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

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

The Northern Yuan and Daqi Kingdoms, sharing a border, are embroiled in constant warfare, leaving the people displaced and suffering. The Northern Yuan King is ill and unable to govern, and the young Crown Prince is not yet capable of ruling. Empress Huo seizes the opportunity to act as regent and orders Princess Chengping, Jiang Taohua, to marry into Daqi for peace. Defiance means treason. Confined in the palace for 18 years, enduring torment and humiliation, Taohua sees this marriage as a chance for freedom and vows revenge. A fire breaks out in the Cold Palace, and Taohua escapes with her younger brother, Changjue, hiding in a bamboo basket. When Changjue accidentally causes a commotion, they are surrounded by guards. Taohua takes responsibility, volunteering for the marriage to secure peace and her brother’s safety. Empress Huo instructs her to gather intelligence in Daqi and navigate noble circles flawlessly, warning that no one will rescue her if she fails. Taohua learns her betrothed, Fourth Prince Mu Wuyin, is an isolated figure, neglected by the Daqi King. Daqi’s court is rife with power struggles between Crown Prince Mu Wugu, backed by a powerful maternal family, and Mu Wuhen, supported by the Qin clan. Left Chancellor Shen Zaiye, despite humble origins, is a trusted and ruthless figure in the succession dispute. He investigates Official Peng, uncovering corruption to expose larger schemes. Taohua faces a wolf attack at Daqi’s gates and flees to Zuimeng Tower. Shen Zaiye receives the Sunlit Thousand Peaks Map from a martial artist, Xue Ran, but both he and Taohua are poisoned with an aphrodisiac. A confrontation ensues, but Mu Wugu and Qingtai intervene. The court demands Shen’s impeachment, but the Daqi King dismisses it, ordering a thorough investigation into counterfeit coins. The peace marriage fails, and Taohua, knowing returning to Northern Yuan endangers her and Changjue, resolves to forge her own path.

Episode 2

Shen Zaiye heads to the diplomatic hostel to deliver an edict but is stopped by Mu Wuyin, who accuses him of unfairly punishing Taohua. Mu Wuyin rushes to save Taohua from an alleged suicide attempt, and Shen, skilled in medicine, treats her. Taohua meets the Daqi King, proposing marriage to Shen to maintain peace terms, which the King approves despite Shen’s objections. Mu Wuyin demands an investigation, but the King brushes it off, granting him a plaque to establish independence. Taohua faces a eunuch sent by Empress Huo, who reprimands her for deciding her marriage and lets her poison flare up as punishment. Shen investigates Official Peng’s death and uncovers a list linked to the Sunlit Thousand Peaks Map, including Mu Wugu’s involvement. Taohua visits tailor Yang Wanqing, hiding her poisoning under Huo’s orders to find the map. At Shen’s mansion, concubines Qin Jieyu and Duan Yunxin resent the main wife, Meng Zhenzhen.

Episode 3

Taohua faces hostility from Shen’s concubines and tests him during a bedding ceremony, slipping him poisoned wine to gauge his intentions. Meng Zhenzhen eliminates Xue Ran and seeks the Sunlit Thousand Peaks Map, but Shen, suspicious, locks down the mansion. Taohua searches Shen’s study for the map, triggering a hidden mechanism, but evades blame when caught. Shen grows wary of her keen observation, probing her motives. Taohua strengthens her alliance with Shen to ensure survival.

Episode 4

Shen lures Taohua to the mountains to trap her, but she outsmarts him, teaming with Qingtai to subdue an assassin. Disguised in blood, she escapes to Mu Wuyin’s residence. Shen realizes she faked her injury but admires her boldness. Taohua deduces Shen targeted her for tampering with his study’s mechanism and offers to help find the map for protection. Their wary partnership deepens.

Episode 5

Taohua and Shen feign intimacy to stir tension in the mansion. Taohua proposes a supplemental wedding, provoking Meng Zhenzhen and the concubines. Shen agrees to test Meng’s reactions. Shen’s sister, Xiang Qingying, stops a human trafficking scheme and meets Mu Wuxia. At the wedding, Taohua wears the main wife’s attire, and Mu Wuyin plays music to celebrate. Meng uses Xiang Qingying to check Taohua, but Taohua seizes an opportunity when Mu Wugu causes a distraction to pursue the map.

Episode 6

Taohua and Qingtai track a box containing the Sunlit Thousand Peaks Map and secure it. Shen, furious when it’s burned, is convinced by Taohua’s ability to recreate it from memory. He tests her, amazed by her skill. Meng requests to step down, but Shen confines her. Mu Wuxia bonds with Xiang Qingying, worrying about Taohua. Taohua and Shen confirm counterfeit coins at a gambling den, planning to counter Mu Wugu.

