The Prisoner of Beauty Episode 11 Recap
> The Prisoner of Beauty Recap
Despite Mrs. Wei overturning the table, Xiao Qiao continued to speak, asserting that Mrs. Wei had never truly cared for Wei Shao, always putting his dignity at risk, even forcing Wei Shao to oversee the canal repairs to escape his troubles. Xiao Qiao pointed out that while Zheng Chuyu was impeccably dressed thanks to Mrs. Wei’s efforts, the shoes Mrs. Wei gave Wei Shao were a size too small, demonstrating her lack of concern for her own son.
She further accused Mrs. Wei of meddling in his marriage, tampering with boxes, and even drugging Wei Shao, all for Zheng Chuyu's sake, suggesting Mrs. Wei didn't want Wei Shao to firmly secure his position. Xiao Qiao declared that from now on, she would be solely responsible for Wei Shao's daily needs. Enraged, Mrs. Wei ordered Xiao Qiao to leave.
Xiao Qiao departed with a respectful bow, her graceful exit witnessed by a hidden Wei Shao, who was left with complex emotions. Returning from the execution ground, Wei Shao, still carrying the scent of blood, had his clothes scented before entering his room, hoping not to disturb Xiao Qiao. Through a screen, he saw her meticulously sewing a belt.
Xiao Qiao, anticipating his return, had already prepared a meal and diligently finished the belt, intending for him to wear it on his upcoming trip. Wei Shao joined Xiao Qiao for dinner. She presented him with the new belt, suggesting he try it on. He feigned disinterest, criticizing the embroidery as looking like ducks instead of phoenixes. Later, Xiao Qiao saw him secretly trying on the belt in front of a mirror.
Noticing her smile, an embarrassed Wei Shao quickly grabbed a book, pretending to read. Seeking advice, Wei Shao visited Gongsun Yang, who revealed that Xiao Qiao had also come to him, inquiring about marital relations. Gongsun Yang had advised them to be close and not scheme against each other. Wei Shao vowed he would never harm Xiao Qiao again, but firmly stated that the Qiao clan's transgressions remained unforgivable.
Wei Qu and others prepared Wei Shao's travel belongings, but Wei Shao decided to send Wei Duo to oversee the canal repairs instead of going himself. He then returned to have dinner with Xiao Qiao, who sensed a newfound ease in him. He informed her that Lady Xu's birthday was approaching, a celebration usually arranged by Mrs. Wei, but this year he was entrusting the task to Xiao Qiao. She happily accepted.
In Bianzhou, Governor Chen Xiang was consumed by a coughing fit, furious over Boya's loss to Bi Zhi and Xiaogang's abandonment. Lady Su Ehuang, Chen Xiang's wife, suggested giving Xue Tai a chance to redeem himself, given Bianzhou's need for capable men. Chen Xiang, whose poor health meant he and Su Ehuang had no children, dismissed her suggestion to adopt a talented child, stating that with his uncle Chen Pang's support, it wasn't a priority.
Chen Pang arrived and openly expressed his disapproval of Su Ehuang, particularly her forehead huadian, alluding to rumors that it was a symbol of auspiciousness for the Central Plains ruler, and might now be a harbinger of disaster. Su Ehuang quietly endured his words. Outside, Su Zixin, Su Ehuang's brother, waited anxiously to hear about the adoption. Su Ehuang confessed her greater concern was Chen Pang, who challenged her "peony fate" and needed watching.
Chen Pang had assigned people to monitor Su Ehuang, with orders to kill her if any disloyalty to Bianzhou was discovered. Learning that Xiao Qiao was tasked with organizing Lady Xu's birthday banquet, Mrs. Wei felt slighted and doubted Xiao Qiao's ability. Xiao Qiao humbly approached Mrs. Wei for guidance, stating her inexperience. Mrs. Wei was initially dismissive, but Xiao Qiao subtly reminded her that a poorly executed banquet would bring shame to Wei Shao's name.
Mrs. Wei reluctantly handed over her notes on Lady Xu's preferences, cautioning Xiao Qiao against allowing Wei Yan to overshadow Wei Shao. Xiaotao and Xiaozao identified Wei Yan as Wei Shao's cousin, notorious for his dissolute lifestyle. Xiao Qiao resolved to minimize contact. Lady Xu dispatched servants to greet Wei Yan at the city gate. His arrival was met with cheers from women chasing his carriage.
After greeting the elders, Lady Xu warmly greeted Wei Shao and wanted to meet his new wife. She presented Wei Shao and Wei Yan each with rough jade, instructing them to keep it safe. Mrs. Wei jabbed at Wei Shao, saying he only received a gift because Wei Yan was present, which Lady Xu silenced. Wei Shao found Xiao Qiao worried about a gift for Lady Xu. He offered his rough jade, suggesting she craft it into an accessory.
Xiao Qiao decided to have it made into a bracelet. Xiao Qiao, with Xiaotao, took the rough jade to a shop. Wei Yan, riding through the street, startled the shopkeeper, causing the jade to crack. Wei Yan sketched a lotus Buddha design to mask the flaw. He cheekily offered a hairpin, but Xiao Qiao declined, Xiaotao stepping in front of her. Wei Yan playfully flicked Xiaotao's nose.
Upon returning to his mansion, Wei Yan recruited new concubines, including Lanyun, who was smitten. Xiao Qiao arranged birthday gifts for Lady Xu. Wei Yan arrived with his offering, greeting Xiao Qiao from behind a screen. Xiao Qiao told him to place the gift on an external rack. Wei Yan saw the jade bracelet Xiao Qiao was preparing. Before leaving, he warned the guards to meticulously search all entrants, but the box containing the bracelet went missing.
A frantic search ensued, but the bracelet remained elusive. The guards affirmed their checks. Xiaozao suggested concealing it, but Xiao Qiao refused. That night, she confessed to Wei Shao, accepting responsibility. Wei Shao dismissed her worries, saying the bracelet's loss wasn't serious. Xiao Qiao was puzzled. Wei Shao rushed to Wei Yan’s residence, demanding his jade. Wei Yan complied, reminding Wei Shao that "brothers don't keep score."
Wei Shao snatched the jade, promising compensation, and sought a jade shop to commission a replacement. The next day, Wei Yan "found" the missing bracelet in a flowerpot. He presented it to Xiao Qiao, advising her to be careful, as it was a meaningful gift from Lady Xu. Xiao Qiao deduced Wei Yan recognized the jade at the shop. She confronted him, accusing him of feigning ignorance. Wei Yan admitted he heard tales of the "twin beauties of Yanzhou" and wanted to "sample" her, challenging her to do anything.
