Original subtitles

=The Rise of Ning=

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

=Episode 15=

Madam Lin is paying more attention

to household matters.

One moment she's at Yining's,

the next she's back here.

You call that being attentive?

Someone must have made her do it.

Did you hear her talking just now?

It was one idea after another.

As if she had the capability.

Now Seventh Lady's attention is fixated

on that person from Jimo House.

She even came to plead with you

about adding him to the family registry.

Yining is a good child.

As long as her heart is set,

she'll do her utmost to help him.

As for the Literary Feast,

she and that boy from Jimo House

seem to have the same idea.

If you're willing to help me

put on the Literary Feast again,

I vow not to let you down

and revitalize Luo's Residence glory.

Then there will be no need to worry

about my father.

That boy from Jimo House...

The way he's so sure of himself,

it's just like how Old Master was.

I'm just not quite sure if he can walk the talk.

Here's the plan.

Make arrangements.

I will make a visit to Sun's Residence tomorrow.

Will do.

Your Lordship.

Anything out of the norm at Luo's Residence?

There weren't any suspicious persons entering or leaving.

What about Luo Shenyuan?

Recently,

he's been frequenting the bookstore.

We've been following him the whole time. Nothing out of the ordinary.

The bookstore?

What did he do there?

We checked.

He went there to buy books and stuff.

Seems like he's looking for last-minute help

for the impending examination.

The way of the literary mind is centered around nature,

expressed with emotions,

and put down in words with pen and paper.

How wonderful...

Sir.

Are you alright?

Careful, sir.

I'm so sorry, sir.

- Are you hurt? - I'm alright.

I hope the books didn't fall on you.

There's an old saying that books are akin to medicine.

Reading can cure stupidity.

So it's fine getting knocked by books.

(Selected Works on Bitter Effort)

You seem awfully young

to be reading Selected Works on Bitter Effort.

Reading is for all ages.

It's down to one's preference.

But that book has been in obscurity since the Western Han Dynasty.

Not many people know about it nowadays.

A hidden treasure is

awaiting the right person to discover it.

The stories in this book

are vigorous and fresh, inspired by nature.

Compared to the exuberant works of today,

I think they're of higher quality.

Since you're fine,

I shall take my leave first.

I guess young people nowadays

aren't all worldly-minded.

I'm sure this medicine would work. Yixiu, let's hurry and...

Yixiu?

Excuse me.

Yixiu, I thought we were taking a breather.

Why eat again?

I'm not on a diet. Why can't I eat what I want?

Do you want to be reprimanded by your mother again?

Boss, we don't want it.

Young master.

Once taken, it's sold.

Once taken, it's sold.

I already paid for it.

You can keep the money, okay?

Fine, then.

Let's go. We should go home.

I'm not telling you to stop eating.

But you've already had roasted lamb,

pancakes, and persimmons.

Any more and you'll get indigestion.

Then I'll have to get medicine for your stomachache.

Bring me out again next time, then.

Sure thing.

Miss! Miss!

Me?

Yes, you. Come over here.

What is it?

Here.

A treat for you.

It's free. Take it.

- But... - Miss, come here.

Take this.

Try this. It's delicious.

- Have a bite. - Who asked you guys to come?

No one.

You...

Why are you eating food of unknown origin? Let's go.

What are you doing sneaking around in my room?

Of all the instances you could've come back,

you had to show up now and catch me.

What...

What are you mumbling about?

Nothing.

You sprained your foot

in the field not long ago, right?

I got some medicine for you.

It's effective.

Where is it?

I put it in the room.

Now, listen.

If you could put half the effort into...

Okay, I know I was wrong.

I shouldn't have talked back.

Don't be mad. It's affecting your health.

You think I enjoy

nagging and arguing with you all the time?

Blame my stupid mouth.

It's my fault.

Don't worry.

I will prepare well for the imperial exam.

Do you mean it?

Yes, I will do my best.

See?

How good it is that you've come to your senses.

Our parents have high hopes for you.

Hairu.

I just got back.

I'm so hungry.

The kitchen saved your favorite fish soup.

Go and drink it.

Once you're done, go and study.

(Luo's Residence)

Organizing the Literary Feast again

is a big occasion for the Luo Family.

Thankfully,

Mr. Sun is keen to get to know the young talents.

He was graceful enough

to agree to come.

