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 21=

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.

My Lord,

have some hot ginger soup before bed

to warm you up.

How thoughtful. Everything's better now.

I'm glad the Lord slept well last night.

The dishes tonight

have been prepared in the kitchen.

Bring them to him later.

If anything is missing, go buy it

or come back to get it.

If you're short on money, ask Xiaotao for more.

Thank you for caring for the Lord.

I will make sure he is looked after

as if he were at home.

Are you trying to make him never want to come back?

I don't have such deep thoughts.

I just want him to live comfortably.

Come with me to Deer Hunt Venue.

If you feel tired or have a headache,

use this cooling balm

to refresh yourself.

♪The moonlight is as silent as the deep sea♪

♪From afar♪

♪I've wandered in the world♪

♪Yet cannot have it all♪

♪We meet and part in the fires of war♪

(Qiao)

♪Embracing, leaving tender marks of love♪

♪With one breathtaking glance♪

♪How could I ever forget♪

The hand warmer is ready.

Hold it, so you won't get cold.

♪I would cross mountains and seas♪

♪To spend time with you♪

♪When we grow old♪

♪Nothing will change♪

♪No matter the trials♪

(Government Office)

♪This life♪

♪Will not be in vain♪

My Lord, are you hungry?

What makes you become

so thoughtful suddenly?

It's made in the kitchen at home.

You'll definitely like it.

This...

Who prepared it?

Of course, it was the Lady.

The Lady?

What about this balm?

Also the Lady.

- The hand warmer? - Also the Lady.

Why did you smile yesterday

when I praised you?

Weren't you praising the Lady?

Though I'm at the office,

I'm still caught in the web.

If you don't like it,

I'll prepare something else.

No need.

I'll just make do.

What has the Lady

been doing these days?

Besides instructing me every day

to care for you,

she's been busy with the renovation of Deer Hunt Venue.

I heard

she's anxious to find someone

to write poetic exposition to boost

the popularity of the Deer Hunt.

Do you know there's a scholar

skilled in poetic expositions

and full of talent,

named Gao Heng?

Master Zhenshi, Gao Heng,

is famed across the states,

admired by many.

The weather changed so fast.

It suddenly turned cold.

Yes.

Since the Lord is staying at the office,

hurry and prepare more clothes

to send to him.

Yes, yes.

I know you care deeply for the Lord.

Your hands are busy,

but your mouth isn't idle either.

Send him

another hand warmer.

Be careful.

That's his beloved item.

You can't touch this box.

Lady Yulou and the Lord

were almost betrothed.

Xiaozao,

about the jade pendant the Lord wears,

Lady Yulou seems to have one too.

Didn't Xiaotao say

Lady Yulou almost married into the Wei Clan?

But don't worry, My Lady.

That's all in the past.

I'm afraid it's not in the past.

This is the dessert from Danjun?

Yes.

Why did you prepare this for me?

The Lady arranged it.

She said you'd surely like it.

I'd surely like it?

Take it away.

I don't like it.

Yes.

Where's my hand warmer?

It was taken back

to the mansion.

Back to the mansion?

The Lady said

the office is for working hard.

It shouldn't be made as comfortable as home.

It would hinder your diligence.

What happened?

I even praised her today in front of others

for her meticulous care.

She asked you to take it away, so you did?

Whose side are you on?

Go get it back for me.

I'm on it.

Wait.

It's already late.

Don't disturb her rest.

Do it tomorrow.

Yes.

Why is this box here?

The Lady sent it.

She said it's your cherished item

and should be kept close.

You may leave now.

Yes.

Shao,

promise me two things.

Don't trust anyone from the Qiao Clan.

And take care of her for me.

You

have fallen in love

but still care about filial duty.

That will only

bring you pain.

Tomorrow, find some tavern maids

who resemble this goddess

in figure and charm.

Yes.

Why are you back?

The office is damp.

My headache flared up.

So tonight,

I'll sleep in the bedchamber.

As you wish.

What are you doing?

Fixing the pillow.

