Original subtitles

=The Rise of Ning=

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

=Episode 21=

(Zuixian Restaurant)

What is this?

(Dengwen Drum Court)

This must be Chen Jiuheng's principal disciple.

Right.

Back then, Chen Jiuheng

embezzled the disaster relief funds

and caused many deaths.

He's indeed shameless to demand justice.

Words have spread everywhere,

claiming that Chen Jiuheng didn't commit corruption.

Someone else did.

He was framed by the mastermind and died unjustly.

Seriously?

If that's true,

the imperial court wouldn't have left him kneeling for days

without giving any response.

You didn't know that yet.

No one knows the truth

of this case.

Anyway, this is none of our business.

These days,

many people are gathering there,

but no one has approached Chen Daoyan.

He's trying to use the public sentiment to alert His Majesty

to reopen an old case.

That's a brilliant move.

Uncle,

everyone in the capital is discussing this matter.

If this goes on,

I'm afraid this may catch His Majesty's attention.

We can't wait any longer.

Take action tonight.

- Yes. - Yes.

Useless fools!

I sent you to kill Chen Daoyan.

You brought a group of people there,

and yet he's still alive now.

Please calm down, Your Lordship.

Someone is protecting Chen Daoyan.

That means his accomplices are nearby.

They are nearby?

Did you capture any of them?

Please pardon my incompetence.

Now,

send more people.

If you still can't take him down,

I'm coming for you next.

Yes, Your Lordship.

Your Lordship, Vice Minister Li is here.

Bring him in.

Yes, Your Lordship.

Your Lordship.

Vice Minister Li.

Please have a seat.

No need.

I came here to convey a message.

I'll be leaving right after.

Executive Vice Minister Wang said

this matter

has spread throughout the entire capital,

and His Majesty has already learned about it.

His Majesty then summoned

Minister of Imperial Court of Judicial and the Grand Chancellor late at night.

It was decided to reexamine the case.

What's Grand Chancellor Wang's plan?

His Majesty has appointed

Executive Vice Minister Wang to preside over this case.

That's great.

According to Executive Vice Minister Wang,

since Chen Daoyan dares

to air his grievances in public,

there must be more than meets the eyes.

He hopes for your assistance.

Grand Chancellor Wang may rest assured.

I will do my utmost.

(Demand justice for an old case)

His Majesty issued a decree.

Chen Jiuheng's case

involves many parties,

and all the people pay attention to it.

Therefore, the case will be reopened.

Wang Yuan, the Executive Vice Minister of Chancellery, will be the judge.

Take him inside.

Yes.

Chen Daoyan,

I remember you.

You're Chen Jiuheng's principal disciple.

What a backbone you have.

You've been living on the run

as a fugitive for years.

Yet, you have the audacity to demand justice.

My master and I

were framed by treacherous people

and have lived under false accusation for years.

I hope justice will be served.

Nonsense!

The witness and evidence of Chen Jiuheng's

relief funds embezzlement were conclusive

and reviewed and finalized by His Majesty.

How can you claim it's a false accusation?

The witness made false accusations,

and the evidence was fabricated.

My master never took a single piece of silver

from the official funds.

You!

Chen Daoyan,

you claim you're falsely accused.

Can you prove it?

"Chen Jiuheng's case was closed.

Even though the witness has died,

the statement has disappeared

and must be found

to prevent further trouble."

Is this written by Song Yingshan?

But he's already dead.

The content is ambiguous.

There's no specification.

It can't prove

that Chen Jiuheng was falsely accused.

Trying to reopen the case

with this mere letter?

I have other evidence,

but I will only present it to His Majesty.

You...

You want to seek an audience with His Majesty?

You're a criminal.

It's a great mercy from His Majesty

to reopen the case.

You'd better present the evidence now.

Otherwise, not only will the verdict remain,

but you'll also face even heavier charges.

I've never thought of leaving this place alive

after entering the Dengwen Drum Court.

If you don't allow me to seek an audience,

someone else will

present the evidence to His Majesty

in the future.

He can't provide enough evidence.

He will be taken into custody

for another trial.

An old case of wrongful accusation.

Lu Jiaxue used to

rely on Song Yingshan,

but then he took over

the status of the Song Family

by completely eliminating them.

This man alone is big trouble,

and now we're confronting Wang Yuan.

The mastermind becomes the main judge of the case.

