Original subtitles

♪Shrugging off past burdens♪

♪Beneath the mask, who am I?♪

♪Release and find wider shores♪

♪Love's a riddle, and rain pours heavy♪

♪Crossed paths, now downward fall♪

♪From dust arises starlight's spark♪

♪Tearing through the night's dense blockade♪

♪Heart's flame illuminates all solitude♪

♪Let time's sails drift endlessly♪

♪Through wandering exile♪

♪Breaking free from the cocoon, I start anew♪

♪Moon as song, life as flame♪

♪Nameless heart clings fiercely♪

♪Let me♪

♪Charge toward the next raging river♪

♪Moon darts, snow falls♪

♪We tread rugged paths to reunite♪

♪Hands held tight♪

♪We forever live for love's sake♪

♪Shadow's spear burns fiercely♪

=Legend of The Female General=

=Episode 16=

Actually,

there is something

I need your help with.

I'm glad to help.

Just say the word.

A man named Chai Anxi

currently resides in Jiyang.

Could you

get rid of him for me?

Xiuluo Boutique

is the biggest

local clothing store.

They also

sell trendy accessories.

Huaijin asked me to find this place.

He said that the guests at the banquet

will be local nobility.

So,

it's your chance

to establish

(Xiuluo Boutique) yourselves in Jiyang.

Dress

to impress.

Here we are.

Clothes make the man.

Ask Huaijin

to buy you a nice dress.

Cheng Lisu.

Thank you, Commander.

Let's go.

What? I want a dress, too.

Stop being

the third wheel.

They're not really...

Come on.

Let's check out

the herb shop

for your book.

Are you looking for clothes, Madam?

Yeah.

Welcome

to the biggest

clothing store in Jiyang.

Please.

(Daughter of the Censor)

My apologies.

My handkerchief

dropped and disturbed you.

Honey, if you like this,

just buy it.

Sir,

you have excellent taste.

Once your wife

puts on

this lotus-pink peony dress,

she'll resemble

a fairy from paintings.

Sir.

My lady will take this dress.

Miss Yan.

I apologize for

neglecting you.

Madam, perhaps,

you could pick something else.

Sir.

- This one... - We will take that, too.

Sir.

Are there more clothes in there?

Yes, Madam.

Those are our most exclusive pieces,

including our finest

mermaid-silk celestial gown.

Alright.

Honey.

Please wait here

while I take a look.

Sir,

I'm Yan Min'er, daughter of

Censor Yan Ling.

May I ask your name?

Madam,

this heavenly fragrance dress is simple

and elegant.

And it complements

your complexion.

It would be a nice dress to wear

to any banquet.

- Miss Yan, here. - You

will outshine everyone else.

Alright, I'll take it.

My lady will take that one, too.

Miss,

have I offended you somehow?

Not at all.

I'm simply

shopping for clothes.

You're overthinking.

In that case,

let's go by who came first.

I've claimed this dress.

If you like it,

the shop owner

can get you another one.

Classic country mindset.

All garments here

are one-of-a-kind.

I have picked this one.

Pick something else.

Are you going to pick

whatever I choose

from now on?

Well,

it depends on how I feel.

Sir.

This, this, and these two...

My lady will take them all.

Well...

Madam, will you...

Don't worry, sir.

I wanted to say that

I picked those dresses

for this young lady.

You tricked me.

Do you have any idea who I am?

No, I don't.

But I'm sure you're from

a wealthy family.

However,

your upbringing seems lacking.

You should know

that those who rest on their ancestors' laurels

may squander their inheritance.

You...!

What happened?

Sir,

I merely picked the same dress

as this lady.

If she truly

likes this dress,

I'll give it up.

But

she toyed with me

on purpose,

which made me feel humiliated.

I was asking my wife.

I only trust her.

Didn't you mention

a collection piece?

Bring it for my wife.

Naturally,

she deserves only

the finest garments.

Please follow me.

Sir,

I dare say that this gown

doesn't exist

anywhere else throughout Wei.

The fabric

was purchased at great cost

from an overseas merchant.

But the true marvel

lies in the detachable shawl.

Steeped in alchemical solutions,

it's impenetrable.

It looks nice

and offers

protection.

If you like it,

let Madam try it on.

How much is it?

One hundred.

Miss,

we should leave.

Master will punish you

for spending a fortune

on one dress.

Only a hundred.

As long as it pleases my wife,

it's worth it.

Does it look good?

Yeah.

Miss,

settle your bill.

It's a small business

that relies

on your generous patronage.

Pay up.

