Original subtitles

[New Life Begins]

[Adapted from the novel "Journey to the Qing Dynasty" by Duomu Muduo]

[Episode 18]

Xin State intends to assist Mo State in agricultural development

and the decision falls on your nod.

So the Lord of Xin State

must value your opinion.

He has to.

However, we have no idea to what extent His Lordship will agree with you.

Zheng, don't press him.

We're friends.

That's right.

We're all friends.

Qiao.

As long as you agree to help,

the two states will make it worth your while.

All you need to do is to speak to the herders.

As for the rest,

we'll have someone to settle.

However, when the higher-ups summon you for this

after they know about it,

it'll be a different situation then.

That's right.

We're asking you for your own good.

Since it has come to this,

just accept it,

Qiao.

Your Lordships,

I've taken your suggestion on board.

Please spare me some time.

I can't hold it anymore.

Look, I'm sweating.

I need to go to the loo now.

I shall take my leave.

[Drink and Drop]

I'm near to bursting.

Qiao.

Your Lordship.

My sixth brother

is a bit stubborn.

But I'm unlike him.

I'll judge for myself.

I have faith in you, Qiao.

When I request an audience with the Lord of Mo State later,

I'll definitely

put in a good word for you.

All right.

You ought to handle this.

No worries.

Your Lordship.

I'll do as I'm told

and persuade the herders.

Is that okay?

Good.

Go ahead.

Don't hold in anymore.

Quit whistling.

What did he say?

Is it a solid "yes"?

It is.

I think it'll be no problem.

It was a wonderful cooperation, my brothers.

But Qi.

Why were you always one step behind during the conversation?

I was dying just now.

I...

He was doing quite well.

Kun and I will go to the field later.

You two...

I have something to attend to.

I shall take my leave.

I'm not going either.

Take care.

I'm leaving.

What has happened?

Did it go well?

It did.

It went smoothly.

Why do you look so down, then?

I don't know what has happened to me either.

Today,

I cooperated

with Kun,

An,

and Zheng.

We spoke formal and insincere remarks

as one acted as the good cop,

while the other one the bad cop.

It's more complicated than the face-changing show I did for you in Dan.

They didn't speak sincerely

for their intention

and you failed to adapt to it?

I'm fed up with this.

My mother said

I don't have a way with words since I was young.

I've been promoted to the court,

but Father didn't appoint me to any post.

Plus, I couldn't figure out

the complicated relationship in the court.

Zheng does better than me.

I think

this is how far I can go.

Are you not happy

with what you've achieved so far?

If you fail to get used to it,

then don't force yourself to get used to it.

There are many ways to lead your life.

You can't stand others speaking in a roundabout way,

just be straightforward when you talk.

If someone finds faults with you because of this,

my weapons and I will protect you.

Well...

It reminds me

of a phrase.

It's the phrase saying

that one acts snobbish

and arrogant before others

under someone's protection.

Geez, you're thick.

It's "to be concaited because one is in someone's good graces".

Yes.

This is the one.

But I think

the word should be

"to be conceited" instead.

Whatever.

You read the way you want.

From now on,

I'm a concaited and pampered guy.

Wait for me here.

[Chunyang Clinic]

Physician.

Physician.

Physician.

Physician.

Physician.

Something's wrong with you.

That's why I'm here.

I can cure you.

Sit.

Something's wrong with that function.

Impressive.

But you're outspoken.

It's good to be outspoken.

I heard that you're an expert in that

and you have an ancestral prescription that works effectively.

Hence, I'm here to seek help.

Where are you from?

Xin State.

A foreigner.

A good target.

Pardon?

I said

I should check on you

seriously.

Your hand, please.

This is the prescription.

Go get the herbs according to it.

Sure.

You take 300 doses first.

If you're not getting any better,

come to me again.

Wait.

Physician.

I know it took me a long trip to come to Mo.

But don't you think

300 doses are too much?

Let me tell you this.

If you want to fully recover,

you have to take this medicine

till your last breath.

Point taken.

Here you are.

I'm willing to spend as much money as I can

if this can be solved.

For hundreds of years,

Mo people have been farming livestock

and that led to the degradation of soil and grassland.

