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 4=

If the Qiao family hadn't betrayed,

my father and brothers wouldn't have died

my mother

wouldn't have died of grief,

and I

wouldn't have become

a wild child fighting wolves for food.

So,

the Qiaos

all deserve death.

My Lord,

why?

She saved Xindu.

Orders from Lord: Capture Lady Qiao.

Kill her for morale.

Yes!

Search every corner!

Capture Lady Qiao!

Kill her for morale!

Yes!

Search the city thoroughly!

Kill Lady Qiao for morale!

Understood.

Xiaoqiao.

Xiaoqiao.

Come here, I'll protect you.

Xiaoqiao.

I took refuge with the Qiao family at age 13.

At 18, I returned to Liangya.

Those five years with the Qiaos

were the happiest of my life.

My feelings for you

is unchanging for lifetimes.

I know

you're full of doubts right now.

Don't be afraid.

I've thought it all through.

Just come with me,

and I can pretend none of this happened.

My Lord,

won't you say something?

Come here.

Better if you hadn't spoken.

Manman,

I consider you as a jewel.

You do see me as a jewel,

but you treat all others as ants!

Shoot!

Loose arrows!

Stop!

Kill them!

The theft of your wife demands vengeance,

but not today.

Go! Go now!

- Attack! - Kill them!

Protect Young Master Liu!

Go! Let's go!

- Kill! - Charge!

Traitor Liu, don't you run!

Xiao, let's capture him.

Charge!

Kill him!

Does it hurt?

Here?

You're being delicate.

Back on the battlefield,

some had their legs broken,

even the bones exposed.

They just wrapped it up and kept fighting.

Why cry over this scratch?

Yes, it's all my fault.

Blame me, a spoiled girl,

for not being as tough

as the soldiers

in your troops

who can forge their shattered bones anew,

hardened like steel.

That's why I'm unworthy to be with you.

No need

for that tone.

I'm not crying over this wound.

My pain is nothing

compared to

the people's suffering.

Then why?

I just never thought

we'd meet again after I left Xindu.

If Wei Xiao's arrow had killed me,

I wouldn't have

heard your kind words just now.

I stopped him, didn't I?

But what about "kill Lady Qiao for morale"?

You'd rather kill the innocent than spare the guilty.

You had no proof, yet you still believed

that I'd eloped with Liu Yan,

while I burned the sulfur for you,

and even helped you take the city.

You should've stayed out of it.

Matters of war

are no place for a woman to meddle.

You nearly died here.

If my life can buy the lives

of the people, then it's worth it.

The Qiao family has always

protected the people

and the soldiers,

never letting one die in vain.

It has never changed since 14 years ago.

Fine.

It's my fault for meddling.

It's my fault for fighting alone.

When I was kidnapped at Xindu's gate,

it's my fault for being clumsy

and delaying your takeover of Panyi.

Now you're stuck tending to me.

Enough.

No more self-pity.

Get on. I'll carry you back.

How dare I?

Stop talking. Get on.

Hold still.

The current you

is nothing like the one

who drove me out of Xindu.

Then let me speak my heart.

I no longer wish to marry today's you.

Back then, Liu Yan

looked down on me

for my meager dowry.

Later, when he learned Panyi was part of it,

he tried to force the marriage.

And you?

After taking my seal of Panyi,

you cast me out of Xindu.

How are you any different?

For women in this world,

marriage is a sacred matter.

Why must mine be so fraught with hardship?

Am I unworthy?

I'm telling you I won't marry.

My Lady,

you truly don't wish to marry Wei Shao?

Of course, I do.

But he must be the one to act.

Right now,

he's already seized Panyi.

What leverage do we have?

In war, the best strategy is to conquer minds.

I want him to marry me of his own will.

I saw

that when Lord Wei escorted you back earlier,

he seemed quite unsettled.

♪Or yield to fate's command♪

No wonder Grandfather often said,

"Water overcomes hardness with softness."

♪So how could I not fight on?♪

♪If rumors spread like drifting ice♪

(Qiao Mansion, Yanzhou)

Now,

the only one

I still worry about

is Manman.

In the future,

if she ever needs our help,

treat it as

the most urgent matter.

