Original subtitles

[New Life Begins]

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

[Episode 24]

Welcome.

Please come in.

Happy New Year!

This must be the plum brew from Hao Jia.

She gave us quite a lot.

It's a giving back for us.

We can either put the brew on sale

or drink it ourselves.

In the letter, she also mentioned

that Second Young Lord gives her every consideration

and she gets to cultivate a peaceful mind for the baby.

She told us not to worry.

A leopard can't change its spots.

We've requested to meet her several times

and they turned us away nine out of ten times

and said that Hao Jia needs rest.

Although she seemed well

during the only time we got to meet her,

we didn't know whether that was true or not.

Second Young Lord claims that he's expecting his eldest son

during the morning assembly on one side,

and yet he searches around for folk remedies for getting a son on the other side.

Now that he pins his hopes on the child

and he won't mistreat Hao Jia for the time being.

I also think

that Hao Jia wasn't lying

about Second Young Lord treating her with great care

as she wrote in the letter.

But I wonder what he would do to her

after the baby is born.

Jingjing.

Hao Jia said

she likes the nappy from you and Fifth Young Lord.

What's wrong?

It's the cotton-padded trousers we made.

Well done.

You have great skills.

Gosh.

I was processing the ledger just now.

The business has taken off recently.

The apparel store,

mahjong parlor,

and martial art academy are making a profit too.

Judging by that,

the women chamber of commerce can be viable.

If Hao Jia agrees,

we can have her get on board.

Sure.

Well...

I have a question.

Why is he here?

His restaurant went out of business.

So, he wants to transfer the premise to us.

Anyway, we might need a place to set up

the women chamber of commerce afterward.

The location of his store is quite strategic.

I agree.

Your Lordship,

name a price, please.

No need for that.

I want to collaborate with you.

If you agree to let me in,

I can give you the store for free.

For free?

It must be a trap.

No, it's not.

I swear.

Well, you know

that I operated the restaurant

because I was having a spat with you.

Since the business is gone now,

the store is useless to me.

It's better to give it to you.

But

I wish to join you

so that I can get a piece.

You're indeed a wise businessman, Your Lordship.

No objection from us

and Princess Shangguan too.

Well, we'll discuss this.

All right.

Take your stand.

Raise your hand if you want him to leave.

Goodness.

You're so frank.

An.

If you sincerely repent of your mistake,

we'll give you a chance.

Since you regret the past...

We're not going to show you mercy.

Men who intend to join Delicacies of Nine States...

They must undergo the appearance appraisal.

Please.

Your Lordship.

Hang in there.

Hang in there.

Stand straight.

Only those who go all out...

Are qualified to join Delicacies of Nine States.

Never cut loose.

Believe in yourself.

From today on,

you're not allowed to eat even a single rice grain.

Then, the coins will remain on your collarbone next year.

Inhale.

Inhale.

Inhale more.

Keep on.

Just hold.

It's almost done.

Look at your thick waist and fat arms.

Since society has a high standard to gauge men

and you're far from the standard,

you should strive and go to great lengths

despite any obstacles

and create a bright future.

You have a thick waist.

I'm sure you can lose weight after eating vegetables for one month.

Don't give up.

You can't even achieve such a simple move.

Are you not convinced?

No, I'm convinced.

I mean it.

I was thinking

that I was outrageous previously.

Forget it.

I'll willing to let it slide.

I'll spare your life.

I'm not going to have a reunion dinner in the palace this year.

Can I eat with you?

I'm so lonely

when you were away.

Sure.

-But you have to cook. -But you have to cook.

If the food doesn't taste good,

-cook it all over again. -Cook it all over again.

Well, I'll learn.

[Jie Mansion]

Your Lordship.

It's irritating my throat.

What's she burning?

It's the orange day-lily,

also known as the son-expecting grass.

If the bell drops, it's the sign of a baby boy.

We're doing this for the son.

Just endure it.

Your Lordship.

It's an ominous sign.

The baby in Madam's tummy

is a baby girl.

What?

Are you sure?

Definitely.

After fuming the pregnant lady with an orange day-lily,

if the bell falls,

the baby is a boy.

However,

the bell didn't fall.

It means it's a baby girl

inside Madam.

Sorceress Zhang.

The baby hasn't been born yet.

Are you sure?

My judgment never fails.

His Lordship has hired me several times these years.

He knows well.

This divination is an absurd trick.

It can't be confirmed just with your judgment.

Useless fool.

Madam.

You must be worried about the concubine of Second Young Lord.

Today, I asked Yuan Ying to send a request to visit her,

yet the letter is returned again.