Mother.

It's been many years since Luo's Residence

organized such a grand event.

Back then,

when Father was still alive,

Luo's Residence

had been so highly respected.

To be able to put on the feast this time

is thanks to Mother's prominence.

She was able to persuade the imperial tutor.

Yes, it's thanks to Mother's efforts.

Chengzhang,

get a move on inviting

the rest of the famous scholars.

You have to handle the matter.

Rest assured, Mother.

Mother,

there's something

I'd like to ask you.

Could we take out Father's treasured books

and let the guests view them?

It's an opportunity to showcase

Luo's Residence's century-old heritage.

That's a good idea.

Assign a crew

to decorate Lake Jingxin.

That place is very serene.

When your father was alive,

he liked to read there.

Display all his collections there

for everyone to view.

Yes, Mother.

Well then, I'll leave the itinerary and banquet

to you two.

- Rest assured, Mother. - Rest assured, Mother.

Don't worry about it.

As long as Mr. Sun has agreed to attend,

the famous scholars in the city

will be scrambling to come.

This Literary Feast

will be as lively as can be.

Shanyuan, Xuanyuan.

Make sure you win the top spot

in the event this time.

You wouldn't want my efforts to go to waste.

- Will do, Grandma. - Will do, Grandma.

This is a chance for the ladies to show off their skills, too.

Yu and Xiu are quite good

on the guzheng and pipa.

As for Lian, needless to say

she's proficient in all four arts.

Meanwhile, Yining is skilled at painting and paper cutting.

Who knows we'd be able to bring together

talent with beauty this time?

(Danhua Abode)

Madam Chen.

Second Master's family only has Xuanyuan left.

Madam Lin

has always disliked Bilian Pavilion.

How did she convince Old Madam

to hold the Literary Feast?

And Old Madam actually went ahead with it.

I had plans to hire a famous tutor for Shan.

The Literary Feast is a good opportunity.

But even if the top spot

doesn't go to Shan,

it must not go to the one from Bilian Pavilion.

There are plenty of talented young men in the capital.

It's not that easy

to win the top spot.

In my opinion,

the young man from Bilian Pavilion

is limited in his stature.

It'll be hard to enter the hall of elites.

If only our eldest was here,

the concubine's boy wouldn't even stand a chance.

We should focus on our own matters.

Yes, Madam.

(Jimo Hall)

Third Brother,

are you confident for tomorrow's Literary Feast?

I heard principal home's Luo Shanyuan

had hired several famous scholars

to help him write the poem

for tomorrow's event

so he could stand out.

Luo Xuanyuan

is also burning midnight oil.

I have a plan for tomorrow.

But,

there's another more important matter.

Do you mean getting your senior out of the mansion?

The mansion will be filled with people tomorrow.

It's the best chance to get him out of here.

Also,

I need to borrow someone from you.

Who?

You're finally back, Your Lordship.

His Majesty summoned me last minute this morning.

I expected it to last till afternoon.

What's the matter?

Is something up with Luo's Residence?

We've kept a close eye on Luo's Residence for the past few days.

There's no way Chen Daoyan could've escaped.

However,

Luo's Residence is holding the Literary Feast today.

It will be crowded.

I'm guessing

that they will use this chance

to get Chen Daoyan out.

I've heard about the Literary Feast.

I've already instructed Cheng Lang

to join in the fun at Luo's Residence

and keep a close watch on Luo Shenyuan.

How wise of you, sir.

I've also stationed men

around the mansion.

I heard that Luo's Residence

managed to invite Sun Jie to the event.

Yes.

That's the reason why

many of the famous scholars in the city

will be congregating at Luo's Residence.

He created such a big fuss

for the sake of Chen Daoyan.

It certainly changed my mind about him.

(Luo Shenyuan)

So be it.

Sun Jie is an esteemed imperial tutor.

This is a rare opportunity.

I shall go and check it out myself.

(Luo Shenyuan)

(Luo's Residence)

Please head inside.

Registrar Luo.

Welcome.

A feast without food.

Better for me to cook something myself.

Miss Lamb.

Get over here.

Come here.

I don't want anyone to see me.

Miss Lamb.

Miss Gao?

I'm Sixth Lady of Luo's Residence.

- You... - Sixth Lady...

Are you the guy at Liuhe Tavern the other day?

