Original subtitles

=The Rise of Ning=

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

=Episode 32=

(Yanrong Pavilion)

Marquis Lu,

why are you here so early in the morning?

I heard you've become the County Princess

and came here to congratulate you.

Have you been

waiting here the whole night?

Yes.

I think of it as welcoming the New Year with you.

Mei,

do you still remember

when we used to welcome the New Year together?

I don't remember.

Back then,

I kept a stalk of Queen of the Night

and told you it would bloom at night.

You crouched and waited in front of the flower the whole night.

Later, we knew the flower would only bloom in summer.

Marquis Lu.

If there's nothing else,

I'm heading to Duke Ying's Residence to pay my New Year's greeting.

Mei.

The first day of the New Year

is a day when families reunite

but it only means

I've spent

a year alone

as usual.

If you have something to say,

just say it directly, Marquis Lu.

Did you feel aggrieved at Duke Ying's Residence?

Duke Ying's Residence treats me well.

Why do you say that, Marquis Lu?

If you are well-treated,

why have you come out

on the first day of New Year?

This has nothing to do with you, Marquis Lu.

If so,

does it have anything to do with Luo Shenyuan?

Mei,

since both of you

aren't siblings,

you should avoid seeing each other.

Why did he come out at night

instead of staying at Luo's Residence?

These things are none of your concern, Marquis Lu.

Qing Qu, let's go.

Grandma, I wish you prosperity

and the best of health every year.

Father,

I hope you can rise to prominence

and achieve success.

I also wish you could

be happy every day.

Old Madam was wondering

when you would

return to the residence today.

She was expecting you.

No one can be closer than their grandparents.

You should have a good relationship.

Thank you, Grandma.

Yining.

What's your decision

regarding the shop?

Mother.

Why are you so anxious?

I'm just chatting with her casually.

Yining, the Luo family is a family of academic background.

Old Madam Luo and Madam Lin

love you so much.

I'm sure

you can live a lavish life at Luo's Residence.

Why have you thought about opening your own shop?

Grandma,

when I was at Luo's Residence,

I lived in the side yard when I was young.

I sneaked out often

and saw some women's lives.

I don't want

to live like them.

How do they live?

By relying on others.

What do you mean?

Before a woman is married, she relies on her parents.

Her background will decide

what kind of person she will be married to.

After she is married, she will rely on her husband.

If she is lucky,

the husband and wife live in harmony and her life will be smooth.

If she is unlucky,

she will have to fight with other concubines.

I don't want to live a life like that.

Isn't that how a woman's life has gone

since ancient times?

You are different, Grandma.

You used your own strength

and proved that women are no weaker than men.

I also want to learn from Grandma.

Not only can women marry and give birth to children,

but they can also establish a career of their own

with their own ability.

You are ambitious.

As expected of my daughter.

When Young Lady Yining said those words,

she had your elegance

when you were young, Old Madam.

Didn't you go on the battlefield

at this age?

You've never regretted or complained

no matter how badly you were injured.

It is rare for you

to have this resolve.

However, you can't be free of all worries

in this world

just by being independent or strong.

You should know your limits

when you do anything.

I will remember what you said, Grandma.

Grandma, that's enough.

Stop asking Yining

to remember so many things on the first day of the New Year.

Grandma,

I envy you

when you speak about your past.

I'm reluctant to leave you.

Otherwise, I also want to be like Father

and kill our enemies at the border.

Do you think war is fun?

You've taught me martial arts since young

and praised me for being a quick learner.

If I don't use my skills out there,

wouldn't it be a waste

of your effort?

Yining,

when are you moving back?

I'll go back and pack my things.

When I'm done packing in a few days,

I will move back.

Are you willing to move back?

This should be how the legitimate daughter

of Duke Ying's Residence should behave.

Madam,

is it a letter from Old Madam Lin again?

Right.

What did she say?

She scolded me.

Is it because of the wedding

of Sixth Young Lady and Sixth Master Lin?

She said

if I can't keep Lin Mao in check,

I should send him back to Lin'an

and let her deal with him.

Why don't you

go and persuade her again?

How could I do that?

Who should I persuade?

(Muxi Hall)

Mother,

I asked the kitchen

to prepare some snacks for you.

Please try it.

Sending me snacks so early in the morning.

Hairu,

you have something to say, right?

I...

Mother.

Do you already know

about Lin Mao and Sixth Young Lady?

After what Lin Mao shouted

on New Year's Eve,

do you think there will still be people who don't know about it?

I watched

my younger brother, Lin Mao, grow up.

Since young, he has been blunt.

