Original subtitles

=The Rise of Ning=

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

=Episode 19=

Who exactly are you?

I'm Seventh Lady of the Luo Family,

Luo Yining.

Only one person knows

I'm good at gambling.

Mei,

is it you?

Marquis Lu, is the Mei you mentioned

Xu Mei?

You're not Mei,

but you know her.

Tell me. Where is she?

Marquis Lu, let go of me first.

She's dead.

What?

I buried her myself.

You buried her? Why did you bury her?

She was my maid, and she grew up with me.

We were like sisters.

One day, she told me

she had someone she liked

and was willing to spend the rest of her life with him

and wait for him,

no matter how long it took.

She was willing to do anything for him.

But

she's dead.

She was killed by that man.

Impossible. This is nonsense.

I sent my men to inspect the areas.

There's no Luo Family's mansion

around the Lu Family's side yard.

You're talking nonsense!

She went with me to Baiyun Temple

to find the kite,

and she met you there.

At that time, your eyes were injured.

Since then,

whenever I went to Baiyun Temple,

she would beg me

to visit you on her behalf.

Later, when you were rescued,

you promised to come back and fetch her

once your eyes were healed.

Hence, I returned her indenture to her.

But when I saw her again,

she was covered in blood.

She returned with her last breath.

She fell off a cliff.

I called every physician in the city,

but none of them could save her.

Do you know

what her last words were?

What did she say?

She said she trusted the wrong person.

She had a white jade pendant

with the character "Lu" carved on it.

I wondered

who had deceived her.

It turns out it's you, Marquis Lu.

Mei died because of you.

Stop pretending you care for her.

She can't see it anymore.

No.

This is impossible.

You're lying, right?

You're lying.

Mei has to be alive.

She has to be.

You said you buried her.

Where did you bury her?

The side yard's peach blossom forest, west of the city outskirts.

I didn't erupt a tombstone

because I hoped

she could forget her identity as Mei.

Are you all right, Young Lady?

Don't worry.

My uncle won't allow

anything to happen to her.

(Fengle House)

Are you all right, Young Lady?

It's nothing. Let's leave now.

(Marquis Anbei's Residence)

(Wangyue Hall)

The woman is dead, just let her be.

However, these soldiers can't stay.

Lu Jiaxue,

don't you want to know

who the woman who just fell off was?

I don't have to.

I'll tell you.

The one who just fell off was

the woman you've been thinking about.

What did you say?

She's your Mei.

Song Ziyun, are you insane?

Mei!

Your Lordship,

it's too high. I'm afraid there's little hope.

Ye Yan,

I want to find her, dead or alive.

No.

She won't die.

Hurry. Save her now.

Now!

Understood.

Mei!

(One)

I'm not playing with you again.

You must be cheating.

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

How do you guess right every time?

(I lost you at dice,)

(not mention to playing cards.)

How about paper-cutting?

I'll do the paper-cutting, and you can guess what it is.

Paper-cutting?

How about we play the guqin?

Lu Jiaxue, you're cunning.

You're good at music,

chess, dice,

and calligraphy.

What can't you do?

I know everything.

I don't believe you.

I bet you can't make a clay doll.

Clay dolls are my favorite.

Like I said, I can learn.

That's no easy thing.

If I can watch how people make it,

I'll figure it out.

Ye Yan.

Yes, Your Lordship.

Go verify

whether what Seventh Lady said

is true.

Yes, Your Lordship.

Who's there?

Answer me.

Speak up, or I'll shout.

It's me. Me!

Who are you?

It's me.

Your third brother.

Don't joke.

I would know if you were my Third Brother.

Did you drink?

You two,

why are you hiding over there?

The side gate is locked.

Why are you here alone?

Mind your own business.

You head back first.

- I'll go check on her. - All right.

Stay there.

Are you all right?

I'm good.

I can still drink more.

Fine. You can.

What are you doing?

I'm going to the sky.

