Original subtitles

♪Bright moonlight, with lanterns still burning♪

♪Deep night's hue, your face softly blurring♪

♪In a fleeting thought, my heart's line is stirring♪

♪Fate entwines, a knot forever binding♪

♪This love's riddle, your heart cold as steel♪

♪Yet your bright smile, how it steals♪

♪Like the fireworks in the night sky♪

♪A brilliance that no words can yield♪

♪La~ la~♪

♪In this life, meeting you is fate's best hand♪

♪La~ la~♪

♪Our love story, I'll slowly pen♪

♪In this life, I wish for your words♪

♪From black hair to white, we'll brave time's trend♪

♪In this life, may our love forever blend♪

♪Let's make a pact with the changing seas♪

♪In this life, may our love stand like mountains♪

♪Through seasons' change, our whispers weave♪

♪In this life, may our love never fades away♪

♪Outshining all the world's glories, come what may♪

=Les Belles=

=Episode 10=

Do you remember I spilled Shouzhou Tea

bestowed by the grand tutor when you were my study pal?

You took the blame for me,

and stood through three days of classes.

Xuechen.

I brought Tang here, and I...

Your Highness.

I came to visit you.

Changyi, it seems you and Lu Yun

share as deep a bond as I heard.

If so,

the bond between you and Lu Yun

is even stronger than "a deep bond".

After all, since you came back,

you've only seen Father for once,

yet you visit the Lu Mansion daily.

Have a seat.

If it weren't for the sneak attacks on the way,

I wouldn't have realized

that someone didn't want me back,

and wouldn't have given up my carefree life.

Sneak attacks?

Brother, what do you mean?

Do you truly not understand

what I mean, Changyi?

Your Highness, have you heard any rumors?

Since you remember the Shouzhou Tea event,

then you may not forget

Aman is not a person of malicious schemes.

Aman...

Lu Xuechen.

Is this what you call "etiquette of rank"?

It turns out you two are deeply bonded,

while we are bound only by rank.

I do remember the friendship from ten years ago

and the Shouzhou Tea,

but others may not.

Lu Xuechen,

what do you think?

If you truly remembered,

you wouldn't have done

what you did yesterday and today.

Even if you remember,

tea from ten years ago

is undrinkable now.

He was ambushed on his way back.

He suspects it was me.

Or rather, us.

Prince Hengyang is the head of the North Army.

There are two possibilities.

Either Beichu plans to assassinate him,

or...

Or he fabricated the story himself.

I've asked Zhao Yuan to follow Fan Qingchen.

We'll know more soon.

Have some tea.

Mr. Zhou helped us today.

We should properly thank him.

My Lady,

this place is so elegant.

It was chosen by Mr. Zhou.

Indeed wonderful.

Mr. Zhou.

Mr. Zhou?

Mr. Zhou!

Mr. Zhou.

Blood.

Lingxi, go fetch a physician!

Yes.

Mr. Zhou.

Physician Xue,

how is Mr. Zhou doing?

Mister?

I couldn't be wrong.

Could he have some incurable illness?

Miss Luo, this person is not a man.

She is like you, a young lady.

Lady?

What about the blood...

It's menstrual blood.

Exactly.

This lady fainted because of her period.

Just one needle prick will help.

But her energy and blood are weak.

She needs Four-ingredients Decoction.

Miss Luo.

Miss Luo.

I'll prepare the medicine for you.

What a pity.

Another fine man

is lost in this world.

However,

it's a blessing

to have met such a unique lady.

Physician Xue.

Please keep her identity a secret.

Alright.

Thank you.

I'll take my leave.

Lingxi, see Physician Xue off.

Miss Luo.

Don't get up yet.

Miss Luo.

Wait.

You are a woman,

and I am a woman too.

This jade pendant helped me once.

When you face difficulties,

I should help you.

By the way,

these are menstrual pads brought by Lingxi.

When you're out and about,

you need to protect yourself well.

Miss Luo,

do you mind that I hid my identity from you?

Of course, I do.

You were on my matrilocal husband list.