Episode 7

Shen trains Taohua in gambling to face Mu Wugu. At the gambling den, she targets his jade pendant, winning bets while Shen steals it to access a secret room. Taohua distracts Mu Wugu, but he grows suspicious, chasing them. Taohua offers to stay behind, but Shen insists they escape together, hiding in a wardrobe. They confirm the counterfeit coins’ source.

Episode 8

Mu Wugu fails to find Taohua as Mu Wuyin and Mu Wuhen intervene. Meng Zhongyan, furious at Mu Wugu’s mistakes, berates Meng Huijin. Mu Wuhen reports Mu Wugu’s crimes, aiming for the crown prince position. Shen pressures Mu Wugu using Meng’s losses, and Taohua gains his trust by handing over the map. Mu Wugu chases Taohua after noticing her vanished peach blossom mark, but Shen rescues her in a cave, where their bond grows amid danger.

Episode 9

In Tianshui Village, Taohua and Shen investigate counterfeit coins. Learning of Xiaolian’s brother’s conscription, Taohua empathizes with the villagers’ plight. Xiaolian, planning revenge, spares Taohua. Xiang Qingying and Mu Wuxia arrive to help. Taohua clears Shen’s misunderstanding, and they head to the mine, only to face an ambush where Taohua nearly drowns.

Episode 10

Meng Huijin seeks Mu Wugu’s help for Meng Zhenzhen’s confinement, but Mu Wugu pursues a reckless plan to kill miners. Mu Wuxia and Xiang Qingying report conscription injustices, opposed by Shen due to official corruption. Official Zhou Xuanlin informs Mu Wugu, who blames Meng Huijin. Taohua and Shen rescue miners, aided by Mu Wuxia. Taohua grieves Xiaolian’s brother’s death, and Shen admires her dedication.

Episode 11

Shen saves Taohua from drowning, but Xiaolian attacks him after her grandmother’s murder. Mu Wuxia, haunted by past loss, blames himself. Shen uncovers Mu Wugu’s plot at the mine, and Taohua informs Yang Wanqing about the map, learning Changjue is imprisoned. Taohua persuades Xiang Qingying for a spring hunt to gather evidence. Mu Wugu and Meng Huijin plot against Shen, but Taohua shields him from an assassination attempt.

Episode 12

Mu Wugu and Meng Huijin plan to kill Shen and Taohua at the hunt, but Taohua, aided by Mu Wuyin and Mu Wuxia, escapes. Mu Wuxia submits Tianshui evidence to the capital magistrate. Shen and Taohua find mine clues but are trapped by flooding. Shen saves Taohua, and with Lady Lan’s help, they expose Mu Wugu, strengthening their bond.

Episode 13

Mu Wugu challenges Shen at the hunt, but Shen uses Zhanlu as a decoy. Xiang Qingying’s horse panics, and Mu Wuxia saves her, sparking feelings. Meng Zhenzhen spots the decoy and alerts Meng Huijin. Shen frees miners but is injured. Taohua blocks an arrow for Shen, who saves her life. The King orders an investigation, and their alliance solidifies.

Episode 14

Meng Zhenzhen avoids visiting Taohua, aware of Mu Wugu’s miner-killing plan. Shen traps Mu Wugu, leading to his dethronement. Meng Zhongyan sacrifices Meng Huijin, who commits suicide. Meng Zhenzhen’s poisoning attempt fails, exposed by Shen and Taohua. The King spares her, and Shen divorces her. Meng Zhenzhen envies Taohua’s freedom, and Shen and Taohua share a moment watching fireworks.

Episode 15

Meng Zhenzhen mourns Meng Huijin, clashing with Meng Zhongyan, who urges her to poison Shen. She refuses, choosing freedom. Shen treats Taohua as a princess, escorting her to a palace banquet. Meng Zhenzhen’s poisoning attempt is uncovered, and she admits jealousy. Meng Zhongyan resigns, and Meng Zhenzhen gains freedom. Taohua understands her choice, and she and Shen affirm their bond on a bridge under fireworks.