But Mo State is thinly populated with vast land

and has a long insolation duration.

As long as the plan of fertilizing land

and garrisoning on farms,

agriculture

will thrive one day.

I'll relay this message to the Lord of Mo State.

Since Qiao has agreed to be in charge of this,

he has to persuade the other herders

to work on revolution.

Grazing and farming

will benefit the state in the long run.

That's right.

What are you doing?

I realize that the soil texture here is different from Xin State's.

Hence, I want to plough the soil.

As expected, the soil here is harder,

and it needs more effort in ploughing.

It seems it's convenient for you to work

in these clothes.

All farmers wear this.

Not everyone wears a long robe

like people in the Xin Palace.

We were shallow-minded.

It's already good enough

that you're being considerate.

Do you

want to give it a try?

This one.

Your Lordship,

here you go.

Plough the soil

deeper.

Dig out the immature soil

and expose it to the sunlight.

It'll then turn into mature soil

that's rich in fresh nutrients.

You're amazing, Madam.

You're knowledgeable.

His Lordship is smarter.

He learns everything quickly.

What are you drawing?

I found

that the plough is outdated.

Plus, it's ineffective and needs more effort to use it.

Look at this.

I'm thinking to add a square iron container

in the middle.

Hence, the seeds inside the container

will be scattered into the soil

when farmers plough the land.

Ploughing and sowing

can be done simultaneously.

Where did you get this inspiration from?

I used to watch people farming

when I was in Ji State.

At that time, I wondered if ploughing and sowing could be done simultaneously.

It will be killing two birds with one stone.

However, it was just a thought.

I have no idea if it's feasible.

I'll ask Kun to have someone get your design from an idea to reality.

If this is viable,

I'll put it in the missive

regarding the agriculture affairs and show it to the Lord of Mo State.

-Really? -Yes.

Have some tea.

Finally, the Lord of Mo State accepted our suggestion.

Afterward, the alliance of the two states

won't be dependent on allied marriage.

That's great.

We've accomplished our task.

Your efforts are not in vain.

That's right.

The suffering of drinking has paid off.

Since the task is accomplished,

you can stay here

for some days.

Do you want to visit any place?

I'll arrange it.

I do have a place in mind.

But

we can go there by ourselves.

Where is it?

Take a guess.

[Li Wei's Grandfather]

Grandfather.

What a beautiful snow view here.

[Hovel of Li Wei's Grandfather] Wei.

Grandfather.

Wei.

Wei.

Why do you work so much alone?

Where's Uncle?

He went back to his in-laws'

with his wife and children.

They will be back soon.

Why are you back in Mo State suddenly?

You should've informed me.

You've brought so many guests here.

This must be my grandson-in-law, right?

It's my first time seeing him.

Grandfather.

He's the Fifth Young Lord.

Fifth Young Lord?

I'm Yin Zheng, the Sixth Young Lord of Xin State.

I'm your grandson-in-law.

Nice to meet you, Grandfather.

Oh, my bad.

I mistook him for another person.

They always said

that her husband is frail.

So I thought it was him.

I knew it.

You wouldn't mistake me for him.

Well.

Because my granddaughter would never fall for you.

Am I right?

Grandfather.

We're hungry.

Do you have any food?

Oh, little brat.

You're still the girl

who only cares about food.

Come on.

Let's eat.

Look at you.

You're too skinny.

I'll offer more food since you're here.

Come on.

Let's eat.

You...

Hurry.

Hurry up.

Come in.

Grandfather.

Why do you

still behave like a kid?

I'm a kid.

All right, my kid.

Let's go.

Come with me.

Let's go and eat.

Shangguan.

Grab a bite.

I have peeled some peanuts.

Stop touching yourself.

You're not muscular.

Little did you know,

Zheng is as strong and muscular as me.

Besides, he's good at martial arts.

While we were on the way to Jin State,

he took down a bunch of people easily.

Enough.

Don't be shy.

Is that true?

Of course.

But look at you.

Why didn't you learn any moves

from Shangguan Jing?

Your body is going to hunch over.

An.

We've been drinking liquor every meal

after we came to Mo State.

I couldn't even stay sober for a day.

How could I manage to exercise?

