Resumo do episódio 21 de The Legend of Xiao Chuo
> Resumos de The Legend of Xiao Chuo
Yelv Xian and Xiao Yanyan shared a meal in her palace. Yelv Xian remarked that he had always dined alone over the past decade, feeling all alone, and finally had someone to share a meal with. Xiao Yanyan, though appearing reluctant, agreed to stay, noting that if it was His Majesty's wish, she would comply.
Yelv Xian then mentioned their upcoming journey to Mount Tu'er for the Summer Hunting, explaining that meeting the various ministers there would be troublesome if they appeared to be at odds. Xiao Yanyan realized this was why he had been so busy recently, constantly reviewing memorials, and understood that many old rules would need modification with his ascension.
Yelv Xian further elaborated that he planned to convene a meeting of North and South ministers during the Summer Hunting to address two crucial issues: the redivision of ordos and the resettlement of the recently released kings. Xiao Yanyan questioned why he was sharing such state affairs with her, rather than his courtiers.
Yelv Xian confessed that she was his most trusted imperial concubine, and given the court's precarious state, he hoped she would step forward to take charge should anything happen to him. He cited Yansage's continued ambition, Xiyin's lingering power, and the release of his uncles—all previously imprisoned by Yelü Jing—as sources of instability. With his power still weak, he needed their support for the ordos redivision while remaining vigilant against their potential disloyalty.
Xiao Yanyan acknowledged his desire to redivide ordos and centralize royal power, but warned that such a move would impact many interests. If exploited by malicious individuals, the ordos might act selfishly, complicating the situation and potentially endangering his life. Yelv Xian, however, was resolute, stating that the redivision was imperative and he could not afford to consider other consequences.
He stressed that the reform of the Han system must be carried out step by step, focusing on fundamental issues like the disunity among ordos. Xiao Yanyan lamented how ancient ancestral rules, originally designed to help descendants adapt to nomadic life, had become so convoluted, hindering Liao's progress while other nations advanced. Yelv Xian smiled, recognizing that she understood him best.
Meanwhile, Xiyin, recently unbanned, scoffed at Yelv Xian's decision to release his uncles, calling him spineless and naive for believing blood relations guaranteed loyalty. He predicted Yelv Xian, like his father, would “fall into his own digging” by pursuing Han system reforms and focusing on ruling with virtues. Elsewhere, Gao Xun incited Nüli, complaining that Yelv Xian had divided Nüli's military power and appointed Shifang as the Privy Minister of the South Council, taking Gao Xun's position.
He accused Xiao Siwen of seizing power and sidelining them, despite their efforts in supporting Yelv Xian at Black Mountain. Gao Xun pointed out that Xiao Siwen’s influence came from his daughter being an imperial concubine. He then urged Nüli to send his own niece into the palace to gain the Emperor's favor and secure their position, even suggesting she could aim for the empress's title if she bore a prince.
Nüli, following Gao Xun's advice, recommended his sister-in-law's daughter, Xige, to Yelv Xian. Yelv Xian, despite his personal dislike for the idea, agreed to accept Xige as a concubine in a few days. He confided in his attendant that he understood Nüli’s motives: Nüli was jealous of his reliance on Prime Minister Xiao Siwen and sought to gain trust and secure his own standing by sending his niece.
Yelv Xian explained that refusing Nüli would cause concern, and with Yansage still at large and many clans not fully loyal, he had to prioritize appeasing meritorious officials. He instructed his attendant to inform Xiao Yanyan. Upon hearing the news, Xiao Yanyan expressed indifference, saying she was not angry and welcoming the idea that Yelv Xian might not bother her if he had a new favorite.
She stated she would not compete for favor and would simply pretend not to know if Yelv Xian didn't tell her directly. As the Summer Hunting commenced, Xige arrived at the imperial camp, admiring its luxurious tents. She instructed her maids to refer to her as "Your Highness" and asserted that she was no less than Imperial Concubine Xiao, planning to surpass her, especially with her uncle's backing once she bore a prince.
That evening, Xige meticulously prepared a special dinner, expecting Yelv Xian to visit her on her first night in the palace, but he instead dined with Xiao Yanyan and stayed in her tent to read. The next morning, Xige learned from her servant Hulie that Yelv Xian had indeed stayed with Xiao Yanyan. Furious, she burst into Xiao Yanyan's tent, accusing her of deliberately embarrassing her on her first night.
