The Prisoner of Beauty Episode 31 Recap
> The Prisoner of Beauty Recap
After the battle, Wei Shao, despite privately acknowledging Xiao Qiao’s efforts, publicly maintained his stubborn facade, denying any deep affection for her or concern for his well-being. He declared his intention to conduct a patrol, and his entourage, including Wei Liang and Wei Qu, insisted on accompanying him. Qiao Ci then suggested that both Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao should visit Kangjun, as Xiao Qiao had been away from her family for a year and they missed her.
Wei Shao recalled Xiao Qiao's river lantern and her heartfelt, drunken words, understanding her longing for her family. However, Gongsun Yang, wary of Wei Shao's lingering resentment towards the Qiao family, urged him to return to Yujun to alleviate Lady Xu's worries. Wei Shao agreed to let Qiao Ci escort Xiao Qiao home, instructing him to bring her to the Wei border after she had finished her visit, where he would personally meet her.
Wei Shao’s inner conflict was evident, as he still grappled with his past grievances. Wei Liang and Wei Qu knew that Wei Shao had once sworn to eradicate the Qiao family in Kangjun, making it impossible for him to go there now. Though Wei Liang yearned to see Xiaotao, who had gone to Kangjun for help, he was forced to follow Wei Shao back to Yujun, lamenting that Xiaotao had brought Qiao Ci but wouldn't come to him.
On their journey back, Wei Shao and his men passed through Boya, where they encountered Bi Zhi hunting. Wei Shao expressed surprise that Bi Zhi was not leading troops in battle. It was then that Bi Zhi learned that Xiao Qiao had sought reinforcements to ambush Liu Yan’s advancing army. Earlier, Xiao Qiao had been discovered by General Lin, who intended to capture her.
However, Xiao Qiao warned him that crossing the Yang River would lead to his troops being engulfed by its waters. Having years of military experience, General Lin suspected a dam had been built upstream to collect water. Observing birds flying, he grew certain of an ambush. Xiao Qiao further elaborated on Liu Yan's ruthless nature, citing his disregard for family, which ultimately convinced General Lin.
He dispatched a message to Liu Yan, stating that he was ambushed and unable to provide aid, then ordered a retreat. Afterward, Xiao Qiao released another river lantern, silently praying for Wei Shao's safety and safe return. Wei Shao was consumed with anxiety upon learning that Xiao Qiao had confronted Liu Yan's tens of thousands of troops with only a few hundred of her own. Gongsun Yang, filled with admiration for Xiao Qiao's courage, commented on the Lady's remarkable bravery.
Wei Shao immediately led his men to search for her. Meanwhile, Da Qiao, upon hearing of Xiao Qiao's perilous actions, felt a pang of self-reproach. She confided in Bi Zhi, revealing Xiao Qiao's true intention behind seeking his help and expressing deep concern for her sister's safety. Worried for Manman, Da Qiao decided to return to Kangjun, a decision Bi Zhi readily supported. Wei Shao arrived at the site where Xiao Qiao had constructed the dam.
He envisioned her laboriously moving sand and stones, a sight that stirred a profound sense of anguish within him. Xiao Qiao, enduring the arduous task, silently vowed to exert every ounce of her strength to secure an opportunity for Wei Shao, resolute in her determination not to disappoint him, even if it meant her own demise.
At the same time, she yearned for Wei Shao, praying for his arrival, and wishing above all to return home with the man she loved. Wei Shao pressed on, chasing after Xiao Qiao through the relentless rain. Chunniang urged Xiao Qiao to wait for Wei Shao, but Xiao Qiao, keenly aware of their unconventional relationship, declared she would wait only one day. If Wei Shao failed to appear, she would proceed to Kangjun alone.
When Wei Shao finally reached the ferry, he sought shelter, presuming Xiao Qiao had already crossed. To his surprise, heavy rain and dangerous conditions had prevented her from crossing in time. Wei Shao, overcome with emotion, embraced Xiao Qiao tightly but then reprimanded her for taking such a reckless risk. Angered by his words, Xiao Qiao retreated to her room.
Chunniang intervened, explaining to Wei Shao that Xiao Qiao had been consumed with worry and longing for him, and he shouldn't hurt her feelings. Wei Liang and Wei Qu also chimed in, chiding Wei Shao for his inability to utter kind words. Seeing the tense atmosphere, Gongsun Yang wisely suggested everyone retire for the night, creating an opportunity for Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao to reconcile privately. Wei Shao approached Xiao Qiao, offering her two oranges.
