Original subtitles

The Rise of Ning

Episode 1

[Capital]

Miss Yining,

it's been a long time.

You've been at the villa and refuse to get back.

Why you agree to the Old Lady's request?

[Luo Yining]

It's her 60th birthday. [Luo Yining]

Of course I have to come back.

Are you planning to stay at Luo Mansion this time?

Of course not.

We'll leave after visiting my grandmother and mother.

But you're granddaughter of the Luo family.

You can't just...

They are not kind.

They have complicated and insincere relationships.

It's much better living at the villa.

Peaceful and free.

If the Luo family were really great,

grandmother wouldn't have sent me to the villa.

It's too dangerous for you.

[Luo Yining, in Her Childhood]

That's right, Miss Yining. [Luo Yining, in Her Childhood]

[Luo Yining, in Her Childhood]

If something happens, [Luo Yining, in Her Childhood]

we can't bear the consequences.

[Minglan Hall] we can't bear the consequences.

[Minglan Hall]

Come down, please. [Minglan Hall]

[Minglan Hall]

What are you doing?

Stop moving those things.

Don't touch my mother's belongings.

Don't take them.

They're my mother's.

[Minglan Hall]

Don't take it down.

What are you doing?

Don't hurt her.

Let go of her.

[Qiao Yuechan]

Concubine Qiao,

please make them stop.

It's your father's decision.

The feng shui of our mansion needs to be adjusted.

Well,

if we tear down this place,

we can build a large pond.

That will be great.

If we do so,

your grandmother will be fine,

and your father will be promoted

step by step in his career.

No way.

My mother only left this place for me.

Stop now.

You can't go there.

Yining,

they'll... they'll hurt you.

You really shouldn't go there.

Let go of me.

Concubine Qiao!

Go and get the doctor!

Okay.

Concubine Qiao!

Darling,

it's my fault.

I had a miscarriage.

I know

you cared a lot about him.

You did nothing wrong.

He should have been

our first son.

[Luo Chengzhang]

Yining, [Luo Chengzhang]

[Luo Chengzhang]

I can forgive the mistakes you make

from time to time,

but it is different this time.

I'll ask you one more time.

Do you admit that you are wrong?

No, I don't.

Someone!

Take her to the Quiet Hall.

Make her kneel.

Without my permission,

do not release her.

Failure to teach is the father's fault.

If you continue to indulge her,

she may bring great misfortune to our Luo family.

The baby in Yuechan's womb

was lost because of her.

Send Yining

to her mother's villa.

Grandmother, do I really have to go?

I don't want you to stay

with Concubine Qiao.

It's good for you.

If I really grew up in the Luo Mansion,

who knows what I might have become.

About what happened back then,

aren't you planning to prove your innocence?

Concubine Qiao is quite cunning.

And this matter

has been so long ago.

It's likely that there are no clues left.

However,

you needn't explain it

to the person

who trust you.

Someone has fainted ahead.

Miss Yining,

it seems to be a refugee.

Qingqu, check his pulse.

Xuezhi, go and get some food

and some clothes.

Yes.

How strange!

There doesn't seem to be anything wrong.

Let's go and get some medicine from the carriage.

Get in.

You're wearing fine silk underwear.

You're not a refugee.

What are you trying to do?

You have some clever tricks,

but it's too late.

Let go of her.

Don't move.

Otherwise, I'll kill her right now.

Get in.

Qingqu!

Go!

It's you again.

Who are you?

Why can't you spare me?

Li Yinglong,

you know what you've done over the years.

We're just here to uphold justice and take your life.

Chase!

Miss Yining!

Are you alright?

Luckily, they are not after me.

Qingqu and Xuezhi,

let's go.

Young Master,

if we keep pretending to chase him,

he'll quickly take the mastermind behind

the wrongful case of Mr. Chen as his backing.

Qi An will be watching him.

Apart from that,

[Luo Shenyuan]

we must rely on ourselves. [Luo Shenyuan]

[Luo Shenyuan]

We must find the testimony. [Luo Shenyuan]

But it's in a painting of Mr. Luo.

He had so many paintings.

we've checked them all.

No matter what,

I'll clear my teacher's name.

It's the Old Lady's birthday.

Being out too long will attract attention.

Let's go back.

Alright.

