Original subtitles

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

Every time we go to 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.

This…

Why are you giving it to me?

This is my most treasured possession. I just want to give it to you.

Well…

Why do you want to give it to me?

Just keep it for me.

Seeing it

will be like seeing me.

I don't want to see you at all.

What's going on?

- What's wrong? - Let's talk.

- Wait. - Let's have a talk.

What are you doing?

- What are you doing? - Come on.

Let go of me. What are you doing?

Stand there.

What is this about?

A certain someone claimed

he had a blood feud with Yanzhou that could never be resolved,

but look what happened.

They said they were devoted to His Lordship

and had no intention of marrying.

Look what happened.

Someone…

All right, all right, enough about it.

It's my fault for not telling you.

I'll accept whatever you want to do to me.

If you ask me…

I'm not asking you.

How about this?

I'll give you all my possessions and my salary.

What do you think?

What are you saying?

We've been through life and death together.

How can I take your salary?

Besides, who wants your minimum wage?

Give me your little gold dart. Let me keep it for you.

Fine, fine.

Xiaotao and I…

Who was it who said

that they'd never marry a Qiao?

She's not a Qiao.

You said you wouldn't marry a girl from Yanzhou.

I…

His Lordship married Her Ladyship.

That's different!

How dare you bring up His Lordship?

He brought his bride back to Yujun,

but you'd be marrying into Kangjun.

It's not the same at all.

- Come on. - It's…

You're going to marry into her family?

Throw him into the river.

- Throw him. - What? No, no.

- Careful. - Throw him into the river.

My lord.

My lady.

Isn't that the gift I gave to Wei Liang?

Why do you have it?

No,

you're mistaken.

- It's in your hand… - My lord.

Let's go, or the market will close.

So you already knew that Wei Liang liked Xiaotao.

Only slightly earlier than you.

No wonder

he refused to marry Yuan Wang's daughter.

What do you think?

Think about what?

If Wei Liang wants to marry Xiaotao,

will you allow it?

She's from my clan, after all.

Why wouldn't I agree?

No matter where she's from, once she marries a Wei,

she's part of the Wei clan.

You too.

My lord…

What's wrong?

Did I say something wrong?

We used to doubt each other,

but now,

you're helping me with the canal.

What's wrong?

CAKE

Why are you walking so fast?

My mother says all women love sweets.

They'd be perfect for Her Ladyship.

Sir, here.

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

A book would be a good gift.

My lady, please.

What kind of jewelry would you like today?

You might not know, but we have a full range here.

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.

Do you like these things?

What girl doesn't like jewelry?

How about these two?

Do you like them?

So you do know what I like.

I don't know anything about this.

These were picked out

by Wei Qu.

I thought you weren't so shallow.

My lady, why are you back so soon?

Did His Lordship upset you again?

Tao, listen to me.

Don't talk to the Wei men anymore.

Well…

What do you mean?

All they can do is fight.

They're not romantic at all.

That's true.

Wei Liang gave you this?

Look.

They have the same gift-giving habits.

War horses and darts.

It's different.

Wei Liang said

this is as precious to him as his life.

That's why he gave it to me.

How thoughtful.

Careful, my lady.

Don't drop it.

How could I dare drop his gift to you? You keep it.

It's not that.

This was a gift from His Lordship,

so we can't drop it.

His Lordship?

Wei Liang said

the four of them each have a little weapon.

Wei Qu has a pair of short and long swords.

Wei Xiao has a little gold bow.

Wei Duo has a little saber.

His Lordship especially had them made

based on their preferences.

So the Wei men do know how to give gifts,

and His Lordship is no exception.

He just doesn't know how to give me one.

It's my fault then?

His Lordship…

My lord.

You didn't even wait for me. Why walk so fast?

Here.

You've been in the army for years, so you always walk fast.

I have to walk faster to keep up.

That's not necessary.

You picked out all the presents.

I've brought them back for you.

