Original subtitles

=The Rise of Ning=

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

=Episode 22=

Third Brother!

How much did your employer pay you?

I'm willing to pay double

as long as you let us go.

We are just bandits.

We want to kidnap you to get a ransom.

No one hired us.

You still haven't passed out after inhaling so much drug.

Not bad.

Third Brother.

Third Brother.

What's wrong?

Hold on.

We'll arrive soon.

Third Brother.

Talk to me.

We'll arrive soon, Third Brother.

Third Brother!

Third Brother.

Third Brother, wake up!

Get up.

Third Brother.

I'm bringing you back home.

Get up.

Third Brother.

Get up.

Third Young Master!

Young Master!

Seventh Lady!

Seventh Lady!

Shao'an.

Shao'an!

We are here!

Seventh Lady! Young Master!

- We are coming! - Third Young Master!

You're back?

Madam, it's terrible.

It failed?

I heard

Yang Qinghua is still

in Minglan Hall.

I'm worried

that the two bandits kidnapped the wrong person.

Who did

the two of them kidnap?

I was useless.

I thought

that everywhere was unsafe

so I hired two bandits to rob them

so no one would find anything

if people investigate it.

I didn't expect...

Do the two bandits recognize you?

I was wearing a veiled hat all the time.

The bandits have never seen my face.

That's good enough.

Let's not panic.

(Liuhe Tavern)

Qing Qu.

Why hasn't Third Brother woken up yet?

When realgar powder is heated,

it becomes highly toxic.

It is dangerous to inhale a lot of it.

However, Third Young Master is strong

and he took medicine in time.

He will wake up after resting for a while.

Seventh Lady, you just woke up as well.

Your health is important.

Why don't you go back and rest?

I want to stay here and accompany Third Brother.

♪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♪

Third Brother almost fell down the cliff

because of me

back in the estate.

This time,

he was almost killed as well.

I shouldn't put himself in this trouble.

Don't say that.

Those men were too cruel.

Yes, Seventh Lady.

Don't say such a thing.

When Young Master wakes up, he will be angry at you.

I'm willing to see him get angry.

At least, he is awake

when he is angry.

♪I'm willing to risk my life as long as it fulfills the vastness of love♪

♪Even if things go south, so be it♪

♪Love is you being by my side♪

What are you planning to do to make me angry at you?

Third Brother.

Are you awake?

I do feel like sleeping for a while longer.

If you are still crying here,

how can I sleep?

I didn't know

you were such a crybaby in the past.

You know now.

Even so, it's too late.

Ms. Yang.

Ms. Yang, what are you doing?

Please stand.

I almost made you lose your life.

I am embarrassed to see you.

Ms. Yang,

don't say that.

Stand up.

We don't know

who harmed whom

in this incident.

Ms. Yang, are you leaving?

Thanks to Seventh Lady and Third Young Master's help,

I've found my brother.

We agreed to leave the capital.

Have you both

thought about where to go?

We haven't.

However, reuniting with my family

is better than anything.

Do you have enough money?

I do.

Seventh Lady,

I was wondering

if I should tell you about this previously

but after what I went through,

I won't hide anything from you.

I met First Master Luo

when he was drunk previously.

He held my hand

and shouted Minglan.

I think Minglan

should be the person

whom Minglan Hall was named after.

Madam Chen even saw me that day.

I couldn't give any convincing explanation.

Minglan, it really is you.

Minglan.

Minglan.

First Master!

Seventh Lady, don't worry.

I'm only

telling this to you.

I won't tell anyone else about this in the future.

You and Third Young Master saved me.

I will never bite the hand that feeds me

and do anything that tarnishes Madam Gu's reputation.

Ms. Yang.

Sixth Uncle made this medicine.

Apply it a few times

and your leg will heal quickly.

Thank you, Seventh Lady.

Also, this is your bracelet. I'm giving it back to you.

Seventh Lady, farewell.

Take care.

You too.

Do you suspect

that the two bandits were hired?

If they only wanted to kidnap me,

they should confined me instead.

There was no need for them

to trap me in a coffin

and kill me.

Besides,

I have a feeling

that they kidnapped the wrong person.

They wanted to kidnap Yang Qinghua.

All right.

I'll investigate them.

Sit down!

Talk!

Who sent you both?

Who are you?

Who are you to tie me up?

Can you talk now?

All right. I'll talk.

It was a woman

wearing a veiled hat.

I saw nothing.

How is it?

I investigated it.

