Original subtitles

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

Even so, I'll agree to neither of them.

Goodbye, my lady.

All right.

Let's go.

Goodbye, Father.

Lady Qiao left the prefect's mansion with a big smile.

Right after, they went to a jewelry shop,

saying they wanted to make

a full set of gold and silver wedding jewelry.

Ask Yuan Wang to come and see me.

Yes.

General, may I ask why you summoned me so late?

Today, I received a Go board

and a bridal hair ornament.

Prefect, please take a look.

See if they match

what Lady Qiao promised you.

General, you've truly misunderstood.

Her Ladyship did stop by today to discuss a marriage for my daughter.

But out of respect for our families' agreement,

I neither accepted nor made any promises.

Prefect, save your excuses for simpletons.

Even if nothing came of today,

what about the silver and gold sent late at night?

You didn't turn that away,

did you?

Silver and gold? Sent at night?

General,

what do you mean?

Prefect,

drop the act.

I already set guards outside your mansion to watch day and night.

What passed between you two

was clearly seen.

You…

You had me watched?

I've honored our agreement and never betrayed you.

This is how you see me? How you guard against me?

Is this your idea of sincere cooperation?

Don't forget, my troops are garrisoned in Rongjun

to keep your family safe.

That's ridiculous!

Our Yuan family has been rooted in Rongjun for a century.

Why would we need your protection?

Your so-called garrison here

is nothing more than a leash to keep me in check.

I should've seen this sooner.

But better late than never!

So betrayal was your intention all along?

Says the one with hidden motives!

And what if I do?

The Prefect of Rongjun left Rongjun in the night,

heading to Wei Dian's place.

The timing couldn't be better.

All we need is one final push.

The arrows we collected during the previous ambush

can finally be put to use.

Very good.

I'll go myself later.

My lord?

My wound is healed.

I know my body better than anyone.

I've been stuck in bed for days now.

You won't let me do anything.

I've got it from now on.

You can't go.

I said I'm fine.

Don't I know my own condition?

You don't.

Wei Qu, what do you say?

Am I fine or not?

Wei Qu,

can you really call this fine?

Just say it.

Right now,

I'm not feeling well.

Get back here.

That's enough.

No army sends out their commander just to fight foot soldiers.

You can strategize from this very room.

What's going on?

You…

Who are you people?

How dare you attack me on the street?

You betrayed the general.

Did you think about

what would happen to you?

Kill him.

General Wei Liang! Save me!

Wei Dian,

I knew it was you.

That was too harsh.

Look how scared he is.

Feeling sorry for him, are you?

You almost cut my club in half, you know that?

I had to make it real.

Fine, you big oaf.

I'll remember this.

All right, enough.

Let me help you!

That's not loud enough!

Stop!

General, you…

Are you all right?

I'm fine, I'm fine.

Your face is covered in blood.

It's nothing. It's their blood.

Is it?

That's good.

What a relief.

Thank you for saving my life, General.

If not for you, I…

I'd be dead.

Prefect,

who have you offended?

Who wants you dead?

It's a long story.

General Wei Liang,

I need to see Her Ladyship.

General!

Bad news!

General,

the Prefect of Rongjun has openly declared his support for planting winter wheat.

He's even rallied the people.

Many have already joined him.

People are lining up for seeds outside every house now.

General!

General,

Yuan Wang knows so many of our plans.

Do you think he'll betray us to Wei Shao?

Even if he says nothing,

Wei Shao could still connect it to me.

All these years, he hasn't moved against me,

not because he didn't want to, but because he didn't dare.

So how about

we strike first?

Back in the mourning hall, I should've acted.

General,

it's not too late to decide now.

If the canal construction goes ahead,

we'll be held back in the future.

They came for the canal and the grain.

They don't have much manpower.

So that's it?

Only a little force in Rongjun?

Pass on my command.

Gather the troops.

We depart at once.

Yes, General.

Wei Shao, you brat!

Once I'm armored up,

I'll have it out with you!

Why bother with a tough fight?

One slash settles it.

Have a good rest.

From this day forward,

Wei Dian's former troops are spared from death.

They will be reassigned to work on the canal.

Once it's complete, all past offenses will be pardoned.

Thank you, my lord.

Greetings, my lord.

Prefect, you've worked hard.

Now that the wheat seeds are in the hands of the people,

and we have laborers for the task,

the canal will surely be completed.

Rongjun shall offer its full strength in support.

