Original subtitles

=The Rise of Ning=

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

=Episode 20=

Xuanyuan.

How dare you.

Father, I didn't.

Father, Xuan only cares

about studying and writing.

He didn't prepare all these.

Who did it then?

Hairu,

did you prepare all these?

Yes.

I bought all the exam preparation items

at Wanglou Pavilion.

However, the candle

isn't from Wanglou Pavilion.

I prepared three sets in total.

Apart from theirs,

I also prepared for Mao.

The brush, ink, paper, inkstone, food, and daily necessities

are all the same.

I wasn't biased.

However, someone didn't want to use them because she thought

I didn't prepare well

and insisted on preparing the items.

You are such a humiliation.

The reputation of the Luo family was almost ruined

because of you.

Father.

Xuan knew nothing.

He didn't do it.

He didn't know how to do it？

Recently,

you've been spacing out.

Your studies have declined a lot.

When I asked you questions,

you couldn't answer me many times.

In the end,

you had to write down the answers in your palm

to answer my questions.

I've warned you, Luo Xuanyuan.

But you wouldn't repent.

I think

you shouldn't take the exam anymore.

Someone,

drag him to the Ancestral Shrine

and punish him!

- Father! - Father!

I did it!

Yilian,

why did you do this?

It's all my fault.

I made my own decision

for Xuan's sake.

Xuan knew nothing about this.

If you want to punish someone,

punish me instead, Father.

You can punish me however you want.

Don't affect Xuan's exam

because of me.

Where are the items your mother prepared for you?

They...

They are in the room.

Bring them with you

and attend the exam.

Don't come back

if you don't succeed.

As for you,

go to the Ancestral Shrine and kneel.

Don't think about getting up

if Xuan doesn't succeed.

Yixiu.

I... I am leaving.

What if I don't succeed in the exam?

Isn't that to be expected?

Right.

Oh.

Why did you

visit Her Highness previously?

Oh, do you still remember

Han Zhao?

He is Her Highness's son.

Are you serious?

Why am I telling you this?

Yixiu.

I said that to my sister

because someone

thought merchants like us were lowly.

I was anxious

and ran my mouth.

I wasn't against you on purpose.

I know my mistake.

Where's Lin Mao?

Where did he go again?

I'll come and find you after the exam.

Don't be angry. I'm leaving.

Forget it.

Even Emperor Wenchang can't save him.

Everything is ready.

All right.

Don't worry, Mother.

That's good.

Don't be careless during the exam.

Do well in the exam.

You are still soft-hearted.

Xuan still doesn't know.

Studying so hard for the exam that happens once every three years.

I don't really want to ruin him.

Luo Yilian might have an impure heart

but she is foolish.

Her tricks

won't fool you.

If she doesn't offend me,

I won't cause any trouble.

But if she involves you,

I won't forgive her.

(Examination Hall)

I'm going.

Go on.

Do well in your exam.

I know.

Oh, Third Brother.

I almost forgot.

- What is it? - Come here quickly.

Third Brother, break one off.

That's great.

I'm sure you can get first place this time.

Thank you.

Keep it for me.

I'll go in now.

(Examination Hall)

Luo Yining!

You wanted to harm Xuan, right?

You were the one who wanted to harm Third Brother

because you were afraid that he would do better than Xuan

and affect your position in Luo Residence.

Nonsense!

I didn't.

Xuan is the best.

Don't think I couldn't notice

what you did to Third Brother's items.

I heard a lot about this

when I was in the side yard.

I only tampered with

what Lin Hairu gave Third Brother.

I didn't put any candles with notes

for Xuan.

You were the one who put it in Xuan's basket

to harm Xuan.

Are you admitting to it?

I am just giving you

a taste of your own medicine.

You...

You even worked with Lin Hairu

to purposely make Father check it, right?

You always think people are trying to harm you

and end up harming yourself instead.

You should reflect on your mistakes.

(Examination Hall)

We are free!

Sixth Uncle.

- Shenyuan. - Aren't you tired from the exam?

Why should I feel tired?

I'm feeling reborn now.

We will get drunk tonight.

