Original subtitles

[New Life Begins]

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

[Episode 32]

The trades in Jin State

are more developed than in Xin State.

Xin State wants us to reduce the tariff too.

This will only put us at a disadvantage.

In my opinion,

we shouldn't agree with their terms.

Instead, we should increase

our tariff on them.

How foolish.

Xin State is not the same as before.

In the past,

no one could match our economy.

But nowadays,

the other seven states' trading with Xin State has become more frequent.

Yet here you are, proposing to increase the tariff.

As the National Supervisor,

you neglect your duty.

Do you think anyone can simply take this position?

[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.)

Perhaps reducing the tariff

can make our people realize

how trading is done outside our state.

It might promote the reformation of policies.

Mother,

why are you suddenly joining the discussion of national affairs?

I was just spewing nonsense.

It's my own foolish opinion.

Please pretend I never spoke.

Well...

You do have a point.

Even your mother could think of that.

How could you not?

Father.

What do we even need to learn from the other states?

People learn from us,

not the other way around.

Actually,

we can learn quite a few things from Xin State.

In the past, Xin State was limited by our economic strength.

But nowadays,

they changed their market system,

allowing them to overtake us.

If Jin State doesn't start improving,

we'll start to fall behind Xin State.

Isn't that

correct?

I should write this down.

Dear,

what other thoughts do you have?

Let's hear them.

Actually,

these ideas came from Ying'er.

She has a lot of opinions on the matter.

This was intentional.

Mother.

Why are you defending her?

She's always wanted to intervene with men's businesses.

You will make her

more prideful.

You heard your father.

These are wise opinions.

They will benefit Jin State.

Does it matter

if they came from a woman?

What matters is they are sound.

I think Ying'er has a point.

She is brilliant.

If we give her a chance,

she can do it better than others.

My Lord,

please read what Ying'er has written.

[Memorandum to the Lord of State]

In the past,

Ying'er wanted to be an official.

You didn't have faith in her capability.

But her reports are enough to prove

that our daughter is capable of becoming an official.

Mother!

Silence!

Everyone who knows her

acknowledges her worth.

They speak highly of her.

But her own family looks down on her.

Can you imagine how disheartened she is?

My Lord.

Giving a nod

is much easier than you think.

[Taxation reformation: Suggestions]

I get it.

Dismissed.

Let me consider it.

[Foreign trades, reduced tariff, reformation]

Thankfully,

I memorized them all.

All right.

Sure.

More of this on mine.

Sure.

One of that will do.

Okay?

Sure.

Here, Shangguan.

Try the Bo Bo Chicken.

Yin Qi.

This looks delicious!

Food in Dan State is top-notched!

Try it out.

So...

-I want to talk... -No.

Trust me,

this thing is delicious...

I want to have a word with you!

Okay.

You have a place in my heart.

Breathe.

Shangguan.

My guests.

Do you want mild spiciness or mid?

I want it sweet.

Shangguan.

Actually...

You could have told me that sooner.

I could feel it.

It's just that...

I couldn't be too sure about it.

You know, no girl has ever liked me

my entire life.

So I wondered

if any dim-witted fool

would fall in love with me.

I wasn't talking about you.

You're not a fool.

You're the greatest person in the universe.

You do have a place in my heart.

However...

We're not meant to be.

Why not?

We like each other

because we've never been in love before.

We don't have any experience.

After spending so much time together,

it gave us a delusion.

It's not true love.

How is this not love?

I've thought about this.

I want to be with you.

I want us always to be together.

But that's not what I want now.

Back in Xin State,

we were changing ourselves to match each other's personalities.

I don't want to change the way I am

for the person I like.

I won't make you do anything.

You can have all the freedom you want.

But the decision to be with someone

will mean tolerance and empathy.

No.

Not you.

That's my job.

Just be yourself.

Leave that to me.

I don't want you to mistreat yourself.

You like sweet food,

but you start eating spicy food for me.

And now?

You lack a roof over your head, like me.

It pains me to see you this way.

This isn't what you want.

It's not what I want either.

Do not change who you are for someone else.

But I am...

But I am really in love with you.

None of these is a problem to me.

I had already gotten used to them.

My mind is made.

Let's end it now.

Go find your true love.

Should fate wills it so,

we will meet again.

I'll get the horse.

Shangguan.

His Lordship wants my sister and me to discuss

the reduction of the tariff.

You don't need me to tell you

what must be done.

Serve me,

and you will find great fortune in your future.

Is that clear?

Yes.

Isn't it too soon to talk about their future?

You got released sooner than I expected.

Had I waited any longer,

who knows what would have become of Jin State in your hands?

