Original subtitles

♪If not for you♪

♪I wouldn't have wanted to make a name for myself♪

♪Only when I have your love♪

♪Is my invincibility not in vain♪

♪The towering peaks I've conquered♪

♪Leave me♪

♪Feeling empty♪

♪I've given everything♪

♪Just to follow you♪

♪Through life and death♪

♪Could it be that love♪

♪Is the true end of this life♪

♪Why does every battle♪

♪Bring deeper pain♪

♪I never got it♪

♪You once promised me♪

♪You'd give me ordinary days♪

♪Then I'd rather♪

♪Face blades and fall♪

♪Into your arms instead of the clouds♪

♪I'll pass through layers of fog♪

♪And barriers♪

♪The world's rights and wrongs, wins and losses♪

♪Who's to weigh their worth♪

♪Only love♪

♪Gives me a sky as wide as the sea♪

♪I only want to be your hero♪

=The Prisoner of Beauty=

=Episode 11=

Now that everything's come to light,

all you care about is Zheng Shu.

What about His Lordship's dignity?

Everyone says you love your son,

but do you really?

You want Zheng Shu to be his concubine.

You tampered with the box

for her sake.

You even drugged His Lordship,

all for Zheng Shu.

His Lordship is the ruler of Wei.

His marriage should serve the greater good.

The marriage alliance is taking effect,

but you keep interfering.

I'm afraid you don't want His Lordship

to truly take the throne!

How dare you!

You don't want Zheng Shu to leave.

Do you know the Lord is leaving

out of shame?

In this matter,

he did nothing wrong.

He's the Lord of Wei,

yet he had to oversee the canal repairs.

Did you ever consider how far

he'd have to travel and how much he'd suffer?

Even the shoes you casually gifted him

were a size too small.

I noticed Zheng Shu was perfectly dressed

with your care,

so I realized you can be thoughtful,

but you just won't be thoughtful to the Lord.

Since that's the case,

from this day forward,

I alone will take care

of his daily needs.

Enough.

How could you understand my care about Zhonglin?

You... Get out!

Mother, please rest well.

My Lady.

(Yujun, Wei State)

(Wei Mansion, Wei State)

Go find something fragrant for me.

We just returned from the execution ground,

covered in the stench of blood.

Someone doesn't like that smell.

It's better to avoid trouble.

Yes.

No need to rush, My Lady.

There's no telling when the Lord will return.

It's fine.

Just a few more stitches.

I want to finish it before he departs tomorrow.

In that case,

let me help you finish it.

No need to fuss over such a short time.

Since I've promised Mother to treat him with sincerity,

I mustn't be negligent.

How about this?

Go prepare a meal first.

If the Lord doesn't return tonight,

choose a few of his favorites

and deliver them to him.

Tell him to take care of himself.

Yes, My Lady.

What is this?

It's rose petals.

If you find it unsuitable,

I'll go replace it.

No need.

Roses may have thorns,

but they're fragrant and sweet.

My Lord, you're back.

I've had food prepared.

Would you like to eat with me?

Do as you see fit.

That day, I was just startled,

not afraid of you.

Why bring that up?

I didn't take it to heart.

I know what kind of man you are.

Even in the most perilous moments,

you never forced me.

However,

that day wasn't your fault.

Why blame yourself?

I never blamed myself.

Reconstructing the canal

is indeed important.

But you had made

the arrangements clear

back when we were in Panyi.

This time,

it's just a formality.

You're a noble.

Normally...

I know you're eloquent.

Now, let's eat.

What's this?

I noticed your belt was getting old,

so...

You made this yourself?

I was in a rush.

It's not very good.

That's true.

This pair of mandarin ducks

looks like two ducks.

It's not that bad.

Besides, they aren't mandarin ducks.

They're phoenixes.

You can't even tell phoenixes,

yet you dare criticize me?

That's why your needlework is poor.

Who would guess these are phoenixes?

When you're bored at home,

you should improve your needlework.

Yes, My Lord.

If you don't mind,

would you try the size?

It's just a belt.

No need to try it.

I'll try it later.

Let's eat.

