1
00:01:38,640 --> 00:01:41,800
BASED ON THE NOVEL
"THE PRISONER OF BEAUTY" BY PENGLAI KE

2
00:01:46,080 --> 00:01:47,000
Xiaotao.

3
00:01:47,080 --> 00:01:49,000
- Let me tell you something.
- What is it?

4
00:01:49,960 --> 00:01:52,440
There's a great place nearby.

5
00:01:52,520 --> 00:01:55,400
The delicacies there
are absolutely delicious.

6
00:01:55,800 --> 00:01:57,240
If only we could go and eat there.

7
00:01:58,480 --> 00:01:59,760
How do you know that?

8
00:02:00,680 --> 00:02:02,160
A good buddy of mine

9
00:02:02,240 --> 00:02:03,440
gave me a guide.

10
00:02:03,520 --> 00:02:04,280
The guide says so.

11
00:02:06,800 --> 00:02:07,880
Don't you also wish

12
00:02:07,960 --> 00:02:10,800
His Lordship and Her Ladyship
would grow a little closer?

13
00:02:10,880 --> 00:02:12,200
Of course.

14
00:02:12,880 --> 00:02:13,840
Look at them now.

15
00:02:14,440 --> 00:02:15,720
It's so awkward.

16
00:02:16,280 --> 00:02:18,320
The guide says

17
00:02:18,400 --> 00:02:20,640
if we follow it on this journey,

18
00:02:20,720 --> 00:02:22,360
their relationship

19
00:02:22,440 --> 00:02:23,880
will definitely improve.

20
00:02:24,440 --> 00:02:26,400
- Really?
- Yes.

21
00:02:26,840 --> 00:02:28,920
The first step in the guide

22
00:02:29,000 --> 00:02:30,320
is to have sour plum juice.

23
00:02:31,000 --> 00:02:31,960
Think about it.

24
00:02:32,360 --> 00:02:33,760
In this scorching heat,

25
00:02:33,840 --> 00:02:35,800
how refreshing would it be

26
00:02:35,880 --> 00:02:37,440
to have a chilled cup of sour plum juice?

27
00:02:41,280 --> 00:02:42,640
Come on.

28
00:02:43,000 --> 00:02:45,120
We can literally see our breath now.

29
00:02:46,600 --> 00:02:47,480
Chilled, seriously?

30
00:02:48,160 --> 00:02:49,320
Well.

31
00:02:49,400 --> 00:02:50,520
It can cool them down, right?

32
00:02:52,200 --> 00:02:53,120
Fair enough.

33
00:02:53,200 --> 00:02:55,160
I'm getting a runny nose
because of the heat now.

34
00:02:55,840 --> 00:02:56,680
Then

35
00:02:56,760 --> 00:02:58,880
we'll go have those delicacies.

36
00:02:59,440 --> 00:03:00,280
What do you say?

37
00:03:01,440 --> 00:03:02,400
Sounds good.

38
00:03:02,960 --> 00:03:04,760
If anything goes wrong along the way,

39
00:03:04,840 --> 00:03:05,720
we'll just turn back.

40
00:03:05,800 --> 00:03:06,680
It's not far.

41
00:03:08,600 --> 00:03:10,120
Now that you mention it,

42
00:03:10,200 --> 00:03:11,360
it kinda makes sense.

43
00:03:12,240 --> 00:03:13,480
But right now,

44
00:03:13,560 --> 00:03:15,120
Her Ladyship…

45
00:03:18,880 --> 00:03:19,960
Are you even listening?

46
00:03:20,040 --> 00:03:20,880
Yes.

47
00:03:21,400 --> 00:03:23,840
This canal construction
will involve a lot of manpower

48
00:03:23,920 --> 00:03:25,720
and may affect the balance of power here.

49
00:03:25,800 --> 00:03:27,080
So, he might not be willing.

50
00:03:27,160 --> 00:03:29,160
Besides, he has support from Wei Dian.

51
00:03:31,000 --> 00:03:31,920
Let me ask you.

52
00:03:32,640 --> 00:03:34,720
- Can I trust you?
- Of course.

53
00:03:34,800 --> 00:03:36,440
- Can you guarantee it?
- Yes.

54
00:03:36,520 --> 00:03:38,480
- Can I count on you?
- Just believe me.

55
00:03:40,560 --> 00:03:42,280
All right. I'll go tell Her Ladyship.

56
00:03:42,640 --> 00:03:44,040
- You agree?
- Yes.

57
00:03:45,440 --> 00:03:46,200
I'll get things ready.

58
00:03:46,280 --> 00:03:51,920
SOUR PLUM, RICE BALLS, HOT SPRING,
PURPLE SEA, SOUP DUMPLINGS

59
00:04:03,080 --> 00:04:04,000
Wei Liang…

60
00:04:05,480 --> 00:04:06,520
Is this the place?

61
00:04:07,880 --> 00:04:09,440
That's right.

62
00:04:10,280 --> 00:04:13,120
Head 20 li east and then 15 li south,

63
00:04:14,040 --> 00:04:15,960
go through a forest,

64
00:04:16,040 --> 00:04:19,120
and we'll see a mystical village
shrouded in mist and clouds.

65
00:04:19,600 --> 00:04:21,640
My lord, that's right.
There must be sour plum juice here.

66
00:04:22,079 --> 00:04:23,520
Are you sure?

67
00:04:24,440 --> 00:04:25,880
The smell is sour, that's for sure.

68
00:04:28,520 --> 00:04:30,200
Why's it turned into an outhouse?

69
00:04:30,280 --> 00:04:31,520
OUTHOUSE
10 ZHU PER PERSON

70
00:04:32,400 --> 00:04:33,760
My lord, I get it now.

71
00:04:33,840 --> 00:04:36,040
Who says there can't be
sour plum juice in an outhouse?

72
00:04:36,960 --> 00:04:38,000
Ma'am.

73
00:04:38,080 --> 00:04:38,960
Ma'am!

74
00:04:39,760 --> 00:04:41,680
Was this place originally
for sour plum juice

75
00:04:41,760 --> 00:04:43,200
and only recently turned into an outhouse?

76
00:04:43,280 --> 00:04:45,480
Since my grandfather's day,

77
00:04:45,560 --> 00:04:46,840
it's been an outhouse.

78
00:04:47,720 --> 00:04:48,760
Come on.

