Based on the novel Peach Blossom River Mountains (桃花映江山), The Princess’s Gambit drama depicts a world where a romance as beautiful as peach blossoms intersects with the flow of great power. It delicately portrays the process by which Kang Dohwa, a peace princess of the Northern Yuan Kingdom, and Shim Jaeya, the Left Chancellor of the Qi Kingdom, fiercely confront political conspiracies, schemes, and struggle for survival and love—eventually becoming each other’s sword and shield.

Set against the backdrop of war and peace between two dynasties, palace intrigue, and power struggles, the drama intricately portrays the protagonists’ inner growth, human anguish, and gradually blossoming affection. Shim Jaeya is a cold-hearted power figure who appears to be a treacherous official on the outside but is someone who bears a notorious reputation for the sake of the people and the country. Kang Dohwa is sent to Qi as a political hostage through marriage, but as a survivalist strategist, she strives to pioneer her own destiny.

This work blends political intrigue, romance, high-density suspense, and a sensuous mise-en-scène, making it one of the most talked-about dramas of the first half of 2025. With its dazzling visuals, delicate emotional lines, and powerful performances by the cast, it offers viewers deep immersion and lingering resonance.

The Princess’s Gambit Chiness Drama

English The Princess’s Gambit Japanese 桃花映江山 | Korean 도화영강산
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Wuxia, Historical Drama
Number of Episodes: 36
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Airing Time: Every Wednesday and Thursday at 6 PM (China Standard Time, may vary by platform)
Director: Yi Jun (易军)
Screenwriter: Su Ni (苏妮)
Adaptation: Su Ni (苏妮)
Production Companies: Galaxy Cool Entertainment (银河酷娱), Shengqin Culture (盛秦文化)
Cast: Liu Xueyi, Meng Ziyi, Gao Han, Liu Lingzi, Bian Cheng, Fan Zhengwen, and others
Filming Period: May 2024 – September 8, 2024
OTT Platforms: China: Tencent Video, International: WeTV

[Chiness Drama] The Princess's Gambit plot summary ending — [Chiness Drama] The Princess’s Gambit plot summary ending

The Princess’s Gambit Ratings

Douban (China): Early 7 out of 10 (low-7 range)

The Princess’s Gambit Cast

Shen Jieya (played by Liu Xueyi ):
The Grand Chancellor of the Ji Kingdom. At the center of ruthless political schemes, he bears a notorious reputation out of a sense of duty to his country and people.
- Notable works: Love Never Fails, Peach Blossom Beauty, Love at Night, Meteor Garden, etc.
Kang Dohua (played by Meng Ziyi ):
Princess of Beiyuan, sent as a political hostage to Ji. A survivor and strategist, she carves her own destiny.
- Notable works: Snowy Road to the Cold Capital, Peach Blossom Beauty, Blossom, Youth Unni, etc.
Gong Zijin / Mu Muwen (special appearance by Gao Han ):
A mysterious figure who plays a crucial role in the protagonists’ fates.
- Notable works: Peach Blossom Beauty, Liang En’s Smile, Shi Hun Mi, etc.
Meng Jinjin (special appearance by Liu Lingzi ):
Shen Jieya’s principal wife, at the center of complex palace intrigue.
- Notable works: Peach Blossom Beauty, Liu Zhu Ji, Meteor Garden, etc.
Supporting Cast:
Includes Wu Muhua (Bian Cheng), Hang Qingying (Fan Zhengwen), and others, each with intricately woven storylines.

Director Li Jun – Filmography

Peach Blossom Beauty was filmed as a pre-produced project from May to September 2024.
Director Li Jun (易军):
Previously acclaimed for co-directing and emotional direction in Fu Liu Nian and Mi Jia Mu Jiang.
- Known for drawing out strong performances and a dark, stylized visual aesthetic.
- Praised for balancing political tension, romance, and high-density suspense.

The Princess’s Gambit OST (Original Soundtrack)

Opening Theme:
“Peach Blossom Brand” (桃花烙) – Yuan Yawei (袁娅维)
Ending Theme:
“Flower Affair” (花事) – Wang Zhengliang (王铮亮)
Character Songs:
- “Nian Nian” (念念) – Xian Zi (弦子)
- “Yu Zhu” (遗珠) – Jin Runji (金润吉)
- “Morning and Evening Promise” (朝夕诺) – Zhang Yuexuan, A YueYue

Peach Blossom Beauty stands out for its intricate character arcs, atmospheric direction, and the balance of political intrigue with romance and suspense.

The Princess’s Gambit plot summary ending

Episode 1

On the border between the kingdoms of Bukwon and Daegi, war rages on, leaving the people displaced and the nation in turmoil. The king of Bukwon is gravely ill and unable to govern, so the Empress Yu acts as regent while the young crown prince is still a child. To end the war and forge peace, Yu orders Princess Kang Dohwa to marry into Daegi, warning that any breach of this peace will be considered treason.

Kang Dohwa, having spent 18 years locked in the palace and suffering humiliation, is finally allowed to leave under the pretense of peace. She steels herself for freedom and vows to take revenge on those who tormented her. When a fire breaks out in the cold palace, Kang Dohwa and the crown prince Kang Jang-gyeol use the chaos to escape, hiding in a bamboo basket and using incense to evade the soldiers. The prince doesn’t understand why his sister must marry for peace, but Kang Dohwa senses everything has changed.

Just before escaping, Jang-gyeol is injured, and they are soon surrounded by soldiers. Kang Dohwa takes responsibility and volunteers for the peace marriage. Yu advises her to be cautious among the noble ladies in Daegi, as no one will save her if trouble arises. Kang Dohwa asks Yu to protect her brother and resolutely heads to Daegi.

