Yes, Father.

It seems he has acted unfairly.

However, supervising the restaurant

is considered the duty of the Ministry of Revenue.

Sixth Young Lord seeks Your Lordship's audience.

Let him in.

Greetings, My Lord.

Do you come here for Song too?

Song?

What has happened to him?

Don't you know what he did?

-He... -An.

I'm here to report on the new monetary system.

It doesn't come under the Ministry of Nine States Affairs,

but

I intend to promote this system, which is my idea,

throughout the nine states.

Currently, the Ministry of Revenue lacks manpower.

Hence, the Ministry of Nine States Affairs shall bear the responsibility.

But if I allow you to intervene with the affairs of the Ministry of Revenue,

it'll cause confusion.

Present your suggestion

if you have any.

Yes.

I do have a suggestion to bring the new monetary system to all states.

Please have a look.

Zheng.

Why didn't you back me up just now?

Didn't your womenfolk

be affected by Song?

Well, it's the conflict between you.

I don't want to get involved.

Besides,

you've heeded advice from Crown Young Lord for setting up your restaurant, right?

How could you impeach his uncle?

Don't you think it's inappropriate?

How could you reprimand me?

Therefore, I'm trying to mend my mistakes.

Can't I?

Sure, you can.

That's why I came.

Good call.

You tried to divert Father's attention

to another matter,

and then he'll let the restaurant affairs slide.

Well done.

You've even prepared the missive.

Though Father is our father,

before that, he's the ruler.

He will consider the big picture.

However, the missive wasn't neatly written

as I lacked time.

Good job.

An.

Marquis Yue is merely a straw man.

Crown Young Lord doesn't wish me to form a bond with foreign states.

You should

stop being his pawn.

That's right, An.

I know you lashed out as your womenfolk left you

and wanted to meet them, so you made a scene out of the restaurant.

Am I right?

Stop it, An.

Don't act childishly.

I know.

Glad that you know.

You're too young.

Young?

Hey, how dare you lecture me?

I'm your third brother, after all.

My Lord.

In my humble opinion,

even though Sixth Young Lord reported about the new monetary system,

his real intention is impeachment.

You rarely interfere with this.

I'm to blame.

Get up.

Thank you, My Lord.

I know what Zheng is implying.

But Song has gone too far this time.

The reason I told the Ministry of Revenue to supervise the restaurant

is to have him keep an eye on them

and curb the problem if anything happens.

But look at what he's done.

Initially, he suspected

Zheng tried to take the foreigners to his side by using their hometown cuisines.

But now it appeared

that Song overthought.

I've ordered my men to observe Zheng

and he hasn't done anything unacceptable.

The negotiation was merely about the nine states' affairs

when he invited the foreign envoys over.

It seems he's more reliable than Song.

It seems you have your own judgment, My Lord.

[Closed]

Your Lordship.

The dishes are ready.

Honestly, we invite you for a request.

We hope you can allow us to reopen the restaurant as soon as possible.

If we shut it for a long time,

I fear that we'll lose our customers.

We know that you are asked to supervise the restaurant by Crown Young Lord.

However, if the business is affected

because of this,

I don't think it'll do us good.

It's the premium Pu'er tea.

Please, Your Lordship.

Actually, we've paid heed

to your lecture.

I fear that it'll be a loss for all of us

if the restaurant is left closed.

Since you're in the Ministry of Revenue,

you should know well

that the taxes we paid aren't a small amount.

If we're refrained from doing business,

it'll affect the ministry in a bad way too.

I'm sure you know this very well, Your Lordship.

For the sake of business development in the long run

and the benefits for people,

Your Lordship fathoms this well too.

Now

that the restaurant is closed for rectification for some days,

if the restaurant remains closed,

I'm afraid the Lord of Xin State won't want to see this.

Yes, the business should continue.

But I have an idea.

The restaurant will begin only after the rectification.

As for the time being,

you can design the menu at home

instead of coming here.

Your Lordship.

We own this restaurant.

Indeed. Since you're the ones who run the restaurant,

do you think the guests only come here for the food?

You women

shouldn't be entertaining the guests in the restaurant.

Do you know how people outside judge you?

Are you blaming the innocent people

due to those dirty remarks?

Tell me why the people outside covet you and not everyone else.

You just shouldn't show your faces in public.

You've let down the etiquette you learned.

Your Lordship, please think reasonably.

We're aware of the rumors,

but we can't respond to them.