- Understood. - Understood.

Lord Wei,

Brother Wei...

♪I'd trade it all with ease♪

I failed you.

May my grandchildren

not fail yours.

♪I'll wander the world with you♪

♪With my heart as our sail♪

Father...

Father...

Father...

Father!

Father...

(Spirit Tablet of the Late Lord Qiao Gui)

Perform

the memorial rituals.

Rest in peace, Lord Qiao.

(Qiao Mansion) Rest in peace, Lord Qiao.

Rest in peace, Lord Qiao.

Ping,

if in this life,

I can earn people's love like Father did,

I'll have no regrets.

(Spirit Tablet of the Late Lord Qiao Gui)

(Panyi, Wei State)

Listen up, everyone!

By our lord's order,

we're recruiting able-bodied men

to repair the city defenses.

Each worker gets one peck of grain

per day.

Interested? Sign up over there.

My stomach's acting up.

I can't go.

Sir,

do you have any sons?

Do you have any sons?

What did you say?

Do you have any sons?

Old man!

Dinner's ready!

Coming!

I told you not to move around.

You never listen!

- Scary. - Just wait till we get home!

This feels familiar…

Too bad Panyi doesn't have

a second People's Wall

for our lord to knock down.

Enough talk.

Who's handling rations? Who's taking the census?

Draw straws.

Come on.

My turn.

Fine, fine.

My boy, thank you in advance.

You'll get used to it.

Get lost.

Let's go.

Ugh, what terrible luck.

The people of Panyi knew

that Lord Qiao gifted this place

to his daughter as dowry.

Lord Wei, now that you hold the seal,

you must have her trust.

For Panyi's citizens,

serving their ruler

is only natural.

But something went wrong...

Young Master Liu

brought Miss Xiaoqiao here instead,

vowing to marry her.

However,

if Miss Xiaoqiao herself announces

the marriage alliance,

just one line,

then with the seal in hand,

you can rightfully claim Panyi.

You're an interesting mayor.

As the saying goes:

"Every land breeds its own kind."

You Yanzhou folk

are all cunning.

I'm wronged, Lord Wei.

My loyalty is genuine.

Mayor,

you may leave for now.

Then I'll take my leave.

Though Yang Feng is unreasonable,

his words aren't entirely wrong.

I believe

I can do this without her.

She's just a helpless woman.

Why must you dwell on it, My Lord?

Won't you go see her?

Me? See her?

No way.

Xiaotao.

What do you want?

Lord Wei sent me

to deliver ointment to Miss Xiaoqiao

and invite her for a talk.

Here.

She won't see him.

Lord Wei has urgent matters

to discuss with Miss Xiaoqiao.

What urgent matters?

It's already past noon.

Miss Xiaoqiao is resting.

After all,

she burned her wrist

for stopping Liu Yan

and saving Wei people.

This water was just used

to clean her wounds.

What?

General Wei Duang,

you wouldn't disturb her, right?

You just can't stop calling me that, huh?

I'm Wei Liang!

We four brothers are

Wei Liang, Wei Qu, Wei Xiao, Wei...

I don't care which "Wei" you are.

Fine.

Miss Xiaoqiao deserves better than you.

I...

I'll return at noon tomorrow.

(Next day)

Please pass a word to Miss Xiaoqiao

Lord Wei requests a meeting.

A meeting or an accusation?

This looks

just like Liu Yan's case.

Step back.

Yes.

Now may I invite Miss Xiaoqiao?

She's taking a nap.

But it's barely noon.

Did she skip lunch to rest?

Her wounds are causing pain,

so she has no appetite

and went to bed early.

Please, General,

come earlier tomorrow.

(The following day)

Miss Xiaotao,

I picked fresh goods at the market.

Take a look.

For you, Xiaozao, and Chunniang.

And for Miss Xiaoqiao too.

Would you speak to her today?

Ask her to come out briefly.

Xiaotao,

taking the gifts and leaving?

Where's Miss Xiaoqiao?

- She is asleep. - Asleep.

Since you already know,

I won't keep you.

Wait, why today as well?

