Original subtitles

=The Rise of Ning=

(Adapted from Wen Tan's novel "Chancellor Training Handbook" from Jinjiang Literature)

=Episode 13=

Fear not, your disguise is impeccable.

We lost Lu Jiaxue's men.

Good to know that.

Enough with the long faces.

It makes you look old.

Besides, we didn't return empty-handed.

The lead with the Mongolian milkvetch and peony tonic is lost.

We didn't make any progress.

Eliminating false leads

is one way to reach the goal.

Third Brother, judging by the motive,

is Mistress Qiao the main suspect?

Yes.

We shouldn't have let her go so soon.

The case was buried ages ago.

If she stays in the residence,

I doubt she will tell you anything.

But with her gone,

it's easier for us to investigate.

But she was the only lead.

What is on your mind?

Let's go to Mistress Qiao.

(Caifu Abode)

Rui Xiang.

Why do I smell

a pleasant scent in the air?

Mother.

Yining, you're here.

You could've told me.

I had been sick recently.

I couldn't help you with bookkeeping.

But I am well now.

It's time I help you with work.

You just recovered. Don't push yourself too hard.

However, the old supervisor is not as capable as you.

It's been quite exhausting these past few days.

I finally checked and sorted out

all the money in our family.

That brings some ease to my mind.

Now that the work is done,

why don't we go to the estate?

We should go there.

I plan to go there soon.

Could I tag along?

Certainly.

I plan to check the estate in the western district.

Perhaps

we should check the one in the eastern district.

No.

Why not?

Mistress Qiao is there.

I don't wish to see her.

All right.

You weren't candid

about seeing Mistress Qiao.

Is she up to no good again?

Nothing escapes your brilliant mind.

I want to ask her

about the past.

If you've been mistreated,

you must let me know.

Don't worry, I am all right.

Good to know that.

Fine. When I go,

I'll let you know.

Madam Lin and Luo Yining are going to the estates?

What do they want?

They've hurt my mother enough.

What more do they want?

Perhaps

they are doing an inspection.

Why would Luo Yining go with her?

Why are they going to the eastern estate

instead of the western estate?

Well...

Hurry up!

No dillydallying!

Put some strength into it!

Pick up the pace!

I'm talking to you!

Hurry up!

Get out of here if you can't work.

Go.

Sorry.

If you can't work, just leave.

Get working!

No slacking off!

Uncle.

Yilian.

Uncle.

I should've visited you sooner.

It doesn't matter.

This is who I am now.

Uncle, don't hold it against me.

Ever since my mother was punished with 50 strikes and sent to the estate,

life has been tough for Xuan and I

in the Luo family.

We barely get any decent meals.

It's almost impossible to leave the house.

It took

a lot of time and effort to save up the money.

Keep it.

We are a family.

Let's not talk about money.

By the way,

my henchman

confessed to the crimes.

How could the Luo family still treat you so badly?

This is outrageous.

The people at the estate

respect authority and look down on us.

They won't treat my mother nicely.

Not to mention, she suffered a heavy injury.

I wanted to visit her,

but Madam Lin wouldn't let me.

But now, she takes Luo Yining there.

Who knows

what they are planning now?

Outrageous!

Uncle, I am scared.

I'm scared they might harm my mother.

Luo Yining is cunning and cruel.

She managed to set you up.

I will make them pay

for their crime.

Go home.

Make sure Xuan studies.

There is still hope

if he scores well on the exam.

All right.

Leave the rest to me.

But...

Enough.

I must get back to work.

Young Lady,

we should head back.

We should pack up

and head for the estate.

Young Lady, we can't do that.

If anyone finds out...

We'll do so secretly.

My mind will never be at ease

unless I see her at the estate.

Third Brother, we should follow the original plan.

One page a day.

Three pages. Don't be lazy.

We'll each take a step back.

How about

two pages a day?

That settles it.

So,

Mother is headed for the estate soon.

I'll tag along and check on Mistress Qiao.

Mistress Qiao hates you to the bones.

She will never tell you the truth.

Do you have a plan already?

If she is guilty of anything,

she is bound to slip up.

I'll go with you.

No.

Stay home and study. Focus on your work here.

I promise I will do as you say.

I can keep myself safe.

That settles it.

Fine.

I get it.

From now on, three pages a day.

No negotiation.

That settles it.

Why you...

Third Brother.

The new outfit fits you like a glove.