Gossip emerges

as long as one commits to any business.

We'll achieve nothing

if we're easily influenced by others' voices.

Even if rumors emerge,

it helps us to attract customers

as someone is curious about the restaurant.

As to keeping the customers,

it depends on our ability.

I know Qi and Zheng pamper you.

However, I must not let you disgrace Xin State.

That's final.

Your Lordship.

By the edict of the Lord of Xin State,

the restaurant is no longer under the supervision of the Ministry of Revenue,

and it's allowed to be reopened.

The edict of the Lord of Xin State?

I'm sure

you know what His Lordship means.

Regardless of market reformation, the new monetary system,

or allowing women to do business,

they're all

benefiting the future of Xin State.

I know you disapprove of women doing business.

However, the business of the restaurant blooms

better than previously.

Given this situation, it shows what can be done by you

can also be achieved by women.

Ministry of Revenue has lost

1,426 silver in taxes since the restaurant is shut down.

If you insist on not letting go of this,

how could the market reformation be launched?

As the official of the Ministry of Nine States Affairs,

per the laws, I'm entitled to impeach you

for your perverseness

and insubordination.

Insolence!

How dare you disrespect your senior?

Calm down, Uncle.

What Zheng said makes sense.

Over these days,

you're making a scene in the name of the Ministry of Revenue.

Not only our restaurants are affected

but also the stores outside.

They're afraid of being the next target to be taken over

by the Ministry of Revenue.

That's why Father issued this edict to have you stay out of this.

I can stay out of this.

But I want you to apologize to me.

I know you can't drink even a little.

However, you should do something

to mend your disrespectful behavior just now.

I've offended you.

Please forgive me.

If you really want to make an apology by drinking the liquor,

show your sincerity, then.

I'll drink it on his behalf.

Marquis Yue possesses an important place in the court.

We must let him vent his anger now.

Otherwise, it'll be troublesome

if he starts to aim at us.

Zheng knows this very well.

But this is too much...

Your Lordship.

His Lordship can't drink the liquor as he has a weak stomach.

-What about I... -How dare you to talk to me

without your husband's permission?

I can let Palace Affairs Department punish you.

Please forgive me, Your Lordship.

Reopen the restaurant.

Here's the water, Madam.

Poor thing.

The Lord of Xin State would take the other young lords to meet the guests

when they were around sixteen years old

to train them on drinking.

However, His Lordship

wasn't favored by his parents.

So, he's not good at drinking.

Madam.

His Lordship is wise and observant.

He knew

he had to take the liquor no matter what.

He did it all for you.

Here.

Change the towel.

I used to do these previously.

As for now,

I'll leave it to you.

I'm heading to the kitchen

to have them prepare the hangover soup.

Just in case.

Thank you.

If you want to run a restaurant,

just go ahead.

I'm fine if Song bullies me.

But I won't let him harm you.

I won't let him harm you.

Thank you.

From now on,

I'll always stay by your side.

Is Father losing his mind?

How could he allow

Zheng's womenfolk to continue running the restaurant?

Besides, Zheng frequents that place too.

There are so many foreigners dropping by that place.

It's no doubt

that secretive deals happen there.

After all, he works in the Ministry of Nine State Affairs.

He has the right to interact with foreign envoys.

Besides, Father has deployed discerning eyes around him

and did nothing to him.

That's right.

Over these days, I discovered

that His Lordship's men

have been watching very closely than we do.

Despite this, Zheng's behavior

is impeccable.

Uncle kept pushing them

to have them back down.

But now, Zheng

used the new monetary system to stop our plan,

so we have to step down.

Uncle.

Please send some men to keep watching them.

His true colors will be revealed one day.

No worries.

We won't let any clues go unnoticed.

Here, An.

How does the meat taste?

-Nice. -Nice, right?

It's from Cang State.

Delicacies of Nine States sent it to us.

True, though.

Third Sister-in-law...

I mean my ex-sister-in-law.

She always gives delicious food to Jing and Li Wei.

I've eaten the mutton

several times.

It's indeed yummy.

The mutton tastes so good,

and it's not gamey.

The bones are soft.

Unlike the rock-hard bone

in Xin State.

Zheng.

I thought you don't eat mutton.

How come you started to eat it

after Li Wei came?

I like things she likes.

Tripe is nice.

Dip it with leek flower sauce.

My ex-sister-in-law told me this.

You have leek flower sauce too.

Yes.

Zheng.

