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 18=

Your Highness.

No need. Let Miss Luo...

Your Highness.

Sit.

Miss Luo.

Have a seat.

Thank you.

I wonder what brings you here today,

Your Highness?

Let me serve you some tea.

Miss Luo.

Let me do it.

Lu Yun is just blind.

It's not like he's lost his limbs.

He doesn't need someone to serve him tea.

Then, Miss Luo, don't trouble yourself.

I'll do it myself.

Well...

If it's spilled,

it would be even more troublesome.

Miss Luo,

let me do it.

Your Highness,

why not let her handle...

Your... Highness...

Miss Luo, I'll take care of it.

Thank you.

Alright.

I truly feel better.

I really...

thank you for visiting me today.

Who said I'm here to see you?

I'm here to invite Miss Luo out.

Our wedding day is near.

So much still needs to be done.

Xuechen,

on my grand wedding day,

will you come and give your blessings?

Actually, I...

Your Highness,

there's still a month until the wedding.

No need to rush today.

Perhaps things might change.

Is that so?

Your Highness,

I've been dealing with many things.

It's been really tiring.

Can we postpone the wedding to another day?

Alright.

I have many days ahead with you

in the future.

No need to rush it.

I'll return tomorrow.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Xuechen, your wound

can be delayed for a while,

but not forever.

Miss Luo, we'll meet tomorrow.

Farewell, Your Highness.

Farewell, Your Highness.

(Qing Courtyard)

O you, with the blue girdle-gems,

Oh, how my heart longs.

- Although... Isn't it "Oh, how I yearn"?

Can you see it?

I can't see.

I read "The Book of Songs" sometimes.

That song is my favorite.

I remember every line of it.

You've read it. Why should I read it out?

Seeing and hearing are different. Continue.

Young Master, Miss Chen is here.

Miss Luo.

I'll take my leave.

I heard you injured your eyes,

so I came to see you.

The injury isn't severe.

It'll heal in a few days.

Thank you for your concern.

That's good.

Brother Xuechen,

I actually came today

to talk to you.

Just speak your mind.

I just wanted to ask,

did you get gravely injured

because you upset someone?

What do you mean, Miss Chen?

It's nothing.

Since your eye injury isn't healed,

I won't disturb you further.

I'll take my leave.

Let me escort Miss Chen out.

"O you, with the blue girdle-gems,

Oh, how my heart longs."

Congrats on winning the Flower Goddess title.

Thank you. Your Qipan Dance was impressive too.

You must look down on me

for stealing your dance,

and taking the advantage.

Yet I still couldn't surpass you.

Winning is important.

But I don't see you as despicable.

You're still the same,

pretending to be noble and generous.

But it's just you and me here.

You can speak your mind out.

You're right.

I'm neither noble nor generous.

But I know you well.

If you really used such tricks in the contest,

you should know

that with my sharp tongue,

I won't let you get away with it,

or win the title.

Someone as clever as you

definitely wouldn't take on

a thankless task like this.

You do seem to know me well.

So what if you won the Flower Goddess Contest?

Now, His Majesty has decreed a marriage.

Between you and Brother Xuechen,

there's no way you can be together.

Nothing is impossible.

Actually, it doesn't have to be him.

I really can't understand.

What exactly are you thinking?

But sometimes, I do envy you.

You speak and act without restraint.

Though your family lacks power,

you're free from entanglements.

Miss Chen,

we must rely

on ourselves.

Whether others help in prosperity

or in adversity,

it should not be relied upon.

It's hard for women in this world.

The options left for women

are only a few.

Most times, others force our choices.

We often walk paths we don't choose.

Paths are made by walking.

No path is predetermined.

If we don't want this path,

we can choose another.

Follow your heart,

and reach where you wish.

Miss Luo, you needn't see me off.

His Majesty has decreed a marriage.

Between you and Brother Xuechen,

there's no way you can be together.

Your eyes are badly injured.

Why did you come here?

I promised you

I would definitely come.

Little fish... Little fish.

Since you kept it,

why not give it a name?