She always claimed that she was fine in the letters.

Still, I'm worried about her.

Madam.

Superintendent Su.

His Lordship knows that you're worried about Madam Hao.

Hence, he asked me to relay a message

saying

that you can pay a call on her without requesting.

You tell them it's Madam He who sends you there.

The servants won't stop you.

Will I put His Lordship into any trouble?

No, you won't.

His Lordship has informed Madam He about this.

Perhaps Madam He can relate to Madam Hao.

Hence, Madam He agreed to help.

I'll go and get ready now.

Be careful.

Walk slowly.

Madam is resting now.

I can tell she's not sleeping.

Wei.

Wei.

It has been a long time since I last saw you.

What's wrong with you?

I'm fine.

It's normal

to feel unwell

during pregnancy.

Do all pregnant ladies have to experience this?

I have no idea.

Blub all you like.

Don't hold back. It's bad for your health.

I've taken many tonics.

My body isn't that weak.

Zhao Fangru allows me to write to my family

after I got pregnant.

Look.

My mother wrote me so many letters.

She told me to take care of myself.

Besides, His Lordship is aware of the letters.

And he turns a blind eye to this.

It shows that he treats me well.

You must take good care of yourself.

His Lordship is here.

Jia'er.

Guess what...

Why is she here?

Your Lordship.

Li Wei finally gets to pay a call on me.

I've told you many times

that you need to rest in a quiet environment.

Stop meeting guests already.

Lyuming.

See her off.

I'll get going.

Jia'er.

Guess what,

Sorceress Zhang has a method

to make you give birth to a son.

Why do you look upset?

You're carrying a baby now.

You need a good rest.

Lie down.

I'll stay here with you.

Your Lordship.

Madam has been digging the soil for a while.

She might dig out some kind of bones later.

She's going to hurt herself.

What has happened?

The visit didn't go well?

In today's morning assembly,

I heard that Song's concubine is going to give birth to the Crown Eldest Grandson.

I guess he spread this news by himself.

I can tell he definitely spend a fortune

seeking folk remedies for getting a son.

We should've sent her away

while we were in the restaurant that day...

We wanted to help Hao Jia to run off.

However, she's pregnant

and that stopped her from leaving.

Second Young Lord even beat her

and locked her up,

claiming that it's for her own good.

What a load of bull.

Hao Jia has been weeping these days.

I regret it so much.

I should've sent her away without hesitation.

Domestic abuse

never happens just once.

It'll only do her good

if she manages to leave.

Judging from her unstable emotional state,

do we need to invite the imperial physician over?

Your Lordship.

Do you remember I told you

what had happened to Madam He after she gave birth to you?

Likewise, Madam He was slumped in deep dejection and bouts of crying.

She even sent you to the servants' room.

Could it be that Second Young Lord's concubine and Madam He...

I'll invite an imperial physician over.

But you have to think of a way

to bring him in.

Go now.

Yes.

Stop right there.

I grow fine vegetables in my mansion.

Hence, I'd like to deliver some for your Madam Hao.

Sorry.

Madam Hao is pregnant.

We don't accept anything from outsiders

for the safety of His Lordship's son.

Don't you know how close I'm to Hao Jia?

Will I harm her?

Please forgive us.

There are merely vegetables.

Let them in.

Second Young Madam approves this.

If anything happens,

Second Young Madam will bear the consequence.

Yes.

No one will spot this place.

The person in the jar can come out now.

The jar stores oilseed rape.

But he's the imperial physician I invited.

Please go now.

Miss.

I'm curious

why Second Young Madam is willing to help us.

Second Young Madam can't allow Madam Hao's health

to get worse

as it'll be harmful to the baby.

Second Young Madam likes children very much,

however, she kept failing to get pregnant.

Even though she was upset

upon knowing Madam Hao is pregnant,

she still hopes she stays healthy.

Please send my gratitude to Second Young Madam.

These fruits have seeds.

Eat some more.

And you'll give birth to a chubby son.

Your Lordship.

I don't like sour food.

No.

You like it.

Well.

Take some rest.

After you give birth to a son,

I'll take you anywhere

you want.

Remember to finish all of them.

Yes.

Madam.

Madam.

Madam.

Hao Jia.

Wei.

What brings you here?

What has happened to you?

Sit down.

I've brought the imperial physician here.

Are you all right?

Why did she become weaker

than the day I came?

That day, Sorceress Zhang concluded

that it was a baby girl in Madam's tummy.

His Lordship wasn't pleased to hear that.

Despite this, there's still hope

before the baby is out.

