Original subtitles

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

My uncle is dead now.

Now, Liu Shan,

you are simply the servant of the Lord of Liangya.

Got it?

I understand.

I understand.

My lord,

I understand.

Chunniang,

help me grind the ink.

Yes, my lady.

I must write to my cousin.

She needs to be informed of this.

My lady.

My lady, Young Master Ci left home without a word.

He's arrived at the outskirts of Yujun and is waiting to be fetched.

Ci is here?

He came without his token.

He must have left secretly.

He sent word for you to fetch him outside the city.

Prepare the carriage and request His Lordship to return home.

Yes.

Wait.

Forget it.

His Lordship is still angry.

If he sees Ci,

he'll only get angrier.

My lady,

what if His Lordship meets Young Master Ci,

sees his true character,

and finally lets go of his grudges?

That would be good.

It's Uncle's mistake.

Ci and Bi Zhi shouldn't bear the blame.

Never mind.

Let's get changed and prepare the carriage.

Yes.

Are you heading out of the city?

Only one carriage? No escort?

Ci, my younger brother, has suddenly arrived in Yujun,

just a dozen li from here.

I wish to meet him myself

and would rather not trouble others.

I'm free today.

I meant to drink with Zhonglin, but he's not around.

If you don't mind, I'll accompany you to meet Young Master Ci.

If it's not too much trouble, I'd be honored to have you with me.

WEI MANSION

These tonics were prepared according to the physician's orders.

The jade pendant is being repaired.

Lady Yulou, no need to worry. Just focus on your recovery.

Thank you, my lord.

Once I'm better, I shall pay a visit to Great-aunt and Lady Qiao.

But

I do have a favor to ask.

You don't have to be so formal with me.

It hasn't been easy for you lately, Lady Yulou.

Though I played no direct part, I still bear some responsibility.

For that, I owe you an apology.

There's no need for apologies between us.

It's just…

Lady Qiao knows nothing of it.

So, please,

do not speak of it to Grandmother or Mother.

I'd be truly grateful.

I can let this go,

but I won't accept

being treated with contempt.

May I ask what you mean?

Outsiders know I'm in mourning

and see me as weak and easy to slight.

That is why this happened.

But I have heard that Wei State will soon host the Deer Hunt,

inviting all the powers.

If Zixin could take part, and compete for the honor of the Su clan,

then people would know we are not to be underestimated,

and stand close to the Lord of Wei.

Then perhaps,

my days ahead will not be so difficult.

Please don't worry, Ehuang.

I'll give it my all and bring honor to our name at the Deer Hunt.

No one will dare look down on you. They'll show you respect.

If that is so,

then let Su Zixin represent the Su clan of Wushan State

and join the Deer Hunt.

Great.

- Thank you, my lord. - Thank you, my lord.

My lord!

What is that?

The item you asked me to repair.

The shopkeeper said the broken jade could not be restored,

but Her Ladyship suggested inlaying it with gold.

Now, at last, it has been mended.

Is Her Ladyship at home?

Her Ladyship received news

that Young Master Ci was arriving outside the city.

She went to meet him.

Qiao Ci is here? Why did no one tell me?

She didn't want to trouble you, so she didn't send word.

Lady Qiao,

no need to worry.

Have some fruit.

By the time you're finished, your brother will be here.

My lady.

Manman!

Ci.

Look at you, all messy.

It's been so long since we last met.

You've grown taller.

The journey must have worn you out.

Not at all.

I just lost my favorite spear…

by accident.

It's all right.

Manman,

what's wrong?

Your sister is proud of you,

seeing you've grown up brave and spirited at such a young age.

She's so happy.

I'm fine.

Greetings, my lord.

This is Mr. Wei, His Lordship's cousin.

He came to meet you on His Lordship's behalf.

Just call him Mr. Wei.

Mr. Wei.

Nice to meet you, Ci.

Grandmother and Mother don't know you're here yet.

Let's go back.

All right.

You're getting way too bold,

running off to Yujun without a word.

Is this how the Young Master of Yanzhou acts?

I came here alone to prove that I could manage on my own.

Once we're back, you must write to Uncle, Aunt, and Father at once.

How could they allow you to come here alone?

They didn't.

I slipped away on my own.

What happened?

It's all because of Zhang Pu.

He urged Uncle to seek out beauties everywhere

to offer them as gifts.