Did Sixth Uncle do well?

It's none of your business.

I admit I might do badly

but I don't cheat.

Uncle,

the horse carriage is over there. Let's go.

Let's go.

(Ranking)

Madam, look.

I am Liu Jing.

Greetings, Madam Chen.

First Lady.

Mother.

Do I really

need to marry into the Liu family?

Your grandma

just mentioned it.

It isn't decided yet.

Let's look at the ranking first.

I told you to hurry.

There are so many people. We can't even move to the front.

Yes. It's all my fault.

I'll let you stand on my shoulder later.

Fine.

The ranking is released!

Back up.

Back up.

(Ranking)

(34th, Luo Xuanyuan)

Xuan is in the ranking!

Look! He is 34th!

That's great.

My young lady doesn't need to kneel anymore.

Xuan did not

let his years of study down.

Unlike my younger brother, Lin Mao.

He probably figured he wouldn't be on the ranking

so he dared not come and see.

(21th Place, Liu Jing)

First Lady,

I'm on the ranking.

I see it.

Mother said we will propose at the Luo Residence

when I succeed in the exam.

I will inform my parents right away.

I will prepare all the necessary rituals

and not let you down, First Lady.

Please wait for my good news.

(Provincial Scholar, Luo Shenyuan)

Third Brother!

You are the provincial scholar!

(Provincial Scholar, Luo Shenyuan)

- That's great, Third Brother! - All right.

Not so loud.

- I knew you could do it! - Not so loud!

- Shenyuan. - Congratulations, Third Young Master.

Congratulations on getting first place.

Thank you, Mother. Thank you, Sister.

Is he the provincial scholar?

He is a great man.

Thank you.

Young Master, my daughter is still single.

Young Master,

why don't you come home with me?

Young Master!

They are on the ranking!

They are on the ranking!

Great news!

They are on the ranking!

Who?

Eighth Young Master is in 34th place.

Great!

Mother,

I congratulate you.

Congratulations, Mother.

Congratulations, Chengzhang.

What about other young masters?

Old Madam.

Third Young Master too.

Is he on the ranking too?

Third Young Master is the provincial scholar.

Provincial scholar?

Tell me slowly.

Tell me word by word.

Tell me loudly.

Congratulations, Old Madam!

Third Young Master Luo Shenyuan got first place.

He is the provincial scholar!

Congratulations, Old Madam!

Congratulations, Second Master!

Congratulations, Mother.

Enough. Stop smiling.

You've been smiling all the way. Isn't your face tired?

I only heard about

stealing a groom in front of the ranking.

I'm impressed

after witnessing it in person.

Thankfully, I escaped.

Otherwise, I might be kidnapped to someone else's residence.

I hope you will

become the grand provincial scholar soon

and later become the imperial scholar.

Then, you'll have more people to grab you in front of the ranking.

However,

I think people will soon

come to our residence to propose.

When the time comes, I will have a sister-in-law.

Why do you always think about

something pointless?

How is this pointless?

Will you not get married forever?

If I can't marry the person I like,

I won't get married at all.

All right.

I hope you will

meet the person you like as soon as possible.

Then, I'll have a sister-in-law as soon as possible.

Marquis, there's only a nameless grave

around the side yard.

Dig it.

Get digging.

Marquis,

looking at the body, it is indeed a female corpse.

What about the thing I asked you to investigate?

When Seventh Lady was living in the side yard,

a close servant of hers did pass away.

Was her name Xu Mei?

Her name

was Mei indeed.

Bury her well.

Give the order

for all estates to take a break for three days.

Yes, Madam.

Third Young Master, congratulations on becoming the provincial scholar.

Let's share the joy.

Rui Xiang, scatter the money.

Yes.

Everyone, please take a piece of the Luo Residence's luck with you!

Thank you, Madam Lin!

Thank you, Madam Lin!

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Lin!

Congratulations!

Thank you, Madam Lin!

Mine!

Give me one!

This is mine!

Congratulations!

Thank you, Madam Lin!

Thank you!

Greetings, Grandma.

Stand up.

- Yes. - Yes.

