Original subtitles

BASED ON THE NOVEL "THE PRISONER OF BEAUTY" BY PENGLAI KE

Xindu is shadowed by death.

Fourteen years ago,

tens of thousands were buried here.

No need to discuss this further.

If Yanzhou

has no sincerity…

then you may leave

and take the bride back with you.

But this marriage

is my grandmother's wish.

So,

if you want it to happen,

the wedding must be held in Panyi.

- Tan. - Yes.

Give the gift I prepared

to Miss Xiaoqiao.

Yes.

PANYI ANNALS, YANZHOU

My lady,

if you ask me,

the Lord of Wei does like you.

Why don't you follow their arrangement,

hand over the seal of Panyi…

CULTURE INTRODUCTION

…and marry him soon?

This gift doesn't mean he likes me.

It's a threat.

PANYI

He's long had his eye on Panyi.

Even if I don't give it to him,

he'll take it through war.

Exactly.

So,

handing it over

doesn't really matter.

The dignified Lord of Wei

wouldn't go back on his word, right?

The feud between us

was caused by a broken promise, right?

To find a way out of this game,

we must find his weakness

and figure out what he truly wants.

YUYANG COURTYARD, WEI STATE

What kind of person is Wei Shao?

He is

narrow-minded

and ruthless.

Let me tell you, this is not like home.

CHUNNIANG, XIAOQIAO'S WET NURSE

You must speak and act with caution.

Don't worry, Mother.

Watch where you're going.

Can't you see we're carrying things?

What's that smell on him?

It's not from me,

it's from the chest.

Inside is Li Su.

Nonsense.

Li Su is tall and strong.

How could he fit in a chest?

Even Li Su didn't believe it at first.

Not until he saw his own hands and feet

cut off

and placed inside piece by piece.

Then he believed it.

Look.

Generals,

we're new here and don't know the rules.

Please forgive us.

Forgive us.

Let me tell you,

His Lordship is not someone who's easy to deal with.

If you don't want to end up like Li Su, learn the rules.

This chubby little girl even threw up.

Li Su killed three generations of their family

and slaughtered Xindu City.

What happened to him

is no surprise.

To know how broad-minded he is,

you must see how he treats the people.

He treats them poorly too.

I heard people say…

His Lordship has given orders that from today onward,

everything like this is forbidden here.

Anyone who disobeys will be punished severely.

Even praying for blessings is not allowed?

How does he treat those close to him?

He's suspicious of them.

They say the Lord of Wei kills in his sleep.

He never lets anyone near him while he sleeps.

I think

he's just afraid of being assassinated.

Who's there?

Wei Xiao.

My lord, the candle inside has gone out.

Shall we add more oil?

No need.

Come here.

Come here.

Are you stupid?

His sleeping with the lights on is not something he wants others to know.

The advisor said

we should act like we know nothing.

It must be hard on His Lordship.

He was locked in that tiny wooden box.

If it were me,

I'd be afraid not just of the dark but of the wood itself.

Say something, okay?

I can't even beat a word out of you.

Maybe if we speak louder, His Lordship won't be scared anymore.

It's like I'm talking to a wall.

My lord.

My lord.

My lord.

- My lord. - My lord.

GRAIN

You haven't finished counting the households?

Leave.

My lord,

the people of Xindu suffered under Li Su for years.

They're still watching and waiting.

We'll need more patience.

- Where is this place? - Is that Her Ladyship?

- The people say this place is Tan Terrace. - Yes.

You can see all of Xindu from the top.

What a pity

it's now in ruins.

Let's go up and take a look.

My lady, the terrace has long fallen into disrepair.

Be careful climbing up.

You can't call her that yet.

Our lady hasn't married the Lord of Wei yet.

Then when will you marry?

Please marry soon.

Yes. If there's a wedding, the Lord of Wei won't slaughter the city.

These days, he's counting households

so he can kill off all the migrants from the border regions.

- That's right. - Yes, miss.

Please save us.

The roadblocks are enough,

but if the arrow towers were a little taller,

the view would be better.

Look.

There's a woman in red up there.

That's Lady Qiao, right?

Yes, that's her.

Just like the rumors say, she's beautiful as a flower.

Do you think the Lord of Wei will like her?

When will they get married?

If they wed, there won't be any more war here.

Showing off.

She's just pretty.

My lady.

Xindu is truly in ruins.

So you'll marry the Lord of Wei in Panyi just like he wants?

We'll marry here in Xindu.

I think I've found a way out.

- Sir, give me a little money. - Get lost.

Are you all right?

Thank you, miss.

Thank you, miss.

There's a deep pothole on East Street.

Our lady's carriage can't get through.

Is there anyone kind enough to help clear the road?

Each helper will receive five pecks of flour.

I'm willing to go.

We're all willing.