Uncle gave no thought to drilling troops or cultivating the land

to strengthen Yanzhou.

He listened to such crooked words

and began to stray from the right path.

Grandfather's good name is now being ruined by them.

Have you ever pursued Lady Yulou?

Lady who?

Forget it.

Let's not speak of this for now, especially not in front of His Lordship.

Once you enter the mansion, you must mind your words and conduct.

His Lordship is steady and reserved, always serious.

He's nothing like Mr. Wei.

You must behave with proper decorum.

Don't try to flatter or be ingratiating

lest he form a poor opinion of you.

I understand.

CHIJUN, LIANGYA STATE

Greetings, my lord.

You may all rise.

Thank you, my lord.

Mother!

- Young Master… - Mother!

- Mother! - Young Master.

Mother!

Mother!

Brother, where is my mother?

You want to see your mother, don't you?

I will take you to see her soon.

Would you like that?

Yes.

- You may leave. - Yes.

Young Master.

My late father doted on the Young Master above all others.

Issue my command.

Have Liu Qi

and the Third Young Master

accompany Father

in burial!

My lord,

the children are innocent.

I can't bear to lose my kin either.

But Mother poisoned Father.

This is the only way to fulfill my filial duty.

General Lin, if you were in my place,

having lost all your loved ones overnight,

you would truly understand my pain.

It seems General Lin understands now.

In that case,

General Lin, please help me

see them off.

Yes, my lord.

My lord,

as for the Deer Hunt in Wei State…

Since they have invited the Lord of Liangya to attend in person,

let it be as they wish.

Raise high the prestige of Liangya State!

Raise high the prestige of Liangya State!

I've brought you to meet Grandmother and Mother.

After you see His Lordship,

you'll be taken to the post house to rest.

That short sword is a gift from Grandmother.

Treasure it well.

Do you understand?

I like it.

Also,

don't mistake someone else for His Lordship again.

Someone else?

My lord,

this is Qiao Ci, my brother.

My lord.

The short sword you hold

was seized by Grandfather from an enemy general in battle long ago.

You're not yet 20 years old,

and my grandmother gave it to you as a gift.

What a true honor.

My lord,

I didn't know it once belonged to Grandfather.

Ci is still young. He doesn't understand its value.

I'll return it tomorrow.

No need.

Let him keep it.

Even the most precious things become worthless

if left untouched.

Sit.

Thank you, my lord.

Thank you for the gift.

Do you practice martial arts often?

Since I was eight, I've been practicing at least six hours a day.

I've never dared to slack off.

I began at four, learning under Grandfather.

I practiced for over ten years before seeing real progress.

Six hours a day just isn't enough.

Yes, my lord.

Do you read as well?

Father taught us to be well-read and study all schools of thought.

Confucianism, Mohism, Names, Legalism, Taoism, and even the Yin-Yang School.

I've read them all.

That's not enough to be considered well-read.

Agriculture, miscellanies, novels, the works of strategists,

you should dabble in them all.

Yes.

Ci, serve tea to His Lordship.

You've spoken at length, my lord. You must be thirsty.

Ci brought the tea leaves from Yanzhou.

My lord,

please enjoy.

My lord,

you must be weary from official duties.

You can't even lift your arms.

My lord,

please enjoy.

You still need more practice.

You can't even hold a teacup steady.

Yes, my lord.

My lord,

it's getting late.

I'll take Ci to the post house so he can rest.

Go on, then.

Thank you, my lord.

This jade pendant has been with me for years.

Now that it's returned to me,

I can finally sleep in peace tonight.

You've suffered so much.

I promise you'll have justice.

Qiao Ci happens to be here in Yujun.

Qiao Ci is here?

How dare he show his face?

He must not know I'm here.

Never mind.

Even if we were to meet face to face,

he wouldn't admit anything.

He might even claim he'd never seen me at all.

Don't worry, Lady Yulou.

If Qiao Ci truly wronged you,

I'll make sure you get justice.

Zhonglin,

I know you mean well.

But this matter

may cause strife between you and Lady Qiao.

I don't want to cause more trouble.

So,

let's leave it at that.

My lord, Her Ladyship is here.

Please let Her Ladyship in.

Yes.

Zhonglin,

though Lady Qiao comes from Yanzhou,

whether it was Qiao Yue or Qiao Ci behind this,

she truly had no knowledge of it.

