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BASED ON THE NOVEL
"THE PRISONER OF BEAUTY" BY PENGLAI KE
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Mr. Wei.
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Your calligraphy is elegant and refined,
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just like your character.
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Even the ink smells fragrant.
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It suits you…
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perfectly.
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You flatter me, cousin.
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With Grandmother's
birthday banquet approaching,
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I'm just making some simple preparations.
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I didn't mean to display
my poor skills before you.
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I've run out of ink sticks.
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I'll go fetch some more.
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Wait a minute.
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I came today
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to thank you personally.
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I've done nothing for you.
There is no need to thank me.
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Regarding Rongjun,
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in the past,
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I had some misconceptions about you.
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I had no idea you'd do so much
for the people of Rongjun.
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To relieve the famine there,
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you even wrote to your family
for wheat seeds.
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I also learned
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you studied the Local Records of Rongjun
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and included in your letter
the local climate, rainfall,
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and the people's preferences,
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all for obtaining suitable seeds.
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Yet I was narrow-minded.
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I thought you were writing to Yanzhou
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to seek outside aid.
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Had it not been for Zhonglin,
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who read the letter to me word by word,
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I'd never have known
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how righteous and devoted you are.
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On behalf of the people of Rongjun,
I thank you.
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This is too much.
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Wei Liang must have known all along.
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I even helped him calculate
how to transport grain to Rongjun.
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Will you be quiet?
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Stop making things worse.
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I just can't bear
to see her being treated this way.
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She married far from home
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and merely confided a few words
in her letter home,
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but he even insisted on inspecting that.
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Reading it was one thing,
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but to read it to his cousin?
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Exactly.
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Prepare the ink.
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I'm sending another letter to Yanzhou.
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Again?
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My lord,
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Lady Wei has sent
another letter to Yanzhou.
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Read it.
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Come here.
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Read it.
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I'll give you the chance to read
Her Ladyship's letter.
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Why don't you read it?
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Well,
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no need to read it.
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I can pretty much guess what it says.
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It's probably about the famine in Rongjun,
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asking for more wheat seeds
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and things like that.
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She still cares for Wei.
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My throat's sore.
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You read it. Come.
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Here, take it.
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I don't read much.
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There are words I don't know.
I'll check later.
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I've always told you to read more books,
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but you never listened.
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Now, even the simple…
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My lord,
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no need to read this letter.
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Indeed.
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Didn't I already say?
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I can pretty much guess
what's written in it.
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At most, she added some flattering words.
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Something like,
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"My lord cares for all under heaven."
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"To have such a ruler
is a blessing for the people."
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That's about it.
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Forget it. Don't read it.
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Tan, send it to Yanzhou.
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It can't be sent to Yanzhou.
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It has your name on it.
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It must not be sent.
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Let me see it.
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Give it to me.
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What's gotten into you today?
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SHAME ON WEI SHAO
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My lord, calm your anger.
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She must've found out
about you checking the letters.
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Indeed, it was your…
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Our fault.
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Yes, that's right.
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Don't act rashly.
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That's right, my lord.
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At worst, hide in the study tonight
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to avoid a storm at home, right?
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Hide?
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Are you serious?
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I must confront her.
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That fierce woman is getting bolder.
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I've had a long day at work.
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I'm tired.
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I'll rest now.
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Overseeing everything yourself,
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it's no wonder you're exhausted.
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Yes.
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You've also worked hard these days
preparing for the banquet.
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Get some rest.
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The menu for Grandmother's
birthday banquet.
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Please have a look.
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You can decide on your own.
It's such a small matter.
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I only just came here.
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I still don't know everyone's
tastes and dislikes.
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If I prepared something that
displeased someone,
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it would be inappropriate.
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It's best if you check it yourself.
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Fine.
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Everything looks excellent.
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No complaints.
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Get some rest.
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And the banquet purchase accounts.
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Please have a look.
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If any discrepancies appear on the day,
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it would not be proper.
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Everything is detailed.
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No problem.
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When I was preparing invitations,
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I wasn't sure which character to use.
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There are eight styles in this scroll.
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LONGEVITY
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Please look them over and decide.
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Wei Shao, get up!
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Get up!
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- What did you just call me?
- Does it matter?
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Why did you read my letters?
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Wait. You…
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How dare you call me by name?
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Listen up.
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You were fierce enough before,
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but now you're also rude
and disrespectful.
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I have nothing to say to you.
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Only I would have married you.
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Count yourself lucky for that.
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Come back here.
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You're no better yourself.
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Suspicious all day.
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If you can't win an argument,
you just run off.
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There are plenty who'd want me.
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Small eyes and an even smaller heart!
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Your height is
the only good thing about you!
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You dare throw it at me?
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I…
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I'm going to let that go.
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What now?
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Why wouldn't I?
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LUOZHONG TAVERN
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Watch from the sidelines.
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Report any new developments
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immediately.
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Yes, heir.
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That young lady
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dared to call Zhonglin by name?
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How interesting.
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My lady,
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would you like to try some first?
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If someone's done wrong,
isn't it just a matter of apologizing?
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What's wrong with him?
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Yeah.
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First, he slept in the study last night,
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and now he won't even come home for meals.
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So petty.
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Xiaotao, Xiaozao.
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Stop badmouthing him.
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When he returns,
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you mustn't show him attitude.
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Understood.
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I wouldn't dare.
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My lady,
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speak with him properly when he returns.