On her journey, Kang Dohwa and her maid Cheongtae gather information about Daegi and its four princes. Her intended is the fourth prince, Mok Mueun, who has lived in isolation since childhood due to the king’s dislike. Cheongtae worries if Mok Mueun can protect Kang Dohwa. The Daegi court is rife with power struggles: the crown prince Mok Mugu is backed by his maternal family, while the Jin family supports Mok Muhun. Both vie for the throne, leaving Mok Mueun isolated and Kang Dohwa vulnerable.

Prime Minister Shim Jaeya, of humble origin but famed for saving the king’s life and his ruthlessness, is at the center of the succession struggle. He coerces Pengsi into confessing to a crime, intending to use him to catch the real culprit.

Arriving at Daegi’s gates, Kang Dohwa is told she must wait until sunset to enter. Inside, Mok Mueun tends to birds, seemingly uninterested in the peace marriage. Shim Jaeya is drawn to Chwimongru by a mysterious poem, realizing someone is leading him but remains unafraid. At night, wolves attack, and Kang Dohwa lights a fire to ward them off, forcing the gates open. Wolves appear inside as well, and Kang Dohwa and Cheongtae flee to Chwimongru, where a mysterious figure asks, “Do you like this gift?”

Elsewhere, Sulyum, a martial artist, appears before Shim Jaeya, offering the “Iljocheonbongdo” painting in exchange for his family’s safety. Shim Jaeya agrees, but is poisoned by Huahapsan’s toxin after chasing a movement outside. Kang Dohwa, also poisoned, appears and attacks Shim Jaeya, refusing to surrender her body. Shim Jaeya realizes she is the peace princess and that they’ve been trapped. Cheongtae arrives, resolving the crisis.

Officials try to impeach Shim Jaeya, but the king suspects ulterior motives. Shim Jaeya mentions the counterfeit coin problem, believing troublemakers are involved. The king orders a thorough investigation. Rumors about the princess threaten to nullify the peace marriage, putting Kang Dohwa at risk of being sent back. She resolves to forge her own destiny to protect her brother.

Episode 2

Shim Jaeya rushes to the palace to deliver a message, but Mok Mueun confronts him, angry that an innocent woman will suffer for Shim’s mistake. Mok Mueun decides to appeal directly to the king. Suddenly, a commotion arises as the princess attempts suicide. Mok Mueun blames Shim Jaeya, who offers to treat her. After some hesitation, Mok Mueun agrees.

Shim Jaeya uses acupuncture to revive Kang Dohwa, who realizes he is testing her and stops pretending to be unconscious. Later, Kang Dohwa boldly declares to the king that she will marry Shim Jaeya for the sake of peace. Despite opposition, she kneels and promises not to question the marriage’s conditions. The king accepts, and Shim Jaeya reluctantly obeys.

Kang Dohwa is soon seized by a eunuch sent by Yu, who scolds her for making decisions on her own. Despite being denied an antidote and subjected to pain, Kang Dohwa endures.

Meanwhile, news arrives that Pengsi has died in prison. Shim Jaeya investigates those involved with the counterfeit coins and seeks the “Iljocheonbongdo.” Mok Mugu, also after the painting, kills a subordinate for failing to catch Sulyum and orders the painting found.

Yang Mancheong suspects Kang Dohwa after seeing a peach blossom mark on her body, but she claims it’s a birthmark. He offers to help with detoxification, but she refuses. He promises to bring her an antidote monthly as ordered by Yu.

At Shim Jaeya’s house, concubines Jin Hae-eo and Dan Unshim complain to main wife Maeng Jinjin, who ignores them. When Kang Dohwa arrives, some servants bully her, but Cheongtae intervenes. Jin Hae-eo slaps Cheongtae, and Kang Dohwa apologizes. Shim Jaeya is aware but does not intervene. When bowing to Maeng Jinjin, Kang Dohwa endures a needle hidden in the cushion—another of Shim Jaeya’s tests.

Episode 3

Cheongtae blames Maeng Jinjin for the needle wound on Kang Dohwa’s leg, but Kang Dohwa feels things are better than when she was with Yu. She believes she can now fight back and that mastering Shim Jaeya will help her secure her place.

As the wedding night approaches, Shim Jaeya remains indifferent, so Kang Dohwa tells Cheongtae to inform the king that she’ll proceed with a simple ceremony if he doesn’t come. Shim Jaeya reluctantly attends. The first challenge is eating pork fat; Kang Dohwa quickly eats the lean meat and gives Shim Jaeya the fat, which he forces down.

During the wine exchange, Kang Dohwa senses something odd and deliberately passes the wine mouth-to-mouth to Shim Jaeya, who is surprised but maintains his composure. Sulyum arrives, and Maeng Jinjin quietly arranges for the “Iljocheonbongdo” to be stolen. Shim Jaeya drugs Kang Dohwa’s wine to get her true feelings, but she feigns affection, claiming she fell for him at first sight. Shim Jaeya is unconvinced.

Sulyum’s body is found, and mud on his shoes matches Shim Jaeya’s garden. He seals off the garden. Maeng Jinjin tries to take advantage of the situation. Kang Dohwa suspects the painting is in the study and, when summoned, finds a secret compartment but is interrupted by Shim Jaeya. He asks her to identify the servant who led her there; she cleverly finds the culprit by checking shoe soles. The servant commits suicide.

Shim Jaeya scolds Kang Dohwa for not reporting earlier, but she claims she was happy to be called by him. Though suspicious, he lets it go. The next day, he warns Maeng Jinjin by mentioning the servant’s name and tells her to keep the painting hidden. He rewards Kang Dohwa with food, but she refuses to eat until he does, suspecting poison. He invites her to the crown prince’s banquet, intending to use the prince to eliminate her for meddling with the secret compartment.

