Guardians of the Ancient Oath Episode 9 Recap
> Guardians of the Ancient Oath Recap
Li City was gripped by a rampant plague, and rumors spread like wildfire, inciting fear among the populace with tales of vengeful evil spirits, a belief that even took root among the soldiers. Baili Hongshuo had intended to question Xia Da further for clues, but He Yao acted swiftly, having Xia Da secretly murdered to silence him. With this development, Baili Hongshuo found himself at a dead end. Despite his frustration, his immediate priority was to care for the sick.
He Yao had previously confronted Baili Hongshuo, declaring that if the situation wasn't resolved within three days, Li City would be lost, and he, as Northern Defense's Great General, wouldn't be able to protect Baili Hongshuo from the Empress Dowager's wrath. Baili Hongshuo assured his uncle that he would resolve the crisis within three days.
He then cleverly put He Yao on the spot, requesting him to arrange for water from neighboring counties to prevent a city-wide water shortage, warning that he wouldn't take the blame if chaos ensued. He Yao, cornered, agreed to handle the water supply but firmly stated that all consequences after three days would be Baili Hongshuo’s responsibility.
Learning of Xia Da's death, Baili Hongshuo’s subordinate Mu Qi offered to lead an investigation, but Baili Hongshuo stopped him, asserting that the killers, likely from within the camp, would not be caught. He stressed that the water crisis remained the top priority.
Convinced that He Yao was behind Xia Da’s murder and blaming himself for not protecting Xia Da, Baili Hongshuo ordered Baili Hongyi to remain confined in the camp for her safety, refusing to let her join him in the dangerous city. Despite Hongyi's protests, reminding him of their "brotherly" bond and her desire to help, Baili Hongshuo insisted that her staying put was the greatest help, as he couldn't guarantee her safety amidst the growing chaos.
He forcibly locked her in a room, instructing Hou Zhengze to guard her closely, ensuring she received three meals a day, and not to leave her side for a single step. Baili Hongshuo then moved swiftly to organize the plague relief efforts. He instructed his men to gather all doctors and patients in one location, expand the treatment area if necessary, and utilize army beds, tents, and bedding.
He ordered the army kitchen to prepare food for the patients and arranged for additional manpower to set up large cauldrons for boiling water, ensuring fair distribution. He dispatched men to collect water from neighboring counties, as their own supply was dwindling, only enough for the sick. He also secured the treatment area, restricting unauthorized entry, and assigned soldiers to assist the doctors, emphasizing courteous treatment. He introduced himself to the head doctor, offering his full support.
The doctor suggested an herbal fumigation method using Szechuan lovage, milkvetch, and female ginseng to purify the air, which Baili Hongshuo immediately implemented. The doctor reassured him that all medical personnel would do their utmost to combat the virulent plague. Meanwhile, Baili Hongyi, locked in her room, fumed and kicked at the door. When Hou Zhengze brought her food, she tried to escape, but he dutifully blocked her path, reiterating Baili Hongshuo's orders.
She tried to soften him, lamenting Baili Hongshuo's perceived harshness, claiming she was only concerned about his well-being after his tireless efforts with the Qianling Lake, the water crisis, and now the plague. Hou Zhengze, feeling her intentions were good, somewhat sympathized. Baili Hongyi then invited Hou Zhengze to share her meal as a gesture of their "brotherhood," claiming she had money to cover it.
After the meal, she suggested they go for a walk to aid digestion, hinting she wanted to buy Baili Hongshuo new clothes to cheer him up. Hou Zhengze, naive and easily swayed by her arguments, agreed, believing it would earn Baili Hongshuo's favor. At a fabric store, Baili Hongyi feigned a stomachache and asked to use the restroom. Hou Zhengze, though simple, confirmed with the shopkeeper that there was only one exit before allowing her in alone.
Unbeknownst to him, Baili Hongyi was a woman. She changed into women's attire and walked out of the shop, passing right by Hou Zhengze, who failed to recognize her. Newly free, Baili Hongyi went to the epidemic treatment center, intending to help Baili Hongshuo. However, seeing him relentlessly busy, tending to patients, and making quick decisions, she decided not to distract him with her presence. As she turned to leave, she noticed a suspicious figure in a black cloak.
Following, she discovered it was Bai Nuo secretly meeting with He Yao. Their conversation revealed that Bai Nuo had used a secret Baize unit medicine to cause the plague, and only they possessed the antidote. He Yao mentioned having killed Xia Da for Bai Nuo, who then reminded He Yao of his promise to present Bai Nuo's letter of surrender to the Empress Dowager after their plan succeeded.