(Wei Mansion)

(Wei Mansion)

Whenever you have something on your mind,

you always ask me to keep you company.

But today,

I truly can't drink this tea.

You may skip the tea,

but I still need to trouble you

for some advice.

Are you trying to ask about the Lady?

How did you know?

She also came to see me a few days ago.

What did you tell her?

Since you and she are husband and wife,

you are the closest of kin.

In that case,

why scheme against each other?

Then from now on,

I will never hurt her again.

But the Qiao Clan's crimes

are unforgivable.

Yes, put it here.

Hurry up there.

Put it here.

Hurry up.

That cart.

Get everything done asap.

(Government Office)

Hurry up. Move faster.

What's going on?

My Lord, commoners have come to see you off.

See me off?

You personally go

to inspect canal work.

We should handle it properly

so the people can see

that you love the people.

When are you leaving?

We'll see you off.

Do you

want me to leave?

No.

You're going far,

so we're going to see you off.

The wine is here! The wine is here!

The wine is here! The wine is here!

The wine is here, My Lord.

The wine is here.

If you're so happy,

you should

go by yourself.

My Lord, I didn't say I was happy.

It's the perfect opportunity

for you to get some real experience.

I'm still young, My Lord.

I've never handled a task on my own.

I'm not good enough for this.

Go through it once,

and you'll grow.

It's settled, then.

Yes.

Do you all want to go too?

- No. - We're mature enough.

That's right.

My Lord, the Lady sent this belt and some dessert

for you to eat on the road.

I'll take the belt.

Take this.

Eat it on the way.

My Lord, the Lady prepared it for you.

Why don't you come with me?

You take it. I'll go home for a warm meal.

Bye.

Go as instructed.

It means the Lord values you and wants to train you.

Go on.

Wait for me to return.

Do your best.

I'm starving.

Let's eat together.

Chunniang, set another place at the table.

Yes.

Was the food I sent not to your liking?

No.

I've sent Wei Duo to supervise the canal repairs.

He took the dessert

for the road.

It seems your cold

is already cured.

Just stay home and rest.

Don't rush around

to exhaust yourself.

You're the most thoughtful

and smooth-tongued

in the entire household.

You flatter me, My Lord.

By the way,

Grandmother's birthday

is coming soon.

Mother handled it every year,

but she can't do it this time.

You should handle it.

(Danjun, Bianzhou)

(Su Ehuang, Lady of Bianzhou)

(Chen Xiang, Governor of Bianzhou)

How could you stand by and watch

the Qiao Clan flag rise over Boya?

You even lost Xiaogang too.

You were once a famed general,

yet you lost to a stable hand.

How humiliating!

My Lord,

I failed in my duty.

Please punish me.

Darling, don't get upset. It's not good for your health.

Right now, we need capable people.

Why not

set this matter aside for now

and give him a chance to redeem himself?

Thank you, My Lord.

Thank you, My Lady.

Here.

Now that Wei and Yanzhou

have formed an alliance,

this won't be easy.

Since Li Su died in battle,

Bianzhou has lacked good generals.

Our forces

can't match Wei's strength.

We shouldn't engage them head-on for now.

You're wise, My Lady.

I've carried an empress's fate since birth.

A seer once said

I'd marry the ruler of the Central Plains.

Naturally, I must be able to assist him.

You are remarkable.

It's me who's not good enough

to be your husband.

How could you be so pessimistic?

Though I've married you,

I haven't had any children.

I was thinking:

If we could adopt a child

who's both talented and handsome

and have you raise him,

it might ease your burdens sooner.

That doesn't matter.

I have Uncle's support now.

Xiang.

Uncle.

Greetings, My Lord.

Darling.

Are you

feeling better now?

I've sent people to other places

in search of physicians skilled in treating coughs.

(Chen Pang, Prefect of Danjun) They should

arrive soon.

Uncle,

with my wife caring for me,

you don't need to worry too much.

Ever since Lady Su

married you,

Bianzhou has suffered defeat after defeat,

and our influence is fading by the day.

Now, even you have fallen ill.

I must ask:

Lady Su, is your forehead mark

meant to bring fortune to Bianzhou

or disaster?

You make a fair point.