We're willing to go. We all want to help.

My lord,

the people have gone to repair the streets.

Why?

They say Lady Qiao paid them generously.

My lord,

the people have gone to repair the well.

Really?

Why would they dig a well for no reason?

Come on.

Everyone, eat up.

To thank everyone for fixing the roads,

Miss Xiaoqiao has had a meal prepared for you.

She's so kind.

- She's used to drinking well water. - She gave us food and money.

But the wells in the city have been dry for days.

It's all right. Don't worry.

We'll fix it together.

- Shall we? - Yes.

Will we be paid for digging the well?

- Of course. - Eat up.

We wouldn't dare trouble you for nothing, would we?

That's wonderful.

I heard Lady Qiao also loves flowers.

Many people picked wildflowers to give her.

GRAIN

Lady Qiao is truly something.

Shortly after she came,

Tan Terrace was restored, and the roads were cleared.

Even the roadside weeds and wildflowers have been mostly cleaned out.

YUYANG COURTYARD

CHANGQING

- I hope Miss Xiaoqiao likes them. - Thank you so much.

- I hope Miss Xiaoqiao likes them. - Thank you.

- I hope Miss Xiaoqiao likes them. - Thank you very much.

- I hope Miss Xiaoqiao likes them. - Thank you.

This is way too much. Stop them from sending more.

Flowers are of no practical use.

People like them because they long for what they represent.

Are you trying to say

that the people love you

because they long for you too?

I didn't mean that.

The people treat me kindly

because they long for you,

waiting to see what you want.

Everyone knows

I'm a Qiao from Yanzhou.

Compared to the people from the border,

I'm the one you despise most.

If you can set aside past grudges and marry me,

it means you're magnanimous.

Then the people will no longer fear you and will follow you.

You're good with words,

twisting things around just to get me to marry you.

This is the will of the people.

So why not go with the people's will

and hand over the seal of Panyi to me

so we can get married soon?

Xindu has always been part of Wei.

I share the people's will and purpose.

Li Su was the first to sow discord,

and now you play mind games.

You both disgust me.

Don't think for a second that I'm as easy to fool as my grandfather.

As for the seal,

I suggest you make your decision soon.

I have some patience,

but

not much.

The Lord of Wei

really is cold as stone.

If he was easily persuaded, it wouldn't be trustworthy.

So what do we do now?

My heart is like water,

and water wears down stone.

Turns out Lady Qiao is pretty tough.

His Lordship fought day and night just to reclaim Xindu.

Those flowers should be offered to him.

His Lordship doesn't care for flowers.

Otherwise, he'd be like a weak woman.

Right.

Lady Qiao has managed to do what His Lordship failed to do.

That's what's bothering him.

Good for you.

You're usually like a mute, but now you've hit the nail on the head.

Hey, give it to me.

- Whoa. - Catch it.

My lord, please spare us!

We didn't see you there and offended you.

Are those flowers meant for Lady Qiao?

They are for you, my lord.

You're a renowned, brave fighter.

I…

I heard you'll be the new Lord of Xindu,

and Lady Qiao is to be your wife,

so I passed them to her.

Fine, hand them here.

I'll hold them for His Lordship.

From now on, don't bring useless things like this.

- Go now. - Yes.

Thank you, my lord.

Who says His Lordship doesn't have the people's support?

Seems to me the commoners know who their lord is.

Then why won't they come and register to collect their food?

Give them more time.

Thick ice doesn't freeze in a day.

I've got some patience left.

Let's go.

Mayor!

Help us!

Wei Shao's killing people in the streets on horseback.

They've been counting households every day

just so they can kill all of us border folk.

They're trying to steal our food.

Even good families can't protect their daughters anymore.

ZHEN MANSION

Yeah, they treat lives like weeds.

Xindu has changed hands.

I'm no longer your mayor.

Though you have reclaimed lost land,

the people of Xindu today

are no longer subjects of Wei.

You wish to win them over quickly,

but they've been poisoned by Li Su's lies.

They may not understand your intentions at once.

Besides,

you didn't take Xindu

just to get revenge.

You have greater ambitions

and will need the people's help.

My lord,

governing people is like managing water.

You can't rush it.

Then let's see who runs out of patience first

between me and her.

PEOPLE'S WALL, WEI STATE

Back then, after the battle of Xindu,

countless families lost their sons and husbands.

After Li Su entered the city,

he forbade the people from collecting the bodies

and burying their loved ones.

So whenever the people could leave the city,

they would sneak out to the eastern battlefield

to find their relatives' belongings, hide them in their clothes,

and smuggle them back in.

This wall

was built from those keepsakes.

But

as the years passed,

people gradually turned this place into a shrine for prayers,

forgetting its true meaning.

NANNY ZHONG LADY XU'S MAID

To the people, this wall is a place

to grieve over their loved ones.

