Original subtitles

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

Inside is something precious to you.

To scar it with a knife is to scar your heart.

Who could it have been?

Yeah, that's it.

If Lady Qiao touched the box herself,

we can't be blamed.

Now that Lady Qiao has disobeyed Shao's command,

no explanation will save her.

That wooden box has been with Zhonglin for over ten years.

He's very attached to it.

Even the servants in the west wing aren't allowed to move it during cleaning.

Honestly, I have no idea what's in it.

Could it be some rare treasure?

Whatever it is,

Lady Qiao has clearly angered Shao.

Once he's angry, he'll surely drive her from the main chamber.

Chuyu,

these days, you're the only one

who truly cares about me and gets me.

I lost my parents young.

If not for you, Aunt,

I'd have wandered homeless.

As long as you're happy,

I'd die to repay your kindness.

My lady!

His Lordship is here!

Go, go, go.

My lord.

Mother.

What brings you here so suddenly, my son?

I came here today

hoping to seek your advice.

Come, have a seat.

Zhonglin,

what is it?

There's a box in my study.

The servants all know not to touch it.

But today, I found scratches on it.

Someone clearly tried to pry it open.

Mother, do you know anything about this?

Outrageous!

Who would dare?

If I ever find out who did this,

they won't get away with it!

But Zhonglin,

have you asked Lady Qiao about this?

She knows best what goes on in your study.

Mother, you think

that it was Lady Qiao?

I'm not accusing her.

I'm just worried

she's gotten arrogant

because of having your favor.

She may be tuning you out.

Or maybe

she got curious

and tried to dig into your secrets.

Mother, you may not know,

but that box only held some of my old things.

Once I took them out, the box was empty.

Lady Qiao saw the nine-square lock and thought it was interesting,

so she asked to keep it.

I showed her

how to open it.

She got bored after a few days.

Then she used it to store some jewelry.

Then today, this happened.

I've thought it over carefully.

If it wasn't someone with bad intentions,

then it was a thieving servant.

You've managed the household for years,

so you must know what to do.

I came to ask your advice.

All right,

I understand now.

Don't worry, son.

I'll look into it first thing tomorrow.

Very well, I'll leave it to you.

Please resolve it as soon as possible.

If it gets too complicated,

I can have Nanny Zhong help you out.

No need, really. It's fine.

Also, about Zheng Shu,

I've got a solution that will work for both sides.

Since you want her to keep you company,

I'll find a good husband for her and have him marry into our family.

That way,

her future is secured,

and she can stay by your side.

What do you think?

Zhonglin!

I know your kindness, son.

Let me

think about it.

All right.

Once you decide,

let me know.

Just don't use this matter to trouble Lady Qiao again.

After all,

she is the Lady of Wei.

Yes.

I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave.

Mr. Zhang said

he came to deliver gifts to Her Ladyship.

There's silk, chiffon, brocade, satin, and damask,

200 bolts of each, totaling 1,000 bolts.

That's a lot of fabric.

If it were all made into dresses, there would be enough to last a lifetime.

Pick out some to send to His Lordship.

Ten carts full from Yanzhou with gifts for Lady Zhu and Lady Xu.

Fine-made gowns and two sets of gold accessories.

Oh, and these two chests are from Lady Ding.

She specially prepared them for you, my lady.

It's neither a festival nor a special occasion.

Why send so many gifts now?

My lady,

a letter from Yanzhou.

DON'T BE ANXIOUS. UPHOLD FEMININE VIRTUE.

THE BOYA CONFLICT WAS NOT MY DOING. I WON'T SEND TROOPS.

Where is Zhang Pu?

He is waiting outside.

YANZHOU NEVER BETRAYS. FROM QIAO YUE.

Cousin asked Yanzhou for aid.

Why can't Uncle see the bigger picture?

He refused to send troops and completely ignored it.

If we miss this military window and fail to take Boya,

what future does our Qiao family have if the Lord of Wei turns on us?

"Future"?

We've already hit rock bottom.

I thought you'd forgotten your own family in Yanzhou.