Hence, His Lordship requested Sorceress Zhang

to send some ritual vessels and incense to pray for a baby boy.

Madam is annoyed by that, but she can't say anything

but cry alone.

Madam suffers from depression during pregnancy.

There are many madams

who have blood stasis and are in low spirits during pregnancy.

Over time,

it becomes depression.

This room is too stuffy

and the incense is burning indoors,

which makes her feel uncomfortable.

Pregnant women need to get some fresh air outside more often

and keep themselves in a good mood.

It's ill-advised

to be grounded in the room.

Thank you, physician.

I have no idea what to do now.

I chose to live a life

to depend on men.

And that's my retribution.

But I can't let my child suffer this.

His Lordship is well aware of his incapability.

But he has to keep pretending to be a useful heir.

He's walking on eggshells

under his father's nose.

I can't allow my child to follow in his father's footsteps.

Moreover, the baby is a non-lineal child just like me.

I'm willing to endure this hardship

without pride.

But this can never happen to my child.

Previously, you tried to help me to run off,

and I thought I could've led a brand new life.

But then...

But then...

Probably,

I have to be imprisoned

in this cage for the rest of my life.

Is ending my life

the only way to put this tragedy to an end?

Wei.

No, it's not.

What should I do?

No.

No, it's not.

[Delicacies of Nine States]

[Closed]

Today, we gather here

to discuss the escape plan of Hao Jia.

It's easy to take her out of the mansion and leave the capital.

The problem is how we deal with what happens afterwards.

If Hao Jia goes missing,

Second Young Lord will definitely suspect us immediately.

Li Wei and I can manage him

if he questions us.

However, Li Wei's house in Ji State will be the first target

if he dispatches his men to search for Hao Jia.

Therefore, we need some spare hideouts

to keep Hao Jia safe.

We didn't want to drag you into trouble.

However, Yuan Ying's house in Jin State

isn't a good choice for her either.

So, I hope you help us out.

If you're not willing...

Enough.

Stop being courteous at this urgent time.

If Song senses something in us,

I'll take the blame.

What about this?

I'll pay for the allowance as Hao Jia needs on the journey.

I'll chip in.

I think

the four of us will chip in for her allowance.

Song is nothing to be scared of.

That's right.

Although we don't have to risk our lives in this,

if it happens,

let's reunite in the next life.

Well said.

This is serious and dangerous.

If someone is hurt during the process,

Hao Jia will be more upset.

I'll take charge of her escape plan.

Please keep yourselves out of trouble.

What do you mean?

I won't step aside from this.

Or else I'll be the laughingstock of Dan people

if they know about this.

Here.

This is the money and food prepared by Sisi.

I've put the access token of Dan State inside.

If Ji State isn't a safe place for Hao Jia,

she can go to the Dan Palace.

My sister will help us.

Don't worry.

Most of the lands in Ying State are possessed by my family.

Hao Jia can pick any one of them and stay.

Hao Jia has several places to stash around Ying State.

As Ying is a vast state,

they might take some time to search for her.

Thank you so much.

It's settled, then.

Su Shen said you asked for me.

Sit down first.

I want to help Hao Jia to run off.

She's too pitiful.

After she got married to Second Young Lord,

I witness

how a cheerful person like her

falls into the abyss of sadness.

I just can't sit by and do nothing.

Have you made up your mind?

Anyway, it's serious if one helps a registered concubine candidate escape.

Second Young Lord will never let those who are involved off the hook.

So, I can't get you involved.

Can you please compose a repudiation paper

to keep yourself out of trouble?

I'm so sorry.

I'm out of my depth now.

I'm upset as I share a fellow feeling with her.

Except for us,

no one can rescue her.

[Never]

Do whatever you want.

But please don't

bring this up again.

Thank you.

I made this request

because I know you're already living a tough life.

I can't drag you into trouble again.

Otherwise, I'll resent myself.

Don't be afraid.

I'm with you.

Will anything happen to you

if I just leave like this?

Don't worry.

Someone on the carriage is waiting for you.

Jia'er.

Mother.

Jia'er.

Mother.

What brings you here?

I rush hotfoot here

[Hao Jia's biological mother] as soon as I received your letter.

Luckily, I manage to reach in time to see you off.

Mother.

I'm sorry.

I thought I was able to earn my stripes in the Second Young Lord's mansion

and lead a good life here.

But...

Your mother has brought you a reliable coachman

from home.

You can rest assured.

I've prepared everything you need

on the journey to Ji State.

You can stay at my house to ride it out.

We'll plan further after this blows over.

Wei.

My gratitude is beyond my words.

Your grace...

No need to thank me.

