Original subtitles

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

YUJUN

I'm exhausted.

See? I told you.

His Lordship definitely…

Why step on me?

My lady was nearly dead, but you only came back now.

Showing off like this now! Who are you pretending to be?

You can't even do your job. Are you even human?

What are you staring at?

You should go. Don't get sick.

Go, go, go.

YUJUN

What are you doing?

I'm worried you'll catch a cold.

I don't need your fake kindness.

How ungrateful.

WEI MANSION, WEI STATE

My lord.

Well…

This…

This is too absurd.

I have been busy with work these past few days.

Besides, the physician just said she was fine.

Sir, you needn't worry.

You left your injured bride outside the city for days,

exposed to wind and dew.

If word of this reaches the people of Yanzhou,

it'll only disgrace you.

In my opinion,

once she wakes up, you should offer a proper apology.

My lady.

- My lady. - My lady.

Here. Slowly, slowly.

My lady, you're finally awake.

How long did I sleep?

Two days and one night.

My lady, you must be hungry.

Xiaotao has gone to the kitchen to prepare food.

Soon, you'll have warm congee.

Where is this?

This is His Lordship's bedchamber.

Earlier, you were burning with fever and unconscious.

His Lordship summoned the physician.

But after the physician left,

another person called Zheng Shu came,

saying that His Lordship doesn't like others in his main chamber.

Lady Zhu asked you to move to the side chamber.

- My lord. - My lord.

My lord.

Are you feeling better?

Much better.

As the head of the Wei family,

you shoulder its honor and disgrace.

Still, you insisted on marrying me.

These past few days must've been hard for you.

Good that you understand.

This is Yujun, not Kangjun.

Things like this

will happen often from now on.

Yes.

I'll call someone to prepare a couch.

No need.

Earlier, Mother sent someone called Zheng Shu here,

saying she had arranged another place for me to rest.

My lord, I was just about to ask you

if you know where the side chamber is

and how far it is.

Side chamber?

My lord, no need to worry.

I've only caught a chill.

I can still manage a few steps.

At worst,

I'll drink more medicine tomorrow.

My lord, please send someone

to point me the way.

As for my hand,

thanks to the healing powder from you,

it should be healed in a few days.

My lord,

please wait a moment

while I tidy up.

Wait…

You go rest in bed.

I'll go to the side chamber.

Thank you for your concern.

Then I will rest for now.

My lord,

you should rest early too.

My lady.

Has he gone?

So, my lady,

should we still go to the side chamber as Zheng Shu arranged?

No.

They left me outside the city for three days.

If I just obey like this,

how could I be the Lady of Wei?

Zhonglin brought Lady Qiao back to the room?

She acted all delicate to win Shao's pity.

You haven't even met,

and yet she's made Shao defy your wishes and bring her in.

If this goes on…

She'll be a disaster.

Aunt, you need not worry.

I followed the Grand Sorcerer's instructions

and placed Lady Qiao in a distant side chamber

far from Shao's main chamber.

WEI MANSION, WEI STATE

You made such splendid clothes.

Once His Lordship sees them,

he'll surely praise your skill and cleverness.

I don't even know if they'll fit.

It's been months since we met,

so I could only go by Shao's old measurements.

We're really out of luck.

Normally, we just clean chamber pots,

but now we have to serve Lady Qiao.

Exactly.

- My lord. - My lord.

There is no one else in this room.

Where did Lady Qiao sleep last night?

Shao…

What?

Lady Qiao slept in the main chamber

and made Zhonglin sleep in the side chamber?

This is outrageous.

How dare she treat my son like this?!

Just a few days ago, Shao went out in person

to carry Lady Qiao into the mansion.

She must've become arrogant because he favors her.

Is this household still named Wei?!

XINDU

Congratulations, my lord.

The Yongning Canal project has started smoothly.

Once the water flows through, it'll surely benefit the people.

It's a great deed in the present

and a blessing for future generations.