As their meeting concluded, Baili Hongyi attempted to follow Bai Nuo but was detected. Fortuitously, Ming Yefeng appeared, subtly covering for her. Ming Yefeng had been informed that Yi Jiumo, a powerful former Priest of the Baize unit, was imprisoned by You Kingdom forces in Li City, specifically in a place called the Black Underworld Shrine, a location he couldn't find due to heavy security.
His goal was to rescue Yi Jiumo, whose support was crucial to win over the Wolf Tribe without resorting to bloodshed, as he refused to slaughter his own people despite Bai Nuo's treachery. He knew that relying on Baili Hongshuo would make locating Yi Jiumo easier. After his encounter with Baili Hongyi, Ming Yefeng, recognizing her, found her an unexpected asset.
He revealed her true identity as Baili's Second Lady, mocking her male disguise, and questioned her reason for following Bai Nuo. Baili Hongyi defiantly accused He Yao and the Wolf Tribe of collusion. Ming Yefeng clarified that Bai Nuo's Baize unit acted independently and confirmed her suspicion that Bai Nuo was indeed colluding with He Yao.
He then abducted Baili Hongyi, stating she had no choice but to accompany him, assuring her he wouldn't harm her unless absolutely necessary, believing this chance encounter was a gift from heaven to aid his plans to meet Baili Hongshuo. Back in the camp, Hou Zhengze, distraught over "Bai Yi's" disappearance, debated whether to inform Baili Hongshuo, worried about disrupting the Commander amidst the plague crisis, yet fearing punishment for failing his first assignment.
Eventually, Baili Hongshuo confronted Hou Zhengze, who nervously confessed that "Bai Yi" had "disappeared" or "got lost." Enraged, Baili Hongshuo threatened to "chop him into pieces and feed to the dog" if anything happened to "him." He swiftly rode out, ignoring curfew and taking full responsibility for his actions. Baili Hongshuo found Ming Yefeng waiting for him at the fabric store.
Ming Yefeng mockingly greeted him as "Baili's Third Young Master," then corrected himself to "Baili's Second Lady," revealing he had abducted Hongyi. Baili Hongshuo, furious, demanded to know Hongyi's whereabouts and what Ming Yefeng had done to her. Ming Yefeng showed him a weakened Hongyi, claiming he gave her "something special to eat" to prevent her from escaping and harming herself.
Baili Hongshuo tried to leave with Hongyi, but Ming Yefeng blocked their path, warning that if they left, Li City's people could not be saved. Hongyi clarified that Bai Nuo, not He Yao, was the true poisoner, and that Ming Yefeng possessed the antidote, asserting they now shared a common enemy.
Ming Yefeng then proposed a deal: Baili Hongshuo would help him find Yi Jiumo in the Black Underworld Shrine in Li City, and in return, he would provide the antidote for the poisoned water. Baili Hongshuo, despite considering Ming Yefeng an enemy, had no choice but to agree to save Hongyi and the people of Li City.
As Baili Hongshuo attempted to leave with Hongyi, Ming Yefeng insisted that Hongyi must remain as his "protection charm," promising not to harm her. Baili Hongshuo threatened gruesome revenge if Hongyi was harmed. Hongyi, despite her weakness, pleaded with Baili Hongshuo not to trust Ming Yefeng, believing it to be a trap. However, Baili Hongshuo, torn between his love for her and duty to the people, vowed to return for her and left.
Left behind, Hongyi defiantly warned Ming Yefeng that her brother would bring his troops to destroy him, unaware of Ming Yefeng's knowing gaze regarding Baili Hongshuo's feelings for her. Meanwhile, in Ye City, news of the plague and Baili Hongshuo’s supposed recklessness reached the court. Empress Dowager He sternly rebuked Baili Hongxuan, the Marquis of Zhenbei, for his brother's actions, stating Baili Hongshuo had disgraced the Baili family and the Marquis's residence.
The Emperor, Baili Haohe, attempted to defend Baili Hongshuo, blaming his mother (the Empress Dowager) for spoiling him too much. Empress Dowager He retorted that if the plague continued, destabilizing the border, Baili Hongxuan would face the same punishment as commoners, despite his royal lineage. To rectify the situation and protect his brother, Baili Hongxuan volunteered to lead troops to Li City.
The Emperor cautiously approved, reminding Baili Hongxuan to be careful, as he knew of He Yao's machinations, and graciously offered to look after Baili Hongxuan's family affairs, noting his concern for Princess Jin Yang.