I already did.

Little fish.

Little Yu.

I used your name "Yu".

Wait a moment.

His Majesty granted the marriage.

Is that what you want?

My Lady, My Lady.

You've finally left Young Master Yun's house.

Is there any improvement in his eyes?

It seems he's getting better.

My Lady,

why do you care for him this much?

Seeing him hurt,

I feel worried.

Even knowing he does dangerous things,

I still want to be close to him.

When he pretends to be weak,

I can't help but take care of him.

Lingxi.

You might not believe this,

but my heart belongs to him.

My Lady.

But you are engaged to Prince Hengyang.

It's granted by His Majesty.

Yet Young Master Yun...

I never wanted this marriage.

Must I be bound

by this marriage?

But it is an imperially bestowed marriage.

If this isn't handled well,

it might bring trouble upon us.

I understand.

I need to find the right time

to explain things to Prince Hengyang.

Within a month,

I will annul this marriage.

However...

Although it's an imperially bestowed union,

I don't have feelings for him.

The imperial decree can't be defied.

Well...

Fine white flour.

200.

1,020.

Order, compliance, nature.

Jinchuan.

Give me another.

Young Master.

Please take a rest.

Don't strain your eyes.

(This Yellow Courts...)

(What secrets does it hold?)

3,000.

Prospect.

Young Master Yun.

- Miss Luo. - Hurry.

I have something to tell you.

Why are you here so early today?

Young Master Yun, since you can't see,

why are you still reading?

It's Jinchuan.

Isn't it?

- Yes. - It's Jinchuan.

I'm the one who's reading.

For some reason,

I've been into reading lately.

Yes.

As the saying goes, "Burning the midnight oil."

A man should study hard, right?

Indeed.

You two talk.

I'm heading out now.

Take care.

By the way, I sent Jinchuan to Xunmei House,

he got back the taels Qiniang owed you.

Look.

It's really returned.

I thought it was a lost cause,

never to be seen again.

That's strange, the amount of silver...

How is it wrong?

How could that be?

I counted it myself.

You just said you counted it.

I had Jinchuan count it.

By the way,

you rushed here. Is there something you need?

I'm here to tell you...

Today I will accompany Prince Hengyang.

I can't take care of you.

- You... - Wonderful.

I also wanted to invite you today.

Miss Luo,

I want to take you somewhere today.

Alright.

Your Highness, forgive me, I'm unwell,

and unable to curtsy.

I'm sorry, Your Highness.

I truly need someone to care for me.

Alright.

Miss Luo and I will accompany you.

Is that okay?

No need, Your Highness.

Young Master Yun, if you're unwell,

you should see a physician.

Or your conditions might worsen.

I promised you an outing.

I will keep my word.

Young Master Yun, please rest well.

- I feel awful. - Let's go.

Luo...

Jinchuan.

- Coming. - Jinchuan.

What's wrong?

Go find Physician Xue.

Ask if there's a poison

that causes temporary blindness,

but clears by the next day.

Temporary... Clears the next day.

Hurry up!

Are you crazy?

- Go, hurry. - Alright, alright.

Yun.

I heard Prince Hengyang and Miss Luo are out.

You just let him take her away?

What else could I do? They planned it earlier.

I have no reason to stop them.

You didn't see how anxious

Miss Luo was yesterday.

She is clearly upset with you.

That's why she's out with Prince Hengyang.

Why didn't you stop her?

I can't see. I'm blind.

That's not right.

According to today's divination,

your eyes should have healed,

and the propitious tar should be active,

bringing you a beauty.

How could this be?

Whether I'm recovered,

only the physician can confirm that.

Your divination is so mysterious.

How can it be reliable?

Alright,

you find it mystical,

here's something practical.

Did you get this injury

while investigating that old case?

All these years, how many wounds

have you endured for investigating that case?

I've advised you countless times.

Peace is hard to come by.

This time it's your eyes.

What about next time?

Risking your life?

Truth is worth the risk.

My father bore shame for ten years.

Mother suffered alongside him,

passing away with regret.

