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 24=

My uncle is dead now.

The Liu Shan now

is the servant of the Lord of Liangya.

Got it?

I understand.

I understand.

My Lord,

I understand.

Chunniang,

help me grind the ink.

Yes, My Lady.

I must write to Cousin.

She needs to be informed of this.

My Lady.

My Lady,

Young Master Ci left home without a word.

He's arriving at the outskirts of Yujun,

waiting to be fetched.

Ci is here?

He came without his token.

He must have left secretly.

He sent word

for you to fetch him outside the city.

Prepare the carriage

and send for His Lordship to return home.

Yes.

Wait.

Forget it.

His Lordship is still angry.

If he sees Ci,

he'll only get angrier.

My Lady,

what if His Lordship meets Young Master Ci,

sees his true character,

and finally lets go of his grudges?

I hope so.

It's Uncle's mistake.

Ci and Bi Zhi shouldn't bear the blame.

Never mind.

Let's get changed

and prepare the carriage.

Yes.

Are you heading out of the city?

Only one carriage?

No escort?

Ci, my cousin, has suddenly arrived in Yujun,

just a dozen li from here.

I wish to meet him myself

and would rather not trouble others.

I'm free today. I meant to drink

with Zhonglin, but he's not around.

If you don't mind,

I'll accompany you

to meet Young Master Ci.

If it's not too much trouble, I'd be honored

to have you with me.

(Wei Mansion)

These are tonics

prepared according to

the physician's orders.

The jade pendant is being repaired.

Lady Yulou, no need to worry.

Just focus on your recovery.

Thank you, Lord of Wei.

Once I'm better,

I'll shall pay a visit to great-aunt and Lady Qiao.

But

I do have a favor to ask.

You don't have to be so formal with me.

It hasn't been easy

for you lately, Lady Yulou.

Though

I played no direct part,

I still bear some responsibility.

For that,

I owe you an apology.

There's no need for apologies between us.

It's just...

Lady Qiao knows nothing of it.

So, please,

do not speak of it

to Grandmother or Mother.

I'm truly grateful.

I can let this go,

but I won't accept

being treated with contempt.

May I ask what do you mean?

The outsiders know I'm in mourning

and see me as weak and easy to slight.

That is why this happened.

But I have heard

the Wei State will soon host the Deer Hunt,

inviting all the powers.

If Zixin could take part, and compete

for the honor of the Su Clan,

then people would know

we are not to be underestimated,

and stand close to the Lord of Wei.

Then perhaps,

my days ahead

will not be so difficult.

Please don't worry, Ehuang.

I'll give my all in our name

and bring honor at the Deer Hunt.

No one will dare look down on you.

They'll show you respect.

If that is so,

then let Su Zixin

represent the Su Clan of Wushan State

and join the Deer Hunt.

Great.

Thank you, Lord of Wei.

Thank you, Lord of Wei.

My Lord!

What is that?

The item you asked me to repair.

The shopkeeper said

the broken jade could not be restored.

But Her Ladyship suggested

inlaying it with gold.

Now, at last,

it has been mended.

Is Her Ladyship at home?

Her Ladyship received news

that Young Master Ci is arriving outside the city.

She has gone to meet him.

Qiao Ci is here? Why did no one tell me?

She didn't want to trouble you,

so she didn't send word.

Lady Qiao,

no need to worry.

Have some fruit.

Once you're finished,

your cousin will be here.

My Lady.

Manman!

Ci.

Look at you, all messy.

It's been so long since we last met.

You've grown taller.

The journey must have worn you out.

Not at all.

I just lost my favorite spear...

by accident.

It's alright.

Manman,

what's wrong?

Your cousin

is so proud of you, seeing you

grow brave and spirited

at such a young age. She's so happy.

I'm fine.

Greetings, My Lord.

This is Mr. Wei, His Lordship's cousin.

He came to meet you for His Lordship.

Just call him Mr. Wei.

Mr. Wei.

Nice to meet you, Ci.

Grandmother and Mother don't know you're here yet.

Let's go back.

Alright.

You're getting way too bold,

running off to Yujun without a word.

Is this how the Young Master of Yanzhou acts?

I came alone to prove that

I can manage on my own.

Once we're back,

you must write to Uncle, Aunt, and Father at once.

How could they allow you to come here alone?

They didn't.

I slipped away on my own.

What happened?

It's all because of Zhang Pu.

He urged Uncle to

seek out beauties everywhere,

offering them as gifts.

