The King's Woman Episode 24 Recap
> The King's Woman Recap
Ying Zheng and Yan Dan played a game of chess, reminiscing about their youth when they were both hostages in Qin, along with Zhao Jia. Yan Dan recalled how cold Xianyang’s winter was that year, so much so that even he, from the northern lands of Yan, found it unbearable. He and Zhao Jia would wear fox-fur robes and hats, always keeping a stove nearby for warmth.
Yet, Ying Zheng would only wear light clothes while studying, seemingly unfazed by the biting cold. Ying Zheng acknowledged the memory, explaining that at the time, he felt surrounded by powerful figures like Lü Buwei and controlled by his mother. His thin attire was not a sign of greatness but a self-inflicted act of self-harm, a desperate outlet for his inner torment, which ultimately proved effective in stimulating the Marquis of Wenxin.
Yan Dan, however, expressed admiration for Ying Zheng’s resilience, noting how Qin had become a formidable nation entirely under Ying Zheng’s command, while he himself remained a hostage prince. Ying Zheng then shrewdly questioned if Yan Dan had deliberately let him win the game, observing that his usual chess skills were not at this level. Yan Dan humbly denied it, attributing Ying Zheng's apparent victory to his greatly improved skills.
Ying Zheng, being astute, understood that Yan Dan was on guard against him and was displeased. Just then, Li Zhong and Han Shen arrived, reporting that Sir Yao Jia had successfully concluded his diplomatic mission to the four states and would return soon to report to Ying Zheng personally. Ying Zheng invited Han Shen to play a few rounds of chess with him.
Yan Dan took this as an opportunity to excuse himself, saying he had someone else to play with. As Yan Dan was leaving, he encountered Gongsun Li, who was on her way to deliver Subject Xun's "Debate on the Principles of Warfare" to Ying Zheng. Yan Dan, intrigued, asked her to explain the book's main points, learning it subtly addressed principles of governance through military strategy.
After their chess match, Ying Zheng admitted his defeat to Han Shen, but instead of being upset, he expressed rare delight at finally finding a worthy opponent who didn't feign losing. He encouraged Han Shen to play with him more often. Ying Zheng then turned to a more personal matter, asking if Han Shen had ever considered marrying and starting a family, remarking that Han Shen had spent many years alone in Qin.
He suggested that most warriors of Han Shen’s age would have already settled down. Han Shen, however, firmly declined the idea of marriage, stating he was accustomed to being alone and did not wish to burden any woman with his solitary life. Later that night, Ying Zheng asked Gongsun Li about the "Debate on the Principles of Warfare."
She sheepishly confessed that Crown Prince Dan of Yan had borrowed it, claiming he was very interested and would return it after reading. Ying Zheng's demeanor immediately shifted to jealousy. He questioned if he was unimportant to her, forbade her from seeing Yan Dan again, and threateningly declared he would cut off Yan Dan's tongue if he dared speak to her or borrow anything from her again.
He demanded to know every word they had exchanged during their previous archery practice. Gongsun Li playfully suggested he ask Yan Dan himself. Ying Zheng softened, affectionately calling her "My good wife." He then mentioned his chess game with Han Shen, and Gongsun Li revealed Yan Dan had already told her. She consoled him about his loss, recounting that even her grandfather often lost to Han Shen.
Ying Zheng dismissed chess as a "minor pleasure," stating his preference for "that kind of pleasure" with her. He then sweetly requested her to recount her childhood stories from Puyang, eager to know "everything about you." Overwhelmed, Gongsun Li succumbed to his charm, and they shared an intimate moment. Meanwhile, Madame Chu and her attendant intercepted Han Shen. Madame Chu, still bitter from a previous encounter, challenged him.
Han Shen, in turn, politely but firmly requested Madame Chu to stay far away from him and Madame Li, suggesting it would be a respectful act. Madame Chu was incensed by his insolence, but Han Shen simply dismissed her, stating he had no time for idle conversation.
