1
00:01:38,720 --> 00:01:41,720
BASED ON THE NOVEL
"THE PRISONER OF BEAUTY" BY PENGLAI KE
2
00:01:47,400 --> 00:01:48,880
Then, in your opinion,
3
00:01:49,400 --> 00:01:50,840
what's his true nature?
4
00:01:54,040 --> 00:01:56,560
Tough on the outside, soft on the inside.
5
00:01:56,640 --> 00:01:58,920
Big-hearted.
6
00:02:00,680 --> 00:02:01,760
Otherwise,
7
00:02:01,840 --> 00:02:05,080
he wouldn't have allowed you
to stay in Yujun.
8
00:02:07,720 --> 00:02:09,080
If that's the case,
9
00:02:10,280 --> 00:02:12,360
I've misjudged him.
10
00:02:14,360 --> 00:02:16,000
Thank you for your advice.
11
00:02:24,240 --> 00:02:26,480
Your Go skills are truly remarkable.
12
00:02:26,920 --> 00:02:29,080
I gladly admit defeat.
13
00:02:33,720 --> 00:02:34,880
Greetings, Mother.
14
00:02:35,920 --> 00:02:38,600
Mother, you asked for me.
What would you like me to do?
15
00:02:39,840 --> 00:02:42,520
I heard from the accountant
that you changed the candle expenses.
16
00:02:44,000 --> 00:02:46,120
We're using yellow candles now.
17
00:02:46,200 --> 00:02:48,040
I'd prefer beeswax candles.
18
00:02:48,120 --> 00:02:50,400
They burn brighter and produce less smoke.
19
00:02:50,480 --> 00:02:51,720
Nonsense!
20
00:02:51,800 --> 00:02:53,360
Zhonglin works tirelessly out there
21
00:02:53,440 --> 00:02:55,480
while you lounge around in here?
22
00:02:55,960 --> 00:02:57,840
If you don't care for him, fine.
23
00:02:58,320 --> 00:03:00,560
But now you're making
all kinds of demands?
24
00:03:00,640 --> 00:03:03,160
Clearly, no daughter-in-law
can ever match a mother.
25
00:03:03,240 --> 00:03:05,400
Only a mother can truly love her son.
26
00:03:06,200 --> 00:03:09,200
Mother, I've checked
the household accounts.
27
00:03:09,280 --> 00:03:11,560
We're under budget
for candles every month.
28
00:03:11,640 --> 00:03:12,880
There'll be no extra costs.
29
00:03:12,960 --> 00:03:14,000
My lord!
30
00:03:15,680 --> 00:03:17,360
Her Ladyship wrote to Yanzhou again.
31
00:03:17,440 --> 00:03:18,320
She didn't ask you.
32
00:03:18,400 --> 00:03:19,360
I held it back.
33
00:03:19,440 --> 00:03:20,360
Have a look.
34
00:03:27,840 --> 00:03:31,200
Aunt, I've been scared of the dark lately
and am having trouble sleeping.
35
00:03:31,280 --> 00:03:32,760
Could you please copy me
36
00:03:32,840 --> 00:03:35,360
the calming and mind-clearing remedy
from Yanzhou?
37
00:03:47,120 --> 00:03:48,000
That's it?
38
00:03:48,760 --> 00:03:49,880
All for nothing.
39
00:03:50,400 --> 00:03:51,320
Wait.
40
00:03:52,400 --> 00:03:53,760
There's a hidden message.
41
00:03:56,760 --> 00:03:58,160
You are all way out of line.
42
00:03:58,640 --> 00:04:00,000
Get back to what you should be doing.
43
00:04:11,480 --> 00:04:12,440
A hidden message.
44
00:04:27,680 --> 00:04:30,280
Only a few shops in Yujun sell candles.
45
00:04:30,360 --> 00:04:32,920
Big, small, thick, and thin,
we've got them all here.
46
00:04:33,000 --> 00:04:35,680
My lady, we have
plenty of candles here already.
47
00:04:35,760 --> 00:04:37,480
Why do you have to do this?
48
00:04:38,080 --> 00:04:39,480
This candle won't do.
49
00:04:39,560 --> 00:04:40,760
It smokes too much.
50
00:04:40,840 --> 00:04:41,800
Try this one.
51
00:04:42,760 --> 00:04:44,080
Careful, it's hot.
52
00:04:47,760 --> 00:04:48,960
But this one flickers too much.
53
00:04:49,040 --> 00:04:50,800
You can't sleep well at night with it.
54
00:04:52,000 --> 00:04:53,840
Well, maybe.
55
00:05:00,400 --> 00:05:01,920
- You're back home.
- My lord.
56
00:05:02,360 --> 00:05:03,240
What are you doing?
57
00:05:05,960 --> 00:05:07,640
The candles we have
all give off thick smoke.
58
00:05:07,720 --> 00:05:10,640
It's harsh on the nose and strains
the eyes when reading at night,
59
00:05:10,720 --> 00:05:12,400
so I wanted to replace them.
60
00:05:18,080 --> 00:05:19,920
We are not an ordinary couple.
61
00:05:20,000 --> 00:05:21,200
Just keep up appearances.
62
00:05:21,960 --> 00:05:23,200
Don't play clever tricks,
63
00:05:23,280 --> 00:05:25,040
trying to snoop into my affairs
64
00:05:25,120 --> 00:05:27,280
and cause a stir in the whole household.
65
00:05:30,680 --> 00:05:33,560
I only changed the candles.
66
00:05:33,640 --> 00:05:35,440
I wasn't trying
to snoop into your affairs.
67
00:05:37,320 --> 00:05:38,400
That's for the best.
68
00:05:39,480 --> 00:05:43,160
Her Ladyship paid for the candles herself.
69
00:05:43,240 --> 00:05:44,760
She didn't cost you a coin.
70
00:05:48,760 --> 00:05:50,440
I'll have the accountant
send some silver tomorrow.
71
00:05:51,160 --> 00:05:52,360
I rule Wei, a great state.
72
00:05:53,480 --> 00:05:55,240
Do I lack money for a few candles?
73
00:06:12,960 --> 00:06:16,160
I've heard that Boya
used to be part of Wei's holdings,
74
00:06:16,240 --> 00:06:18,000
but because of Qiao's tricks,
75
00:06:18,080 --> 00:06:19,400
the Qiao flag now flies there.