While Uncle gave no thoughts

of drilling troops or cultivating the land

to strengthen Yanzhou.

He believed such slanderous words

and began to stray from the right path.

Grandfather's name is now ruined by them.

Have you ever pursued Lady Yulou?

Lady who?

Forget it.

Let's not speak of this for now,

especially not in front of His Lordship.

Once you enter the mansion,

you must mind your words and conduct.

His Lordship is steady and reserved,

always serious.

He's nothing like Mr. Wei.

You must behave with proper decorum.

There's no need to grow close to him,

lest he form a poor opinion of you.

I understand.

(Chijun, Liangya State)

Greetings, My Lord.

You may all rise.

Thank you, My Lord.

Mother!

- Young Master... - Mother!

- Mother! - Young Master.

Mother!

Mother!

Brother,

where is my mother?

You want to see your mother, don't you?

I will take you

to see her soon.

Would you like that?

Yes.

- You may leave. - Yes.

Young Master.

My late father doted on the Young Master above all others.

Issue my command.

Have Liu Qi

and the Young Master

accompany Father

in burial!

My Lord,

the child is innocent.

I can't bear to lose my kin either.

But Mother poisoned Father.

This is the only way to fulfill my filial duty.

General Lin, if you were in my place,

having lost all your loved ones overnight,

you would truly understand my pain.

It seems General Lin understands now.

In that case,

General Lin, please help me

see them off.

Yes,

My Lord.

My Lord,

as for the Deer Hunt in Wei State...

Since they have invited the Lord of Liangya to attend in person,

let it be as they wish.

Raise high

the prestige of Liangya State!

Raise high the prestige of Liangya State!

I've brought you to meet Grandmother and Mother.

After you see His Lordship,

you'll be taken to the post house to rest.

This short sword is a gift from Grandmother.

Treasure it well.

Do you understand?

I like it.

Also,

don't mistake His Lordship

for someone else again.

Someone else?

My Lord,

this is Qiao Ci, my cousin.

My Lord.

The short sword you hold was seized

by Grandfather from an enemy general

in battle long ago.

You're not yet 20 years old,

and my grandmother gave it to you as a gift.

What a true honor.

My Lord,

I didn't know it belonged to Grandfather.

Ci is still young.

He doesn't understand its value.

I'll return it tomorrow.

No need.

Let him keep it.

Even the most precious things

become worthless

if left untouched.

Sit.

Thank you, My Lord.

Thank you for the gift.

Do you practice martial arts often?

Since I was eight, I've practising

at least six hours a day.

I've never dared to slack off.

I began at four, learning under Grandfather.

I've practised for over ten years

before seeing real progress.

Six hours a day just isn't enough.

Yes, My Lord.

Do you read as well?

Father taught us to be well-read and study all schools,

Confucianism, Mohism, Names, Legalism, Taoism,

even Yin-Yang School. I've read them all.

That's not enough

to be well-read.

Agriculture, miscellanies,

novels, the works of strategists,

you should dabble in them all.

Yes.

Ci,

serve tea to His Lordship.

You've spoken at length, My Lord.

You must be thirsty.

Ci brought the tea leaves from Yanzhou.

My Lord,

please enjoy.

My Lord,

you must be weary from official duties.

You can't even lift your arms.

My Lord,

please enjoy.

You still need more practice.

You can't even hold a teacup steady.

Yes, My Lord.

My Lord,

it's getting late.

I'll take Ci to the post house so he may rest.

Go on, then.

Thank you, Lord of Wei.

This jade pendant has been with me for years.

Now that it's returned to me,

I can finally sleep in peace tonight.

You've been suffered so much.

I promise you'll have justice.

Qiao Ci

happened to be here in Yujun.

Qiao Ci is here?

How dare he show his face.

He must not know I'm here.

Never mind.

Even if we were to meet face to face,

he won't admit anything.

He might even claim

he never saw me at all.

Don't worry, Lady Yulou.

If Qiao Ci truly wronged you,

I'll make sure you get justice.

Zhonglin,

I know you mean well.

But this matter

may cause strife between you and Lady Qiao.

I don't want to cause more trouble.

So,

let's leave it at that.

My Lord,

Her Ladyship is here.

Please let Her Ladyship in.

Yes.

Zhonglin,

though Lady Qiao comes from Yanzhou,

whether it was Qiao Yue

or Qiao Ci behind this,

she truly had no knowledge of it.