79
00:04:48,840 --> 00:04:49,760
The next stop

80
00:04:49,840 --> 00:04:51,160
is the Fanghua Hot Spring.

81
00:05:00,640 --> 00:05:01,560
Ma'am?

82
00:05:01,640 --> 00:05:02,720
Thank you.

83
00:05:02,800 --> 00:05:03,840
My pleasure.

84
00:05:23,920 --> 00:05:24,880
Hot spring?

85
00:05:26,520 --> 00:05:27,440
This is it?

86
00:05:28,640 --> 00:05:29,760
No way.

87
00:05:30,320 --> 00:05:32,280
It must have been a hot spring
a few years ago.

88
00:05:33,080 --> 00:05:34,360
Put that guide away.

89
00:05:34,440 --> 00:05:35,480
Let's just go back.

90
00:05:36,760 --> 00:05:39,080
Yeah, stop dragging us into this mess.

91
00:05:41,400 --> 00:05:43,000
Look. The water's warm.

92
00:05:43,440 --> 00:05:44,800
There must be a spring.

93
00:05:45,280 --> 00:05:47,280
Why don't we dig a little deeper?

94
00:05:47,360 --> 00:05:49,000
It could be a hot spring.

95
00:05:51,200 --> 00:05:52,040
Wait.

96
00:05:52,520 --> 00:05:53,440
My lord.

97
00:05:53,520 --> 00:05:54,240
Where are you going?

98
00:05:54,320 --> 00:05:56,000
We're going back to get our clothes.

99
00:05:56,080 --> 00:05:57,560
You dig first. Call us when it's ready.

100
00:05:57,640 --> 00:05:59,200
No, no. My lord.

101
00:05:59,280 --> 00:06:00,520
Do you not trust me now?

102
00:06:00,600 --> 00:06:03,200
No, I just don't trust
my judgment anymore.

103
00:06:03,280 --> 00:06:04,640
Wait, my lord.

104
00:06:04,720 --> 00:06:06,960
Give me one more chance.
I swear I'll take you somewhere amazing.

105
00:06:07,400 --> 00:06:08,400
Look.

106
00:06:08,480 --> 00:06:09,760
If we go another 20 li west,

107
00:06:09,840 --> 00:06:11,800
we'll reach the endless Chaoyin Cave.

108
00:06:11,880 --> 00:06:14,640
We can stay there for a few days,
have some local delicacies,

109
00:06:14,720 --> 00:06:16,000
and then go inside the cave.

110
00:06:17,000 --> 00:06:18,000
Let me see.

111
00:06:19,320 --> 00:06:20,640
Where did you say to go?

112
00:06:20,720 --> 00:06:22,000
- West?
- All right.

113
00:06:22,080 --> 00:06:23,160
Let's go east

114
00:06:23,240 --> 00:06:24,240
to the Purple Sea.

115
00:06:25,560 --> 00:06:26,480
What?

116
00:06:31,320 --> 00:06:32,560
It should be here.

117
00:06:36,600 --> 00:06:37,880
My lord!

118
00:06:37,960 --> 00:06:39,000
Water's coming out, my lord.

119
00:06:39,080 --> 00:06:40,120
Look, my lord!

120
00:06:44,600 --> 00:06:46,120
This is the Purple Sea.

121
00:06:46,200 --> 00:06:47,360
This is the sea.

122
00:06:47,440 --> 00:06:48,520
Come and see.

123
00:06:49,520 --> 00:06:51,080
Come and play. Come on.

124
00:06:52,240 --> 00:06:53,320
The waves are chasing me.

125
00:06:53,400 --> 00:06:54,800
Let's play, my lord.

126
00:06:54,880 --> 00:06:56,800
Have you ever seen anything like this?

127
00:06:56,880 --> 00:06:57,960
There are even seashells.

128
00:06:58,440 --> 00:06:59,560
Look, seashells.

129
00:06:59,640 --> 00:07:00,440
Hurry. Seashells.

130
00:07:00,520 --> 00:07:02,520
Isn't this just a regular sea?

131
00:07:03,320 --> 00:07:04,640
What Purple Sea?

132
00:07:04,720 --> 00:07:05,720
Where did you get that guide?

133
00:07:05,800 --> 00:07:07,040
Come on.

134
00:07:07,120 --> 00:07:08,760
This has nothing to do with the guide.

135
00:07:12,000 --> 00:07:13,320
Just tell the truth.

136
00:07:13,400 --> 00:07:14,360
Whose idea was this?

137
00:07:16,680 --> 00:07:18,120
Do you know Qilin?

138
00:07:18,560 --> 00:07:19,560
No.

139
00:07:19,640 --> 00:07:20,720
He's got

140
00:07:20,800 --> 00:07:22,400
a guard named Geng.

141
00:07:22,480 --> 00:07:24,280
I can trust him with my life.

142
00:07:24,680 --> 00:07:25,960
He gave me the guide.

143
00:07:26,040 --> 00:07:28,000
I didn't know it'd turn out like this.

144
00:07:28,080 --> 00:07:30,400
So you were fooled.

145
00:07:31,040 --> 00:07:33,040
Tell your friend named Geng this.

146
00:07:33,120 --> 00:07:36,120
His friend has a bad name.

147
00:07:36,200 --> 00:07:37,280
He can't be a good person.

148
00:07:37,720 --> 00:07:38,960
Tell him to stay away from him.

149
00:07:41,160 --> 00:07:42,040
Let's go.

150
00:07:44,920 --> 00:07:46,080
I'm going with you.

151
00:07:46,160 --> 00:07:47,120
You stay here and play.

152
00:07:47,200 --> 00:07:48,040
- Yeah.
- Just stay.

153
00:07:48,120 --> 00:07:49,720
Stay here and play.

154
00:07:49,800 --> 00:07:50,600
Look, little shells.

155
00:07:51,160 --> 00:07:52,760
Go and play. Go and swim.

156
00:08:00,200 --> 00:08:01,120
My lord,

157
00:08:01,200 --> 00:08:03,080
there's a peach blossom grove over there.

158
00:08:03,160 --> 00:08:04,640
How about checking it out?

159
00:08:05,080 --> 00:08:06,040
My lord!

160
00:08:08,280 --> 00:08:11,200
PREFECT'S MANSION, RONGJUN, WEI

161
00:08:11,280 --> 00:08:13,320
Do you remember what I told you?

