Original subtitles

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

Grandfather.

Father.

Brother.

This is Lady Qiao,

my wife.

SPIRIT TABLET OF THE LATE LORD WEI LUN

SPIRIT TABLET OF THE LATE LORD WEI JING

SPIRIT TABLET OF WEI BAO MY LATE BROTHER

WEI

Everyone,

the Wei clan suffered a great catastrophe 15 years ago.

Our lineage dwindled, and we declined more than once.

But today, we have weathered the hardships

and risen again.

The suffering along the way

was not borne by me alone.

My grandmother and mother

have guided me with great care.

The support of all the clansmen has also made today possible.

Here's a toast to you.

Beyond that,

there is one more person I must thank.

From this day on,

only the future matters to us, not the past.

We will share fortune and hardship and stand together through trials.

Hatred is like a mountain.

If it remains in our hearts,

we cannot move forward.

Zhonglin,

it's good that you can remove that mountain.

Thank you, Grandmother.

My lady, His Lordship is here.

Mother.

What's wrong?

Zhonglin, there's something about you and your wife

that I've been meaning to say for a long time.

Today, let me tell you properly.

I was wondering what it could be.

I'm busy with work. Let's talk later.

It won't take long.

I know you two are in love now,

but…

how will you make her utterly devoted to you?

We've already talked about Lady Qiao more than once.

I have my own ideas.

You don't.

I…

If you don't want your marriage to sour over time,

you two

must have a child.

So that's what this is about.

She and I

have already talked it over.

Talking isn't enough.

The clansmen think that as long as you're in love,

descendants will follow.

I disagree.

Why?

Tell me.

Because of the mourning period,

you two haven't shared a bed

for a whole year, right?

I…

Where are the kids supposed to come from?

I have a way.

Wait, you have a way?

That was because of the mourning period.

So we…

There's no need for you to worry.

Take this.

Actually, back in Kangjun, she and I…

Children come by fate.

What fate?

It depends on effort.

I specially got this for you.

What…

What is it?

I heard

that if a wife

puts on clothes or personal items worn by a pregnant woman in recent months,

she'll catch the good luck and soon conceive.

You believe that?

I can tell Lady Qiao wants a child,

so I asked around early on.

This woman can bear children,

but her husband is a butcher,

so there's a bit of blood smell.

But it doesn't matter.

Take it back, put it under the bed,

and don't say a word.

It's for good luck.

Will this really work?

Of course.

Time flies.

His Lordship and Her Ladyship have been married for over a year.

Yes.

It's been over a year since we got soaked in the rain outside the city.

Here we go again.

Are you going to bring that up every year?

Besides, I pleaded for you with His Lordship back then.

You even said

that you'd serve whoever pleaded for you

with all your heart.

Are you asking me to serve you?

Come on.

No need for that.

Just marry me.

You want to marry me?

Before I went off to war last time,

I promised I'd ask your mother for approval.

I've fought beside His Lordship for years

and risen from a foot soldier to a general.

Once I've saved up enough,

I'll have His Lordship ask for your mother's approval on my behalf.

Why do you need to save up first?

How much do you need?

The more, the better.

You don't even have a number in mind.

What if you spend more than what you earn?

Do I have to wait forever then?

Are you serious about this?

I am serious about marrying you.

The more I save,

the bigger the betrothal gift.

I don't need that.

- I have to save. - No need.

- I insist. - No need.

I have to save.

Why are you so stubborn?

I don't know whether to call you devoted

or just thick-headed.

I said I didn't need it.

It's done.

What's wrong?

Take your time saving.

I'm not in a rush anyway.

The meat's not done. Where are you going?

You've fed me full of anger.

Tao, you look good.

Why is she suddenly upset?

Great food.

Let me try some.

No, no, no.

That's for Xiaotao.

You eat those.

All you ever think about is food.

Don't you get what she was saying?

What do you mean?

She's eager to marry you.

What to do then?

Do you still have your wages?

Lend me some.

No. Let's eat.

The richest man in this place is sitting in the office.

Ask him, not me.

