The Legend of Mi Yue Episode 24 Recap
> The Legend of Mi Yue Recap
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King of Qin and Zhang Yi discussed the shifting dynamics of the states. Zhang Yi presented a map, explaining how the number of feudal princes had dwindled from three thousand to just seven powerful states over centuries. He noted that while borders changed, the stalemate among these great powers had persisted for over a hundred years.
He then proposed that now was the opportune moment for change, highlighting that only Qin, having maintained its new laws even after the death of Shang Jun, possessed the potential to reshape the world's destiny. King of Qin agreed, expressing his desire for them to leave a lasting legacy. As they toasted, a war report arrived, announcing a resounding victory at Danyang.
Led by Sima Cuo and Gongzi Hua, the Qin army had captured Chu generals Qu Gài and Grand General Jingcui, beheaded 80,000 soldiers, and secured Hanzhong. King of Qin was ecstatic and ordered immediate commendations for all who served meritoriously. The grand supervisor reported that Gong Sun Yan had briefly appeared and then left without a word, prompting the King to decide he would summon him later.
In her residence, Wei Yan was overjoyed by her son Ying Hua’s valor, calling him a "dragon-taming and tiger-subduing talent" whose standing with the King of Qin would undoubtedly rise. Wei Shaoshi, however, subtly reminded her of Zhang Yi's growing influence, jesting about how Zhang Yi had duped the King of Chu into losing Hanzhong over a misunderstanding of "six "li"" versus "six hundred "li"".
They discussed King of Qin's recent decision to create a new position, Xiangbang, for Zhang Yi, and appointed Sima Cuo as Shao Shang Zao Grand General. They realized this restructure had stripped Gong Sun Yan, the former Daliang Zao who once held both military and political power, of most of his authority, rendering him a mere figurehead. Wei Shaoshi worried that Gong Sun Yan’s decline would diminish their own influence, a concern Wei Yan shared.
Later, King of Qin paid a visit to the supposedly ill Gong Sun Yan, emphasizing his importance as a key minister and expressing worry over his absence. Gong Sun Yan, however, humbly downplayed his significance, stating he was now an "insignificant person." He offered congratulations for the Danyang victory, to which King of Qin responded by stressing the importance of unity between ruler and minister for Qin's success.
Meanwhile, a Chu envoy delivered a letter to Mi Shu, detailing her brother and mother's distress over the Danyang defeat and King of Chu’s subsequent illness. Mi Shu was deeply distressed, blaming herself for not protecting her home country and allowing “villains” like Zhang Yi to run rampant.
The envoy urged her to intercede with King of Qin to release the captured Chu generals and return Hanzhong, even if it meant Chu had to accept the loss of the Shangyu territory. Mi Shu resolved to do her best, hastily preparing to meet King of Qin. Dai Mao advised caution, but Mi Shu felt an urgent need to prevent further conflict between Qin and Chu.
As she prepared, Wei Yan and Wei Shaoshi arrived, ostensibly to offer date honey for Mi Shu’s pregnancy. Mi Shu rejected it, asserting she slept soundly and needed no calming remedies. Wei Shaoshi then subtly mocked Mi Shu, referencing a historical tale of a "Ba snake swallowing an elephant" before openly ridiculing Chu for losing Hanzhong by foolishly coveting six hundred "li" of land. Wei Yan added that King of Qin found this "joke" highly amusing.
Enraged, Mi Shu ordered the date honey discarded, calling it "poison." She explained to Dai Mao that her status in Qin was tied to Chu's strength, and Wei Yan's taunts were a direct result of Chu's defeat, threatening her unborn child’s future. Despite Dai Mao's warning about Mi Yue's closeness to Zhang Yi, Mi Shu initially wanted Mi Yue's advice, believing her sister would never wish harm upon their homeland.
However, she ultimately decided to go herself, brushing aside Dai Mao’s concerns about haste. Mi Yue intercepted Mi Shu, trying to persuade her not to rush to Xuanshi Hall. Mi Yue questioned whether Mi Shu would address King of Qin as a Qin Queen or a Chu Princess. When Mi Shu insisted she would speak as Queen, Mi Yue countered that a Queen should congratulate her husband on a victory, not lament it.
Mi Yue warned that openly favoring Chu would make Mi Shu appear disloyal to Qin and that as a woman in the harem, she should not interfere in state affairs. Mi Shu, however, stubbornly asserted that it was a family matter and continued on her way. At the celebration banquet, King of Qin and Zhang Yi discussed Qin's strategic gains, positioning them advantageously against other states. Mi Shu burst into the hall, interrupting the festivities.
