The Prisoner of Beauty Episode 26 Recap
> The Prisoner of Beauty Recap
Wei Shao found himself in a difficult position when Su Ehuang requested to stay, a plea that reminded him of his late brother's dying wish to care for her. While he felt an inexplicable unease about her presence, he could not outright refuse her, so he tacitly agreed. He confided his discomfort to Xiao Qiao, who confessed to sharing the same vague feeling that something was amiss.
Xiao Qiao suggested that since Su Ehuang had previously caused friction with her over A'Ci, keeping her nearby was not ideal, and proposed she be housed at the post house instead of a private residence. Meanwhile, Su Zixin managed to extract information from a maid in the Wei Mansion, learning that Xiao Qiao and Wei Shao had not yet consummated their marriage. The official explanation was that they were observing a period of mourning for Qiao Gui.
However, Su Ehuang and Su Zixin dismissed this, reasoning that few men could resist beauty, and a lack of intimacy likely indicated an absence of genuine affection. Seeing an opportunity, Su Ehuang arranged to invite Wei Shao to her residence, claiming to have found valuable books. When Wei Shao arrived, Su Ehuang, dressed lightly, attempted to draw close to him, using the pretext of water management texts for Xiao Qiao.
Wei Shao, however, kept his distance, merely taking the books back to study them with Xiao Qiao. Upon receiving the books, Xiao Qiao felt a growing sense of disquiet. Soon after, Gao Heng returned from Yunzhong and presented Xiao Qiao with rubbings of the Moya Inscriptions, an ancient artwork she admired. Xiao Qiao was delighted and expressed a desire to visit the original site herself, to which Gao Heng eagerly offered to guide her.
News of Gao Heng's return and his meeting with Xiao Qiao quickly reached Wei Shao. In a fit of jealousy, Wei Shao fabricated a story about bandits in Yunzhong and, to prevent Xiao Qiao from going there with Gao Heng, impulsively ordered his men to transport the entire Moya Inscription stone from Yunzhong back to their residence.
When Gao Heng heard of this and arrived to see the displaced stone, he was horrified, calling it a "cultural atrocity" and accusing Wei Shao of recklessness. He pointed out the damage the removal had caused, explaining that the intricate craftsmanship of the ancient scholar's work was beyond the repair capabilities of ordinary artisans. Xiao Qiao, understanding Gao Heng's distress, intervened and asked him to undertake the restoration.
She praised his profound knowledge of the inscriptions, and when he agreed, she insisted on personally delivering his meals daily. Wei Shao attempted to object, but Xiao Qiao promptly ushered him away. Feeling frustrated and jealous, Wei Shao sought out Wei Yan and shared his grievances about Gao Heng.
Wei Yan advised him to openly communicate his feelings to Xiao Qiao, but upon hearing that Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao had already confessed their mutual affection, Wei Yan suppressed a flicker of his own envy. Wei Shao further complained about Gao Heng's constant presence and lack of boundaries.
Wei Yan, after suggesting that Gao Heng merely admired Xiao Qiao's talent, subtly probed Wei Shao with a hypothetical question about what he would do if someone were to "force their way in." Wei Shao, in turn, challenged Wei Yan on his information regarding Su Ehuang, denying any romantic involvement and reiterating that he was merely fulfilling his late brother's wish.
Wei Yan then outlined various ways to care for Su Ehuang, including sending her home or even marrying her for his brother's sake, an idea Wei Shao vehemently rejected. Annoyed, Wei Shao grew more agitated. Wei Yan then promised to "take care of Gao Heng," noting that "some feelings just need to be cut off" if they are not appropriate. Following their conversation, Wei Yan sought out Gao Heng, learning that he intended to leave once the stone was repaired.
Gao Heng's desire to explore the vast Central Plains rather than remain confined to Yujun resonated with Wei Yan, making him reflect on his own unexpressed emotions. Later, back in his room, Wei Yan attempted to burn a portrait of Xiao Qiao, but ultimately could not bring himself to do it, tormented by his unrequited love, and drowned his sorrows in drink. Sensing Wei Shao's unhappiness, Xiao Qiao waited for him in the courtyard late that night.