Shenyuan and Xuanyuan are both on the ranking.

This is an auspicious event

for the Luo family.

The residence has organized a banquet today.

Everyone should gather and enjoy the occasion.

None of you should miss it.

- Thank you, Grandma. - Thank you, Grandma.

Why are you thanking me?

Your father was the one who asked to prepare the banquet.

Thank you, Father.

Mother is back from scattering money.

Mother, congratulations.

You are glowing.

How much money did you scatter?

Not a lot.

Yuan has lived up to our expectations.

Isn't it a joyous occasion?

Right now, you are the mother of a provincial scholar.

You should feel happy indeed.

Chengzhang, when you are free,

bring Hairu to the temple

to thank the gods.

Yes, Mother.

Mother, I made you spend money.

How is that spending money?

You are making me proud.

Mother, you should be frugal.

The academy exam and imperial exam are up next.

Don't worry.

As long as Yuan does well,

I will scatter as much money as I want.

Chengwen.

Don't be too disappointed.

You might not succeed this time

but there are more opportunities in the future.

Yes, Mother.

You might have become the provincial scholar

but your road to become the imperial scholar has just begun.

You must not be proud.

The Spring Examination and the Imperial Examination

are the ones that will test your ability.

Yes.

Xuanyuan.

You must not be lazy.

You still have an opportunity at the academy examination.

Yes, Father.

I've begged Father.

Father allowed you to stop kneeling

but you will be confined in Bilian Pavilion.

I heard about it.

You are on the ranking.

Father must be very happy.

No one will dare look down on us again

in this residence.

Xuan, what's wrong?

Why are you still not happy?

Why should I be happy about it?

I was only successful in the examination.

How can I match someone who became a provincial scholar?

Young Lady, are you all right?

Shan is the provincial scholar?

Young Lady, it was the one from Jimo House

who became the provincial scholar.

Mother.

Kneel!

I only failed this time.

I can just take the exam again.

There are also many people

who have failed many times.

Why don't you compare yourself with the ones better than you?

I asked you to study well

but you just wouldn't listen.

Right now,

both sons

from the second home are on the ranking

but you are the only one who has failed.

Didn't Lin Mao fail as well?

You dare compare yourself with him?

What is his background?

The Luo family and Chen family

are both academic families.

Your grandpa was an imperial scholar

and your father was also a palace graduate.

Your eldest brother

was smart since young.

Grandpa, Father, and I

are different people.

Regardless of how smart my brother was,

he was dead.

You useless fool!

You only learn about useless things

and only care about martial arts.

Why are you reading the Ten Tactics of Warfare?

I'm telling you.

From tomorrow onwards, I will throw

all of the trash out.

Go to the Ancestral Shrine

and kneel for one night.

Madam, calm down.

Shan will surely be successful next time.

Next time?

If he fails again next time,

he will

tarnish my reputation.

If my eldest son is still alive,

the title of provincial scholar

will never get to someone else.

I would not

be humiliated.

Luo Shenyuan became famous overnight.

How unexpected.

Even Old Madam

sees him in a new light now.

Back when he was just an ordinary person,

he kept protecting Luo Yining.

If he gets the top three places in the imperial examination,

that's...

There's still a long way to go.

No one knows what will happen in the future.

My head hurts a lot.

I won't be attending the banquet tonight.

Go and tell Old Madam.

Yes.

(Caifu Abode)

Where is he?

Where is he?

Aren't you friends with Shenyuan?

Why didn't you

attend his banquet today?

Hairu, stop teasing me.

When I think of my failure,

I feel so sad that I can't even eat.

Why are you crying?

What is there to cry about?

It is rare for someone

to be successful after the first try.

You should work harder next time.

I will talk to our parents.

The saddest thing I feel is

that you can't explain yourself in front of our parents

because of me.

I'm so useless.

Don't give up.

Just focus more of your efforts

on your studies in the future.

Eat.

I can't eat.

Rui Xiang.

Make some porridge and side dishes.

Hairu, just punish me.

Let me starve.

How can I do that?

What will you do if you get sick?

I've let you down, Hairu!

I've let you down!

