Original subtitles

=The Rise of Ning=

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

=Episode 28=

(Gu Minglan: "May we be united by virtue, hand in hand.)

Your uncle has the nerve to write it down.

But he dared to send it out.

I eventually found this letter.

Nonsense!

Uncle may have written it.

But what does it have to do with my mother?

My mother never did anything wrong.

You're being unreasonable.

How am I unreasonable?

If your mother didn't seduce him,

would your uncle

be bold enough to have feelings toward his sister-in-law?

Does the Luo family no longer care about its reputation?

Keep your mouth shut!

Chengwen,

what else do you have to say?

I swear in my name

that nothing happened between Minglan and I.

Chengzhang,

the three of us grew up together.

I...

I admit I have feelings for Minglan.

But Minglan didn't know that.

When Mother betrothed Minglan to you,

I had already given up on that thought.

But...

But later, you mistreated her because of your mistress.

I wrote this letter

out of anger.

You've finally confessed

what's in your heart.

That's enough!

You two

have treated me like a fool

all these years.

Chengzhang,

Minglan was definitely not that kind of person.

After all these years,

do you still not trust her?

If that's the case, her whole life

has been a mistake.

Shut up.

Luo Chengwen,

what right do you have

to speak to me like this?

You don't deserve to be my brother!

- Father. - Who is your father?

I'm not your father!

My dear.

I didn't expect

that so much would happen at home

while I was away on the mountain.

Has the one been sent to pick up Ms. Zheng left yet?

Yes.

Good.

After picking up Ms. Zheng,

make sure to keep it quiet.

Bring her to my room.

I have something to ask her.

All right.

Grandma,

how's your health?

I'm good.

Didn't you give me

that pill?

It's very effective.

Forgive me for doing this.

I wouldn't have done this

if the situation hadn't pushed me.

No,

you did well.

Even if you don't tell me now,

I'll find out in a few days.

Don't worry.

For Yining,

I must hold on

as her grandmother.

(Luo's Residence)

Old Madam,

did anything happen

to Seventh Lady?

Tell me.

Did you leave the Luo's Residence without hesitation back then

to protect Yining?

I couldn't get around it.

After Minglan's demise,

you dismissed those

who attended to her almost immediately.

What are you trying to hide?

I thought you were cold-hearted.

But you raised and sent Qing Qu

who is skilled in medicine and martial arts

to Yining's side.

This shows

you've always cared about her.

If you cared,

why did you insist

on leaving back then?

Hurry up and speak.

Someone is already investigating

Yining's background.

You were brought here

under Second Master's instruction.

If you don't tell me the truth,

how can I protect Yining?

Seventh Lady is actually not who she really is.

What?

What do you mean?

Back then,

both Madam Gu and Second Master signed

the divorce papers.

But you were opposed

to their divorce.

Madam Gu could only move to the side yard.

The side yard has always been quiet.

That night,

an intruder broke in

and abducted Madam Gu.

He claimed

he only wanted her

to care for an injured person

and that she wouldn't be harmed.

During that time,

we did receive

a letter from Madam Gu

reassuring us that we shouldn't worry

or report it to the household.

Not long after,

Madam Gu

was indeed safely returned.

She looked perfectly fine.

However, it wasn't long

before she became pregnant.

Servants like us were simply happy.

We were unaware of the underlying circumstances.

Later,

Madam Gu became increasingly depressed.

She was unable to eat or sleep well

and fell into a state of distress.

After repeatedly questioning her,

she finally revealed the truth.

The child...

The child was not Second Master's.

So

she refused to return to Luo's Residence

and stayed in the side yard

because of this reason.

In her dying moments,

the child

was her only worry.

To avoid suspicion

about Seventh Lady's origins,

I dismissed the servants.

As long as we weren't around,

no one

would know about this.

For so many years,

I've been suffering sleepless nights

and unable to enjoy my food.

I have wronged Minglan.

It is me.

Old Madam.

If you do not want this child now,

I

can take her away immediately.

Take her away?

She's the granddaughter I raised.

No one can take her away.

Young Lady,

you've been standing for a long time.

You should rest.

Has Ms. Zheng arrived?

There's still no news.

Qing Qu.

If I truly am not the bloodline of the Luo family...

I will still follow you.

Wherever you go,

I will follow.

Didn't you say

that once we get to the bottom of Madam Gu's situation,

you would leave Luo's Residence?

You're right.