If he doesn't like something,

he won't even bat an eye to it.

However, he will never give up

something he fancies easily.

My impression of Lin Mao

is a good kid.

Hairu.

Do your parents know about this?

I'm here to get your advice

regarding this.

Lin Mao is the only son

of the Lin family.

Sixth Young Lady is a good kid.

They don't know her

and have too many concerns.

Perhaps...

Perhaps it will be better

after some time.

Look at you.

You sound so unconfident.

I went to the Lin family back then to propose.

I had a conversation

with your parents.

Hairu.

Both of us went through many things in this world.

You should know this.

A good marriage

isn't as simple as two people loving each other.

I am still alive now.

If something happens,

I can still make a decision to help out.

What about the future?

Have you thought about the future?

I...

Parents will

sometimes break up a couple

but they are not heartless.

It's because they know

that once a person

takes a wrong step in life,

his life will be ruined.

Mother, do you mean...

Yixiu's marriage

is my business as her grandma.

If I don't do well,

I will ruin her life.

If I don't accept him sincerely,

I won't

easily give away our children

as her grandma.

That's it?

I was wondering why you called me here.

How can you still smile?

Are you shocked

by their reactions?

What do you plan to do?

I said I would marry Yixiu

and that is exactly what I'm going to do.

All right. Let me ask you.

If the family

wants to cut ties with you,

what will you do?

Your business is not going well.

How long can you last if you start a family on your own?

How can you feed your family?

As long as I work hard with Yixiu,

we will not starve to death.

What if our parents blackmail you

with their lives?

Do you abandon our parents?

You are the only son of the Lin family.

Are you going to cut ties with your family for your marriage?

Yixiu is kind.

What will she do?

A marriage is not just about two people.

The Lin family harbours resentment towards Yixiu

and it is in Lin'an.

The Luo family will never let Yixiu marry you.

Mao,

it's time for you to grow up.

Are you saying

Duke Ying went to your residence

to ask for military funds?

Yes, Master.

Even the imperial court has no money.

What can I do as the Vice Minister of Revenue?

Even the military fund is lacking.

Not only did he mention the funds,

but he also said there was a problem with the warhorses.

Our tea and horse trade might not be as good as the past

but there won't be a problem.

Senior Yang,

Duke Ying has a general

who lost a battle

while quelling a minor conflict

due to a warhorse problem.

What is the problem?

They want the best horses

but they got the poor-quality horses.

These horses couldn't run fast

or run out of stamina quickly

on the battlefield.

That's impossible.

The Ministry of Revenue

gave money to purchase the best horses.

You mustn't joke about this.

Yes.

Our soldiers are risking their lives on the battlefield

but there was a problem with the warhorses.

Not only

will it hurt the lives of our soldiers

but also our territory.

Shenyuan, you are right.

How do you plan to deal with this?

Since there's a problem, we must investigate it.

The person who dares tamper with warhorses

has a power that cannot be underestimated.

We mustn't rush this.

Otherwise, we will be seen

as their enemies and be gotten rid of

before we can have a strong foothold.

As officials,

shouldn't we work

to ensure the people's welfare?

How can we do nothing because we are afraid of the evil forces?

Senior Yang,

I know you are benevolent.

You are passionate about changing

everyone's fate in this world.

However, our opponent this time

is sinister and cruel.

We need to plan well

before we act.

I don't believe it.

After our investigation

and finding out what the mastermind is doing,

will His Majesty still side with him

after we report it?

I'm afraid we will be eliminated

before we can finish our investigation.

I, Yang Ling, am righteous.

I have nothing to be afraid of!

Calm down.

Calm down.

We can talk about this later.

I heard you have some leads

regarding the Eighth Prince's case.

Yes.

I've found Eighth Prince's body.

There are also dozens

of bodies belonging to Tiger Head Gang members.

His Majesty prioritizes this case.

The Ministry of Justice and Imperial Court of Judicial

found nothing after investigating this case for years.

You cracked it as soon

as you joined Imperial Court of Judicial.

I'm afraid the truth behind this

isn't as simple as it seems.

Master,

Shenyuan has keen insight.

He has a talent for investigating cases.

He is different from the officials

who are not doing their jobs.

His Majesty is in the imperial study.

Minister Luo, please follow me.

Luo Shenyuan actually found

the Eighth Prince's dead body.

He also met His Majesty at the palace.

Will he find something?

Today's garlic is fresh.

Come. Sit down and eat.

Gao Da, you've been working for me

for more than a decade, right?

Chancellor Wang,

it has been 15 years.

Why are you still so impatient then?

Eighth Prince

was killed by the Tiger Head Gang

and not you.