[Luo Mansion]

Congratulations!

Please.

Come inside.

Look over there!

Arrange for more people.

And keep a close watch over here.

Yes.

Come on, sit over there.

Alright.

Congratulations!

Thank you.

[Lin Hairu]

So many guests. Sorry for the poor reception. [Lin Hairu]

Please.

The Deputy Minister of Justice's wife,

Madam Jiang has arrived.

Madam Jiang!

Greetings, Madam Jiang.

Isn't that Madam Jiang?

Jiang...

[Chen Lan] Long time no see.

[Chen Lan]

The Old Lady often speaks of you. [Chen Lan]

Greetings, Madam Chen.

My husband said the Jiang and Luo families have shared a bond for years.

We should keep it.

For the Old Lady's birthday,

I had to come.

Take me to see the Old Lady.

No rush, Madam Jiang.

Please sit and have some tea in the garden.

The Old Lady will be here soon.

I heard that Mr. Jiang

has recently been promoted

as the Deputy Minister of Justice.

Congratulations!

To be recognized by the Emperor

is a blessing for our Jiang family.

Mr. Luo Chengwen is still serving outside

and couldn't come back?

Indeed.

However, he did send

a birthday gift for the Old Lady in advance.

Madam Jiang, this way, please.

This way, please.

Take care.

Madam Li.

You must be Mr. Li's wife, Madam Li.

Greetings.

And you must be

Madam Lin, Mr. Luo Chengzhang's wife.

You are truly graceful.

This is a gift for the Old Lady.

Madam Li,

this is Madam Lin.

That is Concubine Qiao.

Madam Li, please excuse me.

Ruixiang, take the gift.

Thank you for your kind words, Madam Li.

Today is the Old Lady's birthday.

Chengzhang sent me here

to help with the reception.

Biyi, take the gift.

Yes.

Madam Li, come this way.

Your outfit is truly beautiful.

Really? Thank you.

[Mrs. Luo, the Old Lady]

Mother.

The guests have arrived.

The blessing ceremony is about to begin.

Shall I accompany you outside now?

What's the rush?

Someone hasn't arrived yet.

You're waiting for someone?

However,

the wife of new Deputy Minister of Justice,

Madam Jiang, has already arrived.

Madam Jiang comes today

for the engagement between the Luo and Jiang families

that your father arranged back then.

Son, what's your plan?

I plan to marry Yilian to their son.

But you should know Yining is your legitimate daughter.

Yilian is the daughter of a concubine.

That would be highly improper.

Mother, I'd like to discuss this matter

with you further.

I was planning to record Yilian under Hairu's name

after your birthday banquet

so that she would rightfully be recognized as legitimate.

You know,

back then, Yuechan marrying me

was indeed a sacrifice for her.

Now, Mr. Qiao

is at least a learned scholar,

and the Qiao family is a scholarly one.

I think Yilian deserves to marry into the Jiang family.

I can tell

that all these years you have resented me

for marrying Minglan to you as a wife

so that you couldn't

take Qiao Yuechan as your legitimate wife.

But Chengzhang,

as her father,

you have neglected Yining

for so many years.

I'm sorry.

Mother, speaking of which,

it is Yining's stubbornness

that has kept her from returning.

You...

Madam,

here.

Mother!

Quick!

Medicine! Here!

Mother!

You must take care of yourself!

Give me your hand.

I don't want to see you.

I will go and take my seat

on my own in time.

Yes, Mother.

Madam, sit down.

Be careful.

Come on.

How does Qiao Yuechan

manage to have such a hold on my son?

Madam,

today is your birthday.

Don't get angry.

Fortunately, back then

you sent Miss Yining away

before she could be influenced.

If it weren't for my health condition,

I would have kept Yining by my side

and taken good care of her.

[Luo Mansion]

Congratulations!

Do you have an invitation?

What invitation?

This is Miss Luo Yining.

She's back for the Old Lady's birthday.

Miss Luo Yining?

We don't know her.

I grew up at the villa.

You can ask Butler Bai to come out here.

We are busy welcoming guests.

We have no time to do that for you.

Just wait over there.

- What attitude... - Qingqu!

It's Grandmother's birthday.

Don't cause a scene.

Do you know where you are, girl?

I'll report you to the authorities.

