The Prisoner of Beauty Episode 22 Recap
> The Prisoner of Beauty Recap
When Wei Shao noticed Xiao Qiao was not wearing the hairpin he gifted her, he inquired about it. Xiao Qiao playfully replied that she assumed he had made it casually and thus didn't like it. Wei Shao was quick to correct her, asserting that he had meticulously crafted it specifically for her. Xiao Qiao, pleased, thanked him. Later, Xiao Qiao expressed her admiration for Master Gao Heng's verses, calling them impressive.
Wei Shao, visibly displeased, dismissed them as mere "flowery nonsense." When Xiao Qiao asked if he also wrote poetry, Wei Shao proudly recounted his extensive education from a young age, including studying under the renowned Scholar Meng, implying his own talent far surpassed Gao Heng's. Xiao Qiao playfully suggested he should have written the poetic exposition himself, to which Wei Shao boasted that he could have done it better.
He then revealed that he only invited Gao Heng because Xiao Qiao wished to promote the Deer Hunt and he himself was too preoccupied with state affairs, making sure to emphasize that he had brought Gao Heng for her. Amused by his jealousy, Xiao Qiao complimented his broad-mindedness and generosity towards talented individuals, assuring him that the people would sing his praises.
Wei Shao then mused that Gao Heng's ornate verses were only possible due to Wei State's current prosperity, suggesting that in turbulent times, the verses would be bleak. He concluded by telling Xiao Qiao her words were sweet. Wei Shao was still in a sour mood over Gao Heng. His advisor noticed his distraction, asking if something was troubling him, but Wei Shao dismissed it, claiming joy over the upcoming festival.
Soon after, Gao Heng, referred to as Master Zhenshi, requested an audience and presented a musical piece, hoping Xiao Qiao would play it. Wei Shao immediately rejected the idea, explaining that Xiao Qiao disliked attention and instructing Gao Heng not to compose for her again. Gao Heng expressed his admiration for Xiao Qiao's virtue. Wei Shao then praised Gao Heng's musical talent, which Gao Heng humbly admitted he had only recently acquired to compose this particular piece.
Wei Shao then feigned concern, suggesting that Gao Heng's extraordinary talents might attract attention from other states, leading to his departure from Yujun, a significant loss for Wei. Wei Shao abruptly proposed sending Gao Heng to Yunzhong, a border region he had often praised, to admire the Moya Inscriptions. Despite Gao Heng's hesitation, Wei Shao insisted, citing that writers need to travel for inspiration and that Xiao Qiao herself had always wished to see them.
He then ordered his guards to escort Gao Heng to Yunzhong immediately. Gao Heng, understanding the underlying message, thanked Wei Shao and promised to keep "The Ode to Yongning Canal" in mind. Later, Wei Yan and Gongsun Yang discussed Gao Heng's sudden departure. Wei Yan was perplexed that Gao Heng was sent to Yunzhong, describing it as a "barren corner" on Wei's border where road construction was underway, implying he would be gone for months, if not longer.
Gongsun Yang, however, expressed satisfaction, viewing it as a convenient solution to Wei Shao's concerns. Su Ehuang was gravely ill, and her sister worried as they couldn't find a suitable physician and their funds were dwindling. They feared being discovered by Chen Pang's men. Just then, Xue Tai arrived, disguised as a farmer. Su Ehuang initially believed he had come to capture her, prepared to confine herself to the Yulou Pavilion for life.
However, Xue Tai revealed he was acting on Chen Xiang's dying wish, which was not to imprison her but to protect her. A flashback showed Chen Xiang foreseeing Chen Pang seizing power and endangering both Xue Tai and Su Ehuang, thus entrusting Xue Tai with her protection, fearing she would be left vulnerable. Su Ehuang was deeply moved, realizing she had "not married the wrong man."
Xue Tai then informed her about Wei State's upcoming Deer Hunt, which would gather leaders from all regions. He urged her to return to Juejun for safety. However, Su Ehuang firmly refused, declaring her intention to go to Yujun and participate in the Deer Hunt. She explained that she did not seek to remarry, as her heart still belonged to her late husband and she intended to mourn him.
Instead, she wished to "seek a way forward" to prevent Bianzhou from falling into Chen Pang's hands and to reclaim it, ensuring her husband could rest in peace. Xue Tai, reaffirming his loyalty and his vow to her late husband, presented Su Ehuang with the military tally for his 50,000 elite soldiers from Juejun, pledging his unwavering allegiance. The day of the New Year's Day ceremony arrived, and Wei State held a grand event.
Xiao Qiao and Wei Shao presided over the Soil-God Shrine Ceremony, performing rituals like purifying their hands and offering libations, praying for a bountiful harvest and national prosperity. The people then presented them with new brew, inviting Xiao Qiao to taste it, select the finest, and celebrate with them. During the festivities, the people eagerly invited Xiao Qiao to dance. Wei Shao, after a moment's consideration, permitted it.
As she danced, several men offered her wheat, but Xiao Qiao, feeling bashful, held back from accepting it. Noticing this, Wei Shao stepped into the crowd, personally collected the wheat from the men, and then handed it to Xiao Qiao, who then accepted it with a smile. After the celebrations, Wei Shao declared the festival concluded, urging everyone to return to their families.
