Original subtitles

♪If not for you♪

♪I wouldn't have wanted to make a name for myself♪

♪Only when I have your love♪

♪Is my invincibility not in vain♪

♪The towering peaks I've conquered♪

♪Leave me♪

♪Feeling empty♪

♪I've given everything♪

♪Just to follow you♪

♪Through life and death♪

♪Could it be that love♪

♪Is the true end of this life♪

♪Why does every battle♪

♪Bring deeper pain♪

♪I never got it♪

♪You once promised me♪

♪You'd give me ordinary days♪

♪Then I'd rather♪

♪Face blades and fall♪

♪Into your arms instead of the clouds♪

♪I'll pass through layers of fog♪

♪And barriers♪

♪The world's rights and wrongs, wins and losses♪

♪Who's to weigh their worth♪

♪Only love♪

♪Gives me a sky as wide as the sea♪

♪I only want to be your hero♪

=The Prisoner of Beauty=

=Episode 19=

Every time we go to the battle,

we leave them at home.

We weren't born on the same day,

and I guess

we won't die on the same day either.

But one day,

even if all four of us are gone,

burying these miniature weapons together

will mean we'll always be brothers.

So,

I want you to have this.

This...

Why are you giving it to me?

This is my most treasured thing.

I just want to give it to you.

Well...

Why do you want to give it to me?

Just keep it for me.

Seeing it

will be like seeing me.

I don't want to see you at all.

What's going on?

- What's wrong? - Let's talk.

- Wait. - Let's have a talk.

What are you doing?

- What are you doing? - Come on.

Let go of me. What are you doing?

Stand there.

What is this about?

Someone claims

they have blood feuds with Yanzhou

and the feud will remain,

but look what happened.

They say they're devoted to the Lord

and have no intention of marrying.

Look what happened.

Someone...

Alright.

Enough about it.

It's my fault

for not telling you.

I'll accept whatever you want

to do to me.

If you ask me...

I'm not asking you.

How about this?

I'll give you all my possessions

and salary.

What do you think?

What are you saying?

We've been through life

and death together.

How can I have your salary?

Besides, who wants your minimum salary?

Give me your little gold dart.

Let me keep it for you.

Fine, fine.

Xiaotao and I...

Who said

they'd never marry a Qiao?

She's not a Qiao.

You said you wouldn't marry a girl from Yanzhou.

I...

The Lord married the Lady.

That's different!

How dare you mention the Lord?

He brought his bride back to Yujun,

but you'd be marrying into Kangjun.

Not the same at all.

- Come on. - It's...

You're going to marry into her family?

Throw him into the river.

- Throw him. - What? No, no.

- Careful. - Throw him into the river.

My Lord.

My Lady.

Isn't it the gift

I gave to Wei Liang?

Why do you have it?

No.

You're mistaken.

- It's in your hand... - My Lord.

Let's go, or the market will close.

So, you already knew

that Wei Liang liked Xiaotao.

Only slightly earlier than you.

No wonder

he refused to marry

Yuan Wang's daughter.

What do you think?

Think about what?

If Wei Liang

wants to marry Xiaotao,

would you agree?

She's from my family, after all.

Why wouldn't I agree?

No matter where she's from,

once she marries a Wei,

she's part of the Wei Clan.

You too.

My Lord...

What's wrong?

Did I say something wrong?

We used to doubt each other,

but now,

you're helping me with the canal.

What's wrong?

(Cake) Why are you walking so fast?

My mother said all girls love sweets.

Perfect for the Lady.

Sir, here.

♪Wondering why you've slowed down♪

The Lady knew how to read at three

and recited poems at five.

Books should be a good gift.

♪Stay by your side while you embroider♪

♪If we're meant to be by accident♪

♪Embracing in joy♪

My Lady, please.

What kind of jewelry would you like today?

You might not know,

but we have a full range here.

A jade hairpin,

a pearl jingling hairpin,

and a feather-inlaid hairpin.

I'm sure the Lady

will like them.

Do you like these things?

What girl doesn't like jewelry?

How about this one and this one?

Do you like them?

So, you do know what I like.

I don't know anything about this.

These were picked out

by Wei Qu.

I thought you weren't so shallow.

My Lady, why are you back so soon?

Did the Lord upset you again?

Tao, listen to me.

Don't talk to the Wei men anymore.

Well...

What do you mean?

All they can do is fight.

They're not romantic at all.

That's true.

Wei Liang gave you this?

Look.

They have the same gift-giving habits.

War horses and darts.