- I'm going to climb the tree. - Don't.

- Get down. - I want to climb up to the sky.

It's late at night.

Sit properly.

You sit properly, too.

Did...

Did someone

bully you?

Who dares to bully me?

Third Brother,

I've been thinking

about those carefree days

in the side yard

these days.

If someone bullied me,

would you take revenge for me?

Someone did bully you?

No one dares to.

I'm amazing.

Let me take you back, all right?

I swallowed it.

I swallowed it down.

Third Brother,

I want...

I want you to stay with me forever.

Of course, I'll stay with you forever.

I'll also be with you in our next lives.

In our next lives,

we must be

siblings again.

I don't want just to be siblings.

♪Musing on mellow memories, a blush colors my face♪

♪I question my fate and face it honestly♪

♪My heart leans on yours, embraced by a rosy ambiance♪

Young Lady, you're awake.

How did I get back

last night?

Third Young Master brought you back.

Only Xue Zhi and I know about it.

Why didn't you call for us

when you went out last night?

What is this?

Shao'an sent this hangover soup over.

He said the Third Young Master thought

you might need it this morning.

It's my fault.

I shouldn't have let you drink last night.

You finished all the rice liquor.

I won't drink anymore.

By the way, Young Lady,

I found an old woman

who retired from the Chen's Residence.

I learned from her

that the chef back then was called Qian Danian.

He was from Yangzhong, Zhenjiang.

His cooking skills were good,

so Old Master Chen kept him.

But before long,

the chef fell ill and died.

He died?

Yes.

Doesn't that mean we can't find any evidence?

Young Master, please drink some tea.

Did nothing happen

to Seventh Lady yesterday?

Qing Qu and Xue Zhi said

she was fine.

However,

Shopkeeper Zheng spotted Qing Qu

drinking with an old woman at the tavern,

and she gave her money.

It seems she was asking something from the old woman.

Who is that old woman?

I investigated her.

She was once a maid

who served Madam Chen's maternal family.

She was kicked out due to some misdeeds.

The Chen Family?

Fugui.

Fugui.

Yixiu.

I forgot something.

Yixiu.

Oh, I think I took it.

Yixiu.

I'm calling you. Didn't you hear me?

Isn't this Sixth Uncle?

Where did he come from?

Did he fly

out of the water?

My sister went out to buy supplies for the exam,

but she won't be back soon.

So I sneak out.

Well,

how's my Fugui?

I knew it. He wouldn't come looking for me.

He's here because of Fugui.

Well, Fugui... It was sent away.

Sent away? Where?

Fugui...

It was sent to Seventh Lady's abode.

I see.

How are you acting strange today?

You sound like you're hinting at something.

Am I acting strange today?

True.

Sixth Uncle

has always liked pretty faces,

beautiful views, and delicious food.

I'm fat and ugly.

I mustn't let him see my face.

Go. I don't want him to see me.

Yixiu.

How... How did you know that?

I didn't mean what I said to my sister.

You didn't mean that? What do you mean then?

I don't care what you mean.

Lin Mao,

you're despicable and shameless!

You are a hypocrite and scoundrel!

I'm telling you, I'm going out to have fun.

Listen. You want to explain to me?

But I don't have time for you.

I won't listen to you!

Stop explaining.

- Let's go. - I...

Ms. Yang.

Greetings, Mr. Luo.

There's no need for the formalities.

I have had my men

search for your brother.

Don't worry.

I'll do everything in my power

to search for your family.

Mr. Luo, you've done a great favor

for my family.

There's nothing I can do to repay your kindness.

If I'm fortunate enough to reunite with my brother,

I'll surely offer you

a longevity tablet in my home

and wish you well forever.

That's more than necessary.

It's just a small favor.

Also, you don't have to do the needlework

to repay me.

Why are you looking at me like that?

Is there anything wrong with me?

No, please pardon me.

I just feel

that you look exactly like

an acquaintance of mine.

