Original subtitles

=The Rise of Ning=

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

=Episode 14=

Are you ready?

Not yet, Young Master.

The Imperial Guards beat us to it.

They've surrounded

Daci Temple completely.

They even posted a wanted notice for Senior Daoyan.

We must find them before the Imperial Guards do.

Understood.

But, Young Master,

considering today's situation,

even if we find Senior Daoyan,

it's difficult to bring him back to Liuhe Tavern.

Chase them down.

Search thoroughly.

Let's go.

Split up and search.

(Chen Daoyan)

Looks like I'll have to fight to the death.

Come on, then!

I, Chen Daoyan, would rather die standing

than surrender.

Get him.

It's you again.

I'll hold them off.

Take Senior back to the manor.

Yes.

Go!

Mount up and pursue separately.

Yes.

Why are you drinking here?

I heard you had an argument with my second aunt.

You really don't want to take the exam, huh?

A bird should become a phoenix,

and a fish must transform into a Kun.

But I'm neither a bird nor a fish.

How could I become a phoenix or a Kun?

But

even a goose

would probably want to be a swan.

Why envy a swan?

My mother always wants me

to be gentle and graceful like my elder sister.

But I just can't do it.

If you don't want to take the exam,

why not talk to my second aunt?

Hairu has her difficulties.

She married into the Luo family as a second wife,

just because my father thought

the Luo family's scholarly reputation

could pave a path for me

and my family.

When I was sent to Hairu,

she took on that responsibility.

If I gave up now,

she would surely be blamed.

Why does it always have to be like this?

I used to think

my mother wanted me to lose weight for my own good.

Later, I realized

she just wanted me to improve

so I could marry into a better family.

That way, I could support my brothers.

I always feel like a gift,

carefully wrapped and given away

in exchange for something else.

You…

You're quite a hefty gift.

What do you mean?

This world really is unfair to women.

But have you ever thought,

if you don't marry into a good family,

what will you do?

Will you just stay here eating and drinking?

I hadn't really thought about it.

What about you? What will you do?

Drawing a blade only makes the water flow faster,

drinking to forget only makes the sorrow deeper.

Of course, I'll take the imperial exam.

Even though I'll surely fail,

at least

no one will blame my sister.

If anyone were to be blamed,

it would be me for being useless.

Alright then,

I've decided as well.

Until I figure out what I want to do,

I won't lose weight.

That way, I can stop my mother from sending me away.

Worst case, I'll just get scolded every day.

Well said.

One day, we'll show them all

that we are no ordinary people,

but we are bold people.

Why not have a drink before the exam?

Maybe it'll help you pass.

After ten years of study and abuse,

if you can't write an essay, you can at least memorize one.

Come on.

Drink up, drink up.

(Luo's Residence)

Your Lordship.

We've searched the entire area.

This is the only place left.

The Luo Residence.

Those men in black from Yuanjing Pavilion appeared again.

And they had Chen Daoyan with them.

They vanished near the Luo Residence.

It seems too much of a coincidence.

Back then, Old Master Luo risked his life

to leave behind Sun Chengwu's testimony.

The Luo Residence

might also be hiding

survivors from the Chen Jiuheng case.

Let's take this opportunity

to investigate Luo Shenyuan.

During the incident at Yuanjing Pavilion,

one of them was wounded by my men.

If we see a wound,

then we know

his true identity.

Proceed.

Open the door.

Open the door!

Marquis Lu, to what do we owe this pleasure

this late at night?

We were ordered

to capture a major criminal.

We saw him entering over the wall.

Please ask all your family members

to stay inside their quarters

lest they be accidentally harmed.

A major criminal?

Apologies, Registrar Luo.

Search thoroughly.

Yes, sir!

Young Lady, please rest early.

Don't overwork yourself.

Otherwise, Ms. Zheng will blame me for not taking care of you.

Qing Qu,

help me send a letter

to Ms. Zheng.

Tell her

I have a persistent high fever.

Anyway,

just make sure she comes here.

Young Lady, isn't this...

deceiving her?

If I don't find out the cause of my mother's death,

I will never be at peace.

Okay,

but this is the last time.

Search.

Leave no stone unturned.

What's wrong?

Young Lady.

What happened?