Episode 16

At the Iron Flower Festival, Hyang Cheongyeong dances with Mok Muha, thrilled by the legend that those who dance together are fated to be eternal companions. However, Mok Muha rejects her romantic proposal, viewing it as exclusive to lovers, leaving her confused. Meanwhile, Kang Dohwa, suffering from a poison-induced seizure, infiltrates Yang Mancheong’s Seyeogak to find an antidote and witnesses Mok Mueun killing a eunuch. Blood stains her clothes, and she narrowly escapes Mok Mueun’s pursuit. Mok Muha and Hyang Cheongyeong, caught stealing books from the library, hide in a lotus jar. Mok Muha, flustered by Hyang Cheongyeong’s soaked appearance, flees. Kang Dohwa receives a partial antidote from Yang Mancheong but continues her mission amid pain. Shim Jaeya, sharing drinks with Kang Dohwa, recalls their Northern Plains past, torn between suspicion and sympathy. He spots an assassin targeting Mok Muha and heightens his guard, while tensions rise as the characters’ fates intertwine.

Episode 17

Kang Dohwa, suppressing her poison with a partial antidote, follows Yang Mancheong’s orders to burn Danhonhyang in the library. She deceives Hyang Cheongyeong to accompany her to a cosmetics shop, using her as a shield to infiltrate the library, but flees upon realizing it’s Mok Muha’s room. Shim Jaeya questions Kang Dohwa about her bloodstained clothes and peach blossom tattoo, but she dismisses it as a trend. Hyang Cheongyeong grows fond of scholar Lee Kyohan and spends time with him. Mok Muha bonds with Lee over his book, Yishinrok. Shim Jaeya, tracking Seyeogak clues, suspects Kang Dohwa’s betrayal but wavers seeing her pain. Yang Mancheong pressures Kang Dohwa to eliminate Mok Muha with Danhonhyang. Despite knowing the poison’s risks, she proceeds with the mission. Shim Jaeya, glimpsing Kang Dohwa’s Northern Plains past, wants to protect her, but she keeps her distance, driven by vengeance. The web of deception tightens as events spiral toward conflict.

Episode 18

Kang Dohwa attempts to use Danhonhyang to harm Mok Muha as per Yang Mancheong’s orders but is imprisoned by Shim Jaeya, who grows suspicious. She drugs Shim Jaeya to escape. Yang Mancheong kidnaps Mok Muha, but Kang Dohwa weakens the poison to save him. Shim Jaeya, misunderstanding Kang Dohwa’s intentions after seeing her with a knife, locks her up again. Furious, she exposes his trap, and Shim Jaeya is torn seeing her suffering. Kang Dohwa implicates Mok Mueun to mislead Shim Jaeya, while Mok Mueun persists in plotting Mok Muha’s demise. Shim Jaeya uses Mok Muha as bait to set a trap, and Kang Dohwa fails to eliminate Yang Mancheong. Yang Mancheong senses Mok Mueun’s betrayal, and Shim Jaeya stops a carriage to rescue Mok Muha and Kang Dohwa. Amid her poison’s agony, Kang Dohwa grapples with her mission and revenge. The escalating conflict entangles the characters further, with trust and betrayal at the forefront.

Episode 19

Shim Jaeya pushes Yang Mancheong off a cliff, but he drags Kang Dohwa down with him. Devastated by his failure to save her, Shim Jaeya raids Seyeogak, capturing Northern Plains spies and learning of Kang Dohwa’s tragic past. Mok Muha realizes Kang Dohwa tried to save him and informs Shim Jaeya. In Kang Dohwa’s room, Shim Jaeya finds a family letter revealing her brother, Kang Jangkyeol, is held captive in the Northern Plains. Hyang Cheongyeong and Mok Muha pray for Lee Kyohan at a temple, while Shim Jaeya continues searching for Kang Dohwa, clinging to hope of her survival. The emperor investigates the Northern Plains delegation for clues to her whereabouts, but her fate remains uncertain. Cheongtae vows revenge and departs for the Northern Plains. Kang Dohwa fights for survival at death’s door, and the intertwined destinies of Shim Jaeya and Mok Muha grow more complex as they navigate the unfolding crisis, with hope and despair hanging in the balance.

Episode 20

Kang Dohwa awakens in Mok Mueun’s villa, feigning memory loss and believing she’s his fiancée. Mok Mueun exploits this to turn her against Shim Jaeya, coercing Cheongtae to conceal the truth. Shim Jaeya meets Kang Dohwa, who calls herself Monga and keeps her distance. Noticing her peach blossom tattoo is gone, he assumes her poison is cured but senses her deception. Kang Dohwa, recalling her past with Shim Jaeya, feels conflicted. The arrival of the Northern Plains delegation angers Mok Mueun, who resents Shim Jaeya’s hardline stance. Kang Dohwa suspects a connection between Mok Mueun and Seohu, investigating his secrets. Shim Jaeya searches for Kang Dohwa, worried for her safety, while she wrestles with vengeance and emotions. Hyang Cheongyeong strengthens her bond with Mok Muha, and the story enters a new phase. As Kang Dohwa navigates her precarious situation, the web of alliances and betrayals tightens, setting the stage for further conflict.