Is she the woman Old Madam Luo mentioned?

I knew this woman was up to something

when she came here.

What's wrong with Old Madam?

Why didn't she insist on keeping

someone who looks like Madam Gu?

Rumors are making the rounds

in the residence.

- They say... - Don't be rude.

She's our guest.

Don't gossip about her.

Let's leave. Later, I'll take Yixiu

to visit the Princess Royal.

Yes.

Go check on Sixth Lady and see if she's ready.

No need to be so courteous.

Don't worry and stay here.

Thank you, Mr. Luo.

She's the exact duplicate...

Chengzhang, who do you think she looks like?

Minglan.

She passed away many years ago.

I didn't know

you still remembered

her face clearly.

I have something to attend to.

I will take my leave.

Grandma, you said

Father, Uncle,

and Mother

grew up together.

The Luo and Gu Families have known each other for a long time.

We've been in close contact since Old Master

and Old Master Gu were still alive.

I've watched Minglan grow up

since she was a kid.

She was like a daughter to me.

I wanted her to be my daughter-in-law

once she grew up.

But why didn't you arrange for my mother

to marry Uncle?

Why are you asking

about these things today?

I'm just curious about it.

Ms. Yang and my mother

look alike.

Every time I see her,

it reminds me of Mother.

So I want to know more

about her story before she passed away.

Your uncle's marriage was decided

by your great-great-grandpa when he was still alive,

along with Mr. Chen, who was the grand secretariat

of Hanlin Academy.

Both the Luo and Gu Families

were always in contact,

so your mother was betrothed to your father.

Say,

that lady resembles your mother,

but they are different people, after all.

Don't overthink.

Young Lady,

did you

bring up the past to Old Madam on purpose?

I really don't understand

why Aunt would endanger Mother?

Until last time,

Xue Zhi mentioned something.

She said

that Uncle saved Ms. Yang

because he sympathized

with her difficulty.

Do you suspect

that Madam Chen hurt Madam Gu

because of First Master?

(Luo's Residence)

Young Lady,

Madam Lin sent

some brushes and ink over.

It's for Young Master Xuan.

They are a complete set of supplies.

Put them away.

Yes.

By the way,

has Xuan eaten dinner yet?

No, Young Lady.

Look at this. The brush is broken again.

Young Master.

What is that?

Madam Lin sent some writing supplies

for the exam over.

Let me have a look.

This brush is pretty good.

Don't touch it.

What's wrong?

This is given by Madam Lin.

Now's a crucial moment for us.

We must be careful.

We can't use the things from others

even though they are good.

I'll prepare everything

you need.

Ying, bring my brush over.

- Give it to Xuan. - Yes.

Xuan,

why not have dinner

before you study?

Eat?

I don't even have time to study now,

and you want me to eat?

Don't waste my time.

Young Lady,

Young Master Xuan is skipping his meals

while studying day and night.

If this goes on,

he won't be able to keep it up.

He has been acting weird

since the Literary Feast.

A few days ago,

Father called him to review his studies.

That fellow from Jimo House went, too.

He didn't eat dinner

afterward

and even tore all his articles.

I asked him what happened,

but he told me not to meddle.

Could it be

that Second Master praised that fellow from Jimo House

for doing better than Young Master Xuan?

This fellow

is scheming.

He and Luo Yining are the same.

The exam is approaching.

What if Young Master Xuan...

Xuan has been hardworking since he was a kid.

Besides, he's aware of

what the exam means to him.

He won't mess it up.

What I'm saying is

that he'll surely do well in the exam.

But what if

that fellow from Jimo House does better

and gets praised

by Second Master?

When will Mistress Qiao be able to come back?

- Bring that to me. - Yes.

Lin Hairu

prepared the same thing

for all the young masters of the second home?

Yes, Young Lady.

Young Lady,

it'll be troublesome

if someone finds out.

We can't hesitate now.

Go find someone reliable

to get this done properly.

Don't worry about the money.

