Original subtitles

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

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.

My lord,

have some hot ginger soup before bed to warm you up.

How thoughtful. Everything's better now.

I'm glad the Lord of Wei slept well last night.

The dishes for tonight have been prepared in the kitchen.

Bring them to him later.

If anything is missing, go buy it or come back to get it.

If you're short on money, ask Xiaotao for more.

Thank you for caring for His Lordship.

I will make sure he is looked after as if he were at home.

Are you trying to make him never want to come back?

I don't have such deep thoughts.

I just want him to live comfortably.

Come with me to the Deer Hunt venue.

If you feel tired or have a headache,

use this cooling balm to refresh yourself.

QIAO

The hand warmer is ready.

Hold it so you won't get cold.

GOVERNMENT OFFICE

My lord, are you hungry?

What's made you become so thoughtful suddenly?

It was made in your own kitchen. You'll definitely like it.

This…

Who prepared it?

Her Ladyship, of course.

Her Ladyship?

What about this balm?

Also Her Ladyship.

- The hand warmer? - Also her.

Why did you smile yesterday when I praised you?

Weren't you praising Her Ladyship?

Though I'm at the office,

I'm still caught in her web.

If you don't like it, I'll prepare something else.

No need.

I'll just make do.

What has Her Ladyship been doing these days?

Besides instructing me every day to care for you,

she's been busy with the renovation of the Deer Hunt venue.

I heard she's anxious to find someone

to write poetic exposition to boost the popularity of the Deer Hunt.

Do you know there's a scholar

skilled in poetic expositions and full of talent,

named Gao Heng?

Master Zhenshi, Gao Heng,

is famed across the states and admired by many.

The weather changed so fast.

It suddenly turned cold.

Yes.

Since His Lordship is staying at the office,

hurry and prepare more clothes to send to him.

Yes, yes.

I know you care deeply for His Lordship.

Your hands are busy,

but your mouth isn't idle either.

Send him another hand warmer.

Be careful. That item is very precious to him.

You can't touch this box.

Lady Yulou and His Lordship were almost betrothed.

Xiaozao.

The jade pendant His Lordship wears…

Lady Yulou seems to have one too.

Didn't Xiaotao say

Lady Yulou almost married into the Wei family?

But don't worry, my lady.

That's all in the past.

I'm afraid it's not in the past.

This is the dessert from Danjun?

Yes.

Why did you prepare this for me?

Her Ladyship arranged it.

She said you'd surely like it.

I'd surely like it?

Take it away. I don't like it.

Yes.

Where's my hand warmer?

It was taken back to the mansion.

Back to the mansion?

Her Ladyship said

the office is for working hard.

It shouldn't be made as comfortable as home.

It would hinder your diligence.

What happened?

I even praised her today in front of others

for her meticulous care.

She asked you to take it away, so you did?

Whose side are you on?

- Go get it back for me. - I'm on it.

Wait.

It's already late.

Don't disturb her rest. Do it tomorrow.

Yes.

Why is this box here?

Her Ladyship sent it.

She said it was your cherished item

and should be kept close.

You may leave now.

Yes.

Shao,

promise me two things.

Don't trust anyone from the Qiao clan…

and take care of her for me.

Honestly,

you've fallen for her,

but your filial piety holds you back.

That'll only

make it harder for yourself.

Tomorrow, find some tavern maids

who resemble this goddess in figure and charm.

Yes.

Why are you back?

The office is damp.

My headache flared up.

So tonight,

I'll sleep in the bedchamber.

As you wish.

- What are you doing? - Fixing the pillow.

Perfect timing. Let me try it.

I have

a headache.

- Listen. - Listen.

Let me go first.

My lord…

This box holds the belongings

of my grandfather,

father,

and elder brother.

I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have taken liberties with it.

It was my fault.

I should've told you earlier.

This jade pendant

is actually one half.

Before my brother died, he split it in two…

and asked me to give the other half

to Lady Yulou…

because they were

almost betrothed.

My brother excelled in martial arts from childhood.

He was known as the destined patriarch.

He followed Grandfather into battle

and never lost a fight…

until the Battle of Xindu.

Then he became a scar for Mother and me

that never healed.

So from a young age, I've told myself

to grow up to be brave,

kind,

and responsible

like him.

I still wonder if I can ever…

measure up to him in Mother's eyes.

You're the best patriarch

the Wei clan has ever had.

Before my brother died, he asked two things of me.

The first was

to take care of Lady Yulou on his behalf.

The second…

I failed to fulfill.

Do you…

have a courtesy name?

It's Manman.

Manman.

BOYA

General, there's been another raid from Bianzhou today.

Thankfully, they only took some livestock.