162
00:08:13,400 --> 00:08:14,320
Yes.

163
00:08:14,400 --> 00:08:15,120
- Good.
- General.

164
00:08:15,200 --> 00:08:16,280
Make way.

165
00:08:17,880 --> 00:08:19,760
Why haven't you returned to Hanjun?

166
00:08:20,400 --> 00:08:21,200
Leave us.

167
00:08:21,280 --> 00:08:22,120
- Yes.
- Yes.

168
00:08:23,320 --> 00:08:24,840
You're still worried about state affairs.

169
00:08:24,920 --> 00:08:25,840
YUAN WANG
PREFECT OF RONGJUN

170
00:08:25,920 --> 00:08:28,520
Yet you don't know
a disaster is coming your way.

171
00:08:30,200 --> 00:08:32,200
What disaster do you mean?

172
00:08:32,280 --> 00:08:33,799
His Lordship and his group

173
00:08:33,880 --> 00:08:36,720
are heading here
with wheat seeds from Yanzhou.

174
00:08:36,799 --> 00:08:39,000
Those steamed ones from the banquet?

175
00:08:39,760 --> 00:08:41,720
Yanzhou sent a new batch later.

176
00:08:42,919 --> 00:08:44,280
A weasel is helping a chicken.

177
00:08:44,360 --> 00:08:45,680
How could it mean well?

178
00:08:46,960 --> 00:08:48,360
His Lordship believed Lady Qiao

179
00:08:48,440 --> 00:08:51,680
and actually wants to try
planting Yanzhou's seeds on our land.

180
00:08:52,160 --> 00:08:54,360
Lady Qiao has His Lordship
under her control.

181
00:08:54,440 --> 00:08:55,560
If I had known this,

182
00:08:55,640 --> 00:08:57,200
I would've strongly recommended

183
00:08:57,280 --> 00:08:59,160
that His Lordship take a concubine
at the memorial rituals.

184
00:09:00,800 --> 00:09:03,400
There's more to this.

185
00:09:04,760 --> 00:09:06,960
If they were only escorting the seeds,

186
00:09:07,040 --> 00:09:09,360
why would His Lordship come in person?

187
00:09:11,400 --> 00:09:12,480
There's something else?

188
00:09:14,000 --> 00:09:16,040
According to internal reports from Yujun,

189
00:09:16,120 --> 00:09:17,800
escorting the seeds is only a pretext.

190
00:09:17,880 --> 00:09:19,840
Their real purpose in coming here

191
00:09:19,920 --> 00:09:23,360
is to extend the Yongning Canal
from Xindu to Rongjun.

192
00:09:24,360 --> 00:09:26,040
Though it's for planting grain,

193
00:09:26,120 --> 00:09:27,960
we both know well

194
00:09:28,040 --> 00:09:30,160
that Rongjun is far from Yujun,

195
00:09:30,240 --> 00:09:32,040
which has been conducive to preserving

196
00:09:32,120 --> 00:09:33,600
your and your family's years
of power and glory.

197
00:09:34,880 --> 00:09:36,800
If the canal is built,

198
00:09:37,560 --> 00:09:40,360
Rongjun will be closely connected
to other places.

199
00:09:40,440 --> 00:09:41,720
Then Rongjun

200
00:09:41,800 --> 00:09:44,680
will become the Wei clan's backyard.

201
00:09:46,160 --> 00:09:48,280
This is a move to weaken local power.

202
00:09:49,280 --> 00:09:50,960
His Lordship's influence is growing.

203
00:09:51,040 --> 00:09:53,040
We knew this day
would come sooner or later.

204
00:09:54,440 --> 00:09:55,640
What should I do?

205
00:09:59,240 --> 00:10:00,360
That's easy.

206
00:10:04,880 --> 00:10:06,440
Can you guarantee

207
00:10:06,520 --> 00:10:07,880
they won't have

208
00:10:08,400 --> 00:10:09,600
any accidents on the way?

209
00:10:50,040 --> 00:10:51,520
Do you have a headache?

210
00:10:53,880 --> 00:10:56,280
How about I pressure
some of your acupoints

211
00:10:56,360 --> 00:10:57,520
to relieve your fatigue?

212
00:11:00,640 --> 00:11:01,680
All right.

213
00:11:32,720 --> 00:11:34,000
Are my hands too cold?

214
00:11:36,520 --> 00:11:37,240
No.

215
00:11:42,320 --> 00:11:43,840
Pressing the Fengchi point

216
00:11:44,400 --> 00:11:46,040
can refresh and sharpen the mind.

217
00:11:46,120 --> 00:11:47,480
No need to panic.

218
00:11:51,240 --> 00:11:52,320
All right.

219
00:12:55,880 --> 00:12:57,040
Just relax, my lord.

220
00:13:02,760 --> 00:13:04,200
I'm going to Rongjun

221
00:13:04,280 --> 00:13:07,400
to teach the method
of planting Yanzhou's winter wheat.

222
00:13:08,400 --> 00:13:09,680
Most importantly,

223
00:13:10,120 --> 00:13:11,680
I want to be with you.

224
00:13:12,360 --> 00:13:14,800
I don't want to be alone at home

225
00:13:14,880 --> 00:13:16,320
while you're out for official duties.

226
00:13:16,400 --> 00:13:18,040
I don't want us to be apart for too long.

227
00:13:18,560 --> 00:13:20,040
Aren't you afraid

228
00:13:20,120 --> 00:13:21,840
that I'll send you back

229
00:13:21,920 --> 00:13:23,560
right after your teaching task is done?

230
00:13:25,160 --> 00:13:28,280
I came with you
to take care of your daily needs

231
00:13:29,040 --> 00:13:29,880
and also

232
00:13:30,600 --> 00:13:32,640
to assist you with state affairs.

233
00:13:33,920 --> 00:13:35,280
I'm not a man.

234
00:13:35,360 --> 00:13:37,160
I can't accompany you to the battlefield.

235
00:13:38,200 --> 00:13:40,440
But I don't want to stay
in the boudoir all day,

236
00:13:40,520 --> 00:13:42,280
watching you leave early and return late.

237
00:13:44,400 --> 00:13:46,640
If there are trifles like this
in the future,

238
00:13:47,400 --> 00:13:48,880
you can hand them over to me.