Perfect timing. Let me try it.

I have

a headache.

- Listen. - Listen.

Let me go first.

My Lord...

This box holds the belongings

of my grandfather,

father,

and elder brother.

I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have taken the liberty.

It was my fault.

I should've told you earlier.

This jade pendant

is actually one half.

Before my brother died,

he split it in two

and asked me to give the other half

to Lady Yulou

because they were

almost betrothed.

My brother had excelled

in martial arts since he was a child.

He was known as the destined patriarch.

He followed Grandfather

into battle

and never lost a fight

until the Xindu Battle.

Then he became a scar

of Mother and me

that never healed.

So, from a young age,

I've told myself

to grow up to be brave,

kind,

and responsible

like him.

I still wonder if I can ever

measure up to him in Mother's eyes.

You're the best patriarch

the Wei Clan has ever had.

Before my brother died, he asked two things of me.

The first was

to take care of Lady Yulou

on his behalf.

The second...

I failed to fulfill.

Do you

have a style name?

It's Manman.

Manman.

(Boya)

General,

there's been another raid from Bianzhou today.

Thankfully, they only took some livestock.

A few commoners were injured.

General, please come up with a solution.

Alright. I understand.

You may go.

- Yes. - Yes.

Darling, is something troubling you?

Fan.

(Qiao)

Did I wake you just now?

It's still early.

Why don't you go back to sleep?

Why won't you tell me what's going on?

There was another raid

from Bianzhou.

No major losses were caused,

but this is the third time

this month.

Why didn't you tell me

something so serious?

Lady Ding and Ci are here.

I didn't want them to worry,

so I kept quiet.

I sought help from Father,

but he remained silent.

He won't send reinforcements.

He must have his reasons

for not doing that.

But I won't show weakness,

or he'll look down on me,

and you might not

be welcomed home again.

Bi Zhi.

Fan.

I know you worry for me,

but the Lady is right.

If I don't make something of myself,

how could I be worthy of you?

I've followed her instructions

and started to build roads

from Liancheng to Xiaogang.

That is what truly matters.

As for the rest,

they don't.

Since Father refuses to help,

I'll write to Manman

and ask if she can help.

But in the end,

the Qiao Clan's banner

is still flying in Boya.

Why would the Lord of Wei

vouch for me?

You fool.

I'll say

since the Deer Hunt is coming,

we'd like to visit them for the event.

Yeah.

If I attend,

the world will know

the Lord of Wei sees me as an in-law,

and if anyone dares invade Boya later,

they'll think twice.

We'll have to take a risk

and see if the Lord of Wei

has a place in his heart for Manman.

(To Manman)

Why didn't I see you

in the tavern before?

I'm a Yu.

I've admired you for a long time.

Good.

I'll come by another time.

I'll be waiting.

Lower

your head.

Zhu Quan,

send them back.

Yes.

My Lord,

Master Zhenshi, who was invited for the poetic exposition,

has arrived in Yujun.

He said

he wanted to explore the scenery

before he could begin writing.

Let him be.

Treat him well.

Yes.

Chunniang sent these honeyed drinks and cakes

on the Lady's orders.

Why didn't she

bring it herself?

She's at Deer Hunt Venue,

overseeing the renovations.

Any other orders, My Lord?

Pick out a few hairpins

in the latest

and finest styles for me.

Yes.

What a rare gathering.

Let's raise our glass.

- Mother. - To grandmother.

Though it's late now,

the room feels

particularly radiant.

It must be because of Grandmother

and Aunt's beautiful new jewelry,

so you look much more stunning.

During the day, Zhonglin

noticed my hairpin was worn,

so he brought a new one tonight.

He also got one for Mother and Lady Qiao too.

He's mainly trying to be filial to you.

I just benefited from that.

Shiyuan,

what's wrong with you?

Three of us have new jewelry,

but you only complimented two.

Can't you see the hairpin

on Lady Qiao's head?

Grandmother,

Zhonglin should be the one

complimenting Lady Qiao,

while I can focus

on cheering up you two.