Why are you so nervous?

Someone saw me before

the Tiger Head Gang took action.

Although

I've completely eliminated the Tiger Head Gang back then,

I'm afraid someone

might ruin your plan

if someone survived and exposed me.

Look. What is this?

You didn't tie up loose ends back then.

There were indeed remnants of the Tiger Head Gang

who recognize you.

I neglected my duty.

Please punish me.

All right. Stand.

Thank you, Chancellor Wang.

Luo Shenyuan asked someone to send this.

Luo Shenyuan?

He was also the one who requested

for a retrial of this case.

He is either retrying this case

to gain His Majesty's favor

or

he has some other objectives.

Can we trust this person?

We can keep observing him.

I thought

he was the same as Sun Jie and the rest

who opposed me

by being on the side of justice

and working for the people.

Right now, it seems like

he is quite a sensible person.

It does look like you.

I am Li Quan. Greetings, Young Lady Wei.

This is Butler Li.

If you need anything here,

just find him.

Everyone, stand.

Thank you, Young Lady Wei.

(Duke Ying's Residence)

(Jing'an Hall)

Yining,

Old Madam lives in this house.

I live in this house.

Also,

you can use the land here as you wish.

Plant as many types of plants as you want.

Look here.

You'll be staying here from now on.

I chose all these daily necessities

(Huanjing Pavilion) they are carrying.

Go back and see if you like them.

I like them. They are good.

Thank you, Father.

Why are you thanking me?

This residence belongs to you in the future.

Look.

If you want anything,

just take it.

If you like something

that can't be found here,

I'll help you look for it. All right?

Thank you, Father.

You are thanking me again.

I've never seen you

being so meticulous.

Father.

Grandma.

Come here.

I've never seen

such fine porcelain before.

Yes.

This is a reward from the palace.

I have a set in my room.

I'm giving this set to Yining.

Grandma, you treat Yining so well.

Mingzhu, just take it if you like it.

Don't listen to her.

She is just trying to take advantage.

Don't you have enough good things in your room?

Grandma, don't say this.

I'm embarrassed if you do this.

Ting.

Ignore him.

He'll cause trouble if he is not punished.

He is not suitable to meet others.

Grandma. Mingzhu.

I brought

some good-quality cosmetics.

Take a look and see if you have anything you like.

Grandma,

this is Clematis Oil.

It is used to wash your hair

and reduce hair loss.

What a coincidence.

Old Madam has been having serious hair loss for the last two years.

She is feeling troubled about this.

Does it smell nice?

It's not bad.

If you like it,

I have many of these.

Mingzhu, take a look.

I have rouge and gouache.

See if you fancy any of them.

They all look good.

Take them all then.

I will accept your gift then.

Duke Ying, are you asking me

how to raise a daughter?

Look.

You have official matters to do

and you have to raise your daughter alone.

However, Young Lady Sun

is gentle, kind,

knowledgeable,

and elegant.

So, I'm purposely

asking you for advice.

That's too much praise, Duke Ying.

In that case,

studying more is key.

I think so too.

However, what should I first do

to let her study?

Find a good teacher.

Don't you have a good teacher at your residence already?

Are you talking about

Master Qi from my residence?

He is too strict.

He is good for Wei Ting

but I'm reluctant

to let him teach Yining.

What kind of teacher

are you trying to find, Duke Ying?

One.

He must be knowledgeable.

He must be as knowledgeable

as you.

Two. He must be patient.

He cannot be too strict.

Three. He must have a good character.

He can't be hot-tempered.

Four.

He must look proper

and pleasing to the eye.

Duke Ying, are you looking for a teacher

or a son-in-law?

If I want to find a son-in-law,

I'll add 20 more conditions at least.

Duke Ying.

There's only one person in this world

who can fit

your requirements to become the teacher you seek.

Who is it?

Officials, please wait here.

I will inform you when Duke Ying

is finished with his business.

Thank you.

Since you started working at Imperial Court of Judicial,

you've been hardworking.

The Grand Minister also

have praised you.

Even His Majesty

is showing you respect.

That's too much praise, Marquis.

A word of advice.

Doing things in an extreme manner

might not get you a good result.

It is my duty.

There's no need for you to be concerned about this.

Since you took care

of Yining in Luo's Residence,

I'm reminding you not to waste your time.

You won't find anything.

That's between me and her.

It's none of your business.

Wei Yining

is now Duke Ying's legitimate daughter

and the County Princess.

She is from a different family than you.

You should avoid meeting her in the future.

I grew up with Yining.

Our relationship cannot be surpassed by others.