They're just local gifts for Grandmother and Mother.

Still, thank you, my lord.

These are for Grandmother and Mother?

I thought they were for you.

I don't need them.

I have those 500 war horses, right?

I knew

you'd like the war horses too.

We'll return to Yujun early tomorrow.

Take some time to rest.

There are still a few things to wrap up regarding the canal.

I'll get to work.

Since you say these are all for Grandmother and Mother…

then consider this

something I picked for you.

It's better than war horses.

See?

He still learned something.

I just need to try a little harder.

But we're leaving for Yujun tomorrow.

What? You don't want to go back?

It's not that.

I just don't want to waste my efforts.

Go bring Yang Feng to me.

Yes.

BOYA, YANZHOU, GENERAL'S MANSION

Fan.

What do you want?

Nothing.

I'm just used to snacking on sour plums when I do needlework.

It's nothing.

My lord.

How improper.

I'm not even going to bother with you.

My lord,

Her Ladyship will be ready shortly.

How troublesome.

Generals.

Thank you for this.

It's my duty.

- He's still unreliable. - As for the canal…

- It's been years. - …I do have some experience.

Look at how ingratiating he is.

You two,

enough already.

How can he still be an official?

Wei Liang.

- Come. - My lord.

Tell me.

Why did you give away the little gold dart I gave you?

My lord.

You refused Yuan Wang's daughter because you like Xiaotao.

Why didn't you tell me?

I was afraid you wouldn't approve.

But you still like her even so?

I can't help it.

Five years ago, when we retook Yunzhong,

you stayed still even the when fire burned your back

just to stay hidden.

And now you can't help it with this?

It's true.

Every time I'm working in the office,

I can't stop thinking about her.

Whenever there's something delicious or interesting,

she's the first one who comes to mind.

When she's upset,

I lose sleep for nights.

When she's happy, I'm happy.

When she's sad, I'm sad too.

I just can't help it.

They say…

even heroes fall for beauties.

You're no exception either.

My lord,

feelings are complicated.

You've never been in love, so you don't understand.

My lord,

what do you mean by "either"?

Right.

You're right. I don't understand.

Good thing we haven't left yet.

The prefect is right over there.

I'll go tell him now that I approve of the marriage.

Stay and get married.

No, no. My lord.

I was wrong. I'm sorry.

My lord.

My lord.

Since you're ready, let's depart.

Everyone,

I'll leave the Yongning Canal to your care.

We'll do our best.

Let's go.

This is bad.

Very bad.

What's happened? What's wrong?

I have a copy of The Waterway Classic,

which records rivers and tributaries.

I should've brought it to help with the canal.

But my useless brain…

I completely forgot.

Forgot?

How could you forget?

It's a miracle you even remembered to bring yourself.

I shouldn't have troubled you, my lord,

but this book concerns our schedule.

So, I must ask you

to fetch it for me.

You're so phony.

If you truly wanted to help with our canal,

how could you forget it?

Shut up.

Do you truly care?

My lord.

It's fine.

It's not a big deal.

I'll send someone to Panyi to retrieve the book for you.

Why don't we all go there?

That would be ideal.

If you could handle it personally, that would be perfect.

Hold on.

Are you sending the Lord of Wei all the way to Panyi

just to fetch a book?

Lord Zhen, don't rush.

On the way to Panyi,

we'll follow the waterway.

We can check the progress

on the later phase of the canal

and also revisit old places.

On top of that, we can retrieve the book.

It's a triple win.

It's just as Her Ladyship says.

That's why I dared ask you to go.

My lord, what do you think?

Last time, we did a lot in Panyi.

I'd like to go back too.

All right.

Let's do as Her Ladyship says.

Let's go to Panyi.

Thank you, my lord.

Let's go.

You get in the carriage first.

Did you see that, my lady?

Just now, His Lordship was staring at you as if he was captivated.

BOYA, YANZHOU

GENERAL'S MANSION

- My lady. - My lady.