In this vast world,

there's surely a place for me.

But

I cannot let my mother suffer such unjust treatment.

Who was it

that abducted Minglan?

We are not sure.

I only remember

that person dressed as a soldier

and appeared to be injured.

I remember now.

He asked

Madam Gu to go and help a general.

But after that,

we never saw them again.

What a tragic fate.

Truly a tragic fate.

You can leave now.

Wait.

Tomorrow,

you should know what to answer

when Second Master asks you questions.

Old Madam,

I will bring everything

to my grave.

You can come out now.

Did you hear

what was just said?

Yes.

I heard it all.

Please rest assured, Grandma.

Regardless of Yining's identity,

I will protect her for life.

That is still not enough.

I want you to swear to me right now.

No matter what happens,

you must protect Yining.

Do it now!

Yes.

I, Luo Shenyuan, swear to the heavens

that in this life,

no matter what happens,

I will protect Yining

and ensure she suffers no harm.

Should I break this vow,

may the heavens forsake me, and may I die a horrific death.

♪Love, subtle and vivid♪

Young Master, it's all my fault.

I failed to keep an eye on Mrs. An

and let her escape.

It's pointless to talk about this now.

I'm going to the side yard. So get the horses ready.

Yes, Young Master.

♪Afraid of missing out and mistakes, of begonias blooming and withering♪

♪The more we care, love becomes harder to express♪

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

♪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♪

(Wait for me.)

♪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♪

Third Brother.

I want to go home.

Alright.

I'll take you home.

♪An overlapping shade of us spreads across my life♪

Don't worry.

I will stay by your side

for the rest of my life.

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

♪An overlapping shade of us spreads across my life♪

♪Just let it pour as the cycles renew♪

♪Reminiscing about yesterday, watching over the corner♪

(Wait for me.)

Young Lady, who left this note?

This is in Third Brother's handwriting.

Where is Madam Gu's portrait?

Young Lady.

Young Lady.

Old Madam suddenly returned to the residence last night.

I thought Grandma was supposed to return in a few days.

I have no idea but she wants you at Chengjing Hall now.

Old Madam.

Ms. Zheng,

tell me.

What exactly happened

to Minglan in the side yard back then?

Second Master,

I swear

Madam Gu never wronged the Luo family.

You're heartless!

I'm not lying.

Everything I said is the truth.

Madam Chen helped

me pay off my gambling debts.

I only wanted to survive.

You're talking nonsense.

Ms. Zheng,

so everything

Mrs. An said isn't true,

right?

Seventh Lady,

Madam Gu

definitely did not do anything to wrong the Luo family.

It is the Luo family that wronged her.

You're in no position to speak about the Luo family's matters.

Ms. Zheng,

I advise you to speak the truth.

Otherwise, I will beat you until you say it.

Father,

Ms. Zheng is already old.

She can't take any beating.

Why are we using punishment

when we haven't even asked a few questions?

Mother.

If Ms. Zheng were willing to speak,

she wouldn't have hidden this matter all this time.

This matter concerns the Luo family's bloodline.

We can't let it slide.

Ms. Zheng,

please tell the truth.

We've suffered so much over the years.

We have helped more than enough.

You're truly despicable.

Have you forgotten

how Madam Gu treated you back then?

Tell me the truth.

I said, tell me the truth!

Not going to speak, huh?

Fine.

- Butler Bai! - Yes.

Take her away

and beat her mercilessly!

Beat her to death!

Yes.

Stop it!

Go away!

Let Ms. Zheng go!

Get in the way, huh?

Drag her along too!

Don't you dare touch Yining!

Let go!

Who told you to stop?

Since when did Lin Hairu take charge of this family?

Beat her!

Don't you dare!

- Let go! - Stop it!

Why?

Are you ignoring what I say now?

How dare you!

Mother,

I only want to seek the truth.

I...

Grandma.

Mother.

This matter is all because of me.

I'm willing to go to the woodshed.

Yining.

I'd like to ask you something.

Have you seen this person before?

No.

All right.

Excuse me.

I'd like to ask you something.

Over a decade ago,

did a band of bandits appear around here?

- Yes. - Yes.

Yes, there was.

According to the two elders,

this is probably what happened.

I see.

This place is only about three or four li

from the Taoyuan side yard.

It'll be closer if we take the mountain road.

It must be this group of people

who kidnapped Madam Gu back then.

We need to find out

who led the troops at that time.