Don't take it out on her.

We arrived in haste, and I haven't been to see you yet.

I hope you won't take offense.

Lady Yulou, there's no need to be so formal.

To be honest, Ci has also come to Yujun.

That's how I learned of what happened in Yanzhou.

Both Ci and Uncle have wronged you.

I feel uneasy about it too.

But I've scolded Ci, and he admits his mistakes.

Does he really admit his mistakes?

Ci wants to apologize in person.

Would you give him that chance?

If old grievances can be put aside, that would be best.

What do you say, my lord?

If he's truly remorseful, that's indeed best.

My lord, he's here.

Hurry and apologize.

La… Lady Yulou,

I was wrong.

I know

you were just following your uncle's orders.

It's not your fault.

Lady Yulou,

this is not Young Master Ci.

That day, while helping you with your luggage,

this boy secretly took some jewelry.

We brought him here today to apologize.

I see.

That night, when we fled Kangjun, it was late at night.

In the chaos, I couldn't see clearly.

I only thought their builds looked alike.

Lady Yulou, are you saying Ci's build is similar to this boy's?

That day, he was wearing armor.

I couldn't see clearly.

Then how did you know it was Ci who took you?

Because he said so himself.

Is his voice deep or soft?

Lady Qiao, did you come here to apologize or interrogate?

I know you're close to your family and unwilling to admit it.

But everyone knows what Qiao Yue has done.

Why deny it?

Would I make myself lose my voice just to frame someone?

It's not that I don't believe you.

If Ci really did it,

I'll personally bring him to apologize to you.

But if he didn't,

I won't let him be falsely accused.

Forget it.

You keep pressing me with questions.

No matter what I say, you won't believe me.

You are the Lady of Wei,

and now I must seek help from the Lord of Wei.

I have nothing more to say.

Lady Yulou, please calm down.

I think

Her Ladyship makes a valid point.

Let's call Qiao Ci here.

We'll ask and find out.

Wei Liang.

Your Lordship. Manman.

Lady Yulou.

Lady Yulou, this is the real Qiao Ci.

On the day we fled,

everything was in chaos.

I only remember

words like "Governor" and "nephew," something like that.

Perhaps it was a misunderstanding.

Even if I didn't do it,

you were truly frightened.

Lady Yulou, I hope you rest well and recover soon.

Ci has been traveling for days. I'll take him back to rest.

I'll come to visit you another day, Lady Yulou.

Lady Yulou.

The misunderstanding is now resolved.

Thank you for clearing it up, my lord.

I just hope this won't cause strife between you and Lady Qiao.

Her Ladyship is generous. She won't blame me.

I'll take my leave now. Take care and get some rest.

Ehuang,

how dare the Qiaos toy with us!

Anger won't solve anything.

At the Deer Hunt,

you must defeat Qiao Ci and reclaim our honor.

YUJUN POST HOUSE

Have you gotten over it, my lord?

Where is Qiao Ci?

I sent him back.

In a few days, take him to the drill ground

and see what he's capable of.

Aren't you mad at me for being biased and listening to only one side?

You have deep doubts about my family.

It's no wonder you reacted that way.

You've never held my family against me,

so why would I be mad at you?

LUOZHONG TAVERN

Here, have a bite.

Mr. Wei.

- Mr. Wei. - Mr. Wei.

- It's been so long. - You finally came.

Who's this young man?

Who's this handsome boy?

- So fair and pretty. - Let me massage your shoulders.

He's still too young.

We're just here for a drink.

You may leave us now.

Let's go, let's go.

Cheers.

Mr. Wei.

I still feel a bit awkward.

If Manman finds out,

she won't let me off.

I'd better go back.

See you, Mr. Wei.

- Oh, cutie. - Don't go!

Come again soon!

Why are you up out here so late?

Manman punished me to stand here for four hours.

There's no one around. Why stand so straight?

Punishment is still punishment.

I can't slack off.

You're serious about it, huh?

What were you thinking,

provoking her?

Even I wouldn't dare.

So, what did you do wrong?

Mr. Wei took me to Luozhong Tavern.

Manman found out.

Not even Mr. Wei could save me.

He almost got scolded too.

All right, put that down.

You know what?

Come inside with me.

I'll speak for you.

