Legend of Fu Yao Episode 38 Recap, Plot

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> Legend of Fu Yao Recap

Alone in the desert, Changsun Wuji found solace in his drink until Fu Yao approached him. He confessed his confusion as to why she consistently kept her distance, especially when she understood his heart better than anyone. Tearfully, Fu Yao revealed the reason: her Love-locking Poison was incurable, and she did not wish for Changsun Wuji to live with a woman destined to die.

Undeterred, Changsun Wuji embraced and kissed her, firmly stating he would not allow her to succumb to such grim thoughts. He pledged to find a cure, assuring her she would not die. Later, they sat together under the night sky, watching fireworks. Accompanying them were the beautiful Auroras, holy birds of the southern border.

Changsun Wuji explained that Auroras, despite their short lifespan of less than a month, never feared death, shining brightly in life and gleaming even as they peacefully returned to the soil. He recounted meeting a woman who mirrored a long-held shadow in his heart. Though he initially sought clarity by approaching her, he soon forgot his original purpose, wanting only to see her. This feeling was so powerful that it made him forget the shadow, focusing solely on her existence.

He wished Fu Yao to remain by his side, like the bright moonlight, transcending time and mortality until the very end. Fu Yao, leaning on his shoulder, found peace, declaring that being with the person she loved made death fearless, believing that like blooming flowers, true confidants would never betray each other. The following day, an urgent dispatch arrived from Tianquan, informing Changsun Wuji that his father, Emperor Changsun Jiong, was critically ill and summoned him back to the palace.

Changsun Jiong’s illness was a feigned one, meant to test the loyalty of his court and flush out ambitious elements. Changsun Wuji knew his half-brother, Zhangsun Pingrong, would set up ambushes along the way. His Secret Guards had already reported that both official roads to Tianquan were heavily guarded by Zhangsun Pingrong’s troops, who anticipated his immediate return.

Though incredibly dangerous, Changsun Wuji considered the Geya Desert, also known as the Death Desert—the most perilous and mysterious place in the Five Kingdoms, rumored to be the entrance to the Netherworld, with no one ever returning from it alive. Despite the risks, he was willing to attempt this fastest route, and Zong Yue, concerned for Wuji’s safety, decided to accompany him.

Meanwhile, Changsun Jiong, testing the loyalty of his court during his feigned illness, asked his trusted attendant Han Lin about the succession. Han Lin, after some reluctance, admitted that while Changsun Wuji was alert, intelligent, and had a higher vision, he appeared less ruthless in military matters compared to Zhangsun Pingrong. Conversely, Zhangsun Pingrong, a veteran of many wars, was brave, resourceful, and ambitious, though sometimes reckless.

Han Lin noted that most ministers still favored Changsun Wuji, who had been conferred by the Emperor years ago and had just returned from Qiongcang with new skills. Changsun Jiong, however, was displeased, seeing Changsun Wuji’s popularity as a reason for his reckless actions, such as ruining the engagement with Xuanji Kingdom by falling for a commoner. He believed Changsun Wuji, having been spoiled and experienced too smooth a life, needed to face hardships and learn lessons.

He then ordered Zhangsun Pingrong to be brought to his bedchamber. In the bedchamber, Zhangsun Pingrong feigned deep concern for his father’s health, lamenting his absence from Changsun Jiong’s side. Changsun Jiong saw through his performance, questioning Pingrong’s fitness for the throne given his timid demeanor. He subtly conveyed that his illness was a test for his officials and, unexpectedly, a perfect opportunity for Pingrong to make his move.

When Pingrong feigned ignorance, Changsun Jiong sternly rebuked his cowardice, asserting that the imperial throne was always claimed through bloodshed. Zhangsun Pingrong feigned understanding, but inwardly, he rejoiced, believing Changsun Wuji was now doomed since even his own father had turned against him. Back in Yao City, Fu Yao diligently tried to embroider a pouch, only to be teased by Changsun Wuji, who said her lotus design looked more like a rice ball.

Her efforts were interrupted by Xiao Qi, who excitedly informed her that Changsun Wuji had taken Tie Cheng as a disciple. Rushing to investigate, Fu Yao found Tie Cheng bowing to Changsun Wuji and addressing her as “Master’s wife.” Fu Yao immediately objected, insisting she had no relationship with Changsun Wuji, but he playfully countered that others already considered her his woman and them the "perfect couple of Yao City" or "Yao City's dragon and phoenix."

Changsun Wuji explained that he had never taken a disciple before and only broke his rule for her, teaching Tie Cheng some martial arts so he could protect her in his absence. Fu Yao was taken aback by his sudden departure. Dismissing Xiao Qi and Tie Cheng, Changsun Wuji informed Fu Yao that the Imperial City had summoned him back due to his father’s critical condition, but the situation back home was far from simple.