- Wei Liang, listen. - Yes.

Prepare 3,000 elite troops

to be stationed in Panyi now.

That…

Several states are wary of Panyi.

Besides, 14 years ago, the war started because of the Yongning Canal.

Though I now have a fearsome reputation,

and they dare not attack us lightly,

we should still prepare in advance.

Stationing troops in Panyi

will ensure the canal is guarded.

It will also intimidate Yanzhou,

so that one day…

One day, we can strike!

My lord, you've just married Lady Qiao.

Peace was recently restored between Wei and Yanzhou.

If we station troops there now,

it may panic the Qiao family.

It could destabilize the current situation.

I don't care.

The Qiao family has always acted timidly.

Well…

What will your lady think when she hears of this?

How will you and she continue living together as a couple?

I already told her when we married

that she'd be a Wei only, not a Qiao.

Besides,

I have no time to worry about that now.

Xiaotao,

how did your scouting in the city go today?

I checked out a few shops.

I'll go talk to them in a few days.

Good.

Didn't she say that she'd move out today?

You aren't done packing?

My lord.

My lord…

What's wrong? Weren't you feeling better?

You may not know,

but when I visited Mother today,

I wanted to seem more presentable,

so I ate some mint leaves to help with the coughing.

I don't know,

but they may have clashed with the cold medicine from the physician.

Now, my cough's getting worse.

Chunniang, go fetch the physician.

Hurry.

No need.

I can't keep disturbing your rest.

So, I had Chunniang pack our things early.

We'll go to the side chamber now.

Do you want some water?

Get all the luggage now.

- Give me it. - Have some water.

- I'll carry it. - Hurry.

Here.

Hurry, hurry.

- Hurry and carry it. - Sure.

Give me more. I can carry more.

Lift the chest now.

Try harder.

I'll help you.

All right, all right, enough.

Enough.

You can stay here one more day.

I'll move back tomorrow.

Thank you, my lord.

Water. Give me some water.

GOVERNMENT OFFICE

My lord,

this year's crops are entering the heading and grain-filling period.

GOVERNMENT HALL, WEI STATE

But across Wei State, aside from Yujun and Hanjun,

many areas have faced continuous drought.

It may affect next year's harvest.

Pass down my decree.

From today onward,

local administration must prioritize irrigation water.

Military needs come second.

Yes.

That's not appropriate.

Military supplies and warhorses consume a great deal of water.

Besides, we've just reclaimed Xindu and Panyi.

Our army's morale is high.

We should press forward now.

Shao,

I'm speaking to you.

Uncle, you may not know,

but after years of war,

both the people and soldiers are utterly exhausted.

The reason I allied with Yanzhou

was to buy time to recover and rebuild

and wait for the right moment.

Therefore,

in the short term, I won't take the initiative to attack

unless we're invaded.

Your weariness of war is understandable.

Since that's the case,

this might be a good opportunity to consider the matter of an heir.

You see,

Lady Qiao is still in mourning.

She can't bear children for you.

So in that case, why not take a concubine?

His Lordship's wedding was less than three months ago.

To take a concubine now would not be proper.

Why wouldn't it be proper?

What difference is there between three days and three months?

My lord,

if you want to refuse, I won't say anything more.

But if you delay it three months today,

you'll delay it three years tomorrow.

Shao,

as the saying goes,

Hanjun is known for its women, and Yujun for its men.

I have a foster daughter of the right age

who can help continue your bloodline.

With an heir,

we'll all be at ease.

So, you're implying…

that without an heir,

you won't be at ease?

I'm only thinking about the greater good of the state.

If you have someone you love, I'll say no more.

But your marriage with Lady Qiao was for political gain.

There's no love.

The hope of an heir is slim.

So, I want you to hurry and take a concubine

to solidify the family line.

My lord,

please believe me.

My lord, taking a concubine is a serious matter.

You should hold a public selection across all cities, not just Hanjun.

Yes.