Episode 4

Kang Dohwa and Shim Jaeya head to the mountains. Shim Jaeya enters a room with Cheongtae, while Kang Dohwa waits outside, suspecting a plot against her. Lunch and tea are served, and Kang Dohwa realizes that eating both together is poisonous. She suspects Shim Jaeya wants to use the crown prince to kill her.

Feigning illness, Kang Dohwa prepares for an attack. When assassins arrive, she and Cheongtae fight them off. Kang Dohwa disguises herself and escapes into a crowd, eventually collapsing at Mok Mueun’s house, where he tries to treat her. She refuses anesthesia, and Shim Jaeya stitches her wound, saying he will be the only one to see it from now on.

Shim Jaeya realizes Kang Dohwa is at Mok Mueun’s house and tries to expose her fake injury, but she has actually stabbed herself. Mok Mueun warns Shim Jaeya not to harm her again.

Kang Dohwa sketches the painting from memory and gives it to Yang Mancheong in exchange for an antidote. She then reveals to Shim Jaeya her reason for wanting to kill him and proposes a way to recover the painting, setting up a tense alliance.

Episode 5

Kang Dohwa and Shim Jaeya pretend to be affectionate in public but keep their distance in private. At breakfast, Kang Dohwa requests a proper wedding ceremony. Shim Jaeya reluctantly agrees, and Maeng Jinjin appears unfazed.

Kang Dohwa asks Shim Jaeya to peel shrimp for her, and though annoyed, he complies. When Jin Hae-eo tries to eat shrimp, she accidentally spills her plate, and Shim Jaeya orders more. Kang Dohwa then asks Shim Jaeya to cook for her, and though he uses ingredients she dislikes, she eats with a smile.

Maeng Jinjin senses something odd about the wedding and prepares to move the painting. Shim Jaeya’s sister, Hyang Cheongyeong, witnesses a human trafficking incident and helps stop the crime. She returns home, impressed by Kang Dohwa’s acting. Cheongtae and Hyang Cheongyeong argue, and Shim Jaeya intervenes. Kang Dohwa feigns illness to escape to her room.

On the wedding day, Kang Dohwa vows to get the painting before Shim Jaeya. He warns her this is her last chance. Princes Mok Mugu, Mok Muhun, and Mok Muha attend, each with their own agenda. Kang Dohwa wears the red wedding dress reserved for the main wife, and Mok Mueun plays music from the rooftop.

Maeng Jinjin tips off Hyang Cheongyeong about Kang Dohwa making Shim Jaeya cook. Mok Mueun worries about Kang Dohwa’s wound. Maeng Jinjin’s maid gossips about Kang Dohwa’s manners. Hyang Cheongyeong, realizing Mok Mueun saved her, confronts Kang Dohwa about Maeng Jinjin’s absence. Meanwhile, Mok Mugu receives a mysterious note, causing a commotion. Shim Jaeya suspects ulterior motives. Hyang Cheongyeong hears a woman’s scream and finds Mok Mugu, who accuses her of attacking him. Amid the chaos, Kang Dohwa seizes her chance.

Episode 6

Kang Dohwa and Cheongtae follow Wol-do, realizing the box she carries is double-layered and likely contains the painting. At the gate, Kang Dohwa quickly retrieves and examines the painting, but someone tries to snatch it. Seeing Shim Jaeya approach, she deliberately drops the painting into the fire, where it burns to ashes.

Enraged, Shim Jaeya nearly strangles Kang Dohwa, but she claims to have memorized the painting and offers to redraw it. Impressed by her skill, he agrees, but warns that if her talent is revealed, the crown prince will try to kill her. Kang Dohwa regrets her recklessness.

Shim Jaeya visits Maeng Jinjin, who volunteers to serve as a maid, burdened by her family’s disgrace. Shim Jaeya understands and confines her to the house, announcing she is ill. After he leaves, Maeng Jinjin receives a birthday gift from her brother and weeps, as only he remembered her birthday.

Meanwhile, Hyang Cheongyeong eats leftovers and is comforted by Mok Muha, drawing them closer. When someone comes looking for her, she quickly leaves the food with Mok Muha.

The crown prince, though failing to obtain the painting, is pleased that Shim Jaeya also failed and plans to circulate more counterfeit coins. Shim Jaeya is pressured by the king to resolve the coin crisis within fifteen days.

With the painting gone, the crown prince becomes bolder in distributing counterfeit coins. Shim Jaeya finally agrees to Kang Dohwa’s conditions, but she has already sent Cheongtae to investigate. When Cheongtae doesn’t return, Kang Dohwa asks Shim Jaeya for help, but he refuses.

Kang Dohwa seeks out Hyang Cheongyeong, showing her a gambling hall emblem and persuading her to help. They sneak out and run into Shim Jaeya and his guard, Janro. Hyang Cheongyeong lets Kang Dohwa escape and is taken home.

Kang Dohwa infiltrates the gambling den as a maid. The first floor is festive, the second is for gambling, and the third is off-limits. She tries to access the third floor, but is forced to serve drinks and recognizes Shim Jaeya by his scent. He wins repeatedly at gambling, confirming that counterfeit coins are distributed there.

Kang Dohwa sneaks to the third floor, discovers secret compartments, but is caught and bluffs her way out. Shim Jaeya learns that a jade token is needed to access the secret room. On his way out, he encounters Kang Dohwa, who teases him about her lack of progress.

Episode 7

Shim Jaeya is surprised by Kang Dohwa’s ease in the gambling den. He asks why she risks her life for a maid, and she replies that Cheongtae is like family. Moved, he teaches her dice games (Chupu). Kang Dohwa quickly learns but loses as Shim Jaeya cheats. He tells her she must work harder to defeat real enemies.

