Original subtitles

=The Rise of Ning=

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

=Episode 33=

And,

what about this bracelet?

Do you remember it?

All done.

You spent half a day completing it.

Seems like you're pretty bad at it.

Speak for yourself.

Touch this part.

I added a lover's knot here on purpose.

A lover's knot?

I don't know what it is.

What does it mean?

Guess it yourself.

Ever since I retrieved it from the side yard,

I've been wearing it all the time.

I constantly reminded myself

that my Mei was still alive

and that I had to find her.

I've never given up on finding her.

Mei,

we've missed out on each other for too long.

Return to my side.

I've already gotten over from the past.

It's best for you to get over it too.

Do you wish to leave that badly?

What are you up to again?

Mei,

I wish to marry you.

Why do you always do this?

Before, you were pretending all along.

And now, you're trying to steal everything from me.

Didn't you fancy me once?

We've been through the harshest days together

and kept each other

company.

Could it be that you've fallen for someone else?

Is it Luo Shenyuan?

I knew it.

Luo Shenyuan kept appearing in front of you

using his brotherly status as an excuse.

He must harbor an ulterior motive for you from the start.

Don't say that about Third Brother!

Are you that protective of him?

It's because I fancy him.

Say that again if you dare.

Yining?

Yining, are you inside?

(Wedding)

Godbrother.

What are you doing here?

Where's Yining?

Young Lady, does it hurt?

It's already been a few days.

Why is her ankle still swollen?

Young Lady, seems like

you have suffered a serious sprain.

Young Lady, I should've entered the room

together with you back then.

It's the same no matter if you were there or not.

Lu Jiaxue plotted for it long ago.

Hurry and dress my wound.

Third Brother will be here soon.

We mustn't let him see it.

Third Brother.

This is Sixth Uncle's

special ointment meant for bruises and sprains.

Rest for one night.

You'll recover by tomorrow.

How did you know that I was injured?

I heard that you injured your ankle

after picking flowers

in Marquis Anbei's Residence.

You met Lu Jiaxue, didn't you?

What has he done to you?

Why did you sprain your ankle?

Say,

Sixth Uncle's special ointment is effective indeed.

After this, I...

Look into my eyes and tell me.

What exactly happened between you two?

I'll end my affair with him

by myself.

You should stay out of this.

Want to stay out of this? Fine.

Tell me, then.

How will you end it?

Anyway, you're all tied up.

I don't want you to offend him

because of me.

Do you think I'm worried

about that now?

Lu Jiaxue and I

are already sworn enemies.

It's not only due to court affairs.

It's also because of you.

Yining.

Do you fancy me?

♪A glance at a fleeting bond makes it hard to know what's next♪

You...

♪Each other's hearts under the stars♪

♪Sorrows concealed behind brows♪

Just now, you...

I've kept my feelings hidden

for far too long.

Now,

I no longer wish to deceive myself.

I can fancy you officially now.

If you're willing,

I'll head to Duke Ying's Residence

and ask for our marriage.

Didn't I tell you already?

No one is to enter

my study room without my permission.

But it's First Young Lady.

Yining?

Father.

Why are you still awake?

I saw that you weren't back at this late hour.

That's why I came to check on you.

I also organized

your things for you.

I wasn't bothering you, was I?

Not at all.

It's been so long since my room was this organized.

This is great.

Come.

Look over here.

You can read all the books on this rack

and that rack.

Look at this.

My teacher wrote this.

Why didn't Father tell you off?

Why should Father tell me off?

Father never allowed anyone

to touch the things in his study room.

He won't even let the servants clean it casually.

One time, Mingzhu's arrow flew inside.

Father told her off severely.

But Father didn't tell you off.

He always smiles when he sees you.

He even acts cautiously

in front of you.

Do you wish to know why, then?

It's because I didn't receive my parents' love since young.

Therefore, Father thinks that he owes me a lot.

He's trying to make it up to me.

Ms. Dong,

please take him to his room.

Yes, Young Lady.

Ting, let's go.

Ms. Dong,

does Yining also not have a mother?

That's right.

Miss Yining's mother

passed away when she was very young.

I guess I have it better than her, then.

I still have Father with me,

even though he was fierce to me.

Yining,

we're not going to incur

any losses this month, right?

It's not that bad.

However, Yanrong Pavilion's business

has remained relatively stagnant

after our opening.

That shouldn't be the case.

Other shops aren't selling

the new products I invented.

Our products are excellent indeed.

It's just that few people

know about our shop.

Sixth Uncle, I was thinking

that the Flowers Festival is nearing.

And, this will be my first time

attending it as the daughter of the Wei Family.