We can help choose the most suitable ones for you.

Who says

there's no love between me

and Lady Qiao?

I admit

I married her for Panyi.

But after spending time with her,

I saw that she's not only beautiful but concerned for the people.

She has the talent and bearing worthy of my wife.

Besides, when we married, she swore

to be a Wei only, not a Qiao.

Qiao Gui had just died,

yet she insisted on marrying me.

That's a betrayal of her own family.

Now, the two of us

are deeply in love.

We're truly a loving couple.

So, Uncle,

there's no room by my side for any other concubine.

I heard the lady's been unwell,

and our lord even gave up the main chamber

so she could rest.

He moved to the side chamber.

His Lordship treats Her Ladyship with utmost care and affection.

It's known throughout the mansion.

- It is. - Yes.

- Truly. - Yes.

Exactly.

That may not be true.

Sir, I almost forgot.

Tan.

Yes.

I told you to place my favorite daily necessities where they belong.

Did you do it?

Everything's been arranged just as you like.

However, the side chamber is small,

so we haven't found a proper spot to hang your favorite bow.

His Lordship truly cherishes his lady.

He's even willing to move into the side chamber.

Their love is indeed genuine.

Of course.

Well,

thank you, Uncle,

but I'll have to decline

your kind offer.

General Wei, thank you for your concern.

General Wei is very thoughtful.

We appreciate your good intentions.

Huh? This…

This…

These guys…

Everyone, as you can see,

he just doesn't want anyone I recommend by his side.

Can't you see it?

He's on his guard against us.

Why did those servants suddenly change their attitude?

Could it be that His Lordship sent them?

His Lordship has been staying in the side chamber for days

so his lady can recover.

Sending a dozen maids to take care of her

is nothing strange, right?

Is he really kind to those around him

just as Nanny Zhong said?

Xiaozao,

go to the side chamber and tell him I've fully recovered.

Ask him to come back.

Yes.

My lady.

Tan, why are you here?

His Lordship asked me to fetch bedding and bring back some clothes.

Just now, Her Ladyship wanted me to invite him back.

His Lordship's been busy with work lately and often returns late.

He plans to stay in the side chamber a while longer

and told me to remind Her Ladyship to recover in the main chamber.

Everyone in the mansion

knows His Lordship rejected his uncle's offer about taking a concubine

yesterday at the office.

He said you two had faced danger together

and he wouldn't take a concubine and hurt your dignity.

These maids must've heard that too.

Who'd dare mistreat you now?

Since arriving in Panyi,

you two have finally grown some affection.

In this family,

if His Lordship continues to protect you,

you won't suffer too much.

Between husband and wife,

love is what matters most.

Uncle once said

he'd never take a concubine because of Aunt.

But I don't think that alone means love.

Regarding these things, people often follow the crowd.

I can't just believe it

because everyone says so.

Exactly.

If you want a loving life,

you can't rely solely on His Lordship's efforts.

Where's Xiaotao?

That child.

Ever since we arrived in Yujun,

she's been using your dowry to start a business.

She said she wanted you to live comfortably

for the rest of your life.

Sir,

how much is it for this golden forehead jewelry?

500 coppers.

How about this jade-inlaid hairpin?

That one's 800.

- May I take a look? - Of course.

Here.

Sir,

in business,

comparing goods is a real risk.

Miss, what do you mean?

Your items are fine,

but they're not good enough.

This one is different.

It's the latest style from Kangjun in Yanzhou.

I had someone buy it with 1,500 coppers.

It's already sold out.

If you take it to a pawnshop, it could fetch 2,000 coppers.

It's just that I need money at home now.

How about you sell it for me on consignment?

The item's fine quality,

but 2,000 coppers might be too expensive.

Well, if you can sell it at that price,

I only want 1,200.

You can keep the other 800.

I can earn without putting in labor or materials?

Isn't that a perfect deal?

How's it going with the selection of the elite troops?