However, this land has long suffered from drought.

We lack experience in building canals.

Don't worry,

I've already found the right person to oversee it.

I've worked in flood control for many years.

Now, the Yongning Canal has been rebuilt

and will stretch all the way to Rongjun.

This is a project for the benefit of generations to come!

Her Ladyship and His Lordship trust me so deeply.

I will not let them down.

I'll give it my all.

Mayor,

you've been talking all the way here.

You've helped with the Yongning Canal more than once.

It's just one more trip there.

Why are you so excited?

You don't understand.

Back in my youth, I used to debate this with Zhen Zhi.

If the Yongning Canal were to go

beyond just Panyi and Xindu,

where should it lead?

Your expression reminds me so much of Zhen Zhi.

The construction of the Yongning Canal,

meant to bring prosperity to both our peoples,

wouldn't be the same with the wrong partner.

There'd be no joy in it.

Never mind, forget it.

I've distanced myself from Xindu and from Zhen Zhi.

I still don't know who I'll be working with on this task.

I'm not questioning Her Ladyship's or His Lordship's judgment.

I just want the chance to prove what I'm capable of.

You'll see once we arrive, Mayor.

Zhen Zhi?

- Goodbye. - But you just got here.

General, you may not know this,

but I've never gotten along

with that man.

And frankly, I don't get along with you either.

Back then, we swore we'd never cross paths again in this lifetime.

If not for His Lordship's orders that I oversee you,

I wouldn't have come at all.

You? Oversee me?

Come on, Zhen Zhi.

You took twice as long as I did to build the canal in Xindu,

and now you're going to oversee me?

What a joke. I've got nothing more to say.

General, you truly don't understand.

I just can't work with him.

It's not that I won't serve Lord of Wei.

I'd like anyone else to oversee me.

I'm leaving.

What are you doing?

What do you mean by this?

Look.

Look for yourself.

Is this how you ask someone for help?

Don't waste your breath on him.

This person is pure Qiao clan through and through,

smooth with his words, but sneaky with his actions.

If you want him to work, force him.

You shut your mouth.

Every time you open it, it stinks.

I'm leaving anyway.

Mayors.

- Greetings, my lord. - Greetings, Lord of Wei.

No need for formalities.

Fourteen years ago,

you both served my grandfather.

Together with Lord Qiao,

you built the Yongning Canal,

diverting the Yang River to the Pei River

and ending the drought that had struck Wei State.

Now, 14 years later,

the canal flows again,

thanks to both of you.

But now,

Rongjun faces the same hardship.

I seek to follow my ancestor's path

and build a new canal.

The Yongning Canal

benefited only Yanzhou and Wei.

As Xindu and Rongjun border Bianzhou,

if we succeed,

the people of Bianzhou will benefit as well.

This time,

we set aside borders and act for the people.

This is a great cause for the good of all.

So, I entrust this task

to you both.

I hope you can work in unity

to relieve the people from the pain of drought.

Here and now,

you have my deepest thanks.

- I will do my utmost. - I will do my utmost.

My lord, urgent news.

Bianzhou has changed hands.

CHEN PANG TAKES OVER

The old Governor of Bianzhou died.

BIANZHOU'S BORDER, BIANZHOU

Any women in the cart?

My sister and I are returning home after visiting relatives.

We're just passing through.

May I ask what you want, officers?

No, officer…

Officers, is there something you require?

Nothing.

Forgive me for asking, officers.

There are checkpoints along the way, and searches even stricter.

Are you searching for someone dangerous?

Not exactly. We're following General Xue's orders to find Lady Yulou.

Lady Yulou?

If you see her, report it at once.

General Xue will reward you well.

May I ask, which General Xue?

Chen Pang has seized power.

Xue Tai, General of Longxiang in Juejun, has rebelled.

We follow our late lord's orders

seeking Lady Yulou to keep her safe.

No need to say more.

We have duties to attend to.

Ma'am, you'd best be on your way.

Thank you, officers.

Let's go.

Thanks to you both.

Ehuang, Xue Tai doesn't accept Chen Pang's rule.

Why don't we go to him?

Maybe we can do something.

Don't be reckless again.

Xue Tai is blindly loyal.

He's only fulfilling Chen Xiang's final wish now.

Claiming to keep me safe is just for his own reputation.

- We should go. - All right.

Bring me some water.

I need to wipe my face.

Yes.

