Original subtitles

=The Rise of Ning=

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

=Episode 34=

Is that Marquis Lu?

Did you invite him?

No.

What a great prestige for Duke Ying's Residence.

Marquis Lu actually came to attend the Flowers Festival.

But why did Marquis Lu

come to the garden?

Obviously, His Lordship came to deliver a decree.

Didn't you see the two palace servants following him?

Old Madam, the guest is here.

Greetings, Old Madams.

Old Madam Wei,

everyone admires the famous flowers during the Flowers Festival.

The Empress has gifted you this Bingdi Lotus

as the grand prize for the Flowers Festival.

Thank Her Majesty.

Why's there lotus in this season?

Is that a dried flower?

There are flower caretakers in the palace

who study flower-forcing techniques,

using water at different temperatures

to tend to flowers outside their season.

Grandma and I saw this when we entered the palace.

They are rare and precious.

Duke Ying's Residence must be proud.

Even Her Majesty sent the prize over.

I didn't expect you to come here, Marquis Lu.

Today is the Flowers Festival.

I entered the palace

to present flowers to Her Majesty.

After learning that this year's Flowers Festival

is hosted by Duke Ying's Residence

and that it's the first appearance

of County Princess of Qingcheng,

Her Majesty specifically instructed me

to deliver the grand prize.

You're thoughtful, Marquis Lu.

In that case,

please do away

with the formalities.

Show all the male guests in the front yard

to the main garden

to try their luck

for the grand prize.

Yes, Old Madam Wei.

Ladies, please come this way.

Ladies and gentlemen,

whoever retrieves the Bingdi Lotus

will claim the grand prize.

If we can get

this Bingdi Lotus in our store,

Yanrong Pavilion will definitely become famous.

Do you want it?

Yu,

I want the grand prize.

Please help me.

Don't worry.

It's a piece of cake.

Forget about

the grand prize.

I didn't know Shenyuan could shoot.

When did Third Brother learn that?

He knows a lot.

You were trying so hard to hide your martial arts skills

that you got injured that day.

But you're not hiding it today.

Thank you for your compliment, Marquis Lu.

I only practice some moves

that help strengthen my body.

I want to get it for Young Lady Wei

to celebrate her title.

I wonder

if you have the same intention as I do.

That's what I thought.

Very well.

Why don't we use this grand prize

to present it to Young Lady Wei

together?

How does that sound?

That's good.

You got it, Yining.

Let me see.

Imperial Scholar Luo always seems

to be gentle.

I didn't know

his skills were on par with Marquis Lu's.

Do Minister Luo and Marquis Lu...

Isn't that obvious enough?

Young Lady Wei is really something.

You've got most of the attention today.

Today's the Flowers Festival, and you're the host family.

Plus, two men competed for the grand prize for you.

Why?

Marquis Lu and Third Brother

gave it to Yining willingly.

Do you have any problem with that?

No.

Young Lady Wei is lucky.

Just ignore those who gossip behind your back.

The feast hasn't begun yet,

but I think she's already full now.

Butterfly!

My father

intends to betroth me

to Third Young Master Luo.

I saw a butterfly flying over here,

so I accidentally

stepped on your garment.

It's all right.

Young Lady,

the seats in the garden are all set up.

Old Madam Wei wants you to usher the other young ladies to the seats.

She'll have meals with other madams

in Jing'an Hall.

Yining, why don't you get changed first?

Young Ladies, please take your seat.

Make yourselves comfortable here.

Please have some pastries.

This liquor is nice.

This pastry is delicious.

All right.

You may go.

- Yes. - Yes.

Yixiu, do you think it's tasty or not?

It's tasty, of course.

Come on, Yining.

Come here.

This is really delicious.

Come. Have a seat.

Can you tell me

what ingredient did you use?

It tastes different from those sold outside.

Tell me, please.

I'll have my chef make this later.

We added chestnuts.

No wonder.

The flavor is very different from those outside.

It's really nice.

You can't stop eating it, right?

- What's wrong with my hand? - Look at it.

- It's so itchy. - Me too.

What's going on?

There's something on your neck.

Why is this happening?

Why are my hands so itchy?

Me too.

My neck is also itchy.

It's all red.

What is this?

It's so itchy.

Why am I starting to itch?

Why is there redness there?

I don't know. So itchy.

Stop scratching.

It'll be worse.

Don't you feel itchy?

I...

I think I'm fine.

Why is everyone starting to itch?

My hands are so itchy.

Me too.

Look at here.

What should I do?

Physician,

are they all right?

Please don't worry, Old Madam Wei.

