General and I Episode 59 Recap, Plot

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Chu Beijie and Pingting, having resolved to seize Qierou City, bade a heartfelt farewell to their son Chang Xiao. Chang Xiao, for the first time, called Chu Beijie "Father," a moment that deeply moved Chu Beijie as he galloped across the prairie, promising his son he would return with the same speed he departed. Pingting silently vowed to herself that if she could not return, Chang Xiao must stay with his father and not let him be sad.

The couple then embarked on their journey, arriving outside Qierou City by dawn. Chu Beijie declared his intention to make Qierou City He Xia's final resting place. Chu Beijie, accompanied by Moran and others, had already covertly infiltrated Qierou City. They contaminated the city's water wells with a dye, causing the water to turn an alarming color, and released numerous rats to infest the city's grain storages.

When Pingting entered the city and met Chu Beijie at a restaurant, she observed the widespread panic and rumors among the populace. Chu Beijie confirmed that their plan was unfolding smoothly, having successfully mapped out the city's defenses and located the ration supplies. He hinted at even better news, teasing Pingting that she would soon discover it for herself.

The city residents were indeed disturbed by the strange occurrences: the discolored well water, missing officials, and the discovery of stone tablets inscribed with the ominous prophecy, "When the benevolent ruler diminishes, the law of nature will die," leading many to believe a disaster was imminent and to consider leaving. Meanwhile, Qierou City's garrison commander, Fan Lu, entered the city with Zui Ju to gather information.

He quickly noticed they were being followed and planned to lure the pursuer into a dark alley to ambush them. To their surprise, their pursuer was Moran, who immediately chided Zui Ju for not sending word and making everyone worry. As Fan Lu still contemplated firing his crossbow, Chu Beijie appeared behind him, placing a sword at his neck. A joyful reunion ensued as Zui Ju, seeing Chu Beijie and Pingting, cried and laughed with Pingting.

Zui Ju then playfully accused Fan Lu of lying about Pingting's death, to which Fan Lu, still under threat, retorted that she should focus on his immediate peril. Chu Beijie then proposed an alliance with Fan Lu. Fan Lu, revealing his past loyalty to Prime Minister Gui and the subsequent hardship he faced under He Xia's suppression, agreed to pledge allegiance. He, however, presented two conditions.

His first demand was for Zui Ju, which Zui Ju protested, declaring herself not a mere commodity. Chu Beijie readily agreed, even joking about forcing Zui Ju to agree by threatening to cut off her fingers. For his second condition, Fan Lu admitted he had not yet thought of it and would reveal it later. Chu Beijie accepted this as well.

Fan Lu then inquired about the size of Chu Beijie’s forces, and Chu Beijie revealed there were only four of them, much to Fan Lu's surprise. Fan Lu then invited Chu Beijie to his residence that night to formulate their grand strategy. Elsewhere, He Xia was enraged by the clandestine acts of sabotage occurring across Bailan, suspecting someone was deliberately delaying his coronation.

He ordered Dong Zhuo to secretly gather evidence of corruption against Fei Zhaoxing, declaring he would not tolerate indecisive individuals. He Xia then inquired about the progress of the imperial crowns. Dong Zhuo reported that while the emperor's crown was nearly ready, the empress's crown still lacked the finest central sapphire. He Xia prioritized the empress's crown, instructing Dong Zhuo to use the best materials and ensure exquisite craftsmanship for it, stating his own crown was less urgent.

He Xia also suspected that Pingting might still be alive, believing her survival was the reason for Chu Beijie's resurgence, and vowed to kill her if he saw her. At Fan Lu's residence, they strategized further. Fan Lu, utilizing his military experience, provided insights into Qierou City's surroundings and ration routes. He affirmed his knowledge of which military officials could be swayed to their side and promised to compile a list.

Chu Beijie then proposed adding a specially concocted drug to the military rations. Fan Lu expressed concern about spies, but Pingting assured him that her drug was non-lethal and its potency could be controlled. Fan Lu was impressed, remarking on the formidable force Chu Beijie and Pingting made together. Dong Zhuo reported to He Xia that General Cui Linjian, the commander of the Gangfeng troops, had been secretly killed and beheaded in his tent the previous night.

Dong Zhuo suspected Chu Beijie, but He Xia dismissed the idea, believing it to be an internal act by someone within his own army, likely General Qi Tian of the Yongtai troops, who stood to gain from Cui Linjian's death. He Xia ordered General Qi Tian to investigate the murder and find the truth within three days, threatening him with his head if he failed.

Pingting worked through the night to prepare the odorless and colorless drug for the military rations. Chu Beijie returned, reporting his success in assassinating Cui Linjian with a dagger. Later, a playful Zui Ju tricked an unsuspecting Fan Lu into consuming the drug by serving him a bowl of porridge, claiming it was breakfast. Soon after, Fan Lu began to itch uncontrollably.

Zui Ju examined him, noting there were no visible symptoms or an abnormal pulse, and praised Pingting's remarkable skill. Fan Lu, realizing he was a guinea pig, angrily confronted Zui Ju, who only mocked him further. When he demanded an antidote, she claimed there was none. Fan Lu then oversaw the process of secretly adding Pingting’s drug to the military rations as they were being transported to the Yongtai troops. Meanwhile, He Xia summoned Fei Zhaoxing.

The nervous general immediately handed over his commander’s seal upon request. He Xia then offered him a cup of wine. Fei Zhaoxing, certain it was poison, drank it anyway, only to discover it was harmless. In a final display of his unpredictable power, He Xia gifted Fei Zhaoxing his personal sword.

Subsequently, reports of a "plague" began to spread throughout the army, causing soldiers, especially those under General Qi Tian, to suffer from uncontrollable itching and a debilitating loss of strength in their limbs, rendering them unable to march. Military physicians were helpless, unable to find a cause or cure.

Chu Beijie explained that Cui Linjian’s death had already made He Xia suspicious of Qi Tian, and now, Qi Tian's inability to deploy his troops on schedule without a clear reason would only deepen He Xia's distrust. Moran then informed Chu Beijie that it was time to meet General Qi Tian, and Fan Lu offered to accompany them, citing his past service in the Yongtai troops. Pingting, however, felt a strange unease and urged Chu Beijie to be extra cautious.

Chu Beijie and Pingting then discussed their final strategic step. Pingting explained that He Xia would soon suspect Qierou City and proposed that Chu Beijie gather new soldiers outside the city while she remained within Qierou City with 5,000 elite soldiers to lure He Xia. Although Chu Beijie initially opposed her staying, Pingting insisted it was crucial, as He Xia's cautious nature meant he would not be easily drawn out without her presence.

She stressed the paramount importance of winning this battle for the sake of the common people and their future generations, asserting that defeat would plunge the world into He Xia's tyranny. She reassured Chu Beijie that she could escape safely if needed, and Chu Beijie, deeply moved, made her promise to survive and wait for his return.

Episode 58 Recap

Episode 60 Recap