Original subtitles

=The Rise of Ning=

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

=Episode 18=

Aren't you focused?

I need to be serious.

I have the whole family to answer to.

Can you understand it?

I can understand each word,

but when they're together,

it makes my head spin.

Alright, come over and rest for a bit.

Hello, Fugui.

What's this tasty treat?

Mutton Fat Pastry.

Something's not right.

Where did you steal this from?

Who said I stole it?

My mother specifically saved them for me.

Your mother?

I thought she wouldn't let you eat anything.

Maybe my method worked.

Anyway, I can't seem to lose weight.

Besides, for someone like me,

slimming down wouldn't help me find a husband.

So she gave up.

What do you mean, someone like you?

Listen to me, don't give up on yourself.

Look at me, for example.

I'm not good at studying,

but it doesn't stop me from being clever.

I can't be an official,

but it doesn't stop me from bringing honor to my family.

You are warm, kind, generous, and brave.

I think you're a great friend.

Are you complimenting me?

Of course.

You finally have something to eat,

and you're willing to share it with me.

How could you be anything less?

Have a taste.

- You try some too. - Sure.

- Is it tasty? - Delicious.

The exam is coming up.

The young masters' studies

are the top priority in this household.

No one can slack off.

Yilian, since you're close to Xuanyuan,

you'll be responsible for urging him to study.

Yes, Mother.

- Shenyuan, you... - Mother.

Let me take care of Third Brother.

I'll make sure he eats well, drinks well, sleeps well

and studies hard.

Studying is important,

but your health matters more. Don't wear yourself out.

Yes.

Hairu,

aren't you worried

that I'll exhaust myself?

If you fall sick

from studying,

then I won't have anything to worry about.

I've been trying very hard...

During this period,

I'll personally arrange

your food and supplies.

If there's anything else you need,

just come and tell me.

Yes, Mother.

You may go.

Yes.

The autumn exams are approaching.

The young masters will be busy with their preparation.

From today on,

everyone needs to stay alert,

be extra cautious,

and not act recklessly.

No loud noises,

and no unnecessary movements.

Stay in your places,

and do your duties.

If anyone disrupts the young masters' focus,

you will be held responsible.

Got it?

Yes, Madam.

What did I just say? Have you already forgotten?

Keep your voices down.

Keep it down,

remember?

Here,

you must be hungry.

Thank you, Mother.

Hand it over.

Give it to me.

You useless thing.

Young Master,

Senior Daoyan is in trouble again.

He came to congratulate me on entering the family register,

and to wish me luck in the exams.

Also, the anniversary of our mentor's passing is near.

He asked me to offer

a cup of wine to our mentor on his behalf.

Seeing your troubled expression,

I thought something bad happened.

You still need to inform

our brothers

to keep a close watch

for the next few days.

Are you worried Senior Daoyan

will raise a grievance again?

The case review will happen before the exam results are released.

It's better to stay cautious.

We need to clear his name,

but also protect our family.

Understood.

Any progress on the pufferfish poison?

Just tell me.

No updates for now.

Seventh Lady did come over a few times,

but I turned her down.

I feel kind of bad, actually.

Young Master,

are you still planning

to stay in and study, avoiding visitors?

All the young masters of the Luo family

are avoiding visitors,

why should I fall behind?

Besides, who would visit us here?

The most frequent visitor

is Seventh Lady.

It's a good thing, actually.

Young Master, your one-sided affection

is a dead-end game.

In the end, you're only hurting yourself.

Go make some tea.

- Are you having tea? - For you.

You've been nagging nonstop. Aren't you thirsty?

Seventh Lady, you're here again.

I brought something for Third Brother.

He's still studying, right?

Yes, he's been up since morning

reviewing his lessons.

Your Young Master still isn't receiving visitors today?

I believe he isn't, no.

Then please pass this tonic soup

to him for me.

I'll be going now.

Thank you, Seventh Lady. You're very thoughtful.

Young Lady, are you alright?

Seventh Lady, are you okay?