239
00:13:55,560 --> 00:13:57,520
If you want me to go back,

240
00:13:58,680 --> 00:14:00,200
you can still send me back

241
00:14:00,280 --> 00:14:01,880
once we reach Rongjun.

242
00:14:03,480 --> 00:14:04,520
You can easily decide

243
00:14:05,280 --> 00:14:07,160
where I go.

244
00:14:15,160 --> 00:14:16,000
My lord?

245
00:14:33,400 --> 00:14:34,480
I just want

246
00:14:35,520 --> 00:14:37,560
to get closer to you.

247
00:14:38,800 --> 00:14:39,920
Over time,

248
00:14:40,520 --> 00:14:42,560
you'll grow closer to me too.

249
00:15:02,760 --> 00:15:05,400
POST HOUSE

250
00:16:19,480 --> 00:16:21,560
SOUR PLUM, RICE BALLS, HOT SPRING,
PURPLE SEA, SOUP DUMPLINGS

251
00:16:33,640 --> 00:16:34,400
Wei Liang.

252
00:16:34,920 --> 00:16:35,680
My lord.

253
00:16:35,760 --> 00:16:37,440
Please give me one more chance.

254
00:16:37,520 --> 00:16:38,360
No.

255
00:16:46,120 --> 00:16:47,000
Turn around.

256
00:16:48,760 --> 00:16:50,080
Tell me

257
00:16:50,160 --> 00:16:52,080
if Lady Qiao is looking this way.

258
00:16:54,480 --> 00:16:55,600
No, she isn't.

259
00:17:05,760 --> 00:17:07,200
Everyone, be careful.

260
00:17:07,280 --> 00:17:08,200
We're under attack.

261
00:17:09,920 --> 00:17:10,599
Protect Her Ladyship!

262
00:17:10,680 --> 00:17:11,440
- Yes.
- Yes.

263
00:17:14,280 --> 00:17:15,599
Protect Her Ladyship!

264
00:17:16,800 --> 00:17:17,480
My lady!

265
00:17:39,360 --> 00:17:40,760
Do you know who we are?

266
00:18:01,600 --> 00:18:02,480
Watch out!

267
00:18:15,640 --> 00:18:16,920
- My lady!
- My lady!

268
00:18:38,200 --> 00:18:39,440
Jump! I'll catch you.

269
00:18:44,320 --> 00:18:45,160
Hurry!

270
00:19:15,160 --> 00:19:15,840
Jump!

271
00:19:39,280 --> 00:19:40,400
I told you I would catch you.

272
00:19:47,520 --> 00:19:48,440
My lord.

273
00:19:49,280 --> 00:19:50,360
You're hurt.

274
00:19:51,680 --> 00:19:52,840
It's nothing. Just a minor injury.

275
00:19:52,920 --> 00:19:53,800
Let's go.

276
00:20:00,240 --> 00:20:01,080
My lord.

277
00:20:04,520 --> 00:20:05,520
My lord?

278
00:20:09,520 --> 00:20:10,360
My lord!

279
00:20:12,280 --> 00:20:17,000
POST HOUSE

280
00:20:42,280 --> 00:20:43,480
The arrow was poisoned.

281
00:20:44,920 --> 00:20:46,240
Fortunately, it only grazed the skin.

282
00:20:46,320 --> 00:20:48,280
His Lordship is strong.
His life isn't in danger.

283
00:20:48,720 --> 00:20:49,680
However,

284
00:20:50,680 --> 00:20:53,280
he won't wake up
until most of the toxin is cleared.

285
00:21:01,680 --> 00:21:03,240
Where did those bandits come from?

286
00:21:03,320 --> 00:21:04,480
How dare they poison their arrows?

287
00:21:05,480 --> 00:21:06,960
There's something odd

288
00:21:07,400 --> 00:21:08,520
about them.

289
00:21:10,440 --> 00:21:12,200
Rongjun borders Gaonan of Bianzhou.

290
00:21:12,280 --> 00:21:14,600
The border has always been chaotic.

291
00:21:14,680 --> 00:21:15,680
Bandits are common.

292
00:21:16,120 --> 00:21:17,840
But we were on the official road.

293
00:21:17,920 --> 00:21:19,920
Bandits normally only show up
on backroads.

294
00:21:20,000 --> 00:21:21,800
From what I observed,

295
00:21:22,360 --> 00:21:24,040
these weren't ordinary bandits.

296
00:21:25,760 --> 00:21:27,680
They knew tactics

297
00:21:27,760 --> 00:21:30,000
like trained soldiers.

298
00:21:30,840 --> 00:21:31,960
What do you mean?

299
00:21:33,080 --> 00:21:34,400
This attack

300
00:21:34,480 --> 00:21:36,360
must be related to our trip to Rongjun.

301
00:21:37,800 --> 00:21:41,920
You mean the Prefect of Rongjun
sent the bandits?

302
00:21:43,840 --> 00:21:45,400
I've heard His Lordship mention him.

303
00:21:46,840 --> 00:21:48,160
He wouldn't dare.

304
00:21:48,560 --> 00:21:50,480
But he and Wei Dian are close.

305
00:21:51,120 --> 00:21:53,000
If this mission succeeds,

306
00:21:53,080 --> 00:21:55,720
it will shake the foundation of power
in Rongjun.

307
00:21:55,800 --> 00:21:58,280
That means Wei Dian's interests
would suffer.

308
00:21:58,840 --> 00:22:00,520
Do you think Wei Dian

309
00:22:00,600 --> 00:22:02,480
would try to ambush His Lordship?

310
00:22:02,560 --> 00:22:03,440
Yes.

311
00:22:04,440 --> 00:22:06,440
Wei Dian has never been loyal.

312
00:22:06,840 --> 00:22:08,920
He probably saw this as a chance
to eliminate His Lordship.

313
00:22:09,520 --> 00:22:10,920
Let me kill him now!

314
00:22:11,000 --> 00:22:11,800
I'll go too.

315
00:22:11,880 --> 00:22:12,720
No.

316
00:22:13,280 --> 00:22:15,520
It's only suspicion. We have no proof.

317
00:22:15,600 --> 00:22:17,560
If we confront him too soon,

318
00:22:17,640 --> 00:22:20,760
what if he accuses us
of slandering a loyal official?

319
00:22:22,080 --> 00:22:23,520
He's not loyal at all.

320
00:22:23,600 --> 00:22:25,920
We all know what kind of man he is.