How dare you bring an outsider

to the discussion of our state's affairs!

I am in charge of the Ministry of Nine States Affairs in Xin State.

According to the treaty,

it's well within my right to join the discussion

of your tariff reduction.

Your Grace.

If you are sending your foreign husband to back you up,

how do you expect to convince us?

He is a young lord, but he is not my husband.

We have agreed upon the dissolution of our marriage.

We are no longer husband and wife.

I invited him

not to take advantage of his status

but to show him

the changes going on in Jin State.

In the future,

it will benefit Xin State to have us as its ally.

If you have any doubts,

I will address them.

You are the backbone of the Ministry of Revenue.

Your minds are clear and your eyes are sharp.

You know better than anyone

which path Jin State should take in the future.

My Lord.

Ying'er is very capable.

Crabs.

It's cold.

That should keep the heatiness down.

Don't worry about it.

His Lordship set you free.

It means there is still room for negotiation.

Take it slowly.

There will be a way to convince him.

I just don't get it.

I've proven to my father

that I could be more useful

than just being married off.

It's clear now

the relationship between the two states will not change.

So why wouldn't he agree to the dissolution of our marriage?

Perhaps the Lord of Jin State has other concerns.

Lord of Jin State arrives!

At ease.

I came to see you.

Sit down.

Never mind.

I've eaten.

You can have them.

Sit down.

You did well during the meeting.

The stubborn old men from the Ministry of Revenue

spoke highly of you.

They have never spoken that highly of Yuan Xu.

Dig in.

Yes.

Lord of Jin State.

I'd like to tell you something.

Her Grace is the most courageous person I know.

But now, she acts as though treading on thin ice.

She is obsessed with getting your recognition.

I came from a humble background,

but I've lived a happy life.

Because I have parents who care about me.

They understand me and love me the way I am.

Perhaps that is what Her Grace wants.

Sixth Young Lord.

Is this the person you love the most?

Now I see why you are so fond of her.

But since my daughter married you,

you must not simply leave each other.

Father.

No means no!

Have you thought about this?

How can you remarry if you get a divorce?

If you are to stay at home,

are you going to spend your life doing nothing?

Why should I remarry?

For greater profit?

I've proven to you

that I can contribute to the Ministry of Revenue.

Why won't you accept it?

This is outrageous!

Do you even know what it means

for a girl

who is divorced by her husband?

I don't care.

I only want to live my life my way.

Even if I must be despised,

I fear nothing.

You...

Your Lordship, your main concern

is Her Grace's future.

You asked

if she really intends

to spend her life

in loneliness.

If you planned to marry her off for more significant gains,

you wouldn't have asked her.

You are clearly concerned about her future.

You don't really care about the two states' relationship.

All and all,

your main concern has always been your daughter's happiness.

Your Lordship, you never agreed

not because of the profit at stake,

but your sentiment for her.

Ridiculous speculations.

Your Lordship.

Her Grace had fallen sick in Xin State.

We almost lost her.

What?

Li Wei...

You need not worry.

She is fine now.

But as you know,

she is a strong-willed person.

She was in charge of the internal affairs

and the business outside.

She couldn't let herself be lax.

The fatigue triggered a relapse.

But that didn't stop her from taking care of work.

She is destined for greatness.

Why must she be shackled by the trivial affairs of the inner court?

Your Lordship, please give Yuan Ying a chance.

She will not let you down.

This is where we part ways.

May we meet again someday.

May we meet again someday.

Still playing hard-to-get, aren't you?

That is a huge

dolt.

It's better to sleep in a tent than here.

Just come out.

I know you're there.

Help.

Pull me up.

Please!

You followed me all the way here,

aren't you tired?

When...

When did you notice I was tailing you?

Stay.

Tell me.

After all the time we've been apart,

did you not miss me?

If it's a yes,

I'll leave at daybreak.

Yes.

I don't buy it.

That doesn't count.

Don't be a jerk.

And you're not a jerk for lying to me?

I saw it when we parted.

You turned around.

You didn't want me to leave.

Shangguan.

Shangguan.

After that day,

I've been pondering what you said.

You said

we should stay true to our hearts.

But what I want

is to be with you.

Listen.

You can't get rid of me.

I've made up my mind.

I'll follow you to the end of the world.

You can't do anything right.

I can't do anything right?

Get this straight.

I can do a lot of things.

I can come in handy to you.

There might be a time

when you need my help.

Fine.

That's enough from me.

Let's hit the sack.

Forget it for now.

Come out.

Aren't we going to bed?

That is my bed.

Fine.

Served me right.

Why are you here, Father?

