The King's Woman Episode 34 Recap
> The King's Woman Recap
The night was deep, and a cool breeze swept over them. Everyone returned to the inn. Prince Dan of Yan expressed his gratitude to each person who had helped him, specifically acknowledging Young Warrior Jing's noble character and unquestionable integrity, as well as the efforts of Han Shen, General Fan, and Qin Wuyang in making Xiahou Yang withdraw.
Young Warrior Qin Wuyang, the grandson of General Qin Kai of Great Yan, was praised for his heroism, though he humbly admitted to youthful recklessness. Prince Dan also thanked General Fan for his dedicated help in a matter that didn't directly involve him. As everyone was talking, Jing Ke noticed Gao Jianli quietly left alone.
Meanwhile, Qin Wuyang revealed to General Fan that he had heard a few days prior that the King of Qin had suddenly ordered the execution of the entire Fan clan. Fan Yuqi was instantly enraged by this news, shouting that he would kill Ying Zheng before collapsing. Han Shen then stated he had a duty to fulfill and had to take his leave. Prince Dan asked if he was referring to his quest to find Lord of Chang'an.
Han Shen confirmed it. Prince Dan further inquired why Madame Li was seeking Lord of Chang'an. Han Shen explained that Madame Li knew Ying Zheng deeply regretted exiling his brother and hoped to convince Lord of Chang'an to return to Qin by delivering a personal letter.
This mission was kept secret from Ying Zheng; if Lord of Chang'an returned, it would signify a perfect reunion between the brothers, but if he refused, Ying Zheng would remain unaware, and the effort would be considered a private attempt by Madame Li. Prince Dan acknowledged Madame Li's profound consideration for Ying Zheng and, to repay the favor he owed her, offered to reveal Lord of Chang'an's current whereabouts.
Standing nearby, Jing Ke felt a deep unease listening to his martial sister’s profound concern for Ying Zheng. Drowning his sorrows in wine only deepened them. Jing Ke drank alone in the inn late into the night, so much so that even the waiter dozed off. Despite the alcohol, Gongsun Li's image lingered stubbornly in his mind, and the thought of her intimate affection belonging to another man was unbearable.
Gao Jianli, unable to bear seeing him in such a state, joined him for a drink, acknowledging Jing Ke's preoccupation despite his greatly improved fighting skills. As they clinked their cups, Jing Ke forced a smile and shouted "Happy!" . This strained cheerfulness did not escape the notice of Gai Lan, who had come to the inn out of concern and was watching from outside his room.
As Jing Ke stumbled back to his room, Gai Lan stepped forward to help him. In his drunken stupor, Jing Ke believed he was dreaming. He mumbled that he wanted to repay her kindness, but then painfully cried out that the person he truly yearned for in his heart was still "her." Gai Lan, heartbroken, held him close and whispered words of comfort.
At dawn, Jing Ke awoke to find Gai Lan beside him and immediately apologized profusely for his absurd behavior. Gai Lan, her eyes red, ran out just as Gao Jianli arrived and knocked on the door. Jing Ke tried to follow but failed and told Gao Jianli not to overthink what he saw, assuring him that he and Gai Lan were innocent.
Gao Jianli, acknowledging their jianghu background and lack of concern for strict etiquette, dropped the topic but said he had something important to discuss. He expressed his wish for Jing Ke not to continue following Prince Dan of Yan, believing the Prince was shrewd and cunning and might exploit Jing Ke.
Jing Ke, perplexed by Gao Jianli's uncharacteristic prejudice against the Prince, asserted that having promised Sir Tian Guang, he was honor-bound to escort Prince Dan safely back to Ji City. Seeing Jing Ke's resolve, Gao Jianli could only remind him of their Master’s profound hope: "to never disappoint the people of the world." The gloomy Yongxiang Prison was barely illuminated by flickering lamps. Qing'er asked Gongsun Li why she risked so much to help Prince Dan of Yan.
At that moment, Ying Zheng quietly approached, his presence unnoticed, also seeking an answer to that very question. Gongsun Li smiled faintly and explained that her grandfather had taught her from a young age that benevolence and righteousness came first. She then recounted a story: A young warrior and a young lady, just learning martial arts and archery, set out one night to see the largest, roundest moon. On their journey, they encountered a young man being pursued by attackers.