321
00:22:26,000 --> 00:22:26,960
But the people don't.

322
00:22:28,040 --> 00:22:30,720
Besides, we're in his territory.

323
00:22:30,800 --> 00:22:32,520
If he's cornered,

324
00:22:32,600 --> 00:22:34,520
he might smear His Lordship's name.

325
00:22:34,600 --> 00:22:36,480
The canal project will also become harder.

326
00:22:37,040 --> 00:22:37,920
So what should we do?

327
00:22:39,600 --> 00:22:42,400
His Lordship is in no condition
for a long journey.

328
00:22:42,480 --> 00:22:43,960
Luckily, we haven't come far.

329
00:22:44,040 --> 00:22:46,160
We can head back and let him recover.

330
00:22:48,120 --> 00:22:49,920
He can't recover on the way,

331
00:22:51,000 --> 00:22:53,200
and if we retreat now,

332
00:22:53,280 --> 00:22:55,080
they'll think these tactics work.

333
00:22:55,160 --> 00:22:56,400
They'll try it again next time.

334
00:22:56,840 --> 00:22:59,920
Also, the best time
to sow winter wheat is near.

335
00:23:00,000 --> 00:23:01,360
If we miss it,

336
00:23:01,760 --> 00:23:04,080
the grain heads will be small,
and the yield poor.

337
00:23:04,160 --> 00:23:07,040
We must plant the seeds
during the autumn equinox.

338
00:23:07,120 --> 00:23:08,640
This concerns the people's livelihood.

339
00:23:09,320 --> 00:23:10,960
So does the canal.

340
00:23:11,040 --> 00:23:13,640
If it's not built, the people will suffer.

341
00:23:15,400 --> 00:23:16,360
My lady,

342
00:23:16,920 --> 00:23:18,200
I'm just worried.

343
00:23:18,280 --> 00:23:20,280
We're not even in Rongjun yet,
and it's already so dangerous.

344
00:23:20,360 --> 00:23:22,600
Who knows what will happen once we arrive?

345
00:23:22,680 --> 00:23:24,680
You should take His Lordship back to rest.

346
00:23:24,760 --> 00:23:25,640
I'll go to Rongjun.

347
00:23:27,440 --> 00:23:28,920
I understand your concern,

348
00:23:30,000 --> 00:23:31,760
but it's even more dangerous to stay here.

349
00:23:31,840 --> 00:23:33,520
This is no-man's land.

350
00:23:33,960 --> 00:23:36,880
That's why Wei Dian
dared to send assassins.

351
00:23:38,400 --> 00:23:40,040
Once we're in Rongjun,

352
00:23:40,680 --> 00:23:42,760
even if Wei Dian makes a move,

353
00:23:42,840 --> 00:23:44,520
the prefect won't dare.

354
00:23:47,280 --> 00:23:48,920
We await your command, my lady.

355
00:24:03,640 --> 00:24:07,840
THE STREETS OF RONGJUN, WEI

356
00:24:24,600 --> 00:24:27,360
RONGJUN POST HOUSE, WEI

357
00:24:36,920 --> 00:24:37,760
My lord.

358
00:24:38,600 --> 00:24:39,440
You're awake.

359
00:24:42,360 --> 00:24:43,800
- What happened?
- Easy, easy.

360
00:24:45,040 --> 00:24:45,880
Take it slow.

361
00:24:47,320 --> 00:24:48,760
You were unconscious for two days.

362
00:24:49,840 --> 00:24:51,240
The arrow was poisoned.

363
00:24:53,360 --> 00:24:54,240
Where are we?

364
00:24:54,320 --> 00:24:55,640
We're in Rongjun now.

365
00:24:58,800 --> 00:24:59,640
By the way,

366
00:25:00,480 --> 00:25:01,880
is Lady Qiao all right?

367
00:25:02,840 --> 00:25:04,200
She's fine.

368
00:25:05,440 --> 00:25:07,320
We were lucky
to have her with us this time.

369
00:25:10,240 --> 00:25:11,480
PREFECT'S MANSION, RONGJUN, WEI

370
00:25:11,560 --> 00:25:13,080
Switching to winter wheat?

371
00:25:14,240 --> 00:25:15,000
Yes.

372
00:25:15,560 --> 00:25:17,840
It's planted in the autumn equinox

373
00:25:17,920 --> 00:25:19,680
and harvested
in the fifth month next year.

374
00:25:19,760 --> 00:25:21,960
It's perfect for easing food shortages
between seasons.

375
00:25:22,320 --> 00:25:23,800
Why choose Rongjun?

376
00:25:25,400 --> 00:25:27,160
Rongjun is suffering from severe drought.

377
00:25:27,240 --> 00:25:28,720
It urgently needs a solution.

378
00:25:28,800 --> 00:25:30,360
With winter wheat,

379
00:25:30,440 --> 00:25:32,600
the people won't have
to fear famine again.

380
00:25:33,360 --> 00:25:35,560
But I heard winter wheat
isn't drought-tolerant.

381
00:25:35,640 --> 00:25:38,360
What affects Rongjun's crops
is mostly drought.

382
00:25:39,160 --> 00:25:41,760
Your method may seem reasonable,

383
00:25:41,840 --> 00:25:43,080
but it's actually absurd.

384
00:25:44,040 --> 00:25:45,560
Winter wheat

385
00:25:45,640 --> 00:25:47,280
is indeed not drought-tolerant.

386
00:25:48,360 --> 00:25:50,280
It requires twice as much water

387
00:25:50,360 --> 00:25:52,840
as the spring wheat currently grown here.

388
00:25:53,760 --> 00:25:54,760
But the Yongning Canal

389
00:25:54,840 --> 00:25:57,440
is about to be extended
from Xindu to Rongjun.

390
00:25:58,280 --> 00:26:01,080
With improved irrigation and good weather,

391
00:26:01,600 --> 00:26:03,720
you'll have no reason
to worry about the harvest.

392
00:26:04,200 --> 00:26:05,520
Can you guarantee the harvest

393
00:26:06,360 --> 00:26:07,640
of winter wheat?

394
00:26:07,720 --> 00:26:09,680
Yanzhou has long grown winter wheat.

395
00:26:09,760 --> 00:26:10,880
It yields well.

396
00:26:13,280 --> 00:26:15,600
I've only got your word to go by
as to whether it's good or not.