A few commoners were injured.

General, please come up with a solution.

All right. I understand.

You may go.

- Yes. - Yes.

Darling, is something troubling you?

Fan.

QIAO

Did I wake you just now?

It's still early. Why don't you go back to sleep?

Why won't you tell me what's going on?

There was another raid

from Bianzhou.

No major losses were sustained,

but this is the third time this month.

Why didn't you tell me something so serious?

Lady Ding and Ci are here.

I didn't want them to worry,

so I kept quiet.

I sought help from Father, but he remained silent.

He won't send reinforcements.

He must have his reasons

for not doing that.

But I won't show weakness,

or he'll look down on me,

and you might not be welcomed home again.

Bi Zhi.

Fan.

I know you worry for me,

but Her Ladyship is right.

If I don't make something of myself,

how could I be worthy of you?

I've followed her instructions

and started to build roads from Liancheng to Xiaogang.

That is what truly matters.

As for the rest,

it's not important.

Since Father refuses to help,

I'll write to Manman

and ask if she can help.

But at the end of the day,

the Qiao clan's banner is still flying in Boya.

Why would the Lord of Wei help me?

You fool.

I'll say that since the Deer Hunt is coming up,

we'd like to visit them for the event.

Yeah.

If I attend, the world will know

the Lord of Wei sees me as an in-law,

and if anyone wants to invade Boya later,

they'll think twice.

We'll have to take a risk

and see if the Lord of Wei has a place in his heart for Manman.

TO MANMAN

Why didn't I see you

in the tavern before?

I'm a Yu.

I've admired you for a long time.

Good.

I'll come by another time.

I'll be waiting.

Lower your head.

Zhu Quan,

send them back.

Yes.

My lord,

Master Zhenshi, who was invited for the poetic exposition,

has arrived in Yujun.

He said

he wanted to explore the scenery before he could begin writing.

Let him be.

- Treat him well. - Yes.

Chunniang sent these honeyed drinks and cakes

on Her Ladyship's orders.

Why didn't she bring them herself?

She's at the Deer Hunt venue overseeing the renovations.

Any other orders, my lord?

Pick out a few hairpins in the latest and finest styles for me.

Yes.

What a rare gathering.

Let's raise our glasses.

- Mother. - To grandmother.

Though it's late now,

the room feels particularly radiant.

It must be because of Grandmother and Aunt's beautiful new jewelry.

You both look much more stunning.

During the day, Zhonglin noticed my hairpin was worn,

so he brought a new one tonight.

He also got one for Mother and Lady Qiao too.

He's mainly trying to be filial to you.

I just benefited from that.

Shiyuan, what's wrong with you?

Three of us have new jewelry,

but you only complimented two of us.

Can't you see the hairpin on Lady Qiao's head?

Grandmother,

Zhonglin should be the one complimenting Lady Qiao,

while I should focus on cheering up you two.

Of course, we're happy.

I really like the hairpin you gave me.

The craftsman had some material left,

so he made yours with it.

Still,

I'm glad you like it.

Zhonglin,

you meant well.

Why say such things?

Is it so hard to say something nice?

You're right.

Let's drink.

To Grandmother.

Mr. Wei really is something.

That girl is completely obsessed with him now.

She's driven off every suitor.

She'll marry no one but him.

Really?

Where did you hear that gossip?

The whole city's talking about it.

She says

she sees him every day

and spends every night with him.

She even has a keepsake from him.

She's a girl, after all.

With that much detail, it's gotta be true.

Is Mr. Wei getting married?

I don't think so.

We know him.

He's engaged to half the girls here.

He's always been a flirt.

It's not likely that he'll tie himself

to one woman.

So he gave her affection but no promise?

That'll ruin her life.

You're too naïve.

Who is this good girl?

A Yu in the east of the city.

I've never heard of her.

Why are you here gossiping instead of being on duty?

Mr. Wei, we're waiting for His Lordship.

- Close the door. - Sure.

We're waiting for His Lordship to head to the office.

- You shouldn't have asked. - You mentioned it first.

Shiyuan

has always been messy with women.

I'm not surprised that he's messing with a good girl.

He's never mentioned anything about this.

We don't know if it's true yet.

I've seen plenty of girls claiming to hold his keepsakes.

Some have a rouge box,

and some have a wooden comb.

I wonder

what it is this time.

My lady, this time

it's a flute.

A flute?

Then it might be true.

If she's someone Shiyuan really likes,

I'd like to meet her.

What's all the chatter about?

- It's about you. - Let me hear it.

Grandmother.

Aunt.

It's your flirtatious debts.

There's gossip all over the city.

A girl claimed to have your keepsake,

said she was engaged to you,

and swore she'd marry no one else.