76
00:06:19,480 --> 00:06:21,160
Lady Xu is furious.
77
00:06:21,240 --> 00:06:23,480
She lectured Lady Qiao for quite a while.
78
00:06:24,120 --> 00:06:25,120
That's right.
79
00:06:25,840 --> 00:06:28,640
Since she acted
without considering the household,
80
00:06:28,720 --> 00:06:30,840
Mother certainly won't let her off easily.
81
00:06:31,760 --> 00:06:32,920
Besides,
82
00:06:33,000 --> 00:06:36,520
it's been over three months
since she and Zhonglin got married.
83
00:06:36,600 --> 00:06:38,080
They're no longer newlyweds.
84
00:06:38,720 --> 00:06:39,920
Taking a concubine now
85
00:06:40,000 --> 00:06:42,160
is definitely not something
that can be seen as disobedience.
86
00:06:42,920 --> 00:06:45,960
Actually, Shao approved
taking a concubine.
87
00:06:46,520 --> 00:06:50,760
Aunt, why not go straight to Lady Qiao
and get her to agree to the match?
88
00:06:50,840 --> 00:06:52,840
If she refuses, go tell Lady Xu herself.
89
00:06:52,920 --> 00:06:54,680
Lady Qiao is clearly in the wrong.
90
00:06:54,760 --> 00:06:57,160
I don't think she would dare refuse.
91
00:06:57,920 --> 00:06:58,680
BETROTHAL LETTER
92
00:06:58,760 --> 00:07:01,920
This is Zhonglin and Chuyu's
Betrothal Letter.
93
00:07:02,000 --> 00:07:04,400
The fifth of next month
is an auspicious day.
94
00:07:05,120 --> 00:07:07,480
Hurry and prepare for the betrothal.
95
00:07:09,200 --> 00:07:10,800
This matter is of great importance.
96
00:07:10,880 --> 00:07:12,960
I need to ask His Lordship first.
97
00:07:13,040 --> 00:07:14,480
I can't decide on my own.
98
00:07:15,280 --> 00:07:16,880
Is it that you can't decide,
99
00:07:16,960 --> 00:07:18,880
or that you don't want him
to take a concubine?
100
00:07:20,520 --> 00:07:23,680
Zhonglin is the last of the Wei line.
101
00:07:24,320 --> 00:07:27,120
Everyone in this family
is waiting for his heir.
102
00:07:27,560 --> 00:07:28,960
But you are still in mourning.
103
00:07:29,040 --> 00:07:31,800
How is our Wei family
supposed to carry on?
104
00:07:32,240 --> 00:07:34,120
Then I'll be direct.
105
00:07:34,880 --> 00:07:38,360
I already asked His Lordship
about taking a concubine.
106
00:07:38,440 --> 00:07:41,520
Neither he nor Grandmother agreed to it.
107
00:07:41,600 --> 00:07:42,720
You…
108
00:07:43,360 --> 00:07:46,160
You're using them to pressure me again?
109
00:07:46,680 --> 00:07:47,560
Fine.
110
00:07:47,640 --> 00:07:49,520
I'll speak plainly today.
111
00:07:49,960 --> 00:07:51,520
Don't think I don't know
112
00:07:51,600 --> 00:07:54,680
it was you who egged Zhonglin on
not to take a concubine.
113
00:07:55,160 --> 00:07:58,120
I won't argue with you
over all your little schemes.
114
00:07:58,720 --> 00:08:01,000
As long as Zhonglin
takes Chuyu as his concubine,
115
00:08:01,080 --> 00:08:03,560
you can take charge of everything else.
116
00:08:04,160 --> 00:08:05,840
You're clever, Mother.
117
00:08:05,920 --> 00:08:08,520
That's true.
I did try to dissuade His Lordship.
118
00:08:10,320 --> 00:08:12,800
When I first met him,
119
00:08:12,880 --> 00:08:15,120
I was struck by his masculinity.
120
00:08:15,960 --> 00:08:17,840
He set aside our families' old feud
121
00:08:17,920 --> 00:08:19,960
and treated me kindly in Xindu.
122
00:08:20,040 --> 00:08:23,120
From then on, I saw that
he carried the world in his heart.
123
00:08:23,200 --> 00:08:24,280
He's a truly broad-minded man.
124
00:08:25,160 --> 00:08:26,400
Later, in Panyi,
125
00:08:26,480 --> 00:08:28,560
he saved me from danger.
126
00:08:28,640 --> 00:08:29,520
From that moment,
127
00:08:29,600 --> 00:08:31,520
I swore to myself
128
00:08:31,600 --> 00:08:33,240
that I would stay by his side forever.
129
00:08:34,240 --> 00:08:35,360
Enough, stop it.
130
00:08:35,440 --> 00:08:37,159
No one wants to hear
your sentimental drivel.
131
00:08:37,760 --> 00:08:38,880
Mother,
132
00:08:38,960 --> 00:08:40,039
it's all my fault.
133
00:08:40,120 --> 00:08:41,720
I love His Lordship too deeply.
134
00:08:41,799 --> 00:08:44,280
I can't bear to share him
with other women.
135
00:08:45,280 --> 00:08:46,600
You can call me jealous,
136
00:08:46,680 --> 00:08:47,800
or say I'm harsh,
137
00:08:47,880 --> 00:08:50,120
but what new bride,
just months into marriage,
138
00:08:50,200 --> 00:08:54,040
can bear to watch her mother-in-law
arrange a concubine for her husband?
139
00:08:54,120 --> 00:08:55,800
Punish me if you must.
140
00:08:55,880 --> 00:08:57,400
Even if it costs me my life,
141
00:08:57,480 --> 00:09:00,360
I will never accept Zheng Shu
as a concubine in my home.
142
00:09:10,800 --> 00:09:12,440
Enough. That's enough.
143
00:09:30,320 --> 00:09:31,920
You wanted to see me, my lord?
144
00:09:32,000 --> 00:09:34,080
I heard you told Mother
145
00:09:34,640 --> 00:09:35,960
that you have feelings for me.
146
00:09:37,240 --> 00:09:38,560
Is that true?
147
00:09:41,600 --> 00:09:42,800
I only said that
148
00:09:42,880 --> 00:09:45,200
to go along with your wish.
149
00:09:45,280 --> 00:09:46,680
I had no other choice.
150
00:09:46,760 --> 00:09:48,120
You needn't take it seriously.