They have always governed with filial piety in our dynasty.

I have promised Grandmother

to come back for her birthday.

If I don't show up, it would be unfilial.

You can block me here today.

If Grandmother gives a punishment, I cannot bear it, so it will fall on you.

Miss Yining, you're finally here!

The Old Lady has been waiting for you.

- Butler Bai, the servants here are truly... - Xuezhi!

Did they offend you?

That's alright.

Besides,

I have not returned for years.

Butler Bai, please

take me to meet Grandmother.

Yes.

Please.

Madam Jiang,

do you genuinely want to break off the engagement?

Madam,

I really don't want to bring this up today,

but...

It's such a breach of promise

that even merchants wouldn't act this way.

Madam Jiang,

the betrothal between the Luo and Jiang families

was established when my husband

and your grandfather were alive.

This is not a trivial matter.

How about this?

You can go back to discuss it with Mrs. Jiang,

and then we can talk about it again.

That makes sense, Madam.

I'll go to talk with Mr. and Mrs. Jiang,

then come back to cancel the engagement.

This is hardly a celebration.

It's clearly just to cause trouble.

Your tea is not bad, Madam.

Is it new tea from Jiangnan?

This is new tea from the Lin family.

It comes from Fujian.

The climate there is suitable,

so the tea from there is with unique flavor.

Our family says

this top-grade tea

is hard to buy even for a fortune.

Madam Lin, you speak so highly of tea.

I'd like to taste the tea you make.

I only appreciate it.

I know nothing about tea arts.

I apologize for the trouble.

The elegant tea culture

is surely something

a merchant family can't teach.

You are right.

Happy birthday, Grandmother.

Yining wishes you a long life

and peace every year.

Get up.

Thank you, Grandmother.

Ning, you're finally here.

Mother, long time no see.

I hope you are well.

I'm quite well.

It's good to have you back.

Greetings, Aunt.

It's been over ten years.

You're such a lady now.

Madam, this is...

She is my granddaughter,

her name is Yining.

Yining,

this is Madam Jiang.

Nice to meet you, Madam Jiang.

Grandmother,

I have a gift for you.

[Luo Mansion]

Grandmother,

this is the gift for your birthday.

This paper-cutting is called "Magu Presents Longevity".

I made it by hand.

Wish you bright days ahead.

May you have longevity.

Thank you.

This paper-cutting is lifelike.

You must have put in a lot of effort.

I'm touched.

It's what I should do.

Mother.

I'm here to greet you, grandmother.

I'm here to greet you.

[Luo Yiyu] [Luo Yilian]

[Luo Yixiu]

Nice to meet you, father.

Nice to meet you, brothers and sisters.

Yining, you're back.

For Grandmother's birthday,

I definitely have to come back.

Chengzhang,

it's been years since you last met.

Can't you see

how Yining has improved?

Grandmother,

I have another gift for you.

Grandmother,

I went through Grandfather's paintings

and saw many of your portraits.

It reminded me that our Luo family

has a long history of kindness

and was once honored

by the late Emperor.

Grandmother,

you received royal title from the Emperor.

So, I learned Grandpa's painting style

and created these pieces.

[Luo Xuanyuan]

[Luo Shanyuan]

Looking down the long street,

I suddenly turn back,

sighing that life is short,

with unfulfilled ambitions,

only leaving white hair.

Grandmother, it is the poem written by Grandfather.

Sixty years, a whole cycle,

feels like just a moment.

Your grandfather

has been gone

for so many years now.

But we stay with you.

Yes, that's right.

When our family

is happily together,

it's the best.

It really resembles my Father's style.

My father's paintings

are still admired

by those officials at court.

Yining, you're thoughtful.

Miss Yining

truly is a Luo family's legitimate daughter.

Her painting skills

might even outshine Yiyu's.

I've told Mr. Luo many times

to bring you back.

Many years have gone by.

Let's leave the past behind.

You've made a lot of progress

over the years.

You are more and more like your mother now.

Concubine Qiao, thanks for thinking of us.

If my mother knew it from the other side,

she'd definitely appreciate it too.

From the other side...

Yining,

what do you mean?

Concubine Qiao just wanted to greet you.

Indeed, like mother, like daughter.

Enough!

Today is the Old Lady's birthday,

so let's keep it respectful.