To His Lordship,

it's a memorial to the dead.

I came to Xindu this time

to ensure the marriage between you and His Lordship

so that Lady Xu can be at peace.

This is a wishing plate.

May your marriage go smoothly.

Thank you.

STAY UNITED AS ONE DO NOT PART IN ANGER

STAY IN GOOD HEALTH GROW OLD TOGETHER

Where's Wei Duo?

Didn't I order this to be cleared? Why is it still here?

My lord,

the people have kept up this habit for over a decade.

It's understandable they can't change overnight.

What are you doing here?

My lord.

I'm praying for the people.

Praying?

Do you know what this place is…

and why this wall

was built?

How could you let her pray here?

How many of you still remember

why this wall exists…

and who should be held responsible for it?

Come on.

Take all this down and burn it.

Burn it all.

- My lord, please don't! - You can't burn it.

My lord, you can't burn it.

You're ruthless!

You're not fit to rule Xindu. You don't deserve it!

My lord, Zhen Zhi used to work for the late lord.

When Xindu fell,

he surrendered to Li Su to protect the people.

My lord, please calm your anger.

My lord, please spare the mayor.

Please spare the mayor!

My lord, please spare the mayor.

He's a good man.

His Lordship watched with his own eyes

as his father, brothers, and people were slaughtered.

How can he let that go so easily?

That's exactly why Lady Xu wants to forge a marriage alliance with Yanzhou.

Lady Xu feels sorry for His Lordship.

She hopes he can move on

and live with less pain.

My lady, what are you thinking?

I think I know what he needs.

Li Su was a thief,

and you, Wei Shao,

are no better.

Back then, Li Su's army pillaged the city for grain.

Now, you take control of Xindu

and force the people to offer food, wine, and women.

How are you any different from Li Su?

Yes, you're just like him.

Exactly the same.

The late lord was a righteous man.

You are…

unworthy to be his heir.

My life is nothing,

but what a pity.

What a pity that Xindu

has fallen into a bandit's hands.

My lord,

kill this man now.

We can't let him confuse the public.

Yes, my lord.

Yes. Let's kill him.

- Kill him. - We can't let him live.

My lord,

if you kill Zhen Zhi,

everything we've worked for will be ruined.

Please punish him severely.

We fought so hard for Xindu.

Was it for these people to insult even our ancestors?

My lady, must you go?

This could put you in danger.

My lord, you must execute him.

- Kill him, my lord. - Just say the word.

I have something to say to His Lordship.

Just in time.

Let her in.

This started because of you.

Aren't you going to say anything?

I just did a divination.

The auspicious wedding date is in three days.

If we miss it, we'll have to wait a long time.

You keep delaying the marriage

because you just took control of Xindu and have been busy rebuilding it.

But now, the people don't obey you or listen to your orders.

Will you have your soldiers

spend their days making bricks and mortar?

I have a plan to ease your troubles.

Most of Xindu's people

are migrants from the borderlands.

Since they refuse to submit,

why not…

make an example of them?

Kill one to warn the rest.

If one's not enough, kill ten.

If ten's not enough, kill a hundred.

Keep killing until they obey.

You…

You venomous woman.

With this, we can marry sooner.

As expected of that jerk's granddaughter.

You wicked thing.

Last night he tried to kill His Lordship,

and now he dares insult me.

We can't let him live.

We don't have to slaughter the city,

but at least his entire clan should be executed to eliminate future threats.

How vicious!

- My lady! - My lord…

If I follow your advice,

how would I be any different from Li Su?

Your grandfather's betrayal brought me to ruin.

And now you try to sway me

into slaughtering a city for your sake?

You viper.

That's right. She's a viper.

- Kill her. - That viper. Kill her.

My lord.

- Kill her. - Kill her!

Please calm yourself.

Kill her!

Please calm yourself.

I was ignorant.

Please forgive me.

I will never forgive you.

- Bad woman! - You're so vicious!

You're so cruel.

You will not meet a good end.

You won't meet a good end.

This started because of Lady Qiao.

I will never fall for her schemes

to turn me against the people of Xindu.

As for the mayor…

You only pleaded for the people.

You're blameless.

Please rise.

My lord,

you're just like the late lord.

After 14 years of Xindu existing under the enemy's rule,

at last, we are back.

His Lordship is righteous and cares for his people.

His Lordship is righteous and cares for his people!

Thank you, my lord.

Thank you, my lord. Thank you.

- Thank you. - Thanks.

Luckily, His Lordship is sensible.

Otherwise, the whole city would've suffered for her.

So what if she's pretty?

- Get lost. - That viper!

- She's so cruel. - Indeed.

What's going on?

My lord, you may not know.

The people surrounded Yuyang Courtyard.

Lady Qiao couldn't go back, so she had to hide on the Tan Terrace.

