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 20=

You don't have to leave.

I'm going now to pack

and leave this filthy place.

What nonsense is this?

Ci.

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

Don't make it worse.

I...

You're right, My Lord.

The soil here is well-suited for construction.

And it's close to the Yongning Canal.

If we redirect the water and build the canal

with proper dams,

it can be used for irrigation.

This truly is a good place to settle.

Wei Liang, Wei Qu, Wei Xiao.

You three,

take some men to gather timber and stone.

- Yes. - Yes.

Wei Duo,

come here.

Head to Panyi

and arrange the hydraulic works.

Also, bring me Yang Feng's book.

Yes, My Lord.

Our journey will be delayed by a few more days.

But once the displaced people are settled,

we'll return to Yujun.

Alright.

Your arrow wound hasn't healed yet.

You've worked hard.

It's nothing serious.

What matters now is helping them

guide the water.

I remember you once said

there's much to know about hydraulic works,

like

how weather conditions, whether sunny or rainy,

cold or warm,

can affect and delay the progress.

Yes.

So, how did Yanzhou

forecast the weather?

We observed clouds and stars.

What a pity.

I don't know any of that.

And you, My Lady?

I know a little.

That's great.

I plan to help them rebuild their homes,

but I worry the work will move slowly

and delay our return.

This place is high in elevation,

better than the observatory.

My Lady, would you

be willing to teach me how to

observe the stars tonight?

I share your concerns, My Lord.

But I only know

the basics.

I'm not nearly as good as Lord Yang.

How about this? Let's ask a General

to go invite Lord Yang here.

The three of us can go together.

I don't think so.

All my men are out on errands.

There's no one left to fetch him.

Honestly, I'm worried

I won't get it right

and I'll only delay your plans.

You've delayed me

more than enough.

What's one more thing?

Then I have no choice but to obey.

Ci.

Aunt, it's so late.

You're still not resting?

I was worried you might sneak out tonight.

Aunt, what do you mean by that?

What I said earlier today

was just to scare Uncle.

How could I possibly wander off alone

and make everyone worry?

If you were traveling along the main road,

with the official letter in hand,

escorted by guards

heading toward Boya,

we wouldn't be so worried.

Come on, come on.

Come, eat.

- Slow down. - We'll have a good life.

The view here is nice,

and it's peaceful too.

Yes, it is.

Because Yang Feng isn't here.

There are no stars tonight.

You changed your hairpin today.

You noticed that?

Of course.

Yesterday, I thought you'd been abducted.

When I found you,

I searched you

from head to toe.

That hairpin you wore yesterday

had an orchid on it.

Today's doesn't.

Take a look at the back.

I just turned it around.

Yesterday, I was desperate to find you.

All my thoughts were on you.

It's no wonder I didn't notice.

Thank you for thinking of me, My Lord.

Actually,

when I thought you'd been abducted yesterday,

I was truly afraid.

I was afraid

you might suddenly

leave me,

just like Grandfather,

Father, and Brother did.

You're an exceptional lady.

And I have to admit,

I've never admired any woman the way I admire you.

At first, I thought

marriage was just marriage.

But after spending time with you,

I started to feel something for you.

Now, I'm afraid of falling too deep

and regretting it later.

I felt the same.

Marriage was just marriage.

I didn't have many feelings for you back then.

But I admire how you care for the whole realm,

how you're willing to put aside the feud

between the Qiao and Wei clans for this canal.

And now, you even offer shelter to the displaced.

Great.

From now on,

we won't have to wander.

We can finally settle down.

These past few days,

watching them suffer,

I've come to truly understand

how the fight over water

has brought pain to innocent lives.

So, I have a wish

that one day, all tribes

might be joined by a single lifeline,

and the chaos may end.

But I don't know

if that wish can ever come true.

This is way better than how we were living

- The chaos has lasted too long. - a few days ago.

To achieve peace and greatness,

sometimes war must be used to end war.

If Yanzhou hadn't turned them away,

they wouldn't have met us.

