The Prisoner of Beauty Episode 20 Recap
> The Prisoner of Beauty Recap
Wei Shao selected a flat area near a water source, ideal for building homes for displaced people and facilitating irrigation. He dispatched Wei Liang, Wei Qu, and Wei Xiao to gather construction materials and sent Wei Duo to Panyi to arrange hydraulic works and retrieve Yang Feng's book on the subject. Recognizing the need to predict weather for efficient construction, Wei Shao asked Xiao Qiao if she could observe the stars.
Xiao Qiao admitted to having some basic knowledge but suggested Yang Feng was far more skilled and should be invited to teach him. Wei Shao dismissed the idea, stating all his men were occupied, and lightly chided Xiao Qiao for having already delayed him multiple times, implying one more delay wouldn't matter. Xiao Qiao, with a slight smile, agreed to assist him. Meanwhile, Qiao Ci furiously packed his belongings, vowing to leave the "filthy place."
Qiao's Mother, anticipating his departure, provided him with guards. When Qiao Yue learned of Qiao Ci's exit, he was initially worried but, upon discovering his brother carried official documents and was accompanied by guards to Boya, realized he was not running away but was, in fact, visiting relatives. That evening, as Xiao Qiao and Wei Shao sat together, the sky was devoid of stars.
Wei Shao remarked on a perceived change in Xiao Qiao's hairpin, which she revealed was merely the same one worn facing the other way. This led Wei Shao to confess the depth of his fear when she was previously abducted, admitting he was terrified she would vanish from his life like his grandfather, father, and brother. He acknowledged her exceptional qualities, admitting he had never admired a woman as much as her.
He expressed his fear of falling too deeply in love and facing an unhappy outcome. Xiao Qiao, touched, gently took his hand. She shared her initial indifference to marriage but expressed profound admiration for his dedication to the realm, his willingness to set aside the Qiao-Wei feud for the canal project, and his compassion for the displaced. She voiced her hope for an end to tribal conflicts through shared resources.
Wei Shao, in turn, confessed his worry that their current peace might be fleeting. Xiao Qiao reassured him that even a moment of peace, if genuinely nurtured, could echo through generations. She then solemnly vowed her unwavering loyalty, offering to assist him in the grand canal project, facing all challenges together, to bring water to all regions, end conflicts, and, through sincerity, dissolve hatred to achieve universal peace. Wei Shao clasped her hand tightly in response.
Qiao's Mother and Qiao Ci arrived at Boya, where they were disheartened by the dilapidated state of Da Qiao's home. Qiao's Mother chided Da Qiao for not confiding her affection for Bi Zhi sooner, insisting the family would have approved. Seeing a meticulously cared-for konghou in the room, Qiao's Mother was reassured of Bi Zhi's sincere feelings for Da Qiao.
Da Qiao recounted how the konghou was custom-made for her by Bi Zhi and was instrumental in their unexpected acquisition of Boya. Convinced of Da Qiao's happiness, Qiao's Mother accepted Da Qiao's invitation for her and Qiao Ci to stay for the New Year. Upon returning to Yujun, Wei Yan offered to host a welcome feast for Wei Shao, who readily accepted.
Xiao Qiao subtly reminded Wei Shao that his arrow wound was not fully healed and he should avoid alcohol. Wei Yan observed Xiao Qiao's genuine concern, prompting Wei Shao to awkwardly clarify that Xiao Qiao's true care was for the common people, not solely for him.
As Xiao Qiao left to retrieve some items for Grand Dowager Xu, Wei Shao boasted to Wei Yan about his masculine pride, claiming he was a lord who didn't let "romance" consume him, only occasionally indulging Xiao Qiao's "cleverness." Xiao Qiao, returning, overheard this, causing Wei Shao considerable embarrassment. He quickly excused himself to visit his mother, urging Xiao Qiao to entertain Grand Dowager Xu. Wei Yan followed Wei Shao out.
Wei Shao then visited his mother, presenting her with specialty fruits and jewelry that Xiao Qiao had picked out. His mother tasted a fruit and, despite its sourness bringing tears to her eyes, declared that she would accept Xiao Qiao as her daughter-in-law, not wishing to cause Wei Shao further trouble. She also keenly observed that Wei Shao had fallen deeply in love with Xiao Qiao.