(Su Zixin, Su Ehuang's cousin) Ehuang.

Has the Lord

agreed to the adoption?

It's still under discussion.

But the envoy from Wushan

mentioned this specifically.

So what?

Did he refuse?

He's seriously ill.

What if...

Nothing will happen to him.

What we should worry about now is Chen Pang.

Though he's the Lord's uncle,

he's never respected me

and keeps challenging my empress's fate.

Keep an eye on Lady Su.

If she shows any sign of disloyalty to Bianzhou,

report to me at once.

Yes.

My Lady,

we can't mess up Lady Xu's birthday banquet.

But we don't know a thing about it.

What do we do?

We may not know,

but there are those who do.

My Lady,

the banquet arrangements

have mostly followed

your instructions.

There are a few details.

Do you want them done differently this year?

Go away.

Don't bother me.

Put the preparations

on hold.

You may go.

Yes. I'll take my leave.

It took me a long time

to figure out just a fraction

of Mother's preferences.

She's new here.

How can she know better than me?

Fine.

Let her handle it

so she can get a taste

of the hardship I once endured.

My Lady,

no need to fret.

She's only been here a short while.

She definitely doesn't know much.

Let her take charge.

If anything goes wrong,

it won't be our fault.

We'll get to relax.

Here, have some tea.

Greetings, Mother.

You've served Grandmother for years.

Surely, no one knows

her preferences better than you.

Of course.

I've just joined the family

and know very little.

So, I'd like to learn from you.

(Banquet Procedures)

What do you want to learn from me?

You're clever-tongued

and good with words and deeds.

What could I possibly teach you?

I'm someone meticulous.

Mother,

the reason the banquet was entrusted to me

was that the Lord feared it'd tire you out.

If the banquet goes poorly,

Grandmother won't be pleased,

and none of us will be at ease.

At least you know your place.

Besides,

many members of the clan will attend.

If things aren't arranged properly,

it'll bring shame to the Lord's name.

That won't do.

Exactly.

So,

I'd be grateful if you could tell me

the usual procedures from past years.

I'll be sure to tell the Lord

and Grandmother

it's thanks to your guidance.

If things go well,

you'll be praised for teaching me well.

If they don't,

I'll shoulder the blame myself.

Then follow this.

Don't give those clan members any laughingstock.

Besides,

make sure that man

doesn't steal Zhonglin's thunder.

That man.

That man?

That would be the Lord's cousin,

Mr. Wei.

They say he's the illegitimate son

of the Lord's aunt and a servant.

Though his birth is dubious,

he bears the surname of the late lord.

Lady Xu adores him.

He only established his residence in later years.

I heard from Wei Liang

that Mr. Wei's been traveling nonstop these years.

He only sends gifts back

during holidays.

So, he didn't even make it back for your wedding.

So, I should call him Cousin like the Lord does.

What kind of man is he?

Mr. Wei was wild from a young age,

always carousing in taverns and brothels.

Rumor has it that half the women here have ties with him.

If he returns to Yujun,

the men here better watch out.

No wonder

the women on the streets

have been wearing

heavier makeup lately.

Mr. Wei,

what new fancy things have you brought this time?

Just the things you love.

Mr. Wei,

come and join us!

Get the drinks and dishes ready.

I'll be there soon.

- Don't forget! - Yes!

They say he doesn't just flirt outside.

He's got a harem at home too.

He's a total playboy.

Luckily, he rarely stays at the mansion.

Out of ten days, he spends seven in brothels and taverns,

and only three at home.

Two sprouts from the same field,

two men from the same house.

Luckily,

the Lord isn't like him.

He's truly different.

Forget it. Let's not gossip.

The less we deal with him, the less trouble we'll have.

Let's just focus on preparing the banquet.

Yes.

(Government Office)

He's back. He's back.

Mr. Wei.

Lady Xu sent us to welcome you home.

Greetings, Mr. Wei.

Welcome back.

(Wei Yan, Wei Shao's cousin)

You haven't changed a bit in these three years.

What miracle elixir did you take?

Mr. Wei,

please don't tease me.

Lady Xu's waiting for you.