It's the rash

that caused the redness and itching.

They'll be fine after a rest.

Remember to remind them

not to scratch too hard.

It might leave scars.

Physician,

do you know

what triggers this?

It's hard to say.

The young ladies are all staying outdoors,

and there are many plants.

It's very likely to be in contact

with things that trigger itching.

How is that possible?

It's not our first time attending the Flowers Festival.

This has never happened

in the past.

- That's right. - Exactly.

It never happened before.

That's right.

Yes.

Young ladies,

did you use anything

that you've never used before?

Did we?

What?

The floral dew.

The only thing we didn't have before

was the floral dew brought by Young Lady Wei.

Right. I also used that just now.

This is impossible. Yanrong Pavilion's

products have no problem at all.

Why not?

Look at the redness and itching.

We all used the floral dew.

This can't be just a coincidence.

Yanrong Pavilion?

It's more like a disfiguring store.

The floral dew is extracted from fresh flowers.

It doesn't contain other substances.

Right. I've also tried many products

from Yanrong Pavilion.

There's no problem so far.

Enough said.

You two sisters are defending it.

Is Yanrong Pavilion yours?

Don't talk nonsense.

Physician, please check on this.

This is the floral dew.

Take out yours too.

This is hard to say.

Natural products

aren't always harmless to humans.

Besides,

this floral dew is highly concentrated.

I brought this floral dew here.

If something's wrong with it,

I'll take full responsibility.

Please give me some time.

I'll get to the bottom of this.

Marquis Lu,

let me offer you a toast.

This bunch of snobs.

They're lining up to offer toasts once Marquis Lu has arrived.

That's pretty good.

It's quiet now.

Come. Let's drink to Marquis Lu.

Young Master,

I noticed

a physician was sent to the garden just now.

I went to ask around.

They said the ladies in the garden

suddenly broke out in rashes.

Is Yining all right?

This is weird.

Only the Seventh Lady is fine.

I'll go and check on Yixiu.

Uncle, there are all ladies over there.

It's not appropriate if you

suddenly show up there.

Sixth Master Lin, since they've sent for a physician,

it should be no problem.

I don't think the physician can do better than me.

Send Qing Qu to bring Yining out.

Yes.

Third Brother.

It's good that you're fine.

I'm all good.

I'm relieved, then.

You know what happened in the garden?

I think they're after you.

That's what I thought.

Try to recall

if you did anything different from others

before the incident happened.

Is there any?

One thing does come up to me.

Qing Qu,

go and investigate.

Yes.

Hey.

Yes?

Young Lady Wei wants to wash her hands.

I need to prepare it for her.

Please come with me.

Are there any cloths?

All are used.

Laundry Division

hasn't delivered the clean ones yet.

Have all the basins and cloths been

delivered from the Laundry Division after cleaning?

Yes.

What should I do?

It's all right.

I'll find another cloth for Young Lady.

Thank you.

Where has Young Lady Wei gone?

Has she investigated anything yet?

She should at least send someone to explain.

What's there to investigate?

I'm sure that something's wrong

with the floral dew from Yanrong Pavilion.

Young Lady Wei actually brought us

something from an unknown source for us.

What exactly is she up to?

Tell me about it.

Nothing is clear yet. Don't talk nonsense.

Mother, I'm not wrong.

That little store

is indecent,

and their products aren't up to par either.

I understand

all of you

have concerns.

But if this is really done

by the Wei Family,

I'll give you an explanation.

However, if it's not

and someone slanders us,

I won't spare them.

Hold on.

It's you, Qing Qu.

Are these the cloths

the young ladies used at the feast?

Yes. Why?

My young lady might drop her accessory into this

while washing her hands.

Let me see.

It'd be hard to find it

if it dropped in the water.

You should try searching for it.

Young Lady Wei's things are valuable.

I can't afford it

if it's lost.

Not at all. It's not worth much.

It's just that my young lady cherishes it very much.

You are in charge

of these cloths?

That's right.

I'm the maid in charge of the laundry.

We wash the used cloths.

Who delivers them to the feast?

The maids who serve at the feast.

Did six maids

- go to collect them just now? - No.

It was Young Lady Zhao's maid.

There were not enough attendants,

so she offered help.

Young Lady,

this is what it is.

Do you need my help?

If I were to pursue this incident,

it would embarrass Grandma

as well as the Wei Family.

I didn't expect you to value the Wei Family so highly.

I didn't expect that either.

It seems they have treated you well.

Father is very kind to me.

Grandma may be strict,

but she also cares for me sincerely.

I don't want to disappoint them.

