Original subtitles

=The Rise of Ning=

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

=Episode 24=

(Marquis Anbei's Residence)

Uncle, it's almost time.

How did it go?

Young Lady,

Third Young Master didn't go to the library today.

(Jimo House)

It's late. Why hasn't Third Brother returned yet?

Young Master went to Mr. Sun's library.

He hasn't returned yet.

Qing Qu and I have been there.

He wasn't there at all.

Maybe Qing Qu was mistaken.

Fine.

Follow me to the library, then.

It's either Qing Qu was mistaken

or you're lying to me.

Seventh Lady,

Young Master has been busy lately.

Is he so busy that he has no time to come home?

It's common for men to experience this when they're busy.

Was he busy with

the affairs of Senior Daoyan?

Seventh Lady, how did you know...?

Now, I know.

Tell me where he is.

He'll slaughter me if I tell you.

I'll slaughter you right now if you don't tell me.

Young Master said

he would definitely try his best to come back in one piece.

Come back in one piece?

Explain yourself!

All of them are his men.

He's staging the act himself. What a shameless man.

Protect His Lordship!

Yes, sir!

Someone's trying to rescue the convict.

Kill all of them!

Lu Jiaxue is going to make his move.

Let's go.

(Laifu Inn)

(Zuixian Restaurant)

Here they come.

(Chen Daoyan is in danger)

Don't come! Just go!

(Longquan)

(Yining,)

(I would rather you didn't come upon this letter.)

(If you're reading this right now,)

(I'm sorry. I went back on my word.)

(I made a vow in front of Master's grave.)

(I swore to look after my seniors and juniors.)

(I know)

(you still can't get over)

(your mother's death.)

(What worries me the most)

(is the matter between you and Chen Lan.)

(You can seek the help of my brothers in the trading house.)

(All of them are at your disposal.)

(You can move out of Luo's Residence)

(and stay away from trouble as well.)

(Take good care of yourself.)

(If not, I cannot rest in peace.)

(All humans die eventually.)

(There's no need to rejoice over happiness)

(or grieve over tragedy.)

(I don't expect you to forgive me.)

(I'll make a move first.)

(I just hope that you'll lead a better life in the future.)

(If, one day,)

(everyone in the world condemns you,)

(and there's no place for you to stay,)

(you don't need to be upset.)

(You can admire the date trees,)

(and the ginkgo trees during fall.)

(That's the kind of life you always desired.)

(You should live on)

(for my sake as well.)

(Yining, take care.)

What are you doing here?

Just go!

Duke Ying is coming!

You'll be safe by then!

Young Master Cheng.

Duke Ying's men have arrived.

Nobody moves!

Put down your weapons.

If not, he shall die.

I know who you are.

Just surrender.

Stop right there!

Lu Jiaxue,

you're bold, aren't you?

How dare you plot to harm a major criminal of the court?

Put down your weapon!

Lu Jiaxue.

I'll see how you can explain yourself now.

Hurry.

Just go.

Attack!

Get out of the way!

Get out of the way!

Marquis Lu.

Follow me to see His Majesty.

Explain yourself to him.

Duke Ying,

I'm trying to arrest the criminals now.

I'll definitely explain myself after this.

Fine.

I'll wait for you.

I'll see whether it was a true assassination

or just an act that you set up by yourself.

I'll see how you can explain yourself in front of His Majesty.

Regarding today's matter,

the Imperial Guards

will give His Majesty an account.

Let's go.

Seventh Lady.

It's me. What do you need?

You're being so protective of him.

Why don't we guess

whether or not he'll come to your rescue?

Him?

Who are you referring to?

Young Master.

How's the situation?

Take a look.

I just came here to have some tea.

My maid went to do some shopping for me.

I ran outside as I saw a riot

breaking out downstairs.

Is there something wrong with that?

But it seems like you're exhausted

from merely having tea.

Your third brother always says that he'll protect you.

But now, it doesn't seem like he cares about you at all.

Third Brother?

Is this case related to Third Brother as well?

You still want to deny the fact?

Fine.

Be careful. There's a river behind you.

Seventh Lady,

what if I try to kill you today?

Do you think he'll come to your rescue?

How dare you threaten me

in public?

Do you have any regard for the law?

Shut up!

Are you all

just cowards who hide in the shadows?

You guys should head back first.

No. Young Master, you mustn't go.

He predicted where you would be hiding.

He's luring you out on purpose.

I have to save her.

If you show yourself like this,

Lu Jiaxue will have the goods on us.

If Seventh Lady is one of us,

she cannot clear her name in the future.

If you show yourself now,

not only will Seventh Lady die from it,

but the entire Luo Family will be implicated.

Calm down for now.