With this change,

the already sparse list feels even more empty now.

Can't believe I missed such a great opportunity

to become your matrilocal husband.

Now I must study diligently,

and achieve scholarly honors

to make up for this regret.

Miss Luo, if you ever need anything,

I, Yangling, will be there to help.

Your name is Yangling?

Zhou Yangling.

This name means "keep pursuing".

It truly suits your nature.

I never expected this.

We came to thank her,

but surprisingly found her secret.

There's someone else we must thank.

My Lady, who is it?

Do I need to prepare anything?

(Lu Mansion)

Did you invite me here for tea

just because I helped you unexpectedly?

It's not just that.

I heard from Hua

that you asked Madam Lu to help me.

I just felt sorry for Hua

depending on others for a living.

She is pitiful.

I wasn't helping you.

No matter the reason,

I should be grateful to you.

I owe you a favor.

I'll repay you.

I can't tell if you're reckless or bold.

You dared to ask

Prince Hengyang for help.

Do you know his background?

Where do you get the nerve?

I don't know

what Prince Hengyang is like.

But I do know

that Fan Qingchen is wary of him.

That would be enough.

But after meeting Prince Hengyang today,

I find he is indeed as approachable as people say.

Miss Luo, you are truly remarkable.

But if Prince Hengyang

didn't help you today,

what would you do?

Go back to Shuozhou with Fan Qingchen?

I don't know Prince Hengyang,

but I do know the character of you.

You are a person of noble character.

You wouldn't stand by and ignore

a helpless woman like me, would you?

Don't think that saying nice things

will let this pass.

"A deity is easy to invite, yet hard to dismiss."

If it weren't for my help,

how would you appease Prince Hengyang?

It was urgent.

I couldn't afford to think twice.

Anyway, you did offer help.

Didn't I make the right bet?

In any case,

we avoided danger several times.

Thank you, Third Young Master.

I offer tea in place of wine

to toast you.

Is your gratitude just offering tea?

These tea leaves were even bought by me.

Of course not.

This is...

I saw your Qing Courtyard

was always dark.

I feared you might stumble at night.

So I made two lanterns for you.

You can lower them with the rope.

There, it's done.

But why are they two crabs?

Are you mocking me or being domineering?

Of course not.

What I mean is...

Thank you. [*Homophone of crab]

My gift is quite nice, right?

♪This love's riddle, your heart cold as steel♪

♪Yet your bright smile, how it steals♪

Look.

♪Like the fireworks in the night sky♪

♪A brilliance that no words can yield♪

These two pincers can move back and forth.

♪In this life, meeting you is fate's best hand♪

This crab lantern is exquisite.

You didn't give it to someone else, right?

If you must ask...

I didn't, of course.

You won't accept a shared gift,

but surely two crabs are fine.

I insist just one crab.

Bite you, bite you, bite you.

Bite you.

- Bite you. - Don't ruin mine.

(Xuewu Courtyard)

Who's there?

Lingyu.

Are you alright?

I've heard that recently,

Fan Qingchen has been bothering you again.

Let's talk inside.

Lingyu, what exactly happened recently?

It's just a minor issue.

Thankfully, Prince Hengyang helped me.

My brother?

My brother usually doesn't like to

meddle in others' affairs,

yet you managed to seek help from him.

Lingyu,

how many hidden talents do you have?

I think

Prince Hengyang is quite kind-hearted.

Yesterday, he not only drove away Fan Qingchen

but also invited me to his welcome banquet.

However,

the host for the banquet is yet to be decided.

Can I recommend myself?

I understand now.

You are my future sister-in-law.

That's right.

No, what sister-in-law?

I don't have such ambitions.

I just want to use his influence

to completely get rid of Fan Qingchen.

Oh, I see.

I think you'd make a perfect sister-in-law.

I have many brothers.

Surely there is a match for you.

What are you talking about?

Nothing.

Tang,

how is your relationship

with Prince Hengyang?

Naturally, it's good.

Though we are not born of the same mother,

he really treats me well.

