The King's Woman Episode 42 Recap
> The King's Woman Recap
Gai Lan struggled with how to prevent Jing Ke from carrying out his plan. Just then, Qin Wuyang arrived to inform Jing Ke that his senior brother, Han Shen, had come. Jing Ke welcomed Han Shen to the residence Crown Prince Dan had bestowed upon them.
Han Shen, observing the luxurious setting, mistakenly believed Jing Ke had mastered his sword technique, become a favored guest of Yan, and was now enjoying a life of comfort, no longer concerned with the affairs of the jianghu realm. Han Shen sarcastically remarked on his own status as an idle person of the jianghu realm before preparing to leave. Jing Ke and Qin Wuyang realized Han Shen had left the Qin palace, but Han Shen was unwilling to elaborate.
Gai Lan, however, rushed to intercept Han Shen, explaining that Jing Ke had unavoidable difficulties that he could not disclose. Later that night, Fan Wuji joined Jing Ke and Han Shen for drinks. Han Shen noticed Jing Ke seemed troubled, as if contemplating something serious. Jing Ke then asked Han Shen to excuse them, stating he needed to discuss a matter with General Fan. Once alone, Fan Wuji encouraged Jing Ke to speak frankly.
Fan Wuji admitted his life was not peaceful, filled with sleepless nights haunted by thoughts of his family, all victims of Ying Zheng. He expressed a deep desire to fight the Qin army, caring little if his corpse rotted in the wilderness. Jing Ke then revealed his audacious plan: he intended to use the pretense of Yan's surrender to enter the Qin palace as an envoy.
He explained that besides offering the richest lands of Yan, Dukang, they would also need Fan Wuji's head to earn Ying Zheng's trust, as the King of Qin had offered a great reward for it. Fan Wuji burst into laughter, declaring it a brilliant scheme. He stated that if his death could contribute to assassinating Qin, he would have no regrets. He then knelt, ready to accept his fate. With a distorted, pained expression, Jing Ke struck Fan Wuji down.
Jing Ke later arrived at the Crown Prince’s mansion, announcing he had prepared the other gift for the King of Qin. When the white cloth was removed, it revealed Fan Wuji’s head. Crown Prince Dan was visibly shocked and recoiled, lamenting how he had wronged General Fan. Jing Ke calmly stated that Fan Wuji had not suffered much before his death. The others present fell silent, moved by Fan Wuji's sacrifice.
Distraught, Jing Ke returned to his residence, only to be confronted by Han Shen. Han Shen urgently revealed that Tianming was Jing Ke’s son, and Gongsun Li had initially entered the Qin palace to protect him. Han Shen asserted that if Jing Ke proceeded with the assassination, he would be condemning Gongsun Li and Tianming to a perilous fate.
Jing Ke was stunned, realizing he had gravely misunderstood Gongsun Li all along and that she had made such a profound sacrifice for him. Yet, he lamented that it was too late to turn back. At that moment, Gai Lan rushed in, crying out about the blood in the room. Jing Ke confessed that he had killed Fan Wuji, leaving both Gai Lan and Han Shen shocked.
Deeply regretting his past misunderstandings with Gongsun Li, Jing Ke pleaded with Han Shen to take Gongsun Li and Tianming out of the palace before he departed for Qin. Han Shen, seeing Jing Ke's unwavering resolve to assassinate the King, coldly scoffed that Jing Ke only considered himself, disregarding Gongsun Li's safety. He pointed out that no matter the outcome of the assassination, the Qin State would not spare them, condemning Tianming to a life of wandering.
Jing Ke admitted he had wronged them and feared he would never have the chance to make amends or repay Gongsun Li. Han Shen continued to accuse Jing Ke of selfishness, questioning if his wife and son meant so little to him.
Gai Lan vehemently defended Jing Ke, asserting that he was not the self-serving person Han Shen believed him to be, and that his sacrifice was to fulfill Warrior Gongsun's last wish of saving the world's citizens, suggesting it was his destiny. Jing Ke told Gai Lan to stop speaking. Han Shen retorted, questioning if Gongsun Li's sacrifice and potential death due to Jing Ke's "dogmatic act" was her "destiny."
He emphasized that Gongsun Li had worried about Jing Ke her entire life, yet Jing Ke had never considered her. Han Shen concluded by saying that if this was Jing Ke's "destiny," he hoped Tianming would not make the same mistakes, then departed. Jing Ke gripped the table, tormented by his choices, while Gai Lan hesitated before reaching out to him, ultimately withdrawing her hand. Meanwhile, Ying Zheng had been unconscious for several days but was now recovering.
He immediately asked for Gongsun Li. Li Zhong reported that Gongsun Li had instructed him to return to Xianyang with Ying Zheng first, leading Ying Zheng to deduce that she was not in the camp. Li Zhong reluctantly revealed that Gongsun Li had led the Qin army west to lure away Zhao Jia's forces, protecting Ying Zheng's health. He admitted that their agreed-upon meeting time had passed, and Gongsun Li had not appeared.
Ying Zheng's eyes narrowed with deep concern, stating that he would not withdraw the camp until Gongsun Li returned, fiercely rebuking Li Zhong for suggesting otherwise even when Wei army traces were reported. Just then, an announcement of "Madame Li is here!" echoed through the camp. Ying Zheng's eyes lit up with surprise and relief; he quickly rose and rushed out, his steps uncoordinated. Gongsun Li arrived on horseback, and Ying Zheng immediately embraced her tightly.
He told her that those few days felt like an eternity and that he would never allow her to leave him again. Gongsun Li returned his embrace, confirming her response. Later, General Wang Jian's army faced the Yan forces. He noted their lack of combat intent, indicating a desire for peace. A Yan general presented a handwritten letter from Crown Prince Dan, expressing fear of Great Qin's might and offering to cede the prosperous Dukang region in exchange for peace.
Wang Jian dispatched a messenger to report this to Ying Zheng, who appeared thoughtful upon receiving the news. Back in the Qin palace, Gongsun Li attentively nursed Ying Zheng, feeding him medicine. Ying Zheng inquired if Li Zhong had visited him. Gongsun Li confirmed that Li Zhong had expressed suspicion about the Yan envoy's visit, fearing a potential ruse. Ying Zheng admitted he also harbored doubts about Yan's sincerity.
Gongsun Li agreed and further revealed that the Yan State had killed Fan Wuji. Ying Zheng instantly sat upright, wondering if Yan was truly sincere in its surrender. Gongsun Li softly asked if, should the surrender prove true, he would agree not to attack Yan, stating her desire to avoid more casualties. Ying Zheng smiled indulgently, remarking on her unchanging kindness. He promised that if Yan's surrender was genuine, he would guarantee peace to Great Yan. The two clasped hands, their affection evident in their gazes.