He instructs her to learn to discern dice by touch and sound within three days. Kang Dohwa practices diligently, and with Shim Jaeya’s guidance, succeeds. He reminds her to hide her emotions like a true gambler and says she is suited to face the crown prince, who loves gambling and women. Annoyed by his sarcasm, Kang Dohwa leaves.

On their way to the gambling den, Shim Jaeya offers her a chance to back out, but she refuses. On the boat, he explains the plan and promises to watch over her in secret.

Kang Dohwa wins big at the gambling table, attracting the crown prince’s attention. When he tries to intimidate her, she proposes a high-stakes bet involving his jade token. During the game, her peach blossom mark is revealed, piquing the prince’s interest. Shim Jaeya uses the distraction to enter the secret room.

Kang Dohwa stalls for time until Shim Jaeya completes his mission. In the final round, she bets everything, including herself. Shim Jaeya signals her to choose “big,” and she wins.

The crown prince suspects Kang Dohwa is allied with a thief. Shim Jaeya unmasks the prince, exposing him to all, and escapes with Kang Dohwa. The prince orders their capture.

Cheongtae receives food in prison from Janro. Meanwhile, search parties look for a woman with a peach blossom mark. Kang Dohwa wants to stay behind to protect Shim Jaeya, but he insists they escape together. They hide in a wardrobe as the crown prince searches, but he only catches others.

Episode 8

Mok Mugu tries to catch Kang Dohwa, but Mok Mueun and Mok Muhun intervene. Shim Jaeya and Kang Dohwa escape the burning gambling den, suspecting Mok Mugu set the fire to destroy evidence. The two princes serve as witnesses, calming the situation for now.

Maeng Jung-eon, angered by Mok Mugu’s actions, nearly beats Maeng Jinjin’s brother, Maeng Hoegeun, but Mok Mugu takes the blame. Maeng Jung-eon warns Mok Mugu that his position is at risk and plans to implicate all nobles involved in the gambling den to cover up the incident.

Mok Muhun submits a memorial to the king detailing the crown prince’s crimes and the counterfeit coin network. The king is troubled, and Shim Jaeya predicts the prince will be more cautious. The king merely scolds the prince and orders Maeng’s family to plug the counterfeit coin leaks. Shim Jaeya awaits Maeng Jung-eon’s downfall.

Kang Dohwa gives Shim Jaeya her drawing of the painting. He doubts its authenticity, but she assures him she is sincere and not risking Cheongtae’s life. Janro remains suspicious, but Shim Jaeya pretends not to believe her.

Kang Dohwa shows Yang Mancheong half the painting and lies about not seeing the rest, passing along information about the gambling den. Mok Mugu, seeing her peach blossom mark, pursues her but finds it gone, as she has taken the antidote. She slaps him for insulting her and escapes with Cheongtae.

Kang Dohwa sends Cheongtae ahead and flees into the mountains. As pursuers close in, she recalls her brother and refuses to give up. At the last moment, Shim Jaeya rescues her. They hide in a cave, where Shim Jaeya is bitten by a snake but shrugs it off. Kang Dohwa asks if he came to save her, but he says he can’t kill her until he confirms the painting’s authenticity.

As night falls, Shim Jaeya gives Kang Dohwa his coat and builds a fire. He stands guard with his sword as wolves howl, warming Kang Dohwa’s heart.

In the morning, they leave the cave and meet a girl, Soryeon, trading an earring for food and heading to her house. Soryeon’s grandmother welcomes them, joking that Shim Jaeya is more handsome than her grandson. They treat their wounds and change into farm clothes. Soryeon asks for candy, and Kang Dohwa trades her bracelet for it. Shim Jaeya recognizes counterfeit coins in the change and follows the merchant, confirming the coins have spread even to the countryside.

At night, Shim Jaeya notices only the elderly and children remain in the village. He decides to stay longer to investigate. Kang Dohwa wishes for a peaceful, ordinary life.

Episode 9

Kang Dohwa wakes to find Shim Jaeya chopping wood. Soryeon tries to help but ends up giving a towel to Kang Dohwa, who awkwardly approaches Shim Jaeya. At breakfast, Shim Jaeya announces they’ll stay longer, and Soryeon grumbles about a broken promise. Her grandmother happily assigns them farm work.

Kang Dohwa and Shim Jaeya work the fields together, and Soryeon watches warily. Kang Dohwa enjoys the rural life, and Shim Jaeya feels peaceful for the first time. They sit on a dike, gazing at the mountains, and Kang Dohwa expresses her wish for such a life. Shim Jaeya hopes she could stay by his side as an ordinary woman.

Meanwhile, Janro prevents Hyang Cheongyeong from going out, but she sneaks out to meet Mok Muha. Worried about Kang Dohwa and Shim Jaeya’s absence, they set out to find them.

Shim Jaeya finds the half-painting Kang Dohwa drew and suspects her of collusion. Angry, he goes to the fields. Soryeon advises Kang Dohwa to console him. Fearing another woman might take him, Kang Dohwa approaches, but Shim Jaeya is cold.

Hyang Cheongyeong and Mok Muha are robbed but follow Shim Jaeya’s trail. Villagers tell Kang Dohwa that all the men were driven out after being falsely accused and losing their land. Soryeon’s brother left years ago and never returned, though money arrives monthly.

Kang Dohwa and Shim Jaeya argue over the issue, and Soryeon realizes Shim Jaeya is the infamous “traitor.” Soryeon tries to lure them to the village but helps Kang Dohwa escape when she senses danger. Soryeon cries about her missing brother, and Kang Dohwa reassures her that Shim Jaeya will help.

