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 6=

(Prince Hengyang)

Losers.

Charge together.

Speak.

Who sent you to kill me?

Your Highness, watch out!

I failed to protect you.

Please forgive me.

Go check

who's after me.

Yes.

Are you hurt, sir?

It's nothing.

Just a scratch.

Thank you for saving me again.

Without you,

I'd have been doomed.

Your Highness,

each move

of these people was lethal.

These aren't mere bandits.

They knew our route well.

I've told no one of my return.

And only one person

knew this path.

Xuechen, my old companion.

Third Young Master,

I meant no harm earlier.

Third Young Master.

You're still upset, aren't you?

Aren't you strong-willed?

But now you're crying,

I feel a bit at a loss.

Perhaps you should head back.

Please don't bother me again.

Third Young Master,

there seems to be someone in the pavilion.

Could it be a friend of yours?

The night is dim.

You must have been mistaken.

This narrow path on the lake is unsafe.

I'll escort you back to the shore.

Thank you.

This way.

I reflected over my behavior after returning.

I think the misunderstanding between us

remains unresolved,

so I want to try my luck.

I'm surprised that you haven't left.

I knew you were waiting for me.

Is that all?

Yes.

Third Young Master,

I meant no harm today.

Please don't take it to heart.

Let's pretend it never happened.

Naturally,

I won't leak out

what I saw tonight.

Are you trying to set terms with me?

I heard it.

(Has he forgiven me...)

(or not?)

It's late.

Miss Luo, please return.

Third Young Master!

(I've fallen so hard,)

(yet you don't come to help me.)

Miss Luo, you've come a long way.

But you got all dirty.

Just go back.

Or it'll just be awkward.

I just want to clear the air.

Why do you humiliate me so?

Have you always mocked me?

Am I just a joke to you?

Your shoe.

No need to remind me.

I won't keep any shoes

that don't fit.

Had I known earlier,

I wouldn't have come.

Miss Luo.

Miss Lau.

The night is cold and dewy.

The stone path is chilly and hard.

How can you walk with one shoe?

You are right.

It feels much better

than wearing one shoe.

You truly think differently.

What's the point

of being like others?

Maybe I should escort you back.

Thank you, Miss Lau.

It really hurts.

Take it slow.

Thank you for escorting me.

I appreciate it.

No trouble at all.

Miss Luo, did something happen today?

Why do you look so disheveled?

Just a small mishap.

I threw away ill-fitting shoes.

Even if they're unfit,

most ladies would endure,

and change them back in their rooms.

But you seem to never care about

what others think.

Truly spontaneous.

Do you think I'm unruly?

I simply believe that walking

relies on our feet,

not on shoes.

If we wear shoes for their sake,

we forget the joy of walking.

Isn't that unreasonable?

Our feelings matter most,

don't they?

This is...

Today I noticed you liked Tongcao flowers,

so I wrote the steps in a booklet for you.

(Step two: Tie the petals) This way,

you can learn at home.

No need to force yourself to socialize.

(To Craft Tongcao Flowers)

After walking barefoot,

you'll find it more comfortable than in shoes.

For some reason,

seeing you so carefree,

I feel much more at ease inside.

I hope you can always be like this.

I also wish you happiness, Miss Lau.

Look,

you've seen me at my worst.

So don't be formal with me.

No one ever said such words to me.

If only I could be family with you...

We are already sisters.

From now on, we're family.

Xuechen, I've advised you before

to accept the Emperor's offer.

We wouldn't have to endure

this confined place with no escape.

Do you understand the wisdom of patience?

The more important the matter,

the simpler the place to discuss it at.

I'm serious about this.

If you could enter the court,

wouldn't it be more convenient

to investigate General Lu's past?

You wouldn't need to use excuses

to rush around for investigation.

Be careful if Minister Lu finds out.

I won't stop until I uncover the truth

about my father.

But wouldn't that be unfair

to take an official position for this?

Besides, now in the court, apart from you,

everyone thinks my father betrayed them,

causing the loss of Jingyang.

Bringing up old matters publicly

won't help at all.

It'll only create obstacles.

Therefore,

it's unwise to investigate this openly.

Your Highness,

these were well-trained Death Warriors,

and had taken poison.

No clues can be found

on their bodies.

It's said Lu Yun is close to Prince Changyi.