Thank you.

Sir,

I've helped

with your business.

Won't you thank me?

Thank you, Madam.

Alright.

I'll take you along next time.

That's a promise, then.

So you came alone?

Min'er.

Isn't it

Xiuluo Boutique's latest design?

So pretty.

Of course.

No one brings out its elegance

better than you, Min'er.

They'll be here.

Mr. Cui's nephew and niece-in-law

have such a lofty air.

They're so late

for the banquet.

I heard

they're from Wuzhou.

Small-town folks lack etiquette.

They've probably never been to banquets.

Who knows how they will embarrass

themselves?

Yeah.

Alright.

This is Master's

nephew Qiao Huanqing,

and our niece-in-law

Wen Yuyan.

Please be seated.

Come on.

Qiao Huanqing is so handsome

with refined grace.

But his wife

is utterly detestable.

She offended you?

Don't worry.

I'll put her in her place.

What's wrong?

Originally there was nothing.

Where could dust arise?

What a lady-killer.

Mr. Cui,

let me toast you.

Cheers.

It's nice.

Come on.

Honey.

I'd like some soup.

Would you serve me a bowl?

No wonder you're furious.

She does employ cunning tricks.

Mrs. Qiao.

You're too delicate,

relying on your husband

for every little thing.

You haven't been married yet.

So you don't get

the playful intimacy.

Or perhaps

you wish to be

neglected

by your future husband?

A woman must demonstrate dignified conduct

to earn her husband's respect.

You're merely

relying on your looks

to play the temptress.

Mr. Qiao, you must be careful

not to be tempted by mere appearance.

I am

playing the temptress?

So she's into me,

and not you?

Maybe you made quite an impression

at Xiuluo Boutique,

making her

thoroughly captivated.

Tell you what.

Save the snide remarks.

She was obviously infuriated

because

you spent a fortune on that dress

you bought me.

I bet she's going to

look for trouble again.

This is all your fault.

Weren't you very confident?

Now you fear trouble?

Mr. Cui,

at this joyous

family reunion,

I volunteer

to play a musical piece

for celebration.

Alright.

Xiu is renowned as Jiyang's

most talented lady.

You're in for a feast

for the ears.

Bring the zither.

Exquisite playing.

Beautiful.

Wonderful.

- Marvelous. - Good.

I hope you liked it.

Here we go.

We've heard Mrs. Qiao

is renowned in Wuzhou

for her peerless musical talents.

Fate brought us here today.

May I have

the honor of admiring your music?

You are indeed

a peerless zither artist.

I would rather not embarrass myself.

Mrs. Qiao.

I also wish to appreciate

your zither music.

If Xiu alone

can't convince you to play,

can I change your mind?

Help me out.

Didn't you learn a piece?

I also learned circus stunts.

Mrs. Qiao, what do you say?

The elders are waiting.

Indeed.

Will you help or not?

No.

Honey.

Honey.

Speak properly.

So you're helping me?

Yuyan,

are you not interested

in the zither?

To be honest,

we made a vow when we

got married.

My wife's zither skills are exceptional,

but

she only plays for me.

Therefore,

she can't fulfill

your wishes today.

But you reunited

with Mr. Cui today.

Why can't you make

one exception

for all the guests here?

My promise to my wife

is unbreakable.

If you insist,

I'll play instead.

You can play the zither?

Only passably.

Our ancestors were all military men.

We've never cultivated

such a refined talent.

Attendants.

Clean the zither.

No need.

I have mine.

(Isn't it the zither I gave him?)

Beautiful.

Well...

Xiao Jue,

do you like me?

(It's hard)

(to find someone)

(more outstanding)

(and prettier than him.)

What a gentleman.

Wonderful.

Huanqing,

your music left us spellbound.

Her Highness

praised Miss Xiu

as Jiyang's finest musician.

Had she heard your performance,

she would've showered you with praise.

Indeed.

It appears that

Mr. Cui is accepting Mr. Qiao,

so we can't treat him

as a mere merchant.

So what?

He's still a merchant

without manners

who has offended you.

You're right.

We should

teach them a lesson.

Thank you.

In fact,

my zither skills

are nothing compared to my wife's mastery.

Really?

Yuyan,

you must be

a zither master.

My husband spoils me.

He indulges my every whim

and exaggerates my skills.

At first,

I only found you handsome.

But now I feel

that you do resemble

my late elder brother.

Meanwhile,

your temperament resembles mine.

You're truly my family.

I once held you when you were

a newborn.

Then you went missing.

Your parents never let go

until they died.

