The Prisoner of Beauty Episode 30 Recap
> The Prisoner of Beauty Recap
As the generals pledged their allegiance to Wei Yan, Chen Pang emerged, applauding. He declared Wei Yan, or Shiyuan, truly worthy of becoming the Young Master of Bianzhou, seeing him as his son. However, Wei Yan outright refused the title, stating that he was raised on the Wei family's grain and had no desire to become Governor of Bianzhou. He then directly confronted Chen Pang, demanding to know if he was the one who abducted his mother years ago.
Chen Pang angrily silenced Wei Yan and, instead of answering, punished him by sending him to guard the treacherous border, instructing him to return only when he had "come to his senses." Later, Chen Pang confided in his aides, explaining his belief that the Wei family had stifled Wei Yan's inherent ferocity, turning him from a wolf into a mere hound.
He asserted that by forcing Wei Yan to face the harsh realities of the border, he would hone Wei Yan's killer instinct, a necessary trait to secure his position as Lord of Bianzhou. While Wei Yan departed for his border assignment, Wei Shao and his troops arrived at a drawbridge leading to Panyi. His generals expressed concern, noting that even with Panyi's garrison, their combined forces of 60,000 would be vastly outnumbered by Liu Yan's 100,000 troops.
They also voiced doubts about Boya sending reinforcements, fearing a repeat of the Qiao family's past betrayal. Wei Shao, however, reassured them, reminding them of Xiao Qiao's promise to bring aid from Boya, and ordered his men to cross the river into Panyi. Meanwhile, Liu Yan received intelligence that Wei Shao was approaching Panyi with only 30,000 soldiers.
He remarked that Wei Shao and Lady Qiao shared a deep bond, seeing Wei Shao's willingness to risk his life for the Qiao family. Despite his subordinates' worries about Panyi's strong defenses and their own considerable losses, Liu Yan remained confident, asserting that he had 20,000 reinforcements on the way and would never surrender Panyi to Wei Shao. Da Qiao awaited Xiao Qiao's arrival.
Her attendant noted Xiao Qiao's unusual status in Wei State, attributing it to the Lord of Wei's deep care for her and the pride Wei citizens took in their Lady. Xiao Qiao was relieved to see Da Qiao heavily pregnant. Upon asking about Bi Zhi, she learned he was out patrolling the border. Da Qiao attempted to make Xiao Qiao comfortable, but Xiao Qiao urgently informed her that Liancheng and Yanzhou were under siege.
She explained that Wei Shao had gone to Panyi with only 30,000 troops, while Liu Yan commanded 100,000, leaving them at a severe disadvantage. Da Qiao, aware of Xiao Qiao's purpose, sighed that as mere women, they could only pray for the safety of Wei State and Yanzhou.
She then shared her own anxieties about Bi Zhi, recounting how he stood guard all night just so she wouldn't be afraid during their wandering days, and how he worked hard to ensure she had food. She spoke of her restless nights since they took Boya, constantly worried about Xue Tai and other bandit chiefs harassing them.
She recalled a terrifying incident where Bi Zhi fought for five days straight after accidentally crossing into Bianzhou to pick sour plums, causing her immense fear for his life. Xiao Qiao acknowledged Da Qiao's feelings but reminded her that their own clan was now facing an existential threat. Da Qiao reiterated her refusal to help, stating that Boya's 20,000 troops were insufficient against Liu Yan's might, and questioned if Xiao Qiao would send Bi Zhi to his death.
Xiao Qiao countered, revealing urgent military intelligence that Liu Yan's 20,000 reinforcements would reach Wu Marsh in three days and Panyi in five. Once they arrived, Wei Shao and the people of Panyi would be doomed. Tearfully, Da Qiao declared that while Xiao Qiao was capable of saving the realm's people and sending Wei Shao into the fray, she, Da Qiao, only wished to protect her own husband.
She stated she would gladly die for Xiao Qiao, her dearest cousin, but she could not force Bi Zhi to die for her, nor could she manipulate his love to make him fight for her clan. She vowed she would never regret this decision, even if Xiao Qiao came to hate her for it. Xiao Qiao, heartbroken, tearfully asked if Da Qiao truly intended to do nothing about the dire situation. Just then, Bi Zhi returned from patrol.
Seeing both women in tears, he asked Da Qiao what was wrong. Da Qiao shook her head, unable to speak, fearing Xiao Qiao might reveal their strained conversation. Xiao Qiao chose not to disclose her true feelings, instead expressing her happiness for Da Qiao and Bi Zhi's loving life and stating that she asked nothing more of her. She tearfully bid them farewell, explaining that her husband was at the front and she could not linger.
As Xiao Qiao departed, Da Qiao burst into tears, and Bi Zhi embraced her. After leaving, Xiao Qiao wept inconsolably, agonizing over how Da Qiao fiercely protected Bi Zhi out of self-interest, while she herself had pushed Wei Shao into danger. She questioned her own actions. Xiaozao suggested returning to plead with Da Qiao, but Xiao Qiao refused.
She insisted that Xiaozao and Chunniang return to Yujun, while she would lead 500 men to Panyi as promised, even if it meant certain death, to prevent Wei Shao from being isolated. Observing children playing by the road, Xiao Qiao had an epiphany. She consulted her Yanzhou waterway map, formulating a plan to defend Wei Shao's rear.