She expressed her sorrow over the Qin-Chu conflict and pleaded for King of Qin to release the captured Chu generals and return Hanzhong to reconcile relations. King of Qin was displeased, stating Qin would not "cut its own flesh" to aid Chu and reminding her that Chu had initiated the war and would not have shown similar leniency. Mi Shu, in turn, angrily accused Zhang Yi of misconduct, calling him a "shameless villain" unworthy of standing in court.
Zhang Yi fiercely defended his loyalty to Qin, arguing that Chu's downfall was a result of its own greed and aggressive actions. Mi Shu denounced Zhang Yi as a "fickle villain" and warned that his appointment as prime minister would bring disgrace to Qin. King of Qin, furious, declared Mi Shu "daring" and reminded her that Qin forbade women from interfering in state affairs. He chastised her for disrespecting a minister and contradicting him, questioning her fitness as Queen.
Mi Shu persisted, urging him to "clear away corrupt officials and restore order." King of Qin roared at her, calling her "unconscious," and ordered her attendants to escort her back to her palace to "reflect," and for doctors to be summoned. Mi Shu, overwhelmed, collapsed, screaming for King of Qin as she was carried away. The royal physician reported that Mi Shu's pulse was unstable and her fetus was in danger.
He advised her to avoid all physical exertion, worry, and strong emotions. King of Qin then ordered Mi Shu confined to Jiaofeng Hall, forbidding her from leaving without his permission and restricting all visitors to the doorway. He officially transferred authority over the entire harem back to Wei Yan, with Tang Furen assisting. Confined to her palace, Mi Shu grew despondent, missing King of Qin and worrying about her unborn child's future if his anger persisted.
Dai Mao tried to console her, reminding her that if she gave birth to a son, the harem would once again be hers. Mi Shu, however, lamented that two months was ample time for political winds to shift, and King of Qin’s sustained anger would surely affect their child. She noted Mi Yue’s absence, and Dai Mao explained that King of Qin’s strict orders prevented anyone from entering.
Dai Mao also expressed frustration with Mengzhao Shi’s ineffectiveness in winning King of Qin's favor, relating how Mengzhao Shi, sent to pray for the King and Queen, was dismissed by the King for her elaborate attire and lack of sincere piety. Mi Shu conceded it wasn't Mengzhao Shi's fault, admitting King of Qin valued wit over beauty, like Mi Yue.
Dai Mao secretly thought it fortunate that Mi Yue was unwilling to serve King of Qin, as Mi Shu would surely not be happy otherwise. Mi Shu felt the King’s love for her was waning due to his absence. Earlier, Mi Yue approached King of Qin, subtly asking for his judgment on a parable about a woman torn between her husband's family and her own when they fought.
The King firmly stated that she must choose to fully support one side, as there could be no middle ground. Shortly after, the King ordered the release of the captured Chu generals. Mi Yue later met with Meng Ying in the stables, where Meng Ying suggested she try to become the King's concubine to gain status and protection. However, Mi Yue declined, stating her heart still belonged to someone else.
Meanwhile, Gong Sun Yan, forlorn, was urged by a Wei envoy to return to Wei. The envoy promised him the position of prime minister and military support from Wei King, arguing that Gong Sun Yan, a genius like Shang Yang, should not be constrained by loyalty to a single state or person. He encouraged Gong Sun Yan to "contend with Qin King" from Wei. Gong Sun Yan requested more time to deliberate and plan.
Soon after, King of Qin received an urgent message from Lady Ying. He informed Mu Supervisor that he would be leaving for the temporary residence in the northern suburbs the next day, staying with Lady Ying for several days, and entrusting the affairs of the harem to Wei Yan. Upon hearing this, Wei Yan immediately instructed Yongxiang Lingjing to "do what needs to be done."
Acting on Wei Yan’s orders, Yongxiang Lingjing and his guards stormed into Mi Yue’s residence while she was out. They accused Wei Ran of stealing Gongzi Zhuang’s sword (the rusty one Mi Yue had found earlier) and arrested him. Aunt Kui vehemently protested, stating that only the Queen had authority over Mi Yue’s household, but Yongxiang Lingjing asserted that Wei Yan was now in charge of the harem due to the Queen's confinement. As Wei Ran was dragged away, Aunt Kui frantically cried for someone to find Mi Yue.