Am I right?

But I feel good coming here.

At least we don't have to drink again

when we're at her grandfather's house.

Right?

True.

Eat this.

Finally, we can taste some homemade food.

That's right.

It's very good

that we don't have to drink again.

Coming.

You made a long trip to Mo State.

You're my distinguished guests.

What...

This is the best brew I have.

Don't restrain yourself and let's have booze-ups tonight.

You can stay here

after drinking.

Don't.

I'm willing to share it with you.

Here.

Enough.

You should drink more.

Miss.

Ladies can drink less.

Come on.

Just a little will do.

A little?

It's your turn.

My grandson-in-law.

I'll pour a little for you.

I'll pour myself a full bowl of liquor.

Come on.

Raise your bowls.

-Cheers. -Cheers.

Six.

Seven.

Tsk, my hand.

Ten.

Nine.

Ten.

Six.

Seven.

Eight.

Drink.

Stupid hands!

I can drink some more.

Shangguan.

Can you?

I still can drink.

Go to sleep.

Grandfather, we'll continue the game later.

I can drink more.

He's hammered so soon.

I haven't finished playing, though.

Grandfather.

He's a lightweight.

I'll play with you.

You?

Let me try.

Sure. Try it.

Six.

Seven.

Nine...

Drink.

Grandfather.

You're amazing.

You're good at playing the finger-guessing game

and you have a strong body as well.

You look younger

than your age.

Can you please

share your tips with me?

I'll have no regrets

if I'm as healthy as you

when I grow old.

There are no tips.

You just need to

exercise more often.

Get it?

Especially you two.

I wish you to give birth to my great-grandson

so that I can have four generations together.

Here.

My grandson-in-law.

Eat more

and grow stronger.

You're drunk, Grandfather.

Not at all.

Don't you know me well?

I can drink

at least ten jars of liquor.

Come on.

Let's continue.

Grandfather.

I need to go out and get some fresh air.

Are you trying

to run off,

aren't you?

Didn't you say

I need to exercise?

I didn't see that coming.

Grandson-in-law.

They're just lame.

Let's play.

Grandfather.

He can't play.

I'll play with you.

Don't interrupt us.

I want to drink with my grandson-in-law.

Come on, my grandson-in-law.

Sure, I'll play.

Two.

Five.

What...

I won.

-One more round. -One more round.

Two.

Six.

Lucky me.

One more.

Two.

Six.

Thank you.

He's indeed lucky.

When did you learn to play this?

You did great.

Didn't you realize that he always went with three

or five?

He never changes.

Grandson-in-law.

I'm not convinced.

Let's go with another two rounds.

All right, sure.

Two.

Six.

It's six.

I got you.

How dare you trick me?

Drink.

Drink the liquor.

You purposely said it out loud

to hint at Grandfather, right?

Stop drinking.

If you want to gain my approval,

don't hesitate

to drink.

Good.

I'd better be honest while drinking with the elderly.

Wei.

Be honest with me.

How have you been faring

in Xin State the past year?

Don't worry.

I'm doing great there.

Although Xin State has more rules than my hometown does,

I've adapted myself to them.

I won't disgrace my parents.

Don't worry about

if you bring disgrace to your parents and family.

No matter where you go,

you're still our dear child.

Do you know

what "family" is?

Family

will strive for a bright future

and overcome obstacles together.

All right?

I can see that the Sixth Young Lord

cares a lot about you.

Both of you

should support each other

and lead a good life.

You still have a long way to go.

We have got your back.

Do take good care of yourself

and don't worry about us.

Sure.

Oh, right.

Give me a second.

I have something for you.

Take it.

This is...?

This is my treasure.

You can have it.

This bangle

is the dowry of your grandmother.

Before she passed away,

she had given all her dowry to your mother and aunt,

and this bangle is the only thing left.

After she passed away,

I keep it as a token reminding me of her.

Now

that I'm old,

I'll pass this on

to you.

This is too precious.

I can't take it.

Just take it.

I don't have other valuable things with me.

Besides,

you're not spending your own money

after you got married.

Take this bangle with you.

It'll be of your help

instead of asking for money from others

if anything happens in the future.

Thank you, Grandfather.

