Original subtitles

[New Life Begins]

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

[Episode 31]

Song'er.

Mother.

Get up.

Come on.

How

have you been?

Sorry for making you worry, Mother.

I am fine.

After today,

I will be exiled.

Please look after yourself, Mother.

And don't anger Father further

and get yourself implicated.

I will find a way to send some money to you.

Once your father

calms down,

your uncle and I will also find a way

to get you back here.

No need.

I'm sure Father doesn't want to see me anymore.

If you miss me,

write to me or visit me.

They are the same to me.

I am now a commoner.

I want to try

to feed myself with my hands.

It's great.

At least, I'm no longer

a caged bird.

Mother,

farewell.

Song.

Yue.

I pampered you too much.

What happened to me today

should be your wake-up call.

There's only sorrow

in the palace.

So behave

and don't step out of line.

Take good care of Mother for me.

I will.

[Zhongyi Hall]

Madam!

Song'er!

Thank you for raising me, Mother.

His Lordship asked me to give you this.

Please take care.

Whether it's a gift or compensation from him,

it has no use to me.

I am to repent.

I don't need these fancy things.

Mother.

Mother.

-Mother. -Madam.

My Lord.

The Second Young Lord has left.

But the things...

He finally looks like a Crown Young Lord for once.

[I remember at the end of that year, it snowed heavily upon my return home.]

[For three years, nay a word was sent, with impatience, I wait for your letter.]

He is not a good son

or a good brother.

In the end,

the fault lies in the father.

I did not come up with a better way

to guide him.

My Lord, you used to have high expectations of the Second Young Lord.

But he let you down.

High expectations?

I just lost a son.

The Supervising Secretary of the Ministry of Rites came to ask

who next.

They said I need to decide quickly.

But how many sons

will this decision cost me?

How is An's performance

in the Ministry of Revenue?

My Lord.

The Third Young Lord discussed with the Sixth Young Lord for every matter.

His measures are appropriate too.

Liang Shi.

Yes, My Lord.

What is your opinion of Zheng

as a minister

and as a son?

I wouldn't dare to comment, My Lord.

Speak.

Yes, My Lord.

The Sixth Young Lord is respectful to you,

reliable in his work ethic,

and looks like an honest man.

In Chen Xi's case,

he knew not to push his advantages too far.

And overnight,

he was praised for his kindness.

Others were criticizing his violent interrogation method,

but suddenly, even the Ministry of Rites

commends him for his generosity now.

In the Young Lords' Mansion,

his presence was faint.

But now,

everyone sees him.

Everyone is talking about him.

As if he's the Crown Young Lord.

At ease.

Thanks, My Lord.

No need to hold your tongue

before me.

I understand.

My sons are good sons.

It's just that this palace

is not a good place to nurture

a father-and-son bond.

Are you busy?

Come in.

This scene looks familiar.

I went to the restaurant today.

Li Wei handled everything perfectly.

She is now independent.

Thank you, Your Grace.

The Second Young Lord has left.

The Third Young Lord is now in charge of the Ministry of Revenue.

You have a bright career ahead.

I think

my job is done here.

Do you wish to leave, Your Grace?

It's about time.

Okay.

You agree to it that readily?

Why not?

I can't possibly keep you here forever.

I know your character very well.

Otherwise, I would have left with Li Wei.

However, now

doesn't seem like the best moment to do this.

It might impede your progress.

Don't worry, Your Grace.

If I can give you my word,

I will deliver it.

Thanks, Your Lordship.

May everything go well.

[Don't squander the present]

Already watered?

Who's this hardworking?

The plot has been watered too.

Baifu, your breakfast is here.

You've been fed.

Who gave you that?

Eat more then.

Madam.

What a scrumptious meal.

Her Grace asked us

to cook your favorites.

Where is Yuan Ying?

She went to the restaurant already.

But it isn't open now.

Indeed.

Her Grace is unusual today.

I know she's hardworking,

but she didn't sleep at all last night.

She took a stroll in the garden this morning

and cleaned the entire mansion.

She then talked to us

and told us to take good care of you.

Madam!

[Ledger]

What's the matter?

Why are you standing there?

Come help me tidy it.

Are you leaving already?

[Xin State]

You're well-versed

in household management now.

Yuping and Yuzhan are good maids.

I don't need to tell them to obey you.

They're already doing that.

I wanted to give some pointers

to the chef, Liu Baoquan, too.

But then I realized

food is your forte.

I shouldn't have to worry about it.

Why so sudden?

The Second Young Lord has been exiled.

He is no longer a threat.

Ministry of Revenue and Ministry of Nine States Affairs are stable now.

At the moment,

every obstacle has been cleared out.

So...

His Lordship is talking to the Lord of Xin State.

They must be

talking about the divorce now.

You don't need my guidance anymore.