Of course, we're happy.

I really like the hairpin from you.

The craftsman had

some material left

so he made yours

with it.

Still,

I'm glad you like it.

Zhonglin,

you meant well.

Why say such things?

Is it so hard

to say something nice?

You're right.

Let's drink.

To Grandmother.

Mr. Wei really is something.

That girl is completely obsessed with him now.

She's driven off every suitor.

She'll marry no one but him.

Really?

Where did you hear that gossip?

The whole city's talking about it.

She says

she sees him every day

and spends every night

with him.

She even has a keepsake from him.

She's a girl, after all.

With that much detail,

it's gotta be true.

Is Mr. Wei getting married?

I don't think so.

We know him.

He's engaged with half the girls here.

He's always been a flirt.

It's not likely that he'll tie himself

to one woman.

So, he gave her affection

but no promise.

That'll ruin her life.

You're too naive.

Who is this good girl?

A Yu in the east of the city.

I've never heard of her.

Why are you here gossiping

instead of being on duty?

Mr. Wei, we're waiting for the Lord.

- Close the door. - Sure.

We're waiting for the Lord to head to the office.

You shouldn't have asked.

You mentioned it first.

Shiyuan

has always been messy

with women.

I'm not surprised

that he's messing

with a good girl.

Yan never mentioned this.

We don't know if it's true yet.

I've seen plenty of girls claiming

to hold his keepsakes.

Some have a rouge box,

and some have a wooden comb.

I wonder

what it is this time.

My Lady,

this time

it's a flute.

A flute?

Then it might be true.

If she's someone

Shiyuan really likes,

I'd like to meet her.

What's all the chatter about?

- It's about you. - Let me hear it.

Grandmother.

Aunt.

It's your flirtatious debts.

There's gossip all over the city.

A girl claimed to have your keepsake,

said she was engaged to you,

and swore she'd marry no one else.

She said you invited her home to paint.

Yan, do you know anything about this?

Painting?

Was it a tavern maid surnamed Yu?

What tavern maid?

She's a girl from a decent family.

You found her?

If you keep this up,

I won't help you find anyone next time.

So, you do know she's a Yu.

Then she does exist.

Grandmother,

it's a misunderstanding.

That day...

If she's truly the one you want,

we don't care about her background.

Shall I arrange

the betrothal?

It was just one meeting.

If I truly care for someone,

I'll ask you to arrange it for me.

I'm tired.

I'm leaving.

Yan.

What's wrong?

I have an appointment.

Would you like to join me?

Who is it?

I've sent someone to fetch her.

Miss Yu, I invited you here today

to hear your thoughts

and to settle

all the rumors.

My Lady,

I was once intimate

with Mr. Wei.

I've rejected all other suitors for him.

I'd gladly be his wife or concubine.

I will marry

no one else.

I've given him my heart.

Just last night,

he treated me tenderly,

smiled at me,

gave me a keepsake,

held me close, and kissed me.

You mean last night?

We've been together every night.

Last night was no exception.

There was a family banquet last night.

Was it later last night?

Yes.

It was later than usual.

Last night, Mr. Wei got drunk at the banquet.

He rested at the mansion as arranged.

He didn't go out again.

How did you

meet him?

Perhaps I remembered wrong.

He didn't come last night.

But usually,

he comes every day.

If you can't recall

what happened last night,

how can we trust

what you said about before?

I have his keepsake.

Everything I said is true.

Mr. Wei and I truly love each other.

I must marry him.

We don't know

whether what you have

is proof or a stolen item.

Being a weak woman doesn't mean

you can use it to oppress Mr. Wei.

My Lady,

she just

admired Mr. Wei deeply,

so she was momentarily confused

and disguised herself as a tavern maid to sneak into the mansion.

She just wanted to see him,

yet he treated her so gently.

That's how she wanted something more.

My Lady,

please show mercy

for her sincere love.

How unfair.

Love has now become

an excuse to make false accusations.

Take Miss Yu home.

Watch her closely.

Thank you, My Lady.

