Resumen y trama del episodio 43 de The Promise of Chang'an

> The Promise of Chang'an
> Resúmenes de The Promise of Chang'an

Helan Mingyu summoned Xiao Chengxu, sensing his anger. She immediately apologized on behalf of Xiao Qiyuan, assuring Chengxu that all his actions were for Xiao Qiyuan and Great Sheng. Xiao Chengxu, heartbroken, shared that he had diligently educated Xiao Qiyuan for the sake of Great Sheng for many years, even wishing that Qiyuan could have been their own child if they hadn't been forced apart.

He continued, expressing his deep hurt, noting that he had always treated Qiyuan as his own son but had forgotten that Qiyuan carried Xiao Chengrui’s blood. Chengxu revealed that Qiyuan had set an ambush with over ten guards at the emperor's mausoleum to lure him there, and only Qiyuan's inexperience had saved Chengxu's life. He pondered what Qiyuan might have done if he had been older. Just then, Xiao Qiyuan arrived.

Helan Mingyu promptly ordered him to apologize to his Ninth Royal Uncle, insisting that he had completely misunderstood Chengxu. Qiyuan refused, declaring that as the Emperor, he owed no apology to anyone but the heavens and earth. Helan Mingyu retorted, asking if he truly believed he could sit on the throne so steadily without Xiao Chengxu's support. She insisted Qiyuan admit his wrongdoings, but Qiyuan remained defiant, accusing Chengxu of being ambitious and scheming and his mother of being blinded.

Angered, Helan Mingyu slapped him. Qiyuan was deeply hurt, stating that it was the first time she had ever hit him, and it was all because of Chengxu. He questioned why she always sided with Chengxu and expressed how much humiliation and suffering Chengxu had caused him, lamenting that he couldn't trust her anymore. He then declared that he, the Emperor, and Chengxu, the minister, would now have clear boundaries, and he would never again allow Chengxu to manipulate him.

Xiao Chengxu, with a pained expression, accepted Qiyuan's wishes and left. Helan Mingyu, watching Qiyuan, explained that without Chengxu, there would be no Great Sheng, nor would she and Qiyuan exist, but Qiyuan remained unmoved, vowing to expose Chengxu's true colors. Meanwhile, Xiao Chengxuan investigated and confirmed that Xiao Qihan was behind the scheme that led to Xiao Qiyuan's kidnapping and the rift between Qiyuan and Chengxu. He also suspected Qihan's involvement in Liu Mingtai's suicide.

Recognizing the continuous provocations from Xi Shu, Xiao Chengxu decided it was time to decisively defeat them. He appointed Xiao Qihan as the Senior General of Jingyuan to lead troops against Zhang Kaiyuan in Xi Shu, and Xiao Chengxuan as the Senior General of Dingguo to subdue tribes in Xi Shu's northern territories of Jiao and Shun.

Xiao Qihan complained that Chengxu had given the easy task to his own brother and the difficult one to him, suggesting it was unfair. Xiao Chengxuan provoked him, reminding him of their ancestors' bravery in difficult battles and questioning why later generations were becoming weaker. Xiao Chengxu firmly stated that the decree was irrefutable and anyone who disobeyed would be beheaded. Xiao Qihan, seething, vowed to conquer Xi Shu, promising that Chengxu would see his success.

Both generals then led their troops. Xiao Qihan successfully conquered Xi Shu, killing Zhang Kaiyuan. He expressed his determination to challenge Xiao Chengxu for the Prince Regent position upon his return, believing it rightfully belonged to him as the former emperor's eldest son.

He also claimed a scaled dragon jade token found in Xi Shu, which he was told by his subordinate, He Shaoyong, bore the character "Su" (his title) when its dragon patterns were connected, signifying his destiny to rule above all others. Xiao Chengxu received the military report about Xi Shu's conquest, but was not surprised. He Shaoyong went to Xiao Chengtai, informing him of Qihan's victory and urging him to seize the opportunity to challenge Chengxu's power.

Chengtai, however, expressed doubts about Qihan's ability to contend with Chengxu. Xiao Chengxu intercepted He Shaoyong, revealing his knowledge of Shaoyong's deceit: the scaled dragon jade token was a fabrication to boost Qihan's confidence. Shaoyong confessed, admitting his ambition for fame and recognition. Xiao Chengxu chose not to kill him, acknowledging his talents but lamenting that he had chosen the wrong master.