Even if I'm not here,

you're still capable of managing everything.

It's time for me

to live the life I want.

But I'll miss you.

I want

to keep you by my side forever.

However, I know I can't.

Because you're the brightest spark in this world.

You will reach a greater height

and live a better life.

Please live the life you want.

You too.

We can both live

the life we want.

My other rebellious sons.

You know

what they are doing now, don't you?

Qi went to Dan State

to look for Princess Shangguan.

He's going to have a rough time.

I thought he didn't like the princess from Dan State.

It seems like he is fond of her.

How long has he been away?

For quite some time already.

When he writes to me,

I'll show it to you

to let you see if his calligraphy has improved.

His calligraphy

is slowly resembling scribbles.

Father, I would like

to discuss something with you.

Go ahead.

Princess Yuan Ying and I would like to get a divorce.

Every one of you

has to do something ridiculous.

Before this, there was hardly any separation in Xin State.

But now, the spouses of all young lords have run away.

What is going on?

I know this is unusual.

But

the Princess and I have a plan in mind.

We will not jeopardize the diplomacy between both states.

You

are doing this because of Li from Ji State.

I told you that love

has no place in a grand ambition.

Yes.

But if one can establish

a harmonious household,

I can dedicate myself more to my duty.

And compared to household affairs,

the Princess is better suited for politics.

She will be an exceptional individual one day.

If I may, I would like to exchange the reward you promised me

for the Princess's freedom.

I am willing to be punished.

Father has agreed to our request.

You can now go home, Your Grace.

The rest is to figure out

how to convince the Lord of Jin State.

We might encounter

some complications upon our visit.

I have six younger brothers.

Five of them are of non-lineal descent.

They are mischievous.

Yuan Xu is the Crown Young Lord

but is also the worst of them all.

(But he is my parents' favorite,)

(so they indulge him.)

(They won't even let me chastise him in person.)

If he disrespects you with some snide remarks,

please accept my apology in advance.

It's okay.

I have a naughty younger brother too.

I get it.

Not just younger brother.

Her older brothers are just as bad.

My mother cares about me,

(but she isn't confrontational,)

(so she can't sway my father.)

If the Lady of Jin State truly cares about your happiness,

then we can convince her.

I hope so.

But the biggest problem

is my father.

He is used to having his way

and he is rather traditional when it comes to marriage.

He won't be easily persuaded.

Do you know?

I was supposed to come here with you.

But in his mind, my marriage could be bargained.

He wanted to marry me off to Xin State,

but he wasn't sure which young lord

would provide the maximum yield.

He then asked me to feign sickness

so that I could be spared from the Nine State Selection.

Until he met Yin Zheng...

He only sees profits.

If this impacts the relationship between both states,

he won't say yes.

What if

Xin State lowers its tariff on them?

Economically speaking,

Xin State has a higher tariff.

I'm sure that bothers the Lord of Jin State a lot.

That's feasible.

Jin State wants to sell paint,

yeast, and juvenile fish to Xin State.

The tariff is as high as 5%.

Dairy products and sheepskin also have additional taxes.

And merchant fleets have to pay tariffs too.

If we can push a reformation

and reduce the taxes,

that will please my father.

But...

Xin State imposes a heavy tariff

to limit Jin State's powerful trades.

But things have changed now.

Xin State wants to revise the tariff too.

This could benefit the people of both states.

I believe I can persuade the Lord of Jin State.

Thank you.

Your divorce

has to involve tariffs

and the livelihood of the people from both states.

Is that politics?

[Jin Palace]

Your Highness.

Huangting Quarter was built in the previous reign.

You can't abolish it.

It's understandable if you wish to seize it for emergency purposes.

[Yuan Xu, Crown Young Lord of Jin State] But erecting a theater on it

would anger the general public.

Think twice, Your Highness.

Rules have to be broken if you want to see changes.

Just so you know,

my sister and my brother-in-law

have a restaurant that sells dishes from nine states in Xin State.

They also issued paper money.

Xin State has become stronger,

so shouldn't we change things up too?

We don't want to be left behind.

Don't you agree?

Now do it.

Changes are not just tossing things up.

Ying?

If your policy serves the people,

then that's a reform.

If you destroy ancient buildings for your personal gratification,

that's called ingratitude

and irreverence.

Why are you back?

The documents are from three days ago.

But you haven't commented on them.

How can Father allow you to discuss politics with the ministers?

You've become someone's wife.

This is not your business.

I am the Crown Young Lord who doubles as the National Supervisor.

How can you speak to me in that manner?

National Supervisor?

Father gave you that position?

You don't want to run the nation.

You just want to have the power to do whatever you want.

In fact, you don't want

to abolish the houses in Huangting Quarter.

It is just a random thought.

But everyone is unhappy with it.