Mama Li,

the Luo Mansion is amazing!

No wonder the late Emperor gave it.

It was given

when Mr. Luo was still alive.

The Luo family

was quite something back then.

Mama Li,

is Miss Yining

the daughter

of the late Madam Gu?

She really stands out today!

Miss Yining

has always been favored by Mrs. Luo

and even Mr. Luo can't control her.

Make sure to show her respect

in the future.

If you upset her,

not even Concubine Qiao can help you.

I am new here,

but I've heard people say

that Madam Gu had a cruel side

and often tried to harm Concubine Qiao during her lifetime.

Concubine Qiao

used to treat Miss Yining

like her own daughter.

But Miss Yining turned against her,

pushing her when she was pregnant.

Clearly, like mother, like daughter.

So, Mr. Luo sent Miss Yining away and didn't let her return.

That's all from the past.

Don't talk about it anymore.

Yes.

What are you all discussing?

Mama Li.

Miss Yining.

The servants in the mansion

are getting more unruly.

Please forgive us.

Miss Yining,

these two maids are from the villa

and don't know the rules.

Just let them off this time.

I won't punish them.

Today is my Grandmother's birthday.

No need for any trouble.

Yes.

Miss Yining,

while you've been away,

they've been spreading rumors about you and Madam Gu.

Miss Yining,

do you want me

to secretly punish them?

If I punish them now,

the gossip will just get worse.

I didn't expect

even my mother

to be targeted here.

After the celebration is over,

let's head back tomorrow.

It's so beautiful!

Yiyu,

let's set off fireworks

to wish Grandmother well!

Sure!

Yining,

you're just back and let me take you to light fireworks.

It's so much fun!

I...

No one here

wants to play with me.

How about you?

Of course!

You're adorable.

I'd love to play with you.

Really?

I wish you'd come back sooner.

Let's go!

Yining,

I'll show you the fireworks.

I'm going to

set off the biggest firework!

Okay.

Wait for me here.

I'll get it.

She's actually Luo Yining!

Miss Yining,

why are you here alone?

Come and play with us!

Watch out for the fireworks!

Yining,

let's go set off the firework!

Step aside, step aside!

Come on, let's set them off here.

Look at this!

Yining,

if you're not playing now,

just give it to me.

Madam Jiang.

Are you okay?

Madam Jiang,

I'm really sorry about today.

I promise I'll apologize properly later.

No need.

Madam Chen, you can go back now.

It's just kids playing.

Don't worry about it.

Stop crying.

Stop crying.

Mr. Luo,

I checked the fireworks several times,

but I didn't expect this

to happen.

I haven't disciplined Yilian well.

Mother,

Yilian didn't mean it

and she almost got hurt too.

Thank goodness

Madam Jiang is fine.

So please forgive her, Mother.

More harm than good.

What a letdown!

Yes, yes.

I'm here to greet you, Mrs. Luo.

Father, is there anything you want me to do?

Today, Shanyuan told me

he saw you in the courtyard.

Didn't I tell you

not to leave the courtyard today?

I just wanted to bring green plums to Mrs. Luo.

You are not qualified to do this!

Remember who you are.

Go to the quiet hall and kneel.

Don't get up without my permission.

Yes.

Father,

he didn't do anything wrong.

He just wanted to wish Grandmother well.

Why punish him so severely?

Does this concern you?

Who are you to question me?

Yining,

now that you're back,

try to control your temper.

Concubine Qiao is kind

and doesn't hold any grudges about the past.

But you need

to watch your behavior.

Yeah,

it's all in the past.

I've forgotten it.

Now that Miss Yining is back,

it's a family reunion.

Let's all be happy.

Then don't bring it up again.

It seems Father is often unfair.

In that case, I have nothing to say.

Yining.

You dare to talk back.

I can't believe

that after all these years,

I thought you'd changed, but you...

Old habits die hard.

Then you can

go kneel with him.

Chengzhang.

Mr. Luo,

even if Yining offended you,

there's no need for her to kneel in the quiet hall.

Chengzhang,

Yining is just back.

What are you trying to do?

Grandmother,

Father wants me to kneel,

so I'll go.

Otherwise,

he'll say I'm unfilial.

Mother,

without rules, nothing can be accomplished.

