Original subtitles

[New Life Begins]

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

[Episode 40]

What are you looking at? You look so serious.

You didn't even come out for lunch.

The new round of selection is coming.

All these memorials

are talking about this.

I came to Xin State because of the selection,

and I met you,

but

not everyone can be so lucky.

They all come involuntarily.

So personally,

I've always wanted to change this.

I get it.

I also made the Lady of Dan State a promise.

If I ever get to be in power,

I will revise this unreasonable marriage alliance system.

Actually,

I've been having this idea.

Tell me about it.

What's the matter?

Is something bothering you?

If you have anything to say, just say it.

I hope

we could stop the selection system

that forces girls to marry into Xin State.

I hope we can implement free intermarriage

and monogamy.

This way,

women will have the right to choose their own husbands.

But this year's selection is already in preparation.

What are you going to do about it?

I think the selection can carry on,

but instead of choosing concubine candidates,

we are selecting talents.

We will gather talents from the nine states.

Women can also join the court as officials.

This way,

we can maintain the harmony of the nine states

and allow women to pursue the life they want.

Your wife came up

with this idea, didn't she?

This is a great idea.

Since you are the Crown Prince,

it's your call.

Thank you, Father.

I'm getting old.

I can't take care of so many things anymore.

I can't even beat you in weiqi now.

Look.

I lost again.

It's just a game of weiqi.

[Delicacies of Nine States] A few days ago, Li Wei and I discussed the need

to give more women the opportunity to work.

So we are going to open another branch

of the Women Chamber of Commerce.

Shopkeeper Zhou,

what do you think about this?

It is a good thing.

It's just

that this will require more money, I'm afraid.

There might be risks.

I have a good solution.

When did you get here?

I've always been here.

My dear Haitang,

don't habitually ignore me, all right?

Cut it out.

What's your solution?

You're worried about the risk of not having enough money, right?

The new round of Nine State Selection

is about to start.

According to my experience,

the rent in the capital will definitely increase.

I intend to acquire some new properties.

And rent them all out.

The price of the properties will be doubled by then.

We will make a lot of money every day.

He wants to make money from everything.

Are you guys going to join me?

We will make a fortune.

The days go by so fast.

A fortune!

The selection is starting soon.

Let's go see Li Wei.

Let's go.

Don't.

Why are you leaving?

Are you girls in or not?

If you don't join me, I will...

Oh, right.

Opening a branch requires money.

Take it from the account.

If it's not enough, I will cover it.

All right.

Hang on.

Fine.

You're pretending I'm invisible again.

Madam,

Hao Jia and Haitang are here.

Wei.

What brings you here?

We heard that the new Nine State Selection

will start soon.

So, we came here right away.

We think

that you are the only one who can do it.

We don't want to put you on the spot,

but this isn't the only selection,

there will still be another one.

If it could be done three years earlier,

more women could be helped

three years earlier.

So, you're saying that...

-Cancel the Nine State Selection. -Cancel the Nine State Selection.

But the selection is still going on this year.

But they are choosing female officials.

-Female officials? -Female officials?

Do you know what this is?

Property deeds?

Wrong.

This is the code to wealth.

Haitang.

Have you made up your mind?

Are you going to make big money with me?

Make money, my foot!

You are still thinking of making dirty money like this?

Why is this dirty money?

Yin An, listen to me.

They'll no longer select concubine candidates starting this year.

They are choosing officials now.

Stop coming up with dirty ideas like this.

Choosing officials?

Are you talking about choosing female officials?

That's right.

Female officials.

It's hard enough for women

who come to Xin State from other states.

And you want to make money from them?

You heartless,

conscienceless bastard.

No.

I'm confiscating these.

As long as I'm alive,

I won't let you do this.

Haitang.

Don't take it all away.

Tang!

Oh no.

The code of wealth is gone.

Gone, my foot!

Xiyan.

Are you thinking

that I'm a jerk?

Why aren't you saying anything?

Say something.

It's fine.

Your Lordship,

I never feel that way.

I know you're lying to me.

You look down on me.