Did you twist your ankle?

Did you twist it?

Let me take a look.

I'm fine.

Third Brother, why have you been avoiding me lately?

I'm not avoiding you, I'm just busy with my studies.

You're lying.

You just don't want to drink my tonic soup.

I've really had enough tonic soups.

You're weak.

You drink it.

How could you have had enough?

You read every day,

taxing both your mind and body.

You need constant nourishment.

Alright, I'll drink it later, okay?

I've already taken the tonics Mother gave me.

Caterpillar fungus and tendon soup

have to be drunk hot.

It's my personal recipe.

It contains hundred-year-old ginseng and angelica.

Alright, put it here.

I'll help myself.

It's okay.

Let me tell you,

even Luo Shanyuan can't eat on his own now.

He has someone turning pages for him

while feeding him at the same time.

You deserve the same treatment.

Here.

- Delicious, isn't it? - Delicious.

Your nose is bleeding.

Quick, quick!

Why is your nose bleeding?

- Shao'an. - Shao'an.

Third Brother has a nosebleed.

- Shao'an, hurry, get some water. - Ouch...

I know what it is.

It must be because the soup is too strong.

Yes, stop drinking it.

I'll have Qing Qu bring herbal medicine

to cool you down.

Wait here.

Wait...

What is it?

I beg you.

Any updates on the poison?

The poison?

No progress yet.

Once there's news, I'll tell you immediately.

Alright.

Just wait here.

I'll go get you some medicine.

No need to go.

Qing Qu!

(Haitang Abode) The exams are approaching,

I assume everyone in the household is busy

studying day and night.

Yes, we've been quietly watching

these past few days.

Whether it's the principal home

or the Bilan Pavilion,

everyone is remaining at their posts

and keeping an eye on the young masters' studies.

The principal home is especially busy

in anticipation of the First Master's return.

Young Lady, how should we proceed

with the investigation?

Yining,

I've loved eating this since I was young,

but it's so rarely available in the capital.

Xue Zhi,

find a servant

and have him pick some loquats.

I want to make loquat custard.

Young Lady, you're making loquat custard for the Third Young Master again?

Lin Mao...

Lin Mao, what are you doing?

Why are you here?

Didn't you know?

You're not allowed to visit now.

You're too conspicuous. Hurry.

What's all this?

Some tricks my sister came up with

to force me to study.

Fugui, why have you gotten so thin?

It gets one bite of bean cake

for every page I memorize.

How can he not get thin?

Poor thing.

How about I take Fugui away?

If he stays with you...

You're not planning to turn him

into a stew, are you?

What did you say? How could you think that of me?

Don't touch him.

Keep your hands to yourself.

I'm doing this for your own good.

Fine.

I was wrong.

You're the best.

Alright, I'll leave Fugui to you.

Quick, take him away.

- Take good care of him. - Sure.

Yixiu.

Also, stay

in the residence for the next few days.

Avoid running into unsavory people.

What unsavory people?

Like that person from before,

the one who claimed he couldn't eat.

These noblemen love

to make up stories to trick young girls.

Don't believe them.

Maybe he saw you bullying me

and was just trying to stand up for me.

Okay, I'm taking Fugui away.

See you.

Be careful.

Don't worry.

Where's Fugui?

Where did Fugui go?

Maybe I was too focused on reading earlier,

and Fugui let himself out to play.

If that's the case,

Fugui is more suited to take the exams than you are?

You saw everything, didn't you?

Mao,

Madam Chen is arrogant.

She's polite to me on the surface,

but I know that deep down,

she doesn't think much of me.

Why would she look down on you?

Just because her family

has produced a few Hanlin Academy scholars?

We should look down on her instead.

I will just nod in greeting when I see her,

and not take anything personally.

If we were closer,

she probably

wouldn't be so friendly.

That's right, I went early this morning to pray,

and I forgot to give him this.

Where's my head at?

Hairu, what...

What are you trying to say?

Be careful with Yixiu.

What do you mean, be careful with her?

Hairu, don't overthink it.

