Original subtitles

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

If you knew who I was,

why still pretend in front of me?

They say the twin belles of Yanzhou are stunning.

I just wanted to see for myself…

and judge for myself.

What can you do to me?

No one in the Wei family is easy to deal with.

Back at the shop, Mr. Wei already knew who you were,

yet he still made indecent remarks.

Now he's returned the bangle,

clearly trying to get closer to you.

Who knows? Maybe he was the one who hid the bangle in the first place.

He's way too shameless.

What if he crosses the line again?

What should we do then?

That's exactly what worries me.

Should we tell His Lordship?

In case Mr. Wei twists the story first.

Xiaotao, we have no proof.

If His Lordship thinks Her Ladyship is sowing discord between them,

it won't end well.

Then… what should we do?

I can tell His Lordship about the bangle being lost and discuss it with him.

But his cousin's indecent words…

I truly don't know how to bring it up.

JADE ARTIFACTS

Let's go.

JADE ARTIFACTS

My lord, you're back.

No need to worry about the jade bangle anymore.

What's this?

I found the jade bangle.

You did?

You're right, my lord.

I don't have to worry about it anymore.

Losing it and getting it back is indeed a blessing.

It's all thanks to Mr. Wei

that I was able to find it.

He found it?

Yes.

Strangely enough,

the bangle went missing as soon as he arrived that day.

And today, he came again, and it was found.

It seems there's fate between him and the bangle.

Truly, a strange twist of fate.

That's why he was so invested.

Why didn't you tell me you had met him?

We haven't been formally introduced.

Even in the storeroom, we only spoke through a screen.

So I was curious about what kind of man Mr. Wei is.

Would you like to tell me, my lord?

When it comes to winning a woman's heart,

I'm truly no match for him.

You're back in such a rush. Where have you just come from?

I spent last night at the Government Office.

You really are diligent.

Diligent?

More like wasted effort.

Take care, sir.

This way, sir. Come in.

LUOZHONG TAVERN

Who is this young lady?

She's dressed like a married woman. She must be someone's wife.

Why doesn't this beauty have her hair up in a bun?

- Mr. Wei. - Mr. Wei.

Mr. Wei.

Mr. Wei.

Come in, sir.

It's been a while.

LUOZHONG TAVERN

My lord.

Where is he?

Mr. Wei said if you want him out,

you gotta ask him inside.

You know I never go to places like this.

You come here a lot. Bring him out.

I come here to flirt with girls,

not to chase after a drunkard.

Never gonna happen.

I'll come again.

Sure, you're always welcome.

Please, come on in.

Sir.

Here for some fun?

LUOZHONG TAVERN

Zhonglin.

You're here now. Just enjoy yourself.

Go on.

Make sure he has a good time.

- Yes. - Yes.

- Your Lordship. - Back off.

Back off!

All right, it's okay.

Since he doesn't need you, you all can leave.

- Yes. - Yes.

What are you doing?

You know I hate places like this. Why did you choose here?

I have a favor to ask.

What is it?

You and Grandmother always tell me to settle down.

Recently,

I've met a girl I like.

Help me find her.

Really?

If you're actually thinking about

settling down and giving up this lifestyle,

I'll help you find her.

Very well.

So, who is she?

Where did you meet her?

In Yujun.

But I don't know whose wife she is.

"Wife"?

Are you kidding me?

You always say nice things,

but when I ask for help, this is how you act?

You call this a favor?

Flirting with a married woman?

Shame on you!

I can't believe you even said that.

You and Grandmother keep preaching about my future,

just 'cause I go to taverns and brothels

and supposedly bring shame to the family.

If you truly want to settle down,

Grandmother would pick the best woman in all of Wei for you.

Forget it.

I'm not like you,

willing to marry the enemy's daughter just for power.

I couldn't just swallow that.

You don't get what it means to fall in love.

It's not like…

You only know if it'll work after you get to know each other.

That's enough.

I'm not like you.

I don't waste my time on just one person.

All right then.

Tell me what she looks like.

Don't worry.

I'll find her,

and tell her to behave herself and stay away from you.

I knew you weren't being sincere.