If we can use this opportunity

to introduce Yanrong Pavilion to the public,

it'll help our business

to take a big leap forward.

What do you plan to do, then?

- You see, Yining is... - Yining is...

Please go ahead.

Yining

is considerate,

graceful, and dignified.

She also gets along

with everyone in the residence.

Ola Madam Luo, it's all thanks to you

and Madam Lin.

Let me thank you two.

You're too courteous.

Yining was intelligent in the first place.

I was lucky enough

to keep her by my side

for many years.

Old Madam Wei, I can rest at ease

upon hearing that from you.

I was worried about her before this.

What were you worried about?

Were you worried that she might be bullied?

Not at all.

She's your direct granddaughter after all.

That's right.

Everyone tends

to take pity on her.

You guys don't need to worry about that.

I'm not worried.

Old Madam Luo,

I came here today

to invite you

to an event at my residence

that will be held in a few more days.

An event?

No thanks.

My son said he was going to hold a Flowers Festival.

Do you know how old I am?

I won't be going.

Old Madam Luo,

this time, Yining

will attend it

as the eldest daughter of Duke Ying.

By then,

she'll be the main officiant.

That's why I'm inviting you to the event.

If so, I'll surely attend it.

I will.

It's a promise, then.

(Zhizhai Hall)

I've already fulfilled

your task.

Mother, don't say that.

You'll be taking years off my life.

What are you saying?

Yining is my granddaughter, you know?

I won't let her swallow any grievances.

Mother, I knew that you would think of it

even if I didn't mention it to you.

Don't flatter me too much.

I've already made a deal

with Old Madam Luo.

I'll definitely back her up

when it's necessary.

I knew it.

Both of you do dote on your granddaughter.

You may look big and burly,

but you have a gentle heart, don't you?

But this child

had been through a lot of hardships.

Indeed.

She was parentless since young.

Now that she's back,

I don't want her to swallow any grievances.

I can feel

your thoughtfulness.

Isn't that the reason

you're spending so much effort to hold the Flowers Festival?

You even asked me to invite Old Madam Luo here.

We're there

to quell the rumors

for her

when it's necessary, am I right?

That's all I can do

for my daughter now.

All right now.

Weren't you busy with something?

You should proceed.

Father.

Yining?

Why are you still awake?

I saw that you were still reading at this late hour.

Therefore, I made you a bowl of noodles.

Did you cook it yourself?

I rarely cook.

I don't know if it's good or not.

It'll surely be good.

Father, you haven't tried it yet.

It looks good to me.

Father, please try it.

It's delicious.

Senior Yang requested an imperial decree to investigate the smuggling?

That's the kind of person

he is.

He's impatient.

(Benevolence and Kindness)

Is there anything else you wish to tell me?

Master, I'm worried

that he might alert them to our presence

with his impatient demeanor.

I understand what you mean.

But Yang Ling

is too righteous and straightforward for his own good.

If he wishes to investigate something,

no one can stop him.

There's no need to add

any unnecessary losses

because of his righteous and hot-blooded demeanor.

Therefore,

if he succeeds,

we shall aid him.

If he doesn't,

we shall do our best to aid him as well.

I understand.

Tell your men to tail Vice Minister Yang in secret.

No mistakes are allowed.

Young Master, do you wish to aid Official Yang?

He resembles Senior Daoyan.

Although they're righteous and upright, they're impulsive.

Try your best to ensure his safety.

Yes, Young Master.

Third Brother?

Young Lady Sun.

You and I aren't strangers.

Why are you always this courteous?

Can't you do what the seniors do

and address me as Congwan?

I think we should observe the rites.

Third Brother, it's been a long time since you came back.

You should stay here for a few more days.

I shall not bother you guys this time.

I have things I need to attend to.

I shall take my leave for now.

Chancellor Wang, what are you doing here personally?

You could've sent your men here to notify me.

You're busy with plenty of affairs.

You have to take care

of Yanrong Pavilion's business

and request decrees for the daughter

of Duke Ying.

It's difficult enough for us

to arrange a meeting.

Therefore,

I had no choice but to visit you

and wait for you personally.

Chancellor Wang, you must be joking.

Duke Ying found his daughter.

That's an occasion worth celebrating.

I was just sending them a celebratory gift.

Marquis Lu, I don't think

that's your only goal.

Don't tell me you wish to be

Duke Ying's son-in-law?

Chancellor Wang.

If I do become

Duke Ying's son-in-law,

wouldn't it be

more convenient for us

to act in the future?

Wei Ling isn't Song Yingshan, you know?

He has already intervened in the tea tax case.