Episode 21

During the Northern Plains delegation’s interrogation, Kang Dohwa learns of her painful past and seethes with anger. Shim Jaeya rewards palace aides who helped her, continuing his search, but Kang Dohwa evades Mok Mueun’s surveillance to investigate further. Mok Muha submits Lee Kyohan’s thesis to the court but is disheartened by the officials’ indifference. Shim Jaeya shows the thesis to Koyeon, recommending Lee, while Maeng Hoeye tries to steal it. Kang Dohwa finds Seohu’s bracelet in Mok Mueun’s villa, suspecting his schemes. Seohu, wary of Kang Dohwa’s actions, orders Mok Mueun to monitor her. Shim Jaeya strives to ensure Kang Dohwa’s safety, while she searches Mok Mueun’s villa for Cheongtae’s whereabouts. Hyang Cheongyeong deepens her friendship with Mok Muha, and the plot grows more intricate. Kang Dohwa, torn between revenge and survival, makes dangerous choices, while the court’s tensions escalate, and the characters’ fates become increasingly entangled in a web of deception and loyalty.

Episode 22

Kang Dohwa discovers Seohu’s bracelet in Mok Mueun’s secret room, suspecting their connection. Maeng Jinjin, honoring Maeng Hwejin, works to prevent Maeng Hoeye’s thesis theft. Kang Dohwa follows leads to Mok Mueun’s villa to find Cheongtae. Maeng Jinjin persuades Maeng Jung-eon to block Maeng Hoeye’s succession, proposing Mok Mueun as a patron. Shim Jaeya searches for Kang Dohwa, concerned for her safety, while the emperor fumes over the Seyeogak incident. Mok Mueun tries to summon Kang Dohwa to the palace but sends a lookalike instead. Kang Dohwa, left unconscious in a mass grave, is sought by Shim Jaeya, who arrives too late. Hyang Cheongyeong and Mok Muha strive to protect Lee Kyohan’s thesis. Kang Dohwa, vowing revenge despite her dire state, faces life-and-death stakes. The plot thickens as betrayals and alliances shift, and the characters’ intertwined fates drive the story toward a critical turning point, with tension mounting in the court.

Episode 23

Shim Jaeya rescues Kang Dohwa from the mass grave, and she returns to Mok Mueun’s residence to investigate his ties with Seohu. Mok Mueun, suspecting her betrayal, gives her an antidote but plans to rebuild Seyeogak. Kang Dohwa sets a fire to save Cheongtae, and Shim Jaeya rescues them both. Regaining her memories, Kang Dohwa is emotionally shaken by her past with Shim Jaeya. Maeng Jinjin collaborates with Mok Mueun to counter Maeng Hoeye. Shim Jaeya protects Mok Muha while tracking Seyeogak spies, and Kang Dohwa seeks to expose Mok Mueun’s schemes after saving Cheongtae. Hyang Cheongyeong strengthens her bond with Mok Muha, and the story reaches a turning point. Kang Dohwa grapples with revenge and survival, while Shim Jaeya risks everything to protect her. Mok Mueun’s conspiracy slowly unravels, heightening the tension. The characters’ actions intertwine, pushing the narrative toward a complex and suspenseful climax as loyalties are tested and secrets come to light.

Episode 24

Mok Muha, enraged by Lee Kyohan’s death, vows to open the civil service exam. The emperor initially refuses but relents after Shim Jaeya’s persuasion. Mok Muha and Shim Jaeya oversee the exam. Seohu orders Mok Mueun to act ruthlessly before leaving for the Northern Plains. Kang Dohwa suppresses her feelings for Shim Jaeya while monitoring Mok Mueun. Hyang Cheongyeong informs Kang Dohwa of Shim Jaeya’s melancholy, relayed through Cheongtae. Mok Mueun uses Kang Dohwa to thwart Shim Jaeya, but she distances herself to protect him. Maeng Jinjin fails to block Maeng Hoeye’s exam participation. Shim Jaeya, suspecting Mok Mueun’s intentions, intensifies his investigation. Kang Dohwa, torn between vengeance and affection for Shim Jaeya, navigates a dangerous path. Mok Muha and Hyang Cheongyeong prepare for the exam, while court tensions escalate. The plot thickens as betrayals and loyalties clash, and the characters’ intertwined fates push the narrative toward a critical juncture, with the exam becoming a battleground for power and justice.