The Imperial Guards suddenly arrived in numbers.

They say a fugitive is hiding in our residence.

They're searching the entire place.

They ordered us all to stay inside.

The Imperial Guards?

I heard

Marquis Lu is leading the search.

Lu Jiaxue.

Spare the formalities.

I'll help myself.

Marquis, may I be so bold as to ask,

what sort of criminal

requires your personal involvement?

An important fugitive, of course.

Otherwise,

I wouldn't be disturbing your family at this hour.

Please forgive me, Registrar Luo.

No need to apologize, Marquis.

As Registrar of Imperial Court of Judicial,

I understand the necessity.

Seventh Lady,

we're carrying out official duties.

I hope for your understanding.

Search!

- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.

In three months, at this hour,

let's meet at Meizhou Hill.

My grandpa is Song Yingshan, Governor

of the National Army.

Do you think he'd abandon me

for someone like you?

She's dead and that's it.

- Any findings? - None.

Nothing.

Seventh Lady,

we shall take our leave.

Xue Zhi,

what about Jimo House?

They say they've searched everywhere,

and they're heading to Jimo House next.

It seems

they're targeting

Third Brother.

Young Lady.

Xue Zhi.

If you encounter something truly terrifying

but can't avoid it,

what would you do?

Something terrifying?

I used to be very afraid of chickens as a child,

really afraid.

One time, my mother got so angry

she threw me into the chicken coop.

I struggled in there for half a day,

and eventually, I found it a bit funny.

After that, I was never afraid again.

You're right.

I can't let my fear

throw me off balance.

The past is already behind me.

I have to face

what's coming.

Young Lady.

Your Lordship, aside from Jimo House,

we've searched the entire residence.

I've ordered our men to surround Jimo House.

Marquis Lu.

Marquis Lu, we couldn't find anything.

Do you know

the penalty for harboring a major criminal?

It's the same as being guilty of the crime.

Hand him over,

and I'll spare you.

Who do you want me to hand over?

Didn't you already search?

The Imperial Guards

saw him climb into the Luo Residence.

We've searched all the other courtyards.

If he's not here,

where else could he be?

Who climbed in?

Tell me honestly.

I have no idea.

There's no one else here, Marquis Lu.

If you're bent on blaming me, what's stopping you?

If he really were here,

a capable man like you

would have already found him easily.

How bold.

You dare to defy me.

Guards, take him away.

Yes, sir.

- You... - Come on.

Obstructing the Imperial Guards' investigation,

30 lashes.

- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.

Stop!

Stop!

Greetings, Marquis Lu.

Seventh Lady,

we meet again.

Marquis Lu, capturing fugitives

is your duty.

Cooperating with the investigation

is our obligation.

However, you're beating a man

without any evidence.

Don't Imperial Guards need

to follow the law?

Do you know that

obstructing the Imperial Guards' investigation

is punishable by death

regardless of who you are?

Judging by your eloquence,

I take it you've recovered.

Your voice

reminds me of someone I knew.

You're the silly one.

I've tied

an extra knot here

on purpose.

♪I'm willing to fall into the abyss in order to reveal the fate♪

Some people just look alike

and sound alike.

♪Let me be your shoulder to lean on♪

♪Even if things go south, so be it♪

Is that so?

♪Love is a voyage with you by my side♪

♪The dust eventually♪

Some people just look alike

and sound alike.

I've never met you before.

How could we have known each other?

You accused my third brother of harboring fugitives

without any evidence.

Now you claim my voice

resembles someone you know.

What is this?

Do you always conduct your investigations

based purely on intuition?

How dare you!

I don't need you

to question the way I investigate.

Carry on.

Don't hit my third brother. He's done nothing wrong!

Get out of the way.

Stop hitting him.

Stop.

♪In order to reveal the fate♪

Bring her back here.

♪As long as it fulfills the vastness of love♪

Risking your life to save your brother,

how moving.

Let go of my third brother immediately.

- He's done nothing wrong! - If you interfere again,

it won't just be 30 lashes.

Carry on.

♪Binding us together for eternity♪

Stop!

Grandma.

Old Madam Luo.

Marquis Lu, barging in at this hour.

Are you trying to seize my residence?

Old Madam Luo,

I'm just carrying out

my duty.