He's already our enemy.

You cannot resolve this issue

with marriage alone.

Chancellor Wang,

I suppose you're here

to discuss Yang Ling's departure to the coast, right?

After Duke Ying had visited the Yang's Residence,

Yang Ling started

to investigate the tea tax case.

He's merely the Vice Minister of Revenue.

Where did he get the courage to do so?

Seems like Duke Ying

has joined hands with Sun Jie.

Chancellor Wang,

Sun Jie always had differing opinions

as opposed to yours in court.

Seems like he's getting impatient.

He's just relying on the fact that he was the imperial tutor.

But in fact, they're just a group of pedantic scholars.

I'm just worried that he might form his own faction

and grow in power.

We have to be wary of them.

If so, try and plant a spy

within their ranks.

Chancellor Wang, do you have a suitable candidate in mind?

Luo Shenyuan, the triple top scorer,

he's his student as well, right?

He's been making a name for himself lately.

What do you think about him?

He's a talented individual indeed.

Even His Majesty was praising him.

Write to our men in Quanzhou

and tell them to take early precautions.

Chancellor Wang.

Yang Ling is investigating the tea tax case

under imperial decree.

It would be inappropriate for us

to evade and deceive him.

What do you think we should do, then?

I think all the officials in Quanzhou

should strive to cooperate with each other.

All right.

We can proceed according to your plan.

Yes, sir.

Chancellor Wang, please.

Please head there personally.

Please hand this letter to him

after meeting up with him.

Wang Yuan's men will surely act.

Please protect him

and yourselves as well.

Understood.

Here's the 12 Flowers Fragrance you requested.

The delicate fragrance lingers for a long time.

Other shops

can't compare to us indeed.

Sixth Uncle, you're incredible.

Of course.

You don't know how troublesome it is to make it.

I used an entire cart

of fresh flowers to make a small vial like this.

How do you plan to sell it?

I plan to deliver this to all the noble ladies

as a gift.

As a gift?

This won't do.

You don't understand how precious it is.

The ladies in the capital

imitate the noble ladies when it

comes to food, clothing, and necessities.

If we can make

the noble ladies like our fragrance

during the Flowers Festival,

it'll definitely help Yanrong Pavilion

to garner a great reputation.

If so, you have to use it wisely.

It's just that we haven't come up with a name

for these.

If each vial

could have a name,

it could certainly convey an elegant charm.

I'm not good at coming up with names.

Why don't we seek Shenyuan's help?

♪South wind weaves a brocade tapestry of lives♪

♪Begonias lean on each other in front of a turquoise pond♪

♪The tea fragrance wafts along the long street♪

I thought you were leaving the residence.

What are you doing here?

Shouldn't you be waiting for me outside the courtyard?

All right. I got it.

Third Brother!

Third Brother!

Third Brother!

Why has he vanished?

Did you pull a trick on me on purpose?

I said I got it.

I didn't say I was leaving.

What's inside this box?

Uncle said the 12 fragrances

made of flowers haven't been named yet.

Therefore, I came up

with 12 names on the wooden plaques.

Thank you, Third Brother.

What's inside that wooden box, then?

These flowers look real,

but they're not.

They look just like the real ones.

Did you make these?

It's a secret.

Anyway, I've prepared them for you.

Pick one. I'll help you to put it on.

I'll pick this.

♪A glance at a fleeting bond makes it hard to know what's next♪

♪The paired shadows, who do they correspond to?♪

♪Sorrows concealed behind brows, past memories need not be pursued♪

♪Your dream, my wish, intertwined together♪

♪To guard and follow, cautious in action yet hard to soothe♪

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

♪I question my fate and face it honestly♪

Does it look pretty on me?

It does.

I'll pick one for you as well.

♪My heart remains unwavering and true♪

♪We walk side by side together♪

Just forget about it.

As Mr. Dongpo once said,

"When old, one should wear flowers without shame;

the flowers should be ashamed to adorn the old man's head instead."

Mr. Dongpo had an open mind.

You should learn from him.

You've improved, haven't you?

Now, you can lecture me

using lyrics and verses, huh?

Come closer. I can't reach it.

♪May we sleep and gaze into each other's eyes until old age♪

♪We mirror each other's hearts under the stars♪

Graceful, elegant,

and extraordinarily dashing.

It looks good on you.

(Quanzhou Pier)

The two people who boarded the ship,

are they Wang Yuan's trusted aides?

Indeed.

Over here.

They're over here.

Take a look.

All of them are here.

The yamen officers have arrived!

Retreat!

Kneel!

Where are your accomplices?

Speak!

Search the ship!