Are you afraid that one day,

you and I will stand on opposing sides?

I'm afraid this peace

may not last long.

Even if peace lasts only for a moment,

a sincere heart can make

its echo last for generations.

I make a solemn vow

to follow you with the loyalty of a subject.

No matter what lies ahead, peace or chaos,

I will remain loyal to you

and never leave you.

I will stand by your side,

helping to complete the canal,

facing hardships together,

bringing water to all regions,

ending wars,

and dissolving hatred

with genuine sincerity,

to bring peace to the whole realm.

Why didn't you keep an eye on Ci?

You just let him leave like that?

He's grown up now.

He left with Lady Ding.

How could I stop him?

He's always been strong-willed

and hard to control.

A grown son can't be held back by his father.

If Father were still alive,

and forbade you from chasing after beauties,

would you have listened?

If Father couldn't rein you in,

how do you expect to watch over Ci?

How much money did he take?

Young Master Ci took a fair amount of valuables,

enough for his needs.

Did he bring any good weapons?

He took his usual silver spear

and a short sword.

Was he escorted?

Yes, his personal guards went with him.

(Don't look for me.) Do you know where he went?

(I'll return one day. By Qiao Ci)

He went to Boya, carrying an official letter

from the prefect.

Official letter?

So, he's not running away.

He's visiting relatives.

(Boya)

It's windy here.

Don't catch a cold.

Mother.

Ci.

This is our home now.

Fan.

You've suffered so much away from home.

If you love Bi Zhi,

just tell us.

Why leave without a word,

only to end up like this?

Mother,

Bi Zhi treats me very well.

I'm not suffering.

You don't need to hide it from me.

I'm not blaming him.

I'm just worried about you.

When you were at home,

how could you live

in a place like this?

You didn't bring

your konghou from home.

Luckily, you found another fine one.

How else would you find comfort?

This zither

was custom-made for me by Bi Zhi.

Because of it,

we unexpectedly gained Boya.

Is that so?

I heard about this back in Kangjun.

Commander of Boya Forces overthrew Xue Tai

because of a carpenter.

I thought it was just a rumor.

But it seems he's been good to you.

Xing,

have those dozen or so weasels in the yard been fed?

Yes.

Why are you raising weasels now?

Bi Zhi once saw Liu Yan offer

a weasel as a betrothal gift to Manman,

so he caught some for me.

To please me,

he caught over a dozen in one go.

Liu Yan was just going through the motions,

but Bi Zhi truly means it.

We don't really need that lynx.

What we lack

is the heart Bi Zhi showed when he caught those weasels.

Mother, you are absolutely right.

Fan,

seeing you doing well

puts my heart at ease.

Mother,

since you came all this way,

why not stay here in Boya with Ci

and spend the New Year with us?

(Wei Mansion, Wei State)

Grandmother.

Grandmother.

Zhonglin and Lady Qiao are back.

Grandmother.

How did things go

in Rongjun?

Quite smoothly.

And with Yang Feng's help

in Panyi,

the canal should be well on its way.

That's good to hear.

Along the way,

you kept him company

through wind and rain.

Thank you for that.

It was nothing.

Everyone, have a seat.

Thanks, Grandmother.

Serve the tea.

Yes.

Zhonglin,

travel food's nothing like a home-cooked meal.

Come to my place tomorrow.

I'll prepare wine and some delicacies

to welcome you back.

Great.

Is your injury healed

enough for alcohol?

You're injured?

Just a small wound,

nothing serious.

I've been up and about these days.

It's fine. No problem.

Grandmother,

we brought back some specialties from Rongjun.

I'll go fetch them with Xiaotao.

Okay.

Zhonglin,

your wife cares for you

with great tenderness.

Yes,

Her Ladyship is very thoughtful.

But that only matters if it's for you.

Her thoughts are

all with the people of Wei State.

That's caring for all under her roof.

I think Lady Qiao

genuinely cares about you.

Genuine or not,

she's just a bit clever,

so I listen to her sometimes.

I'm a noble lord.

