Original subtitles

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

If the Qiao clan hadn't betrayed us,

my father and brothers wouldn't have died,

my mother…

wouldn't have died of grief,

and I

wouldn't have become a wild child fighting wolves for food.

So,

all members of the Qiao clan

deserve death.

My lord…

Why?

She saved Xindu.

Orders from the Lord of Wei! Capture Lady Qiao! Kill her for morale.

Yes!

Search every corner!

Capture Lady Qiao! Kill her for morale!

Yes!

Search the city thoroughly! Kill Lady Qiao for morale!

Understood.

Xiaoqiao.

Xiaoqiao.

Come here, I'll protect you.

Xiaoqiao.

I took refuge with the Qiao clan at age 13.

When I was 18, I returned to Liangya.

Those five years with the Qiao clan

were the happiest of my life.

My feelings for you

are true and unchanging.

I know

you're full of doubts right now.

Don't be afraid.

I've thought it all through.

Just come with me

and I can pretend none of this happened.

My lord,

won't you say something?

Come here.

It would have been better if you hadn't spoken.

Manman.

I think of you as a jewel.

You do see me as a jewel.

But you treat everyone else like ants!

Shoot!

Loose arrows!

Stop!

Kill them!

Kill them!

The theft of your wife demands vengeance,

but not today.

Go! Go now!

- Attack! - Kill them!

Protect Young Master Liu!

Go! Let's go!

- Kill! - Charge!

Traitor Liu, don't you run!

Xiao, let's capture him.

Charge!

Kill him!

Does it hurt?

Here?

You're being delicate.

Back on the battlefield,

some had their legs broken

or even had their bones exposed.

They just wrapped it up and kept fighting.

Why cry over this scratch?

Yes, it's all my fault.

Blame me, a spoiled girl,

for not being as tough as the soldiers in your army

who can forge their shattered bones anew,

hardened like steel.

That's why I'm unworthy to be with you.

No need for that tone.

I'm not crying over this wound.

My pain is nothing

compared to the people's suffering.

Then why?

I just never thought we'd meet again after I left Xindu.

If Wei Xiao's arrow had killed me,

I wouldn't have heard your kind words just now.

I stopped him, didn't I?

But what about "kill Lady Qiao for morale"?

You'd rather kill the innocent than spare the guilty.

You had no proof, yet you still believed that I'd eloped with Liu Yan.

Meanwhile, I burned the sulfur for you and even helped you take the city.

You should've stayed out of it.

Matters of war

are no place for a woman to meddle.

You nearly died here.

If my life can buy the lives of the people, then it's worth it.

The Qiao clan has always protected the people and the soldiers,

never letting one die in vain.

It has never changed since 14 years ago.

Fine.

It's my fault for meddling.

It's my fault for fighting alone.

When I was kidnapped at Xindu's gate,

it was my fault for being clumsy

and delaying your takeover of Panyi.

Now you're stuck tending to me.

Enough.

No more self-pity.

Get on. I'll carry you back.

How dare I?

Stop talking. Get on.

Hold still.

The current you

is nothing like the one who drove me out of Xindu.

So let me speak my heart.

I no longer wish to marry anymore.

In the past, Liu Yan looked down on me because of my meager dowry.

Later, when he learned that Panyi was part of it,

he tried to force the marriage.

And you?

After taking my seal of Panyi, you cast me out of Xindu.

How are you any different?

For women in this world, marriage is a sacred matter.

Why must mine be so fraught with hardship?

Am I unworthy?

I'm telling you, I won't marry.

My lady,

you truly don't wish to marry Wei Shao?

Of course I do.

But he must be the one to act.

Right now, he's already seized Panyi.

What leverage do we have?

In war, the best strategy is to conquer minds.

I want him to marry me of his own will.

I saw

that when the Lord of Wei escorted you back earlier,

he seemed quite unsettled.

No wonder Grandfather often said,

"Water overcomes hardness with softness."

QIAO MANSION, YANZHOU

Now,

the only one I still worry about

is Manman.

In the future,

if she ever needs our help,

treat it as

the most urgent matter.

