Ashes to Crown Episode 19 Recap
> Ashes to Crown Recaps
After court, Xie Yanfang informed Xie Yanlai that through his lobbying, the memorial tablet of Xie Yanlai's mother could be placed in the Xie family ancestral hall, and Xie Yanlai could also have a legitimate status. Xie Yanlai suddenly realized that whether he was a member of the Xie family did not matter at all.
In the past, he had insisted on an identity in the Xie family only because he did not know what he was living for, but now he found it was not important at all. Xie Yanlai asked about the Qianji Blood-Burning Elixir sent five years ago, asking if Xie Yanfang knew its pharmacology. Xie Yanfang hastily denied it.
He recalled that he had once gone to Yunzhong Prefecture to ask Xie Yanlai to return to his side to render meritorious service. At that time, Xie Yanlai insisted on staying, so now there was even less need to say more. The two parted on bad terms, which was noticed by Deng Yi who was passing by.
Deng Yi understood that as Xie Yanlai had shown off several times in a row, Xie Yanfang already felt a sense of crisis, and the upcoming internal strife of the Xie family would surely be very exciting. Xie Yanlai went to a wilderness to sweep his mother's grave. He recalled growing up with his mother in a brothel when he was a child.
Later, forced by the brothel owner, his mother seemed to grow increasingly impatient and let the Xie family take him away for a few taels of silver. At that time, he was very reluctant to leave. His mother made an excuse that she was taking the money to buy new clothes for her son. After that, Xie Yanlai waited bitterly at the door for his mother to deliver the new clothes.
Despite this, he had never harbored resentment towards his mother; instead, he had stubbornly persisted in seeking the identity of a Xie family child. It was not until he met Chu Zhao that Xie Yanlai realized he was unique and whether he belonged to the Xie family was utterly insignificant. Chu Zhao walked to the grave and reproached Xie Yanlai for not discussing with her before taking it upon himself to kill the King of Northern Desert.
Xie Yanlai knew that if they had discussed it, Chu Zhao would not want him to take risks. Chu Zhao explained that in the past, Xie Yanlai never valued his life because there was no one in the world for him to care about, but now, for her sake, she hoped he would cherish his life.
Chu Zhao took out Chu Cen's battle robe and made Xie Yanlai swear to it that, just as Chu Cen had brought Xie Yanlai back safely from the battlefield countless times back then, they would meet again alive this time. Xie Yanfang found Xie Yanlai increasingly difficult to control, but fortunately, he had cast a wide net and was prepared to manipulate someone else.
When Liang Qiang returned to his residence, relatives who previously did not visit suddenly began to curry favor with him. Liang Qiang sighed with emotion that after being a general for only half a day, things had already changed dramatically, and he would surely bring honor to his family and revitalize the Liang family in the future. Chu Zhao found an oilpaper document.
Five years ago, the Xiaonan Caravan had taken a shortcut through Wei Village six times, transporting very few goods each time. Just as Xie Yanlai had guessed, the Xiaonan Caravan provided shelter to the Northern Desert, and their main goal was Cangmu Stronghold, finding Mu Mianhong to use against Chu Cen.
With conclusive evidence now in hand, Chu Zhao believed that since Xiao Hong and his son were determined to assist the tyrant, she might as well let them taste the flavor of being completely consumed by their own ambition. Chu Zhao personally went to the city gate to see Xie Yanlai off, bringing pastries she had made overnight. Xie Yanlai promised to return safely, returning himself along with the items to Chu Zhao.
He then held Chu Zhao and kissed her affectionately as a covenant between them. Chu Tang bid farewell to Chu Zhao, preparing to travel the world. Since establishing the literary gathering, Chu Tang's horizons had broadened, but she felt she was not suited for the imperial court and preferred a carefree life like a wild crane.
Deng Yi talked to himself, thinking that letting Xie Yanlai leave directly seemed somewhat inappropriate, but Xie Yanlai was now beyond anyone's control, and keeping him would only make things more troublesome. If Xie Yanlai could really kill the King of Northern Desert, it would be even less appropriate for Deng Yi to target him. Chu Zhao began to miss Xie Yanlai.
However, since she had previously promised that as long as she remained the Grand Princess, she would not discuss marriage, Xiaoman felt sorry for Chu Zhao. Yet, Chu Zhao believed that with Xie Yanlai fighting to win the territory for her and herself stabilizing the court, this was indeed a kind of happiness for both of them. The Great Chu Empire was preparing to open up river commercial trade.
Deng Yi recommended his disciple Zhou Ming, while Xie Yanlai strongly recommended his confidant Zhao Su. Finally, they asked Chu Zhao to make the decision. Chu Zhao decided that Zhou Ming and Zhao Su would manage it together, but special cargo would require her approval before being transported. The so-called special cargo referred to kerosene. Upon hearing the news, Xiao Xun became restless. He had not expected Chu Zhao to press on so relentlessly.
Thus, he ordered Tie Ying to strictly guard the Grand Tutor's mansion, as Deng Yi was the last pawn in his hand. Chu Zhao appointed Xiaoman as the commander of the Imperial Guard Office to supervise all actions of the border army, wishing to clear all obstacles for Xie Yanlai.