My lady!

My lady.

Bi Zhi.

Bi Zhi.

Can you hear me?

Xing, fetch the physician.

Yes.

Were you picking sour plums for me?

Two days ago, the general asked where sour plums grow.

I told him Mount Bang.

But he collapsed at the city gate.

Maybe he fell and got hurt while picking.

This is a blade wound.

It must've been Xue Tai.

Mount Bang is near the border.

Xue Tai often patrols there.

We'll ask the general once he wakes up.

- Hurry, carry him inside. - Yes, hurry.

GENERAL'S MANSION

You're awake.

Fan.

Don't move.

Fan, I want to sit up.

Does the wound still hurt?

Were the sour plums

good?

It's fine if they weren't.

Next time,

I'll find another tree

and pick more for you.

I haven't eaten them yet.

Then try one.

Try it.

Is it…?

Is it not good?

If it's not,

don't eat them.

It's good.

It's very good.

I don't want sour plums anymore.

I just want a peaceful life with you.

Fan,

aren't we already living that way?

This

was just an accident.

I promise

I'll be more careful next time.

Xue Tai won't catch me again.

If you were just a common man,

you wouldn't need to worry about Xue Tai.

But you're the Commander of the Boya Forces.

That's why it's so dangerous.

Let's leave, Bi Zhi.

Fan,

I never wanted to be the commander.

I only wanted to give you

a stable home and a happy life

in this chaotic world.

Other people's lands

will never be as safe as our own.

And

more importantly,

I want Her Ladyship's

and your family's

approval.

I think you'll truly be happy that way.

All right.

If trouble keeps coming,

then we'll make them too scared to try.

If we can win over the Qiaos and the Weis

and let everyone know you're my husband and the Lord of Wei's cousin-in-law,

they wouldn't dare act again.

All right.

No more tears.

My lord.

You don't need to do this every time.

I'm used to eating and sleeping with the soldiers.

I just wanted to share a meal with you.

But this is coarse food.

Do you want this?

My lord,

the road ahead is blocked.

What should we do?

I'll go check.

You eat first.

It's cold here.

Get back in the carriage.

Xiaotao, help Her Ladyship in.

Since you like these,

have more.

Go back to your job.

Sure. Let's go.

Tao,

take the pancake.

Eat it first. No need to wait for me.

Who's waiting for you?

Why did you give me this anyway?

His Lordship said you wanted it.

Oh, please.

What can you learn from him?

How clueless.

What did I do now?

How did I upset you this time?

You didn't upset me.

You upset Her Ladyship. Didn't you know?

Can't you tell?

It's obvious.

Her Ladyship wants to get closer to His Lordship.

Couldn't you just change the route?

Did you have to call His Lordship away?

I don't care.

You caused this mess. You deal with it.

Fine.

I'll take care of it.

It's on you.

Bye.

Come back.

It's on you,

not on us.

You promised her, so you figure it out.

- Let's go. - Come back.

His Lordship is slow-witted.

What are you thinking, expecting him to read Her Ladyship's mind?

Are you even a brother?

Are we brothers?

Didn't we say we would share blessings and hardships?

And now you chicken out over a small problem?

It's not life or death.

You can handle this.

- Let's go. - Come back.

One month's salary.

Fine, three months.

Kids are not up for this.

Take him to play over there.

Don't move.

Come here.

Let's go.

What bad idea that I can't hear are you cooking up now?

Back when I frequented taverns,

there were always tavern maids fighting over me.

Now, Her Ladyship and His Lordship need someone like that.

You'll go and make His Lordship jealous?

Do you want me dead?

Then what's your point?

Listen carefully.

We need to be cruel now.

The best way to make someone realize their feelings

is to make them feel loss first.

Think about it.

If Xiaotao suddenly went missing, how would you feel?

Worried, heartbroken, and upset.

What a love expert.

Does His Lordship have any orders?

