Episode Summary
Episode 33 sees Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao's relationship deepen, with Wei Shao expressing his gratitude and desire for a future together. His mother pushes for them to have a child, leading to some awkward suggestions. Meanwhile, Wei Liang's clumsy attempts to marry Xiao Tao continue, complicated by his own denseness. Xiao Qiao suspects she is pregnant but keeps it quiet. A new threat emerges as Liu Yan, defeated and bitter, allies with the ambitious Su Ehuang, who plans to help him challenge Wei Shao. Amidst this, Xiao Qiao joyfully confirms her pregnancy to an ecstatic Wei Shao, and they dream of their child, Fei Fei. However, plots are afoot as Zhang Pu manipulates Qiao Yue against Wei Shao. The episode ends with Qiao Yue, influenced by Zhang Pu, meeting Liu Yan, signaling a dangerous new alliance.
Spoiler Alert
The Prisoner of Beauty Episode 33: New Beginnings and Brewing Storms – Recap & Spoilers
Episode 33 of "The Prisoner of Beauty" delivers a whirlwind of emotions, from joyous baby news and budding romances to sinister plots and dangerous new alliances. Let's dive into the drama!
Celebrations, Hopes, and a Mother's Quirky Plan
The episode opens on a positive note following the ancestral rites. At a celebratory banquet, Wei Shao (Liu Yuning) publicly thanks Madam Xu, his mother (Madam Wei), and his uncles for their unwavering support. However, his most heartfelt gratitude is reserved for Xiao Qiao (Song Zu'er), expressing his deep desire to walk hand-in-hand with her into the future. Madam Xu, witnessing their bond, is visibly relieved, a heavy burden seemingly lifted from her.
Later, Madam Wei, eager for the pitter-patter of little feet, pulls Wei Shao aside. She strongly suggests it's time for him and Xiao Qiao to have a child, believing it will further cement their relationship. In a rather unusual traditional attempt to hasten pregnancy, Madam Wei presents clothes previously worn by a pregnant woman – specifically, a butcher's wife – for Xiao Qiao to wear. Wei Shao, while certainly not opposed to the idea of children, finds the particular choice of garments somewhat unsuitable.
Wei Liang's Clumsy Courtship and a Brother's Intervention
Love is also in the air, albeit with a touch of awkwardness, for Wei Liang and Xiao Tao. Wei Liang proudly announces his intention to marry Xiao Tao, but his plan involves meticulously saving up his military pay first. This doesn't sit well with an impatient Xiao Tao, who wants to marry sooner and is frustrated by his singular focus on accumulating wealth.
Luckily, Wei Qu is on hand to enlighten the somewhat dense Wei Liang about Xiao Tao's true feelings – she's more than ready to be his wife! Once the lightbulb goes on, an enthusiastic Wei Liang decides to borrow money from Wei Qu to speed up the wedding plans.
Wei Shao's Own Baby Aspirations (and a Strategic Errand)
Wei Shao, clearly influenced by his mother's earlier conversation, is also keen on Xiao Qiao conceiving. Still not entirely sold on the "lucky" hand-me-down clothes, he shifts his focus, instructing Gongsun Yang to bolster the defenses at Boya and along the Wei border.
Just as Wei Liang arrives, intending to ask Wei Shao to preside over his marriage to Xiao Tao, Wei Shao has another task for him. He dispatches Wei Liang to deliver military supplies and, more significantly, to visit Da Qiao (Xiao Qiao's sister). The mission? To retrieve some of Da Qiao's old clothes and, if possible, any garments previously used by her children. The age-old belief in sympathetic magic is clearly at play!
Xiao Qiao's Secret and a Sister's Thoughtfulness
Unbeknownst to Wei Shao, Xiao Qiao is already experiencing some tell-tale signs: a noticeable change in her appetite and a missed menstrual cycle. She suspects she might be pregnant but decides to keep the news to herself until she's certain.
Meanwhile, when Wei Liang visits Da Qiao for the requested "gifts," Da Qiao thoughtfully rummages through her belongings, determined to find something her sister Xiao Qiao would genuinely appreciate. She fondly recalls how Xiao Qiao showed similar care and attention when Da Qiao eloped with Bi Zhi. Witnessing this, Bi Zhi is deeply touched by the profound bond between the two sisters.
The Ominous Return of Liu Yan and Su Ehuang's Unveiled Ambition
Storm clouds gather as Liu Shan and Liu Yan make their return, smarting from a recent military defeat. Liu Shan voices his unease, fearing that Su Ehuang might betray them. His distrust is shared by Xue Tai, who also doubts Liu Yan's reliability and suggests Su Ehuang should return to Xue Commandery with him.
