Original subtitles

[New Life Begins]

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

[Episode 39]

[Liquor]

Here.

I have made four sauces.

Signature mix.

Smoked.

Lemon chilies.

And garlic oil.

It smells amazing.

Delicious!

It is delicious.

I can't believe

you know how to cook now.

Well, of course...

Of course not.

I can only make sauces.

And the sauces are amazing.

It takes skills to do that.

Where's my son-in-law?

Why hasn't he come out?

He's here.

Sorry for the long wait.

This... In Dan State, we...

Yes.

I asked Baoquan to teach me.

I got the gist of it.

So delicate.

Why?

You don't like it?

I like it.

Let me try.

It's so sweet.

And your craftsmanship is amazing.

Well done.

Look.

Our son-in-law pampers Wei so.

What's there to worry about?

Yes, good son-in-law.

Good son-in-law.

But your culinary skill...

Well,

compared to chefs from Ji,

you still have room for improvement.

What are you on about?

Yes, room for improvement.

Both of you got registered today.

I feel...

Yin Zheng,

drink up.

Father,

he can't drink.

In vino veritas.

It's good that you can't drink.

Let's put it to the test today.

Test it.

I am reliable.

Are you?

Don't drink this much.

My Wei

is like a fairy.

Why would she marry someone from Xin State?

You start speaking nonsense after a few drinks?

We were so worried.

We wanted to head to Xin State to demand a justification.

And when you married that...

That Princess of Jin State...

Wei was the one who explained to us

what happened by sending a letter.

Otherwise,

I would go

and defend my Wei.

It's history now.

Listen to me.

Listen.

I...

I truly love Wei.

I'm serious.

I will treat her kindly forever

just like how you treat your wife.

I swear.

I swear.

I can hear it.

Okay.

Remember what you said today.

If someone bullies Wei,

I will protect her even if I'll die 100 times.

Father.

If someone bullies her...

Drink up!

Stop drinking already.

Stop it.

Stop.

Stop drinking.

Father?

Father?

Father?

It's all right.

Don't worry.

Li Cang, help your sister

carry Yin Zheng back to her room.

I'll carry your father.

Hurry up

and help him up.

The old man is worse than me.

You always get this drunk.

I didn't even finish half of it.

Careful.

Put it aside.

Done.

That's all.

Your father will wash it tomorrow when he sobers up.

Yin Zheng can wash it too.

-Really? -Yes.

Here, Mother.

Wei.

I was afraid that if I spoiled you,

you wouldn't be able to endure the hardship out there.

But I can't help but pamper you.

But seeing how reliable

Yin Zheng is

puts my mind to rest.

Mother.

Mother.

Oh no.

Zheng is very, very drunk.

Come on now.

If he's very drunk, why aren't you there looking after him?

Okay.

Wait.

Give him a bowl of sobering broth.

Oh, that foolish boy.

I have taught him many times,

but he's still bad at looking after someone.

But I found

he has grown up so much.

Really?

Yin Zheng does need the sobering broth.

He can't hold his liquor at all.

Last time, we...

Oh no.

No!

You shouldn't go.

Li Cang!

He kisses people when he's drunk!

What?

Zheng, why are you up?

Come on.

Sobering broth.

No.

Have a sip.

No.

Go away.

You have to, Zheng.

Zheng.

Yin Zheng, let him go.

Let me go?

Let me handle it.

Just go back.

Come on.

Let's lie down, okay?

Come on.

Are you Li Wei?

No, I'm Li Cang.

Come on.

Pervert.

You're lying.

You

are Li Wei.

You're a picky eater,

and now, you're a picky kisser too.

Hurry up.

When are we going to arrive at Xin State like this?

All right.

Don't worry, Sweet Pea.

Sweet Pea is...?

My mother's pet name is Mei.

My father thinks she's perfect,

so he gave her a nickname,

Sweet Pea.

I flinched when I knew what it meant.

Why?

She's perfect.