Ehuang…

Ehuang, don't draw that.

If they find you,

they'll send you back to Yulou Pavilion.

Once we pass Bianzhou, we'll reach Wushan State.

They won't chase us there.

Ehuang, you know we're arriving at Wushan State.

We have achieved nothing.

How can we return home?

The Su clan of Wushan State

has treated you well all these years.

If not by adoption,

you could at least have formed an alliance with Bianzhou.

Now, Chen Xiang is dead and Chen Pang has turned his back on us.

We have nothing left.

If the family blames me,

how am I supposed to explain?

At the end of the day, you're just a woman.

Painting a peony won't help…

You think I want this?!

So?

Now that I've fallen,

you come to lecture me?

I wouldn't dare.

Don't you forget,

you've worked with me away from home for years.

Whether you'll still be the Su family heir once we get back is still uncertain.

Pull yourself together!

We're in the same boat.

This huadian I wear

protects more than just myself.

Yes.

POST HOUSE

I solved your problem, my lord.

Is there any reward for me?

Reward?

When Wei Liang faked a marriage proposal,

you made a set of gold jewelry.

It's yours now.

When you were ill,

I took such good care of you.

I even schemed to split Yuan Wang and Wei Dian.

All my efforts were for you.

Now, you're giving me a gift originally meant for someone else?

Then what do you want?

My lord,

haven't you ever thought

of giving me something special?

What a hassle.

I'll think about it.

Why the sudden mood to take us to the market, my lord?

I just want to show you local customs and sights.

As the lord and as generals, we should care about such things.

Yes, my lord.

We can also buy some local specialties.

Local specialties?

For whom?

Mr. Gongsun is still guarding Yujun.

You need to wise up.

For him?

A fine ink slab should do.

I suppose Grandmother would surely enjoy Rongjun's specialties.

We can bring Lady Xu some ginseng.

What about Yan?

Every time he goes out, he always brings you gifts.

That's easy. Some wine will do.

Right?

But there's still one more person.

This time, Her Ladyship played no small role.

She deserves a reward too.

Sure. Got it, my lord.

Still buying gifts for the others?

My mother says all women love sweets.

We can't get these in Yujun.

They'd be perfect for Her Ladyship.

That's lame.

A jade hairpin,

a jingling hairpin with white pearls,

and a kingfisher-blue pin.

I swear, any one of these would win her heart instantly.

That's tacky.

That's jewelry!

No ladies would say no to that!

My lord, Xiaotao told me

that Her Ladyship could read by three and recite poetry by five.

A book would be a good gift.

She could read by three, remember?

How should I know what she hasn't already read?

I think I know what she likes.

This is for you.

What's this?

Steeds.

Five hundred of them.

FIVE HUNDRED FINE STEEDS FOR YANZHOU

Steeds?

This canal construction

is a favor Wei owes Yanzhou.

These five hundred steeds make it even.

My lord, why do you think

I was willing to risk everything and go through all this?

I understand your intentions.

Yanzhou truly wishes to ally with Wei.

I was too narrow-minded before.

But now, I see your sincerity.

What do you think you're seeing?

What?

You don't like steeds?

I can exchange them.

How about weapons?

Battering rams?

Catapults? Or armor…

Enough. No need.

I like steeds.

They're good.

Horses, huh?

Right?

I can tell

you do like them.

I really do.

Great.

I do like them.

Steeds are great.

My lady.

Duang told me

that His Lordship gave you five hundred steeds.

Is that true?

His Lordship

is so generous!

I just don't get it.

Tell me, what kind of man

gives his wife steeds as a gift?

But they're practical.

Send them straight back to Yanzhou.

Not everyone can afford such a gift.

Now that's a proper gift from His Lordship.

Not sure if his wife likes it, but his father-in-law

must be over the moon.

He really knows how to win favor.

Speaking of gifts,

has Wei Liang ever given you anything?

Here, this is for you.

Why bring him up, my lady?

Xiaotao.

My lady, please don't be upset.

It takes time.

You two just need more time together.

Chunniang,

make me some red bean soup.

Yes, my lady.

What is that, my lady?

I thought you might be hungry,

so I brought some sweets.

What is that?

It smells so good.

It's golden osmanthus incense.

I used it earlier.

I see, it's the incense.

I thought the smell was from the sweets.

Next time, add some osmanthus.

It'll taste better.

My lord, you have grown thinner working so hard on the canal.