It's my fault

for keeping her waiting.

I'll go in right away

to apologize.

Yes, I'll go inform Lady Xu now.

Mother.

Something must be holding Shiyuan up.

No use getting anxious.

He came back for my birthday.

If you can't wait,

you're free to go.

Grandmother.

Grandmother.

Your unfilial grandson is back.

Greetings, Grandmother.

Hurry, hurry. Get up.

Let me take a look at you.

You've gotten thinner

and more worn out.

Many young ladies say I'm as handsome as ever.

Yet I can't win your favor.

You must've seen many charming young men

while I was away

these past three years.

Still the same smooth talker.

The same smooth talker.

Smooth talker.

How is your health?

Everything's good.

Greetings, Aunt.

Zhonglin,

how have you been?

Everything is fine.

I heard you married

an extremely pretty wife.

Why didn't you bring her

to meet me?

Shiyuan is talking nonsense again.

Lady Qiao's been busy preparing

Grandmother's birthday banquet.

I'll bring her

to greet you later.

Good thing you mentioned the banquet.

Come.

I've brought gifts for all our relatives.

These are for you.

Wait.

I've also got something

for you two.

Here.

This is for you.

This one's for you.

Thank you, Grandmother.

Open them.

This is a pair of rough jade

given to me by your grandfather

when I married him.

Today,

I'm passing them on to you two.

Thank you, Grandmother.

It's a precious gift.

Keep it well.

- We will. - Mother

just dotes on Shiyuan.

Even Zhonglin

benefits from it.

Shiyuan, while you were away,

your grandmother

didn't even give away

a stone,

let alone rough jade, right?

I'm in a good mood today.

Don't push it.

Have a seat.

Alright.

Make sure all gifts from the states and prefectures

are recorded properly.

Every item must be matched with the sender.

No mistakes are allowed.

Rest assured, My Lady.

- My Lord. - My Lord.

Have you picked a birthday gift

for Grandmother?

I've been looking

but haven't found the right one.

Take a look at this.

It's rough jade.

It was a treasure of Grandmother's,

but she gave it to me today.

It wouldn't be proper for me

to keep it,

so find a skilled artisan

to make it into an accessory.

We'll give it back to her

as a birthday gift.

I've never seen rough jade before,

but this looks pure and translucent.

It's surely fine material.

How about a jade bracelet?

Grandmother would definitely love it.

I'll leave it to you.

Thank you for solving my problem.

When did I solve your problem?

I'm doing this to please Grandmother.

Don't get the wrong idea.

I have other matters. I'm leaving.

Why such a strong denial?

Hello, sir.

Hi, Miss Xiaotao.

I have a big order for you today.

Make a bracelet

for our lady.

Greetings, My Lady.

Wow.

Such fine quality.

I was lucky to see this once

when I was still an apprentice.

See?

You really haven't seen much of the world.

My Lady, are you keeping it

or giving it as a gift?

What style do you want?

It's a gift for an elder at home.

Please carve a blessing bracelet

featuring the dragon and phoenix.

I'll have to give it some thought.

Be careful. Don't drop it.

Be careful.

How is it? Are you okay?

I told you not to drop it.

I'm terribly sorry.

Please forgive me, My Lady.

Alright.

Check if the crack affects the pattern.

The pattern

the Lady wants is delicate.

A crack this big

won't do.

How can you do this?

That guy should be blamed too.

How can he ride on the street now?

What a waste.

It's really my fault.

I'm sorry.

Please allow me

to make it up to you.

Come inside and fix it then.

You're kind not to mind,

but I can't let it slide.

Let me see.

It's top-quality jade.

It'll be a pity to waste such fine material.

Let me think.

Since it's a gift for an elder,

the lotus Buddha design,

while not as intricate as the dragon and phoenix,

carries a meaning of blessing.

It might make up for it.

Looks good.

Sir, please take care.

Watch it closely. Don't drop it again.

Be careful this time.

Thanks for the advice, sir.

No problem.

I just happen

to have a new hairpin ready

that needs to go with a high hair bun.

If you

want to thank me,

please try it on.

You're stunning.

This hairpin

suits you perfectly.