My Wei

has grown up

and married a man

in the blink of an eye.

Also, I'm old already.

You're not old, Grandfather.

You're mighty and strong forever.

Well, I'm mighty and strong.

Wei.

I'm quite fond

of my grandson-in-law.

But it seems

he's a little weak.

He may look weak,

but he often does exercise

and he's in good trim.

You're defending him.

Anyway,

it's good.

At least, he can't fight me

with his weak body,

and I can help you

if he bullies you.

Look at your father's frail body.

He's inferior to me.

With a slap on his body,

he'll be thrown away

to Ji State easily.

As you can see,

he never walks over your mother over the years.

Grandfather.

Grandfather.

My Wei

has grown up.

I wanted to wake you up to drink the hangover soup.

And you're up already.

I haven't wiped my face.

I must wipe my face before sleeping.

That's the tablecloth.

Don't use this.

Here, the hangover soup.

Thank you, darling.

You cried?

Why?

I'm homesick.

I'll take you home

whenever you feel homesick.

What's with that smirk?

You can't drink.

Why did you drink so much?

Don't you know what you would do when you're drunk?

I know.

Then, why do you...

Scoundrel, how dare you?

You heartless jerk.

You will forget this again

when you wake up tomorrow.

Whenever you miss home,

I'll take you home.

I'll take you home.

You have done a great job

in revising the treaty of the alliance of Xin and Mo

on the mission to Mo State.

Thank you, Your Lordship.

This is my duty.

Thank you, Your Lordship.

This is my duty.

Your Lordship.

Third Young Lord is under the weather.

So, he takes a leave today.

I'd like to bring up one more thing.

After Yin Zheng

has been promoted to the court,

he devotes himself to responsibility fully.

I hereby appoint Yin Zheng

to help execute the Ministry of Nine States Affairs.

Hopefully,

you'll strive harder

and continue to contribute.

Your Lordship.

Thank you for your grace, Your Lordship.

When Zheng was away on a mission in Mo State,

the newly launched monetary system was doing smoothly in several markets.

Although it was executed by the Ministry of Revenue,

it's not a small feat of Zheng.

Why did Father

appoint him to the Ministry of Nine States Affairs?

The Ministry of Revenue is a department of significance.

It must be under my control.

No one could meddle in it.

True.

You're the Crown Young Lord

and it should be handled by you

instead of Zheng.

But

Zheng has already been tasked with Nine States affairs

less than half a year after his promotion.

He's granted with much more grace

than I used to have.

We must be wary

of him.

Understood.

I heard that Mo State budged

because of your suggestion.

Yes.

It's my duty.

Do you have anything to tell me in person?

Recently, you have outshone others

and drawn the attention of other brothers.

And it'll affect Zai and you in a bad way,

which is not wise.

I believe that you know what you're doing.

So I won't say more.

I have you here for another purpose.

I heard that Madam Chun has sent Princess Linlang

back to her grandparents' place to avoid trouble.

She'll only be back after a few years.

Now that Song Wu has come of marriageable age.

The allied marriage is resolved,

but

I intend to let her get married as soon as possible

to keep her out of trouble.

Understood.

She

has feelings for you.

Plus, you grew up together.

It would be wonderful

if both of you could get married.

Is my attitude not obvious enough

or do you know nothing about me?

I only see Song Wu as my sister.

All right.

Let's not talk about it anymore.

Song Wu deserves a man who treats her wholeheartedly.

I'll have someone to look for a suitable man.

Please keep an eye out for a suitable choice

from people around you.

Yes.

Then...

I shall take my leave.

Your Lordship.

Did His Lordship appoint you

with an official position today?

However, it's a bit different

from what you expected.

I'm assigned a role to the Ministry of Nine States Affairs.

Ministry of Nine States Affairs?

I guess

His Lordship fears that you upstage the Crown Young Lord.

Despite this,

His Lordship does implement your proposal

to loosen the restriction on the market system

and new monetary system.

It shows

that he approves of you.

Though it's different from our expectations,

judging the current situation,

it's the same regardless of which ministry I go to.

You've learned to comfort others, though.

It seems your heart has softened

after mingling with Li Wei for some time.

Who's talking about me?

