The King's Woman Episode 19 Recap
> The King's Woman Recap
Jing Ke sits alone by a lake, deeply affected by Gongsun Li's past words about his gentle temperament and Gai Nie's recent stern guidance on single-minded sword practice. He reflects on his journey, gathering his thoughts into a singular purpose. With renewed determination, he draws his sword, cuts his hair, and declares himself a sword that moves only forward, never to return.
The following morning, Gai Lan confronts Gai Nie, accusing him of being too harsh on Jing Ke and causing his disappearance. Gai Nie defends his actions, stating that Jing Ke needed to be stimulated to overcome his struggles. Just then, Jing Ke appears, his hair loose, expressing that its state is unimportant. Gai Nie agrees, affirming that a warrior does not adhere to common etiquette.
Jing Ke bows to Gai Nie, thanking him for his sincere guidance that helped him through his recent ordeal. Jing Ke then announces his intention to leave and travel widely to uncover the true profound meaning of the poem his Master left him, regretting the time he feels he wasted. Despite the certainty of a difficult and lengthy journey, Gai Lan insists on accompanying him. Gai Nie, familiar with her temperament, reluctantly permits her to join Jing Ke.
In Zhaode Palace, Ying Zheng dismisses his attendant and declares his intention to sleep there that night. Gongsun Li objects, but Ying Zheng asserts his right as king to rest in any of his consorts' chambers. He tells Gongsun Li he no longer wishes to procrastinate, explaining that he respected her by not consummating their marriage for a year. He states he desires her now.
When he attempts to kiss her, Gongsun Li bites him, reminding him of his earlier promise to respect her. Ying Zheng admits his emotions are uncontrollable and warns her that if she does not sleep with him tonight, he will return every day until she willingly accedes. He then leaves, leaving Gongsun Li distraught. Ying Zheng later visits Madame Min, engaging in a game of "liubo".
He confesses he seeks her company because she provides a unique solace, unlike others who either pacify him too much or keep him awake. Madame Min, wise to the ways of the harem, interprets this as being neither favored nor annoying, which she considers praise. She explains her enduring optimism stems from understanding that desiring everything makes one vulnerable, while having no desires makes one invincible.
Ying Zheng then reveals his true purpose, asking if she harbors any resentment towards him for the King of Zhao's death by anger, given Zhao was her home state. Madame Min calmly states that as a wife in Qin, her loyalty lies with her husband and she no longer thinks of her mother state, thus holding no hatred for him.
She acknowledges the former King of Zhao's favoritism for Zhao Qian's mother, which led to Zhao Qian's ascension despite his lack of governing and military skills. Ying Zheng mentions Zhao Qian's childhood admiration for Madame Min, but she dismisses it as the frivolous words of a youth. Satisfied, Ying Zheng agrees to refocus on their game. That night, Ying Zheng returns to Zhaode Palace.
Gongsun Li's maid, Qing'er, advises her to stop fighting him, acknowledging that Gongsun Li, like all consorts, belongs to the King. Gongsun Li agrees. Ying Zheng praises her beauty and asks if she is now willing to sleep with him. Gongsun Li secretly hides a hairpin. Ying Zheng, seeing through her intention to kill herself and him, reveals he has already sent Tianming out of the palace for his protection, citing a recent abduction attempt.
Gongsun Li accuses him of using Tianming as a hostage to ensure she won't leave. Ying Zheng openly admits this, comparing it to other states sending children as hostages, stating his desire to conquer her heart, much like he desires to conquer the Six States. He assures her he will not harm Tianming, as Tianming is his son and he alone can protect him. He takes the hairpin from her, remarking it is for tying hair, and dismisses all attendants.
Heartbroken and anxious for Tianming's safety, Gongsun Li remains alone. Meanwhile, Hua Yang Grand Queen Dowager hosts a tea party for the consorts, expressing her displeasure at the recent neglect of harem etiquette. She pointedly criticizes a Madame who defied palace law by leaving without permission, noting the King's light punishment and how the Madame was allowed to compete publicly with a general, calling it a mockery for a Qin royal consort.
Madame Chu concurs, condemning the consort's immoral act of exiting and entering the palace with another man, especially given her perceived lowly background. Madame Chu then drops a bug into her teacup, likening the harem to the tea and stating that one "bug" can destroy it entirely if not disciplined. The Grand Queen Dowager agrees, stating she has a plan to restore order by punishing the "wild and immoral ones" and subtly advising other consorts to choose their associations carefully.
Later, Gongsun Li humbly apologizes to the Grand Queen Dowager for leaving the palace secretly. The Grand Queen Dowager states she prefers a promise over punishment: that Gongsun Li perform a dance at the King's upcoming birthday feast to appease him and dispel rumors. Gongsun Li, though not skilled in dancing, agrees to perform a sword dance as suggested by the Grand Queen Dowager.
While practicing her sword dance with Han Shen, Gongsun Li's mind drifts to past cherished moments of practicing with Jing Ke. Similarly, Jing Ke, while practicing with Gai Lan, finds himself deeply missing his junior sister. In return, Gongsun Li asks for a reward beyond materialistic items: a guarantee for Tianming's safety. She recounts past attempts on Tianming's life, from illicit herbs during her pregnancy to his recent kidnapping and his current removal from the palace for safety.
She expresses her willingness to die but emphasizes her sole wish is for Tianming, a descendant of Great Qin, to be cared for if anyone harms him. The Grand Queen Dowager promises to protect Prince Tianming as long as she lives. Despite this, Han Shen warns Gongsun Li that the Grand Queen Dowager's request seems suspicious and fears a hidden scheme. Gongsun Li dismisses his concerns, confident that her deal will protect Tianming.
Unbeknownst to her, the Grand Queen Dowager and Madame Chu are secretly plotting to use the performance to frame her for rebellion. At the King of Qin's birthday feast, after Madame Min performs on the zither, Gongsun Li enters in splendid attire to perform her sword dance. As she executes a flawless display, delighting Ying Zheng, the Grand Queen Dowager and Madame Chu exchange knowing glances, confirming their malicious intent.
At the climax of her performance, Gongsun Li strikes a flower ball, causing a real sword to fall into her hand. Just as confusion spreads among the guests, Gongsun Li spots a palace maid attempting to assassinate Ying Zheng from behind. She immediately rushes forward with her sword to intervene. The Grand Queen Dowager screams "Protect His Majesty!" , prompting her pre-positioned Huayang Palace guards to charge, ostensibly to protect the King but primarily targeting Gongsun Li. Chaos erupts.
Han Shen is wounded while protecting Gongsun Li. Gongsun Li successfully strikes the assassin, but simultaneously, Li Zhong, mistaking her actions as an assassination attempt, wounds her. An enraged Ying Zheng quickly carries the injured Gongsun Li to his sleeping quarters, demanding immediate medical attention. He interrogates Li Zhong, confirming that the guards who charged were from Huayang Palace, and expresses deep suspicion that the assassin and the sudden appearance of the Huayang Palace guards were not a mere coincidence.