His Lordship told me to ask you to wait here.

We'll guard you here.

Please.

Stay and guard here.

Guard here.

Wait here.

My lord.

My lord!

Her Ladyship…

Her Ladyship…

What's wrong with her?

She said she'd been sitting too long in the carriage

and was feeling suffocated.

She insisted on going out for a walk.

Does she have guards?

Wei Liang and Wei Duo are there.

Then it's fine.

But she hasn't come back even now.

She probably felt stifled in the carriage

and went out to relax.

This march is dull.

Now that Wei Dian is gone, her burden's lifted.

Let her enjoy herself a bit.

Why are you back?

- What's up? - Why aren't you with Her Ladyship?

My lord,

Her Ladyship wanted to fetch some water

and sent me back to ask whether to fetch creek water or dew.

Are you out of your mind?

This is the wilderness.

How could you leave Her Ladyship alone?

- Wei Duo… - Wei Duo?

Wei Duo is not even as capable as Tao. How can you count on him?

We're in the wilderness. The terrain is complex.

Wild beasts could appear.

You're sending Her Ladyship straight into the tiger's den!

Even if we ignore that,

what if bandits want her for her looks?

What if refugees starving from war

treat her like food?

Haven't you heard these stories?

If anything happens to Her Ladyship,

you'll owe your life in apology.

My lord, I'll teach him a lesson.

My lord.

What's going on with you today?

She just went for a walk. Isn't Wei Duo with her?

But it's been so long.

Her Ladyship…

Fine.

I'll go find her.

My lord, please.

You made it too terrifying just now.

If I hadn't, would His Lordship be worried?

But you can't just jump to the worst-case scenario.

She won't really go missing.

Wei Duo's with her, after all.

That's true.

What are you two whispering about?

- Wei Duo. - Wei Duo.

Where's Her Ladyship?

Where is she?

Her Ladyship?

Isn't she with you?

Oh no, you didn't clean your ears.

Wei Duo.

Yes.

Where's Her Ladyship?

Oh my God.

Where's Her Ladyship?

Go look for her!

Over here!

Hyah!

Don't be afraid. It's okay now.

Take them down.

Yes.

Come here.

Spare me, General.

Spare me, General.

Xiaotao, are you okay?

Who are you trying to take down?

- What's wrong? - Xiaotao?

I'm fine.

Do something useful.

Take these people to see a physician.

Some are sick.

How did you know I was here?

Are you okay?

What could happen to me?

I saw these refugees lost in the woods.

They got separated from their countrymen while looking for food.

It was getting dark, so I had the guards help us find the way here.

They didn't abduct you?

No.

Go.

Let's go.

Wei Qu.

Where are you from?

Where are you headed?

General,

we came from Yenzhou.

This year's rain was less than usual,

so Yenzhou and Yaozhou fought over water constantly.

Hundreds in our village were forced to flee.

Only these few

made it this far.

General.

Here.

FROM YENZHOU

Yenzhou is over a thousand li away.

Did you walk all the way?

We had no choice.

We went to Liangya,

but they wouldn't take us in.

Then we tried Yanzhou.

They wouldn't take us either.

Yes, General.

We're exhausted,

so we just wanted to find a safe place here

to build huts in to survive the winter.

When spring comes, we'll move on.

Please, General, be merciful.

Don't drive us away.

Yes. Please don't drive us away.

We're not trying to expel you,

but the soil here isn't good for building houses.

Where should we go then?

- Please, General. - General.

- Help us. - Please, General.

General, please help us.

- Please help us. - Please, General.

Please help us.

General, please help us.

There's a place 20 li north,

bordering Panyi to the north and Xindu to the east.

The soil there is good for building.

Besides, it's close to the Yongning Canal.

Water is accessible.

You can clear the land, farm, and make a living there.

If you promise that starting today,

you'll obey the law of Wei and won't harm the people,

Wei will take you in.