She'll spare you for my sake.

My lord, you're not lying to me, right?

I'm a noble lord. How could I lie to you?

Let's go.

My lord.

- Please leave us. - Yes.

Come in.

Ci just went to Luozhong Tavern and had a few drinks.

It's no big deal, so don't be mad at him.

He just arrived in Yujun.

Having some fun at Luozhong Tavern is fine, you know.

Is it?

So you're a regular at Luozhong Tavern too?

You're defending him because you share the same hobby?

How could I possibly go to a place like that?

I never do.

Well, maybe twice. With Yan.

Actually, just once.

So was it once

or twice?

Kneel down!

You're still a kid, and you dare set foot in such a sleazy place?

What kind of man will you grow into at this rate?

Apologize to your sister!

Now!

Manman!

Manman.

I'm sorry, Manman.

Manman…

Enough, I'm holding a needle here.

Yes.

Ci understands his fault now. It won't happen again.

Don't be angry.

Yes, Manman.

I won't go there ever again, not even if His Lordship asked me.

I definitely won't go there.

Not a chance. Never.

All right, don't be mad.

Let me tell you something

that will cheer you up.

Take a look at this.

Have a look.

Get up.

QIAO CI, YANZHOU

It's too late to send an invitation to Bi Zhi now,

so I've decided to have Ci represent Yanzhou

at the Deer Hunt.

Really, my lord?

QIAO CI, YANZHOU

Ci, thank His Lordship.

Thank you, my lord.

All right.

From today on,

I'll oversee your martial training every day,

and your sister can keep you in check too.

Starting tomorrow,

you'll move into the mansion.

Thank you, my lord.

Work hard, all right?

BOYA

Fan,

what's wrong?

The Deer Hunt is just a few days away,

but we still haven't received an invitation from Wei.

Be patient.

Maybe it's just delayed on the road.

Reporting!

General, a letter from Wei State just arrived.

Heavy rains made the roads muddy,

causing a two-day delay.

You may go.

See?

I told you,

it must've been delayed on the road.

WITH THE DEER HUNT COMING UP AND SO MUCH GOING ON, I HAVE TO GIVE IT UP.

In a few days,

arrange for someone to escort Mother back to Kangjun.

Back to Kangjun?

Aren't we going to Yujun?

Manman is doing well in Yujun.

There's no need for us to visit her.

Tired?

Manman.

Why is this so heavy?

I filled it with clay and stones.

It's solid.

That's quite impressive.

A few days ago, I thought you'd only grown in height,

but now I see that your mindset has matured too.

Father never eased up on my training.

I'm sorry for having you train here in this courtyard.

Not at all.

After all, this isn't our own home.

Manman,

I came to visit you because I was worried about you.

Now it seems you're the one worrying about me.

Now that you've seen me, do you feel reassured?

After seeing His Lordship, I'm not quite reassured.

His Lordship is a strange one, that's true.

But he's not a bad person.

He treats me very well.

You're always praising him,

but I don't see it.

You know about the feud between the Qiaos and Weis, don't you?

He took on the role of patriarch at a young age.

It hasn't been easy for him.

He keeps everything bottled up.

But deep down, he's caring and gentle.

Once he trusts someone,

he looks after them with all his heart and has faith in them.

So, His Lordship

doesn't see me as family.

He does care about you.

He just doesn't know how to show it.

YUJUN

Bets are final!

Yaozhou will surely win.

Sharp eye! Well spotted.

Please pay over there.

It's about to start.

Why hasn't the Lord of Liangya arrived yet?

Liangya State is always punctual.

Did the Lord of Wei not invite him?

Greetings, my lady.

No.

I heard the Lord of Liangya is bringing his second son to Yujun.

I suppose Young Master Liu

is making a scene over there.

- Greetings, my lady. - Greetings, my lady.

- Greetings, my lady. - My lady.

Please accept my respects, sirs.

You've come all this way to Yujun

out of respect for Grandfather.

We knew Lord Qiao for over ten years.

You used to pull my beard when you were a child, my lady.

No need for formalities with us.

Feel free to talk to us.

It's a pity Lord Qiao passed so suddenly.

I missed seeing him before he passed.

Why bring this up now?

You'll only make Her Ladyship sad.

GOVERNMENT OFFICE

It's Young Master Liu.

