Original subtitles

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

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…

You're right, my lord.

The soil here is well-suited for construction,

and it's close to the Yongning Canal.

If we redirect the water and build the canal with proper dams,

it can be used for irrigation.

This truly is a good place to settle.

Wei Liang, Wei Qu, Wei Xiao.

You three,

take some men to gather timber and stone.

- Yes. - Yes.

Wei Duo,

come here.

Head to Panyi

and arrange the hydraulic works.

Also, bring me Yang Feng's book.

Yes, my lord.

Our journey will be delayed by a few more days.

But once the displaced people are settled,

we'll return to Yujun.

All right.

Your arrow wound hasn't healed yet.

You've worked hard.

It's nothing serious.

What matters now is helping them guide the water.

I remember you once said

there's much to know about hydraulic works,

like how weather conditions, whether sunny or rainy,

cold or warm,

can affect and delay the progress.

Yes.

So how did Yanzhou forecast the weather?

We observed clouds and stars.

What a pity.

I don't know any of that.

And you, my lady?

I know a little.

That's great.

I plan to help them rebuild their homes,

but I worry the work will move slowly and delay our return.

This place has high elevation, better than the observatory.

My lady, would you be willing

to teach me how to observe the stars tonight?

I share your concerns, my lord.

But I only know the basics.

I'm not nearly as good as Lord Yang.

How about this? Let's ask a general to invite Lord Yang here.

The three of us can go together.

I don't think so.

All my men are out on errands.

There's no one left to fetch him.

Honestly, I'm worried

I won't get it right

and I'll only delay your plans.

You've delayed me plenty already.

What's one more thing?

Then I have no choice but to obey.

Ci.

Aunt.

It's so late. You're still not resting?

I was worried you might sneak out tonight.

Aunt, what do you mean by that?

What I said earlier today was just to scare Uncle.

How could I possibly wander off alone and make everyone worry?

If you were traveling along the main road,

with an official letter in hand,

escorted by guards heading toward Boya,

we wouldn't be so worried.

Come on, come on.

Come, eat.

- Slow down. - We'll have a good life.

The view here is nice,

and it's peaceful too.

Yes, it is.

Because Yang Feng isn't here.

There are no stars tonight.

You changed your hairpin today.

- You noticed that? - Of course.

Yesterday, I thought you'd been abducted.

When I found you,

I checked you from head to toe.

That hairpin you wore yesterday had an orchid on it.

Today's doesn't.

Take a look at the back.

I just turned it around.

Yesterday, I was desperate to find you.

All my focus was on you.

It's no wonder I didn't notice.

Thank you for thinking of me, my lord.

Actually,

when I thought you'd been abducted yesterday,

I was truly afraid.

I was afraid

you might suddenly

leave me,

just like Grandfather,

Father, and my brother did.

You're an exceptional lady,

and I have to admit,

I've never admired any woman the way I admire you.

At first, I thought

marriage was just marriage.

But after spending time with you,

I started to feel something for you.

Now, I'm afraid of falling too deep…

and regretting it later.

I felt the same.

Marriage was just marriage.

I didn't have many feelings for you back then.

But I admire how you care for the whole realm.

How you're willing to put aside the feud

between the Qiao and Wei clans for this canal.

And now, you even offer shelter to the displaced.

Great.

From now on, we won't have to wander.

We can finally settle down.

These past few days,

watching them suffer,

I've come to truly understand

how the fight over water

has brought pain to innocent lives.

So, I have a wish

that one day, all tribes

might be joined by a single lifeline,

and the chaos may end.

But I don't know

if that wish can ever come true.

This is way better than how we were living a few days ago.

The chaos has lasted too long.

To achieve peace and greatness,

sometimes war must be used to end war.

If Yanzhou hadn't turned them away,

they wouldn't have met us.

Are you afraid that one day,

you and I will stand on opposing sides?

I'm afraid this peace

may not last long.

Even if peace lasts only for a moment,

a sincere heart can make its echo last for generations.

I make a solemn vow

to follow you with the loyalty of a subject.

No matter what lies ahead, peace or chaos,

I will remain loyal to you and never leave you.

I will stand by your side,

helping to complete the canal,

facing hardships together,

bringing water to all regions,

ending wars,

and dissolving hatred with genuine sincerity,

to bring peace to the whole realm.

Why didn't you keep an eye on Ci?

You just let him leave like that?

He's grown up now.

He left with Lady Ding.

How could I stop him?

He's always been strong-willed and hard to control.

A grown son can't be held back by his father.

If Father were still alive,

and forbade you from chasing after beauties,

would you have listened?

If Father couldn't rein you in,

how do you expect to watch over Ci?

How much money did he take?