She recalled the principle that water flows downhill with enough force to sweep away stones, suggesting that with clever use of the terrain, they could win against greater numbers. Her initial thought was to dam the upstream Yang River to lower Wu Marsh's water, then release a devastating flood on Liu Yan's forces. However, Xiaozao pointed out that building such a dam would take too long.
Remembering her grandfather's teachings about managing water by adapting to its flow, Xiao Qiao changed her approach. Instead of blocking upstream, she decided to drain downstream. She recalled a reservoir her grandfather built nearby and proposed diverting Wu Marsh's water into it to lower the river's level, thus deceiving the enemy. Xiaozao realized Xiao Qiao intended a strategic ruse rather than a direct battle, to which Xiao Qiao replied she had no other choice.
Inwardly, Xiao Qiao prayed for Wei Shao to wait for her, resolving that unlike 15 years ago when the Qiao family failed to keep their promise, this time, she would stand by Wei Shao and ensure he did not fight alone. Meanwhile, Wei Shao, too, was thinking of Xiao Qiao. Liu Yan rallied his troops, promising the title of General of the Cavalry Guard and a generous reward to whoever brought him Wei Shao's head.
His soldiers eagerly charged towards Panyi. Amidst the intense fighting and heavy casualties, Xiao Qiao and Wei Xiao arrived at a mountain. They located the reservoir her grandfather had previously mentioned. Xiao Qiao addressed her loyal guards, acknowledging the fierce battle Wei's warriors were enduring on the plains. She admitted their unconventional approach required them to risk their lives but promised it would turn the tide for Wei State.
She then divided them: Squad One and Two were to cross the river to the upper reaches of Wu Marsh to set up sulfur and rocks, creating the illusion of dam construction and destruction. They were also to capture birds and release them when Liangya's reinforcements arrived, suggesting a large ambush. Xiao Qiao and the remaining troops stayed to lay out sulfur and open the reservoir. Liangya's forces launched a fierce assault, breaking through Panyi's front lines.
Wei Shao's troops suffered heavy casualties, and reports indicated the West Gate was weakly defended. Despite the dire situation, Wei Shao firmly believed Xiao Qiao would bring reinforcements from Boya to secure Wu Marsh. Meanwhile, Xiao Qiao and her troops diligently worked. She confirmed that Liangya's reinforcements were due at Wu Marsh the next day and, with all preparations complete, ordered the detonation of the Wu Marsh river dam, releasing a torrent of water.
She predicted that by morning, after a night of draining, the reservoir would be full. Back on the battlefield, Wei Shao's men reported a rapid drop in Wu Marsh's water level. Wei Shao suspected it was a deliberate tactic by the Liangya army to cross the river and ordered his troops to prepare for a pre-dawn attack to repel them before reinforcements arrived. Later that evening, Bi Zhi returned and found Da Qiao distressed and weeping.
Unaware of their earlier conversation, he assumed she was worried about Xiao Qiao. He reassured her that Xiao Qiao, with 500 Wei guards, was safe and should have returned to Yujun by now. He added that if Xiao Qiao hadn't specifically asked him to guard Boya, he would have personally escorted her back. Da Qiao remained silent, her troubled emotions unspoken. The next day, Wei Shao and Liu Yan's armies clashed again.
Meanwhile, Liu Yan's reinforcements, led by General Lin, arrived at the Wu Marsh river. As his men checked the water level, General Lin spotted Xiao Qiao, clad in red, standing alone on the opposite bank. Believing her capture would be a great achievement, he ordered his troops to cross and seize her. In the main battle, Gongsun Yang, seeing Wei Shao encircled, sounded the war drums to boost morale.
Wei Shao's brothers fought fiercely, inflicting heavy casualties on Liu Shan's forces. General Lin's approaching reinforcements, however, fell into a trap at Wu Marsh and were routed. Faced with overwhelming losses and the news of his reinforcements' defeat, Liu Yan was forced to order a retreat back to Liangya, securing a decisive victory for Wei Shao. Gongsun Yang congratulated Wei Shao on the hard-won battle, noting the heavy casualties despite their divided forces.
He credited Xiao Qiao for upholding her promise and bringing Boya's forces, which crushed Liu Yan's 20,000 reinforcements at Wu Marsh, thus creating a crucial turning point for Wei Shao. Wei Shao, though secretly relieved and proud, feigned disinterest, complaining that Xiao Qiao, despite his long absence, sent no letters, implying she didn't care for him. He claimed she only helped to protect Yanzhou.
At this moment, Qiao Ci and Wei Liang arrived to report their success in recapturing Liancheng and Xiaogang. Qiao Ci expressed gratitude for Wei Shao's assistance, but Wei Shao attributed all credit to Xiao Qiao. Soon after, a boat lantern was discovered in the river. Wei Shao immediately recognized it as Xiao Qiao's, realizing with a start that she must have personally gone to Boya for reinforcements, explaining the swift turn of the battle.
Holding the lantern, he was filled with longing for Xiao Qiao and impulsively resolved to go meet her himself. Gongsun Yang, sensing Wei Shao's impatience, quickly reassured him that they would all go to retrieve Xiao Qiao once the troops were reorganized. Gongsun Yang continued to praise Xiao Qiao's brilliance, but Wei Shao, still stubbornly feigning indifference, dismissed her actions as mere "cleverness" and insisted she only acted for Yanzhou, not for him. Gongsun Yang smiled, seeing through Wei Shao's feigned detachment.