While His Lordship and I were struggling in Kangjun,

we heard that you and the Lord of Wei were deeply in love.

If you hadn't insisted on giving Panyi as your dowry to the Lord of Wei,

he wouldn't have stationed his troops there.

Now, Yanzhou doesn't dare make a move!

He stationed troops in Panyi?

It's been over a month.

Troops have been coming in waves.

And I didn't even notice.

My lady, His Lordship wanted to ask you

about the Lord of Wei's intentions.

But now we see

that you were just kept in the dark.

Troops in Panyi?

All right then.

I'll use Wei Shao's might

to plant the Qiao family's flag in Boya.

My lady, I'm afraid that's a pipe dream.

We'll see if I can make it happen.

BIANZHOU, WEI

My lady,

which of these fabrics would suit His Lordship best?

None!

Did he marry me for some fabric?

So what did he marry you for then?

A few more cities might satisfy him.

No.

Even if I gave him more cities, he'd never be satisfied.

Even if he swallowed me whole,

he'd still want more.

I haven't seen you angry in a while, my lady.

I'm not angry.

I just remembered what Grandfather used to say.

Living each day…

…is like ruling a kingdom.

You want strong allies,

but not ones too strong to control.

I should blame myself

for thinking I could ever live with him.

All he cares about is conquest.

This one looks nice too. Look.

My lady, His Lordship said he's tied up with official matters,

so he won't be greeting you.

But Lady Wei came here.

What is she doing here?

It must be about the wooden box.

Shao blamed you, and now Lady Qiao's here to throw her weight around.

I have nothing to say to her.

Tell her I'm ill.

No need for visits for the next few days.

Yes.

My lady, please return.

Lady Zhu isn't feeling well and cannot receive guests.

You don't need to come for the next few days.

Lady Qiao only just married in

and she's already sowing discord between Shao and you.

She even dares to complain to Shao.

It seems that Lady Qiao doesn't fear you at all.

Who knows what she questioned Zhonglin about?

Now he defends her at every turn.

There's no one close to Shao to help him see right from wrong.

You're right about that.

What a pity.

Zhonglin is still too young.

He can't even tell who's truly close to him.

- Lady Zhu looked fine yesterday. - What's she saying now?

Why is she suddenly sick today?

She must be tired.

She wants some peace. Let her rest.

I think she's just scared of you.

- My lady. - My lady.

You sweep my courtyard all day.

Now Mother's fallen ill, shouldn't you be serving her?

I wonder, am I allowed to dismiss you now?

My lady, what do you mean by this?

You've been spying in my courtyard,

but you didn't even know that Mother is ill?

- Yes. - Yes.

My lady,

that was impressive.

No one's eavesdropping now.

I dismissed them so you can rant all you want.

I'll be careful with my words, I swear.

My lord, are you eating now?

You had this prepared before I even asked?

Her Ladyship arranged it. It's still warm.

Is something wrong with the food?

No, not at all.

They're all my favorites.

She's always

been thoughtful.

How's the new bedding? Comfortable?

Her Ladyship said that if you like it,

she'll prepare thicker ones when the weather turns cold.

Her Ladyship also said she's mastered Lady Zhu's stitching technique

and has returned these.

She hopes they're comfortable.

By the way, someone said Lady Zhu isn't feeling well

and asked you to visit her.

All right.

I'll eat later.

I'll go now.

Zhonglin,

last time

was all my fault.

Will you forgive me, son?

Of course I will.

I just want you to know,

only your wife

walks with you to the end.

Though she's not your blood,

she's your closest companion and true love.

My closest companion

and true love.

Yes, that's right.

But sadly,

you married Lady Qiao.

She doesn't care about you.

I'm afraid

she doesn't even know what you like, what you eat,

or your shoe size.

These two…

My lord?

Sir,

there's something

I'd like to ask you.

Please, go ahead.

Sir,

may I ask you,

what is a closest companion and true love really like?

A closest companion and true love?

My lord, think carefully about this.

Is Lady Xu

your closest companion and true love?

She helped you become the family head,

took over the late lord's duties,

and kept the household in order for decades.

