The King's Woman Episode 47 Recap
> The King's Woman Recap
The mountain estate provided a tranquil setting where Gongsun Li and Jing Ke embraced. Gongsun Li, with a furrowed brow, urged him not to go to the Qin King, believing success or failure would only lead to his death. She explained that she had chosen to deceive him for his safety, contemplating how they could escape with Tianming. She had not told him about Tianming earlier because it would not have helped him; Ying Zheng would have relentlessly pursued them.
She revealed that Tianming had already been sent out of the city, suggesting that Jing Ke, Tianming, and Gai Lan could live quietly in a secluded place. Jing Ke was momentarily stunned. He confessed his deep regret that he had not known Tianming was his son earlier.
Had he known, he would have abandoned his pursuit of sword techniques, put everything aside, and dedicated his life to protecting Gongsun Li and Tianming, even if it meant living as an ordinary man. He felt like a cold-blooded monster for his past actions. He lamented that it was too late now, as he bore the heavy burden of Tian Guang and General Fan Yuqi's lives, as well as the hopes of Crown Prince Dan of Yan.
He explained that Tian Guang had sacrificed himself to protect secrets and encourage him, leaving him with no choice but to move forward. There was no room for retreat. He expressed profound remorse for his many years of misunderstanding and misgivings towards Gongsun Li. He confessed his strong desire to see Tianming, but acknowledged it was no longer possible. Gongsun Li assured him he should not blame himself.
Jing Ke acknowledged her good intentions, which only made him feel worse, as he realized the extent of her sacrifices for him. He pulled Gongsun Li into his embrace again, affirming that she was the only woman he had ever loved. Tears welled in Gongsun Li's eyes as she secretly vowed not to stand by and watch him die; she would find a way to stop him. Outside on the corridor, Gai Lan watched them, her heart heavy with sadness.
Meanwhile, in the palace, Ying Zheng walked towards Zhaode Palace and encountered Gongsun Li's maid, who became visibly flustered when questioned about Gongsun Li's whereabouts. Just then, Gongsun Li returned gracefully. Ying Zheng feigned concern, asking why she was not resting in her chambers. Gongsun Li claimed she was bored and had gone for a stroll around the city.
Ying Zheng calmly instructed his attendant to escort her back to her chambers and forbade her from leaving the palace without his permission, emphasizing the Yan envoy's arrival in two days and the need to prevent any unexpected incidents for her safety. Later that night, Gai Lan sought out Jing Ke, admitting she couldn't sleep with only one day remaining before he entered the Qin palace. She confessed her reluctance to see him go.
She gently leaned her head on his shoulder, declaring that no matter his decision, she would continue to support him. Jing Ke, in his heart, acknowledged his inability to repay her love in this lifetime, wishing she could be his little sister in a next life so he could devote a lifetime to caring for her. Memories of their shared past, both bittersweet and poignant, flickered between them. The following day, Gai Lan prepared to leave to find Ge Nie.
Jing Ke and Qin Wuyang saw her off at the gate. Qin Wuyang expressed his reluctance to part ways with Gai Lan. Jing Ke asked Gai Lan to convey his greetings to Warrior Ge. Gai Lan, her eyes filled with deep affection, struggled to speak, managing only a hesitant "Brother Jing, I. . ." and then "Take care." Jing Ke also bid her to "Take care" before urging her to "Go now."
As Gai Lan rode away, tears welling in her eyes, Jing Ke watched her, thinking to himself that he owed her a great debt and hoped she would live a blissful life, reaffirming that she would always be his good little sister. Gai Lan eventually found Ge Nie. Ge Nie, noticing her subdued demeanor, urged her to stop dwelling on Jing Ke.
Gai Lan then revealed the startling truth: Tianming was not Ying Zheng's son but the child of Gongsun Li and Jing Ke. She explained that Gongsun Li, fearing Tianming's implication after Jing Ke's arrival as the Yan envoy, had entrusted Han Shen to take him out of the palace. Gai Lan expressed her deep worry, as Ying Zheng was likely searching for Tianming everywhere. Ge Nie agreed that they must find Tianming as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Han Shen, carrying Tianming, desperately fled from Qin soldiers. Tianming, exhausted, pleaded to stop running. Han Shen encouraged him to endure a little longer, promising rest once they were out of the forest. Tianming then asked if he truly wasn't the king's son and if the king would kill him. Han Shen advised him not to overthink such matters, as answers were often elusive. Tianming suggested returning to the palace, believing his father wouldn't harm him.