- Yes, sir! - Yes, sir!

My Lord.

What happened?

Who murdered them?

Vice Minister Yang, please spare me!

I have parents and children!

I promise

that I won't tell anyone about our dirty deeds!

Nonsense!

- This is... - Great.

Yang Ling, the Vice Minister of Revenue,

is guilty of good smuggling and murder!

We have concrete evidence of your crime!

We have both witnesses and evidence of your crime!

You guys are setting me up!

Someone! Arrest him!

Yes, sir!

All right now.

You did a great job.

Take his body away.

- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.

Hurry!

Young Master Cheng.

Yang Ling was rescued.

I saw it myself.

Wang Yuan's trusted aides,

Chen Long and Chen Yang,

are you sure they're dead?

Yes, sir.

Report this to His Majesty immediately.

Yang Ling, the Vice Minister of Revenue, smuggled tea leaves,

silenced the witnesses of his crime,

and escaped.

Yes, sir.

(Duke Ying's Residence)

Over there.

There are flowers over there as well.

They look great.

Yixiu.

I've been staying in Yanrong Pavilion

to manage our business.

I had no time to return to the Luo's Residence.

You...

Did you miss me?

Why should I miss you?

I'm your future husband, you know?

We haven't discussed the marriage proposal yet.

Who said you're my husband?

Give me one year.

I'll help out more people

with my prescriptions.

Rescue the dying and heal the wounded.

And turn Yanrong Pavilion

into the state's top rouge shop.

I'll open ten branches all over the world.

After that, I'll hold a glorious wedding for you.

Don't say that. There are other people around.

It's fine.

The ladies are having tea

and chatting in the flower pavilion.

All the gentlemen are drinking and chatting

at the front yard.

Only the two of us are here.

What are you doing?

You should return to the front yard.

I need to return to the flower pavilion.

We shouldn't meet each other in secret

like this.

(Gathering of Flowers)

The Seventh Lady of the Luo Family

has suddenly become

Duke Ying's legitimate eldest daughter, huh?

This is interesting indeed.

Seventh Lady is just a wild lass

who grew up away from the residence.

Nobody knew what had happened.

Could it be that she was sent to Duke Ying's Residence,

just like Young Lady Mingzhu?

Old Madam Luo, you're here.

Welcome.

Please have a seat.

Okay.

Please.

Old Madam Luo.

The entire courtyard is filled with blooming flowers.

Aren't they gorgeous?

I did see it.

I saw the colorful array of flowers after entering the residence.

All the most beautiful flowers in the capital

can be found here.

Yining, come here.

Yining, you've been well-raised all these years

all thanks to your Grandma Luo.

Your mother passed away when you were very young.

Your father was stationed at the borders all year long as well.

It's all because we're close to each other.

And, I admire

the Luo Family's century-old teachings.

That's why I entrusted her to you.

If not, you wouldn't be as outstanding

as you are today.

We've been best friends for many years.

What are you saying?

Yining

was born clever and adorable.

She would be outstanding

no matter who raises her.

If not, His Majesty wouldn't be

this fond of her.

He even made her a county princess.

His Majesty actually made her a county princess?

His Majesty only did so on account of Duke Ying.

Do you think the legitimate daughter of the Duke

can be raised away from the residence?

No matter why His Majesty did so,

he did make her a county princess.

How can we make casual remarks about His Majesty's decisions?

Shen,

you should stop talking.

The ceremony is nearing.

Ladies,

it's time to move outside.

All right.

You guys can go ahead.

I shall take my leave.

Young Lady Zhao.

Fate does like playing tricks on people, huh?

Wei Yining appeared out of nowhere.

If not, you would've been

the main officiant of the ceremony.

Present the incense.

♪South wind weaves a brocade tapestry of lives♪

♪Begonias lean on each other in front of a turquoise pond♪

♪The tea fragrance wafts along the long street♪

♪A bright heart will radiate the world♪

♪Family is the safe haven surrounding me♪

On the 12th day of the second month in the Year of Yihai,

the east wind brings warmth,

and flowers bloom in abundance.

First, there is the proud and pure fragrance,

followed by the brilliance of the blossoming peach.

Then comes the lotus, unstained,

and finally, the chrysanthemum that does not wither.

A lingering fragrance after the rain,

a radiant hue in the clear mist,

they endure beyond the end of the season.

The hall is filled with sweet scents,

flourishing with the passage of time.

The blossoms shine brightly in the worship

as the flower deity is honored

and blessings are recited.

Now, in this prosperous

and peaceful year where the people live in tranquility,

in the month when everything blossoms with spring,

we offer fruit wine,

with its fresh and seasonal flavors,

to honor the deities of flowers during the Flowers Festival.