Grandmother

is indeed close to me.

She places her expectations on me.

With expectations come obligations.

So,

what I feel for her is love.

The respectful kind.

What about Lady Zhu?

My mother?

I'm dutiful to her.

My lord, do you think that I, your advisor, am that person?

Sir, to me,

you're like a teacher and a father.

What I feel for you

is trust.

If I truly saw you as my closest companion and true love…

That'd be too much pressure.

What about those generals?

They've fought beside you.

Are they your closest companions? Do you love them?

True.

They've fought with me for years.

In my eyes,

they're like my brothers.

I hope that someday, the war will end

and they can live in peace.

In time,

they'll have lives of their own.

They can go their own way.

If they wish to leave,

I won't stop them.

My lord,

you've turned everyone away.

I believe, deep down, you already have an answer.

I truly don't.

That's why I ask, sir.

My lord, please look.

CLOSEST

The left side of this character

means blood,

while the right side means "to see."

So the one closest to you

should be someone who sees what you see

and feels what you feel.

LOVE

Now, look at this character.

It combines

endurance, devotion, and friendship.

This person

must be patient with you,

willing to care,

not fear you,

and share mutual respect and fondness.

Things you don't want to tell others, you can tell her.

Matters you don't want others to handle, you can leave to her.

And you can show your vulnerability to her.

I think the Lady of Wei is wise and gentle.

She's got some impressive qualities.

Please stop bringing her up, sir.

She's sharp-tongued. She's not gentle at all.

You wrongly accused her of reading military intel,

yet she defended herself without fear.

That means Her Ladyship trusts you

and feels she can confide in you.

Have you forgotten how persistent she was back then?

And in daily life?

Hasn't she cared for you?

Despite your authority,

has she ever shown fear?

Come on, Advisor.

Give it a rest. Stop bringing her up.

We married for political reasons.

How could she be…

my closest companion and true love?

LOVE

LOVE

Her Ladyship hasn't gone to bed?

She's copying sutras for Lady Xu.

Lady Xu loves The Infinite Life Sutra she copied.

Would you like to go in?

No.

Have the kitchen prepare ginseng soup for her.

Yes.

WEI MANSION

You didn't go to the Government Office today, my lord?

I'll head over soon.

Are you going to visit Grandmother?

Yes.

I'll go with you.

- Tan? - Yes, my lord.

I'm hungry.

I'll have the kitchen prepare food now.

Tell Her Ladyship to prepare it and bring it to me herself.

My lady.

Take these in to His Lordship. See if he likes them.

Yes.

Her Ladyship sent over these dim sum.

She wants to know if they suit your taste.

Where is she?

At the door.

Why isn't she coming in?

I forgot to ask. Please wait.

Tell him he's busy with state affairs. I don't want to disturb him.

Yes.

My lord,

she says she doesn't want to disturb your work.

Go tell her

that if something's wrong with the food, I'd like to speak to her in person.

- Let her in. - Yes.

My lady,

he says if he doesn't like them, he wants to tell you in person.

Please go in.

But how could he not like them?

The kitchen made them just the way he likes.

My lord, Her Ladyship said

they were made the way you like.

There's no way you don't like them.

Then why does she want to know if I like them?

Putting on a show, huh?

You…

Tell her to come in.

I want to talk to her.

I wouldn't dare go in.

Who knows what mood he's in today?

What if I upset him or offend him?

Tan.

I'm hungry.

My lord, Her Ladyship sent dim sum this afternoon.

You haven't had any yet.

Tell her to make me a fresh late-night snack.

And also,

she's to bring it herself.

Yes.

What's wrong with him?

Isn't he just picking on me on purpose?

Why eat so late at night?

Xiaozao, go to the kitchen.

Grab whatever for him. Just take it over.

Yes.

He's sent for me twice today.

Could he have found out about Boya?

No way.

I've cleaned the bamboo slips you drafted secretly,

and I've put away the map of Boya you drew.

How could he have found out?

You take this in to him.

My lady, please don't make it hard for me.

Tan.

My lady.

