The Prisoner of Beauty Episode 20 Recap, Plot

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> The Prisoner of Beauty Recap

Wei Shao found a suitable place for building houses, with convenient access to water and fit for displaced people to live. He sent Wei Duo to Panyi to fetch books on water conservancy. He also suggested that Xiao Qiao help observe the stars to predict the weather and speed up the construction. Xiao Qiao, however, deliberately mentioned Yang Feng and claimed she was not skilled enough, suggesting that Yang Feng could teach Wei Shao astronomy to avoid delaying him.

Wei Shao replied that Xiao Qiao had already delayed him more than once, so one more time wouldn't make a difference. Xiao Qiao couldn't help but smile. That night, as the two observed the stars, they found the sky dark without any stars. Wei Shao finally voiced his inner thoughts: he feared that one day he and Xiao Qiao might stand on opposing sides.

Yesterday, when something happened to Xiao Qiao, he was terrified, afraid that she would vanish like his father and brothers, and even more afraid of losing the peace he had. Xiao Qiao held Wei Shao’s hand and said that even a moment of peace, if cherished, could last generations. Then, Xiao Qiao respectfully saluted him and pledged to follow Wei Shao with the heart of a loyal subject, never to abandon him.

She vowed to help him build water channels to benefit all directions, spread grace, eliminate hatred, and bring peace to the world. Wei Shao held Xiao Qiao’s hand tightly. Qiao Ci, upset, packed up and left home. Madam Qiao had already guessed it and came looking for him, assigning guards to accompany Qiao Ci to Bo’ya.

Qiao Yue soon learned about this and was worried for Qiao Ci, but upon hearing that he left with official documents, he understood that Qiao Ci was visiting relatives. Madam Qiao and Qiao Ci arrived at Bo’ya to see Da Qiao. Seeing the poor condition of Da Qiao’s dwelling, Madam Qiao felt heartache and blamed Da Qiao for not speaking up earlier about her affection for Bi Zhi. If she had, they would have approved.

Seeing the konghou in the room, Madam Qiao realized Bi Zhi truly cared for Da Qiao and was relieved. Da Qiao invited Madam Qiao and Qiao Ci to stay in Bo’ya, and Madam Qiao gladly agreed. Xiao Qiao and Wei Shao returned to Yu Commandery. Wei Yan proposed a welcome banquet for Wei Shao, and Wei Shao immediately agreed. Xiao Qiao reminded him that drinking was not suitable due to his injuries.

Wei Yan noticed Xiao Qiao’s genuine care for Wei Shao. Wei Shao, feeling a bit embarrassed, quickly explained that Xiao Qiao cared more for the people. When Xiao Qiao went to fetch something for Madam Xu, Wei Shao expressed his masculinity, asserting that as a dignified lord, he wouldn’t truly obey Xiao Qiao or lose his manliness. He claimed not to care about romantic entanglements and only occasionally listened to her. Unexpectedly, Xiao Qiao overheard it.

Wei Shao felt awkward and quickly went to see Madam Wei, leaving Xiao Qiao to chat with Madam Xu. Wei Yan followed him out. Wei Shao brought some local specialties for Madam Wei. As soon as she tasted them, they were so sour her eyes teared up, but she didn’t know how to explain and simply said she had decided to accept Xiao Qiao as her daughter-in-law to avoid making things difficult for Wei Shao.

She also realized Wei Shao had fallen in love with Xiao Qiao. Wei Shao casually ate a fruit and found it very sour. They both couldn’t help but laugh. Madam Wei cheerfully claimed that any fruit her son brought was sweet. After returning, Wei Shao asked Xiao Qiao why she sent the sour fruit. Xiao Qiao admitted that both Wei Shao and Madam Wei were straightforward people, but one of them needed to soften in order to get along.

Wei Shao was grateful for Xiao Qiao’s thoughtfulness. Xiao Qiao prepared bath water for Wei Shao and sat in the tub. Thinking about what his mother had said, Wei Shao realized he might truly be in love with Xiao Qiao, unable to extricate himself, with her figure filling his mind. But suddenly, Wei Shao saw the figures of his father and brothers. They seemed angry, blaming him for falling for Xiao Qiao.

Wei Shao was startled awake, remembering how his grandmother had once advised him to let go of the past and get along with Xiao Qiao. But now he doubted whether he could truly do that—whether he could truly let go of his hatred. The next day, Wei Shao announced to his subordinates his wish to start building water channels from Panyi to connect various regions.

Fearing the warlords’ objections, he had already discussed with Xiao Qiao to convene the Luli Assembly to solicit opinions from all sides. If successful, it would benefit the common people. Wei Yan drank with Wei Shao and teased him about not daring to go to brothels, saying it was because he feared Xiao Qiao. Although Wei Shao denied it, he couldn’t hide his affection for her.

Wei Shao suddenly asked Wei Yan if it was okay to fall for Xiao Qiao. Wei Yan objected and gave many reasons, all of which Wei Shao rejected. Wei Yan saw that Wei Shao was in love but also deeply filial, which would only torment himself. That night, Wei Yan called Lan Yun to accompany him and painted The Immortal Lady of Mount Yu, telling its story: a scholar stumbled upon an immortal lady and could never leave again.

In the end, however, he did not paint the lady’s face. Lan Yun asked why, and Wei Yan smiled, saying he had never seen the immortal lady and thus didn’t know how to depict her face. After returning from Wei Yan’s place, Wei Shao seemed troubled. He proposed to stay in the military camp for three days. While Xiao Qiao was helping him undress, she accidentally touched the jade pendant at his waist.

Wei Shao hurriedly covered it, and his demeanor turned cold. He placed the pendant in a wooden box and left. Xiao Qiao stood there, confused. Wei Shao was full of internal conflict about Xiao Qiao and, feeling distressed, gathered Gongsun Yang and others for a discussion, but remained silent. Gongsun Yang couldn’t help urging him to speak. Wei Shao, with no choice, made up some reasons and ordered preparations for the Luli Assembly.

Wei Qu and the others hurriedly agreed and left. With nowhere else to go, Wei Shao suggested visiting Gongsun Yang’s residence, and Gongsun Yang reluctantly agreed. As the four Wei Qu brothers left the yamen, they guessed Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao must have had a quarrel; otherwise, he wouldn’t have scheduled the Luli Assembly a year in advance.

Xiao Qiao knew that Wei Shao moving to the yamen reflected his inner turmoil, but some things he had to figure out himself. The news of Wei Shao moving out soon reached Madam Xu. She immediately recognized that he had fallen in love with Xiao Qiao and was trying to avoid her. At that moment, Xiao Qiao came to visit.

Madam Xu directly arranged for the Luli Assembly to be held at the military parade ground and asked Xiao Qiao to oversee the decorations. Xiao Qiao took the opportunity to suggest that scholars and poets promote the event in advance, letting the whole world know of Wei Shao’s sincerity. Madam Xu readily agreed, saying she wanted to see how long Wei Shao could keep running away. Living alone at the yamen, Wei Shao felt lonely and cold, yet stubbornly claimed it was just fine.

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