Guess we have some affinity.

That's...

It's tile-grilled meat.

From grilling to seasoning,

it's all me.

It's really good.

Would you like to try?

- Okay. - Here you go.

The meat is sliced thinly

and grilled on a tile before dipping in the sauce.

The taste is nothing short of spectacular.

- It's good, right? - Yes.

Well, do you want some fruit and sweets?

I got them there.

Listen to the sizzle.

You twerp!

How dare you come to Luo's Residence?

How did you get in?

- I... - I don't care who you are.

How could you come to this place without permission

and speak to a lady alone?

You're right, I was out of line.

The Literary Feast is starting. Let's go.

But the meat... No, I mustn't waste it.

Here you go.

Eat it.

- Is it not fully cooked? - Hey, Lian Hong.

Clear it quickly. Make sure my mother doesn't find out.

Let's go.

Go!

Be careful.

Young Master.

Here you are, Young Master.

The Literary Feast is starting, is it?

Yes.

Let's go.

Step inside.

Take a seat.

You're going to perform later.

Where were you, huffing and puffing?

I'm sorry, Mother.

I was feeling unwell.

Yixiu woke up feeling not well

but she still showed up.

Are you alright?

I'm fine, Mother, don't worry.

What is it?

Here.

Shenyuan.

Long time no see.

Mr. Cheng.

I didn't expect to see you at the Literary Feast.

I'm not interested in writing and sharing poetry.

But,

the weather is great,

perfect for a stroll and flower viewing.

Why don't we enjoy it together?

The banquet hall is this way. Please.

Third Young Master Cheng is watching Luo Shenyuan.

He sent word.

Luo Shenyuan's personal aide

is acting suspiciously.

I got someone to trail him.

Since the fish has swum to the surface,

it's time to retrieve the net.

Yes, sir.

Good day, Marquis Lu.

There's a literary event here today.

Is there a reason

for Your Lordship's visit?

Although I am a martial arts practitioner,

I do admire the artistry of the pen.

Well...

What is it?

Is Marquis Lu not welcomed?

Oh, we wouldn't dare.

Allow me to go and inform

Second Master and Old Madam to...

It's fine.

What...

Madam Chen.

The young ladies are ready.

Let's go.

Okay.

Today, the city's young talents are gathered here.

It's an opportunity for you all to show what you can do.

Don't be nervous.

You've been practicing pipa since young.

Your skill is one,

if not the best in the capital.

Be confident and go.

Go on.

Your Lordship.

Minglan.

Do you remember

Liu Family's eldest son

whom I mentioned before?

Today, Mrs. Liu

is here with her eldest son.

I went and took a look for you just now.

Be it his character or looks, he is above average.

He's about to sit for the imperial exam, too.

Why don't you take this opportunity

to get to know Mrs. Liu?

If he's sitting for the imperial exam,

I worry that discussing marriage now

would affect Young Master Liu's results.

Yiyu is still very young.

There's no rush.

Why not hold it off for now?

Chen Daoyan.

Marquis Lu had predicted

you'd use this time to leave Luo's Residence.

Surrender before it's too late.

Who are you?

I...

It's a misunderstanding, Commander Ye.

He is a physician from the medical department.

A maid is feeling unwell.

Madam Lin is benevolent

and asked him to come to take a look.

A physician?

Then why was he sneaking around?

And why is he wearing a pupil's uniform?

He is here to check on the madam's personal condition.

There are many nobles here today

and we didn't want to affect our reputation.

We have to be more cautious.

Are you still going to lie?

Where on earth is Chen Daoyan?

Speak up!

Commander Ye, what are you asking?

I don't get it at all.

Guests are gathered for the Literary Feast.

If anything goes awry, my head is going to roll,

Commander Ye.

Mr. Cheng, please.

When the strings pause, and the notes fade beneath the fingers,

a deeper emotion lingers, layer upon layer.

When I came to visit before,

I hadn't known Yiyu was such a talented qin player.

Mr. Cheng.

When we learned of your visit today,

the two of us went to wait for you at the door.

But we didn't see you.

Apologies, young sirs.

I bumped into Shenyuan on the way

and decided to come together.

How is he qualified to take part?

Let's enjoy the tune first.

The pipa playing is quite good.

It interplays with the guzheng beautifully.

Yixiu, are you feeling unwell?

My stomach hurts.