And I,

though knowing my father wasn't a traitor,

have to act like I've gotten over it.

Now I finally have a clue,

just a step away from the truth.

If you were me,

could you let it go?

I know,

you haven't been as carefree as you seem,

carrying many burdens inside.

- But you... - If you truly feel me,

you wouldn't persuade me.

Actually, Father asked me to speak with you.

He wants to know

how you injured your eye.

So, what will you tell him?

I'll tell him

it was an accident.

Thank you.

But I must remind you.

Father is suspicious of this matter.

He will keep an eye on you.

If you continue this way,

I can't cover you up anymore.

Alright.

If you plan to take risks,

at least inform me first.

I need to cover for you,

so let me know the situation.

Understood.

(Yellow Courts, Volume V)

Miss Luo.

Today is our first outing together.

If only I could accompany you daily,

I would be satisfied.

Your Highness,

I actually have something to tell you.

We've arrived.

Here we are. Let's go in.

Your Highness, you're here!

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Your Highness, look,

the houses you repaired for us

are truly sturdy.

Indeed.

As long as you like it.

If there's anything else you need,

let Huo Dao know.

And about my eldest son's work,

thank you, Your Highness.

It's nothing, really.

It's the first time seeing you bring a lady.

And this lady is?

This is Miss Luo.

So, she is the princess consort.

Princess consort.

Indeed, she's like a celestial beauty.

- Truly beautiful. - Yes, indeed.

I've never seen such a beautiful lady.

Your Highness, you are lucky.

When can we celebrate your wedding?

- Exactly. - Alright, alright.

Don't make such a fuss.

Your Highness,

who are these people?

They are the families of fallen soldiers.

They usually live here.

You rascal,

where have you been wandering for so long?

I've cared for you all these years,

but you don't go home.

Granny, I haven't gone anywhere.

I've always been home.

Granny is getting old.

She often mistakes him for her fallen grandson.

For many years,

he has kept up the act.

Don't just stand there.

Please take Granny inside to rest.

Hurry.

- Come. - Your Highness.

Gifts from His Highness.

So many gifts again, thank you, sir.

- This way. - Okay.

The soldiers of the North Army are at the border.

Some sacrificed for the nation.

I must care for their families.

This is also my responsibility.

(It's not a good time to break the engagement.)

Aman.

Why isn't Qiniang here today?

I've expelled her from Xunmei House.

She indeed possesses the talent,

but she knew that Miss Luo and Miss Chen

are competing,

yet she taught them both a dance.

Keeping such a self-serving person around

will be a hidden threat.

Are you going to keep pretending to be blind?

One lie leads to a hundred more.

What else can I do?

Oh, by the way,

you arrived just in time.

Lu Xian told me today

that Uncle has noticed my secret investigation.

I need to be more discreet.

I'll have to rely on you.

Alright.

After all, your eyes are still blind.

You're always bringing up the wrong things.

Aman, you weren't like this before.

Let's talk business.

How's the decoding going?

The original Yellow Courts

and the annotations

differ in words.

They can't form complete sentences.

To decode the original version,

we need other versions,

then we can decode the secret letter.

I knew it wouldn't be so easy.

I specially gathered for you

many versions of Yellow Courts.

Some are ancient.

Some are bought from the Beichu market.

I also assigned more people to decode it.

You are thoughtful.

But I must say,

my father's decree of marriage is unavoidable.

What's your plan about it?

To kidnap the bride

and then elope,

living a life on the run.

I'll make it an accomplished fact.

So the Imperial Family will back off.

Have you been drinking?

Why do you sound like you're drunk?

That's indeed nonsense.

But I have a plan.

What His Majesty will get

is just a good daughter-in-law.

If I want him to change his mind,

I must offer someone more important.

Offer someone?

Who?

Me.

You? As the offer?

What do you mean?

We have more important matters to do.

We'll discuss it later. I must go.

Stop the carriage.

Your veil.

Aren't you blind?

Miss Luo, have you ever

admired the view from the rooftop?

You seem to do that often.

I was mischievous as a child.