Go on.

I heard

that if a wife

puts on clothes or personal items worn by a pregnant woman in recent months,

she'll catch the good luck and soon conceive.

Mr. Gongsun.

My lord.

What do you need?

I want to ask you

if there have been any movements near Boya lately.

Probably not.

I believe there have been.

After this battle,

I've realized relying on Xiaogang alone

is not enough to protect Panyi.

Panyi is a key hub for the channel.

Every lord wants it.

It must not fall.

Now,

with the Qiao-Wei alliance,

I want to join forces with Boya

to reinforce our military

and secure Panyi together.

Mr. Gongsun,

what do you think?

It makes sense.

But there's no rush.

We can wait until we've entertained all the state lords.

No.

I believe this must be done quickly.

I'm in a hurry.

And I need to figure out who to send.

Whom do you plan to send?

My lord.

My lord, Mr. Gongsun.

- My lord, I have a request. - Hold on.

You're just in time.

I was telling Mr. Gongsun that I plan to reinforce Boya.

You'll go deliver the supplies on my behalf.

Any objections?

- I… - Good. It's settled.

You leave immediately.

Yes.

Also, there's one more thing.

While you're there,

ask the Commander's wife for two pieces of her personal clothing.

Tell her the Lady of Wei misses her and wants a token of comfort.

Got that?

Yes.

Also,

make sure it's something she's worn in the last few months, okay?

Yes.

Also,

if she has any baby clothes

or toys set aside,

bring back a few.

No need to ask questions.

Just take them.

Yes.

Also…

If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

Now go.

Yes.

This character Li is good,

but it means departure.

I'm afraid it'd be unlucky.

No.

Feng?

I remember

that I once knew someone who had Feng in his name.

His fate was full of hardship.

Not good either.

Qiuri…

It means autumn that feels bleak. Not good.

Have some water, my lady.

It's only been a few days' delay in your period,

and you're already picking baby names.

It's a tough decision.

Why not get His Lordship to help you?

It's not certain yet.

I'll tell him once I'm sure.

Your tastes have changed lately.

I'd say there's a high chance.

Maybe you're carrying a little lady.

BOYA

General.

General, why such a rush?

Good thing you sent word in advance.

His Lordship said I must go and return swiftly without delay.

Has your wife prepared it?

Please, this way.

This way.

This garment won't do.

The embroidery is worn.

Not this one either.

My lady.

What do you think of these?

This hairpin is way too intricate.

The gold thread is blinding.

Xing, put away these tacky things.

The Lord of Wei treats her well.

She has no shortage of these.

We need to choose something exquisite that she truly likes.

My lady, that won't do.

The general made this for you.

I remember

that on the day she helped me and Bi Zhi escape,

she teased me,

saying she liked my konghou.

When you heard it was for the Lady of Wei,

you nearly turned the entire storeroom inside out.

In that case,

why didn't you speak frankly with her and clear up the misunderstanding?

The closer you get,

the harder it is to say that.

Fan,

you're almost due.

Why do this yourself?

Others don't know Manman's tastes.

General Wei Liang said

a few ordinary clothes would do.

The last time Manman asked me for things,

it was when you and I escaped.

She picked out many things I like.

This time, I want to pick some for her too.

Fan,

you're so kind.

No rush. Let's take our time choosing.

CHIJUN, LIANGYA

My lord,

three factions among our allies

have turned to Wei.

I will make those traitors pay.

But right now, we need rest and recovery.

Liangya can't endure more turmoil.

Though Lady Yulou was worth more than Xiaoqiao was back then

and brought us 50,000 troops,

she incited the attack on Panyi,

which caused our huge losses today.

It's not her fault.

I intended to attack anyway.

But it wasn't meant to be so rushed.

Ultimately, it's her fault.

You mustn't indulge her anymore.

You're the one I'm indulging.

My lord, I'm sorry.

I know my mistake.

My lord,

now,

will Lady Yulou

betray you

after such a great defeat?

Most of Wei Shao's forces were tied down by the canal construction,

yet Liu Yan still lost.

