Original subtitles

=The Rise of Ning=

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

=Episode 37=

(Yanrong Pavilion)

(May the world)

(always)

(be filled with joy.)

(I hope you will forever)

(be happy)

(and with me.)

Grandma.

Father.

Did you ask for me?

Yes.

A war has erupted at the border.

Your father needs to quell the chaos.

This is so sudden.

When are you leaving, Father?

I'll depart tomorrow.

So soon.

I'll go and pack for you.

Everything is ready.

Yining, we called you here

to remind you.

Your grandma is getting old in years,

and Ting is still young.

While I'm away

during this expedition,

I'm entrusting this home

to you.

I understand. Please rest assured, Father.

Father, you should take care of yourself.

I've been fighting in wars

since I was ten.

I won't get hurt so easily.

I'll go and see

if there's anything else you may need.

Is there anything special

about this expedition?

What's wrong, Mother?

I have been to war

many times.

It's nothing special.

You never cared about household matters

when you went to war.

Why are you giving

so many instructions this time?

Because Yining is finally back home.

No worries.

Father,

this is the wound medicine concocted by my sixth uncle.

It's for bruises and sprains.

Please take it with you.

Daughters are always considerate.

Did your sixth uncle make this?

He's really good at this.

Of course,

I hope you won't need this.

Father,

and this, too.

This is an amulet jade.

I got this for the temple.

There's a carving on it.

It says,

"May the grace shine on you and keep you safe."

I know

you'll go all out

to fight in the war

without holding back

and are willing to sacrifice for the country.

However,

I also hope you'll remember

that your family is waiting for you

to return safely soon.

I promise you.

I'll return home safe and sound.

Ting,

while I'm away,

you need to listen to your sisters.

I'll remember this.

Mingzhu,

in my heart,

you're also my daughter.

While I'm away,

the three of you

must unite.

I'll remember.

Father, take care.

Yining,

I entrust this home to you.

The more power you hold,

the greater the responsibility you have to shoulder.

You must treat everyone

fairly and justly.

I understand.

Young Lady!

Young Master Lin has returned, Young Lady!

What does he look like when he's back?

He...

Is he happy or sad?

- I... - Is he still in one piece?

I don't know.

I haven't seen him yet, Young Lady.

Didn't you go and take a look first?

I wanted to tell you first.

He's in the main hall.

Old Madam, Second Master,

and Madam Lin are there.

You should go, too.

All right. Let's go.

Is this the answer you brought back?

I said this before.

The Luo's Residence doesn't care about that.

Enough.

Since you can't do it, there's no need to speak.

Second Master, I'll think of a way.

What else can you say

other than this?

Jeez, you.

Second Uncle.

Lin Mao tried his best.

Please stop criticizing him.

Yixiu, you don't need

to put in good words for him.

I must speak for his sake.

He's struggling,

torn between two families.

On top of that, they're his parents.

He can't go against them.

What are you talking about?

It's all right.

I will remember

what you've done for me.

Parents are greater than anything.

Don't make things difficult for your parents.

I will marry no one in this life.

Don't talk nonsense.

The engagement is set. How can you not marry me?

What?

Your second uncle

and Mao are discussing your engagement.

Engagement?

My parents agreed.

Second Master wants my parents

to come here to propose.

Are you happy?

I...

What are you running away, Yixiu?

What's wrong

with these two children?

She's shy.

How can you talk about her marriage

in front of her?

Yixiu.

Yixiu.

Yixiu.

Running away is no use.

You're my bride now.

Why... Why didn't you

write to me first?

It was so embarrassing.

Did you truly mean

what you said just now?

Stop asking me.

You said if my parents still wouldn't agree

to our marriage,

you would not get married in this life.

Stop it.

I, Lin Mao, hereby make an oath.

In this lifetime,

I will love only Yixiu.

We will be together,

alive or dead.

Enough. Don't be so loud.

There are many people here.

But

how did you convince your parents?

Actually,

Old Madam Luo did us a great favor.

Grandma helped us?

Bring this letter

to your parents.

Old Madam Luo, what is this?

Previously, I disapproved of this marriage

because of your family's attitude.

Other than that,

I'm not sure

if you truly love

Yixiu.

Seeing how sincerely

you want to marry Yixiu

has put my mind at ease.

