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 12=

To be honest,

I was not in my room last night.

Instead, I was with Miss Luo,

spending a pleasant night.

Miss Luo, is this true?

(We're in the same boat.)

(If the boat capsizes,)

(we'll both suffer.)

(Fine. You win.)

Indeed.

But Lu Yun and I

are planning to present a gift to you.

By the way,

he shared many stories about your childhood together.

One by one,

he remembers them all.

He said he always admired your noble demeanor,

and youthful spirit.

(When did I ever flatter him like that?)

Seriously?

Yes.

So, Xuechen, what did you say?

Did you mention I was good at archery

and never missed every time I shot?

About how I learned it on my own,

and battled wits with the Grand Tutor,

did you speak of that?

Yes, I did.

Xuechen, when did you start admiring me?

It's...

It's when I was as light as a swallow,

with a heart of gold,

so I climbed up the tree,

to save the wounded bird for you.

You guessed right.

That moment stayed with me forever.

So...

it's since then you decided

to follow in my footsteps,

set lofty goals,

and stand shoulder to shoulder with me one day.

Indeed.

You praise me too highly.

I'm not as great as you say.

Your Highness, you are far better than that.

It was all for today's banquet.

It seems Brother Xuechen

truly cares deeply for Your Highness.

Miss Luo is more attentive than I am.

You left in a hurry last night,

and forgot your hairpin.

Here. I brought it with me.

I threw the old one,

and bought a new one.

Thank you, Young Master Yun.

No need for thanks.

Alright, alright.

Since the banquet is ready,

let's start it.

You shouldn't just stand here.

Yes.

Today we're hosting a banquet for His Highness.

Everyone, enjoy the food and drinks.

Come on.

Please, everyone, eat and drink well.

Why is Mr. Lu sitting next to

Prince Hengyang?

Come over here.

Mr. Lu, you're a branch member of the Lu Family.

You sat right beside Prince Hengyang.

It is disrespectful.

That's why I called you over.

Mr. Zhou, this game seems intriguing.

Let's go check it out.

We'll discuss the game later.

- While grading assignments... - Mr. Zhou, let's go.

I noticed you didn't submit yours.

Studying requires consistency,

not a sporadic approach.

Though you're avoiding,

you still need to submit them.

Since you have the chance at Lu Family School...

- You... - Mr. Zhou.

Prince Changyi.

Greetings, Your Highness.

I'm sorry.

I didn't tell you,

because I feared you'd only be formal with me,

and wouldn't interact with me freely.

Your Highness, I...

Your Highness,

Lingxi said Miss Luo needs me.

I must leave.

(Chuiwan)

(Mushe)

(Touhu)

Touhu.

Let's go play Touhu.

Alright.

Over here.

Let's have some tea.

Let's join them for some fun.

It's just Touhu.

Who wants to play that?

You can go by yourself.

Xuechen.

Your Highness.

The pouches for channels are running out.

But you haven't started any game.

Are you feeling unwell?

No, Your Highness.

I'm about to toss the coin.

Young Master Yun drew the lot for...

(Touhu)

An archery contest.

(It really is what I fear the most.)

I remember

you beat me in archery a few times 10 years ago.

Why don't we have another contest today?

Your Highness, over the years,

I've forgotten many of my old skills.

How could I compare to you now?

Man up. You shouldn't lack morale.

Today is my welcome banquet.

You wouldn't spoil the mood, right?

Your Highness, you're right.

I would never spoil the mood.

(Is he crazy?)

But I want Miss Luo to join me

to compete with you.

(You're truly a madman.)

Your Highness, it is unfortunate

that I've never learned archery

and may dampen your enthusiasm.

Perhaps...

you can choose others for His Highness.

- Then we shall - You're not skilled in archery.

That is perfect.

I will teach you.

Your Highness,

you may know

I'm not really interested in archery,

but with a fair lady by my side,

it might be more entertaining.

I would be glad to compete with you.

If you want the banquet to end smoothly,

help me through this challenge.

Are you threatening me?

No way.

Miss Luo, if you don't like it,

don't force yourself.

Your Highness, I've always wanted to learn archery.

If someone would teach me,

I wouldn't mind learning.

Miss Luo, if you want to learn,

I can teach you as well.

- Your Highness. - Thank you.

Alright, then let's move...

Thank you for your kindness.

I truly never learned archery,

but today is your day.

If I hold you back,

I would feel uneasy.

Moreover,

Miss Luo is a relative of the Lu Clan.