Haitang

and the Solar Term Ladies,

to them,

I'm a bad guy who does nothing but evil.

They

are very discerning.

But I'm doing this for their own good.

I want to buy these houses

and earn rental income

because I heard them say

that they want to open more branches

and recruit more women workers.

That's why I want to do this.

This idea may be bad.

But the money for renting the room

isn't paid by the women who come to participate in the selection

but by their families.

Those people

delightedly send their daughters to Xin State.

None of them is a good person.

Why shouldn't I make money from them?

But...

Not all of them

willingly send their daughters here.

Some people don't have a choice.

You're right.

I didn't think about that.

But I couldn't think of a better way at the time.

Now they are recruiting female officials.

All the more reason I shouldn't earn this money.

No matter what,

you are well-intentioned, but you made a mistake.

But

why didn't you explain it to Madam just now?

I know Haitang the best.

She is usually very tolerant,

but if she really gets mad,

she won't listen to anything.

Forget it.

That's the kind of person I am in her mind, anyway.

There's nothing to explain to her.

Well, I think

Madam has probably cooled off now.

Go and find her.

Explain it to her.

Do you think she will listen to me?

Talk nicely.

I think she will.

Come here.

Don't, Your Lordship.

Thank you.

Actually, Third Young Lord isn't a bad person,

but he's really silly.

She's average.

Just average.

Three points.

This one looks pretty,

but she has this frown and a fierce look on her face.

Five points.

This one's face is too big.

This one is good-looking too.

In terms of looks, I can give her a rating of eight points.

How is it, Zai?

What do you think?

Yue, are you done?

How much longer do I have to sit here?

Can I go and have braised pork belly now?

Braised pork belly is very greasy.

It's not good at all.

I don't know what they have been busy working on.

None of them come to hang out with me.

Stay with me a little longer.

Come on.

What do you think of this girl's looks?

Is she worth eight points?

I think it's rude to rate these girls

like this.

I don't want to hang out with you anymore.

Hey,

Zai...

She's just all right.

What are you doing?

Han!

Where are you going?

I'm leaving Xin State.

We will never

see each other again.

Where are you going?

Do you really need to ask?

The Nine State Selection

is coming.

If you want to get married,

go on and get married yourself.

I don't want that.

I'm leaving.

Why don't you want to get a wife?

Besides,

I found you.

Do you think I will let you go?

If Father blames me,

will he let me live?

Seriously.

Yue,

take good care of yourself.

Don't blame me.

Why?

This is good.

This way,

you can't harm other people.

Ninth Young Lord?

Actually,

I need to tell you

the Nine State Selection...

is canceled.

However, it's not completely canceled.

They are choosing them to be officials instead.

-What? -What?

-It's canceled just like that? -It's canceled just like that?

No more inhumane nightmares

like arranged marriages!

No more arranged marriages

that can help a lot of people?

I can't believe it happened!

I'm so lucky!

I haven't got a wife yet.

Why am I always the one who gets hurt?

I want to get married.

I don't even get a chance.

[Dan State, Mo State, Ji State]

[Zhang Zao'er, Ji State]

Can I not go?

I want to go home.

[Zhang Zao'er, 16 years old, naive and innocent by nature]

You went through them?

The female official candidates from each state

are entering the palace today.

Ji State sent only one girl again this year.

And her father took over the position

that my father had previously held.

Really?

Looks like this girl shares an affinity with you.

All right.

Send her in.

You can go in.

Momo.

I brought all these from my hometown.

You're from Ji State, aren't you?

How do you know?

The last girl from Ji State brought the same stuff.

All right.

Put your stuff away.

Go in.

Thank you, Momo.

Momo,

I would like to ask you something.

Can I talk to you for a moment?

Check it.

Go on.

What do you want to talk to me about?

What will happen

if I try to escape today?

Nothing will happen.

Sixth Young Madam.

Give her her bag.

Come with me.

I can eat all of these?

Of course.

You are so nice.

Use another pair of chopsticks to take the food.

Sit down and eat.

You didn't have enough for lunch, did you?

No.

There are so many rules.

And

if I get unlucky and get selected,

it'll be over for me.

