Original subtitles

[New Life Begins]

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

[Episode 38]

Greetings, My Lord.

Your visit was unexpected.

I have come late.

Please forgive me.

All right.

You didn't know I was coming.

I'm here

to ask you something.

I plan to embark on an inspection tour of the state.

What do you think?

I will do

whatever you want me to do, Father.

Good.

You shall join me then.

But...

What's the matter?

You don't want to?

I won't dare to.

It's just

that I am in charge of the Ministry of Revenue with An.

I'm busy with my duties.

I'm afraid...

An has Zheng's guidance.

Nothing will go wrong.

Guidance?

Jun,

I will be honest with you.

You are an excellent subject,

but you have too many distracting thoughts.

You must still cultivate your moral discipline

to become a good soldier.

If you want,

you can join me on the tour.

If not,

I will assign you to other ministries.

Thank you

for the enlightenment, Father.

I clearly remember that when you were a child,

you were timid and quiet,

always following Song around.

You wanted nothing.

However, now...

How did you turn out like this?

Since when did you start to be greedy?

Was it when I decided to put you in charge of the Ministry of Revenue,

or...

was it when An was pregnant?

An forced herself to go into labor early.

The midwife has confessed.

I can't allow a wicked woman like that to stay by your side.

Perhaps,

I should get you a new wife.

Father,

it's me who conducted immorally and is being too ambitious.

What does this have to do with my wife?

Please just punish me alone.

How can you blame it on Xiyuan?

If you think I'm disloyal,

then punish me like how you punished Song.

But Xiyuan has nothing to do with this.

Father,

she is my wife.

To me,

my wife is a person with whom I share affection,

not a tribute to be sacrificed.

Father...

Forget it.

If you can be sincere

toward other people and things

in this way,

it will last.

I will remember your teaching, Father.

My eldest grandson's first name will be Che.

Che as in clear and transparent.

His name will serve as a reminder to him.

He shall be a person who is clear-headed and intelligent.

He should not repeat your mistake.

Thank you, Father.

You didn't have to go through this, Your Lordship.

If you had given me up just now,

perhaps you would still have a chance.

When no one had even seen me,

you chose me.

You are the only one I have.

But I broke my promise.

The bright future I promised you

has become unattainable.

Actually,

only you would promise

a bright future to a concubine's daughter

like me.

Father is still willing to take me on tour,

which means he's giving me a chance to make amends.

Xiyuan,

let's live our lives in peace

from now on,

all right?

At least, our child

is no longer a concubine's child.

His lineage has been changed.

He will be able to go further.

Sixth Young Lord is here!

Greetings, My Lord.

You may rise.

I promised you to make Li your rightful spouse.

Before I depart,

hold the title conferment ceremony.

I'll be able to watch you settle down.

Thank you for your permission, Father.

But can I

take Li Wei to Ji State to see

my father-in-law first?

All right.

By the way,

the Ministry of Nine States Affairs has someone from Ji State.

Remember to ask him

about the rules for a son-in-law visiting his father-in-law.

Don't lose your manners.

Understood.

It's settled then.

There is another thing

that I want to discuss with you.

Next month,

I'm going to embark on an inspection tour of Xin State.

During this period,

what will you do?

If you want me to accompany you,

I will plan the trip with the ministries in advance.

If you want me to stay,

I will focus on my duties

and manage the Ministry of Nine States Affairs well.

What if

I want you to take over

the governance?

I will first request your instructions

on the delegation of authority and responsibility,

supervise young lords and major ministers in their duties,

and handle minor and major issues with care.

If I come across something that I can't decide on,

I'll send you an expedited letter.

Good.

We will do that.

The Late Lord passed me

this Crown Prince Seal back then.

Yin Zheng,

I will hand it over

to you now.

I will not fail my mission.

[Efficiency comes from diligence]

Please don't.

You are the Crown Prince now.

According to the rules,

you should not bow to me.

You bowed to me when I entered the court,

and now

I should bow to you too.

I'm very lucky

to have your help.

Congratulations on getting what your wish for.

Xin State is now in the hands of the right one.

To be honest with you,

I don't feel happy at all.

It's a heavy responsibility

and a difficult journey.

If you could think like that,

that means

His Majesty picked the right person.