- Understood. - Understood.

Lord Wei…

Brother Wei…

I failed you.

May my grandchildren…

not fail yours.

Father…

Father.

Father…

Father!

Father!

SPIRIT TABLET OF THE LATE LORD QIAO GUI

Perform the memorial rituals.

Rest in peace, Lord Qiao.

QIAO MANSION

Rest in peace, Lord Qiao.

Rest in peace, Lord Qiao.

Ping,

if in this life,

I can earn people's love like Father did,

I'll have no regrets.

SPIRIT TABLET OF THE LATE LORD QIAO GUI

PANYI, WEI STATE

Listen up, everyone!

By our lord's order,

we're recruiting able-bodied men to repair the city defenses.

Each worker will get one peck of grain per day.

Interested? Sign up over there.

My stomach's acting up.

I can't go.

Sir, do you have any sons?

Do you have any sons?

What did you say?

Do you have any sons?

Old man!

Dinner's ready!

Coming!

I told you not to move around. You never listen!

- Scary. - Just wait till we get home!

This feels familiar.

Too bad Panyi doesn't have a second People's Wall

for our lord to knock down.

Enough talk.

Who's handling rations? Who's taking the census?

- Let's draw straws. - Draw straws.

Come on.

My turn.

Fine, fine.

My boy, thank you in advance.

You'll get used to it.

Get lost.

Let's go.

What terrible luck.

The people of Panyi know

that Lord Qiao has gifted this place to his daughter as a dowry.

Now that you hold the seal, it follows that you must have her trust.

For Panyi's citizens, serving their ruler is only natural.

It's just that something went wrong.

Young Master Liu brought Miss Xiaoqiao here instead,

vowing to marry her.

However,

if Miss Xiaoqiao herself announces the marriage alliance,

just one line,

then with the seal in hand,

you can rightfully claim Panyi.

You're an interesting mayor.

As the saying goes, "Every land breeds its own kind."

You Yanzhou folk…

are all cunning.

I'm wronged, Lord Wei.

My loyalty is genuine.

Mayor,

you may leave for now.

Then I'll take my leave.

Though Yang Feng is unreasonable,

his words aren't entirely wrong.

I believe

that I can do this without her.

She's just a helpless woman.

Why must you dwell on it, my lord?

Won't you go see her?

Me? See her?

No way.

Xiaotao.

What do you want?

His Lordship sent me

to deliver ointment to Miss Xiaoqiao

and invite her for a talk.

Here.

She won't see him.

His Lordship has urgent matters to discuss with Miss Xiaoqiao.

What urgent matters?

It's already past noon.

Miss Xiaoqiao is resting.

After all,

she burned her wrist stopping Liu Yan

and saving Wei people.

This water was just used to clean her wounds.

What?

General Wei Duang,

you wouldn't disturb her, right?

You just can't stop calling me that, huh?

I'm Wei Liang!

We four brothers are

Wei Liang, Wei Qu, Wei Xiao, Wei…

I don't care which "Wei" you are.

Fine.

Miss Xiaoqiao deserves better than you.

I…

I'll return at noon tomorrow.

NEXT DAY

Please let Miss Xiaoqiao know that our lord requests a meeting.

A meeting or an accusation?

This looks just like Liu Yan's style.

- Step back. - Yes, sir.

Now may I invite Miss Xiaoqiao?

She's taking a nap.

But it's barely noon.

Did she skip lunch to rest?

Her wounds are causing pain,

so she has no appetite and went to bed early.

Please, General,

come earlier tomorrow.

THE FOLLOWING DAY

Miss Xiaotao.

I picked fresh goods at the market. Take a look.

For you, Xiaozao, and Chunniang.

And for Miss Xiaoqiao too.

Would you speak to her today?

Ask her to come out briefly.

Xiaotao?

You're taking the gifts and leaving?

Where's Miss Xiaoqiao?

- She is asleep. - Asleep.

Since you already know, I won't keep you.

Wait, why today as well?

Her wounds pained her last night,

so she ate a lot to ease the discomfort

and she couldn't sleep till dawn.

