The Legend of Mi Yue Episode 79 Recap
> The Legend of Mi Yue Recap
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Wei Ran, Mi Rong, and Yong Rui sought out King Ying Ji to propose the conquest of Yiqu, asserting that the timing was opportune. Ying Ji concurred with their assessment. Wei Ran met with Mi Yue, expressing his gratitude for her care over the years. Mi Yue, in turn, reiterated her determination to unify the world for national peace and prosperity.
During this meeting, Mi Yue expressed her regret over having allowed Huang Xie to return to Chu, acknowledging his considerable talent which could bolster Chu's strength. Wei Ran questioned her decision to let him go, suggesting military intervention. Mi Yue explained that despite his prowess, Huang Xie chose his homeland over wealth and fame, and she granted him that wish. She instructed Wei Ran to ensure Huang Xie received privileged treatment on his journey.
Mi Yue then tasked Wei Ran with reviewing and amending the excessively harsh aspects of Shang Yang's laws, citing past instances of severe punishment, including a child penalized for stealing mulberry leaves, and recalling her own past injury, implying the need for more humane governance. Wei Ran then informed Mi Yue that preparations for the attack on Chu were complete. Soon after, Bai Qi was appointed Zuoshu Chang and given command of troops, with orders to attack Chu.
The Qin army, led by Bai Qi, Wei Ran, Mi Rong, and Sima Cuo, launched a successful multi-pronged assault, resulting in a devastating defeat for Chu, with 150,000 Chu soldiers beheaded. The King of Chu, Mi Huai, was captured by Qin, plunging Chu into a succession crisis. Chu officials were divided on whether to secure the king's return or install a new ruler.
Prince Qi, who had previously fled Qin after a murder, eventually ascended the throne as the new King of Chu, supported by influential figures like Huang Xie and Qu Yuan, despite protests from the Queen of the South and other dissenting officials. Recognizing the new political landscape in Chu, Mi Yue ordered the Qin army to withdraw. Wei Ran expressed concern that Huang Xie's influence with Qu Yuan and the new king made Chu a formidable opponent.
Mi Yue conceded her misjudgment regarding Huang Xie but maintained that Chu's inherent weakness could not be swiftly overcome, making a withdrawal the pragmatic choice. Mi Yue observed her son, Gongzi Fei, noting his strong resemblance to Zhai Li. She then sent new clothes and gifts to Zhai Li, who was stationed in the northwest, and arranged for Gongzi Fei to enjoy a walk in the garden.
Subsequently, Mi Yue prepared to visit the imprisoned former King of Chu, Mi Huai, asking her attendant to style her hair with a Chu comb. During their meeting, Mi Huai initially failed to recognize her, then addressed her as "Mi Yue," to which she corrected him, reminding him of her title as Queen Mother. Mi Huai complained about his treatment, but Mi Yue revealed that he had been deposed, with Prince Qi now reigning as the new king.
She dismissed his offers of land for release as worthless, as he no longer held power. Mi Yue reminded him of his past misrule, corruption, and misplaced trust, informing him that his former loyal ministers had supported the new Prince. She concluded by telling Mi Huai that he was unworthy of his ancestors and that one day she would bring his remains back to Ying Du to be buried as a cautionary tale.
Back in Xianyang, Mi Yue bestowed titles and rewards upon her meritorious officials: Wei Ran was honored as Rang Hou, Mi Rong as Jun Huayang, Bai Qi as Wu Anjun, and Gongzi Fei as Jingyang Jun. Huwei was dissatisfied with the rewards, believing Mi Yue was biased against Yiqu and favored some over others. Just then, Huwei saw a team transporting wine and cured meat for Mi Rong, and intercepted the wine and meat.
Yong Rui and Sima Cuo later discussed the grievances surrounding the awards. Yong Rui explained Mi Yue's reasoning behind granting Gongzi Fei a noble title: it was meant to appease Yiqu, acknowledging their contributions, while implicitly maintaining Qin’s control, as Yiqu people excelled in conquest but lacked governance experience. He also highlighted the significant presence of Yiqu warriors within Qin's formidable cavalry.
Meanwhile, Huwei forcibly exchanged wolf skins for brocade on the street, and after being refused by a vendor, he tore up the brocade. The vendor got entangled with Huwei, and Huwei accidentally killed him. Sima Cuo arrived in time and arrested Huwei and his group. Zhai Li visited Huwei and his men in prison. Upon seeing their dismal condition and hearing their bitter complaints, Zhai Li was overcome with pain and self-reproach.