Lu Jiaxue has never seen me before.

I'm not related to the Luo Family either.

Even if they capture me,

at most, I'll say that I can't watch

them bullying a girl.

You should head back first.

I'll rescue her with our seniors.

Let's go!

You guys still don't want to show yourselves?

How dare you guys let a weak girl like her provide cover for you all?

Aren't you guys embarrassed?

Do you guys want her to die?

Even if

I were to die again today,

I won't let you hold me hostage

and blackmail Third Brother.

Young Lady!

Young Lady, you're awake.

What am I doing here?

Don't you remember?

Third Young Master sent you back.

He said you fell into the river.

All of the servants were terrified.

It didn't alarm anyone, did it?

Both Old Madam and Madam Lin have no idea.

I'm glad to hear that.

♪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♪

Young Lady.

Third Young Master instructed his men to deliver medicine here.

Let me feed you.

♪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♪

If he comes again,

tell him

to take his things with him.

I don't wish to see him again.

I'm afraid

Senior Daoyan already planned

to die under Lu Jiaxue's blade from the start.

Even after his death,

we couldn't even erect a tomb for him.

Senior Daoyan

wishes to pave a path for us using his death.

We mustn't let his sacrifice be in vain.

But now,

Wang Yuan and Lu Jiaxue have joined hands.

Few in the world

can rival their influence and power.

Shenyuan,

what do you plan to do next?

I'll take the imperial examination

and join the imperial court.

I'll gain influence within the court

at all costs.

You see,

Lu Jiaxue held Seventh Lady hostage

to make you show yourself.

I think he's very confident that you were

the one attempting to rescue the convict.

It seems unlikely that this will end well.

Even if he wishes to make peace,

I'll never let him off.

Shenyuan.

Although we're not that capable,

we'll surely risk our lives for you

if you need our help.

We can't let Master die in vain.

We can't let Senior Daoyan die in vain.

In this world,

fairness and justice

will eventually arrive.

(In memory of our honored mentor Chen Jiuheng)

Senior Daoyan.

Senior Daoyan, please rest in peace.

If you see Master, please tell him

that I won't

let him down.

(Mei.)

(Is that truly you?)

Duke Ying, I'm afraid Marquis Lu

would've claimed credit for eradicating the prison breakers

had you not arrived in time.

He would've killed the witness

and pushed the blame on the black-clad assailants.

That's very likely.

When I was there,

there should be two groups of black-clad assailants

fighting each other.

One group serves Li Jiaxue

while the other group should be

members of Chen Daoyan's faction.

Duke Ying, are you saying

that Lu Jiaxue was speaking the truth when he was at the hall?

Was Chen Daoyan truly seeking death?

I guess

he sacrificed his life for justice's sake.

However,

Chen Daoyan did die

under Lu Jiaxue's blade.

Lu Jiaxue is bound to be implicated.

However, the Imperial Guards failed their duties this time.

Although Lu Jiaxue was criticized,

there hasn't been any substantial impact.

Did His Majesty

still believe what they said?

If so,

he wouldn't permit me to submit the petition.

So,

you mean...

A workman must first sharpen his tools

if he is to do his work well.

The person who lured me into this situation

is a clever strategist.

He even showed me

how Lu Jiaxue killed the witness.

I think

this case

will be reopened soon.

You were always cautious.

How did you fail

this time around?

I was negligent.

I never expected Duke Ying

to show up that quickly.

His Majesty harbors deep thoughts and intentions.

Since he allowed Duke Ying to intervene,

that means he's already suspicious of us.

And now,

the witness of the case died by our hands.

Although His Majesty isn't pursuing any charges now,

I'm afraid he's more suspicious of us now.

I will keep a close eye on Chen Jiuheng's remnant faction.

I won't let them stir up trouble again.

This remnant faction of his

is so stubborn.

It's been so many years,

yet they're still thinking of overturning the case.

Marquis Lu,

you have to eradicate the root of the issue.

Only then will you and I

be able to have peace of mind.

Understood.

What is this?

What notice is this?

(Chen Daoyan died in a robbery)

Seems like the convict died.

I heard it seems to be a grievance.

Duke Ying is trying to gather evidence.

- Uncle. - Your Lordship.

Duke Ying is trying to tell everyone

that he intends to meddle with the case, huh?

His Majesty is suspicious of us now.

If not,

he wouldn't allow Duke Ying to publish such a notice.

Will those people head to Duke Ying's Residence, then?

If anyone dares to do so,

they'll end up like Chen Daoyan.

You must keep a close eye on them.

Yes, Your Lordship.

How did last night's investigation go?

They took the opportunity to escape by water.

They didn't leave any traces behind.

I've investigated the Luo's Residence as well.

