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 23=

Father, you took it upon yourself

to protect Nanyue during your lifetime.

Let me

fulfill

your unfinished aspirations.

Miss Luo.

How long has he been kneeling?

Let him have some quiet time alone.

It's been ten years.

He can finally bring his father's tablet

to the ancestral hall.

Accompany him well.

Your Highness.

I heard you want to see me.

Your Highness, when did you find out?

Since the first assassination attempt,

I felt something was strange.

You are both my mentor and friend.

I never suspected you

as a Beichu spy.

We serve different masters.

I survived many attacks

and always got injured but not fatally.

Did you spare me?

If you say yes,

I will believe you.

No need for further questions.

I am already doomed.

Your Highness,

you consider me

as a wolf beside you these years.

If needed, kill me then.

Do not leave any room for mercy.

If you can reveal Beichu's

upcoming plans,

you might redeem yourself.

It's too late.

I've made grave mistakes.

Ending up like this

is a consequence of my actions.

You're fair in judgment.

Do not blame yourself or feel guilty.

You actually took poison!

You actually took poison!

Quick, find a physician.

Call for help.

Mr. Kong,

you must not die.

Mr. Kong...

You've committed such a grave error.

How can you just die like this?

I failed your kindness.

Le me repay it

in the next life.

Mr. Kong...

Thanks to you again this time.

Without your help,

I fear I'd have died.

Mr. Kong...

It's fine as long as you're pleased.

The sickness you neglected in the past

is still not healed even now.

Take your medicine later

and then have a rest.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Mr. Kong...

Mr. Kong!

Good.

(Zhou Yangling's exam paper) This essay is truly good!

Changyi was indeed right.

You possess great wisdom

and exceptional talent.

Who is your mentor?

My father is Master Zhou from Wuzhou,

Zhou Tan.

I learned from my father.

You are the daughter of Master Zhou?

Well,

you are the woman

who is engaged to Changyi,

Zhou Yangling.

Your Majesty,

I am Zhou Yangling.

I request you to annul the engagement.

Well...

You wish to annul the engagement?

Exactly.

Yangling.

How can you decide it on your own?

Hengyang broke the engagement with Miss Luo.

Now it's you.

Do you even respect me?

Please calm down.

I am of humble background,

without a distinguished family,

unworthy to match with Prince Changyi.

Moreover,

Prince Changyi has someone he loves.

It isn't like that, Father.

Yangling is truly talented.

I'm not worthy of her.

I can't bear to hinder her growth.

I dare not dream beyond my reach.

(These sons give me no peace.)

(I've done all I can.)

Are you all

treating my orders like a joke?

Let me tell you,

I don't allow you to annul the engagement.

Any violator

will be dealt

with immediate execution.

What are you still staying here for?

Quickly, leave now.

Don't anger His Majesty further.

- Obey your order. - Obey your order.

I'll find an opportunity

to mention it to my father again.

But Hengyang and Miss Luo

requested to annul the engagement,

so my father might not easily consent.

The Emperor's anger is no small matter.

About the engagement,

we'll discuss it later.

Aman,

in the coming days,

don't mention this to His Majesty again.

Yangling.

Do you know

why I insist on annulling this marriage?

I understand.

As a prince,

you admire Zhou Zibo.

You think he's someone

who can stand by your side.

But as Aman,

I disguises myself as a man,

going alone to take the exam.

You may find it hard to accept such a wife.

It's not like that.

This has nothing to do

who you are.

The one I admire has always been you.

Me?

Then why didn't you say so before

and insisted on annulling the engagement?

I don't want you to feel passive.

If you don't like it,

no need to feel troubled

by my words today.

I just want to give you the choice.

But before that,

I want to ask you one last thing.

Did you ever

have feelings for me?