I also remind you

not to chase people away, Marquis Lu.

Minister Luo,

do you really fancy her?

You are her brother.

Marquis Lu,

I'm afraid you've forgotten about this.

Yining and I

aren't siblings.

Both of you, Duke Ying invites you both.

Father.

Are you hiring a teacher to teach me?

What?

Do you not want this?

Not really.

However, I'm afraid

no teacher is going to teach me what I want to know.

Yining,

our Residence is a family with martial arts background

instead of literary background.

Moreover, the imperial court has started

to prioritize literary talents over martial prowess.

I think studying

will be beneficial to you.

However...

There's no need to worry about your teacher.

He will be here later.

When he arrives,

I won't force you to accept him

when he's here later. All right?

Duke Ying.

Marquis Lu?

Father.

Is he the teacher you hired?

Young Lady Wei,

I can teach you martial arts.

I'm afraid

literary knowledge isn't my forte.

However, if Young Lady Wei is interested,

I can accompany you too.

Just like how we...

Marquis Lu.

Please behave.

Luo Shenyuan.

Yining,

he is the teacher I hired.

Your imperial scholar brother.

Minister Luo,

I'll leave

Yining's study to you.

I've wanted to practice calligraphy recently

but I haven't touched the brush at all.

It's a rare opportunity

for you to have the time to do this.

When you were in Luo's Residence,

I still needed to haggle with you

when I asked you to write.

Your turn.

Actually, I have something

that I haven't told you.

I knew a long time ago that we weren't siblings.

You knew a long time ago?

After Physician Du examined you,

I went

to Madam An who took care of your mother

and found out about this.

I was afraid telling you the truth

might hurt you a lot

so I didn't tell you.

Why are you

telling me now?

Yining.

I have not been treating you like a sibling for a long time.

I want to ask you

how you feel about me.

♪Love, subtle and vivid♪

I...

Third Brother, are you hungry?

Let me make you some food.

♪Afraid of mistakes, the begonias blooming and withering again♪

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

When will you stop avoiding me?

I...

♪Spreads across my life♪

I've liked you for a long time.

♪I seek only you♪

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

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

♪An overlapping shade of us♪

However, if you

don't like me as a man,

I will still treat you like I did in the past.

I won't overstep my boundaries.

♪I will stay in this corner♪

Consider it.

I will go back for now.

Duke Ying, why did you

summon me here?

It's nothing important.

I just want to ask you

why you care so much

about the search for my daughter.

To be frank with you,

I already knew Yining

when we were at the side yard.

I didn't expect her to be your daughter.

You knew each other from back then?

Yes.

Duke.

The Wei family and Lu family have been close for many years.

If we can improve this relationship,

won't it be better?

Why does it look cloudy?

Duke Ying,

I am loyal to Young Lady Wei.

If you agree,

I will use an 8-man palanquin

to marry Yining

and won't marry any concubines forever.

We were separated for many years.

Now that I have finally found my daughter,

I am reluctant

to marry her away right now.

Thank you for your offer, Marquis Lu.

I understand

how much you love your daughter.

When you want

to discuss Yining's marriage one day,

I will visit again.

Farewell.

I won't be sending you off.

I...

I've liked you for a long time.

What are you thinking about, Young Lady?

Qing Qu, Third Brother told me

he liked me.

Third Young Master finally told you?

I thought he would never tell you.

Do you know about it?

It is obvious to anyone.

Third Young Master's feeling for you

is unmatched by others.

But Young Lady,

do you like Third Young Master?

Since he told me

we weren't siblings,

my heart has been racing.

I don't know if it counts as liking him.

Young Lady.

Duke Ying asked for these

to be given to you.

Does Mingzhu have them?

They are all for you.

Pick one of the dresses for me.

Give the rest to Mingzhu.

That's...

Just follow my orders.

In the future,

take half of everything

given to me to Mingzhu.

If someone asks,

tell them I told you to do so.

Yes, Young Lady.

Old Madam, are you feeling better?

It's fine.

This is a chronic illness of mine.

I heard

Yining took half of the pearls

given by Wei Ling

and gave them to Mingzhu.

Not only that.

Young Lady Yining

only took a pair of earrings from that box of jewelry.

This child

is too sensible.

What about Minghui Pavilion?

Mingzhu gave a gift in return as well.

She asked someone to give Young Lady Yining

the jade bracelet you gave her previously.

Good.

Let's take it one step at a time.

That's right.

Open the treasury

tomorrow morning

and buy some head accessories for them.

This year's Flowers Festival

is going to be organized in our residence.

Our ladies

must not lose in terms of appearance.