Don't you understand what I'm saying?

It's fine if you can pass the exams.

Otherwise, you should forget about it.

Hairu, I've always seen Yixiu

as my niece.

You know me, I've always liked beautiful things.

But Yixiu is chubby,

not into dressing up,

and all she does is chatter and eat all day.

How could I possibly like her?

There's no need for you

to talk about her like that.

Remember,

be a good uncle to her.

You're right.

You're slim, she's chubby.

You two are not compatible.

You dirty liar.

I'll strangle you.

Yixiu.

I was just about to look for you.

You scared me. What is it?

Who made you so angry?

It's nothing. He's not worth mentioning.

So, what's up?

I made some loquat custard,

and I thought you'd like to share.

Would I? You make the best loquat custard.

- Let's go. - Yes, let's.

Let's go.

Yining,

your loquat custard is even better

than Liuhe Tavern's.

This is really the only thing I'm good at.

Yixiu,

next time we get a chance,

let's go to Liuhe Tavern

and try their pufferfish.

Sure.

By the way,

you told me before

that you used to love pufferfish as a child.

But here in Luo's Residence,

we rarely get the chance to eat it.

When did you have it before?

That was when my mother and I

visited the Chen family.

But that was many years ago.

I remember that year,

my grandpa hosted an important guest.

He brought in a chef from the south

specializing in pufferfish.

But my mother wouldn't let me try it.

I secretly took a bite. It was so delicious.

I still remember it to this day.

What's wrong?

You don't look well. Are you feeling sick?

No, I'm fine.

If you like it,

I'll make more for you next time.

Also, I won't tell your mother

about you sneaking

the loquat custard today.

She mustn't know,

or else I'm done for.

Young Lady, what's on your mind?

I was just thinking,

if it really was her,

why did she do it?

Back then,

my father divorced my mother

because of Mistress Qiao.

My mother lived in a separate residence ever since.

They had no interactions.

What kind of grudge could there be?

True. If it was about taking control of the household,

she would have targeted Mistress Qiao first.

Yixiu has always been so kind to me,

yet here I am,

trying to dig for answers.

Don't think like that, Young Lady.

You're just searching for the truth.

Yes,

I just want the truth.

Qing Qu, please help me find

the chef the Chen family hired back then.

Understood, Young Lady.

Young Lady, you should rest now.

The doctor said you shouldn't overthink.

It could harm your health.

(Luo Chengwen)

(East Street)

Mr. Innkeeper...

Please listen to me.

I'm not trying to cheat you.

My money...

- My money... - If you have no money,

why stay at an inn?

Please give me a few more days, alright?

Everyone, help me, please.

Someone, please help me.

I really didn't owe any money.

I swear...

My money was stolen.

I had money

when I checked in.

Enough, I'm not arguing with you.

Either pay up

or come with me to the magistrate.

(Yang Qinghua) Please, just give me a few more days.

I'm skilled with needlework,

I can definitely earn the money.

We're going to the magistrate.

Hold on.

What's the matter, sir?

How much does this young lady owe you?

I'll pay for her.

Is this enough?

Yes, it's enough.

Looks like it's your lucky day.

Alright people, move along.

Nothing to see here, move along.

Move along.

No need to thank me, Young Lady.

My name is Yang Qinghua.

Thank you, sir, for your help.

May I know your name?

I'd like to write a note

so I can repay you someday.

No thanks.

It's fate that we met today.

Since you're penniless now,

please take this, you'll need it.

- No… - Take it.

I can't accept this money.

Please, tell me your name,

so I can repay you one day.

Otherwise,

I'll keep kneeling here.

Miss Yang, please stand up.

Alright.

As you wish.

Miss Yang, my surname is Luo.

I live in the Luo Residence in the east of the city.

If you ever need help,

feel free to come find me.

Thank you, Mr. Luo, for your kindness.

(Chengjing Hall)

Mother.

Please accept my greeting, Mother.

My son,

Chengwen, get up.

Chengwen...