You don't want to get selected?

Who would come all the way here

to marry someone they don't even know?

So what if he's the Young Lord of Xin State?

So you thought you came here to participate

in the marriage alliance selection.

What else?

I ran out here.

They won't come and arrest me, will they?

My father is just a minor official in Ji State.

I really don't want to implicate my family.

They won't.

Don't worry.

I'll protect you.

Really?

I can see from your clothes

that you must have an important status in the palace.

The momo just now

was also respectful to you.

Then...

I'll dig in then.

Where are you from in Ji State?

I am from Yunxi Town, Langyue County.

My name is Zhang Zao'er.

Langyue County.

You know Langyue County?

You're from Ji State too?

I heard my father say before

that the last girl who came out of Ji State

is now the wife of the Crown Prince.

She's really legendary.

Just now the other momos called you Sixth Young Madam.

I think that's you.

It really is you.

You are a legend back home.

I never thought I would see you.

You...

Can you get me out of here?

You'd better eat first.

I have to

take you back later.

Right.

You are the Crown Prince's wife.

You can't get me out of here.

Don't worry.

I owe you one

because of this meal.

I won't tell on you.

Look at Xin State's palace.

It's so different from ours.

Where are you all from?

I'm from Cang State.

I'm from Jin State.

Jin State? That's a good place.

Yes.

Go on.

Thank you.

If I really get unlucky and get selected,

can I go and hang out with you?

Of course.

I'm from Dan State.

My hometown is famous for its spicy cuisine.

We usually drink this tea to relieve the spiciness.

I will take you there and let you try it next time.

What position do you all want to apply for?

I want to join the Ministry of Rites.

Ministry of Revenue.

I want to join the Ministry of Revenue too.

We will join together.

I grew up learning martial arts.

I want to join the Warden's Office.

The Warden's Office?

Position?

What are you talking about?

Aren't we here for the concubine selection

to marry the Young Lord of Xin State?

Marry the Young Lord of Xin State?

What concubine selection?

You don't know?

Which state are you from?

I'm from Ji State.

What don't I know?

The Nine State Selection has been reformed.

It's no longer concubine selection

but talent selection.

We are all here for the selection of female officials.

Female official?

You are not well-informed there, are you?

Don't be afraid.

No one will force you to get married anymore.

Wei.

What are you doing?

I'm teasing a kid.

What position do you think I am suitable for?

How about a cook?

I like food.

And I'm good at making it.

It's the court music.

The selection is about to begin.

Selection of female officials in Xin State begins now.

Award the jade pendant.

Award.

[Jiang Honglian, the Warden's Office, Dan State]

[Yue Xin, Ministry of Rites, Yan State]

[Zhang Zao'er, Ministry of Rites, Ji State]

Bow!

Bow again!

Enter the palace!

What?

There is really no one who is willing to go on a blind date with me?

Tenth Young Lord,

please forgive me for being blunt.

You have an infamous reputation

in the blind date circle in the nine states.

Now that the Nine State Selection has been abolished.

From now on, I'm afraid

you'll have to get your own wife

by changing yourself and stopping being cheesy.

I...

You guys are so cruel to me!

How can you do this?

What are you doing?

Arranging the dishes.

These dishes look familiar.

These are the dishes that you ate in secret during your selection.

Today is a special day.

I asked Liu Baoquan to make them again.

If it weren't for these dishes,

I wouldn't have met you,

let alone married you.

Oh, come on.

You married me

just to free the Lord of Xin State from worries.

You made it sound like you already liked me back then.

It's not impossible.

So, you already fell in love with me

back then?

Not really.

It's not funny.

You're mad.

The first time I saw you,

I didn't get mad at you even though you laid out the dishes like this.

Look.

(At that time, I was thinking)

(how there could be such a strange person.)

(You were strange and a little bit interesting.)

(I couldn't get mad at you.)

Who are you?

Which house are you from?

Sixth Young Lord?

(We got married by mistake.)

(Yet you misunderstood that I was dying.)

(You actually wore mourning for me.)

Excuse me.

My stomach illness won't kill me.