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

♪A cup of wine can't drown my loneliness♪

♪The moon wanes; the candlelight flickers♪

♪I wrote down as much as I remembered♪

♪Flowers wither in the cool breeze♪

♪Yearning deep in the eyes mottles like stars♪

♪What if I grow old all alone♪

♪Tears will be shed forever♪

♪The pain of parting drifts with the wind♪

♪Picking up a brush, I just want to♪

♪Draw the fleeting time and capture youth♪

♪At the end of time♪

♪In this world, I suddenly look back♪

(Xunmei House)

(Why haven't they finished talking yet?)

Sir,

are you just waiting outside so calmly?

Miss Luo is alone with Prince Hengyang.

The atmosphere is quite romantic.

Of course, I feel relieved.

Are you very idle?

I'm busy, very busy.

I'm going.

Miss Luo,

this is the decree annulling our engagement.

(Annul Liu Mu and Luo Lingyu's engagement.)

Unfortunately, I am not the person you like.

Otherwise...

What's unfortunate about it?

Having a friend like me

isn't that a blessing for you?

Why did you hit me?

What's wrong with it?

You've been hitting me since childhood.

Why can't I hit you one more time?

You can't keep hitting me.

It really hurts.

Why do you both act childish

whenever you meet?

I promised Hua

to take her to hang out.

I take my leave first.

See, you drove her away.

It's all your fault.

Why do you look so worried?

What are you thinking about?

Chen Hao and others have been caught.

Now is the perfect time

to recover Jingyang.

The court is making preparations.

Troop recruitment has begun.

You're going to the Northern Border?

I've been away for long.

It's time to return to the camp.

I'll depart the day after tomorrow.

Kong Lingfeng is gone.

Have you found someone for the advisor?

This person has to be familiar with the army

and understands me well.

How could it be so easy to find?

I have been there for years.

I have my own solution.

Don't worry about it.

If you return to the border now,

you only have Huo Dao by your side.

Can you handle it all?

Why have you become so hesitant?

Focus on managing court affairs

and welcome me back victorious.

(Lu Mansion)

Ridiculous!

Uncle, I don't act on impulse.

In these years,

no one has ever mentioned

I am the son of Lu Jie in public.

I know that the elders want to protect me,

but I don't want to deceive everyone.

That's why I want to tell this decision

to Grandmother and you.

You have merely uncovered the truth

and let hatred cloud your judgment.

Uncle, I...

Do you think, with just your passion,

you can secure a victory?

Have you ever been there?

Have you served as a soldier?

Where does your confidence come from?

Do you think you can come back unharmed?

Your uncle is right.

I just hope for family reunion.

Grandmother, I promise you,

I will return to honor you.

Weapons are ruthless on the battlefield.

How can you guarantee that?

Ancestors achieved many military merits.

Being a soldier is inheriting their legacy.

It's natural.

You taught me from a young age

experience can make me grow.

My purpose for this trip

is to gain experience on the battlefield.

You...

Alright, alright.

Your noise gives me a terrible headache.

You two continue to talk.

- Grandmother. - Take care, Mother.

Alright, alright.

You may leave now.

Let's drop this matter.

Uncle,

I have made my decision.

Madam Lu,

how about having a physician check on you?

Madam Lu.

Madam Lu, what's wrong with you?

Miss Luo, Madam Lu has a headache again.

But she refuses to see the physician.

Can you help persuade her?

No need to call a physician.

Lingyu,

Yun said he wants to go to the battlefield.

Even if I recover, what's the use?

I'd rather leave before him,

so he has one less worry.

Madam Lu, please don't say that.

If heard by Xuechen,

he would surely be sad.

He is determined.

How could he worry about my sadness?

Madam Lu, you know Xuechen well.

Since he has his own goals,

we should respect his choice.

You must take care of your health

so that he has fewer worries.

Why are you so determined?

Jingyang has fallen.

My father bears ten years of blame.

Now, I must reclaim Jingyang myself.

Over the past ten years,

I hoped you'd stop investigating this.

Regarding this matter,

I understand your concerns.

You need to consider the family's safety.

Stopping me is also out of concern for me.

But Uncle,

don't you understand by now?

Some matters

can't be resolved by inaction.

Civil Officials can also serve the country.