All right. Point taken.

I'll handle this myself.

You'll return first.

I'm sorry

for letting you worry, Grandmas.

Yining,

what have you found?

Young ladies, do you remember

what you all did together

before the itching started?

We were drinking floral liquor

and floral pastries together.

What about before that?

Before that,

we washed our hands.

Shortly after that, my hands started feeling itchy.

You didn't wash your hands.

Those maids left

when you arrived, right?

Young ladies, do you remember

if your palms started itching, and then you

touched your neck

and cheeks with your palms,

which then

started to itch as well?

Exactly.

I think so.

That's right.

It started to feel itchy

wherever my hands touched.

Qing Qu.

These are the cloths

we used earlier, right?

Physician,

could you please take a look

and see if there's anything on it?

This cloth is stained with yam sap.

Yam sap?

Right, it's yam.

What's wrong with yam?

It's often cooked in soups.

I've never seen symptoms like this.

Eating cooked yam

is fine,

but the sap on its skin

can trigger redness and itching.

If you still have doubts,

there's another method.

Qing Qu,

bring hot water and salt here.

Don't apply the salt water directly to your face.

You can apply heat with the towel.

The hotter the water, the better.

The itching is gone. What about you?

Right.

Old Madam Luo.

It's not itchy anymore.

I wonder

why there's yam sap

on these cloths?

I don't know either.

Today's Flowers Festival

is held by the Wei's Residence.

While it didn't cause serious harm,

this was clearly someone's doing.

Duke Ying's Residence

will investigate this thoroughly

and give everyone an explanation.

♪To break the chain of nights♪

Ning, tell me.

Did you find out

who did that long ago?

Grandma,

I've been through

some ups and downs.

This is only trivial.

Well.

I should get going.

Take good care of Grandma.

I'm leaving.

Send Qing Qu or Xue Zhi to inform me

if anything happens.

I'll come to give you lectures a few days later.

Just take good care of yourself.

What's wrong with me?

Thank you for coming uninvited,

Marquis Lu.

Did something happen in the garden just now?

This is our own business.

I don't want to trouble you with that.

There's one thing I'd like to ask of you.

No matter what favor it is,

I'll say yes.

Did you request

for the grand prize earlier today?

This is your first appearance

on an important occasion

as the daughter of Duke Ying.

It certainly needs to be decent.

Marquis Lu,

please don't do that again.

As long as you like it,

I will do anything for you.

In that case, Marquis Lu,

please leave.

Mingzhu.

Did you hurt yourself by scratching earlier today?

No.

Thank you for your concern, Yining.

Ting,

you just returned from the academy?

I heard

you got the grand prize just now.

May I borrow it?

The Bingdi Lotus isn't quite interesting.

If I come across something fun tomorrow,

I'll buy it for you.

Why are you unhappy?

I noticed one of the guests

brought a dagger as a gift.

I thought you would like it,

so I brought it to you.

Really?

Suxi, give it to him.

Do you like it?

I'm sorry, Suxi.

I'm panicking.

Ting is in a rash again.

I need to inform Young Lady.

I'm sorry.

What?

He gets a rash?

Ting only gets a rash when he touches yams.

Have you cleaned up

everything in our place?

Yes.

Those bottles that carry yams

were all thrown away.

I also washed my hands

when I returned.

And...

And...

The dagger. What about the dagger?

Did you clean it

before sending it over?

You know Ting gets rashes once he touches yams.

It's my fault.

What if something bad happened to Ting?

I shouldn't have done that.

Even Ting got involved.

Mingzhu,

where are you going at this hour?

I was told that Ting breaks out in rashes.

I'll check on him.

Ting is all right.

This is a misunderstanding.

Grandma always dotes on him.

Even if this is a misunderstanding,

she'll be worried sick.

I need to go and visit Grandma.

Grandma and Ting are fine.

However, I have something

to talk to you.

Seeing how caring you are

for Grandma

and Ting,

I'm truly glad.

That reminds me

of my days in the Luo's Residence,

even though

I'm not

part of the family.

Yining,

what are you getting at?

I used to think

that they would treat me less friendly after knowing

that we had no blood relation.

To my surprise,

they treat me like their own family

as they always have.

Only then did I realize

that the relationships between people

don't rely solely on blood relations.

Sincerity is what matters.

True.

Sincerity is precious.

The identity of being the legitimate daughter of a Duke

isn't what I want.

To me,

this is nothing but an identity.

When I was in the Luo's Residence,

I suffered a lot

due to my birth mother.

As for now, I only wish for an easy

and simple life.

Human hearts are complicated and suspicious.