I think he's useless.

If General Lin's troops had arrived on time,

he might have won.

But now, I think they're scared.

We should return to Juejun.

You've protected me so well.

If my husband knew,

he'd be relieved.

But I promised him

I'd fight for this land.

Though he's gone,

I must not break my word.

Why do you value the Lord of Liangya so much?

It's not that.

I just have no other choice.

Who else can stand against Wei Shao now?

If I want to unite the states to resist Wei,

someone must take the lead.

Then let's see if he dares.

I won't let him give up.

Lady Yulou.

His Lordship is handling affairs.

How dare you barge in like this?

My lady, why are you here?

I'm betrothed to you.

Have you forgotten?

I planned

to take this realm as my betrothal gift.

I thought to wait

until you won to marry you.

But now,

it seems the time is right.

What do you mean?

Last night, I had a dream.

In a trance,

a golden light fell from the beams,

circling several times,

and then transformed into a dragon,

whipping its tail over Liangya.

When I woke, I knew

the time had come.

Dreams

can't be taken seriously.

You're trapped in Liangya

like a dragon trapped in shallow waters.

I want to marry you

to help you rise swiftly

and become the ruler of all.

But I just lost to Wei Shao.

You didn't lose because you were weak

but because you didn't understand

Wei Shao or the Qiao clan

and misplaced your strength.

I've been twice to Yujun to break the Qiao-Wei alliance.

But I chose the wrong target.

Once the Wei clan trusts an ally or kin,

they're open and loyal.

However, the Qiao clan sways with the wind.

They're easier to break than the Lord of Wei.

You should start with the Qiao clan.

It will be easier to deal a heavy blow to Wei Shao.

In that case,

Lady Yulou,

why not visit the Qiao clan yourself to lobby them?

The Qiaos aren't enough.

I'm willing to go to the other states for you,

explain the stakes,

and persuade them to join Liangya

to fight against Wei.

I am willing to marry you

and give my utmost to assist you.

I only hope you will soon rise

and claim the Central Plains.

Since you trust me,

I will not let you down.

If I gain the realm,

I will share it with you.

My lord,

I was born with a most auspicious fate.

But the wings of my nose are blocking my fortune.

Only the element of gold

can overcome this.

So I wear this golden butterfly mask.

My lord.

Our troops are still resting.

We must not act rashly.

I've told you already

that you're only my servant.

If you forget that again,

I'll send you underground

so that my father can teach you the meaning of rank.

Understood.

WEI MANSION, WEI

General Wei Liang, you're back.

Xiaotao's not here.

Well.

Where did she go, then?

She's attending to Her Ladyship.

But I asked around.

Xiaozao is on duty today.

Then she must be at the laundry.

I checked the laundry too.

No one went to do the laundry.

Then she went shopping.

But I just came from the streets.

I looked everywhere.

Just now, I saw someone with a bun go in.

That has to be…

That has to be her.

What do you mean?

Why are you talking to me here?

Listen.

I'm Xiaotao's mother.

If you upset me,

I won't let her marry you even if she wants to.

Now leave.

I'm going.

Mother,

let me talk to him.

Xiaotao, don't be mad.

I left in a hurry.

His Lordship was in a rush.

I came looking for you as soon as I got back.

I even asked him for reward money.

I've been saving it.

Then, is it enough?

Almost.

Almost?

So,

when will it be enough?

We're almost there.

I don't need much.

It's not like I want a house or anything.

You want a house?

Then keep waiting.

I said I didn't want one.

Once I've saved enough, I'll come back.

Mother,

he left again.

What a fool.

He's not a fool.

He values you.

He's afraid he's not worthy of you,

so he wants to do more.

Only then will he feel at ease.

I like

this son-in-law.

Why are you back so early?

I came back for a belt.

Do you need to change it? Did the old one break?

No. I just don't like it.

Help me find the one with the phoenix embroidery.

Since when do you care about that?

Thanks.

You seem to have been so tired lately.

I do feel worn out.

Then rest more.

There's nothing going on here anyway.

You don't have to check in with Grandmother or Mother.

