Original subtitles

=The Rise of Ning=

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

=Episode 6=

Good goose.

Sixth Uncle, there you are.

Yining.

What are you doing?

You came at the right time. Sit with me.

Talk to me.

I'm bored.

Is this vast capital still not enough to entertain you?

How could you be bored?

My sister has confiscated

all the taels and notes

I had hidden.

I'm penniless now.

I don't even have money to go out for a drink

to lift my spirits.

It's vexing.

Poor you.

But I can't help you.

I have neither liquor nor money.

Maybe you can

talk to your mother?

Think about it.

Whether one can pass

the imperial exams

is something predestined.

I was born without any talent for that.

She's wasting her efforts.

She shouldn't force me.

Sixth Uncle,

do you know my third brother?

I do.

I hear he's not very well-liked.

I'll tell you a secret.

He often sneaks out

from Luo's Residence.

If you follow him,

you'll surely find

many fun places to go.

And if you follow him,

he won't ask for your money,

right?

Really?

Keep this a secret, though.

Don't tell anyone else.

I love secrets.

He is going out, after all.

(Liuhe Tavern)

Well, if it isn't my third nephew, Shenyuan!

Fancy seeing you here.

Who are you?

I'm your sixth uncle.

Madam Lin's brother.

Have you never seen me in the residence?

Greetings, Sixth Uncle.

That's more like it.

I've heard a lot about you

from Yining.

Are you dining alone

or waiting for company?

I snuck out

alone.

A chance meeting is better than a planned one.

This meal will be

on you, then.

As showing filial piety to me.

Server, take our order.

Coming.

Shenyuan,

anything else you'd like to add?

A meal is incomplete without liquor.

That's right.

I do like you.

Bring us two jars of your finest pear blossom liquor.

As expected

of the capital's best tavern.

It lives up to its reputation.

Let's have a toast, Shenyuan.

Mister.

Let us drink!

Mister.

That's my liquor.

I know it's yours.

Here. Have another.

Young Master.

Li Yinglong left the inn today

and went to Yuanjing Pavilion.

Yuanjing Pavilion?

Is there a theatre performance tomorrow?

Yes.

Could Li Yinglong be planning

to meet the person

behind the scenes there?

But with a performance,

there'll be a crowd and many prying eyes.

The more people, the better.

Even if discovered,

it'll be easier to conceal actions.

Inform Shopkeeper Zheng

that we'll go tomorrow as well.

Understood.

There's been progress on the matter

regarding Physician Du

which you asked me to look into.

He inquired at Longquan Trading House

for a rare batch of ambergris.

But due to its rarity,

the shop seldom has it in stock.

Why does he want ambergris?

I heard he once treated the Imperial Noble Consort

for a heart ailment,

and ambergris was one

of the ingredients in the prescription.

Send someone to find some.

It could come in handy.

Yes.

Live for the moment and drink while we can.

Come, drink more.

Carry on.

Young Master.

What about the guest downstairs?

Well, he is a guest.

Escort him back to Luo's Residence.

It's truly lush and green here.

Look at these plants,

so vibrant and flourishing.

Your grandpa planted them himself

in this imperial gift

of a residence.

Time passes by freely, whether in the west or east.

No matter how the frost and wind touched his hair,

he hoped these plants

would stand tall

through any storm.

Alas,

when it came to my two sons…

I've let down

Luo's Residence

and your grandpa.

Grandma,

you mustn't say that.

This glory and honor

come with their own perils.

Think about it.

My father and uncle both serve

in the court.

For us to live here,

free from want, and in peace

is already a blessing.

Silly child.

It's lonely at the top,

and in the low places, one is mere prey.

Perhaps you've resented me

for being so tolerant

of Mistress Qiao all these years.

But she is Xuan's birth mother, after all.

Xuan could be

the only hope to restore

the Luo family's glory.

But with her temperament,

if Xuan rises to prominence

and enters officialdom,

will he really take the revival of Luo's Residence

as his duty?

Regardless of the circumstances,

he is still a descendant of Luo's Residence.

But he's not the only descendant

of Luo's Residence.

Shan.

Shan is not cut out for studying.

No matter how harshly

your aunt disciplines him,

there's been

no improvement.

Are you perhaps

referring to the one from Jimo House?

I've noticed you've been seeing

more of him lately.