As an outsider, Your Highness,

it's inappropriate to do so.

Let me handle the teaching.

Your Highness, after you.

Prince Hengyang is going to shoot.

Your Highness.

Your ability to cause me trouble has improved.

I said I can't shoot arrows.

It doesn't matter.

I'll handle the aim.

Just support my right elbow.

What a precise shot.

Didn't expect him to be so skilled.

Indeed.

It's your turn.

Yes.

Miss Luo.

You think by helping you shoot arrows,

Prince Hengyang's doubts will vanish?

The human heart is like paper,

once stained with ink,

it can't be erased.

Good for you. You've become so proactive.

A perfect match.

They're a perfect match.

They're about to shoot arrows together.

He must be fond of her.

I've never seen Young Master Yun

treat a lady this way before.

Does he actually like

people who defy societal norms?

Exactly.

Lingyu and Young Master Yun?

What's going on?

Xuechen is about to shoot.

Oh no.

Doubts will always arise,

but whether I'm injured or not,

he can't really tell.

Without solid proof,

he can't do anything to me.

Actually, if I turn this into proof,

and claim I've been threatened,

it might not be impossible.

You wouldn't.

Shoot.

An empty arrow?

You...

Why shoot upwards?

- What's their intention? - Why?

Xuechen, it's really you.

It's a turtle dove.

Not an empty arrow.

Miss Luo can even shoot arrows,

truly talented and versatile.

Miss Luo surely wins this round.

It was Young Master Yun who aimed true.

That's why it hit perfectly.

Not Miss Luo's credit.

What do you know?

Right back to you.

Didn't you say you couldn't shoot?

And you believed me?

That was...

That was just an accident.

I've fulfilled my promise to you.

Don't bother me again.

Your Highness,

I have other preparations tonight.

I shall take my leave.

Your Highness,

the loser picks up the arrows.

Does our old rule still count?

Lu Yun, His Highness is noble.

How can he do that?

If it's the rule,

it naturally counts.

Let it go this time.

Your Highness, could you help me put it away?

Your Highness, shall we test him again?

No need.

The way he shoots is just like before,

without any injury.

Even if last night's person wasn't him,

it must be related to him.

Keep someone watching him.

Observe him secretly.

My Lady, something's wrong!

My Lady.

The rain stopped long ago.

Why are the fireworks still wet?

Move quickly.

Hurry, clean up. It's getting dark.

What about tonight's performance?

That game was really fun.

We can enjoy ourselves well.

You sure know how to flatter.

- I... - These are fireworks.

You want to set off fireworks tonight.

But these fireworks are already soaked.

They can't be used at all.

Someone must dislike Miss Luo

using these shabby things to fool us.

This is an act of justice.

Though they got wet, it's not a big deal.

Miss Jiang, you say so.

Could it be you who got them wet?

Miss Han, being from a merchant family,

you're adept at blaming others.

You...

Lingyu,

what's going on here?

The feast is about to start soon.

What should we do now?

But it's not raining.

How did it get wet?

No worries. Without fireworks,

there are other performances.

You'll have an enjoyable night.

Ladies, you can have a rest over there.

My Lady, what should we do now?

Wet fireworks can't be dried under the sun.

Let's find someone to remove them first.

Alright.

It's a pity, My Lady.

You spent all day decorating.

You two, come over.

Move this away.

- Yes. - Yes.

Tell me the truth.

Are you involved in the fireworks matter?

Rest assured.

Without the fireworks,

Luo Lingyu's banquet will be mediocre.

She won't be a threat to you.

Who allowed you to do this?

I despise underhanded tricks.

You've been with me for so long.

Do you still not know the rules?

I only did it for you, My Lady.

You all claim the same thing.

But did anyone ask if I wanted it?

Is that what I desired?

My Lady, I'm sorry.

Miss Chen, if you don't like fireworks,

you can tell me directly.

I can change the performance.

The fireworks were my doing.

I apologize.

If you want to report me,

I won't argue any further.

It's not related to her. It's me.

Silence.

Such a deep sisterly bond.

What do you mean by this?

You pretend every day with Brother Xuechen.

Do you think everyone

acts as pretentiously as you?

Even if I'm just acting,

I wouldn't mean harm.

Nor would I act harmfully.

Today's incident wasn't your doing.

Yet you're the one who benefits.

I said you could tell everyone about it,

including Brother Xuechen.

It's already done.

Even if I reported it,

those fireworks won't work.