I'm here today to ask you what your plans are.

With your talents,

you can enter any ministry you want.

I am grateful

for your appreciation.

But you know me,

instead of the court,

I would much rather live in peace in my study.

All right.

I understand what you mean.

Understood.

I heard

that you are going to Ji State soon.

Meeting your in-laws is not an easy task.

If I had a precious daughter,

even if you were the Young Lord of Xin State,

I would still make things difficult for you.

Make things difficult for me?

I know what to do.

[Changle Flowers]

I haven't been back for a long time.

The night market has become so bustling.

And I noticed

that more women are coming out.

They used to wear Muli hats before.

This place looks like Dan State now.

Women can do whatever they want to do.

Is that booth...

I never thought I would see this side of Hao Jia.

Look at that look in your eyes.

Look.

Yes.

I admit that I once was interested

in your best friend,

but it wasn't serious.

My feelings for you can stand any test.

Hao Jia.

Shangguan.

It's been a long time.

It is indeed.

You guys are finally back.

Where is Changle?

Your shop is named Changle?

Why isn't the heir here?

That's right.

My business has expanded.

I've hired four or five nannies to take care of her.

As far as you can see, all the stores

on this street

[Changle Flower Tea, Changle Officer Boots] with the word Changle are my stores.

Take whatever you want.

Really?

I won't hold back then.

Don't you hold back.

Your Grace,

you seldom use make-up,

but if you use it occasionally,

it will sweep His Lordship off his feet.

What are you waiting for?

Pay her.

How can I pay?

You have all the money.

You don't even give me an allowance.

That's enough.

How can I let you pay?

Here.

Shangguan, take this too.

It suits you well.

Thank you.

But I don't have anything here for you.

That thing at the opposite stall is good for you to kneel at.

[Changle Fruits]

That...

You girls are picking on me.

You are jellyfish of the same tribe.

You are uncultured.

It's jaguars of the same tribe.

Right?

It's jackals of the same tribe.

Sometimes, she can't tell...

Looking at you bickering and fighting,

you are perfect for each other.

However, when you have children,

you have to improve your literacy.

That's a very good point.

We have to educate our children well,

but the key to this

is we have to have a child first,

right?

Who wants to have a child with you?

It is now under the rule of the Sixth Young Lord.

When girls come out to open a stall,

no one will say anything anymore, right?

Yes.

I've wanted to change back to women's clothes for a long time,

but look at my current look,

don't I look handsome and dashing?

And now there are many girls who want to be

Changle's stepmother.

So,

let me have some fun for a more few days.

I think you look very nice in this too.

Seeing how well you are doing now,

I'm really happy for you.

Me too.

I'm really happy too.

How nice.

I'm really happy too.

Did anyone ask you?

[Jingyuan] Make sure everything is in order.

This is pure grain liquor. Don't bump it.

Don't bump it.

You might break it.

Come on.

Take this from me.

Put these two separately.

Easy there.

We are just taking a trip.

Why are we bringing so much stuff with us?

Madam,

here's the thing.

This is His Lordship's first visit to your home.

He was up all night,

thinking about what he could bring for you.

You see,

these are for your parents,

your brother,

your relatives, and your neighbors.

He put in a lot of effort.

Don't...

Look at you.

How do I sound?

So, it's getting late.

Let's depart.

All right.

You guys will stay here.

Consider it a break.

Why?

It's a long way from here.

What if you are in danger?

If we are in danger, I will have to protect you.

But Madam needs us to serve her too.

Right,

Yuzhan?

I want a break.

Don't worry about us.

Ji State is my turf.

We will be fine.

Just enjoy your break.

Yes, Madam!

Goodbye, Madam.

Your Lordship,

I've been

serving you all these years.

Someone,

take him away.

I'll do it.

Your Lordship!

Come on, Superintendent Su.

Your Lordship,

take care of yourself.

Your Lordship, take care of Madam.

We're on holiday!

-Your Lordship! -Madam!

[Xin State, Ji State]

Stop the carriage.

[Ji State]

Ji State,

I'm back!

I'm back with Yin Zheng!

Yin Zheng,

welcome to Ji State.

Ji State,

I'm here!

You brat!