Young Master Ci took a fair amount of valuables,

enough for his needs.

Did he bring any good weapons?

He took his usual silver spear and a short sword.

Was he escorted?

Yes, his personal guards went with him.

Do you know where he went?

DON'T LOOK FOR ME. I'LL RETURN ONE DAY. FROM QIAO CI.

He went to Boya, carrying an official letter from the prefect.

Official letter?

So he's not running away.

He's visiting relatives.

BOYA

It's windy here.

Don't catch cold.

Mother.

Ci.

This is our home now.

Fan.

You've suffered so much away from home.

If you were in love with Bi Zhi, you should have told us.

Why leave without a word,

only to end up like this?

Mother,

Bi Zhi treats me very well.

I'm not suffering.

You don't need to hide it from me.

I'm not blaming him.

I'm just worried about you.

Thinking of when you were at home,

how can you live in a place like this?

You didn't bring your konghou with you.

Luckily, you found another fine one.

How else would you find comfort?

This instrument

was custom-made for me by Bi Zhi.

Because of it,

we unexpectedly gained Boya.

Is that so?

I heard about this back in Kangjun.

The Commander of the Boya Forces overthrew Xue Tai

because of a carpenter.

I thought it was just a rumor,

but it seems he's been good to you.

Xing,

have those dozen or so weasels in the yard been fed?

Yes.

Why are you raising weasels now?

Bi Zhi once saw Liu Yan offer a weasel as a betrothal gift to Manman,

so he caught some for me.

To please me, he caught over a dozen in one go.

Liu Yan was just going through the motions,

but Bi Zhi truly means it.

We don't really need that lynx.

What we lack

is the heart Bi Zhi showed when he caught those weasels.

Mother, you are absolutely right.

Fan,

seeing you doing well

puts my heart at ease.

Mother,

since you came all this way,

why not stay here in Boya with Ci and spend the New Year with us?

WEI MANSION, WEI STATE

Grandmother.

Grandmother.

Zhonglin and Lady Qiao are back.

Grandmother.

How did things go in Rongjun?

Quite smoothly.

And with Yang Feng's help, the canal should be well on its way.

That's good to hear.

Along the way, you kept him company through wind and rain.

Thank you for that.

It was nothing.

Everyone, have a seat.

Thanks, Grandmother.

Serve the tea.

Yes.

Zhonglin, the food you eat on the road is nothing like a home-cooked meal.

Come to my place tomorrow.

I'll prepare wine and some delicacies to welcome you back.

Great.

Is your injury healed enough for alcohol?

You're injured?

It's just a small wound, nothing serious.

I've been up and about these days.

It's fine. No problem.

Grandmother,

we brought back some specialties from Rongjun.

I'll go with Xiaotao and fetch them.

Okay.

Zhonglin,

your wife cares for you with great tenderness.

Yes, Her Ladyship is very thoughtful.

But that only matters if it's for you.

Her thoughts are all with the people of Wei State.

That's caring for all under her roof.

I think Lady Qiao genuinely cares about you.

Genuine or not,

she's just a bit clever,

so I listen to her sometimes.

I'm a noble lord.

How could I be lost in romance every day?

Exactly.

That's the spirit of a true man. Isn't that right?

Yes.

My lady,

stay and chat with Grandmother.

Grandmother, I've just returned.

I should go greet Mother.

- I'll take my leave. - Go ahead.

Yes.

Zhonglin?

Zhonglin?

Grandmother.

Zhonglin!

Ma'am.

His Lordship has come to see you.

Zhonglin, you're here.

Mother.

You found time to see me today, huh?

I brought you fruits from Rongjun and some jewelry,

so I thought I'd visit you.

If you're busy, you don't have to come see me.

About the wheat seeds, it's all my fault…

Mother,

let's not bring up the past.

All right, not another word.

Have a seat.

Try some fruits.

Lady Qiao picked these pieces just for you.

This is way too sour.

Look at this hairpin.

Do you like it?

Mother?

Why are you crying?

Please don't be too upset.

You did make a mistake

with the wheat seeds,

but I understand

that you couldn't let go of what happened to Father and my brother.

It was my fault.

I blamed you in my heart

for always thinking of the dead

and ignoring me.

But wasn't I the same?

I ignored how you felt,

so you had to confide in others.

Zhonglin,

I don't want you

to be caught between me and her.

So,

I accept her…

as my daughter-in-law.

It's not hard for me to accept her.

I'm just worried about you.

Lady Qiao is sharp with words.

I'm afraid you can't take her on.

You're the one who needs to be comfortable in your own life.

So,

whatever you do,

you should keep her in check.

Don't let her get the upper hand.

Could it be

you've already fallen for her?

No, I haven't.