Please enjoy the offerings.

Perform the ceremony.

(Deities of Flowers)

Perform the humble rite!

Now, in this prosperous

and peaceful year where the people live in tranquility,

we honor the deities of flowers

and offer prayers of shared blessings.

We honor the deities of flowers

and offer prayers of shared blessings.

Bow!

♪Turning the years into simple moments♪

♪Splendors of the world outlined by time♪

♪Red strings on the eaves♪

Bow again!

♪Through half a lifetime♪

Bow again!

♪Catch the last wave♪

♪Palm lines and tree rings smile at each other♪

Perform the humble rite!

The ceremony is completed!

Ola Madam Luo, madams,

why don't we have some tea?

The children are in the garden.

They can admire the flowers

or drink in the flower pavilion as they like.

Just let them be.

We might be restraining them

if we're there.

Old Madam Wei, you're considerate indeed.

Please.

All right.

Yiyu is already pregnant?

Yeah. But her pregnancy isn't stable yet.

That's why she's not coming today.

She told me to apologize to you.

What are you saying?

I need to head back and prepare a red packet for her now.

Young Lady,

I've brought you the things you requested.

Why do these silk flowers

smell like actual flowers?

You're right.

This is osmanthus, this is hibiscus,

and this is orchid.

The silk flowers have a stronger scent

than fresh flowers.

This is a fragrance.

A fragrance? What is that?

A fragrance

is made of fresh flowers.

Young Lady Wei

has achieved stardom overnight, huh?

It smells great.

Let me take a sniff.

Come, ladies.

I'll show it to you guys.

These are the fragrances.

We drip them on the silk flowers...

Seventh Lady.

I should address you as Young Lady Wei.

It feels awkward

as I'm not used to it yet.

It's fine.

If you guys don't mind,

you guys can address me by my name.

Yining, what's with the fragrant scent?

It's because of the fragrances.

These are made

with the essence of flowers.

If you drip one drop on your handkerchief,

you'll leave a fragrant trail behind.

And, the scent will last for a few days.

So, such a magical item does exist, huh?

Yanrong Pavilion invented them.

I spent a lot of effort just to procure them.

Yanrong Pavilion?

I think I've heard of it before.

It's a new shop.

Let's check that place out next time.

Come.

You all should give it a try.

I'll give it a try too.

Mingzhu, here.

It does smell nice.

Mingzhu, take a sniff and guess what it is.

As the shadows dance to greet the sun,

the fragrance subtly wafts towards people.

This is a fragrance made with hibiscus.

Mingzhu, you're smart indeed.

You can have this as a gift, then.

Thank you, Yining.

It smells great.

I want to buy a set as well.

It's not for sale yet.

All of these are samples.

If you like them,

you all may take these samples.

Sure.

Let me take a look.

- I'll pick one. - I'll take it.

I'll take this.

Mine smells nice.

Here.

Is it this one?

This smells great too.

It smells superb.

Duke Ying wasn't in the mood

to hold the Flowers Festival in the past few years.

This year, he actually held it

for Young Lady Yining's sake.

That's not strange at all.

Father will come up

with a way to pluck the moon for her

if she demands it

from him.

And, look at all those noble ladies.

They were

revolving around you before this.

But today,

Young Lady Wei was the star of the show.

They're used to flattering those above and despising those below.

Now, I've finally seen their true colors.

Young Lady, I'm worried about you.

If this keeps up,

your position in the residence

will get more and more awkward.

Stop it.

Let's go.

Sixth Lady,

I think one of your hairpins

had fallen off.

It should be around the pavilion.

I'll look for it. You can go ahead. Let's go.

Young Lady Sun.

Greetings, Yining.

I saw you

arriving together

with Third Young Master Luo today.

That's right.

I'm the sole child of the family.

I was envious when I witnessed how close

you two were as siblings.

Young Lady Sun, you must be joking.

You're wise, gracious, and dignified.

I'm envious of you instead.

Yining, actually,

I came here to ask you for a favor.

Young Lady Sun, please go ahead.

My father

intends to betroth me to Third Young Master Luo.

Young Lady Sun, why are you

telling me about this?

Yining, you're always close

to your third brother.

You know him very well.

I wish to know him better.

Young Lady Sun, I'm afraid it's

inappropriate to ask me this.

Firstly, I'm no longer a member of the Luo Family.

It's inappropriate for me

to talk about Third Young Master Luo.

Secondly, since this concerns your marriage,

that makes me a stranger.

I shouldn't meddle with your affairs.

I shall take my leave first.

♪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♪