If they knew

you had turned out to be outstanding,

they'd be overjoyed.

Sorry.

Why did I bring up

the sad stories?

Right?

Huanqing, Yuyan.

You're here just in time

for the Start of Spring,

which marks Jiyang's Water God Festival.

You must go out

and look around.

You'll never

want to leave after that.

Start of Spring?

Yeah.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

It happens to be

my birthday

a few days after that.

What a coincidence.

Really?

Fate binds you

to Jiyang, as you were born

so close

to the Water God Festival.

Huanqing,

we must

celebrate her birthday

properly.

Alright.

Master.

Yuyan,

may I have a word?

Alright.

Excuse me for a second.

Those young ladies are waiting

for you in the garden.

What for?

They are

local noble ladies

who genuinely wish to hear your music.

So, they are

waiting earnestly.

Since those noble ladies

are so earnest,

I'll certainly meet them.

Alright, let's go.

A maiden departs,

a world away from kin.

- Look. - Mrs. Qiao is here.

I hear you noble ladies

- are waiting for me. - Mrs. Qiao.

Not exactly.

We are simply having

casual conversations.

I hope

you don't mind our intrusion.

The weather's fine.

How about

we host

a poetry exchange here?

Firstly for fun,

secondly

to admire Mrs. Qiao's literary talents.

(Is she)

(holding a grudge)

(over the dress?)

I have no desire

for poetry, chess,

or calligraphy.

Nor will I

play the zither.

Do you disdain our company?

You got me wrong.

Would you like to talk about

something

more entertaining?

I hear Miss He

is pestered

by those noble ladies.

Can't you walk faster?

What if

they tear her apart

and devour her alive?

Even against ten men,

let alone women,

she'd still prevail.

What do you know?

Mean words

hurt worse than blades.

Didn't you hear me?

Walk faster.

Hurry up.

I know

you're concerned about

my married life with my husband.

True.

We're deeply

in love.

I have

a terrible temper

and get sulky all the time.

My husband

has no choice but to appease me.

He makes noodles for me

and buys me jewelry

and clothes.

You were there

when he was picking clothes for me,

weren't you, Miss Yan?

Therefore,

what's the point

of learning the arts?

When I'm angry,

my husband

plays the zither

to cheer me up.

What you've glimpsed

is merely the tip of the iceberg.

The unseen devotion

overflows endlessly.

Such an extraordinary man,

peerless among his contemporaries,

chooses to shower affection solely on me,

seeing no one else.

Tell me.

What can I do?

My bad.

She doesn't need us.

Let's go.

Since we're here,

let's hear

what other nonsense

she can spout.

So,

you're free to learn

all those arts.

But you should

learn those for your own pleasure.

If you want to please men,

you'd better study

the art of taming a husband.

The art of taming a husband?

Tell us

what that is about.

Yeah.

My husband and I met

during the Lantern Festival

very briefly.

We barely crossed paths.

However,

he came to propose the very next day,

vowing to marry no one but me.

He even threatened

to hang himself

if I refused.

I thought

I might as well do a good deed

and save his life.

Besides,

even the most virtuous woman

can't resist a persistent suitor.

He pestered me relentlessly,

so I had to marry him.

You know what?

The key to taming a man

boils down to

one principle.

What is it?

You may love him,

but never lose yourself.

In relationships,

men and women should be equal.

In trivial matters,

one may take the upper hand,

another the lower.

It's just like warfare.

If you constantly

prioritize him,

things may not end well.

Treat yourself well,

and love will find you naturally.

Take me,

for example.

I never try to

fawn over my husband,

but he treasures me dearly.

That's what I've achieved.

I don't understand

what she's saying,

but it sounds impressive.

Then, memorize

everything she says.

What nonsense?

Women must adhere

to the norms

and obey their husbands

once they're married.

You are spouting nonsense here.

Aren't you ashamed?

Everyone should

treat each other with equality

and respect.

Why'd I be ashamed?

Or perhaps,

you believe that

you're born inferior to men.

Women shouldn't

be confined to

inner chambers.

The world is vast.

We deserve

a broader horizon.

But...

But we don't know

where to begin.

Travel ten thousand miles, read ten thousand books.

If it's difficult to travel,

start with reading.

We do read regularly.

But there are

many other books to read

beyond the ones

guiding you to be ladies.

For example,

we could read the books

men read.

Yeah.

Take me, for example.

I embrace all kinds

of knowledge.

I've even studied images

with my husband.

- What images? - What images?

Erotic...

Honey.

Images.

