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 7=

My apologies.

Lingyu.

We truly are destined to meet here.

Young Master Fan?

Why are you here?

Lingyu.

You left a letter,

then disappeared without a trace.

I was very worried about you.

Young Master Fan, we've known each other long.

I know you're an exceptional young gentleman.

For anyone,

you'd be a perfect match.

But since you saw my letter,

you must've read its content.

You should know I have my reasons

and I had to leave.

If you truly have reasons,

why not share them with me?

Young Master Fan, what I say

may not make you happy.

If you can truly agree to my request,

I will go back with you.

Alright, just say it,

and I will agree.

I have already vowed before my parents' graves.

In this life, I only seek a matrilocal husband.

Lingyu, are you worried that,

after marrying into Fan Mansion, you'll be mistreated?

Don't worry.

I will do my best to protect you.

As for the matrilocal husband,

the Fan Clan of Shuozhou is reputable.

You won't be disgraced.

Young Master Fan,

since you can't meet my terms,

let's not waste words here.

I hope you find a worthy match soon.

I bid my farewell.

What if you are the only one I want?

We are in an open space,

what are you doing here?

I traveled far to find my bride.

Naturally, I want to take her home.

We are not family.

Please, show some respect.

You keep saying I'm your bride,

but from beginning to end,

it was all arranged by my aunt and uncle and you.

Did you ever ask for my consent?

But that day, we clearly exchanged vows.

- My lady, I'm here to save you! - Lingxi!

- Run! - Sir, are you alright?

Chase them!

Go chase them!

What's happening here?

My lord, what should we do now?

Miss Luo is pretty smart,

but she's unfamiliar with this place.

The Fan family has many servants,

I'm afraid Miss Luo won't run far

before someone catches up.

My lord, should we help her?

What are they doing?

What do they want?

Stop! You, go that way!

Lingxi, this way!

- Follow me! - Don't run!

Over there!

Quick, over there!

Don't run!

My lady, why is he

suddenly in Yuezhou?

I didn't expect his persistence.

Besides, I've made my point clear.

Yet he continues to entangle us.

It is clear

he disregards my wishes.

Can we evade him this time?

Don't worry, we escaped once.

We surely can escape a second time.

They should have left.

- Let's go. - Alright.

Come on.

There! Miss Luo is there!

- My lady! - Hurry!

They're after you.

It's okay, you run first. I'll hold them off.

- Lingxi, Lingxi! - Miss Luo!

- You rascal! - Miss Luo!

You made me search everywhere.

Lingxi.

Make her give up quickly.

Stop playing these little tricks.

You heartless scoundrel!

You are away for three years.

I've been your servant all this time,

caring for your parents.

Yet you came to Yuezhou to have fun.

Don't listen to her nonsense!

I have nothing to do with her. Let go.

My Butler has worked in my family for decades.

When did he ever marry?

You are making things up.

Are you here

to cause harm and steal?

Hold on!

My lady.

My lady!

I thought she was a villain.

Turns out she's your maid.

Luckily, you arrived just in time.

Otherwise, she

might have died unjustly.

Did you get scared?

Lingyu,

I sincerely wish to marry you.

Why do you keep avoiding me?

Why do you disregard my feelings like this?

Come,

let's go back together.

Third Young Master?

Are you feeling tired?

Why are you sweating?

Your shoes are dirty too.

Where did you get this mud?

What do you mean, good sir?

I am from the Fan Clan of Shuozhou

and have a prior engagement with Lingyu.

I am here to bring her home.

Lingyu has said she doesn't want to.

Why force someone against their will?

He is Lu Yun, the nephew

of one of the Ministers,

the number one young master of Yuezhou.

I am new in Yuezhou,

and he kindly toured with me.

Young Master Fan, please respect yourself.

Indeed.

Oh, Lingyu.

Have you bought everything?

The elders are waiting for us at home.

Yes, I have.

That's good.

Sir, uh...

Mr. Fan of Shuozhou.

I bid you farewell.

Let's go, hurry up.

Let's go.

My lord, we...

So, you

came to West Market for clothes?

For a lady?

If I'm not mistaken,

the garment you touched

is made of Shuozhou's silky cloud brocade.

Yes indeed.

But Shuozhou is in the Northern Region,

where winters are long.

This fabric is indeed rare.

Hua and I live under others' roofs.

We're used to silk and cotton clothes.

This brocade is quite a novelty.

You're not from the Luo Clan of Shuozhou,

then you...

Isn't this woodshed spacious?

It's a bargain for you three.

This is for you.

This is a reward.

Don't be ungrateful.

Stay in line.