I've prepared some pastries for you.

You didn't eat before the assembly.

Eat some.

Why are you quiet?

Did anything happen at the morning assembly?

Nothing serious.

Li Wei will overthink

if you don't tell her.

A married couple lasts longer

if you face the problem together

and be honest with each other.

All right.

I'm appointed to a ministry.

What ministry?

Ministry of Nine States Affairs.

What's it about?

Well,

I'm an official now.

Is your rank high?

Not bad.

Are there many people under you?

Are you the mythical bird Jingwei

trying to fill up the lake with pebbles?

Madam He sent a name list

for the sake of the Young Lady's betrothal.

However, her expectation

is way beyond

her standard.

None of the candidates earns her favor.

Cut it out.

Aren't you dissatisfied with those guys either?

Though marrying a man I like

is a small wish,

it's difficult to attain as well.

The man I look for

is someone

whom I only have eyes for him

and he only has eyes for me.

As for his background

and wealth,

they don't matter at all.

I never expected

that your pursuit

is similar to Ji people.

If truth be told,

when I come to decide on my marriage,

I realize

that my true feeling for Zheng

is merely admiration.

I don't mean to marry him.

It's different from you

who's dying to love him.

Nonsense. I'm not dying to love him.

I'm surprised that he likes you.

Given his lame taste,

I don't think he deserves my admiration.

I...

I'm just unwilling to admit the truth.

It's obvious that I'm the finer lady.

Yet, he falls for a plain-looking girl like you.

No body shaming, please.

My father said

I'm the unrivaled beauty in Ji State, though.

Your father?

How could you believe that?

If you have trust in me,

I can help you with that.

Madam.

Rise.

Do you seek an audience

for the sake of Song Wu's marriage?

Wu.

You're a lady.

It's inappropriate to intervene in the arrangement of your marriage.

Please pardon my insolence.

After all, marriage is for life.

She doesn't want to be betrothed

against her own will

and lead an unhappy married life.

That's why she came to you.

Sit down.

Say it.

I...

Actually, I...

Say it out.

I know

you're doing this for my own good.

But if I have to marry someone I don't like,

I won't be happy

even if the person is the lord of the state.

Mind your mouth.

Madam.

Please pardon her ignorance.

She didn't mean to be rude.

Please don't mind it.

Wu.

I have been by your side since you were little,

and I regard you as my own daughter.

It's my responsibility to your late parents

to decide on your betrothal.

Probably they will be upset

if you lead an unhappy life.

Therefore, as for your betrothal,

do it according to your will.

Really?

Thank you, Mother.

I wish you can find a man who holds you dearly.

But as a fair maiden,

it's inappropriate to meet men as you wish.

I have an idea.

What is it?

Blind date.

My father is the Commandant of the Warden's Office,

while my mother

is the daughter of Mr. Wang, an affluent landlord.

I heard that your father

is the well-known General Song of Xin State.

It seems you're quite a good match for me.

After we get married,

you don't have to worry about anything.

Just stay at home and give birth to many sons

and take care of them.

Hold on.

Mister.

Don't you feel thirsty

after talking so much?

Yes, I'm kind of thirsty.

Pour me some tea.

Can't you do it with your own hands?

My hands?

How can this trivial matter be worth my hands?

My hands should be used to protect the state!

Have you eaten yet, Your Grace?

Yes.

What did you have?

Roasted duck.

With a wrap?

Did you eat it

with shredded cucumber,

shredded carrots,

or shredded scallions?

I ate it with hawthorn strips.

Oh, so you have a sweet tooth.

Your Grace.

It's your turn to ask me back.

Are you content with everything you see now?

I...

Understood.

I understand completely.

I'm to your liking.

Not really.

Just admit it.

I know you ladies well.

When you say you're not,

it means the opposite.

Honestly,

I don't meet ladies alone.

Because

they always hung up on me

after seeing me.

Honestly, you didn't have to be here.

I don't insist on meeting you, though.

Naughty girl.

I can tell from your eyes.

My eyes?

What's wrong with my eyes?

Your eyes are full of love.

I'm worn out.

Those young misters

are carefully chosen

by the madams in the palace.

None of them is to your liking?