[Li Wei's house, Ji State] Why did you try to take the eggs from the hen coop?

Look at you.

Look at the scratches on you.

Do you think that's fun?

Cut him some slack.

He must have noticed how exhausted I am from housework.

He wanted to get me some eggs as a supplement.

No.

I just wanted to try if I could hatch eggs.

You are very ambitious.

Are you a hen?

You are hopeless.

Are you stupid?

You have to teach him.

I teach him?

Why didn't you teach him?

All you know is chopping wood. What use is that?

Father,

Mother,

I think I heard my sister's voice.

There is something wrong with your head.

Is there something wrong with your ears too?

That's right.

Your sister is in Xin State. There is no way she's here.

I'm speechless.

Father, Mother,

Li Cang!

Wei!

Wei!

What did I tell you?

Wei!

It really is you.

Wei!

-Wei, I've missed you so much! -Li Cang!

Wei.

Mother.

I dreamed about you last night.

Wei.

Father.

Wei.

What is he doing here?

Father.

Yin Zheng, you're here.

Please come in.

You brought so many things.

Let me carry some for you.

No, it's fine.

Easy there.

Come in and have some tea.

Give me one.

Are you saying

that you are willing to make my daughter your rightful spouse?

That's right.

You've followed etiquette and come to this countryside

to ask for Wei's hand in marriage,

I suppose you must really love her.

Yes.

You know the rules of Ji State.

We practice monogamy,

but you are here now,

does that mean you think you can do it?

That's right.

Wei is willing to bring you home.

This shows that she loves you.

Wei is an adult now.

We can't stand in the way of her decision.

As Wei's father,

I'd like to say

I don't approve of it.

Why?

Hang on,

you...

Aren't you going to put him to the test?

Xin State has so many rules.

I can't decide on this alone.

Let's discuss this.

Raise your hand if you don't approve of this marriage.

This doesn't count.

Let's try again.

Raise your hand if you approve of this marriage.

What's the matter with you guys?

Do you really want Wei to be his wife

and stay in Xin State forever?

Of course we want Wei to stay in Ji State,

so our family can be together.

You understand me.

But Wei likes Sixth Young Lord.

That's obvious.

Do you know how hard it is

to find someone you like?

Are you going to break them up?

Is that what you think too?

If Wei comes back,

she will steal my food again.

I think it's good for her to stay in Xin State.

What about you, Wei?

There is no need to ask me.

I don't approve of this.

You don't approve of this?

You don't approve... Let's eat.

All right.

We made many nice dishes.

Let's go.

Let's eat.

My son-in-law, let's go.

Let's eat.

The dishes we made today

are all local specialties.

Let's try it.

So many dishes.

You are so lucky.

You will sit with Yin Zheng.

Talk to him.

Talk about what?

What can I talk about with the Young Lord of Xin State?

Seriously.

Come on.

Yin Zheng,

take a seat.

Time to eat.

Here.

It's that familiar smell.

I've really missed your cooking, Father.

If you like it,

stay here in Ji State. Don't go back.

I will cook for you every day.

Why did you step on my foot?

Come on, try the dishes.

Yin Zheng,

have some more.

All right.

These are our specialties here.

And this one.

Try this.

But these are countryside cuisine.

I'm not sure if you will like it.

It's good.

Have some more then.

If you can't eat it, just give it to me.

It's fine. I'm fine.

When we were in Xin State, Wei told me

that you are a picky eater, Your Lordship.

Don't force yourself to eat it if you don't like it, Your Lordship.

You can just call me Yin Zheng.

You are the Young Lord of Xin State.

You lead a very privileged life.

Your body is more precious than commoners like us.

If you get sick

or have another stomachache,

we can't afford that.

Father,

come on.

He's not like that.

What did I say?

What did I say wrong?

Actually, Li Wei

has cured my stomach illness.

Besides, these dishes are really good.

Look at this meat.

That's right.

Look how good his appetite is.

What's the matter?

Do you have a problem with that?

I...

Seriously.

Let's eat.

Li Cang,

why do you only eat meat but not vegetables?

Who encourages your picky eating habit?

I just haven't taken the vegetables.

I hate picky eaters.

I'm done eating.

Father...

Father?

Li Wenbi?

Unbelievable.

Don't take it to heart.