Thank you, Uncle and Aunt.

We will never forget your kindness.

When we grow up, we'll repay you.

Repay when you grow up?

You three will always be our burdens.

Wait. Raising you might even bring profit.

My lady.

My lady, what should we do?

It's alright, it's alright.

Just minor issues.

They've always treated me harshly,

planning to raise me until I'm grown,

then sell me off for status

and a good price.

That Fan Qingchen...

(Well, I can't hide it anymore.)

Fan Qingchen is the husband they chose for me.

(I've already told him)

(about everything, good and bad.)

(I wonder what he thinks.)

But to me,

Fan Qingchen seems deeply in love with you.

He chased you all the way from Shuozhou.

If he truly had feelings for me,

he wouldn't persist in pestering me.

It's strange though,

Master Fan values his reputation highly,

and Fan Qingchen is their only son.

I just didn't expect

Master Fan to send Fan Qingchen

to pursue me all the way here.

Haven't you always wanted a suitable husband?

I heard the Fan family in Shuozhou is imperial merchants.

Fan Qingchen is also quite distinguished.

Since you have an agreement with him,

why did you run away from the marriage?

That day, you accused me of seducing you.

I've heard this claim often.

After all, Uncle and Aunt

raised me, to make me seduce men.

I know women

have little control over matters.

But I refuse to accept this.

As for you,

why help me today

while accusing me so?

I did misunderstand you before,

but in my opinion,

in this world, all women,

regardless of status or character,

shouldn't marry against their will.

Your courage to flee the marriage is admirable.

I resisted,

but they treated me like a caged bird,

ignoring my feelings.

That's why I took drastic measures to escape.

I thought I could avoid this fate,

and change his mind.

But I didn't expect...

What's with that look?

I'm not here for your sympathy.

If they hadn't set so many obstacles for me,

I wouldn't be the person I am today.

So you say you only seek a matrilocal husband,

just to make Fan Qingchen quit?

(Seeking matrilocal husband to reclaim property...)

(I'll not speak more about it)

(to avoid further trouble.)

What do you think?

Using this to scare people away

is quite a clever plan.

(It seems he doesn't mind being a matrilocal husband.)

My lady!

Thank you so much.

(Lu Mansion)

That night at the Lake Pavilion,

I shouldn't have spoken like that.

I said something inappropriate

and exaggerated.

I apologize.

Are you here today

to tell me this?

Are you offering me your cloak?

I don't feel cold.

I am feeling cold.

You are overthinking.

I'm just fastening it up.

You must be tired today.

Go back and rest early.

What are you doing with him?

Nothing much.

Today, Fan Qingchen was relentless in his pursuit.

Luckily, I was able to rely on the Third Young Master's influence.

Otherwise, who knows what could've happened.

But this isn't a long-term solution.

You're back.

Did you go after Fan Qingchen?

Rest assured, sir.

They've closely followed him.

My lord, do you sense anything amiss?

That day, their study was heavily guarded.

If they notice something missing,

they'll surely be anxious.

Yet now, for a runaway darling,

the sole heir of the Fan family

even braves the dangers

and rushes to Yuezhou on horseback.

You find this strange?

Fan Qingchen is certainly

not here for a runaway darling.

But I met him today,

there's indeed no connection

between him and Luo Lingyu.

I misunderstood her after all.

I said it before,

Miss Luo isn't some spy.

Yes, thanks to her help,

we managed to enter the Fan Mansion.

Exactly.

You've only met her a few times,

yet you trust her so much.

My lord,

it's not about how long you've known her.

I knew at first glance

that she is the same kind of person as you.

I did something big for you today.

Speak.

The silky cloud brocade garment in your carriage,

I've already sent it to Miss Luo.

Sister, that was from Brother Jinchuan.

Quick, take a look.

That's for Aunt!

Who said it was for Luo Lingyu?

I know it.

I know it all, you don't need to say anything.

When Miss Luo sees the clothes and note,

she will surely be very touched

by your thoughtfulness.

What note?

The lotus blooms pale in comparison to a beauty's makeup,

as the breeze from the water palace carries fragrance of pearls and jade.

Lu...

Xue...Chen...

Sister.

Brother Yun said you're more beautiful than the lotus.

Why aren't you happy?

This morning, he subtly mocked me.

Yet he stood up to act with me

when we met Fan Qingchen at the West Market.

And now here is this poem.

I'm really unsure about his intentions.

Did you say anything to him?

In the carriage,

I mentioned my matter with Fan Qingchen.

So, is he sympathetic?

I won't pity him for his misfortunes.

Naturally,

I don't want him to pity me

for my past.