151
00:09:48,880 --> 00:09:50,160
My wish?
152
00:09:53,320 --> 00:09:54,920
Aren't you afraid Mother will blame you?
153
00:09:55,000 --> 00:09:58,000
I just don't want you
to do anything you don't want to.
154
00:09:59,640 --> 00:10:03,120
As the master of this household
and ruler of Wei,
155
00:10:03,200 --> 00:10:05,440
you should make your own decisions.
156
00:10:06,000 --> 00:10:08,240
If you want to take Zheng Shu
as your concubine,
157
00:10:08,320 --> 00:10:09,760
I won't stop you.
158
00:10:09,840 --> 00:10:11,560
But if you don't want to,
159
00:10:11,640 --> 00:10:14,720
I won't let anyone else force you into it.
160
00:10:19,720 --> 00:10:22,200
Your words can cut deep,
161
00:10:22,960 --> 00:10:24,120
but sometimes they're comforting.
162
00:10:24,600 --> 00:10:26,160
I'll take that as a compliment.
163
00:10:32,520 --> 00:10:34,280
But remember this.
164
00:10:34,360 --> 00:10:36,000
We are not an ordinary couple.
165
00:10:36,600 --> 00:10:37,560
From now on, never…
166
00:10:37,640 --> 00:10:40,000
Never try to seduce you with my beauty.
167
00:10:40,480 --> 00:10:41,400
I know that.
168
00:10:42,440 --> 00:10:43,200
Very well.
169
00:10:48,320 --> 00:10:49,840
Well, you should head back.
170
00:10:51,360 --> 00:10:52,240
All right.
171
00:11:02,440 --> 00:11:04,960
Lady Qiao truly has no shame,
172
00:11:05,040 --> 00:11:07,080
using that excuse to brush me off.
173
00:11:07,560 --> 00:11:10,360
Aunt, please,
marry me off to someone else.
174
00:11:10,840 --> 00:11:12,280
Chuyu…
175
00:11:12,360 --> 00:11:13,960
I'll never forget you,
176
00:11:14,920 --> 00:11:16,560
and I'll come visit you often.
177
00:11:19,200 --> 00:11:20,360
Chuyu!
178
00:11:20,640 --> 00:11:22,480
Chuyu!
179
00:11:22,560 --> 00:11:24,560
Once you're gone, I'll be left alone.
180
00:11:24,640 --> 00:11:26,640
It was bad enough
dealing with my mother-in-law,
181
00:11:26,720 --> 00:11:28,280
and now I have to face that Qiao too.
182
00:11:28,360 --> 00:11:30,160
How can I handle all this?
183
00:11:30,680 --> 00:11:33,760
Tell me, how am I
supposed to live like this?
184
00:11:34,840 --> 00:11:36,800
Now that it's come to this,
185
00:11:36,880 --> 00:11:38,360
do you have any ideas left, Aunt?
186
00:11:53,360 --> 00:11:54,560
No, we can't do that.
187
00:11:55,280 --> 00:11:56,360
Chuyu,
188
00:11:56,440 --> 00:11:57,720
I know
189
00:11:58,520 --> 00:11:59,360
this
190
00:11:59,440 --> 00:12:01,080
is hard for you,
191
00:12:01,160 --> 00:12:02,280
but right now,
192
00:12:02,360 --> 00:12:04,440
there's no other way.
193
00:12:04,520 --> 00:12:05,960
If you refuse,
194
00:12:06,800 --> 00:12:08,880
even I can't help you anymore.
195
00:12:17,000 --> 00:12:18,120
Well, Aunt,
196
00:12:18,200 --> 00:12:19,880
I'll do as you say.
197
00:12:26,840 --> 00:12:28,320
Let me propose a toast first.
198
00:12:29,320 --> 00:12:30,200
Son,
199
00:12:30,280 --> 00:12:33,520
I was born clumsy and reckless.
200
00:12:33,600 --> 00:12:36,120
I've caused you much trouble.
I'm sorry for that.
201
00:12:36,200 --> 00:12:37,880
Let me have three cups to apologize.
202
00:12:38,840 --> 00:12:40,280
No need, Mother.
203
00:12:40,360 --> 00:12:41,680
Please take it easy.
204
00:12:44,920 --> 00:12:45,880
Drink up.
205
00:12:52,520 --> 00:12:53,920
How many cups have I had?
206
00:12:54,000 --> 00:12:54,920
Three.
207
00:12:55,000 --> 00:12:56,080
Three, huh?
208
00:12:56,840 --> 00:12:57,720
No problem.
209
00:13:02,200 --> 00:13:04,240
Here, I'll top up your cup, son.
210
00:13:05,040 --> 00:13:06,680
Eat and drink up.
211
00:13:06,760 --> 00:13:08,280
- Thank you, Mother.
- Shall we?
212
00:13:08,360 --> 00:13:09,200
Sure.
213
00:13:09,280 --> 00:13:11,040
Ma'am, it's time for your decoction.
214
00:13:12,120 --> 00:13:13,440
What's wrong, Mother?
215
00:13:14,840 --> 00:13:16,880
I've had headaches recently.
216
00:13:17,240 --> 00:13:19,160
I asked the physician for some decoction.
217
00:13:19,240 --> 00:13:21,600
I was too happy today
and forgot to take it.
218
00:13:21,680 --> 00:13:23,280
- Let's go.
- Shall I come with you?
219
00:13:23,360 --> 00:13:24,640
No, you stay.
220
00:13:27,080 --> 00:13:28,080
Watch your step.
221
00:14:05,680 --> 00:14:07,200
My lord.
222
00:14:07,640 --> 00:14:11,080
Lady Zhu was planning to come
after taking her decoction,
223
00:14:11,160 --> 00:14:14,120
but somehow, her headache got worse.
224
00:14:14,200 --> 00:14:15,520
Even the decoction didn't help.
225
00:14:15,600 --> 00:14:17,360
Please, go check on her.
226
00:14:19,080 --> 00:14:20,560
- Lead the way.
- Yes, my lord.
227
00:14:21,760 --> 00:14:23,080
My lady?
228
00:14:23,160 --> 00:14:24,880
His Lordship is here to visit you.
229
00:14:37,360 --> 00:14:38,240
Mother?
230
00:14:47,800 --> 00:14:48,800
Shao.