Do you think it fits me?

If the Lady isn't interested,

I won't insist.

Mr. Wei, goodbye.

Wei?

Which Wei?

How many Weis are there in Yujun?

This is Mr. Wei?

A real rake.

I heard as soon as he arrived in Yujun,

he took many concubines.

(Wei Yan's Mansion, Wei State)

Mr. Wei is kind

and easy to get along with.

But when you serve him at the mansion,

you must be extra careful.

This isn't a tavern.

He doesn't like flashy or vulgar things,

so you need to pay attention

to your clothes

and makeup.

- Understand? - Mr. Wei is back.

Mr. Wei is back.

Mr. Wei is back.

Take them to their rooms.

I'll go greet Mr. Wei.

Yes.

Please follow me.

(Lanyun, singer)

Let's go.

What's this?

My Lady.

Isn't this the orchid from Yanzhou?

Yes.

Mr. Wei brought gifts

for all the relatives on this trip.

Knowing that you've been in Yujun for a while

and might feel homesick,

he had someone pick out

three pots of orchids for you

when passing through Yanzhou.

Unfortunately,

two pots died on the bumpy road,

and only this last one remains,

so I'm here to present it to you.

Please pass on my gratitude to him.

Yes.

It looks

like he picked it carefully.

Such a plant is rare

even in the whole of Yanzhou.

The flowers are nice,

but he's not so great.

Many rich young masters

have strange quirks.

A man like the Lord

is rare.

Find a good gardener

to care for it.

Alright.

(Wei Mansion, Wei State)

Okay, I'll record it later.

Then I'll take my leave.

Done. Go then.

Aunt sent a pair of white jade bracelets.

Let me put them here.

Among so many birthday gifts,

our bracelet is the most beautiful.

Of course.

Don't talk nonsense.

The gifts from the states are all excellent,

but our rough jade is truly precious,

so the bracelet made is even more exquisite.

It's obvious that the Lord wants to gain favor for you

in front of Lady Xu.

He just wants to please Grandmother.

Are all the gifts for the birthday here?

Yes, right here.

The Lady is here.

Put the gifts on the shelf.

The Lady?

Lady Qiao is here?

I'm Zhonglin's cousin.

Sorry for the trouble today.

Zhonglin will introduce me later,

and then I'll formally greet you.

You must be Mr. Wei.

I haven't thanked you for the orchids yet.

It's nothing.

Don't mention it.

Well.

I'll just

leave this...

I'll just leave this

here.

Make sure to take it when you leave.

Grandmother's birthday banquet is a big event.

Everyone here must be checked.

If anything happens, you'll be held responsible.

Understood. Thanks for the reminder.

Let's go.

What's wrong?

The box for the bracelet is missing.

I just put it here a moment ago.

Where did you put it?

Did you put it away and forget?

I put it right here.

Keep looking.

Maybe you put it somewhere else.

I just put it right there.

Did you find it?

No.

The bracelet is gone.

This is definitely our fault.

Please punish us, My Lady.

But everyone who went in and out today

was carefully checked.

No one could've hidden anything.

I even saw the bracelet.

After that,

Mr. Wei came in.

Have you searched Mr. Wei

and everyone who came after?

Yes, we searched them all.

Mr. Wei even told us not to slack off.

My Lady, please believe us.

We would never be negligent.

Enough, stop talking.

This is the last thing we want to see.

My Lady,

this was a birthday gift prepared by the Lord

for Lady Xu.

If it's blamed on us,

what will we do?

Maybe

we should keep quiet for a while.

Losing it is already a fault.

If we lie about it,

it will only make things worse.

I didn't do my job well.

Please punish me.

What's going on?

Get up and explain.

What's wrong?

The bracelet for Grandmother

is missing.

What happened?

The storeroom was checked thoroughly.

No one took it out without permission.

The guards were on duty at the door.

No one left with it.

But the bracelet is missing.

Everyone in the mansion now knows

you are going to give Grandmother a bracelet.

Yet it's missing at this moment.

If Grandmother is disappointed,

it's all my fault.

Please punish me.

It's not so serious.

Don't worry. The storeroom is guarded.