It's different.

Wei Liang said

this is as precious to him as his life.

That's why he gave it to me.

How thoughtful.

Careful, My Lady.

Don't drop it.

How could I dare drop his gift to you?

You keep it.

It's not that.

This was a gift from the Lord,

so we can't drop it.

The Lord?

Wei Liang said

the four of them

each have a little weapon.

Wei Qu has a pair of short and long swords.

Wei Xiao has a little gold bow.

Wei Duo has a little saber.

The Lord

especially had them made

based on their preferences.

So, the Wei men know how to give gifts,

and the Lord is no exception.

He just doesn't know how to give me one.

It's my fault then?

The Lord...

My Lord.

You didn't even wait for me. Why walk so fast?

Here.

You've been in the army for years,

so you always walk fast.

I have to walk faster to keep up.

That's not necessary.

You picked out all the presents.

I've brought them back for you.

They're just local gifts

for Grandmother and Mother.

Still, thank you, My Lord.

These are for Grandmother and Mother?

I thought they were for you.

I don't need them.

I have those 500 war horses, right?

I knew

you'd like the war horses too.

We'll return to Yujun early tomorrow.

Take some time to rest.

There are still a few things to wrap up about the canal.

I'll go to work.

Since you say these

are all for Grandmother and Mother,

then consider it

something I picked for you.

It's better than war horses.

See?

He still

learned something.

I just need to try a little harder.

But we're leaving

for Yujun tomorrow.

What? You don't want to go back?

It's not that.

I just don't want to waste my efforts.

Go bring Yang Feng to me.

Yes.

(Boya, Yanzhou, General's Mansion)

Fan.

What do you want?

Nothing.

I'm just used to snacking on sour plums

when I do needlework.

It's nothing.

My Lord.

How improper.

I'm not even going to bother with you.

My Lord,

the Lady will be ready shortly.

How troublesome.

Generals.

Thank you for this.

It's my duty.

- He's still unreliable. - As for the canal,

- It's been years. - I do have some experience.

Look at how ingratiating he is.

You two,

enough already.

It's as if he'd get promoted.

Wei Liang.

- Come. - My Lord.

Let me ask you.

Why did you give away

the little gold dart from me?

My Lord.

You refused Yuan Wang's daughter

because you like Xiaotao.

Why didn't you tell me?

I was afraid you wouldn't approve.

But you still like her even so?

I couldn't help it.

Five years ago,

when we retook Yunzhong,

you stayed still even the when fire burned your back

just to stay hidden.

And now you can't help it with this?

It's true.

Every time I'm working in the office,

I can't stop thinking about her.

Whenever there's something delicious or interesting,

she's the first one who comes to mind.

When she's upset,

I lose sleep for nights.

When she's happy, I'm happy.

When she's sad, I'm sad too.

I just can't help it.

They say

even heroes fall for belles.

You're no exception too.

My Lord,

feelings are complicated.

You've never been in love,

so you don't understand.

My Lord,

what do you mean by "too"?

Right.

You're right. I don't understand.

Good thing we haven't left yet.

The prefect is right over there.

I'll go tell him now

I approve of the marriage.

Stay and get married.

No, no. My Lord.

I was wrong. I'm sorry.

My Lord.

My Lord.

Since you're ready,

let's depart then.

Everyone,

I'll leave the Yongning Canal

to your care.

We'll do our best.

Let's go.

This is bad.

Very bad.

Tell me. What happened?

What's wrong?

I have a copy of The Waterway Classic,

which records rivers and tributaries.

I should've brought it to help with the canal.

But

my useless brain...

I completely forgot.

Forgot?

How could you forget?

It's a miracle you even remembered

to bring yourself.

I shouldn't have troubled you, My Lord,

but this book

concerns our schedule.

So, I must ask you

to fetch it for me.

You're so phony.

If you truly wanted to help with our canal,

how could you forget it?

Shut up.

Do you truly care?

My Lord.

It's fine.

It's not a big deal.

I'll send someone

to Panyi to retrieve the book for you.

Why not

go with us?

That would be ideal.

If you can handle it personally,

that'll be perfect.

Hold on.

Are you sending the Lord of Wei

all the way to Panyi

just to fetch a book?

Lord Zhen, don't rush.

On the way to Panyi,

we'll follow the waterway.

We can check progress

on the later phase of the canal

and also revisit old places.

Besides, we can retrieve the book.

That's a triple win.

Just as the Lady said,

that's why I dared ask you to go.

My Lord, what do you think?