She said you invited her home to paint.

Do you know anything about this?

Painting?

Was it a tavern maid surnamed Yu?

What tavern maid?

She's a girl from a decent family.

You found her?

If you keep this up, I won't help you find anyone next time.

So you do know she's a Yu.

Then she does exist.

Grandmother, it's a misunderstanding.

That day…

If she's truly the one you want,

we don't care about her background.

Shall I arrange the betrothal?

It was just one meeting.

If I truly care for someone,

I'll ask you to arrange it for me.

I'm tired. I'm leaving.

Cousin.

What's wrong?

I have an appointment with someone. Would you like to join me?

Who is it?

I've sent someone to fetch her.

Miss Yu, I invited you here today

to hear your thoughts

and to settle all the rumors.

My lady,

I was once intimate with Mr. Wei.

I've rejected all other suitors for him.

I'd gladly be his wife or concubine.

I will marry no one else.

I've given him my heart.

Just last night,

he treated me tenderly, smiled at me,

gave me a keepsake,

held me close, and kissed me.

Did you say last night?

We've been together every night. Last night was no exception.

There was a family banquet last night.

Was it later last night?

Yes.

It was later than usual.

Last night, Mr. Wei got drunk at the banquet.

He rested at the mansion as arranged.

He didn't go out again.

How did you meet him?

Perhaps I remembered wrong.

He didn't come last night.

But usually, he comes every day.

If you can't recall what happened last night,

how can we trust what you said about before then?

I have his keepsake.

Everything I said is true.

Mr. Wei and I truly love each other.

I must marry him.

We don't know whether what you have

is proof or a stolen item.

Being a weak woman doesn't mean you can use it to oppress Mr. Wei.

My lady,

she just admires Mr. Wei deeply,

so she was momentarily confused

and disguised herself as a tavern maid to sneak into the mansion.

She just wanted to see him,

yet he treated her so gently.

That's how she came to want something more.

My lady, please show mercy for the sake of her sincere love.

How unfair.

Love has now become an excuse to make false accusations.

Take Miss Yu home.

Watch her closely.

Thank you, my lady.

My lady.

Chunniang, spread the word.

This must not be talked about again.

A woman's reputation matters. Don't ruin her future.

Yes, my lady. Rest assured.

Why did you do that?

I am the Lady of Wei,

so I should get to decide everything about women.

I just don't understand.

Since you were wrongly accused, why didn't you defend yourself?

I'm a man.

Why care about reputation?

Besides, I've had affairs with many.

What's one more?

Still, I didn't expect you

to defend me like this.

Reputation, good or bad,

should come from what you've actually done,

not from false accusations.

I'm your family.

Of course I won't let you suffer injustice.

Everyone thinks I'm a rake

and it's no surprise for me to do this.

Why do you see me

so differently?

Perhaps it's because I believe I understand your character.

Even if your words are sometimes flirtatious,

you would never deceive and abandon a woman.

Grandmother protects me

and Zhonglin defends me

even when they think

I'm wrong.

Thank you.

Miss Yu loved Mr. Wei,

so she picked up his flute,

hoping it would lead to marriage.

Unexpectedly, Mr. Wei had no such intentions.

Fate can't be forced.

Yes.

Seeing how Zhonglin and his wife live so harmoniously,

I just hope Shiyuan can get married soon

so he won't end up alone like his mother.

Don't worry, my lady.

Mr. Wei will definitely find someone he loves.

I was like that poor scholar,

lost and weary,

wandering along the wrong path,

until I finally came to a clearing

and saw the goddess.

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.

I admired her.

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

I 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.

WEI YAN'S MANSION, WEI

Is the goddess Mr. Wei loves…

me?

All right.

If you have nothing else to say, you may leave.

My lord, this is a letter from Boya to Her Ladyship.

What does it say?

Not much.

Just the same praise about how good the general is to his wife.

She's bragging about her husband. Nothing new.

Bi Zhi listens to his wife in everything.

I've never seen a man so devoted to his wife.

How can a man be controlled like this?

You don't get it.

I heard it from Wei Qu.

He said the general and his wife

went through a lot to be together, right?

I saw that myself in Boya.

Their bond is truly beyond that of ordinary couples.

His Lordship and Her Ladyship have been through a lot too,

but I don't see Her Ladyship controlling His Lordship.

Wait, Wei Liang.

Why are you suddenly talking about love today?

Are you thinking of getting married?

With whom?

All right, you may leave.

My lord.

I have a report.

Speak.

Master Zhenshi has finished the poetic exposition.

Already?

Didn't he say earlier that he had found no inspiration

even after touring all of Wei?