Hairu?

Why did you come back?

I came back.

Your joy will now turn to sorrow.

I was wondering why you've changed.

- I was wrong. - I'll beat you to death!

Old Madam, Third Young Master is here.

It's so late already.

What is it?

Grandma, I came here to request

for the testimony back then.

You did become the provincial scholar today

but there are still

the academy examination and imperial examination in the future.

How do you know what will happen to you in the future?

I am confident

about not disappointing you.

Good. Sit down.

Yes.

Sit down and talk.

Shenyuan.

If I give you the testimony,

what will you do?

Grandma,

I know about your concerns

but I am not a reckless person.

If my name is added to the family register,

I will take on the responsibility

of the fate of the Luo family.

I won't put Luo family in danger.

I will also protect Yining well.

What if

I still won't give you the testimony?

If you won't give me the testimony,

you won't speak so much with me today.

I know you've been observing me

during this period.

I'm sure

you have a decision already.

Are you not afraid of the dangers

and death?

Grandpa sacrificed himself

to clear up unjust cases.

Someone must inherit his work.

Since you have preserved the testimony until today,

I'm sure you are also waiting for this person to appear.

Grandma,

please believe in me.

I will complete

Grandpa's dying wish

while making sure that Luo Residence is safe from harm.

Wenzhai.

He is your grandson.

He can't avoid your blessing

and also your misfortune.

Shenyuan,

remember what you said today.

Otherwise, I will be too embarrassed

to face your grandpa when I die.

Don't worry, Grandma.

I will

not forget it.

(Jimo House)

Official Song, what is the meaning of this?

Well, I'm sure you understand.

I don't accept any rewards without contribution.

I don't take money that is obtained illegitimately.

Our army at the border is risking their lives

but you are embezzling the taxes.

A lack of military funds is a social issue.

How can I stand by and do nothing

as the Vice Minister of Revenue?

You should know what's best for you.

I only ask for a clear conscience.

(Witnessed by Sun Chengwu)

Li Yinglong's accusation of Chen Jiuheng

for embezzling the disaster relief fund

was a false accusation.

(Wang Yuan and Song Yingshan)

(smuggled tea leaves to gain a huge profit.)

(Vice Minister of Revenue, Chen Jiuheng)

(informed Imperial Court of Judicial.)

(However, Wang Yuan's gang pressured Vice Minister Chen in secret)

(to destroy the evidence.)

(Vice Minister Chen did not obey.)

Wang Yuan ordered his underling, Li Yinglong

to frame Vice Minister Chen for embezzling the disaster relief fund

causing Vice Minister Chen and his proteges

to be wronged and imprisoned.

The crime was a false accusation

and it is a case of injustice.

Witnessed by Sun Chengwu.

It was Wang Yuan?

No matter Old Madam kept this testimony so securely.

Young Master,

the road ahead

will be tough indeed.

It will be tough

but I must still finish it.

(Luo Residence)

Young Lady, you've been strolling for so long.

Why don't we go back?

Let's stroll for a while longer.

He hasn't left his room for days.

Is he sick?

Who is sick?

Yixiu!

Yixiu!

Are you still angry at me after so long?

I am fat and ugly.

I dare not be angry at you.

I don't mean that.

You are not ugly.

You are just slightly fat.

I mean

you might be slightly fat

but I don't think that you are ugly.

I think you are plump and cute.

You are cuter than the most exquisite clay doll.

No one praises people like you do.

How could you compare me with a clay doll?

Yixiu, just forgive me.

If you forgive me, I'll do anything you want.

Anything?

Just say it. I can do anything for you.

Recently,

I don't know when the war will end.

I can't even find low-quality basil

let alone high-quality ones.

I'll go find it.

Well,

all transactions are halted.

Where can you find it?

Don't worry.

I admit my mistake.

I'll show you with my attitude and actions.

Wait for me.

Slow down.

Young Master.

Qi An said Senior Daoyan was gone.

Let's head to Dengwen Drum Court.

(Senior Daoyan)

(Dengwen Drum Court)

(Dengwen Drum Court)

Senior, you mustn't go.