You even quarreled

with your father over him.

Well, he is also a descendant of Luo's Residence

and my elder brother.

You are clever,

but too soft-hearted.

I've lived long enough

to have seen all kinds of people.

Anyone who can endure

what ordinary people cannot

is not someone

to be taken lightly.

Mister.

I'm fine.

Mister.

I don't need your help.

- I'm not drunk. - Easy there.

I can still drink… I can…

Buddy!

Come. Drink with me!

Let's drink more!

Mister.

Drink with me.

Butler Bai,

get him inside.

Don't let him make a scene here.

He won't drink.

Mister, please go back.

We…

We can carry on drinking!

Madam,

he hasn't paid yet…

When things are going well, one must enjoy them to the fullest.

Live for the moment and drink while we can.

Drink with me. Are you drinking or not?

Are you drinking or not?

You won't drink?

I'm not going back.

Don't you recognize where this is?

How did I

end up back at the residence in a flash?

Sober now?

Yes.

Hairu, I was wrong!

I know my mistake.

You've grown bold, haven't you?

No money, and you still dare to go out drinking,

and then get sent back by others.

Aren't you ashamed?

Maybe you should send me back to Lin'an.

Not a chance.

Father put me in charge of you.

If you don't behave,

don't return to Lin'an for the rest of your life.

To make sure you learn a lesson,

give him 20 strikes.

Yes.

Hairu!

No! On the hands! The hands!

Sixth Uncle, does it still hurt?

How could it not hurt?

You have no idea how harsh your mother is.

What happened?

How did you end up being sent back by performers?

You've got some nerve asking.

Your third brother went off

to Liuhe Tavern to have a grand time.

I just wanted to tag along for a good meal.

Somehow,

I ended up drinking a lot

with those two performers,

and he didn't pay the bill.

So, I had to be sent back.

He usually lives simply.

Perhaps he went to Liuhe Tavern

to meet someone?

Probably not.

You were brought back.

What about my third brother?

How would I know?

I just know

he's not very loyal.

Never mind.

I won't hold it against him.

You rest well, then.

I'll have Xue Zhi

bring you some tonics.

Forget about those.

Just send me two jars of pear blossom liquor.

I have to say,

the liquor at Liuhe Tavern

wasn't bad at all.

If you ask me,

my mother went too easy on you.

Xue Zhi.

You're finally back.

So? Where did Third Brother go?

Yuanjing Pavilion.

Yuanjing Pavilion?

Is there some event there?

There's a theatre performance.

Many prominent families will be attending.

I've never heard

that he likes theatre.

Help!

Help!

Sixth Sister!

Save me!

No!

Don't come near me!

Help!

Yining, save me!

Don't come any closer!

Stay away!

Sixth Uncle!

Sixth Uncle!

Catch that goose!

She brought this on herself.

Are you going to catch it or not?

Stop…

You've really been spoiled by my sister.

Hurry up!

Lin Fugui!

Lin Fugui! Fugui! Come here!

Come here.

Come here, Fugui.

Don't be afraid.

Let me help you.

Sixth Uncle.

Why are you bullying my sixth sister?

How can you say I'm bullying her?

Last time, when she saw Fugui,

she kept saying she'd eat him.

Of course Fugui got angry.

Don't blame the goose.

It doesn't understand us.

You must have taught it to bully me.

So impertinent.

Do you know who I am?

Aren't you a relative

of Second Aunt?

But that doesn't mean you can bully me.

I'm your sixth uncle.

You're a lady of the esteemed Luo's Residence.

How can you behave without any respect for your elders?

Sixth Uncle?

He says he's our sixth uncle.

He is our sixth uncle.

I thought he was a nephew.

Sixth Niece.

Didn't your family teach you

to greet your elders with respect?

Such impudence.

By the way,

what did you come here for today?

Oh, right. Go get ready.

We're going out in a while.

Where to?

Yuanjing Pavilion, of course.

Ms. Shen from the Count's Residence

invited us to watch the performance.

She said theatre troupe

is one that ordinary people could never hire.

You have to come with me.

If it's just Yiyu and Yilian,

it won't be as fun.

All right. I'll come too.

The weather is lovely today.

Are we not taking

our own carriage today?

Yuanjing Pavilion is heavily guarded today.

