Original subtitles

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

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

and the Lady of Liangya,

to share my honor and disgrace.

My blessings and misfortune.

My lord, you're noble and graceful.

Naturally, I am willing.

No woman should have two husbands.

What will the Su clan decide?

Your Excellency, what do you think?

My lord, Lady Su bears the peony mark.

Marrying her secures the Central Plains.

Your time has come.

Wushan will spare no effort to arrange your wedding.

MANSION OF THE LORD OF LIANGYA

My lord,

all betrothal gifts are ready.

My lord,

this is the wedding dress for the lady.

Please have a look.

Come on.

Send a team with me.

I want to go up the mountain myself and hunt a lynx for her.

Yes.

Lady Yulou.

My lord.

You're just in time.

Come and look.

Are these all to your liking?

I've sent off the envoy from Wushan.

No need for you to keep up the act.

It's time we turn to real business.

The Yongning Canal is going smoothly.

You must act without delay.

I'm willing to assist with 50,000 troops to show my sincerity.

If you have such sincerity,

then I

shall flatten Wei

and share it with you.

My lord, you'll surely triumph.

Prepare the troops.

Let's go.

YUJUN, WEI STATE

WEI MANSION, WEI

We'd better hurry over too.

If we're late, we might miss it.

All right.

Lady Xu is so kind to us.

My lady.

What are they so happy about?

Lady Xu is preparing your mourning end rites.

She's making new clothes for you.

Since summer's coming,

she thought it'd be nice to gift everyone a new set.

Everyone's happy and thanking Lady Xu.

She just sent word, asking you to go get measured.

Make sure it's accurate

so the clothes fit properly.

- Yes. - Yes.

When I was young, my figure was just like hers.

Women at every age have their own kind of beauty.

In a woman's life,

wisdom and character matter most.

Family is the most reliable.

That may be true, but Grandmother and Mother,

you were surely great beauties in your youth.

How else could you have birthed someone as handsome as the Lord of Wei?

You hear that?

In one short sentence,

she managed to flatter all of us.

Yes.

Such a sweet-talker.

It's fine if the clothes are a little loose.

It'll be more comfy.

Once the mourning period ends,

you and Zhonglin can consummate your marriage.

If you become pregnant,

you won't fit into the clothes anyway.

My lady, His Lordship is here.

Grandmother, Mother.

We were just talking about you.

In a few days, once the mourning period ends,

you two should consummate your marriage.

Your grandmother and I are waiting for a grandchild.

Mother,

you've worked hard preparing the mourning end rites.

Please take some time to rest.

Grandmother, I have something to discuss with Her Ladyship.

- We'll excuse ourselves for now. - All right.

Why did you have to bring that up?

It's a good thing.

A year ago,

when we were about to get married,

your grandfather passed away,

yet we had no choice but to push forward.

It's been a hard year for you.

My lord.

This whole year…

I never dared speak of Grandfather

for fear of reminding you

of how he betrayed you.

But…

I miss him so much.

Manman,

from now on,

you can talk to me about anything.

SPIRIT TABLET OF QIAO GUI MY LATE GRANDFATHER

SPIRIT TABLET OF QIAO GUI MY LATE GRANDFATHER

SPIRIT TABLET OF QIAO GUI MY LATE GRANDFATHER

My lady.

My lady.

Have you read the silk scroll at the bottom of your dowry chest?

No.

Lady Ding put it at the bottom of the chest.

My lady, it's time you read it.

I've looked into it.

His Lordship has never had a concubine.

He must be inexperienced and inconsiderate.

He's also a bit reckless.

I'm afraid he might hurt you.

I'll read it.

I'll read it now, okay?

Enough about this.

I'll go get it.

Forget it. I'm not eating.

Saddle the horse. We're going back.

You…

Are you afraid?

No.

Then I'm not either.

Back then, you had no choice but to marry me,

yet you still allowed me a year of mourning for Grandfather.

Thank you.

It was the least I could do.

A year ago when I married you,

we couldn't stand each other.

There was only mistrust.

How could we have shared a bed?

What about now?

Now,

after a year with you,

you've become the one I love deeply.

Having you in my life

is the greatest fortune I could ask for.

My lord!

My lord!

Stop shushing. I heard you.

I have urgent news to tell you.

What is it?

It's urgent military news. My lord, please open the door.

Whatever it is, it can wait till tomorrow.

Yanzhou is under siege.

What?

Liu Yan has 200,000 troops with him,

but Liancheng is backed by mountains.

Once in, no one comes out.

So, let's strike from Xiaogang

and have Qiao Ping march from Kangjun.

Then we'll crush them.

Yes.

Report!

My lord, Liu Yan has taken Xiaogang by surprise.

He's now sending 100,000 troops toward Panyi.

How did he get to Xiaogang in half a day?

What?

The Liangya army reached Xiaogang in just half a day?