He values family and friends.

His character is another matter.

I just want to know

what does Prince Hengyang like or dislike?

He is a martial arts enthusiast,

and loves horse riding and practicing martial arts.

However, he's not very patient,

especially with scholarly matters.

I see.

Tang, here.

Have some tea and think it over.

What else

does he like or dislike?

Just tell me

whatever you can think of.

(Prince Hengyang's Mansion)

It's been several days.

Why hasn't Miss Luo arrived yet?

Could it be she's busy shopping?

(Wind Across the Miles)

Your Highness.

Your Highness, outside the mansion...

It's her.

A vendor is selling apricot.

You love apricot so much?

Your Highness.

Do I look like I have nothing to do?

That makes me feel like

I might be disturbing you, Your Highness.

Didn't expect you would come.

Come in, please.

Thank you, Your Highness.

You're getting bolder.

You dare go to Prince Hengyang's Mansion alone.

Xuechen.

The business we didn't discuss...

Aman.

You've been coming

too frequently.

My father is pressing.

He said since you don't want a position,

writing policy essays would be good.

I'm here to follow up.

I already finished them.

They're in Qing Courtyard.

Go get them yourself.

It's been a pretty eventful day,

to be honest.

Xuechen.

Xuechen.

What's with him?

In such a hurry.

Sorry, sorry.

Let me help you.

I'm truly sorry.

I didn't look at the road.

It's alright.

Sir, thank...

Did she go that way?

She's in Yuezhou.

Thank you, sir.

- It's you. - It's you.

(He's the one I met at the dock.)

(Why is he here?)

After that day,

I couldn't find Miss Zhou,

but I appreciate your generous help.

You're welcome.

It's good you didn't find her.

What I mean is...

Sir, don't worry.

You'll surely find her.

If there's nothing else,

I'll take my leave.

Sir,

what are you doing?

I remember the Lu Mansion has no farmland.

These are teaching tools.

It's getting late.

I need to take the students out for study.

If I delay further,

it'll be too late.

You're so young,

yet you're already a teacher at Lu Family School.

I didn't mean you're too young

to be a teacher.

You flatter me.

I'm just a teaching assistant.

A teaching assistant.

Sir, you use this for teaching,

and plan to go out to study.

You're truly talented.

I find this lesson quite interesting.

Can I join you to take a look?

Didn't you say it's urgent to go?

Let me help you.

Never mind.

At this moment, I am Zhou Zibo,

not Zhou Yangling,

but...

What's his connection with Prince Changyi?

Could he be Prince Changyi?

Sir.

Coming.

(If he truly is Prince Changyi,)

(he wouldn't lower himself)

(to plant crops in the rain.)

Sir, how long do we need to work?

The reason

I brought you all here to plant chives

is that

chives are different from other vegetables.

If it's planted well,

you can harvest five or six times a year.

Interestingly, these chives never learn.

They get cut,

yet they grow back quickly.

Therefore, most people

in Yuezhou grow and harvest chives,

and eat them fresh.

Isn't that wonderful?

Generations of scholars appear,

yet not all of them keep taking exams.

As for chives,

they're cut and regrow,

grow and are cut again.

Chives will eventually be used up,

so there must always be someone to plant them.

And civil servants, too,

will have their twilight years.

Therefore, new voices must emerge for the people,

and serve the nation.

You are scholars aiming at the Imperial Examinations.

One day,

your name will be inscribed on the Golden List.

Naturally, you will solve problems for the people.

People survive on food,

only by valuing

and learning these crops and vegetables,

can you truly serve the people,

and meet their expectations.

That's insightful.

Indeed, you speak wisely.

Chives stand for lofty pursuits.

They should be praised.

Since you think I'm right,

why not hurry up

and plant these senior-like chives

in the fertile land

that helped you grasp these principles?

- Okay. - Got it.

- Go ahead. - Come on.

Keep digging.

- Okay. - Let me handle this.

Okay.

I'll go over there.

Sir.

Sir, do you know how to plant chives?

No, but I can learn.

Then you can plant it yourself first.

