Original subtitles

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

Stop!

My lord.

Yan.

Zhonglin, you're here.

You can tell everyone

why I'm protecting these spies,

why Bianzhou wants me as a hostage,

and whether I belong to Wei or Bianzhou.

Release them.

- Yes. - Yes.

Wherever you belong,

you will always be my cousin.

But in this world,

a cousin should never love his cousin-in-law.

This isn't the time for that.

I'll find out who started the rumor and I will clear your name.

Then I'll tell everyone.

I'm the son of Chen Pang from Bianzhou.

What?

I'm Shiyuan of the Chen clan.

From this day forth,

I'm no longer your cousin Shiyuan, my lord.

After more than 20 years of brotherhood,

I ask but one thing.

Let me go.

Yan…

My lord.

Today, I'll leave Yujun,

and return to Bianzhou.

No need to see me off.

YUJUN

YUJUN

Yan!

Yan.

My mind is made up.

Zhonglin, don't try to stop me.

Please trust me.

I'll find out who started the rumor.

Even if you do, so what?

Some will never believe the truth.

Only by taking all the blame myself

can you and Lady Qiao remain honorable.

You're my family.

You don't have to take the blame.

But what if I want to return to my other family?

Don't say that to me.

Say it to Grandmother.

Are you afraid that if I go back to the Chen clan, I'll stand against you?

Is that why you refuse to let me go?

Wei State fears no such thing.

Zhonglin,

I beg you,

let me walk my own path.

I've served the Wei family for over 20 years.

I have ambitions.

Now that the chance lies before me, I must seize it.

You truly believe that once you return,

you'll get everything you desire, and you'll rule a region?

If I succeed, it is my fortune.

If I fail, it is my fate.

Even if I die,

I'll have no regrets.

Yan!

I swear,

so long as Lady Xu draws breath,

I shall never raise a hand with Bianzhou to invade Wei State.

I swear on my severed finger.

This wine is called "Yearning for Home."

I'd planned to take it with me,

but now,

my life is like driftwood.

What home do I have?

Let this be our farewell wine, cousin.

Don't cry!

Take care of Grandmother for me.

All right?

Yan!

What happened last night?

How did she suddenly hit her head?

Last night, Mr. Wei came to say his farewells.

Farewells?

My lady, the city has been restless lately.

But how could Grandmother allow him to leave?

She couldn't stop him.

Think of something.

We have to cheer up Grandmother.

It won't be easy.

Since last night, she has been not well.

Not well?

How is she not well?

Where was she hurt?

She… she hit her head.

Head?

Mother. Mother!

That's really bad!

- Ma'am, slow down. - Mother…

When have you ever taken to bed, Mother?

Mother!

Why are you not well?

How could just a bump to the head make you like this?

- Mother? - Am I too late?

Quick! Go to my chambers.

Bring me that important item.

- What item? - The gold-jade burial suit!

Grandmother is only in low spirits.

Low spirits, is it?

Mother, what would you like to eat or drink?

I'll have it prepared at once.

Sorry to trouble you.

It was just

a bump on my head.

You even went so far as to prepare a coffin?

I…

You've long been waiting for this day, haven't you?

No…

I misunderstood the servants' words.

They said you hit your head.

I thought something terrible had happened,

and… I was so panicked, I didn't know what I was saying.

Please don't take offense, Mother.

That item is complicated to prepare, so I had it readied in advance.

For myself, actually!

Mother, you won't be needing it.

Fine.

You're filial.

Mother, please keep Grandmother company.

I'll take my leave.

All right, all right.

You may all leave as well.

Mother, please rest well.

Ma'am, let's go.

I've calmed Grandmother down.

In the end,

I couldn't make him stay.

I wonder…

Does everyone I care about

always end up leaving me?

I understand.

I've been away from home too,

and my heart aches with longing.

But you still have me,

Grandmother,

and Mother.

We are all your family.

We'll always stay by your side.

Rumors have been swirling,

forcing Mr. Wei to leave.

Grandmother fell gravely ill.

It feels like

someone's pulling all the strings.

But don't worry, my lord.

We will find the one behind all this…

and restore Wei's honor.

Good.

YUJUN, WEI STATE

Lord of Wei summoned you all of a sudden.

Did he find something out?

Zixin hasn't returned from dealing with Lan?

I've come this far.

There's no turning back now.

I'd rather risk it all

than fall short.

What Lady Qiao has,

I can have as well.

PEACE AND PROSPERITY

You summoned me, my lord.

Is there something I can help with?

There's an old case still unsolved.

I'd like your opinion.

Do you know this woman?

She looks

a bit like Lady Qiao.

Oh, right.

I heard a rumor a few days ago.

Perhaps it's connected to her.

Nothing else?

Zhonglin,

I don't know what you mean.

She's confessed.