Look who's talking.

Zhonglin.

Zhonglin!

Zhonglin.

You…

Mr. Wei.

The Lord of Wei dropped his jade token.

Take it to the Wei Mansion

and give it to Lady Wei.

But the Lord of Wei just left.

I'll run after him and give it back.

Did you not hear what I said?

Yes, sir.

Let me handle the Qiao-Wei alliance.

I left you a hidden piece.

It'll ease your worries.

Please don't forget

your real reason for returning to Wei State.

He asked you

to help me,

not to instruct me.

I wouldn't dare.

You don't think I've truly fallen for that lady, do you?

Heir, you're most wise.

It's so late. Why did His Lordship call us here?

I hadn't even warmed my seat at Luozhong Tavern yet.

There are so many girls there.

Won't you get dizzy picking one?

You don't get it.

Every girl has her own beauty and charm.

A blockhead like you wouldn't understand.

What don't I understand?

Yujun girls love flower hairpins.

Yanzhou girls love wearing orchids.

I know that.

Orchids? They are more into orchids that sway like weathervanes.

Xiao's got a point.

Tan,

come here and smell me.

See what scent you pick up.

It's the scent of powder.

You went to a brothel today?

You can even sniff that out?

Bring me some clean clothes.

Yes.

Wait.

If Lady Wei sends someone to ask for me,

just tell them I'm busy with work and won't be coming home.

But she hasn't sent anyone.

She hasn't?

She's busy with Lady Xu's birthday banquet.

Even Chunniang, Xiaotao, and Xiaozao are caught up in the preparations.

So, there's a proper reason.

- My lord, you called us? - Good.

Find the woman in this portrait.

If she's married to a respectable family,

tell her to stay far away from my cousin.

Yes.

Go fetch my clothes.

Where is my jade token?

Not here.

Maybe it's in the bedchamber. I'll go ask Her Ladyship.

Come back.

That's impossible.

I had it when I left this morning.

Send someone to look for it, but don't make it public.

And don't let Her Ladyship find out.

Yes.

My lady!

My lady!

Why are you so flustered again?

My lady,

a tavern maid from Luozhong Tavern brought this over.

She said His Lordship left it there.

He went to Luozhong Tavern?

Finding people is Wei Duo's specialty.

He's not here, so His Lordship sent us.

Where do we even start?

What do we do now?

Post a notice?

Offer a reward?

Are you crazy?

Are we going to declare to the whole city who has stolen Mr. Wei's heart?

Forget it. Just open it.

On it.

I have no idea who tied this.

It's taking forever to open.

Duang,

out for a stroll?

Is that Xiaotao over there?

No way. She's much thinner than Xiaotao.

Come on, not everyone is Xiaotao.

Isn't that Xiaotao?

Hurry up.

This is Xiaotao.

Are you blind or what? How is this Xiaotao?

This one's too petite. It can't be her.

It's just a drawing.

See? Her hair, her dress.

She's so pretty and she wears orchids.

Who else could it be?

Just because of the orchids?

Why not Chunniang? She's also from Yanzhou.

Chunniang?

She's not that young, is she?

It's definitely Xiaotao.

And if it is, honestly, I think that'd be great.

If Mr. Wei likes her,

that would save us some trouble.

That girl's always threatening to marry one of us, you know.

That's true.

What's wrong, Duang?

Mr. Wei's looking for me?

Is this you?

What's going on?

I'm sorry.

I… I thought you were someone else.

I thought you were Xiaotao.

- Here you go. - All right.

Thanks.

When were His Lordship's clothes sent here?

Smells like alcohol and powder.

He must've been at Luozhong Tavern.

I'll go tell Her Ladyship.

Xiaotao.

No offense, General Wei Liang,

but it's broad daylight, and you're skipping drill?

Why are you always in the inner mansion?

Even His Lordship doesn't come this often.

I'm just running errands for His Lordship.

What errands keep you hanging around here all the time?

Fine.

Have you been out lately?

Why?

- So you have. - So what if I have?

You men get to visit brothels and taverns all you want,

but we women can't even go to the market?

Well, going to the market is fine.