My lord, these days,

I've been training troops with a few other generals.

Though we call it training, it's actually a tryout.

We've reached a consensus.

3,000 elite troops

can be directly transferred from General Wei Qu's command.

Indeed, the men under Wei Qu are seasoned and elite.

OUTSIDE YUJUN, WEI STATE

But most of them are cavalry.

As well as those 3,000,

pick 1,000 swimmers to come along.

CHIJUN, LIANGYA STATE

MANSION OF LIANGYA'S HEIR LIANGYA STATE

If we'd known Xiaoqiao's dowry was truly Panyi,

we'd have treated her better,

and Wei State wouldn't have gotten such a good deal.

They've even stationed troops in Panyi.

It'll be hard for us to reclaim it now.

Wei State wants to strike first.

Uncle, why not report to Father

and increase troops at Xiaogang to pressure Panyi?

You're right.

You are right.

I'll go at once.

My lady,

a letter from Yanzhou.

Read it to me.

"Follow your husband after marriage."

"Uphold virtue and duty."

"Be loving and loyal."

"Bear children."

"Do not disgrace the family."

Is this a family letter?

It's clearly the Instructions for Women.

My lady, you're having such a hard time here,

yet the governor still pins his hopes on you

to resolve the conflict between the two clans.

Uncle is worried for Yanzhou

and is hoping I can use my gentleness and beauty to persuade my lord

to help Yanzhou benefit

and not target them.

But in this world,

when is anything ever that easy?

My lord, last year's harvest was insufficient.

There may be another famine next year.

Only Hanjun still has a surplus.

If you ask me,

you should take his foster daughter as a concubine.

- Yes. - Besides,

Lady Qiao can't stay as your wife.

A Qiao

can never truly be the Lady of Wei.

Lady Qiao is unworthy.

Wei Dian's foster daughter can't be accepted.

- My wife has… - Enough.

My marriage with her

is both personal and political.

I let your words at the ancestral hall slide.

But this is the study.

You are my subjects.

How dare you speak ill of my wife in front of me?!

Yes, my lord.

As I've married her,

she is the Lady of Wei.

You only see that she's a Qiao,

but you've never witnessed her poise and courage.

Do not talk

about taking concubines anymore.

Yes, my lord.

It's quite sweet.

I was talking about this red bean soup.

Let's go.

My lady.

Her Ladyship was worried that my lord might be tired, so she brought soup.

What was that? Louder.

Her Ladyship was worried that my lord might be tired, so she brought soup.

She's waiting just outside.

Newlyweds care for each other.

How loving.

Indeed.

That's right.

It's so cold now.

She's caught a chill

yet still came personally.

Let her in.

My lord, you ordered before

that no women are allowed in the study.

If I fail to enforce this,

my yearly pay will be docked.

My wife is an exception.

Yes.

Wait.

Forget it. I'll go bring her in.

His Lordship often handles state matters here in the study.

He must really trust her.

Is Lady Qiao really so remarkable?

Her Ladyship is here.

These are all family elders.

No need to be formal.

My lady.

My lady.

It's cold today, yet you're dressed so lightly.

Tan, bring my cloak.

Yes, my lord.

He even asked for a cloak.

We won't disturb you two

as you spend time together.

We'll take our leave.

We take our leave.

Very well.

I came here today

to thank you for letting me stay in the main chamber all this time.

I've now recovered

and hope you'll return there tonight.

Got it.

Let's go.

We were all set to move into the side chamber tonight

and even packed everything up.

But His Lordship felt sorry for our lady

and insisted we stay here.

My lady,

your cheeks are so flushed.

Have you caught a chill?

I'm fine.

However,

my heart's been fluttery lately for no reason.

Sure.

His Lordship carried you all the way back,

and you bumped into many people.

Who wouldn't feel flustered?

But

that day was worse.

That day?

The day we entered the city.

You had a high fever,

and His Lordship carried you back the same way.

