The King's Woman Episode 33 Recap
> The King's Woman Recap
Madame Min advised Ying Zheng to conquer the weaker states of Han and Wei first to boost morale, rather than being hindered by Zhao. Ying Zheng asked if she would be happy if he withdrew troops from Zhao, to which she calmly responded that her only concern in the Qin palace was the interests of Great Qin. Ying Zheng expressed comfort in her statement, though he continued to test her.
Restless, Chu Liangren learned from her servant that Gongsun Li was imprisoned in Yongxiang Prison for helping Yan Dan escape Qin and for injuring Madame Min. The servant added that Ying Zheng had permitted Gongsun Li's torture. Delighted, Chu Liangren went to the prison to mock Gongsun Li, slapping her several times and ordering her hair to be shaved.
However, Zhao Gao arrived, representing Madame Min, and stopped Chu Liangren, warning her not to interfere with a criminal of Gongsun Li's status. Chu Liangren mockingly left, vowing to return. Zhao Gao then told Gongsun Li that Madame Min would intercede with Ying Zheng for her release if she agreed to "help Great Zhao." Gongsun Li defiantly refused, stating she would not betray her principles or help someone who indiscriminately killed.
Zhao Gao, frustrated, reminded Gongsun Li of her severe crime but ordered her shackles removed before departing. Qing'er tearfully embraced Gongsun Li, expressing her sorrow and concern over Gongsun Li's suffering. Gongsun Li apologized for Qing'er's hardship. While in prison, Gongsun Li persuaded a jailer to deliver a blood letter to Li Zhong, threatening him with exposure of his past misdeeds.
She explained to Qing'er that she wanted to ensure the innocent family members from the Crown Prince Manor could return to Yan, as they were unaware of her scheme to aid Yan Dan. In the letter, she appealed to Ying Zheng, acknowledging his anger but pleading for the innocent Yan people, stating they were not involved in state conflicts. Ying Zheng, at the hunting grounds, read the letter with a troubled expression.
He confessed to Li Zhong that his anger wasn't primarily about Yan Dan's escape, but because Gongsun Li, whom he deeply loved, had deceived him for her senior brother. He lamented that despite his efforts to make her happy—returning her dagger, allowing Tianming and Han Shen to stay in the palace—she still didn't trust him. Li Zhong reminded Ying Zheng that Gongsun Li's compassionate and loyal nature was what made her unique and beloved.
However, Ying Zheng's core issue remained her lack of trust, especially since he discovered Jing Ke, Tianming's biological father, had saved her when she was abducted, a fact she had hidden. Ying Zheng felt profound disappointment and distrust. As they spoke, Ying Zheng drew his bow at a passing deer but, showing an uncharacteristic mercy, chose not to shoot, letting it run free.
In the prison, a weak and pale Gongsun Li was visited by the Crown Prince Manor's Grand Adviser, Ju Wu, and other family members. They informed her that Ying Zheng had permitted their return to Yan, and they came to express their profound gratitude, kneeling before her for her repeated self-sacrifice. Gongsun Li urged them to rise, content that they were returning home safely.
Meanwhile, back in the palace, Ying Zheng struggled to focus on state affairs, his mind constantly haunted by thoughts of Gongsun Li. At an inn in Handan, Tian Guang remained unconscious after the abduction of Yan Dan. Han Shen questioned Fan Yuqi about what the assailants said, but Fan Yuqi, still suspicious of Han Shen's involvement, dismissed him.
Jing Ke deduced that the attackers were from the Danding Sect, likely led by Xiahou Yang, based on Tian Guang's injuries and his own encounter with the assassins. Despite this lead, they didn't know the sect's current location. Han Shen then suggested seeking out Qin Wuyang, a former acquaintance of their master known for his extensive network and love for gambling, believing he could provide information on Xiahou Yang's whereabouts for a small price.
Following Han Shen's lead, Jing Ke and Han Shen found Qin Wuyang gambling intensely against Gao Jianli at a bustling casino. Qin Wuyang, a habitual loser, was visibly frustrated by Gao Jianli's superior skills in both martial arts and gambling. Jing Ke playfully chastised Qin Wuyang for his poor sportsmanship, then greeted Gao Jianli. After polite introductions between Gao Jianli and Han Shen, Jing Ke stated their need for Qin Wuyang's information.
Qin Wuyang, ever the opportunist, hesitated to reveal Xiahou Yang's location without personal gain. After Fan Yuqi lectured him on honor, Jing Ke interrupted, and when Qin Wuyang proposed revealing Xiahou Yang's location in exchange for being taught a few formidable martial arts stances, Jing Ke offered to teach him from the legendary Huluo Sword Technique. Jing Ke then demonstrated the technique by swiftly cutting strands of Qin Wuyang's hair.
Amazed by the skill, Qin Wuyang readily agreed to reveal Xiahou Yang's location, accepting Jing Ke's offer to teach him a single move from the technique. Xiahou Yang, holding Yan Dan captive, had reached the border between Qin and Wei, confident that his circuitous route would evade Jing Ke's group. He had already dispatched word to Li Si. Upon Li Si's arrival, he initially inquired if Ying Zheng wished to pursue Yan Dan.
When Ying Zheng curtly dismissed the idea, Li Si revealed that he had already sent assassins to capture Yan Dan within Zhao territory. Ying Zheng exploded in a rage, chastising Li Si for his unauthorized actions and for privately maintaining mercenaries. He asserted that whether Yan Dan was a rebel was his decision alone, and the issue of Gongsun Li was an internal harem matter beyond Li Si's purview. A contrite Li Si hastily promised to immediately release Yan Dan.
Enraged, Ying Zheng then instructed Zhao Gao to investigate Li Si's private forces and to keep a close watch on him, citing Li Si's recurring eagerness for glory and quick results. On the road, Bao Ye, Xiahou Yang's apprentice, sensed danger, but Xiahou Yang dismissed his concerns. Suddenly, Jing Ke launched a stealth attack, killing two of Xiahou Yang's men and hiding, causing chaos.
Xiahou Yang's remaining men surrounded him, and Xiahou Yang, cornered, held a knife to Yan Dan's throat. Just then, Qin Wuyang, from a distance, shot an arrow to distract Xiahou Yang, allowing Jing Ke to seize the moment and rescue Yan Dan. As the two groups stood in a tense standoff, a carrier pigeon arrived with an urgent message from Li Si, ordering Xiahou Yang to release Yan Dan and retreat.
With no other option, Xiahou Yang, fuming, retreated with his men after vowing vengeance. Yan Dan profusely thanked Jing Ke, Han Shen, and Fan Yuqi for saving him, while Jing Ke humbly stated he was merely repaying Tian Guang's kindness. Li Si, baffled by Ying Zheng's inconsistent stance on Yan Dan, sought counsel from Madame Min.
He recounted Ying Zheng's previous declaration that Yan Dan would only return when a crow's head turned white and a horse grew a horn, yet now he was furious about Yan Dan's capture. Madame Min explained that Ying Zheng's deepest resentment was reserved for officials who overstepped their authority. She asserted that only Ying Zheng was to be king, and all others must submit to his will.
She used Lord Changping as an example, noting that despite facing constant accusations, he always remained calm, even admitting guilt and offering to resign. This behavior, she explained, paradoxically affirmed his loyalty in Ying Zheng's eyes, allowing him to maintain his position for years. She further suggested that Gongsun Li's fault lay in her attempts to protect too many people outside the palace, making her "too opinionated" and unable to be ruthless. Enlightened, Li Si expressed his profound agreement with Madame Min's astute analysis.