(Later, I promised you)

(that I would try to send you home.)

(But when we were in Dan State,)

(you said that when you returned to Ji State,)

(you wanted to find someone you love and who loves you back.)

(It was then that I realized)

(that I want to be a part of your life)

(for the rest of it.)

I hope that is a person

I like,

and he also likes me.

I lost.

So

when exactly did you fall in love with me?

Actually, I don't know either.

As time goes on, there is no room in my eyes

for anyone else besides you.

Despite leading such a simple life with you,

I don't feel bored at all.

Do you find this answer satisfactory?

It's just all right.

[Delicacies of Nine States]

Grain Rain.

Minor Snow.

[Minor Snow]

-Over time. -Wait.

Beginning of Spring.

[Beginning of Spring]

Fine.

You are...

Grain... Grain Buds.

Wrong!

[Major Heat] I'm Major Heat!

Your face is so small. How can your name be Major Heat?

Are you saying I have a big face?

No, no.

What about me?

Grain in Ear.

[Spring Equinox]

Wrong.

What have you memorized?

No.

Believe me.

I will try harder

to remember all their names, all right?

I heard that.

Shuffle. Rearrange.

Say their real names.

Easy there, Madam.

These dishes are fine.

Leave longevity noodles to me.

Madam.

What are you reading?

You are so into it.

Tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Madam He entrusted me with the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet.

I was going through the menu.

By the way,

Yuan Ying is coming tomorrow.

She is coming to lecture the newly appointed female officials.

During the day tomorrow, you...

I'll be out of town tomorrow during the day.

Third Young Lord sold a few old stores

to buy some new stores for the Women Chamber of Commerce.

I have to check it out.

Then, at night...

I have to prepare the palace banquet at night.

Fine.

Get on with your work.

I will get back to my work then.

Go on.

Goodbye, Madam.

Your Lordship,

you have something to tell her?

What's there to tell?

Madam,

we lied to His Lordship.

He won't really get angry, right?

He won't.

Why would he really get angry?

That's true.

His Lordship has a good temper.

And he's so nice to you.

Your Lordship.

Your Lordship,

it's time.

It's time for you to attend the Mid-Autumn banquet at Jinghe Hall.

Got it.

[Purchase and Sale Contract]

I've come all the way out here.

I finally closed a deal with the branch.

I wonder how much dividend I can get next year.

What's wrong?

Madam,

the axle is broken.

It can't go on.

If I don't get back in time, it will be too late.

He just arrived.

Father.

Mother.

You're here, Zheng.

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival.

You are late.

You are still so busy even on holiday?

It's an official affair.

Where is Li Wei?

Just now she was wrapping up things in the restaurant.

I think she will arrive soon.

Just now, Qi...

All right.

So,

almost everyone is here.

Let's get seated.

Come, An.

Maybe we should start without her.

Today's mid-autumn reunion is a rare occasion.

Let's start eating first.

All right.

Start the banquet.

Here.

Dig in, everyone.

All right.

Here.

-Here. -Have some.

Here. Meatballs.

Give me a piece of beef.

It looks pretty good.

Have some more.

[Kitchen]

Well...

The banquet has started.

Why isn't Madam here yet?

Did something happen to her?

It's a great day today. Don't jinx it!

Listen.

Madam.

Have you prepared all ingredients for longevity noodles?

Yes.

All right. Let's get started.

-Let's get started. -Let's go.

Wait.

It's too high.

I can't get off.

Madam, easy there.

-Let's go. -Hurry.

Have some more.

All right.

Here.

I will get you more food.

What do you want to eat?

Chicken wings.

Get him some chicken wings.

This is good.

I'm sure you will like this.

After the Mid-Autumn Festival, I'm going to leave for Dai State.

Dai State is a great place.

Take me with you.

Depends on your attitude.

What attitude?

I am speaking from my heart.

I heard that your cosmetics stall

has become famous in the capital.

If you need financial support,

let me know anytime.

I'm not going to take anyone's money.

I want to see

how far I can go on my own.

In the past, I just wanted to rely on someone.

In the future, only I am worthy to be my own master.