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There's nothing that can't be talked out.
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We live under his roof now.
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It's best to get by peacefully.
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I know what I'm doing.
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Yes.
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My lady, Tan is here.
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Let him in.
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Yes.
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My lady.
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My lord sends word
that he won't return for the meal.
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See?
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He's clearly avoiding her.
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My lady didn't say a word,
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but he's playing the victim.
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Enough.
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Bring me a brush and ink.
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I must write to Cousin now,
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lest she write anything important
in her next letter.
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Yes, my lady.
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BOYA
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QIAO
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Dear cousin,
may this letter find you well.
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Since your husband took Boya,
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there have been many matters
in Yujun to attend to,
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so I haven't written until now.
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But the Lord of Wei and I miss you deeply.
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We only hope you and your husband
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find peace and joy in Boya.
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If you run into trouble, just write to me.
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When the Lord of Wei and I see the letter,
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we'll send someone to Boya right away.
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General.
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Fan.
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Dear, you've worked hard today.
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How's the construction going?
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All is well.
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Fan, don't worry.
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Is this a letter from Lady Wei?
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She must be reminding us again
to live well in Boya.
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Manman said
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now that Yanzhou has taken Boya,
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the Lord of Wei is wary.
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She reminded me to be cautious
in our future letters.
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PEACE AND PROSPERITY
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My lord,
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Lady Wei gave me this.
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She said it's a sutra copied for Lady Xu
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and asked you to review it.
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Even the sutra needs my review?
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Lady Wei said
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it must be checked by you.
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If there are any errors,
it'd be disrespectful
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and might upset Lady Xu.
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That fierce woman.
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She never lets things go.
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She also asked when you'll
be returning today.
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Go tell her
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I'll sleep in the study tonight.
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The study window is drafty.
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You couldn't sleep because of the cold.
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If you stay another night,
you might catch a chill.
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You…
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- My lord.
- My lord.
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Wei Duo?
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Greetings, my lord.
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When did you return?
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Just now.
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He came straight here
to report the good news.
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What good news?
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My lord, the Yongning Canal is now open.
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I haven't slacked off a bit.
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00:16:04,520 --> 00:16:05,920
This is from Yang Feng, Mayor of Panyi.
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He personally copied down the details
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and asked me to bring them back
for your review.
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YONGNING CANAL CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
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Is Yang Feng
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trying to claim credit?
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00:16:17,840 --> 00:16:20,720
Only after visiting Panyi did I understand
the benefits of abundant water.
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Yanzhou owes its prosperity to water.
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Panyi's wheat yield is high,
with many tillers.
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Each grain is full and heavy,
and the taste is excellent.
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This is wheat from Panyi,
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and this is from Xindu.
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The mayor said that
now that the canal is open,
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Xindu's wheat will be
just as good as Panyi's.
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If it brings such benefits,
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00:16:49,880 --> 00:16:53,040
why not extend the Yongning Canal
all the way to Rongjun?
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That'd ease future concerns.
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If we keep improving irrigation,
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we'll need to invest
more people and funds,
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and that will draw on Wei's troops.
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If Yanzhou invades now,
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Wei may not be able to protect itself.
278
00:17:06,599 --> 00:17:07,800
My lord,
279
00:17:07,880 --> 00:17:11,240
are you worried the Qiao clan
might benefit from this?
280
00:17:15,720 --> 00:17:19,040
In my view, my lord,
there's no need to fear them so much.
281
00:17:19,400 --> 00:17:23,040
Canal construction might ward off
Yanzhou's fate by a few years,
282
00:17:23,440 --> 00:17:25,720
but it's the common people of Rongjun
283
00:17:25,800 --> 00:17:28,400
who'll truly benefit
for generations in Wei.
284
00:17:38,640 --> 00:17:40,040
Let me think it over.
285
00:18:29,600 --> 00:18:30,920
My lord,
286
00:18:31,000 --> 00:18:34,000
we're on duty outside the city tonight.
287
00:18:34,480 --> 00:18:35,920
If we don't leave now,
288
00:18:36,000 --> 00:18:37,440
it might delay our duties.
289
00:18:38,000 --> 00:18:40,160
If there's nothing else you need,
290
00:18:40,240 --> 00:18:42,480
then we'll take our leave now.
291
00:18:49,920 --> 00:18:50,840
Well,
292
00:18:51,520 --> 00:18:52,400
just go.
293
00:18:53,520 --> 00:18:54,520
Let's go.
294
00:19:11,720 --> 00:19:12,920
My lord,
295
00:19:13,000 --> 00:19:15,200
it's this late
and you still haven't returned home.
296
00:19:15,280 --> 00:19:19,320
Are you still fretting about the letter?
297
00:19:22,760 --> 00:19:24,240
How could that be possible?
298
00:19:25,520 --> 00:19:26,800
It's no such thing.
299
00:19:28,600 --> 00:19:29,720
I'm glad to hear that.
300
00:19:30,280 --> 00:19:33,120
Your lady should be waiting
for you to return home.
301
00:19:37,080 --> 00:19:38,040
Yeah.
302
00:19:38,880 --> 00:19:39,920
Maybe.
303
00:19:40,000 --> 00:19:40,880
Very well.
304
00:19:41,440 --> 00:19:42,800
I'll take my leave now.