I'm here to visit you today. Let's not talk about her.

See?

You clearly like her.

Try this one.

Does it taste good?

I sent some to Grandmother this morning.

It's so good. Go on, try it.

Tastes good, right?

Mother, it's too sour!

Anything from my son tastes sweet to me.

Look.

You're back, my lord.

Today, you had me

send those sour fruits as gifts.

What are you up to?

Are they sour?

Try one yourself.

I was spoiled growing up.

Back then, whenever I got upset,

I'd run into Aunt's arms and cry,

telling her exactly what I wanted.

You're the strong-willed type.

I bet you never did that with Mother.

Mother is a straightforward person.

One of you has to give in first,

so the other can soften.

I do appreciate how much you care for me.

I know I'm just a bit clever,

like you told Grandmother.

I meant it sincerely, not sarcastically.

I know you always say the opposite of what you feel.

You've come a long way,

and haven't had a break today.

I'll have a bath prepared for you to help you unwind.

All right.

Could it be

you've already fallen for her?

See?

You clearly like her.

Grandfather.

Father.

Brother.

Are you blaming me

for falling for Lady Qiao?

Brother!

Grandmother wants me to let go of hatred

and live happily with her.

Is it even possible?

Can I really do that?

WINTER

GOVERNMENT OFFICE, WEI STATE

YONGNING

This journey has brought us a new city, Yongning.

Though its people are not originally of Wei,

since we've taken them in,

we should treat them as our own.

Do you understand?

Yes, my lord.

There are tens of thousands of people suffering from the war.

What we've seen

is only the tip of the iceberg.

So…

I have a wish.

I hope you'll help me see it fulfilled.

I want to build canals,

starting from Panyi,

stretching far and wide,

reaching every region,

so that all people

will no longer fight over water.

They can finally live in peace.

A wise decision, my lord.

This deed will benefit countless souls and lives.

My lord,

your care for the people shines as bright as the sun.

However, fighting over water is but a symptom.

The rivalries between clans run deep.

Ending the conflict won't be so easy.

This is the wisdom behind His Lordship's plan.

Peace needs both ink and arms.

Canal construction

follows the example of the Qiao-Wei alliance.

A civil solution to avoid bloodshed.

However, I fear not all factions and clans will agree.

So, Her Ladyship and I have decided

to hold a Deer Hunt.

When the time comes,

we'll invite all powers to gather

and discuss canal construction.

We'll appeal to their shared interests,

to persuade each faction

to unite and work together.

It's not urgent yet,

but we must prepare in advance.

Sir, please draft the invitation list

and hand it to Her Ladyship.

Yes.

Her Ladyship?

She just went to Rongjun, and now she's handling state affairs?

She's family.

It won't be a problem.

Why didn't you go to Luozhong Tavern with me?

Why insist on drinking at home?

What noble lord just returned home

heads out to a tavern?

So, my lord,

how many days will it be before you join me there?

That's never gonna happen.

Zhonglin, are you afraid of your wife?

Afraid of her? Me?

Don't be ridiculous.

So what if you are?

Honestly, I envy you.

No one loves me or truly cares for me like that.

You know,

if you want to settle down,

Grandmother will find you the best match there is.

A good marriage

is never easy.

Some couples

treat each other with respect and formality,

while others share deep affection and true understanding.

Since you're so insightful,

let me ask you something.

Can I

allow myself

to fall for Lady Qiao?

You can't.

The Qiao family harmed our kin.

We've both known the pain of losing family since childhood.

I know all of that.

But those choices were her Grandfather's, not hers.

If we were in her place, we'd face the same dilemma.

Still, she used you to take Boya

and keep Panyi in check.

That's a fact, isn't it?

At the time, we were having a power struggle.

Of course, we both held back a little.

But now, look at her.

She helped me with the Yongning Canal and even put Yang Feng at my service.

That shows she has no hidden agenda.

What about her family?

Everyone knows

they're as cold as ice.

With your temperament,

you'd have to burn yourself

just to thaw their frozen hearts.

You've got it wrong.

She's warm-hearted and truly cares for me.

She's not as cold as you say.

Sounds like you can't live without her. Why bother asking me?

Honestly,

you've fallen for her,

but your filial piety holds you back.

That'll only

make it harder for yourself.

Look.

It spread its tail.

Even that bird shows more genuine feeling than you.

Mr. Wei,

I made you some herbal sobering soup.

What intoxicates is not wine,

but love.

Lanyun,

bring me a brush.

Feeling inspired?

What do you plan to draw?

Have you heard the tale of the Goddess of Yushan?

I…

My knowledge is shallow.

I haven't heard of it.

A weary scholar lost his way in deep woods.