This is simply absurd.

What should we do now?

Honestly, I was worried

Wang Yuan might preside over this case.

Shenyuan,

have you come up with a plan?

Wang Yuan has been appointed to preside over this case.

He certainly wouldn't overturn it.

If we could find someone

who is highly revered, powerful,

and has conflicting interests with Wang Yuan

who's able to confront him

to become a co-judge,

perhaps we'd have a chance.

Wang Yuan is powerful and influential,

who else in the imperial court could match him?

What's the tea tax for?

To buy horses.

And why are horses needed?

To fight wars.

(Jimo House)

You want to use Duke Ying against Wang Yuan?

Duke Ying is upright and loyal.

He's also a great general

and has won many battles all these years,

which makes him valued by His Majesty.

Furthermore, before Lu Jiaxue received his title,

his elder brother sabotaged him.

Duke Ying couldn't tolerate it

and once helped him.

After Lu Jiaxue was promoted to a marquis

and gained power after that battle,

he wouldn't care about others,

but he has always remembered

the kindness Duke Ying

extended to him before.

So,

if we use Duke Ying against Wang Yuan,

Lu Jiaxue won't be too harsh on us.

At least he'll show some restraint.

What's your plan?

I shall offer what Duke Ying needs

and lure him in.

(Duke Ying's Residence)

(Wei Ling, Duke Ying)

This old geezer!

How was it?

(Zhiqi Hall)

Your Lordship.

Are the provisions still sufficient?

Yes, but we're running short on medical supplies.

We've reported it to the court for some days.

Still, there are no supplies.

Military supplies procurement

have always been under Wang Yuan's charge.

Without his permission,

no supplies will be given.

I've already made several reports

to His Majesty on this matter.

However, this old geezer is cunning.

He always finds excuses to delay.

The situation at the borders is worsening,

there are many wounded soldiers.

If we can't get any medicines soon

and the cold disease spreads,

I'm afraid they won't be able to hold on any longer.

I'll go find him now.

Your Lordship,

someone delivered ten carriages of medicine outside.

And this.

They asked for you to review.

Medicine?

Who sent this?

The person who delivered the medicine said someone hired them,

so they didn't know the sender's identity.

You may go.

Yes.

Be careful, Your Lordship.

It may be a trap.

This person gave me what I need now,

naturally, they have a favor to ask.

This is no trap.

(Tea Ledger Volume One)

(Tea Ledger Volume One)

This is a report

on tea production and its tax revenue

from ten years ago.

Why did they give me these?

Chen Jiuheng reported

that the tea taxes had been decreasing year after year

and requested a thorough investigation.

Chen Jiuheng?

He was the Vice Minister of Revenue whose entire clan was eliminated

due to the embezzlement of disaster relief funds back then.

Why did they send these ledgers here?

Though tea production increased significantly,

the tea taxes had been decreasing year after year.

They're trying to tell us

someone's lining their pockets.

This is ridiculous!

Did someone really embezzle the tea tax revenue?

The tea tax

is the main source of military provision.

How dare they get their hands on that.

We risk our lives on the battleground,

and these corrupt officials are actually profiting for themselves.

This is truly infuriating.

Chen Jiuheng's case

caused quite a stir back then

as it involved many parties.

However,

Chen Jiuheng, who requested to investigate corruption,

ended up imprisoned

for the embezzlement of disaster relief funds.

It seems

there's more to the story.

His principal disciple

suddenly appeared and demanded justice for him.

Do these things

have something to do with that?

If this is truly a wrongful case

and it's related to military provision,

I must step in and do something.

Let's go and check on the medicine.

Yes.

That must be Duke Ying.

He seems fierce.

Military men carry themselves with an air of authority.

In addition, Duke Ying fights on the battlefields

and is highly respected by all soldiers.

He accepts the medicine.

It seems the tea tax report

works on him.

Now, we'll wait and see

if he involves himself in Senior Daoyan's case.

If he's truly as just

as rumored,

he will preside over this case.

Besides, he holds opinions against Wang Yuan

due to the military provision.

We could take this opportunity

to intimidate them.

Thank you, sir.

- Thank you, miss. - Wait.

Please get up.

- Bring your child to get treatment. - Don't wait.

Go now.

Your Lordship,

Seventh Lady and Luo Shenyuan are over there.

Seventh Lady.

I didn't expect to run into you here, Your Lordship.