According to Wei Liang,

Liu Yan discovered a secret path

between Xiaogang and Liancheng.

I must inform His Lordship of the secret path.

No need.

I already know.

Xiaotao, leave us.

I need to talk with His Lordship.

You said we needed to talk?

Go ahead.

I asked Bi Zhi

to secretly build that secret path under the pretense of mining.

I don't know if you still remember.

When I took Boya,

you went off to attack Xiaogang.

I built the secret path

to set up a defense line.

So are you saying

it's my fault?

It's my fault.

I never wanted you to be badly hurt today.

But right now, we should first figure out how to repel the enemy.

If you want to punish me later, I can bear it.

Repel the enemy?

Where can we repel them?

Liu Yan is attacking Yanzhou

and then marching on Wei through your secret path.

Where do you want me to repel them?

I never thought

you'd be so wary of me.

What do you mean?

Do you doubt my feelings for you?

That secret path was built before, not now.

You claimed you wanted to kill the Qiao clan.

We married under such circumstances.

How could I not guard against you?

But at Grandmother's birthday banquet,

when you said you trusted me,

I knew I had long since fallen for you.

You know everything after that.

Yet you never intended to tell me this?

Yes,

you were afraid of me when you married me, so you were wary of me.

Yet when you loved me, you still didn't tell me.

I've always thought I was a cold man.

I'm grateful you came to warm me…

but I never expected

that I was not the only one who couldn't be melted.

Have you truly let go of the desire for revenge then?

If you hadn't married me, would you still refuse to attack Yanzhou?

How can you say that?

I accompanied you to honor your grandfather.

I sent gifts to your cousin.

I mingled with your family like a relative.

How can you say that to me?

Did you do all that because you married me and wanted to please me,

or because you have let go of your hatred?

That deep hatred?

It was merciful of you to overlook my background and marry me.

But feelings can change.

What if one day you tire of me and want to wipe out the Qiao clan?

If you say those words again,

I'll take Yanzhou first and then wipe out Liangya.

This is…

indeed my fault.

But if I don't tell you these things,

I fear you'll only doubt me more.

The sun and moon can bear witness to my feelings for you.

For you, I would give everything, even my life.

Enough.

We're facing a great enemy.

The enemy hasn't even attacked, yet we're already hurting ourselves.

You've always been eloquent.

If you want me to save Yanzhou, you can say whatever you want.

My lord.

Don't worry.

Only Wei Liang and a few others know of this.

Your reputation will remain intact.

My lady,

His Lordship is waiting outside.

- Ask him to come in. - Yes, my lady.

Sorry to disturb you so late, but this is important.

Have a seat.

Let's play a game of Go first.

Look at this game.

Make your move.

Before,

I played Go with Lady Qiao once.

I told her

that when a couple lives together,

there's no need to keep score.

Look at today's game.

It's the endgame from last time.

Grandmother,

I came so late

for an urgent matter.

Liu Yan has split his forces

to attack Panyi and Liancheng separately.

Because of the canal construction, our forces are weakened.

He's forcing me to make a choice.

So, what will you decide?

Panyi concerns the water source of the Yongning Canal,

which is vital to Wei's survival.

Liancheng

is crucial for Yanzhou's fate.

In terms of state affairs, we allied with the Qiao clan.

We agreed to jointly defend the Yongning Canal.

In terms of personal affairs,

Yanzhou is Lady Qiao's hometown.

It's hard to let go.

Do you have other reservations?

I have a question.

Can we really send troops to help the Qiao clan?

Can we truly put aside the past?

Of course.

If we don't send troops now,

how are we different from Lord Qiao who broke his promises back then?

You don't have to worry about me.

When I accepted this marriage,

I'd already prepared myself for this day.

Let's repay hatred with kindness.

My lady,

are you still upset?

Duang told me today

that His Lordship stopped monitoring your letters long ago.

It means he truly loves and trusts you.

He's sincere with me,

but I never trusted him.

I was the one who upset him.

I have Yanzhou to defend,

and he has Wei to protect.

If he wants to give up Liancheng,

I won't blame him.

My lady, just now, Nanny Zhong sent a message:

His Lordship is sending troops to help Liancheng.

Mother,

did you hear that right?

He's helping Liancheng, not attacking it?

Come on. How could I have heard it wrong?

They said they'd leave at the Chen hour tomorrow.

My lady, let me do this. Don't strain your eyes.

I'm fine.

After I leave with His Lordship,

you must patrol day and night,

keep guard seriously, and not slack off.

Yes.

Duang.

Xiaotao.

Let me wipe your shield.

Here.

Don't worry.

I'm good at fighting.

I won't get hurt.

When you're on the battlefield,

be brave and kill the enemy and take back Liancheng.

Liancheng, Liancheng…

You're always talking about Liancheng.

Aren't you worried about me?

Of course I am.

His Lordship's right.