Go and see what's wrong.

Seventh Sister, you play.

I don't know how.

I only know one song.

It's fine. Just play what you know.

I'll follow the pipa's lead.

How come it's this tune?

Other young ladies learn tunes

like Spring Snowfall, Blooming Flowers and a Full Moon.

But you?

You insisted on learning this song.

A hero at the end of his road. The Conqueror Disarms.

I like it.

Am I that terrible?

When other people play,

it's like beads of different sizes dropping on jade.

While your playing is like cotton fluffing.

The hero must be meeting his end.

It makes me sad to listen to it.

How dare you!

Never mind.

This song is hard to master.

Once I'm done with the assignment,

I'll teach you again.

I'm not waiting around. I want to learn it now.

You're here, Mr. Wang. Please head inside.

Second Master.

Marquis Lu is here.

Marquis Lu.

Your Lordship, I'm honored by your attendance.

Your Lordship,

I wasn't aware you were coming

and was occupied.

If you had informed me earlier,

I would've greeted you at the door.

Yiyu!

Bravo!

This rendition of The Conqueror Disarms

is indeed quite good.

Marquis Lu!

Your Lordship, why don't I

show you to your seat?

Marquis Lu.

Don't be rude.

This area is where the female members perform.

Please take a seat at the banquet area.

That's right, Your Lordship.

Men and women should keep a distance after all.

Step aside.

Seventh Lady, how come you know this song?

The Conqueror Disarms is a pipa classic.

It's a favorite among many musicians.

So it's not that surprising

Seventh Lady knows it.

Marquis Lu, your attendance today

is a great honor to Luo's Residence.

If you wouldn't mind my asking, Your Lordship,

are you here to attend the feast

or are you carrying out official duties?

If you're a guest of Luo's Residence,

then please take a seat over there.

If it's an official duty,

then please show me the official notice.

The entire household

will be ready to assist.

Old Madam Luo,

I am here

to ask Seventh Lady a few questions.

Seventh Lady, are you...

Your Lordship.

My granddaughter has no relation to you.

Please remain respectable.

Although Luo's Residence

is not as distinguished as Marquis's Residence,

we are still considered

a proper scholarly family.

Go and get it treated.

Your Lordship.

Please take a seat.

Mr. Sun has arrived.

Greetings, Mr. Sun.

Be at ease, everyone.

Your Lordship, excuse me while I greet the guest.

Mr. Sun is here.

I am truly honored.

You're too kind, Registrar Luo.

Nice to meet you, Mr. Sun.

Marquis Lu is the head of the Imperial Guards.

You're an expert in military strategies, archery,

and have superb martial skills.

Do you also have an interest in writing?

You jest, Mr. Sun.

I only know my way with a sword.

I just came here to join in the fun.

Just now

I shouldn't have played The Conqueror Disarms.

I'm not doing a good job.

If only Qing Qu is here.

I wonder

how Qing Qu is doing.

Hurry up, move it inside.

Unload the things and put them

in the storeroom in the backyard.

I have to prepare thank you gifts

for the invited guests.

After the event ends,

Madam Lin and Seventh Lady

will check them one by one.

Understood.

Not only is Mr. Sun a great scholar of our time,

but also an imperial tutor.

To have you share your teachings at Luo's Residence

is a great fortune to us.

I'm flattered.

Mr. Sun, please take a seat.

- Let's go together. - You first.

Alright.

Marquis Lu, please.

Registrar Luo.

I met your father

at the Literary Feast.

I was lucky to witness schools contending in the literary world.

After Wenzhai passed away,

it truly warms my heart that Luo's Residence

is holding the Literary Feast again.

You flatter us.

We hope you'll share your insight with us today.

Let's get down to business, then.

This is the Literary Feast.

So there has to be a theme.

Anyone on the floor

has any ideas?

Marquis Lu?

My purpose for coming here today

is to search for a person.

How about this, Mr. Sun?

We are seeking useful people for the court.

These talented young men have been studying hard

for the sake of finding the truth in their hearts.

Why don't we set the theme using the word "search"?

What do you think, Mr. Sun?

Search.

That's a wonderful idea.

The road ahead is long and arduous.

But I will go to all corners in search.

Fellow scholars, you're free to explore topics.

Poetry and prose are all acceptable.

The time is set to 15 minutes.