Instead, I feel

that one will get something

they believe in.

As long as

hearts are together,

home is there.

Mingzhu,

do you understand what I'm trying to tell you?

Yining,

you don't have to imply that.

I know why you came here tonight.

What happened during the Flowers Festival

is my doing.

Grandma and Father want me to accept you,

which I'm reluctant to do,

but I still tried.

However, everyone

has their selfishness.

To be honest, I'm wary of you.

You're the legitimate daughter,

and I'm only an adopted daughter.

It was a moment of weakness,

and I did something foolish.

I didn't know

you were so outspoken.

Please don't say that.

I know I did it wrong.

Truth be told,

I regretted it later.

Since you're being frank,

I won't beat around the bush.

Honestly, to me,

whether it's a prestigious family

or commoners, it doesn't matter.

I only hope that the family can care for one another

sincerely

and have

a place to settle down.

I understand now.

Well,

you know I did that,

but you didn't expose me.

I know what kind of person you are.

Don't worry.

I won't do that ever again.

Since we've cleared this up,

Yining...

♪Along the long street♪

There's something

I've always wanted to tell you.

Yes, please.

I once invited ladies of the Luo Family to the residence

and brought you to the Marquis Anbei's Residence.

They were

all from Godbrother's order.

I know.

That day at the Marquis Anbei's Residence,

if it weren't for you,

I wouldn't have been able to escape.

So you knew it all along?

Of course.

That's why I know

you have a kind nature.

Besides, Grandma and Father

wouldn't raise an unruly child.

♪Bind two devoted hearts together♪

♪Through half a lifetime and sweet dreams♪

Old Madam Wei,

Young Lady Mingzhu is here.

Leave us.

Close the door.

Yes.

I've committed a grave mistake.

Please punish me, Grandma.

What have you done wrong?

What happened earlier today

is my doing.

And I wanted to shift the blame to Yining.

Why did you do that?

Because I'm insecure.

Yining receives most of the attention.

Besides, you've grown fond of her.

I feel that the only one I can rely on

is soon gone.

Oh my.

You were being foolish.

I like Yining,

but does that mean I don't like you?

It's my fault.

I barely even recognize myself

after doing something like that.

Get up.

I've embarrassed you, Grandma,

and the Wei's Residence.

I'm too ashamed to get up.

I knew it was you all along.

I was waiting for you to admit it.

I knew I could hide nothing

from you, Grandma.

Since you've owned up to your mistake,

it shows you can tell right from wrong

and are willing to make it right.

It's all right.

Get up.

This bottle of floral dew is guaranteed pure.

I've tried countless times

before extracting this pure fragrance.

Give it a try.

The scent is clean and refreshing.

By the way,

I heard maidservants at Duke Xu's Residence say

that their young lady loves the plum fragrance.

- Really? - Yes.

Give me two bottles of that.

I want two bottles of that!

- Me too. - I want two bottles of that.

Shopkeeper, check, please.

All right.

Judging by your temperament,

you're elegant, personable,

and beautiful.

Why don't you take two bottles?

It's a double blessing.

Sir,

this is bad!

Everyone wants the rose floral dew.

- But it's sold out. - Are you the owner?

Sir, we want the rose floral dew.

That's right, sir. We all want that.

Ladies,

I'm very sorry.

We're out of stock.

How about this? We can sign a pre-order form.

If you want one, pay a deposit

and take the product five days later.

I'll take your word for take. Five days later.

Right. Don't break your promise.

Of course.

Come. Let's sign pre-order forms.

This way.

I want two bottles.

Wait up.

How's it?

The figure we've earned today

is more than those of previous months.

I didn't know

you were good at making money.

My sister didn't realize

I inherited the Lin Family's

business acumen.

Sixth Uncle,

we received so many orders today.

Can you prepare the products in time?

Right. You only have five days.

It's money.

Money opens all doors.

I wish for more orders to wear me out.

Very well. Go ahead.

I'm leaving, then.

(Marquis Anbei's Residence)

Young Master Cheng took action

before Yang Ling boarded the ship.

Chen Long and Chen Yang were shot dead,

but Yang Ling was abducted.

Your Lordship, do you think

the person who abducted Yang Ling

could be Luo Shenyuan?

It seems we've underestimated him.

Who else could it be except for him?

Tell Cheng Lang to monitor the area closely.

You'll stay on guard outside the capital.

Inform me immediately if there's any movement.

Yes, Your Lordship.

You're awake, Official Yang.

Who are you?

Don't be afraid, sir.

You'll know after reading the letter.