305
00:19:47,360 --> 00:19:48,840
It suddenly occurs to me
306
00:19:49,680 --> 00:19:50,840
that it's been a long while
307
00:19:50,920 --> 00:19:52,760
since I last visited Madam at your home.
308
00:19:53,360 --> 00:19:54,320
It's all right, really.
309
00:19:54,400 --> 00:19:55,240
No, no, no.
310
00:19:55,320 --> 00:19:56,760
There's no better time than now.
311
00:19:57,640 --> 00:19:58,520
How about this?
312
00:19:58,920 --> 00:20:02,120
I'll drop by for a short visit
313
00:20:02,200 --> 00:20:03,240
and greet her.
314
00:20:08,760 --> 00:20:09,800
Let's go, sir.
315
00:20:11,760 --> 00:20:13,040
Very well.
316
00:20:13,680 --> 00:20:14,800
Very well.
317
00:20:18,000 --> 00:20:20,640
Who would've thought
he'd keep us this late?
318
00:20:21,320 --> 00:20:22,800
Only taverns are still open.
319
00:20:22,880 --> 00:20:24,520
Taverns are great.
Wei Duo is a grown man now.
320
00:20:24,600 --> 00:20:26,080
- Time to see more of the world.
- Right.
321
00:20:26,160 --> 00:20:27,200
Where to?
322
00:20:27,720 --> 00:20:28,600
My lord.
323
00:20:29,240 --> 00:20:30,280
Aren't you on duty?
324
00:20:30,920 --> 00:20:31,920
My lord.
325
00:20:32,000 --> 00:20:33,080
It's my fault.
326
00:20:33,720 --> 00:20:35,840
My lord, they meant well, to welcome me.
327
00:20:35,920 --> 00:20:36,760
Just punish me.
328
00:20:36,840 --> 00:20:38,240
- Punish me.
- No, punish me.
329
00:20:38,320 --> 00:20:39,200
- It was my mistake.
- No.
330
00:20:39,280 --> 00:20:41,440
- I shouldn't have done it.
- It was my idea.
331
00:20:41,520 --> 00:20:42,720
- Punish me.
- Enough.
332
00:20:48,240 --> 00:20:49,200
My treat.
333
00:20:50,560 --> 00:20:51,720
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
334
00:20:51,800 --> 00:20:52,720
Thank you, my lord.
335
00:20:59,960 --> 00:21:01,480
My lord, where are we heading now?
336
00:21:01,560 --> 00:21:02,960
We've been walking for a while.
337
00:21:04,680 --> 00:21:05,960
To see Grandmother.
338
00:21:06,040 --> 00:21:08,800
Lady Xu likely went to bed hours ago.
339
00:21:08,880 --> 00:21:09,680
It's so late now.
340
00:21:09,760 --> 00:21:12,280
I'm afraid only Luozhong Tavern
would still be buzzing.
341
00:21:36,720 --> 00:21:37,600
Zhonglin.
342
00:21:40,400 --> 00:21:41,760
Since I came of age,
343
00:21:42,520 --> 00:21:44,960
I've never suffered like this.
344
00:21:46,080 --> 00:21:48,200
I've always been surrounded by beauties.
345
00:21:48,800 --> 00:21:49,920
Yet now,
346
00:21:50,640 --> 00:21:53,080
there's a towering man
347
00:21:53,160 --> 00:21:54,440
by my side.
348
00:21:55,000 --> 00:21:57,680
I came with good intentions.
349
00:21:58,480 --> 00:22:00,800
It's just too late to return home,
350
00:22:00,880 --> 00:22:03,520
so I'm staying the night.
351
00:22:07,720 --> 00:22:08,800
Just one night.
352
00:22:11,720 --> 00:22:12,760
You're being stingy.
353
00:22:17,400 --> 00:22:18,360
Cousin.
354
00:22:20,640 --> 00:22:22,320
I don't mean to blame you.
355
00:22:22,840 --> 00:22:24,440
I just want to know
356
00:22:24,520 --> 00:22:27,720
why you told her I'd read her letters
357
00:22:28,800 --> 00:22:30,280
even though I know
358
00:22:30,360 --> 00:22:33,880
you see her as an outsider
and don't fully trust her.
359
00:22:35,600 --> 00:22:37,360
I don't believe Qiao and Wei
360
00:22:38,760 --> 00:22:40,680
have ever truly trusted each other.
361
00:22:42,480 --> 00:22:43,600
I wanted to know,
362
00:22:44,280 --> 00:22:45,840
when it comes to the canal construction,
363
00:22:47,360 --> 00:22:49,360
are they really free of other motives?
364
00:22:56,880 --> 00:22:58,000
As for the canal…
365
00:23:00,920 --> 00:23:02,160
I've made my decision.
366
00:23:02,800 --> 00:23:03,800
I believe
367
00:23:05,240 --> 00:23:06,560
your heart has made its choice.
368
00:23:09,880 --> 00:23:10,880
Zhonglin…
369
00:23:13,320 --> 00:23:15,200
Do you still kick off your quilt
when you sleep?
370
00:23:22,080 --> 00:23:23,200
Get some sleep.
371
00:24:12,400 --> 00:24:14,040
Please, heir,
372
00:24:14,120 --> 00:24:15,360
kill the Lord of Wei
373
00:24:16,000 --> 00:24:17,760
and eliminate trouble for Bianzhou.
374
00:24:29,320 --> 00:24:30,200
No.
375
00:24:31,480 --> 00:24:34,200
I've noticed tension
between Zhonglin and Lady Qiao.