It won't solve my problems.

I won't do useless things.

Why pretend to be so generous?

You always cling to Brother Xuechen

only for the Lu Family's power.

You want him to fall for you.

This is a perfect chance

to show weakness and act pitifully.

Will you let it pass?

I approached Young Master Yun before,

only because he is Lu Yun,

not because he's from Lu Clan.

Today, I am sparing you,

not out of generosity.

It's just that

I think you're not as glamorous as you seem.

How can you speak so boldly?

That's just who I am.

I say what I want,

and do as I please.

Good or bad, it's my true heart.

I'm not ashamed to be honest.

But the etiquette teaches women...

If you believe in the etiquette,

I won't interfere.

But let's set it aside.

What is truly in your heart?

If one loses their true self,

the etiquette will become shackles.

My Lady.

My Lady, I've removed all the fireworks.

Should I find some new ones?

Finding so many fireworks is difficult,

let alone setting them up again.

It takes a lot of time.

It's just such a pity.

The stage is all set.

I thought we'd see "blazing trees and flowers".

"Blazing trees and flowers"...

You're right.

It's not just fireworks

that can create such an effect.

Since the fireworks setup is ruined,

let's simplify things.

In the north,

there's a dance that makes flames seem alive.

But the oil needed...

Zhongshan might not have it.

Indeed, we're in the mountains.

Where can we find oil?

Lingyu, there is some.

But no long swords.

That can be arranged too.

What about dancers?

Is ten enough?

In this desolate wilderness,

where are you going to find those?

Don't forget

I am the princess.

Thank you, Tang.

Don't worry, Lingyu.

I'll bring everything for you.

I'll go prepare now.

- Okay. - Let's go.

My Lady, the feast is about to start.

Is it still time to arrange it?

In any case,

we must prepare the performance by tonight.

But this venue is so large.

What we have isn't enough.

Lingxi, go find Yangling.

Ask her to help me.

Yes, My Lady, I'm on it.

Place those here.

Tang.

Lingyu, the oil is here.

Time is tight.

This is all I could bring.

See if this is enough.

If not, I can get more.

It suffices.

No need for more.

Thank you, everyone.

Please place these over there.

Understood.

Leave it to me.

My Lady, I'm moving it in now.

Take it slow.

Don't worry.

In this way,

we can prepare everything before dusk.

Thanks, Tang.

Glad to help you.

There are many games over there.

Alright, let's go over.

Let's go.

How is he Prince Changyi?

When I taught him how to grow chives,

I even scolded him.

But judging from his behavior,

he didn't seem to recognize me as Zhou Yangling.

He won't recognize me.

He definitely won't.

Zhou...

Is Your Highness okay?

(His expression...)

(He must be upset I lied earlier.)

(Why isn't he speaking?)

(Is he going to confront me?)

- Sorry. - Your Highness.

I'm truly sorry.

No matter the reason,

I shouldn't have deceived you

about being Prince Changyi.

Do you mind it?

I don't mind at all.

Your Highness, you're noble.

You must have your reasons.

Zibo.

Your Highness,

I previously lectured you as a teacher.

Please don't take offense.

Why are you so distant?

I respect you because I like farming.

When I first attended your class,

you said to live up to people's expectations.

That's why I know we share the same spirit.

But I worry that by revealing my status,

we will become as distant as today.

I pride myself on caring for the people,

but before meeting you,

I didn't know about the grains,

nor the hardships of the people.

It was you who taught me to take on my duties.

With such a disposition,

even without me,

someone will surely teach you

to identify grains and wheat.

Mr. Zhou,

can we interact as freely as before?

Is that okay?

I remember when we first met,

weren't you looking for someone?

Now that I know your identity,

I'm quite curious

about who it might be

that you went to find yourself.

It was a woman.

I valued her father.

So I thought of marrying her.

But I forgot

we hadn't even met.

I never did find her.

Now I'm looking for her,

just to know that she is well.

Rest assured then.

She's quite well.

What did you say?

I mean...

Your Highness, just call me Zibo.

After all, I only taught you to grow chives.

Not much else.

Alright, Zibo.

You just said you want to help Miss Luo.

Yes.

Is there anything I can assist with?

No need, Your Highness.

I'm just measuring the site for her.

It's for the rehearsal.

I can handle this alone.

As for you, Your Highness,

go enjoy the banquet.

It's okay. Let me help.

Two people make it easier.

How about you teach me to measure?

Alright.