The Imperial Family

has always faced fraternal conflicts.

I'm afraid they're involved in this matter.

Xuechen and I have been friends since childhood.

Is he after me now

for power?

Everything changes in an instant,

let alone human hearts.

Your Highness, you just returned victorious.

What happened tonight

is of grave concern.

We've guarded Northern Border for years,

and haven't smoothed out the court relations.

This matter requires a thorough investigation.

Xuechen wasn't like this as a child.

He must have been deceived.

Since I've returned,

I must find out the truth

to see what he's really thinking.

What's on your mind?

Aman, I don't think Luo Lingyu came here

just for a temporary stay.

I didn't think much at first.

I just found her troublesome.

But seeing how she looked at you,

I can't help but suspect

that she might be a spy from the Fan Clan.

I notice that Miss Luo

is quite different from other women I've met.

But maybe you're overthinking it.

Back in Shuozhou,

she blocked my path of pursuit.

Then she caused chaos when I was investigating the Fan Clan,

alerting them.

She rode off with the horse I prepared,

leaving me nearly trapped.

Then on the boat, she...

Forget it. Let's not mention it.

Isn't she trying to escape marriage?

If she were a spy for the Fan Clan,

why would she run away?

That's the most suspicious part.

She loves money, and the Fans are Imperial Merchants,

so why did she refuse the marriage?

The world is vast.

Why did she choose to flee to the Lu Mansion?

Today, she sought out Tang.

But apart from few elders of the Lu Clan,

no one knows her identity.

Tonight, she...

Highly suspicious.

Aren't there already many ladies

trying to get close to you?

How could she be the same?

Why couldn't she?

For women,

propriety usually trumps affection.

They know when to retreat.

But she won't give up,

and keeps pestering me repeatedly.

She even followed me here tonight.

Is that so?

Believe it or not.

She's definitely not simple.

Alright, if she's not simple,

find a reason to send her away.

She's good at socializing.

It's like she's already settled in here.

It's not easy

to drive her away.

I've made up my mind

to risk getting close to her.

I can scam information

about the Fan Clan out of her in that way.

Your relationship with her has reached this point.

Is there still room to maneuver?

Alright, you're just recovering.

Don't trouble yourself with these.

Leave it to others.

You don't know.

This woman is cunning.

If I don't test her myself,

others might be deceived.

It's rare for me

to see you value someone so much.

Is it really just out of suspicion?

You don't believe me?

We'll see.

(Clear Breeze and Bright Moon)

My Lady,

have you sent Miss Lau back?

My Lady,

did you work things out with Third Young Master?

Did something happen?

Why do you look like this?

He wouldn't really retaliate, would he?

That would be too petty.

Better left unsaid.

Earlier, I just slapped him,

losing some dignity.

Now, even my pride is gone,

especially in front of other gentlemen.

Other gentlemen?

I saw his golden embroidery.

He must be from the Imperial Family.

Imperial Family!

How is Third Young Master involved with them?

That's not our concern.

The urgent matter now

is to reclaim our ancestral property.

Ten years ago,

my parents sent Hua and me

out of Jingyang.

I will not let them down.

Lingyu, no matter what happens,

take good care of yourself.

(Luo Zhaowen, Lingyu's father)

(Li Guiyi, the mother)

Also, take care of Hua.

(Young Luo Lingyu)

Once you leave the city,

- The Luos will be there to help. - Let's go.

Lingyu,

you will be the pillar of the Luo Clan.

The whole family depends on you now.

Remember the Ancestral Precepts of our clan.

Do you understand?

Mother...

Father... Mother...

My Lady, don't be sad.

We've overcome past hardships.

This is just a minor setback.

It's nothing I can't handle.

Do you still consider Third Young Master

as a potential matrilocal husband?

Third Young Master is peculiar,

showing two faces to the world.

He invited me for a night meeting,

but teased me by the lake.

He's truly unpredictable.

Since it's unattainable,

I'll just let it be.

But still, I'll seek more opportunities,

rather than being stuck with one.

It's not worth it.

After you.

Tonight, Tang went back alone,

and didn't wait for me.

She used to cling to me.

But she's growing up now,

and has her own thoughts.

She's quite naive though.

I hope she doesn't get deceived.

I'm leaving now.

Oh right, Xuechen,

I need your help with something.

Tell me about it.