Su Ehuang, however, flatly refuses. She dramatically proclaims her intention to help "Chen Xiang" (presumably a figure or cause they champion) conquer the land, boldly stating that Liu Yan is the only one audacious enough to challenge Wei Shao. Dressed in striking bridal attire, Su Ehuang confronts Liu Yan, reminding him of their existing engagement and vowing to orchestrate his ascent to power. She offers a cutting analysis, contrasting the Wei family's steadfast loyalty with what she perceives as the Qiao family's opportunistic nature. Su Ehuang then offers to rally various factions to support Liu Yan in an attack against Wei Shao. Liu Shan’s desperate pleas for caution are met with a chilling death threat from an increasingly reckless Liu Yan, who is consumed by his desire for victory. As Liu Yan dramatically carries Su Ehuang away, her gaze lingers tellingly on the "Lord's chair," a silent testament to her own formidable ambitions.
More Romantic Roadblocks for the Earnest Wei Liang
Upon his return, Wei Liang excitedly informs Xiao Tao that he has requested a reward from Wei Shao and will marry her soon. When Xiao Tao casually mentions that she doesn't require a fancy courtyard, the ever-literal Wei Liang immediately concludes that he must save up for one, much to Xiao Tao's renewed exasperation. Chun Niang, observing the exchange, interprets Wei Liang's earnest, if somewhat misguided, efforts as a sign of how much he truly values Xiao Tao.
The Moment of Truth: Xiao Qiao's Big News!
Wei Shao, having received the items from Da Qiao, discreetly places them under their mattress, hoping they'll bring good fortune. He soon notices Xiao Qiao's unusual fatigue and recalls her missed period. A flicker of concern crosses his face, and he's about to summon the physician when Xiao Qiao, unable to hold it in any longer, joyfully reveals that she is pregnant! Wei Shao is overcome with elation, perhaps even attributing a little of their luck to the "magical" items he so carefully placed.
A Starlit Promise: Dreaming of Baby Fei Fei
Later, at the serene stargazing platform, Wei Shao tenderly embraces Xiao Qiao. Lost in the moment, they choose a name for their unborn child: Fei Fei. They share their hopes and dreams for their baby, wishing for a future where Fei Fei can grow up in a world blessed with peace and prosperity. Wei Shao solemnly promises to make this vision a reality, reaffirming his unwavering commitment and love for Xiao Qiao. He declares with conviction that the men of the Wei family never renege on their promises, and he will never, ever fail her.
Whispers of Dissent: Trouble Brews for Qiao Yue
However, beneath the surface of this domestic bliss, sinister currents are stirring. Children in the streets are being surreptitiously taught songs that praise the Prefect (likely Wei Shao) while simultaneously disparaging Qiao Yue, Xiao Qiao's father. The instigator behind this is Zhang Pu, who subtly poisons Qiao Yue's mind by pointing out that while Qiao Ping (Xiao Qiao's brother) is currently favored and discussed, Qiao Yue himself is being increasingly marginalized. Zhang Pu fuels Qiao Yue's insecurity, warning that his position will become even more precarious if Qiao Ci (another relative) bears a child.
A Bittersweet Farewell and a Dangerous New Alliance
Su Ehuang bids Liu Yan farewell as he prepares to depart for Kang Commandery. Liu Yan, holding her hand tightly, expresses his reluctance to leave, tenderly kisses her forehead, and vows not to disappoint her ambitions for him.
Meanwhile, Xiao Qiao is troubled by a vivid nightmare. She dreams of her father, Qiao Yue, wandering obliviously into the path of a menacing pack of wolves, completely deaf to her desperate warnings. To soothe her anxieties, the ever-considerate Wei Shao suggests inviting Qiao Ping to come and stay with them for a while. This thoughtful gesture deeply moves Xiao Qiao, further strengthening her affection for him.
Wei Liang's Never-Ending Orchid Quest
The saga of Wei Liang's proposal takes another comical turn. After he still continues to fret about saving enough money, Xiao Tao finally spells it out for him: all she desires for a proposal is a simple pot of orchids. One might assume this would resolve the matter, but Wei Liang, in his uniquely earnest way, then decides he must personally cultivate the orchids in their courtyard until they bloom. Wei Qu, practically tearing his hair out at his brother's endearing denseness, steps in with a practical solution. He suggests that when Wei Liang travels to Yanzhou to fetch Qiao Ping, he can simply bring back an already blooming pot of orchids and propose to Xiao Tao immediately upon his return. Wei Liang is, of course, thrilled with this brilliant plan. The four brothers – Wei Shao, Wei Qu, Wei Liang, and another companion – share a rare, lighthearted moment, their faces lit by joyful smiles as they gaze up at the moon.
A Hopeful Send-Off
Xiao Tao makes her way to the city gate to see Wei Liang off. With a shy smile, he confesses that his journey to Yanzhou isn't solely to bring Qiao Ping back; he also intends to return with a beautiful orchid and formally ask for her hand in marriage. Xiao Tao's heart swells with happiness, and they share a tender, hopeful farewell.
The Final Twist: An Unholy Alliance Takes Shape
The episode culminates in a shocking cliffhanger. Zhang Pu is seen escorting Qiao Yue to a meeting with none other than Liu Yan. Zhang Pu’s intent is clear: to help the disgruntled and increasingly sidelined Qiao Yue make a dramatic comeback – presumably by forging an alliance with Liu Yan, a move that would pit him against Wei Shao and the current Qiao family leadership. The stage is set for even more conflict and intrigue.