Isn't pity

a form of affection too?

It's all emotion.

You are right.

As long as there's some response,

there's hope for the future.

Since that's the case,

I'll put his name back

in my candidate list.

Who lets you act on your own?

My dear lord.

Why can't you see it?

Today, Miss Luo said,

she never wore a silky cloud brocade garment in Shuozhou.

What does it mean?

It means she wants to wear it.

Yes indeed.

But Shuozhou is in the Northern Region,

where winters are long.

This fabric is indeed rare.

Luckily, you are good-looking.

- Otherwise, we can't tell... - The account book.

What is it?

(Military Supplies Bill of Lading)

My lord, have you noticed anything unusual?

Miss Luo mentioned,

this fabric is rare in Shuozhou.

Even with the Fan family's wealth,

the Northern Region's winters are harsh.

Transporting such large quantities in January,

and the materials aren't even warm,

can they really sell them all?

They might be running a losing business.

They are the number one merchant,

and profit must be their top priority.

This account book hides a mystery.

What's recorded within

is likely more than simple accounts.

Today we bought so many things in the West Market.

Third Young Master also gave me a dress.

We need to tidy up for a bit.

Here is an unopened package.

It must be from the Third Young Master.

My lady! Look!

What is inside?

Aren't these the jewelry you tried in West Market today?

So Third Young Master has followed us all the way.

It was Fan Qingchen

who followed us all the way.

Everything I touched along the way,

he bought it all.

It's clear he's closely observing me today,

watching my every move.

My lady,

he seems like a different person.

Just thinking about it makes me feel scared.

He followed me to Yuezhou,

and said he wanted to stay here.

This is clearly a threat to me.

If I don't go back with him,

he'll expose my visit here

in Yuezhou and cause a stir.

No one saw through his true nature before.

It shows how meticulous his thinking is

and how skillful his methods are.

Ordinary methods won't work against him.

How should we respond then?

Keeping these things would be dangerous.

Lingxi.

Tomorrow, send someone to return this to him.

Understood, my lady.

Rest assured.

Tomorrow, I'll have someone return it intact.

(Silky Cloud Brocade: 2,000 bolts Longevity Lock: 80 pieces)

Silky cloud brocade, 2,000 bolts.

Longevity lock, 80 pieces.

Fine white flour, 500 picul...

My lord.

The variety of these goods

and the number of transactions varies.

Remember them

and you could become an accountant in the future.

In the past, when my father was in the army,

all military matters were communicated through secret codes.

The decoding methods

of different codes were different.

Therefore, my father kept a renowned scholar,

who was proficient in interpreting letters in the army.

If we want to uncover the secrets...

Finding this scholar is the only way.

I'll go investigate.

No need.

Since this person was once in the army,

it might be faster to let people in higher authority investigate.

People in higher authority?

Among those people,

who else can he command?

Isn't it only His Highness Prince Changyi?

When have I ever commanded him?

Well, that is true. For you two,

one is willing to strike, and the other is willing to endure.

Why are you standing there? Go quickly.

I take my leave.

(Lu Mansion)

I returned all of Young Master Fan's belongings

early this morning.

Good.

Miss Luo, check out the front yard!

A gentleman named Fan

said he would take you back to Shuozhou.

There are many people at the entrance.

How can he still come to us?

It happened so suddenly.

Maybe we should hide for now.

You can hide for a while, but not forever.

Since we can't hide,

then we should go meet him.

(Lu Mansion) He must be here to propose, right?

It seems so.

This gentleman

looks unfamiliar,

but is elegant and refined,

courteous and polite.

Compared to Mr. Lu,

he's not inferior at all.

But still, he's lacking in some ways.

How could he compare to my Third Young Master?

But this gentleman is just to my liking.

Lingyu.

Lingyu,

do you like the gift I sent yesterday?

Thank you, Young Master Fan.

I appreciate it.

But the gift was too valuable.

I asked Lingxi to return it.

Compared to the gift,

you are

the most valuable to me.

As long as you like it,

even if it is the moon in the water,

or the stars in the sky,

I will get them all for you.

With a husband like this,

what else could a wife ask for?

Indeed, we are so envious.

It's truly enviable.

I also want such a husband.

- So do I. - Who wouldn't?

Young Master Fan, talking on the street like this

may be discourteous.

Let's discuss it inside.

Sure, as you wish.

Please, Young Master Fan.

Lingyu, wait a moment.

Today, I see the prosperity of Yuezhou,

now I understand why you

are reluctant to return to Shuozhou for marriage.

However...

He is from Shuozhou?