Only carriages from households

with formal invitations are allowed inside.

Do you want

to walk in yourself once you reach

the entrance of Yuanjing Pavilion?

Lian.

Come here.

Mistress Qiao.

Your health is delicate,

and the wind by the river is strong. Be careful not to catch a cold.

Here, put this on.

Seventh Lady,

your pale yellow cloth jacket

looks beautiful.

It complements the scenery

of Yuanjing Pavilion beautifully.

Thank you for your kind words.

The carriage is here. Don't dawdle.

Hurry on.

Be careful.

Remember to wear your cloak, understood?

Make sure you're dressed warmly. Be careful on the way.

(Luo's Residence)

(Yuanjing Pavilion)

What are you looking for?

I'm waiting to see the performance.

You should watch from over there.

Come, I'll take you.

There's plenty of good food as well.

Let's go.

Miss,

your handkerchief.

I wonder which family that young man belongs to.

Shall I help you

find out?

What's there to find out?

All he did was return my handkerchief.

(Yuanjing Pavilion)

Is there a ghost named Liu Qingti

in Fengdu City?

If so, speak up.

Yes.

Yining,

I've heard that this troupe

performed for His Majesty and was praised by him.

They're very hard to book.

Looks like Shen Jiarou

really went all out.

Look.

Look.

Yilian is crying again

over there.

Who knows what story

she's spinning this time?

She loves to act weak and pitiful.

Let her say whatever she wants.

What are you looking for?

I want to see where Third Brother is sitting.

The Shen family always has their noses in the air.

It's unlikely they invited him.

I thought you were looking for Cheng Lang.

Cheng Lang?

Who's that?

The one in blue.

One of the most handsome men in the capital.

His character, looks, and talents

are among the best of the best.

Many young girls fancy him.

He seems to have a lot on his mind.

He's from a humble background and was bullied

by his legitimate brother when he was young.

It's rather sad.

Sixth Sister,

how do you know all this?

Of course,

I know everything.

Listen.

He's lucky to have a good uncle,

Lu Jiaxue.

When Lu Jiaxue

was made Marquis,

he legitimized

his sister's status,

which is how Cheng Lang's status was elevated.

His Majesty holds Lu Jiaxue in high regard.

He's still unmarried,

and every noble family in the city is hoping

to marry their daughters to him.

I wonder who'll have that fortune.

Are you speaking of Lu Jiaxue

from the Marquis Anbei's Residence?

Yes. Do you know him?

Sixth Sister,

it's too crowded here.

I'd like to step outside for some fresh air.

I'll come with you.

No need.

You stay and enjoy the performance.

Liu Qingti.

Seventh Lady came, after all.

I knew

you were fond of liveliness.

Or how could it be

that the moment you return,

the entire household is thrown into chaos?

The Luo's Residence is one-of-a-kind indeed.

The legitimate daughter

was sent away to live at a side yard.

Who knows what shameful mistake she must have made?

We'd best not provoke her.

Ms. Zhang. Ms. Shen.

Please say no more.

Yilian,

I've told you.

If you're too kind, you'll be taken advantage of.

Some people are so bold and unruly.

They probably don't care

if they're spoken ill of.

You've been bullied

far too much.

She relies on your grandma's favor

and acts as though she can do as she pleases.

Ladies,

it's true that I wasn't raised in Luo's Residence.

If I've neglected any courtesies,

I do hope you'll forgive me.

Now that I'm back,

my grandma has been

teaching me the proper

etiquette of the capital.

The first rule

is not to gossip

or spread rumors

about other households.

You two ladies are here

loudly discussing the affairs

of another household.

I wonder

if your household rules

are different from the rest.

How dare you!

Seventh Lady is sharp-tongued indeed.

Is it true that you pushed

Mistress Qiao when you were a child

and caused her to miscarry?

Therefore, you were sent

to the outer estate?

Well?

Your dark past's been exposed,

so you're speechless?

What are you all doing?

Don't judge Yining like that.

She was only a child back then.

To commit

such a malicious act at such a young age.

They say the character is formed by age three.

Her nature

is quite evident then.

I can't recall too much

about what happened when I was young.

At the time, Mistress Qiao brought

a large group

to tear down my mother's courtyard.

Now I've returned,

and not only is the courtyard gone,

but all the valuable items inside

have disappeared as well.