How could I

be lost in romance every day?

Exactly.

That's the spirit of a true man.

Is that right?

Yes.

My Lady,

stay and chat with Grandmother.

Grandmother,

I've just returned.

I should go greet Mother.

I'll take my leave.

Go ahead.

Yes.

Zhonglin?

Zhonglin?

Grandmother.

Zhonglin!

Ma'am.

His Lordship has come to see you.

Zhonglin, you're here.

Mother.

You found time

to see me today, huh?

I brought you fruits from Rongjun

and some jewelry,

so I thought I'd visit you.

If you're busy,

you don't have to come see me.

About the wheat seeds,

- it's all my fault... - Mother,

let's not

bring up the past.

Alright, not another word.

Have a seat.

Try some fruits.

Lady Qiao picked

these pieces just for you.

(This is way too sour.)

Look at this hairpin.

Do you like it?

Mother?

Why are you crying?

Please

don't be too upset.

You did make a mistake

with the wheat seeds,

but I understand,

you couldn't let go of Brother and Father.

It was my fault.

I blamed you in my heart

for always thinking of the dead

and ignoring me.

But wasn't I the same?

I ignored how you felt,

so you had to confide in others.

Zhonglin,

I don't want you

caught between me and her.

So,

I accept her

as my daughter-in-law.

It's not hard for me to accept her.

I'm just worried about you.

Lady Qiao is sharp with words.

I'm afraid you can't take her on.

You're the one who needs to be comfortable in your own life.

So,

whatever you do,

you should

keep her in check.

Don't let her get the upper hand.

Could it be

you've already fallen for her?

No, I haven't.

I'm here to visit you today.

Let's not talk about her.

See?

You clearly like her.

Try this one.

Does it taste good?

I sent some to Grandmother this morning.

It's so good.

Go on, try it.

Tastes good, right?

Mother,

it's too sour!

Anything from my son

tastes sweet to me.

Look.

You're back, My Lord.

Today, you had me

send those sour fruits as gifts.

What are you up to?

Are they sour?

Try one yourself.

I was spoiled growing up.

Back then,

whenever I got upset,

I'd run into Aunt's arms and cry,

telling her exactly what I wanted.

You're the strong-willed type.

I bet you never did that with Mother.

Mother is a straightforward person.

One of you has to give in first,

so the other can soften.

I do appreciate

how much you care for me.

I know I'm just a bit clever,

like you told Grandmother.

I meant it sincerely,

not sarcastically.

I know you always

say the opposite of what you feel.

You've come a long way,

and haven't had a break today.

I'll have a bath prepared for you

to help you unwind.

Alright.

Could it be

you've already fallen for her?

See?

You clearly like her.

♪When I wake up from my dream♪

♪My eyes are still filled with tears♪

♪Snow drifts on the wind♪

♪Scattering far and wide♪

♪If fate cannot turn anew♪

♪Then here, we must divide♪

♪All the joy this world can give♪

♪And all the sights it shows♪

♪Can't compare to you in my heart♪

♪One stroke of thought♪

♪Sing a song of longing♪

♪The evening breeze stirs gently♪

♪While candlelight fades and dies♪

♪In a fleeting moment♪

♪Time travels through my memory♪

♪Uncaring of day or night♪

♪Love knows no promised return♪

♪The memories can't be retrieved♪

♪I went through a lot♪

♪Just to have you by my side♪

♪White wings♪

♪Fall into my hands♪

♪As love melts like snow in the wind♪

Grandfather.

Father.

Brother.

Are you blaming me

for falling for Lady Qiao?

Brother!

(Grandmother wants me to let go of hatred)

(and live happily with her.)

(Is it even possible?)

(Can I really do that?)

(Winter)

(Government Hall, Wei State)

(Yongning)

This journey has brought us

a new city, Yongning.

Though its people

are not originally of Wei,

since we've taken them in,

we should treat them as our own.

Do you understand?

Yes, My Lord.

There are tens of thousands of people

suffering from the war.

