Resumo do episódio 6 de Ashes to Crown
> Resumos de Ashes to Crown
Deng Yi stands in his courtyard, staring at the longevity lock sent to him by Chu Zhao. Despite the terrifying nature of this warning, as well as the grand golden-thread nanmu coffin placed in his courtyard to intimidate him, he reassures himself that the princess still needs his presence to balance the growing influence of the Xie clan and Xiao Xun, meaning he is safe for now.
His mind drifts back to the previous night, when he had secretly slipped into Xiao Xun’s deserted mansion. Recognizing that the cornered prince was desperate, Deng Yi had presented him with a forged imperial edict from the late Emperor naming Xiao Xun as the rightful heir. Deng Yi explained that he was shifting his allegiance because Chu Zhao had broken her promise by handing the Imperial Guard Tally to an obscure member of the Xie family.
Eager to reclaim his path to power, Xiao Xun accepted the alliance, promising Deng Yi the prestigious position of Grand Mentor once he claimed the throne. Back in the present, Xie Yanfang arrives at Deng Yi’s estate. Looking at the coffin, Xie Yanfang dryly remarks that Deng Yi has at least saved the imperial court the expense of his own funeral. During their conversation, Xie Yanfang inquires about Xiao Xun’s sudden escape. Deng Yi boldly admits his direct involvement.
Xie Yanfang warns him that playing such a dangerous game without the backing of a powerful clan is an immense gamble that could easily lead to ruin. Meanwhile, at the military camp in Yunzhong Prefecture, General Chu Cen faces a critical situation. Realizing that the Shuomo forces possess intimate knowledge of their defensive layouts and hidden sentries, he suspects a traitor within his ranks.
Just then, an urgent dispatch from the Capital arrives, reporting that Chu Zhao is facing impeachment and Xiao Xun has fled, while Imperial Guard Commander Fu Jiu (Xie Yanlai) has been seriously injured but is now out of danger. Relieved that his daughter is safe, Chu Cen refocuses on the enemy. He commands his forces to redeploy to Langya Valley and orders an ambush at Yingzui Cliff to trap the invaders.
Despite his deteriorating health and coughing up blood, the general firmly declares that he will personally lead the charge the next day. In the Capital, Chu Zhao remains by Xie Yanlai’s side as he recovers. Her maid gently reminds her of the gossip that might arise from keeping a young man in her private quarters for three days, but Chu Zhao dismisses the concerns, stating that Xie Yanlai is the one person she trusts implicitly.
Their conversation is interrupted by an urgent report: Shuomo has launched a real attack on Yunzhong Prefecture. Chu Zhao is stunned, knowing she had only forged a military report of an incursion to corner Xiao Xun, never expecting a real invasion to materialize. At Deng Yi’s residence, Xie Yanfang’s Weiqi match with Deng Yi continues.
Xie Yanfang subtly reveals his hand, explaining that since Chu Zhao tried to drag the Xie family into her schemes using forged evidence, he decided to provide her with a real war to handle. As he secures a decisive victory on the board, Xie Yanfang warns Deng Yi that an overcrowded board leaves no room for survival, hinting that Deng Yi's shifting loyalties may ultimately block his own path. Xie Yanlai finally regains consciousness.
Chu Zhao, sitting by his bed, notices him laughing and crying in his nightmare and asks what he dreamed about. Xie Yanlai secretly recalls being rescued by a young girl when the ancestral temple burned down, as well as his regret over failing to save another boy from the fire, but he keeps these memories to himself. Deeply feeling her guilt for his injuries, Chu Zhao offers to grant him any wish to repay her debt of gratitude.
Xie Yanlai, claiming he has no worldly desires, only asks for some red bean cakes. Chu Zhao enthusiastically agrees to make them herself, and after several failed attempts, they finally manage to prepare a perfect batch. As they eat, the taste of the pastries triggers Chu Zhao’s memories of her home.
She laments that she has been away from Yunzhong for so long that she nearly forgot the recipe, expressing deep remorse over the harsh argument she had with her father before leaving. She had accused him of being an arrogant commander who only cared about his reputation rather than his daughter’s feelings. Xie Yanlai comforts her, sharing that during his five years with the general, he witnessed how much the old man cherished her.
Her father would often collect Western spices and plant beautiful flowers in her old courtyard, keeping it immaculate for her eventual return. Moved by his words, Chu Zhao enjoys the moment as Xie Yanlai gently pushes her on a swing, making her feel as if her father were right beside her.
However, their peace is shattered when a messenger arrives with devastating news: Shuomo forces suddenly retreated just as the army assembled to fight, but General Chu Cen, who had already been unwell, spat blood and fell into a coma on his way back to camp. Meanwhile, Xiao Xun safely arrives in Xiaonan and reunites with his father, Xiao Hong. Nursing his injuries, Xiao Xun expresses his burning rage toward Chu Zhao for trying to eliminate him.
He notes that the power dynamics in the Capital are shifting rapidly and suggests they take action. However, Xiao Hong advises his son to remain patient, comparing their struggle to the precise art of alchemy where opening the cauldron too early leads to failure. He urges Xiao Xun to rest and bide his time. At the imperial court, several officials seize on Shuomo's invasion to impeach Chu Cen for negligence.
Chu Zhao argues that the invasion did not cause significant harm, and points out the highly suspicious timing of the invasion occurring right after Xiao Xun’s escape, suggesting internal collusion. Xie Yanfang supports her, subtly mocking Deng Yi’s past eagerness to pardon Xiao Xun. In response, Deng Yi tries to deflect by pointing out that Xie Yanfang has seized Xiao Xun’s former estate. Xie Yanfang smoothly retorts that the residence was a gift from the Emperor.
Seeing the bickering, the young Emperor grows weary and dismisses the court. Returning to his mansion, Deng Yi fumes over Xie Yanfang’s arrogance. Realizing that the Xie clan is becoming an existential threat, he decides he can no longer remain passive. He instructs his butler, Shao You, to immediately send operatives to Gaoyang to dig up any hidden secrets or incriminating evidence regarding the Xie family's loyalty.
Meanwhile, Xie Yanfang oversees the renovation of Xiao Xun’s former residence, which now proudly bears the plaque of the Xie family. He remains unconcerned about the political fallout of the invasion, confident that Chu Cen’s massive victory at Xinggu Pass will protect the general’s reputation. With the new manor complete, Xie Yanfang instructs his butler to summon Xie Yanlai back to the family estate.
He muses that he is curious to see if a dog that has been away from its master for five years still knows how to be obedient. To secure her own standing in the Capital, Chu Zhao meets with her elder cousin, Chu Tang. Recognizing that her position as Grand Princess brings immense danger to the entire family, Chu Zhao urges her cousin to prepare for the worst.
Chu Tang reassures her, pledging that the Chu family will stand by her through any triumph or disaster. Grateful for her loyalty, Chu Zhao proposes that they work in tandem—she will handle the political battles in the open, while Chu Tang acts as her eyes and ears in the shadows, securing their hold over the empire.