A woman hired them.

She wore a veiled hat all the time and they couldn't see her face clearly.

They were indeed hired to murder people.

However,

who will try to harm Ms. Yang?

She just arrived at the capital and had no relatives.

Those who know her

are all from Luo Residence.

Let's go back.

We can't solve this immediately

and we have been out for so long.

Old Madam, Seventh Lady is back.

Grandma.

Grandma.

I've made you worried.

You are finally back.

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

Are you sure?

Yes.

Look. We came back healthily.

Sure. Go back and rest then.

I have something to ask Shenyuan.

Grandma,

I know what you want to ask.

There's no need

to hide this from Yining.

I've handed over the testimony to Duke Ying.

Duke Ying?

Please punish me, Grandma.

However, I guarantee

that this matter

will not involve Luo Residence.

Grandma, don't blame Third Brother.

He isn't a reckless person.

He only did it because he was confident of succeeding.

Duke Ying and Wang Yuan

have always been against each other.

The testimony might be useful

in his hands.

You are smart.

Each of you is smarter than the other.

You already know

how to use leverage at a young age.

Smart.

Ning,

don't worry me.

Stay in the residence

and don't go out in the near future.

Yes, Grandma.

Grandma, you should rest early too.

Young Master,

Qi An said the testimony

had been handed over to Duke Ying.

However, why are you so sure

that they will do things according to our plan?

That depends on whether he trusts us

or Wang Yuan.

Third Brother.

It's time to take your medicine.

I've recovered.

Is it sweet?

It is.

I purposely bought this for you this morning.

I'm not a child.

I won't ask for a reward after suffering.

You've suffered so much for my sake.

Thankfully, you are fine.

Even if I did it for you,

I will also protect myself.

What's wrong with you?

My throat feels a little unwell.

Did you catch a cold?

Let me take you outside and check on you.

Don't stay inside the house

and infect Third Young Master and Seventh Lady.

Let's go.

My throat is fine.

It's really fine.

Regarding Chen Lan...

Stop.

I know what you want to say.

If I want to deal with her,

I will tell you in advance.

- About this... - You should focus on your recovery.

But this matter...

Young Lady.

Third Master is fine now.

There's no need to worry.

Thankfully, Third Brother is safe this time.

He just became the provincial scholar.

If he got hurt because of me again,

I couldn't be at ease.

Young Lady, who do you think

hired the two bandits

to harm Ms. Yang?

Ms. Yang left

because she was worried that there would be a misunderstanding

between Aunt and Uncle.

Are you saying

it was Madam Chen who hired them?

I don't have exact proof now.

I was wondering

why she would harm my mother

but it does seem like she is a cruel person indeed.

If she knew

Uncle had other intentions

towards my mother,

I don't think she would forgive my mother.

Did Mistress Qiao and Madam Chen

work together to murder Madam Gu?

Mistress Qiao denied this previously.

I think it made sense.

She had no reason to harm my mother.

However, I also believe

that she was willing to stand by and watch

someone else to the deed.

Young Lady,

are you still going to the estate

to find Mistress Qiao?

Since she denied

about being involved in this,

she wouldn't be changing her statement

if we don't have strong evidence.

What should we do then?

We need

to plan further for this.

If Aunt was the one who did it,

I will make her pay the price.

The provincial scholar's banquet is happening now

so we can't cause any unwanted trouble.

We should go back first.

Qiao,

someone sent you a letter.

Thank you.

(Luo Xuanyuan got 34th in the triennial provincial exam.)

My Xuan!

Lady! Look!

My son!

My son has succeeded in the provincial exam!

My son!

Look! My son!

This is my son!

My son has succeeded!

- We know. - My son!

Third Young Master also became the provincial scholar.

Third Young Master?

The one who was unpopular,

Luo Shenyuan.

Is that even necessary?

Supervisor Li,

where did the two madams come from?

They are new here. They are from another village.

Does our estate still lack people?

Why are you asking this? Get back to work.

Buddha, please bless my brother, Lin Mao,

to return safely

without any major incidents.

Buddha, please bless Luo Residence

with peace and prosperity.

Bless my mother-in-law with longevity.

Bless my Yining with health

and a good husband

so she can live a good life.

Bless Yuan with success

in every examination

and a smooth career.

Bless Xuan with success in the examination as well

to bring honour to the Luo family.

Bless Yilian with a successful marriage.

Bless us...

Bless Second Master

with safety

and harmony between us as husband and wife.