She gently chided him for his "petty" behavior, but then confessed her deep affection for him. She proclaimed him her "only true confidant" because they were kindred spirits who could "speak our minds, act as one, and stay truly open with each other." She clarified that her courtesy towards Gao Heng was solely to harness his talent for Wei's benefit, assuring Wei Shao that she would find a way to send him off if it caused him distress.
Wei Shao, realizing his own narrow-mindedness, stated he would no longer dwell on the matter. However, Xiao Qiao sensed his lingering discomfort and encouraged him to express his true feelings, promising to be more thoughtful of his emotions, even if he claimed not to mind. A genuine smile finally appeared on Wei Shao's face, and he agreed to her suggestion.
As they sat together on the steps, Wei Shao leaned on Xiao Qiao's shoulder, and gazing at the moon, he suddenly expressed a craving for mooncakes. That same night, Su Ehuang sent another invitation to Wei Shao, claiming to have found more urgent water management texts. Recalling Wei Yan's advice, Wei Shao refused to meet her late at night.
The next morning, he went to her, presenting her with generous gifts and explaining that due to his busy schedule, it would be best for her to return to Wushan State to be cared for by her family. He emphasized that the gifts and continued festival greetings from Wei State would ensure she was respected and protected.
However, Su Ehuang feigned a severe headache, a condition her maid explained dated back to when she tirelessly cared for Wei Shao during his childhood illness. Unable to ignore her apparent suffering and her past kindness, Wei Shao could not force her to leave and urged her to rest. Gao Heng diligently completed the restoration of the Moya Inscriptions.
When Wei Shao came to inspect the work, he was struck by Gao Heng's well-built and muscular physique, which made him feel somewhat inferior. He pressed Gao Heng, hoping he would leave quickly. Gao Heng indeed announced his imminent departure, stating his intention to personally escort the restored stone back to Yunzhong.
Still skeptical of Gao Heng's claim of never having trained in martial arts, Wei Shao returned home and began lifting heavy objects in an attempt to build muscles like his. Later, at the Government Office, Wei Shao continued his weight training when Gao Heng arrived to bid him farewell. Embarrassed, Wei Shao composed himself and asked when Gao Heng intended to return.
Upon hearing that Gao Heng would not be returning, Wei Shao could not conceal his inner delight and offered to personally escort him out of the city the next day. Noticing Wei Shao's incorrect lifting technique, Gao Heng unexpectedly returned to offer him some tips on how to lift heavy objects more effectively.
Gao Heng also told Wei Shao that he plans to visit the Yongning Canal, praising Wei Shao for undertaking a project that will bless the people for generations. He expressed his gratitude to Wei Shao for not holding the stone's damage against him. The following day, Xiao Qiao, Wei Shao, and Wei Yan gathered to see Gao Heng off. Su Ehuang, uninvited, also appeared with a modest gift, claiming it was nothing compared to Wei Shao's thoughtfulness.
Wei Shao, however, quickly credited all the preparations to Xiao Qiao. After Gao Heng's departure, as Xiao Qiao and Wei Shao walked away, Wei Yan subtly picked up a handkerchief that Xiao Qiao had dropped. This small action was not lost on Su Ehuang, who observed it and realized Wei Yan harbored feelings for Xiao Qiao. Xiao Qiao, meanwhile, discovered her handkerchief was missing, but Wei Shao dismissed her concern, promising to buy her a new one.
In other affairs, Liu Yan of Liangya State continued to refuse permission for the canal to pass through his territory. Wei Liang suggested an alternative route through Bianzhou, which he believed would be more advantageous. However, Wei Qu reminded them of the long-standing animosity between Bianzhou and Wei State. That night, Wei Yan, once again consumed by his unrequited love for Xiao Qiao, drank heavily at home, eventually succumbing to a hallucination of her presence.