Mr. Luo, you become the top scorer at your first attempt.

You're exceptional.

Thank you for your compliment.

I hope this is the start.

I was interrogating criminals

at Dengwen Drum Court last night,

and I'm heading home.

I didn't expect to run into you here.

It must've been tough, Your Lordship.

This is a tough guy.

We've already used all kinds of torture on him,

but he still wouldn't confess who his accomplices were.

I have no knowledge about how interrogation works,

so I can't be of help.

It's fine.

Any criminal who comes under my charge,

even if he's as tough as an iron,

I will find ways to make him confess.

Seventh Lady,

may I have a word with you?

We need to head back

to attend to something urgent.

May I have a word with you?

Seventh Lady.

Just ask away, Marquis Lu.

I found the nameless tomb

according to your description.

There's a woman's body inside.

Did you dig up the grave?

Poor Mei.

Even her soul can't rest in peace.

What else do you want to ask, then?

The body belongs to a woman,

but my hunch tells me

she's not Mei.

If that's what you believe,

there's nothing more I can say.

I always have the feeling that Mei is still alive.

Your obsession runs too deep.

It's getting late.

Our parents may worry about us.

Let's head back.

Are you all right?

Let's go home.

Why are your hands so cold?

Is something disturbing you?

Third Brother,

I know what you want to ask.

Just now, Lu Jiaxue

asked me something about paper-cutting.

He also likes paper-cutting.

You don't need to find excuses

if you don't want to tell.

But if he ever bothers you again,

you must tell me.

I know.

He mentioned Senior Daoyan

to you

on purpose.

Daoyan is the petitioner.

Plus, His Majesty has ordered a retrial.

They won't go too far.

Let's hope Duke Ying will

do as we wish.

Young Lady,

is Lu Jiaxue

the friend with injured eyes

that you often looked after

while we were in the side yard?

Yes, it's him.

Did you fall into the water

because of him?

Qing Qu.

Don't tell anyone

about this.

I don't want to complicate things.

I have nothing to do

with him.

He keeps bothering you

because he recognizes you?

He probably isn't sure about it.

I told him

that the tomb in the side yard

was mine.

Do you mean Mei's grave?

Mei passed away after falling ill.

She served me before.

I'm sorry to drag her into this.

Her soul can't even find peace

after death.

Sixth Sister.

I came here to check on Fugui.

Sixth Sister,

you've lost weight.

I don't think so.

Young Lady has been worrying

and couldn't eat well.

That's why she's lost some weight.

Don't listen to her.

Sixth Sister,

do you have someone you like?

You lost weight because you miss him?

I heard that Aunt has been taking you

to visit the Princess Royal a lot lately.

Enough. Stop making fun of me.

All right, Sixth Sister. Don't sigh.

Fugui will also sigh with you.

Right, Fugui?

Have you seen Sixth Uncle lately?

I haven't seen him

since the results announcement.

Mother said he was feeling down.

Perhaps he's been staying in his abode.

Mother.

Did you see Lin Mao?

He didn't do well in the exam this time,

so I gave him an earful.

I thought he was reflecting in his room,

but he left a letter and ran away.

I'll go look for it.

But the border market has stopped.

Where can you get it?

Don't worry.

I sincerely admit my fault,

and I'll make up for it.

Wait for me.

Did he really go to look for it?

What?

Yes?

Maybe he's gone back to Lin'an.

He failed the exam

and kept saying he wouldn't sit for the exam again.

I was so angry that I told him

to go back to Lin'an and tell our parents.

He didn't even want to go back.

Mother, have you sent someone to look for him?

Why should I?

I won't look for him.

He's driving me crazy.

Did...

Did he really go there?

Sixth Sister,

do you know where the Sixth Uncle has gone?

The other day, I told him

I was running out of good-quality basil leaves.

He said he would go get some for me.

I honestly don't know where he has gone.

He can't go to the north, can he?

But there's a war at the northern border right now.

The border market is closed.

I'm afraid it won't be easy to find him.

What if he's in danger?

No, he won't.

He may look silly,

but

he's quick-witted.

As if.

I was just saying that.

Did he go there to look for it?

Don't overthink it, Sixth Sister.

Even though Mother won't admit it,

I'm sure she'll send someone to look for him.

Madam, don't be upset.

I believe the late Young Master wouldn't want

to see you in such distress.