♪The moon may wane, but it becomes full when loved ones return♪

Hairu,

seriously.

You just recovered but you still insisted on redeeming your vow.

After you redeemed your vows,

you were still talking so much.

Buddha isn't so free to hear all your requests.

You redeemed your vows, made your wish,

and even had to have a vegetarian meal there.

By departing now,

we will only arrive at Luo Residence at night.

Making a wish to Buddha is all about sincerity.

Besides, there's still a long time until dusk.

Don't you know that there's a war at the border?

There are many bandits.

This area is dangerous.

What's going on?

Butler Bai, what's going on?

In broad daylight, both of you are...

Who are you?

- Do you know who... - I don't care who you are!

Be lenient.

Let's talk this out.

Get out.

Sure.

Stay here and don't move.

Yes.

Hurry up!

Give me all the valuable items on you.

Both of you just want money, right?

That's easy.

Remove what's on your head as well.

- Hurry! - Hurry!

Sure.

Both of you,

I've given you all the valuable items on me.

Your clothes look nice.

Take it off.

I am a scholar.

This is a humiliation.

Hurry!

Sure. No problem.

Take it off. Your life is more important.

This is ridiculous.

Here you go.

The hat is not bad too.

Just give it to them.

Hurry up.

Hurry up.

Are you not willing to give it to us?

The size is just right.

Can we leave now?

Hold it!

Both of you, go there!

This is the wilderness.

We can't go back without a horse carriage.

Move!

Calm down.

Both of you,

my husband is weak

and is spouting nonsense.

Let's go.

You are a lucky man!

Get lost!

Butler Bai, let's go!

Let's go!

Mother, you are great

but you must still take care of your safety.

I didn't do anything today

but I didn't expect

the situation to be so dangerous out there.

I don't know

how Mao is doing now.

I'm sure Sixth Uncle will be fine.

Don't worry.

Mother.

Third Brother asked me to give this medicine to you.

Apply it to your wound twice a day

just in case.

I made this kid worry.

I'm really fine.

Father.

Why is Father...

Your father was shocked.

A scholar like him

cared too much about his reputation.

He got his clothes and hat

taken away by the bandits.

I said he was confused.

All of those mean nothing.

Isn't it good enough for the whole family

to be safe together?

Am I right?

Vice Minister,

did you sleep in the palace again last night?

This case suddenly caused a stir.

As the Vice Minister,

I can't allow some rumours

to interfere with His Majesty's mind.

You are trusted by His Majesty.

As long as you are around,

the rumours

will never spread to His Majesty.

There is a chance

for everything to happen.

Do you have any clues

about Chen Jiuheng's remnants?

At the moment...

This shouldn't happen

with your ability, Marquis Lu.

Marquis Lu, don't forget

how much we've sacrificed

to achieve our position today.

I dare not forget.

Don't be too worried.

They are just

biting off more than they can chew.

I dare not

ruin the trust His Majesty has in me.

It's time to put an end to this case now.

Chancellor Wang, Duke Ying has entered the palace.

He's here.

You are still here?

Duke Ying, you came here in a hurry.

Are you here to see His Majesty

regarding some important military business?

I do have some military business to discuss with His Majesty.

It's so late already

yet you are still on standby in the palace.

You are working hard.

Shouldering His Majesty's burden

is my responsibility.

I dare not complain.

You are indeed the role model of all officials.

Hold it, Duke Ying.

His Majesty just read all the reports

and has been asked by the Consort to have a meal.

If you have something to report,

why don't you hand it over to me?

Thanks to His Majesty,

I was asked to stay back and discuss some matters with him.

I will definitely

help you give it to His Majesty.

I won't trouble you, Vice Minister.

It's nothing serious.

Since His Majesty is busy,

I will report it to him another day.

(Liuhe Tavern)

Duke Ying

left the palace 15 minutes

after he entered.

I'm afraid he didn't meet His Majesty.

Duke Ying suddenly involves himself in the case.

It is only reasonable

for Wang Yuan to be cautious

and stop him from meeting His Majesty.

Should we

think of something?

There are many ways to fight a war.

Duke Ying has been leading the troops for years.

He should have his own methods.

We just need to wait for his news.

Yes.

Oh,

did you find the person I asked you to?

I did.

Young Master Lin wanted to go North

but he met bandits on the way.

Thankfully, our men rescued him.

We found

that he seems to be looking for a type of spice.

Spice?

Yes.