At the dock earlier, I didn't find Zhou Yangling,

daughter of Zhou Tan from Wuzhou,

but I located her boatman.

I've sent someone

to keep an eye on him and his boat.

Have you searched the city thoroughly?

I've never seen her.

I don't know what she looks like.

I just arranged for an artist

to draw her based on descriptions,

and posted a poster.

Aman,

there's one thing I don't understand.

Zhou Tan comes from a humble family.

You befriend Zhou Tan to connect with them.

Why must you marry his daughter?

Marriage has always facilitated

alliances.

Must you follow tradition blindly?

With your talent and political ambition,

even without the marriage,

Master Zhou might still support you.

Besides,

a lifetime-bound arrangement

is unfair to Zhou Yangling.

It's not fortunate for you either.

Sorry, I can't assist with this.

I'll consider your words carefully.

See you. You should head back.

Thank you, sir.

(Yuezhou Ferry)

Who is this Zhou Yangling from Wuzhou?

Who is she anyway?

- I've never seen her. - These posters

(Missing Person Poster) are everywhere.

Exactly.

When did I start looking like this?

I'm just looking around.

- Not him. - No.

- Not him. Let's go. - Okay.

What are you doing?

- You ripped it down. - I...

I...

Do you know this person?

I don't know.

Then you must know her location.

Tell me, and I'll surely...

Did she go that way?

She is in Yuezhou.

Thank you, sir.

He's looking for me.

Could he work for Prince Changyi?

(It seems Prince Changyi)

(doesn't know my appearance.)

(For now, I can be at ease.)

(But I must dispel his intention)

(to continue searching for me.)

(Notice) Lu Clan is recruiting an assistant.

(Yuezhou Ferry)

(Xuewu Courtyard)

My Lady, if only the shoes weren't lost.

We could wash them,

and wouldn't need to buy new ones.

Although we earned some money

from the tea break,

it's better to be thrifty.

Forget about the old shoes.

They remind me of yesterday.

Better to let the old go for new ones.

Let's buy a new pair.

Don't dwell on the past.

My Lady,

is it wise for us to openly seek

Second Young Master?

It's not appropriate.

Since First Madam treats us poorly,

how can Second Yong Master

be a matrilocal husband to you?

You don't know that.

Who said we're seeking Second Young Master

to get a matrilocal husband?

After observing for a few days,

I found that he is well-connected in Yuezhou,

and quite familiar with many young men.

Moreover, he is honest,

and we have a connection.

Having him help me find a husband candidate

would be the best choice.

Miss,

I wonder...

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

That day,

I regretted meeting you just briefly.

Didn't expect to see you here.

Indeed.

I thought I'd meet you in Yuezhou,

but I didn't expect us to meet so soon.

Thanks for your help that day.

By the way, I have your jade pendant,

but I didn't bring it.

I'll deliver it to you another day.

It's very kind of you.

It's just a jade pendant.

Consider it a gift from me to you.

Then I'll bring a return gift next time

to commemorate our meeting here.

Alright.

Mr. Zhou, what brings you to the Lu Mansion?

I saw this.

(Notice) The Lu Clan is hiring a teaching assistant.

I'm interested in it,

so I came here.

But the servant who led me in

said he had urgent business,

and left me to proceed alone.

I've searched all around, but couldn't find

Second Young Master's courtyard.

Second Young Master?

I was just about to look for him.

Come with me. I'll take you there.

Thank you, Miss.

Please come this way.

Here we are.

Second Young Master,

I heard you want to hire

a teaching assistant.

Look, I brought you someone.

Why is it you?

This is my brother's courtyard.

Why is it strange for me to be here?

But Miss Luo,

why did you bring flowers and people?

What brings you here?

Mr. Zhou is here to apply for the position.

We came to see Second Young Master.

I am Zhou Zibo.

I came to this city for exams.

I heard you're hiring an assistant,

so I came to apply.

(You've just been here for a few days,)

(and you're so impatient.)

(Now you're bringing in accomplices.)

How could it be possible to pull the strings

with just these flowers?

Lu Yun! Stop your nonsense.

Mr. Zhou has a kind heart

and great talent.

You're not his match.

Ridiculous.

Lu Yun.

I asked you to help me.

Why start an argument?

(What's happening?)

(Why did Miss Luo come)

(with a handsome guy?)

(Lu Yun looks furious.)