I've waited day and night for your return.

It's been so many years.

Now that you're back, I'm happy.

Your journey back

must have been difficult.

No.

It was not difficult at all.

Now that I've been reassigned back to the capital,

I'm thrilled that our family can be together again.

I'm truly happy.

I understand.

Mother, please sit down.

My dear wife.

My dear husband.

Yiyu, Yixiu,

you've both grown up so much.

Greetings, Father.

Good, good.

By the way, where is Shanyuan?

He's studying.

The autumn exams are coming up,

so I asked him to focus on his studies.

He'll come to greet you at dinnertime.

It's good that he's studying.

Son, sit down. Let's talk.

Sure.

She is…

Greetings, Uncle.

That's Yining.

She's back from the other courtyard.

You don't recognize her?

It is Yining.

She's all grown up.

- She looks more and more like her. - Yes.

I also think she resembles her mother more and more.

There's nothing like being home

and having a family

to look after you.

That's right, Uncle.

Now that I'm back,

I won't go back to the side yard again.

I want to spend more time with Grandma.

Greetings, Mother.

Welcome back, Chengwen.

Chengzhang, it's been a long time.

Chengzhang,

you came back just in time.

Why don't you two brothers catch up?

Yes, Mother.

(Luo's Residence)

My dear.

You're still busy this late?

There's always work to do.

What brings you here?

I specially prepared

some calming tea for you.

You've had a long day of traveling.

It must've been tiring.

Over the years,

you've managed the household,

taken care of my mother,

and raised our children.

You've had it the hardest.

Please, don't say that.

It's what I'm supposed to do.

After you've had your tea,

please come and rest.

I still have some work to finish.

I'll stay in the study room tonight.

Why don't you turn in first?

Then I won't disturb you.

My dear,

please take care of your health.

Wait, give me the lamp.

- You may leave. - Yes.

Why is the First Master acting like that?

Ms. Zhao.

I feel sorry for you, that's all.

You've endured so much here.

You went through all trouble with the Chen family

to get him reassigned here,

yet he treats you like an outsider.

He doesn't show you any concern.

His indifference towards me

is nothing new.

I've long since gotten used to it.

As long as his promotion

benefits Shanyuan and the girls.

All I can ask for

is a bright future for my children.

Nothing else

matters to me.

Greetings, Mother.

You're too formal.

We're family.

There's no need for formalities. Have a seat.

- Thank you, Mother. - Please sit.

The Chens played a big role

in getting you reassigned back to the capital,

especially your wife.

She worked tirelessly to make this happen.

It wasn't easy.

You must thank her properly.

I will remember your advice.

Chengwen, now that you're an official in the capital,

you must always speak and act

with utmost diligence.

Yes, Mother, I understand.

My dear, you have indeed worked hard

all these years.

For that, I thank you.

There's no need to thank me.

It is simply my duty.

Old Madam,

there's a woman outside

insisting on repaying Mr. Luo.

She's been kneeling there for a while.

She refuses to leave, no matter what we say.

Repayment?

Now, that's an unusual story.

Did you ask

which Mr. Luo she's looking for?

Could it be her?

Mother,

yesterday, on my way back,

I came across a woman who had lost her money.

She couldn't afford her lodging

and was nearly taken to the authorities by the innkeeper.

So, I helped her out.

Perhaps she's here

to find me.

What a reliable and honorable person.

Quick, bring her in.

Yes.

Greetings, Mr. Luo.

Miss Yang.

Please greet my mother.

Greetings, Old Madam Luo.

I'm deeply grateful to Mr. Luo

for his help.

Today, I've come to repay the debt and express my gratitude.

Please, stand up.

Thank you, Old Madam Luo.

Come closer, let me take a look.

Such resemblance...

Such uncanny resemblance.

Young Lady, where are you from?

Why did you come to the capital alone?

Old Madam Luo,

I'm from the north.

My family originally

ran a medicine shop.

But after my parents passed away,

the north became chaotic.

After discussing with my elder brother,

we decided to move to the capital.