I will stand watching.

This is wrong.

The sprouts should be like this.

They're upside down.

Sir.

You can't even tell the head from the tail.

You haven't done farm work.

That day I saw you at the dock.

Even the patrol soldiers respect you.

Are you perhaps from the Imperial Family?

(If he knew my true identity,)

(he probably wouldn't be this casual with me).

Those brothers at the dock

are showing respect because of my father.

How could any imperial family member

wander around like I do every day?

I truly wish to learn from you.

Please give me a chance.

Understood.

Please plant all these as well.

Okay.

Sir,

don't use your hands.

They're quite dirty.

You're wiping the wrong spot.

It's right here.

Pardon my intrusion.

Why are you smearing my face?

We can clean together later.

I'll plant first.

(It's rumored that Prince Changyi is very wise.)

(This person...)

(Not him.)

Are you...

The big one is more useful.

(Wind Across the Miles)

Regarding the welcome banquet you mentioned,

I volunteered to organize it.

Miss Luo, tell me.

Why should I entrust you with this banquet?

From a public perspective,

we were both raised at the Northern Border.

We can host the banquet in Shuozhou style,

which suits your preferences,

making it feel familiar and comforting.

It also showcases the northern charm to Yuezhou guests.

What about

the personal perspective?

Privately,

I want to organize a good banquet for you.

Since you mentioned it,

do you have any ideas?

I know

that you dislike the usual formal banquets,

or the gatherings focused on literary debates,

so I plan to host

a martial banquet for you.

A martial banquet?

Your Highness, you will know by then.

I'll give my utmost effort.

I won't let you down.

Your Highness, I'm leaving.

Miss Luo.

Regarding the banquet details,

I have matters to discuss with you.

Why not stay for dinner before leaving?

Thank you, Your Highness.

- But I... - It's already 7 pm.

- The dinner at home has gone cold. - Mr. Lu.

Why hasn't my cousin returned yet?

Could she have lost her way?

Third Young Master,

you...

Why have you come?

Naturally, I've come to bring you back.

Has all your usual training gone to waste?

How dare you let a stranger in?

Go get punishment.

- Yes. - Yes.

Your Highness.

Since when did you

develop the habit of trespassing?

Miss Luo is my aunt's niece.

Though we're not related by blood,

we are still cousins.

It's getting dark, and my cousin hasn't returned,

so I came to find her.

How is that trespassing?

Don't make things difficult for me.

You brought this upon yourself.

Your Highness, Third Young Master meant no harm.

He was merely concerned for my safety.

That is why he offended you.

It's getting late.

How about I invite you another day

to Zuixian House for a drink?

That sounds good.

Miss Luo and I are family.

Only by hosting together

would it be proper to invite Your Highness.

Lu Yun, you've stayed in Yuezhou for long.

You must get used to local dishes.

But I really can't get used to them.

I fear it will be difficult to dine with you.

Is that so?

It's fine if you don't like local dishes.

I know a bit about cooking.

I can prepare some Northern Border cuisine.

I will cook some other day,

and invite you to come, Your Highness.

Since you've said so,

I won't keep you now.

But on the way back,

please be extra cautious, Miss Luo.

Don't let some people take advantage,

and make things worse.

Your Highness, don't worry.

I'm here.

How could anything happen to Miss Luo?

Your Highness, I'll take my leave.

Let's go, let's go.

Head back for dinner.

It's quite late.

Why haven't you returned home? Go.

I attended your lecture.

You're truly knowledgeable,

and have insights,

especially the phrase "worthy of people's trust".

It's enlightening.

"Read thousands of books,

and travel thousands of miles."

No matter how much one reads,

practical experience is still the key

to share joys and sorrows with the people.

I wish to seek more guidance from you.

Do you have time, sir?

If you sincerely seek guidance,

I am more than willing.

But I do have something today.

It's of importance.

Then I will take my leave.

I'll visit you another day, sir.

Alright.

By the way, sir,

I haven't asked for your name yet.

My name is

Zhou Zibo.