He fumbled for conversation, first remarking that the stove wasn't warm enough, then complaining the blankets were too thin. Xiao Qiao, annoyed, retorted each time. Finally, Wei Shao knelt before her, admitting that he was, in fact, cold himself, which finally brought a smile to Xiao Qiao’s face. Wei Shao confessed that he had been miserable these past few days, constantly thinking of Xiao Qiao and feeling lost whenever he woke up to find her absent.
Regarding his earlier outburst, he explained that his harsh words were born out of anxiety, not malice. He then asked why she ventured onto the battlefield alone to intercept Liu Yan's reinforcements, and if she wasn't afraid. Xiao Qiao admitted her fear but explained that her beloved was still fighting, and she had promised to help him defend against the enemy.
She didn't want him to think she no longer cared for him; she wished to share his fate, whether in life or death. However, she clarified that she could not, under any circumstances, gamble with the lives of her family or the people of Yanzhou, but she wanted him to understand that he and they held equal importance in her heart.
Wei Shao acknowledged his shortcomings, admitting that he had overlooked Xiao Qiao's difficulties and failed to appreciate all she had done for the Qiao family. He realized that no one could have navigated the complex situation between the two nations better than she had, enduring immense pressure and risking everything at the slightest misstep. He also reflected on his own failure to offer her any promises, forcing her to live in constant uncertainty.
While searching for her, he repeatedly questioned himself: if he were to lose Xiao Qiao, would avenging his enemies and conquering the world hold any meaning? He expressed deep regret for not cherishing and protecting her, pleading with her not to grow distant or doubt his sincere affection. Wei Shao then proposed accompanying Xiao Qiao to Kangjun to see her homeland, recalling how his grandmother had always urged him to let go of hatred.
He believed that perhaps by truly visiting Kangjun, he could finally find peace. Xiao Qiao, deeply moved, realized the extent of Wei Shao's sacrifices for her. Wei Shao assured her that she was worth every sacrifice, prompting Xiao Qiao to tenderly kiss him. Meanwhile, Liu Yan returned with his defeated army.
Liu Shan reported that out of the 100,000 troops deployed, 56,938 were dead, 4,276 wounded, and 18,052 had deserted, leaving only 36,934 men and a mere three generals and five deputy generals remaining. Liu Shan advised against further combat, warning that continued fighting would lead to Liangya's complete destruction. He urged Liu Yan to appease the clansmen rather than act unilaterally. However, Liu Xiao vehemently advocated for regrouping and resuming the fight.
Liu Yan, after listening to both, commanded Liu Xiao to apprehend General Lin, who had deserted during the battle, and ordered the army to withdraw to Liangya for recuperation, halting the conflict for the time being. Liu Shan was delighted, believing Liu Yan had heeded his counsel. He offered to mediate with the clansmen and high-ranking officials on Liu Yan's behalf, suggesting that Liu Yan should also present a humble attitude.
Liu Yan, appearing impassive, secretly harbored murderous intentions towards Liu Shan. Xiao Qiao and Wei Shao arrived in Kangjun. Wei Liang was overjoyed to finally reunite with Xiaotao. Bi Zhi and Da Qiao also returned with them. However, Qiao Yue, Xiao Qiao's uncle, appeared cold and indifferent to everyone except Wei Shao, whom he greeted with an obsequious manner. Xiao Qiao's father, in contrast, treated Bi Zhi with respect.
Wei Shao, observing Qiao Yue's sycophantic behavior, deliberately addressed Bi Zhi as "brother-in-law" with exaggerated politeness, which finally prompted Qiao Yue to acknowledge Bi Zhi with some semblance of respect. Zhang Pu, however, noticed that while Wei Shao had accepted Bi Zhi as family, he had pointedly ignored Qiao Yue. Lady Ding, Xiao Qiao's aunt, warmly welcomed Xiao Qiao and Da Qiao.
She meticulously remembered all of Xiao Qiao's favorite foods and scents, showcasing how cherished Xiao Qiao was in her maiden home. Wei Shao was deeply touched, realizing that while Xiao Qiao was doted upon at home, she was always cautious and considerate of him after marrying into his family, which made him feel even more tenderly towards her. Xiao Qiao took Wei Shao on a tour of her childhood home.
Wei Shao, seeing her carefree spirit there, lamented his own perceived shortcomings, remarking that Yujun must have felt like a cage for her. Xiao Qiao smiled, assuring him that she felt free and happy when she was with him. Wei Shao then affirmed that Kangjun was her home, and now, Yujun was her home too.
