Guardians of the Ancient Oath Episode 5 Recap
> Guardians of the Ancient Oath Recaps
An investigation into Jin Yang's background found that her maternal family's influence had vanished long ago, with no evidence of her ever contacting anyone in the palace. However, this did not ease Baili Hongxuan's wariness, and despite his many doubts, he was unwilling to act rashly. The investigation into Ling Jun's identity, on the other hand, was completely fruitless. No one in the palace had ever seen or heard of her.
Baili Hongxuan noted that Ling Jun always remained by Emperor Baili Haohe's side during their meetings, even when others were dismissed, suggesting deep trust. Yet, Baili Hongxuan's subordinate reported that it was as if Ling Jun had "never existed in this world." Baili Hongxuan ordered further investigation. Worried about Baili Hongxuan's safety after the monster incident in the Marquis Manor, Jin Yang sat alone, clutching a yellow leaf.
When she called out, Ling Jun suddenly appeared, confirming their long-standing acquaintance from childhood. Jin Yang expressed her profound concern that the monster intended to kill Baili Hongxuan. Ling Jun confirmed that the three Baili brothers possessed powerful spiritual energies, unknowingly drawing many monsters to Ye City. She ominously added that this was "just the beginning" and hinted at an "undone fate from the past" connected to them.
Ling Jun, who had entered the palace specifically to protect Jin Yang, urged her to be honest with Baili Hongxuan, as she could only protect her for a limited time. Jin Yang hesitated, recalling how she had been treated as an "outsider" since childhood and fearing that revealing her true nature would make Baili Hongxuan lose patience with her, jeopardizing her chance for a fresh start.
Ling Jun countered that honesty was crucial for their marriage and for preparing for future dangers, given Baili Hongxuan’s intelligence. Jin Yang lamented the immense difficulty of being truthful. Meanwhile, Ling Jun met with an unknown individual. This person observed Ling Jun's melancholy and remarked that the "Zhen Bird"—Jin Yang's true identity—had not yet fulfilled her purpose. Ling Jun acknowledged Jin Yang's kind nature and the time it would take.
The individual reminded Ling Jun that Jin Yang was merely a "chess piece" and urged her not to forget their "initial purpose for placing her beside Huo Zheng," referring to Baili Hongxuan, which was to make Baili Hongxuan aware of the existence of demons. He advised applying more pressure on Jin Yang, stating, "you win some, you lose some," to achieve their "thousand-year plan." Ling Jun affirmed her commitment and returned to Ye City to complete unfinished tasks.
Baili Hongshuo's troops continued their journey to Li City, with Baili Hongyi disguised as a male soldier named Bai Yi. Baili Hongshuo, already aware of Baili Hongyi's presence in his ranks, initially attempted to send her back to Ye City. He voiced concerns about Li City's harsh conditions and the lurking schemes of General He Yao, who had planted many of his people within the army to watch for Baili Hongshuo's mistakes.
Baili Hongyi, however, adamantly refused to leave, insisting on accompanying him to confront the challenges together. She playfully reminded him of how their eldest brother had always protected her even while on duty. After a prolonged, playful argument about their childhood and the possibility of future arranged marriages, Baili Hongshuo eventually relented, allowing her to join the expedition to Li City, jokingly claiming he needed "someone to drink with," though he also instructed her to obey him implicitly.
Along the way, a fellow new recruit, Hou Zhengze, showed particular solicitude towards Baili Hongyi. Baili Hongshuo noticed their interactions and often intervened. During a stop, Hou Zhengze attempted to catch rabbits for Baili Hongyi to supplement the un palatable military rations. Baili Hongyi found the rabbits too cute to eat. Seeing their closeness, Baili Hongshuo angrily dismissed Hou Zhengze.
Later, in a private conversation by the lake, Baili Hongshuo reminisced about Baili Hongyi’s childhood, teasing her about biting him when she couldn't win. He then broached the subject of arranged marriage, to which Baili Hongyi firmly stated she would never marry and would always remain with the Baili family. He then probed her feelings by asking what if he were the one to be bestowed a marriage.