Later, I asked the staff at the shop

to find a way to sell him some.

Then, we escorted him from the shadows.

He is back in the capital now.

You can't enter.

It's me. See clearly.

Why does he look

like Sixth Master Lin?

He is Sixth Master Lin indeed.

Hairu!

I'm back!

Hairu!

Sixth Master Lin.

Hairu...

You...

Hairu, why did you beat me up as soon as I came back?

You left without saying a word and only left a letter.

Don't you know that everyone is worried about you?

I just went out to take a stroll.

Take a stroll?

How is this taking a stroll?

Do you think I'm blind?

You've obviously been robbed.

I didn't.

I only slipped.

You slipped? Show me.

- I'm fine, Hairu. - Did you injure yourself?

I'm really fine, Hairu.

Did you injure yourself?

I'm fine.

Sixth Master Lin,

Madam Lin fell ill

because you left suddenly.

Hairu, how do you feel?

What did the physician say? Let me see.

I'm fine.

Let's talk later.

It's good that you're back.

It's my fault

for making you worried.

I know.

I was too harsh on you

but you couldn't leave as you wish.

Are you worried that Mother and Father would scold you for failing the exam?

Mao, don't be afraid.

We did our best.

Besides, I'll shoulder everything with you.

If you fail this year,

you can still take the exam again.

Hairu.

Rui Xiang.

Why are you still spacing out?

Inform the kitchen

to make a few dishes for Mao immediately.

Yes.

Yes.

You shouldn't stay here any longer.

Go and change your clothes.

You are so dirty.

Go!

(Danhua Abode)

Sixth Master Lin?

Lian Hong.

You're back?

I must tell Sixth Lady.

What?

Has your young lady been concerned about whether I've returned or not?

Of course. When she heard you were gone,

she wanted to go out to search for you but I stopped her.

Really?

Was the man

who went out just now

a subordinate of Young Master Han?

Yes.

Her Highness sent many things over.

They are all Young Lady's favourite food.

She also sent

many types of spices that Young Lady likes.

They are expensive and rare.

He is really nice.

Young Master Han is very nice.

He always sends things here.

Young Lady is asking me

to bring some to Seventh Lady.

Sixth Master Lin,

did you call me

because you have a message for Young Lady?

No!

Young Lady.

Young Lady.

Sixth Master Lin asked me to give this to you just now.

Who did you say?

Sixth Master Lin.

Young Lady!

Lin Mao!

You are back.

I'm back.

Did you

get Lian Hong to give that to me?

Yes.

Why didn't you give it to me yourself?

I saw Her Highness delivering it to you.

Since Her Highness already gave it to me,

why did you still give it to me?

I went through a lot to get them.

It might not be better than the ones given by Her Highness

but it is difficult to buy them.

Save it just in case.

How do you know

Her Highness ones' would be better?

She got them from the palace.

Of course, they are the best.

That's not necessary.

I went to meet Her Highness with Mother previously.

I thought the food

wasn't as delicious as Liuhe Tavern's.

Then...

What about the thing I gave you?

It's not bad.

It was slightly better than Her Highness'.

That's worth it then.

Yixiu.

Can you stop being angry at me?

I hid

the best lamb meat in secret.

I'll roast it for you later.

I suddenly remember

Hairu prepared a meal for me.

I must return and eat.

Next time.

Next time, we'll eat it in secret then.

Sure. We'll eat it in secret next time.

Go back.

Go back. I'm leaving then.

Eat slowly.

You said you went to the North?

The north is a mess.

Did you have a death wish?

I just wanted to take a look.

Anyway, isn't it great that I'm fine?

Do you want something to happen to you?

You are the only son of the Lin family.

Failing the exam

isn't serious.

If something happens to you,

it'll be serious.

Hairu,

I will not take the examination again.

You...

Mao, it's all right.

You don't need to feel dejected

after failing the examination once.

Didn't Luo Shanyuan

fail as well?

With your intellect,

it'll only take three years.

You will succeed after three years.

Hairu,

take a good look at me.

Do you think I can succeed in ten years let alone in three years?

Am I going

to waste my life on something I don't like?

I don't have many opportunities in life.

Am I going to waste them on the examinations?

I went North

and saw many pitiful scenes.

I almost end up dead as well.

So, I thought

I should do something that I'm really interested in

instead of wasting time being trapped

in our family stereotype.

What about our parents' expectations and the revival of the Lin family?

The Lin family's business has spread all over Jiangnan.