No matter if you reject me once

or a thousand times,

my heart will always be unwavering.

My mind will never change.

He is truly devoted.

Yes! Go back with him!

(I must stay calm.)

Young Master Fan, please.

(Lu Mansion)

Though they say guests are like hosts,

but you came uninvited,

shouting at the gate of our mansion,

causing the neighbors to gather around.

Isn't that quite discourteous?

I am Fan Qingchen from the Fan family of Shuozhou.

I was indeed thoughtless this time.

However, Lingyu is my lawfully wedded wife.

She came to Yuezhou to visit her family,

but she never returned.

I was worried and missed her deeply.

That's why I mindlessly offended you.

I hereby apologize to you, Ma'am.

Don't let infatuation make you speak rashly.

You have been in Yuezhou for days.

But I haven't heard that you're married.

He favored me in Shuozhou.

But we are not officially married.

Please, elders, help me resolve this matter.

What's going on here?

Darling, please rise.

If you have something to say, speak clearly here.

I will make the decision.

Greetings, Madam Lu.

Lingyu has been in Yuezhou for a while.

Thanks for your care.

I have prepared some humble gifts for your clan's esteemed members.

It's a small token of respect.

Since when does the Lu family need such mundane items?

Do you think a small favor

will make the elders lose their judgment?

Miss Luo,

Young Master Fan prepared all this

with great effort.

He is truly a devoted suitor.

If what he says is true,

then you are really fortunate.

Don't be rash anymore.

It's best to follow him back to Shuozhou soon.

You are too kind.

Lingyu is kind and gentle,

graceful and intelligent.

Being with her

is a fortune I sought for lifetimes.

Elders, please see this clearly.

If everyone who admires me

can bring me home,

I can't manage it

even with magic.

Miss Luo, did you know?

For your grand wedding,

even when your uncle and aunt

demanded a hundred carriage dowry,

Young Master agreed immediately because he didn't want to

put you in a difficult situation.

He did not refuse at all.

He cares for you so much.

How could you just leave without a word?

You made such a tie

with a hundred carriage dowry,

but you never asked if I was willing.

Am I an object or a bird?

How is this different from trading?

- Miss Luo. - Stop talking.

I have set aside my work

and come running to you.

Look,

I even brought our letter of marriage with me.

Why would Miss Luo

do such a thing?

It's all just an act.

On regular days,

she plays her little tricks.

I want to see how she handles this.

She might have to return to Shuozhou.

That is her only option.

Staying here would be embarrassing.

- Exactly. - Right.

It's so embarrassing here.

- Exactly. - Exactly.

Better to return to Shuozhou.

Silence!

She...

We are not talking about you.

Why are you upset?

I...

What's happening here?

No idea.

This is unusual.

Is she getting mad just because we are telling the truth?

Who knows?

No matter the outcome,

Madam Lu will ensure justice.

Ladies, you are here to learn skills,

but also to cultivate your mind.

Do not criticize others.

Please take a look,

did I sign this letter of marriage?

(Fan Qingchen)

There's indeed no signature.

Take a look.

Indeed, there's none.

My lady, here's the squid ink

you asked for.

Try it now.

My lady,

are you sure this will work?

Do you know why it's called squid ink?

It's because the ink is black.

But after a while,

the written print will be gone without a trace,

as cunning as a squid.

When I marry Fan Qingchen,

that will be the time to use this.

I did not sign my name.

How can Young Master Fan claim to be my husband?

If you truly want to seek someone,

you should seek the Luo family as on the letter of marriage,

not me.

Perhaps there is an error in the letter,

but Lingyu,

even so,

you shouldn't deny our years of affection.

On that wedding day,

all rites were prepared,

it was the brightest moment of my life.

But now, since you arrived in Yuezhou,

you deny our marriage without hesitation.

You make me feel heartbroken.

Miss Luo,

he is truly a man of deep affection.

- How about... - No way.

Miss Lau?

This gentleman is my kept man in Shuozhou.

Without my permission,

you cannot marry.

I am meeting this lady for the first time,

I don't even know her name.

How could I be her kept man?

I hope you won't make baseless accusations

that tarnish my honor.

You know it's just baseless.

The letter of marriage lacks Miss Luo's name.

Isn't it baseless?

You hold an invalid letter of marriage,

and claim we are meant for each other.

In this case, when others say you're a kept man,

that's not entirely untrue.

My engagement to Lingyu

is well-known in Shuozhou.

It's more convincing

than this lady's words.

My lady,

you seem quite young.

Please show some respect.

Stop spouting nonsense

and meddling in my affairs with Lingyu.