Episode 25

Mok Muha prepares for the civil service exam, emphasizing fairness. Lee Jeon, robbed by bandits, registers with Mok Muha’s help. Mok Muheun is murdered, and Mok Muha is named a suspect. The emperor orders Shim Jaeya not to investigate Mok Muha and appoints Mok Mueun as an overseer. Maeng Jinjin suspects Maeng Hoeye’s involvement in Mok Muheun’s death and investigates. Kang Dohwa and Hyang Cheongyeong search the crime scene for clues. Shim Jaeya doubts Mok Mueun’s role, while Kang Dohwa, under his threats, communicates with Shim Jaeya via Cheongtae. Mok Mueun plots to eliminate Mok Muha to fulfill his promise to Seohu. Kang Dohwa, torn between revenge and survival, faces mounting pressure, while Shim Jaeya risks all to protect her. The exam becomes a backdrop for conspiracy, and the court descends into chaos. As secrets unravel, the characters’ actions intertwine, driving the narrative toward a tense climax where trust and betrayal collide in a web of intrigue.

Episode 26

Kang Dohwa finds a jade tablet in Mok Mueun’s room and informs Shim Jaeya. Shim Jaeya reports to the emperor that Mok Muheun’s death is linked to exam leaks, defending Mok Muha’s innocence. Maeng Jinjin extracts Maeng Hoeye’s confession to the murder, and Shim Jaeya probes the Maeng family’s ties to Mok Mueun. Under Mok Mueun’s threats, Kang Dohwa stays in contact with Shim Jaeya through Cheongtae. Mok Mueun monitors Kang Dohwa to thwart Shim Jaeya’s investigation, but Shim Jaeya uses Cheongpung’s death to pressure him. Mok Muha conducts the exam fairly, sharing emotions with Hyang Cheongyeong. Kang Dohwa, caught between vengeance and affection for Shim Jaeya, faces growing conflict. Shim Jaeya digs into Mok Mueun’s schemes while protecting Kang Dohwa, and court tensions peak. The plot thickens as alliances shift, and the characters’ fates entwine further, pushing the story toward a critical turning point where truth and deception clash in a high-stakes battle for justice.

Episode 27

Cheongpung’s death forces Mok Mueun to withdraw from the exam under Shim Jaeya’s pressure. Maeng Jinjin executes Maeng Hoeye, and Maeng Jung-eon resigns, foreseeing the Maeng family’s downfall. Shim Jaeya proves Mok Muha’s innocence, while Kang Dohwa investigates Seohu and Mok Mueun’s ties. Mok Muha successfully oversees the exam, deepening his bond with Hyang Cheongyeong. Kang Dohwa asks Shim Jaeya to stop probing Seohu and requests Kang Jangkyeol’s letter. Shim Jaeya collaborates with Baek Taeeui to cure Kang Dohwa’s poison, preparing to head to the Northern Plains. Kang Dohwa wrestles with revenge and survival, while Shim Jaeya risks all to protect her. Mok Mueun, shaken by his strained ties with Seohu, grows desperate. Hyang Cheongyeong and Mok Muha work to stabilize the court, and the story enters a new phase. As secrets unravel, the characters’ intertwined fates drive the narrative toward a complex climax, with loyalties tested and new challenges emerging on the horizon.

Episode 28

The emperor recognizes Mok Muha as an exam overseer and considers him a successor. Mok Mueun, frustrated by Seohu’s silence, incurs her wrath. Seohu plots to eliminate Mok Muha, Kang Dohwa, and Shim Jaeya using vagrants. Cheongtae finds Kang Jangkyeol, who is maimed and imprisoned by Deungso. Kang Dohwa joins Shim Jaeya to rescue Kang Jangkyeol but tries to push him away. Shim Jaeya vows to help her despite her rejection. Mok Mueun proposes a vagrant crackdown to lure Mok Muha, and Hyang Cheongyeong follows him. Kang Jangkyeol escapes, but Kang Dohwa falls into Seohu’s trap. Shim Jaeya risks everything for her safety, and court conspiracies surface. Kang Dohwa fights for revenge and family, and the plot grows increasingly tense. Mok Muha and Hyang Cheongyeong strive to protect the innocent, while Shim Jaeya and Kang Dohwa’s efforts intertwine, pushing the narrative toward a critical showdown as the stakes escalate in a web of betrayal.

