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 8=

Inside is something

precious to you.

To scar it with a knife

is to scar your heart.

Who could it be?

Yeah, that's it.

If Lady Qiao touched

the box herself,

we can't be blamed.

Now that Lady Qiao

has crossed Shao's taboo,

no explanation will save her.

That wooden box

has been with Zhonglin for over ten years.

He's very attached to it.

Even the servants in the west wing aren't

allowed to move it during cleaning.

Honestly, I have no idea what's in it.

Could it be

some rare treasure?

Whatever it is,

Lady Qiao has clearly

angered Shao.

Once he's angry, he'll surely

drive her from the main chamber.

Chuyu,

now,

you're the only one who truly

cares about me and gets me.

I lost my parents young.

If not for you, Aunt,

I'd have wandered homeless.

As long as you're happy,

I'd die to repay your kindness.

My Lady!

His Lordship is here!

Go, go, go.

My Lord.

Mother.

Son, what brings you

here so suddenly?

I came here today,

hoping to seek your advice.

Come, have a seat.

Zhonglin,

what is it?

There's a box in my study.

The servants all know not to touch it.

But today,

I found scratches on it.

Someone clearly tried to pry it open.

Mother, do you know

anything about this?

Outrageous!

Who would dare?

If I ever find out who did this,

they're not getting away with it!

But Zhonglin,

have you asked Lady Qiao about this?

She knows best

what goes on in your study.

Mother, you think

it was Lady Qiao?

I'm not accusing her.

I'm just worried

she's gotten arrogant

because of

your favor.

She may be tuning you out.

Or maybe

she got curious

and tried to

dig into your secrets.

Mother, you may not know.

That box only

held some of my old things.

Once I took them out,

the box was empty.

Lady Qiao saw the nine-square lock thought it was interesting,

so she asked to keep it.

I showed her

how to open it.

She got bored after a few days.

Then she used it to store some jewelry.

And today,

this happened.

I've thought it over carefully.

If it wasn't someone with bad intentions,

then it was a thieving servant.

You've managed the household for years,

so you must know what to do.

I came to ask your advice.

Alright,

I understand now.

Don't worry, son.

I'll look into it first thing tomorrow.

Very well, I'll leave it to you.

Please resolve it as soon as possible.

If it gets too complicated,

I can have Nanny Zhong

help you out.

No need, really. It's fine.

Also, about Zheng Shu,

I've got a solution

that works for both sides.

Since you want her to keep you company,

I'll find a good husband for her and have him

marry into our family.

That way,

her future is secured,

and she can stay by your side.

What do you think?

Zhonglin!

I know your kindness, son.

Let me

think about it.

Alright.

Once you decide,

let me know.

Just don't use this matter

to trouble Lady Qiao again.

After all,

she is the Lady of Wei.

Yes.

I have other matters,

so I'll take my leave.

Mr. Zhang said

he came to deliver gifts to Her Ladyship.

There's silk, chiffon, brocade, satin, and damask,

(Inventory) 200 bolts of each,

totaling 1,000 bolts.

That's a lot of fabric.

If it were all made into dresses,

it'd be enough to last a lifetime.

Pick out some to send to His Lordship.

Ten carts full from Yanzhou,

with gifts for Lady Zhu and Lady Xu: fine-made gowns

and two sets of gold accessories.

Oh, and these two chests are from Lady Ding.

She specially prepared them for you, My Lady.

It's neither a festival

nor a special occasion. Why send so many gifts now?

My Lady,

a letter from Yanzhou.

(Don't be anxious. Uphold feminine virtue.)

(The Boya conflict was not my doing. I won't send troops.)

Where is Zhang Pu?

He is waiting outside.

(Yanzhou never betrays. From Qiao Yue.)

Cousin asked Yanzhou for aid.

Why can't Uncle see the bigger picture?

He refused to send troops

and completely ignored it.

If we miss this military window,

and fail to take Boya,

what future does our Qiao family have

if Lord of Wei turns on us?

"Future"?

We've already hit rock bottom.

I thought you'd forgotten

your own family in Yanzhou.

While His Lordship and I

were struggling in Kangjun,

we heard you

and Lord of Wei

were deeply in love.