May I know how to address you, sir?

My surname is Lu.

I am the fifth in my family,

a cousin from the Lu Clan of Yuezhou.

A cousin.

(Lu?)

(Seems I overthought it.)

Mr. Lu, weren't you looking for a lady earlier?

Her surname is also Zhou. Who is she?

And what is her relation to you, sir?

Perhaps I could help you find her.

She is the daughter of Master Zhou of Wuzhou.

I'm entrusted to

look for her for an old friend.

If you know her whereabouts,

please inform me.

Thank you in advance.

You are too kind, sir.

I shall take my leave then.

Father didn't lie.

Though born within palace walls,

the way of the ruler

must be sought outside the palace.

The Lu Family School indeed nurtures talent.

This trip was worth it.

(Lu Mansion)

My Lady, we've arrived.

I'm leaving.

Wait!

Today I ventured into that dangerous place

to rescue you.

Miss Luo, don't you have anything to say to me?

If it weren't for me,

you would've angered Prince Hengyang.

We'd be stuck in Prince Hengyang's Mansion.

You were as gentle as a spring breeze to him,

greeting him with a smile,

but you speak to me in cold words.

Forget it.

It's disheartening to save an ungrateful person.

I wondered why I smelled something sour.

It turns out you're being jealous.

That's nonsense.

Why would I be jealous?

When did you learn magic tricks?

What? Don't you like it?

If you don't,

I'll give it to Prince Hengyang.

Since you prepared it sincerely,

I'll reluctantly accept it.

(He fetched me from Prince Hengyang's Mansion.)

(Though it almost went wrong,)

(I didn't expect)

(he would be jealous over me.)

(It's quite a pleasant surprise.)

I understand your feelings.

I'm doing this

for the days ahead.

I only pretend with others,

but I'm sincere with you.

♪Our love story, I'll slowly pen♪

♪In this life, I wish for your words♪

♪From black hair to white, we'll brave time's trend♪

♪In this life, may our love never fades away♪

♪Outshining all the world's glories, come what may♪

Your Highness, are you really fond of Miss Luo?

Have you completed the task

at Lu Mansion?

It's done.

But recently, these things seem quite odd.

Indeed.

I felt Miss Luo

might be behind

all these events.

Sir, you're overthinking it.

It happened suddenly.

And she risked her safety rushing forward,

clearly acting on impulse.

I think

she's truly impressed

by you, Great General of the North,

and admired you for long.

If there's a plan, it's to get close to you.

But you entrusted the welcome banquet to her.

Isn't it a bit too hasty?

You all overthink her intentions.

Can't she simply admire me?

She told me herself today

she will host the welcome banquet for me.

Everything she does is for me.

As long as you're happy.

If that girl truly admires...

Your Highness, Young Master Fan seeks an audience.

What does he want?

Let him in.

Yes.

Your Highness, I am here by my father's order

to report to you about Fan Clan's

military supplies for the North Army this year.

Why not report this at the Northern Border?

A few days ago,

you kept pushing forward

in front of such a big crowd.

Now you seek an audience so late.

Why is that?

He brought a follower.

Sister,

you're dedicated to the Zhongshan Banquet.

Success or failure hinges on this.

Only if I make this banquet a success

will Prince Hengyang see my worth.

I'm worth his help

to deal with Fan Qingchen.

My Lady, we'll set off in a few days to Zhongshan

for preparations.

We haven't packed the clothes yet.

My Lady,

formal dresses require

customization.

It's too late to arrange it now.

This Zhongshan Banquet...

Many important guests will come.

What should we do?

It's just a minor issue.

As long as we stay close to Prince Hengyang,

and others will see us as friends.

Even if we are in rags,

they'll think we are unique.

But what if Brother Yun misunderstands?

Sister, you plan to marry him in the future.

Once this matter is settled,

I'll explain to him.

He'll have to endure for now.

(Prince Hengyang's Mansion)

Wake him up.

Why did you sneak into my mansion with him?

What's your purpose?

Could he be like the previous Death Warriors?