Please rest assured, Old Madam Luo.

My sincerity is more genuine than gold.

Well.

After all, Yixiu is my granddaughter.

If she really likes

you,

I won't mind traveling to Lin'an again

with my aged body.

I've explained this

to your parents

in the letter.

Thank you, Old Madam Luo.

Get up now.

You should get going now.

I'll return soon.

There was another person

who helped us this time.

Who?

The Lin Family has been in business for many years.

It's normal that they weigh

the pros and cons of this matter.

However,

this matter isn't hopeless at all.

Pray to tell.

Merchants,

aside from profits,

also value a good reputation.

What does that mean?

The former comes from business,

but the latter is hard to earn.

Fortunately,

the current Luo's Residence,

or I should say Yixiu's cousin,

can provide them with that.

You are saying

that Third Brother also helped us?

He helped me pave the way

for the Lin Family's business.

But when I returned here,

I heard a lot of rumors about him.

What actually has happened?

To be honest, I'm not quite sure.

I only know

that Duke Ying came and made a scene here,

and then Grandma punished

Third Brother all of a sudden.

Besides, he's been very busy lately.

He doesn't come back often.

I haven't seen him for quite a while.

Well,

I really miss the old days

when you, me, Shenyuan,

and Yining

were having carefree times together.

But now,

everything has changed.

You generously helped me earlier today.

Longhua Trading House delivered

ten chests of valuables.

It's a small token of appreciation.

I hope you will accept them, Chancellor Wang.

Oh, well.

Why did you

personally send them here,

Minister Luo?

I'm debating

whether I should accept them or not.

It's a hard decision.

Your help

is a huge favor

for me and Longquan Trading House.

This is only a small gift.

I hope you won't turn them down.

Very well.

If so,

I shall accept them.

Come.

Gao Da.

Chancellor Wang.

Send him to the guest room.

Yes.

I can do it myself.

Keep a close watch. Report to me once anything happens.

Yes.

Why is there a letter

this late at night?

Perhaps the North is getting anxious.

Chancellor Wang, here.

(It's near. Keep your promise.) (How many men will Wei lead?)

This...

They're pressing too hard.

Is the situation of military deployment

in every area sorted out?

It's here.

All right.

Send this to them.

Yes.

Is there any unusual movement?

Everything's normal, Chancellor Wang.

Young Master, you told us

to closely monitor everyone in the Wang's Residence.

Our men noticed someone

had left the residence hurriedly

last night.

I've put a tail on him.

This person probably went to deliver a letter.

What letter?

If I'm not wrong,

it should be a letter for the North.

The pattern of this seal

does resemble the ones used in the North.

Did Wang Yuan

actually conspire with the enemy

other than smuggling?

If so, Duke Ying

will be in danger over there.

The tea-horse trades at the border

have always been under his charge.

Perhaps those in the North

approached him for collusion after knowing

that he traded tea leaves for low-quality horses.

Quickly send this message to the North to Duke Ying.

Yes.

Also,

keep close to the person delivering the letter.

Perhaps we can trace

their hideout.

Understood.

Shopkeeper Zheng.

Yes.

In three days,

Wang Yuan will use our ships.

All the crew members are his trusted aides.

He appointed you to accompany them.

Do protect yourself and our men well.

Don't expose yourselves.

Be rest assured, sir.

I'll be cautious.

I'll look forward to your good news.

All right.

(Duke Ying's Residence)

Is this really from the North?

Old Madam Wei,

this is an urgent letter.

His Lordship...

Grandma,

what has happened to Father?

While your father

was fighting the enemy in the desert,

20,000 armies fell into the trap

and were almost dead.

Your father disappeared.

Disappeared?

I want to see him,

no matter if he's alive or dead.

If there's no news,

I'll assume

he's still alive.

Grandma, before Father left,

he promised he'd return safe and sound.

He won't break his promise.

Right.

(Nice. Delicious.)

(You haven't tried it yet, Father.)

I can tell it's delicious just by looking at it.

Please try it, Father.

Ning,

I'll prepare

another set of gifts for you.

There's no need, Duke Ying.

I've prepared everything.

You prepare yours,

and I'll prepare mine.

It's different.

Wait for me.

