Original subtitles

=The Rise of Ning=

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

=Episode 30=

(Yanrong Pavilion)

Uncle.

Back then, you just left the courtyard not long ago.

You had your bitter reasons for doing so.

There's a deep misunderstanding between you and Seventh Lady.

Why didn't you explain yourself to her?

She wouldn't even admit her identity in front of me.

How can I explain myself?

Song Ziyun

is still denying

that Seventh Lady was Mei, the lady you were looking for.

I knew that she was lying.

If so, we should let the two confront each other alone.

Where is Song Ziyun right now?

Your Lordship.

She's still locked away. However, she's pretty obedient.

Release her, then.

See if she'll look for Luo Yining.

Understood.

His Lordship is sparing you today.

He wants you to leave the capital.

The further you leave the capital, the better.

However, you're considered lucky.

Not only did the girl His Lordship was looking for survive,

but she also became Duke Ying's legitimate daughter.

That's the only reason

His Lordship is letting you off easily.

Go.

Lu Jiaxue was here today.

I heard that he has invited plenty of ladies as well.

Yining just left the residence.

Tell your men to keep an eye on the pavilion.

And, tell your men to keep an eye

on Lu Jiaxue as well.

Yes, Young Master.

Third Brother.

Come with me.

Third Brother, take a look.

What do you think about this room?

Oh right...

I can no longer address you as Third Brother.

I told you already.

I'll always stay by your side

no matter if I'm your third brother or not.

I'll always protect you.

Whether you call me Third Brother or not

doesn't matter.

You can do whatever feels comfortable to you.

I feel at ease upon hearing that.

I couldn't get used to it at first.

Look over there.

Look. We lack two tea cups here.

I plan to buy some black-glazed rabbit hair tea cups.

What do you think?

That's right.

Only a valuable cup like that

can match your status as the owner of Yanrong Pavilion.

And over here. Come and take a look.

What do you think about this book rack?

And the desk too.

Go and try it.

What do you think? Is it suitable?

It's suitable for me.

But don't you think it's too high

if it's meant for you?

Since it's meant for you,

you should try it yourself.

Third Brother.

Actually...

Actually, I prepared the room

for you.

Since you arranged the backyard of Yanrong Pavilion

to be my office,

there should be a room for you here.

This way, you can come here anytime,

just like what you did in the past.

You prepared it for me?

Madam Liu.

You came here early in the morning.

I suppose you're here for Yiyu's sake.

That's right, Old Madam Luo.

We've already prepared

the necessary proposal documents and dowries.

My eldest son said

he couldn't wait any longer.

He dragged me out of the house

before dawn.

It must've been tough.

Young Lady Luo.

Yiyu,

your mother mentioned this to me

when she was still here.

However, we didn't discuss it in detail.

Today,

both Young Master Liu and his mother

have come here to ask for your hands.

Although I'm in favor of the marriage,

I still need

to ask you this.

What do you think about the marriage?

I...

Young Lady Luo, if you're willing to be married to me,

I'll definitely dote on you with all my heart.

We shall grow old together.

I already told him

that he was being too impatient.

After all, an unfortunate incident had just occurred here.

But my son said he wasn't willing to wait any longer.

Sorry for being abrupt.

In my opinion,

maybe Young Lady Luo

needs someone to understand her

and support her when the times are tough.

Yiyu?

Why don't we wait a few more days?

Old Madam Luo,

we shall stop bothering you guys.

Farewell.

Young Master Liu.

Hurry and go.

Young Master Liu, thank you for not abandoning me.

I'm willing to be married to you.

Really?

- Murderer! - Murderer!

- Go away! - Get out of the way!

- Mother! - Mother!

Mother!

Mother!

Will the Liu Family treat you well?

Mother-in-law, please don't worry.

Since I'm fortunate enough

to marry Yiyu as my wife,

I'll love her and protect her for the rest of my life.

I won't let her suffer.

No matter what you've done,

it has nothing to do with Yixiu.

I won't let anyone bully her.

Shan.

You're finally willing to see me.

Mother.

I've decided to join the military.

Aren't you going to participate in the imperial exam?

Since young,

I've heeded your every advice.

You wanted me to study and prepare for the imperial exam.

No matter how much I disliked it,

I dare not go against your words.

It's because you were always right.

Now,

I'm sure you're disappointed in me.

I once abused my power to bully people too.

I've committed plenty of mistakes.

Mother, I have no right to criticize you.

But from now on, I'll turn over a new leaf.

I'm here to bid you farewell.

Mother, please take care.

It's all my fault.

In the end,

you guys had to suffer.

Please don't say that.

