Stand By Me Episode 49 (Ending) Recap
> Stand By Me Recap
Li Zening hurried to the Golden Hall, where Han Ding told her to await Qi Yan’s imperial edict. Meanwhile, Qi Yan had Li Deyun revived and summoned him to court immediately. Qi Yan convened all civil and military officials in the Golden Hall, announcing that he had something important to disclose and would explain a hidden truth concerning the late emperor’s imperial will. He then presented the will.
As Cheng Ruoyu submerged the will in water, the four characters "Pass the throne to Qi Chen," written with special ink, dissolved, revealing "Pass the throne to Qi Yan" in the blank space. Qi Yan then admitted he had been testing Qi Chen, but was deeply moved by his magnanimity and bowed in apology. Qi Yan then detailed the events leading up to the Chaolu Rebellion.
He revealed that the late emperor, fearing the plan’s failure, had secretly summoned him and instructed him to emulate Goujian by pretending to submit to Chou Ziliang in order to inherit the throne. To protect Qi Yan, the late emperor needed someone to divert Chou Ziliang's attention and wrath, and that person was Qi Chen. Qi Chen admitted his past confusion, wondering why the late emperor, who had never favored him, would choose him as heir.
He also recounted that after the rebellion's failure, Chou Ziliang merely confined the elder brother, who then urged Qi Chen to continue the original plan. Qi Yan further explained that he had instructed people to spread rumors that Qi Chen had received guidance from a master and wished to stay far from disputes, which prompted Qi Chen to go into seclusion and avoid Chou Ziliang's wrath. Qi Chen acknowledged that they had, in effect, saved each other.
He then expressed that if he had been consumed by ambition and seized the throne, his ascension would have become a global joke once the truth was revealed. Qi Yan praised Qi Chen, affirming that his righteousness and ability to withstand the world's trials made him truly remarkable. With all the ministers as witnesses, Qi Yan then decreed that Qi Chen would be appointed as the crown prince, an honor Qi Chen humbly accepted.
That night, after handling various affairs including the appointment of new Divine Talent Army commanders and Li Zening's case, Qi Yan met with Cheng Ruoyu. She questioned whether Han Ding’s perceived defection and her own departure were part of his plan. Qi Yan confirmed they were, explaining he feared dying prematurely like his elder brother and did not wish for her to witness such a tragic end.
He confessed that among the Qi family descendants, only Qi Chen possessed the capability and had proven himself worthy of leadership. He then expressed his long-held desire to finally be with Cheng Ruoyu, to spend the rest of his life with her and live the life they always wanted, acknowledging the immense suffering she had endured for him. Cheng Ruoyu was deeply moved by his words.
On the fifteenth day of the first month, the Lantern Festival, Qi Yan and Cheng Ruoyu secretly left the palace to enjoy the bustling streets of Heng'an. Liu Misha drew Cheng Ruoyu aside and confided her three wishes: a miraculous elixir to restore her appearance, to travel the world free from worries, and to find a strong and healthy husband. She subtly criticized Qi Yan’s current weakened state, contrasting it with his former vigor.
Liu Misha then expressed her lifelong admiration for Daxing, stating she had witnessed both its prosperity and the ravages of war. She regretted not living solely in an era of peace but cherished having seen wise rulers and brave individuals whose sacrifices made the current festive night possible, declaring she had no regrets in this life. Cheng Ruoyu thanked her and wished her aspirations would soon be realized.
Liu Misha then bid a fond farewell, as she was returning to Zhenwu the next day, and they parted tearfully. Cheng Ruoyu and Qi Yan continued to admire the lanterns. Cheng Ruoyu, joyful, expressed her hope to come out again for the festival next year. Qi Yan, aware of his limited time, conveyed that he might not be able to accompany her next year.
He urged her to promise that she would remain happy, travel, and savor delicious food even when alone. Cheng Ruoyu quickly changed the subject, promising to share all her culinary delights with him if she were to go out alone. Qi Yan then joyfully picked her up and spun her around, but suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed, losing consciousness. Tian Shan, the physician, examined Qi Yan and confirmed his dire condition, which was beyond his help.
He then revealed that he had been administering calming pills, which contained poison, to Qi Yan. This was done at Qi Yan’s insistence, as he wanted to maintain a clear mind to defeat Chou Ziliang, fully aware it would severely harm his body. Qi Chen, upon hearing this, was furious, but Tian Shan explained Qi Yan had strictly forbidden him from revealing the truth to anyone. Cheng Ruoyu, with the last calming pill, prepared to give it to Qi Yan.
Tian Shan cautioned her, reminding her that if Qi Yan died suddenly, she would be accused of regicide. However, Cheng Ruoyu remained resolute, convinced Qi Yan would awaken. After Tian Shan's dedicated treatment, Qi Yan finally regained consciousness. Qi Chen and the others discreetly withdrew, allowing Qi Yan and Cheng Ruoyu a private moment.
Qi Yan, summoning his last reserves of strength, expressed his deepest wish: for a next life as a common man, living a simple life with Cheng Ruoyu by his side. Cheng Ruoyu sobbed on his chest, promising that such a day would come.
Qi Yan then asked Han Ding to escort Cheng Ruoyu out of the palace after his death, so she could live a free and joyful life, exploring the mountains, oceans, sun, moon, and stars he had always longed to see but never could. Cheng Ruoyu, through her tears, wholeheartedly agreed. As Qi Yan’s life ebbed away, Qi Chen and the civil and military officials knelt before his bed.
Qi Yan called Qi Chen closer, struggling to sit up and inviting him to sit beside him. With his final breath, Qi Yan issued an imperial edict, passing the throne to Qi Chen, praising his profound insight, resilience through hardships, and exceptional talent, entrusting him with the grave responsibility of the Ancestral Temples and the hopes of the entire realm. Qi Yan then died peacefully in Qi Chen's arms. The Grand Dowager Empress was overcome with sorrow.
Han Ding then escorted Cheng Ruoyu out of the palace. Midway, they received the news of Qi Yan’s passing. Heartbroken, Cheng Ruoyu rode away alone, tears streaming down her face. Qi Chen ascended the throne, changing the era name to 'Pingzhong.' The late Emperor Qi Yan was posthumously given the temple name Shizong and buried in Changling.
Qi Chen personally handed the Qingguang sword to Yu Niang, appointing her as the new sword-bearer of the Ziyi Bureau, and she recited the sacred oath. Cheng Ruoyu later opened a specialty noodle restaurant, serving biángbiáng noodles, which quickly became popular. She found fulfillment in her busy days, observing the peaceful and prosperous era Qi Yan had worked so tirelessly to achieve.
Customers in her shop often discussed the late emperor's reforms, crediting him with abolishing the hereditary system for official selection and establishing imperial examinations, which opened opportunities for humble scholars. They also lauded the peace that now allowed trade to flourish. Cheng Ruoyu, hearing their praises, silently reflected that Qi Yan’s greatest dream had finally come true.