Many thanks, Madam Lin.

The size fits me perfectly.

What are you doing here?

You should be studying.

I asked Madam Lin to let me tag along.

My mother was sent to the estate.

Her grave was there.

This is a chance for me

to visit the place.

You are a filial son.

You couldn't go there,

so make sure you pay your tribute to her.

Much appreciated, Madam Lin.

Young Lady?

Yixiu?

My medicine works.

You actually lost weight.

I don't need your medicine.

I eat radish and cabbage every day.

How can I not lose weight? I feel like fainting.

You should stop taking my prescription.

We should never rush anything.

Take care of yourself.

Don't get sick.

- I should get going. - Where are you going?

My sister is finally leaving.

I'm heading out and having some fun.

Liuhe Tavern has new dishes on the menu.

I have to try them out.

What are the new dishes?

Well...

You can't eat, so why bother asking?

Don't go!

You...

Were you pretending to be sick just now?

You are still as strong as ever.

I want to go too.

We'd be in trouble if your mother found out.

Lian Hong, escort her to her room.

Sixth Master Lin, she hasn't had

a proper meal in days.

Mother has been

supervising Shan's study.

She has no time for me.

I haven't eaten well in days.

A meal won't harm.

You two are too bold

for your own good.

Let's go!

No! Your mother would be furious!

(Liuhe Tavern)

(Han Zhao) Young Master, you skipped your breakfast.

Eat up.

Young Master, you said at the residence

that you wanted to try Liuhe Tavern's food.

What's wrong?

I lost my appetite.

At least take a bite or two.

If you lost more weight,

Her Highness would skin me alive.

Well, don't let my mother find out.

Tell her I'm well fed.

Young Master.

I wouldn't dare lie to Her Highness.

I don't have the appetite.

The tune sounds awful.

Play something more upbeat.

Yes.

Miss, play another song.

Yes.

May I take your order?

That's a lot of new dishes.

(Roasted lamb, roasted pork) I'll have a pigeon.

Then, some lamb chops.

And a lamb leg.

Hold on.

I can't afford that much meat.

We'll have some steamed mutton

and two sets of fresh vegetables.

Yes, sir. Follow me.

Come.

I guess pigs are flying today.

Can't we order something else?

I want more.

Like I said, never rush anything.

Waiter.

- Young Master. - Send that lady

a set of steamed mutton.

Yes.

You just served us this dish.

Sir, the gentleman over there ordered this

for the young lady.

Do you know this man?

Don't be silly. Why would I know a man out here?

Don't eat a stranger's food.

What's wrong? It comes from the same shop.

I can pay him back if you want.

Waiter.

Young Master.

Another set of steamed mutton.

Return this.

Another set for us. Quickly.

Young Master, the lady

returned the dish.

Waiter.

I want one set of every signature dish.

Send them to the young lady.

Never mind.

We have never met.

You may finish your own order.

The food is meant for the lady.

It's none of your concern.

- Are you looking for trouble? - Wait.

Thank you for the kind gesture.

But I can't finish all the food myself.

Besides, we should share good food,

not waste them.

Waiter, please cancel

- the gentleman's order. - Yes.

Young Master, forget it.

May I know your name?

Will you come here again?

I'd like to treat you to a meal.

- For real? - You won't find us here again.

Let's go.

You fool!

Always beware of strangers.

But doesn't strike me as a bad guy.

How ignorant. You're hopeless.

Had a fight with Shenyuan again?

I don't have time for him.

You are throwing a childish tantrum.

But he doesn't seem troubled.

By the way,

I rarely see him smile.

I should tell him to put on a smile

when he visits his mother's grave.

Hyah!

Hyah!

Third Brother!

Hang on tight!

Are you hurt?

Third Brother!

Are you hurt, Mother?

Third Brother!

Get out of the carriage.

Come.

Take it easy.

Mother!

Third Brother!

Are you all right?

Hang in there.

Are you hurt?

I was terrified.

It's all right.

Don't worry. I'm all right.

You're hurt.

It's nothing.

Why was there

a sudden landslide?

That was not a freak accident.

Did Lu Jiaxue do this?

Not Lu Jiaxue.

If he wanted us dead,

it'd be a lot more discreet.

When we left the residence,

I took a shortcut and shook them off.

Who could this be?

Mother, are you still hurting?

It's all right, I can still walk.

Madam Lin's injury is serious. She shouldn't walk.