Episode 29

Kang Dohwa and Cheongtae search for Kang Jangkyeol, with Shim Jaeya aiding from behind. Mok Muha prioritizes saving civilians after clashing with Dongrang. Seohu monitors Kang Dohwa in Nakseong, setting a trap. Kang Dohwa reunites emotionally with Kang Jangkyeol through Yu Geoman’s help. Shim Jaeya detects Seohu’s trap and rescues Kang Jangkyeol. Kang Dohwa uncovers Seohu’s explosives plot and collaborates with Shim Jaeya to save civilians. Deungso ignores Kang Jangkyeol’s warnings, and an explosion causes chaos. Mok Muheun parts with Seohu after a dispute. Kang Dohwa hides her poison seizures while pursuing revenge, and Shim Jaeya searches for her antidote. Hyang Cheongyeong assists Mok Muha in helping civilians, and the plot grows complex. Kang Dohwa and Shim Jaeya’s teamwork marks a turning point, as loyalties shift and secrets unravel. The characters’ intertwined fates drive the narrative toward a tense climax, with the battle against Seohu’s schemes intensifying and the stakes rising in a web of danger and sacrifice.

Episode 30

Shim Jaeya and Kang Dohwa identify sky lanterns as the explosion signal and strive to save civilians. Mok Mueun and Seohu plan the blast with lanterns, but Shim Jaeya and Kang Dohwa thwart it. Kang Dohwa, recalling Seohu’s past, burns with anger, while Mok Mueun is abandoned by Seohu. Shim Jaeya uses explosives to breach the city gates, saving Kang Dohwa and the civilians. Mok Mueun, in despair, loses Kang Dohwa. Hyang Cheongyeong rescues Mok Muha, learning of his past. Kang Dohwa conceals her poison seizures, and Shim Jaeya seeks her antidote. Mok Muha works to stabilize the court, deepening his bond with Hyang Cheongyeong. Kang Dohwa grapples with revenge and survival, while Shim Jaeya risks all to protect her. Seohu’s schemes unravel, and the story shifts to a new phase. The characters’ fates intertwine, driving the narrative toward a suspenseful climax as trust and betrayal collide in a high-stakes battle for survival and justice.

Episode 31

Amid the explosion, Shim Jaeya saves Kang Dohwa, and they acknowledge their feelings. Seohu, enraged by the failure, blames Mok Mueun, who knocks her out, revealing his ambitions. Mok Muha and Hyang Cheongyeong prepare to return, while Kang Dohwa reveals Shim Jaeya’s identity. Kang Jangkyeol rebuilds Nakseong, and Kang Dohwa heads to the Northern Plains with Shim Jaeya. Mok Mueun drugs the emperor, allying with Maeng Jung-eon. Kang Jangkyeol aims to reclaim the Northern Plains throne, while Mok Mueun imprisons Seohu, forcing marriage. Kang Dohwa hides her poison seizures to aid Kang Jangkyeol, and Shim Jaeya seeks her antidote. Hyang Cheongyeong and Mok Muha work to stabilize the court, and the plot grows intricate. Kang Dohwa fights for family and revenge, while her bond with Shim Jaeya deepens. As conspiracies surface, the characters’ intertwined fates push the narrative toward a complex climax, with new challenges emerging and the battle for power intensifying in a web of loyalty and betrayal.

Episode 32

Mok Muha, suspecting the emperor’s visit to Mok Mueun’s residence, rescues him with Wanghee. Mok Mueun marries Seohu, securing the emperor’s abdication edict. Shim Jaeya and Mok Muha rally forces to stop Mok Mueun. Maeng Jinjin exposes Maeng Jung-eon’s plot, and Kang Dohwa reveals to Maeng Jinjin that Mok Mueun’s bride is Seohu. Mok Mueun attempts to ascend the throne, but Kang Dohwa’s revelation of Seohu’s identity sparks chaos. Shim Jaeya subdues Mok Mueun and rescues the emperor. Kang Dohwa hides her poison seizures while pursuing revenge, and Shim Jaeya risks all to protect her. Hyang Cheongyeong and Mok Muha strive to stabilize the court. Kang Jangkyeol prepares to reclaim the Northern Plains throne, and the plot nears its climax. As secrets unravel, the characters’ fates entwine further, driving the narrative toward a tense showdown where loyalties are tested, and the battle against Mok Mueun’s schemes intensifies in a web of intrigue and sacrifice.

Episode 33

Mok Mueun declares Seohu the empress of Daegi, but Kang Dohwa exposes her crimes, inciting the court’s opposition. Mok Mueun attacks dissenters, causing chaos, and Shim Jaeya and the emperor move to subdue him. Mok Mueun flees with Seohu to Sungdeokjeon, where she mocks his weakness, stabs him, and escapes. Betrayed, Mok Mueun sets Sungdeokjeon ablaze and takes his own life. Kang Dohwa completes her revenge but feels hollow, and Shim Jaeya comforts her. Mok Muha and Hyang Cheongyeong work to stabilize the court. Kang Jangkyeol prepares to reclaim the Northern Plains throne. Kang Dohwa, hiding her poison seizures, tries to distance herself from Shim Jaeya, but his sincerity sways her. The story shifts to a new phase as the characters’ fates intertwine, driving the narrative toward a suspenseful resolution. With conspiracies exposed, the battle for power and justice intensifies, and Kang Dohwa’s uncertain fate looms large in a web of loyalty and sacrifice.

