The King's Woman Episode 23 Recap
> The King's Woman Recap
Qing'er respectfully departed, leaving Gongsun Li alone with Ying Zheng. Recalling his earlier insistence that she stay with him, his warnings against her leaving, and his vows to protect her as his royal consort, Gongsun Li gazed at Ying Zheng's sleeping face. Memories of his usual mix of sternness and gentle affection flashed before her eyes. A faint smile touched her lips as she realized the deepening affection in her heart.
Later, in the solemn Qin palace, Ying Zheng sat alone on his throne, exuding majesty. Li Si presented his counsel, advocating for the conquest of the weak Han state first to boost morale for future campaigns against other states. However, Han Fei, despite his stammer, countered by suggesting that weak Han posed no global threat. Instead, he proposed attacking the formidable Zhao state first, arguing that a victory against Zhao would intimidate the remaining five states.
Their political views clashed, leading to a heated debate. Li Si aggressively questioned Han Fei's loyalty, accusing him of feigning strategy to save his home state of Han, even citing Han Fei's own writings. Ying Zheng listened intently, his expression darkening with anger, while Han Fei, unaccustomed to such sharp verbal combat, appeared flustered. After the court session, Ying Zheng remained troubled by the political disputes. Gongsun Li, despite being a woman, offered insightful perspectives on state affairs.
Ying Zheng consulted her on Han Fei's character, and she described him as sincere and pure, a rare talent in the competitive Warring States period. She suggested that while every minister sought to have their strategies adopted, human nature was inherently selfish, whether for fame, personal gain, or loyalty. She advised Ying Zheng to value his strategists but cautioned him against being controlled by them, emphasizing that ultimately, the world was his to control.
Just then, the Queen Dowager, in a state of childlike confusion, entered calling for "Li'er" and asking for red dates. Ying Zheng felt a pang of sorrow seeing his mother's state, yet recognized that her forgetfulness offered a form of release from past pain. Gongsun Li lamented that being a queen seemed to offer little good, remarking that perhaps if the Queen Dowager hadn't been forced into her position, she wouldn't be as she was now.
Ying Zheng light-heartedly teased her, asking if she also wished to become a Queen Dowager so she could seek male companions after his death. Gongsun Li, blushing with indignation, chastised him for his pettiness, reminding him of his many women while he expected sole loyalty from his harem. Ying Zheng feigned anger and left, though a hidden smile betrayed his amusement.
That night, Gongsun Li was still complaining to Qing'er about Ying Zheng's "evil tiger" temper, playfully threatening to slap him if he became angry again. Suddenly, Ying Zheng appeared, startling them. He called Gongsun Li a "tigress" and joked about her fierce nature. He dismissed Qing'er, then embraced Gongsun Li from behind. Despite her initial resistance and protests, he kissed her forcefully. Under his tender persistence, Gongsun Li eventually yielded and allowed herself to be carried to the bed.
The full moon outside was veiled by clouds, as if concealing untold secrets. The next morning, they awoke in each other's arms. Ying Zheng repeatedly kissed Gongsun Li, who, though shy, returned his affection, their bond undeniably sweet. He playfully threatened to kiss her until she looked at him, admiring her beautiful eyes.
He expressed his desire to hold her forever, assuring her that even if she didn't want to be queen, her presence alone was enough, and he promised to visit her after court matters. Meanwhile, deep within a cave, Jing Ke tirelessly practiced sword techniques under the constant glow of long-burning lamps. Days turned into nights, and their food supply dwindled. Gai Lan, prioritizing Jing Ke's strength, sacrificed her own portion, becoming increasingly emaciated.
After persistent effort, Jing Ke finally grasped the true essence of the Huluo Sword Technique, mastering its formidable power. When he excitedly sought Gai Lan, he found her unconscious from hunger. Barely opening her eyes, Gai Lan, believing she was near death, confessed her deep affection for Jing Ke, revealing she had liked him since their first meeting.
She urged him to continue his training to rescue "Sister Li," expressing her desire to keep watching over him before losing consciousness again. Distraught, Jing Ke swiftly used his newly mastered sword technique to open the massive stone door. Outside the cave, Jing Ke administered water to Gai Lan, helping her regain some strength.
As he searched for fruits, he pondered the full meaning of the Huluo Sword Technique, understanding its core tenet: "never with the intention of being a hero." Suddenly, Gai Lan cried out. Bao Ye had appeared, holding a knife to her throat and demanding the sword manual. Jing Ke effortlessly subdued Bao Ye. Just then, Xiahou Yang emerged, laughing, and challenged Jing Ke to a duel to witness his improved skills.
Their fierce exchange appeared evenly matched, though Xiahou Yang visibly strained. As they parried, Bao Ye attempted a sneak attack, but Gai Lan bravely threw herself in front of Jing Ke, taking the blade. Jing Ke immediately halted the fight and swiftly departed with the injured Gai Lan. They decided to seek refuge and allow Gai Lan to recover at Sir Tian Guang's residence. One day, Gongsun Li encountered Jing Liangren in the palace courtyard, noticing her despondent expression.
Upon inquiring, she learned of Jing Liangren's miscarriage. Gongsun Li then visited Madame Chu’s palace, claiming to possess knowledge of "sorcery techniques" and expressing a desire to ascertain if the fetus's "dark soul" still lingered within the palace. Madame Chu, visibly unnerved and guilty, feigned ignorance and denied any involvement when Gongsun Li subtly accused her of forcing Jing Liangren to drink something that caused the miscarriage.
Despite Madame Chu's denials and warnings, Gongsun Li remained unfazed, instead cautioning Madame Chu to be wary of the wandering soul, leaving Madame Chu deeply unsettled and paranoid about the "spirit." In 234 BC, Ying Zheng issued a decree, ordering General Fan Wuqi to lead a large army to attack Zhao.
The air thrummed with the beat of war drums, and the soldiers' morale soared, their shouts of "If Zhao is not destroyed, I swear that I will not come back to Qin!" reverberating through the ranks. Under Fan Wuqi's expert command, the Qin army successfully conquered Pingyang and Wucheng in Zhao, killing General Hu Zhe and annihilating 100,000 Zhao soldiers, a devastating blow that severely crippled the Zhao state. Within the Great Qin palace, the weather was splendid.
Ying Zheng engaged in an archery competition with Yan Dan, the Crown Prince of Yan State. Gongsun Li, feeling a competitive urge, also joined. As someone from a martial family, Gongsun Li was no stranger to the bow; she released two arrows that struck the bullseye simultaneously. Ying Zheng laughingly accused her of cheating but willingly accepted his penalty of two cups of wine. Han Shen observed the playful interaction between them.
Yan Dan, too, praised Gongsun Li’s intelligence and skill, remarking that she was no less capable than a man. However, Gongsun Li, discerning Yan Dan's feigned losses to Ying Zheng, pointed out his hidden talents. Yan Dan admitted his "fooling skills" were not good enough to deceive her.
Gongsun Li then described the plight of a hostage prince like him: wanting to win but unable to, missing home but unable to return, hating the killers of his compatriots but unable to express anger, treated as a friend yet knowing he was merely a slave. Yan Dan then reminisced about his youth, when he and Zhao Jia were also hostages in Qin.
He recalled the severe cold of Xianyang winters, contrasting his and Zhao Jia's warm attire with a young Ying Zheng, who would wear light clothes to study, believing that only by enduring the hardships of common citizens could he understand the principles of governing the world. Yan Dan admitted he had once thought Ying Zheng foolish, but now realized he and Zhao Jia were the true idiots.
