Guardians of the Ancient Oath Episode 4 Recap
> Guardians of the Ancient Oath Recap
Empress Dowager He's relatives had seized significant power in the imperial court. Emperor Baili Haohe, having confirmed Baili Hongxuan's unwavering loyalty, was unwilling to remain a mere puppet. His decision to send Baili Hongshuo to Li City for experience was a calculated move to ensure military authority remained within the Baili family's grasp. However, the path was fraught with peril, as Baili Hongshuo would be serving under He Yao, a man Baili Hongxuan warned might harbor ulterior motives.
Baili Haohe reassured Baili Hongxuan that Li City was supposedly uneventful and the Empress Dowager simply wanted Hongshuo to gain experience. He further revealed his true intent: with the Wolf Tribe's suspicious actions despite Ming Yefeng's presence in Ye City, he needed the Baili family's support as he approached adulthood and prepared to govern personally. He hoped Hongshuo could gather intelligence or at least gain frontier experience for future important assignments.
Adding to the complexities, Princess Jin Yang's marriage into the Marquis manor coincided with a celestial phenomenon, Mars clashing with the Sun. While this could have been a mere coincidence, rumors spread through the populace, fueled by a children's song that spoke of a bride attracting sorrowful winds. Baili Hongshuo, hearing the unsettling rhyme, shared his concerns with Baili Hongxuan.
Baili Hongxuan acknowledged the anomalies on Jin Yang's wedding day and the sudden appearance of a strange assassin after her arrival, believing these were deliberate provocations. He warned his brother that someone intended to use the princess to stir up trouble and advised caution, as these events were likely connected to the Empress Dowager's arranged marriage and Hongshuo's deployment.
Before Baili Hongshuo's departure, Baili Hongxuan presented him with the Departing Soul sword, explaining it was one of a pair of ancient swords entrusted to him by their royal father to be given to Hongshuo at the right time. Hongshuo recognized it as the companion to Baili Hongxuan's own sword, Floating Wine, a pairing he had long admired. Baili Hongxuan reiterated the importance of caution and urged Hongshuo to avoid direct conflict with He Yao.
Hongshuo playfully promised to tolerate even insults, and the brothers affirmed their bond, acknowledging that their unity made them formidable. With Baili Hongshuo's mission settled, Baili Hongxuan turned his attention to transporting a large consignment of armor and weapons. He entrusted this crucial task to Tao Shen, whose family had served the Baili house for generations, and who had been personally loyal to Baili Hongxuan since birth.
Tao Shen, noticing the large quantity of horse armor, questioned if You Kingdom was secretly training cavalry. Baili Hongxuan subtly tested Tao Shen's loyalty, confirming his unwavering devotion, even if it meant risking his life. Satisfied, Baili Hongxuan then revealed that the weapons were not for You Kingdom. He discreetly wrote the first character of "Ming Yefeng" on Tao Shen's palm, instructing him to deliver the arms to this individual without fail.
He also tasked Tao Shen with investigating Princess Jin Yang's contacts within the palace prior to her marriage, specifically to look into a particular palace servant. Just before his journey, Baili Hongshuo visited Baili Hongyi in her room. He playfully complained that she used to only follow their Eldest Brother and never paid attention to him. Hongyi countered by teasing him about being pampered and raised like a boy, always being taken along on various expeditions, except for drinking.
He offered to take her for a farewell meal, but she, uncharacteristically, declined, stating they shouldn't cause their Eldest Brother more worry. During their conversation, Baili Hongshuo's sword accidentally cut a strand of her hair, prompting him to tease her that if she were a boy, she would have torn the manor apart by now. She expressed sadness at being left alone in the manor once he left.
As he was about to leave, she feigned illness, hoping to prevent his departure. He then asked if she would miss him, to which she responded that of course she would, as he was her only younger brother. Eventually, he embraced her, telling her to be obedient and promising to return, while she told him to write letters. Baili Hongshuo embarked on his journey to Li City, accompanied by his trusted childhood friend, Mu Qi, now his second-in-command.
As they marched, Baili Hongshuo ordered a halt to pitch camp, noting that many new recruits would struggle to acclimatize to the northern climate. During a break, he was surprised to spot Baili Hongyi disguised as a male new recruit among the soldiers. Amused and secretly pleased by her ingenuity, he decided not to expose her immediately but subtly instructed Mu Qi to make things a little difficult for "that one over there."
Mu Qi, following orders, made Hongyi perform various tasks, from feeding horses to carrying heavy logs, causing her to complain about the hard work and the unappetizing wormwood balls that comprised their rations. Despite the hardship, a kind fellow soldier offered to help her. Back at the Marquis manor, a servant reported to Baili Hongxuan and Jin Yang that Baili Hongyi had secretly followed Baili Hongshuo to Li City.
Jin Yang expressed concern and suggested sending someone to bring her back, but Baili Hongxuan calmly dismissed the idea. He explained that Hongyi had accompanied him and their royal father on numerous travels since childhood, so a trip to Li City was not a major concern for her. He was confident in her ability to handle herself and found comfort in the fact that she and Hongshuo would have each other's support.
Meanwhile, in the Wolf Tribe, Ming Yefeng's successful return from Ye City intensified the existing power struggle. His achievements earned him accolades from the King, but also fueled the resentment of A'Na Huai, who accused Ming Yefeng of acting covertly in Ye City. The situation intensified the tribal power struggle, with various factions taking sides. Gao Yi, the Thousand Unity General, whose father Xili Du was a cunning and experienced elder, was trying to navigate both sides.
He warned Ming Yefeng about the dangers of being too prominent, especially as A'Na Huai was attempting to form an alliance with Xili Du. Ming Yefeng dismissed A'Na Huai as a short-sighted brute, but acknowledged Xili Du's craftiness, finding their potential alliance made the situation "more interesting." Ming Yefeng received a message via a red-clad woman, inviting him to a meeting with her "master" at Qianling Lake in a month.
He was skeptical of the master's excuse for not appearing immediately (an insect infestation). His attendant warned against going to Qianling Lake, a dangerous area close to Li City and bordering You Kingdom. However, Ming Yefeng declared that he "must go to Qianling Lake and Li City." He considered the Bai Ze Unit of greater importance than Shu Chi and was determined to seize it, with his ultimate objective being Izumo.
He also emphasized the necessity of closely monitoring the Baili family, as eliminating the Baili brothers was key to easily conquering You Kingdom. Days later, Baili Hongxuan joined Baili Haohe for a game of chess in the palace. Hongxuan took the opportunity to inquire about a striking palace servant he had seen by Baili Haohe's side – a woman with "red lips and white teeth, sword brows and bright eyes," who seemed delicate yet alluring.
Baili Haohe was baffled, insisting his palace servants were all unattractive and that the Empress Dowager would never allow a beautiful attendant, fearing they would develop "wrong ideas." Baili Hongxuan persisted, reminding the Emperor that he had seen this person constantly protecting him on his wedding day. Baili Haohe, completely oblivious to her presence, wondered if she might be a "heavenly guardian" or, perhaps, a demon.
Baili Hongxuan dismissed such talk of "gods and demons" as mere folklore invented by alchemists to mislead the naive. However, Baili Haohe, citing ancient myths, countered that "where there's smoke, there's fire," implying some truth could lie in the supernatural.
Despite their discussion, which was unknowingly overheard by Ling Jun who was indeed seated nearby, Baili Haohe remained convinced that all his palace servants were the Empress Dowager's people and lightheartedly warned Baili Hongxuan against developing an interest in such a woman, especially after his recent marriage.
