The Legend of Mi Yue Episode 73 Recap
> The Legend of Mi Yue Recap
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The sound of Chu music filled the air, lifting Mi Yue's spirits. Xiang'er explained that the musicians were rehearsing Chu music for King Ying Ji's upcoming wedding, which would take place in Changle Hall. She also recounted how King Ying Ji had blushed when shown a portrait of his future Queen, Mi Yao.
Mi Yao, the Chu princess, was described as dignified and virtuous, having endured much suffering in the Chu palace due to her mother, Consort Zhao, being envied by Zheng Xiu. Xiang'er believed that someone who had experienced hardship would be appreciative and devoted to King Ying Ji. Soon after, Yong Rui arrived to inform Mi Yue that the Chu wedding procession was expected to reach Xianyang the following day.
Accompanying them would be Prince Heng, coming as a hostage, and a Chu envoy. Mi Yue, recalling her own difficult time as a hostage, instructed Yong Rui to ensure they were well accommodated at the Post. Yong Rui then revealed that the Chu envoy was none other than Huang Xie. The news deeply affected Mi Yue, leaving her unable to eat and visibly distressed. She then had her attendant inquire about their arrival at the Post.
Meanwhile, the Yiqu King, noticing Mi Yue's low spirits, entered her chambers. He asked what was troubling her and suggested they leave the city to clear their minds, referencing how "prairie women follow their men." Mi Yue declined, explaining that she could not abandon her duties governing the state. He playfully proposed they conceive a child to tie her heart, but she dismissed the idea, stating her heart was already committed.
She then informed him of King Ying Ji's impending marriage to the Chu princess, but the Yiqu King refused to attend, claiming King Ying Ji disliked him. Mi Yue attempted to tell him about "other people from Chu" who had arrived, but he interrupted, declaring that her presence was all he needed. The wedding of King Ying Ji and Mi Yao took place.
King Ying Ji was captivated by Mi Yao’s beauty, finding her gentle and virtuous, saying she looked even better than her portrait and affectionately calling her “Yao’er.” He asked about her treatment by her father and if she missed home. Mi Yao admitted to missing home but found comfort in knowing that Mi Yue, her aunt, had also married far away.
She cautiously inquired about Mi Yue's temperament, and King Ying Ji reassured her that neither his mother nor he would make her life difficult. Mi Yao shared that she knew how to cook, having prepared meals for her sick mother when the palace kitchens neglected them, a consequence of her mother being Consort Zhao and enduring Zheng Xiu's jealousy.
Noticing a scar on Mi Yao’s hand, King Ying Ji was deeply moved and promised that from that day forward, she would never suffer again. Later, Prince Heng and Huang Xie formally paid their respects to Mi Yue. Mi Yue's gaze lingered on Huang Xie, her heart heavy with unspoken emotions. She advised Prince Heng to conduct himself respectfully in Qin and understand its customs to avoid any complications that might harm the relations between the two states.
After Prince Heng departed to meet King Ying Ji, Mi Yue asked Huang Xie to stay. She motioned for him to sit closer, expressing how difficult it was for her to see him clearly. Huang Xie light-heartedly retorted that she could see him even with her eyes closed, but Mi Yue confessed that in recent years, she could barely recognize herself. They both confirmed that they were doing well.
Mi Yue reflected that as the Queen Dowager, she could not openly weep, but as "Mi Yue," she could. They reminisced about their time in Chu, the happy, carefree days they spent together, and how he had taught her to use a whip, which he had also given her. Huang Xie echoed her sentiments, stating those were the best days of his life.
Mi Yue acknowledged the Yiqu King's profound kindness to her, describing their bond as one of "life and death, fate bound." Huang Xie expressed his gratitude for the Yiqu King's protection of Mi Yue and his envy that he could do what Huang Xie could not. Mi Yue stopped him, asserting that no one understood her better, a feeling Huang Xie reciprocated. Mi Yue pleaded with Huang Xie to stay and help her.
He reminded her that he was a Chu official and that if he had intended to serve Qin, he would not have waited until now. Mi Yue painted a grim picture of Chu, with Qu Yuan exiled and the court dominated by the corrupt Zhaoyang, Zheng Xiu, and Jin Shang, leaving Prince Heng's position precarious.