We can ask the driver

to inform the estate

and pick us up.

The estate is too far away.

A round trip takes too much time.

It's not safe after dark.

I'll carry you.

Seeing you carrying my mother

- reminds me of a story. - What story?

A scholar's mother

has difficulty walking.

When he goes to school,

he carries his mother around.

Guess what?

His dedication moves the universe.

He scores on every exam.

Indeed.

It wasn't that hard to guess the ending.

Anyway, I believe the story.

A caring mother and a loving son

can move even heaven.

From now on, you are Third Brother's lucky star.

Shenyuan,

put me down.

It's all right. I can manage.

Madam Lin.

Madam Lin.

Did something happen on the way here?

You should've arrived much sooner.

We were so worried.

There was a landslide on our way here.

The horse was startled and fell off the cliff.

Unbelievable!

We need a healer.

Yes.

Stop standing there, get a healer.

- Yes. - Yes.

Follow me.

Walk slowly.

Hurry.

Get moving.

This way.

Stop staring! Get back to work!

Mistress!

Get back to work!

No food for you until you finish the work!

You worked us to the bones.

Each of us was doing the work of three.

You even cut our pay for no reason!

Have a taste of your own poison.

Get working!

Behave yourself.

Has she recovered from her injury?

Seventh Lady,

this is not the Luo's Residence.

We don't have good healers

or the necessary medicine.

I doubt her wounds have closed up.

Karma has its ways.

- Let's go. - Come with me.

Are you not mad at me anymore?

You could've told me.

Why must you make me

write for days on end?

Third Young Master,

we readied the horse you needed.

Very well.

Why do you need a horse?

I'm heading out. I'll be right back.

You can't ride a horse with an injured hand.

I'll manage.

Stay safe.

I know.

- Mistress Qiao. - Leave it there.

Mistress.

Your wounds are not healing.

This can't go on forever.

I'll talk to the supervisor.

You mustn't do that again.

Be grateful that the two of us

are still alive.

Besides, Luo Yining is now

in the estate.

Mistress Qiao,

what are they doing here?

No idea.

We should be careful.

Do you think the landslide

was Fifth Master...

Keep it down!

Lian isn't capable of this on her own.

Could it be my younger brother?

You mean

Young Master Qiao?

That fool!

He just caused us more trouble.

Who is it?

Madam Lin and the Seventh Lady are visiting.

The supervisor wants you to help out in the kitchen.

We'll be right there.

We should avoid them as much as we can.

Avoid eye contact.

Let's go.

Never mind. I can get up on my own.

Third Brother.

I got to the bottom of it.

What took you so long?

Where were you just now?

Mother asked about you.

But I managed to brush her off.

Qing Qu.

Heat the food and bring it here.

Yes.

The incident

wasn't just a landslide.

Someone drugged our horse.

That was the reason it ran amok after it was startled.

How did you find out?

Did you go down the cliff

to examine the horse?

Yes.

I hired a local coroner

to examine the horse's body.

Shao'an told me

that Luo Yilian

sneaked out of the house

after we departed.

I don't think she could

pull this off.

She has a caring uncle.

After Fifth Master Qiao was chased out of the residence,

his hatred for you and the Luo family

became unimaginable.

With some provocation,

he is bound to do something reckless.

But if it really was Fifth Master Qiao,

he would have run away

after knowing we were safe.

It's all right.

Shao'an is intercepting him.

How will you ask Mistress Qiao

about your late mother?

I was worried

Mistress Qiao wouldn't tell me the truth.

But now,

with Yilian involved,

I believe she will assist me.

Do you need my help?

You actually came.

What did you do to my mother?

You wanted to take my life.

I came here to ask Mistress Qiao a few questions.

It's well within reason.

What are you talking about?

- You are being ridiculous. - Stop denying it!

Why did you sneak out and come to the estate?

I missed my mother.

I came because I was worried about her wounds.

Very well.

My mother is in the estate too.

I should tell her

you wish to stay

and look after Mistress Qiao.

No...

This is my last warning.

We ran into a landslide.

Our horse was drugged.

- Are you the culprit? - I don't know anything.

Don't you dare accuse me.

If this has nothing to do

with you...

Then, I shall make Mistress Qiao pay for it.

I don't know anything!

It's...

It's my uncle.

It has to be him.

My mother and I have nothing to do with this.

- Confess! - Fine!

Fine.

I was afraid you might hurt my mother and me.

