The King's Woman Episode 43 Recap
> The King's Woman Recap
Madame Chu wakes from a dream, distressed. She recounts dreaming that the Grand Queen Dowager desired Yunmeng oranges from Chu, but when she searched, she found Chu State was gone, and the Grand Queen Dowager blamed her for not protecting their homeland. Madame Chu resolves that as long as she lives, Chu will endure. Feeling that life in her current residence is worse than being confined, she contemplates death.
Suddenly, a maid rushes in, excitedly calling her Madame Chu and informing her that the King has pardoned her, restoring her Madame status and allowing her to return to Zhaode Palace, filling Madame Chu with joy. Later, under the moonlight, Ying Zheng and Gongsun Li sit together. Gongsun Li asks when he realized she was the one who saved him in their youth and why he remained silent about it when she first entered the palace and misunderstood him.
Ying Zheng reveals he recognized her when they first met as Young Sir Zhao and she blocked a sword for him, and even more so when he saw her moon jade pendant. He deeply imprinted her name, face, and the jade pendant in his memory, vowing to find her and bring her into the palace forever.
He explains that he didn't want her pity, preferring that she sincerely choose to be with him, as she eventually did when he revealed the truth in Handan, which brought back unbearable memories of his youth. He states that he cares not if the whole world misunderstands him, as long as she understands. Ying Zheng pledges his life to prove his sincerity, proclaiming her to be the person he has sought his entire life.
He embraces her, kissing her forehead, and expresses his sole wish to have her by his side always. After recovering from his illness, Ying Zheng presides over court. He first asks Li Si about the situation in other states after conquering Zhao. Li Si reports that General Wang Jian is camped near Yan, and while Yan has sent a surrender letter, other states like Wei and Chu remain cautious.
He adds that he has sent secret spies to Yan and Chu to gather information. Ying Zheng approves. Then, Lord Changping raises concerns about the unease pervading the palace during Ying Zheng's sickness, attributing it to the King's failure to name a Queen or a Crown Prince. He urges Ying Zheng to appoint a Crown Prince, noting that the princes are now of age.
Lord Changping advocates for Fusu, the eldest prince, citing his intelligence, diligence, and position as the legitimate heir, asserting he would be a wise ruler. Li Si, however, privately muses that Lord Changping's strong recommendation for Fusu is due to Fusu's Chu heritage, believing this move is too hasty and will only arouse Ying Zheng's suspicion. Ying Zheng acknowledges the importance of appointing a Crown Prince but states he needs to consider the matter thoroughly.
As expected, Lord Changping visits Madame Chu to inform her that Ying Zheng has not yet committed to naming Fusu as Crown Prince. Madame Chu sighs, lamenting the unpredictability of human hearts. She reflects on her past naivety, having believed the Queen position was hers, and her former rivalry with Gongsun Li, only to be framed by Consort Min. Now, with Gongsun Li's help in restoring her status, Madame Chu expresses no desire to compete further.
Lord Changping counters, emphasizing their shared connection to Fusu—he as Fusu's Grand Tutor and she as his foster mother. He entices her with the promise of lifelong prosperity if they help Fusu ascend, further appealing to her loyalty to Chu, reminding her that supporting Fusu, who shares Chu blood, would greatly benefit their mother state. Madame Chu, surprised by Lord Changping's enduring dedication to Chu, agrees to fully support Fusu's bid for Crown Prince.
Ying Zheng discusses the succession with Gongsun Li, revealing his intention to name Tianming as Crown Prince. Gongsun Li expresses surprise, advocating for Fusu as the eldest legitimate son, highlighting his intelligence and kindness. Ying Zheng counters that kindness is not a suitable trait for a king, preferring Tianming's resoluteness and decisiveness. Gongsun Li expresses concerns about Tianming's young age and his temperament, arguing that he prefers freedom and hunting over studying classics, and is not interested in power struggles.
Ying Zheng counters that Tianming, once he sets a goal, will strive to achieve it, and his determination would enable him to overcome obstacles and lead Qin to its pinnacle. Ying Zheng further explains his concerns about Fusu's Chu blood, his closeness to Madame Chu, and Lord Changping, fearing Changping could become another Lv Buwei. He also states that Tianming, as Crown Prince, would be better positioned to protect Gongsun Li.
Gongsun Li objects to Tianming being chosen primarily for her protection and voices concerns about Tianming's lack of Ying blood, believing it would be difficult for him to command respect. Ying Zheng dismisses her worries, reminding her that he himself lacks Ying blood, emphasizing that holding ultimate power negates such concerns, and that the position matters more than lineage. Meanwhile, Jing Ke sits alone, gazing at the moon.
Gai Lan tearfully asks if his assassination mission against Qin is truly unavoidable, highlighting the immense danger. Jing Ke affirms that it is his master's last wish and the long-cherished aspiration of all noble warriors to save the people from tyrannical rule. He also believes that Gongsun Li's years of sacrifice, allowing him to hate her, were for him to achieve this great purpose.
Gai Lan desperately pleads for him to preserve his life for her sake, acknowledging the mission's near-certain fatality. Tian Guang and Qin Wuyang discuss the upcoming mission. Tian Guang suggests Qin Wuyang accompany Jing Ke. Jing Ke initially refuses, unwilling to endanger another life, but Qin Wuyang lightheartedly insists he is merely accompanying Jing Ke for travel, not assassination, and promises to prioritize his own life, claiming expertise in survival.
Jing Ke reluctantly agrees, making Qin Wuyang promise to save his life above all else. Tian Guang then deeply bows to them, thanking them and expressing remorse for the dangerous situation he has placed them in. As Tian Guang departs, Qin Wuyang remarks on his unusually sentimental demeanor. Tian Guang then goes to Crown Prince Dan's residence, insisting on sacrificing himself to ensure Jing Ke's success.
Despite Prince Dan's pleas, Tian Guang asserts that his death is the only way to make Ying Zheng truly trust Jing Ke's mission, even with the maps and Fan Yuqi's head. He explains that if he lives, Ying Zheng would suspect a broader conspiracy.
Tian Guang then tragically stabs himself, asking Prince Dan to spread news that his death was due to offending the prince, thus diverting all blame for the anti-Qin plot onto himself and protecting Jing Ke and the Yan state. Prince Dan is left in profound grief.
The next day, Qin Wuyang notices Gai Lan's absence and criticizes Jing Ke for his insensitivity towards her, pointing out Gai Lan's deep affection for him and that she has been avoiding him because she doesn't want to watch him throw away his life. Jing Ke acknowledges Qin Wuyang's concern for Gai Lan. Qin Wuyang openly admits his feelings, stating his intention to return for Gai Lan and protect her from sorrow should Jing Ke die in Qin.
Jing Ke expresses his approval and hope that someone will indeed care for Gai Lan. Late that night, Li Si, identifying himself as the Tingwei Officer, urgently seeks an audience with Ying Zheng. He reports on his secret investigation in Chu, where his spies captured several rebels and found a secret letter revealing that a member of the Qin court has been leaking military strategies to Chu. Despite interrogations, the mastermind remains unknown.
Ying Zheng, however, remains calm, stating that since the leak has been discovered, the mastermind will soon reveal themselves. He expresses no urgency in striking first or fear of the traitor escaping to Chu, even implying that an escape to Chu would be desirable. If the traitor remains in Qin, their fate will depend on their continued usefulness to Ying Zheng. Concurrently, a visibly distressed Lord Changping urgently meets with Madame Chu.
He reveals that the spy network he and Chu General Xiang Yan had secretly established over the past year has been systematically dismantled by Qin, a revelation that deeply shocks Madame Chu.