397
00:26:16,120 --> 00:26:18,040
I've governed Rongjun for years.

398
00:26:18,120 --> 00:26:22,000
I can't let the people take risks
just because of your word.

399
00:26:23,800 --> 00:26:25,040
Are you

400
00:26:25,120 --> 00:26:26,080
refusing me?

401
00:26:28,120 --> 00:26:28,960
I wouldn't dare.

402
00:26:29,720 --> 00:26:31,960
I'm simply thinking of the people

403
00:26:32,040 --> 00:26:33,600
and speaking on their behalf.

404
00:26:33,680 --> 00:26:36,120
If His Lordship orders us
to plant winter wheat,

405
00:26:36,840 --> 00:26:39,320
then we will have no choice but to comply.

406
00:26:39,920 --> 00:26:42,920
But that will depend on how much
he values public opinion.

407
00:26:49,360 --> 00:26:50,640
If there's nothing else,

408
00:26:51,440 --> 00:26:52,880
please leave, my lady.

409
00:27:07,280 --> 00:27:08,760
PREFECT'S MANSION

410
00:27:08,840 --> 00:27:11,000
He gave so many excuses.

411
00:27:11,080 --> 00:27:12,760
Clearly, he just wants to refuse.

412
00:27:14,360 --> 00:27:16,680
It seems like he's rejecting winter wheat,

413
00:27:16,760 --> 00:27:18,600
but in truth, he's rejecting the canal.

414
00:27:19,120 --> 00:27:21,920
The canal is a state-level project.

415
00:27:22,000 --> 00:27:24,000
He can't say no directly,

416
00:27:24,080 --> 00:27:26,520
so he uses the wheat as an excuse
to challenge us.

417
00:27:27,440 --> 00:27:29,120
How bold.

418
00:27:29,200 --> 00:27:30,840
Aren't they afraid to be killed?

419
00:27:31,800 --> 00:27:32,880
If you ask me,

420
00:27:32,960 --> 00:27:35,680
you should give the order
on behalf of His Lordship.

421
00:27:36,760 --> 00:27:38,840
We didn't bring an army.

422
00:27:38,920 --> 00:27:40,840
He's close to Wei Dian.

423
00:27:40,920 --> 00:27:43,960
If anything happens in Rongjun,

424
00:27:44,040 --> 00:27:45,560
Wei Dian will surely send troops.

425
00:27:46,120 --> 00:27:48,400
It's not the right time to push.

426
00:27:50,560 --> 00:27:52,400
Is there really no other way?

427
00:27:55,240 --> 00:27:56,600
Let me think.

428
00:28:00,800 --> 00:28:04,840
RONGJUN POST STATION

429
00:28:08,360 --> 00:28:09,160
My lady.

430
00:28:10,600 --> 00:28:11,880
His Lordship has just

431
00:28:12,680 --> 00:28:13,440
woken up.

432
00:28:13,520 --> 00:28:15,280
He's sitting up asking for soup.

433
00:28:47,080 --> 00:28:48,600
You're finally awake.

434
00:29:04,120 --> 00:29:05,040
My hand hurts.

435
00:29:17,200 --> 00:29:18,800
It feels like you still have a fever.

436
00:29:19,200 --> 00:29:20,320
Wei Liang.

437
00:29:21,200 --> 00:29:22,800
I'm fine now, don't worry.

438
00:29:23,600 --> 00:29:24,440
By the way,

439
00:29:25,040 --> 00:29:26,800
they said you met Yuan Wang?

440
00:29:30,400 --> 00:29:31,080
Yes.

441
00:29:32,320 --> 00:29:33,200
What did he say?

442
00:29:33,800 --> 00:29:36,880
He acted like he was against
switching to winter wheat,

443
00:29:37,360 --> 00:29:39,440
but really, he's opposing the canal.

444
00:29:40,280 --> 00:29:42,880
He's just using it to test us.

445
00:29:43,880 --> 00:29:45,000
Yuan Wang

446
00:29:45,680 --> 00:29:47,800
has been here for years

447
00:29:47,880 --> 00:29:49,680
and has Wei Dian's military support,

448
00:29:49,760 --> 00:29:51,160
so he dares to act so defiantly.

449
00:29:52,920 --> 00:29:54,040
Don't worry.

450
00:29:54,120 --> 00:29:56,440
I'll have Wei Liang go back to Yujun
to mobilize troops.

451
00:29:56,840 --> 00:29:58,480
I could deal with enemy generals.

452
00:29:58,560 --> 00:29:59,720
My subordinates are nothing.

453
00:30:00,960 --> 00:30:03,160
I know you fight with great courage,

454
00:30:04,360 --> 00:30:05,720
and in a few days,

455
00:30:06,520 --> 00:30:09,120
Rongjun will be in your hands.

456
00:30:10,360 --> 00:30:14,040
But if it comes to war,
the people will suffer.

457
00:30:14,120 --> 00:30:16,040
Moreover, if we mobilize troops now,

458
00:30:16,120 --> 00:30:17,960
we might miss the planting season
by accident.

459
00:30:18,040 --> 00:30:18,800
That would be bad.

460
00:30:20,560 --> 00:30:23,360
Here's a piece of advice.

461
00:30:23,440 --> 00:30:24,840
Sowing discord is the best solution.

462
00:30:28,320 --> 00:30:29,400
How?

463
00:30:31,080 --> 00:30:33,920
I heard Lady Qiao wants to meet you.

464
00:30:35,040 --> 00:30:36,600
She'll try to persuade me.

465
00:30:37,840 --> 00:30:40,160
You surely know what to do.

466
00:30:41,360 --> 00:30:42,400
Of course.

467
00:30:43,360 --> 00:30:45,240
<i>Wei Dian is deeply suspicious.</i>

468
00:30:45,320 --> 00:30:48,480
<i>If we exploit that and sow discord,</i>

469
00:30:48,560 --> 00:30:51,360
<i>Yuan Wang will be left with no allies</i>

470
00:30:51,440 --> 00:30:53,280
<i>and will have to rely on you.</i>

471
00:30:53,360 --> 00:30:56,600
<i>Then you'll have the canal</i>

472
00:30:56,680 --> 00:30:58,040
<i>and the winter wheat</i>

473
00:30:58,120 --> 00:30:59,120
<i>as you wish.</i>

474
00:31:06,800 --> 00:31:07,560
My lady,

475
00:31:07,640 --> 00:31:09,200
the Prefect of Rongjun is here.

