The Prisoner of Beauty Ending Recap

After 36 episodes, The Prisoner of Beauty 折腰 ushered in a finale that is both satisfying and heartbreaking. Anyone who’s seen Liu Yuning’s past dramas may have been a tad worried if his character would make it to the end. Thankfully, this time, our main couple get their happily-ever-after. Alas, it still comes with some losses that are hard to accept.

Wei Liang (Wang Chengsi) dies in battle. He dies protecting Qiao Ci (Ao Ziyi), leaving behind not just a fulfilled duty, but broken hearts. His death feels forced, but if the goal was tragic glory in wartime, they achieved it. His brother Wei Qu (Wu Haochen) loses an arm. Xiao Tao (Li Xueqin), his wife-to-be, kneels at his grave, and together with their close friends, fulfills the dream of peace that Wei Liang never got to see.

Da Qiao (Viva Ho), misunderstood as selfish, makes the ultimate sacrifice. Initially held hostage, forcing her lover Bi Zhi (Zhou Lula) against Wei Shao (Liu Yuning), she willingly jumps to her death to put a stop to their fight. Her final words to Bi Zhi were that she hopes he remembers this day, and knows she never had any regrets. Ultimately, Liu Yan (Ji Xiaobing) is defeated and dies at the hands of Wei Shao who now joins hands with Bi Zhi. Madam Yulou (Xuan Lu) fails in her siege and learns that Liu Yan truly loved her. Heartbroken by her own choices, she ends her life in despair.

And then there’s Shi Yuan (Liu Duanduan)—once dismissed as a playboy. He returns with reinforcements, wins the battle, and becomes the man his loved ones always hoped he would be—capable and ready to carry the weight of family and nation.

Wei Shao brings prosperity to the people. The other lords now look to Wei as a leader in a united land. As for the romantic pairings—yes, the main couple Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao (Song Zuer) find happiness together and have a daughter named Fei Fei.