All I wish is that you can live a happy life

even if it's for the sake of your baby.

I've thought of the name of this baby.

The baby's pet name is Changle.

I wish the baby to be merry for good.

After the baby is out,

can you be the baby's godmother?

Sure.

I'll treat the child wholeheartedly.

But I wish you to love yourself more.

So that you can expand your love to others.

The outside world is vast.

You'll live a happy and carefree life out there.

Don't cry.

Go ahead.

Let's go.

Ma'am.

Sure.

Mother.

You suffered all the way to get here.

Here.

Drink some water.

What's wrong, Mother?

Jia'er.

Have you ever considered

how you are going to carry on

after you leave?

Ever since you married Second Young Lord,

our family has been living

relying on the reward from him.

How are you going to support yourself

if you leave?

Mother.

No worries.

Li Wei's business has expanded now

and it's lucrative.

I'll join them later.

How could I not worry about you?

You're different from Li Wei.

Li Wenbi only has a wife

and he holds Li Wei dearly.

You've told me

that Li Wei's husband

treats her very well.

Her husband will protect her

if anything happens to her.

But no one will help us.

Do you mean

that you want me to return to that place?

I'll only wish the best for you.

But what if Second Young Lord comes to me

after you leave?

What should your father and I do then?

If Second Young Lord lashes out,

the Lord of Yan State will hold your father accountable

and the entire family will be doomed.

So, you came all the way here

not to see me off.

Why did you write me so many letters

to care about me?

Were you trying to use me?

Why would I use you?

Out of so many non-lineal daughters in the family,

I've tried so hard to send you to Xin State.

Fortunately, you've done well

to marry Second Young Lord.

Besides, you're carrying his child.

You should act wisely

after going through so much.

Jia'er.

I know

that Second Young Lord mistreated you.

I feel sorry for you too.

But under his protection,

we won't be bullied by others.

This is the destiny of us women.

Husbands are our masters.

Life is tough

if we're tied down by masters.

Just endure it.

I'm counting on you for the rest of my life.

Your Lordship.

Why are you panicking?

What were you doing?

I...

Where's Madam?

Madam...

Where's Madam?

Lyuming.

I stepped out to brew some tea.

I heard that Your Lordship is occupied with state affairs recently

and hasn't been sleeping well.

So I've made some soothing tea.

Nice.

You even care about me

when you're carrying a baby.

Just tell the servant

to do such a trivial task.

I keep thinking

about how to please you

as I have upset you previously.

Because I'm afraid the baby in my tummy

can't grant your wish.

Anyway, don't worry.

I'll take good care of my health

and heed advice from Sorceress Zhang

so that I can give birth to your eldest son.

Hao Jia.

If only you had been obedient before.

I can't stay here for long.

I'll come a few days later.

I will see you off, Your Lordship.

Nice tea.

Madam.

Why did you return?

Didn't Second Young Madam turn a blind eye

to your leaving?

My mother was right.

It's impossible to live a good life

for a woman to bring along a child.

Besides, my health is vulnerable.

I can't drag you into trouble.

If I run off,

His Lordship will flare up

and you'll have to suffer the spanking

even if Second Young Madam can save your life.

If I don't run off,

everyone will be all right.

Even if I give birth to a daughter,

I think His Lordship will still take care of me

for old times' sake.

My mother has nurtured me in the way she wishes

and I'm merely capable of becoming a useless woman

who's being grounded for good.

I don't possess any ability to live a life independently.

His Lordship and I

are the same.

He can only depend on his wife's family

and the identity of Crown Young Lord,

while I depend on Li Wei, the other young madams, and you to grant me freedom.

Both of us are useless people.

We'll rot in this mansion eventually

as this place is where we should be.

Hao Jia returns this to you,

and she appreciates your help.

I was silly.

I thought her mother came to help her out.

Yet, according to Lyuming,

Hao Jia was persuaded by her mother to stay.

Perhaps Hao Jia's mother

only wishes to seek protection for her family

after Hao Jia married

a powerful and affluent man.

What kind of mother is this?

She forced her daughter to endure

even though she knew her daughter is miserable.

Hao Jia's case is different from ours.

Truth be told,

all of us grow up in a blessed family

and we have someone to back us up.

However, Hao Jia lives her life like walking on eggshells.

Throughout her life,

she has witnessed much insincerity

and ruthlessness.

Therefore,

she isn't brave enough

to do the things she desires.

Hao Jia never had a protective family

who can hold her

from hitting rock bottom.

Since nothing can be done now,

from this day forth,

we're her family

who will back her up.

It hurts.

It hurts!