Sleep in.

I can't sleep.

Also, I keep feeling sick and nauseous.

Maybe you ate something bad.

I'll get the physician.

No need.

Chunniang said

she was like this when pregnant with Xiaotao.

That's not the same.

That's pregnancy.

You're throwing up and tired,

and you haven't had your period in a while.

It must be something you ate.

You remember my time of the month?

Of course.

I'll call the physician.

What's wrong?

Since you remember my time of the month,

haven't you thought of other possibilities?

I…

No way.

Is it really that effective?

Nothing.

I'm just so happy.

Chunniang said

it felt like a girl.

Either is great.

I like girls.

But I haven't picked

a name for her.

I've looked through so many books

but found nothing that fits.

How about I ask Grandmother when I visit her tomorrow?

I remember

there's a mythical beast from Mount Huo

called Feifei.

They say whoever raises it will live a carefree life.

Why don't we use Feifei

as the child's pet name?

I hope you and our child

can both live free from worry.

Is that okay?

Feifei.

That sounds lovely.

What's on your mind?

I'm thinking…

Now we're a family of three,

and maybe we'll have more kids.

I once promised you

that I'd bring prosperity to your family.

I won't break that promise.

Once the canals stretch in all directions,

bringing blessings to the people,

trade will flourish and wealth will flow.

I believe that by then,

there will be no more war,

and the people will live in peace.

Let it be our gift

to bless our child

and the future of Wei.

May our child

live in an age of peace.

They will.

Manman,

a man of the Wei clan

never turns back once he's made up his mind.

In this life, I won't fail you.

KANGJUN WHARF

KANGJUN, YANZHOU

Let's keep going in Kangjun.

Keep singing.

Louder!

- Okay. - Hurry!

Circle around more.

Go.

One chi of cloth

Can be sewn

One peck of grain

Can be pounded

But two brothers

Can't get along

Prefect Qiao

Is good at medicine

Governor Qiao

Is full of envy

Prefect Qiao

Knows right from wrong

Governor Qiao

Is a cowardly turtle

Prefect Qiao

Is wise and just

Governor Qiao

Is useless and timid

KANGJUN WHARF

USELESS AND TIMID

Outrageous!

Calm down, my lord.

It's just some nonsense that bratty kids made up.

Could kids come up with that?

Someone is spreading this, trying to slander me.

My lord,

given the situation,

even if you punish me now,

I must say this.

If you let these schemers continue to run wild,

you and Yanzhou

may be

in danger.

What do you mean?

My lord,

you're the Governor of Yanzhou.

You're respected greatly.

But lately, when people talk of Yanzhou,

they only mention Qiao Ping, the Prefect of Kangjun.

Who even brings up your name?

Even the kids in Yanzhou are spreading that ridiculous song.

My lord, you're kind

and loyal to your brother,

but I

worry

for you.

Now, the Lady of Wei is pregnant.

When she gives birth to an heir,

the prefect will become the heir's maternal grandfather.

By then,

your position

will be in jeopardy.

MANSION OF THE LORD OF LIANGYA, LIANGYA

Now,

everything is ready.

My lord, may you win in Kangjun.

My lady, may you succeed in your mission.

Liu Xiao.

My lord.

Take 5,000 guards.

Keep the Lady of Liangya safe at all costs.

Yes.

My lord,

may you win.

I won't let you down.

MANSION OF THE LORD OF LIANGYA

Pass down my order.

Let's depart.

Yes.

Depart!

Father,

run!

Run!

Manman.

Manman?

Father…

Manman, wake up.

Run!

What's wrong?

What happened?

I dreamed

my father and I were out in the wild.

Behind him were several wolves,

staring at him like prey.

But he didn't even notice.

I kept calling him, but he couldn't hear me.

It was just a dream.

Maybe…

the baby was moving

and upset you.

Maybe.

How about this?

If you're really that worried,

I'll send someone to bring Father here to live with us for a while.

He can also be here when the baby is born.

Really?

Yes.

There's no war in Yanzhou right now.