If he were still alive,

he would've married and had children by now.

True.

If it weren't for Madam Gu

introducing that quack...

Let's go back.

Careful.

First Master.

All right.

I'll sit here for a while.

You may go.

- You may go. - Yes.

First Master?

First Master.

First Master, are you all right?

Are you feeling unwell?

Minglan,

is it you?

Is it you, Minglan?

Are you drunk?

Is it you?

Yes, I'm drunk.

I can only see you in my dream

when I'm drunk.

Is it you, Minglan?

It's really you.

Minglan.

It's you.

Minglan, don't go.

Minglan.

- Minglan. - First Master.

Minglan.

You're drunk, First Master.

Minglan,

it's me.

Minglan, don't go. Minglan.

Minglan.

Come and help First Master back to his room.

- Yes. - Yes.

Ms. Yang,

it's late.

Why haven't you rested yet?

I was about to return to my room.

Madam Chen, First Master...

It's getting late.

You should go and rest.

(Zhijie Abode)

Madam,

why didn't you let me teach this woman a lesson?

When she first came here,

I knew she was up to something.

Finally, her true color is revealed tonight.

She's a guest here.

How would you teach her a lesson?

But I heard that First Master

spent quite some money

to redeem all the things she had pawned.

Will First Master

develop feelings for her

because she resembles Madam Gu?

She'll have to leave here eventually.

You're right, Madam.

Today

is my eldest son's death anniversary,

but he has forgotten.

Instead, he still remembers

that woman.

(Blossoms in Spring, Fruits in Autumn)

It's been days.

Why hasn't he returned yet?

Doesn't he know we're all worried?

Madam Lin, don't stress yourself out.

Perhaps, like Sixth Master Lin said,

he got too tired from studying, and he went out

to clear his mind.

He's tired?

It's not like I'm always relaxed.

How am I going

to explain to my parents?

By the way,

any news

from the people we sent out?

Not for now.

Not yet?

Are you all right, Madam?

Help me back to my room.

Come.

Hurry!

Come!

- Young Lady. - Have you got any news?

How's it?

Caifu Abode is in a mess now.

Sixth Master Lin hasn't returned,

and Madam Lin is so worried that she falls sick.

If he really went there

because of my joke,

I'd be the sinner.

Sixth Lady, it's time to go back.

We've been out for too long.

It'll be troublesome if Madam Chen questions us.

All right. Let's go.

Let's leave.

First Master.

I had a few drinks with my fellows last night.

I was drunk

and accidentally offended you.

When I woke up this morning,

I'm truly embarrassed about...

I forget what happened last night.

I've outstayed my welcome here.

Today, I came to bid everyone farewell.

Bid farewell?

But you haven't found your brother yet.

Are you leaving because of what happened last night?

First Master,

I ran into Madam Chen

in the garden last night.

Did she see anything?

Madam Chen

treated me as she always has.

It's just that I feel uneasy.

Besides,

I can't stay here forever

just because I haven't found my brother.

All right. Understood.

I'll have someone prepare some money for you.

Also,

you pawned

your gold hairpin, jade bracelet,

and other things.

I've redeemed them.

You don't have to do this.

Ms. Yang, please don't refuse.

I'm truly grateful to you

for rescuing me and for all the help

you've given me during these days.

I will never

forget your kindness.

Mother.

I'm not drinking it.

Please take at least a sip.

The medicine can't heal my problem.

Third Brother.

Greetings, Mother.

I heard you're sick,

so I came to visit you.

I wanted to hold the top scorer

celebration feast for you,

but now I'm sick.

It'll be delayed for a few days.

Mother,

your health is more important.

The banquet can wait until you recover.

Third Brother, you came at the right time.

Mother doesn't want to take the medicine.

Mother, you don't want to take the medicine?

I'm fine. Just focus on your studies.

Rui Xiang is here to serve me.

You have to take the medicine.

If you're sick, I can't focus

on my studies.

Let me feed you, Mother.

Please drink a little, Mother.

The situation outside is chaotic.

Sixth Uncle went out without informing anyone.

That's truly concerning.

I will send someone to help search for him.

Any news from Duke Ying?

His Majesty has permitted

Duke Ying to take part in the trial.

That's great.

With Duke Ying involved,

Wang Yuan won't be able to get everything under his control.

If Wang Yuan

can be removed from this case

and lose His Majesty's trust,

that'd be even better.