(Your grandma is getting old in years,)

(and Ting is still young.)

While I'm away

during this expedition,

I'm entrusting

(this home to you.)

Yining.

Why are you here?

Yining,

is Father not coming back?

Where did you get that?

Many maids and servants are talking about it.

They say Father

died in the war.

That's not true.

Father just encountered some problems in the war.

He'll return safely.

Do you still remember

when Father talked to us

in this room?

He promised us

he would be back safe and sound.

Ting, remember this.

You are the only son

of Duke Ying's Residence.

At a time like this, you must have your own judgment.

Don't be swayed by rumors.

You have to believe that Father will come back.

Well, stop crying. Dry those tears.

In the meantime,

we must protect this house

and wait for Father to come back.

Understood.

Letter from the North, Chancellor Wang.

(Duke Ying, Wei Ling, encountered an ambush in the desert.)

(His body disappeared after a sandstorm. We're not sure if he died.)

His body can't be found?

Duke Ying encountered an ambush in the desert

and then a sandstorm.

It's normal that his body has disappeared.

Does Wei Ling

really die?

The chief leader of the North

was defeated by Wei Ling years ago,

and he has held a grudge.

This time, he'd be determined

to ambush him with a large troop.

How's the situation at the sea?

Longquan Trading House

is meticulous.

They're already back.

Go and welcome them

and temporarily hold them up.

Yes.

Everything goes

unusually smoothly, though.

Move.

Move.

Move aside!

Mei.

Let's leave. I'll take you away from here.

What's the urgent matter, Marquis Lu?

My men are waiting at the back door.

Hurry and call for Wei Ting and Old Madam Wei.

I'll escort you out.

Grandma won't leave,

and neither will I.

Wang Yuan and his faction reported to His Majesty in the morning session

that Duke Ying and his army of 20,000 soldiers had disappeared

and were likely to surrender to the enemy.

That's impossible!

My father would never surrender.

Mei, think about this.

His Majesty ordered Wang Yuan to investigate this matter.

But why didn't he immediately review the military news

to assess the situation?

Instead, he's leading a troop to search the Wei's Residence.

Are you saying

that he's trying to slander us?

If Duke Ying is proven

guilty of treason,

even if he survives and returns,

he couldn't enter the capital anymore

or even seek an audience with His Majesty.

Mei,

the crime of treason can implicate the entire clan.

I'll take you away.

Thank you for informing me, Marquis Lu.

You should leave now.

I don't want to get you involved.

I said

I would keep you safe.

I'm the eldest daughter of Duke Ying,

and I enjoy the honor of Duke Ying's Residence

and my father's love.

Today, I will guard this gate,

even if it costs me my life.

I must enter the palace.

Grandma, I'll go with you.

No.

You stay here and protect our home with your sister.

I'll go to the palace

to seek an audience.

Take care of Grandma.

(Liuhe Tavern)

(Life)

(Death)

(Death, Life)

Young Master.

How's the situation at Duke Ying's Residence?

Wang Yuan and his men already went there.

Old Madam Wei went to the palace.

Only Young Lady Yining stays to confront them.

I wonder if she's able to handle it.

Chancellor Wang.

You are in a good mood.

You came here for tea

early in the morning.

Today's my off day, so I have nothing much to do.

What brings you here, Chancellor Wang?

I came here for you.

Something serious happened in the capital.

How could Vice Minister of Imperial Court of Judicial

have free time here?

What has happened?

It's Duke Ying.

Isn't he missing?

Shenyuan, you hold

an important post in Imperial Court of Judicial.

How could you say that?

Are you not going to investigate the case

when the criminal commits suicide out of guilt?

You have to uncover the truth.

Thank you for enlightening me.

All right.

Let's go now.

Open the door.

Open the door!

Yes.

Your Highness,

I'm ordered to search Duke Ying's residence.

Since this is an order,

we shall cooperate with you.

How understanding of you, Your Highness.

Hold on.

There should be a reason for this search.

Duke Ying's greed for success

has caused the sacrifice of the entire army.

His Majesty worries there might be a reason behind his actions,

so Chancellor Wang is sent to investigate this matter.

If that's the case,

you don't have an imperial decree.

How can we investigate

if we don't search the residence?