Hurry and bring it back to me.

Go now.

Yes, Young Lady.

Mother,

you didn't supervise Shan's studies today.

Where are you taking me?

Today, we're going to meet the Princess Royal.

To meet the Princess Royal?

Why the sudden visit?

I received the invitation all of a sudden.

I was asked to bring you

to visit the Princess Royal.

- Just me alone? - Right.

(Zaiyun Hall)

I didn't know

you were Her Highness's son.

Well, I didn't have a chance

to introduce myself properly.

I'm Han Zhao, the son of the Princess Royal.

Greetings, Madam Chen.

Greetings, Sixth Lady.

Please come this way.

Mother, our guests have arrived.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Madam Chen, Sixth Lady.

My son has always had a poor appetite.

I heard that his appetite had improved

with Sixth Lady's help.

I'm truly grateful.

Today, I specially invited you here

to express my gratitude.

That's very kind of you, Your Highness.

It's my daughter's good fortune

to get to know Mr. Han.

You flatter me, Madam Chen.

It's my good fortune

to meet Yixiu.

I've had the kitchen prepare some fine dishes.

This way, please.

Please enjoy.

That's an ornamental dish.

We can only look at it and not eat it? That's a waste.

Mother,

I also think the ornamental dish is a bit wasteful.

His Majesty always taught us

to be hardworking and frugal for the sake of our nation and homes.

The rule

needs to change.

Sweet and fragrant.

You're right, Zhao.

Sixth Lady, please help yourself.

Sure.

This meat

is savory and refreshing.

It's also slightly spicy.

Is it made with frankincense and pepper?

You can tell the ingredients just by smelling the food?

I enjoy studying food in my free time.

Right, the refreshing taste comes from the frankincense.

As for the pepper, I bought it from the palace

and gave it to the kitchen.

Your Highness, do you like cooking, too?

Well, I always think about

how to make delicious food

so my son will eat more.

You have to eat well from now on.

Don't disappoint Her Highness.

Sure. I will try.

Eat some more.

Pepper promotes blood circulation.

It's good for your health.

All right.

I really wish Zhao

could always have a good appetite.

He couldn't eat a few days ago.

I was so worried about him.

Fortunately, with Sixth Lady's help,

he has finally started eating again.

Your Highness, if you don't mind,

Yixiu can continue helping Mr. Han

with his eating issues.

Hence, you won't have to worry too much.

Mother, I'm not a physician.

How can I help with his health issue?

Sixth Lady is simple and frank.

She's cute.

I agree with you, Mother.

(Caifu Abode)

Lin Mao, you insincere,

despicable, and shameless. Scoundrel!

I heard the Princess Royal

only invited Madam Chen

and Sixth Lady to a feast.

Is Her Highness interested in Sixth Lady?

If this is true,

- that would be marvelous. - Exactly.

If so, we...

Stop talking nonsense!

Don't you dare spread fake news!

Mother,

how did you know

I was acquainted with Mr. Han?

The Princess Royal sent some pastries the other day,

saying it was a token of gratitude.

I know you wouldn't do anything

inappropriate,

so I didn't ask you.

Are you talking about

the beautifully wrapped pastries you gave me?

The Princess Royal

is the late Emperor's sister

and His Majesty's aunt.

She has a lofty status.

From now on,

you should stay close to Mr. Han.

It'll benefit you.

What benefits?

Can I eat more delicious food?

Mr. Han says

his appetite improves

when he sees you.

You're a kind girl.

You'll want to help him, right?

His appetite improves when he sees me?

That sounds weird.

Just help him.

That's strange. How could there be someone

who doesn't enjoy eating?

Right, everything's here.

I'll make sure everything is prepared

as you instructed, Seventh Lady.

But

do we have to bring the medicine ourselves?

Of course.

In case Third Brother catches a cold.

It's better to have the medicine on hand.

Besides, its name also sounds auspicious.

It works. It works. It works.