What we've seen

is only the tip of the iceberg.

So,

I have a wish.

I hope you'll help me see it fulfilled.

I want to build canals,

starting from Panyi,

stretching far and wide,

reaching every region.

So that all people

will no longer fight over water.

They can

finally live in peace.

A wise decision, My Lord.

This deed

will benefit countless souls and lives.

My Lord,

your care for the people shines as bright as the sun.

However,

fighting over water

is but a symptom.

The rivalries

between clans run deep.

Ending the conflict

won't be so easy.

This is the wisdom behind His Lordship's plan.

Peace needs

both ink and arms.

Canal construction

follows the example of the Qiao-Wei alliance,

a civil solution

to avoid bloodshed.

However, I fear not all factions

and clans will agree.

So, Her Ladyship and I have decided

to hold a Deer Hunt.

When the time comes,

we'll invite all powers to gather

and discuss canal construction.

We'll appeal to their shared interests,

to persuade each faction

to unite and work together.

It's not urgent yet,

but we must prepare in advance.

Sir, please

draft the invitation list

and hand it to Her Ladyship.

Yes.

Her Ladyship?

She just went to Rongjun, and now

she's handling state affairs?

She's family.

It won't be a problem.

Why didn't you go to Luozhong Tavern with me?

Why insist on drinking at home?

What noble lord just returned home

and heads to a tavern?

So, My Lord,

how many days before you

join me there?

That's never gonna happen.

Zhonglin, are you afraid of your wife?

Afraid of her? Me?

Don't be ridiculous.

So what if you are?

Honestly, I envy you.

No one loves me

or truly cares for me like that.

You know,

if you want to settle down,

Grandmother will find you

the best match.

A good marriage

is never easy.

Some couples

treat each other

with respect and formality,

while others share deep affection

and true understanding.

Since you're so insightful,

let me ask you something.

Can I

allow myself

to fall for Lady Qiao?

You cannot.

The Qiao family harmed our kin.

We both know the pain of losing family since childhood.

I know all of that.

But those choices were her Grandfather's, not hers.

If we were in her place,

we'd face the same dilemma.

Still, she used you

to take Boya

and keep Panyi in check.

That's a fact, isn't it?

At the time, we were in a power struggle.

Of course, we both held back a little.

But now, look at her.

She helped me with the Yongning Canal

and even put Yang Feng at my service.

That shows she has no hidden agenda.

What about her family?

Everyone knows

they're as cold as ice.

With your temperament,

you'd have to burn yourself

just to thaw their frozen hearts.

You've got it wrong.

She's warm-hearted

and truly cares for me.

She's not as cold as you say.

Sounds like you can't live without her.

Why bother to ask me?

Honestly,

you've fallen for her,

but your filial piety holds you back.

That'll only

make it harder for yourself.

Look,

it spread its tail.

Even that bird shows more genuine feeling than you.

Mr. Wei,

I made you some herbal sobering soup.

What intoxicates is not wine,

but love.

Lanyun,

bring me a brush.

Feeling inspired?

What do you plan to draw?

Have you heard the tale of the Goddess of Yushan?

I...

My knowledge is shallow.

I haven't heard of it.

A weary scholar lost his way in deep woods.

He wandered into a hidden clearing,

where he saw the goddess at her bath.

She moved like drifting mist, graceful and elusive,

a beauty to steal one's breath away.

With one sway, flowers blossomed;

with another, the grass withered.

So serene, like tiger and hare at peace, or sun and moon in quiet grace.

The scholar's heart stirred.

He longed to go to her,

yet feared she'd vanish the moment he did.

He was torn

between longing and fear.

In love,

hesitation is the greatest foe.

The more one worries,

the heavier the burden,

until there's no freedom,

only knots

and no joy.

Why did you stop, Mr. Wei?

Without facial features,

this Goddess of Yushan

is incomplete.

There's no goddess in my heart,

so how could I know

what she looks like?

Honestly,

you've fallen for her,

but your filial piety holds you back.

That'll only

make it harder for yourself.