Hyang Cheongyeong and Mok Muha help Soryeon’s grandmother and reunite with Kang Dohwa and Shim Jaeya. Soryeon notes Mok Muha and Shim Jaeya look alike. Mok Muha cares for Kang Dohwa, annoying Hyang Cheongyeong. Shim Jaeya scolds Hyang Cheongyeong for overstepping her status. Hyang Cheongyeong pours water on Kang Dohwa, who retaliates by splashing Shim Jaeya. Mok Muha tries to protect Kang Dohwa but gets drenched. Shim Jaeya walks away, and Kang Dohwa follows.

Episode 10

Maeng Hoegeun learns Maeng Jinjin is confined and comforts her. She says she’s at peace. Maeng Jinjin notes that Kang Dohwa and Shim Jaeya have been gone for five days; Maeng Hoegeun vows to ask the crown prince to release her.

The crown prince, unable to find Shim Jaeya and Kang Dohwa, orders his men to mine 500,000 taels of silver in five days. Maeng Hoegeun warns this is dangerous, but the prince ignores him.

Mok Muha and Hyang Cheongyeong, angered by the villagers’ plight, file a petition with Magistrate Ju Seonrim, known for living in a thatched house until the people’s hardships are resolved. Mok Muha trusts him and submits the petition.

On their way back, they meet Janro and join the search for Shim Jaeya. When Shim Jaeya hears this, he argues with Mok Muha, saying that in a world where officials protect each other, petitions only bring more danger. Mok Muha insists on justice, one case at a time.

Ju Seonrim informs the crown prince of the petition and submits portraits of Hyang Cheongyeong and Mok Muha. The prince, fearing the king’s discovery, asks Maeng Hoegeun for advice. Maeng Hoegeun criticizes the prince’s recklessness but ultimately suggests eliminating all involved.

Kang Dohwa brings sweet potatoes to Mok Muha, who recalls his mother’s cooking and asks her to treat him like a younger brother. Kang Dohwa admires his sense of justice but secretly agrees more with Shim Jaeya’s realism.

Mok Muha reveals his cousin was once a pillar of the nation but disappeared after their family’s downfall. Kang Dohwa is surprised, and Shim Jaeya overhears.

Shim Jaeya witnesses Soryeon’s abduction in a bamboo grove, subdues the attackers, and forces one to lead him to the mine. Soryeon is terrified, and her grandmother searches desperately.

Kang Dohwa, seeing blood on Shim Jaeya’s clothes, suspects he hurt Soryeon and confronts him. He warns her that disloyalty could mean death and accuses her of hiding half the painting. She tries to explain, but he refuses to listen.

Upon returning, Kang Dohwa finds Soryeon safe with Hyang Cheongyeong. She apologizes sincerely to Shim Jaeya, explaining her reasons for hiding the painting and promising it won’t harm anyone. Remembering her care for Cheongtae, Shim Jaeya forgives her.

Kang Dohwa volunteers to join Shim Jaeya’s mission that night, and together they head to the mine with the former poison victim. They are ambushed en route, but Shim Jaeya has already ordered Hyang Cheongyeong and Janro to evacuate the villagers. Mok Muha comforts Soryeon and leads the villagers to safety.

Shim Jaeya and Kang Dohwa are surrounded by men in black. Kang Dohwa falls into the water, entangled in weeds, and is in grave danger as Shim Jaeya desperately tries to save her.

Episode 11

Kang Dohwa sinks deeper into the cold river, entangled in aquatic plants. As her consciousness fades, she recalls the moment her mother was persecuted to death by Yuhoo. Her mother’s last words were to trust no one and protect herself, but now Kang Dohwa has no strength left. Just as death approaches, someone cuts through the water and saves her.

When Kang Dohwa awakens, Soryeon is gently wiping her face with a warm towel. Shim Jaeya stands at the door, soaked from the river. Feeling Kang Dohwa’s gaze, he approaches, leaving a subtle tension in the air. Suddenly, Soryeon’s grandmother is brought in on a stretcher, covered in blood. Despite her own injured knee, Soryeon rushes to her grandmother’s side. Muha tries to help, but Soryeon, overwhelmed by anger, refuses. Hyang Cheongyeong checks for a pulse, hiding her sorrow. Shim Jaeya quietly retreats, suppressing his emotions.

During the funeral, Soryeon suddenly bites Shim Jaeya’s arm in grief; he does not resist. From a distance, Muha, lost in memories of someone holding his hand as a child, rummages through firewood. Hyang Cheongyeong sits beside a drunken Muha to comfort him, but Muha blames himself for the grandmother’s death, believing it was caused by his whistleblowing.

The next day, Shim Jaeya watches Soryeon play soccer. Kang Dohwa carefully bandages the bite mark on his arm. Shim Jaeya, playing with the children, falls into the mud, and Kang Dohwa, touching the calluses on his palm, feels a strange emotion. Shim Jaeya takes her hand and gently strokes the scars on her wrist.

Kang Dohwa draws mountain ranges in the dirt with a sword, and Shim Jaeya discovers the shape of the Big Dipper and a hidden stone slab along the lines. At that moment, Janro delivers a note pointing to carriage tracks leading to the hunting ground. Kang Dohwa shivers in the cold, and Shim Jaeya drapes his coat over her shoulders.

When the carriage stops, Shim Jaeya tries to help Kang Dohwa, but Cheongtae steps in first, leaving Shim Jaeya’s hand hanging. Cheongtae is curious about Shim Jaeya, and Kang Dohwa describes him as someone warm inside despite his cold exterior. Cheongtae says Kang Dohwa and Shim Jaeya are alike, but Kang Dohwa insists she only wishes for her brother Kang Jang-gyeol’s peaceful life.