Yesterday, you said she had no appetite. Now she's overeating?

His Lordship gets to kick her out and then summon her back.

Why can't Miss Xiaoqiao eat a lot despite having no appetite?

This ailment, that ailment.

I say she's just spoiled.

Spoiled?

My lord, did you spoil her?

He means a beating would fix it.

He should've said so.

My lord, here you go.

She's just a helpless woman

driven out of Xindu by our lord,

then threatened by Liu Yan,

and now injured for the people's sake.

It's only natural she'd feel wronged.

But think about it.

If our lord just apologizes properly, won't this be resolved?

It will, right?

What's right?

Why should I apologize?

Exactly!

These are just the Qiao clan's tricks.

- Give me the stick. - My lord.

My lord, where are you going?

I'll drag her out of that room myself.

Let's go.

Go.

You faked illness and complained.

Who knows if it'll work on the Lord of Wei?

Will playing sick make him agree to marry?

He needs me.

How absurd! He sent people to spy on us.

My lady, hurry.

Lie down, lie down.

Put it away, quickly.

Lie down, lie down.

Close your eyes. Close them.

Feeling better now, my lady?

My lady.

Someone just left this at the door.

What is it?

It's from Fan.

My lord.

My lady, let's go.

We'll leave the back way.

She really was faking it.

Why are they sneaking about?

Manman!

Fan.

I never imagined the consequence

of me fleeing the marriage

would be you taking my place.

You just didn't want me to suffer.

You didn't want me to marry the Lord of Wei.

Since you know my intentions, why insist on coming here?

Aren't you throwing my efforts away?

If the Wei house is a den of wolves,

I can't let you face it alone.

That's why I had Bi Zhi bring me here.

Let's flee together.

Fan.

What if I insist on marrying the Lord of Wei?

Will you let me?

That Wei Shao is ruthless and cruel.

He tortured Li Su mercilessly.

How could he treat you any better?

Look how worn you've become.

That's because Liu Yan abducted me.

Wei Shao had nothing to do with it.

He's far better than Liu Yan.

He's our clan's enemy.

How could you favor him?

You only know that he killed Li Su.

You don't know that he saved countless lives.

And besides…

Besides, he…

he…

he's dashing and heroic.

The first time I saw him,

I was already smitten.

That clan's silver tongue

outdoes even a strategist's tales.

Since when was she "smitten"?

Wait, Manman,

are you…

are you truly sincere?

It's not just to let me be with Bi Zhi?

Who said I was doing it to let you be with Bi Zhi?

If anything, I'm begging you,

let me be with Wei Shao.

If that's the case,

then I'll harden my heart and leave with Bi Zhi.

Go.

Be happy with Bi Zhi.

All right?

It's getting late today.

Well,

I'll have someone find you a place to stay.

Wasn't Qiao Yue's daughter reported missing?

Turns out she eloped with a servant.

I'll go arrest her.

Stop.

What does he mean?

Has he been charmed by the Qiao duo's beauty,

or fooled by her sweet talk?

So Miss Xiaoqiao is marrying in her cousin's stead.

People of the Qiao clan are mostly heartless.

It's rare to see one like her.

How are the arrangements?

Don't worry, my lady. They're settled in a secluded side chamber.

Good.

My lady, His Lordship is here. He wants to see you.

Were we exposed?

Don't panic yet.

Let's hear what he has to say.

What brings you here, Lord Wei?

I heard you were ill.

You're suddenly

so concerned about my health.

Is there something to discuss?

Nothing urgent.

It's just that the people of Panyi miss you

and begged me to check on you.

No sugarcoating today, huh?

I miss them too,

but my health holds me back.

I caught a chill outside Xindu

and my hand wound hasn't healed.

I don't have the strength to go see them now.

Perhaps in a few more days.

A few days ago,

I drove you out of Xindu.

That was my mistake.

I shouldn't have imposed my grudge on you.

Moreover,

you fought against Liu Yan for the people of Wei

and got yourself wounded.

I ought to thank you

on their behalf.

Lord Wei,

you don't need to do this.

Why apologize and thank me?