That's why she had so many admirers.

Sixth Young Lord,

putting everything aside,

you should learn how to love your wife

from me.

Indeed.

Get on now.

Father.

Are we truly riding a donkey carriage

instead of a horse carriage to Xin State?

San'er carried you there when you got married.

This time, it'll do just the same thing.

Come on.

[Don't squander the present]

Madam.

Wake up.

Wake up now.

Madam!

Wake up already.

They are here.

Exactly.

Who?

Those here to dress you up.

Sixth Young Madam.

Right.

I'm supposed to get married today.

Why isn't Zheng here?

Be patient.

What's the hurry?

You have no idea

how long Zheng has been waiting for this day.

His dream will finally come true.

Zheng is lucky to have a wife like Li Wei.

Indeed.

She's amazing.

She lives her life and can take care of others.

How nice.

Right.

Unlike me.

I don't mean that.

Why do you always make it about you?

You can't take care of others,

but I can.

I'll take care of you.

Within three years,

how many times has Zheng married someone?

If we take into account the wedding night,

four, isn't it?

Is this your only concern?

No wonder he found happiness

and you find loneliness.

I was just wondering.

He was just wasting his time.

Right?

He only has one.

I have that many...

business partners.

I like it that way.

The lovebirds can finally be together.

I'm truly happy for them.

When you find someone who treats you well,

just go for him.

We will support you.

It's crowded in here,

but I'm not that nervous.

Me too.

Maybe

it's the wedding between the Sixth Young Lord and Weiwei.

If it's someone else's,

I might be nervous too.

What's the matter?

How I envy Zheng.

When can I have a wife?

You're not there yet.

You need to become more mature first.

Tenth Young Lord,

if you'd like,

I can cook you something that makes you grow up.

Go away.

Have it yourselves.

Ignore him.

Pesky people.

Mei,

will she put on the wedding gown you made?

Yes.

I can't sew at all.

But I began sewing it when she was ten,

and I am only able to complete it now.

And Wei

had to spend a huge effort to persuade them

so that they won't make her wear the wedding gown from the palace.

It's just a gift from you as her mother.

Wei

can finally have her own wedding ceremony.

My daughter has grown up.

I'll miss her.

Honey.

Honey.

The Lord of Xin State is here.

Also, isn't this a merry occasion?

Our daughter has grown up

and it's time for us to let her go.

From now on,

we will just live our lives to the fullest.

I'll keep you company.

We only have each other.

How lonely.

Father, Mother.

I'm sure Li Wei

isn't your only child.

Come on, honey.

Oh, goodness.

This day has finally arrived.

A long journey, it is.

Calm down, Superintendent Su.

I'll try.

Look at how Su Shen weeps.

It's as if he just lost a husband.

Congratulations.

They are here.

They are here.

[Chengming Pavilion]

The bride and the bridegroom have arrived.

So pretty.

Wow.

The bride may lower the fan.

Sixth Young Lord of Xin State, Yin Zheng,

and Noblewoman Li of Ji State, pray accept your edict.

Li of Ji State has shown exceptional ethics, character,

grace, and discipline.

She shall be given the title of Sixth Young Madam

after the ceremony today.

May you lead a harmonious

and eternal marital life.

-Thank you, My Lord. -Thank you, My Lord.

May you two

stay with each other through thick and thin,

ups and downs.

Treat your wife with kindness.

I wish you a loving and long-lasting

matrimony.

-Thank you. -Thank you.

We won't let you down.

Here concludes the ceremony.

Yes!

[Jingyuan]

Why are you eating the blessings they threw on the bed?

I've been with you long enough,

so I want to have supper too.

You get the wine.

Although we're already way past a newlywed,

some rituals shouldn't be skipped.

A cross-cupped wine with my rightful spouse.

I can finally do that.

Come on,

my love.

Why is it sweet?

It's compressed fruits

with rice wine

and some mint.

It'll taste like wine,

but it's not intoxicating.

Really?