Wei Shao, sampling a fruit himself, grimaced at its sour taste, leading to shared laughter with his mother, who playfully insisted that anything from her son was sweet. Later, Wei Shao asked Xiao Qiao about her intention behind sending the sour fruits. Xiao Qiao explained that both he and his mother were strong-willed, and for their relationship to flourish, one of them needed to soften. Wei Shao expressed his genuine gratitude for her thoughtful gesture.
Xiao Qiao then arranged a bath for him. As Wei Shao soaked, his mother's words echoed in his mind, and he recognized the profound depth of his feelings for Xiao Qiao. However, his moment of introspection was shattered by visions of his deceased grandfather, father, and elder brother, who seemed to admonish him for falling for Xiao Qiao.
Wei Shao awoke with a start, questioning whether he could truly reconcile his grandmother's wishes to let go of hatred and live peacefully with Xiao Qiao. The next day, Wei Shao announced his ambitious plan to build canals connecting Panyi to all regions, aiming to end water disputes and bring peace.
Anticipating resistance from other powerful factions, he revealed that he and Xiao Qiao had devised a plan to host a Deer Hunt, inviting all lords to discuss and promote the canal project, appealing to their shared interests for collective benefit. He instructed his subordinates to begin preparations and assigned Xiao Qiao to oversee the event's management, clarifying that her involvement was as family, not outside interference.
Later, during drinks, Wei Yan teased Wei Shao about being "afraid" of Xiao Qiao, suggesting it was why he refrained from visiting taverns. Wei Shao denied it but couldn't mask his affection. Wei Shao then posed a direct question to Wei Yan: could he allow himself to fall for Xiao Qiao? Wei Yan vehemently opposed the idea, reminding Wei Shao of the Qiao family's past actions and their shared childhood pain of losing family.
Wei Shao countered, arguing that her grandfather’s decisions were not hers and their initial interactions were a strategic "power struggle" where both sides held back. He pointed to Xiao Qiao’s recent efforts in restoring the Yongning Canal and yielding Yang Feng as proof of her genuine intentions. Wei Yan concluded that Wei Shao was indeed deeply in love but torn by filial piety, foreseeing only torment for him.
He pointed to a peacock spreading its tail, suggesting even the bird displayed more genuine feelings. That night, Wei Yan sought the company of Lanyun and began painting the "Goddess of Yushan." He recounted the tale of a scholar who, lost in the woods, stumbled upon a beautiful goddess bathing, finding himself hopelessly captivated and torn between approaching her and fearing her disappearance. Wei Yan mused on how hesitation and overthinking were the greatest enemies in matters of the heart.
He deliberately left the goddess's face blank, explaining to a curious Lanyun that he couldn't paint what he had never truly seen in his heart. Returning from Wei Yan's, Wei Shao was visibly troubled. He informed Xiao Qiao he would be moving to the government office for three days due to pressing official duties. As Xiao Qiao helped him undress, she inadvertently touched a jade pendant at his waist. Wei Shao reacted sharply, his demeanor turning abruptly cold.
He placed the pendant in a wooden box and departed, leaving Xiao Qiao bewildered. Overwhelmed by his internal conflict, Wei Shao summoned Gongsun Yang and other subordinates to the government office late at night. However, he struggled to articulate his thoughts. After some prompting, Wei Shao vaguely mentioned the upcoming Deer Hunt and instructed them to begin preparations.
Wei Qu and his brothers quickly departed, correctly surmising that Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao were having a disagreement, as planning for the Deer Hunt so early was unusual. Wei Shao, still restless, then asked to visit Gongsun Yang's home. Xiao Qiao, understanding Wei Shao's inner turmoil, accepted his move to the government office as his way of needing space.
News of Wei Shao's departure soon reached Grand Dowager Xu, who immediately discerned that his actions were a desperate attempt to distance himself because he was falling in love with Xiao Qiao. When Xiao Qiao requested an audience, Grand Dowager Xu seized the opportunity. She designated the city drill ground as the new Deer Hunt venue and entrusted Xiao Qiao with its decoration.
Xiao Qiao further proposed enlisting scholars to compose poems and essays to build momentum for the event, publicizing Wei Shao's benevolent intentions and ensuring widespread support. Grand Dowager Xu heartily endorsed the idea, eager to see how Wei Shao would manage to avoid Xiao Qiao now. Meanwhile, Wei Shao, alone in the austere government office, feigned contentment, proclaiming it superior to home.