Her wounds pained her last night,

so she ate much

to ease the discomfort

and she couldn't sleep till dawn.

Yesterday you said no appetite,

now she's overeating?

Lord Wei gets to

expel then summon her back.

Why can't Miss Xiaoqiao

eat more despite no appetite?

This ailment, that ailment.

I say she's just spoiled.

Spoiled?

My Lord, did you spoil her?

He means a beating would fix it.

Should've said so earlier.

My Lord, here you go.

She's just a helpless woman

driven out of Xindu by our lord,

then threatened by Liu Yan,

and now injured for the people's sake.

It's only natural she'd feel wronged.

But think about it,

if our lord just apologizes properly,

wouldn't this be resolved? Right?

Right what?

Why should I apologize?

Exactly!

These are just the Qiao family's tricks.

Bring me the stick.

My Lord.

My Lord, where are you going?

I'll drag her out of that room myself.

Let's go.

Go.

You faked illness and complained.

Who knows if it'll work on Lord Wei?

Will playing sick make him agree to marry?

He needs me.

How absurd!

He sent people to spy on us.

My Lady, hurry.

Lie down, lie down.

Put it away, quick.

Lie down, lie down.

Close your eyes, close them.

Feeling better now, My Lady?

My Lady.

Someone just left this at the door.

What is it?

It's my elder sister's belongings.

My Lord, My Lord.

My Lady, let's go.

We'll leave through the back.

She really was faking it.

Why are they

sneaking about?

Manman!

Fan,

I never imagined the consequence

of me fleeing the marriage

would be you taking my place.

You just didn't want me to suffer.

You didn't want me to marry Lord Wei.

Since you know my intentions,

why insist on coming here?

Aren't you throwing my efforts away?

If the Wei house is a den of wolves,

I can't let you face it alone.

That's why I had Bi Zhi bring me here.

Let's flee together.

Fan,

what if I insist on marrying Lord Wei?

Will you let me?

That Wei Shao

is ruthless and cruel.

He tortured Li Su mercilessly.

How could he treat you

any better?

Look how worn you've become.

That's because Liu Yan abducted me.

Wei Shao had nothing to do with it.

He's far better than Liu Yan.

He's our family's enemy.

How could you favor him?

You only know he killed Li Su,

not that he saved countless lives.

And besides…

And he...

he...

He's dashing and heroic.

The first time I saw him,

I was already smitten.

Qiao's silver tongue

outdoes even a strategist's tales.

Since when was she "smitten"?

Wait, Manman,

are you…

are you truly sincere?

Not just to let me be with Bi Zhi?

Who said I'd let you be with Bi Zhi?

If anything, I'm begging you,

let me be with Wei Shao.

If that's the case,

then I'll harden my heart

and leave with Bi Zhi.

Go.

Be happy with Bi Zhi.

Alright.

It's getting late today.

Well,

I'll have someone find you a place to stay.

Wasn't Qiao Yue's daughter Jingxiang

reported missing?

Turns out she eloped with a servant.

I'll go arrest her.

Stop.

What does he mean?

Is he charmed by the Qiao sisters' beauty?

Or fooled by her sweet talk?

So Miss Xiaoqiao is marrying in her sister's stead.

The Qiaos are mostly heartless people.

It's rare to see one like her.

How are the arrangements?

Don't worry, My Lady.

They're settled in a secluded side chamber.

Good.

My Lady, Lord Wei is here.

He wants to see you.

Were we exposed?

Don't panic yet.

Let's hear what he says.

Lord Wei,

what brings you here?

I heard you were ill.

You're suddenly

so concerned about my health.

Is there something to discuss?

Nothing urgent.

Just that Panyi's people miss you

and begged me to check on you.

No sugar-coating today, huh?

I miss them too,

but my health holds me back.

I caught a chill outside Xindu,

and my hand wound hasn't healed.

I don't have the strength

to go see them now.

Perhaps in a few more days.

A few days ago,

I drove you out of Xindu.

That was my mistake.

I shouldn't have imposed

my grudge on you.

Moreover,

you fought against Liu Yan

for Wei people

and got yourself wounded.

I ought to thank you

on their behalf.

Lord Wei,

don't force yourself.