Actually,

I was the one who'd let the family down.

What's the point in saying that now?

Mother,

the journey will be cold.

Please take thicker clothing with you.

Mother,

you must take care of yourself.

All of us

will be waiting for your return.

Waiting for my return?

I'm afraid there's no...

Time's up. Let us depart.

(Spirit Tablet of Madam Gu)

Mother.

Your murderer

has already been convicted and exiled.

Third Brother has helped me to find my biological father.

He's nice to me.

You were right about him.

In the future,

I'll depend on myself

and strive to make a living.

Everything will turn for the better.

Don't worry about me.

Yining.

Order your men around

and see where you should place these items.

Why did you bring so many people and items

with you?

You aren't returning to our residence.

I have to prepare

something for you just in case.

And,

I selected these maids

just for you.

They can write and do calculations.

They'll be of use to you.

Greetings, Young Lady.

These two bodyguards

have been serving me

for many years.

They're martial arts expert.

You two, listen closely.

If anyone dares to bully her,

turn them into cripples

and throw them onto the streets.

I'll bear the responsibilities.

Greetings, Young Lady!

Lower your volume.

Don't scare my daughter.

We know our fault! Young Lady, please punish us!

They've been in the military camp for too long, so forgot how to lower their voice.

You two should get up first.

Didn't you two hear her?

Thank you, Young Lady!

You two may leave first.

Duke Ying,

I appreciate your intention.

However,

I already have Qing Qu with me.

She knows martial arts.

She can protect me

during dangerous situations.

I have one more maid with me

called Xue Zhi.

She grew up alongside me as well.

I can't put all of these maids to good use.

And, my shop mostly tends

to female customers.

I'm afraid these guards

won't be of use to me.

You do have a point.

I guess I was being inconsiderate.

Are you sure

you want none of them?

What about these?

You at least

have to accept these items.

Your grandma and I picked them

for you especially.

But...

Mother.

Duke Ying is here, huh?

Yining,

what kind of shop are you managing?

- What's with all these goods? - Goods?

These are the items

I bought for my daughter.

How could they be conventional goods?

If so, I suppose all these people

aren't your customers, right?

They look quite menacing.

- But... - And, there's no space

to store all of these items.

What's wrong with them?

She can make selections.

These are barely enough

for my daughter, you know?

This place looks shabby without them.

Quality matters more than quantity.

I prepared everything

from food, clothing, to her daily necessities

when she lived at the Luo's Residence.

I know what she likes

the best.

Bring the items

I've brought here.

Show me around, won't you?

Mother,

this is where the shopkeeper

does her accounts.

Female customers

can use the mirror

to see whether they like their makeup look.

Where's Yining?

She went to prepare some snacks.

Madam Lin,

I've offended you

at the Luo's Residence a few days ago.

Let me make it up to you today.

And,

since you've taken care of Yining

on my behalf for many years,

I've prepared some modest gifts for you.

I took this from the palace.

Duke Ying, you're too courteous.

Thank you.

What kinds of accessories does Yining like?

She likes the usual accessories

used by ladies.

Something like hairpins and all.

Isn't this a hairpin?

She likes something simpler.

Something with flowers, birds, insects, or plants.

The color mustn't be too vibrant

or too eye-catching.

What kind of material, then?

Something light.

Gold and silver are valuable.

However, they're heavy as well.

She doesn't like them.

She said the hairpin would swing if she put it on her hair.

Her head would be heavier than the rest of the body.

She doesn't like gold or silver, huh?

She's just like me.

She loves jade bangles. There's a sense of spirituality about them.

You're right.

Have you written them down?

I have.

Mother,

this is your favorite white sugar cake.

Duke Ying, you should try it too.

Ning,

I'll head back

and prepare another set of gifts for you.

No need for that, Duke Ying.

I've already prepared everything for her.

You can prepare yours

while I can prepare mine.

They're different.

Wait here.

Yining,

this biological father of yours

seems pretty nice.

He does treat me well.

However,

maybe I'm not just used to it yet.

Parents constitute the foundation of a person.

Although it's a little late,

it's worth cherishing if it's true affection.

Mother, you recited a verse from Records of the Grand Historian.

I think that book

was kept inside Second Master's room.

You only left the residence for a few days,

and now, you're starting to tease me, huh?

First place in the imperial exam!

Our new imperial scholar, Luo Shenyuan!

First place in the imperial exam!

Our new imperial scholar, Luo Shenyuan!

First place in the imperial exam!

Our new imperial scholar, Luo Shenyuan!

First place in the imperial exam!

Our new imperial scholar, Luo Shenyuan!

(Luo's Residence)

Hairu,

you've become the mother of the imperial scholar.