Madame Chu, vowing to repay his disrespect twofold, was then informed by her attendant that Ying Zheng planned to pair Han Shen and Qing'er by tricking them into an empty room in Yanming Palace. Madame Chu saw this as a golden opportunity, scheming to catch Han Shen and Qing'er in an compromising situation. She reasoned that Madame Chu believed Consort Li loved Han Shen, and Han Shen had always deeply loved Consort Li.
If Consort Li learned of Han Shen's supposed infidelity, she would hate Ying Zheng, Han Shen, and especially Qing'er, thus achieving her goal of "killing three birds with one stone." What she didn't know was that Gongsun Li had never been in love with Han Shen, and she and Ying Zheng were already deeply in love.
During this time, Jing Ke continued to care for Gai Lan, who was recovering from her injuries, though he still harbored feelings for Gongsun Li and avoided reciprocating Gai Lan's emotions. He lovingly offered her a sweet fruit, expressing guilt for the suffering she endured because of him. Gai Lan, however, told him she would willingly die for him.
Jing Ke gently dismissed her words, insisting his life was not worth her sacrifice and he wouldn't be able to explain it to Warrior Ge if anything happened to her. He then left to fetch water, leaving her to rest. As night fell, Han Shen arrived at the deserted side room in Yanming Palace, as instructed by Ying Zheng.
Qing'er also arrived, having been told by Ying Zheng to clean the place to remove "unlucky air" before a concubine moved in. Feeling uneasy in the dark, empty palace, Qing'er mistook Han Shen for an intruder and cried out. They quickly realized Ying Zheng had orchestrated their presence there. Before they could fully comprehend the situation, Madame Chu burst through the door, loudly accusing them of improper conduct.
Han Shen quickly explained he was merely there to tell Qing'er to take good care of his junior sister, Madame Li. Qing'er, under pressure, confirmed that nothing improper had happened, stating they wouldn't dare disobey the King's order to be under the same roof. Madame Chu, furious that her plan had failed, left the room, frustrated that they "did not do anything!" The next morning, Ying Zheng inquired about Qing'er's night, but she shyly ran off.
Gongsun Li, curious about Qing'er's behavior, questioned Ying Zheng. He admitted to ordering Han Shen and Qing'er to be together, lamenting that Han Shen was "too noble" to act on the opportunity. Gongsun Li was displeased, reminding him that both Han Shen and Qing'er were her personal attendants and he should have consulted her first. Ying Zheng argued that she would not have agreed. Gongsun Li maintained that Han Shen and Qing'er did not have romantic feelings for each other.
Ying Zheng, now somewhat jealous, accused Gongsun Li of enjoying Han Shen's affection and not wanting him to find love elsewhere. He defended his actions, stating he only wanted to help Han Shen end his "hopeless unrequited one-sided love" and even considered giving him an official position outside the palace. Feeling misunderstood, Ying Zheng stormed off, declaring he had merely been "nosing into other people's business." Gongsun Li, understanding his good intentions, simply smiled.
Later, Gongsun Li met Han Shen in the corridor. She revealed she knew about the previous night's events and, while personally unbothered, expressed concern for Qing'er's reputation. She then told Han Shen she considered him her most important family member and felt guilty for keeping him in the palace. She urged him to leave the troublesome Qin palace and find a good lady to marry, believing he would have been free and started a family if not for her.
Han Shen, however, insisted he had never regretted staying by her side and desired nothing more than to remain there. He acknowledged that he might never enter her heart, but found contentment simply in knowing she and Tianming were safe. Unbeknownst to them, Madame Chu overheard their conversation and walked away with a satisfied smile. In the palace, Han Fei was diligently working late into the night, writing strategies for governing the state. Han Zhangshi brought him warm soup.
Han Fei praised her gentle and sincere demeanor, expressing his admiration that she remained untainted by the airs of officialdom. He told her he would ask Ying Zheng's permission for them to return to Han state together when the time was right. Han Zhangshi's expression changed, as she revealed her deep disillusionment with the Han state, describing its king as "imbecile and unreasonable" and its citizens suffering and sold as slaves. Her family was ruined, leaving her nothing to miss.