Last time,

we did a lot in Panyi.

I'd like to go back too.

Alright.

Let's do as the Lady says.

Let's go to Panyi.

Thank you, My Lord.

Let's go.

You get in the carriage first.

Did you see that, My Lady?

Just now, the Lord was staring at you

as if he was captivated.

(Boya, Yanzhou)

(General's Mansion)

- My Lady. - My Lady.

My Lady.

My Lady.

Bi Zhi.

Bi Zhi.

Can you hear me?

Xing, fetch the physician.

Yes.

Were you picking sour plums for me?

Two days ago, the general asked

where sour plums grow.

I told him

Mount Bang.

But he collapsed at the city gate.

Maybe he fell and got hurt

while picking.

This is a blade wound.

It must've been Xue Tai.

Mount Bang is near Boya's border.

Xue Tai often patrols there.

We'll ask the general once he wakes up.

Hurry, carry him inside.

Yes, hurry.

(General's Mansion)

You're awake.

Fan.

Don't move.

Fan, I want to sit up.

Does the wound still hurt?

Were the sour plums

good?

It's fine if they weren't.

Next time,

I'll find another tree

and pick more for you.

I haven't eaten them yet.

Then try one.

Try it.

Is it...?

Is it not good?

If so,

don't eat them.

It's good.

It's very good.

I don't want sour plums anymore.

I just want a peaceful life with you.

Fan,

aren't we already living that way?

This

was just an accident.

I promise

I'll be careful next time.

Xue Tai won't catch me again.

If you were just a common man,

you wouldn't need to worry about Xue Tai.

But you're the Commander of Boya Forces.

That's why

it's so dangerous.

Let's leave, Bi Zhi.

Fan,

I never wanted to be the commander.

I only wanted to give you

a stable home and a happy life

in this chaotic world.

Other people's lands

will never be as safe as our own.

And

more importantly,

I want the Lady

and your family's

approval.

I think you'll truly be happy that way.

Alright.

If trouble keeps coming,

then we'll make them too scared to try.

If we can win over

the Qiaos and Weis

and let all know you're my husband

and the Lord of Wei's cousin-in-law,

they wouldn't dare act again.

Alright.

No more tears.

My Lord.

You don't need to do this every time.

I'm used to eating and sleeping with the soldiers.

I just wanted to share it with you.

But this is coarse food.

Do you want this?

My Lord,

the road ahead is blocked.

What should we do?

I'll go check.

You eat first.

It's cold here.

Get in the carriage.

Xiaotao, help the Lady in.

Since you like this pancake,

have more.

Go back to your job.

Sure. Let's go.

Tao,

take the pancake.

Eat it first.

No need to wait for me.

Who's waiting for you?

Why did you give me this anyway?

The Lord said you wanted it.

Oh, please.

What can you learn from him?

How clueless.

What did I do now?

How did I upset you this time?

You didn't upset me.

You offended the Lady, didn't you know?

Can't you tell?

It's obvious.

The Lady wants to get closer to the Lord.

Can't you decide to change the route?

Did you have to call the Lord away?

I don't care.

You caused this mess.

You deal with it.

Fine.

I'll take care of it.

It's on you.

Bye.

Come back.

It's on you.

Not on us.

You promised her.

You figure it out.

Let's go.

Come back.

The Lord is slow-witted.

What are you thinking to expect him

to read the Lady's mind?

Are you even a brother?

Are we brothers?

Didn't we say we share

blessings and hardships?

And now you chicken out over a small problem?

It's not life or death.

You can handle this.

Let's go.

Come back.

One month's salary.

Fine, three months.

Kids

are not up for this.

Take him to play over there.

Don't move.

Come here.

Let's go.

What bad idea that I can't hear

are you cooking up now?

Back when I frequented taverns,

there were always tavern maids

fighting over me.

Now the Lady and the Lord

need someone like that.

You'll go

and make the Lord jealous?

Do you want me dead?

What's your point?

Listen carefully.

We need to be cruel now.

The best way to make someone

realize their feelings

is to make them feel loss first.

Think about it.

If Xiaotao suddenly went missing,

how would you feel?

Worried, heartbroken, and upset.

What a love expert.

Does the Lord have any orders?

The Lord told me to ask you

to wait here.

We'll guard you here.

Please.

Stay and guard here.

Guard here.

Wait here.

My Lord.

My Lord!

The Lady...

The Lady...

What's wrong with her?

She said she'd been sitting too long

in the carriage,

feeling suffocated.