I've brought the food. You take it in to him.

Please don't make it hard for me.

So neither of you will go?

I'll just leave it here then.

Please call him out to get it.

Sorry. I've offended you again.

Please punish me.

You didn't offend me.

Didn't you say I should come get it?

Here I am.

Why have you been avoiding me?

I haven't been.

If something's bothering you, just tell me.

Thank you for your concern.

This is for you.

My lady,

I heard from Tan

that this is a rare armrest.

Did His Lordship see the ink stain on your hands

and gift this for your writing?

He asked if his mother troubled me.

Maybe he feels guilty about that day

and wants to make peace.

Well, His Lordship does seem reasonable.

If he really feels guilty,

I have an idea.

But it'll cost me a bit of silver.

Isn't that easy?

Here.

I have plenty.

And I have more.

Where did you get so much?

Half the street out there belongs to the Qiao family now.

Don't worry, my lady.

You'll never run short of silver.

No wonder you're always out and about.

What are we buying?

A konghou.

Why do we need a konghou?

I miss my cousin.

No problem. How much are we spending?

As long as it plays, it's fine.

Well…

All right.

Her Ladyship is waiting for you to eat.

What's going on here?

My lord.

What is this?

I'm not a good player.

Sorry you had to see that.

Yeah, you're not.

From now on, I'll practice every day.

I don't think that's necessary.

Let's eat.

Let's eat.

Why are you crying?

I told you, if something's bothering you, just tell me.

Go on.

What's wrong?

It's…

It's my cousin.

She's skilled at playing the konghou.

Before she left,

she gave me this instrument.

While unpacking the things I brought back from Yanzhou, I saw it again

and couldn't help missing her.

My cousin's kindness is still so clear in my mind.

You and your cousin

are quite close.

Yes.

She wrote to me.

Since she eloped with Bi Zhi,

they're living a hard life now,

while I'm here enjoying comfort and luxury.

I feel terrible about it.

That's not so hard to fix.

Just send her some supplies.

Help her make things easier.

But who would do that?

She eloped.

Even my uncle disowned her.

Don't worry, I'll have someone do it.

Really?

Yeah.

Where is she now?

She's in…

Boya.

Boya?

My lord,

do you think it's too far?

I was just wondering,

why are they in Boya?

Cousin and Bi Zhi

don't have any papers to prove their identity.

They can't enter any proper city.

They must be staying somewhere remote, outside of the authorities' reach,

just to survive.

My lord,

do you still stand by your word?

Of course I do.

Here's the thing.

Pack up whatever you want to send her. I'll have someone deliver it.

All right.

I have no way to thank you, but I'll practice konghou every day

until I'm good enough to play for you.

That's really not necessary.

It's not your thing.

Eating is. Dig in.

Want me to play it again?

No need.

Just eat.

Why are we delivering things for Her Ladyship's cousin?

My lord,

don't let beauty cloud your judgment.

It's a waste of talent.

That's right, my lord.

This trip may seem like a supply run,

but since we don't know much about the Commander of the Boya Forces,

it's the perfect opportunity to scout him out.

Smart move, my lord.

All right, you go ahead and decide who will go then.

Come on, let's draw straws.

Drawing straws again?

I never win at this.

Are you setting me up?

Don't think so little of me.

- Get lost. - Here, put them in your hand.

I'll draw from you. Fair?

Draw.

Looks like this tough task falls on me in the end.

Better than you thinking I cheated.

This trip isn't for battle, just for scouting.

What a show.

It's even grander than your wedding parade.

I still think it's not enough.

More people means better support for my cousin.

When you get there,

keep it discreet.

We don't want rumors of Wei attacking Boya.

Rest assured, my lord. I understand.

- Take care of yourself. - Don't worry.

My lord, you prepared so much for my cousin.

It's just to put you at ease.

So you won't be sad again.

These are rice seeds that I brought for my cousin.

Even if they're drifting around, they can survive by farming.

Please be sure to give these rice seeds to my cousin.

Don't worry.

I saw you brought many servants.

If Cousin needs help,

please let them lend a hand.