My Lady.

Chunniang,

spread the word:

This must not be talked about again.

A woman's reputation matters.

Don't ruin her future.

Yes, My Lady.

Rest assured.

Why did you do that?

I am the Lady of the Wei Clan,

so I should get to decide everything about women.

I just don't understand.

Since you were wrongly accused,

why didn't you defend yourself?

I'm a man.

Why care about reputation?

Besides, I've had affairs with many.

What's one more?

Still, I didn't expect you

to defend me like this.

Reputation, good or bad,

should come from what you've actually done,

not from false accusations.

I'm your family.

Of course, I won't let you suffer injustice.

Everyone thinks I'm a rake

and it's no surprise for me to do this.

Why do you

see me

differently?

Perhaps it's because I believe

I understand your character.

Even if your words are sometimes flirtatious,

you would never

deceive and abandon a woman.

Grandmother protects me,

and Zhonglin defends me,

even when they think

I'm wrong.

Thank you.

Miss Yu loved Mr. Wei,

so

she picked up his flute,

hoping it would lead to marriage.

Unexpectedly,

Mr. Wei had no such intentions.

Fate

can't be forced.

Yes.

Seeing

how Zhonglin and his wife

live so harmoniously,

I just hope Shiyuan

can get married soon

so he won't end up alone

like his mother.

Don't worry, My Lady.

Mr. Wei

will definitely find someone he loves.

(I was like that poor scholar,)

(lost and weary,)

(wandering into the wrong path,)

(until I finally came)

(to an open land)

(and saw the goddess.)

♪If my endless longing for you can bring you to me♪

(With one move, flowers bloomed, and grass withered.)

(Tiger and hare lived in harmony. The sun and moon rose together.)

(I admired her)

(and wanted to approach)

(but feared she was out of reach.)

(I was)

(caught)

(in a dilemma.)

♪I stayed true to my heart♪

♪So what if we part again and again♪

(Matters of love fear hesitation)

(and overthinking.)

(That won't be spontaneous,)

(free,)

(simple,)

(or joyful.)

♪Leaving no regrets♪

♪I'll always remember you in the years to come♪

(Wei Yan's Mansion, Wei)

♪Bravery won't fail me♪

♪Even in extreme danger♪

Is the goddess

that Mr. Wei loves

me?

Alright.

If you have nothing else to say,

you may leave.

My Lord,

this is a letter from Boya to the Lady.

What does it say?

Not much.

Just the same praise about how good

the general is to his wife.

She's bragging about her husband.

Nothing new.

Bi Zhi listens to his wife in everything.

I've never seen a man so devoted to his wife.

How can a man

be controlled like this?

You don't get it.

I heard it from Wei Qu.

He said

the general and his wife

went through a lot to be together, right?

I saw that myself in Boya.

Their bond is truly

beyond ordinary couples.

The Lord and the Lady have been through a lot too,

but I don't see the Lady controlling the Lord.

Wait, Wei Liang.

Why are you suddenly talking

about love today?

Are you thinking of getting married?

With whom?

Alright, you may leave.

My Lord.

I have a report.

Speak.

Master Zhenshi has finished the poetic exposition.

Already?

Didn't he say earlier

he had no inspiration

even after touring all of Wei?

He just suddenly got inspired?

It's said that he strolled

around the drill ground for two hours

and started writing on the spot.

That old man

is quite interesting.

My Lord,

Master Zhenshi is no elder.

He is a young and handsome man.

Young

and handsome?

I'll head to the drill ground.

My Lord,

he's a rare talent. Please treat him with respect.

(Yujun, Wei)

(Gao Heng, a famous scholar)

How brilliant.

To compose like that on the spot

is truly beyond us.

Indeed.

It was only by coming here

that I finally found inspiration.

Master Zhenshi,

with such striking features,

is not only good-looking

but also talented in literature.

You have finally finished.

Let's read it.

- Yes. - Right.

Such elegant writing.

Every word is a gem.

His diction and structure

are far beyond our reach.

- Truly. - Yeah.