Everyone in this residence

is not allowed to leave without permission.

None of the objects shall be transferred.

Search the residence!

I'm the county princess personally appointed by His Majesty.

Lay your fingers on me if you dare.

You may be a princess,

but if you hinder the Imperial Guards,

we're entitled

to arrest you immediately.

Don't you dare!

Take her down.

Stop!

Deputy Commander Liang,

you're imposing.

Don't worry.

Marquis Lu,

I'm following Chancellor Wang's order.

Chancellor Wang knows His Majesty holds

those late meritorious generals in high regard.

How could he possibly allow you to act so recklessly?

If you tarnish His Majesty's reputation,

can you afford the consequences?

Don't worry, Marquis Lu.

You're on furlough,

so why don't you relax?

You may leave the affairs

to me.

Even so,

I'm still the commander of the Imperial Guards.

If anything goes wrong about the Imperial Guards,

I can't stay out of it.

I'll enter the palace now

and seek His Majesty's opinion.

Please leave.

Chancellor Wang.

His Majesty just spoke of you

to me,

and now you want to enter the palace.

Both you and His Majesty

share the same thought.

Duke Ying lost in the war and has defected to the enemy.

His Majesty orders me

to investigate this matter.

This is nonsense.

My father will never defect to the enemy.

Young Lady Mingzhu, are you suggesting

that His Majesty is talking nonsense?

Since His Majesty sends you to investigate,

it means the suspicion hasn't been confirmed yet.

Maybe

someone with an ill intention meddles.

Whether it's someone with ill-intent meddling

or Duke Ying's rebellion,

we will find out after the investigation.

Shenyuan,

as Vice Minister of Imperial Court of Judicial,

you'll handle this.

Yes.

Your Highness,

if Duke Ying doesn't defect to the enemy,

why are you afraid of the search?

Despicable people

are capable of anything.

Imperial Court of Judicial has its own protocol to obey.

We won't wrong the innocent.

Please rest assured, Your Highness.

I can't trust

people with a treacherous nature.

My great-grandpa and grandpa once fought

alongside the late Emperor

to expand the empire.

My father has also been sent

to quell several rebellions.

Despite the provision shortage,

he fought with all his might and never feared death.

He will never betray the country.

A mistake can ruin all contributions.

It's useless to bring this up.

Now, my father's fate is uncertain in the battleground.

You're here accusing him

of a crime he doesn't do.

This is unfair.

If you still

hinder our work,

I won't spare you.

Move aside!

If you want to enter this gate,

over my dead body.

What are you trying to do, Luo Shenyuan?

Duke Ying is suspected of committing treason.

Do you still want to interfere,

Marquis Lu?

It's not like you.

Put your sword down.

(Why haven't we received any news)

(after waiting for so long?)

It would seem

that no one is willing to lend the Wei Family a helping hand.

Forget it.

We will resolve

our own problem.

Let's return.

Old Madam Wei,

please hold there!

Your Highness,

since we'd once stayed

in the same residence,

if you step aside now,

I won't hurt you.

Even if I have to die,

I won't let you through the gate.

As expected of the general's daughter.

You carry yourself like a heroine.

Very well.

I'll grant your wish, then.

Luo Shenyuan!

Luo Shenyuan,

what are you trying to do?

This show

should come to an end.

How dare you take me hostage!

I will not forgive you

for killing my master.

Deputy Commander Liang,

don't mind me.

Kill whoever resists!

Yes.

Here comes the imperial decree!

By the mandate of His Majesty,

"Wang Yuan defies national law,

engaging in smuggling,

conspiring with external enemies,

endangering loyal officials,

and forming personal factions.

The Imperial Guards are to arrest

Wang Yuan and his associates

without error."

Carry it out now.

Yes.

Your smuggling contacts

and trade records

are now in my hands.

Wang Yuan,

surrender now.

You and Yang Ling have planned this all along.

So you put on a show

for Wang Yuan and Lu Jiaxue

to gain Wang Yuan's trust.

This is the only way

to obtain evidence of Wang Yuan's evil doing

and clear Senior Yang's name.

No, you can't do this.

This is too risky.

Yang Ling has already been imprisoned.

I can't let you...

Master,

I'm not a reckless person.

I hope you will support me.