Why do you start eating

things you don't like

after Li Wei came?

Didn't I tell you that just now?

I like things she likes.

Oh, I forgot.

Mianjin is tasty. (*a food made from gluten)

My Jing loves mianjin.

Taste it.

My ex-sister-in-law and Li Wei like this too.

No wonder they get along well.

Besides, they're working on the restaurant very hard.

Recently,

I miss my Jing so much.

Though we always bicker

when we're together,

she'll be delighted

if I apologize to her.

Enough.

Stop halting me from eating.

It's been some time since we last ate together.

How could you spike me whenever I take the food?

This is too much.

We didn't mean that, An.

You overthought.

Come on.

Eat more.

Here.

Let's eat.

Speaking of which,

why haven't we

had meals together for a long time?

I know.

Did you forget

that An was busy competing with Delicacies of Nine States recently?

He was occupied.

Where are you going?

To ask for forgiveness.

Ask for forgiveness?

I think he goes to discuss cooperation with them.

Perhaps he goes to face the music.

Come on.

Let's eat.

[Welcome, ladies]

[Delicacies of Nine States]

Everyone.

Delicacies of Nine States

has undergone a rectification for some time

and we reopen the restaurant again.

We're having a food-tasting event

at a fair price.

With only one silver tael, you get to savor all dishes of the nine states.

Female guests are especially welcome.

There are only limited places inside.

Please queue up.

First come, first served.

Welcome.

We welcome female guests.

We've prepared the bird's nest soup

from Chuqiao Store for ladies.

Please line up.

Line up properly.

This way, please.

Please enjoy your bird nest's soup.

This way, please.

Please come in.

Be careful.

Hi.

Make sure you eat the mushroom when it's cooked.

Please enjoy your meal.

This is for you.

Young master from Jin State.

Your stomach will be upset if you eat

while reading books.

I have to.

My fellows in Jin State are working hard.

It's more effective

if you focus on your study

after eating.

Please enjoy your meal.

Jin people are indeed hardworking.

Even if one heeds the advice,

there are a bunch of people still reading.

How stubborn they are.

You are the same too,

just like them.

It seems the restaurant becomes grander and finer

than last time.

Excuse me.

They serve delicious food.

Who the heck are you?

Get away from me.

Why did you come here?

Get lost.

Hey, don't.

Marquis Yue has gone.

Anyway,

we're still family,

right?

The reason I came

is to seek guidance from you,

and I want to discuss

the combination of the two restaurants.

Combination, my foot.

Get out of here.

Don't chase me away.

Hold on.

Haitang.

Let him in.

As long as he doesn't come here to find faults,

we'll treat him as a guest.

The thing is

you have to order dishes that are worth ten taels.

If not, you'll see.

You'll see.

Fine, I'll do as you wish.

Payday!

Here you go.

Thank you.

It's yours, Haitang.

Thank you.

Jingjing.

Thank you.

This is for Miss Yuan Ying.

I've paid the workers their wages.

Coins and silver

were changed into new paper money

and were distributed to you based on the proportion of your investment.

Paper money is more useful

and safer to keep.

Since the business is booming,

shall we start up new branches?

I agree.

As Autumn Equinox and Beginning of Winter

also come from Dan State,

we've discussed

and we decided to pick a Dan Chamber

and set up some mahjong tables,

which charge at a bi-hourly rate.

Besides, we can open a mahjong parlor

after the capital fund regains.

Good idea.

Autumn Equinox's uncle runs a mahjong parlor,

so she has experience in this.

Not only that,

the people here love spicy food

and the dishes of Dan's cuisine were selling like hotcakes.

I think the first branch of the restaurant

can focus on Dan's cuisine.

Good.

Perhaps,

we could establish a women chamber of commerce

to offer Xin's women a job.

Brilliant idea.

Xin's women are so pathetic.

We should lend helping hands to those who suffer like us.

Even though you have the idea,

you still need some skills to protect yourselves.

I don't think I'm able to protect all of you

once the business expands.

I have an idea.

I can teach women

who want to learn martial art skills for free.

As for the rest, we'll talk about it later.

Can you teach some basic skills

that can beat the crap out of An?

Right, beat the crap out of him.

Song Wu.

Li Wei.

I miss you so much!

I miss all of you too.

Did you miss me?

Yes, we did.

You're a married woman.

Don't behave like a kid.

I can't help with that.

Because such pretty fairies like me

never age.

By the way,

I'm here to ask you

that if I can learn how to do business from you.