As they were leaving, Wei Shao observed the muddy path and, without hesitation, offered to carry Xiao Qiao on his back. She demurred, saying she "wouldn't dare ride on your back," but Wei Shao insisted, declaring that for "all my days to come, you alone hold my reins." Touched by his words, Xiao Qiao accepted his offer. He then told her to go home early, promising to wait for her.
Lady Xu and Lady Wei had also prepared festival gifts for Xiao Qiao, and in turn, Xiao Qiao thoughtfully prepared gifts for everyone in the household, including Wei Yan. When Wei Yan, her cousin, came to present his return gift, he gave her an incense warmer, which she genuinely liked and thanked him for.
Wei Yan mentioned the liveliness of the Soil-God Shrine Ceremony, hoping Xiao Qiao had noticed his absence, but when she confirmed she hadn't, he felt a pang of disappointment. He tried to prolong their conversation by reminiscing about the climate in Kangjun and his childhood memories of snow and hunting hares with Wei Shao, remarking on Wei Shao's kind heart.
However, Xiao Qiao subtly guided him towards the exit, and Wei Yan, understanding the cue, politely took his leave, expressing his gratitude for her gift. Later, Xiaotao commented that while Lady Xu and Lady Wei's gifts were expensive, they lacked the personal touch of Lady Ding, who, having raised Xiao Qiao, would instinctively know her preferences.
Xiao Qiao, unperturbed, explained that she understood she needed more time for Lady Xu and Lady Wei to fully accept her, acknowledging that Lady Ding's relationship with her was unique. She also quietly wondered how her aunt and other family members were faring during the New Year. Xiao Qiao later found Wei Shao at the lantern market. Wei Shao, though not personally fond of "flashy little things," acknowledged that he knew Xiao Qiao enjoyed them.
Xiao Qiao, seeing the boat lanterns, proposed setting one afloat. Wei Shao, cynical about such beliefs, initially dismissed it, remarking that if lanterns could grant wishes, peace would have come long ago. However, not wanting to spoil her fun, he agreed. They both wrote their wishes and placed them inside the lanterns. As their lanterns drifted away, Wei Shao, feigning an urgent matter at the Government Office, asked Xiaotan to escort Xiao Qiao back to the mansion.
Xiao Qiao believed him and left. As soon as Xiao Qiao was gone, Wei Shao immediately ordered his men, including Wei Qu and Wei Liang, to retrieve her wishing lantern from the river. Despite the numerous lanterns, Wei Shao insisted they find hers, claiming he wanted to understand the people's wishes. His men, however, saw through his pretense.
They knew he truly wanted to find out what Her Ladyship wished for, and Wei Qu commented that Wei Shao was "just making excuses" to justify the search. After an extensive search, they finally located Xiao Qiao's lantern. Upon reading the wish, Wei Shao's expression immediately changed.
The wish was for "Yanzhou to enjoy peace and prosperity," for her "Aunt and Uncle to have smooth days ahead," her "Father to stay in good health," "Ci to succeed in his studies," and her "sister and Bi Zhi to grow old together." Wei Shao noted that "one person is missing," and Wei Qu eventually pointed out that his own name was absent from her wish.
Angered, Wei Shao immediately ordered a return to the mansion, abandoning the search for other wishes. After returning to the mansion, Wei Shao was in a foul mood, speaking curtly and feigning illness. When Xiao Qiao noticed he was warm and offered to call a physician, he dismissed it as a chill from sleeping on the couch, implying she had been neglectful by not noticing it had happened before. He suggested she focus on his recovery instead of trivial matters.
Xiao Qiao, trying to appease him, offered to nurse him back to health the next day, suggesting he stay home from the Government Office. The following morning, Wei Shao awoke to find Xiao Qiao gone. He overheard Xiaotao and her mother, Chunniang, discussing relationships. Chunniang advised Xiaotao against being too forward with General Wei Liang, warning that in matters of affection, the more proactive person often suffers. This conversation further annoyed Wei Shao, who stormed out.
Xiao Qiao returned shortly after, observing his unhappy departure but unaware of its cause. Later, Xiaotao, despite being asked by Wei Liang not to, informed Xiao Qiao that Wei Shao had spent the previous night retrieving her wishing lantern. Xiaotao also remarked that Wei Shao was being petty. Xiao Qiao, however, did not blame Wei Shao for his anger, acknowledging that her actions had been thoughtless. To apologize, she prepared a lavish dinner featuring all of Wei Shao's favorite dishes.
However, he did not return. Frustrated and alone, Xiao Qiao resorted to drinking an entire bottle of wine. When Wei Shao finally returned, he found Xiao Qiao completely intoxicated. He immediately chastised her maids for their negligence in allowing her to drink so much, then personally attended to Xiao Qiao, gently giving her water. In her drunken haze, Xiao Qiao tearfully begged Wei Shao to stop being angry, even calling him "petty."
She then confessed her true feelings, explaining that what he had written in his lantern were wishes, but what she had written were "regrets." She explained that he, Wei Shao, was "right here, close enough to touch," a tangible presence in her life. However, her family was far away in Yanzhou, and she could "only send them well wishes from afar."
This profound sense of distance and longing was why she had only written about her family and not included his name in her wish. Wei Shao, his anger subsiding, gently helped Xiao Qiao lie down. He gazed at her face, then leaned in, contemplating a kiss.