The Lord of Liangya only sent you here?

Are they trying to slight Wei State?

- Exactly. - That's right.

The Lord of Liangya has come to attend the Deer Hunt.

The former Lord of Liangya has passed away.

The former Lady of Liangya and all the late lord's other offspring

followed him in death due to their deep sorrow,

because they were so closely bonded.

- What? - So sudden.

How could it happen?

Exactly.

Xiaoqiao,

it's been a long time.

Lord of Liangya, I hope you've been well.

PEACE AND PROSPERITY

PEACE AND PROSPERITY

Lady Yulou has arrived.

Lady Yulou?

She's the widow of Chen Xiang from Bianzhou.

Chen Pang now leads Bianzhou.

Why is she here?

Yeah, that's odd.

I'm Lady Su from Wushan State,

here by the Lord of Wei's grace to attend the Deer Hunt.

Lady Yulou, please take a seat.

My lord,

Lady Yulou has a peony mark on her forehead.

People say

that whoever wins her wins the realm.

If it's that magical, why is she widowed?

Everyone here today is a leading figure from their region.

Lady Su lost her husband

and still got Wushan State an official invitation.

She's now equal to nobles like us.

I'm afraid

her strength goes far beyond a peony.

You're right, my lord.

Ci,

all here today are martial experts.

Just do what you can.

Don't worry, my lord.

Since it's a match, I will give it my all.

I won't look down on anyone.

The auspicious moment is upon us!

The Deer Hunt

officially begins!

Round one!

Arena Duel.

The winner will earn the title of Combat Champion

and be awarded a treasure steed.

Please welcome the warrior from Yenzhou

and the warrior from Yaozhou.

ZHAO HONG'EN, YENZHOU QIN QINGSHAN, YAOZHOU

The duel between Yenzhou and Yaozhou has already begun!

Who will be the winner? Place your bets.

Come on! Place your bets.

Come on! Place your bets.

- Bet more, win more! - What's going on over there?

Don't hesitate, everyone. Place your bets now.

The result is coming!

People have set up a gambling table to bet on the match outcomes.

But no one knows how strong these warriors are.

What are they betting on? Just wild guesses?

Yeah, only fools would bet.

Win money? Only fools wouldn't bet!

Hurry up, hurry up!

The duel result between Yenzhou and Yaozhou is coming soon.

Place your bets!

Why is no one betting on Yanzhou?

The Young Master of Yanzhou is just 15 years old.

How good could he be?

- Betting on him is wasting money. - Exactly.

That's nonsense.

Has Yanzhou run out of warriors? They just sent a kid?

What did you…

That kid is visiting family in Wei.

Even if he loses, it's no shame.

Right. Nothing to be ashamed of.

What do you all know anyway?

Have you ever seen Young Master Ci?

Although he's young, he's really talented.

His spear technique is truly impressive.

But he didn't bring his spear this time to Wei State…

He hasn't fought yet, but you're making excuses here?

Left his spear at home?

- Can't handle losing? - Why bother?

- Are you betting or not? - Are you in or not?

I… I'm in. I'll bet right now.

- I'll bet on Yanzhou. - Fine.

Go ahead.

I'll bet now.

Where's my money?

So you didn't bring any money, huh?

How can you bet without money?

I brought it. I just…

NUMBER ONE, XIAOTAO, 400 TAELS

I'll cover her bet.

Win, you claim the prize. Lose, I bear the cost.

YANZHOU WARRIOR

Sir, you've got guts!

Yaozhou wins.

Duel report!

Duel report!

- Who won? - Yaozhou did!

QIN QINGSHAN, YAOZHOU

Yaozhou won.

Next up, the warrior from Yanzhou versus the warrior from Wushan!

Ci, whether you lose or win,

win with grace and lose with dignity.

That's a true gentleman.

Yes, Manman.

Today's result will shape our future.

Zixin, do you understand that?

Yes, Ehuang.

Place your bets.

Next round, Yanzhou versus Wushan!

- Yanzhou. - Listen to me!

- Wushan will definitely win. - Bets are final!

- Place your bets! - Look.

Yanzhou will definitely win.

- Right. - Wushan State will win.

- Yanzhou will win! - I'll bet on Wushan State too.

QIAO CI, YANZHOU

QIAO CI, YANZHOU SU ZIXIN, WUSHAN STATE