Your son has finally made a name for himself.

Shenyuan is the triple top scorer.

This is a joyous occasion worth celebrating.

Rui Xiang.

Madam.

Have all the musicians arrived?

The musicians have been waiting outside the palace long ago.

Madam, don't worry.

The entire capital will definitely hear our songs of joy.

- Give them additional rewards! - Yes, Madam.

Tell them to play

with everything they have.

Yes, Madam.

Chengzhang.

Yes, Mother?

Chengzhang,

back then,

your father was merely a double top scorer.

He wasn't the top scorer of the imperial exam.

Now, Shenyuan

has fulfilled his dream on his behalf.

He has brought honor to our family.

The future prosperity of the Luo Family will depend on him.

What I meant was

that you should stop resenting Shenyuan.

I understand.

Hurry! Let's go!

So many people. Are you here to rob money?

Or to check the imperial scholar out?

Money can be found everywhere.

But an imperial scholar

as dashing as him is difficult to find.

Third Brother is over there!

Look at all the musicians.

Congratulations, Third Brother.

I'm here!

My wife!

Third Brother, everyone is looking at you.

You should hurry and get on the horse.

(The new imperial scholar, Luo Shenyuan,)

(is mighty at the pen and the sword. He's capable of undertaking tasks.)

(His request shall be granted.)

(He's to assume the position of minister within Imperial Court of Judicial.)

(He's received a special decree to conduct case investigations.)

Master,

Senior Daoyan,

with you two watching over us from above,

I shall fulfill my promise to you two.

Greetings, Minister of Imperial Court of Judicial.

Congratulations on achieving your goal.

Talk normally.

Third Brother, you secured a high position after joining the officialdom.

You've made an astonishing debut.

It's just that the position

of Minister

was what Father...

I mean, Second Master desires that position.

One's son is now his superior.

This is strange indeed.

You're mocking me, aren't you?

That's not true.

New officials are always eager to make an impact.

Third Brother, what do you plan to do?

His Majesty is allowing

a young man like me who has no influence or power

to assume such an important position.

Why do you think he did so?

So that he could hunt down the tiger?

You've overestimated me. That might not be the case.

But at least we know that he's trying to lure the tiger out.

If so, Third Brother, what do you plan to do?

If so,

I shall behave like a crazed buffalo.

It's late.

Let me send you home first.

No need for that.

Qing Qu is waiting for me outside.

I'll make a move first.

Seems like you've been avoiding me lately.

That's not it.

I was just thinking

that we're no longer siblings.

We can't do things the way we used to.

♪Carefully restrain myself, yet my heart remains unconvinced♪

♪Musing on mellow memories, a blush colors my face♪

If so, Young Lady Wei...

♪I question my fate and face it honestly♪

May I send you home?

♪My heart leans on yours, embraced by a rosy ambiance♪

Third Brother,

you'll be joining the officialdom tomorrow.

You must be careful.

I understand.

The court is just like the battlefield.

I'm afraid there'll be many things that won't

proceed according to my plan.

I don't want you to be a crazed buffalo.

I just want you to be safe and sound.

Yining,

if, in the future,

I had no choice but to go against my conscience,

and everyone lost their trust in me,

would you still believe me by then?

Of course I would.

Third Brother, there's always a valid reason

behind your every action.

I heard that Duke Ying would instruct his men

to deliver gifts to you from time to time.

He also hopes

that you could return to his residence soon.

He's nice to me indeed.

But I have my own ideas.

I wish to explore the world

through my own efforts.

But I've said this before.

Yining,

I'll protect you forever.

In this life, I'll only be good to you.

That's not a casual remark.

It's getting late.

I've arrived home too.

Okay.

You should head back and rest.

♪No regrets upon having you this life♪

♪A double dream where both of us return♪

♪Looking forward to a life together♪

Shenyuan,

you're finally here.

Official Jiang, thank you for receiving me.

Please guide me

in the future.

Minister Luo, also known as Top Scholar Luo,

I've long heard of your name.

- A pleasure to meet you. - A pleasure to meet you.

I'm new to the department.

Everyone, please guide me in the future.

Minister Luo, you're too modest.

You're the newly appointed

top scholar by His Majesty.

You're His Majesty's student.

Every department is fighting for talented individuals now.

Since you've joined Imperial Court of Judicial,

I can tell that you're a pragmatic person.

Imperial Court of Judicial oversees criminal justice

and upholds the national legal code.

It's something that I always wanted to do.

Look at him. He does

live up to be the top scholar.

The words he utters

make us feel both embarrassed and honored.

- Indeed. - Indeed.