As for Mistress Qiao's miscarriage,

if I were truly such a cruel person,

there would be no place for me in Luo's Residence.

Yilian,

if you really feel wronged,

why not speak to the elders

of the family?

Instead, you're crying and complaining to outsiders.

Are you suggesting

that Luo's Residence

has no place for you

and that everyone favors me?

What are you implying about the family elders?

And what about the honor of Luo's Residence?

I did no such thing…

Enough, Yining.

Yilian has been through a lot recently.

After all, she's been locked away

for so long and was just released.

Yixiu, stop.

Yilian and Yining

are both virtuous and kind.

This must be a mere misunderstanding.

Since it's a misunderstanding,

we shouldn't dwell on it.

Let's go and enjoy the play.

Let's go.

Ms. Shen.

Oh, you.

I know you're upset,

but you must also consider

the reputation of our family.

You're right.

I was wrong.

I'll be leaving now.

Yixiu.

Come with us.

Sixth Sister,

you've dirtied your dress

with that orange.

Go get a cloak

to cover it up.

Yes.

This is improper.

Come on.

Let's go.

Who are you?

Seize her!

Yes.

Greetings, Marquis.

It's been a long time.

Marquis, I've been framed and am now a wanted man,

pursued by the authorities.

I fled to the capital,

and I'd nowhere left to turn.

I beg you, for the sake of the service

I've done for you in the past,

to save me.

Cut to the chase. Where is it?

Marquis, if you agree

to arrange for me to escape by sea…

Marquis is here in person.

Of course, he will agree to your request.

Thank you, Marquis.

Once I board the boat,

I'll hand it over.

How dare you

to bargain with Marquis!

Besides that item,

I have some crucial

information to share

as a sign of my good faith.

Speak.

I only discovered this later.

When Sun Chengwu was interrogated

by the then-Minister of Imperial Court of Judicial, Old Master Luo,

he left behind a testimony.

But he never revealed it.

It's very likely that the testimony

is still hidden in Luo's Residence.

Qi An.

Take some men and prepare.

Yes.

I've kept this wooden bead bracelet with me

since I was a child.

Since you like it, I'll give it to you.

All right.

I like it.

Mei, when my eyes are healed,

I want you to be

the first person I see.

Marquis,

if you agree to arrange for me to flee by sea,

I will hand over the item.

Even if I kill you today,

and that item is sent

to Imperial Court of Judicial,

you think

I won't be able to intercept it?

Come on,

take him away and bury him somewhere far off.

There are many people at Yuanjing Pavilion today.

Don't dirty the place.

Mercy, Marquis!

Spare me, Marquis!

Have mercy, Marquis! Marquis!

Mercy, Marquis!

Spare me, Marquis!

Marquis!

Get him!

Chase Li Yinglong.

Let's go.

Third Brother!

Come on!

Marquis,

Li Yinglong's men were too cunning.

They set a trap beforehand

and helped him escape.

It was my failure.

These people are well organized.

They're no ordinary group.

Are you sure they're Li Yinglong's men?

I overheard the leader in black

addressing him as their boss.

If they weren't his close confidants,

how would they know

about our meeting here

and risk their lives to rescue him?

It's possible that some of Chen Jiuheng's followers

survived after his death.

And if that's the case?

They're just a bunch of useless, weak scholars.

Inform the Imperial Guard that assassins

have infiltrated Yuanjing Pavilion.

Tell them to search every inch of the area

and find any suspicious individuals.

What are you doing here?

Who hurt you?

Who are you?

What were you doing?

What's your connection with them?

I have something

I must do.

Someone you must kill?

Some things

are none of your concern.

No matter what,

you're a member of Luo's Residence.

Whatever you do

will implicate us.

Does anyone in Luo's Residence even see me as a person?

And you?

If you don't want to implicate Luo's Residence,

then leave right now.

Do you understand?

Go now.

I can escape on my own.

If you stay, you'll only be a burden.

Leave now.

Get going!

Ungrateful.

He's injured.

Search over there carefully.

Don't let any suspicious person slip away.

Yes.

How are you so badly hurt?

Why haven't you left yet?

If you die here,

it'll implicate Luo's Residence.

Now get up.

Search over there.

- Yes. - Yes.

(Luo's Residence)

Mother, calm down.

Calm down.