I held many prejudices against the Qiao clan,

but today,

I see you're different.

You agreed to marry me

not for yourself,

but for the people…

and for your cousin.

Since you're unwell,

avoid places like mountains.

The wind is harsh. It could worsen your condition.

Even if you must meet your family,

be cautious.

You know I met my cousin?

What will you do?

I don't quarrel with women.

Thank you, Lord Wei.

Take your medicine.

Hey, neighbors, please gather around.

Come closer.

Step forward.

Come on, move up front!

Miss Xiaoqiao has words for you all.

Please, quiet down.

Silence, everyone.

My lady, go ahead.

Neighbors,

as you all know,

my grandfather broke his promise

to the late Lord of Wei 14 years ago,

leading to the Wei family dying in battle.

Xindu

was then slaughtered by Li Su.

The people built the People's Wall with their loved ones' belongings

to remember the hatred.

Yet now, 14 years later,

after the Lord of Wei retook Xindu,

he ordered this wall torn down. Why?

Yes, why?

Because he is magnanimous

and cares for the people.

His Lordship retook Xindu not just for revenge,

but for a greater purpose.

What purpose?

My grandfather and the late Lord of Wei

built the Yongning Canal together.

Back then, farms flourished.

But after Li Su seized Xindu,

the canal silted up and was abandoned.

Harvests halved and the people suffered.

This time, the Lord of Wei attacked Panyi to restore the canal.

That's wonderful.

- Yes. - A true blessing!

Now, with Yanzhou and Wei united by marriage,

swords will turn to plowshares.

From this day on,

Panyi

is part of Wei.

All of us

are His Lordship's people.

Yes, like one family! Well said!

The canal is for your benefit.

We ask for your full support, people of Panyi.

Good! Well said!

Did you tell her about my canal project?

I wouldn't dare act without orders and ruin your plans.

Then how did she know?

His Lordship's actions

show he values you very much.

To have such a lord

is Panyi's good fortune.

May we stand united with the Lord of Wei to fulfill this vision together!

Stand united! Fulfill the vision!

- Stand united! Fulfill the vision! - Wei Shao crippled Liu Yan.

But despite that, she's handing over Panyi without demands.

Stand united! Fulfill the vision!

Stand united! Fulfill the vision!

Tell me,

what do you think of me?

The world says the Lord of Wei only conquers cities,

but in Xindu, I studied the Panyi Annals you gave me.

I noticed the words Yongning Canal were traced over repeatedly.

Later, reviewing the map of Wei,

I realized your greatest effort these years

was for building canals.

Truly admirable.

I'll persuade my uncle

to mobilize Yanzhou's strength in supporting you.

Are you using the canals

as bargaining leverage?

How could I?

This marriage pact

isn't Wei's promise to Yanzhou.

It's your vow to the people of Wei and Yanzhou.

Do you know why Bianzhou attacked Xindu 14 years ago?

Because my grandfather helped Wei build the Yongning Canal.

This map is confidential.

I made a copy for you.

LIANGYA, PANYI, WEI STATE

Don't let others see it.

Once the Yongning Canal is complete,

Yanzhou and Wei will be bound like sworn allies.

Bianzhou won't sit idle.

They'll try to sever this lifeline.

And Panyi

is the vital pass along this lifeline.

It's like…

a heart.

That day, when I handed you my seal,

it wasn't because I didn't understand.

It was out of remorse and sincerity

that I gave you my heart.

Heart? What heart?

The seal's with me now. The city's been taken.

I won't give Panyi back to you.

That day, when you took the seal and drove me out of Xindu,

you betrayed me alone.

But now I've rallied the people of Panyi to help you dig the canal.

If you go back on your word again,

the ones you'll betray

are the people of Wei and Yanzhou.

The people of both states.

Lord Wei, how can you bear this?

I can't out-argue you,

but didn't you say

you wouldn't marry?

Lord Wei, you're magnanimous.

My humble heart yearns for you.

What is there to fret about?

None of the Qiao clan are capable fighters.

Qiao Gui is critically ill,

and Qiao Ci isn't grown yet.