Seventh Lady did leave the residence

to enjoy the lanterns.

However, Third Young Master Luo didn't leave the residence.

Has Seventh Lady

returned to the Luo's Residence safely?

Up until now,

there haven't been any movements from their side.

I assume Seventh Lady is safe.

Your Lordship, I was inept.

I failed to capture those criminals.

Let's drop the matter for now.

Drop the matter?

There's one thing I need to confirm first.

Uncle, are you still wondering whether or not

Seventh Lady is the person you're looking for?

It's a shame

that you were the only one

who saw her face before.

If not,

we could've just told someone to identify her.

Third Young Master,

Young Lady says she doesn't want to see you.

Please head back.

Has she taken her medicine? Does she feel better now?

Young Lady told us to return this to you.

All right.

I'll visit her another day.

(Haitang Abode)

Young Master,

I think Miss Qing Qu was being too direct just now.

I wasn't that direct when I stopped Seventh Lady

from seeing you.

It's all my fault.

I shouldn't have told Seventh Lady about this.

That's how she got implicated.

Young Master, you should punish me.

She's just angry at me.

It has nothing to do with you.

But you hid the truth from her for her own good.

Young Master.

(Lu Jiaxue!)

(Don't tell me)

(you don't want to know the identity of the woman)

(who fell into the cliff?)

I don't need to know.

Let me tell you this.

The woman who fell into the water

was the woman you longed for day and night!

What did you say?

That woman,

she's Mei.

(Take Song Yingshan away.)

Let go of me!

Lu Jiaxue!

You ingrate!

I'll never let you off even after my death!

(You scum!)

Lu Jiaxue!

No, I mean, Marquis Lu.

I'm begging you.

Please let my grandpa off!

It's all my fault! Everything was my fault!

The deed has already been done.

It's too late

for you to regret it!

Why don't you kill me and spare the Song Family?

I'm begging you!

Song Ziyun.

You forced me to marry you using your grandpa

as your backer. When I wasn't willing to do so,

you joined hands with Lu Jiaran, that "good" brother of mine,

to harm me.

You think

I'll submit and join the Song Family willingly

when you back me into a corner,

am I right?

That's not true!

You're wrong.

You see,

I never spare those

who try to harm me.

Moreover,

it was you.

My beloved Mei died because of you.

Don't worry.

I won't kill you.

However, I'll make you wish for death.

Ye Yan.

Yes, sir.

Where is Song Ziyun right now?

She should be a slave at the border area now.

Find her.

Understood.

Fugui, you're the best.

You're not like them. They don't even visit me.

What?

All right. I'll untie it.

(Yixiu.)

(What are you doing right now?)

I'm so bored.

(This is the new incense I invented.)

(I've invented several new fragrances as well.)

(But Fugui can't carry all of them.)

(You can keep this for now.)

It's pretty good.

I guess I feel better now.

(I heard from your mother that she wanted you)

(to marry into Her Highness's Residence.)

(They belong to the imperial family.)

(Han Zhao likes you too.)

(If you do marry into their family,)

(you won't need to lose any weight.)

(I'm sure you'll be happy.)

I don't want to marry into her residence.

How could I be happy about that?

It's been a few days since I've eaten.

Fugui, wait here.

All right now.

Sixth Lady, what are you doing?

I saw several birds flying by just now.

I told you to stop it long ago.

The same birds pass by every time.

- Yiyu. - But you don't get tired of the view.

First Lady.

I can't get used

to the new pillow and blanket.

Ms. Zhao, please head to the storeroom

and get me another set.

All right. I shall get to it now.

Thank you.

Stop staring.

Yiyu, you're the best.

You're willful, aren't you?

If they find out,

you'll be punished, and your pet goose will be cooked.

That's why I say you're the best.

You know how to cover my back.

I don't understand at all.

Being able to marry into the Han Family is a great blessing.

Young Master Han fancies you as well.

Why aren't you willing to marry him?

And, you even argued with Mother because of this.

But I don't like him.

Women like us can't choose

where we marry into, you know?

But...

If you marry into one's family,

you'll be the one spending your entire life there.

Won't it be upsetting

if you don't like your husband?

By the way, I heard that Mother

took you to the Shen's Residence for a meal.

What do you think about

Madam Shen?

Weren't you trapped inside the room?

How did you know about that?

What about you?

What do you think about Mr. Shen?

The Shen Family is a family of counts.

They're no ordinary folks.

To Shan,

- no matter if it brings benefits or... - But...

It doesn't matter how dignified the family is.

What if Shen Yu doesn't treat you well?

What will you do by then?

About that...

What's your opinion on it, then?

In my opinion,

if I fancy someone,

I won't care about his family or background.