231
00:15:08,080 --> 00:15:08,960
Mother?
232
00:15:20,000 --> 00:15:21,280
How does my dress look?
233
00:15:21,360 --> 00:15:22,280
Does it look good?
234
00:15:36,000 --> 00:15:37,000
I'm sorry.
235
00:15:38,520 --> 00:15:39,560
Shao.
236
00:15:40,800 --> 00:15:41,880
Are you not feeling well?
237
00:15:48,840 --> 00:15:49,880
Shall I
238
00:15:50,680 --> 00:15:52,520
help you rest?
239
00:16:00,080 --> 00:16:01,080
Go away.
240
00:16:01,880 --> 00:16:03,040
I said go away.
241
00:16:13,920 --> 00:16:15,200
- Shao…
- Put on your robe.
242
00:16:25,560 --> 00:16:26,640
Shao,
243
00:16:27,520 --> 00:16:28,880
I have no choice.
244
00:16:28,960 --> 00:16:30,680
Now, I just want
245
00:16:30,760 --> 00:16:32,840
to ease your pain.
246
00:16:32,920 --> 00:16:34,440
Shao, please don't go.
247
00:16:39,680 --> 00:16:40,680
Go away!
248
00:16:45,560 --> 00:16:46,400
Shao!
249
00:16:46,960 --> 00:16:48,160
- My lord!
- Zhonglin.
250
00:16:48,240 --> 00:16:49,600
- Where are you going?
- Zhonglin.
251
00:16:49,680 --> 00:16:50,960
Go away!
252
00:16:51,040 --> 00:16:52,120
Zhonglin! Zhonglin!
253
00:16:53,800 --> 00:16:54,680
I…
254
00:16:59,200 --> 00:17:00,720
You plotted with an outsider
255
00:17:00,800 --> 00:17:02,000
against your own son?
256
00:17:02,080 --> 00:17:03,640
I…
257
00:17:06,400 --> 00:17:07,200
Zhonglin.
258
00:17:07,280 --> 00:17:08,640
Zhonglin, please.
259
00:17:08,720 --> 00:17:09,800
I can explain.
260
00:17:10,720 --> 00:17:11,599
Look away!
261
00:17:11,680 --> 00:17:13,240
His Lordship is just angry.
262
00:17:13,319 --> 00:17:15,359
Say one word
and I'll tear your mouths apart!
263
00:17:26,720 --> 00:17:27,599
Chuyu.
264
00:17:54,520 --> 00:17:55,480
My lord?
265
00:18:00,160 --> 00:18:01,120
Are you all right?
266
00:18:05,240 --> 00:18:06,680
Shall I call the physician?
267
00:18:06,760 --> 00:18:07,800
No.
268
00:18:09,520 --> 00:18:10,800
Don't let anyone see me like this.
269
00:18:21,200 --> 00:18:22,120
Get me more water!
270
00:18:22,760 --> 00:18:23,840
Water.
271
00:18:32,120 --> 00:18:33,640
So the one closest to you
272
00:18:33,720 --> 00:18:36,440
should be someone who sees what you see
273
00:18:36,520 --> 00:18:38,600
and feels what you feel.
274
00:18:38,680 --> 00:18:41,800
I just don't want you
to do anything you don't want to.
275
00:18:41,880 --> 00:18:44,280
If you want to take Zheng Shu
as your concubine,
276
00:18:44,360 --> 00:18:45,560
I won't stop you.
277
00:18:45,640 --> 00:18:47,360
But if you don't want to,
278
00:18:47,440 --> 00:18:49,760
I won't let anyone else
force you into it.
279
00:18:49,840 --> 00:18:50,720
My lord?
280
00:18:50,800 --> 00:18:53,040
Things you don't want to tell others,
281
00:18:53,120 --> 00:18:54,760
you can tell her.
282
00:18:54,840 --> 00:18:56,440
- Matters you don't want others to handle…
- My lord?
283
00:18:56,520 --> 00:18:57,960
- …you can leave to her.
- Are you all right?
284
00:18:58,040 --> 00:18:59,320
Shall we call the physician?
285
00:18:59,400 --> 00:19:02,200
And you can show
your vulnerability to her.
286
00:19:02,280 --> 00:19:03,160
No need.
287
00:19:03,240 --> 00:19:04,840
Your robe is soaked.
288
00:19:04,920 --> 00:19:06,840
Go change it, or you'll catch cold.
289
00:19:12,120 --> 00:19:13,280
I told you before,
290
00:19:14,080 --> 00:19:15,520
whatever happens with the Qiao family,
291
00:19:16,160 --> 00:19:18,560
I will never let you be without a home.
292
00:19:18,640 --> 00:19:19,720
Do you remember?
293
00:19:21,080 --> 00:19:23,640
Yes. You said so, my lord.
294
00:19:26,400 --> 00:19:27,800
My lord, let go of me.
295
00:19:28,160 --> 00:19:29,520
Let go of me!
296
00:19:30,400 --> 00:19:31,360
Your Lordship!
297
00:19:36,080 --> 00:19:37,160
What's wrong?
298
00:19:37,240 --> 00:19:38,240
Are you drunk?
299
00:19:40,280 --> 00:19:41,520
I'm still in mourning.
300
00:19:41,600 --> 00:19:44,560
If I've done something wrong,
just tell me directly.
301
00:20:00,960 --> 00:20:03,240
My lord, you promised me
302
00:20:04,400 --> 00:20:06,440
on our wedding day in Panyi
303
00:20:06,520 --> 00:20:09,280
that I could mourn Grandfather for a year.
304
00:20:12,160 --> 00:20:13,280
I'm sorry.
305
00:20:14,320 --> 00:20:16,280
I had something dirty at Mother's.
306
00:20:19,280 --> 00:20:20,520
Bring me some ice.
307
00:20:23,840 --> 00:20:24,880
Mother…
308
00:20:26,880 --> 00:20:28,480
Bring me some ice!
309
00:20:42,240 --> 00:20:43,280
Here's the ice.
310
00:20:58,960 --> 00:20:59,920
Is that enough?
311
00:21:01,400 --> 00:21:02,360
Yes.
312
00:21:20,880 --> 00:21:22,120
My lord,
313
00:21:22,200 --> 00:21:23,920
I'll stay right here.
314
00:21:24,000 --> 00:21:26,840
If you need anything, just say the word.