But if you run into an unfamiliar man, you should keep your distance.

I may be blunt

and lack sweet words,

but all I do is for your sake.

You know better than any of us what kind of man Mr. Wei is.

That man is much worse than the four of us combined.

Lady Xu doesn't try to rein him in.

His Lordship turns a blind eye.

Don't let his sweet words cloud your judgment.

Don't do something you'll regret.

Wait.

Even you know about it now?

Of course I do.

But it's not my fault.

What was I supposed to do?

Don't talk nonsense.

I'm looking out for you.

Take a look. They're searching for you.

They even drew a portrait.

Really, everywhere.

If you're set on getting married,

just pick one of us four and be done with it.

Pick one of you?

What, are all four of you blind?

It's not me.

Huh? It's not you?

Clearly, it's Her Ladyship.

Not you, huh?

Not you, yay.

You look great, Xiaotao.

See?

I told you.

It can't be Xiaotao.

No need to even ask her.

You idiot.

If it's not Xiaotao, it's worse.

That means Mr. Wei likes Her Ladyship?

And you like Xiaotao, don't you?

Careful what you say.

Let's go.

What?

Mr. Wei went to His Lordship first?

My lady,

at such a critical time, you can't stay mad at His Lordship.

You need to explain everything to him.

Mr. Wei is a rake.

It has nothing to do with us.

My lord.

Please leave us.

Yes.

How's it going? Are they fighting now?

Stop pretending you care.

You're just dying to see that happen, aren't you?

Then you'll use it as an excuse

to kick us out of Yujun and send us back to Yanzhou.

Don't speak nonsense.

You're always on about Yanzhou.

We never drove you out. Wasn't it your idea?

That's on you, not us.

What's the big deal? Just head back then.

You're hopeless.

Generals,

please stop arguing.

I heard you've been quite busy lately.

Yes.

There's a lot going on at home.

You and Xiaotao often go to the market to buy things for the birthday banquet.

Thank you for your hard work.

It's not just for Grandmother's birthday banquet.

We were looking for something that went missing.

What a coincidence.

You're looking for something and I'm searching for someone.

How's that going, my lord?

Actually, it's going quite well for me.

It was delivered straight to our door.

Why do you have it?

A tavern maid from Luozhong Tavern brought it.

Don't be ridiculous.

How could a tavern maid have my stuff?

I never go to such places.

I'm baffled too.

That's why I'm troubled.

How did something from our home end up in someone else's hands so easily?

Even the jade bangle vanished without a trace.

As the lady of the mansion,

I admit I have failed in my duties.

I accept any punishment you see fit.

All right, just let it go.

But I truly don't know how it ended up with that tavern maid.

I never let outsiders near me.

Even if the tavern maid had it,

perhaps it wasn't given by you.

Have you met with anyone recently?

No one in particular, just my cousin…

Actually, I did go to the tavern.

No tavern maids though. I've always hated such things.

You went to socialize.

That's understandable.

You don't need to explain.

Is that something you intend to show me?

Have I ever told you that you can speak frankly with me?

You knew perfectly well why I brought the portrait today.

Why pretend not to know?

I said I'd speak frankly with you.

But will you listen?

Today, you just want to trouble me.

How could you listen to me in such a rage?

Tell me. Why did you meet him at the jade artifact shop?

What made you stick in his mind?

So,

who do you want to punish, me or your cousin?

I…

You think since we're cousins,

I'll only trust his words?

I'm your husband. I wish to hear your side too.

People have feelings.

Never mind.

Yan never follows the rules,

but he wouldn't go so far as to offend his cousin's wife.

When he visits Grandmother tomorrow,

I'll bring you to speak with him directly.

And honestly, it's not your fault.

I spoke in anger just now.

Please don't take it to heart, my lord.

Let's leave this matter behind us

and never bring it up again.

You…

Your grandmother

has already prepared all sorts of pastries,

just waiting for you.

You're still reeking of alcohol.

Playing around is one thing,

but mingling with those tavern maids is too much, isn't it?

Mother.

Yan.

Zhonglin.

Where is Grandmother?