Miss Luo is my friend.

I will definitely stand up for her.

What is your relationship with her?

And what rights do you have?

Because I am the Princess of Southern Yuezhou.

I know you want to help me.

But don't mention the princess stuff.

You dare to speak so boldly.

Do you know impersonating the imperial family is a capital crime?

Earlier, I asked Madam Lu to conceal my identity

because I didn't want attention.

But now I want to protect someone.

I hope Madam Lu can vouch for me.

Tang is actually willing to do this for her

and reveal the true identity to the public.

This will surely resolve the matter.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Greetings, Your Highness.

No need for formalities.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Her Highness is indeed Princess Ningping of Southern Yuezhou.

Back then, Her Highness received an edict

to study at our mansion.

Her Highness is modest.

That's why she never mentioned it.

Offending Your Highness was my fault.

I sincerely apologize.

But even though the letter of marriage is void,

my genuine feelings were never false.

I will wait patiently

until the day Lingyu changes her mind.

If you insist on denying it,

then I will have no choice but to

bring in a few credible witnesses

at the official place.

I've troubled all of you today.

I shall take my leave.

Let's go.

It's finally over.

Thank you, Ma'am.

Your Highness!

Are you alright?

It's fine, it's fine.

My legs feel a bit weak.

Well,

he...

is just too frightening.

Take a look, it's fresh.

Take a look.

Your Highness, Your Highness!

- Your Highness! - Your Highness!

Mr. Kong once said, "Riding a horse, leaning against a slanted bridge,

the entire street waves sleeves of red."

This must be what he meant.

You take the others back to the mansion.

I'll visit the Lu Mansion to find someone.

Understood.

Sir, let's return to the mansion.

(Lu Mansion)

Young Master Fan.

It seems you have something to say.

Yesterday, I just met you at the West Market,

I was thinking about when we could chat again.

I didn't expect to see you right in front of my residence today.

My beloved Lingyu

is staying at your residence.

In the future,

I might visit and disturb you often.

Beloved? I did not see that yesterday,

I didn't realize you are pitiful,

you love but cannot obtain.

Your sincere demeanor

is quite touching, indeed.

What do you mean by this?

My feelings for Lingyu are genuine.

There's no fake at all.

Since you say so,

what could possibly be fake?

No need to test me.

I am here

with only one purpose:

to bring my fiancée back home.

Then, we'll see if you can.

Young Master Fan, be careful.

Make sure you

don't let yourself fall into trouble.

She hides her identity from us,

but today she has time

to use her title as a princess,

and meddle in others' affairs.

- Exactly, exactly. - Right.

Look, look,

isn't that Lu Yun and Fan Qingchen?

How did they end up together?

Indeed.

By the looks of it,

could it be one of those

two men fighting for one woman scenarios?

- No way. - It's all Miss Luo's doing.

Young Master Fan truly has deep feelings

for Miss Luo.

He sincerely wants to marry her.

But no one in this mansion can help him.

And Miss Luo is quite stubborn.

What a pity that such a good match has come to naught.

Let's leave now.

Why are you so hostile towards me?

Could it be you've fallen for Lingyu?

What if I have?

Mind your own business.

Don't covet what isn't yours.

Is it just a game

or genuine affection?

Since I can tell,

my Lingyu is not a fool either.

Did I say something wrong earlier?

Your Highness, you spoke perfectly.

You made quite an impression.

It left everyone in awe.

Really?

I was unsure.

Glad I could help you.

Truly, without your help today,

I would've been taken back to Shuozhou.

I thank you here.

I have said,

I just hope you can always be free

and unrestrained.

I'm glad I could help.

Nothing else matters.

May I ask you a favor?

I'll agree to not just one,

but many.

Can you call me Miss Lau

like you did before?

No need to be so formal.

Even "Miss Lau" feels formal.

Can I call you Tang?

Of course, Lingyu.

She trusts you

because she wants to escape her past

and cling to a lifeline.

In time, she will see the truth

and realize who she can rely on.

In time, my possessions

will come back to me eventually.

The way he looked at you before leaving

made me feel uneasy for no reason.

He seems like someone who won't let go easily.

I helped you this time,

but it also made him wary.

What should we do in the future?

I promise,

what you want won't be taken away.

Young Master Fan, be cautious.

Don't risk your life.

Then what?

If I truly lose my life,

I will take my beloved with me.

It wouldn't be a bad way to leave this world.

Face challenges bravely,

and deal with obstacles wisely.

We'll overcome all hardships.

Things will be resolved.

Third Young Master?

Tang, I have other matters to attend to.

Let's talk later.

♪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♪