She insisted on going out for a walk.

Does she have guards?

Wei Liang and Wei Duo are there.

Then it's fine.

But she hasn't come back even now.

She probably felt stifled in the carriage

and went out to relax.

This march is dull.

Now that Wei Dian is gone,

her burden's lifted.

Let her enjoy herself a bit.

Why are you back?

- What's up? - Why aren't you with the Lady?

My Lord,

the Lady wanted to fetch some water

and sent me back to ask

whether to fetch creek water or dew.

Are you out of your mind?

This is the wilds.

How could you leave the Lady alone?

- Wei Duo... - Wei Duo?

Wei Duo is not even as capable as Tao.

How can you count on him?

This is the wilds with complex terrain.

Wild beasts could appear.

You're sending the Lady to the tiger's den!

Even if we ignore that,

what if bandits want her for her looks?

What if refugees starving

from war

treat her like food?

Haven't you heard these stories?

If anything happens to the Lady,

you owe your life in apology.

My Lord, I'll teach him a lesson.

My Lord.

What's going on with you today?

She just went for a walk.

Isn't Wei Duo with her?

But it's been so long.

The Lady...

Fine.

I'll go find her.

My Lord, please.

You made it too terrifying just now.

If I hadn't, would the Lord be worried?

But you can't just jump to the worst case.

She won't really go missing.

Wei Duo's with her, after all.

That's true.

What are you two whispering about?

- Wei Duo. - Wei Duo.

Where's the Lady?

Where is she?

The Lady?

Isn't she with you?

Oh no, you didn't clean your ears.

Wei Duo.

Yes.

Where's the Lady?

Oh, my god.

Where's the Lady?

Go look for her!

Over here!

Hyah!

Don't be afraid. It's okay now.

Take them down.

Yes.

Come here.

Spare me, General.

Spare me, General.

Xiaotao, are you okay?

Who are you trying to take down?

- What's wrong? - Xiaotao?

I'm fine.

Do something useful.

Take these people

to see the physician.

Some are sick.

How did you know I was here?

Are you okay?

What could happen to me?

I saw these refugees

lost in the woods.

They got separated

from their countrymen

while looking for food.

It was getting dark,

so I had the guards help us

find the way here.

They didn't abduct you?

No.

Go.

Let's go.

Wei Qu.

Where are you from?

Where are you headed?

General,

we came from Yenzhou.

This year's rain

was less than usual,

so Yenzhou and Yaozhou

fought over water

constantly.

Hundreds in our village were forced to flee.

Only these few

made it this far.

General.

Here.

(From Yenzhou)

Yenzhou is over a thousand li away.

Did you walk all the way?

We had no choice.

We went to Liangya,

but they wouldn't take us in.

Then we tried Yanzhou.

They wouldn't take us either.

Yes, General.

We're exhausted,

so we just wanted

to find a safe place here

to build huts through the winter.

When spring comes, we'll move on.

Please, General, be merciful.

Don't drive us away.

Yes. Please don't drive us away.

We're not trying to expel you.

But the soil here

isn't good for building houses.

Where should we go then?

Please, General.

General.

- Help us. - Please, General.

General, please help us.

- Please help us. - Please, General.

Please help us.

General, please help us.

There's a place 20 li north,

bordering Panyi to the north and Xindu to the east.

The soil there is good for building.

Besides,

it's close to the Yongning Canal.

Water is accessible.

You can clear the land, farm,

and make a living there.

If you promise that starting today,

you'll obey the law of Wei

and won't harm the people,

Wei will take you in.

You can drink Wei's water

and eat Wei's rice

just like ordinary citizens.

Thank you, General.

Thank you.

But

when we passed Panyi,

the mayor was away on business.

Without his approval,

we dared not stay outside the city.

Settling down there

won't be easy.

You're not dealing

with an ordinary general

but the Lord of Wei.

My Lord.

Thank the Lord.

Thank you, My Lord.

Thank you, My Lord, My Lady.

Thank you, My Lady, My Lord.

Thank you, My Lord.

- Get up now. - Thanks, My Lady.

Come back to camp with us

for shelter and food.

We'll head to Panyi tomorrow morning.

Thank you, My Lady.

Thank you, My Lady, My Lord.

Thank you, My Lord.

Great.

The wandering days are over.

(Wei)

Where are you going?

There's no water left.

I'll get some water.

No need.

- Guards. - Yes.

- Bring water. - Yes.

Drink up.

Where are you going?

It's cold at night.

I'll get more clothes from the carriage.