If you hadn't insisted on giving Panyi

as dowry to Lord of Wei,

he wouldn't have stationed his troops there.

Now Yanzhou doesn't dare to make a move!

He stationed his troops in Panyi?

It's been over a month.

Troops have been coming in waves.

And I didn't even notice.

My Lady, His Lordship wanted to ask you

about Lord of Wei's intentions.

But now we see,

you were just kept in the dark.

Troops in Panyi?

Alright then.

I'll use Wei Shao's might

to plant the Qiao family flag in Boya.

My Lady, I'm afraid that's a pipe dream.

We'll see if I can make it happen.

(Bianzhou, Wei)

My Lady,

which of these fabrics

would suit His Lordship best?

None!

Did he marry me for some fabric?

So what did he marry you for?

A few more cities

might satisfy him.

No.

Even if I gave him more cities,

he'd never be satisfied.

Even if he swallowed me whole,

he's still want more.

Haven't seen you angry in a while, My Lady.

I'm not angry.

I just remembered what Grandfather used to say.

Living each day

is like ruling a kingdom.

You want strong allies,

but not ones

too strong to control.

I should blame myself

for thinking I could ever live with him.

All he cares about is conquest.

This one looks nice too.

Look.

My Lady, His Lordship

said he's tied up with official matters,

so he won't be greeting you.

But Lady of Wei come here.

What is she doing here?

It must be about the wooden box.

Shao blamed you, and now

Lady Qiao's here to throw her weight around.

I have nothing to say to her.

Tell her I'm ill.

No need for visits

the next few days.

Yes.

My Lady, please return.

Lady Zhu isn't feeling well

and cannot receive guests.

You don't need to come these days.

Lady Qiao just married in

and already sows discord between Shao and you.

She even dares to complain to Shao.

Seems Lady Qiao

doesn't fear you at all.

Who knows

what Zhonglin got questioned about by her?

Now he defends her at every turn.

There's no one close to Shao

to help him see right from wrong.

You're right about that.

What a pity.

Zhonglin is still too young.

He can't even tell

who's truly close to him.

Lady Zhu

- looked fine yesterday. - What's she saying now?

Why is she suddenly sick today?

She must be tired.

She wants some peace. Let her rest.

I think she's just scared of you.

- My Lady. - My Lady.

You sweep my courtyard all day.

Now Mother's fallen ill. Shouldn't you be serving her?

I wonder am I allowed

to dismiss you now?

My Lady, what do you mean by this?

You've been spying in my courtyard,

but you didn't even know Mother's ill?

- Yes. - Yes.

My Lady,

that's impressive.

No one's eavesdropping now.

I dismissed them

so you can rant all you want.

I'll be careful with my words. I swear.

My Lord, are you eating now?

You had this prepared before I even asked?

Her Ladyship arranged it.

It's still warm.

Something wrong with the food?

No, not at all.

They're all my favorites.

She's always

been thoughtful.

How's the new bedding? Comfortable?

Her Ladyship said if you like it,

she'll prepare thicker ones

when the weather turns cold.

Her Ladyship also said

she's mastered

Lady Zhu's stitching technique

and returned them.

Hope they're comfortable.

By the way, someone said

Lady Zhu isn't feeling well

and asked you to visit her.

Alright.

I'll eat later.

I'll go now.

Zhonglin,

last time

was all my fault.

Will you forgive me, son?

Of course I will.

I just want you to know,

only your wife

walks with you to the end.

Though she's not your blood,

she's your closest companion and true love.

My closest companion

and true love.

Yes, that's right.

But sadly,

you married Lady Qiao.

She doesn't care about you.

I'm afraid

she doesn't even know

what you like, what you eat,

or your shoe size.

These two...

My Lord?

Sir,

there's something

I'd like to ask you.

Please, go ahead.

Sir,

may I ask you, what is a closest

companion and true love really like?

A closest companion and true love?

My Lord, think carefully about this.

Is Lady Xu

your closest companion

and true love?

She helped you become the family head,

took over the late lord's duties,

and kept the household in order for decades.

Grandmother

is indeed close to me.

She places

her expectations on me.

With expectations

come obligations.