Yes, Young Master.

Ms. Zheng.

- Let's go. - Ms. Zheng.

Ms. Zheng.

Seventh Lady,

I'm useless.

I failed to protect you.

Don't say that.

All of this is my fault.

I implicated you.

Seventh Lady,

I

only hope

that you don't blame Madam Gu.

What do you mean by this?

My...

My birth father...

I don't know who he is either.

But

don't hate Madam Gu.

Before she left for the side yard,

she had already divorced Second Master.

Madam Gu said

that person treated

her very well.

He is not a womanizer

or lecherous.

At first,

Madam Gu refused to leave with him

because she was concerned about the family's reputation.

After she returned,

she found out she was pregnant.

So she went looking for him.

But couldn't find him.

She asked me

to give this to you

before she passed.

I took it with me

to avoid trouble for you.

But now,

it's time to return it to you.

No matter what,

Madam Gu

always thought of you.

She wanted to stay in the side yard

and watch you grow up.

Ms. Zheng,

you've suffered too much

because of me.

If Father asks,

just tell the truth

since it's a fact.

I will keep my promise to Madam Gu

until the day I die.

I've reported it to the authorities.

The guards are waiting outside.

Aren't you afraid

I'll expose

your family's scandals?

You gave birth

to all three children of Chengwen.

Their futures are

in your hands.

When we reach the court,

think carefully

about what to say.

Old Madam,

my children and Gu Minglan's child are your descendants.

But you've always favored Gu Minglan!

Now,

you still want to threaten us.

Listen to me carefully.

You're no longer part of the Luo family.

Your name will never be associated with Luo's Residence.

Luo Chengwen,

are you going to allow your wife and children to be trampled?

Are you a man?

Are you?

Do you realize

everything that's happening

is your fault?

It's all your fault!

Chen Lan,

this is it.

We've been married for thirty years.

From now on,

we are no longer bound

as husband and wife.

You should leave now.

Let me go.

I can walk on my own!

Old Madam.

Your family

will face retribution!

Mother.

Mother.

Mother.

Don't go.

Mother.

Mother.

Mother, don't go.

Mother.

Mother.

Don't go.

Mother!

Mother!

Ms. Zheng.

Is there anyone out there?

Ms. Zheng passed out.

Please send some medicine over.

I don't have a final say in that.

My dear,

getting agitated is bad for your health.

Old Madam had to take the musk heart-saving pill too.

Get Physician Li.

My dear,

let Yining out.

Why should I?

For what reason?

So she can embarrass me even more?

This has nothing to do with Yining.

She didn't lie to you

and she's still a child.

Her mother and she have deceived me for so many years.

She is the shame that Gu Minglan left for me.

She wanted everyone to laugh at me!

Why blame a child

for the affairs of adults back then?

Lin Hairu, I'm warning you.

Stop speaking up for her.

All I know

is that Yining has been addressing me as her mother.

I can't let her suffer.

I may not have given birth to her.

But she's like one to me.

Is blood relation really

that important to you?

Of course, it is!

If I knew,

I wouldn't have let her live.

How can you be so ruthless?

What did you say?

Who's ruthless?

Who are you calling ruthless?

Get out.

Get out!

Yilian,

how is Mistress Qiao's situation?

She's in prison.

What good outcome could there be?

I checked the criminal code.

If an accomplice confesses, it can be reduced by three levels.

It shouldn't be too severe.

Mistress Qiao is already weak.

We don't even know

if she can endure these years in prison.

Xuan,

you must study hard.

If you succeed in the future

and become an official,

perhaps...

Perhaps, you could get Mistress Qiao out of prison.

All right.

Then I'll get going.

Father.

Father.

If this scandal

gets out,

what of the Luo Residence's reputation

and your reputation?

This matter is none of your concern.

I know

I shouldn't interfere.

I only feel it's unfair to you

to suffer such deception for so many years.

Everyone says I'm ruthless and unfilial.

I never expected you to be the first

to feel the matter is unjust on my behalf.

Grandma and Madam Lin

have always favored Yining.

Naturally,

they want to minimize this matter

and sweep it under the rug.

They probably

want Yining to continue

as the Seventh Lady of the Luo's Residence.

That's impossible.

Therefore,

you must resolve this matter swiftly

while Grandma

is still bedridden.

I spoke out of turn.

I know what to do. You can leave now.

Excuse me.

I'd like to ask you about someone.