Don't worry, my lady.

- All right, head out. - Okay.

Why is he so eager this time?

He's a good buddy.

He took the tough job himself.

Boya has mountains, beasts, and local wine.

He's not the only one, I also want to go.

All right. Head out.

BOYA

The terrain in Boya is tricky.

Mountains here, forests there.

Hang in there, guys. We're almost there.

Let's see if we can get some meat tonight.

Give me the bow.

Who are you?

I hit this boar. Why are you taking it?

It was my arrow that hit it.

How is it yours?

You bandit.

Quite impressive, huh?

If you want it, I'll give it to you.

Boars are hard to find.

You'd just give it up?

If you need some meat,

just take it.

I'll hunt another one.

May I ask, hero, what is your name?

I'm Bi Zhi.

One green eye, one black eye.

Bi Zhi,

I'm Wei Qu from Wei State.

We're here for you.

General Wei.

Miss.

The Lord of Wei sent you here?

Her Ladyship misses you deeply.

His Lordship is worried about her, so they sent us here with supplies.

Thank you.

Wei Qu.

General Bi Zhi.

You brought us so many things.

Here, have some water.

General Bi Zhi,

back in Yujun,

I heard stories of your bravery.

Who would've thought the Commander of the Boya Forces was family?

You flatter me.

Cousin,

reading this letter is seeing me.

Xue Tai's crisis can be eased by others.

Bianzhou is far, surrounded by rugged mountains.

Xue Tai's troops are exhausted and fear being outnumbered.

Cousin, have Bi Zhi position the Wei troops on high ground

and create the illusion of a large troop.

Victory shall be ours without a fight.

Raise the Qiao family flag and take Boya.

This will keep the Wei family at bay for years.

The fate of Yanzhou depends on this.

We must give it our all.

Manman.

Put it over there.

Be quick!

All right.

Careful there.

Put it over there.

Report!

General,

a group of over 100 men escorting 20 carts has arrived in Boya.

They linked up with the green-eyed bandit.

Locals say they came from Yujun, Wei State.

Wei State?

Civilians or soldiers?

Word is, Lady Qiao's cousin is delivering supplies from Yujun.

But she's married to Wei Shao, the Lord of Wei.

It's hard to tell if they're civilians or soldiers.

Wei Shao has already taken Panyi.

Now he wants Boya too?

Scout again and report.

Yes.

Didn't you say that the fabric didn't suit His Lordship?

Why did you change your mind and pick out fabric again?

He says he has headaches.

Maybe it's the pillow.

I'm picking something softer.

These fabrics are fine,

but not comfortable to the touch.

My lady,

this is fine fabric from Lady Ding in Yanzhou.

You wouldn't use them yourself,

but you want to make something for His Lordship.

He's sent so many things to my cousin.

Of course, I must return the gesture.

Very good, my lady.

My lady,

please choose a fabric.

Let me feel them.

How about this one?

It's too stiff.

Try this one.

This one's much softer.

Let's go with this one.

All right, we'll use this fabric.

My lord,

General Wei Qu has sent word.

He's arrived at the Boya border

and met the Commander of the Boya Forces.

So soon?

So, who is this Commander of the Boya Forces?

He's your brother-in-law, Bi Zhi.

It's him?

That's interesting.

No one pays much heed to Boya.

Now it's under Bi Zhi's control.

He's both Qiao Yue's son-in-law and your brother-in-law.

Whose side he picks

will decide whether Boya belongs to the Qiao clan or to Wei.

Sir, please speak your mind.

General Wei Qu went at Her Ladyship's request.

What exactly did she mean by that?

What meaning could there be?

If Her Ladyship had known that Bi Zhi was the Commander of the Boya Forces,

she would've told me.

Don't worry,

she wouldn't hide it.

You're home early today.

WISE KASHYAPA WHO GOVERNS ETERNALLY

I am.

To congratulate you.

Why is that?

Do you know

who the Commander of the Boya Forces is?

Who is it?

Your brother-in-law.

Bi Zhi.

You must be joking, my lord.

My brother-in-law is just a groom.