Go ahead.

Young masters.

Time is up.

How did it go?

Since this is the Luos homeground,

why don't we

invite the Luos' sons to start first?

Shanyuan.

You're the oldest.

You go first.

The reeds bloom silently along the river in autumn,

stirring endless sorrow.

Half the sun sinks in the horizon as two lines of geese fly anew.

A solitary boat drifts.

The sentences are structured nicely.

But we're in the height of summer presently.

Where is this autumn scene from?

You force the sentiment in order to use the words.

That's no good.

I didn't see the word "search"

nor the idea of seeking.

You're off-topic.

Sit down.

Xuanyuan, you go.

Leaning on the railing, hand in hand,

a hundred years pass like a dream.

The sun and moon race like arrows through time.

The first half is pretty good.

Xuanyuan, don't be nervous. Continue.

Leaning on the railing, hand in hand,

a hundred years pass like a dream.

The sun and moon race like arrows through time.

Reflecting on the past, pondering the present.

Thousands...

Thousands...

Xuanyuan!

Sorry you had to see that.

Mother.

I'm ashamed

of failing to teach Shan properly.

Grandma,

Xuan must have been too fatigued.

He's usually a great writer.

Could you give him another chance

once he wakes up?

What's the point in saying that now?

I'm afraid Luo's Residence reputation

is at risk today.

Fret not, Registrar Luo.

Xuanyuan probably exhausted himself

preparing for today's event.

Registrar Luo.

Your son

seems to have stage fright.

Does that mean no one can carry on

Old Master Luo's literary prestige?

Luo's Residence has been respected for a century.

Marquis Lu shouldn't make such rash conclusions.

Luo Shenyuan.

You've never even been home-schooled.

This is no place for you to speak up.

Sit down, now.

Hang on.

This young man.

Is he also a member of the Luos?

He...

He is the Third Young Master of Luo's Residence,

Luo Shenyuan.

Greetings, Mr. Sun.

Yining.

What is a lady like you doing out there?

Father.

There are some things I have to say.

Since this is the Literary Feast,

it should be all-inclusive.

A hero is not judged by his origin,

and talent is not judged by the family background.

That's the essence of the Literary Feast.

It also fits the vision of Luo's Residence

over the past century.

Seventh Lady.

You're not only proficient at the qin,

but also an eloquent speaker.

Thanks for the compliment, Marquis Lu.

What the Seventh Lady said

is non too different from Wenzhai's idea before.

Back then, Wenzhai had organized the Literary Feast

exactly to give an opportunity for all talented individuals

to showcase their skills.

He once said,

Luo's Residence Literary Feast is only about talent and learning.

The rest do not matter.

Mr. Sun is right.

Old Master Luo was broad-minded,

ahead of his time.

He is truly a role model for our generation of scholars.

If that's the case,

step up, then.

Okay.

Please take a look.

The wind rises, stirring waves upon waves.

Snow clears, revealing ten thousand peaks.

In youth, I aspired to reach the clouds,

yet tonight, I am shrouded in dust.

Chasing dreams in foreign lands,

I lie drunk at the graves of old friends.

Rising to dance with a long sword,

I have no fear of binding the celestial dragon.

Despite the passing of time,

the youth's ambition remains unchanged.

Looking for a youthful spirit,

and expressing one's inner feelings.

Good aspiration.

Good stanzas.

Thank you for the compliments, Mr. Sun.

Registrar Luo.

With such a descendant,

he will surely bring honor to Luo's Residence.

There's someone to take up Wenzhai's mantle now.

We're flattered.

To gain Mr. Sun's praise,

Third Young Master Luo is truly outstanding.

You're named Luo Shenyuan?

That's right, Mr. Sun.

A gentleman is cautious and carries lofty aspirations.

It's a good name.

We didn't have a chance to talk more

when I bumped into you at the bookstore.

I didn't expect

you to be a member of the Luos.

I didn't recognize you that day.

It was a blunder on my part.

You and I get on like old friends.

There's no need for formalities.

May I know whom you're studying under?

I've been studying on my own during my free time.

Young Master Shenyuan.

Are you willing to join my school?

Pupil Shenyuan pays respect to his teacher.

I am honored

to have received your kindness.

I will follow your teachings and study hard.

I will uphold your good name.

Good, that's good.

Come, stand up.

♪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♪