The King's Woman Episode 35 Recap
> The King's Woman Recap
Zhao Gao delivered a secret letter from Prince Jia to Madame Min, detailing the recent activities of a Qin merchant named Dun Ruo in Handan whose origins were unknown. Madame Min revealed she had already dispatched someone to investigate him in Xianyang. She suspected Dun Ruo was a lobbyist sent by Ying Zheng to create division among the states, yet she also saw an opportunity to use him to help depose King Qian of Zhao.
Zhao Gao then inquired about Gongsun Li’s fate. Madame Min stated that while Gongsun Li posed no threat to Great Zhao, she was not an ally either, and any misfortune she faced was her own doing. She explained that Ying Zheng was a suspicious man, and if she, like the naive Chu Liangren, openly slandered Gongsun Li, Ying Zheng would surely suspect her.
Therefore, she planned to plead for Gongsun Li’s mercy, ensuring Ying Zheng would believe Gongsun Li was the true betrayer. Meanwhile, Chu Liangren confronted Ying Zheng, vehemently denying her involvement in Han Fei’s death and accusing Madame Min. She asserted that Madame Min had administered the poison and that the glass beads on the poison container were hers, given to Madame Min upon her entry to the palace, proving Madame Min's malicious intent and her scheme to disrupt Qin’s unification.
Zhao Gao expressed alarm, but Ying Zheng simply acknowledged the information. Just then, Han Shen returned from Zhao State, reporting successful findings from his investigation, which Gongsun Li had sent him on. He requested that Gongsun Li be brought to the hall to hear his report. Ying Zheng’s expression darkened as he revealed that Gongsun Li was confined in Yongxiang Prison. Han Shen, enraged, disregarded royal decorum and stormed out.
Chu Liangren attempted to use the opportunity to accuse Han Shen, but Ying Zheng sharply ordered her to leave. In Yongxiang Prison, Gongsun Li was confronted by Li Si, who claimed he was acting under Grand Queen Dowager Huayang’s orders to give her "unforgettable memories" as punishment for conspiring with Crown Prince Dan of Yan. Li Si threatened her with a dagger, but Gongsun Li remained defiant.
Suddenly, Han Shen burst into the prison, fought off the guards, and fiercely protected Gongsun Li, injuring Li Si and warning him not to touch her. Gongsun Li’s first question upon seeing him was whether he had found Lord of Chang’an. Witnessing her blood-stained clothes, Han Shen’s heart ached. Moments later, Ying Zheng arrived with his retinue. Han Shen confronted Ying Zheng, declaring Gongsun Li was no longer his consort and that protecting his junior sister was his duty.
Ying Zheng accused Han Shen of having personal desires for staying in Qin, but Han Shen defiantly vowed to protect her, asserting that as long as he was alive, he would never allow anyone to bully her. Han Shen then revealed that Gongsun Li’s actions, including asking him to search for Lord of Chang’an, were all for Ying Zheng’s sake, stunning Ying Zheng. Han Shen refused to elaborate further unless Gongsun Li was released.
Inside the inner hall, Han Shen presented a young boy he had brought from Zhao State, introducing him as the son of Lord of Chang’an and Ying Zheng’s nephew. The child confirmed his name was Xiao Ying. Recognizing the name, which only he, the former king, and Lord of Chang'an’s mother knew, Ying Zheng became emotional, convinced this was indeed his nephew.
Han Shen then delivered a letter from Chengjiao, explaining how he had been instigated by Prince Jia to rebel and expressing deep shame, stating he could never return to Great Qin. However, Chengjiao wished for Xiao Ying, as a royal descendant, to be reunited with his ancestors. An official tried to cast doubt, but Ying Zheng silenced him, asserting the child's identity was undeniable.
Han Shen then revealed that it was Gongsun Li who had sent him to find Lord of Chang'an, and that he had only learned of Chengjiao’s whereabouts from Crown Prince Dan, who had provided the information out of gratitude for Gongsun Li's earlier help. He emphasized that Gongsun Li had acted discreetly, fearing that learning of Chengjiao’s continued hatred would sadden Ying Zheng, but hoping for a joyful reunion if Chengjiao had changed his mind.
Han Shen angrily accused Ying Zheng of mistreating Gongsun Li despite her unwavering loyalty. Ying Zheng then directly asked Gongsun Li if she had stabbed Madame Min. Despite her weakness, Gongsun Li replied by questioning if Ying Zheng truly did not know her character after all their time together. Ying Zheng pressed on, asking why she had sacrificed herself to help Crown Prince Dan.