He's gotten used to carrying you,

but now you're getting embarrassed.

I misunderstood him back then.

Leaving me outside the city wasn't something he intended,

yet I blamed him and made him stay in the side chamber for days.

Has Her Ladyship fallen asleep?

Tan?

Why is he here so late?

Coming.

My lady.

What's this?

His Lordship asked me to bring this.

He said your clothes got soaked in the rain outside the city.

These are for making new ones.

He also said you're still in mourning,

so light-colored fabric is best.

Lord Wei is very thoughtful.

WEI MANSION

She's finally here.

Is she planning to move in now?

His Lordship stays in the side chamber,

while she's taken over the main chamber.

As a new bride, where are her manners?

It's still early. Why are you here?

It's cold.

I brought your cloak.

I don't need your care.

Just take care of yourself.

Is this the room they prepared for you?

This is too plain.

I didn't expect His Lordship to treat her so well.

Who knows what tricks she's used?

Can you hear us there?

Come in and let's chat.

You're leaving?

At your parents' house,

they know you'll marry off sooner or later,

so they treat you like an outsider.

After you marry,

your husband's family also treats you like an outsider

because you join them halfway.

It's hard being a woman.

But you're lucky.

His Lordship cherishes you.

It's not all hardship.

He sees me as his wife and treats me well.

I should make sure everything else is in order.

Clean up this room so it's more comfortable for him.

Wait.

Since they see me as an outsider,

things like preparing his room

should be handled by them.

Call them over.

Yes.

Xiaotao.

Go and make some inquiries.

Sure.

Duang.

What do you want?

I have a few questions.

Advisor Gongsun said no questions about military affairs,

no questions about state affairs, and no questions about His Lordship.

Sure.

I'm not asking about him. I'm asking about you.

Me? What about me?

I care about you.

Then go ahead.

Tell me,

how do you normally get along with His Lordship's army?

We eat and sleep together.

What else do you usually do?

We're always training.

That's good.

After training, what do you eat?

Lots of stuff.

Beef, lamb, and…

Why am I telling you this?

I've got serious work to do.

I'm not done, Duang.

What are you doing?

Have you lost your soul after this morning?

No.

I have some questions.

Well,

if a woman

keeps asking you questions,

all about daily, trivial stuff,

what is she up to?

She's spying on military affairs.

She wants your salary.

Nonsense.

You deal with women all the time.

What do you think?

Do you really want to know?

I'm meeting the guys tonight at Luozhong Tavern.

- My wine bill…? - Fine, fine, I'll cover it.

See? I knew this would cost you.

Listen.

In this big world,

if a man or a woman

suddenly takes an interest in someone's everyday life,

even their food and their daily schedule,

there's no doubt

that he or she has fallen for them.

No way.

Absolutely not.

My lady,

I asked Wei Liang in detail.

His Lordship eats and lives with them,

so whatever Wei Liang often eats must be what His Lordship likes.

APRICOTS, SLICED LIVER, RED BEAN SOUP

Then prepare these.

Got it.

Tan.

Yes?

Who arranged all this?

Lady Wei.

She started preparing everything right after you left this morning.

Then go tell her this.

She's been in Yujun for a while.

Tomorrow, I'll take her to visit Grandmother.

Yes.

How do I look?

Wonderful.

You look beautiful.

Lady Xu will surely be pleased.

You've always been poised since you came of age.

It's been a long time since I've seen you so nervous.

When I first came to Yujun,

because of the relationship between our families, I never met the elders.

Now, the Lord of Wei is personally taking me.

I should be thorough and careful so as not to waste his kindness.

Let's go.

My lord.

Can't you walk slower?

I'm dressed formally

to meet the elders today.

This skirt hampers movement.

You're already taller than me and your legs are longer.

If you keep walking like this, I won't be able to keep up.

How troublesome.

Are we talking in a secret language?

I'm saying you should go first as your legs are short.

Even if I give you a head start, I can still catch up.

Hurry up.