He doesn't need to guard there.

He can come and live with us to enjoy some family time.

You're so good to me.

All right, go back to sleep.

I'll figure out who to send tomorrow.

Tao, Tao.

Once I've saved enough for a house, I'll come and marry you.

You still want to marry me?

I thought you didn't want to anymore.

Of course I do.

At the rate you're saving,

we'll get married in ten years.

I promise I'll save faster and marry you soon.

Do you think the moon is big?

Yes.

It's not as big as your dreams.

Tao,

I can save for the betrothal gift and the house.

But I can't get the moon for you.

What do I need the moon for?

Well.

I can save up for the betrothal gift and the house.

What else do you want me to save for? I can save up for them together.

Still saving?

It's been ages.

Are you making me propose to you?

Will that work?

Of course not.

What do you want me to save for then?

Why don't you get it?

Look at His Lordship.

When he proposed to Her Ladyship,

he hunted a lynx for her.

That's impressive.

- I'm going now. - Come back.

I don't want a lynx.

Then…

Come here, come on.

See that?

The lamp stove?

You look like a lamp stove.

Look to your left.

At what?

The orchid.

Oh, the orchid.

That's an orchid from Yanzhou.

Mr. Wei once gave it to Her Ladyship.

She poured boiling water on it.

I thought it had died,

but it has grown new buds lately.

Amazing, right?

When it blooms, it's really beautiful.

I've been taking care of it every day.

It's my favorite thing right now.

I know how you feel about me.

You want me to live well.

But I really don't care about money or houses.

Besides, I earn more than you.

If you really want to marry me,

just give me this orchid.

Your sincerity is the best betrothal gift.

Fetching His Lordship's father-in-law from Yanzhou…

What kind of job is that?

Same old rule.

Whoever loses goes.

What rule?

His Lordship picked you.

No need to pull straws.

When did he say that?

Didn't he say we'd decide together?

What are you staring at?

Can't you see that big thing?

- What is it? - Look closely.

The moon?

Where were you just now?

Xiaotao said

the betrothal gift is this Yanzhou orchid.

Once I get it to fully bloom,

she'll marry me.

Liang,

I've got just the task for you.

Don't say I didn't give you a chance.

What is it?

His Lordship needs someone

to go to Yanzhou and bring back his father-in-law.

You go

and bring back an orchid too.

Then you can marry Xiaotao.

But I already have one.

That's not the same.

That's the one Mr. Wei gave to Her Ladyship.

Don't think I don't know.

You can't use that one if you're serious about marrying Xiaotao.

If you really gave her that, I'd feel sorry for her.

- Wei Xiao. - Well…

- Don't you think so? - Stop.

Don't drag me into tricking him.

I'm not tricking him.

Duo, you're too young for this.

Just tell him the truth.

If you believe so.

- We have to trick someone anyway. - I'm not tricking him.

Don't listen to them.

Let me analyze it for you.

With your clumsy hands,

how long would it take you to make an orchid bloom?

You know the road to Kangjun.

It's a short trip.

If you go to Kangjun, you can bring back His Lordship's father-in-law

and pick up an orchid on the way.

Then you can marry Xiaotao when you get back.

It makes sense.

Look at Wei Qu.

Then look at you two,

always tricking me.

The moon really is big tonight.

How long has it been since we watched the moon together?

There will be more chances.

Yeah.

When you come back,

Xiaotao will be watching the moon with you.

YUJUN

Liang, safe travels.

Show me some respect.

- Don't come back all skinny. - I won't.

I mean your horse.

Go away.

Listen to your brothers.

- Bye. - Bye.

Take care.

Wei Liang.

What are you doing here?

You're really going to Yanzhou?

What for?

To bring back Her Ladyship's father.

He'll live here for a while.

There's nothing else?

I'll go and pick a real Yanzhou orchid

to propose to you with.

Goodbye.

Be careful on the road.

QIAO MANSION, YANZHOU

Who exactly did you call me here to meet?

My lord, if you want to turn things around now,

this is the only one person who can help.

Who might that be?

I…

It's you?