376
00:24:35,160 --> 00:24:37,280
Just wait patiently
377
00:24:38,240 --> 00:24:39,760
a while longer,
378
00:24:40,560 --> 00:24:42,920
and we can shatter their alliance
in one blow.
379
00:24:45,000 --> 00:24:47,680
If he starts
canal construction in Rongjun,
380
00:24:48,800 --> 00:24:51,200
Wei will surround Bianzhou on all sides.
381
00:24:52,120 --> 00:24:53,680
But if the Lord of Wei falls,
382
00:24:54,480 --> 00:24:56,880
Bianzhou will have nothing more to fear.
383
00:24:56,960 --> 00:24:58,360
This is a plan for the long term.
384
00:24:58,720 --> 00:25:00,720
Right now, he's staying in your residence.
385
00:25:01,120 --> 00:25:04,120
I've laced his tea with knockout drops.
386
00:25:04,600 --> 00:25:05,720
Heir, please,
387
00:25:06,280 --> 00:25:08,400
do not let mercy
388
00:25:08,480 --> 00:25:10,720
spoil this chance to eliminate our foe.
389
00:25:15,080 --> 00:25:17,360
I have no objection
to breaking the Qiao-Wei alliance.
390
00:25:18,440 --> 00:25:20,840
Even if you intend to poison Lady Qiao,
391
00:25:20,920 --> 00:25:22,520
I will not interfere.
392
00:25:23,400 --> 00:25:24,960
But I've made it clear already,
393
00:25:25,840 --> 00:25:26,880
no one
394
00:25:27,400 --> 00:25:29,040
may take my cousin's life.
395
00:25:29,800 --> 00:25:30,800
Absolutely not.
396
00:25:32,920 --> 00:25:34,680
You consider yourself
part of the Wei clan,
397
00:25:35,920 --> 00:25:37,600
but they don't see it that way.
398
00:25:38,480 --> 00:25:40,440
You are gifted in strategy
and martial skill,
399
00:25:40,520 --> 00:25:42,520
yet they've humiliated you for years.
400
00:25:43,160 --> 00:25:47,680
They spread rumors that you were
a servant's illegitimate child
401
00:25:47,760 --> 00:25:49,480
so you'd never be trusted or promoted.
402
00:25:49,560 --> 00:25:51,280
How unjust is this?
403
00:25:51,360 --> 00:25:53,720
Were it not for your journey
to Bianzhou last year,
404
00:25:53,800 --> 00:25:55,360
and your reunion with your father,
405
00:25:55,440 --> 00:25:57,640
who knows how long you'd have suffered?
406
00:26:07,440 --> 00:26:09,640
Grandmother has always
treated me with kindness.
407
00:26:09,720 --> 00:26:10,760
Yes.
408
00:26:11,480 --> 00:26:14,160
You were raised by Lady Xu.
409
00:26:14,560 --> 00:26:17,000
But all these years,
she's never intervened in your matters.
410
00:26:17,080 --> 00:26:19,040
Nor has she ever reproached you.
411
00:26:19,120 --> 00:26:20,880
Yet, she is strict with the Lord of Wei.
412
00:26:21,920 --> 00:26:23,920
Can't you see her intentions?
413
00:26:24,000 --> 00:26:25,480
She was guarding against you
414
00:26:25,560 --> 00:26:27,480
to stop you from gaining military power.
415
00:26:27,560 --> 00:26:29,480
Say no more about my grandmother.
416
00:26:32,000 --> 00:26:33,800
If you dare bring this up again,
417
00:26:34,480 --> 00:26:36,920
I won't let you return Bianzhou alive.
418
00:26:47,120 --> 00:26:48,040
Heir.
419
00:26:59,160 --> 00:27:00,040
Leave.
420
00:27:17,640 --> 00:27:21,280
Why are you still
asking the governor for wheat seeds?
421
00:27:22,800 --> 00:27:24,840
My uncle is always calculating.
422
00:27:24,920 --> 00:27:27,760
Whenever help is needed from him,
423
00:27:27,840 --> 00:27:29,480
he tends to make excuses.
424
00:27:29,560 --> 00:27:30,760
He fears any loss to himself.
425
00:27:31,640 --> 00:27:33,680
I must write him another letter
426
00:27:33,760 --> 00:27:36,240
to stress how serious this is.
427
00:27:36,320 --> 00:27:37,680
He must not take this lightly.
428
00:27:38,440 --> 00:27:39,840
I don't understand.
429
00:27:39,920 --> 00:27:41,600
He trusts you so little.
430
00:27:42,040 --> 00:27:44,440
Why are you helping Rongjun
get wheat seeds?
431
00:27:45,240 --> 00:27:48,120
He'll never appreciate your efforts.
432
00:27:51,280 --> 00:27:53,000
How do you think he treats me?
433
00:27:56,120 --> 00:27:57,920
It's inconsistent.
434
00:27:58,480 --> 00:28:00,960
In front of Wei Yan and Lady Zhu,
435
00:28:01,040 --> 00:28:02,640
he protects you.
436
00:28:02,720 --> 00:28:04,680
He treats you quite well.
437
00:28:05,600 --> 00:28:07,800
But when it comes to the letter incident,
438
00:28:07,880 --> 00:28:10,040
his methods were despicable.
439
00:28:10,120 --> 00:28:12,120
So, he treated you terribly.