He wandered into a hidden clearing,

where he saw the goddess bathing.

She moved like drifting mist, graceful and elusive,

a beauty to steal one's breath away.

With one sway, flowers blossomed.

With another, the grass withered.

So serene, like a tiger and hare at peace, or the sun and moon in quiet grace.

The scholar's heart stirred.

He longed to approach her, yet feared she'd vanish the moment he did.

He was torn

between longing and fear.

In love…

hesitation is the greatest foe.

The more one worries,

the heavier the burden,

until there's no freedom,

only knots

and no joy.

Why did you stop, Mr. Wei?

Without facial features,

this Goddess of Yushan is incomplete.

There's no goddess in my heart,

so how could I know what she looks like?

Honestly,

you've fallen for her,

but your filial piety holds you back.

That'll only

make it harder for yourself.

You're back, my lord.

Your face is quite flushed.

It's nothing. I had some wine.

Here, warm your hands with this.

There's a lot going on at the Government Office lately.

I'll need to stay there for a while.

Have someone pack my things.

But it's cold and damp there.

Do you really have to go?

Let me help you take off your robe first.

How long will you be gone?

Just for three days,

for now.

I'll have it arranged.

All right.

I…

Sorry, I drank too much today.

I'm feeling a little tipsy.

Shall I have hot water

prepared for a bath?

No need.

I'll sleep at the office tonight.

Good night.

My lord?

It's so late.

May I ask why we've been summoned?

It's already late, you know.

If there's nothing urgent,

you should head back and get some rest.

I wouldn't call you here without a reason.

Yes, my lord.

My lord.

What is it? Please say it.

I was thinking…

Yanzhou…

It's at peace now.

No, not Yanzhou.

- Bianzhou… - Just died.

Oh, right.

I meant Yaozhou…

There is a famed beauty in Yaozhou.

But I suppose that's not what you meant.

Actually, I was saying that Liangya State…

Are we launching an attack on Liangya?

No, not an attack.

All those regions I just mentioned

will be at the Deer Hunt.

We should begin preparations. What do you think?

Yes.

Yes, of course.

This is an important matter.

It is.

We must not neglect the matter of the venue,

nor the proper reception.

So,

we must treat it seriously.

- Yes. - Yes.

What…

Sir.

I just remembered

it's been a while since I last visited Madam.

So, I shall go with you

and pay her a brief visit.

- All right, that's it. - My lord, she…

Let's go.

Let's go.

His Lordship is really diligent.

He rushed back here so late just for the Deer Hunt?

It is important,

but not that urgent.

Isn't the Deer Hunt next spring?

Maybe he quarreled with Her Ladyship?

Shall we talk to Mr. Wei?

Mr. Wei's busy.

He has been painting with tavern maids at Luozhong Tavern lately.

Let's go.

My lady,

will these clothes be enough for three days?

That'll do. Pack them up.

My lady, I'll take them to His Lordship now.

All right.

His Lordship just got back, and now he's moving out again.

Why is His Lordship so hot and cold?

Maybe he just needs time to think.

That might not be such a bad thing.

I really don't understand what you've been saying lately.

His Lordship is clearly acting against his heart,

yet you still go along with him.

Even you can tell that.

Why should I rush?

Let him think.

I'll have things to do.

What's gotten into Zhonglin?

He moved into the Government Office?

Poor Lady Qiao,

left all alone once again.

You really do side with Her Ladyship now.

Now, I see

what's troubling Zhonglin.

He keeps avoiding Lady Qiao because he's falling for her.

Nothing gets past you, huh?

Sometimes,

you've got to cut yourself some slack.

Look at Lady Zhu.

Her life hasn't been all that hard.

Ma'am, Her Ladyship requests to see you.

Let her in.

Yes, ma'am.

His Lordship has been busy with court affairs.

I don't want to be idle either.

Is there anything I can do for you, Grandmother?

Yes.

Zhonglin is making plans for the Deer Hunt.

I want to turn the city drill ground into the Deer Hunt venue.

It needs some renovation.

Can you handle it?

I'm willing to give it a try.

I'll assign you some help.

Thank you, Grandmother.

- But I have another idea. - What is it?

Powers from all regions will be invited to the Deer Hunt

to discuss canal construction together.

For such a grand event,

why not have someone write some poems and prose

to promote it?

That way, it would spread His Lordship's vision,

and also, the other powers will share the glory,

making them more likely to attend.

That's a brilliant idea.

Let's do as you propose.

I'll do my best, Grandmother.

Go tell Zhonglin

that I've entrusted Lady Qiao with the Deer Hunt venue.

Let's see how he can avoid her now.

Who says I can't live without her?

I think the Government Office is far better than home.

At least here, I feel free.