(I need to say something.)

Miss Luo, why are you here?

Are you here for Lu Yun?

No.

The magnolias are blooming at Xuewu Courtyard,

so I thought of bringing some to you.

Here you are.

But on the way here,

I encountered Mr. Zhou coming for recruitment.

I brought him along as well.

I am Zhou Zibo.

Are you Zhou Zibo,

Mr. Zhou?

Brother.

You know him?

Of course.

Mr. Zhou's reputation

is already well-known

among the exam candidates.

His articles have been read by many peers.

Even the teacher praises them highly.

It's truly a surprise

that you came for recruitment.

You flatter me.

The Lu Clan is deeply rooted in history,

full of renowned scholars.

If I could be offered a chance,

I'll be appreciated.

(He's made a thorough preparation.)

(Why does he keep watching Mr. Zhou?)

Although I admire your talents,

the standard interview process

cannot be skipped.

Of course not.

Then we'll wait

for your good news.

Lu Yun.

Lu Yun.

Since you like these flowers so much,

why not take a few?

I don't want any.

This is Miss Luo's gift for you.

How could I take it away?

(They're indeed fighting.)

Yu Lun, Miss Luo, please wait here.

Mr. Zhou, please follow me for the interview.

Alright.

This way.

(Could these flowers have a hidden meaning?)

(He even followed me here.)

(What's he trying to do?)

(She remains calm.)

(She's truly deep in thought.)

(A composed type.)

Miss Luo, let's speak frankly.

I don't understand.

What do you mean by that?

What was your intent in approaching me?

We're both well aware of it.

Today, you even brought Mr. Zhou.

My brother is unaware of this,

but that doesn't mean I'm in the dark.

Third Young Master, perhaps you're overthinking it.

There are so many gentlemen in Yuezhou.

Why does it have to be you?

Besides, whether it's Second Young Master,

or Mr. Zhou,

we're just friends.

You can refuse my pursuit,

but can't stop me from getting close to others.

What sense does that make?

Today, you pursue someone in the courtyard.

Tomorrow, you'd pick some magnolias,

pairing with flirting gestures.

Miss Luo, what do you want?

Do you want me to imitate

your behavior in front of my brother?

You...

You are indeed talented and knowledgeable.

You flatter me.

Sorry about that.

If you despise me so much to mock me,

why do you keep watching my every move?

Today, you tried to stop me from meeting

Second Young Master, and are wary of Mr. Zhou.

What about tomorrow?

Who will you stop me from befriending?

That depends on whom you see tomorrow.

(What does he really mean?)

Their rapport

even falls short of that of Chang and Hua.

Mr. Zhou, you're knowledgeable

and have literary talents.

I knew from the start that this job was meant for you.

Miss, you flatter me.

I must thank you for guiding me today.

You're welcome.

My Lady, the carriage is ready.

Do you have plans to go out today?

Then I won't disturb you.

Now that I have this job,

we can meet at the Lu Mansion in the future.

Then we must meet often.

I shall take my leave now.

Mr. Zhou is quite exceptional.

He's well-mannered and knows his place.

Truly a rare find in this world.

Third Young Master is already out of reach.

Perhaps consider Mr. Zhou for the matrilocal list.

Don't speak such nonsense.

Mr. Zhou is a scholar aiming for exams.

He is talented with a bright future.

His demeanor is courteous and polite,

as radiant as the moon in the sky.

How can I exploit him?

Forget it.

Hurry to West Market,

or it'll be closed soon.

Yes, My Lady.

Lu Yun, you were too rash.

Miss Luo is delicate.

Even if you like her, you...

Delicate?

Brother, you misunderstand her.

This woman is very cunning.

You should avoid her.

Understood. Rest assured.

It's my first time

seeing you care so much for a woman.

Don't worry, I won't interfere.

That's not what I meant.

Just be cautious.

By the way, Brother,

why did you

call me here today?

(Roll Call List)

Compared to last month,

you missed three days of Family School.

(Lu Yun)

Lu Yun, I know you are talented,

but the study of governance is different.

You need to expand your knowledge.

Fine, Brother.

But why should I study governance?

I live in luxury.

Why endure such hardship?

With your abilities, given time,

you'll achieve much like Uncle.

Lu Yun,

I know you feel wronged.

Perhaps you can help me read my fortune

to find my future exalted status.