315
00:21:28,880 --> 00:21:29,760
All right.
316
00:21:38,640 --> 00:21:39,880
I want some water.
317
00:21:40,400 --> 00:21:41,480
Water.
318
00:21:48,320 --> 00:21:49,720
Here's your water.
319
00:22:00,400 --> 00:22:01,920
I'll get you another cup.
320
00:22:11,640 --> 00:22:12,800
Here.
321
00:23:03,560 --> 00:23:04,440
Bring me my clothes.
322
00:23:25,480 --> 00:23:27,120
Did you get those wounds
323
00:23:28,000 --> 00:23:30,000
in Xiaogang?
324
00:23:30,080 --> 00:23:31,400
Just minor injuries.
325
00:23:32,400 --> 00:23:33,400
Nothing serious.
326
00:23:58,560 --> 00:24:00,440
Are you feeling better now, my lord?
327
00:24:00,520 --> 00:24:03,320
If you are, I… I'll take my leave.
328
00:24:04,640 --> 00:24:05,680
Thank you.
329
00:25:40,800 --> 00:25:43,560
His Lordship caught a chill last night.
He's not feeling well.
330
00:25:43,640 --> 00:25:45,120
Keep it down while you're working.
331
00:25:45,200 --> 00:25:46,400
Don't wake him up.
332
00:25:47,160 --> 00:25:48,160
- Yes.
- Yes.
333
00:26:01,200 --> 00:26:03,200
My lord, are you feeling better?
334
00:26:06,120 --> 00:26:07,840
I have no idea what you're talking about.
335
00:26:07,920 --> 00:26:10,720
Last night, your old wound flared up,
336
00:26:10,800 --> 00:26:12,720
so you used crushed ice to ease the pain.
337
00:26:12,800 --> 00:26:14,480
I've already ordered the maids
338
00:26:14,560 --> 00:26:17,360
to make ginger tea for you
to drive out the cold.
339
00:26:31,160 --> 00:26:32,400
Thank you, my lady.
340
00:26:48,480 --> 00:26:49,600
Zhonglin,
341
00:26:50,960 --> 00:26:52,200
it was my fault,
342
00:26:53,400 --> 00:26:54,720
what happened last night.
343
00:26:56,600 --> 00:26:59,160
How could I have been so foolish
344
00:26:59,240 --> 00:27:00,800
as to do that?
345
00:27:01,840 --> 00:27:04,480
After you left last night,
346
00:27:04,560 --> 00:27:06,360
I thought you'd never accept me
347
00:27:07,520 --> 00:27:10,840
as your mother again.
348
00:27:16,520 --> 00:27:17,680
Zhonglin.
349
00:27:22,640 --> 00:27:23,760
I suppose
350
00:27:25,120 --> 00:27:27,200
your grandmother knows about it now.
351
00:27:28,440 --> 00:27:30,280
Yes, it's all my fault.
352
00:27:30,360 --> 00:27:32,640
I'll go to Mother
and ask her to punish me.
353
00:27:32,720 --> 00:27:33,760
Mother, don't worry.
354
00:27:35,400 --> 00:27:37,160
Grandmother knows nothing of this.
355
00:27:37,800 --> 00:27:40,640
I'm not going to tell her
and make her worry.
356
00:27:45,120 --> 00:27:46,080
However,
357
00:27:48,240 --> 00:27:49,880
there's one thing I hope you'll agree to.
358
00:27:50,640 --> 00:27:51,440
Zhonglin,
359
00:27:51,520 --> 00:27:52,720
go on and tell me.
360
00:27:53,280 --> 00:27:55,040
Send Zheng Shu away.
361
00:27:55,120 --> 00:27:57,360
She is never to set foot
in the Wei household again.
362
00:27:57,840 --> 00:27:58,880
But…
363
00:28:00,800 --> 00:28:01,800
I…
364
00:28:01,880 --> 00:28:03,640
I understand. I understand.
365
00:28:04,680 --> 00:28:05,560
It's just that
366
00:28:06,320 --> 00:28:09,640
Chuyu has been with me all these years.
367
00:28:10,440 --> 00:28:12,160
She has no one else to rely on.
368
00:28:12,800 --> 00:28:16,600
If I suddenly send her away,
where can she go?
369
00:28:17,720 --> 00:28:18,720
Zhonglin,
370
00:28:19,400 --> 00:28:20,720
all these years,
371
00:28:20,800 --> 00:28:22,720
you've been busy with state affairs,
372
00:28:23,320 --> 00:28:26,720
and it was Chuyu who stayed by my side
and took care of me.
373
00:28:28,440 --> 00:28:29,760
I don't mean anything else,
374
00:28:29,840 --> 00:28:33,040
I just want to prepare more for her
375
00:28:33,120 --> 00:28:34,600
and find her a good husband.
376
00:28:34,680 --> 00:28:37,240
It's my way of thanking her
377
00:28:37,320 --> 00:28:38,560
for the filial care
378
00:28:38,640 --> 00:28:40,560
she's given on your behalf.
379
00:28:41,360 --> 00:28:42,920
No, I…
380
00:28:44,640 --> 00:28:46,680
Please, son.
381
00:28:48,080 --> 00:28:48,880
Three days.
382
00:28:50,840 --> 00:28:52,160
I'll give you three days.
383
00:28:53,920 --> 00:28:55,320
I just hope
384
00:28:56,520 --> 00:28:57,880
you learn your lesson
385
00:28:59,320 --> 00:29:01,560
and never act so foolishly again.
386
00:29:02,760 --> 00:29:03,680
That would be
387
00:29:05,040 --> 00:29:07,080
the greatest blessing for me, as your son.
388
00:29:13,480 --> 00:29:14,680
Zhonglin!
389
00:29:21,680 --> 00:29:23,680
Are you speaking the truth?
390
00:29:23,760 --> 00:29:25,280
I dare not lie, ma'am.
391
00:29:29,720 --> 00:29:31,400
Ma'am, Her Ladyship is here.
392
00:29:33,840 --> 00:29:35,200
Greetings, Grandmother.
393
00:29:35,280 --> 00:29:38,560
I'm sorry I got up late today
and kept you waiting.
394
00:29:38,640 --> 00:29:40,320
I deserve punishment.
395
00:29:40,400 --> 00:29:41,440
You may all leave.
396
00:29:47,560 --> 00:29:48,800
Come here.