I understand.

Now that

you've searched the entire residence

including Jimo House,

have you found the fugitive?

Not yet.

Not yet?

Marquis, you and your men

searched my entire residence,

yet found nothing.

You even gave my family member a beating.

Very well.

Tomorrow,

I will enter the palace in my court dress

and demand an explanation.

Old Madam Luo,

are you

threatening me?

Our family has served the court for three generations.

We've always fulfilled our duty

unwaveringly.

Though we have not achieved anything impressive,

we have earned our place through hard work.

Marquis, you have tarnished our family's reputation

with your unwarranted search.

You even accused us

of harboring criminals.

A trumped-up charge if I ever heard of one.

We don't deserve this.

Since our family has defied you...

Very well.

If you must punish someone, let it be me.

- Mother! - Grandma!

Old Madam!

Grandma!

There's no need to act like this, Old Madam Luo.

I'm only doing this

for the safety

of your family.

Since the criminal is not here,

I will now continue the search

elsewhere.

Goodbye.

Let's go.

- Yining, quickly. - Young Lady.

- Yining! - Seventh Lady.

Help her up, quickly.

Young Master, are you alright?

Take Yining back to her room, hurry.

Yes.

Careful.

(Chengjing Hall)

Investigate every

detail of Seventh Lady's past.

Leave nothing unchecked.

Qing Qu,

how is Third Brother?

Don't worry, Young Lady. His wounds have been treated.

He's being questioned by Old Madam

and Second Master.

I must go see him.

You can't, Young Lady.

Old Madam instructed

you to rest in your room.

You mustn't go out.

She's right.

Take care of yourself first.

You gave us quite the scare

when you rushed out today.

Alright.

Qing Qu,

go check on him.

If anything happens to him,

come tell me immediately.

Yes.

What is really going on?

I don't know either.

You don't know?

Why would Marquis Lu be after you?

I rarely leave the mansion.

How could I have provoked someone like him?

Perhaps

he was setting an example.

Setting an example for whom?

Our family

has never offended him.

I think you must have

somehow offended Marquis Lu.

You've nearly brought disaster upon us.

Kneel!

Marquis Lu is fierce by nature

and unpredictable in his moods.

From now on, everyone in this residence

must keep him at a respectful distance

and not provoke him.

Otherwise, I will show no mercy.

Old Madam, Qing Qu is waiting outside.

Let her in.

Yes.

Qing Qu.

Old Madam.

How is Yining's injury?

Old Madam,

Seventh Lady is fine.

She has been treated and is resting now.

Please don't worry.

Your lady

sent you here to check if there's any trouble,

didn't she?

I'm tired.

Mother,

take it easy.

Shao'an.

- Young Master. - Go keep watch at the gate.

Is your wound alright?

I can't worry about that now.

Hurry.

Yes.

(In memory of our honored master Chen Jiuheng)

Senior.

Yuan.

Sorry, my recklessness today

almost got you into trouble.

How is Xia Yong and the others?

They're fine.

Senior,

why did you risk your life to come back?

Didn't I tell you in the letter...

I'm tired of hiding.

But it's too dangerous here.

You're at the top of the wanted list.

So what?

It's better than living in darkness.

As long as you're alive, there's hope.

That's what Master used to say.

Now, the Luo Residence is under Lu Jiaxue's watch.

Senior,

in the coming days,

I'll arrange for you to leave as soon as possible.

Young Master,

the Imperial Guards

have surrounded the Luo Residence.

As expected.

Luckily, they didn't find the hidden room.

Or we would not have survived tonight.

The priority now

is to get Senior Daoyan out.

Not just out of the Luo Residence,

but as far away as possible.

I know his temperament too well.

He'd rather break than bend.

I fear he'll act impulsively

and do something foolish.

Understood.

Young Master,

are you heading to Haitang Abode?

Seventh Lady is injured.

She must be resting by now.

True.

I'll go see her tomorrow, then.

This situation

now involves not only the Luo family

but has also caused Yining to suffer.

It can't be helped.

Shao'an,

don't you think that Lu Jiaxue's behavior

towards Yining

is rather strange?

I think

it's you who has feelings for Seventh Lady.

You even risked exposing yourself

to protect her.