You can go

as far as you want.

You too, Official Yuan.

Here.

Today,

we don't need to make a toast, right?

No, we don't.

Everyone knows us now.

We can just eat in silence.

All right.

Haitang,

after two days of hard practice,

I won't make any mistakes again.

I will be able

to tell 16 of them separately.

Stop bluffing.

Last time, and the time before that,

you said that too.

This time is really different.

Yao Man,

double eyelids, high nose bridge.

Dai Chu,

oval-shaped face, round eyes.

One eyebrow is high, the other low.

That's because she didn't do her makeup well.

You are the one with one eyebrow high, the other low.

It's me.

It's lively today.

Why aren't Han and Yue here?

It's the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Delicacies of Nine States is hectic.

Han went to help out.

Yue heard

that no girl in the whole Xin State

is willing to go on a blind date with him.

He went to other states to try his luck.

Every one of my children

is worrisome.

I'm not, I'm not.

Yes, you are not.

Why isn't Li Wei here yet?

I can't pretend any longer.

Hang in there.

She should be here soon.

Don't waste our efforts.

Eat your food.

All right.

She's here.

She's so beautiful today.

You're finally here.

[Happy birthday, Yin Zheng]

As always,

you need to unveil it yourself.

All right.

Good.

I was dying to tell.

I thought you forgot.

I lied.

I would never forget it.

Zheng,

your birthday and the Mid-Autumn Festival fall on the same day.

Everyone remembers.

Really?

Really.

Your wife asked us to hide it from you.

Don't be mad at us, Sixth Young Lord.

Yes.

Li Wei has been preparing for a long time.

She wants to surprise you.

From now on,

we will celebrate your birthday with you every year.

All right.

Yes.

-We will celebrate with you. -We will celebrate with you.

Here, everyone.

Now that Li Wei is here,

let's fill our cups with liquor.

I brought this liquor

from Jin State to cheer you up.

I know this liquor.

You may not be able to get it even if you have money.

Here.

Let's drink more today,

all right?

With this liquor,

let's wish Zheng

good fortune and long life.

-Yes. -Yes.

May you have good fortune and long life.

Thank you.

Let's dig in.

Why aren't you drinking?

I may not be able to drink anymore from now on.

Why?

The imperial physician has come to check on me.

He said...

You are going to be a father.

Seriously?

I'm only telling you in secret.

We will tell everyone when the fetus is stable.

All right.

I propose,

since everyone is here today,

let's raise your cups

to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Yes, yes.

Here.

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

It's very sweet.

An.

The mooncake is sweet.

I have to bring some back

for my Solar Term Ladies.

Your Solar Term Ladies?

I will kick you off the roof if you say nonsense again.

No.

Not mine.

It's good.

Try it.

It's so sweet.

Sweetness is the taste of life.

If this were the old Yuan Ying,

she would have said that we must restrain ourselves.

But look at her now.

That's right.

She is better now.

Here you go.

Actually,

I don't like to eat sweet things now.

I want to eat something spicy.

Oh, cut it out.

Qi,

what are your plans after the festival?

I told Father

that we'll leave right after the festival.

We'll go to Dai State first,

and then, along the way,

we will visit the places we haven't been to.

We will try

to travel all over nine states as soon as we can.

It's well planned, Fifth Young Lord.

He's just boasting.

He gets lost when he goes out.

Travel all over nine states?

It's good enough that you can tell the nine states apart.

He just can't improve.

What about you, An?

Ask Haitang.

I'll do whatever she wants to do.

That's more like it.

I wonder where everyone will be

this time next year.

Will we still get together like today?

How about this?

Let's make a pact.

Every Mid-Autumn Festival from now on,

no matter where we are

and what we are doing,

let's get together to enjoy the moon,

all right?

It's a promise.

The moon is so beautiful.

Next year will be better than this year.

What about the year after?

Even better.

And the year after that?

Even better and better.

And the year after that?

Even better, better, and better.

And the year after that?

Even better, better, better, and better.

♪Fireworks in the sky remind me of our memories♪

It's so beautiful!

♪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♪

♪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♪