Don't be too picky, Young Lady.

There's no such perfect man in the world.

Even if I lower my request standard,

they shouldn't find anyone merely based on gender.

Your Grace.

I've found you a fine one.

Help me!

I don't wish to meet anyone again.

The man I recommend

is superb.

Liu Momo.

I'm too fastidious.

Let me be frank with you.

None of the men you recommended

is to my liking.

I just want a perfect man.

I'll be single for the rest of my life. Serve me right.

That's good.

It's the perfect and superb Tenth Young Lord.

Well...

I think

the table is too big

and we sit far away from each other.

Come here.

Sit here.

Sit closer to me.

So that we can talk better, right?

Relax.

Just treat me as a common person.

Here, have some flower seeds

and peanuts.

They are good for your beauty.

You're Princess Kening, Song Wu, right?

You do have a good look.

But you're a bit

old.

Shall I leave now?

That's not a problem.

My mother said

ladies of older age

are mature and composed, and they take care of their husbands.

Thank you for your mother's compliment.

Oh, right.

My mother is the Lady.

Are you aware of this?

Of course.

Everyone is aware of this.

Otherwise, I wouldn't be here.

Good that you know.

My mother said you're good at floral arranging and needlework. Is that true?

Very good.

My mother reckons

women should stay at home taking care of the family

and be obedient wives.

Congratulations.

You meet my mother's requirements.

May I ask you a question, Your Lordship?

Go ahead.

Is your mother the benchmark

of your future wife?

Of course.

My mother

is the Lady.

She's the perfect existence.

Besides, she only gives advice that benefits me.

Right?

I'd like to ask you again, Your Lordship.

I mean if.

If we become a couple,

what will you do

if I have conflicts with your mother?

Oh my, this question.

Do you have the guts

to go against me mother?

I'm just making a hypothesis.

There's no such hypothesis.

After you marry me,

you're part of our family.

And you should treat me

and my mother well.

Even if

you have conflicts,

it shouldn't be my mother's fault.

Even if she's wrong,

I should take her side.

Am I right?

My mother underwent ten months of pregnancy and gave birth to me.

She has raised me which is difficult.

Therefore, we should treat her very well.

Also, how could you ask such...

Your Lordship.

Please enjoy this yourself.

I need to go now.

Please excuse me.

Wait.

I'm not done yet.

Hey.

Stand right there.

My mother said

it's impolite for one to leave on her own accord.

Your mother is right.

I leave on my accord

and I'm rude.

So, I don't deserve you.

My apologies.

I shall take my leave now.

Is it done?

Where's the nearest nunnery?

Why?

To become a nun!

♪What can be considered the best delicacies in the world?♪

♪Have some warm tea and enjoy the peace♪

♪Apricot blossoms fall into the river while fish swim around♪

♪Finish the fragrant liquor in front of you♪

♪What kind of life do we yearn for?♪

♪Making a brew with the morning dew while appreciating the moon and stars♪

♪The falling snowflakes and the spring breeze are both mesmerizing♪

♪Magnificent scenery arouses inspiration for poems and paintings♪

♪Seasonal views are gorgeous beyond words♪

♪Meeting you is my greatest pleasure♪

♪Against sparkling city lights and in a candlelit house♪

♪Someone is waiting for me♪

♪A simple meal tastes great too♪

♪Life is precious because you're around♪

♪The red carp and green plums are just in season♪

♪The greatest moment in life♪

♪Is when we're together♪

♪What kind of life do we yearn for?♪

♪Making a brew with the morning dew while appreciating the moon and stars♪

♪The falling snowflakes and the spring breeze are both mesmerizing♪

♪Magnificent scenery arouses inspiration for poems and paintings♪

♪Seasonal views are gorgeous beyond words♪

♪Meeting you is my greatest pleasure♪

♪Against sparkling city lights and in a candlelit house♪

♪Someone is waiting for me♪

♪A simple meal tastes great too♪

♪Life is precious because you're around♪

♪The red carp and green plums are just in season♪

♪The greatest moment in life♪

♪Is when we're together♪

♪A simple meal tastes great too♪

♪Life is precious because you're around♪

♪The red carp and green plums are just in season♪