397
00:29:48,880 --> 00:29:49,640
Sit.
398
00:29:57,280 --> 00:29:59,680
I called you here to ask about something.
399
00:30:01,560 --> 00:30:03,080
I heard that last night,
400
00:30:03,160 --> 00:30:07,480
Zhonglin got angry at Lady Zhu
and Zheng Shu in the east wing
401
00:30:07,560 --> 00:30:09,400
and even kicked down the doors.
402
00:30:10,640 --> 00:30:14,720
I honestly don't know
what happened in the east wing.
403
00:30:15,640 --> 00:30:16,840
You're a sensible girl.
404
00:30:17,520 --> 00:30:20,760
Zhonglin finds it hard
to speak openly with me now,
405
00:30:20,840 --> 00:30:22,120
so I'm asking you.
406
00:30:23,200 --> 00:30:25,560
What exactly happened last night?
407
00:30:27,080 --> 00:30:30,240
Grandmother, I really don't know.
408
00:30:31,120 --> 00:30:34,240
What about him asking for ice
in the middle of the night?
409
00:30:34,320 --> 00:30:35,840
You don't know about that either?
410
00:30:38,600 --> 00:30:41,160
Lately, while caring for His Lordship,
411
00:30:41,240 --> 00:30:43,200
I noticed new wounds on his back,
412
00:30:43,720 --> 00:30:45,640
probably from the Xiaogang battle.
413
00:30:45,720 --> 00:30:46,760
They haven't fully healed yet.
414
00:30:47,240 --> 00:30:52,040
I presume he used ice to ease the pain.
415
00:30:52,880 --> 00:30:54,960
But please don't worry, Grandmother.
416
00:30:55,040 --> 00:30:56,480
I've asked the maids
417
00:30:56,560 --> 00:30:59,120
to prepare more ginger tea
for him to drive out the cold.
418
00:30:59,200 --> 00:31:00,440
He should be fine.
419
00:31:00,520 --> 00:31:01,320
All right.
420
00:31:02,280 --> 00:31:03,240
I see.
421
00:31:03,320 --> 00:31:05,240
You've stayed up all night tending to him.
422
00:31:05,320 --> 00:31:06,560
You must be tired.
423
00:31:06,640 --> 00:31:08,040
Go back and have some rest.
424
00:31:08,800 --> 00:31:10,400
Then I'll take my leave.
425
00:31:10,480 --> 00:31:11,560
Very well.
426
00:31:16,880 --> 00:31:17,800
Ma'am,
427
00:31:18,960 --> 00:31:21,600
it seems Her Ladyship
doesn't know about this.
428
00:31:22,560 --> 00:31:26,680
Luckily, we got the truth from
the east wing maids.
429
00:31:26,760 --> 00:31:28,600
That's some clever talk.
430
00:31:29,600 --> 00:31:32,960
She's usually sharp-tongued,
witty, and eloquent.
431
00:31:33,040 --> 00:31:36,120
She knows how to say nothing
when things get sensitive.
432
00:31:36,200 --> 00:31:37,680
If you push her too hard,
433
00:31:37,760 --> 00:31:40,440
she'll just make something up to fool you.
434
00:31:40,520 --> 00:31:42,200
She's so tight-lipped.
435
00:31:42,640 --> 00:31:43,720
So,
436
00:31:44,400 --> 00:31:46,480
Her Ladyship deceived you, Ma'am?
437
00:31:46,560 --> 00:31:49,680
Yet somehow I feel
you're not angry with her.
438
00:31:49,760 --> 00:31:52,200
She was preserving Zhonglin's dignity
439
00:31:52,280 --> 00:31:54,400
by covering for his mother.
440
00:31:56,280 --> 00:31:59,880
Ma'am, just admit it.
441
00:31:59,960 --> 00:32:02,800
At this point,
no matter how you look at it,
442
00:32:02,880 --> 00:32:05,000
you've grown fond of Her Ladyship,
443
00:32:05,080 --> 00:32:06,320
haven't you?
444
00:32:07,000 --> 00:32:08,880
I only care
because she cares for Zhonglin.
445
00:32:08,960 --> 00:32:11,640
Since she holds him dear,
I can't help but care for her too.
446
00:32:11,720 --> 00:32:16,000
I truly hope she and Zhonglin
can be a loving couple.
447
00:32:16,080 --> 00:32:17,560
Indeed.
448
00:32:18,880 --> 00:32:21,800
That foolish Zhu
449
00:32:21,880 --> 00:32:24,200
isn't even a match for a young girl.
450
00:32:24,280 --> 00:32:25,840
She is utterly ignorant!
451
00:32:28,160 --> 00:32:29,160
Aunt.
452
00:32:29,880 --> 00:32:33,360
If Lady Qiao
had even half your thoughtfulness,
453
00:32:34,040 --> 00:32:39,120
I wouldn't have been humiliated
in front of my own son.
454
00:32:40,760 --> 00:32:44,720
You two make
such a devoted aunt and niece.
455
00:32:46,720 --> 00:32:47,600
Mother.
456
00:32:48,120 --> 00:32:48,920
Mother…
457
00:32:49,000 --> 00:32:49,880
Ma… Ma'am.
458
00:32:49,960 --> 00:32:51,280
What brings you here?
459
00:32:51,360 --> 00:32:53,200
If you need anything,
have a servant call me.
460
00:32:53,280 --> 00:32:55,120
I'll be there right away.
461
00:32:55,600 --> 00:32:56,760
- Maids.
- Yes, ma'am.
462
00:32:57,560 --> 00:32:59,960
Send Zheng Shu away immediately.
463
00:33:00,040 --> 00:33:01,440
I don't want to see her again.
464
00:33:01,520 --> 00:33:02,320
Mother!
465
00:33:02,400 --> 00:33:04,000
- Ma'am…
- Please, show mercy.
466
00:33:04,080 --> 00:33:05,480
- Aunt!
- Mother!
467
00:33:05,560 --> 00:33:06,640
Ma'am!
468
00:33:07,360 --> 00:33:08,480
- Aunt!
- Mother!
469
00:33:08,560 --> 00:33:11,120
- I know you and your niece are close.
- Aunt!
470
00:33:11,640 --> 00:33:14,040
- I won't let her suffer.
- Ma'am, I admit my fault!
471
00:33:14,120 --> 00:33:16,440
Though Zheng Shu is an orphan,
472
00:33:16,520 --> 00:33:17,600
she still has uncles.