Kang Dohwa sends Cheongtae to inform Yang Mancheong that the painting has been found. Yang Mancheong threatens Kang Dohwa, demanding the exact location of the painting, but she barely escapes with her life. Yang Mancheong hands her a letter from Kang Jang-gyeol, and Kang Dohwa realizes from the faint seal and content that her brother is imprisoned, not just in the military camp.

Hyang Cheongyeong begs Shim Jaeya to take her to the crown prince’s spring hunt, but he refuses. Kang Dohwa brings Hyang Cheongyeong clothes she mended herself and promises to find a way to take her. While massaging Shim Jaeya’s shoulders, Kang Dohwa hints that the root of the evil lies in the hunting ground. Shim Jaeya decides to use this opportunity to uncover the truth.

Meanwhile, the crown prince suspects Shim Jaeya of orchestrating the large turnout of court officials for the hunt and plans with Maeng Hoegun to set a trap for him.

Episode 12

The crown prince and Maeng Hoegun watch as Shim Jaeya and Kang Dohwa’s carriage arrives, determined to eliminate them. Hyang Cheongyeong arrives at the hunt with Muha, thanks Kang Dohwa, and Muha avoids Shim Jaeya, who notices Muha’s emotional barriers.

Mok Mueun invites Kang Dohwa to drink with him at the upcoming banquet, but Shim Jaeya declines on her behalf. Muha remains depressed, feeling responsible for the grandmother’s death, but Hyang Cheongyeong cheers him up with a game. Muha, encouraged, decides to send evidence to Gyeongjoyun with the villagers’ help, earning Shim Jaeya’s admiration.

At the banquet, the prince raises a toast to a successful hunt. Shim Jaeya is plied with drink and becomes increasingly intoxicated. The crown prince challenges him to a drinking contest, vowing to win the hunt. Shim Jaeya signals Kang Dohwa, who deliberately spills wine to leave and change clothes. The two sneak away to investigate a site with traces of silver mining, only to fall into a trap set by the crown prince and Maeng Hoegun.

As they enter, the prince and Maeng Hoegun flood the chamber and block the entrance, intending to drown them. Kang Dohwa’s leg is trapped, and though Shim Jaeya appears to leave, he returns to free her with a branch. As the water rises, Kang Dohwa laments not avenging Soryeon’s grandmother, moving Shim Jaeya to try even harder.

Meanwhile, the prince notices something missing and feigns interest. Shim Jaeya finds the prince’s go stones and plays a game with him, unsettling the prince. When the prince searches Kang Dohwa’s belongings, he finds only clothes. Lady Lan scolds the prince, and Giwang punishes him with flogging. Kang Dohwa and Shim Jaeya comfort each other, confirming the military value of the silver mine.

That night, they secretly search for hidden miners near the hunting ground. Shim Jaeya plans to rescue them while Kang Dohwa creates a diversion. Shim Jaeya treats Kang Dohwa’s wounds and lays out bedding beside her, warning her to be careful the next day.

Episode 13

The crown prince proposes a hunting contest to Giwang, promising the winner a rare horse. He vows to catch Shim Jaeya this time, but Shim Jaeya is unconcerned. As the hunt begins, Shim Jaeya sends Janro in disguise while he focuses on rescuing miners, with Kang Dohwa watching over him.

Hyang Cheongyeong’s horse goes wild, but Muha saves her, earning Lady Lan’s admiration.

Maeng Jinjing realizes Shim Jaeya is not who he appears and alerts Maeng Hoegun, who tells the crown prince. Kang Dohwa tries to seek Muha’s help but is blocked by Maeng Jinjing. Mok Mueun distracts Kang Dohwa with a game of go, giving her a chance to slip away.

Shim Jaeya rescues the miners from the mine, but black-clad assassins attack, killing some miners. Despite being injured, Shim Jaeya fights on. After the contest, Janro, disguised as Shim Jaeya, wins. As the crown prince mocks Shim Jaeya, the real one appears, shocking everyone. Giwang awards him the horse as promised.

Muha rescues the miners at Kang Dohwa’s request. Soryeon hopes to see her brother, but Muha brings news of his death and gives her his comb. Kang Dohwa, reminded of her own brother, weeps. Cheongtae comforts her, promising they’ll meet again.

Cheongtae overhears the prince and Maeng Hoegun plotting to kill Shim Jaeya. During a walk, Kang Dohwa is struck by an arrow meant for Shim Jaeya, who rushes her back for treatment. Shim Jaeya tells Giwang he was the target, and Giwang orders a thorough investigation.

The prince denies involvement, but Maeng Hoegun contacts Usang as a precaution. Kang Dohwa falls into a coma from her injuries, prompting Shim Jaeya, who never believed in deities, to pray at a temple for her recovery. Miraculously, Kang Dohwa awakens, smiling at the talisman in her hand.

Janro reports that the prince remains in hiding. Shim Jaeya asks Janro to protect Kang Dohwa. Cheongtae suggests Kang Dohwa likes Shim Jaeya, but she denies it, explaining she survived thanks to a chest protector.

That night, Kang Dohwa invites Hyang Cheongyeong and Muha to a barbecue. Hyang Cheongyeong mentions Shim Jaeya’s prayers for Kang Dohwa, and after she leaves, Kang Dohwa hints to Cheongtae that their plan succeeded.

Episode 14

Maeng Jinjing refuses a maid’s suggestion to visit Kang Dohwa. The prince’s men attempt to assassinate the miners, but Shim Jaeya, prepared, captures them all and fires a signal flare to alert the hunting ground. Maeng Hoegun confronts the prince about the assassination, and when the prince confesses, Maeng Hoegun throws wine at him in anger. The prince is soon arrested.