Official Jiang.

I shall take Minister Luo

around Imperial Court of Judicial

and introduce the personnel and his duties to him.

What do you think?

All right.

Thank you for the effort.

Minister Luo, please.

Official Luo, over here, please.

Official Luo, come.

- Thank you. - Official Luo, hurry.

Over here.

Official Luo, over here.

Mind your steps.

- Be careful. Let's go. - Be careful.

For case investigation documents,

they're located on the Tian rack and Di registers.

For detailed case analysis,

they're located at Xuan rack and Huang registers.

Hurry up.

If not, our work won't end.

Registrar Luo, sorry about that.

I was careless.

- Hurry and clean it! - Yes, sir.

Registrar Luo,

although Minister Luo assumed his position not long ago,

he's requesting

the records of old cases.

Seems like he's trying to do something big here.

How would I know

what the minister intends to do?

But...

Isn't he your son?

There's no kinship in workplaces.

We just need to fulfill our duty and deal with the records.

What's with all the questions?

Hurry.

Yes, sir.

(Luo's Residence)

What's wrong again?

You're pulling a long face again.

Did someone offend you?

Mother, I'm fine.

I'm just exhausted.

You should rest well, then.

Shenyuan,

this chicken tofu dish is tender and smooth.

I made it especially for you.

Today's your first day of work. It must've been tough. Eat up.

Thank you, Mother.

My dear,

why are you sighing again?

Father loves this dish as well.

Father, you should have it first.

Shenyuan,

you just joined Imperial Court of Judicial.

Can you get used to the environment there?

Yeah, I can.

What do you mean by that?

Shenyuan,

you just assumed your position,

and you're investigating all those old cases.

You're completely unaware of what you're doing.

Father, you had to flip through all those files and documents.

It must've been tough indeed.

Father, if you're exhausted,

I'll send someone else to do your work.

Do you think I'm angry because of that?

We're having a meal here. Why are you guys talking about work?

Let's eat.

Shenyuan,

you must remember this.

You're working diligently because you've just

entered the officialdom.

You must act according to your abilities.

Yes, Grandma.

Young Lady,

we've already visited several rouge stalls.

Have you noticed anything unusual?

Their products aren't as good as the ones we sell.

Now, Yanrong Pavilion

just needs an opportunity

to let everyone know about us.

What should we do, then?

We cannot be impatient.

We have to wait for a good timing.

- Qing Qu, are you okay? - My purse!

There's a thief!

(Liuhe Tavern)

Young Master, we've searched the surrounding area

- where Seventh Lady went missing. - How did it go?

There were Imperial Guards

guarding the nearby junctions.

They should be Lu Jiaxue's men.

Lu Jiaxue's men, huh?

Has he made any unusual moves?

He wasn't up to anything major.

It's just that he released

a criminal from prison suddenly a few days ago.

Tell our men to locate

Lu Jiaxue with everything they have.

We have to find Yining.

- Yes, Young Master. - Yes, Young Master.

I've been waiting for you for many days.

You were finally walking all by yourself today.

Who exactly are you?

Why did you kidnap me?

What? We were once close friends.

Do you not recognize me anymore?

Song Ziyun?

What do you want?

Xu Mei, I never expected

a wretch like you to be still alive.

Not only are you alive,

but you also became Duke Ying's daughter, huh?

The heavens are unfair indeed.

The Song Family wouldn't have

been shattered if it weren't for you!

Why would I end up

in such a pathetic state

if it weren't for

what you did back then?

It's all because of you!

I could never figure out

why Lu Jiaxue

would fall for a village girl like you.

That's why

I located you without his knowledge,

and told you

that he sent me here to get rid of you.

I never expected you

to be foolish enough to fall for it.

You idiot.

So, it was you.

That's right.

I thought Lu Jiaxue

would be faithful to me after you were gone.

I never expected him

to repay my kindness with hostility for your sake!

He murdered my entire family!

You're wrong.

He didn't do it for my sake.

He did it for his sake.

He approached you in order to gain power.

He ruined your family

to obtain greater power.

What did you say?

To think that Lu Jiaxue

had this day coming to him, huh?

His beloved

actually despises him.

Great.

Great!

This is great!

Do you think I'll release you just because you said that?

Since he fancies you so much

and he treats you as his precious gem,

I have no choice but to let him

experience the same pain again.

Lu Jiaxue!

What now?

Do you want to kill me now?

Will you kill me?

Song Ziyun,

you should know what's good for you.

I'll tell my men to send you back.

Find a good husband and lead a good life after this.

It's time for you to let go.

Mei,

are you okay?

You finally acknowledged

that you're Mei.