Enough.

I'll go get some food and supplies for Senior Daoyan.

Good. Go on.

I was scared to death.

Get out of the way.

Stop hitting him!

You're injured.

Why aren't you resting?

You still won't be honest with me?

What exactly are you up to?

What is going on

between you and Lu Jiaxue?

What's your history with him?

Yining,

I once told you

that my youth was spent in darkness.

But then a star appeared

and lit my path.

That person was my master,

the former Minister of Revenue, Chen Jiuheng.

He taught me to read and write,

helped me find a martial arts master,

and taught me the ways of humanity.

The man Lu Jiaxue is searching for

is called Chen Daoyan.

He is my senior

and my master's adopted son.

We grew up together.

To me,

he is like an elder brother.

So, what you mentioned before

was indeed about your master.

Unfortunately,

he was too good for this world.

My master was slandered

and ultimately

betrayed and killed by scoundrels.

And this incident

is connected to Lu Jiaxue?

Yes.

As the Minister of Revenue,

my master discovered corruption in the court,

only to be framed instead.

My fellow disciples

either died or fled.

All of them were implicated.

We were like ghosts, shunned by society.

Only I...

Due to our family's status,

my master taught me in secret,

thus sparing me from the disaster.

Lu Jiaxue

is only the tip of the iceberg.

No matter how perilous the road ahead,

I will not rest

until my master's name is cleared.

But I did not expect

to implicate you

and the Luo family.

Third Brother,

thank you for telling me.

Now I understand

how difficult your life has been.

I won't doubt you again.

You did the right thing.

You owe him a great debt,

so you should repay it

and clear his name.

That is what a true man should do.

But what you're doing

is dangerous.

No matter what,

please be cautious.

Only then

can I rest assured.

In the future,

don't behave recklessly as you did tonight.

As for Lu Jiaxue,

be careful with him.

I am Seventh Lady of the Luo family.

As long as he doesn't provoke me,

why should I be bothered about him?

Besides, with you protecting me,

I'm not afraid of him.

Alright.

I promise I will keep you safe.

You

should focus on

joining the family register

and the imperial exams.

Once you have joined the register,

passed the exams

and achieved your goals,

- Grandma... - As for Old Madam,

I'll find a way.

You've come voluntarily,

I see.

I know

you must have many questions.

Regarding last night,

you might fool others, but not me.

So tell me,

why did Marquis Lu target you?

Was the burnt corpse and the brocade box

your doing?

Yes.

Why did you do it?

Only by letting Ye Yan see with his own eyes

that Li Yinglong died in the fire

trying to seize the testimony,

would he stop focusing on the Luo Residence.

How did you capture Li Yinglong?

Old Madam, do you know him?

I've been monitoring the coastal area for years,

guiding the authorities

to raid his warehouses.

I turned him into a wanted man,

then helped him escape,

leading him to the capital

to seek protection from his backer.

What is your connection to Chen Jiuheng?

Do you remember

when the family hired tutors

to establish a private academy

for Xuanyuan and Shanyuan?

Yes, I remember.

You wanted to join the Luo Residence's academy

to study and learn,

but were beaten by Second Master

and ran away.

Yes.

It was then

that I met my master.

He was a second father to me.

I never thought

you'd have such a chance encounter.

So,

you've been staying here

just for that testimony?

And for two debts of gratitude.

Madam Gu saved my mother

when she was pregnant with me.

I owe her my life.

Old Master preserved the testimony

in hopes that one day,

my master would be vindicated.

I'm willing to repay

these two debts of gratitude with my life.

Alright, you may leave now.

Why are you still standing there?

Revealing the truth of the case

was the Old Master's

last wish, wasn't it?

You want the testimony?

Before you can even submit the testimony,

you'd have been killed

and brought devastation

to the Luo family.

I promise

not to implicate the Luo family.

How are you going to guarantee that?

I'll show you that I'm capable of overturning the case.

I'll give it my all

in the imperial exam.

If I succeed,

please trust me

and give me the testimony.

You speak with confidence.

Then let me ask you,

under what status will you take the exam?

The Second Master still

hasn't acknowledged your identity.

Then under what status do you wish

I take the exam?

Young Master, you're back.

What did she say?

I laid it all out.