You've just become the Imperial Censor.

You can fulfill your patriotic duty.

Why insist on being a hero of war?

No egg is left intact in the overturned nest.

My father died on the battlefield.

It's not for grand ambitions,

but for the countless people.

As his son,

how can I ignore his last wishes?

A few days ago,

you gave me my father's sword.

The sword was spotless,

clearly cherished for years.

You keep it so well.

You must understand my father's wishes.

Isn't this also your regret?

With so many generals in the court,

why must it be you?

Now there's a vacancy in the North Army,

Prince Hengyang

can't find a reliable partner quickly.

I have worked well with him for years

and know the North Army well.

So it must be me this time.

In my eyes,

I always thought

you are still that young naive child.

Didn't expect

you to grow up so fast.

Remember,

you must return safely.

Do you hear me?

I understand.

Yun.

Aunt, don't persuade me anymore.

I have made up my mind.

I came to tell you

that the North is freezing.

I've prepared some medicinal wine for warmth.

Remember to take it with you.

Aren't you here to persuade me to stay?

It's the cliché.

Do you

consider me such a stubborn person?

Life isn't that long.

Of course, you should pursue your dreams.

Going to the battlefield

is a noble cause.

Since you desire it,

don't disappoint your own intentions.

- Aunt... - When you reclaim Jingyang,

remember to bring Xifeng Wine to your Uncle.

He loved it the most during his life.

Don't worry.

Uncle's spirit in heaven

will surely understand your feelings.

Thank you very much.

I await your victorious return.

- Xian. - Yun.

I'm looking for you.

Help me with this, please.

Not this one.

It's this one.

Tortoise shell.

Why are you giving me this?

Before you set out,

perform a divination.

If it's auspicious, charge forward.

If not, then avoid battle.

Come, let me teach you.

How could the enemy choose a favorable day?

Better to believe it exists than not.

Just take it with you.

Had I known earlier,

I would have studied more military books

and practiced more with martial arts.

Now you're going to fight

and serve the country.

Sadly, I'm too frail

to go to the battlefield.

You are right.

Taking it might help.

Thank you.

You must keep it safe.

Sir.

Young Master Xian.

As per your instruction,

I've invited Miss Luo to the street.

I see.

I'm going.

(I will set off with Hengyang tomorrow.)

(How should I tell Lingyu?)

(Does she already know?)

Why suddenly invite me here?

I feel that since we met, we have been

misunderstanding each other.

But now, we love each other.

I want to take you to a good place.

Where is that?

You'll know when we get there.

It's quite cute.

Look at this.

Relax.

Don't be under pressure.

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

Watch me.

♪Fate entwines, a knot forever binding♪

It's close.

You can do it.

♪Like fireworks in the night♪

So close.

- So close. - What a pity.

Sir.

Have a few more.

That's quite a lot.

He bought it directly.

He bought it.

Do you like it?

I do.

Let's go.

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

♪In this life, may our love forever blend♪

No peeking! No peeking!

I saw it.

Here you go.

♪Through seasons' change, our whispers weave♪

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

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

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

♪Yet your bright smile, how it steals♪

Can you help me choose a color?

♪A brilliance that no words can yield♪

♪La~ la~♪

This green one looks the best.

Do you really mean it?

Of course.

♪La~ la~♪

Let me put it on you.

No, no, don't!

- Stop right there. - Forget it.

You haven't paid. My rouge!

♪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♪

Tired?

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

There's one last place.

Let's go.

This is the boat I took to Yuezhou.

Are you

seeking revenge

for the day I forced you off the boat?

When will the vengeance end?

Besides, I don't hold grudges.

Really?

When I first arrived at the Lu Mansion,

I'm not sure

who set so many traps for me.

Haven't you already retaliated

with even greater force?

Mr. Lu,

what are you feeling guilty about?

Why did you bring me here today?

That day you asked me to get off the boat,

I realized then,

there are extraordinary women like you.

Like me

who is ruthless with no mercy?

A woman who dares to put herself first.