- Mei! - Let go of me!

Let go of me!

You weren't hurt, were you?

Song Ziyun was too bold for her own good.

She harmed you behind my back before.

And she's trying to do the same thing.

She's despicable indeed.

But don't worry.

As long as I'm around,

I won't

let this happen again.

Mei,

since you already know

that everything was a misunderstanding,

could you please

return to my side?

Song Ziyun appeared before me

thanks to your arrangement, right?

If not, there's no way

you can make such a timely appearance.

Yes.

I only wanted her to explain

what happened between us.

When I found out

that you were the one who jumped off the cliff,

I regretted my actions.

Lu Jiaxue,

why would she come and harm me

if you didn't approach the Song Family?

I know you still hate me for it.

But I had no choice back then.

Now,

since you already knew the truth,

can't you give me another chance

and forgive me?

Everyone who's useful to you can be manipulated.

Everyone who's useless to you can be killed off.

You'll pay the price of committing

all these dirty deeds to get to where you are today.

For all the influence and power you've obtained,

you'll definitely have corresponding losses.

But my feelings for you

were never fake.

Did you forget

the days we first knew each other?

It feels scary precisely because

I couldn't forget it.

The one whom I've treated

with all my heart before this,

put me in danger on numerous occasions

for the sake of influence and power.

And now, he's setting me up just so he could

make me reveal my true identity.

Mei,

I've never sold myself out for glory.

I will never put you in danger.

No matter if it's right, wrong,

true, or false, it no longer matters.

We don't belong in the same world.

Stop the carriage.

Marquis Lu, what are you doing?

Lu Jiaxue,

don't tell me

you're going to abduct me?

Stop the carriage!

Third Brother?

Let go of me!

Your Lordship,

I'm here to pick my sister up.

Please release her.

Third Brother!

Minister Luo,

you're quite resourceful.

But, you're just a lowly minister of Imperial Court of Judicial.

How dare you stop my carriage?

I'm not wearing my uniform. I came here on my horse alone.

I came here to pick my sister up as her brother.

How is that unreasonable?

What if I don't release her?

If so, I have no choice but to report this to Duke Ying.

If he hears about this,

he'll definitely surround

your residence

with his heavy cavalries.

If that happens,

it'll be embarrassing for everyone.

Third Brother!

Be careful.

Mei.

This affair was over long ago.

You should stop dwelling on the past as well.

Third Brother, let's go.

Are you sure you're fine?

What exactly was Lu Jiaxue up to?

He was merely using Song Ziyun

to force me to admit that I'm Mei.

Song Ziyun?

You mean Song Yingshan's granddaughter?

That's right.

No matter what,

now, we are strangers to each other.

I won't change my mind for his sake.

Young Lady, we've searched where Song Ziyun

sought refuge for the past few days.

We found this in the corner.

What exactly is this,

Young Master?

This might be the other half

of the Song Family's ledger.

Give it to Senior Xia Yong.

Yes, Young Master.

(Spring Festival Eve)

- Thank you. - Don't mention it.

Greetings, Duke Ying.

Where's Yining?

Please head to the back.

You're here.

Yining.

I was passing by.

Therefore, I came to visit you.

You're already putting up the lanterns, huh?

Excellent.

They look great.

My daughter's handwriting is pretty good as well.

The strokes are robust and powerful.

Third Brother wrote them.

No wonder.

I could tell that it was a man's handwriting at first glance.

It's almost Chinese New Year.

How is the weather still so hot?

Please have a seat.

Yining, what do you like

to eat usually?

I'll instruct the cooks at my residence

to prepare and deliver them to you.

Okay?

Please spare yourself from the trouble.

Both of my maids, Qing Qu and Xue Zhi,

know how to cook.

And, the taverns nearby

sell every dish we can think of.

That's good.

That's good too.

Do you like fireworks?

The palace delivered

plenty of fireworks to me a few days ago.

They said the fireworks are beautiful.

But no one in the residence

dare to set them.

Do you want some?

Please cut to the chase

if you have something to say.

I'll cut to the chase, then.

You see, it's almost Chinese New Year.

Can you join us

for the reunion dinner?

You can spend some time with your grandma

and siblings as well.

They told me about it on numerous occasions.

They wish to reunite with you as well.

Okay?

You can stay at our residence

for a few more days

after the reunion dinner.

Of course,

if you don't like it there,

you may come back at any time.

You don't need to answer me immediately.

You can take your time.

I'm in no rush.

I have official affairs to attend to.

I'll make a move first.

I'm willing to head back.

If so, I'll head back and prepare for it.

Don't go back on your word, okay?

♪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♪