She's been waiting for you. She's in the courtyard.

Hold on.

Let me introduce you.

This is Lady Qiao.

I married her while you were away.

Mr. Wei.

Lady Qiao.

They say, "The waters are too beautiful thanks to the pretty duo."

Those words ring true.

Of course.

Forgive me.

I should have introduced you.

Let today be your official meeting.

From now on,

we are one family.

Absolutely.

Aunt, what you say is fair.

What I lack is a good match like Zhonglin's.

Otherwise, I wouldn't be in this state.

All I'm saying is,

since I don't have a good wife,

I turn to drink.

All right.

Grandmother's waiting.

Go.

Grandmother!

I've come to apologize!

PANYI, WEI STATE

Welcome, General Wei.

You must be tired after such a long journey.

We've prepared a banquet to honor and welcome you.

Please.

No need.

How's the Yongning Canal going?

Very smoothly.

In a few more days, the work will be complete.

Unfortunately, I heard progress is slow in Xindu.

The canal can only be connected once they finish.

Mayor Yang, take me to see the canal first.

Very well.

General Wei, this way, please.

WEI YAN'S MANSION, WEI STATE

Nice shot.

Mr. Wei, catch!

- Good. - Good.

Greetings, my lord.

Zhonglin.

Please forgive me.

I was careless.

It's okay.

Is she the tavern maid you found lately, Yan?

Yes.

If you like her,

I'll let you have her.

Don't you think

she looks kind of familiar?

Everyone, leave us.

Zhonglin, I swear, you're seeing every woman

like she's your Lady Qiao.

Yan, you've been back in Yujun for a few days now.

All our fights before were over small things.

It's my fault.

I should've introduced you to Lady Qiao sooner.

Here, let me make it up to you.

Zhonglin,

to be honest,

I don't like your wife.

She's only just married into our family and she's caused so much trouble.

Who knows what else she might do?

Remember,

Wei State and the Qiao clan have a long history of rivalry.

Keep your guard up.

It's all a misunderstanding.

Before we married,

I made it clear to her that she's the Lady of Wei now,

not part of the Qiao family.

But still,

her clan sent her to Wei State for a marriage alliance.

They also ceded Panyi.

There must've been political gains.

They never make losing moves.

Lady Qiao is clever, but she's just a woman.

She won't cause much trouble.

Besides, you don't know,

but back in Panyi,

I tricked her out of the seal of Panyi easily

and drove her from Xindu.

When she came to Yujun,

I left her at the city gates.

She was soaked in the rain for three days.

I was the one who gave the final nod to this marriage before it was sealed.

And now, she's the Lady of Wei,

which is exactly what she wanted.

That's only because she helped me with the Yongning Canal project…

The Qiao flag flies over Boya now.

But I took Xiaogang soon after that.

It's a fair trade.

Yan,

I know you're being cautious for Wei's sake.

However,

my relationship with her

is both political and personal.

I know what I'm doing.

Now that we're married,

I hope you'll treat her like family.

Please don't make Grandmother worry.

Of course I will.

Here's your painting back.

I couldn't find the woman in it.

Thank you, Zhonglin.

- Stay for lunch. - No, thanks.

I have to get back to work.

Next time, I'll join you for cuju.

You've neither eaten

nor played the cuju,

and only had a single cup of wine.

General,

both sites are complete.

The lower river is cleared and the upper bank is filled.

Once the sluice opens, the Yongning Canal

will start flowing.

Open the sluice!

I knew there was famine in Rongjun,

but I didn't realize it was this bad.

There was little rain this year.

Not enough to irrigate the fields.

Then came the dry winds.

The wheat withered, and the harvest was cut in half.

The prefect has run out of options,

so he sent me to beg for help, my lord.

Rongjun often suffers drought.

There was famine last year,

but His Lordship transferred grain.

It was costly, but it worked.

This year, aside from Yujun,

all of Wei State had poor harvests,

so there's no surplus left to send.

If famine breaks out,

rebellion and flight will follow.

The region won't stay stable.

There are private grain hoarders.

Even if it costs more,

we'll buy from them.

The prefect said that after three years of war,

private grain stores

are nearly gone.