I have to take charge of the bookstore

after Song Wu is drafted.

But I'm clueless about the business operation.

Could you please teach me?

You shall ask Miss Yuan Ying

if she's willing to take you as her disciple.

Miss Yuan Ying, please.

Instead, I think

you can take your own disciple

as you've completed your apprenticeship.

Seriously?

Well, call me Miss Li Wei

and Yuan Ying will be your fore-teacher.

Fore-teacher.

What do you want?

Tuition fee.

How dare you hit me?

So, Haitang and the rest stay in the restaurant?

And the lady chefs too.

We'll buy them a big residence

after we make big money.

It's raining.

But there are no umbrellas here.

Song Wu.

I knew you'd come.

I was worried about you.

Why did he cover that?

Hey.

We'll get going.

Are you amazed by his debonoir appearance?

It's debonair.

Let's go home.

Let us take you home.

No need.

Qi will come and fetch me later.

You may leave first.

We're leaving, then.

Let's go.

Shangguan.

Why are you here?

What has happened to you?

Oh, my goodness.

When I went to greet Father

this evening,

he gave me an earful again.

When I realized it was going to rain,

I have no time to ride in the carriage.

So, I rushed hotfoot here to fetch you.

Yet, I slipped

and broke the umbrella.

I intended to cover you from the rain.

Still, you got drenched.

Take it.

Wipe yourself with this.

Oops, it's wet too.

Come closer. Don't get rained on.

Come nearer.

Let's go.

By the way,

I proposed an idea today

that I want to have my own business.

Sure.

Do you have the fund for it?

Aren't you curious about what business it is?

It may be a bad business.

Do as you wish.

I want to set up a martial art academy for women

to teach them some skills to protect themselves.

Aren't you afraid others will gossip

that you married a shrew?

Come nearer to me.

Don't get rained on.

We're doing our own things.

Let's not care about

foolish comments.

Are you really not afraid of that?

I...

Think about it.

Are those foolish comments

scarier than you?

Oopsie, my bad.

Shangguan.

Oh my.

You're one year older now.

You should be more mature.

Yes, Miss Yuan Ying.

Pass it to me.

Happy New Year.

Thank you.

Happy New Year.

Thank you, Miss Yuan Ying.

Let's go and find the next person.

Happy New Year.

Boring.

Neither Yuan Ying

nor you were surprised.

Happy New Year.

Red envelope, please.

Madam.

His Lordship has already got it ready.

Look at this huge red envelope.

What about us?

Give me a second.

Here you go, Madam.

Superintendent Su.

This is for you.

Thank you, Madam.

This is

for Hao Jia.

And this

is for her baby.

Please deliver these to her.

You're considerate, Madam.

But...

This is for you.

Don't open it now.

Your Lordship.

This handmade present is specially prepared by Madam.

It took her a long time

to seek guidance from Miss Song Wu at the bookstore.

Enough.

We'll get going.

See you, Madam.

Your Lordship.

Don't restrain your feelings.

We're close.

I won't mock you for that.

It's a pair of new shoes.

Well,

new shoes are a must-have for the new year.

Put them on.

Here.

What's wrong?

This...

Madam is so...

Forget it.

It's safe to wear it now.

Put them on.

It fits well.

She gave me a pair of new shoes.

Time to unseal the red envelopes!

Be careful.

Madam.

Let's open this.

Whose is this?

It's from Miss Yuan Ying.

Isn't this the token possessed by the rightful spouse?

Her Grace intends to let you handle the inner court.

There's a note inside.

(I'll leave the affairs of Jingyuan)

(to you.)

I can feel the weight.

I think this is heavier.

Open it.

Yes.

This is heavy.

Is it a book inside?

I don't think so.

Does he want to ruin my mood?

It's money.

So much money.

That's a lot.

He's so realistic.

This gift is boring.

He deserves to be a good man

as he gave you money.

How pragmatic.

Let me count the money.

I will count it for you.

You just smell it.

Smell it.

It's going to be a blessed year.

It's a warm winter again.

When can I see the snow?

Surprise.

Do you like it?

I've put the goose feathers beside the ice cellar

so that it looks like snow.

Oh, it's finished.

Never mind, I'll go get another one.

Wait.

Thank you.

Where did you get these goose feathers?

It's from Palace Affairs Department.

Li Wei has sent something to Hao Jia.

So, I'm thinking

that we should send some baby clothes there too.