473
00:33:17,680 --> 00:33:20,280
Lady Xu has prepared a dowry for her
474
00:33:20,360 --> 00:33:22,840
and will find her a good husband.
475
00:33:24,720 --> 00:33:25,760
Lady Zhu,
476
00:33:26,800 --> 00:33:28,480
are you satisfied?
477
00:33:28,560 --> 00:33:29,560
I will…
478
00:33:30,440 --> 00:33:32,400
follow your arrangements, Mother.
479
00:33:41,240 --> 00:33:42,920
My lord, let go of me.
480
00:33:43,000 --> 00:33:44,520
Let go of me!
481
00:33:52,640 --> 00:33:53,520
What is it?
482
00:33:54,000 --> 00:33:56,120
Her Ladyship worried
the chill might make you sick,
483
00:33:56,200 --> 00:33:57,280
so she sent a tonic for you.
484
00:33:57,360 --> 00:33:58,880
She hopes you feel better soon.
485
00:34:02,280 --> 00:34:04,480
Did anything happen
in the household today?
486
00:34:05,840 --> 00:34:07,440
Her Ladyship visited Lady Xu,
487
00:34:07,520 --> 00:34:09,520
and then Lady Xu went to see Lady Zhu.
488
00:34:09,600 --> 00:34:10,679
That's all I know.
489
00:34:16,320 --> 00:34:19,400
I heard Lady Xu scolded Lady Zhu
in the east wing today
490
00:34:19,480 --> 00:34:21,639
and sent her to meditate
at the ancestral hall.
491
00:34:22,120 --> 00:34:24,159
But I don't know what really happened.
492
00:34:25,600 --> 00:34:27,120
What could it be?
493
00:34:27,199 --> 00:34:29,000
Mother must've upset Grandmother again.
494
00:34:29,080 --> 00:34:30,560
That's not unusual.
495
00:34:31,280 --> 00:34:33,400
I hope she learns her lesson this time.
496
00:34:36,600 --> 00:34:37,800
But it won't be easy.
497
00:34:42,560 --> 00:34:43,719
- My lord.
- My lord.
498
00:34:52,960 --> 00:34:54,480
My lord, please have a seat.
499
00:35:14,560 --> 00:35:15,680
I heard
500
00:35:16,520 --> 00:35:18,400
Grandmother called for you this morning.
501
00:35:19,640 --> 00:35:20,640
Yes.
502
00:35:21,320 --> 00:35:23,240
But don't worry, my lord.
503
00:35:23,320 --> 00:35:25,320
I didn't tell Grandmother a single word
504
00:35:25,400 --> 00:35:27,680
about what happened last night.
505
00:35:28,800 --> 00:35:30,400
No one else knows either,
506
00:35:31,880 --> 00:35:33,640
not even Chunniang.
507
00:35:44,000 --> 00:35:45,200
Let's eat.
508
00:36:48,440 --> 00:36:50,520
HEALING POWDER
509
00:37:20,880 --> 00:37:21,800
My lord.
510
00:37:28,440 --> 00:37:29,880
Are you afraid of me?
511
00:37:33,720 --> 00:37:35,000
I just…
512
00:37:40,840 --> 00:37:42,120
I was just worried about your wound.
513
00:37:44,680 --> 00:37:46,800
HEALING POWDER
514
00:37:50,640 --> 00:37:51,880
Don't worry.
515
00:37:52,600 --> 00:37:54,120
What happened yesterday
516
00:37:55,200 --> 00:37:56,920
won't happen again. I promise.
517
00:38:25,840 --> 00:38:28,160
We'll need to go and inspect
the Yongning Canal in a few days.
518
00:38:28,240 --> 00:38:29,360
Whose turn is it?
519
00:38:29,440 --> 00:38:31,160
I'm too young. I'm not going.
520
00:38:31,240 --> 00:38:33,680
I can't leave the tavern maid
at Luozhong Tavern.
521
00:38:33,760 --> 00:38:35,080
Wei Xiao, you should go.
522
00:38:35,880 --> 00:38:36,840
Let's draw straws.
523
00:38:37,320 --> 00:38:39,120
What, again? No way.
524
00:38:39,200 --> 00:38:41,000
You only draw straws
when no one wants to go.
525
00:38:41,080 --> 00:38:42,200
I'm not drawing.
526
00:38:42,280 --> 00:38:43,880
Just get it over with, so we…
527
00:38:43,960 --> 00:38:45,720
What are you mumbling about? So annoying!
528
00:38:46,400 --> 00:38:47,600
My lord,
529
00:38:47,680 --> 00:38:48,600
what's wrong?
530
00:38:49,400 --> 00:38:51,800
He said he's staying at
the Government Office for now.
531
00:38:51,880 --> 00:38:53,960
Probably had another fight
with Her Ladyship.
532
00:38:54,040 --> 00:38:55,440
Finished the military embezzlement case?
533
00:38:56,720 --> 00:38:58,120
Yes, the ringleader's been caught.
534
00:38:58,200 --> 00:38:59,400
He'll be executed soon.
535
00:39:00,040 --> 00:39:02,560
- Then you're just idling around here?
- No, we're not.
536
00:39:03,000 --> 00:39:05,120
The Yongning Canal is almost finished.
537
00:39:05,200 --> 00:39:08,400
We were talking about
who should go inspect it in a few days.
538
00:39:08,480 --> 00:39:09,640
It's not a big deal.
539
00:39:09,720 --> 00:39:12,640
Advisor Gongsun said
it doesn't matter who goes.
540
00:39:12,720 --> 00:39:14,880
We should just bring a few men
and make it official.
541
00:39:14,960 --> 00:39:17,480
Since it's not a big deal,
why's it taking so long?
542
00:39:19,240 --> 00:39:20,000
I'll go myself.
543
00:39:21,280 --> 00:39:23,720
It's just a routine check to Panyi.
You don't have to go.
544
00:39:23,800 --> 00:39:24,920
Enough!
545
00:39:26,040 --> 00:39:27,120
I said I'm going. That's final.
546
00:39:30,160 --> 00:39:31,160
Yes, my lord.
547
00:40:38,560 --> 00:40:39,760
EXECUTION
548
00:40:42,880 --> 00:40:44,840
EXECUTION
549
00:40:56,880 --> 00:40:59,480
His Lordship said he caught a chill.