Why apologize and thank me?

I held many prejudices against the Qiaos,

but today,

I see you're different.

You agreed to marry me

not for yourself,

but for the people...

and for your sister.

Since you're unwell,

avoid places like mountains.

The wind is harsh.

It could worsen your condition.

Even if you must meet your family,

be cautious.

You know I met my sister?

What will you do?

I don't quarrel with women.

Thank you, Lord Wei.

Take your medicine.

Hey, neighbors, please gather around.

Come closer.

Step forward.

Come on, move up front!

Miss Xiaoqiao has words for you all.

Please, quiet down.

Silence, everyone.

My Lady, go ahead.

Neighbors,

as you all know,

my grandfather broke his promise

to the late Lord Wei fourteen years ago,

leading to the Wei family dying in battle.

Xindu

was then slaughtered by Li Su.

The people built the People's Wall

with their loved ones' belongings

to remember the hatred.

Yet now, fourteen years later,

when Lord Wei retook Xindu,

he ordered this wall torn down. Why?

Yes, why?

Because

he is magnanimous

and cares for the people.

Lord Wei retook Xindu

not just for revenge,

but for a greater purpose.

What purpose?

My grandfather and the Late Lord Wei

built the Yongning Canal together.

Back then, farms flourished.

But after Li Su seized Xindu,

the canal silted up

and was abandoned.

Harvests halved,

and the people suffered.

This time, Lord Wei attacked Panyi

to restore the canal.

That's wonderful.

Yes.

A true blessing!

Now, with Yanzhou and Wei united by marriage,

swords will turn to plowshares.

From this day on,

Panyi

is part of Wei.

All of us

are Lord Wei's people.

Yes, like one family! Well said!

The canal is for your benefit.

We ask for your full support, people of Panyi.

Good! Well said!

Did you tell her about my canal project?

I wouldn't dare act without orders

and ruin your plans.

Then how did she know?

Lord Wei's actions

show he values you much.

To have such a lord

is Panyi's fortune.

May we stand united

with Lord Wei

to fulfill the vision!

Stand united, fulfill the vision!

Stand united, fulfill the vision! - Wei Shao crippled Liu Yan,

yet she handed over Panyi

without demands. I...

Stand united, fulfill the vision!

Stand united, fulfill the vision!

Stand united, fulfill the vision!

Tell me,

what do you think of me?

The world says

Lord Wei only conquers cities,

but in Xindu, I studied

the Panyi Annals you gave me.

I noticed the words Yongning Canal

were traced over repeatedly.

Later, reviewing the map of Wei,

I realized

your greatest effort these years

was for building canals.

Truly admirable.

I'll persuade my uncle

to mobilize Yanzhou's strength

in supporting you.

Are you using the canals

as bargaining leverage?

How could I?

This marriage pact

isn't Wei's promise to Yanzhou.

It's your vow to the people

of Wei and Yanzhou.

Do you know why

Bianzhou attacked Xindu

fourteen years ago?

Because my grandfather helped Wei

build the Yongning Canal.

(Qiao) This map is confidential.

I made a copy for you.

(Liangya, Panyi, Wei State) Don't let others see it.

Once the Yongning Canal is complete,

Yanzhou and Wei

will be bound like sworn allies.

Bianzhou won't sit idle.

They'll try to

sever this lifeline.

And Panyi

is the vital pass along this lifeline.

It's like...

a heart.

That day I handed you my seal,

it wasn't because I didn't understand.

It was out of remorse and sincerity

that I gave you my heart.

Heart? What heart?

The seal's with me now.

The city's been taken.

I won't give Panyi back to you.

That day, you took the seal

and drove me out of Xindu.

You betrayed me alone.

But now I've rallied Panyi's people

to help you dig the canal.

If you go back on your word again,

the ones you'll betray

are the people of Wei and Yanzhou.

The people of both states.

Lord Wei, how can you bear this?

I can't out-argue you,

but didn't you say

you wouldn't marry?

Lord Wei, you're magnanimous.

My humble heart yearns for you.

What is there to fret about?

None of the Qiaos are capable fighters.