But if you chug it, you'll get drunk.

Wonderful.

Stop drinking.

When did you become a heavy drinker?

What's the matter?

Are you all right?

It is intoxicating.

Because you drank too much.

I'm eating a glutinous rice dessert.

Her Ladyship is always resting due to her bad health

and I have been dealing with the internal affairs of the palace.

It can get quite hectic,

so would you like to help me?

As long as you, Madam He...

I mean Mother,

I will do my best.

Many daughters of court officials

prefer to have their tutors teach them at home

instead of studying in the Inner Court School.

We have been there before,

so we know the root of the problem.

Any idea

how we can change it?

I...

Yin Zheng is now the Crown Prince.

He oversees all internal and external affairs now.

And so do you.

Just speak frankly.

If you make a mistake,

just regard it as a harmless joke.

More and more women are willing

to venture out like us.

They work, start a business, or feed themselves.

The daughters or spouses of those officials

must be more experienced and knowledgeable.

Naturally, they are reluctant

to study how to be a wife and a mother

in the Inner Court School.

So you think

the school can teach them how to earn a livelihood?

Xin State is transforming.

Women have more freedom

and the result also shows

that women can contribute too.

However, Xin State is a traditional state.

But this can't be rushed.

[Silence and Calmness]

His Lordship has to read memorandums in the palace every day.

He leaves early and comes back late.

But now

that you're the Crown Prince's Consort,

you have to write memorandums too?

With great power comes great responsibility.

Do you have any leads?

Too many.

I have so many criticisms

for the Inner Court School,

but I have to find an area

that can usher in a new change

without offending anyone.

That's it then.

Madam, you now look like a madam.

So I didn't before?

-Not even the slightest. -Not even the slightest.

Go ahead.

You're back.

What time is it?

The hour of Zi.

So late.

Yes.

It is late.

It's time to sleep.

Have you eaten?

I had the cakes you made.

Madam.

Sorry.

Come back.

Too wet.

Your Lordship.

Greetings, Mother.

I'm not surprised that you wish to abolish the lecture on Lessons for Women

But I thought you would teach them the art of trade.

Instead, you decided to start a culinary class.

Yes.

But we're not teaching them how to cook,

but rather how to create their own dietary regime

and eat healthily.

Using food to improve health.

Those who learn it can be a cook

or a food critic.

Delicacies of Nine States

needs those roles.

Have a seat.

You're just trying to find candidates

for your Women Chamber of Commerce, aren't you?

Yes and no.

I just believe

that food is a necessity.

But something fundamental like this

is a good starting point to ease everyone into thinking

that women can decide what to eat.

Soon, women can decide what to wear

and where to go.

It's a path of self-empowerment.

I love it.

[Memorandum, New Nine State Selection]

Ridiculous.

You just assumed the position of the Crown Prince's Consort

and you summoned me here

just so that you could warp

and discard the ancestral rules.

Lessons for Women

is an important class for women of Xin State.

You have no right to abolish it.

Calm down, Momo.

Rules are made by people,

and so they shall serve

the interest of the current population.

Presently, women

want to venture out of their homes,

to have a bigger stage.

The abolition of Lessons for Women

is so that they

could learn more useful things

within their limited time.

Is that a bad thing, Momo?

Blasphemy.

Madam He said yes to this.

Yan Momo, are you defying Madam He now?

Ask Madam He to talk to me in person then.

Otherwise, I will not concede.

I will ask Madam He to intervene.

That will show her her rightful place.

Don't escalate the entire issue.

A reform does not come easily.

If we have to bother Madam He

for a small hiccup,

then we will have to

face more trouble.

Okay.

But we can't get through Yan Momo.

What should we do?

We give her a lesson.

What are you doing?

Is this a revolt?

Yan Momo, I'm sure

you have heard of the Delicacies of Nine States.

Today, you're here

to taste

our dishes.

I will have none of your dishes.

Let me go now,

or I'll inform the Palace Affairs Department.