The prince begs Maeng Hoegun for help, but it’s too late. Maeng Jinjing tries to see Maeng Hoegun but is refused. Shim Jaeya gives Kang Dohwa northern treats in a carriage, touching her. He asks the kitchen to take care of her health and heads to court.

During the trial, the prince kneels and begs for forgiveness as Giwang, enraged, deposes him and announces it to the world. The prince is dragged away, hating Shim Jaeya. Shim Jaeya accuses the Maeng family of being behind the prince, but Giwang leaves without immediate punishment, leaving Shim Jaeya frustrated.

Outside, Shim Jaeya encounters Maeng Jung-eon, and they exchange sharp words. Maeng Jung-eon laments the Maeng family’s fall after his son’s death. In prison, Maeng Hoegun asks his father to protect Maeng Jinjing. Maeng Jung-eon acknowledges his loyalty. Maeng Jinjing receives her brother’s will and realizes she, too, is destined to sacrifice for her family. Maeng Hoegun ultimately ends his life in prison.

Maeng Jung-eon brings his son’s memorial tablet to court and requests retirement as atonement, but Giwang asks him to stay and continue assisting. Shim Jaeya realizes he is merely Giwang’s sword and resolves to remain silent for now.

Shim Jaeya sends northern treats to Kang Dohwa and arranges for her to attend a palace banquet, now addressing her as “princess” and sincerely accepting her. Kang Dohwa smiles as she eats the treats.

Episode 15

Shim Jaeya instructs Janro to call Kang Dohwa “princess” from now on. Maeng Jinjing weeps at her brother’s funeral, but Maeng Jung-eon forbids her even her grief and orders her to poison Shim Jaeya. Maeng Jinjing, after much deliberation, feels it is time for her to step down.

Shim Jaeya prepares splendid clothes and jewelry for Kang Dohwa. Janro notes how much Shim Jaeya cares for her, emphasizing she is no longer an outsider. Shim Jaeya cherishes the arrow Kang Dohwa took for him.

At the palace banquet, Maeng Jung-eon sits at the far end, Maeng Jinjing beside him, and Kang Dohwa next to Shim Jaeya. As tea is served, Shim Jaeya notices a suspicious maid and signals Kang Dohwa not to drink. He presents Giwang with a glass capable of detecting poison. Maeng Jung-eon realizes Maeng Jinjing poisoned the tea and deliberately spills it. Kang Dohwa pretends to faint.

When poison is discovered, Giwang interrogates the maid, who confesses Maeng Jinjing’s orders. Maeng Jinjing admits she acted out of jealousy. Maeng Jung-eon offers his position to spare his daughter’s life. Shim Jaeya and Kang Dohwa also defend Maeng Jinjing, proposing divorce and removal of concubines as conditions for peace. Giwang agrees.

Maeng Jung-eon promises his daughter they will rely on each other from now on. Maeng Jinjing thanks Shim Jaeya and Kang Dohwa, revealing she caused the scene at the banquet to gain her freedom. She envies Kang Dohwa’s ability to live freely, confessing she has always put family first, but for today, she chose for herself.

After the banquet, Kang Dohwa realizes she is not completely free either. Shim Jaeya watches her from afar, and together they watch the fireworks from a bridge, each lost in thought.

Episode 16

On the night of the iron fireworks, Hyang Cheongyeong and Muha watch together, each lost in their feelings. Hyang Cheongyeong believes that sharing this moment will bind them for a long time and confesses her feelings to Muha, who rejects her, saying he isn’t serious. Back home, Muha remains troubled by her words.

Meanwhile, Kang Dohwa suffers from a poison attack. Unable to get the antidote due to Shim Jaeya’s increased surveillance, she rushes to Yang Mancheong’s Ranui Pavilion with Cheongtae. Sneaking inside, she witnesses a eunuch threatening a man, who calmly reveals Yuhoo’s waist token and kills the eunuch. Kang Dohwa realizes the man is Mok Mueun. Blood splatters on her face and clothes, and she narrowly escapes detection.

Muha and Hyang Cheongyeong, caught stealing books from the library, hide in a lotus jar in a pond. Both are soaked, and Muha is momentarily entranced by Hyang Cheongyeong’s appearance. She teases him, and he runs away in embarrassment.

Mok Mueun orders his men to find the bloodstained person but fails. He suspects Muha, who claims he dirtied his clothes by accident. Later, Mok Mueun discovers blood on Kang Dohwa’s clothes. She nervously claims it was a mistake and rushes to Ranui Pavilion for the antidote. Yang Mancheong, displeased with her delayed report, gives her only half a dose. Though still suffering, Yang Mancheong, believing the blood is from poison, drops his suspicion.

Mok Mueun plots to eliminate Muha, instructing Yang Mancheong to give Kang Dohwa poison and have her burn incense in the library. Kang Dohwa tests the poison in advance. Meanwhile, Muha, sensing he is being followed, stays alert, while Shim Jaeya observes. Shim Jaeya lets the spies go to catch a bigger conspirator.

Kang Dohwa joins Shim Jaeya for a drink, reminiscing about seeing peach blossoms in the snow with her mother in the north, wishing to return someday. She notices Shim Jaeya’s injury and applies medicine. Cheongtae and Janro quietly wait outside, giving them privacy.

Yang Mancheong and Mok Mueun, learning their agent was eliminated by Shim Jaeya, vow not to lose Kang Dohwa. Mok Mueun orders Yang Mancheong to prepare the next day’s assassination meticulously.

Episode 17

Kang Dohwa, still suffering from only half the antidote, resolves to complete her mission. Cheongtae offers to help, but Kang Dohwa insists on doing it herself. To use Hyang Cheongyeong as a shield, she cheers her up with romantic advice.