Such matters can't rely on fortune-telling.

Young Master.

Second Young Master.

There's a new tune at Xunmei House.

They sent me to invite you to enjoy it.

Got it. I'll head there soon.

Brother, you see?

That's my important task.

I'll leave matters of governance to you.

I'm off now.

Lu Xuechen!

I've always been frail, and not good at archery.

You are better at everything.

Now I can only do small tasks.

But you are different.

You have great talent.

Even His Majesty appreciates you.

If you have no ambition,

I won't persuade you anymore.

But you once said you wanted to become

a great general, didn't you?

That was just childish talk.

Do you know a general's success costs lives?

Glory is just dust in the wind.

The position of general...

How can it compare to my freedom now?

At least when you have time,

you should attend classes at Family School.

I've covered for you several times already.

Otherwise,

when Father returns,

he'll punish you again.

Alright.

Thank you, Brother.

I'm leaving.

(Lu Yun)

(Xunmei House)

Xunmei House is extraordinary.

Indeed.

I was so scared.

The ladies here only work as performers, not prostitutes,

yet you still try to take advantage of them.

This is not allowed.

They're meant for entertainment.

How dare you hit me!

Watch as I smash your shop!

- Good! Well done! - Yes!

- Good. - Wait and see!

- Good. - Just you wait!

Thank you, sir, for your help today.

But even if you hadn't stepped in,

I could still easily handle him.

I am the owner of Xunmei House,

and I'm meeting an esteemed guest today.

If he causes trouble,

it will ruin my matters.

He is already waiting.

Thank you, miss.

Over the years,

your skills have improved greatly.

What?

Are you just here for tea today?

That's not the case.

(To Prince Changyi)

(From Zhou Tan) I received your letter and sought Yangling,

but the search was in vain.

I am truly ashamed.

The marriage is a matter

between Yangling and Your Highness.

Once Your Highness finds her,

you can decide together.

It is, after all, between you two.

None of this concerns me.

Look at the other one.

(From Zhou Yangling) I have

arrived in Yuezhou.

No need to look for me further.

As for the marriage alliance,

it is a promise made by my father,

not a wish of mine.

Since it's between you two,

it has nothing to do with me.

From Zhou Yangling of the Zhou Family.

They're indeed blood-related.

Their bold nature is quite similar.

The Zhou Family dares to defy orders.

Perhaps you should ask His Majesty

to turn the entire southern Yuezhou upside down

until Zhou Yangling is found.

Xuechen, stop teasing me.

I'm glad that she is safe in Yuezhou.

She has made it clear

that she doesn't want to see me.

I will write to inform Master Zhou

that his daughter is now safe.

However, this marriage

indeed needs careful consideration.

It's your turn.

Your Highness.

Young Master, Fan Qingchen entered Yuezhou

through the north gate an hour ago.

He arrived so quickly.

How many people came?

Where are they now?

A group of six.

They are staying at Lan Inn in West Market.

West Market?

Yes.

The Fan Family is the wealthiest in Shuozhou.

Why not stay at a grand hotel?

Why choose a humble inn in West Market?

Moreover, West Market is full of fabric shops.

Usually, it's a place for ladies.

Jinchuan.

How is Miss Luo today?

Since she slapped you...

After she accidentally "caressed" your face,

she's barely left the house.

Today she went out with Lingxi.

They're currently at the West Market.

I see.

What a coincidence.

As soon as Fan Qingchen arrived,

she went out.

I don't have to especially look for her.

This time I'll see

what excuse she has left.

Come and see, small trinkets here!

If they're not fun, they'll be free!

These trinkets are nice.

Yes, indeed.

Young Master, I know you care about Miss Luo.

But we're here for a purpose.

Apart from Miss Luo, that person's whereabouts...

Since when is it your place to order me?

Lingyu,

where are you?

(Jinxiu Workshop)

My Lady,

there were so many

beautiful accessories and clothes.

Why didn't you buy any?

Didn't you say

that we need to save money?

Fortunately, I'm clever.

Let's pick two pieces of fabric.

We can make our own clothes.

They won't be worse than the store's.

You're right.

What's wrong, My Lady.

Maybe I'm just tired.

I feel a chill down my spine.

I'm hungry.

Lingxi, go buy two buns.

Alright, My Lady.

Lingyu.

♪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♪