She said you asked her to bring me to the painting,

and then you spread rumors about my cousin and my wife.

You'd believe her over me?

What do you think?

That's right.

I was the one behind it.

But everything I did was for the sake of the Wei clan.

Yanzhou sent a beauty,

using Lady Qiao to divide you and Shiyuan.

How could you accept that?

Wei Liang.

Zixin…

Zixin.

At first, he refused to speak.

I had him whipped ten lashes.

Then he admitted to switching the wheat seeds

at Grandmother's birthday banquet.

I gave him ten more lashes.

He admitted to framing Qiao Ci.

With another ten lashes,

he admitted the rumor involving my cousin and my wife

was entirely his doing.

Thinking of Yan's pain

from losing his finger,

I cut off his as payback.

Zixin?

- Zixin. - It wasn't me.

- Zixin. - It was her. She's behind it all.

She did everything.

She came here to marry the Lord of Wei.

To marry Lord of Wei, she'd do anything.

Anything!

She's behind it all.

Drag these two out.

Execute them at once.

Yes.

Spare me, my lord!

My lord, spare me.

- Ehuang! Ehuang, save me! - I don't want to die, my lord.

- Ehuang! - My lord!

- It wasn't me. - Please spare me!

- Ehuang! Ehuang! - Have mercy, my lord. Don't take my life!

My lord!

Zhonglin,

I've always acted for you, and for the Wei clan.

My conscience is clear.

A clear conscience, you say?

During the wheat seed incident,

I was still the Lady of Bianzhou.

Every move I made was controlled by Chen Xiang.

He feared the Qiao-Wei alliance

and worried that the canal construction would threaten Bianzhou.

So he ordered me to come here and sow discord.

We were on opposite sides.

I had no other choice.

Her Ladyship and I stood on opposite sides once too,

but she never stooped as low as you did.

How can I compare to Lady Qiao?

She was born in Yanzhou.

Her family has loved her since birth.

The people support her.

But me?

I've been a pawn of the Su clan since birth.

I was cast aside by my own family.

My life is adrift.

My suffering…

My suffering is far worse than Lady Qiao's!

It is your own delusions that have brought you to this wretched state.

If you'd returned to Wushan earlier,

you wouldn't have fallen into my hands.

My delusions?

If I'd had Lady Qiao's good fortune

of having a man who truly cherishes her,

why would I be plagued by such delusions?

Why me?

Why was I the one marked with the peony?

Why did I have to be separated from Bogong forever?

Why did I marry Chen Xiang but not grow old with him?

Am I the one with delusions?

All I ever wanted was to find a place where I belonged!

Zhonglin…

remember how I lived

in your home as a child?

We were meant to be family.

It was the Qiao clan who betrayed us.

If not for them, Bogong would still be alive!

The Qiaos caused Bogong's death!

- Enough! - They ruined everything!

How dare you speak Brother's name?

You say no one ever cared about you,

but Brother loved you

and cherished you.

Even as he lay dying, he asked me to look after you.

Chen Xiang

treated you well.

He built you that pavilion

and indulged your schemes for Wushan.

But you ignored all their kindness.

Instead of blaming so-called "unfairness,"

why not ask yourself why you never saw the love and care around you?

No.

That's not true. I didn't…

I don't want your excuses.

Now, you've harmed Wei's interests

and the ones I love.

So you deserve…

My lord, she's a spy from a foreign state!

- She deserves execution! - Execute her!

Zhonglin, you can't kill me.

I can help you rule the realm.

Zhonglin, look at me.

I have the peony mark.

It's a symbol of fortune.

You can use me to win the hearts of the people

and command all the powers.

Zhonglin. Zhonglin…

An empress's fate?

Yes, an empress's fate.

My family doesn't need that.

And my brother knew long ago that your huadian was fake.

But he still cherished you and wanted to marry you.

What a pity.

You don't deserve it.

For the sake of my brother,

I'll spare your life.

You all knew it long ago…

By military law, she shall be branded

with the slit nose.

Yes!

Wei Shao.

Kill me. Just kill me.

Kill me now!

If you don't, then as long as I live,

I'll make sure I drag you and Lady Qiao to hell!

You think that Lady Qiao truly loves you?

Every woman's love for a man

is always a game of calculation.

They want either your heart or your power.

But in her heart, what matters most will always be the Qiao clan.

I'm waiting for the day she turns on you.

Carry it out.

Wei Shao!

Just you wait.

I'll drag you and Lady Qiao to hell!

WEI

SPIRIT TABLET OF WEI BAO, MY LATE BROTHER

Are you feeling regret for your brother, my lord?

Yes.

She let down Brother's deep love.

Was the Su Ehuang your brother loved the same one as now?

Of course not.

Now she's done many wicked deeds

and betrayed Brother's sincerity and kindness.

And to save herself, she even shamelessly claimed she admired me.