He just suddenly got inspired?

It's said that he strolled around the drill ground for two hours

and started writing on the spot.

That old man is quite interesting.

My lord,

Master Zhenshi is no elder.

He is a young and handsome man.

Young?

Handsome?

I'll head to the drill ground.

My lord, he's a rare talent.

Please treat him with respect.

YUJUN, WEI

GAO HENG FAMOUS SCHOLAR

How brilliant.

To compose like that on the spot is truly beyond us.

Indeed.

It was only by coming here…

that I finally found inspiration.

Master Zhenshi, with such striking features,

is not only good-looking but also talented in literature.

You have finally finished. Let's read it.

- Yes. - Right.

Such elegant writing! Every word is a gem.

His diction and structure are far beyond our reach.

- Truly. - Yeah.

When all states prosper, the world will have peace.

The water from the Yang River is accessible

thanks to the Yongning Canal, which runs over 700 li,

chasing the sun across the sky.

The walls of legacy are painted with the contributions

of Lady Qiao.

Once I entered Xindu, I saw the people living in harmony,

and the lady, as pretty as a lotus, walking like the drifting wind,

like a goddess among clouds wherever she goes.

My lord, you invited him to praise Wei and the Deer Hunt,

yet he spoke of Her Ladyship endlessly.

Master Zhenshi.

My lord.

Master Zhenshi,

your talent is exceptional.

But with your strong build,

you don't look like a scholar,

but a soldier.

You flatter me.

I've never practiced martial arts.

I'm as weak as a scholar should be.

Weak?

Really.

Each has their own path.

In combat, you're unmatched.

In words and verse,

I won't yield to anyone.

Indeed.

Master Zhenshi's exposition is brilliant.

What a vivid portrait you painted of Her Ladyship.

"As pretty as a lotus, walking like the drifting wind,

like a goddess among clouds wherever she goes."

Once carved into a wall, her beauty will echo through the ages.

Exactly.

Carved into a wall?

Had I known that,

I wouldn't have read it so soon.

So,

you admit the piece is good?

Don't rush, my lord.

I have one more line to praise the lady's handwriting.

With strokes like dragons

and strength like bamboo,

each motion

gleams with grace.

I've heard the lady's calligraphy

is refined and elegant.

If carved into a wall,

it'd rival the famed Moya Inscriptions in Yunzhong,

leaving a legacy for future generations.

You're flattering me.

I've always wanted to see the Moya Inscriptions

but never found the chance.

What's inscriptional?

It's not that.

It's the Moya Inscriptions.

Speaking of which, my top choice is the Ode to Yunmen.

Its brushwork is wild,

and its structure is unbound.

It combined the large and small seal scripts.

Its strokes are like the clerical script.

Its writing is free and ethereal,

full of imagination.

With changes in the weather and light,

the inscriptions

seem to have also changed.

My lady,

if you want to view them,

I'd gladly be your guide.

Why should you be her guide?

How could I trouble you?

I'm still new in Yujun.

I must care for Grandmother and Mother.

It's not convenient to travel.

That's right.

If you ever wish to go,

just tell me and I'll take you.

Actually,

there's no rush.

The lady's visit to the inscriptions is for later.

Today,

my lady, please write this for me.

A masterpiece

should be matched with your calligraphy.

I think that won't be necessary.

Sir, I wasn't finished just now.

Your exposition is brilliant, but it's off-topic.

I invited you here

to praise the great land of Wei, not the Lady of Wei.

Sir, your vision

is limited.

You're absolutely right.

I'll revise it.

I'll revise it at once.

However, the lady truly is

a rare and talented woman

in this world.

Every word I spoke

came from my heart.

Then let this piece be a gift to you, my lady,

to show my admiration for you.

Your words are too precious. I dare not accept.

Yes.

We must decline your offer.

And, of course, it won't be carved into any wall.

Master Zhenshi,

please rewrite the whole thing.

Actually, you'd better compose a song.

Don't go wandering off until it's done.

Let's go.

Tan, escort Master Zhenshi back.

Yes.

My lord.

My lord.

Wait, that's a dead end.

You need to go this way.

One day,

I hope to invite the Lady of Wei to see the Moya Inscriptions.

She has no time.

You're always busy with state affairs.

What brought you here today?

Master Zhenshi truly is gifted and handsome.

No wonder so many women admire him.

If so many admire him,

he must have met real beauties,

yet he stays above it all,

with a heart set on scenery.

Why aren't you wearing the hairpin I gave you?

You said you didn't put a lot of care into having it made.

I figured you didn't like it, so I didn't wear it.

How could I have had it made casually?

I put a lot of thought into that gift.

Thank you, my lord.