You can drink Wei's water and eat Wei's rice

just like ordinary citizens.

Thank you, General.

Thank you.

But when we passed Panyi,

the mayor was away on business.

Without his approval,

we dared not stay outside the city.

Settling down there

won't be easy.

You're not dealing with an ordinary general,

but the Lord of Wei.

My lord.

Thank you!

Thank you, my lord.

Thank you, my lord, my lady.

Thank you, my lady, my lord.

Thank you, my lord.

- Get up now. - Thanks, my lady.

Come back to the camp with us for shelter and food.

We'll head to Panyi tomorrow morning.

Thank you, my lady.

Thank you, my lady, my lord.

Thank you, my lord.

Great.

Our wandering days are over.

WEI

Where are you going?

There's no water left.

I was going to get some.

No need.

- Guards. - Yes.

- Bring water. - Yes.

Drink up.

Where are you going?

It's cold at night. I was going to get more clothes from the carriage.

No need.

Cover yourself with this.

You need it.

It's okay. Just cover yourself.

Here, cover yourself.

Come on.

- I need to change. - No.

Sit down.

What's wrong with you today?

You're opposing me everywhere.

I don't care. I'm changing now.

No.

I'm telling you,

starting today,

you must tell me where you're going.

You can't make us worry like today anymore.

Don't be afraid. It's okay now.

Chunniang did worry about me.

She nagged me a lot.

The one who worried most about you today is not Chunniang.

QIAO MANSION, YANZHOU

Good.

Very good.

This one.

YAO YING'E ELDEST DAUGHTER

She's pretty,

but she's too old to be offered to the lords.

Yes.

LI SU ELDEST DAUGHTER

She can sing and dance,

but she's famously awkward with words.

Yes, yes.

My lord.

What do you think of Lord Xu's second daughter?

XU FANJING

She has peachy cheeks and a captivating smile.

Also, Lyu's youngest daughter

is skilled in four arts and is well-known.

If we can find her, she'll be a great gift.

LYU XIAOJUN

Finding her

won't be easy.

It might be too wasteful.

My lord,

this is for the good of the realm.

Besides, you have no children.

What's wrong with having a marriageable woman

as your concubine?

Concubine?

Yue,

how can you order a search for beauties everywhere to be your concubines?

What are you saying?

I'm no young man anymore.

I…

I just want to find some young girls,

nurture them,

and marry them to the lords.

You've benefited from marrying off two girls, haven't you?

I'm thinking for the whole realm.

When Lord Qiao Gui was alive, he never had this idea.

You're just a woman. Be quiet.

You…

Lady Ding.

Yue, you've gone too far this time.

Ci and Manman's birth mother passed away early.

These years,

it's Lady Ding who's been managing the household

and raising these three children.

Even Father respects her deeply.

How could you scold her that way?

I already said this is not about concubines.

I didn't say it.

It was him.

It was him who said it.

Ping,

I'm doing this for our family and for Yanzhou.

Since Manman married into Wei,

our relationship has clearly improved.

Clearly, marriage alliances work.

Ping,

right now,

Liangya, Juejun, and other states

are expanding their armies.

The world is on the brink of chaos.

I only wish our family had more daughters to marry off.

Uncle, aren't you afraid

you'll be laughed at for doing this?

If Yanzhou uses girls to curry favor,

it's a disgrace to men.

If that's really done,

how can I face anyone as the future Governor of Yanzhou?

- Ci. - Yue.

How can you be so confused?

You must have been misled by him.

- Ping. - I'll expel you right now.

My lord, this…

Ci.

Mr. Zhang is our aide.

You'll need him in the future.

Does he deserve that?

My lord, since Young Master Ci doesn't trust me,

I'll pack up and retire.

You don't have to leave.

I'm going now to pack my things.

I'm leaving this filthy place.

What nonsense is this?

Ci.

- My lord, you… - Enough, Mr. Zhang.

Don't make it worse.

I…