Han Shen interjected, explaining that Gongsun Li had done so because Ying Zheng, out of pride, had put Crown Prince Dan under house arrest, leaving himself no room to maneuver, and Gongsun Li had sought to spare Ying Zheng further pain and prevent others from hating him. Ying Zheng, still suspicious, asked if she had done it for him or to rendezvous with her second senior brother.
Han Shen vehemently denied any such meeting, stating he too was involved in Crown Prince Dan’s escape and affirming it was not a prearranged meeting with Jing Ke. Overcome by exhaustion and torture, Gongsun Li suddenly collapsed. Han Shen, asserting that Gongsun Li would not remain in such a "beast-like cage," declared he would take her and leave, stating Ying Zheng was unworthy of being her king.
Despite attempts by Li Zhong and others to intervene, Ying Zheng, with a heavy heart, ordered his guards to stand down, quietly allowing Han Shen to leave with Gongsun Li, acknowledging to himself that he was no longer qualified to keep her by his side, and that staying in Qin would only cause her more suffering. Separately, Crown Prince Dan, Jing Ke, Gai Lan, Qin Wuyang, and others gathered at an inn, ready for their journey back to Yan State.
Crown Prince Dan thanked everyone for their help in ensuring his safe return, now unhindered. Gai Lan, however, appeared visibly disheartened. Qin Wuyang, trying to cheer her up, offered to ride with her, boasting of his excellent horsemanship and promising a comfortable journey. Jing Ke playfully interjected before they set off. As they began their journey, Jing Ke noticed Gao Jianli standing alone in the distance, a slight smile on his face.
Jing Ke recalled Gao Jianli’s earlier warning to stay away from Crown Prince Dan, but he chose to trust Crown Prince Dan’s character. The King of Yan hosted a grand banquet in the Yan King’s Pavilion to celebrate Crown Prince Dan’s safe return. The King was in high spirits, thanking the warriors who aided his son and rewarding them with gold. He then suggested that the skilled young warriors perform a sword dance for entertainment.
Crown Prince Dan politely declined, explaining that Jing Ke and the others were exhausted from their arduous journey and that their martial skills should be reserved for more critical times. The King, seemingly understanding, agreed and then announced that the celebrations would continue with another banquet the following day.
Crown Prince Dan expressed surprise, attempting to discuss serious matters of state like Qin’s war strategy and Yan’s future, but his father brushed him off, insisting they prioritize rest and celebration after his son’s long suffering, wishing to make up for years of neglect as a father. The King then urged everyone to drink and celebrate until they were drunk. Gongsun Li recovered slowly at a Xianyang inn, attended by Han Shen.
A local female doctor examined her, noting the severity of her flesh wounds and predicting scars would remain, while questioning the cruelty of whoever inflicted them. Han Shen only identified himself as her eldest senior, and the doctor decided to wait for Gongsun Li to fully awaken before discussing further details, assuring them about her fever. Once Gongsun Li regained consciousness, her first concern was Tianming.
Han Shen promised to find a way to get Tianming out of the palace, reassuring her that Ying Zheng had not pursued them since they left. However, Gongsun Li felt compelled to return to the palace to accept her punishment, but Han Shen vehemently refused, vowing to protect her and Tianming from Ying Zheng’s tyranny, insisting that she entrust her life to him instead. Suddenly, a commotion erupted downstairs.
Han Shen realized Ying Zheng had arrived with his guards, dressed in plain clothes. After the inn was cleared, Ying Zheng approached, stating he only wished to know about Gongsun Li’s well-being and speak with her. Han Shen angrily retorted, detailing Gongsun Li’s severe injuries and prolonged fever, accusing Ying Zheng of causing her suffering due to his inherent suspicion and lack of trust.
He then openly confessed his deep love for Gongsun Li, declaring that her presence only brought her pain and that he would guard her from now on. Ying Zheng, seeing Gongsun Li standing on the stairs, who subtly turned away from his gaze, confronted Han Shen about his true feelings, having long suspected his love for her. Han Shen admitted his love, stating no one in the world was more important to him.
Ying Zheng then proposed a "heart-to-heart" conversation with Gongsun Li, but Han Shen interjected, suggesting a duel to resolve the matter. He stipulated that if he won, Tianming would also be released from the palace; if Ying Zheng won, he could go up and see Gongsun Li. Ying Zheng accepted, dismissing his guards and refusing anyone to fight on his behalf. The two men engaged in a fierce fight within the inn, which distressed Gongsun Li.
Despite her plea for them to stop, Ying Zheng found himself at a disadvantage, eventually being disarmed and pinned by Han Shen’s sword point. Even then, Ying Zheng defiantly declared he had not lost, unwilling to admit defeat, asserting that if he did so easily, how could he rule the world?