I have a step length

of 18 inches.

Three steps would be 54 inches.

Your Highness, walk towards me.

One step. Two steps.

Two and a half steps.

Each step is 21 inches.

Your Highness.

I think we should check the performance site.

(Zhongshan Villa)

Xuechen,

are you alright?

My brother was troubling you at Archery Range.

How are you now?

Don't worry.

I just overexerted while shooting arrows,

and pulled on the wound.

But I managed to cover it up

before Prince Hengyang.

That's good to hear.

Have some tea.

Let me.

It seems a bit dirty here.

She is wiping Mr. Zhou's face with a handkerchief?

(Handkerchief?)

Yangling, you've worked hard today.

Once Tang brings the items, everything will be ready.

But is today's performance really okay?

I'm also wondering.

You haven't practiced this skill for many years.

You must be rusty.

If you get injured,

it will be a big problem.

The banquet is in its final stage.

I will ensure I perform flawlessly.

Lingyu,

you must be very careful.

Don't worry.

I wouldn't let myself get hurt.

Tang.

Lingyu, the swords are here.

Take a look. Are these two fine?

I've had them oiled for you.

Such exquisite swords

are not just for shows,

and are even worthy of collections at home.

Lingyu, your skills

are rarely seen.

I haven't seen it before.

You must impress me.

Lingxi.

Take them to find a good spot.

I'll join you shortly.

Yes, My Lady.

This way, please.

Be very careful.

You said men aren't worthy of your handkerchief.

Why are you here again?

You really are persistent.

Or is Zhou Zibo actually a woman?

This...

What are you saying?

How can you claim that Mr. Zhou is a woman

just because he has a fair face?

What a coincidence!

The same surname,

the same origin,

even arriving in Yuezhou at the same time.

I never expected

the daughter of Master Zhou,

Prince Changyi's...

How did you know?

I had doubts about Ms. Zhou's identity,

and couldn't understand

why you two were so close,

until I saw you with her just now

like close girlfriends.

That's how I found out.

Young Master Yun, what is this habit

of eavesdropping?

So, you intend to reveal this

to Prince Changyi, right?

Why should I tell him?

Choosing to be a man or lady

is her own decision.

First, I have no right to interfere.

Second, I lack the interest.

Then, I thank you on Yangling's behalf.

Is that all?

I'll have Yangling thank you personally.

I just wanted to talk to you.

(What do you want to talk about?)

I said everything I needed last night.

I also did what I promised today.

Let's go our separate ways.

Please keep this in mind.

(It seems she truly wants to cut ties with me.)

Lingyu has prepared so carefully.

It seems she holds my brother in her heart.

Go see how Lingyu is doing.

Is there anything else she needs?

Yes.

What did you say?

Miss Luo together with Lu Yun

prepared the welcome banquet yesterday.

These two are truly a perfect match.

Go check on Miss Luo as well.

Don't let my future sister-in-law get tired.

Understood.

Young Master Xian.

You...

- Me? - You...

- Me? - You, you, you...

Me?

Don't speak nonsense.

(Zhongshan Villa)

Xuechen.

I was busy helping Mr. Zhou measure the site.

Do you know what Miss Luo prepared?

She didn't tell me either.

Someone is coming.

Look over there.

This is so breathtaking.

Such graceful dance movements.

(This is Sword Dance.)

(No.)

(Not just Sword Dance.)

In Fiery Dance, heavenly blessings descend.

Firelight brings good fortune.

First, may our country last forever,

and the world live in peace.

Second, may the weather be good,

and resources be abundant.

Third, with loyal souls as armor,

tough bones as spears,

we'll fight till death.

Long live our country!

Long live our country!

Long live our country!

Long live our country! Long live our country!

What is that?

It can make the sword ignite.

Miss Luo applied oil to the swords.

The swords catch fire when struck.

This skill originates from the Northern Border.

It's rare in Yuezhou.

♪Against the daylight, it shines♪

(Other banquets)

(are all about common shows.)

(But she chose the Fiery Dance.)

(Only she understands my true thoughts.)

(Without fireworks,)

(she devised this Fiery Dance.)

(She always turns nothing)

(into something from scratch,)

(finding ways to turn the tables.)

(If it's her,)

(nothing seems impossible.)

(Lingyu.)

(You're presenting)

(this dazzling dance for someone else.)

(Did you please Prince Hengyang this much)

(to avoid me?)

(Or have you really fallen for someone else?)

♪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♪