Unfortunately, we encountered bandits on the way,

and I got separated from my brother.

After escaping,

I came here alone

to search for my brother.

Unfortunately, the little money I had left

was stolen.

Miss Yang,

if you're penniless,

how did you manage to repay me?

I pawned the gold hairpin my mother left me.

I must repay your kindness.

What a pitiful situation this young lady is in.

As someone who's faced hardships,

we should help her find her brother soon,

so they can reunite as family.

How about this?

Let's allow her to stay here for now.

It's too dangerous for a girl like her

to wander outside.

Mother, you're absolutely right.

Young Lady,

you can stay here for now.

Once we find your brother,

we'll arrange for you to be reunited.

I...

Is this a good idea?

Young Lady,

since my grandma suggested it,

why don't you stay?

Thank you, Old Madam Luo.

I'm skilled in embroidery.

If you don't mind,

I can do needlework for the household.

That won't be necessary.

You're our guest.

You don't need to work here.

Madam Chen, please make arrangements.

Yes, Mother.

Ms. Zhao,

take the young lady to rest.

Yes.

This way, Young Lady.

Excuse me.

If you need anything, just let us know.

The Old Madam has instructed us

to treat you well.

We wouldn't want anyone to think we're neglecting you.

Thank you, Ms. Zhao.

If I make any mistakes,

please be patient with me.

Young Master, what are you looking at?

Who is that young woman?

I don't know. She looks unfamiliar.

Perhaps she's a new servant.

Young Master,

- have you taken a liking to her? - Nonsense.

She looks kind of familiar, that's all.

Let's go.

That Miss Yang

really resembles Mother.

Did First Master save her

because she looks like Madam Gu,

and he felt sympathy for her?

Young Lady,

the workers from the shop sent a message.

There were some issues during the repairs,

and they needed the owner to check it out.

I wanted to consult with Sixth Master Lin,

but Madam Lin has been watching him closely.

So I had no choice

but to return.

That's right.

Sixth Uncle is busy studying

under Mother's watchful eyes.

He probably doesn't have time for the shop.

I'll go and take a look myself.

(Liuhe Tavern)

The sun sets, casting a pale light.

Across the sea, the white waves merge.

Merge.

Merged by planks, they flow in.

In.

Qi An, your turn.

I wasn't part of this.

How could I compete with you guys?

You haven't changed

after all these years, Xia Yong.

You always back out when you can't keep up.

I'm not backing out.

His response wasn't matched.

- Qi An is right. - Right?

- If you can't, drink three cups. - Yeah.

Don't act shamelessly!

- Three drinks. - Yeah.

In Fool's Valley,

why worry about right or wrong?

Shenyuan,

that's a good response.

But you're late, so you need to drink.

A toast to our teacher.

Brothers, please sit.

I'll drink three cups as my penalty.

Shenyuan, that's enough.

The exams are approaching.

It's understandable

that you're a bit late due to studying.

Alright, if you say so.

Among us brothers,

Shenyuan is the best

when it comes to studying.

He'll surely outshine us in the exams.

I remember that Senior Daoyan

was a top scorer in all three rounds.

Shenyuan,

how do you plan to surpass Senior Daoyan?

How could I possibly match his knowledge?

Back in my day,

I was a top scorer in two rounds.

How could that be?

I remember you placed second in the palace exams

and cried for a month.

- Really? - The one who cried for a month

wasn't me, it was Junior Fang.

It says so in the exam certificate.

Do you all remember?

Our teacher used to put our exam certificates

up on the wall.

I remember.

He said that wall

was his life's accomplishment.

Today is our teacher's death anniversary.

When he was alive, he always said

that after he passed on,

there was no need to visit his grave.

Every year on this day,

we brothers should gather together,

have a drink, and celebrate.

But now,

all our brothers

are scattered across the land.

Who knows when we'll reunite.

I believe

that day will come.

Shenyuan is about to take the exams.

I believe we'll soon have

an exam certificate

that says "triple top scorer".