It's fine.

This is for people's livelihood.

I can't slack off.

That's true.

Canal construction may seem simple, but there's much to take into account.

Weather alone, sunny or cloudy, cold or warm,

can all affect progress.

That much?

Yes.

Back in Yanzhou,

before any digging began,

Grandfather and Uncle would observe the stars

to forecast the weather months in advance.

That's how the work went so smoothly.

But Yang Feng never mentioned any of that.

He doesn't know that?

Grandfather and Uncle must've observed the stars themselves.

That's why the overseers weren't aware.

Luckily,

Grandfather taught me well.

I know a bit about star signs.

Shall I join you tonight to observe them?

That's a good idea.

Let's do it tonight.

Meet me at the observatory at the Xu hour.

I'll find you when I'm done.

Okay.

My lady, the wind's strong. You should put this on.

I'm not wearing it.

It will hide my dress. I'm not wearing it.

- Is my hair messy? - No.

I told you I shouldn't wear this jade hairpin.

The other one was better.

It's so dark out here. He can't see it.

Don't worry, my lady.

It's clear enough to see.

But…

you and His Lordship have been spending time together for a while now.

Why are you more nervous than ever?

My lord.

My lord.

You can't dress like that in this cold.

Why didn't you wear the cloak you brought?

I… I don't want to wear it.

I don't like wearing it.

- You'll catch a cold. Put it on. - I'm not wearing it.

I'm not cold.

Just put it on.

Listen to me.

There. Not cold anymore, huh?

Let's look at the stars.

All right.

My lord,

do you see that star up there?

Which one?

That one there.

The brightest one of all.

That's the Ziwei Star.

It's also called Taiyi.

Have you heard of the Five-Star Augury?

I've heard a bit.

The Five-Star Augury

interprets the movements of five stars…

Do you have something on your mind?

No, not really.

It's just that…

I'm sorry for being late.

It's fine.

My lord. My lady.

You said we should watch stars before starting.

The overseers also need to know the method to plan ahead.

By the way, where is the Mayor of Xindu?

You mean Zhen Zhi?

Well, let's not bring him up.

My lord, my lady, what can I do for you?

I worked with Lord Qiao for years, so I know a bit about stargazing.

That's perfect.

Just now, Her Ladyship mentioned this Five-Star Augury.

Do you know about it?

The Five-Star Augury?

Yes, I know a little bit.

It's about 8,000 characters long,

but it's an important text on stargazing.

It's divided into two parts.

The first part is about augury…

What's wrong?

My lady, I believe you already know it, so I won't repeat it.

Since His Lordship wants to hear it,

please go ahead.

Don't mind me.

Yes, please continue.

Your Lordship,

I just noticed that this observatory is old, worn, and quite cramped.

I'm afraid

it can't really fit three people.

Two would be ideal.

What are you talking about?

It's… It's not cramped at all.

I mean,

stargazing needs peace and quiet.

It can't be too noisy.

So, two is best.

That's right.

You head back first.

I'll take… I should take my leave…

Today, you have to tell me what exactly the Five-Star Augury is.

Her Ladyship said that star is the Ziwei Star.

It's also called the Taiyi or something like that.

What does that mean?

The Ziwei Star?

Well, the Ziwei Star…

It's the brightest star in the sky.

It's also known as Taiyi.

This Five-Star Augury

is a treatise

that uses the movement of the five planets to divine fortune or misfortune.

For projects like canal construction or flood control,

we depend on the planetary movements

to decide whether to proceed, how to proceed,

and whether the timing is auspicious.

So…

PREFECT'S MANSION

My lord?

My lord?

Please, my lord.

Actually, I asked you here today

to request something.

Prefect, rest assured.

The remnants of Wei Dian's forces have been cleared.

No one will trouble you again.

Thank you, my lord.

There…

There's one more thing.

Please, go on.

You know, earlier, two generals came to propose.

My daughter

has feelings for one of them.

Wei Qu is a brave and skilled warrior in my service.

He's also quite handsome.

- He… - My lord.

It's not General Wei Qu.

It's…

General Wei Liang.

Wei…

Liang?

Yes, the mighty General Wei Liang.

I know he is your trusted right hand.

My daughter is not worthy.

We dare not dream of such an honor.

But…

but my daughter has been crying every day,

saying she'll marry no one but the mighty General Wei Liang.

My lord, I beg of you.

This is a father's humble plea.

