The King's Woman Episode 15 Recap
> The King's Woman Recap
Gongsun Li worried about the dangers Tianming would face if left alone in the Qin palace, especially after his recent disappearance. Han Shen tried to reassure her, explaining that Ying Zheng treated her as a treasure and understood that if anything happened to Tianming, she would not return. He believed Tianming was Ying Zheng's only hope for Gongsun Li's return, and therefore, he would protect the child diligently.
Han Shen urged her that they had to leave soon, as the next group of guards would be changing shifts, and they would lose their chance. After Han Shen’s repeated persuasion, Gongsun Li eventually agreed to leave the palace with him. Meanwhile, Gai Lan, having learned that Gongsun Li would soon leave the palace, packed her belongings and set out to find Jing Ke, believing he would be overjoyed by the news.
Jing Ke was at an inn, feeling dispirited and drinking. Unexpectedly, Gao Jianli came to find him. They sparred again in a forest, and Gao Jianli noticed that Jing Ke's swordsmanship had declined significantly. He deduced from Jing Ke's words that he was troubled. As an experienced swordsman, Gao Jianli advised Jing Ke that for a swordsman, nothing was more important than the sword in one's hand, and only by clearing one's mind could one master the sword.
Jing Ke listened thoughtfully, acknowledging that letting go of his worries was not easy but expressing hope that he would one day achieve it. The next morning, the atmosphere in the Qin palace was tense. At daybreak, Zhao Gao discovered Gongsun Li was missing. He immediately ordered the palace maids from her residence to be interrogated, including Qing'er, Gongsun Li’s personal maid.
Zhao Gao suspected a plot, potentially with collusion, and threatened severe punishment if Madame Li was not found, stating that her disappearance was a grave matter given Ying Zheng’s regard for her. He sent people to search the entire palace and instructed his attendant to notify His Majesty if Gongsun Li was not found by midday.
Elsewhere, Madame Chu received news of Gongsun Li’s disappearance with a cold smile, hoping Gongsun Li would never return, or she would make her life difficult. Gai Lan continued her search, stopping at an inn to inquire if anyone had seen a tall, slim swordsman with a Wey accent. The innkeeper found her request difficult, as many such people passed through daily. Gai Lan sighed, realizing her search was not easy.
As she turned away in disappointment, she was surprised to see Gao Jianli. Jing Ke then emerged from behind a curtain, equally surprised to see her. The reunion was sudden and joyful, and Gai Lan eagerly relayed the news that Gongsun Li would soon leave the palace to see him. Filled with excitement, Jing Ke and Gai Lan hurried back. Upon reaching the door, Jing Ke paused, hesitant to believe.
He pushed the door open, only to find the room empty, and was instantly enveloped by immense disappointment. It was not until he heard the sound of horses that his heart finally settled. Gongsun Li and Han Shen had traveled through the night. Earlier, Gongsun Li had confided in Han Shen, asking him not to reveal Tianming's true parentage to Jing Ke.
She explained that Ying Zheng had warned her never to let anyone know Tianming's identity, fearing what he might do, as Tianming was still in his hands. Han Shen assured her he had kept her secret. Jing Ke stood at the house entrance while Gongsun Li stood at the doorway, their eyes fixed on each other across the small courtyard, oblivious to anyone else. Gai Lan and Han Shen discreetly left them alone. Gai Lan hid outside, softly weeping.
While she was happy for Jing Ke and Gongsun Li's reunion, she could not stop her own sorrow, as she harbored romantic feelings for Jing Ke. Han Shen, observing Gai Lan's distress, understood her feelings completely. He realized they shared a similar melancholic fate: helping the person they secretly loved reunite with their beloved, leaving their own profound sense of loss unspoken. After Ying Zheng left, Lv Buwei felt disheartened.
He reflected on his life, filled with wealth and power, only to find that the son he meticulously groomed harbored intense hatred for him. At his age, opulence no longer held meaning, and the familial affection he deemed important had always eluded him. Despite a life of dominance, Lv Buwei could not overcome his despair and ultimately took his own life by drinking poison. Li Si no longer had to worry about Lv Buwei threatening his position.
Zhao Ji, hearing the news, fell into despair, her last hope gone. Ying Zheng, en route back to Xianyang, received news of Lv Buwei's suicide. He recalled Lv Buwei's sincere words to him previously, and a heavy expression crossed his face. Shortly after, a guard reported Gongsun Li’s disappearance, prompting Ying Zheng to hasten his return to Xianyang by fast horse. Upon their reunion, although Gongsun Li smiled, an undeniable sadness lingered in her eyes.
Jing Ke noticed this and secretly vowed to restore his junior sister's happiness. They sparred with swords, using the technique they had invented together. Gai Lan suggested Jing Ke cover his eyes for fairness. Gongsun Li then offered her silk scarf for him to use, recalling its past significance, and Jing Ke used it to cover his eyes.