Yes,

the past can't be changed,

but the future is still ours to pursue.

Shenyuan,

I know that once you decide on something,

no one can stop you.

But the path to officialdom is filled with danger.

You are our hope.

Take care of yourself.

Don't worry, Senior.

I will keep myself safe

and protect my brothers.

Alright,

if our teacher were here, seeing us like this,

he would surely scold us.

Let's listen to our teacher's words

and enjoy ourselves fully today.

Cheers.

Cheers.

(Fengle House)

Your mother's death anniversary is coming up.

Remember to hold a ceremony at the temple.

Don't worry, Uncle.

I have already prepared everything.

Good.

It's a shame your mother isn't around

to witness all this

and enjoy a life of luxury.

Uncle, every year

you remember her death anniversary.

Your mother and I were siblings, after all.

Our mother died young,

and Father didn't care for us.

We

were each other's only support.

My elder sister was like a mother,

and our bond was unlike any other.

Your Lordship, the servants reported

that Seventh Lady went out

somewhere nearby.

That worker is truly heartless.

Turns out he just wanted more money,

making up nonsense about issues with the building.

Young Lady, why did you agree to give him more money?

If we had to find someone new and start over,

it would have taken even longer.

Sixth Uncle is busy now,

and I can't always come out.

This worker may be greedy,

but his work is meticulous.

Nothing can be perfect.

I'm paying for a peace of mind.

Get up.

Whose lovely lady is this?

Let me have a good look at you.

Where did this drunk come from?

Our young lady is not someone you can harass.

My lord is the son of Duke Xu.

You should watch your words, little girl.

Get away from us.

Not only a lovely lady,

but a feisty one too. Excellent.

I'm warning you, don't come any closer.

If you do, I won't hold back.

Let's see what you've got.

You...

Get lost.

Young Master Xu...

Help me!

Help...

- Let's go. - Young Master, over here.

Greetings, Marquis Lu.

Young Master Xu,

abducting women in broad daylight?

I wonder if Duke Xu knows about this.

I'm innocent.

This young lady

pushed me into the river for no reason.

I was just about to question her.

From what I see,

it was you who started this,

Young Master Xu.

Marquis Lu,

I...

I was drunk and acted foolishly.

I've offended this young lady.

I will apologize

to her now.

Sorry.

Come on.

Seventh Lady.

Is this how you

thank your savior?

Thank you for saving my life, Marquis Lu.

I have nothing to repay you with,

but I will always remember this.

I'm sure you have many matters to attend to,

so I'll take my leave.

I'm not busy.

How about

a game of chess?

I don't know how to play.

I can teach you.

At the Literary Feast,

the Luo family made a big impression,

and Chen Daoyan got out safely.

You

played your part well.

I have no idea what you're saying.

I'm just a girl.

I don't understand a marquis' affairs.

You overestimate me.

You don't understand?

No.

I've lost.

You're indeed a master at chess.

But you just said you don't know how to play.

It seems what you say

isn't always true.

I wouldn't dare lie to you.

It's only because you taught me well.

It's getting late,

and the game is over.

I should return to my house.

What if I don't let you go?

Do you think you can make it back to the Luo Residence?

Surely someone of your status

wouldn't bicker with me.

Otherwise,

you'd be no different from that man

who fell into the pond earlier.

So quick-witted.

How about this?

Shall we make a wager?

I don't want to bet.

Then you'll just have to wait for your Third Brother to save you.

You're clearly skilled at gambling.

Is it necessary to bully me?

It seems

you know me quite well.

Reveal.

I quit.

You must be cheating.

How could I cheat when I can't even see?

How is it possible to get it right every time?

I told you,

I was a natural-born gambler.

If you refuse to believe me, what can I say?

One time, when I was imprisoned,

I pretended to be a compulsive gambler

to make a certain someone think I had lost my resolve,

and lower her guard.

But in truth, I don't like gambling,

nor am I any good at it.

Only that one person

would always lose when playing dice with me,

and she thought I was a gambling genius.

♪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♪