550
00:40:59,560 --> 00:41:01,880
But why hasn't he come back for days?
551
00:41:02,920 --> 00:41:04,240
Hiding from me, I guess.
552
00:41:04,920 --> 00:41:06,200
He's hiding from you, my lady?
553
00:41:07,320 --> 00:41:09,200
Afraid I'll catch his illness.
554
00:41:10,240 --> 00:41:12,360
That's rather considerate of him.
555
00:41:13,600 --> 00:41:15,760
He's quite the planner.
556
00:41:15,840 --> 00:41:17,000
Planner?
557
00:41:17,080 --> 00:41:18,480
What plan?
558
00:41:20,680 --> 00:41:21,440
Nothing.
559
00:41:22,280 --> 00:41:24,320
I just think he's trying to balance
560
00:41:24,400 --> 00:41:26,360
his mother's dignity and his filial duty.
561
00:41:26,440 --> 00:41:28,040
I feel a bit sorry for him.
562
00:41:28,120 --> 00:41:31,160
Go tell him to come home later.
563
00:41:31,240 --> 00:41:32,400
I'm not afraid of chills.
564
00:41:34,120 --> 00:41:35,240
Greetings, my lady.
565
00:41:35,600 --> 00:41:37,400
Why are you packing so much?
566
00:41:37,480 --> 00:41:38,560
Does His Lordship have official duties?
567
00:41:38,640 --> 00:41:40,320
In two days,
His Lordship will go to Panyi.
568
00:41:40,400 --> 00:41:42,000
He asked us to get his things packed.
569
00:41:42,080 --> 00:41:43,480
What's the trip to Panyi about?
570
00:41:43,560 --> 00:41:45,360
The Yongning Canal project is almost done.
571
00:41:45,440 --> 00:41:46,760
Someone needs to inspect it.
572
00:41:46,840 --> 00:41:48,840
His Lordship insists on going himself.
573
00:41:49,240 --> 00:41:50,480
Just a routine inspection?
574
00:41:50,560 --> 00:41:52,360
Why not let Wei Liang go?
575
00:41:54,160 --> 00:41:56,080
Now he's going to Panyi to hide from me?
576
00:41:56,600 --> 00:41:58,400
Any other orders, my lady?
577
00:42:00,000 --> 00:42:01,440
There you are, my lady.
578
00:42:01,800 --> 00:42:03,760
I've been looking everywhere.
579
00:42:03,840 --> 00:42:04,920
Lady Zhu said
580
00:42:05,000 --> 00:42:07,600
that since she went to meditate
at the ancestral hall,
581
00:42:07,680 --> 00:42:09,720
she hasn't seen you for days.
582
00:42:09,800 --> 00:42:11,920
She asks you to come, my lady.
583
00:42:13,320 --> 00:42:15,040
I should visit Mother.
584
00:42:19,440 --> 00:42:22,360
Chuyu's been by my side all these years.
585
00:42:22,440 --> 00:42:25,320
Now that I'm sending her away,
it should be done with dignity.
586
00:42:25,400 --> 00:42:27,760
If you hadn't tattled,
587
00:42:27,840 --> 00:42:32,440
why would Lady Xu have ordered Chuyu
to leave without delay?
588
00:42:32,880 --> 00:42:35,360
Was stealing my Zhonglin not enough?
589
00:42:35,440 --> 00:42:38,000
Now you're driving away
my only niece, aren't you?
590
00:42:38,080 --> 00:42:39,840
You're being way too cruel.
591
00:42:39,920 --> 00:42:41,840
Did your father teach you
to do things like this?
592
00:42:41,920 --> 00:42:44,160
Grandmother ordered you
to kneel in the ancestral hall.
593
00:42:44,240 --> 00:42:46,040
You must be exhausted.
594
00:42:46,120 --> 00:42:47,240
I shall take my leave.
595
00:42:47,960 --> 00:42:48,880
Stop right there!
596
00:42:49,360 --> 00:42:50,680
Did I say you could leave?
597
00:42:50,760 --> 00:42:52,320
If it weren't for your meddling,
598
00:42:52,400 --> 00:42:54,760
Zhonglin would've married Chuyu long ago.
599
00:42:54,840 --> 00:42:56,200
But now, he's lost face
600
00:42:56,280 --> 00:42:58,640
with both his family and his ancestors.
601
00:43:01,680 --> 00:43:05,160
It seems like your time kneeling
in the ancestral hall
602
00:43:05,240 --> 00:43:07,360
hasn't taught you Grandmother's wishes.
603
00:43:07,440 --> 00:43:08,480
Insolence!
604
00:43:08,560 --> 00:43:10,520
How dare you talk back?
605
00:43:10,600 --> 00:43:13,480
You're the enemy's daughter!
You don't even come close to my Chuyu!
606
00:43:15,040 --> 00:43:15,920
True.
607
00:43:16,440 --> 00:43:19,240
You've always wanted Zheng Shu
to marry His Lordship.
608
00:43:19,320 --> 00:43:23,320
Despite all his refusals,
you still pushed ahead.
609
00:43:23,400 --> 00:43:25,240
You even schemed just to make it happen.
610
00:43:26,200 --> 00:43:28,360
Now that everything's come to light,
611
00:43:28,440 --> 00:43:30,720
all you care about is Zheng Shu.
612
00:43:30,800 --> 00:43:33,280
What about His Lordship's dignity?
613
00:43:33,360 --> 00:43:35,360
Everyone says you love your son,
614
00:43:36,120 --> 00:43:38,680
but do you really?
615
00:43:39,400 --> 00:43:41,720
You want Zheng Shu to be his concubine.
616
00:43:41,800 --> 00:43:44,640
You tampered with the box for her sake.
617
00:43:44,720 --> 00:43:47,120
You even drugged His Lordship,
all for Zheng Shu.
618
00:43:48,080 --> 00:43:49,920
His Lordship is the ruler of Wei.
619
00:43:50,000 --> 00:43:52,960
His marriage should serve
the greater good.
620
00:43:53,040 --> 00:43:54,960
The marriage alliance is taking effect,
621
00:43:55,040 --> 00:43:57,200
but you keep interfering.
622
00:43:57,280 --> 00:44:00,320
I'm afraid you don't want His Lordship
to truly rule!
623
00:44:00,720 --> 00:44:01,960
How dare you?!