Guardians of the Ancient Oath Episode 28 Recap
> Guardians of the Ancient Oath Recap
Mola Khan confronts Ming Yefeng, questioning if he insists on taking this course of action today. Ming Yefeng reminds Mola Khan that he had promised to abdicate before his expedition, a pledge witnessed by the Chancellor. Several tribal leaders, including Wuluolan and Ming Lai, step forward, asserting the Wolf Tribe's ancient rule that a king must always honor his word.
They argue that breaking such a promise would be an affront to the Ancestral God and would invite his fury, urging Mola Khan to abdicate in accordance with the people's will. Even Mola Khan's personal guards, bound by the tribe's reverence for promises, join the chorus, asking the Great King to fulfill his commitment and step down. Defiantly, Mola Khan brands Ming Yefeng a traitor and orders his arrest.
However, Ming Yefeng's loyalists declare that no one should dare defy the chosen one, offering clemency to those who surrender. Elder Huyu confirms that a king who goes back on his word forfeits the Ancestral God's endorsement and the tribe's support. Amidst this, the assembled crowd begins to chant, "Heaven blesses the Wolf Tribe. Thriving and prosperous forever!" , acknowledging Ming Yefeng as their new King.
After securing his position, Ming Yefeng meets with his tribal leaders for the first time to discuss tribal affairs. He reminds them of Mola Khan's past attempt to eradicate them during the Er Mian rebellion, urging them to be vigilant and plan carefully to avoid future complications. Ming Lai reaffirms the unwavering loyalty of the Bai Ze Unit, stating they will not falter.
Other chiefs echo this sentiment, emphasizing their deep bond with Ming Yefeng and their readiness to follow his command, pledging to advance and retreat with him. Ming Yefeng instructs them to return to Shuchi to train their troops and await his triumphant return, promising that together they will shape the future of the Wolf Tribe.
However, Ming Lai then leads the chiefs in advocating for the execution of Baili Hongyi, citing the tribal saying "blood without blemish, leader long-lived" to stir sentiment. While Ming Yefeng is resolute in protecting Hongyi, he risks alienating the other leaders if he acts alone. At this moment, Gao Yi appears uninvited, scoffing at the chiefs for focusing on a "twenty-year-old girl" as a threat to the tribe's future, rather than addressing its real problems.
His intervention, speaking from a neutral standpoint, allows Ming Yefeng to suppress the discussion without appearing autocratic. Ming Yefeng officially appoints Gao Yi as the Chief of Tili Three Units, further solidifying his own position. Gao Yi, despite not fully believing the old prophecy, cautions Ming Yefeng that public opinion could be damaging if his rule is unstable, but Ming Yefeng appears confident in his plan.
In the You Kingdom court, discussions begin regarding the news of Ming Yefeng's ascension to King of the Wolf Tribe. The Emperor notes Baili Hongxuan's absence due to mourning. A minister reports Mola Khan's abdication to Ming Yefeng, which is deemed unusual, as Wolf Tribe tradition requires a 49-day prayer ritual after an old king's death before a new one can take the throne. The court suspects it might be a usurpation, though they dismiss it as barbarian internal strife.
The primary concern is Ming Yefeng's known animosity towards You Kingdom. Officials led by Empress Dowager He vehemently advocate for stockpiling provisions and training troops for any eventuality. The Grand Herald suggests that direct military conflict is not ideal for You Kingdom, which is still recovering. Instead, he advocates for monitoring the Wolf Tribe's movements, securing military provisions, and training troops to prepare for any contingency.
This coordinated effort is orchestrated by Empress Dowager He to appoint a Sima (Minister of Defense) to manage You Kingdom's military and financial affairs, effectively allowing He Yao to gain control over military resources and contend with Baili Hongxuan. The Grand Herald then recommends He Yao for the position, citing his extensive experience at the border, his command as a general in Li City, and his current role in finance and taxation. He Yao readily accepts.
When a minister suggests appointing a Sima (Minister of Defense) to manage military and financial affairs, Prime Minister Pang initially argues against creating new enemies with the Lang Tribe, advocating for a balanced approach to foreign and domestic policies to ensure the people's well-being. However, other ministers, orchestrated by Empress Dowager He, nominate He Yao for the Sima position.
Prime Minister Pang, along with other ministers, then counter-proposes Baili Hongxuan for the role, citing his experience and the late Prince Pingyuan's legacy. Empress Dowager He, angered by this open display of factionalism, dismisses Pang's earlier counsel as naive. She accuses Pang and his supporters of engaging in self-serving factionalism by recommending Baili Hongxuan. Pang defends himself, stating he merely offered honest counsel.
Unmoved, the Empress Dowager announces Pang's retirement due to his advanced age and health, suggesting he return to his home village. When Sir Sun, the head of the Censorate and another supporter of Baili Hongxuan, attempts to speak on Pang’s behalf, the Empress Dowager also dismisses him, instructing both venerable officials to retire.