Xige declared she hadn't intended to compete for favor, but if Xiao Yanyan continued to monopolize the Emperor, she would not be polite. Xiao Yanyan, unfazed, calmly ordered her maids to take Xige away and teach her proper palace etiquette. Yelv Xian, hearing of the incident, worried that Xiao Yanyan might have been wronged and suggested excusing Xige from morning greetings, but Xiao Yanyan was unconcerned.
Meanwhile, Xige, bruised from her lessons, seethed with anger, vowing to find a way to outshine Xiao Yanyan without her uncle’s direct involvement, fearing she would appear useless and be replaced by other nieces. She then decided to seek advice from the two Imperial Concubine Dowagers still residing in the palace. Xige brought gifts to the two Dowagers, showing great respect.
The Dowagers, appreciative of her thoughtfulness compared to Xiao Yanyan’s absence, noted that Xige's direct personality was like their own. They reminisced about past hardships and expressed relief that Yelv Xian’s ascension had brought them peace. They encouraged Xige and Xiao Yanyan to serve the Emperor well and produce heirs. After Xige left, the two Dowagers discussed how Xiao Yanyan, daughter of Lübugu and Xiao Siwen, had a strong character like Princess Lübugu, who dared to contradict Empress Dowager Shulü.
They pondered how, despite being only Imperial Concubine Dowagers and not Empress Dowagers, they could still gain influence by manipulating the two young concubines. That night, Yelv Xian came to Xiao Yanyan’s tent for dinner and attempted to explain his reasons for taking Xige as a concubine. However, Xiao Yanyan interrupted him, declaring that Xige was his concubine, and as long as he liked her, it had nothing to do with her. She then abruptly ended her meal.
Yelv Xian, disheartened, left, after telling her to get some rest for the journey to Xianling tomb the next day. Xiao Yanyan's maid expressed sympathy for Yelv Xian, noting his persistent efforts to please her despite her coldness, believing even a heart of stone should have melted. Xiao Yanyan, however, defiantly stated her heart was indeed stone and would not be easily changed.
Meanwhile, in the Rilian Clan, Han Derang had asked Shiwu to feign illness for Abohe's father to distract Elder Tuoli, so he could retrieve medicine for his sick servant Lu Duan. Shiwu had been caught and was being severely whipped by Elder Tuoli. Han Derang intervened, asserting that Shiwu was his man, entrusted to him by Abohe, and therefore only he could punish him.
Tuoli accused Han Derang of orchestrating the deception and threatened to further mutilate Shiwu and display him publicly. Han Derang angrily confronted Tuoli, stating he would not stand by if the clan continued to trample lives. Abohe arrived at the scene. Han Derang reminded Abohe of a life-saving debt he owed him and demanded Shiwu’s release. Abohe, as the young patriarch, was torn between his word and maintaining authority, as Tuoli warned him of the consequences of releasing a “slave.”
Reluctantly, Abohe, to uphold his promise, cut his own hand with a dagger, declaring their debt settled, and instructed Tuoli to withdraw the punishment. Han Derang helped the injured Shiwu away. Shiwu apologized for the trouble, but Han Derang expressed regret for putting him in such a predicament. Shiwu explained that Han Derang was the only person who treated them as humans, and helping him save Lu Duan was an honor, making a whipping seem insignificant.
As they walked, Han Derang observed many slaves, including children, imprisoned for minor offenses, left to die without food or water. This cruel reality deepened Han Derang's resolve to push for Han system reforms, realizing it was not merely a path to personal glory but a crucial endeavor for the well-being of Liao’s people, a journey that had only just begun.
The next day, as they traveled to Xianling tomb to honor Emperor Shizong, Yelv Xian deliberately coughed in the carriage. Noticing Xiao Yanyan’s subtle concern, he felt a warmth in his heart. Despite her not verbally expressing it, he sensed her care. He draped a cloak over her, and together they gazed out at the beautiful scenery.
At Xianling, Yelv Xian solemnly declared his intention to follow Emperor Shizong’s example by implementing the Han system to ensure Liao’s prosperity for generations. Xiao Yanyan, clad in a magnificent red palace gown, stood steadfastly by his side, ready to support his vision for reform.