Remain calm.

Old Madam.

The musk heart-saving pill!

Take it quickly.

Quickly.

There you go.

Mother, you must take care of your health.

Old Madam. Second Master.

Have you found her?

We've searched all around

Yuanjing Pavilion,

but we still haven't found

Seventh Lady's whereabouts.

What's the point of searching

around the perimeter?

Yining must be

inside Yuanjing Pavilion.

Madam Lin,

there were assassins at Yuanjing Pavilion.

The soldiers have surrounded the area,

and we really can't get in.

Assassins?

What about Yining? Yining!

Mother, don't worry too much.

Yining is blessed

and will be safe.

They'll search for their assassins.

We'll find our young lady.

Butler Bai, let's go.

I'll go too.

It's chaos out there.

You'd only be adding to the confusion.

You sisters

were all together.

Why did Yining

suddenly run off

on her own?

Grandma.

We were watching

the play together at first,

but after Yining exchanged

a few words with Ms. Shen,

she said she wanted to go out alone

for some air.

That's true.

It's my fault

for not taking good care

of Yining.

I thought

she'd just cool down

after a walk.

I never expected this to happen.

Yilian,

what's the point of saying this now?

Poor Seventh Lady is out there alone,

and her reputation is at stake.

This is no trivial matter.

If something happens,

what about

the unmarried girls in our family?

What if they get implicated?

Whatever will we do then?

Shut up!

You heartless wretches!

Ever since Yining returned,

how much trouble have you caused?

And now you're still making snide remarks!

If Yining isn't found,

I swear I won't let you live peacefully!

Madam Lin,

I assure you,

I'm just as worried.

You speak as if

you're the only one who cares about Seventh Lady

and the rest of us don't.

As a concubine,

you have no place to speak.

Old Madam is here.

Is it your turn to talk?

Yining has gone missing,

and everyone is worried.

Say no more.

Are you saying that it was Yilian

who incited Yining

to quarrel with Ms. Shen?

I'm not entirely sure.

But I did see Yilian shedding tears

and playing the victim

in front of Ms. Shen.

She might have been bad-mouthing Yining.

And then Yining left on her own?

I wanted to go after her,

but I accidentally

dirtied my clothes.

Then Yilian insisted

on finding me a cloak

to cover up with.

By the time

I returned,

Yining was already gone.

Then why didn't you

say this earlier?

My mother kept telling us

not to get involved in others' business,

so I didn't dare speak up.

Second Aunt, please don't tell anyone

I said this,

or I'll be made to copy the Women's Precepts again.

Don't worry. You've done well.

I'll be going now.

Goodbye, Second Aunt.

That mother and daughter pair

truly have hearts as black as coal.

(Bilian Pavilion)

Bi Yi, you may leave.

Madam Lin and Mistress Qiao have something to discuss.

You…

Madam,

has Seventh Lady returned?

If Yining had returned,

would I be here talking to you?

Where is Yining?

Don't just pin everything on me

because you can't find her.

What did Yining and Ms. Shen

argue about, huh?

If it weren't for Yilian instigating,

how would Ms. Shen have known about Luo's Residence affairs?

Yining left on her own,

and Yilian held back Sixth Lady

from going to find her,

which left Yining alone.

I refuse to believe that you have no idea

what happened after that.

Believe what you will.

I said I don't know,

so I don't…

Will you talk or not?

I said I don't know.

Do you know or do you not know?

Do you know or do you not know?

Do you know or not?

Lin Hairu!

You're going too far!

I'm going to find Second Master!

I'm going to find Second Master!

You… You…

Madam Lin and Mistress Qiao are merely having a chat.

Why bring Second Master into this?

You…

I may be just a concubine,

but I've given birth to a son and a daughter!

I've poured my heart and soul into the second home!

Don't think

you can bully me

just because you're the principal wife.

I've tolerated you,

and yielded to you,

but don't push me too far.

Do you hear me?

Tolerated me?

You're just harboring ill intentions.

Where is Yining?

I told you, I don't know.

Do you think

I'm some kind of soft principal wife?

I couldn't bother to deal with you before,

and now you've become too brazen.

Let me make this clear.

I'm not someone you can provoke.

You're just pretentious

and full of air.

You're no educated woman.

You're nothing but trouble.

Deserve a beating!

♪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♪