Though they had only just begun to master their skills, they bravely intervened and saved him. After their escape, the three climbed to the mountain peak, saw the "blue moon," and together wished for peace and an end to all wars in the world. Gongsun Li explained that the story highlighted the concept of great chivalry, where one acts righteously.
She added that she had no regrets, and her physical wounds were nothing compared to the pain in Ying Zheng's heart, which she caused by betraying his trust. Ying Zheng, clearly recognizing himself as the chased youth in her story, felt tears welling in his eyes. He turned and left as silently as he had arrived, his steps heavy. Leaving Yongxiang Prison, Ying Zheng went to the Queen Dowager's palace.
He found her cradling a pillow, speaking to it as if it were her son, cautioning it not to become tyrannical like its elder brother. When she looked up and saw Ying Zheng, she stumbled to her feet, murmuring his name. She asked why Li'er had not visited her that day. With pain in his eyes, Ying Zheng explained that Gongsun Li had committed a mistake and he had confined her to Yongxiang Prison.
In his vulnerability, Ying Zheng, like anyone, instinctively sought comfort from his mother. He then asked her how someone could love another yet bear to lie to them. The Queen Dowager gently replied that only those who love would lie to protect, for if there was no love, there would be no reason for deceit. She stressed that the world was not simply black and white, and sometimes the truth itself was not as crucial as one might think.
She claimed she too had lied to him out of love, to spare him worry. Her words resonated deeply with Ying Zheng, his heart fluttering like the flickering candlelight before him. Meanwhile, in Huayang Palace, Chu Liangren feigned self-reproach, apologizing to the Grand Queen Dowager for being "unworthy" and causing her trouble. The Grand Queen Dowager declared that the harem was a battlefield for women, and only the one standing at the end would be victorious.
She admitted that she had tolerated Consort Li for a long time but was utterly displeased and vowed not to let her off this time, especially now that the King was bitterly disappointed in her. Chu Liangren, though feeling she had disappointed the Grand Queen Dowager by failing to secure her position or bear a descendant, was reassured that she still had a chance, and her resolve was strengthened by these words.
In the solemn court, a minister proposed that Gongsun Li be punished for treason by the "huan" torment, tearing her apart by five carts, for conniving with renegades and secretly escorting Prince Dan of Yan out of Qin. Another minister opposed, arguing that as a royal consort and mother of a prince, her punishment should be limited to demotion and removal of grants.
The Grand Queen Dowager also spoke, emphasizing Gongsun Li's grave crime and warning Ying Zheng about treacherous individuals within the harem. Ying Zheng, without revealing his expression, asked Li Si for his opinion. Li Si, having learned his lesson, shrewdly stated that matters concerning the harem were improper for ministers to discuss in court. As silence fell, Tianming suddenly toddled into the court, calling for his father and mother.
Ying Zheng's stern demeanor instantly melted into loving paternal affection as he scooped up his son, promising to take him hunting if he memorized his books. He then left the court with Tianming, disregarding the Grand Queen Dowager's calls. As Tianming happily recited his lessons, a smile played on Ying Zheng's lips. Li Zhong arrived, and Ying Zheng asked Zhao Gao to take Tianming to play.
Li Zhong reported that he had prepared a house and sufficient silver in the countryside; Madame Li could leave the palace at any time if she wished. Ying Zheng stated that if she was unwilling to remain by his side, he would no longer force her, signifying his final compromise and letting go. News from the court quickly spread throughout the harem.
Chu Liangren, displeased that the King did not heavily punish Consort Li, was then informed by a servant that Gongsun Li wished to see her in Yongxiang Prison. Amused, Chu Liangren agreed to the meeting. In the prison, Gongsun Li, ignoring Chu Liangren's insolent maid, directly began to tell a story: There was once a prince, not of direct legitimate lineage, who fell in love with a marquis's daughter.
He had promised to marry her if he ever became Crown Prince. However, after his mother became the King's favorite, and he was indeed made Crown Prince, he became surrounded by beautiful women and abandoned his promise to the marquis's daughter. Out of bitter resentment, this abandoned marquis's daughter conspired with the former Crown Prince to help him regain his position, and her first step was to marry into the most powerful royal family in the world.
Chu Liangren quickly deduced that Gongsun Li was hinting at Consort Min. Meanwhile, elsewhere, Han Shen, looking anxious, was seen riding back with another person, leaving their identity as Lord of Chang'an unconfirmed.