Han Shen then proposed a game: a race to the nearby forest, promising to grant Tianming any wish if he won and evaded capture. Tianming eagerly agreed after Han Shen made him promise to prioritize his own safety no matter what. With that, Han Shen told him to run. Soon after, the four masters, Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain, arrived, having tracked Han Shen to Mount Li.
They accused him of abducting Prince Tianming and demanded his surrender, promising him a swift death. Han Shen defiantly refused, stating they would have to go through him first. The four immediately attacked. Han Shen fought fiercely, enduring multiple wounds. In his final moments, he saw Gongsun Li's face, recalling his solemn oath to protect her until his last breath, and his fierce determination to shield her from harm.
He lamented that he could only protect her up to this point. Just as he was overwhelmed, Ge Nie arrived. He swiftly dispatched the four masters, killing them instantly. Ge Nie rushed to Han Shen, asking if he was alright. Han Shen weakly pointed towards the forest, urging Gai Lan to find Tianming. Gai Lan quickly went to retrieve Tianming, telling Han Shen to hold on. Tianming returned, crying out, asking why Uncle Han Shen was bleeding so much.
Han Shen, his voice fading, reassured Tianming that he was glad he was safe and apologized for being unable to play games with him anymore. Despite Tianming's tearful protests, Han Shen, with his last breaths, entrusted Tianming to Ge Nie and Gai Lan, asking them to raise him. Tianming continued to plead with Han Shen not to die.
Han Shen told Tianming not to be sad, reminding him that everyone dies and to listen to "Grandfather Ge," whom he called a true hero. Han Shen then urged Tianming to be strong and to continue living. With a faint whisper of "Junior Sister," Han Shen closed his eyes and died. Tianming sobbed uncontrollably, while Ge Nie and Gai Lan stood by, silently grieving. The next day, with Jing Ke's entry into the palace imminent, Gongsun Li approached Qing'er.
She candidly told Qing'er that she had always regarded her as a true sister since entering the palace, and she apologized for any suffering Qing'er had endured because of her. Qing'er tearfully expressed her gratitude, stating that Gongsun Li was the best person she had ever met and that she would do anything for her. Gongsun Li then revealed her plan: she asked Qing'er to sedate Jing Ke with a "sedating scent" and leave her scarf by his side.
Upon waking and seeing the scarf, Jing Ke would understand that he must not enter the palace. Qing'er, though initially startled, agreed. Later that night, Qing'er brought wine and delicious food to Jing Ke, claiming it was specially prepared by Gongsun Li. Jing Ke, without suspicion, drank cup after cup. As dawn approached, Qing'er returned to the palace to find Gongsun Li already dressed in an elegant gown, sitting by her bed. Qing'er confirmed that she had completed the task.
Qing'er then offered Gongsun Li a cup of ginseng tea, which Gongsun Li reluctantly drank. Qing'er watched her, a subtle, unreadable expression on her face. Gongsun Li confessed she could not sleep, knowing the day had arrived. On the day of the assassination, in the Yan State, Crown Prince Dan poured wine, performing a memorial ceremony for Tian Guang and General Fan Yuqi.
He wished for Jing Ke's success, praying that his actions would ignite the flame of hope for Great Yan, for centuries of ambition and an immortal name depended on this very day. Meanwhile, Jing Ke donned his outer robe but felt a sudden dizziness. Qin Wuyang noticed his pale complexion. Jing Ke brushed it off, urging Qin Wuyang to prepare the map and the bronze container, ready to depart.
In the Qin palace, Ying Zheng had already made his preparations, personally wiping his sword. Li Zhong desperately pleaded with Ying Zheng not to attend, urging him to send a substitute to ascertain the situation, as he knew Jing Ke was an assassin. Ying Zheng's face hardened, and he sheathed his sword, declaring there was no room for further debate. As the King of Qin, destined to unite the world, he would not be deterred by a mere assassin.
He confidently stated he was already aware of Jing Ke's intentions and had made thorough preparations, scoffing at the idea that one man could overcome the Qin army and kill him. As he finished, an attendant announced that the Yan envoy had entered the palace. Li Zhong, though bold, made one final plea, asking if Ying Zheng's insistence on facing Jing Ke was due to Gongsun Li. Ying Zheng ignored him, ordering them to proceed. A mighty voice echoed through the grand Qin palace: "Calling for the envoys from Yan, Jing Ke and Qin Wuyang, to enter the court!"