440
00:28:13,120 --> 00:28:15,920
It means he keeps his work
and his home life separate.
441
00:28:16,560 --> 00:28:19,000
Trouble from Mother and Cousin
442
00:28:19,080 --> 00:28:20,600
are family matters, after all.
443
00:28:21,040 --> 00:28:23,600
He can stand up for his wife
and trust her fully.
444
00:28:24,520 --> 00:28:26,520
But my letter to Yanzhou…
445
00:28:26,600 --> 00:28:27,280
DEAR UNCLE
446
00:28:27,360 --> 00:28:28,720
…involving the safety of Wei
447
00:28:28,800 --> 00:28:30,360
is state business.
448
00:28:30,440 --> 00:28:32,200
As the Lord of Wei,
449
00:28:32,280 --> 00:28:34,640
he carries the hopes of the common people.
450
00:28:34,720 --> 00:28:37,440
Of course he can't fully trust
the Qiao clan of Yanzhou.
451
00:28:38,760 --> 00:28:42,320
Though you're angry with him, you also
separate work life from home life.
452
00:28:46,680 --> 00:28:48,200
WHY NOT OFFER
BOTH KINDS OF WHEAT AS A GIFT?
453
00:28:48,280 --> 00:28:50,920
The wheat, while high-yielding,
454
00:28:51,000 --> 00:28:52,720
requires a great deal of water.
455
00:28:54,120 --> 00:28:57,280
I wonder if he'll start
canal construction in Rongjun.
456
00:29:03,000 --> 00:29:03,880
Very well.
457
00:29:04,760 --> 00:29:06,320
Send out my orders.
458
00:29:06,400 --> 00:29:07,920
Canal construction in Rongjun
459
00:29:08,000 --> 00:29:08,920
must be scheduled.
460
00:29:09,000 --> 00:29:09,960
Yes.
461
00:29:10,440 --> 00:29:11,760
Generals, a moment, please.
462
00:29:15,320 --> 00:29:17,920
There's one more matter
that requires your decision, my lord.
463
00:29:18,800 --> 00:29:19,720
Go ahead, sir.
464
00:29:21,600 --> 00:29:22,800
General Wei Duo,
465
00:29:22,880 --> 00:29:23,920
tell us.
466
00:29:24,000 --> 00:29:25,760
What kind of man is Yang Feng?
467
00:29:27,440 --> 00:29:28,920
He is
468
00:29:30,120 --> 00:29:31,200
best at saving money.
469
00:29:32,560 --> 00:29:34,000
What do you mean?
470
00:29:34,080 --> 00:29:36,120
He and Zhen Zhi were each tasked
with building canals.
471
00:29:36,200 --> 00:29:37,400
One in Xindu, and the other in Panyi.
472
00:29:37,480 --> 00:29:39,360
Panyi's canal was completed much faster.
473
00:29:39,440 --> 00:29:41,960
Shorter construction means lower costs.
474
00:29:42,040 --> 00:29:45,520
He's able to adjust plans
based on terrain, soil, and weather,
475
00:29:45,600 --> 00:29:46,960
and commands the people well.
476
00:29:47,040 --> 00:29:49,400
They used the silt to enrich farmland,
turning waste into treasure.
477
00:29:51,280 --> 00:29:52,080
My lord,
478
00:29:52,760 --> 00:29:55,560
this canal in Rongjun
affects tens of thousands.
479
00:29:55,840 --> 00:29:58,320
Our generals are skilled in war,
but not in waterworks.
480
00:29:58,800 --> 00:30:01,600
As of now, we have no suitable overseer.
481
00:30:06,120 --> 00:30:07,320
Sir,
482
00:30:08,280 --> 00:30:09,880
are you recommending Yang Feng?
483
00:30:09,960 --> 00:30:11,960
Yang Feng is not only efficient
484
00:30:12,040 --> 00:30:13,400
but is also a trusted aide
of Her Ladyship.
485
00:30:14,360 --> 00:30:15,960
If you appoint him,
486
00:30:16,720 --> 00:30:18,520
it would be seen as a gesture of trust
487
00:30:18,600 --> 00:30:20,640
toward Lady Wei and Yanzhou.
488
00:30:21,200 --> 00:30:22,720
It has nothing to do with her.
489
00:30:24,160 --> 00:30:25,280
Yes, yes.
490
00:30:26,640 --> 00:30:27,440
My lord,
491
00:30:27,520 --> 00:30:29,200
think of the greater good.
492
00:30:37,640 --> 00:30:39,600
QIAO MANSION, YANZHOU
493
00:30:39,920 --> 00:30:41,000
Uncle,
494
00:30:41,080 --> 00:30:43,160
Sister just wants wheat seeds
as a birthday gift.
495
00:30:43,240 --> 00:30:44,680
Why are you making it so difficult?
496
00:30:44,760 --> 00:30:46,040
You don't understand.
497
00:30:46,520 --> 00:30:48,240
Call it a birthday gift if you want,
498
00:30:48,720 --> 00:30:49,680
but to put it bluntly,
499
00:30:49,760 --> 00:30:52,280
this is stripping away
Yanzhou's foundation.
500
00:30:53,480 --> 00:30:55,920
If Wei widely adopts the wheat,
501
00:30:56,000 --> 00:30:58,080
they'll grow wealthy within years.
502
00:30:58,160 --> 00:31:01,040
Who's to say they won't turn their armies
against us when that happens?