What is your next move?

(Duke Ying's Residence)

Who are you?

How dare you block Duke Ying's way!

What is this?

You'll find out if you read it.

I'm not reading it.

You tell me.

This is Chen Jiuheng's statement

from the Imperial Court of Judicial.

The mastermind are Wang Yuan and Song Yingshan.

Not only did they smuggle goods,

but they also framed loyal officials

and brought harm to the nation and its people.

I remember

that all the witnesses and important documents

were destroyed

in the fire at the Imperial Court of Judicial.

Where did you get this statement from?

I obtained it

through some effort.

Even if this statement is real,

it's useless.

The party involved is dead.

Be that as it may,

you're the pillar of the nation and a reliable official to His Majesty.

If you can present this statement

to His Majesty,

even if he doesn't completely trust it,

he'll start to suspect Wang Yuan.

So this is your true purpose.

You knew the military provisions were tight,

so you used the tea tax to lure me in.

Now,

you present this to me.

Well-planned.

You want me to fight your enemy for you?

Speak up.

Who are you?

I'm Chen Jiuheng's disciple.

I believe in your integrity,

so I risked my life to block your way

and deliver this evidence.

I hope you will uphold justice.

Ms. Yang.

Seventh Lady.

I heard you're leaving.

Old Madam Luo and you are kind enough

to keep me here

and provide me with food.

I feel bad about it.

But you haven't found your brother yet.

Where will you stay after leaving here?

While I continue searching for my brother,

I'll deal with my situation accordingly.

Will you go to Minglan Hall?

There are many orphans there.

If you don't mind,

you can stay there.

I'd love to.

You're truly kind, Seventh Lady.

You are welcome.

If you're willing to go there,

I can take you to Minglan Hall tomorrow.

Young Lady,

does "Minglan"

have any special meaning?

It's my mother's name.

I'm sorry to ask.

It's because of the rumors I heard

since I arrived.

Everyone says

you resemble my mother,

right?

I hope

you don't feel offended

by my question.

Not at all.

That's true.

Look,

this is delicious.

I want this one.

Ms. Yang, thank you for helping us.

Without you,

both Qing Qu and I wouldn't have been able

to carry all this.

Seventh Lady, you have a kind heart.

I'm happy to help.

If there's another chance like this later,

feel free to ask me.

Actually, I'm only doing

a small part.

My third brother prepared most of the things.

True.

Third Young Master and you

are kind people.

Besides, you are close siblings.

I really admire that.

Have mercy.

Show me some mercy. Please give me food.

You're Ms. Yang, right?

Your brother is at the refugee camp in the northwest.

He's been looking for you.

Really?

I'm not sure if he's still here.

You should go check it out.

All right.

Food is over there.

Thank you.

Seventh Lady,

I want to go to the refugee camp

to look for my brother.

How can you get there alone?

I'll go with you. Come on.

Sure.

Are you all right, Ms. Yang?

Qing Qu.

- Did you sprain your foot? - Ms. Yang, let me check.

You can't go there like this.

Well, Qing Qu.

You help Ms. Yang inside to rest.

Yes, Young Lady.

No, I can't.

If I'm late,

my brother might already be gone.

But your foot...

How about this? I'll go for you.

I'll bring him back if I find him.

Thank you so much, Seventh Lady.

My brother's name is Yang Zhijie.

I've been carrying this bracelet with me.

If you find him,

he'll understand when he sees it.

All right.

Qing Qu, take good care of Ms. Yang.

Yes, Young Lady.

Come.

Is this the carriage?

Yes, this is the one.

Why are you...

What's going on outside?

Who are you?

(Minglan Hall)

Give me the ball.

Over here.

I want the ball, too.

You won't get it.

Pass it here.

Why are you standing here?

What brings you here, Third Young Master?

Xue Zhi told me Yining was here,

so I came.

Young Lady went to the refugee camp

in the northwest to help Ms. Yang

find her brother.

It's been half of a day, but she hasn't returned yet.

I'm worried about her.

Refugee camp?

Well.

Tell Shao'an to bring some people over.

I'll go look for her first.

Yes.

(Jimo House) Shao'an!

Qing Qu, why are you panicking?

Seventh Lady is in trouble.

Third Young Master wants you to bring some people

to the refugee camp in the northwest.

All right. Got it.

Is it you, Yining?

♪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♪