That's why you will force it to happen.

To show everyone who's in power.

You...

Yes?

You don't read the documents,

and you gratify yourself incessantly

and provoke public resentment with your ridiculous decision.

You think you have the right to talk back?

Where's Father?

Follow me to see him now.

Why are you still here?

Dismiss!

[Jin]

Yuan Ying.

Yuan Xu has issues,

but he is the Crown Young Lord.

You shouldn't make him look bad in front of the ministers.

Exactly.

Shouldn't you tell her off too, Brother-in-Law?

Her Grace was imprudent just now.

But as the National Supervisor,

he should have performed his duty properly.

Protecting your wife now, aren't you?

Ying'er comes back

to visit us with her spouse.

That sure puts our minds to ease.

Before my return,

I have written to you, Mother.

I said this isn't just a simple visit.

I'm here to...

I know.

You're concerned that I would be worried

since I have never met your husband.

Among the children,

your father is worried

that you would cause trouble out there.

Seeing your strong marital bond before us

sure is reassuring.

I didn't expect Mother to stop me from speaking.

The situation just now did not provide

a good opportunity to bring up the divorce.

I'm sorry.

It's not your fault.

So the Crown Young Lord is now in charge of Jin State's affairs.

Father wants to groom Yuan Xu

before he retires,

but unfortunately, Yuan Xu is incompetent.

He can never be a good ruler.

Father knows what I want to do,

but he selectively ignores it.

If you bring this up to the Lord of Jin State,

then it'll be a familial affair.

But if I bring this up to him,

it'll be an interstate affair.

So I should do it.

It has always been like this.

I can never do what I want to do.

I thought by perfecting everything else,

they will acknowledge me.

In the end,

even though it is apparent that I am more capable than my brothers,

they still think

I'm just a woman.

Sorry for the ranting.

Don't say that.

As long as you know

what you're after,

once you achieve your goal,

their skepticism will turn to adoration.

[Borders of Dan]

-No! -Come.

No!

Help me, miss!

How dare you hurt a woman in Dan State!

She is my wife.

It's none of your business.

Come with me!

He's a gambling addict.

He gambled our house and land away.

And now, he wants to sell me too.

Selling your wife for money?

Where is your heart?

This is my family matter.

Don't meddle in this.

Come with me!

Come with me now!

Stupid woman!

Miss, spare me. I won't do this again.

If I see you do the same thing,

I'll send you to the afterlife.

Get lost now!

Thanks, miss.

Take the money.

I can't.

Take it.

And leave now.

Thanks, miss.

Don't. Get up now.

He's not worth your time.

Divorce him.

And live well.

That's her there.

This is the stupid woman.

You bullied my friend here?

Get her!

I'm here!

Thank you, sirs.

Don't worry now.

Please live with dignity now.

Take care.

They are gone.

Oh.

I bought your weapons back.

Zhuo Mansion is gone,

so I asked Zheng to take care of them now.

The repudiation letter couldn't be any clearer.

Why are you here?

You left in a hurry,

so you might not know this.

I went to Dan State

and was one of the husband candidates.

I'm talking about the repudiation letter.

The repudiation letter is ineffective.

You wrote my name wrongly.

My Qi is Q-I.

Not Q-E-E.

So that's not a repudiation letter for me.

That is for you.

I don't care which Qi you are.

I don't care.

I didn't sign on it anyway.

Also,

I have to tell you something.

Shangguan.

I lied to you. All right?

I have nothing,

and I didn't want you to suffer with me.

I didn't want to weigh you down.

So that day, I decided

to drive you away.

But you would never believe me,

so in the heat of the moment,

I said something stupid like that.

I regret it a lot after you left.

I'm serious.

I know I shouldn't have done that.

Li Wei has scolded me many times.

I'm an idiot,

so I

should apologize to you in person.

Sorry.

I don't care about myself,

but if you suffer because of me,

I can't stand it.

So you think

I'm not the kind of person

who can stick through thick and thin with you?

No.

I just know that I can't protect you.

I know you won't forgive me.

But Li Wei and others were right.

Either way,

I shouldn't have made things up and said I was in love with someone else.

And that someone is your friend too.

All right.

You have apologized.

Can you leave now?

I...

I know

I'm shameless.

But I...

still am a bit greedy.

May I know

if you will forgive me?

Will you give me a chance?

It's okay.

No need to answer me right away.

I have thought about this.

I'll follow you,

but you can't chase me away.

I will leave then.

Oh, right.

Your hair.

What's with my hair?

Hey.

Shangguan.

Wait.

This hairstyle is to complement you.

Aren't you having an adventure now?

All that long speech

and a tariff deduction for Jin State.

Does this marriage

repulse Xin State so strongly

that you're willing to go through all these hoops to get a divorce?

You're mistaken, Lord of Jin State.