When all states prosper,

the world will have peace.

The water from the Yang River is accessible

thanks to the Yongning Canal,

which runs over 700 li,

chasing the sun across the sky.

The walls of legacy are painted

with the contributions

of Lady Qiao.

Once I entered Xindu,

I saw the people living in harmony,

and the Lady, as pretty as a lotus,

walking like the drifting wind,

like a goddess among clouds

wherever she goes.

My Lord, you invited him

to praise Wei and the Deer Hunt,

yet he spoke of the Lady endlessly.

Master Zhenshi.

My Lord.

Master Zhenshi,

your talent is exceptional.

But with your strong build,

you don't look like a scholar,

more like a soldier.

You flatter me.

I've never practiced martial arts.

I'm as weak as a scholar should be.

Weak?

Really.

Each has their own path.

In combat,

you're unmatched.

In words and verse,

I won't yield

to anyone.

Indeed.

Master Zhenshi's exposition is brilliant.

What a vivid portrait you painted of the Lady.

"As pretty as a lotus,"

"walking like the drifting wind,"

"like a goddess among clouds"

"wherever she goes."

Once carved into a wall,

her beauty will echo

- through the ages. - Exactly.

Carved into a wall?

Had I known that,

I wouldn't have read it so soon.

So,

you admit the piece is good?

Don't rush, My Lord.

I have one more line

to praise the Lady's handwriting.

With strokes like dragons

and strength like bamboo,

each motion

gleams with grace.

I've heard

the Lady's calligraphy

is refined and elegant.

If carved into a wall,

it'd rival

the famed Moya Inscriptions in Yunzhong,

leaving a legacy for future generations.

You're flattering me.

I've always wanted

to see the Moya Inscriptions

but never found the chance.

What's inscriptional?

It's not that.

It's the Moya Inscriptions.

Speaking of which, my top choice is the Ode to Yunmen.

Its brushwork is wild,

and its structure is unbound.

It combined the large and small seal scripts.

Its strokes are like the clerical script.

Its writing

is free and ethereal,

full of imagination.

With changes

in the weather and light,

the inscriptions

seem

to have also changed.

My Lady,

if you want to view them,

I'd gladly be

your guide.

Why should you be her guide?

How could I trouble you?

I'm still new in Yujun.

I must care for Grandmother and Mother.

It's not convenient to travel.

That's right.

If you ever wish to go,

just tell me,

and I'll take you.

Actually,

there's no rush.

The Lady's visit to the inscriptions

is for later.

Today,

My Lady,

please write this for me.

A masterpiece

should be matched

with your calligraphy.

I think that won't be necessary.

Sir, I wasn't finished just now.

Your exposition is brilliant,

but it's off-topic.

I invited you here

to praise

the great land of Wei,

not the Lady.

Sir, your vision

is limited.

You're absolutely right.

I'll revise it.

I'll revise it at once.

However,

the Lady

truly is

a rare

and talented woman

in this world.

Every word I spoke

came from my heart.

Then let this piece

be a gift to you, My Lady,

to show

my admiration to you.

Your words are too precious.

I dare not accept.

Yes.

We must decline your offer.

Of course,

it won't be carved into any wall.

Master Zhenshi,

please rewrite

the whole thing.

You'd better

compose a song.

Don't go wandering off

until it's done.

Let's go.

Tan, escort Master Zhenshi back.

Yes.

My Lord.

My Lord.

Wait, that's a dead end.

You need to go this way.

One day,

I hope to invite the Lady to see the Moya Inscriptions.

She has no time.

You're always busy with state affairs.

What

brings you here today?

Master Zhenshi

truly is gifted

and handsome.

No wonder so many women

admire him.

If so many admire him,

he must have met real beauties,

yet he stays above it all,

with a heart set on scenery.

Why aren't you wearing the hairpin I gave you?

You said you made it casually.

I figured you didn't like it,

so I didn't wear it.

How could I have had it made casually?

I put a lot of thought into that gift.

Thank you, My Lord.

♪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♪