So, what I feel for her

is love,

the respectful kind.

What about Lady Zhu?

My mother?

I'm dutiful to her.

My Lord, do you think I,

your advisor, am that person?

Sir, to me,

you're like a teacher,

and a father.

What I feel

for you

is trust.

If I truly saw you

as my closest companion and true love...

That'd be too much pressure.

What about those generals?

They've fought beside you.

Are they your closest companions? Do you love them?

True.

They've fought with me

for years.

In my eyes,

they're like my brothers.

I hope that someday, the war will end,

and they can live in peace.

In time,

they'll have lives of their own.

They can go their own way.

If they wish to leave,

I won't stop them.

My Lord,

you've turned everyone away.

I believe, deep down,

you already have an answer.

I truly don't.

That's why I ask, sir.

My Lord, please look.

(Closest)

The left side of

the character "Qin" [*Closest]

means blood,

while the right side

means "to see".

So the one closest to you

should be someone

who sees what you see,

and feel what you feel.

(Love)

Now, look at "Ai". [*Love]

It combines

endurance, devotion,

and friendship.

This person

must be patient with you,

willing to care,

not fear you,

and share

a mutual respect and fondness.

Things you don't want to tell others,

you can tell her.

Matters you don't want others to handle,

you can leave to her.

And you can show

your vulnerability to her.

I think Lady of Wei

is wise and gentle.

She's got some impressive qualities.

Please stop bringing her up, sir.

She's sharp-tongued,

not gentle at all.

You wrongly accused her of reading the military intel,

yet she defended herself

without fear.

That means Her Ladyship trusts you

and feels she can confide in you.

Have you forgotten

how persistent she was back then?

And in daily life?

Hasn't Lady of Wei cared for you?

Despite your authority,

has Lady of Wei

ever shown fear?

Come on, Advisor.

Give it a rest. Stop bringing her up.

We married for political reasons.

How could she be...

my closest companion and true love?

(Love)

(Love)

Her Ladyship hasn't gone to bed?

She's copying sutras for Lady Xu.

She loves The Infinite Life Sutra

Her Ladyship copied.

Would you like to go in?

No.

Have the kitchen

prepare ginseng soup for her.

Yes.

(Wei Mansion)

You didn't go to Government Office today, My Lord?

I'll head over soon.

Are you going to visit Grandmother?

Yes.

I'll go with you.

- Tan? - Yes, My Lord.

I'm hungry.

I'll have the kitchen prepare food now.

Tell Her Ladyship to prepare it

and bring it to me herself.

♪Fate walks with me, still I feign no care♪

My Lady.

Take these in to His Lordship.

See if he likes them.

Yes.

Her Ladyship sent over these dim sum.

She wants to know if they suit your taste.

Where is she?

At the door.

Why isn't she coming in?

I forgot to ask. Please wait.

Tell him he's busy with state affairs.

I don't want to disturb him.

Yes.

My Lord,

she says she doesn't want to

bother you with work.

Go tell her,

if something's wrong with the dim sum, I'd like to

speak to her in person. Let her in.

Yes.

My Lady,

he says if he doesn't like them, he wants

to tell you in person.

Please go in.

But how could he not like them?

The kitchen made them just the way he likes.

My Lord, Her Ladyship said

they were made the way you like.

No way you don't like them.

Then why does she want to know if I like them?

Putting on a show, huh?

You...

Tell her to come in.

I want to talk to her.

I wouldn't dare go in.

Who knows what mood he's in today?

What if I upset him

or offend him?

Tan.

I'm hungry.

My Lord, Her Ladyship

sent dim sum this afternoon.

You haven't had any yet.

Tell her to make me a fresh late-night snack.

And

brings it herself.

Yes.

What's wrong with him?

Isn't he just picking on me on purpose?

Why eat so late at night?

Xiaozao, go to the kitchen.

Grab anything for him.

Just take it over.

Yes.

He's sent for me twice today.

Could he have found out about Boya?

No way.

I've cleaned the bamboo slips

you drafted secretly.

And I've put away

the Map of Boya you drew.

How could he have found out?

You take this in to him.

My Lady, please don't make it hard for me.

Tan.

My Lady.