So, I talked to my uncle.

I had no idea

what he planned to do.

So,

you admit it.

You instigated Fifth Master Qiao

into attacking us.

Qing Qu, get up.

Where is my mother?

Mother, did they hurt you?

Silly girl.

I doubt you came here

only to catch Lian at fault.

Aren't you the sharp one?

Get down to business.

Tell me something.

How did my mother die?

Your mother?

She died from sickness.

My goodness!

I hated her and was jealous of her,

but I would never go as far as taking her life.

Your mother was strong-willed.

By the time I found out she had given up on Chengzhang,

she was no longer a threat to me.

Why would I bother to go after her?

If you don't come clean,

Fifth Master Qiao

and her

are going to face

dire consequences.

Your mother returned to Luo's Residence

and gave birth to you.

Old Madam did her best to help her reconcile

with your father.

Your father tried talking to her.

It only ended with a quarrel.

Your father felt embarrassed.

So, he gave up on her.

Did you think your father loved your mother that much?

Had she listened to Old Madam,

things would've gone smoothly.

It was called a reconciliation,

but they were

going after your mother's dowry.

They wanted your mother's wealth

for his future career.

Father was never kind to my mother.

Spare me your embellished stories.

Everyone in the family knew about this.

If you don't believe me,

feel free to ask the others.

But what does that

have to do with my mother?

I have no idea whether it was connected or not.

All I knew was that your mother

embarrassed your father greatly.

As she said,

everything belonged to you.

Unless she died,

your father wouldn't get even a coin.

And soon enough,

she died of sickness.

Don't give me that look. Everything I said was true.

I swear on my life.

I swear

on Lian and Xuan's lives.

Chengzhang will never forgive me.

I'll spend the rest of my life

in this estate.

If you want to know how your mother really died,

please forgive Lian.

I believe she will assist you in the future.

Qing Qu.

Mother!

I overheard everything outside.

Why did you make that oath?

I'm not afraid.

Everything I said was true.

If she wants the truth,

let them enjoy the show.

Was Madam Gu

actually...

Stay out of this.

Coming here

was a great mistake.

Focus on taking care of Xuan

and make sure he studies.

Lin Hairu has no children.

The First Master's son is basically useless.

Xuan is the future

of the Luo family.

If he scores well in the Imperial Exam,

a better life awaits us all.

- Don't worry about it, Mother. - I know.

I know you care about me.

But in a time like this,

you must be patient and endure.

Promise me

you will take good care of Xuan. Is that clear?

Don't worry.

Xuan is in my good hands.

It's all right.

Hyah!

Fifth Master Qiao.

We've been waiting for you.

Please have mercy on me!

I want you to be

perfectly honest with me.

If I detect even a word of lie, you are losing your head for good!

Yes.

Anything, Third Brother?

Did you catch Fifth Master Qiao?

We did.

But he only admitted to loosening the boulders.

No matter how hard we pried,

he denied drugging the horse.

Is it possible that he lied?

Shao'an could finish him off right away.

There was no need to. Both crimes had the same result.

Perhaps

there was another doer.

You fear it could be him.

Mistress Qiao

didn't look like a liar.

He was cold to her.

If he finds out we are investigating,

he might...

I think you shouldn't jump to the conclusion.

Until we have incriminating evidence,

it's just speculation.

He is selfish but also a coward.

It's unlike he would go after his wife

and daughter.

I didn't expect you

to come to his defense.

I'm not defending him.

I don't want you to be in pain.

He is still your father,

even if you're not on good terms with him.

Of course you are concerned

if he is the killer.

I must get to the bottom of this.

What exactly

happened to my mother?

Why did everyone close to her

go into hiding and disappear?

And Mrs. Zheng too.

She trained Qing Qu and sent her to me,

but she went missing.

What secrets are they hiding?

Don't push yourself too hard.

A lot has happened today.

You need time to process this.

Get some rest.

(Hu's Tomb)

Mother.

Madam Gu told me

you used to love osmanthus cakes.

I brought you some.

Thank you, Madam Lin.

Shenyuan.

You've been through a lot over the years.

I'll carry you to the carriage.

Never mind. I'm feeling better now.

Yes.

I'll ready the carriage.

Take care of her.

Mother, don't mind Third Brother.

He has a kind heart.

If you treat him well,

he will return the kindness in double.

You two are very much alike.

(Danhua Abode)

Mother.

Xiu.

Come.