You will suffer.

If you can't finish them,

you will suffer too.

How dare you!

I am daring.

Momo, just eat and you can leave.

If you don't eat,

we'll force it down your throat.

Force it down my throat?

I'm telling you now.

If this is what you want,

I'd rather die

than eat it.

Your perseverance is touching.

What do you mean?

If you want to leave,

you can leave whenever.

If you can stay,

please have a taste of our dishes.

We will be grateful for your help.

Momo, we forced you to eat just now.

You didn't like it, did you?

As you can see, when you force someone to do something,

it won't be pretty.

Even if it's just a meal,

if you're not willing to eat it,

you won't taste the good in it.

Momo,

would you like to eat with us?

Fine.

You don't have the guts to poison me anyway.

We have four sauces here.

You can mix and match the dishes

to the sauces as you wish.

We apologize for the roughhousing just now.

Momo, you have a kind soul.

We have learned

that you can't leave the palace

because back then,

you gave the spot away to the maid

who entered the palace with you.

You took pity on her back then,

but why aren't you willing

to change the Inner Court School now?

This first step might be able

to lead to a change in the palace rules.

And maybe

no one will have to go through the same suffering.

My friend who left the palace back then

did not study the rules here properly.

So she failed to fulfill her womanly role

and received no protection from her husband.

She died of sickness within a year.

If the Inner Court School did not prepare

the women for their lives,

what would become of them?

So,

you are harsh on us

so that we can learn our roles sooner rather than later

and have a better life.

Sorry.

We misunderstood you.

But, Momo, do you agree with the rules?

Not necessarily, right?

Just like me from back then.

Losing my true self

in hope of a tiny return.

But concession after concession

leaves you with nothing.

True happiness

has to be earned on our own.

If you have more skill sets, you don't have to rely on anyone.

Don't worry, Momo.

Regardless of what the Inner Court School becomes,

you'll always be our momo.

Momo.

We understand your intention.

Maybe sticking to the rules

might bring a better yield.

But things have changed.

It's different now.

We should accept changes,

not fear them.

Momo, can you

give us a chance?

Sixth Young Madam, your sauces are amazing.

I'll bring more to you next time then.

Try this.

This is delicious too.

I braised the ribs for many hours.

This is our restaurant's signature dish.

Yin Zheng.

I came with supper.

Yin...

You're asleep?

I got you.

You pretended to be asleep.

You came back later than me.

How did it go?

Yan Momo is a big softie.

There were some problems,

but it's all good now.

As expected from my wife.

My amazing wife.

Sleep now.

Otherwise, you won't be able to wake up tomorrow.

The day is almost gone.

We have to do something.

Do what?

Sleep now.

Otherwise, you won't be able to wake up tomorrow.

I finally get to see you.

I don't want to sleep now.

Do you miss me that much?

Yes.

So, so much.

You're busy every day

and have no time to eat.

You know what?

Let's write down our itinerary every day.

Itinerary?

It'll contain many details, down to every quarter of the hour.

And you arrange it according to your priority.

If someone wants to see you, he or she has to make an appointment.

You will have prior knowledge of what to discuss and when to meet.

And then, you free yourself during mealtime.

When

it's about time,

Su Shen will remind the kitchen.

I like this idea.

It's clear and effective.

And then,

I know what your schedule is like

and I can free myself too.

Then, we can meet up.

Even if it's just 15 minutes,

I still want to spend it with you.

15 minutes?

That's not enough.

Dirty-minded.

I'm going to sleep now.

Not just me.

You have to write yours too.

You're busy

and I need to know your itinerary too.

Let's sleep.

You have done a marvelous job

in governing.

The ministers sing praises of you.

During my patrol,

I noticed that the new monetary system

has reached the border too.

One thing stuck out in particular.

The more southern I went,

the more businesswomen I saw.

The local tax system benefits greatly from that.

But here in the capital,

we have Women Chamber of Commerce,

but it does not expand.