Han Fei acknowledged her perspective, realizing he had not considered her feelings thoroughly. That same night, Li Si paid a visit to Madame Chu. Madame Chu wasted no time in propositioning him, hinting at the vacant Left Prime Minister position and subtly implying that Han Fei was a growing obstacle to his ambitions. She explicitly stated that to secure the desired position, one must eliminate competitors.
Madame Chu then revealed her cunning plan: she had a teacher who could perfectly imitate Han Fei's handwriting. She presented Li Si with a forged letter from Han Fei to the King of Han, a letter so convincing that Li Si himself found it indistinguishable from his own handwriting.
She urged Li Si to use this evidence and speak against Han Fei in court, knowing Ying Zheng's suspicious nature and Han Fei's stutter would make it difficult for him to defend himself. During the morning court session, Ying Zheng was visibly enraged over Qin's recent military defeat against Zhao. Li Si seized the opportunity to launch an attack on Han Fei, blaming him for the disastrous outcome.
Han Fei attempted to explain that the key to defeating Zhao lay in removing Li Mu, and he had prepared a strategy to achieve this. However, Ying Zheng, fed up with his "literary scrolls," furiously threw the document to the ground, accusing Han Fei of harboring ulterior motives and wanting to preserve the Han state. Li Si pressed his advantage, claiming Han Fei had been secretly communicating with the King of Han and had concrete evidence.
Han Fei vehemently denied the accusation. Li Si then called Han Zhangshi to the stand as a witness. Yao Jia, the Tingwei Officer, stated he had been secretly monitoring Han Fei and that Han Zhangshi had accidentally found a letter from Han Fei to the King of Han while cleaning his study. Han Fei was horrified and confused, asking Han Zhangshi why she would betray him.
Li Si further argued that Han Fei's continued presence in court would cause unending trouble for Qin, urging Ying Zheng to investigate and punish him. Later, Gongsun Li was conversing with Madame Min when Qing'er rushed in, breathless, with the shocking news of Han Fei's imprisonment.
She explained that Han Zhangshi had provided information accusing Han Fei of secret communications with the King of Han and intending to harm Qin, with Minister Yao Jia and the Tingwei Officer corroborating the claim. Unbeknownst to Gongsun Li, Han Zhangshi had been bribed by Madame Chu with a valuable nine-eyes glass bead, pledging her loyalty to Madame Chu.
Madame Chu was informed of Gongsun Li's anxiety over Han Fei's situation, even learning that Gongsun Li had argued with Ying Zheng to release him. Madame Chu dismissed Gongsun Li as "nosy" and coldly remarked that she would soon be unable to protect herself, implying she intended to target Gongsun Li next for offending her. Gongsun Li went to the prison to visit Han Fei.
She told him that she believed in his upright character and that he was not a treacherous person. She acknowledged that as a Han native, people might suspect his loyalty, but she believed his suggestion to attack Zhao was not a deliberate attempt to weaken Qin.
Han Fei, grateful for her belief, reiterated his sincere reverence for Ying Zheng and denied any intention to harm Qin, explaining he had little interaction with the King of Han and would never leave self-incriminating evidence. He tearfully pleaded for her help. Gongsun Li confirmed that Han Zhangshi had handed over the letter and noted Han Zhangshi's alliance with Madame Chu and the Tingwei Officer, both from Chu.
She also mentioned that Zhongchang Attendant Zhao Gao, being from Zhao, held a grudge against Han Fei for his suggestion to attack Zhao, thus aligning with the Tingwei Officer. Gongsun Li promised Han Fei she would not sit idly by and would clear his name, though he would have to endure his imprisonment for the time being. That night, as Gongsun Li was sleeping, she suddenly sensed a murderous intent. She awoke to find a masked man attempting to attack her. Despite her lack of preparedness, she fought briefly but was quickly overpowered and abducted, leaving her room in disarray.