Yining should be punished for disrespecting me in public.

I'm sorry.

Today, I got you into trouble.

It's nothing.

You helped me too.

How did you find out

about the fireworks?

Just be more careful in the future.

You also call him father?

Well,

you are...

If you can't remember, don't force yourself.

Today, I heard that your paintings

have a lot of Mr. Luo's charm.

Did you inherit his talent?

When I was six,

I left here for the villa.

So I didn't really get his true skills.

There were a few of his paintings

in Peach Blossom Haven at the villa.

Mrs. Luo prefers you.

When my grandfather passed away,

I couldn't get back in time.

So, my grandmother

sent me some

of his paintings

to remember him.

Kneel on the cushion, it is softer.

Thanks.

What happened to your hand?

Just an old injury.

I can't use it too much yet.

Am I overthinking this?

Once I'm outside,

I'll help you find a doctor

to check it out.

Maybe it can be treated.

Thank you for that.

Yining just got back but has been kneeling for so long.

I'm worried she can't handle it.

Yining

didn't grow up with you.

But you care for her so much.

All these years,

it's been you

who went to see her at the villa with me.

I may be blunt,

but I can tell who's good

and who's bad.

Yining is a good girl.

Mother, why not send someone to...

How can I not feel sorry for her?

But in front of everyone,

I can't

embarrass Chengzhang.

Otherwise,

their relationship

will get worse.

Tell him

I'm going to rest now.

The Luo family is under his control now,

and I can't be in charge anymore.

As his mother,

I've given him enough respect.

But tomorrow morning,

I'll go pick up my granddaughter.

Come here.

let me brew you

a calming eight-treasure tea.

When you go back,

make sure to comfort Lian.

I'm also surprised

how the fireworks

suddenly exploded.

Maybe that shady merchant

sold subpar goods.

I've already

given Mama Li a good scolding.

By the way, how did it go with the old lady?

What else could happen?

She gave me a good yelling

and didn't even let me in.

My mother spoils Yining like this,

which made Yining

unruly since childhood.

Now she's back.

It seems she hasn't changed.

The Old Lady dotes on her,

so you have to endure some grievances.

I think the Old Lady

has gotten Miss Yining back

for the engagement between the Luo and Jiang families.

It seems that Madam Jiang

wants to break it off.

The Jiang family is now

thriving and flourishing.

But how can they easily break

the engagement set by the previous generation?

I'll go to the Jiang Mansion to gauge the situation tomorrow.

If the two families can become in-laws,

that would be wonderful.

It would greatly benefit

your future as well.

But...

Yuechan, I know what you're thinking.

Actually, I also choose Yilian.

But Mother doesn't agree.

Besides, Yilian's fireworks

almost harmed Madam Jiang.

I think we should...

forget about it.

Miss Yining is the legitimate daughter.

She is deeply favored by the Old Lady.

As for Lian...

I've been dragging her down as a concubine.

Yuechan,

I know you have resentment.

I promised you

that I would take you as my legitimate wife.

But I didn't expect my mother...

I do feel resentful.

How could I not?

But all these years,

being able to stay with you,

and receiving your heartfelt care,

I'm already satisfied.

Yuechan,

you can rest assured.

As long as I'm here,

I'll never let you and our child suffer.

♫ What is there to fear in the haze of uncertainty ♫

♫ In the heartbeat, there's a trace of light ♫

♫ I dive into the whirlpool following the threads of time ♫

♫ For you, for me, in pursuit of an outcome ♫

♫ I'd rather plunge into the flames just to break through the night's blockade ♫

♫ I'd rather fall revealing the fate that lies ahead ♫

♫ I'd rather bear no fruit just to become your support ♫

♫ What is there to fear in turning to foam ♫

♫ Love is a shared journey One day, we'll find our place ♫

♫ Even if I become tiny dust ♫

♫ I will still dance in my own brilliance ♫

♫ I'll navigate through endless doubts and calm the storms ♫

♫ For you, for me, to turn promises into amber ♫

♫ I'd rather plunge into the flames using my moment to light up more ♫

♫ I'd rather let go, allowing longing to fade ♫

♫ I'd rather bear no fruit as long as love stretches far and wide ♫

♫ What is there to fear in turning to foam ♫

♫ Love is you and me, side by side ♫