I've brought the food.

You take it in to him.

Please don't make it hard for me.

So, neither of you will go?

I'll just leave it here.

Please call him out to get it.

Sorry, I've offended you again.

Please punish me.

You didn't offend me.

Didn't you say I should come get it?

Here I am.

Why have you been avoiding me?

I'm not avoiding you.

If something's bothering you,

just tell me.

Thank you for your concern.

This is for you.

My Lady,

I heard from Tan.

This is a rare armrest.

Did His Lordship see the ink stain on your hands

and gift this for your writing?

He asked if her mother troubled me.

Maybe he feels guilty about that day

and wants to make peace.

Well, His Lordship does seem reasonable.

If he really feels guilty,

I have an idea.

But it'll cost me a bit of silver.

Isn't that easy?

Here.

I have plenty.

And I have more.

Where did you get so much?

Half the street out there belongs to Qiao now.

Don't worry, My Lady.

You'll never run short of silver.

No wonder you're always out and about.

What are we buying?

A zither.

Why do we need a zither?

I miss Cousin.

No problem.

How much are we spending?

As long as it plays, it's fine.

Well...

Alright.

Her Ladyship is waiting for you to eat.

What's going on here?

My Lord.

What's this?

I'm not a good player.

Sorry you had to see that.

Yeah, you're not.

From now on,

I'll practice every day.

I don't think that's necessary.

Let's eat.

Let's eat.

Why are you crying?

I told you,

if something's bothering you, just tell me.

Go on.

What's wrong?

It's...

It's Cousin.

She's skilled at playing the konghou.

Before she left,

she gave me this instrument.

While unpacking the things I brought

back from Yanzhou, I saw it again

and couldn't help missing her.

Cousin's kindness is still so clear in my mind.

You're quite close

with your cousin.

Yes.

She wrote to me.

Since she eloped with Bi Zhi,

they're living a hard life now,

while I'm here enjoying

comfort and luxury.

I feel terrible about it.

That's not so hard to fix.

Just send her some supplies.

Help her make things easier.

But who would do that?

She eloped.

Even my uncle disowned her.

Don't worry, I'll have someone do it.

Really?

Yeah.

Where is she now?

She's in...

Boya.

Boya?

My Lord,

do you think it's too far?

I was just wondering

why are they in Boya?

Cousin and Bi Zhi

don't have any papers to prove their identity.

They can't enter any proper city.

So they must be staying

somewhere remote, outside of authority's reach,

just to survive.

My Lord,

do you still stand by your word?

Of course I do.

Here's the thing.

Pack up whatever you

want to send her. I'll have

someone deliver it.

Alright.

I have no way to thank you,

but I'll practice konghou every day,

until I'm good enough to play for you.

That's really not necessary.

It's not your thing.

Eating is. Dig in.

Want me to play it again?

No need.

Just eat.

Why are we delivering things

for Her Ladyship's cousin?

My Lord,

don't let beauty cloud your judgment.

It's a waste of talent.

That's right, My Lord.

This trip may seem like

a supply run.

But since we don't know much about

the Commander of Boya Forces,

it's the perfect opportunity

to scout him out.

Smart move, My Lord.

Alright, you go ahead and decide

who will go then.

Come on, let's draw straws.

Drawing straws again?

I never win at this.

Are you setting me up?

Don't think so low of me.

- Get lost. - Here,

put it in your hand.

I'll draw from you, fair enough?

Draw.

Looks like this tough task

falls on me in the end.

Better than you thinking I cheated.

This trip isn't for battle,

just for scouting.

What a show.

It's even grander than your wedding parade.

I still think it's not enough.

More people means better support for Cousin.

When you get there,

keep it discreet.

We don't want rumors

of Wei attacking Boya.

Rest assured, My Lord. I understand.

Take care of yourself.

Don't worry.

My Lord, you prepared so much for Cousin.

It's just to put you at ease.

So you won't be sad again.

These are rice seeds I brought for Cousin.

Even if they're drifting around,

they can survive by farming.

Please be sure to give these rice seeds

to Cousin.

Don't worry.

I saw you brought many servants.

If Cousin needs help,

please let them lend a hand.

Don't worry, My Lady.