She offered Huang Xie the position of her Right Prime Minister, arguing that returning to Chu would be fruitless and that Prince Heng, like Chong'er, might be safer outside, with Qin's future support. Huang Xie questioned the wisdom of allying with Chu if she believed it was so weak. Mi Yue explained that as Queen Dowager, she often felt overwhelmed and that a Qin-Chu alliance was a strategic necessity to counter the combined forces of Zhao, Han, Wei, and Qi.
She implored him to stay. Huang Xie conceded that while he could not officially serve in Qin's court, he would help her as long as he remained in Qin. Mi Yue vowed not to let him leave, offering him "all her possessions." He gently reminded her that her possessions were the Qin empire itself and she should not give everything to him. Mi Yue, with conviction, replied, "You are worth it."
Meanwhile, Yiqu King’s men were causing chaos in Xianyang's markets, taking goods without payment, damaging property, and engaging in brawls. They complained about the restrictive life in Xianyang and yearned for the freedom and cuisine of the prairie. One of his men, referring to Huang Xie, mentioned that he was still in Xianyang and had previously attempted to "snatch" Mi Yue. This further fueled Yiqu King’s jealousy.
Later, upon seeing Mi Yue, he commented on her late return and radiant appearance. He pointedly questioned her choice of a blue bird (a Chu symbol) jade dress and Chu-style hair, implying she had dressed specifically for the Chu envoy. Mi Yue dismissed it as coincidental, stating she simply liked the style. Yiqu King, with a hint of sarcasm, noted that he used to find her beautiful in anything, but now realized there was "so much to learn in clothing."
Mi Yue attributed his critical eye to his drinking and advised him to drink less. He retorted that without drinking, he would not have known that "her motherland's people" had arrived. Soon, Mu Xin reported a recent clash between the imperial guards and Yiqu people in the market, resulting in injuries. He explained that such incidents, involving Yiqu soldiers getting drunk, injuring people, and taking goods without payment, had been frequent, causing widespread resentment among the populace.
Mi Yue immediately summoned Chu Li Zi, who confirmed the severity of the situation and expressed his inability to continue in his position if Mi Yue persisted in indulging the Yiqu people. Mi Yue explained that the Yiqu people's customs – such as bartering, communal sharing, and impulsive fighting – were inherently at odds with Qin law. Chu Li Zi acknowledged this truth.
Mi Yue characterized the Yiqu people as "wild horses" that, if tamed, could be a formidable force on the battlefield, but if untamed, would only cause harm. She realized a solution was urgently needed. At this opportune moment, Huang Xie arrived, having heard Mi Yue was unwell, and offered his "medicine." He observed her exhaustion and correctly deduced that her headache stemmed from the dilemma of how to handle the Yiqu forces in Xianyang.
He acknowledged their past contributions but stressed that their wild customs could not be changed overnight. He then suggested "learning from other countries," specifically citing how Zhao had strengthened its cavalry by adopting "Hu service riding and shooting" and integrating the Lin Hu and Lou Fan tribes, even taking Qin's Yulin land in the process. Mi Yue immediately grasped the idea: she would transform the Yiqu people into a powerful Qin cavalry force.
Mi Yue proposed that the Qin army would train and fight alongside the Yiqu troops, combining Yiqu horsemanship with Qin's superior weapons, such as crossbows and armor, and Qin's strategic formations to create an invincible army. She informed Chu Li Zi that the Yiqu camps would be relocated outside Xianyang. While they could maintain their own customs within their camps, they would be subject to Qin law outside.
Mi Yue also took personal responsibility for their past transgressions, offering to compensate the victims from her own treasury. Chu Li Zi accepted this comprehensive solution. Mi Yue then presented this plan to the Yiqu King, telling him that Xianyang was too restrictive and that moving outside would give them more space. He questioned why they would be bound by Qin law once outside their camp.
Mi Yue patiently explained that Qin was a "permanent granary" that required order, adherence to rules, and respect for its established systems, unlike the free-roaming Yiqu pastures. She emphasized that having submitted to Qin, the Yiqu people were now Qin people and must be treated equally under Qin law. She asked if they preferred to be viewed as "aliens" or "black sheep." The Yiqu King eventually agreed, realizing the plan was ultimately for their benefit.
Mi Yue then informed him that Huang Xie was staying at the Post and suggested he visit, as they were "old acquaintances." However, the Yiqu King, clearly displeased, dismissed the idea, stating he needed to prioritize building the new camps outside the city.