Despite the young Emperor’s attempts to intercede, the Empress Dowager sternly warns him against tolerating such factions, emphasizing that in the face of external threats, loyalty must be rewarded and ill intentions punished without hesitation. The Emperor reluctantly concedes, and He Yao is formally appointed Sima, responsible for all military and financial affairs of the nation, effective immediately. In the military camp, Baili Hongshuo remains in a drunken stupor since returning from Ye City.
Hou Zhengze tries to rouse him, mentioning that Qiu Xiaotong's Master Ji Qiu sent her two days ago to resume his cultivation lessons, emphasizing its importance. To prevent Qiu Xiaotong from being disappointed, Hou Zhengze once again decides to impersonate Baili Hongshuo. When Qiu Xiaotong arrives, she expresses annoyance at "Baili Hongshuo" for making her wait. Hou Zhengze, acting as Baili Hongshuo, apologizes, vaguely citing recent family issues as the cause of his distraction, which he claims are now resolved.
Qiu Xiaotong presses him for details, sensing he isn't treating her as a friend, prompting Hou Zhengze to promise to confide in her about everything going forward. He then playfully promises to take her to Ye City, describing its many attractions, and advises her against climbing walls, deeming it unsuitable for a girl.
When she asks how he knew about her climbing, he inadvertently mentions his own name, Hou Zhengze, prompting her to suggest relaying messages through him in the future. Qiu Xiaotong then enters the room, where Master Ji Qiu's voice is heard reciting ancient texts about the celestial bodies and the natural world, leaving Hou Zhengze in awe of its complexity.
Baili Hongxuan receives the two dismissed officials, Prime Minister Pang and Sir Sun, who lament their forced retirement and their inability to continue assisting him. Baili Hongxuan acknowledges his perceived failure in allowing their family's influence to wane from a prince's manor to a marquis' manor. Tao Shen, his loyal retainer, reassures him that the Prince of Great Plains' legacy is crucial for You Kingdom's stability.
Prime Minister Pang warns Baili Hongxuan that He Yao, now empowered as Sima (Minister of Defense) and openly advocating for war with the Wolf Tribe, will ruthlessly eliminate rivals. Sir Sun adds that He Yao's autocratic style could exploit the young Emperor and harm You Kingdom. They urge Baili Hongxuan to assert himself, warning that his continued low profile will only embolden He Yao. Baili Hongxuan understands their concerns and promises to arrange safe passage for their return home.
He then instructs Tao Shen to secretly deliver a letter to Ming Yefeng. Tao Shen, surprised, questions the decision given Ming Yefeng's new status as King of the Wolf Tribe. Baili Hongxuan explains that Ming Yefeng's unstable new position makes him a valuable ally. He deduces that Mola Khan's unprecedented abdication while still alive must have been coerced by Ming Yefeng, likely connected to Li Ruo's (Baili Hongyi) identity.
He sees an opportunity for mutual benefit: Ming Yefeng needs to consolidate power and protect secrets, while Baili Hongxuan needs to protect his manor and prevent war. This alliance, he explains, is for reciprocal gain. He also reveals his intention to prepare a special force to counter any potential aggressive actions from He Yao. Tao Shen raises a concern that if Li Ruo discovers her birth parents' death was linked to Baili Hongxuan's father, she might turn against them.
Baili Hongxuan dismisses this, arguing that his father's actions were justifiable wartime decisions, and that Li Ruo, having been raised in their family for ten years, would not forget their sibling bond despite any temporary resentment. He expresses his trust in Li Ruo, hoping she will not disappoint him, especially given the pressing internal threats to the Marquis' manor.
At Ming Yefeng's enthronement ceremony, Ming Lai and his sister, Ba Yin, anticipate her being named the new King's First Lady, hoping to elevate the status of their Bai Ze Unit, which has long suffered at the borders. Ba Yin expresses her dedication to their tribe. However, during the ritual, Ming Yefeng brings Li Ruo forward to accompany him, presenting her as the daughter of a princess, much to the surprise of Ming Lai and Ba Yin.
Gao Yi, who has just been appointed as Chief of the Tili Three Units by Ming Yefeng, stands nearby, observing Ba Yin's reaction. He remarks to Ba Yin about her underestimation of Ming Yefeng, pointing out that Li Ruo possesses a tiger tooth necklace identical to Ming Yefeng's, a sacred Wolf Tribe item gifted by Princess Na Cheng.
Gao Yi suggests this signifies Ming Yefeng's intention to keep the First Lady position open for Li Ruo, despite her being labeled a "person of misfortune." He questions if Ming Yefeng might one day regret this choice. Ba Yin expresses her distress that Li Ruo is considered a person of misfortune. Ming Lai, however, advises her to remain calm and composed, reminding her of Ming Yefeng's earlier prohibition against further discussions about Li Ruo.
He stresses that acting rashly now would be self-defeating and expresses his continued hope that Ming Yefeng, as the King, will not forget his promises to his tribe over this woman.
