Episode Summary
In "The Prisoner of Beauty" Episode 31, Wei Shao struggles with his complex feelings for Xiao Qiao and his past grudges. A flashback reveals Xiao Qiao's courageous and clever actions in tricking General Lin to aid Wei Shao's cause, a revelation that leaves Wei Shao deeply concerned for her safety. He anxiously searches for her, leading to a poignant reunion where they both express their fears and reaffirm their love. Wei Shao admits his past failings and, in a significant step towards reconciliation and healing, agrees to accompany Xiao Qiao to her hometown, Kang Prefecture. Concurrently, the antagonist Liu Yan faces a crushing defeat and retreats, his mind already scheming further treachery. The episode culminates with Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao's arrival in Kang Prefecture, where Wei Shao observes the profound love and care surrounding Xiao Qiao from her family, which visibly moves him and deepens his affection and understanding for her.
Spoiler Alert
The Prisoner of Beauty Episode 31 Recap & Spoilers
Wei Shao, ever stubborn, refuses to admit he's been thinking about Xiao Qiao or that she cares for him. When he suggests an inspection tour, everyone insists on tagging along. Qiao Ci proposes that both Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao visit Kang Prefecture, noting Xiao Qiao has been away from home for a year and her family misses her dearly. Wei Shao recalls the river lantern Xiao Qiao released and her drunken confessions, realizing how much she longs for her home. Gongsun Yang, however, voices concern, fearing Wei Shao hasn't let go of his old grudges against the Qiao family, and suggests returning to Yu Prefecture to ease Madam Xu's worries. Wei Shao agrees to let Qiao Ci escort Xiao Qiao home, planning to send for her to be brought to the Wei State border when she's ready, where he will personally meet her. It's clear Wei Shao is still struggling with his inner conflict.
Meanwhile, Wei Liang and Wei Qu are aware of Wei Shao's old vow to one day go to Kang Prefecture and eliminate the Qiao family, which is why he can't go now. Although Wei Liang misses Xiao Tao, he resigns himself to returning with Wei Shao. He can't help but grumble that Xiao Tao went to Kang Prefecture to get reinforcements, bringing Qiao Ci, yet didn't come to see him.
On their journey back, Wei Shao's party passes through Bo Ya and encounters Bi Zhi out hunting. Wei Shao is surprised that Bi Zhi isn't personally leading troops. It's only then that Bi Zhi learns Xiao Qiao sought his help to ambush Liu Yan's reinforcements. It turns out, when Xiao Qiao was discovered by General Lin, who intended to capture her, she warned him that crossing the river would lead to his troops being drowned by the Yang River. General Lin, an experienced commander, understood someone must have built a dam. Seeing birds fly over confirmed his suspicion of an ambush. Coupled with Xiao Qiao's explanation of Liu Yan's ruthless nature, even towards his own kin, General Lin ultimately sent word to Liu Yan that his reinforcements were ambushed and couldn't proceed, then ordered a retreat. Afterwards, Xiao Qiao released another river lantern, praying for Wei Shao's safety.
Hearing that Xiao Qiao, with only a few hundred men, went to ambush Liu Yan's forces, Wei Shao is frantic with worry. Gongsun Yang, on the other hand, is deeply impressed by Xiao Qiao's courage and resourcefulness. Wei Shao immediately leads his men to find her. When Da Qiao learns of her sister's daring actions, she is overcome with guilt and tells Bi Zhi the real reason Xiao Qiao had come to them. Worried for Xiao Qiao's safety, Da Qiao decides to return to Kang Prefecture, and Bi Zhi agrees to accompany her.
Wei Shao arrives at the place where Xiao Qiao had the dam built. He imagines her toiling, moving sandbags herself, and his heart aches for her. Xiao Qiao had vowed to fight with all her might to create an opportunity for Wei Shao, determined not to disappoint him, even if it meant death. At this very moment, Xiao Qiao is also thinking of Wei Shao, hoping he will come for her, wishing to return home with the man she loves.
As Wei Shao races to find Xiao Qiao in the pouring rain, Chun Niang advises Xiao Qiao to wait for him. Xiao Qiao, acutely aware that their relationship isn't that of an ordinary couple, says she will wait for one day at most. If Wei Shao doesn't arrive by then, she will proceed to Kang Prefecture alone.