That's just the way my father is.

I'll talk to him later.

Yes, Yin Zheng.

Don't mind him.

He's just as stubborn as a mule.

Later,

Wei and I will talk to him.

Maybe I should talk to him myself.

All right.

That's good too.

Let's eat without him.

Since he doesn't want to eat,

we can all eat a little more.

Come on.

Let him starve.

Have some of this.

All right.

Let's eat.

Have some beef too.

Have some more beef.

You will stay here

with me for a few days.

This is Ji State's rules.

Couples have to sleep in separate rooms when they return to their own homes.

That's fine.

I'd be glad to.

I can take the opportunity to talk to you.

You are eloquent,

plus you are born with a good look.

You can get any girls you want.

Girls in Ji State are simple by nature.

They can be cheated easily since they were born.

Be messed with, I mean.

I wanted

Wei to stay in Ji State,

be safe for the rest of her life,

and find a down-to-earth guy who cares about her.

If she stays with you in Xin State,

we can't protect her.

Actually, I understand your concern.

Since I stepped foot in this house,

you have repeatedly emphasized that I am a young lord.

You are obviously worried

that I'm a pampered guy who doesn't know how to be considerate.

But I can assure you,

in Xin State,

I will protect her for the rest of her life.

Talk is cheap.

You can make requests.

Anything.

I will do all of them

until I gain your trust.

Anything?

Anything.

Well, I'll have to think about it.

Go to sleep.

I'm exhausted.

Zheng,

if you don't think you can do it, let me do it.

It's fine.

It's not!

Ji State's chickens are fierce.

This is a tough job.

Even Li Cang couldn't do it.

I am the only one in the family who can do it.

Learn to give up at the right time.

I'll boil the water first.

I'll do it later.

I can do it.

I will go.

Zheng...

Why is there no noise?

Did he get eaten by the chickens?

I got it.

There was a lot of noise.

So clumsy.

Zheng,

you are awesome.

I'm all right.

Here's more.

You really want to learn this?

This is difficult.

If you really master it,

you will have my admiration.

In our family, only Wei's mother is good at chopping.

I'm just trying to do my best.

Watch and learn.

Accuracy is important.

You have to be fast.

You see.

I failed.

It's hard, right?

Yes.

You got lucky.

It's just luck.

Again.

Again.

Again.

It's just luck.

Go on.

Go on.

Go on.

This is not right.

I have to criticize you.

Your rhythm isn't right.

This is how we do it.

Your rhythm is messed up.

It's not pleasant to the ears at all.

I...

I will try harder.

You can't even chop wood well.

How can you take good care of my daughter?

Zheng,

great job on chopping the wood.

This is enough firewood for next month.

You look weak,

but you are actually quite strong.

Even stronger than my father.

What are you doing out?

Have you finished your homework?

Go back to your room.

Mischievous!

Go back!

Go back!

Here you go.

Time to eat.

Excellent main dish.

And your dessert.

San'er, why aren't you eating?

It will only eat mine.

It's enjoying it.

Father,

I've fed San'er and Si.

Run an errand for me then.

Put this on your back.

This is the map of Wolf Hunt Mountain.

Wei's favorite snacks are made of acacia flowers.

The best acacia flowers around here are found on Wolf Hunt Mountain.

As long as you pick enough acacia flowers back,

I will give you my blessing.

Got it.

Hold on.

Have you thought this through?

The mountain is high and dangerous,

and there are wolves at night.

You have to come back during the day.

If you can't do it, let's just give up.

I can do it.

Zheng,

be careful!

Father,

don't you think you are going too far?

Have you forgotten how hard Wei fell the last time

she went there to pick up acacia flowers?

You're always taking his side.

And you.

You eat whatever he gives you.

You just went soft on him

because he does whatever I tell him to do and doesn't put on airs,

despite being a young lord.

Spineless!

Where is my son-in-law?

I didn't expect this either.

Nothing will happen to people who visit Wolf Hunt Mountain during the day.

Why isn't he back when it's this late?

Wei,

didn't you say he learned martial arts?

Li Wenbi!

When you said you wanted to test him today,

I didn't stop you, did I?

You asked me to get Wei out of the house for a day,

I did it, didn't I?

You are unbelievable.

