Episode Summary
In Kang Jun, Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao work to heal past family rifts. Wei Shao surprises Xiao Qiao by arranging a reunion with her sister, Da Qiao. He also earns the respect of Xiao Qiao's father, the Junshou, by showing compassion to refugees and formally acknowledging him as his father-in-law. Tensions arise with another Qiao family member, Qiao Yue, who feels slighted by Wei Shao and clashes with Da Qiao over her loyalty to Bi Zhi. Before returning to Wei State, Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao consummate their marriage. Upon their return, Xiao Qiao is fully accepted into the Wei family, signified by her participation in a ceremony at the ancestral temple, wearing robes specially prepared by Wei Shao.
Spoiler Alert
"The Prisoner of Beauty" Episode 32 Recap & Spoilers: A Mended Past, A United Future
Episode 32 of "The Prisoner of Beauty" sees Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao navigating complex family dynamics in Kang Jun, mending old wounds, and solidifying their bond as they prepare to return to Wei State. Forgiveness, acceptance, and the promise of a shared future take center stage in this emotionally charged installment.
The episode opens with Wei Shao expressing his heartfelt wish for Xiao Qiao to feel that Kang Jun, her childhood home, and Yu Jun, his territory, are both truly her homes where she will always be cherished. A visit to a valley stirs bittersweet memories for Xiao Qiao; it was where her elder sister, Da Qiao, would play the konghou (an ancient Chinese harp) while she danced. The joyous past seems lost, but Wei Shao has a surprise: Da Qiao is already there, waiting with her konghou. The sisters recreate their performance, a beautiful yet poignant moment underscoring a lingering distance between them. Later, Bi Zhi comforts a saddened Da Qiao, hopeful that the sisters will eventually bridge this gap.
Xiao Qiao confides in Wei Shao, voicing her fear that she may have erred in letting him take risks for her. Wei Shao tenderly reassures his "Man Man" (a pet name for Xiao Qiao), praising her as an extraordinary woman with great aspirations and declaring himself willing to be the weapon in her hand, fighting her battles. In a touching gesture, Xiao Qiao writes "May my husband be safe" in his palm, and he embraces her.
While in Kang Jun, Wei Shao observes Xiao Qiao's father, the Junshou (Prefect/Governor), taking in numerous refugees. Impressed by his compassion, Wei Shao offers a supply of military grain he brought, supplementing it with resources from Kang Jun. The Junshou, deeply moved, explains his belief in helping all pitiful people, regardless of their origin, much like Wei Shao's efforts to build canals for the benefit of all. He expresses a profound wish for lasting peace, a sentiment that resonates with Wei Shao, reminding him of Xiao Qiao's own desires. This encounter leads to a pivotal moment: Wei Shao formally addresses the Junshou as "Yue Zhang" (father-in-law) and kneels before him in a traditional show of respect. The Junshou, overwhelmed with emotion and a sense of guilt over past family grievances, tearfully helps Wei Shao up, acknowledging that the Qiao family has wronged the Wei family.
Later, at a banquet, tensions rise. Qiao Yue, another member of the Qiao family, repeatedly attempts to toast Wei Shao by his personal name, but Wei Shao coolly rebuffs him, insisting on being addressed by his title, "Wei Hou" (Marquis Wei). To save face, Qiao Yue then drinks with Bi Zhi, demanding Bi Zhi call him "Yue Zhang." The straightforward Bi Zhi also offers a toast to Wei Shao. Qiao Yue further stirs the pot by suggesting Bi Zhi and Da Qiao move in with him, offering to take over the management of Bo Ya, their home. Da Qiao firmly refuses, asserting that Bo Ya is their true home.
Privately, Qiao Yue confronts Da Qiao, blaming her for Wei Shao's disdain and accusing her of betraying the family for Bi Zhi, whom he contemptuously refers to as a former "Ma Nu" (stable boy). Da Qiao defends Bi Zhi, stating he is no longer a mere stable boy, but Qiao Yue remains scornful, dismissing Bi Zhi's forces as a "motley crew." When Qiao Yue demands Bi Zhi return (presumably to a subservient position), Da Qiao once again refuses, accusing her father of trying to manipulate her to control Bi Zhi. She reminds him that even Xiao Qiao hadn't blamed her for not deploying troops previously, so he has no grounds for complaint. Enraged, Qiao Yue moves to strike Da Qiao, but Bi Zhi rushes to her side, deterring him. Da Qiao defiantly tells her father that if he wants Bo Ya, he'll have to take it by force.
Qiao Yue is left bewildered by his daughters' alienation. His advisor, Zhang Pu, observes that while both daughters are estranged from Qiao Yue personally, they are not estranged from their homeland of Yan Zhou. Zhang Pu also notes the significant influx of refugees into Kang Jun, highlighting that the Junshou's (Xiao Qiao's father) reputation and influence now eclipse Qiao Yue's.
Meanwhile, Bi Zhi expresses his anguish to Da Qiao, feeling he cannot provide her with the grand life she deserves and regretting the conflict with her father. Da Qiao lovingly reassures him, emphasizing that his sincere heart is what she values most. In a sweet moment, Bi Zhi offers her a sour plum he had kept close to his chest, a treat she had been craving.
As their time in Kang Jun draws to a close, Xiao Qiao and Wei Shao share an intimate evening. He gently asks if there's anything she wishes to do before they depart for Wei State. Xiao Qiao, wary of him feigning happiness for her sake, admits she doesn't dare to hope for more. Seizing the moment, Wei Shao asks her to bear his child. Xiao Qiao whispers her promise to give him a true home, one bustling with a large family. In her childhood room in Kang Jun, they finally consummate their marriage.
The following day, as Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao prepare to leave, Wei Shao bids farewell to the Junshou, wishing him good health. In a profound gesture of atonement, the Junshou suddenly kneels, facing the direction of Wei State, and performs a solemn kowtow. Wei Shao, deeply moved, understands this as an apology. The Junshou voices his remorse to the late Marquis Wei (Wei Shao's father) and expresses gratitude for the magnanimity shown by Madam Xu (Wei Shao's mother) and Wei Shao himself. Wei Shao declares that the feud between their families is now officially over. The Junshou confesses that, had their situations been reversed, he doubts he could have treated Xiao Qiao with such kindness, making Madam Xu's affection and Wei Shao's personal escort of Xiao Qiao back to Kang Jun all the more poignant and guilt-inducing for him. Wei Shao, in turn, admits his past harshness towards Xiao Qiao. However, Xiao Qiao takes his hand, insisting he was never unkind. Wei Shao promises to cherish her even more. With a heart full of relief, the Junshou entrusts his daughter to Wei Shao.
Upon their return to Wei State, following Wei Shao's recent military victory, preparations are made for a ceremony at the ancestral temple. Chun Niang and others anxiously wonder if Xiao Qiao will be permitted to enter the sacred hall, as exclusion would signify she is not fully accepted into the Wei family. Xiao Qiao, ever humble, harbors no grand expectations. However, Xiao Tan arrives with a beautiful set of ceremonial robes, commissioned by Wei Shao and painstakingly completed overnight. Xiao Qiao is deeply touched by his thoughtfulness.
The next day, dressed in simple yet elegant ceremonial attire, Xiao Qiao arrives at the ancestral hall. Wei Shao is waiting at the entrance and tenderly takes her hand, leading her inside where Madam Xu and other family members are assembled. Together, Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao perform the sacred rites and offer incense. As Wei Shao formally introduces Xiao Qiao to his late father and brother, she has a vision of them standing before her, smiling and nodding their approval, signifying her acceptance into the heart of the Wei lineage.