What are you doing?

Nothing.

I'm just

having tea

with these ladies.

Sisters,

I'll take my leave.

I've never

seen someone so vulgar.

It's exhausting.

I sat upright all day.

Acting like a woman is such a challenge.

It's much worse

than a full day's training.

Acting like a woman?

As if you're not

a woman.

Whose reputation

are you trying to ruin?

Yours

or mine?

Sorry, Commander.

But I just don't get it.

Jiyang City

is governed by Her Highness.

But why are the local women

still bound by

those outdated norms?

But then again,

women have been

confined

for thousands of years.

How could they

change overnight?

How can I blame them?

Your good looks caused trouble,

and I bore the consequences.

Commander,

didn't you eat enough

at the banquet?

Someone was flustered

at the banquet

because of Ling Xiu

and barely had food.

So, these

are for me?

Thank you, Commander. You're so sweet.

You're the best person

in the world.

Let's eat together.

Dig in.

Cut the flattery.

Is your birthday

really coming soon?

According to the registry,

it's in the summer.

I just made it up.

What if

Mr. Cui gives me

a birthday gift?

It's my chance to make

a good profit.

Liar.

What is it?

Commander.

We've located Chai Anxi.

If you come along in this dress,

you may

arouse suspicion.

Alright.

Go ahead.

Hurry up.

You'll regret it

if I change my mind.

Have you seen a man

in his forties

with a limp

on his left leg?

No.

He is crucial to us.

He's served in the army.

If you spot him

one day,

inform us.

We'll reward you.

Commander.

Cuiwei Pavilion

is a jewelry shop.

A fire broke out

two hours ago.

The owner and the workers

all survived.

Only the new accountant

with immobility

died in there.

And the body?

It's inside.

Want to see it?

If I'm not mistaken,

the body

must be unrecognizable.

Indeed.

That is not

Chai Anxi.

Commander.

Are you saying

that he set the fire

and faked his death?

Makes sense.

If I were Chai Anxi,

who's wanted by the authorities,

I'd fake my death

rather than

waiting to be caught.

Security

was tightened in Jiyang City

after the fire.

Chai Anxi is injured.

He must be hiding in the city.

I'll send people

to search for him.

We must hurry.

Chu Zhao also has eyes

fixed on Chai Anxi.

We must beat him to it.

They beat us to it.

Should we go in?

No need.

Didn't you

gather enough

information?

The witness only mentioned

that someone died.

That was convenient.

Chai Anxi

is prudent and cunning.

This is merely

a smokescreen.

Let's go.

We can't be spotted

by Xiao Jue.

Watch out.

Young Master!

(Xu)

Let him go.

Are you alright?

I'm fine.

Weird guy.

He stalked us,

suddenly attacked,

and fled in haste.

What does he want?

Fashioning weapons from bones

is a Wutuo custom.

He's from Wutuo.

But why was he

interested in Chai Anxi?

And why

did he spare my life?

Anyway,

watch Xiao Jue's men.

When the time comes,

we'll strike first.

♪Light shines upon my heart♪

♪Unveiling scars, I choose to swim upstream♪

♪The resonance of courage rings loud and clear♪

♪It's the boldness that defines existence♪

♪I've seen the mountains♪

♪And trodden through ice♪

♪Day after day, I venture alone♪

♪Destiny is my creed♪

♪Ideals surge beneath the surface♪

♪Igniting the flame against the winds♪

♪A restless yearning in my soul♪

♪Gazing through the mire♪

♪Who cares about this boundless void♪

♪Charge ahead with blazing fervor♪

♪Stubbornly fighting with my life♪

♪Soaring across the world's expanse♪

♪There must always be a longing♪

♪Disregard the wounds to seek the light♪

♪Light shines upon my heart♪

♪Unveiling scars, I choose to swim upstream♪

♪The resonance of courage rings loud and clear♪

♪It's the boldness that defines existence♪

♪Chasing the light within my heart♪

♪Burying frailty, embracing life through death♪

♪You'll meet gazes where storms brew♪

♪With our unwavering true love, brave the world with me♪

♪Soaring across the world's expanse♪

♪There must always be a longing♪

♪Disregard the wounds to seek the light♪

♪Light shines upon my heart♪

♪Unveiling scars, I choose to swim upstream♪

♪The resonance of courage rings loud and clear♪

♪It's the boldness that defines existence♪

♪Chasing the light within my heart♪

♪Burying frailty, embracing life through death♪

♪You'll meet gazes where storms brew♪

♪With our unwavering true love, brave the world with me♪