The King's Woman Episode 21 Recap
> The King's Woman Recap
The atmosphere in Huayang Palace was tense as Ying Zheng declared his intention to name Gongsun Li his queen. Gongsun Li was surprised, while Madame Chu openly showed her displeasure. Even the Grand Queen Dowager, though outwardly calm, was visibly upset. She argued that a Chu consort would strengthen relations between Qin and Chu, but Ying Zheng countered that a queen with no powerful family background would eliminate worries about external interference in state affairs.
To silence public criticism, he then announced his plan to take Gongsun Li on his next military expedition, stating that a victorious return would prove her worthiness beyond any doubt. Madame Chu voiced concerns about a royal consort accompanying the King to war, fearing it would damage Qin's reputation, but Ying Zheng insisted it would instead demonstrate Qin's strength, showing that even a consort possessed the skills and courage of a heroine.
He even playfully offered Madame Chu armor and a sword if she wished to join as well. Outside the palace, Gongsun Li expressed her disbelief at Ying Zheng’s rashness in deciding both the queen and the expedition without consulting her. Ying Zheng, instead of being angry, smiled, asserting his decisions were well-considered. Gongsun Li confessed she had no interest in the queen title, fearing it would embroil Tianming in the succession struggle and put them both at risk.
Ying Zheng then presented her with a gift: a pile of Yunmeng oranges. Gongsun Li, annoyed that he hadn't listened to her earlier discussion about the oranges and his unilateral decisions, wasn't pleased. Seeing her reaction, Ying Zheng playfully swept the oranges to the ground, revealing her grandfather's dagger hidden beneath. Gongsun Li's face brightened immediately. Ying Zheng, with a smile, returned the dagger to her, signifying his trust.
He then teasingly asked if she would now join the expedition or, alternatively, bear some children for him. Gongsun Li, blushing, lightly poked his waist with the dagger's scabbard and ran off, with Ying Zheng laughing as he chased after her, a moment of innocent joy. In a side hall, Ying Zheng officially promoted Han Shen to Zhong Guard, under Chamberlain Li Zhong, recognizing his meritorious service in protecting Gongsun Li.
He then granted Han Shen and Gongsun Li private time to speak, acknowledging their sect relationship. As they walked through the palace grounds, Han Shen gravely warned Gongsun Li about the dangers of court life, advising her to be cautious of everyone, even Ying Zheng, as anyone could potentially sacrifice her.
Gongsun Li acknowledged the inherent dangers but suggested Ying Zheng maintained a balance of power in the court and harem to consolidate his rule, appearing neutral but acting on political considerations. She admitted that while she initially wanted him dead, she had instinctively saved him, uncertain if it was genuine concern or for Tianming’s sake. Han Shen, observing her, directly asked if she had developed feelings for Ying Zheng, which she denied, though her expression betrayed a hint of change.
Meanwhile, on the city walls, Ying Zheng, speaking with Li Zhong, acknowledged Gongsun Li had become his greatest weakness, a vulnerability he could ill afford as the King of Qin aiming to unite the world. He confessed his internal struggle, wanting to eliminate this weakness but unable to control his desire to be near her. Li Zhong reassured him that putting the state before personal attachment was understandable for a king.
Elsewhere, Zhao Gao, receiving reports, instructed his men to continue monitoring Gongsun Li, as her allegiance remained unclear. Shortly after, Han Shen confronted Madame Chu, sternly warning her against any further attempts to harm Gongsun Li. He declared he had nothing to lose and would retaliate without hesitation if she dared to touch his junior sister again, a threat that visibly unsettled Madame Chu.
Elsewhere, Jing Ke and Gao Jianli parted ways after discussing swordsmanship, with Gao Jianli respectfully declining to examine the Gongsun sword technique before Jing Ke had mastered it, proposing a future sparring match instead. Unbeknownst to them, they were being tracked by disciples of the Danding Sect.
At Xiahou Yang’s manor, a messenger pigeon arrived, informing him of Jing Ke's whereabouts and that he was accompanied by a woman named Lan'er, whom one of Xiahou Yang's disciples recognized as Ge Nie's daughter. Believing the coveted sword manual to be at Mount Song, Xiahou Yang dispatched his senior disciple, Bao Ye, and a group of men to follow them.
Jing Ke and Gai Lan, however, were vigilant and noticed they were being followed, quickly taking cover on Mount Song after getting directions from villagers who warned them of a "fierce beast" in the mountains. Xiahou Yang soon arrived at Mount Song. Suspecting Jing Ke was hiding, he dismissed his disciples to search elsewhere, intending to confront Jing Ke alone to secure the sword manual for himself. Bao Ye, however, had overheard his master’s true intentions and lingered nearby.
Xiahou Yang then called out to Jing Ke, who emerged from hiding. Jing Ke accused Xiahou Yang of planning to hoard the sword technique, which Xiahou Yang implicitly confirmed by his reaction. A brief skirmish ensued between Xiahou Yang and the two, but realizing they were outmatched, Jing Ke and Gai Lan quickly retreated. During their escape, they inadvertently fell into a pit trap.
Enraged that Jing Ke had evaded him, Xiahou Yang vented his fury on Bao Ye, who had returned, accusing him of ruining his chance to seize the manual. Bao Ye desperately pleaded for another chance to capture Jing Ke and retrieve the guide. In the pit, Gai Lan had sprained her ankle. Jing Ke, ever solicitous, insisted on carrying her on his back, a gesture that clearly pleased her. The Qin army was prepared for their expedition.
Ying Zheng, in full armor, was accompanied by Gongsun Li, who looked formidable in her military attire. Their goal was to invite the brilliant but unappreciated Han Fei, currently in Korea, to Qin. After several days of travel, the army rested. Suddenly, two Qin masters, Wind and Forest, arrived. Gongsun Li immediately recognized them as the murderers of her grandfather and, fueled by rage, lunged at them with her sword.
Ying Zheng swiftly intervened, blocking her attack with his own armored arm and ordering Wind and Forest to retreat. Gongsun Li, frustrated, demanded to know why he protected them, reminding him they were her grandfather’s killers. Ying Zheng asserted he was more concerned for her safety than for his warriors, before ordering Wind and Forest to stay far away from Gongsun Li or face his wrath. That night, Gongsun Li stood fuming outside the camp.
Ying Zheng joined her, attempting to appease her anger. He even offered his own body, telling her to stab him with her dagger to release her frustration. Gongsun Li drew her dagger, but her face showed no killing intent, only a playful and lively spirit. Ying Zheng then drew close, explaining his grand vision: conquering Zhao and Han, moving north to secure the borders, and building the Great Wall to protect the citizens from foreign tribes.
Gongsun Li, however, expressed her deep concern for the suffering that such extensive warfare would bring. Ying Zheng gently held her hand, reassuring her that this path, though painful in the short term, was the smallest sacrifice to achieve the greatest and longest-lasting peace for the world, even if it meant being remembered as a villain for thousands of years.
An attendant reported Gongsun Li’s tent was ready, but Ying Zheng dismissed him, insisting she sleep in his tent due to the dangers of wild animals outside. Gongsun Li, though capable of sleeping anywhere, joked that a tiger was less fearsome than he was. Ying Zheng, playfully asserting his authority, forbade her from leaving. Exhausted, Gongsun Li reluctantly agreed to stay but set up a small, separate bed within Ying Zheng's tent.
Ying Zheng, clearly disappointed at the prospect of not sharing a bed, playfully complained about the size of her small bed, expressing his clear desire for her to sleep with him, yet she remained firm.