Second Young Madam has called the midwife.

She'll be here soon.

I want to quit.

This hurts so much.

The midwife is here.

It hurts.

The fetus is in the wrong position.

Madam has taken too much tonic during her pregnancy.

So, the fetus is too big.

I'm afraid it's going to be difficult.

What do we do now?

Call an imperial physician over to perform acupuncture to relieve the pain.

Imperial physician?

I'll tell Second Young Madam

to beg His Lordship to invite an imperial physician over.

Okay.

Hurry up.

Go change the hot water.

Yin Zheng makes use of his position in the Ministry of Nine States Affairs

to promote the new monetary system throughout the nine states.

How dare he even intervene with the Ministry of Revenue?

Besides, Father often compliments him.

How many times did I tell you

to dig up dirt on him?

Calm down, Song.

I've tried, but I couldn't find one.

He accomplished every task flawlessly.

As for his involvement in the new monetary system,

Father has given his permission on that too.

Hence, he's entitled to do so.

Yin Zheng is scheming and prudent.

I've deployed my men to watch him,

but...

But they can't find any flaw in him.

If you can find any flaw in him,

just create one.

Over half of a year,

Father is dissatisfied with us

and he thinks Yin Zheng does better.

Song.

I think it's ill-advised

to take this action.

Your Lordship.

Your Lordship.

Madam Hao is in labor.

Why do you come to me?

Madam is in great pain,

she's out of strength

and she can't stand it anymore.

The midwife suggested calling an imperial physician over

to perform acupuncture

as it might help relieve her pain.

Isn't it normal for women to feel pain during labor?

Probably acupuncture will harm the fetus.

Ask her to endure the pain.

Understood.

Hold on.

Report to me immediately

if it's a baby boy.

Understood.

Push, Madam.

Push!

Push, Madam.

Madam.

His Lordship doesn't allow acupuncture.

The situation of Madam Hao is getting worse,

and we're clueless about what to do now.

Push!

It's almost there.

Hao Jia.

Get yourself together.

Never give up.

Wait, Madams.

Your Madam Hao is in labor now.

Her life will be at stake if you stop us.

Get out of our way.

Crown Young Lord

[Jie Mansion] said no one is allowed inside.

Do you know who we are?

Nothing will change regardless of your identity.

Crown Young Lord has said

that no one is allowed inside today.

Move aside.

Madam.

Madam.

If I die,

can you please take care of the child...

No!

Mark my words.

If you dare die in my place

and bring me bad luck,

I'll torture your child

and won't go easy on her.

So, you must stay alive

to breathe down my neck.

Understood?

Madam.

It doesn't work.

The baby can't come out.

Don't panic.

Imperial Physician Xu can't come over.

Do you know the acupuncture points that can relieve her pain?

Perform the acupuncture now

so that she has the strength to give birth to the child.

I do know the acupuncture points.

But

His Lordship doesn't allow this.

Enough.

All you need to know

is that I'm the sole lady owner of this mansion.

Even Hao Jia's life is controlled by me.

Don't hesitate.

Do it now.

All right.

Madam.

Please forgive me.

It hurts.

It's almost there, Madam.

I can see the head.

Hao Jia.

Listen up.

Today, both of you

and your child

mustn't die.

Madam.

Push.

[Jie Mansion]

The sky is dark now.

Why haven't we got any news yet?

The baby was born.

It's a baby girl.

Great.

How's Hao Jia?

Madam is fine.

Both mother and daughter are safe.

That's a relief.

You may return first.

His Lordship isn't in a good mood today.

No one will be allowed in.

Second Young Madam is taking care of her.

She will be all right.

Can you please

pass this lucky charm to Hao Jia?

Good girl.

Good girl.

She kept crying

when she was born.

She has fallen asleep now.

How obedient of her.

Look.

She doesn't look like me at all.

She resembles her father.

It's fine.

We'll take her by our side.

As time goes by,

she'll get rid

of the influence of her father's vice

when she grows up.

Am I right?

From now onward,

I don't want to see that man again.

I almost lost my life

to give birth to his child,

yet he didn't even allow acupuncture.

He even disappeared

after knowing the baby is a girl.

I seem to be nothing to him.

Have you thought of

the name of the baby?

Her pet name is Changle,

and her name is Hao Yue.

Madam.

His Lordship won't be pleased

if he knows the baby's name is Yin Haoyue,

which carries

your surname.

No.

Her name isn't Yin Haoyue.

She's Hao Yue.

♪I desire warmth♪

♪So I caused an aftermath♪

♪I asked for a moment of pleasure♪

♪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♪