You haven't had your dinner?

You and I have the same bad habit.

We forget to eat when we get busy.

Come on, sit with me.

Sit.

Have some soup.

What is it?

Should I issue a decree so that you will eat?

About your divorce...

I only considered the challenges you'll face afterward,

but I didn't take your feelings into account.

I

must apologize for that.

Father...

Since you have made up your mind,

we'll have it your way.

I am grateful, Father.

You've never looked so happy.

Sit down.

I understand.

I disappointed you, Father.

I will give it everything I have

to share your burdens.

You and the Sixth Young Lord

came up with many tricks to convince me.

Do you really see me

as someone who only cares about profit?

Do you think I don't care about my own daughter?

That's not what I mean.

I know.

You are different from the other girls.

But you are a woman, after all.

If you are to compete against men on the court,

there will be harsh words and remarks.

Is your will strong enough for this?

No father would want his daughter

to become who he is,

to be overloaded with work.

I only want you

to be safe

and happy.

Why didn't you

tell me sooner?

I know

my daughter is not a parasite that feeds off others

but a phoenix destined to soar in the sky.

From now on,

I won't stop you from doing anything.

Do what you must.

All right,

don't cry.

Dig in.

Try the crabs.

You forgot.

I can't eat cold food.

You can have the crab.

Don't eat too much of it.

This thing is cold in nature.

Too much of it is bad for health.

I'll peel it for you.

See the thick roe?

Dig in.

Coming.

Madam.

The egg-like-crab is ready.

I took a sniff.

It does smell like seafood.

Thank you.

Don't mention it.

Let's share it.

Make yourselves at home.

Come on.

Take a seat.

This is a Ying State delicacy made with fish meat.

And because it's fish meat,

it's warm in nature.

You can eat heartily.

Let's dig in.

Your Lordship.

Do you like it?

I wanted to bribe the cook,

but the cook wouldn't budge.

He said it couldn't be done.

So, I told him

the cook in Xin State could make it.

He got the dish done in no time.

The cook of Jin State doesn't disappoint.

Well done.

Thank you.

It's not just for the dish,

but for many other things.

All of you have my thanks.

Here.

A toast to everyone.

To you too.

Without your help,

my father would never agree to the divorce.

Come on.

To the successful divorce.

When you have your own children,

I must be the godmother.

No problem.

It's too early for this discussion.

Not at all.

Don't be too sure.

I'll urge them from time to time.

Yuan Ying.

Since you are staying in Jin State,

are you working for the Ministry of Revenue?

It seems I mustn't get tardy.

I can't let your ministry best me.

You'll be a female officer.

The first in Jin State.

I look forward to working with your state.

May our partnership be a merry one.

Let me be clear on this.

Please treat Li Wei well.

If you ever mistreated her,

I would probably go after you.

Yes.

Someone powerful has my back.

This is on the house.

Enjoy.

The eateries are giving it all they have.

If we open a Delicacies of Nine States in Jin State,

we'll be bested right away.

Delicacies of Nine States here

will be run by Her Grace.

You will be business rivals.

No, I can't be lax now.

Where are you going?

I'm going to see how they run restaurants in Jin State.

-Madam! -Madam!

Wait for us!

Even Li Wei is giving her best.

She is becoming more like Princess Yuan Ying.

Come on.

We can have a drink without her.

[Story Compendium of the Nine States]

[Lessons for Women]

(May you have the freedom to read any book)

(and never be bound by conventional rules.)

Lady of Jin State wants you to have this.

This is the uniform specially designed for the first female officer in Jin State.

Back at Jingyuan,

you said you wanted to become powerful,

so everyone can enjoy their life.

I know.

Those words came from you,

so you will make them come true.

This is just the first step.

Your goal will be realized someday.

Thank you.

You will leave for Xin State tomorrow.

Tonight...

shall be our last lesson.

Sure.

Miss Yuan Ying, what will you teach me?

Back at Jingyuan,

you told me

that you don't have any grand ambitions

and you just want to be yourself,

live your life the way you want,

and protect your loved ones.

Does that

stand true even now?

Yes.

That is still my intention.

But now,

I want to be like you

and become someone capable of bringing changes

and protecting others

so the world can be a better place.

You can handle most things on your own now.

Whether it's about the mansion

or the restaurant,

there is nothing more I can teach you.

For your graduation,

you get a perfect score.

Congratulations.

You officially graduated.

Every journey must come to an end.

You must face the challenges alone.

Do not let me down.

If you need help,

remember

to write me a letter.

It's my graduation,

but it's also yours.

Please sign this agreement.

Only when you agree to the terms

can I leave with ease of mind.