Why are we the ones being blamed?

We're trying to help here.

We won't leave the people to fend for themselves.

What about Hanjun?

I wrote to General Wei Dian asking for a grain transfer.

He replied that there's no grain left.

Tch, Wei Dian…

How much longer will Rongjun's grain hold out?

One month at most.

One month…

My lord, are you worried about the famine in Rongjun?

You do hear news quickly.

I learned of it when Tan delivered

the Prefect of Rongjun's gift for Grandmother's birthday.

The people are suffering.

I can't help but worry too.

If there's anything troubling you, please let me know.

I hope to ease your worries.

Let's eat. No politics at the table.

I have heard that Yenzhou lies in the north,

where people speak loud and bold,

like roaring rivers,

while Yaozhou lies in the south,

where people speak softly and gently,

like flowing streams.

Do you know why that is, my lord?

As it turns out,

the way people speak is linked to local diets.

Indeed, people are shaped by the land.

Or rather, by the crops it gives them.

You're right, my lord.

I've heard Wei grows spring wheat.

It's drought-resistant,

just like the people of Wei State.

It's tough and resilient.

But though hardy,

spring wheat has low yields.

In harsh drought,

it may fail altogether.

That's true.

Rongjun is suffering from just such a fate.

So, what will you do now?

Try to borrow grain from other regions

to help them pull through.

But that's only a temporary measure,

not a lasting solution.

The famine in Rongjun was caused by drought.

If you truly seek a lasting remedy,

then shouldn't the Yongning Canal be extended south

into Rongjun?

With proper irrigation,

famine would never return.

Sounds like you're not

trying to fix the problem,

but diverting the trouble.

What are you talking about? I don't understand.

No, you understand perfectly.

Canal construction involves huge effort and cost.

Xindu is far from Rongjun.

If I focus on the canal, I won't have the strength

to attack Yanzhou.

Besides, Rongjun borders Bianzhou.

If I finish this canal,

my threat to Bianzhou will be even bigger than to Yanzhou.

Isn't that exactly what you want?

I didn't think that far ahead.

You must've thought much farther than me.

You're right.

That is exactly what I was thinking.

Sure, I considered Yanzhou's interests

when I suggested building the canal.

Canal construction will cost Wei effort and time,

but bring Yanzhou some peace.

That much is true.

But if the canal reaches Rongjun,

it will help countless people in Wei.

That's also true.

If the canal is finished,

Yanzhou might get a few years of peace,

but Wei benefits in the long run.

You're pretty open about your plans.

But I'll decide what to do.

You don't need to bring it up again.

Have your dinner.

Mr. Wei.

Is Zhonglin in there?

Mr. Wei, His Lordship works at the Government Office, not in the study.

All right, I'll wait for him inside.

I'm afraid that's not appropriate.

Why not?

What's he hiding in there? Some beauties?

Yan.

Tan, how are you doing your job,

letting an outsider into Zhonglin's study?

It's not his fault.

His Lordship said before,

if I need any records or books,

I may come anytime without asking him.

LOCAL RECORDS OF RONGJUN

Local Records of Rongjun?

You're a Qiao, but you're always

poking your nose into Wei's affairs.

Though I'm from the Qiao family,

I still have the right to read.

Can you swear

you married Zhonglin

without any hidden motives?

That you're not using him?

That's between me and His Lordship.

You don't need to worry about that.

Besides, His…

Don't forget.

The Wei and Qiao clans are old foes.

To the Wei family, you'll never truly be one of them.

I'll take my leave.

RONGJUN SITS AT THE VALLEY'S END

Rongjun is in drought.

Quickly send this letter to Uncle.

Yes.

WEI MANSION

Is this true?

I met the man during my travels.

His family always keeps grain stored.

He agreed to sell it to us, but at twice the market price.

Though it won't end the famine in Rongjun,

at least it can ease the burden for now.

Thank you, Yan.

I'll have Wei Liang make arrangements.

Zhonglin,

there's one thing I'm unsure

if I should tell you.

Please go ahead.

Yesterday, I went to your study.

I saw your wife coming and going freely.