Sure.

Grandma.

I heard you are suffering from a chronic illness.

Are you feeling better?

Thanks for your concern.

She is feeling better.

This is the medicine brought here by Sixth Uncle.

Let Grandma try it.

Sure.

This is a chronic illness.

A few imperial physicians from the palace

have looked at me.

It can't be treated.

Sixth Uncle is good at making medicine.

Even Father praised it.

Yes, Old Madam.

Since Young Lady Yining is filial,

give it a try.

Grandma.

I also learned a massage technique

from Qing Qu.

See how it feels.

You've put in a lot of effort.

No wonder

your grandma at Luo's Residence

likes you so much.

Do you like me then?

I do.

Of course, I like you.

You are

my legitimate granddaughter.

Quick, lie down.

Young Lady Yining, you must be tired

after massaging for so long. You should go back and rest.

Aren't you asleep?

I woke up when you came in.

I was wrong for disturbing you.

Young Lady Yining is really kind.

Other people

would have left if they saw you fell asleep.

A child who grows up in a residence

without a parent to love them

will do everything cautiously.

They will do their best in everything.

She also grew up outside the residence.

It was tough for her.

Now that she has returned to Duke Ying's Residence,

she will

be loved by you and Duke Ying in the future.

Yining might have a title granted by His Majesty

but people still gossip about her.

I must let her

become the legitimate daughter

of Duke Ying's Residence in an open manner.

My brother is asking me for help again.

What is his relationship

with Wei Yining?

I can see that Wei Yining

has always been

opposed to him.

How should I reply to them?

I think Young Lady Yining

is also a scheming person.

She went to Old Madam's place

and has been serving her until now.

Isn't Grandma suffering from her chronic illness and feeling unwell?

Why did she stay so long?

She said she made medicine for Old Madam

to help her relieve her illness.

Old Madam was very happy

and spoke to her for a long time.

Grandma has always loved me.

Right now, she has started to treat Yining well too.

Young Lady.

Wei Yining

treats you nicely on the surface

but she keeps flattering the Duke

and Old Madam.

You mustn't be coaxed

by her little gifts.

(Marquis Anbei's Residence)

Mingzhu, you said you wanted to choose flowers.

Are you doing it at Marquis Anbei's Residence?

Yes, Yining.

The Flowers Festival is coming soon.

Every residence has brought in some rare flowers.

My godbrother has the most.

It's your first year returning to our residence.

Your beauty

must surpass everyone during the Flowers Festival.

Later, you must bring more flowers

back to the residence.

I suddenly

feel unwell.

Why don't you

choose the flowers on your own?

Young Lady Yining. Young Lady Mingzhu.

Greetings, Young Master Cheng.

Is my godbrother inside?

Uncle is busy.

He can't choose flowers with both of you

and ordered me to guide you both.

Please go to the garden to choose the flowers on your own.

Yining, my godbrother isn't free to accompany me.

If you don't accompany me,

I'll be

so bored today.

Fine.

I'll accompany you today.

This is nice.

That one too.

Yining, which do you think is nice?

I think they are all good.

Since you like all of them,

let's bring

all these away.

As long as Young Lady Yining likes them,

I'll get someone

to deliver all of them to Duke Ying's Residence.

Mingzhu is joking.

How can we bring them all away?

There are so many flowers.

No need to take it seriously.

These flowers

are rare species

chosen by Uncle from all over the place.

Mingzhu, you should pick the flowers.

My eyes are blurred from choosing.

Let's take a break.

I should be punished. Please forgive me.

What are you doing?

Bring Young Lady Yining to clean herself.

Please forgive us.

It's all right.

Young Lady, please come with me.

The maids from your residence have always been careful.

When did they become so careless?

My uncle still remembers

how you helped him twice, Young Lady Mingzhu.

What is Godbrother trying to do?

Well...

It's better if you don't ask about this.

You don't know how to make clay dolls.

I like clay dolls the most.

I told you

I can learn.

It is difficult to make clay dolls.

I will definitely learn how to make it

as long as I get a glimpse of one.

Mei.

Lu Jiaxue?

This is...

Back then,

when I prepared a bridal chamber

to marry you,

I realized you were forced

to jump down a cliff by Song Ziyun.

After all these years,

you've finally returned.

You said you didn't like to study or write.

There isn't a calligraphy paper

or book here.

Look.

These papercutting art pieces.

Here.

All these

have been prepared by you.

I made

all these clay dolls myself.

I told you.

As long as you like something,

nothing is too difficult for me.

Also,

this bracelet.

Do you still remember it?

♪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♪