All right, head out.

Okay.

Why is he so eager this time?

He's a good buddy.

Took the tough job himself.

Boya has mountains, beasts,

and local wine.

Not just him,

I'd like to go too.

Alright. Head out.

(Boya)

The terrain in Boya is tricky,

mountains over here, forests over there.

Hang in there, guys.

We're almost there.

Let's see if we can get some meat tonight.

Give me the bow.

Hyah!

Whoa.

Who are you?

I hit this boar.

Why are you taking it?

It was my arrow that hit it.

How is it yours?

You bandit,

quite impressive, huh?

If you want it,

I'll give it to you.

Boars are hard to find.

You'd just give it up?

If you need some meat,

just take it.

I'll hunt another one.

May I ask, hero,

what is your name?

I'm Bi Zhi.

One green eye, one black eye.

Bi Zhi,

I'm Wei Qu from Wei State.

We're here for you.

General Wei.

Miss.

Lord of Wei sent you here?

Her Ladyship misses you deeply.

His Lordship is worried about her.

So they sent us here

- with supplies. - Thank you.

Thank you.

Wei Qu.

General Bi Zhi.

You brought us so many things.

Here, have some water.

General Bi Zhi,

back in Yujun

I heard stories of your bravery.

Who would've thought the Commander of Boya Forces

is family?

You flatter me.

Cousin,

reading this letter is seeing me.

Xue Tai's crisis can be eased by others.

Bianzhou is far, surrounded by rugged mountains.

Xue Tai's troops are exhausted

and fear being outnumbered.

Cousin, have Bi Zhi position Lord of Wei troops

on high ground

and create the illusion of a large troop.

Victory shall be ours without a fight.

Raise the Qiao family flag

and take Boya.

This will keep the Wei family at bay for years.

The fate of Yanzhou depends on this.

We must give it our all.

Manman.

Put it over there.

Be quick!

Alright.

Careful there.

Put it over there.

Report!

General, a group of

over 100 men,

escorting 20 carts, has arrived in Boya.

They linked up with the green-eyed bandit.

Locals say

they came from

Yujun, Wei State.

Wei State?

Civilians or soldiers?

Word is, Lady Qiao's sister

is delivering supplies from Yujun.

But she's married to Wei Shao, Lord of Wei.

Hard to tell if they're

civilians or soldiers.

Wei Shao has

already taken Panyi.

Now he wants Boya too?

Scout again and report.

Yes.

Didn't you say His Lordship doesn't suit the fabric?

Why do you change your mind

and picking fabric again?

He says he has headaches.

Maybe it's the pillow.

I'm picking something softer.

These fabrics are fine,

but not comfortable to the touch.

My Lady,

this is fine fabric from Lady Ding

in Yanzhou.

You wouldn't use them yourself,

but you want to make something for His Lordship.

He's sent so many things to Cousin.

Of course, I must return the gesture.

Very good, My Lady.

My Lady,

please choose a fabric.

Let me feel them.

How about this one?

It's too stiff.

Try this one.

This one's much softer.

Let's go with this one.

Alright, we'll use this fabric.

My Lord,

General Wei Qu has sent word.

He's arrived at the borders of Boya

and met the Commander of Boya Forces.

So soon?

So, who is this Commander of Boya Forces?

He's your brother-in-law,

Bi Zhi.

It's him?

That's interesting.

No one pays much heed to Boya.

Now it's under Bi Zhi's control.

He's both Qiao Yue's son-in-law

and your brother-in-law.

Whose side he picks

will decide whether Boya belongs to

Qiao or Wei.

Please, sir, speak your mind.

General Wei Qu went

at Her Ladyship's request.

What exactly did she

mean by that?

What meaning could there be?

If Her Ladyship knew Bi Zhi

was the Commander of Boya Forces,

she would've told me.

Don't worry,

she wouldn't hide it.

You're home early today.

(Wise Kashyapa Who Governs Eternally)

I am.

To congratulate you.

Why is that?

Do you know

who the Commander of Boya Forces is?

Who is it?

Your brother-in-law.

Bi Zhi.

You must be joking, My Lord.

My brother-in-law is just a stableman.

♪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♪