Episode 34

Maeng Jinjin delivers Maeng Jung-eon’s petition to Shim Jaeya, revealing the Maeng family’s secrets and the truth behind a false accusation. Shim Jaeya reopens the case to restore Seohwanyok’s honor, and the emperor approves. Shim Jaeya resigns and departs for the Northern Plains with Kang Dohwa. Seohu returns to the Northern Plains, plotting to eliminate Kang Jangkyeol and seize the throne. Kang Dohwa meets Cheon Mukjin to find Kang Jangkyeol but distrusts his motives. Cheon Mukjin offers a will to ensure Kang Jangkyeol’s succession, but Kang Dohwa recalls his past betrayal, torn by conflict. Shim Jaeya collaborates with Baek Taeeui to cure Kang Dohwa’s poison, striving to protect her. Hyang Cheongyeong and Mok Muha work to stabilize the court. Kang Dohwa fights for revenge and family, and the plot nears its climax. As tensions rise, the characters’ intertwined fates push the narrative toward a critical showdown, with new challenges emerging in a web of loyalty and deception.

Episode 35

Cheon Mukjin leads Kang Dohwa to a secret room, testing her loyalty to deliver a will. She passes and receives it but rages over his past betrayal. Seohu detects Cheon Mukjin’s disloyalty and moves to arrest him. Shim Jaeya tries to save Kang Dohwa and Cheon Mukjin, but Kang Dohwa, despite poison seizures, aids Kang Jangkyeol. Cheon Mukjin reveals he manipulated Kang Dohwa with poison to protect her. Accepting his sincerity, Kang Dohwa joins Kang Jangkyeol to confront Seohu using the will. Shim Jaeya risks all to find her antidote. Hyang Cheongyeong and Mok Muha stabilize the court, while Kang Dohwa begins the fight to reclaim the Northern Plains throne. The plot reaches its climax as the characters’ fates entwine, driving the narrative toward a tense resolution. With loyalties tested and secrets unveiled, Kang Dohwa and Shim Jaeya’s bond strengthens, and the battle against Seohu intensifies in a high-stakes struggle for power and justice.

The Princess’s Gambit ending

Outside Cheonok, Chamro stands alert, bow drawn and ready to shoot at any time. Cheongtae watches the surroundings keenly but does not dare take a step inside Cheonok. Inside the compound, Jeong Wonhwa sits in a dark corner with his eyes closed, taking a brief rest. Suddenly, a loud noise shatters the silence; his eyes snap open, shining with a sharp light. Soon after, a subordinate rushes in to report the situation outside. With a cold sneer, Jeong Wonhwa remarks that the more people they capture, the higher the chance Shim Jaeya will appear. He jumps to his feet and immediately orders Choi Wi to lead his troops out and make arrests. Obeying the command, Choi Wi confidently leads his men out of Cheonok to search for Shim Jaeya and Kang Dohwa, but fails to find any trace of them.

Inside Cheonok, Jeong Wonhwa restlessly paces while waiting for news from Choi Wi. When he is informed that Shim Jaeya and Kang Dohwa have not been found, his face grows instantly dark. A sudden flash of realization strikes, and he senses that Shim Jaeya may have discovered Qian Muchen’s true location of confinement. He immediately sends Choi Wi to Sagul for confirmation. Meanwhile, Shim Jaeya and Kang Dohwa, hidden in the shadows, keep a close watch on Choi Wi’s movements. Seeing the troops leave Husan, they rejoice, knowing that their plan is halfway to success. Like nimble leopards, they follow in silence. Soon, the group arrives at the mysterious Sagul, where a strange energy lingers amid the dim light and rough, sandy walls, hinting at danger. Shim Jaeya and Kang Dohwa proceed with utmost caution as they search.

Suddenly, Shim Jaeya’s sharp gaze catches a carrier pigeon flying through Sagul. Instantly coming up with a plan, he dashes forward, grabs the pigeon, ties a pre-written note to its leg, and releases it back into the air. The message contains false information intended to lure Jeong Wonhwa into a trap, instructing Kang Jang-gyeol to set up an ambush on the way. Meanwhile, Kang Dohwa combs through every corner of Sagul and finally discovers Qian Muchen hiding in a secret nook. Confirming her brother’s safety, Qian Muchen expresses that she has fulfilled the late Empress’s dying wishes and repaid her debts, feeling she can die without regret. Kang Dohwa tries to take her away, but Qian Muchen refuses firmly; yet Kang Dohwa stubbornly searches for a way to undo the lock anyway. With a sigh, Qian Muchen tells her the method to open it.