When Huwei pleaded for their release, an enraged Zhai Li ordered the judicial official killed and personally unchained Huwei and his followers, setting them free. News of Zhai Li's actions quickly reached the court, and officials urged Mi Yue to punish him. Bai Qi, however, interceded on Zhai Li's behalf. After careful consideration, Mi Yue instructed Bai Qi to mediate the situation.
Following Zhai Li's actions, Bai Qi went to the Yiqu military camp, informing Zhai Li of the Qin army's encirclement and urging him to admit his mistake and surrender Huwei. Zhai Li vehemently refused, leading to an argument, and Bai Qi returned disappointed. That night, Zhai Li and Huwei shared wine, with Zhai Li vowing to protect Yiqu and Huwei expressing remorse for his crime.
Zhai Li declared his intent to one day break out of Xianyang and lead the Yiqu people back to the prairie, yet he also revealed his reluctance to part with Mi Yue. Understanding Zhai Li's feelings, Huwei, while Zhai Li was drunk, bid him farewell and committed suicide in front of the Qin army. Yong Rui and other officials were somewhat relieved by Huwei's atonement, but Mi Yue was deeply saddened.
Zhai Li was extremely grieved and, despite Bai Qi's advice to return to the prairie, refused to leave due to his affection for Mi Yue and Qin's territory. Zhai Li then angrily confronted Mi Yue, accusing her of causing Huwei's death. Mi Yue attempted to reason with him, but Zhai Li ignored her, demanding she punish Meng Ao and Yong Rui, whom he believed plotted against Huwei.
Mi Yue declared the decision was hers, urging Zhai Li to reconsider his path. Zhai Li, accusing Mi Yue of not having his best interests at heart, threatened that he could both conquer and destroy the world. Later, Mi Yue invited Zhai Li to a private banquet, but he initially refused, claiming to feel "indisposed" around Qin people. At the banquet, Zhai Li disputed his seating arrangement, insisting on sitting next to Mi Yue.
Mi Yue attempted to foster a sense of brotherhood between Ying Ji and Gongzi Fei while she conversed with Zhai Li. Ying Ji inquired about his queen, Mi Yao (who had passed away), and Mi Yue assured him that Mi Yao was a sensible child who understood the difficult circumstances of her imprisoned father.
Ying Ji, however, openly criticized Zhai Li's lack of etiquette, characterized Yiqu people as a potential "boil" on Qin's body, and suggested forceful removal if they became a hindrance. Mi Yue rebuked Ying Ji for his rash words, advising him to exercise caution and temper his anger. Mi Yue later visited Zhai Li in his chambers, noticing his numerous battle scars and expressing her anxiety for his safety, wishing he would remain in Xianyang.
Zhai Li, however, declared his spirit to be as free as the prairie, arguing that just as she was bound to the palace, he was bound to the steppe. He dismissed her expectation for him to settle in Xianyang, asserting that Yiqu horses were led only by Yiqu men, not Qin generals like Bai Qi or Wei Ran.
He proposed taking Gongzi Fei to the prairie on his next outing to immerse him in the Yiqu way of life and prepare him for wartime leadership in his old age. Mi Yue objected, reminding him that Gongzi Fei was a Qin Duke, already granted a city and destined to command his own battles, not to fight personally.
She argued that he would become a "sparrow under the eaves" if confined, whereas Qin and Yiqu people had different strengths, and Qin people needed to learn rules beyond just swords and fists. She defended Gongzi Fei's polite manners, criticizing Zhai Li for deliberately provoking him. Zhai Li lamented that Gongzi Fei bore the Qin surname 'Ying' instead of his own Yiqu surname 'Zhai', fearing that the Qin court sought to sever their lineage.
Mi Yue dismissed his concerns, noting that Ying Ji already had a father figure established by the age of ten. Zhai Li insisted his worries were grave, fearing that internal divisions could bring harm to Yiqu, and asserted Yiqu's rightful share in the Qin world. Coinciding with Gongzi Fei's birthday, Zhai Li took Gongzi Fei out for horseback riding.
Mi Yue spoke with Zhai Li about their first meeting, trying to persuade Zhai Li to stay in Qin and for the family to live in harmony. Unexpectedly, Zhai Li secretly set an ambush, intending to abduct Mi Yue and Gongzi Fei. Suddenly, Yong Rui and Wei Ran reported to Mi Yue that the former King of Chu, Mi Huai, had escaped during the night by bribing his guards. Mi Yue immediately ordered a comprehensive blockade and search operation by the Qin army to apprehend him.