Qiao Gui is critically ill,

and Qiao Ci isn't grown yet.

That leaves two,

one's a coward, and the other is worthless.

Even with ample supplies,

they've got troops but no commanders.

They'd surrender Panyi,

such a crucial stronghold.

Clearly, they're terrified.

Are they?

They just fear our lord might

banish Lady Qiao again.

Would that sound honorable?

Since when has our lord

cared about honor?

Then banish her.

Expel her from Panyi

like what we did in Xindu

last time.

But who knows if some Wang Yan

or Zhang Yan will be waiting outside Panyi

to plunder her dowry?

Mr. Gongsun,

say something?

I dare not bring shame upon you.

Please

make your own decision.

Who knows when we'll meet again

after you leave this time.

Find a place to settle down quickly,

so we can still exchange letters.

Once I find a place to call home,

I'll surely let you know.

Good.

You've never suffered like this before.

If you

must blame someone,

blame our family's lack of warriors.

Whoa.

Fan, My Lady,

a boulder blocks the path ahead.

Rest a while,

I'll move it aside.

Let's go.

We heard

you were exiled from Xindu by Lord Wei,

so we came after you.

On the way,

we encountered Lord Wei's troops

and fought them.

Later, in Panyi,

I clashed with Liu Yan's forces too.

A three-way battle.

You moved through them

like they weren't even there.

He does possess some brute strength.

We're tired from the journey.

Bi Zhi, please go find us some food.

That's easy enough.

Fan,

I have something important to tell you.

This concerns Yanzhou's survival.

You must do your utmost.

At the border where Yanzhou,

Wei, and Bianzhou meet,

there's a county

called Boya.

To sue for peace,

Yanzhou gave up its heart.

Now that Panyi is in Wei Shao's hands,

we've lost the advantage.

We must secure a backup plan

and hold this strategic location.

Our repeated retreats happened

because we had troops but no leaders,

no capable fighters.

With Bi Zhi here,

I believe we can hold it.

Manman says we should go to Boya.

Then we go to Boya.

What kind of place is it?

A county.

It's a good land, near mountains, with mines.

It's also bad.

Everyone wants to take it,

but none dare make the first move.

I don't expect glory from you,

just your safety.

Bi Zhi,

let's just be

a happy ordinary couple, alright?

Alright.

Hyah!

You parted with your sister,

yet you seem unshaken.

My lady has fulfilled a wish,

so she's delightful.

What wish?

Our Qiao family finally has a true warrior.

That Bi Zhi

was born with godlike strength.

What a fine match!

But what of my lady's marriage?

A full day has passed.

Why no word from Lord Wei?

It takes time.

Haste makes waste.

My Lady.

My Lady.

You're missing for a whole day.

Turns out you're here for tea?

You already gave away a city.

Now you promise to build canals?

Patience.

Sit.

I...

We seek an alliance with Wei.

Shouldn't we show sincerity?

And let them keep nibbling at us?

These canals will solve Wei's drought.

Won't that make Lord Wei unstoppable?

You're right.

If this succeeds,

Wei will grow even stronger.

The greater the threat Yanzhou faces.

But these are long-term pros and cons.

For now,

if this succeeds,

the benefits outweigh the risks.

And where do these benefits come from?

Wei Shao's canal project is inevitable.

Even if I refuse,

he'll conduct it anyway.

Secondly, while building the canal,

he'll deploy considerable troops,

leaving no resources to attack Yanzhou.

This gives us

a breathing space.

I'll use this marriage

to turn the tide.

But now it seems

this marriage

may not happen after all.

What do you mean?

Lord Qiao Gui...

has passed away.

I came specifically to deliver this news.

Wait,

this is no joking matter.

(Qiao Gui, Governor of Yanzhou,)

(passed peacefully on April 13th, aged 60.)

When did this happen?

Today.

It happens to be

his fifth-week memorial.

(Qiao Gui, Governor of Yanzhou)

My Lady,

building canals

is no small matter.

You can't just act on impulse alone.

(Qiao Gui, Governor of Yanzhou)

My Lady, are you alright?

(passed peacefully on April 13th, aged 60.)

I missed my chance to see him one last time.

♪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♪