It is already a prosperous business.

The revival

is just a kind of ridiculous self-abasement

in our hearts.

Our ancestors

made a living with their own hands.

How are they worse than others?

I will never take the examination again.

Mother and Father can beat me up as much as I want.

I don't mind even if they chase me out of the Lin family.

I know.

I've always made you worry

as your younger brother

but I will use my own way

to make you feel proud of me.

(Caifu Abode)

(Success in academics)

Here. I'm giving you the best piece of meat.

It has been a long time since we've gathered.

We haven't gathered for a long time indeed.

Why are you looking at me like this?

Do you feel so touched?

I must treat my younger sister well.

Here. I'll give you another piece.

Here you go.

Sixth Sister.

No matter what happens,

you will always be the best sister I have.

Shenyuan,

I haven't given you a toast

since you became the provincial scholar.

You are really good

at hiding your talents

and being humble.

Thank you, Uncle.

Your literary talent is best

when you are not taking an exam.

I told Hairu honestly.

I will never take an exam again in the future.

Didn't she beat you up?

Perhaps she couldn't react.

Do you know

what I saw

along the way?

I saw

the wilted crops

and cracked farmlands.

People who could escape

had already escaped before the war reached them.

Those who couldn't escape

were so skinny from being starved.

I wanted to buy some food for them

but you couldn't

even buy a bag of wheat there.

Uncle, you've seen a lot

after leaving this time.

Did you tell Mother

that you won't take an examination again because of this?

- What are you planning to do? - Business.

The bigger the business, the better.

Yining,

we can expand the business to the north and the south.

Anywhere we go,

if we see people in need of help,

we will help them.

If there's a place that needs help,

we can do our part.

If I waste my time

on examinations because of my parents' expectations

in my life,

I won't be able to help myself

and others.

Uncle, thank you

for being benevolent

and thinking about the people.

I was probably boasting again.

It is not that easy

to make it a reality.

You can't walk a thousand miles

before taking small steps.

An ocean doesn't form

without small streams.

Since you've thought about this,

you've already taken the first step.

Sixth Uncle didn't just take the first step.

Isn't your shop almost done?

Can I ask you for a favour?

(Caifu Abode)

Did the three of you

agree to persuade me together?

Mother.

Sixth Uncle said

he wasn't cut out for this.

Then, what is my brother

cut out for?

Since young, he has been a fast learner.

Everyone praised him for being smart when they saw him.

So, my parents

also have high hopes for him.

They even expect him to change the Lin family's status

away from being a merchant.

Mother.

I must say something about this.

Merchants being the worst is just a secular stereotype.

The imperial court issued an order

to manage the finances before political affairs.

Merchants are obviously important.

Isn't it wonderful

if everyone

shares your opinion?

Mother,

Sixth Uncle and I

are going to open a rouge shop.

Sixth Uncle is good at making rouge.

When we open the shop,

it will surely become popular all over the capital.

Is that so?

We will also expand south

all the way to Lin'an.

A man

making something used by women.

Don't you find it embarrassing?

The Lin family has been selling silks, satins, hair sticks and jewellery for generations

but you are fine with it.

You...

Medicine.

The medicine you used

was made by Uncle.

That?

That was good indeed.

The normal ones couldn't even compare to it.

Sixth Uncle, do you even know how to make medicine?

You are so amazing.

Indeed. Uncle's skill in this

is no worse than the medicinal families.

He is skillful and has a kind heart.

With this skill,

he can save many people.

I think we shouldn't

judge him with his studies and the imperial examination.

That's unfair to his talents.

In your opinion,

my younger brother

is a talent indeed.

However, he has never done any business.

What if...

Hairu, don't worry.

The Lin family has been merchants for generations.

I have naturally

inherited some of the talent.

However, when it comes to talent,

I'm sure you are better, right?

Naturally.

If Mother hasn't been bound within the residence,

no one can compare to her

if she runs a business out there.

Right, Third Brother?

Yes. I... Right.

If you open the store in the future,

you must learn

from Mother.

I know what all of you are thinking.

Don't try to flatter me.

This isn't flattery.

Mother is the best.

Right, Third Brother?

Yes. Indeed.

Mother is very great.

Don't flatter me.

Second Master is here.

Second Master is here?

Are you looking for me?

I am just passing by.

Get back to work then.

I haven't eaten yet.

You haven't eaten yet?

I'll ask the servants

to send food to your study.

Fine. I'm leaving.

♪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♪