503
00:31:01,680 --> 00:31:03,400
That's overly severe.
504
00:31:03,480 --> 00:31:05,640
The Qiao and Wei clans are now allies
505
00:31:05,720 --> 00:31:07,080
and are tied by marriage as well.
506
00:31:07,160 --> 00:31:08,920
Such things won't happen.
507
00:31:09,000 --> 00:31:10,240
Sister's there.
508
00:31:10,320 --> 00:31:11,760
She'd never let him start such a war.
509
00:31:12,640 --> 00:31:14,960
Manman's always been clever.
510
00:31:15,040 --> 00:31:17,680
She knows how important it is to Yanzhou.
511
00:31:17,760 --> 00:31:20,680
If it weren't urgent or of great benefit,
512
00:31:21,240 --> 00:31:23,240
she wouldn't have written to ask for it.
513
00:31:24,040 --> 00:31:24,760
Brother,
514
00:31:24,840 --> 00:31:26,120
just give it to her.
515
00:31:26,200 --> 00:31:27,880
Don't make things harder for her.
516
00:31:28,520 --> 00:31:30,640
Father and I are both in Kangjun.
517
00:31:30,720 --> 00:31:32,680
She's thinking of Yanzhou's interests.
518
00:31:40,360 --> 00:31:41,440
All right.
519
00:31:42,240 --> 00:31:43,720
When Father was alive,
520
00:31:43,800 --> 00:31:46,280
he often aided Wei as well.
521
00:31:47,640 --> 00:31:49,760
Since Manman insists on the seeds,
522
00:31:49,840 --> 00:31:50,800
let her have them.
523
00:31:57,080 --> 00:32:00,320
You truly carry the spirit of Lord Qiao.
524
00:32:24,840 --> 00:32:26,120
My lord, you're back.
525
00:32:38,320 --> 00:32:40,680
Seeing you study the map reminds me that
526
00:32:41,360 --> 00:32:43,200
there's news you may not know yet.
527
00:32:43,800 --> 00:32:44,920
I've already decided
528
00:32:45,000 --> 00:32:46,520
to start canal construction
from Xindu to Rongjun.
529
00:32:51,160 --> 00:32:52,160
How wise of you.
530
00:32:55,000 --> 00:32:57,240
I pondered this matter for a long time,
531
00:32:57,320 --> 00:32:58,840
but in the end,
532
00:32:58,920 --> 00:33:00,520
I chose to follow your advice.
533
00:33:00,600 --> 00:33:01,680
Are you pleased now?
534
00:33:02,640 --> 00:33:04,600
And what does Advisor Gongsun think?
535
00:33:05,560 --> 00:33:06,760
As for him,
536
00:33:08,280 --> 00:33:10,600
I put in my best efforts to persuade him,
537
00:33:10,680 --> 00:33:11,920
and he has no objections.
538
00:33:13,480 --> 00:33:15,320
So this was his idea all along.
539
00:33:16,120 --> 00:33:17,840
Then I must thank him.
540
00:33:27,040 --> 00:33:28,240
Also,
541
00:33:28,320 --> 00:33:30,840
I've decided to appoint Yang Feng
542
00:33:30,920 --> 00:33:32,760
as overseer of the canal works.
543
00:33:33,280 --> 00:33:34,440
I know Yang Feng is your clan's…
544
00:33:34,520 --> 00:33:36,360
Which makes me more grateful
to Advisor Gongsun.
545
00:33:48,160 --> 00:33:49,800
This canal project
546
00:33:49,880 --> 00:33:51,880
affects both Yanzhou and Wei.
547
00:33:52,760 --> 00:33:54,880
If you have any thoughts,
share them with me.
548
00:33:55,520 --> 00:33:58,480
You are wise enough to make
your own decisions, my lord.
549
00:34:15,920 --> 00:34:17,320
DANJUN, BIANZHOU
550
00:34:17,400 --> 00:34:18,280
Report.
551
00:34:18,600 --> 00:34:20,639
My lord, General Chen Pang
seeks an audience.
552
00:34:25,000 --> 00:34:26,760
Every year, we go to Mount Yi to pray.
553
00:34:26,840 --> 00:34:28,719
It's a tradition set by our ancestors.
554
00:34:30,000 --> 00:34:32,000
How could you change the plan
555
00:34:32,080 --> 00:34:34,040
because of a woman?
556
00:34:34,880 --> 00:34:36,840
How will I explain this to our kin
557
00:34:36,920 --> 00:34:38,080
and to the soldiers?
558
00:34:38,159 --> 00:34:39,960
Uncle, calm down.
559
00:34:40,480 --> 00:34:42,560
My lady is unwell today.
560
00:34:43,199 --> 00:34:44,840
It's right that I stay by her side.
561
00:34:44,920 --> 00:34:46,360
As for the prayer,
562
00:34:46,440 --> 00:34:48,000
we can go another day.
563
00:34:48,440 --> 00:34:49,880
Sincerity is what the heavens heed.
564
00:34:51,679 --> 00:34:52,679
Report.
565
00:34:53,880 --> 00:34:54,600
My lord!
566
00:34:54,679 --> 00:34:56,280
The Longevity Hall on Mount Yi collapsed.
567
00:34:56,360 --> 00:34:59,000
All the worshippers within
were crushed beneath the ruins.
568
00:34:59,080 --> 00:35:00,000
None survived.