Reaching a river crossing, Wei Shao seeks shelter from the rain, assuming Xiao Qiao has already crossed. To his surprise, he finds she hasn't crossed due to the dangerous conditions caused by the heavy rain. Overjoyed, Wei Shao embraces Xiao Qiao tightly but then scolds her for taking such a risk. Xiao Qiao, deliberately feigning anger, retreats to her room. Chun Niang tells Wei Shao how much Xiao Qiao has been thinking of and missing him, and that he shouldn't have hurt her feelings. The Wei brothers also start to grumble that Wei Shao doesn't know how to say anything kind. Gongsun Yang wisely suggests everyone get some rest, leaving Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao alone.
Wei Shao goes to Xiao Qiao, awkwardly placing two oranges before her and trying to make small talk. He fusses that the charcoal fire isn't warm enough, then that the bedding is too thin. Xiao Qiao retorts to each comment. Finally, Wei Shao kneels before her and admits that he is the one who feels cold. Xiao Qiao can't help but smile.
Wei Shao then confesses that he hasn't been well these past days, constantly missing Xiao Qiao and feeling a sense of loss waking up without her by his side. He explains his earlier harsh words, saying he spoke without thinking and didn't mean to be cruel. He asks her why she went to the battlefield alone, wasn't she afraid? Xiao Qiao admits she was terrified, but her beloved was still on the battlefield, and she had promised to help defend against their enemies. She didn't want him to think she didn't love him; she wished to live with him if they lived, and die with him if they died. However, she couldn't gamble with the lives of her family or the people of Yanzhou, but she wanted Wei Shao to know they were all important to her.
Wei Shao expresses his understanding, admitting he had overlooked her difficulties and failed to appreciate how much she had done for the Qiao family while he remained uncomprehending. He acknowledges that no one could have done better than her, navigating the treacherous politics between the two states, where any misstep would mean she would be the one to suffer. He realizes he never gave her any promises, forcing her to live under immense pressure. While searching for her, he repeatedly asked himself: if he lost Xiao Qiao, what meaning would there be in avenging his enemies or conquering the world? He admits he failed to cherish her properly and hopes she won't grow distant or doubt his true feelings. Wei Shao then makes a significant decision: he proposes to accompany Xiao Qiao to Kang Prefecture, to see the place where she grew up. His grandmother always told him he should let go of hatred, and perhaps actually going to Kang Prefecture will help him do so. Xiao Qiao, suddenly realizing the extent of Wei Shao's sacrifice for her, is deeply moved. Wei Shao tells her she is worth everything. Touched, Xiao Qiao kisses him.
Meanwhile, Liu Yan is retreating with his battered forces. Liu Shan reports their devastating losses: out of one hundred thousand soldiers, only thirty thousand remain, with just three generals left. Liu Shan advises against continuing the fight, warning that Liangya State will be utterly finished otherwise. He urges Liu Yan not to be obstinate and to appease the imperial clan. However, Liu Xiao insists on regrouping and fighting on. Liu Yan orders Liu Xiao to capture the deserter, General Lin, and then commands a full retreat. Liu Shan is secretly pleased, believing Liu Yan has taken his advice. He further suggests that upon their return, he will apologize to the imperial clan on Liu Yan's behalf, hoping Liu Yan will show some remorse. Liu Yan remains outwardly impassive but is secretly plotting to kill Liu Shan.
Xiao Qiao and Wei Shao arrive in Kang Prefecture together. Wei Liang is overjoyed to reunite with his beloved Xiao Tao. Bi Zhi and Da Qiao also return. However, Qiao Yue, Xiao Qiao's father, is cold towards them, his attention solely on Wei Shao. Xiao Qiao's father treats Bi Zhi with courtesy. Wei Shao observes Qiao Yue's snobbery, noting how he respectfully addresses Bi Zhi as "brother-in-law." Only then does Qiao Yue show Bi Zhi some civility. However, Zhang Pu astutely observes that while Wei Shao acknowledged Bi Zhi as his brother-in-law, he has not truly accepted Qiao Yue.
Madam Ding warmly welcomes Xiao Qiao and Da Qiao, showing her deep affection by remembering all of Xiao Qiao's preferences. Wei Shao is visibly moved, realizing how cherished Xiao Qiao is in her own home, a stark contrast to how she always cautiously caters to his needs in Yu Prefecture. His heart aches for her even more.
Xiao Qiao shows Wei Shao around the places where she grew up. Wei Shao reproaches himself for not treating her better, seeing how free and at ease she is here. Yu Prefecture, in comparison, feels more like a cage to her. But Xiao Qiao smiles, saying that being with Wei Shao makes her feel free and happy.