Sure.

Okay.

Well...

Happy New Year.

Wish you a happy and free life.

Well, give me a second.

You don't have an appetite?

Endure it.

Our son needs food.

If she really can't eat this,

change the dishes.

It's fine, Madam.

I like every food His Lordship gave me.

They don't have to enter the palace for reunion dinner

after establishing their own secretariats, which is better.

I could have a quiet dinner

with my parents tonight.

But I have to snub you.

After you give birth to a son,

I'll reward you with a chance for having a reunion dinner in the palace next year.

It's better to let her

have quiet time to enjoy the meal alone.

Fangru.

I don't reprimand you much.

But don't you retrain yourself?

Now that Hao Jia carries a baby

and I should spend more time with her.

What did you try to imply just now?

Tomorrow is the first day of the new year.

Fangru will enter the palace to pay New Year's calls.

You can rest at home

since you're not feeling well.

Isn't it inappropriate?

I'm good

to go out.

Why do you always insist on going out?

How many times do you want me to repeat

that you're pregnant and you need rest?

Besides, Sorceress Zhang will end her cultivation tomorrow.

I've sent someone to bring her here.

She's going to check on you tomorrow.

Yes.

Understood.

I'm full.

I'm going out to get some fresh air.

Sit.

Hao Jia.

You're feeling down, right?

You used to serve her during the meals.

She'll serve you once today.

No need, Your Lordship.

Please allow Madam to leave.

There's no need...

Madam, your friends have sent you something again.

Princess Shangguan sent you a present too.

Did she?

How nice of her.

This is from Princess Shangguan.

Given this shape, I guess it's nappy.

She's thoughtful.

Oh, right.

There's a letter from your mother.

Second Young Madam gave her permission

to allow your parents to write to you.

You must be feeling homesick

as you're carrying a baby.

(Jia'er.)

(Hope this letter finds you well.)

(I heard that you've got pregnant)

(and I'm happy about that.)

(Thanks to Second Young Madam who granted me her permission)

(to write to you.)

(No words can describe)

(my intense longing for you.)

(It seems you're favored)

(as we're able to communicate via letters.)

(I rest assured.)

(Please take great care of yourself.)

(Wish you the best.)

(Look forward to your reply.)

What's wrong, Madam?

Are you not happy reading this letter?

It's not that.

I'm very happy.

It's a letter from my mother.

His Lordship only cares about the baby in my tummy,

however, my mother holds me dearly asking me to look after myself.

I'm her only daughter

and she's merely a concubine.

I'm worried

about how she managed to survive these two years.

Madam.

Don't cry, Madam.

The baby will be affected.

I know.

But I can't hold it.

My child

can only depend on me.

However, I'm a useless mother

who fails to protect herself.

Madam.

You've been feeling down over the few months.

I thought the letter would cheer you up.

Do you want to invite Sixth Young Madam and the other Young Madams over?

No.

They've gone through hardships for the business due to their identity.

Since the business has improved,

I can't see them again.

Everyone is leading a good life,

except for me.

Because I chose the wrong path.

It's retribution.

♪I asked for a moment of pleasure♪

It's retribution.

♪As I had endured too much bitterness in life♪

♪I wrote an elegy♪

♪But it's not appreciated♪

♪How do I survive in this life?♪

♪Like autumn♪

♪Like a flaming fire♪

♪It withered in a moment♪

♪Yet silent♪

♪And persistent♪

♪I wish to be a moth flying toward the fire♪

♪I step on a plank bridge in the wind to embrace a new journey alone, but I got lost♪

♪There's no looking back on the endless road ahead♪

♪Let obsession stop me from going further and I'm at a low ebb♪

♪You will never know how I used to be♪

♪The old days drift with the wind♪

♪Don't let the world turn murky♪

♪Just for a promise♪

♪How many joys and sorrows have we experienced?♪

♪How many obstacles have we overcome?♪

♪Time reveals the true character of a person♪

♪How should we make our choice when life in the palace is this complicated?♪

♪Sigh as the flowers fall♪

♪Sigh as the sun goes down♪

♪A sight that's somewhat bleak♪

♪So weak♪

♪So lonely♪

♪What can be done even if we know we can't make a difference?♪

♪I step on a plank bridge in the wind to embrace a new journey alone, but I got lost♪

♪There's no looking back on the endless road ahead♪

♪Let obsession stop me from going further and I'm at a low ebb♪

♪I still remember how I used to be♪