476
00:31:10,360 --> 00:31:11,520
Greetings, Lady Qiao.

477
00:31:12,560 --> 00:31:14,680
I heard you're a skilled player.

478
00:31:15,160 --> 00:31:17,080
Come and help me solve this game.

479
00:31:19,040 --> 00:31:19,960
Mr. Yuan.

480
00:31:20,040 --> 00:31:20,920
Please.

481
00:32:06,200 --> 00:32:07,560
How brilliant.

482
00:32:07,640 --> 00:32:08,840
I lost.

483
00:32:10,200 --> 00:32:11,040
Thank you for the game.

484
00:32:12,400 --> 00:32:14,440
Do you have time…

485
00:32:16,920 --> 00:32:18,520
for another match,

486
00:32:19,760 --> 00:32:21,840
or are you otherwise engaged?

487
00:32:23,440 --> 00:32:24,280
No.

488
00:32:24,760 --> 00:32:25,600
Not at all.

489
00:32:26,160 --> 00:32:27,080
My lady,

490
00:32:28,360 --> 00:32:29,200
please.

491
00:32:36,440 --> 00:32:38,040
Thank you for the game.

492
00:32:39,240 --> 00:32:39,960
My lady,

493
00:32:40,440 --> 00:32:41,640
it's getting late.

494
00:32:42,520 --> 00:32:44,360
You'd best head back.

495
00:32:45,360 --> 00:32:46,400
Thank you.

496
00:32:54,040 --> 00:32:55,560
Where's my other shoe?

497
00:32:58,680 --> 00:32:59,960
It was windy.

498
00:33:00,040 --> 00:33:02,760
It might have blown into the stream.

499
00:33:03,600 --> 00:33:05,040
Go buy a new pair now.

500
00:33:05,840 --> 00:33:06,800
Yes.

501
00:33:10,800 --> 00:33:12,040
My maid was careless.

502
00:33:12,120 --> 00:33:13,200
Sorry about that.

503
00:33:16,960 --> 00:33:19,600
What did Lady Qiao offer you?

504
00:33:20,120 --> 00:33:22,840
We only played Go, nothing else.

505
00:33:25,120 --> 00:33:26,560
You only played Go?

506
00:33:27,360 --> 00:33:28,360
Yeah.

507
00:33:28,440 --> 00:33:29,680
I find it strange too.

508
00:33:30,800 --> 00:33:33,600
I don't know what Lady Qiao is up to.

509
00:33:33,680 --> 00:33:34,960
I sat there all day.

510
00:33:35,040 --> 00:33:36,560
Even my back is sore now.

511
00:33:37,320 --> 00:33:38,440
I'm going home.

512
00:33:47,240 --> 00:33:48,320
General.

513
00:33:48,400 --> 00:33:49,480
Keep a close watch.

514
00:33:49,560 --> 00:33:50,440
Yes.

515
00:33:54,640 --> 00:33:57,600
PREFECT'S MANSION

516
00:34:12,480 --> 00:34:14,040
Wei Qu acted so sneakily

517
00:34:14,120 --> 00:34:16,120
as if he was afraid of exposing something.

518
00:34:16,199 --> 00:34:19,159
He carried a chest of treasure
into the prefect's mansion.

519
00:34:20,320 --> 00:34:21,880
It must be a bribe.

520
00:34:31,199 --> 00:34:32,040
Mr. Yuan.

521
00:34:36,520 --> 00:34:40,000
Her Ladyship had servants
search along the river.

522
00:34:40,639 --> 00:34:42,440
Your missing shoe was found.

523
00:34:43,560 --> 00:34:45,120
It's just a shoe.

524
00:34:45,199 --> 00:34:46,440
Thank Her Ladyship for the trouble.

525
00:34:48,480 --> 00:34:49,480
Just as you expected,

526
00:34:49,560 --> 00:34:51,080
the prefect's mansion is under watch.

527
00:34:51,159 --> 00:34:53,040
Wei Dian will definitely know
about my visit tonight.

528
00:34:53,120 --> 00:34:55,440
In that case, I'll leave it to you.

529
00:34:55,520 --> 00:34:56,520
I'm going.

530
00:35:00,120 --> 00:35:00,880
Not bad.

531
00:35:03,240 --> 00:35:05,240
You're starting to act like
the Lady of Wei now.

532
00:35:08,280 --> 00:35:12,320
The generals are only cooperating with me
out of respect for you.

533
00:35:14,120 --> 00:35:15,240
Good that you know.

534
00:35:15,680 --> 00:35:16,720
Would you like some honeyed water?

535
00:35:17,560 --> 00:35:18,400
Sure.

536
00:35:25,640 --> 00:35:26,640
Wait a moment.

537
00:35:29,040 --> 00:35:30,720
I've been lying in bed for days.

538
00:35:31,920 --> 00:35:33,480
I probably smell a bit bad.

539
00:35:33,960 --> 00:35:34,840
Don't come any closer.

540
00:35:34,920 --> 00:35:38,080
Should I help you wash up
and change your clothes?

541
00:35:38,160 --> 00:35:39,000
You'd sleep better.

542
00:35:39,080 --> 00:35:40,120
No need.

543
00:35:41,280 --> 00:35:42,320
For now,

544
00:35:43,720 --> 00:35:45,080
just sleep in another room.

545
00:35:51,080 --> 00:35:51,760
Chunniang.

546
00:35:56,240 --> 00:35:57,840
Prepare some hot water.

547
00:35:57,920 --> 00:35:58,960
Yes.

548
00:36:06,480 --> 00:36:07,720
What are you going to do?

549
00:36:12,760 --> 00:36:13,480
No need--

550
00:36:21,800 --> 00:36:23,000
Does it still hurt?

551
00:36:25,120 --> 00:36:26,040
No.

552
00:36:38,000 --> 00:36:40,880
The wounds you got in Xiaogang
have only just healed,

553
00:36:40,960 --> 00:36:42,200
and now there's a new one.

554
00:36:51,280 --> 00:36:52,440
It doesn't hurt anymore.

555
00:36:53,080 --> 00:36:55,160
It's inevitable to get injured

556
00:36:55,240 --> 00:36:56,760
when we fight on the battlefield.

557
00:36:57,280 --> 00:36:58,840
Don't take it to heart.