Is his target you, Your Highness?

I'll ask you one last time.

Who sent you here?

No one.

Your Highness, what do you plan to do with him?

Keep him.

His master will come looking for him.

However,

since you don't want Miss Luo close to my brother,

why not use this chance

to keep her out of the welcome banquet?

That's her decision.

Why should I interfere?

Alright, alright, you're considerate.

(Gentle Breeze and Bright Moon)

How's the investigation on the sneak attack?

We don't know if it's true or not.

Nothing unusual at his mansion recently.

It seems

he's fully...

focused on Miss Luo.

Maybe he's putting on a show.

I sense some jealousy here.

You should get your nose checked too.

Too?

To business.

Today at the Imperial Court,

they examined the assassins' bodies.

What did they find?

All died by biting poison pills.

They're Death Warriors.

He has no evidence,

nor any witnesses,

yet tries to accuse you.

When we played together as children,

you two were the closest.

But after the upheaval, General Lu...

It's been such a long time.

Even the best relationships fade.

Now he confronts you directly.

"It's hard to avoid a hidden arrow."

We must plan ahead.

Young Master.

What's wrong?

Zhao Yuan is missing.

What?

He was following Fan Qingchen,

and entered Prince Hengyang's Mansion.

Prince Hengyang's Mansion.

Fan Qingchen is indeed cunning.

He only appeared after we left.

What should we do next?

This involves a prince. We must be cautious.

But it concerns Zhao Yuan.

I must go personally

to be at ease.

- Let's go. - Xuechen.

I've made up my mind.

Zhao Yuan is my father's companion,

and is important to me.

Prince Hengyang will

definitely increase guards.

How will you break in?

It's too dangerous. Don't go.

Yes, that makes sense.

Prince Hengyang has asked Miss Luo

to organize the welcome banquet.

This way,

I will accompany Miss Luo

to Zhongshan tomorrow

to prepare in advance

and bide our time.

(Lu Mansion)

Lingxi, be careful with

those dark-colored bags.

Don't worry, My Lady.

Here. Be careful.

Place it carefully.

Sister.

Give me a hand.

- Hua. - This one.

Sister, can I go with you?

I can help you a lot, Sister.

I mean it.

Hua, are you so reluctant to leave me?

- Then come with me. - Sure.

I will bring you more books

and some homework, alright?

No need. No need for that.

- See you. - Be good at home, okay?

Okay.

My Lady, everything is ready.

But we have quite a lot of stuff.

We can only squeeze in.

No worries. Let's go.

- Okay. - Miss Luo.

You're going to Zhongshan.

Why not take me along?

Third Young Master.

Organizing the banquet alone is tiring.

I volunteered to

lend a hand.

Thank you, Third Young Master.

Alright, let's go.

Let's go.

Look, it's beautiful ahead.

Truly beautiful.

(Zhongshan Villa)

(Chuiwan)

(Touhu)

(Zhongshan Villa) Young Master, My Lady, we've arrived.

(The eastern side is Prince Hengyang's Mansion.)

(Zhongshan Villa)

♪It's hard to see through fate♪

♪I sat alone amid the downpour at night♪

♪The single string broke; half a bed's cold♪

♪A cup of wine, drifting and disappearing♪

♪The waning moon sways the candlelight♪

♪Memories penned in ink♪

♪The wind is cool, flowers wither♪

♪Thoughts like stars deeply etched in eyes♪

♪If white-haired, a solitary figure on the cold river♪

♪Tears fall for a thousand autumns♪

♪Drifting with the wind, unending sorrow of separation♪

♪Longing only to hold the brush♪

♪Painting the fleeting years, faces unchanged♪

♪At the end of time♪

♪Suddenly turning back in the mundane world♪

♪If we grow old together, solitary figure on the cold river♪

♪Tears fall for a thousand autumns♪

♪Drifting with the wind, unending sorrow of separation♪

♪Longing only to hold the brush♪

♪Painting the fleeting years, faces unchanged♪

♪At the end of time♪

♪Suddenly turning back in the mundane world♪