The place that you don't even dare to go to,

you actually sent the Young Lord of Xin State there.

You...

Calm down.

That's right.

I told you so.

You shouldn't let him go to Wold Hunt Mountain.

Wei,

don't worry.

I've asked Mr. Zhang and Mr. Wang to help.

They are hunters.

They will find him.

Mother,

let's report to the authority.

Get more men to find him.

I will inform Magistrate Zhu now

and ask him to search the mountain.

Go now.

We found him!

We're back.

Zheng!

Yin Zheng, you're back.

What happened?

I'm fine. It's just a little scratch.

Let me see.

I'm fine.

There is no need to see.

What exactly happened?

Nothing happened at first.

It's just that acacia flowers weren't easy to find.

He went too far, and it took him too much time.

But after we found him,

we really ran into wolves on our way back.

Wolves?

Don't worry.

We are all experienced.

We chased them away with fire.

Your son-in-law is a nice guy.

I nearly got scratched by a wolf.

He blocked it for me.

That's how he got hurt.

Fortunately, the wound isn't deep.

I've treated it for him on the way back.

Don't worry.

Mr. Zhang,

thank you.

Don't mention it.

Thank you, Zhang.

Thank you.

Thank you, Wang.

Thank you.

He's fine.

We should get going.

All right.

Thank you.

But the basket is broken.

I lost a lot of acacia flowers.

Only a little left.

But it should be enough to make a snack.

Forget about acacia flowers.

You are injured.

These are just minor injuries.

I can still walk.

Look.

Let's get inside first.

Easy.

Just go.

Father.

Let me see.

Come on.

This is a unique herb of Ji State.

Don't mind the strong smell.

It's especially effective in treating scratches.

I... I can apply it myself.

It's fine.

I... I can bandage it myself.

Let him do it.

This way, he can ease his guilt.

Your Lordship,

I made you some soup.

Drink some later.

I will.

Thank you.

Wei and I

spent the day outside today.

We just found out

what he did to you.

He wouldn't let me and Wei interfere.

He

is a good guy,

but when it comes to his daughter, he loses his sense of propriety.

Your Lordship,

please forgive him.

He's my father-in-law. He doesn't need any sense of propriety.

Besides,

there is only Yin Zheng here, no young lord.

I'm sorry for today.

Actually, before I left, Father reminded me

that I mustn't stay overnight at Wolf Hunt Mountain.

It's my own fault that I spent too much time there.

Next time,

I will go earlier.

Maybe I can pick more acacia flowers then.

After seeing what you have done for Wei,

he has already approved of you.

We can see

how nicely you are treating Wei.

It's just

that he still has some concerns.

Actually, I've been having an idea.

I'd like to buy you a house in Xin State.

This way, you can come and stay at any time,

and you can keep an eye on me at any time.

Are you serious about this?

It's not that I want you to buy us a house.

I mean, are you really sure that we can go and check on you anytime?

It is my duty to buy a house for you.

I hope you don't mind

and don't reject me.

Your Lordship, don't blame me for overstepping my bounds.

My concern

is that you like Wei now,

so of course you would say yes to anything,

but the Nine State Selection is held every three years,

and you will see more new women.

What will happen to Wei then?

We raised Wei.

If things change in her marriage in the future,

won't she be able to decide for herself?

You should have more faith in your daughter.

Father,

Li Wei is really capable.

The Women Chamber of Commerce

has branches all over Xin State.

She is also earning a lot of money from it,

much better than us young lords

who are on the court payroll.

So,

she possesses the power to resist giving in and making concessions to anyone.

You can rest assured.

About doing business,

Wei mentioned it in her letters.

We know something about it.

Women are not allowed to do business in Xin State.

I think you must have been a big help to Li Wei

for her to be able to do this.

But it is mainly her own efforts.

And you are fine with Wei

going out to do business?

Li Wei belongs only to herself.

She wants to go out and do business.

Who am I to stop her?

She may be simple, but she is very thoughtful.

I know

that it will take some time for you to trust me,

but you can trust Li Wei.

She won't let herself get wronged.

Easy.

I'm fine.

Your Lordship, what are you...

I, Yin Zheng,

would like to take your daughter as my wife.