If you wish, My Lord,

you just have to issue an edict

and the capital shall do a better job than the southern region.

In that case,

I

will let you handle it.

I mean

you can continue to govern on my behalf.

I quite like my free time now.

And it's time for me to give up some control

so that you can accumulate some experience.

Noted.

Zheng.

I will still attend the court assembly next month.

Father wants me

to return to the Ministry of Rites first.

Congratulations, Jun.

Although it's history now,

I owe you an apology.

In Canghe,

I shouldn't have been blinded by my greed

and made that mistake

to put you in jeopardy.

You have changed a lot after the tour.

I followed Father and saw many things.

The launching of the new monetary system

did help the citizens.

Of course,

your personal interest is in it too.

But everyone can see

that you still have the public's interest in mind.

I wouldn't be able

to do that.

I look up to you.

To get to your position,

you had many paths to choose from.

Yet you chose

the most difficult one.

Jun.

What is your plan then?

Father has made his message clear.

I do not have any other hopes either.

I just want to be with Xiyuan

and raise my son.

The Ministry of Rites does not have a lot of work.

Putting you in charge of it will be a waste of your talent.

What if I let you work

in the Ministry of Nine States Affairs?

You still trust me?

The relationship within the nine states requires diplomacy

and you are good at it.

If you can run the Ministry of Nine States Affairs,

you'll be able to contribute more.

Zheng.

[Zhaoqian Hall]

[Memorandum]

Your Lordship...

(To the Sixth Young Lord,)

(though you might be busy,)

(pray don't forget to move around)

(once in a while.)

(Eat three meals a day,)

(work hard, and think about your wife.)

(That is the way of a husband.)

(Postscript:)

(Your itinerary suggests)

(that you can rest for half a day in two days.)

(If the Sixth Young Lord would like,)

(please accompany me on a natural excursion)

(to admire the beauty of spring.)

Your Lordship,

Madam wrote it, didn't she?

What did she write

that puts a big smile on your face?

Is she here?

In Jinghe Hall.

Help me deliver something.

What?

Young Madam.

This is the name list of the newly recruited maids.

The beautiful ones

[List of Maids] are on the last two rows.

Why is that?

Just an old rule in the palace.

I'm sure you don't like

to assign beautiful maids

to serve His Lordship.

Thanks, Liu Momo.

But let's judge them

by their character

and ability.

Don't let their good appearance

hinder their career.

But what if His Lordship takes a liking to them?

He won't.

Right.

Right.

Madam.

Eat now.

The dishes will become cold.

Madam.

His Lordship asked me to deliver this to you.

That's his favorite dish.

Why did he give it to me?

The Imperial Kitchen knows His Lordship loves it

and they made some for him.

But His Lordship said

fresh shepherd's purse is hard to come by this season,

so he asked me to fetch some for you.

[Duly noted. We shall admire the beauty together.]

Madam,

His Lordship agreed

to go out with you later?

Madam.

Do you like it?

Superintendent Su,

please deliver this dish

to him.

He loves it.

Noted.

They sure are a loving couple.

They just have to share their meal.

Your Lordship,

Madam was over the moon

when she saw your gift.

And then,

she asked me to give you another dish.

[Understood]

[Understood]

Your Lordship.

Perhaps you could write some more

to save me the legwork?

You know what?

Prepare a horse carriage for me for the day after tomorrow.

Noted.

I want to show her a place.

Where?

It is beautiful.

Where did you come across this spot?

Do you like it?

I do.

We'll bury ourselves here then.

No fever.

You don't like it?

This is the best cemetery in Xin State.

In terms of Fengshui, that is.

You're talking about something that will happen after a few decades.

What I want to say is...

We

will always be together.

Till death do us part.

Till death do us part?

But we'll be buried next to each other.

What an interesting person the Sixth Young Lord is.

You express your love differently.

You haven't said yes.

Yes.

I will be with you forever.

♪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♪

♪The greatest moment in life♪

♪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♪