Kang Dohwa takes Hyang Cheongyeong to a cosmetics shop, deliberately giving her a messy makeover, and sneaks off to the library. Hyang Cheongyeong helps scholar Lee Gyohan when he is harassed outside the shop. The two quickly grow close and go out together.

Kang Dohwa, about to burn incense in the library, realizes it is Muha’s room and extinguishes it just in time. Muha, watching from outside, grows jealous seeing Hyang Cheongyeong with Lee Gyohan. The three go on an outing, and Lee Gyohan and Muha bond over the book “Ishinrok.” Lee Gyohan even falls into a pond, showing his scholarly passion, and Muha acknowledges him.

Shim Jaeya discovers all captured assassins are from Ranui Pavilion and notices blood on Kang Dohwa’s clothes. Kang Dohwa goes to Ranui Pavilion for the antidote, and after a struggle with Yang Mancheong, receives another half dose on Mok Mueun’s orders. Mok Mueun grows anxious when no reply comes from the north.

Upon her return, Shim Jaeya interrogates Kang Dohwa, who swears again not to harm the regime, and he decides to trust her. Kang Dohwa, unable to harm Muha but needing to show results to Yang Mancheong, is troubled. Yang Mancheong lures Muha using Kang Dohwa’s name and kidnaps him. Hearing the news, Kang Dohwa rushes to the rescue. Muha is unconscious, a sword at his throat.

Episode 18

Kang Dohwa arrives just in time to save Muha’s life. She convinces Yang Mancheong that killing him here would arouse Shim Jaeya’s suspicion. Yang Mancheong hesitates, then suggests using the last of the Danhon incense to kill Muha. Kang Dohwa, having weakened the poison in advance, saves Muha. She finds the character “Sa” embroidered on Muha’s handkerchief, confirming he is Shim Jaeya’s cousin.

Shim Jaeya bursts in, misunderstands the situation, and imprisons Kang Dohwa. She reveals she saw through his scheme, and both are hurt by their mutual distrust. Shim Jaeya, in anger and sorrow, interrogates Kang Dohwa harshly, even having her flogged, but soon relents and orders her to be treated.

Kang Dohwa, knowing it was a trap, decides to leave and leaves divorce papers. Shim Jaeya, enraged, searches for her, but she remains calm. After a storm of emotions, they consummate their marriage. Kang Dohwa, thinking Shim Jaeya asleep, tries to leave, but he awakens coldly and orders the execution of all mountain travelers.

To prove her loyalty, Kang Dohwa deliberately leaks information to Yang Mancheong, but Mok Mueun still wants to kill Muha. Muha, vaguely recalling being saved by Kang Dohwa, is misled by Shim Jaeya. Kang Dohwa and Yang Mancheong head up the mountain, nearly exposed in the carriage. Cheongtae is captured by Shim Jaeya’s men while scouting at the summit. As the carriage nears a cliff, Shim Jaeya, thinking Kang Dohwa is trying to kill Muha, shoots an arrow. Yang Mancheong triggers a trap, and Kang Dohwa and Muha are nearly sent over the edge, but Shim Jaeya throws his sword to stop the carriage.

Episode 19

Kang Dohwa tries to protect Muha, who is unconscious. Shim Jaeya arrives, exposes Yang Mancheong, and cuts the rope binding himself and Kang Dohwa with an arrow. Yang Mancheong falls off the cliff, and Kang Dohwa smiles at Shim Jaeya. But Yang Mancheong, with his last strength, drags Kang Dohwa over the cliff as well. Shim Jaeya tries to catch her but ultimately loses his grip.

Shim Jaeya orders a search for Kang Dohwa but cannot find her. Cheongtae vows revenge upon returning to the north. Shim Jaeya spreads rumors that two spies died trying to harm Muha at the cliff and surrounds Ranui Pavilion, arresting everyone. During interrogation, he finds someone with a peach blossom tattoo like Kang Dohwa’s, revealing they are agents from the north.

Shim Jaeya learns how miserable Kang Dohwa’s life in the north was. Muha, furious, tells Shim Jaeya that Kang Dohwa died unjustly. In Kang Dohwa’s room, a letter from her brother is found. Shim Jaeya drinks alone in her room, longing for her. When Janro reports finding Kang Dohwa’s protective charm at the cliff, Shim Jaeya searches himself but finds nothing.

Hyang Cheongyeong and Muha pray at a temple for Kang Dohwa’s safe return. They witness Lee Gyohan being harassed by thugs and help him, with Lee Gyohan reciting poetry to mock the bullies.

Shim Jaeya plays go with Giwang, who orders him to report on Kang Dohwa’s fate before the northern delegation arrives. Amid diplomatic tension, Shim Jaeya demands Ranui Pavilion’s list, while Yuhoo and State Preceptor Cheon Mukjin plot anew. Shim Jaeya refuses to give up hope that Kang Dohwa is alive and investigates all local clinics. He learns that a doctor has been visiting Mok Mueun’s house for days and heads there.

Meanwhile, Cheongtae is caring for Kang Dohwa, who slowly regains consciousness, not remembering her injuries. Cheongtae gently explains he found her by the river and rescued her.

The Princess’s Gambit ending

to be continued…

Chiness Drama The Princess’s Gambit Review

From its early episodes, the drama has received praise for its outstanding performances, stylish direction, and suspenseful plot. While local Chinese ratings such as Douban are in the low 7s, viewers highlight the blend of political intrigue, romance, and stunning mise-en-scène as particular strengths. Since it is based on an original work, the pacing at the beginning was somewhat slow, but from the middle onward, the drama accelerates with the unique fast developments characteristic of Chinese series.

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