The Prisoner of Beauty Episode 32 Recap
> The Prisoner of Beauty Recap
Wei Shao reaffirmed to Xiao Qiao that both Kangjun and Yujun would always be her home. As they walked through a valley, Xiao Qiao grew somber, recalling how she used to dance there while Da Qiao played the zither, feeling those joyful days were a distant memory. Wei Shao gently pointed ahead, revealing Da Qiao already seated, ready to play. Although the sisters performed together just as in the past, a sense of distance lingered between them.
Later, as Bi Zhi escorted Da Qiao away, he noticed her sadness and assured her that their relationship would mend over time. Alone with Wei Shao, Xiao Qiao confessed her unease, wondering if she had been wrong to ask him to take risks for her. She recalled Da Qiao's words during the siege of Yanzhou, questioning if Xiao Qiao would knowingly send her own husband to his death.
Xiao Qiao admitted she felt pressured and calculated, fearing Wei Shao would think she cared nothing for his safety. Wei Shao lovingly held her hand, reassuring her that his Manman was unlike other women; she loved him, her family, and the common people. He affirmed she had done nothing wrong and declared his willingness to be her "spear and shield," to fight for her and protect her, fulfilling all her wishes.
Moved, Xiao Qiao wrote "May you be safe and sound" on his palm, articulating her deepest wish for his well-being. Wei Shao embraced her, promising to keep her wish. Earlier, while strolling through the city, Wei Shao had observed the Prefect, Xiao Qiao's father, graciously sheltering numerous refugees. The Prefect's compassion was evident as the grateful refugees bowed in thanks.
Wei Shao, seeing their plight, offered his military provisions and pledged further grain from Xindu to assist them, earning the Prefect's profound gratitude. Wei Shao inquired why the Prefect would take in these refugees, some of whom might have fought against him, especially when Yanzhou lay in ruins. The Prefect explained that these were "war-torn innocents," "pitiful souls with nowhere to go," whose origins were irrelevant.
He likened their desperation to Wei Shao's own efforts in building canals for the realm, where he dedicated troops without regard for past kindness or grudges, all for the welfare of the people. The Prefect expressed his fervent hope for "peace that lasts for generations." Wei Shao, recalling Xiao Qiao's similar sentiment, smiled, genuinely wishing for that day.
He acknowledged the innocence of ordinary people in chaotic times and then, to the Prefect's tearful surprise, addressed him as "Father-in-law" and knelt in a solemn gesture of respect. Wei Shao explained that despite his long marriage to Xiao Qiao, this was his first chance to truly connect with the Prefect, praising their shared concern for the common people. Though deeply touched, the Prefect felt a surge of uneasiness and shame.
Wei Shao, sensing this, encouraged him to shed formalities and invited him to the night banquet, which the Prefect accepted, still burdened by the perceived debt of the Qiao family to the Wei family. At the night banquet, Qiao Yue repeatedly attempted to toast Wei Shao, addressing him by his courtesy name. Wei Shao, however, maintained a formal distance, politely but firmly insisting Qiao Yue address him as "Lord of Wei."
To salvage his pride, Qiao Yue turned to Bi Zhi, pressing him to acknowledge him as "Father-in-law" before drinking with him. After complying, Bi Zhi directly toasted Wei Shao. Qiao Yue further suggested that Bi Zhi and Da Qiao should stay in the Qiao residence, offering to send someone to take over Boya. Da Qiao promptly refused, asserting that Boya was their true home.
In a private confrontation, Qiao Yue angrily rebuked Da Qiao, accusing her of causing Wei Shao's aloofness by refusing to aid Xiao Qiao. He condemned her for abandoning her family for a mere "stableman." Da Qiao retorted that Bi Zhi was no longer a stableman, but Qiao Yue, with disdain, dismissed Bi Zhi's forces as a "ragtag army."
Qiao Yue demanded Bi Zhi return to train his cavalry and steeds, intending for Bi Zhi to support Qiao Ci so that "no one dares trample on me." Da Qiao firmly refused. She then accused her father of trying to exploit her to manipulate Bi Zhi, just as he had failed to send troops when she and Bi Zhi faced grave danger.
She pointed out that even Xiao Qiao had not blamed her for that decision, so Qiao Yue had no right to now. Infuriated, Qiao Yue lunged at Da Qiao, but Bi Zhi swiftly intervened, shielding her. Da Qiao then defiantly challenged her father: if he truly desired Boya, he would have to "send your troops and take it by force."