Princess Yuan Ying of Jin State

will agree to the terms set by Li Wei of Ji State.

Never skip a meal.

Get eight hours of sleep every day.

Take at least three days off every month.

Exercise moderately.

See a doctor when ill.

Take medicine on time.

Never be tardy.

The Lord and Lady of Jin State signed this.

It's your turn now.

[Overseen by the Lord and Lady of Jin State]

[Yuan Ying]

Now, the seal.

All right.

This is where we part.

The agreement is signed.

So don't go back on your promise.

No cheating.

Your mother will write me letters.

Don't worry.

Yuan Ying.

From now on,

you can be yourself.

I have your back.

No one will pick on you.

You must always

be healthy, well,

and happy.

You too.

Take care.

Take good care of her for me.

Remember,

I have her back.

If you ever mistreated her,

I'd hunt you down

and make you pay.

I assure you

that I will.

Take care.

I, Li Wei, your student,

bid you goodbye, Miss Yuan Ying.

Take care.

The Sixth Young Lord arrives.

Greetings, My Lord.

You're back.

I received a letter from the Lord of Jin State.

Since he agreed with the dissolution of your marriage,

I shall leave it at that.

Much obliged, My Lord.

The dissolution of your marriage

had raised a lot of objections among the officials.

To put an end to the uproar,

I must punish you.

You must reflect on your mistake at the ancestral shrine.

Is that fine with you?

Yes.

I am grateful for the clemency.

After you're done there, report to the Ministry of Nine States Affairs.

Yes.

Is it your intention to make Li of Ji State your rightful spouse?

Yes.

You can have it your way.

However, do not make it public just yet.

We'll discuss the conferring of her title at another time.

Yes, Father.

The Third and Fourth Young Lords arrive!

-Greetings, My Lord. -Greetings, My Lord.

I have an announcement for you.

I want Zheng to hear it too.

Recently,

An had to manage the Ministry of Revenue by himself.

He ran into a lot of trouble.

These old-timers are not easy to deal with.

Thankfully, Jun put an end to the problem.

Work in the Ministry of Revenue is complicated.

It seems more people are needed there.

Why don't Jun go there?

Let him learn by your side.

What say you?

I think it's a great idea.

A great idea indeed.

Thank you, An.

I will give it everything I have

to have you with the tasks there.

Yes.

Well, that settles it.

-Yes. -Yes.

An.

Zheng.

I look forward to working with you.

My pleasure.

We help each other

and serve the people.

An.

The officials left behind by Song are not so easy to deal with.

And with you away,

I had to ask Jun to give me a hand.

But Father

appointed him as the assistant administrator of the Ministry of Revenue.

It should have been you.

Cautions, An.

Are you worried you might get overshadowed

in your position?

Cut it out.

Now is not the time to make fun of me.

I funded the women chamber of commerce.

Everyone knows

we are in the same boat.

What are you worried about, then?

I'm worried for you.

With Jun rising to power,

your path ahead won't be easy.

He is working at the Ministry of Revenue.

You should be the one who worries.

What do I have to worry about?

Come on.

He's not coming after me.

He will focus on getting things done.

As he gets more experienced

with the work,

it will make my work easier.

But you must watch out.

He may put up a smile for you now,

but he is bound to stab you in the back.

Are you sure you can handle him?

♪A star that doesn't fall asleep♪

♪But falls on your glabella♪

♪As the wind blows♪

♪It's brought to the side of your ear♪

♪A grandeur moon glows♪

♪And shines on my heart♪

♪Your smiley face is then exposed♪

♪Gradually, I got used to it♪

♪Going through ups and downs alone♪

♪I dare not bind to any attachments♪

♪However, you show up suddenly♪

♪And light up the stars above me♪

♪I can't speak and a soul-stirring feeling aroused♪

♪But you discern my thoughts♪

♪I luck out and have you by my side on this long journey♪

♪Chimney smoke swirls within mountains and rivers♪

♪The gloomy past scatters after the sun rises♪

♪The warmth of the palm envelopes the heart♪

♪Amidst the blustery winter, we share a candle together♪

♪Your presence gives me a sense of security♪

♪A star that doesn't fall asleep♪

♪But falls on your glabella♪

♪As the wind blows♪

♪It's brought to the side of your ear♪

♪A grandeur moon glows♪

♪And shines on my heart♪

♪Your smiley face is then exposed♪

♪Gradually, I got used to it♪

♪Going through ups and downs alone♪

♪I dare not bind to any attachments♪

♪However, you show up suddenly♪

♪And light up the stars above me♪

♪I can't speak and a soul-stirring feeling aroused♪