He urged her to protect herself and Yao City, warning her not to act tough and expressing concern for her safety. Fu Yao, despite her lingering poison, assured him that she had much left to experience and would be fine. She promised to guard Yao City for him until his return.

As Changsun Wuji prepared to leave, Zong Yue also announced his departure, claiming he needed to find an antidote for Fu Yao’s poison and implying that Wuji had threatened him with death if he failed. Fu Yao recognized Wuji’s immense sacrifices for her, including breaking his engagement with Xuanji, and understood the sensitive situation in Tianquan. She accepted his departure, reaffirming her commitment to protecting Yao City.

Before leaving, Changsun Wuji left his pet, Yuan Bao, with Fu Yao, hoping it would assist her in critical moments. He entrusted Yao City to her, emphasizing its strategic importance as a hub connecting three kingdoms and six clans, asking her to guard it well. Fu Yao promised to protect the city, vowing "City lives, people live." However, Changsun Wuji corrected her, wishing for both her and the city to survive.

Meanwhile, Prince De, Changsun Jia, visited Hong Ying at a brothel to gather intelligence. Hong Ying reported that Zhangsun Pingrong had secretly seized the command seal for the Qianqi of Shangyang Palace and deployed his troops, guarding the main road and waterway from the southern border to Tianquan, even sending elite forces to the Geya Desert to assassinate someone, clearly aiming for Changsun Wuji. Hong Ying questioned Changsun Jia’s indifference, highlighting the opportunity this power struggle presented for him.

Changsun Jia, however, expressed his concern that if Tianquan fell into the hands of a reckless leader, it would endanger the populace, and he, as a prince, could not stand idly by. He reminisced about his past, 27 years ago, when he was the most favored prince, destined for the throne. Yet, he cared little for power, valuing instead the love of his soulmate.

He confessed that falling in love had made him hesitant and caused him to lose the throne, his fighting spirit, and eventually, his beloved. Hong Ying, who was originally a pawn planted by Changsun Jiong to spy on Changsun Jia, admitted she too was ensnared by love. Recognizing her genuine feelings, Changsun Jia decided to send her away that very night, fearing he would be unable to protect her if he became embroiled in the court’s power struggles.

At Hei rong zhai, Zhangsun Pingrong met with Chi Gui, presenting him with 100,000 taels of gold and 30,000 sets of battle armor, aiming to forge a friendship. He ordered Chi Gui to lead his troops to Yao City first. Chi Gui, confident in his stronghold's power and stating he despised Yao City anyway, readily agreed.

Zhangsun Pingrong instructed Chi Gui to conquer Yao City, then head east to rendezvous with his own forces, and together they would march directly to the Imperial City. In return, the entire southern border would belong to Hei rong zhai. Chi Gui assured him that taking Yao City would be effortless and promised a swift victory. As Changsun Wuji and Zong Yue hastened towards the Geya Desert, they found themselves pursued by Zhangsun Pingrong’s forces.

Changsun Wuji, expecting the Qianqi of Shangyang Palace to meet them at the agreed time, surmised that their delay indicated a military coup in Tianquan. With pursuers closing in and no retreat, Changsun Wuji decided they had to split up. He would continue into the perilous Geya Desert alone, while Zong Yue would take the official road to escape and deliver news of Changsun Wuji’s return to the Tianquan Secret Guards, instructing them to provide backup.

The joint armies of Chi Gui and Zhangsun Pingrong launched their assault on Yao City. Zhangsun Pingrong, upon hearing that Fu Yao was the county magistrate, was enraged, vowing to personally claim her head. With Hei rong zhai commanding approximately 50,000 troops (including Pingrong’s reinforcements) against Yao City’s mere 3,000 inhabitants, including women and children, and only five days' worth of provisions, Fu Yao faced an impossible task.

She gathered the city’s residents, inspiring them with a powerful speech, reminding them that while their numbers and armor might be inferior, they must never lose their integrity. She declared that the land remained Yao City and vowed to live and die with it, prompting the citizens to pledge their lives to defend their home. Understanding the overwhelming odds and limited supplies, Fu Yao resolved to avoid direct confrontation and secure victory within five days.

During the battle, Fu Yao brilliantly employed an empty fort strategy, opening the city gates to lure the enemy inside. As Chi Gui’s men cautiously entered, Fu Yao’s forces ambushed them with a devastating fire attack, catching the Hei rong zhai army completely off guard and forcing them to retreat in disarray.

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