Shameless.

I believe the Su Ehuang your brother loved

was pure and kind-hearted.

At least back then, she didn't betray him.

Besides,

even if she says she admires you now, it might not be a lie.

What nonsense are you talking about?

Now, Wei Shao rules Wei State,

commands millions of soldiers,

reclaimed Xindu,

built the Yongning Canal, and governs the waterways across the realm.

Su Ehuang admires those in power.

It's no surprise she's taken a liking to Wei Shao.

You're quite casual calling me by name, aren't you?

What I want to say is that people can change.

She's been through hardship

and it shaped who she is now.

So you needn't feel regret for your brother.

At least returning the jade to him

is a good thing.

Yes.

People do change.

What about you?

Will your feelings for me

change one day?

Of course not.

Because I already have a husband who truly loves me.

What's wrong?

I just saw Lady Yulou's face.

It was horrifying.

We should run while we still can.

Lady Yulou is disfigured.

What noble house would still marry her?

If we keep serving her, we'll have no future.

She shouldn't have crossed Lord of Wei.

Even that empress's fate is fake.

What should we do now?

Calm down.

Let's find a chance to take her valuables and leave.

A daughter? Again?

How could she bear the future of the Su clan of Wushan?

Find her a good husband in the future.

Your huadian almost washed off in the rain.

Be careful.

Without that huadian, you're nothing!

Once in the Wei family, you must get along with both young masters.

The future of the Su clan depends on you.

Chen Xiang, Governor of Bianzhou, is frail.

He needs the blessing of your empress's fate.

Be cautious in your conduct.

Now, we rely on you to revive the Su clan.

Lady Yulou is no longer the Lady of Bianzhou.

Stay indoors and avoid bringing trouble to the Su clan.

But Brother loved you and cherished you.

Even as he lay dying, he asked me to look after you.

Chen Xiang treated you well.

He built you that pavilion

and indulged your schemes for Wushan.

But you ignored all their kindness.

You love yourself the most.

Kill me now!

If you don't, then as long as I live,

I'll make sure I drag you and Lady Qiao to hell!

Lady Yulou is disfigured.

What noble house would still marry her?

If we keep serving her, we'll have no future.

I'll go take her valuables now.

Let's escape together.

All right.

Here.

Take it. Hurry up.

Let's go.

What's this?

This is worth a lot.

Quick, hurry up.

Lady Yulou.

Lady Yulou.

Lady Yulou.

You're leaving me too?

You think I've lost my worth

and want to discard me like trash?

Have mercy, Lady Yulou.

Please have mercy, Lady Yulou.

I was born with an empress's fate,

too noble for mere mortals to bear.

Only a golden mask can conceal it.

You have chosen to serve me

and I will repay

your loyalty.

Lady Yulou.

Remember,

it's not that I must marry the ruler of the realm.

It's that whoever marries me

will become the ruler of the realm.

We are at your command, Lady Yulou.

Send out my command.

Summon General Xue Tai.

XUE TAI, JUEJUN

Let's go

to Liangya.

There seem to be many documents today.

I guess His Lordship will work late.

Her Lordship is as diligent as ever.

If I did that, my head would explode.

If you don't, it might anyway.

Someone, come in.

Yes, my lord?

My neck feels stiff.

I'll fetch the physician.

No need.

Come, tend to my neck.

Over here, come on.

Here.

All right, stop.

Are you trying to kill me?

Sorry, but I don't know how to do it.

That makes sense.

You're not married yet.

There's no one by your side to look after you.

It's not your fault.

All right, you may leave now.

I'm leaving.

My lord, do you want to ask about the canal construction?

Troops have been sent out. They'll arrive soon.

Good. I trust you with this task.

Got any snacks?

- I'll check the kitchen. - No need.

Just give me what you usually eat.

Dried meat.

Here, try some.

Curb your hunger.

You can't eat this forever.

Didn't you use to eat this all the time?

I did, but I don't eat this anymore now.

You know why you could handle such a rough life?

Because you weren't married.

Back then, you'd finish a whole pack.

You can go now.

Want more?

No. Get out.

My lord, Wei Qu said you might be cold and asked me to bring you a coat.

All right.

You're dressed too lightly.

It's May, but still chilly in the mornings and evenings.

I'll go pick up the supplies later.

They made new uniforms for me.

But uniforms are all standard sizes.

None fit you well.

How about this?

I'll have Chunniang tailor them for you.

That won't be necessary. I can wear them.

How can you wear them if they don't fit you?

Look at mine.

Her Ladyship tailored all of these for me.

That's what makes them comfortable.

Right.

My lord.

It's getting late. You should go back.

No rush.

Let me tell you a few things.

- Tomorrow, you… - Her Ladyship asked you to go back.

Her Ladyship asked?

Didn't you have something to say?