She's not so pretty.

It's just rumors.

I think she's just average.

Actually, she's kind of ugly.

Can you tell from here?

Why say she's ugly?

My lord, you mustn't marry this woman.

Send her away from Xindu now.

You may leave.

His Lordship will decide.

- Yes. - Let's go.

- Let's go now. - Let's go.

Let's go back.

You are so different from earlier.

I know you put on that act to help me out.

But what I hate most

is how your clan

manipulates people at every turn,

always scheming,

thinking you can control everyone.

Yet you don't know that heaven follows rules

but people don't.

Still,

you're a bit better than your grandfather.

At least you paid a price for the show.

Apply this on your neck.

HEALING POWDER

My lord.

I haven't congratulated you on gaining the people's trust.

Nanny Zhong got this for me.

You should have it.

STAY UNITED AS ONE DO NOT PART IN ANGER

What does this mean?

You're too young to get it.

It's about a couple staying united forever.

What does it actually mean?

Say something.

STAY UNITED AS ONE DO NOT PART IN ANGER

Next.

- Take it. - Thanks.

Thank you. Thank you.

GRAIN

My lord, thank you for the food.

Thank you, my lord.

They'll all get some.

OUT FOR TODAY

That's all for today. Come back tomorrow.

Out again?

It's out again?

- Don't push. - I didn't get it yesterday.

- Don't push. - I still didn't get it today.

Please give me some.

There's no food left at home.

Don't push.

Step back. Don't push.

What's going on?

The food ran out again today.

- Don't push. - It's out?

There are too many people.

My lord.

My lord, please help us.

Everyone, everyone.

Please listen.

To prevent panic,

we distribute a certain amount of food regularly every day.

If it's not enough, we'll increase the supply.

Lies. Just give us food.

Give us food.

You will get it.

Please be patient.

I promise you,

no one will go hungry.

For today, please return home.

All right. We trust you.

- Come back tomorrow. - Fine. We trust the Lord of Wei.

- Thanks, my lord. - Thanks.

My lord,

we got the people's trust too soon.

They all came rushing for food.

Once we counted, we realized

there were far more refugees than expected.

Are you saying the grain we brought from Wei isn't enough?

This year's drought

has left all of Wei short on food.

The disaster relief grain we brought

was scraped together by cutting rations across every region.

It'll be hard to get more.

But I already promised

that every household in Xindu would have food.

My lord,

there's a city

within reach.

PANYI ANNALS

Wei Liang.

Pull.

One, two, three.

I heard the Lord of Wei gave all the army's provisions to the people.

Maybe he's not as ruthless or vengeful as we thought.

Even so,

if I give up Panyi,

I'll have nothing left to rely on.

My lady, the Lord of Wei has torn down the People's Wall.

That wall was built

with the lives of the people of Wei.

But now,

it's become a symbol of hatred.

Instead of letting it keep you in fear,

I'd rather take it down.

I've suffered the pain of losing loved ones,

so I won't let you suffer it again.

So starting today,

the grudges from 14 years ago

are erased.

Whether you're from Yanzhou,

Bianzhou,

or Liangya,

from now on,

you are people of Xindu.

That's wonderful.

We finally have a home.

The Lord of Wei is so righteous.

Lord Zhen,

you risked your life

to speak up for the people.

It's admirable.

So from now on,

Xindu will return to being under your governance.

Wei Qu.

As you wish,

my lord.

Thank you, my lord.

Starting today,

the soldiers of Wei

will work side by side with the people of Xindu

to rebuild this city,

so you can once again

live and work in peace.

Live and work in peace!

Live and work in peace!

Live and work in peace!

Live and work in peace!

Give out the food.

Give out the food!

OUT FOR TODAY

Give out the food!

This can't be delayed any longer.

My lord, please marry Miss Xiaoqiao at once.

My lord, Miss Xiaoqiao is here.

Perfect timing.

My advisor and I were just discussing the marriage.

My lord.

Miss Xiaoqiao, is there something urgent you need?

On my way back from the post house, I saw people still had no food.

But Panyi has food.

It could ease your urgent need.

You love the people like your children.

I'm sure that one day,

you'll treat the people of Panyi as your own.

I'm willing to offer my entire fortune.

I only hope you'll accept me

and forge an alliance for the people.

We're not even married yet.

Why do you trust me so?

Because you're kind.

Kind?

You think I'm gullible, don't you?

Your clan is far too naïve.

Do you think a betrothal

can wipe out 14 years of hatred?

Did you truly believe your beauty alone

could enchant me?

That crafty rat Qiao Gui played his cards well,

sending a granddaughter here to act all gentle and sweet

just to trick me into allying with Yanzhou.

Was this how he fooled my grandfather back then?

Let me tell you this.

We won't fall for

your clan's tricks twice.