I would skip lessons and hide on rooftops,

snickering as I watched them search for me.

So, you're a repeat offender.

Yes.

And then, I went to the border.

Years spent away.

Even I, obsessed with martial arts, would get tired.

There were times I missed home.

Whenever that happened,

I would look from north to south,

in the direction of Yuezhou.

Now that I've returned to Yuezhou,

and see everyone live in peace.

I feel all those years at the border

were worth it.

I toast to you,

Your Highness,

and to everyone who guards peace.

I used to drink alone here,

but now you accompany me.

If only it could always be like this.

(It's best to clarify with him soon.)

Your Highness, I came to see you today

because I have something to tell you.

Please speak, Miss Luo.

Whatever you need,

I will certainly help.

I want to talk about

our arranged marriage.

- I... - Lingyu.

Why are you here?

You drank so much.

- I'll take you back. - Wait.

- Lu Xuechen. - I haven't finished.

You were pretending.

You're not blind at all.

I truly can't see.

But I surely will recover.

Let's go back.

Lu Xuechen, let go of her.

I'll take her home myself.

It's none of your concern.

She's not used to

riding in others' carriages.

My carriage has cushions, perfume,

and the pastries you love.

You'll definitely like it.

Are you still trying with sweet words

to entangle Miss Luo until when?

If you can't make her promises,

don't blame me for stepping in.

Both of you, I...

You exerted power and pressure,

making a unilateral marriage agreement.

Isn't that entanglement?

Did you ask how she feels?

Do you know if she agrees?

I let go of her today

not because of you, Lu Xuechen,

but because I care about Miss Luo's feelings.

Alright.

Then, I take my leave.

Let's go.

Lu Xuechen.

Since I've fallen for her,

I will fight with all my might,

and never give up easily.

Aren't you supposed to be blind?

Why aren't you pretending now?

You're about to be taken away.

How could I keep pretending?

What about the carriage?

You mentioned cushions, perfume, and pastries.

Why are they all missing?

This is all that's left.

I rushed here to find you,

and didn't have time to prepare those.

Once we return,

I'll take you for a ride, alright?

I was so close,

so close to saying it.

Why are you coming now?

What do you mean?

Am I in the way,

interrupting your time together?

Usually, you're like a clever fox spirit.

Why are you acting foolish now?

Who's the fox spirit?

I'm talking about you.

Lu Xuechen, silly fox.

You don't know what I want to tell him.

Well,

what did you want to tell him?

I wanted to talk about

the arranged marriage.

What?

Speak up.

Wake up.

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

♪Through seasons' change, our whispers weave♪

(Lingyu,)

(I'll uncover the truth from ten years ago soon.)

(I will unburden myself,)

(and come to your side.)

Young Master, the clothes have been sent for washing.

You haven't had rest for several nights.

Perhaps you should rest early today.

We are taking action,

and so are they.

The sooner we decode it, the better.

The words are incoherent.

(know, we, betrayed, 14 days, plan to)

Lingxi.

My Lady, you're up so early.

I made you some Hangover Soup.

Hangover Soup?

I only had a little to drink. I wasn't drunk.

But, My Lady, last night,

you were completely intoxicated.

You threw up all over Young Master Yun.

What did you say?

My Lady, have you forgotten?

Yesterday, I shared drinks with Prince Hengyang.

It seemed the moment was ripe.

But before I said it,

Young Master Yun interrupted.

I am unaware of what happened then.

(Eliminate)

"Eliminate".

So that's how it is.

(He knew our betrayal and planned to kill us at Yi Pass in 14 days.)

(We must silence him.)

With just a few words,

they changed a person's fate.

Father,

you've been criticized for ten years.

I've been investigating for ten years.

In the end,

it all started with this piece of paper.

(We must silence him.)

Young Master Yun, last night I...

Young Master Yun?

What happened?

Are you feeling unwell?

My father...

It turns out he's really gone.

(We must silence him.)

Knowing we've betrayed,

he planned to kill us

at Yi Pass in 14 days.

We should

silence him.