You told her everything?

She didn't throw you out?

She's kept that testimony for years.

It shows she knows right from wrong.

Did she give you the testimony?

No.

She's waiting for someone

capable of fulfilling

the Old Master's last wish.

I've promised her

to give my all in the exams.

With your talents,

acing the exam is a sure thing.

Don't try to flatter me.

But,

if you take the exam as a member

of the Luo family,

Second Master might...

I've already thought of a way.

By the way,

here's a record of Mr. Sun's whereabouts,

as you requested.

(Morning: Imperial City) Mr. Sun Jie

(Afternoon: Academy; Evening: Teahouse) is a revered scholar

and a well-respected imperial tutor.

Why are you looking into him?

Whether I can succeed in the exam

and safely escort Senior Daoyan out of the residence

all depends on this gentleman.

Qing Qu, the letter to Ms. Zheng

should have arrived by now, huh?

Don't worry, Young Lady.

We'll hear back in the next couple of days.

Mother,

your foot is injured.

Don't run around like this.

My foot's fine.

You played the hero

and took the punishment for your third brother.

I had to come check on you.

Rui Xiang,

bring all the items in.

Yes.

You brought me so many things.

Mother, are you moving

the entire house here?

You've been constantly getting sick

and getting hurt. Your body

needs some serious nourishment.

By the way, how is Shenyuan?

That incident the other night gave me such a fright.

He suffered

an unexpected disaster.

I'll have to go

check on him myself.

Mother, you're getting more and more concerned about Third Brother.

Well, he saved us that night at the estate.

If not for him, we could've lost our lives.

Our hearts are made of flesh after all.

Besides,

he's had a tough life.

If Third Brother knew how you felt,

he'd be so moved.

Mother,

I want to discuss something with you.

Go ahead.

I'd like Third Brother to be included in the family register.

Then he could take the imperial exams

as a member of the Luo family.

I'm afraid

your father wouldn't agree to that.

But what if Third Brother

could bring fame to the Luo family?

You mean...

Fame, prestige

and the family's future,

aren't those the things that matter to Father the most?

If we had a renowned scholar

or tutor's endorsement,

perhaps your father would be persuaded.

Madam Chen has been

looking for a tutor for Shan lately.

A tutor?

A renowned scholar?

This might work.

Doesn't the Luo family hold a Literary Feast every year?

Those were the good old days,

back when the Luos were still a prominent family.

Back then, famous scholars

from all over the capital would attend the Literary Feast.

Now,

I'm afraid not.

But I remember Mr. Sun

was a close friend of Grandpa's.

If Grandma stepped in

and invited him over,

perhaps

other scholars

would follow suit.

In that case,

if we could pull off the Literary Feast,

it could only benefit

our family.

I'll think about it.

Mother,

I heard our family

used to hold an annual feast

where young talents from the capital would gather,

and many renowned scholars would critique literary works.

Our family must have been quite proud.

But, as with all flowers, they eventually wither.

There's no such thing as eternal prosperity in this world.

And now, your father is no longer here.

Chengwen has been posted away,

and Chengzhang,

despite his efforts, has not yet been promoted.

The Luo family's glory days

are far behind us.

Even so, Mother,

our century-old scholarly heritage

is still alive,

and Old Master's old friends are still with us.

We should stir things up and revive our prestige.

If one of our young men

were to win the top prize at the Literary Feast,

it might just restore

our family's glory.

But what if

we don't win the top prize?

Then we still lose nothing.

Look,

our young men

are of age to take the imperial exams,

and our young ladies of age to meet suitors.

Getting acquainted with talented young men from the capital

is certainly a good thing.

It may seem like a good plan,

but given the current state of the Luo family,

do you think

any renowned scholar would agree to come?

Mr. Sun.

Who are you referring to?

Mr. Sun.

Mr. Sun.

Hairu, you've thought this through very carefully.

You

had this all planned out, didn't you?

I…

I just…

I just heard that

Mr. Sun and Old Master were very close.

He was once an imperial tutor,

so he has the connections and the reputation.

If you could step in and invite him,

the rest can be handled by me.

And we can also use this chance

to find a good match

for Yining.

Let me think about it.

Sure.

Then

I'll take my leave now, Mother.

♪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♪