Her Grace and I decided to divorce.

It has nothing to do with our states.

The tariff deduction

is just a token of my sincerity.

It is also a more sustainable bond

than a marriage.

It benefits both states.

Fine, you want to talk about benefits.

I must have

misjudged your personality.

Benefits

we shall talk about.

You are the Sixth Young Lord of Xin State.

After the divorce,

you can remarry easily.

But what will become

of my daughter's worth?

We can talk business.

But divorce?

Absolutely not.

Father.

The Lord of Xin State has agreed to this.

So why wouldn't you?

Ying'er.

Who said you could come in?

Where is your manner as a woman?

Like I said, absolutely not

for a divorce.

Father.

Divorce

or a second marriage,

can everything be evaluated with profits alone?

I know it's insolent of me

to demand a divorce.

But I ask for your approval.

-Yuan Ying! -Yuan Ying.

Your father said to drop this topic.

I know it's insolent of me

to demand a divorce.

But I ask

for your mercy.

Come forth!

Take the Princess away

and let her reflect upon herself.

Think it through now.

Please reconsider, Your Lordship.

Sixth Young Lord.

I am now disciplining my obstinate daughter.

If your marital bond is firm,

I will not make her suffer.

[Lessons for Women]

[The Governing Principles of Ancient China]

[Lessons for Women]

Sirs,

I came with some fine liquor.

-No Jin guards should drink when they are on duty. -No Jin guards should drink when they are on duty.

-Please refrain from doing so, Madam. -Please refrain from doing so, Madam.

The unanimity.

But a night shift is tiring.

I have some snacks with me. Why don't...

-No Jin guards should snack when they are on duty. -No Jin guards should snack when they are on duty.

-It's not good for the health or work. -It's not good for the health or work.

As expected from Jin State.

Fine, I'll come clean.

I just want to see Her Grace

and give her something to eat.

She hasn't eaten for the entire day.

Just a peek

and I'll come out.

-No Jin guard should break rules -No Jin guard should break rules

-and willingly allow outsiders to enter. -and willingly allow outsiders to enter.

-Besides, Her Grace does not usually have supper. -Besides, Her Grace does not usually have supper.

Just let me take a look.

Madam.

Your Ladyship.

I'll bring it in.

You don't like to copy those texts,

so no need to put on an act before me.

[Humility. On the third day...]

[Memorandum to the Lord of State, Reform]

Memorandum to the Lord of State?

(Jin State relies heavily on interstate commerce.)

(While the tariff deduction)

(could engender the occurrence of dumping,)

(it would facilitate domestic reformation.)

Your father never wants you to get involved in politics.

It doesn't matter how talented you are.

Besides, you're a woman.

Mother, if you know I'm talented,

why don't you give me a chance?

Then maybe

I can contribute more than a marriage of convenience

to Jin State.

Li Wei asked me to bring you this.

[To Yuan Ying]

[From Yin Zheng]

Just some advice from the Sixth Young Lord.

He knows you very well.

You two are made for each other.

If you remain together,

maybe that will allow you to pursue whatever you want.

That will reassure your father too.

Mother.

The Sixth Young Lord and I are good teammates.

Just like Jin State and Xin State.

In fact, we're very similar.

We're good teammates,

but we don't

make a good couple.

The same goes for him too.

Besides,

I don't want to leave a legacy

as someone else's rightful spouse.

I can do what I want to do

very well.

Why wouldn't Father let me?

Because I'm a woman?

That's not fair,

Mother.

You never have supper.

Maybe some changes

are not bad.

Ying'er.

Don't resent your father.

He's doing this for your good.

For my good?

Is that why I'm locked up here?

If you truly care about me, Mother,

please help me.

♪The wind talks to me gently♪

♪I listen to the time singing a song♪

♪Fireworks in the sky remind me of our memories♪

♪Stars take my heart quietly♪

♪Eyes shine bright in the pale moonlight♪

♪The way you look is carved in my mind♪

♪The past is making me stumble along♪

♪The present is slowly trickling through my fingers♪

♪The future is there waiting for us♪

♪We walk towards the future together♪

♪Clouds are watching everything silently♪

♪Cool breezes carry a faint aroma to the sky♪

♪Kites flying are bidding farewell to the confusion you once had♪

♪Gazing the future from afar♪

♪The world is so big and we have a lot to expect♪

♪On good or bad days, I will be by your side♪

♪When there is love, even flowers have the courage to bloom among thorns♪

♪The subsiding summer breeze and scorching sun, we took them both for granted♪

♪The leaves are falling in autumn, waiting for us to write a new chapter in our life♪

♪Past the snowstorm, there is the sun♪

♪The past is making me stumble along♪

♪The present is slowly trickling through my fingers♪

♪The future is there waiting for us♪

♪We walk towards the future together♪