569
00:35:09,280 --> 00:35:10,240
Your huadian
570
00:35:11,280 --> 00:35:12,480
is truly auspicious.
571
00:35:13,480 --> 00:35:15,360
It seems to ward off misfortune.
572
00:35:15,800 --> 00:35:17,160
There was no earthquake
573
00:35:17,680 --> 00:35:18,760
nor heavy storm,
574
00:35:19,720 --> 00:35:22,320
so why did the hall collapse?
575
00:35:23,360 --> 00:35:26,400
Perhaps someone planned this in secret…
576
00:35:28,400 --> 00:35:29,760
with hidden intentions.
577
00:35:30,280 --> 00:35:31,200
Uncle,
578
00:35:31,720 --> 00:35:33,080
I'm tired today,
579
00:35:34,320 --> 00:35:35,960
so I won't keep you any longer.
580
00:35:45,320 --> 00:35:47,240
Darling, shall I call the physician?
581
00:35:48,440 --> 00:35:49,240
It's nothing.
582
00:35:49,320 --> 00:35:50,720
Darling, don't worry.
583
00:35:51,600 --> 00:35:52,920
Although I do not know
584
00:35:53,000 --> 00:35:55,880
if this huadian
can help one rule the land,
585
00:35:57,080 --> 00:35:58,760
what I truly wish
586
00:35:58,840 --> 00:36:01,120
is that this huadian will bring blessings
587
00:36:01,200 --> 00:36:04,520
and keep my darling safe and healthy.
588
00:36:05,480 --> 00:36:07,240
You will recover, I promise.
589
00:36:10,960 --> 00:36:13,320
Having you by my side
590
00:36:14,360 --> 00:36:16,560
is truly my greatest fortune.
591
00:36:23,560 --> 00:36:25,200
If you have any worries,
592
00:36:26,080 --> 00:36:27,600
please share them with me.
593
00:36:35,080 --> 00:36:37,240
A scout reported two days ago
594
00:36:37,320 --> 00:36:38,880
that Wei
595
00:36:38,960 --> 00:36:42,160
plans to connect the Yongning Canal
directly to Rongjun.
596
00:36:45,440 --> 00:36:46,840
A canal
597
00:36:47,880 --> 00:36:49,320
means grain transport
598
00:36:49,400 --> 00:36:51,200
and swift military movements.
599
00:36:52,320 --> 00:36:53,800
If they come,
600
00:36:54,720 --> 00:36:58,160
Bianzhou will truly be in grave danger.
601
00:37:04,600 --> 00:37:07,480
I'm willing to visit Yujun
to resolve this matter.
602
00:37:08,160 --> 00:37:09,440
Darling, do you know
603
00:37:09,520 --> 00:37:12,720
Lady Xu of the Wei Clan is my great-aunt?
604
00:37:13,560 --> 00:37:14,720
I was raised
605
00:37:14,800 --> 00:37:16,160
in the Wei household as a child,
606
00:37:16,720 --> 00:37:18,520
and I endured with the Lord of Wei
607
00:37:18,600 --> 00:37:21,000
the grief of the Wei clan.
608
00:37:22,160 --> 00:37:23,080
Now,
609
00:37:23,640 --> 00:37:25,800
with but a subtle word,
610
00:37:25,880 --> 00:37:27,680
I can stir up old grudges
611
00:37:28,440 --> 00:37:31,000
and shatter the Qiao-Wei alliance.
612
00:37:36,520 --> 00:37:37,480
Zhonglin.
613
00:37:38,720 --> 00:37:41,200
Do you know what's planted here?
614
00:37:44,160 --> 00:37:45,400
Is it…
615
00:37:46,160 --> 00:37:46,880
millet?
616
00:37:49,280 --> 00:37:50,360
Shiyuan,
617
00:37:51,440 --> 00:37:52,600
do you know?
618
00:37:53,240 --> 00:37:55,200
I only know sorghum makes rich wine,
619
00:37:55,280 --> 00:37:56,960
while millet brings a sweet aroma.
620
00:37:57,040 --> 00:37:59,400
But as for this one,
I don't know its taste.
621
00:37:59,480 --> 00:38:02,680
You wander all over,
yet you don't know about grain.
622
00:38:03,040 --> 00:38:04,040
Grandmother,
623
00:38:04,120 --> 00:38:07,040
if you ask me which region
has the finest women,
624
00:38:07,120 --> 00:38:08,480
that, I could answer easily.
625
00:38:08,560 --> 00:38:10,000
Nonsense again.
626
00:38:11,120 --> 00:38:12,040
Lady Qiao,
627
00:38:12,440 --> 00:38:13,520
do you know?
628
00:38:15,880 --> 00:38:17,200
It's Ji.
629
00:38:17,280 --> 00:38:19,400
That's what we usually call
foxtail millet.
630
00:38:19,840 --> 00:38:22,960
When it comes to raising children, I'm not
as good as your Grandfather, Lord Qiao.
631
00:38:25,320 --> 00:38:26,520
You've been preparing the banquet.
632
00:38:26,600 --> 00:38:28,160
Any difficulties?
633
00:38:29,760 --> 00:38:32,800
I've already started arranging
the guest seating.
634
00:38:32,880 --> 00:38:35,280
The guest lists have been sent
to each region.
635
00:38:35,360 --> 00:38:36,440
Grandmother, don't worry.
636
00:38:36,520 --> 00:38:38,240
Anything I don't know, I've asked Mother.