558
00:36:58,920 --> 00:37:00,640
You say it's normal,

559
00:37:01,640 --> 00:37:03,520
but I don't want to get used to it.

560
00:37:05,640 --> 00:37:08,560
I hope you can stay safe and healthy

561
00:37:10,120 --> 00:37:12,160
and never have to get hurt

562
00:37:12,880 --> 00:37:14,680
and risk your life again.

563
00:37:31,600 --> 00:37:33,080
What do you

564
00:37:33,160 --> 00:37:34,320
plan to do next?

565
00:37:38,600 --> 00:37:40,920
I want to borrow two men from you.

566
00:37:42,400 --> 00:37:43,200
Borrow two men?

567
00:37:43,760 --> 00:37:44,880
- Propose?
- Propose?

568
00:37:45,160 --> 00:37:46,200
Exactly.

569
00:37:46,800 --> 00:37:50,800
Wei Dian's nephew and Yuan Wang's daughter
are engaged.

570
00:37:51,440 --> 00:37:53,320
If we want to sow discord,

571
00:37:53,400 --> 00:37:54,640
we have to start there.

572
00:37:56,120 --> 00:37:58,640
Is Yuan Wang's daughter

573
00:37:59,680 --> 00:38:00,520
pretty?

574
00:38:02,280 --> 00:38:04,040
Does it matter?

575
00:38:04,120 --> 00:38:05,240
Will you marry her?

576
00:38:05,320 --> 00:38:06,600
Am I asking you?

577
00:38:07,040 --> 00:38:08,240
If she were pretty, why not?

578
00:38:08,320 --> 00:38:09,400
Get lost.

579
00:38:10,280 --> 00:38:11,120
Well,

580
00:38:12,040 --> 00:38:13,280
I'm not marrying her.

581
00:38:18,400 --> 00:38:19,200
Don't worry.

582
00:38:19,280 --> 00:38:20,960
Yuan Wang will definitely refuse

583
00:38:21,040 --> 00:38:23,560
because of his ties with Wei Dian.

584
00:38:23,640 --> 00:38:25,640
The marriage won't happen.

585
00:38:27,080 --> 00:38:28,120
No problem then.

586
00:38:28,720 --> 00:38:29,920
That said,

587
00:38:30,000 --> 00:38:32,200
this plan isn't perfect.

588
00:38:32,280 --> 00:38:34,240
So just go and propose.

589
00:38:34,320 --> 00:38:37,200
The sooner Wei Dian finds out, the better.

590
00:38:37,880 --> 00:38:38,880
Leave it to me.

591
00:38:55,880 --> 00:38:56,960
To be honest,

592
00:38:57,600 --> 00:39:01,600
my daughter is already engaged
to General Wei Dian's nephew.

593
00:39:02,920 --> 00:39:04,480
As far as I know,

594
00:39:04,560 --> 00:39:06,720
General Wei Dian hasn't written
the Letter of Marriage yet.

595
00:39:07,480 --> 00:39:09,480
A verbal agreement is still an agreement.

596
00:39:11,640 --> 00:39:13,840
You may think it's binding,

597
00:39:13,920 --> 00:39:15,480
but Wei Dian might not feel the same.

598
00:39:15,960 --> 00:39:16,960
What do you mean, my lady?

599
00:39:17,960 --> 00:39:19,360
As far as I know,

600
00:39:19,440 --> 00:39:21,520
General Wei Dian is searching
all over the state

601
00:39:21,600 --> 00:39:25,200
for a suitable and marriageable
young lady.

602
00:39:26,560 --> 00:39:28,800
No wonder he hasn't written
the Letter of Marriage.

603
00:39:34,240 --> 00:39:37,640
Since General Wei Dian is doing this,

604
00:39:37,720 --> 00:39:40,000
it's okay for you to have a backup plan.

605
00:39:42,520 --> 00:39:44,800
Why not give the two generals a chance

606
00:39:44,880 --> 00:39:48,400
so you can see
who matches your daughter better?

607
00:40:06,600 --> 00:40:07,760
All right, enough already.

608
00:40:08,760 --> 00:40:09,600
What's it to you?

609
00:40:11,760 --> 00:40:12,800
Sorry about this.

610
00:40:12,880 --> 00:40:13,800
General Wei Qu is great.

611
00:40:24,320 --> 00:40:25,240
Father,

612
00:40:26,160 --> 00:40:27,400
I'm Wei Qu,

613
00:40:27,480 --> 00:40:28,800
skilled with dual blades.

614
00:40:28,880 --> 00:40:30,200
My hobby is…

615
00:40:31,080 --> 00:40:31,920
My lady.

616
00:40:34,320 --> 00:40:35,160
My lady.

617
00:40:35,920 --> 00:40:37,120
Are you okay?

618
00:40:46,840 --> 00:40:47,760
Are you all right?

619
00:40:48,520 --> 00:40:49,480
I'm fine.

620
00:40:50,720 --> 00:40:51,720
Please, get up.

621
00:40:54,080 --> 00:40:55,560
This must be your daughter.

622
00:41:01,720 --> 00:41:02,600
You

623
00:41:03,200 --> 00:41:04,160
may leave.

624
00:41:19,920 --> 00:41:22,720
Even if you want to use
my daughter's marriage to win my favor,

625
00:41:22,800 --> 00:41:25,040
I still cannot agree
to switch to winter wheat.

626
00:41:26,120 --> 00:41:28,400
You're overthinking.
These are two separate issues.

627
00:41:28,480 --> 00:41:31,200
Even so, I'll agree to neither of them.

628
00:41:32,080 --> 00:41:33,000
Goodbye, my lady.

629
00:41:35,000 --> 00:41:36,080
All right.

630
00:41:36,160 --> 00:41:36,920
Let's go.

631
00:41:39,520 --> 00:41:40,720
Goodbye, Father.

632
00:41:43,680 --> 00:41:46,600
Lady Qiao left the prefect's mansion
with a big smile.

633
00:41:46,680 --> 00:41:48,640
Right after, they went to a jewelry shop,

634
00:41:48,720 --> 00:41:49,880
saying they wanted to make

635
00:41:49,960 --> 00:41:52,560
a full set of gold and silver
wedding jewelry.

636
00:41:57,680 --> 00:41:59,040
Ask Yuan Wang to come and see me.

637
00:41:59,440 --> 00:42:00,320
Yes.


