Legend of Fu Yao Episode 52 Recap, Plot

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> Legend of Fu Yao Recap

Zhan Nancheng, trapped in the Cold Hall, desperately pleaded for his life, claiming his blood would only stain the sacred royal grounds and was not worth spilling. However, Zhan Beiye, standing before him, declared that allowing him to leave alive would be a betrayal to the countless brothers who sacrificed their lives and the innocent who perished because of Zhan Nancheng's cruelty.

He spoke of how Zhan Nancheng's tyranny had ravaged the land from Mount Changhan to Pandu, and from Geya Desert to the Grand Ice Field, enriching himself by preying on the people. Zhan Beiye emphasized that if Zhan Nancheng had possessed even a shred of benevolence, Tiansha would not be in its current state, nor would the Cold Hall be haunted by lonely souls.

Zhan Nancheng tried to evoke their brotherhood, claiming he considered Consort Dowager Jing as his own mother, but Zhan Beiye dismissed his pleas, calling them empty lies meant to erase his past crimes. Though Zhan Beiye initially hesitated, telling Zhan Nancheng to leave, the treacherous man seized the opportunity to launch a sneak attack. Before he could succeed, Eunuch Hua swiftly intervened, ending Zhan Nancheng's life.

Eunuch Hua then quietly remarked that Old Prime Minister Zhou could finally rest in peace. Shortly after, Zhan Beiye left the city to reunite with Yalan Zhu, who was overjoyed at the news of Zhan Nancheng's demise, praising the strength of the Hidden Army who had aided him. Zhan Beiye kept his promise, using the Twin Bells of Tiansha to break the seal on the Hidden Army, welcoming them back to Tiansha, their home.

A grand state funeral ceremony was held, marked by silent mourning, jade and wine sacrifices, and the solemn return of souls. Following this, the new king, Zhan Beiye, ascended the throne, proclaiming the start of the Yong Ji Dynasty and the first year of Yong Ji. He announced that letters would be sent throughout the Five Kingdoms, wishing prosperity and enduring blessings for his people. He then addressed his loyal soldiers, acknowledging their immense sacrifices and hardships.

With due consideration, he began to bestow titles and rewards: Qiu Chengdong was appointed Grand Commandant, Grand Master of Rongce, Right Minister of State, and Marquis of Tongding, with a significant salary and a hereditary title. Sun Fengguo received similar honors as Grand Commandant and Marquis of Baocheng, and all other meritorious soldiers were also greatly rewarded.

Zhan Beiye further declared a general amnesty across the land, and, as a symbol of reform, disbanded the Yinshuang Palace, ensuring all its former possessions were returned to their rightful owners. During the court assembly, Changsun Wuji stepped forward, pointing out that the list of newly appointed officials seemed to have overlooked someone significant.

He meticulously detailed Fu Yao's unparalleled contributions to the new dynasty: how she bravely risked her life to infiltrate Zhan Nancheng's inner circle, single-handedly eliminated Prince Heng's forces without bloodshed, secured Tiansha's elite "Gold of Tiansha" troops, and strategically assisted Zhan Beiye's rebellion by restraining the inner court and winning over key ministers. He asserted that her merits in establishing the Yong Ji Dynasty were unmatched.

While Zhan Beiye acknowledged Fu Yao as the greatest contributor and promised not to forget her, noting she had saved his life in Mount Changhan and protected Tiansha's people, he initially considered it an internal Tiansha affair. Changsun Wuji, however, insisted on a special reward, specifically requesting that Fu Yao be granted the title of seignior.

Foreseeing potential resistance from the court and public, Changsun Wuji offered compensation as the Crown Prince of the Five Kingdoms, downplaying his own assistance and suggesting it all be credited to Fu Yao.

Conceding to the request, Zhan Beiye decreed that Fu Yao, the former General Zhenwu and Commander of Gold of Tiansha, be appointed King Han, a hereditary title, with Mount Changhan and its six surrounding counties as her fief, granting her independent control over military affairs, iron casting, and customs. After the court session, many officials expressed their shock and concern over Fu Yao's appointment as King Han, fearing that such power might lead to future rebellion.

Meanwhile, Zhan Beiye and Changsun Wuji privately discussed the matter. Changsun Wuji explained that Mount Changhan had intricate connections to Qiongcang, and as the Crown Prince of Tianquan, he was obligated to prevent any force from disrupting the political balance of the Five Kingdoms. He clarified that while he trusted Zhan Beiye's character, he did not trust the ambitious individuals scattered throughout the Five Kingdoms.

Separating Mount Changhan from Tiansha's direct control was a measure to prevent potential conflicts and disputes. He also noted that Mount Changhan held deep personal significance for both Zhan Beiye and Fu Yao, as it was where they endured life-and-death struggles together, and it held similar meaning for him. Both men expressed relief that they were not adversaries, sharing a moment of mutual respect.