He Shaoyong then pledged his loyalty to Xiao Chengxu, believing only Chengxu could truly grant him the success he sought, and presented a detailed plan. Chengxu accepted his allegiance, instructing him to lie low until the right opportunity arose. Soon after, in court, Xiao Chengxu and Xiao Chengxuan brought up Xiao Chengtai's extravagant manor renovations.

Xiao Chengxuan highlighted the irony of Chengtai spending heavily on luxuries when the country needed funds for military expenses and disaster relief, contrasting it with Xiao Chengxu's minimalist lifestyle. He pointed out the opulent golden and jade decorations at Chengtai's manor. Xiao Chengtai was speechless. The ministers, appalled, asked Xiao Qiyuan how to deal with the situation. Qiyuan, still resentful of Chengxu's influence, simply told Chengxu to handle it himself. Later, Helan Mingyu found Xiao Qiyuan unhappy.

He complained about his lack of power in court and about Chengxu granting Xiao Chengxuan an exemption from kneeling due to an old leg injury, making him feel like a "puppet emperor." He even suggested giving the throne to Chengxu. Helan Mingyu gently admonished his impatience, reminding him of Chengxu's unwavering loyalty and his successful governance, which had brought Great Sheng peace and prosperity.

She emphasized that to truly replace Chengxu, he must learn more and strive to be better than him to gain the support of the court and the people. Qiyuan conceded, admitting his impatience and vowing to become a great emperor. After Qiyuan left, Helan Mingyu reflected on Chengxu's increasingly inscrutable intentions since their last conflict with Qiyuan, acknowledging the immense difficulty of someone with such power willingly relinquishing it.

Ling Zhen'er spoke with Xiao Chengxu, advising him that if he truly cared for Helan Mingyu's happiness, he only needed to properly educate Xiao Qiyuan into a worthy emperor. Chengxu, however, felt his heart was already shattered. He recounted his years of diligently teaching Qiyuan, only for the Emperor to be ungrateful and even hateful towards him. He also spoke of the unfulfilled love between him and Helan Mingyu.

Ling Zhen'er urged him to let go of what he could never have and cherish the present for a happier life. Xiao Chengxu expressed his deep pain, noting that while outsiders saw him as all-powerful, he felt utterly empty and lonely, his agony misunderstood. He thanked Zhen'er for her years of protecting Mingyu and caring for him. Xiao Qihan made a triumphant return to the capital, where Xiao Chengxu and other officials greeted him.

Qiyuan, keen to hear the discussion about Qihan's achievements, tried to discreetly listen. In the discussion, Xiao Qihan eagerly asked Xiao Chengtai about a secret letter he had sent via He Shaoyong. Just then, Xiao Chengxu arrived, accompanied by He Shaoyong. Xiao Qihan's expression changed dramatically upon seeing Shaoyong with Chengxu. Chengxu then produced the "scaled dragon jade token" that Qihan had found.

While Qihan asserted it was a sign from the heavens, Chengxu brought forward a Xi Shu jade artisan named Ding Er, who confessed to having crafted the token himself. Ding Er explained he had broken many pieces of jade perfecting the "Su" character design on the token, proving it was not a divine artifact. Xiao Qihan, realizing He Shaoyong had tricked him, flew into a rage.

Xiao Chengli accused Qihan of conspiracy and rebellion for spreading rumors that he was chosen by the heavens. He Shaoyong then presented reports detailing Xiao Qihan's crimes during the Xi Shu campaign, including forcibly stealing rations from commoners, conscripting them into soldiers, squandering resources, and embezzling war spoils.

Qihan vehemently denied the charges, accusing Shaoyong of betrayal and Chengxu of framing him, and angrily claimed that Chengxu dared to act this way only because Helan Mingyu (Empress Dowager Xianzhen) supported him, almost revealing their past relationship. Infuriated, Xiao Chengxu immediately ordered guards to strip Xiao Qihan of all his military rights and his title, confining him to his manor to await sentencing for his rebellion.

Xiao Qihan was dragged away, still defiantly proclaiming himself a Great Sheng general and refusing to admit defeat. Later, He Shaoyong visited Xiao Qihan in his manor, explaining that his actions were for Qihan's own good because they were no match for Xiao Chengxu. He revealed that Helan Yunqi (Empress Dowager Yuanzhen) had interceded on Qihan's behalf with Xiao Chengxu, who, in turn, promised to ensure Qihan's lifelong wealth and dignity.

However, this came with the condition that Qihan sign a letter of surrender. He Shaoyong told Qihan that he had always lived in Chengxu's shadow, and while he was not inferior in achievements or status, his destiny was simply not as good as Chengxu's.

Resumen del episodio 42

Resumen del episodio 44