Episode Summary
In Yan Prefecture, Qiao Ping takes command, breaks ties with Liu Yan, and honors Wei Liang. Xue Tai attacks Yu Prefecture, but Wei Yan returns to lead the defense. Wei Shao confronts Bi Zhi at Pan Yi, where Liu Yan holds Da Qiao hostage. To free Bi Zhi from Liu Yan's manipulation, Da Qiao tragically sacrifices herself by jumping from the city wall.
Spoiler Alert
"The Prisoner of Beauty" Episode 36 Recap & Spoilers
The episode unfolds with significant shifts in alliances and tragic confrontations, leading to pivotal changes for several key characters.
In Yan Prefecture, Qiao Ping steps forward to address his nation's soldiers. Bowing deeply, he confesses that Qiao Yue's blunders led to the current dire situation in Yan Prefecture. The soldiers, who have always trusted Qiao Ping, rally behind him and capture Liang Ya's commanding officer. Qiao Ping immediately orders an end to any cooperation with Liu Yan, withdraws his troops, and arranges for a high-quality coffin for the burial of Wei Liang.
Meanwhile, Xue Tai achieves an initial victory in his assault on Yu Prefecture. Su Ehuang is particularly pleased that Wei Shao continues his campaign against Pan Yi instead of returning to reinforce Yu Prefecture, as she eagerly anticipates seeing Xiao Qiao's disappointment. However, Xiao Qiao remains confident that Wei Shao has valid reasons for his actions. Madam Xu, demonstrating great righteousness, resolves to support Wei Shao and continue the resistance against Xue Tai's forces. Their main challenge is the lack of a capable commander within the city.
Just then, Wei Yan returns. He had been previously imprisoned by Chen Pang, but generals loyal to Wei Yan rescued him, and they are now willing to follow him to defend Yu Prefecture. Madam Xu is overcome with joy, even kneeling to express her gratitude for the soldiers' arrival. As she watches Wei Yan lead the men out, she prays for their safe return and yearns for a world without conflict.
When Wei Shao and his army arrive at Pan Yi, they find the city gates wide open. Wei Shao leads his men inside, where Bi Zhi stands alone, spear in hand, awaiting him. Bi Zhi admits his reluctance to fight Wei Shao but explains he is forced to do so for Da Qiao's sake. At that moment, Liu Yan appears, holding Da Qiao hostage, making Bi Zhi's difficult position clear to Wei Shao.
Liu Shan, restraining Da Qiao, cruelly taunts Bi Zhi, calling him a mere animal who will obey any command under duress. Da Qiao, heartbroken, rebukes Liu Shan for his unjust treatment of Bi Zhi. In Liu Yan's eyes, however, Bi Zhi is nothing more than a beast. Da Qiao desperately calls out to Bi Zhi, urging him not to be manipulated.
As Da Qiao watches Bi Zhi and Wei Shao locked in a fierce battle, she recalls Xiao Qiao's earlier pleas for help and realizes she cannot allow Bi Zhi to be controlled on her account. Seeing Bi Zhi about to land a blow on Wei Shao, Xiao Qiao (as per the source material) shouts loudly to Bi Zhi, reminding him that he is Da Qiao's beloved, not an animal to be ordered around. In a desperate act, Da Qiao breaks free from Liu Shan and leaps from the city wall. Bi Zhi lunges to save her but is tragically too late. Da Qiao smiles at Bi Zhi one last time before closing her eyes. Cradling Da Qiao's lifeless body, Bi Zhi roars in anguish, his gaze fixed on Liu Yan with murderous intent, vowing to make him pay in blood. Liu Yan, however, remains unfazed, confident that his tens of thousands of soldiers can easily handle two opponents.
Concurrently, Wei Yan leads an attack against Xue Tai, ultimately striking him down from his horse. With Xue Tai defeated, his army scatters. Su Ehuang's handmaidens attempt to loot valuables and flee. Su Ehuang, sword in hand, tries to stop them, but they, perceiving her as isolated and vulnerable, fight back. They knock the mask from her face, revealing her disfigurement. Just then, a general rushes in and kills the rebellious handmaidens. Misunderstanding his intentions and believing he has seen her scarred face, Su Ehuang impulsively kills him.
Before dying, the general reveals he was sent by Liu Yan with instructions to escort Su Ehuang to safety and a new residence if the battle was lost. He adds that Liu Yan had long known about her appearance and did not care. Su Ehuang remembers Wei Shao once telling her she constantly blamed the world for its unfairness, yet the men in her life had genuinely cared for her. Overwhelmed by despair, Su Ehuang turns the sword on herself.
Witnessing Bi Zhi and Wei Shao's relentless onslaught, Liu Shan fears for Liu Yan's life and orders an immediate retreat to protect him. Liu Yan, however, is consumed by his promise to Su Ehuang to kill Wei Shao. To eliminate any hindrance, Liu Yan kills Liu Shan. By the time he regains his composure, Bi Zhi and Wei Shao are upon him. Liu Yan laughs hysterically, declaring that even in defeat, the Wei State is doomed. Wei Shao and Bi Zhi then combine their strength to kill Liu Yan. In his final moments, Liu Yan's only thought is his profound regret for failing Su Ehuang and not fulfilling his promise to her.
In the aftermath, Gao Heng completes his poetic essay on the Yongning Canal. Wei Shao, filled with ambition, resolves to bring peace to the land. Having successfully defended Yu Prefecture, Wei Yan prepares to depart for Bian Prefecture to assume his new post as Regional Governor. He bids farewell to Madam Xu, who expresses her simple wish for lasting peace and harmony between the states.
Bi Zhi returns to Liang Ya. He gazes at the swing where Da Qiao used to sit, lost in memories of their happy moments. Da Qiao's Konghou (a type of harp) remains, a poignant reminder of her absence. The three Wei brothers visit Wei Liang's grave to pay their respects. Xiao Tao arrives with Lan Cao Cao, gently scolding Wei Liang for not keeping his promise, as she is now the one to propose. She declares her willingness to marry Wei Liang, regardless of his fate. The four brothers (spiritually including Wei Liang) bury small toy weapons before his tombstone, symbolizing their eternal companionship. As they depart, Xiao Tao looks back and seems to see Wei Liang, holding Lan Cao Cao, waving goodbye.
The Deer Offering Ceremony is about to commence, and all preparations are complete. However, Wei Shao is nowhere to be found, forcing Madam Xu to preside over the ritual. As it turns out, Wei Shao is busy comforting his crying child, Fei Fei, unable to tear himself away. Xiao Qiao joins them, taking the child in her arms, her heart filled with joy at their family's peaceful happiness.
Years later, the Yongning Canal is fully constructed, bringing prosperity and blessings to the people.