Maybe Third Brother will become the triple top scorer.

You have excellent foresight, Seventh Lady.

Xue Zhi,

prepare more charcoal.

This autumn

is colder than before.

We can't let Third Brother catch a cold at the exam hall.

All right, Young Lady. It's all prepared.

You reminded me several times.

I heard that you are

investigating the Chen Family.

Does the poisoning

have anything to do with Madam Chen?

Not her.

Why can't you tell me?

You're preparing for the exam.

I don't want to distract you.

Besides,

that's just speculation.

I haven't found any proof yet.

Third Brother.

- Fifth Lady. - Fifth Lady.

Greetings, Third Brother.

You're here, too, Seventh Sister.

Why are you here

to visit Third Brother at this hour?

The exam is approaching.

We have several candidates

in this residence,

so I made a few pairs of shoes.

I have brought them to Shan and Sixth Uncle.

And now,

I'm sending Third Brother a pair.

I hope you would like them.

Thank you, Fifth Sister.

Did Madam Lin send this here?

Xuan has a similar set of these.

Madam Lin is truly considerate.

The things from Wanglou Pavilion

are certainly refined.

Xue Zhi,

take the things Third Brother needs for the exam

to Haitang Abode.

Let's not disturb his studying.

Yes, Young Lady.

I should get going.

I wish you the best of luck on the exam.

Young Lady, I gathered

that the Fifth Lady has been friendly lately.

She also sends gifts to all the abodes.

I didn't expect her to send some to the Third Young Master as well.

Did you believe she came here just to send gifts?

If not,

what is it, then?

I think the Fifth Sister will soon

pay a visit to Haitang Abode.

Young Lady.

Is it done?

Are you sure you want to do this, Young Lady?

I will never allow anyone

to get in Xuan's way.

(Haitang Abode)

Fifth Lady,

unfortunately,

Seventh Lady has gone to greet Old Madam.

It's fine.

I'll wait for her inside.

This sweet cake is made by Fifth Lady.

We have sent some to all the abodes.

These are for Seventh Lady.

I'm thirsty.

Serve me some tea.

Yes.

Young Lady, you're back.

What is this?

The Fifth Lady sent some sweet cake over earlier today.

How long was she here?

As you ordered,

I didn't stay and watch her.

She asked me to brew some tea,

so I did.

However, she only took a few sips and left.

Young Lady, do you suspect Fifth Lady

would temper with the thing prepared by Madam Lin?

Fifth Sister must be wary of Third Brother's talent,

that's why she was planning something.

Plus, she hates Mother.

She wouldn't miss such a perfect opportunity

to frame both of them together.

(Caifu Abode)

Who disturbs my sleep?

It's morning. Why are you not up yet?

Let me sleep a little longer.

Sleep? You have the exam today.

Don't be late.

Too loud.

Hairu!

Are you awake now?

I am.

Shan, come.

Mother.

I have prepared three sets of writing supplies.

They're all here.

Don't leave anything behind.

Keep this one with you.

All right.

Didn't you say there would be a roasted chicken? Where is it?

It's all inside here.

Oh, my.

You didn't just drop the brushes.

It's bad luck.

You picked them up.

They are all right.

I'll keep them properly. My bad.

Xuan, drink some.

I prepared this pig knuckle congee

before the sky turned bright this morning.

Please drink some.

It'll bring you good luck.

Young Lady, you've checked it three times.

There's no mistake.

We must make sure everything is all right.

Don't worry. It's already ready.

Just do the best you can

in the exam.

Read the question carefully. Don't be hasty.

Second Master,

I have prepared them

with the things they need for the exam.

It's my first time preparing those.

Could you check if I've missed anything?

Bring them here.

Where's Xuanyuan's?

Why are there candles here?

What's that inside the candles?

Xuanyuan,

how dare you!

Father, I didn't.

Father,

Xuan only focuses on his studies.

He didn't prepare these.

Then, who did this?

♪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♪