Father wants me to tell you

the operation starts when the incense is offered.

I assure you

I will not gain Wang Yuan's trust

by hurting any of you.

I'm telling you this

so that you'll be more careful later on.

Father and I believe

you'll succeed.

As long as you can bring down Wang Yuan

and avenge them,

we're willing to do so.

I've fallen into your hands, Vice Minister Luo.

I have no complaints.

It's a shame

that my Gold-armored General

will have no one to look after it.

Marquis Lu!

Will you do me this favor?

Wasn't it burned in the fire

after being defeated?

What you see may not necessarily be true.

What you thought was burned

may still be intact.

Marquis Lu,

what are you waiting for?

Arrest him.

Deputy Commander Liang,

arrest him.

Take him away.

- Father. - Father.

I knew you'd be safe.

Oh, right. Father, Grandma went to the palace.

His Majesty has met her.

She should be back soon.

(Imperial Court of Judicial)

You approached me on purpose

since the Eighth Prince's case

just for this day, didn't you?

The tea tax has been declining year after year,

and warhorses have often had problems.

His Majesty has long been suspicious.

This was the perfect opportunity

to act.

No wonder.

I've always thought

things were going too smoothly.

Turns out it was all part of your plan.

I deliberately exposed my smuggling operation to you,

sought your help, and offered my services

because I wanted you

to use Longquan Trading House's ships.

So,

Shopkeeper Zheng followed my trusted aides

and captured them

during the smuggling deal

at sea, right?

Every piece of good news you received

from your trusted aides

was sent while they were already under control.

Duke Ying and his 20,000 soldiers

went missing after being attacked.

Was it

also a smokescreen?

Duke Ying

is a seasoned general.

He knows the weather and terrain in the North

like the back of his hand.

He purposely chose a day

with sandstorms

to pretend to be ambushed.

In fact,

they wiped out the hideout

of your accomplices.

As of now, the northern enemies

have been captured by Duke Ying

and escorted to the capital.

What a smart plan.

You're indeed shrewd.

The trading of tea for low-quality horses

and the treason

have all been exposed.

You are

dead.

I'm dead?

As long as I'm still alive,

this won't end

so easily.

Do you think I'll give you that chance?

Luo Shenyuan,

I've underestimated you.

I knew you never trusted me

and only wanted to use me.

Your downfall

is because of your greed.

You assume everyone in the world

would do just anything

for money and power

without restraints

like you do.

Look at yourself.

You're no different from your master

and Chen Daoyan.

You all claim to pursue justice

and fight for the country and its people.

How stupid!

You never understand

what ideals are

and to give everything,

even risking one's life

without regrets.

That's because

you

don't deserve to be called human.

Father,

you're saying

that Third Brother gave you this clue?

Yes.

So

you eliminated their hideout.

Exactly.

As of now, not only

has their hideout been eliminated,

but I've also handed over the letters

between Wang Yuan and them to His Majesty.

Did you both plan all of this

before the war expedition?

I truly regret

accidentally hurting Yining.

If you're still mad, you can stab me.

I won't dodge.

If a stab

would ease Yining's pain,

I would.

Once this is over,

I'll sincerely apologize to Yining.

All right.

As things stand,

it's useless to talk about it.

This is the evidence you found?

Yes.

This is Wang Yuan's ledger

of his sea smuggling,

in which he embezzled the remaining tea leaves from the trade

in exchange for low-quality horses.

Why didn't you present this earlier?

Half of the ledger was in Li Yinglong's hands,

and the other half was with Song Yingshan.

I've only just managed to compile everything.

These shameless scoundrels!

These shameless scoundrels are responsible

for the deaths of my soldiers.

This man must be eliminated to prevent further harm.

I hope you will assist me.

What should I do?

I suspect that Wang Yuan

not only smuggled

but also colluded with the enemy.

You want me to capture them

on this coming expedition?

Yes.

Do you realize

how dangerous this plan is?

If it fails,

the consequences will be unimaginable.

I'm willing to take this risk

because I've planned everything well.

Very well.

If so, I'll help you.

But remember,

before this succeeds,

let's not meet again,

including Yining.

Understood.

This plan is too dangerous.

I didn't want to worry you.

I didn't mean to hide it from you.

I understand, Father.

♪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♪