Yuan,

I knew you would come.

I've decided. No need to persuade me anymore.

I got the testimony yesterday.

The mastermind is Wang Yuan.

He has a strong influence in the imperial court.

You can overturn the case

by just going to Dengwen Drum Court.

Great.

We finally know who it is.

Senior, come back with me.

When I become an official,

I will plan well and overturn the case.

How long does it take?

One year?

Five years?

Ten years?

It won't take that long, Senior.

- Don't you trust me? - Of course, I trust you.

However, I can't wait that long.

I don't have much time left.

I can only live for two to three months.

What do you mean?

In the last two years,

my coughing disease has been getting worse.

I didn't tell all of you

to not make all of you worried.

If that's my fate,

I hope I can complete my wish

before my death

so people can pay attention to Master's case.

That's good enough.

No, Senior.

I can't see you die in vain.

Just let me do this, Yuan.

Otherwise, I can't rest in peace.

I just ask you to do one thing.

After I sound the Dengwen Drum,

blow this case up as much as possible.

Do you hear me?

I do.

I've seen how tough

the path you've been taking is.

Now that you've become a scholar,

I feel happy for you.

If Master is still alive,

I'm sure he is gratified as well.

You'll be walking the path alone in the future.

You must stay safe.

(Dengwen Drum Court)

(A case of injustice is waiting to be overturned)

Marquis, should we capture him?

(Dengwen Drum Court)

Young Master,

Daoyan is a moving target now.

Lu Jiaxue will never forgive him.

Should I bring Daoyan back instead?

You can't take him away.

Once he has made a decision,

he will never give up.

Order the Imperial Guards.

Place some men here.

No matter who takes him away,

follow that person

and capture him.

Yes.

Lu Jiaxue

still won't take action for now.

Why?

To Lu Jiaxue,

Senior Daoyan is a bait.

A bait to capture us.

Anyway,

we should ask our men to protect him in secret

just in case.

Understood.

Marquis, are you saying

we should keep Chen Daoyan outside the court as bait

to lure his comrades

before we capture them all?

Vice Minister Li,

we've been looking for them for years.

Now that he has come to us,

we can't waste this opportunity.

Marquis, you are thoughtful.

I am impressed.

However, Executive Vice Minister Wang

does not want to drag this on

or for the case to blow up.

It should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Otherwise, it'll be troublesome

if His Majesty finds out.

Three days at most.

After three days,

if his comrades do not appear,

I will deal with it myself.

Farewell.

What?

Daoyan went to sound the Dengwen Drum?

He has been sounding the drum for a whole day.

He said he wanted to overturn Official Chen Jiuheng's case.

Ask someone to prepare a carriage to leave the residence.

Should I find Third Young Master at Jimo House?

How can Third Brother

stay in Jimo House at a time like this?

Yes.

Young Master, the imperial guards

are following us.

Let's go.

Move!

Get in.

Third Brother.

Why did Daoyan

sound the Dengwen Drum?

He wants to overturn the case.

Even if he fails,

he also hopes to get the imperial court's attention.

I've also heard

about Official Chen's case.

I heard his case

was presided over by Grandpa.

That's right.

The evidence to blame Master back then

was perfectly forged.

The case was decided

but Old Master believed in Master

and trailed the case over and over again.

Finally, he made Sun Chengwu confess

and wrote a truthful testimony.

However, the Imperial Court of Judicial

caught fire the night after the trial.

Sun Chengwu perished.

How did you know

all of this?

Old Master

only met Old Madam after he returned to the residence.

I was sneaking outside the window

so I knew about the testimony's existence.

Before Old Master's death, he asked Old Madam to preserve a painting

so I knew the testimony

was hidden inside a painting.

So,

when I just returned to the residence,

you kept asking me

about Grandpa's pine paintings

and asked someone to sneak into my bedroom

because of that testimony?

Did you help me and save me

because of the testimony as well?

That was indeed one of my objectives

but I was also sincere in helping you.

You are just a liar.

You fooled all of us.

But I don't want to lie to you.

Enough.

I'll make you pay

after Daoyan's case is over.

♪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♪