Does Yi Pass

refer to Jingyang?

Are you investigating Jingyang?

The Battle of Jingyang was ten years ago.

Why are you investigating it?

My father

was a commander in the Battle of Jingyang.

Lu Jie.

Is your father General Lu Jie?

But no one ever mentioned it at home.

The name "Lu Jie"

is a taboo for the Lu Clan.

Uncle feared it would sadden me and Grandmother,

but I...

never forgot him.

I know your parents died in that battle.

It's widely rumored

the battle was lost because of my father.

You must resent me, right?

But you still told me.

I didn't want to hide it from you.

We lost the Battle of Jingyang.

I do have my grievances,

but in essence,

the fall of Jingyang was due to Beichu's invasion.

If there is blame,

it is on the enemies.

As for General Lu Jie,

I don't know the full story,

and won't judge it lightly.

My father would never abandon the city and flee.

My father said the same thing.

Really?

My father was the prefect of Jingyang.

He had associated with General Lu Jie.

If he said such things,

it means there must be more to the story.

So, did you go to Shuozhou

for this matter?

I traced the clues to Shuozhou.

At the Fan Family, I found a ledger.

Its contents were a secret letter in code.

Yet, I was discovered.

That's why I fell into the water.

And you saved me.

This paper contains the content of the secret letter.

(We must silence him.)

So...

the hidden truth is

General Lu Jie did not flee before the battle.

He led a squad to an ambush,

but was silenced by a traitor in the North Army.

That's correct.

However, one anonymous letter

can't clear my father's name.

I must investigate further,

and find solid evidence.

Only then will the truth be revealed.

Look at your current state.

We haven't even started yet,

and already scared off the spies.

How about

going out

to lift our spirits?

Sounds good.

So you have such a deep secret.

You want to clear General Lu's name.

But what evidence is left now?

The ones who sent the secret letter ten years ago

knew such a confidential operation.

They must hold a high position in the North Army.

According to the letter,

two people within the army were involved.

A single move can affect the whole situation.

Therefore,

I must be extremely cautious this time

to avoid alarming the enemy.

So you should start with the North Army.

I will ask Prince Changyi to find two lists.

First, a key figure in the Battle of Jingyang.

Second, apart from Prince Hengyang,

those who can command the North Army.

The people appearing on both lists

are the spies.

♪Clouds dream of garments, flowers dream of grace♪

♪Love for power, beauty, but freedom takes the place♪

♪Pearls of the night or robes of gold♪

♪All I'd trade for a cup of wine, bold♪

♪With the strength to bind a chicken, none♪

♪Yet I can seize fate's throat, alone♪

♪Wanna be my rival, you say♪

♪Sorry, you're not there yet, today♪

♪Don't speak of forever♪

♪It's too much for me♪

♪Don't stand idle♪

♪Let love not be late♪

♪Step aside, step aside, make some space♪

♪I'll choose or reject, take my time, no haste♪

♪If you're just boring, I won't stay♪

♪Without you, I'll still live my way♪

♪Step aside, step aside, let me through♪

♪Take it slow, don't be tense, it's true♪

♪Love is love, hate is hate, no debate♪

♪Don't waste this life, make it great♪

♪Clouds dream of garments, flowers dream of grace♪

♪Love for power, beauty, but freedom takes the place♪

♪Pearls of the night or robes of gold♪

♪All I'd trade for a cup of wine, bold♪

♪With the strength to bind a chicken, none♪

♪Yet I can seize fate's throat, alone♪

♪Wanna be my rival, you say♪

♪Sorry, you're not there yet, today♪

♪Don't speak of forever♪

♪It's too much for me♪

♪Don't stand idle♪

♪Let love not be late♪

♪Step aside, step aside, make some space♪

♪I'll choose or reject, take my time, no haste♪

♪If you're just boring, I won't stay♪

♪Without you, I'll still live my way♪

♪Step aside, step aside, let me through♪

♪Take it slow, don't be tense, it's true♪

♪Love is love, hate is hate, no debate♪

♪Don't waste this life, make it great♪