Baili Hongyi, unaware of his deeper meaning, simply wished him a worthy match. Back in the palace, Emperor Baili Haohe discussed Baili Hongshuo’s deployment to Li City with Baili Hongxuan, expressing minor concerns about his safety but acknowledging the opportunity for military achievements. Baili Hongxuan assured him that Baili Hongshuo would diligently support General He Yao.
Baili Haohe then privately confided in Baili Hongxuan, lamenting that all his palace staff, including maids, guards, and eunuchs, were loyal to the Empress Dowager rather than to him. Later, Baili Haohe spoke with the Empress Dowager about Baili Hongshuo’s posting. He questioned whether their recent actions—Baili Hongxuan's marriage and Baili Hongshuo's border assignment—might be perceived as "bullying loyal governors."
The Empress Dowager, while dismissing his immediate concerns, expressed deeper worry about widespread rumors suggesting Baili Hongxuan was the true pillar of the Great You Kingdom. She feared that if both Baili brothers remained in Ye City, they might become targets for manipulation by "governors who are up to no good," stressing the complexities of human ambition. The army finally reached Li City, a bitterly cold place blanketed in heavy snow.
The city guards deliberately stalled their entry, citing General He Yao's strict gate controls and claiming no prior notification of their arrival. Baili Hongshuo's subordinate, Mu Qi, was enraged by this intentional obstruction, but Baili Hongshuo calmly presented the Emperor's tiger talisman. Even after receiving permission to enter, Baili Hongshuo subtly reproached the guard, highlighting the hardships faced by his unacclimatized soldiers due to the delay, hinting that General He Yao would be held responsible for any adverse effects.
He then graciously praised Li City's strong defense, saying it would please the Emperor. General He Yao, through his guard, conveyed that he was out on patrol and that the camp was prepared for Baili Hongshuo to arrange himself. Baili Hongshuo maintained his composure throughout, greatly impressing Baili Hongyi. She admitted she expected him to "explode" given his usual temper, but he calmly explained that provoking He Yao, who had deep roots in Li City, would be unwise.
Baili Hongyi admired his newfound maturity, remarking that he was "like a real general now." After settling into Li City, Baili Hongyi, now officially Baili Hongshuo's bodyguard, suggested they share a room, which Baili Hongshuo agreed to. Later, while Baili Hongshuo was out meeting He Yao, Hou Zhengze, who harbored deep admiration for Baili Hongshuo, approached Baili Hongyi in their shared quarters. He expressed deep envy for Baili Hongyi's promotion to Baili Hongshuo's personal bodyguard.
Hou Zhengze passionately recounted the history of the esteemed Baili family, from the Prince of Great Plains to Baili Hongxuan, and finally to Baili Hongshuo. He fiercely defended Baili Hongshuo's reputation as Ye City's "little overlord," explaining that he only challenged the arrogant elite, proving himself a "real man."
During their conversation, Hou Zhengze also shared local rumors about the "second son" of the Baili family—unbeknownst to him, Baili Hongyi's true identity—describing him as "neither boy nor girl" with a "bad temper," even suggesting he was a "hermaphrodite." Baili Hongyi, angered by these rumors about her true self, fiercely defended the second son, warning Hou Zhengze against spreading such gossip.
Hou Zhengze then revealed his strong desire to serve Baili Hongshuo, stating he had gone to great lengths to join this army specifically because Baili Hongshuo was leading it. He even claimed a local psychic had foretold a "predestined history from past lives" between him and Baili Hongshuo, much to Baili Hongyi's shock. Meanwhile, Baili Hongshuo and Mu Qi went to meet General He Yao.
He Yao greeted Baili Hongshuo with an air of superiority, reminding him of their familial relationship—He Yao being the Emperor's cousin and thus Baili Hongshuo's uncle—and condescendingly offering to "take care of him." Baili Hongshuo, playing the part of a pampered and naive youth, complained about the cold journey and the long wait at the city gates, subtly suggesting that He Yao might have "forgotten their past friendship." He further expressed feigned ignorance and fear of being a "burden."
He Yao, relaxing his guard, assured him of his welcome and generosity. Baili Hongshuo then raised a toast to his "uncle," while secretly maintaining his facade of a spoiled noble. He later confided in Mu Qi, grumbling about the harsh conditions and his doubts about how long he could endure life in Li City, further solidifying his act to mislead He Yao.