You're back, My Lord.

Your face is quite flushed.

It's nothing. I had some wine.

Here, warm your hands with this.

There's a lot going on

at the Government Office lately.

I'll need to stay there for a while.

Have someone pack

my things.

But it's cold and damp there.

Do you really have to go?

Let me help you take off your robe first.

How long

will you be gone?

Just for three days,

for now.

I'll have it arranged.

Alright.

I...

Sorry, I drank too much today.

I'm feeling a little tipsy.

Shall I have hot water

prepared for a bath?

No need.

I'll sleep

at the office tonight.

Good night.

My Lord?

It's so late.

May I ask why we've been summoned?

It's already late, you know.

If there's nothing urgent,

you should head back and get some rest.

I wouldn't call you here without a reason.

Yes, My Lord.

My Lord,

what is it? Please say it.

I was thinking…

Yanzhou...

It's at peace now.

No, not Yanzhou.

- Bianzhou... - Just died.

Oh, right.

I meant Yaozhou...

There is a famed beauty in Yaozhou.

But I suppose that's not what you meant.

Actually, I was saying

that Liangya State...

Are we launching an attack on Liangya?

No, not an attack.

All those regions I just mentioned

will be at the Deer Hunt.

We must begin preparations.

What do you think?

Yes.

Yes, of course.

This is an important matter.

It is.

We must not neglect

the matter of the venue,

nor the proper reception.

So,

we must treat it seriously.

- Yes. - Yes.

What...

Sir.

I just remembered

it's been a while

since I last visited Madam.

So,

I shall go with you

and pay her a brief visit.

- Alright, that's it. - My Lord, she...

Let's go.

Let's go.

His Lordship is really diligent.

He rushed back here so late

just for the Deer Hunt?

It is important,

but not that urgent.

Isn't the Deer Hunt next spring?

Maybe he quarreled with Her Ladyship?

Shall we talk to Mr. Wei?

Mr. Wei's busy.

He has been painting

with tavern maids at Luozhong Tavern lately.

Let's go.

My Lady,

are these clothes enough for three days?

That'll do. Pack them up.

My Lady, I'll take them

to His Lordship now.

Alright.

His Lordship just got back, now he's moving out again.

Why is His Lordship so hot and cold?

Maybe he just needs time to think.

That might not be such a bad thing.

I really don't understand

what you've been saying lately.

His Lordship is clearly acting against his heart,

yet you still go along with him.

Even you can tell that.

Why should I rush?

Let him think.

I'll have things to do.

What's gotten into Zhonglin?

He moved to the Government Office?

Poor Lady Qiao,

left all alone once again.

You really

do side with Her Ladyship now.

Now, I see

what's troubling Zhonglin.

He keeps avoiding Lady Qiao

because he's falling for her.

Nothing gets past you, huh?

Sometimes,

you've got to cut yourself some slack.

Look at Lady Zhu.

Her life hasn't been all that hard.

Ma'am, Her Ladyship requests to see you.

Let her in.

Yes, Ma'am.

His Lordship has been busy with court affairs.

I don't want to be idle either.

Is there anything I can do

for you, Grandmother?

Yes.

Zhonglin is making plans for the Deer Hunt.

I want to

turn the city drill ground

into the Deer Hunt venue.

It needs some renovation.

Can you handle it?

I'm willing to give it a try.

I'll assign you some help.

Thank you, Grandmother.

But I have another idea.

What is it?

The Deer Hunt will invite powers from all regions

to discuss canal construction together.

For such a grand event,

why not have someone

write some poems and prose

to promote it?

That way, it would spread

His Lordship's visions,

and also,

the powers will share the glory,

making them more likely to attend.

That's a brilliant idea.

Let's do as you propose.

I'll do my best, Grandmother.

Go tell Zhonglin

that I've entrusted Lady Qiao

with the Deer Hunt Venue.

Let's see how can he can avoid her now.

Who said I can't live without her?

I think the Government Office

is far better than home.

At least here, I feel free.

♪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♪