It couldn't have gone missing.

Tomorrow,

we'll search more carefully.

Besides, so what if it's lost?

Don't dwell on it.

Oh, I have something to do at the office.

I need to go out.

Did the Lord just scold you?

Why does he look so unconcerned?

Cousin.

What's going on?

Why the panic?

Give me rough jade

from Grandmother.

Don't you have one yourself?

I do,

but I had someone make it into a bracelet.

I wanted to give it to Grandmother as a gift,

but I lost it.

Lost it?

Who was responsible?

Lady Qiao.

She's the Lady of Wei,

yet she can't handle such a small thing?

No, she's normally careful,

but this time...

It was really an accident.

Now, you're just covering for her.

Listen to me.

Do you know

how important this is?

Enough, just give it to me.

I need it now.

Hurry.

Wait.

You're taking my jade

to make a bracelet

and fix Lady Qiao's mistake,

so we need to recalculate the accounts.

Brothers don't keep score,

right?

No, no. Look.

You're taking my jade to make a bracelet,

so I won't get it back.

Lady Qiao said

the bracelet might not be lost.

When we find it,

we'll return it.

This must be investigated seriously.

Go ahead.

(Jade Artifacts)

Who's there?

How strange.

How could things go missing

in our own house?

Was there a thief?

Lady Qiao, are you here?

Cousin.

Please forgive me for coming uninvited.

I heard

that Zhonglin's precious bracelet was lost that day.

I happened to be at the storeroom too,

so I wanted

to help you search.

Thanks a lot, Cousin.

Lady Qiao, don't worry.

This mansion is heavily guarded.

Such an important item

can't get lost.

Maybe it was

accidentally left somewhere.

Lady Qiao, take a look.

Is this the bracelet?

That's it.

Where did you find it?

In that ceramic jar over there.

See?

I told you it wouldn't be lost.

Maybe someone bumped it off.

This rough jade is top quality,

and it was a gift from Grandmother.

If I'd lost it through carelessness,

I'd feel terribly guilty.

Thank you

for your help today.

No problem.

This rough jade

was from Grandfather to Grandmother

when she married him.

It really is precious material.

Grandmother gave it to Zhonglin,

so you can imagine the meaning behind it.

From now on,

you must be extra careful

and not make any more mistakes.

You're right.

This rough jade

is truly a rare treasure.

Even in Yujun,

it's one of a kind.

That means

you must have recognized this rough jade

at the jewelry shop that day

and figured out who I was.

You really are clever.

If you knew who I was,

why still pretend in front of me?

They say the Twin Belles of Yanzhou are stunning.

I just wanted to see for myself

and judge for myself.

What can you do to me?

♪The moonlight is as silent as the deep sea♪

♪From afar♪

♪It once lit up dreams with a breath♪

♪But vanished with a sigh♪

♪Brushing past my fingertips♪

♪My heartstrings were stirred quietly♪

♪As if we once met before♪

♪Holding back a love so deep♪

♪Love asks for nothing in the end♪

♪Leaving only obsessions♪

♪I've wandered in the world♪

♪Yet cannot have it all♪

♪We meet and part in the fires of war♪

♪Embracing, leaving tender marks of love♪

♪With one breathtaking glance♪

♪How could I ever forget♪

♪I would cross mountains and seas♪

♪To spend time with you♪

♪When we grow old♪

♪Nothing will change♪

♪The misty rains never cease♪

♪Falling gently on your brow♪

♪Lingering in my heart♪

♪I would sever fate's ties♪

♪To protect your smiling eyes♪

♪Even if behind me lies a storm♪

♪No matter the trials♪

♪I carry this longing for the journey♪

♪This life♪

♪Will not be in vain♪

♪I would cross mountains and seas♪

♪To spend time with you♪

♪When we grow old♪

♪Nothing will change♪

♪The misty rains never cease♪

♪Falling gently on your brow♪

♪Lingering in my heart♪

♪I would sever fate's ties♪

♪To protect your smiling eyes♪

♪Even if behind me lies a storm♪

♪No matter the trials♪

♪I carry this longing for the journey♪

♪This life♪

♪Will not be in vain♪