After the Battle of Jingyang,

my father vanished without a trace.

My mother felt life was hopeless

and took me to the river to drown.

Yun,

your father is accused of treason.

We have lost all hope

- in this world. - No.

My father is not a traitor.

You have me, Mother.

We will live on bravely.

Since then,

I realized that in this world,

most women

don't live for themselves.

I am fortunate

to have met someone like you,

a truly exceptional woman.

So you had plans all along.

♪Yearning deep in the eyes mottles like stars♪

♪What if I grow old all alone♪

♪Tears will be shed forever♪

♪The pain of parting drifts with the wind♪

♪Picking up a brush, I just want to♪

(Xuechen,)

(meeting you is also my fortune.)

(Others want me to be beautiful)

(and socially adept.)

(But only you)

(see me for who I truly am.)

Lingyu,

I will go to the Northern Border.

When I left home today,

I knew this moment would come.

I want you to do whatever you wish.

This is a sachet I embroidered myself.

May you be safe and sound.

Before the Flower Goddess Contest,

you owed me the third condition.

Do you remember?

Have you figured it out?

Don't marry another man.

Wait for my return.

I can't agree to this condition.

Who knows how long you'll be gone.

If you enjoy yourself in there,

and don't return for decades,

what would I do then?

Yuezhou's forces are strong now.

From departure to return,

it's only three or four months.

I won't keep you waiting long.

I don't care how long it takes.

Anyway,

if you dare to die,

I'll find someone to marry.

Can't you humor me a little?

How about this?

It's barely fine.

(Qing Courtyard)

(Lu Mansion)

Be careful.

Take it slow.

Mother, take it slow.

Madam Lu,

please don't chase after him.

He left early this morning.

He said he didn't want to say goodbye.

How could he just leave like this?

He is straightforward.

I've been gathering my thoughts all night

and now there's no one to talk to.

How could he

leave like this?

Why didn't you let family see you off?

You didn't let them either.

How could I lose?

Besides, we said goodbye yesterday.

I'll be back in a few months.

Well,

what about Miss Luo?

Mother,

Yun is afraid you worry about him.

Until he returns,

let's teach him a good lesson.

- Yes, Mother. - Calm down.

Don't worry.

Miss Luo,

this is what my master instructed me

to pass on to you.

(Deed of House Sale)

This is...

This is my master's entire fortune.

He said

you can withdraw at will.

(Owner Lu Yun)

♪What does it matter♪

Is this sachet from Miss Luo?

Ajiao,

you need not worry

about Miss Luo and me.

♪Let's soar♪

♪Follow your heart boldly♪

Promise me,

don't marry another man.

Wait for my return.

I can't agree to this condition.

Who knows how long you'll be gone?

From departure to return,

it's only three or four months.

I won't keep you waiting long.

(Owner Lu Yun)

♪What does it matter♪

♪Follow your heart boldly♪

(May you be safe and sound.)

♪When spring comes, let's soar♪

(Jingyang City)

(Jingyang)

Aren't you going

to read the letters from Yun?

What exactly did he write?

(To Luo Lingyu)

Miss Luo,

my master

has written you so many letters.

Why don't you read any of them?

If he returns after a while,

there'd be no need to open them.

(To Luo Lingyu)

If he can't return,

there's even less reason to read.

(Sizhou)

We won!

We won!

(Jingyang) We won.

We won!

We won!

Brothers, we won! We did it!

We won!

We won this battle!

We claimed victory.

You're wounded.

We won.

We recovered Jingyang.

We won.

We won.

We've taken Jingyang.

(Jingyang City)

(Battle Report)

(The North Army defeated our army.)

After Nanyue captured Chen Hao and others,

they immediately launched a surprise attack.

They must have been well-prepared.

Your Majesty,

I am willing to lead Beichu's army.

You shameless person,

since you betrayed Nanyue,

who knows whether

you are truly loyal to Beichu?

Moreover,

with just your skills,

you can't even lift a sword

on the battlefield

and would run away in fear.

What do you all think?

♪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♪