I'll fancy everything that's related to him.

Think about it. No matter what I turn into or how dignified

my family is,

if he thinks I'm the best, I'll be the best.

(I only took Han Zhao as my friend.)

(I never wanted to get married to him.)

(I don't care about all those noble statuses.)

(If I were to get married,)

(I'll only get married to the person I fancy)

(and lead a happy life.)

Hairu...

What are you doing?

I'm drawing something.

You know how to draw?

I'm drawing a landscape painting.

Even Rui Xiang

won't fall for that.

Enough already.

Since you've decided to start your own business,

you must prove yourself.

You have to learn

how to analyze all these ledgers.

Hairu?

I've already written to our parents about it.

I shielded you from their scolding.

However, they've already agreed to it.

Hairu!

Hairu!

- You're the best! - That's enough.

I won't let you down!

This is a promise.

When I taught Yining how to analyze ledgers,

she picked it up immediately.

As a member of the Lin Family,

you can't afford to lose to your niece.

Hairu, don't worry.

I'm talented.

I will work hard!

(Account Book)

Madam,

you've been getting headaches again.

You shouldn't worry that much.

Sixth Lady has been staying in her room for the past few days.

You don't need to worry.

I'm glad to hear that.

If Yu

can marry into

the Count's Residence successfully,

at least my efforts

won't be in vain.

If both ladies can marry into excellent families,

Madam, you'll have two excellent sons-in-law

to depend on in the future.

You won't need to fear

any trouble in the future.

Hasn't Luo Yining

been up to something lately?

Nothing at all.

She's not as capable as I thought.

She leads

a rough life as well.

I heard that she had fallen ill again.

Indeed.

She never got to leave Haitang Abode.

Why does Seventh Lady

have such a weak constitution?

She's just like a girl

from my in-law's family.

She falls ill often too.

But she was a premature baby.

Premature baby?

Madam, what's wrong?

When Gu Minglan died after giving birth to her child,

all those old servants in the residence

went missing.

I thought it was strange.

However, as she was dead,

there was no way to investigate the case.

Madam, what are you suspecting?

You've been avoiding me for a few days.

If you're angry at me,

you should vent it on me.

Don't hold it inside. It'll make you uncomfortable.

I'm not angry at you.

You're clearly angry when you say it like that.

Qing Qu, you should leave first.

Let's sit down and talk.

Third Brother, I have nothing to say to you.

Sit down for now.

I never expected Shao'an

to hand the item to you that easily.

So, are you saying

that you plan to hide this from me

until I ask for the item?

That's right.

Third Brother, you did put in a lot of effort.

You prepared a shop,

found me a house,

and even prepared my dowries for me.

You're thoughtful indeed.

This is what I think.

No matter if I'm around or not,

I wish to protect you forever.

Third Brother, thank you for being considerate.

But to me,

I look like a fool!

I did everything I could

so that you could join our family register.

But I never expected you

to be the leader of Longquan Trading House.

You possess half of the capital's wealth.

Regarding that,

it wasn't like I tried to hide it from you on purpose.

I just thought

that it was unnecessary for me to tell you.

That's right.

After that, you staged an act with your shopkeeper

so that I could rent the place.

I'm sure you thought that I was a fool.

That's not true.

I know you're worried about me.

You're worried that I might be in danger.

But for certain things,

it's impossible to have the best of both worlds.

I can't just sit idly by

and watch them as they send my senior

to his demise.

I can't just sit idly by and watch you as you seek your own demise too!

Do you remember what you told me

when I toppled Mistress Qiao?

You said I acted without thinking of the consequences.

You said I should protect myself.

You said that I stopped at nothing

and that I would definitely hurt myself one day.

What about you, then?

Did you manage to protect yourself?

Did you consider the consequences?

You even told me

to lead a better life without you.

How can I do so?

Do you still expect me to enjoy my loquat custard

and admire the ginkgo trees

happily, just like the past?

Do I look like a heartless person to you?

I was wrong.

I didn't want to tell you about it

as I didn't want you to get involved.

But firstly,

I was wrong.

I'm afraid

it's already too late.

Since we're siblings,

we'll inevitably be involved in each other's affairs for a lifetime.

Forget it.

From now on, I hope

there'll be no secrets between us.

♪An overlapping shade of us spreads across my life♪

♪Though countless faces pass me by, I seek only you♪

♪Love is a lifelong promise, regardless of what may come♪

If so, can you tell me about

the relationship

between you and Lu Jiaxue?

♪Things go awry as time passes♪

♪Sprinkled in one's memory, forever vivid♪

♪If you and I did stand by each other♪

♪At least we would've grown old together♪

♪Your gentle presence leaves a trace of ink in my heart♪

♪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♪