I've seen this portrait before.

Do you remember

who came looking for the woman in this portrait?

Ah.

It was over a decade ago.

Do you remember

what the person was like?

I think he was a general.

I remember

his subordinates calling him

General Wei.

Thank you.

The only general with the last name Wei at the time

would be Duke Ying.

That's right.

Duke Ying has never married

and doesn't even have a concubine.

Many rumors are circulating about him.

Could it be

that he has been waiting for Madam Gu?

We can only find out by asking him directly.

Let's go.

(Duke Ying's Residence)

My name is Luo Shenyuan.

I request an audience with Duke Ying.

Do you have a visiting card?

I came in such a rush that I couldn't prepare.

Please convey my message.

I have something important

that I need to personally hand to Duke Ying.

Without a visiting card, you cannot enter.

Duke Ying!

(Zhiqi Hall)

I know who you

have been seeking all these years!

So you are the young master of the Luo's Residence.

No wonder you have the testimony from Minister Luo.

Regarding the testimony,

I must thank you

for your assistance, Duke Ying.

Earlier, you shouted

that you knew who I was looking for.

Who is it?

Who is the person drawn in this portrait?

Her name is Gu Minglan.

She was Madam Gu of the Luo's Residence's second home.

Gu Minglan?

But she divorced a long time ago.

Later, she moved

to live in the Taoyuan side yard.

Mount Fenghuang?

Then it's her.

It's her.

♪It's complicated but I'm not afraid♪

Where is she now?

She died from poisoning.

From poisoning?

Who did it?

The person who poisoned her is in prison.

Gu Minglan left behind a daughter.

A daughter?

She's the Seventh Lady of the Luo's Residence.

Her name is Luo Yining.

It has now been confirmed

that she is not of the Luo family bloodline.

She is the child conceived

during the abduction.

♪I'm willing to risk my life to break the chain of nights♪

Search that area!

Move it!

♪I'm willing to fall into the abyss in order to reveal the fate♪

♪Forget about the outcome and 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♪

Are you all right?

Did you find them?

No!

- Go and search over there! - Leave me and go.

I won't abandon you.

♪No matter how fragile and trivial I am♪

I said, go.

If we're going to die, let's die together.

Let's go.

♪I will dance and shine bright♪

♪I overcome all kinds of doubt♪

♪You commit for me and for the promise♪

Be careful.

Get some rest.

♪I'd rather it all end in nothing so long it fulfills the vastness of love♪

I truly hope

we can be free of worries and the world at peace.

After I get rid of the bandits,

I will restore your peace.

♪Binding us together for eternity♪

Luo Yining.

My daughter...

Where is Luo Yining now?

(Stand Out Through The Ages)

On your knees.

(Spirit Tablet of Madam Gu)

According to the law,

those who commit adultery are exiled for one and a half years,

and married offenders for two years.

As the daughter-in-law of the Luo family,

Gu Minglan had an affair and gave birth to a daughter

without reporting it.

Therefore,

Yining, the illegitimate daughter

is to be punished with twenty strokes,

expelled from the family, and never to return to the capital.

My mother did not have an affair,

and I did nothing wrong.

You cannot punish me without a fair trial.

Take her away.

- Yes. - Yes.

Come with us.

Hurry.

Second Master!

Second Master!

Duke Ying has surrounded the Ancestral Shrine with his men.

(Spirit Tablet of Madam Gu)

Help her back to her room to rest.

Duke Ying,

what's going on?

Yining is my daughter.

Anyone who dares to harm her will have to face me.

So the man Gu Minglan had an affair with,

was you.

Duke Ying, did you not consider

your own status

when doing this?

Affair? Who do you mean?

As far as I know,

before I even met Gu Minglan,

she had already divorced.

How is that an affair?

Divorce?

I did write a divorce decree back then.

But my mother intercepted it.

(Luo Chengzhang)

You mean this one?

She also signed it...

I

have done nothing wrong to the Luo family.

Gu Minglan is my late wife

and Yining

is the legitimate daughter of Duke Ying's Residence.

From today on,

if anyone spreads a word of gossip about her,

I won't hold back.

Young Master, I would head to Liuhe Tavern

to find you if you didn't return just now.

Can you be quiet for a moment?

I brought all my best medicine.

Apply it on Yining immediately.

Yes.

Will she be all right?

I managed to save you even

when you were in such a terrible state.

She will be all right.

♪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♪