You Yanzhou girls…

What about us? What's wrong with Yanzhou girls?

Last night, Her Ladyship was up all night sewing His Lordship's battle boots.

Her eyes even became red.

Fine.

You could just give it to me.

Why wipe my shield?

That's tiring.

What's wrong?

You…

Come back safe, okay?

I'm waiting for you to ask for approval to marry me.

Who wants to marry you?

The shield.

Don't worry.

I've got your safety charm.

Even if I get injured, I'll come back and ask for your mother's approval.

Pah, pah, pah!

You won't get injured.

Pah, pah, pah. I won't get injured.

Pah, pah, pah.

He won't get injured, but it's time to set off.

You three stay safe too.

WEI

What are you doing here?

The road to the battlefield is long.

I sewed a pair of battle boots for you.

Now, the soldiers of Wei

will fight for Yanzhou.

Are you satisfied now?

Your forces are far fewer than Liangya's.

If Liu Yan brings reinforcements,

it'll only get worse.

But don't worry, my lord.

I'll go to Boya to ask for reinforcements

and guard your rear.

WEI

I've decided

to protect both Panyi

and Yanzhou.

Wei Xiao.

Yes.

You are in charge of guarding Yujun,

leading 50,000 stationed troops to defend Yujun to the death.

Yes, my lord.

Wei Qu, Wei Duo.

- Yes. - Yes.

You two follow me to Panyi to repel the Liangya army.

Yes, my lord.

Wei Liang.

Yes.

You lead 50,000 troops to Liancheng.

Prepare to march immediately.

Yes, my lord.

Bring the wine.

Lead the mighty men of the Wei clan

to the battlefield.

I await your victorious return.

Grandmother, don't worry.

I will return soon.

You won't return until we triumph!

We won't return until we triumph!

Zhonglin,

you were born blessed.

The day before you were born,

I saw a strange omen of a celestial deer.

That's when I knew you were destined for greatness.

I know you will triumph.

I'll be at home, waiting for your return.

Don't worry, Mother.

Help Lady Zhu leave.

My lady, slowly.

Slowly.

Let's go.

My lord, please look at Her Ladyship once more.

Sir, when did you become so sentimental?

He can look at her when we come back with triumph.

How unseemly.

It's…

Very unseemly.

Let's go.

WEI

Grandmother, Mother.

I have a request that I hope you will grant.

What is it?

I want to go to Boya.

Zhonglin just left.

He risked everything to send troops to save Yanzhou,

and now you want to leave?

I'm not going for fun.

I want to go to Boya to bring reinforcements.

His Lordship has divided his forces to head to Liancheng and Panyi.

But we're outnumbered, and the chance of victory is slim.

So I want to bring help from Boya to support His Lordship.

I hope you two will allow it.

If you can truly bring reinforcements

and help Zhonglin return safely,

from then on,

I will grant all your wishes, big or small,

in this household.

The road to Boya is long,

but for Zhonglin's sake, I must let you go.

I have 500 guards,

and I will send General Wei Xiao to escort you.

With them by your side,

you can be at ease going to Boya.

Yes.

Go then.

Thank you, Grandmother, Mother.

I will not let you down.

Be careful on the road.

Xiaotao,

go to Kangjun and send word to Ci.

Tell him to support His Lordship in Liancheng.

With both forces, we'll surely win.

My lady, rest assured.

DANJUN, BIANZHOU

Young Master.

Liangya's troops have besieged Panyi and Liancheng.

Bianzhou should help them as soon as possible.

Yanzhou and Wei are besieged, but what's that got to do with Bianzhou?

Bianzhou and Wei are allies, jointly building canals.

- We should help, right? - Shiyuan.

This is the Chen Mansion in Bianzhou.

You, a Chen,

should not favor Wei with your words.

I'm a Wei, not a Chen.

- Young Master. - You…

Lend me 100,000 troops.

I'll make up for any losses.

Make up?

How?

With the Wei people?

Or the Yanzhou people?

Shiyuan,

even if you dared make up the numbers,

I wouldn't dare use them.

You…

We've won. Good job.

Generals, a toast to you.

Good, good.

Thanks to you,

Bianzhou remains safe.

You flatter us.

- Here. - Cheers.

His Lordship was brave.

Why did he have such a useless son?

What does that have to do with His Lordship?

The Wei clan of Wei should be blamed.

They let him live a carefree life and become a good-for-nothing.

He's not even a Chen, growing up in Wei.

How can he lead our army?

Anyway, I will never recognize him as my lord.

I'll go challenge him.

Mr. Wei,

you've been in Bianzhou for a while now, right?

I'm wondering

if you can accept my challenge.

You're not worthy to be my rival.

I'll go.

You're only a rake,

always using dirty tricks.

Why don't you come at me together?

What?

Don't you want to take advantage of my injury?

You're both virtuous and gifted.

We will obey your orders from now on,

Young Master.