No need.

Cover yourself with this.

You need it.

It's okay. Just cover yourself.

Here, cover yourself.

Come on.

- I need to change. - No.

Sit down.

What's wrong today?

You're opposing me everywhere.

I don't care. I'm changing now.

No.

I'm telling you.

Starting today,

you must tell me where you're going.

You can't make us worry like today anymore.

Don't be afraid. It's okay now.

Chunniang did worry about me.

She nagged me a lot.

The one who worried most about you today

is not Chunniang.

(Qiao Mansion, Yanzhou)

Good.

Very good.

This one.

(Yao Ying'e, eldest daughter) She's pretty,

but she's too old

to be offered to the Lords.

Yes.

(Li Su, eldest daughter) She can sing and dance,

but she's famously awkward with words.

Yes, yes.

My Lord.

What do you think of Lord Xu's second daughter?

(Xu Fanjing) She has peachy cheeks

and a captivating smile.

Also, Lyu's youngest daughter

is skilled in four arts and is well-known.

If we can find her,

(Lyu Xiaojun) she'll be a great gift.

Finding her

won't be easy.

It might be too wasteful.

My Lord,

this is for the good of the realm.

Besides, you have no children.

What's wrong with having a marriageable woman

as your concubine?

Concubine?

Yue,

how can you order

a search for belles everywhere

to be your concubines?

What are you saying?

I'm no young man anymore.

I...

I just want to find some young girls,

nurture them,

and marry them to the Lords.

You've benefited from marrying off

two girls, haven't you?

I'm thinking for the whole realm.

When Lord Qiao Gui was alive,

he never had this idea.

You're just a woman; be quiet.

You...

Lady Ding.

Yue,

you've gone too far this time.

Ci and Manman's birth mother passed away early.

These years,

it's Lady Ding who's been managing the household

and raising these three children.

Even Father

respects her deeply.

How can you scold her this way?

I already said.

This is not about concubines.

I didn't say it.

It's him.

It's him who said it.

Ping,

I'm doing this for our family

and for Yanzhou.

Since Manman married into Wei,

our relationship has clearly improved.

Clearly, marriage alliances work.

Ping,

right now,

Liangya, Juejun, and other states

are expanding their armies.

The world is on the brink of chaos.

I wish our family

had more daughters to marry off.

Uncle, aren't you afraid

you'll be laughed at for doing this?

If Yanzhou uses girls to curry favor,

it's a disgrace to men.

If that's really done,

how can I face anyone

as the future Governor of Yanzhou?

- Ci. - Yue.

How can you be so confused?

You must be misled by him.

- Ping. - I'll expel you right now.

My Lord, this...

Ci.

Mr. Zhang is our aide.

You'll need him in the future.

Does he deserve that?

My Lord,

since Young Master Ci doesn't trust me,

I'll pack up

and retire.

You don't have to leave.

I'm going now to pack

and leave this filthy place.

What nonsense is this?

Ci.

- My Lord, you... - Enough, Mr. Zhang.

Don't make it worse.

I...

♪The moonlight is as silent as the deep sea♪

♪From afar♪

♪It once lit up dreams with a breath♪

♪But vanished with a sigh♪

♪Brushing past my fingertips♪

♪My heartstrings were stirred quietly♪

♪As if we once met before♪

♪Holding back a love so deep♪

♪Love asks for nothing in the end♪

♪Leaving only obsessions♪

♪I've wandered in the world♪

♪Yet cannot have it all♪

♪We meet and part in the fires of war♪

♪Embracing, leaving tender marks of love♪

♪With one breathtaking glance♪

♪How could I ever forget♪

♪I would cross mountains and seas♪

♪To spend time with you♪

♪When we grow old♪

♪Nothing will change♪

♪The misty rains never cease♪

♪Falling gently on your brow♪

♪Lingering in my heart♪

♪I would sever fate's ties♪

♪To protect your smiling eyes♪

♪Even if behind me lies a storm♪

♪No matter the trials♪

♪I carry this longing for the journey♪

♪This life♪

♪Will not be in vain♪

♪I would cross mountains and seas♪

♪To spend time with you♪

♪When we grow old♪

♪Nothing will change♪

♪The misty rains never cease♪

♪Falling gently on your brow♪

♪Lingering in my heart♪

♪I would sever fate's ties♪

♪To protect your smiling eyes♪

♪Even if behind me lies a storm♪

♪No matter the trials♪

♪I carry this longing for the journey♪

♪This life♪

♪Will not be in vain♪