Don't take it out on her.

We arrived in haste,

and I haven't seen you yet.

I hope you won't take offense.

Lady Yulou, there's no need to be so formal.

To be honest,

Ci has also come to Yujun.

That's how I learned of what happened in Yanzhou.

Both Ci and Uncle

have wronged you.

I feel uneasy about it too.

But I've scolded Ci, and he admits

his mistakes.

Does he really

admit his mistakes?

Ci wants to apologize in person.

Would you give him that chance?

If old grievances can be put aside,

that would be best.

What do you say, My Lord?

If he's truly remorseful,

that's indeed best.

My Lord, he's here.

Hurry and apologize.

La... Lady Yulou,

I was wrong.

I know

you were just following your uncle's orders.

It's not your fault.

Lady Yulou,

this is not Young Master Ci.

That day, while helping you

with your luggage,

this boy secretly took some jewelry.

We've brought him here today

to apologize.

I see.

That night, when we fled Kangjun,

it was late at night.

In the chaos,

I couldn't see clearly.

I only thought their builds looked alike.

Lady Yulou, are you saying

Ci's build

is similar to this boy's?

That day, he was wearing armor.

I couldn't see clearly.

Then how did you know

it was Ci who took you?

Because he said so himself.

Is his voice deep or soft?

Lady Qiao, did you come here

to apologize or interrogate?

I know you're close to your family and unwilling

to admit it.

But everyone knows what Qiao Yue has done.

Why deny it?

Would I make myself lose my voice

just to frame someone?

It's not that I don't believe you.

If Ci really did it,

I'd personally bring him

to apologize to you.

But if he didn't,

I won't let him be falsely accused.

Forget it.

You keep pressing me with questions.

No matter what I say, you won't believe me.

You are the Lady of Wei,

and now I must

seek help from the Lord of Wei.

I have nothing more to say.

Lady Yulou, please calm down.

I think

Her Ladyship makes a valid point.

Let's call Qiao Ci here.

We'll ask and find out.

Wei Liang.

Lord of Wei.

Manman.

Lady Yulou.

Lady Yulou,

this is the real Qiao Ci.

On the day we fled,

everything was in chaos.

I only remember

words like "Governor"

and "nephew", something like that.

Perhaps it was a misunderstanding.

Even if I didn't do it,

you were truly frightened.

Lady Yulou, I hope you rest well

and recover soon.

Ci has been traveling for days.

I'll take him back to rest.

I'll come to visit you

another day, Lady Yulou.

Lady Yulou,

so,

the misunderstanding's resolved.

Thank you for clearing it up, Lord of Wei.

I just hope

this won't cause strife between you and Lady Qiao.

Her Ladyship is generous.

She won't blame me.

I'll take my leave now.

Take care and get some rest.

Ehuang,

how dare the Qiaos

toy with us!

Anger won't solve anything.

At the Deer Hunt,

you must defeat Qiao Ci

and reclaim our honor.

(Yujun Post House)

Have you gotten over it, My Lord?

Where is Qiao Ci?

I sent him back.

In a few days, take him to the drill ground

and see what he's capable of.

Aren't you mad at me

for being biased

and listening to only one side?

You had deep doubts about my family.

No wonder you reacted that way.

You never held my family against me,

so why would I be mad at you?

(Luozhong Tavern)

Here, have a bite.

Mr. Wei.

- Mr. Wei. - Mr. Wei.

- It's been so long. - You finally came.

Who's this young man?

Who's this handsome boy?

- So fair and pretty. - Let me ease your shoulders.

He's still too young.

We're just here for a drink.

You all may leave us now.

Let's go, let's go.

Cheers.

Mr. Wei.

I still feel

a bit awkward.

If Manman finds out,

she won't let me off.

I'd better go back.

See you, Mr. Wei.

- Oh, cutie. - Don't go!

Come again soon!

Why are you up out here so late?

Manman punished me to stand here

for four hours.

There's no one around.

Why stand so straight?

Punishment is still punishment.

I can't slack off.

You're serious about it, huh?

What were you thinking,

provoking her?

Even I wouldn't dare.

So, what did you do wrong?

Mr. Wei took me to Luozhong Tavern.

Manman found out.

Not even Mr. Wei could save me.

He almost got scolded too.

Alright, put that down.

You know what?

Come inside with me.

I'll speak for you.

She'll spare you

for my sake.

My Lord, you're not

lying to me, right?