637
00:38:39,600 --> 00:38:40,880
About arranging the seats,
638
00:38:40,960 --> 00:38:43,920
it seems simple,
but there's actually a lot to it.
639
00:38:44,000 --> 00:38:47,360
Outwardly, it reflects rank
and closeness of ties.
640
00:38:47,440 --> 00:38:49,040
But privately,
641
00:38:49,120 --> 00:38:51,520
some guests have close ties,
so they want to sit together,
642
00:38:51,600 --> 00:38:53,320
while others don't get along,
643
00:38:53,400 --> 00:38:55,280
so they must be seated far apart.
644
00:38:55,360 --> 00:38:56,880
There can't be any mistakes in this.
645
00:38:56,960 --> 00:38:58,600
Otherwise, people will quietly complain.
646
00:38:58,680 --> 00:39:01,520
I have a guest from Bianzhou
who's not on the list.
647
00:39:01,600 --> 00:39:03,560
She's a junior I know well.
648
00:39:03,640 --> 00:39:04,480
Bianzhou?
649
00:39:05,000 --> 00:39:06,040
Could it be…
650
00:39:06,680 --> 00:39:07,680
Lady Yulou?
651
00:39:07,760 --> 00:39:08,720
Yes.
652
00:39:08,800 --> 00:39:12,320
When arranging the seats,
place her close to me.
653
00:39:13,000 --> 00:39:13,800
I will.
654
00:39:13,880 --> 00:39:15,720
I'll attend to her with care.
655
00:39:15,800 --> 00:39:17,680
With you here, I'm at ease.
656
00:39:18,360 --> 00:39:20,920
Mother, do you mean Ehuang is coming too?
657
00:39:21,440 --> 00:39:23,400
It's been years since I last saw her.
658
00:39:23,480 --> 00:39:24,840
I wonder how she's changed.
659
00:39:25,880 --> 00:39:26,920
Back then,
660
00:39:27,000 --> 00:39:28,120
I truly adored her.
661
00:39:45,640 --> 00:39:46,960
My lady.
662
00:39:48,000 --> 00:39:49,120
I've found something out.
663
00:39:49,640 --> 00:39:50,960
Just as you predicted,
664
00:39:51,040 --> 00:39:55,160
there is a reason why
Lady Zhu praised Lady Yulou so highly.
665
00:39:55,960 --> 00:39:59,440
It turns out that she was once considered
for a betrothal with Wei.
666
00:40:00,200 --> 00:40:02,880
His Lordship always seems so proper,
667
00:40:02,960 --> 00:40:06,040
yet he's hiding some old affections
from you.
668
00:40:06,440 --> 00:40:08,320
You can't judge by appearances.
669
00:40:09,000 --> 00:40:10,480
My lady, please don't be upset.
670
00:40:11,200 --> 00:40:12,520
I'm not upset.
671
00:40:14,320 --> 00:40:16,000
I'm just thinking,
672
00:40:16,600 --> 00:40:18,920
the Lord of Bianzhou, Chen Xiang,
673
00:40:19,000 --> 00:40:20,720
has always been frail.
674
00:40:21,480 --> 00:40:24,000
He nearly passed away not long ago.
675
00:40:24,080 --> 00:40:26,480
It took many renowned physicians
to save him.
676
00:40:27,600 --> 00:40:30,840
Now, Lady Yulou arrives in Yujun
for the birthday celebration.
677
00:40:31,560 --> 00:40:33,480
It all feels rather suspicious.
678
00:40:35,360 --> 00:40:37,000
Saved him?
679
00:40:37,080 --> 00:40:38,880
This is just the glow before death.
680
00:40:38,960 --> 00:40:41,040
All the elders know this well.
681
00:40:41,120 --> 00:40:43,800
So, Lady Yulou is about to become a widow.
682
00:40:45,480 --> 00:40:46,760
A true beauty, yet fated to suffer.
683
00:40:47,200 --> 00:40:49,040
Suffer?
684
00:40:49,120 --> 00:40:50,760
I'm afraid she's actually
685
00:40:50,840 --> 00:40:52,040
unusually fortunate.
686
00:40:53,080 --> 00:40:57,280
I've heard Chen Xiang seeks her advice
on many affairs in Bianzhou.
687
00:40:57,360 --> 00:40:58,520
Of course he does.
688
00:41:00,200 --> 00:41:03,120
After all, she carries an empress's fate.
689
00:41:03,520 --> 00:41:05,400
They say whoever marries her
690
00:41:05,480 --> 00:41:07,320
will become the ruler
of the Central Plains.
691
00:41:08,000 --> 00:41:09,000
Hey.
692
00:41:09,080 --> 00:41:10,000
If that's the case,
693
00:41:10,080 --> 00:41:12,000
since the Lord of Wei didn't wed her,
694
00:41:12,080 --> 00:41:13,480
he can't claim the Central Plains?
695
00:41:14,000 --> 00:41:16,120
Who knows what he was thinking?
696
00:41:16,800 --> 00:41:19,520
What he thinks doesn't matter now.
697
00:41:20,960 --> 00:41:22,800
What matters is knowing
698
00:41:22,880 --> 00:41:25,840
what Lady Yulou's real purpose is
for coming this time.
699
00:41:37,840 --> 00:41:39,400
There's Lady Yulou.
700
00:41:40,200 --> 00:41:41,080
So noble.
701
00:41:41,840 --> 00:41:44,040
YUJUN