At that very moment, outside Sagul, Shim Jaeya fiercely battles against Choi Wi’s troops. His movements are swift, his attacks so forceful that the enemy cannot approach easily. However, at a critical point in the fight, he is overtaken by a violent onset of poison, suffering intense pain and coughing up blood—side effects of the Gangdodahn toxin. Gritting his teeth, he endures the agony to buy Kang Dohwa time to unlock the shackle. Cheongtae and Kang Jang-gyeol lie in ambush at a critical pass, intercepting Jeong Wonhwa’s massive forces as planned. Caught off guard by the ambush, Jeong Wonhwa retreats while using his soldiers as shields. Inside Sagul, Kang Dohwa, guided by Qian Muchen’s instructions, finally hears a “click” and successfully unlocks the shackle.

At the same time, outside Sagul, Shim Jaeya defeats Choi Wi in a fierce duel. Jeong Wonhwa’s and Kang Jang-gyeol’s forces descend into chaos. Enraged, Jeong Wonhwa shouts that whoever annihilates Kang Jang-gyeol’s men will be highly rewarded. Fearless, Kang Jang-gyeol blocks Jeong Wonhwa’s escape like a tiger. In the mêlée, Kang Jang-gyeol knocks off Jeong Wonhwa’s mask and demands the antidote. Jeong Wonhwa, overcome by madness, screams that he will die together with Kang Dohwa. Shielded by his bodyguards, Jeong Wonhwa uses secret tunnels to escape into Sagul. At that moment, Kang Dohwa tries to leave while supporting Qian Muchen. With venomous eyes, Jeong Wonhwa orders his subordinates to kill Kang Dohwa. In the critical moment, Shim Jaeya rushes in, strikes down the bodyguards, and rescues Kang Dohwa. Jeong Wonhwa flees deeper into Sagul.

Shim Jaeya and Kang Dohwa pursue him into Sagul’s depths. They denounce Jeong Wonhwa’s crimes and shamelessness, but he insists that everything that has happened was earned by his own effort. Witnessing the deep affection between Shim Jaeya and Kang Dohwa, Jeong Wonhwa expresses revulsion, declaring he desires not lust or love, but to become the master of all under heaven. When Shim Jaeya mocks him, saying the people are suffering under his rule, Jeong Wonhwa boasts of his grand plans and activates a device to ignite Xinghuo, intending to push Kang Dohwa into despair. Shim Jaeya and Kang Dohwa scramble to retrieve Xinghuo, but Jeong Wonhwa triggers a hidden mechanism that drops a massive iron grate, trapping them. Qian Muchen rushes over and, with all her remaining strength, pulls the rope to save them. In a final act, Jeong Wonhwa viciously stabs Qian Muchen. As she dies, Qian Muchen urges them to escape and manages to strangle Jeong Wonhwa with the rope to buy them time. Shim Jaeya, amidst the flames, manages to recover a Xinghuo pill.

Three days later, Kang Dohwa slowly regains consciousness, but there is not enough Xinghuo for both of them. Without hesitation, Shim Jaeya takes the lesser portion, giving Kang Dohwa the majority. Kang Dohwa is cured of the Gangdodahn poison, but Shim Jaeya, weakened by years of poison and experimental drugs, falls into a coma. Reeling, Kang Dohwa staggers into Shim Jaeya’s room, breaks down in tears at his unconscious state, and receives a Xinghuo seed from Chamro according to Shim Jaeya’s instructions. With newfound hope, she plants it in Sagul. Each day, following Maehwaryeong’s guidance, she diligently tends to Xinghuo and watches over Shim Jaeya, reminiscing about the past. Although Xinghuo requires moonlight to bloom, it cannot be removed from Sagul; so Kang Dohwa prays each night for moonlight to shine. Eventually, the Xinghuo blooms, but Shim Jaeya does not awaken. Maehwaryeong informs her that the toxins in Shim Jaeya’s body are too deep, so his recovery time remains uncertain. Kang Dohwa holds his hand and vows to wait, no matter how long it takes.

One day, Kang Dohwa stands before a blooming peach tree and recalls telling Shim Jaeya that she wanted to return to Bukwon and see the peach blossoms again. As she reaches out to touch a blossom, she senses a familiar presence behind her. Turning, she sees Shim Jaeya smiling, lowering a branch so she can reach it easily. Tears well in her eyes, and Shim Jaeya gently pulls her into a warm embrace.

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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