I'm a noble lord. How could I lie to you?

Let's go.

My Lord.

Please leave us.

Yes.

Come in.

Ci

just went to the Luozhong Tavern

and had a few drinks.

It's no big deal.

So don't be mad at him.

He's just arrived in Yujun,

having some fun at Luozhong Tavern

is fine, you know.

Is it?

So, you're a regular at Luozhong Tavern too?

You're defending him because you share the same hobby?

How could I possibly go to a place like that?

I never do.

Well, maybe twice. With Yan.

Actually, just once.

So, was it once

or twice?

Kneel down!

You're still a kid, and you dare

step foot in such a sleazy place?

What kind of man will you

grow into at this rate?

Apologize to your cousin!

Now!

Manman!

My dear cousin.

I'm sorry, Manman.

Manman...

Enough, I'm holding a needle here.

Yes.

Ci understands his fault now.

It won't happen again.

Don't be angry.

Yes, Manman.

I won't go there ever again,

even if His Lordship asks me.

I definitely won't go there.

Not a chance. Never.

Alright, don't be mad.

Let me tell you something

that will cheer you up.

Take a look at this.

Have a look.

Get up.

(Qiao Ci, Yanzhou) It's too late

to send an invitation to Bi Zhi now.

So, I've decided

to have Ci represent Yanzhou

at the Deer Hunt.

Really, My Lord?

(Qiao Ci, Yanzhou)

Ci, thank His Lordship.

Thank you, My Lord.

Alright.

From today,

I'll oversee your martial training every day,

and your cousin can keep you in check too.

Starting tomorrow,

you'll move into the mansion.

Thank you, My Lord.

Work hard, will you?

(Boya)

Fan,

what's wrong?

The Deer Hunt is just

a few days away,

but we still haven't received an invitation from Wei.

Be patient.

Maybe it's

just delayed on the road.

Reporting!

General, a letter from Wei State just arrived.

Heavy rains made the roads muddy,

causing a two-day delay.

You may go.

See?

I told you,

it must've been delayed on the road.

(With the Deer Hunt coming up and so much going on, I have to give it up.)

In a few days,

arrange for someone to escort Mother back to Kangjun.

Back to Kangjun?

Aren't we going to Yujun?

Manman is doing well in Yujun.

There's no need for us to visit her.

Tired?

Manman.

Why is this so heavy?

I filled it with clay and stones.

It's solid.

That's quite impressive.

A few days ago, I only thought you'd grown taller,

but your mindset has matured too.

Father never eased up

on my training.

I'm sorry for having you train here

in this courtyard.

Not at all.

After all, this isn't our own home.

Manman,

I came to visit you

because I was worried about you.

Now it seems you're the one

worrying about me.

Now that you've seen me,

do you feel reassured?

After seeing His Lordship,

I'm not quite reassured.

His Lordship is

a strange one, that's true.

But he's not a bad person.

He treats me very well.

You're always praising him,

but I don't see it.

You know the feud between the Qiaos and Weis, don't you?

He took on the role of patriarch at a young age.

It hasn't been easy for him.

He keeps everything bottled up.

But deep down,

he's caring and gentle.

Once he trusts someone,

he looks after them

with all his heart and faith.

So, His Lordship

doesn't see me as family.

He does care about you.

He just doesn't know how to show it.

(Yujun)

Bets are final!

Yaozhou will surely win.

(Slay All Foes) Sharp eye! Well spotted.

Please pay over there.

It's about to start.

Why hasn't the Lord of Liangya arrived yet?

Liangya State is always punctual.

Did the Lord of Wei not invite him?

Greetings, My Lady.

No.

I heard the Lord of Liangya

is bringing his youngest son to Yujun.

I suppose Young Master Liu

is making a scene over there.

- Greetings, My Lady. - Greetings, My Lady.

- Greetings, My Lady. - My Lady.

Please accept my respects, sirs.

You've come all this way to Yujun

out of respect for Grandfather.

We've known Lord Qiao

for over ten years.

You used to pull my beard

when you were a child, My Lady.

No need for formalities with us.

Feel free to talk to us.

It's a pity

Lord Qiao passed so suddenly.

I missed seeing him before he passed.

Why bring this up now?

You'll only make Her Ladyship sad.

(Government Office)

It's Young Master Liu.

The Lord of Liangya only sent you here?

Are they trying to slight Wei State?

- Exactly. - That's right.

The Lord of Liangya

has come to attend the Deer Hunt.