Their conversation was interrupted when Ji Yu, still addressing Zhan Beiye as "General" at the king's request, reported that an unwelcome visitor had breached the palace defenses. Zhan Beiye immediately ordered a palace-wide alert, increasing guards and emphasizing strict caution for anyone attempting to enter without proper authorization. Ji Yu then delivered a letter to Zhan Beiye, bearing a unique emblem that Zhan Beiye immediately recognized, revealing Yalan Zhu's location.

He instructed Changsun Wuji and Fu Yao to oversee the palace in his absence and left alone to find her. Fu Yao attempted to follow, but Zhan Beiye forbade her interference, stating she could not be involved. After Zhan Beiye's departure, Fu Yao expressed curiosity about the identity of the intruder.

Changsun Wuji deduced that the mysterious figure was likely Lei Dong, Zhan Beiye's master and one of the Five Kingdoms' Ten Saints, ranked among the top three, far surpassing the Holy Hand of Xinghui. When Fu Yao inquired about the top two Saints, Changsun Wuji revealed the second was Sheng Ling, a mysterious figure who had withdrawn from the Five Kingdoms long ago, and the first was his own Master, Tian Ji.

Changsun Wuji believed Lei Dong's actions were not malicious, suggesting that his abduction of Yalan Zhu might, in fact, be a positive turning point for her and Zhan Beiye's relationship. He noted that Yalan Zhu had grown insecure and hesitant since losing her sight, and this could be an opportunity for her to overcome her self-doubt and for their bond to deepen.

Both Fu Yao and Changsun Wuji expressed their hope that all lovers in the world would suffer less and find lasting happiness. As their conversation concluded, Changsun Wuji received a secret message from Xuanji, identifiable by its royal seal, and their expressions grew grim. Meanwhile, Yalan Zhu, dressed in Tiansha attire, entered the palace, insisting on walking herself despite her blindness, unwilling to rely on others and affirming she knew the path well.

As she moved through the palace, she unexpectedly overheard Zhan Beiye and Consort Dowager Jing's conversation. Consort Dowager Jing urged Zhan Beiye to consider marriage for the stability of the newly established Yong Ji Dynasty, reminding him of his duty as king. She also recalled Fu Yao, whom Zhan Beiye had brought to meet her, and openly stated her strong approval of Fu Yao, asking if he still held affection for her.

Zhan Beiye admitted that he had indeed once sworn in Taiyuan to marry only Fu Yao. Heartbroken by this admission, Yalan Zhu tearfully turned and left, believing her companionship could never outweigh Fu Yao's presence. Just as she was in despair, a mysterious individual suddenly appeared and abducted her.

Unbeknownst to Yalan Zhu, immediately after she left, Zhan Beiye clarified to Consort Dowager Jing that his feelings for Fu Yao had evolved; Fu Yao was now his loyal and irreplaceable "good brother," a companion through life and death whom he could never betray, and that he was grateful to be blessed with "another good girl." Consort Dowager Jing quickly inferred he was speaking of Yalan Zhu.

Zhan Beiye described Yalan Zhu as perhaps not the smartest but fiercely loyal, consistently staying by his side through all hardships and fears, and making immense sacrifices for him. Moved by his words, Consort Dowager Jing granted her approval. Zhan Beiye, in turn, vowed never to betray Yalan Zhu's love and sought his mother's permission to marry her.

Though Consort Dowager Jing expressed happiness, she voiced concerns about how the court and officials might react to a queen who was blind. Zhan Beiye firmly declared that Yalan Zhu's blindness was a consequence of saving him, and without her, the Yong Ji Dynasty would not exist. He asserted that if she were deemed unfit or unworthy of the queen's honor because of her condition, then he, Zhan Beiye, would not be worthy of being Tiansha's king.

The next day, Lei Dong began his "curriculum" for Yalan Zhu, declaring that as a king's future wife, she must embody virtues like kindness, respect, frugality, and tolerance, and be adept at managing the household and supporting her husband. He called her fat and compared her to a pig, criticizing her current state. He immediately launched into lessons, starting with embroidery.

Yalan Zhu protested, citing her blindness, but Lei Dong insisted she could learn slowly, emphasizing her need to be able to mend Zhan Beiye's clothes. He then recited a strict daily schedule: embroidery on day one, cooking on day two, musical instruments and wifely duties on day three, and etiquette on day four. Yalan Zhu defiantly refused to cooperate, attempting to escape, much to Lei Dong's frustration.

He tried to make her recite ancient texts, but she quickly fell asleep, leaning on the table. Infuriated, Lei Dong lashed out, calling her a "brat" and comparing her stubbornness to Zhan Beiye's, deeming them "two of a kind." He harshly criticized her for being childish and easily giving up, stating that her behavior made her unworthy of Zhan Beiye, especially given her blindness. Yalan Zhu, however, defiantly challenged him, asking, "So what if I'm blind?"

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