She even took bamboo slips.

I know you two are close, and that's good.

But she's still from the Qiao family.

The study is sensitive, and you've…

left it unguarded?

I already gave her permission to enter freely.

No reason to take it back.

Besides, there are no important bamboo slips in my study.

It's fine.

I asked Tan.

He said

Lady Qiao took

the Local Records of Rongjun.

Do you know

she sent an urgent letter to Yanzhou

this morning?

Yan, don't worry. Lady Qiao is truly kind-hearted.

You're the one to talk, huh?

It's so suspicious, and you won't look into it.

You really can relax.

Actually, I read that letter word for word.

It was only a record of Rongjun's geography,

weather,

and preferred crops.

She wasn't leaking secrets.

She was requesting wheat seeds from Yanzhou.

Wheat seeds?

Lady Qiao truly cares for the people.

Once the canal is finished, she hopes that Rongjun

can grow Yanzhou's winter wheat.

If the soil is suitable,

yields could far exceed local spring wheat.

That way, the drought could be ended for good.

I…

I thought you fully trusted Lady Qiao.

I didn't expect

you'd even read her letters.

As the ruler of Wei State,

how can I fully trust anyone?

I keep my guard up, always.

So,

I've been worrying too much.

Each supply cart needs to travel for 14 days.

We need to deliver 500 dan of grain and 700 dan of black beans.

So, each supply cart

carries 12 dan of grain and 18 dan of black beans.

We need ten men and seven horses.

So, I'll need three of…

Who's laughing at me over there?

Xiaotao?

Duang,

counting on your fingers, huh?

Got enough fingers for that?

Xiaotao, I'm glad you're here.

You're good at numbers. Help me out.

What is it?

Right now, I need ten men and seven horses.

Ten men and seven horses, and…?

His Lordship warned us to be cautious of the Qiao family.

Grain transport is military intelligence.

I can't tell Xiaotao the truth.

Actually, it's ten monkeys and seven pigs

pulling one cart.

Each cart carries

12 dan of dirt and 18 dan of wood.

Altogether, we need to deliver

500 dan of dirt and 800…

I mean 700 dan of wood.

So how many monkeys, pigs, and carts

do I need?

Right, and the trip will take 14 days.

Each day,

the monkeys will need two sheng of food, and the pigs will need three.

What do monkeys eat? And pigs?

Monkeys eat dirt. Pigs… pigs eat wood.

Lend me a hand.

You need to deliver 500 dan of dirt and 700 dan of wood.

So, you'll need 400 men, 300 horses, and 40 carts.

400 men, 300 horses…

Based on Wei's daily military ration,

each man eats two sheng of rice, and a horse eats three sheng of beans.

So, in 14 days, you'll need 112 dan of rice

and 126 dan of beans.

Since each supply soldier carries three days' rations,

you'll arrive with 412 dan of rice and 574 dan of beans left.

That's enough to feed 10,000 men and horses for about three days.

But Rongjun has fewer than 10,000 people.

If made into porridge and given out, it could last even longer.

Enough for His Lordship to find another way.

What? Rongjun?

When did I ever say Rongjun?

I said monkeys and pigs.

How did you know?

As far as I know, a supply unit travels 30 li per day.

Allowing for load and consumption, in 14 days, it'll move about 400 li.

At that distance from Yujun,

only famine-struck Rongjun fits.

Do your job well.

You owe me one now.

So, His Lordship gathered these supplies

to support Rongjun.

Paste them carefully.

Yes.

HEAVEN BLESSES YOU ALL SHALL THRIVE

My lady, please have some tea.

Xiang.

Make those flowers look better.

Yes.

CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY

Xiaozao,

go fetch some ink sticks

or the writing color will be uneven.

- Mr. Wei. - Mr. Wei.

Mr. Wei.

Your calligraphy is elegant and refined,

just like your character.

Even the ink smells fragrant.

It suits you…

perfectly.

You flatter me, cousin.

With Grandmother's birthday banquet approaching,

I'm just making some simple preparations.

I didn't mean to display my poor skills before you.

I've run out of ink sticks.

I'll go fetch some more.