Later, Qiao Yue confided in Zhang Pu, expressing confusion over why both his daughters had grown so distant from him, unable to pinpoint the "root cause." Zhang Pu observed that while the ladies might be alienated from Qiao Yue personally, they remained loyal to Yanzhou. He also subtly warned Qiao Yue that the Prefect's generosity towards the influx of refugees in Kangjun had significantly elevated his reputation, perhaps even surpassing Qiao Yue's own.
Meanwhile, Bi Zhi lamented to Da Qiao his inability to offer her the prestigious life that Wei Shao could, and how she had defied her own father for him. Da Qiao, holding his hand, gently dismissed his worries, emphasizing that she valued his "honest heart" above all else. She explained that her father's nature was to "bully the weak and fear the strong," and she would not "blindly follow him" without principle.
She affirmed that "no one can use me to control you." Bi Zhi said all he did was for her happiness, and Da Qiao replied that being with him made her happiest. To her delight, Bi Zhi produced sour plums, a treat she had been craving, and they decided to enjoy them together indoors to escape the cold. That night, in Xiao Qiao's former room, she and Wei Shao shared an intimate moment.
Wei Shao, noting their impending return to Wei State, tenderly asked if there was anything left she wished to do, promising to accompany her. Xiao Qiao, initially hesitant, voiced her concern that he might be "pretending to be happy" for her sake, and that she dared not harbor any further desires. Wei Shao then proposed a "deal," asking her to "give me a child," clarifying that it would be "our child," and that he desired it "now."
Xiao Qiao, deeply moved, whispered her promise to give him a "new home, one filled with children and joy," and they consummated their marriage. The next day, as Xiao Qiao and Wei Shao prepared to depart, Wei Shao bid farewell to the Prefect, urging him to take care of his health. The Prefect, with profound solemnity, knelt facing towards Wei State, kowtowing repeatedly.
He tearfully apologized to the spirits of the late Lord of Wei, Wei Shao's father, and his brother, expressing his "deepest gratitude" for Lady Xu's and Wei Shao's "magnanimity," and his "guilt beyond words" for the Qiao Clan's role in the Xindu battle. Wei Shao reassured him that the feud between their families had been settled by his grandmother.
The Prefect acknowledged Wei Shao's lack of resentment but confessed that, had their situations been reversed, he doubted he could have treated an "enemy's daughter kindly." He praised Lady Xu's "gracious and generous" care for Xiao Qiao, and Wei Shao's unwavering devotion, noting how Wei Shao had "dropped everything to personally escort her home" and "stepped into Yanzhou" for her sake.
This, he admitted, made him "all the more ashamed," realizing his earlier doubts were "judging you by my own narrow heart." Wei Shao, in turn, confessed his own shame for having "treated Her Ladyship harshly" in the past, but Xiao Qiao quickly interjected, asserting he had never done so. With heartfelt emotion, the Prefect entrusted Xiao Qiao to Wei Shao, asking him to "protect her and let her live a life of joy," offering his "sincere gratitude."
Wei Shao, gazing at Xiao Qiao, promised to "cherish Manman even more" and asked the Prefect to "trust me." The Prefect responded, "I trust you. I really do." Upon their return to Yujun in Wei State, Wei Shao's victory meant a memorial rite at the ancestral hall to honor his ancestors. Xiao Tan, a maid, brought the ceremonial items for the event.
Other maids, including Chunniang, worried that Xiao Qiao, never having formally paid respects at the ancestral hall, might not be accepted or recognized by the family according to tradition. They recalled how she had been kept outside the city gates to avoid an earlier rite. Xiao Qiao, however, remained serene, stating that whether she was accepted depended on Wei Shao's attitude, and she would not "bring trouble upon myself" by asking too much.
Then, Xiao Tan presented a ceremonial robe, revealing it was "rushed by His Lordship's orders" and he had "reminded them again and again" to ensure it was ready for the rite. Xiao Qiao was deeply touched by Wei Shao's thoughtfulness. The next day, dressed in the ceremonial robe, Xiao Qiao entered the ancestral hall hand-in-hand with Wei Shao, where Lady Xu and other family members awaited. After cleansing his hands, Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao offered incense to the spirits.
Wei Shao then introduced Xiao Qiao to his grandfather, father, and brother, saying, "This is Lady Qiao, my wife." Xiao Qiao felt as if she saw them nodding and smiling in approval.