The measurements will decide

if you can have dinner later.

If you may, Sixth Lady.

It's an inch smaller.

Really?

That's a great improvement.

Not bad.

Keep up the good work.

You may not be as graceful and elegant as Yiyu,

but you have years of practice.

If you can lose more weight,

given you are the main wife's daughter,

you will get a good husband.

But Mother,

am I doing this for the sake of getting married?

Of course.

A woman must have beauty and womanly virtues

to earn her in-laws' favor.

If you give birth to a son,

your place will be secured.

You'll have no worries for the rest of your life.

But...

But I am supposed to marry

someone I like.

It's annoying to live with

someone I don't like.

Besides, if he likes me,

he won't mind that I am chubby.

Who says marriage is about being with the man you like?

Where did you get that outrageous idea?

What matters most for a woman

is to marry a good husband.

If the in-laws are powerful,

it will benefit your father and brother.

(Marquis Anbei's Residence)

Marquis!

Marquis!

Marquis!

Chen Jiuheng's principal disciple, Chen Daoyan, is back.

He was spotted at Daci Temple.

I didn't want to alert him,

so our men surrounded the temple

from all directions.

He is on the top

of the Imperial Guards' wanted list.

He was lucky to have escaped.

How dare he come back?

The retrospective period of Chen Jiuheng's case will end soon.

Someone has lost their patience.

He is dooming himself by coming back here.

With him, we can weed out

those hiding in the dark.

Send the word.

- I want him alive. - Yes.

Shao'an.

- Shao'an! - Young Master, you're back.

Go to Qi An now.

I think Senior Daoyan is back.

No way. He would've informed you.

Lu Jiaxue is searching Daci Temple.

Senior Daoyan used to take shelter there.

Take a sniff.

Well?

This fragrance balm is amazing.

The scent lingers after I wash my hands.

- It's 20 qian each. - I want one!

Your rouge is different from the others in the market.

It gives a fair and clean complexion.

Gather around!

The small can is 20 qian each.

The big one is 100 qian.

Take the small one as a sample.

If you like it, get the big one.

Of course, you can always trust Master Lin Mao's products.

In Lin'an, as soon as they go on sale,

the city will come for them.

Come on. Try them out.

Gather around!

Have a sniff.

- It smells great. - I want this.

- Come. Try them out. - I want this too.

Come on.

Try them out.

I want two boxes of these.

It's sold-out? That was fast.

Better luck next time.

I want more of that.

This will do the job.

- It's sold-out! - Sold-out.

Yeah.

Come on.

- Move aside. - Come again next time!

Rui Xiang?

Get a can for yourself.

I was only away for a couple of days.

You've gotten even more brazen.

I told you to study and prepare for the exam.

Sister!

Shut it!

Ouch!

Take it easy, Sister!

You neglect your study

for this nonsense?

The tutor said your article was worse than hopeless.

You should get it together!

Did you learn nothing from the books?

Do you know why I was married into the Luo family?

I did it for your future.

You are the only son.

You carry the hopes of our entire family.

But you waste your life away doing nothing meaningful.

You are a disappointment!

I know you sacrificed a lot.

But was it for my sake?

What do you mean?

You are always imposing your ideals onto me.

I never wanted to take the Imperial Exam.

Why must everyone force me to do

the things I hate?

I dare you to say it again.

Get out.

Get out now!

(For my sister)

♪It's complicated but I'm not afraid♪

♪There's light in my heart♪

♪Following the river of time♪

♪I dive into the whirlpool♪

♪For the sake of you and mine♪

♪In search of an outcome♪

♪I'm willing to risk my life♪

♪To break the chain of nights♪

♪I'm willing to fall into the abyss♪

♪In order to reveal the fate♪

♪Forget about the outcome♪

♪Let me be your shoulder to lean on♪

♪Even if things go south, so be it♪

♪Love is a voyage with you by my side♪

♪The dust eventually settles♪

♪No matter how fragile and trivial I am♪

♪I will dance and shine bright♪

♪I overcome all kinds of doubt♪

♪And obstacles♪

♪For the sake of you and mine♪

♪Committing to my promise♪

♪I'm willing to risk my life♪

♪May my existence shine on more♪

♪Let go of everything♪

♪Let the longing fade♪

♪Forget about the outcome♪

♪As long as it fulfills the vastness of love♪

♪Even if things go south, so be it♪

♪Love is you being by my side♪