The Late Lord of Liangya has passed away.

The Late Lady of Liangya

and all his other children

followed him in death

due to their deep sorrow,

because they were so closely bonded.

- What? - So sudden.

How could it happen?

Exactly.

Xiaoqiao,

it's been a long time.

Lord of Liangya, I hope you've been well.

(Peace and Prosperity)

(Peace and Prosperity)

Lady Yulou has arrived.

Lady Yulou?

She's the widow of Chen Xiang from Bianzhou.

Chen Pang now leads Bianzhou.

Why is she here?

Yeah, that's odd.

I'm Lady Su from Wushan State,

here by Lord of Wei's grace

to attend the Deer Hunt.

Lady Yulou, please take a seat.

My Lord,

Lady Yulou has a peony mark

on her forehead.

People say,

whoever wins her,

wins the realm.

If it's that magical,

why is she widowed?

Everyone here today

is a leading figure from their region.

Lady Su lost her husband,

and still got Wushan State an official invitation.

She's now equal to nobles like us.

I'm afraid

her strength goes far beyond a peony.

You're right, My Lord.

Ci,

all here today are martial experts.

Just do what you can.

Don't worry, My Lord.

Since it's a match,

I will give it my all.

I won't look down on anyone.

The auspicious moment is upon us!

The Deer Hunt

officially begins!

Round one,

Arena Duel.

The winner will earn

the title of Champion of the Arena

and be awarded a treasure steed.

Please welcome

the warrior from Yenzhou

and the warrior from Yaozhou.

(Zhao Hong'en, Yenzhou; Qin Qingshan, Yaozhou)

(Taozhou warrior) The duel between Yenzhou and Yaozhou

(Slay All Foes) has already begun!

Who will be the winner?

Place your bets.

Come on!

Place your bets.

Come on! Place your bets.

- Bet more, win more! - What's going on over there?

Don't hesitate, everyone.

Place your bets now.

(Slay All Foes) The result is coming!

People have set up a gambling table

to bet on the match outcomes.

But no one knows

how strong these warriors are.

What are they betting on?

Just wild guesses?

Yeah, only fools would bet.

Win money? Only fools wouldn't bet!

Hurry up, hurry up!

The duel result between

Yenzhou and Yaozhou is coming soon.

(Yanzhou warrior) Place your bets!

Why is no one betting on Yanzhou?

The Young Master of Yanzhou

is just 15 years old.

How good could he be?

Betting on him is wasting money.

Exactly.

That's nonsense.

Yanzhou ran out of warriors?

They just sent a kid?

What did you...

That kid is visiting family in Wei.

Even if he loses,

it's no shame.

Right. Nothing to be ashamed of.

What do you all know anyway?

Have you ever seen Young Master Ci?

Although he's young,

he's really talented.

His spear technique is truly impressive.

But he didn't bring his spear

this time to Wei State...

He hasn't fought yet.

You're making excuses here?

Left his spear at home?

- Can't handle losing? - Why bother?

Are you betting or not?

Are you in or not?

I... I'm in. I'll bet right now.

- I'll bet on Yanzhou. - Fine.

Go ahead.

I'll bet now.

Where's my money?

So you didn't bring any money, huh?

How can you bet without money?

I brought it. I just...

(Number One, Xiaotao, 400 taels)

I'll cover her bet.

Win, you claim the prize.

Lose, I bear the cost.

(Yanzhou warrior)

Sir,

you've got guts!

(Government Office) Yaozhou wins.

Duel report!

Duel report!

(Zhao Hong'en, Yenzhou) - Who won? - Yaozhou did!

(Qin Qingshan, Yaozhou)

Yaozhou won.

Next up, the warrior from Yanzhou

versus warrior from Wushan!

Ci,

whether you lose or win,

win with grace and lose with dignity.

That's a true gentleman.

Yes, Manman.

Today's result

will shape our future.

Zixin,

you understand that?

Yes, Ehuang.

Place your bets.

Next round,

(Qiao Ci, Yanzhou) Yanzhou versus Wushan!

- Yanzhou. - Listen to me,

- Wushan will definitely win. - Bets are final!

- Place your bets! - Look.

Yanzhou will definitely win.

- Right. - Wushan State will win.

Yanzhou will win!

I'll bet on Wushan State too.

(Qiao Ci, Yanzhou)

(Qiao Ci, Yanzhou; Su Zixin, Wushan State)

♪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♪