Please, I'm listening.

It's nothing important.

We can talk another day.

You always put work first, my lord.

If you return later, Her Ladyship can wait for you.

I told you, it's nothing important.

If she can wait, so can you.

Later then.

His Lordship doesn't seem busy with work.

Or maybe he is, but he jokes with us just for fun.

Are we that funny?

Except you.

He keeps saying, "Her Ladyship this, Her Ladyship that."

Why doesn't he go back sooner?

Feels like he's showing off.

Maybe even trying to humiliate us.

Now, Her Ladyship and His Lordship

seem to grow closer every day.

Almost like newlyweds.

Her Ladyship's mourning ends soon.

No wonder they're like newlyweds.

You're too young for this.

MANSION OF LIANGYA'S HEIR LIANGYA STATE

If you want to resist Wei State, my lord,

you must first take Panyi.

To reach Panyi,

you have to pass through Boya, Xindu, and Xiaogang,

each heavily fortified,

easy to defend, and hard to take.

But Liancheng

lies right on Yanzhou's border,

is nestled in the mountains,

and is poorly defended.

My lord, why not start with Liancheng

and then move on to Xiaogang,

killing two birds with one stone?

Isn't that the ideal plan?

Lady Yulou, it's easy for you to say that.

Xiaogang is hard to take,

and between Liancheng and Xiaogang

lies Mount Lian-gang.

Marching through it

will wear out our troops.

If that happens,

our chances of victory will only worsen.

The key to this battle

is Mount Lian-gang.

Once, I disguised myself

and patrolled the borders.

By chance,

I found a secret path through Mount Lian-gang.

It connects Liancheng and Xiaogang.

I asked around,

and it turns out General Bi Zhi of Boya

secretly ordered its construction.

My lord, you're wise.

Surely, you know who's behind this.

MILITARY MAP

My cousin

is a scheming woman.

Good thing she married Wei Shao.

In fact, I should thank her schemes

for creating this opportunity for you.

My lord,

I've placed my winning strategy in your hands.

Does that show my sincerity?

Lady Yulou, remember how you refused to travel with me,

enchanted by the beauty of Yujun?

Why do you change your mind?

At the time, my husband had just died.

As one born with an empress's fate,

whoever wins me, wins the Central Plains.

Everyone sought my fortune,

but only out of lust.

They were not true heroes.

I once thought you were the same.

But after you left, I realized

that Chijun

is where I truly belong.

Your ambition

impresses me, my lord.

Lady Yulou, do you mean to follow me in this life?

Please do not misconstrue my intent.

I'm not here to propose marriage,

but to forge an alliance.

An alliance?

On what grounds? The secret path,

or the huadian on your forehead,

the possibly fake empress's fate?

I stand on my late husband's will,

the loyalty of General Xue Tai,

and 50,000 elite troops stationed in Juejun.

My lord,

relying on beauty to serve is the most degrading way.

I don't serve anyone seeking to rule the realm.

Instead, I'm the one

who decides who will.

The Wei family wronged me.

Lady Qiao wronged you.

Isn't our alliance

destined by heaven, my lord?

I heard the Lord of Liangya has rallied his forces

and is ready to march.

So the first step

is a success.

Lady Yulou?

Lady Yulou,

His Lordship wishes to speak with you.

About the battle plans?

Not exactly.

Someone from the Su clan of Wushan has come.

His Lordship wants you to meet him.

My lord.

Lady Yulou,

my lord,

by order of the patriarch,

I have come to Liangya to arrange Lady Yulou's marriage.

The Governor of Taozhou came in person,

offering one million in silver,

hundreds of duan of silk,

twelve hu of wine,

twelve hu of every grain,

and twenty years of tribute from two counties

all to seek Lady Yulou's hand from Wushan State,

as a concubine.

Outrageous!

I now command 50,000 troops in Juejun.

I will not be a concubine.

Lady Yulou, you may not realize,

but the Governor of Taozhou offers these gifts because of your troops.

That's why he's willing to give up two counties' tribute.

Otherwise, as a remarried woman,

how could you expect such generous betrothal gifts?

But lately, the patriarch learned

that Lady Yulou is residing in Liangya State,

and wondered if His Lordship wished to marry you.

But he hasn't seen the Lord of Liangya grant Lady Yulou her title.

The patriarch is confused,

so he sent me here to inquire.

Your Lordship, if you merely enjoy Lady Yulou's company

but have no intention of taking her as a concubine,

then may Lady Yulou return home with me

and marry as soon as possible.

I do not intend to take her as a concubine.

Lady Yulou, please return home with me.

I'll grant two counties as Lady Yulou's personal fief,

along with double the Governor of Taozhou's betrothal gifts,

to present to Lady Yulou

as my formal proposal.

I, Liu Yan,

sincerely wish to marry Lady Yulou

and make her my wife.