I will follow Ji State's custom

and register our marriage at the magistrate's office.

Then, I will make a vow at the Matchmaker Temple.

I will pledge myself to be faithful to her forever.

You are a young lord,

but you are willing to follow the rules of our poor countryside?

In Ji State, Matchmaker Temple is very efficacious.

Anyone who breaks the vow he made at the temple

will suffer a miserable outcome.

He will suffer from serious illness

and produce no offspring.

Aren't you afraid?

Since I've made a vow,

I will not go back on it.

Thank you.

[Spring Workshop, Wontons]

[Drinks, Wontons]

You've just recovered.

And you want to take a walk so early in the morning.

I rarely come to Ji State.

I want to explore the place.

Are you hungry?

A little bit.

Let's grab some food then.

♪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?♪

People in Ji State usually sleep until they wake up naturally,

so there are few morning stalls.

It's nice enough that we found mantou.

I see.

Matchmaker Temple is open already, right?

I think so.

We're going to Matchmaker Temple?

Father has given us his blessing.

I'm taking you to Matchmaker Temple to make an oath.

♪Someone is waiting for me♪

♪A simple meal tastes great too♪

[Matchmaker Temple]

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

♪The greatest moment in life♪

[Perfect match]

[Soul mates, mutual love]

Wait.

His Lordship has given me the Crown Prince Seal.

The path ahead will be rough.

And you'll be living in Xin State for a long time.

Now is your last chance to back out.

Do you want to reconsider?

I will stay with you.

I will stay with you in Xin State.

I will be your wife.

I will be with you forever.

I will marry you.

I, Li Wei, swear to you

that I will make Yin Zheng happy for the rest of his life

and grow old with him.

If I break my vow,

all my desires and wishes will never be realized.

Since I have made my vow,

I will never change it.

I, Yin Zheng, swear to you

that I will learn to make all the delicacies in this world

and cook for Li Wei.

I will keep her plump.

I will always communicate with her.

What others have, my wife will have it too.

I will do my best to become

a person who deserves to be loved

and loves her deeply.

If I break my promise,

I will be struck by lightning.

Stop it.

God of Matchmaker is very efficacious.

That's exactly why I have to say that.

Just don't say something like that.

All right.

This tree is very efficacious.

We can write down our wishes.

There is no brush here.

Wait.

Here you go.

There is no inkstone either.

Give me a moment.

Here you go.

What else do you have on you?

I must figure it out someday.

Yuan Ying, Shangguan, Hao Jia,

Father, Mother, Li Cang, Grandfather,

Haitang and the others,

and Sisi.

We got everyone here.

Done.

Hang it higher.

Got it.

Hang it higher.

Fail the selection.

Don't read it.

Meet my true love.

Don't read it.

I wrote that before I left.

Looks like this tree works.

It realizes half of your wishes.

Write your own wish.

(Fail the selection.)

(Meet my true love.)

(Have food to eat.)

(Peace in the world.)

(A life of ease and leisure.)

(Everything goes well.)

(A peaceful and happy life.)

(Peace in the world.)

[Li Wei, Yin Zheng]

♪The southern wind meets the dew♪

♪The moonlight is whispering to the red candle♪

♪There is nothing special♪

♪But why is my mind in a trance?♪

♪And why am I hesitating?♪

♪I'm afraid you might find out my feelings for you when you look into my eyes♪

♪I try hard to remain calm♪

♪But my heart is racing because of you♪

♪I try hard to hide my feelings♪

♪But where should I lay my eyes on?♪

♪No words are needed now♪

♪My feelings do not matter anymore♪

♪I turn those wonderful memories into a story♪

♪There's no need for words if the feeling is mutual♪

♪I got lost in my emotions♪

♪Love is nowhere to be found♪

♪There are no more distractions♪

♪I only wish we could enjoy three meals and four seasons together♪

♪The southern wind meets the dew♪

♪The moonlight is whispering to the red candle♪

♪There is nothing special♪

♪But why is my mind in a trance?♪

♪And why am I hesitating?♪

♪I'm afraid you might find out my feelings for you when you look into my eyes♪

♪I try hard to remain calm♪

♪But my heart is racing because of you♪

♪I try hard to hide my feelings♪

♪But where should I lay my eyes on?♪