(Vice Minister Yang boarded a smuggler ship and he may have been framed.)

Shenyuan sent you?

Yes.

Young Master worried that Wang Yuan's men would harm you,

so he urgently sent me here.

Official Yang,

they're accusing you

of being a smuggler.

You'll have to conceal your identity

if you want to go out for now.

This is utterly absurd.

I don't know those smugglers

at all.

The priority now is

to send you back to the capital

and then find a way to clear your name.

All right.

This is simply a frame-up.

I don't believe

Yang Ling is this kind of person.

Calm down, Master.

The truth will only be uncovered

if we can find Senior Yang Ling.

But...

But the yamen

has issued a marine warrant everywhere

to arrest him.

Where's he now?

Greetings, Father.

Third Young Master Luo.

I've prepared some pastries

for Father.

I didn't know you were here.

Put it there.

I won't disturb you here, Father.

I'll take my leave.

Shenyuan,

you've reached the marriageable age.

I discussed this matter with your father

when I visited the Luo's Residence last time.

I know your ambition has yet to be realized.

However, men should start a family before establishing a career.

You can get engaged now

and marry later.

I already have someone I like.

I'm thinking of proposing to her

once I achieve something.

Which family is this lady from?

Your father didn't mention it.

I haven't told my family about it yet.

Master, I've made up my mind.

I will marry no one but her.

Well, then.

You two aren't meant for each other.

Young Master,

Qi An has already rescued Official Yang

and is escorting him back to the capital.

But why did they

kill all their people?

Chen Long and Chen Yang

were Wang Yuan's henchmen.

This is too much of a price to pay.

Cheng Lang left the capital

and has likely gone to Quanzhou.

So Lu Jiaxue intends to eliminate all of them

to get rid of Wang Yuan's control.

They gather for profits and disperse when there's nothing left.

He's always ruthless

when it comes to situations like this.

Understood.

Let's go to Duke Ying's Residence.

Yes.

(Huanjing Pavilion)

Young Lady, are you drawing the Yanrong Pavilion?

Who are these two people?

Young Lady,

Madam Shen just came.

Was it because of the Flowers Festival?

Old Madam Wei told her everything frankly.

Madam Shen didn't say anything.

Grandma is an honest person,

so they wouldn't pursue it.

Aside from this,

Madam Shen came here

mainly because of the proposal to you.

Proposal?

Duke Ying just returned,

and Old Madam Wei sent for him.

What?

The Shen Family also wants to marry Yining?

What's with that face?

You seem like the enemy

has arrived on your doorstep.

It seems that my daughter is too outstanding.

So many people approve of her just as she returns.

Yining has reached

the marriageable age.

The Shen Family is an earl.

They're considered a prestigious family.

I don't care who they are.

Mother, I've made up my mind.

I won't consider Yining's marriage for now.

Besides, if I were to choose a son-in-law,

I only have a request.

Yining has to like the man.

As long as she likes him and he has good character,

I won't reject him even if he comes

from a humble root.

Children's marriages

are decided by parents

and arranged by matchmakers.

Daughters can't decide for themselves.

That may be what other families do,

I won't comment on that. But my daughter

has to marry a man she likes. She will decide for herself.

I know

you're worried about Yining's future.

But I'm afraid

that if you're too picky,

you'll delay her marriage.

I don't care.

If Yining has a man she likes,

I don't mind personally proposing marriage to him.

But if she doesn't have any, I'd rather

provide for her for her whole life.

Did you hear yourself?

Mother,

I've heard something

about Young Master Shen.

He's not knowledgeable

and incompetent.

How could our Yining marry him?

Right?

Shen Yu

is a bit lacking.

That's not a bit.

But you haven't even asked Yining,

how do you know she doesn't like the Shen Family?

There's no need to ask.

Everyone in the capital

knows what kind of a person he is.

Mother,

if you don't believe me, you can call for her.

Grandma, Father.

I've heard your conversation

from outside just now.

That Young Master Shen...

Don't worry, Father.

I'm not interested

in him.

See?

I told you.

My daughter won't like him.

Yining,

your father

really can't bear to leave you.

Even so,

you're of marriageable age.

Your grandma has a point.

You've reached marriageable age now.

I'd like to ask you

if you have anyone

you like now.

Right.

What kind of man do you like?

Tell us.

Your father and I would like to listen about it.

The man I like

should be dashing,

have excellent character

and talent,

not just book-smart,

aware of the world

but not overly sophisticated,

skilled in martial arts,

resilient,

and must cherish me.

When I'm with him,

he'll understand what I truly want

and make me feel secure.

♪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♪