That leaves two.

One's a coward and the other is worthless.

Even with ample supplies,

they've got troops but no commanders.

They'd surrender Panyi,

such a crucial stronghold.

Clearly, they're terrified.

Are they?

They just fear our lord might banish Lady Qiao again.

Would that sound honorable?

Since when has our lord cared about honor?

Then banish her.

Expel her from Panyi like we did from Xindu last time.

But who knows if some Wang Yan or Zhang Yan

will be waiting outside Panyi to plunder her dowry?

Mr. Gongsun,

advise me.

I dare not bring shame upon you.

Please make your own decision.

Who knows when we'll meet again after you leave this time?

Find a place to settle down quickly so we can still exchange letters.

Once I find a place to call home, I'll surely let you know.

Good.

You've never suffered like this before.

If you must blame someone,

blame our clan's lack of warriors.

Whoa.

Fan, my lady,

a boulder blocks the path ahead.

Rest a while.

I'll move it aside.

Let's go.

We heard you were exiled from Xindu by the Lord of Wei,

so we came after you.

On the way, we encountered Wei troops and fought them.

Later, in Panyi,

I clashed with Liu Yan's forces too.

A three-way battle.

You moved through them like they weren't even there.

He does possess some brute strength.

We're tired from the journey.

Bi Zhi, please go find us some food.

That's easy enough.

Fan, I have something important to tell you.

This concerns Yanzhou's survival. You must do your best with this.

At the border where Yanzhou, Wei, and Bianzhou meet,

there's a county called Boya.

To sue for peace, Yanzhou gave up its heart.

Now that Panyi is in Wei Shao's hands, we've lost the advantage.

We must secure a backup plan and hold this strategic location.

Our repeated retreats happened

because we had troops but no leaders or capable fighters.

With Bi Zhi here,

I believe we can hold it.

Manman says we should go to Boya.

Then we go to Boya.

What kind of place is it?

A county.

It's a good land, near mountains with mines.

It's also bad.

Everyone wants to take it,

but none dare make the first move.

I don't expect glory from you,

just your safety.

Bi Zhi,

let's just be a happy ordinary couple, all right?

All right.

You parted with your cousin,

yet you seem unshaken.

My lady has fulfilled a wish, so she's delighted.

What wish?

Our Qiao clan finally has a true warrior.

That Bi Zhi was born with godlike strength.

What a fine match!

But what of my lady's marriage?

A full day has passed.

Why is there no word from His Lordship?

These things take time.

Haste makes waste.

My lady.

My lady,

you were missing for a whole day.

It turns out you're here for tea?

You already gave away a city.

Now you're promising to build canals?

Patience. Sit.

I…

We seek an alliance with Wei.

Shouldn't we show sincerity?

And let them keep nibbling at us?

These canals will solve Wei's drought.

Won't that make the Lord of Wei unstoppable?

You're right.

If this succeeds,

Wei will grow even stronger.

The threat Yanzhou faces will be greater.

But these are long-term pros and cons.

For now,

if this succeeds,

the benefits outweigh the risks.

And where do these benefits come from?

Wei Shao's canal project is inevitable.

Even if I refuse, he'll conduct it anyway.

But while building the canal,

he'll deploy considerable troops,

leaving no resources to attack Yanzhou.

This gives us

a breathing space.

I'll use this marriage to turn the tide.

But now it seems that this marriage

may not happen after all.

What do you mean?

Lord Qiao Gui…

has passed away.

I came specifically to deliver this news.

Wait.

This is no joking matter.

QIAO GUI, GOVERNOR OF YANZHOU…

PASSED AWAY PEACEFULLY ON APRIL 13TH, AGED 60.

When did this happen?

Today,

it happens to be his fifth-week memorial.

QIAO GUI, GOVERNOR OF YANZHOU

My lady,

building canals is no small matter.

You can't just act on impulse alone.

QIAO GUI, GOVERNOR OF YANZHOU

My lady, are you all right?

PASSED AWAY PEACEFULLY ON APRIL 13TH, AGED 60.

I missed my chance to see him one last time.