Guardians of the Ancient Oath Episode 30 Recap
> Guardians of the Ancient Oath Recap
He Yao presented a letter, claiming it was written by Baili Hongxuan, and provocatively asked if he should continue reading it. When Baili Haohe questioned the letter's authenticity, Baili Hongxuan dismissed it as a simple forgery, hinting that Minister Sima, He Yao, was adept at such schemes.
He Yao then brought in Tao Shen, severely beaten and bloody, identifying him as a member of the Tao family from Zhuoyang County, historically loyal to the Prince of Great Plains, Baili Hongxuan's father. He Yao asserted that only Baili Hongxuan could command Tao Shen. Under interrogation, Tao Shen initially claimed to be a person of his own will, stating the Tao family took orders from no one.
He then explained that he merely sought to rid the world of a "scourge" for the common people, hinting at He Yao. He dramatically took full responsibility for the letter, asserting he had forged it using Baili Hongxuan's name to enlist the Wolf Tribe's aid against He Yao, having heard that Princess Hongyi was a beloved figure to the Wolf Tribe's King.
As He Yao denounced this as evidence of collusion, Tao Shen retorted that colluding with the Wolf Tribe was preferable to He Yao's corrupt governance, and then lunged at He Yao. In a swift move, Baili Hongxuan intercepted Tao Shen, stabbing him with his sword. Tao Shen, determined to die, then pushed the sword further through himself, falling into Baili Hongxuan's arms and dying with an apology and a smile.
Baili Hongxuan, tears welling up, suppressed his grief and vowed to avenge him. Despite Tao Shen’s self-sacrifice, He Yao continued to insist that Baili Hongxuan was involved, leading to a heated exchange in the court. Baili Haohe, frustrated by the chaos, intervened and dismissed the Empress Dowager and He Yao, expressing his desire to speak with Baili Hongxuan privately.
Once alone, Baili Haohe implored Baili Hongxuan to reveal the truth, but Baili Hongxuan maintained that all his previous statements were factual and there was nothing to conceal. Baili Haohe confronted him, expressing his deep disappointment and hurt upon learning that Baili Hongyi, a member of the Wolf Tribe, was still alive and had been raised in the Marquis Manor for over a decade, making him feel like a fool.
Baili Hongxuan vehemently denied any collusion with a foreign enemy, stating that his actions had always been for the Baili family’s empire and in good conscience. Baili Haohe, however, asserted that it was "his" empire and accused Baili Hongxuan of betraying Great You by using the Wolf Tribe to suppress He Yao, motivated by dissatisfaction with Baili Haohe’s perceived inadequacy and inability to protect the Marquis Manor.
Baili Hongxuan expressed his profound disappointment in Baili Haohe for easily believing false accusations, to which Baili Haohe countered with his own disillusionment, citing his long-standing tolerance and grants of authority. Baili Hongxuan, in a rare moment of anger, questioned if Baili Haohe truly granted him power or if he was simply indispensable to the young Emperor.
He recounted his lifelong dedication to Great You, risking his life for its prosperity and the Baili family, while always deferring to Baili Haohe's feelings. He condemned Baili Haohe for standing idly by as the Marquis Manor was slandered by He Yao. Enraged, Baili Haohe declared that everything Baili Hongxuan possessed was granted by him, and without him, Baili Hongxuan was nothing.
He then stripped Baili Hongxuan of his title, declared him a traitor, and ordered his public execution, consigning him to the dungeon to await sentencing. Meanwhile, in the Marquis Manor, Jin Yang remembered Baili Hongxuan's instruction to burn the third scroll if he did not return within ""three hours"". Though hesitant, she carried out the order, watching the scroll in the brazier and pondering why it wouldn't fully burn.
Soon after, Imperial Guards stormed the manor, announcing an edict for its immediate seizure and the execution of all its residents. Amidst the despair, Jin Yang commanded everyone to stop crying, reminding them that the Marquis Manor must maintain its dignity even in death, and that they must walk their path with their heads held high.
When an officer attempted to disrespectfully open a Crimson Buckskin Tunic, a symbol of the Baili family’s status, Uncle He valiantly intervened, only to be fatally stabbed. Witnessing Uncle He’s death and the ensuing chaos, Jin Yang, her composure briefly shattered, was led out of the manor, the screams of those left behind echoing in her ears.
The news of Baili Hongxuan’s downfall quickly reached the Wolf Tribe, with Chou Nu reporting to King Ming Yefeng that Baili Hongxuan had been condemned for treason and would be publicly executed in fifteen days. Chou Nu also relayed that Baili Hongshuo was a wanted fugitive, suggesting that You Kingdom was setting a trap to lure him back.
Ming Yefeng, while acknowledging the tragic fate of Baili Hongxuan, who had always upheld Great You, deemed it unwise for the Wolf Tribe to act hastily. He believed their internal strife was beneficial, and that the newly enthroned King should avoid rash military moves, choosing instead to let the Wolf Tribe build up its strength. He strictly ordered Chou Nu to keep this information from Baili Hongyi. However, Ba Yin had been secretly listening outside and overheard the entire conversation.
Later, Ba Yin approached Baili Hongyi, who was practicing a hunting whistle. After a brief, insincere attempt at civility, Ba Yin deliberately revealed the news of Baili Hongxuan’s impending execution and Baili Hongshuo’s fugitive status, subtly hinting that time was running out for a rescue. Later, Baili Hongyi confronted Ming Yefeng, feigning disinterest in Great You's affairs and expressing her desire to fully integrate into Wolf Tribe life.
She requested that her constant You Wu tribesmen guards be removed, arguing they isolated her and hindered her ability to make friends. Ming Yefeng, concerned for her safety, reluctantly compromised, promising to have the guards keep their distance, stating it was his "last compromise." Elsewhere, Hou Zhengze and Qiu Xiaotong were having a bittersweet farewell. Qiu Xiaotong urged him to stay safe during his travels and be wary of the Wolf Tribe.
Hou Zhengze, in turn, told her to run fast if she encountered danger. As he attempted to confess his true identity, saying, "Actually, I am not. . ." , they were interrupted by the sight of Imperial Guards rushing by. Qiu Xiaotong, sensing urgency, encouraged him to prioritize his duties. Hou Zhengze, promising they would meet again and that she would remember him and their master, quickly left to follow the guards.
He trailed them to the military camp, where the Embroidered-Clothed Commander Tian Yuan announced an imperial edict to arrest Baili Hongshuo as a fugitive, ordering a thorough search of the camp. Mu Qi, the general, was bewildered by the situation, but the guards were relentless, instructed to capture Baili Hongshuo alive, even if it meant injuring him. Unable to find Baili Hongshuo at the camp, Hou Zhengze hurried back to Treading Cloud House, only to find Baili Hongshuo still unconscious. Just as he pondered his next move, the Imperial Guards arrived at Treading Cloud House, continuing their search.