As for this matter,

I shall speak with

the mighty General Wei Liang.

Just asking him would mean the world to us.

Thank you, my lord.

No, no, no.

- My lord. - I should thank you instead.

My lord, please.

- My lord, please. - Please.

I'll down it.

Wei Liang, my boy.

Stop calling me your boy.

Call me "bro."

I missed again.

You've got no manners.

Bro!

Look at him.

You hit me dead center.

Stop throwing stuff at me. I'm cutting patterns here.

No need to ask Wei Liang. He won't agree.

How do you know?

You're the only one who doesn't know.

Why are you so sure he won't agree?

If you don't believe me,

go ask him yourself.

Fine, I will.

Sounds like

we're not on the same page.

Let's make a bet.

Okay. What's the wager?

If you lose,

you'll come with me

to pick out the prize yourself.

Deal.

Wei Liang.

- My lord. - Come here.

I've got good news for you.

I met the prefect today.

He wants to marry his daughter to you.

What?

- Isn't it good news? - I…

I…

- She… - Are you happy?

My lady.

You're back.

No, no way. It's impossible.

Why not?

We're just not a good match.

Wait, come here.

Why aren't you a good match?

What are His Lordship and Wei Liang whispering about?

They seem quite furtive.

Look.

My lord, I know you're doing this for me.

- Yes, I am. - But…

I'm talking to you here!

She's the prefect's daughter.

Why are you turning her down?

I've already given my heart to someone.

I can't love anyone else.

You have? Who is she?

I…

Remember when we took Wei Liang to the prefect's for the proposal?

Yes.

Wasn't that just to sow discord between Yuan Wang and Wei Dian?

But who would've thought…

What's wrong?

The prefect's daughter has fallen for him.

She begged His Lordship to let her marry Wei Liang.

What?

But we…

Yes, I'm doing this for you.

The prefect's daughter is a noble lady.

Listen, I'm talking here.

You know what? Love takes time to grow.

Him? Wei Liang?

Well,

that's great news.

Great news.

Great news indeed.

If that's the case,

should I go ask His Lordship

to finalize the marriage right now,

even if Wei Liang doesn't agree?

Finalize it?

The marriage?

But my words don't count.

I'll go boil some water.

Move aside.

Heading for the city gate?

- My lord. - Mm.

- Tao… - Step back.

Wait.

We're not done here.

My lord, if you're doing this for my sake,

please don't make me marry her.

I'm begging you.

Wait.

At least tell me why.

You know nothing about love.

It can't be forced.

How about letting one of them marry her?

Come back!

How did you know

he wouldn't agree?

There's a lot you don't know, my lord.

Fine.

You win.

So, my prize…

All right.

Tao, let me help you.

I wouldn't dare.

Aren't you the prefect's son-in-law?

You're too important for this.

Don't talk nonsense.

So you know?

Of course.

It's great news.

The sooner I knew,

the happier I could be for you, General Wei.

How can you be happy for me?

Why not?

Look.

General Wei, right now, you have great military merits,

but you're still just a retainer.

Once you marry into Yuan Wang's family, it will be a whole different story.

From that day on, you will have a beauty by your side

and enjoy a life of wealth and honor.

I'm happy for you.

You're not worried at all?

Why should I be?

Let me…

- Let me. - No need.

Are you happy now?

You're about to get married.

Why are you still coming to me?

You only know half the story, not the whole thing.

I've already told His Lordship

I'll never marry her.

If I'd known it'd come to this,

I wouldn't have gone to propose.

All these years,

the four of us have followed His Lordship through thick and thin,

fighting battles everywhere.

I've lost count of how many times we crawled out from piles of bodies.

By watching each other's backs, we made it this far.

Why are you telling me this?

All right, all right.

I'll drop it.

The four of us use different weapons.

You know that, don't you?

I do.

So what?

Ten years ago,

His Lordship had a craftsman make each of us

a miniature golden version of our weapons.

Mine is a small gold dart.

Wei Qu's is

a pair of long and short swords.

Wei Xiao's is

a small gold bow.

Wei Duo's is

a small sword.

I'm not interested in that kind of stuff.

To us four,

these miniature weapons represent who we are.

Every time we go to the battle,

we leave them at home.

We weren't born on the same day,

and I guess we won't die on the same day either.

But one day,

even if all four of us are gone,

burying these miniature weapons together

will mean we'll always be brothers.

So…

I want you to have this.