The Promise of Chang'an Episódio 20 Resumo e Enredo

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Ling Zhen'er subtly questioned a drunken Xiao Qihan, feigning that such an important secret was beyond his knowledge. This prompted him to boast that he was the one who had discovered the matter of the Imperial Jade Seal of Succession. Ling Zhen'er pressed him for more details, but he passed out from intoxication before she could learn anything further.

She regretted that he had fallen unconscious before revealing the full story, especially since he would return to the military camp the next day, denying her another opportunity to question him. Helan Mingyu, reflecting on the Imperial Jade Seal's history and its connection to Xi Qi, suspected that Xiao Chengxu had indeed obtained it. She linked this revelation with other recent events, comprehending the full, perilous scope of the situation, which could lead to severe repercussions for their entire family.

She instructed Ling Zhen'er to find a way to leave the palace and deliver a letter to Xiao Chengxu. Helan Mingyu insisted she couldn't explain the critical matter fully, only that Ling Zhen'er must deliver the message. She specifically told Ling Zhen'er that it would be best if Xiao Chengxu did not understand the letter's content, but if he did, he was to remain composed and not act impulsively.

As Ling Zhen'er prepared to leave, Xiao Chengxu asked her to wait and deliver a reply letter to Helan Mingyu. At that moment, Xiao Qihan unexpectedly arrived. Ling Zhen'er swiftly covered herself with a cloak. Xiao Qihan, noticing the veiled figure, questioned who she was. Xiao Chengxu quickly fabricated a story, claiming she was a maidservant sent by his wife, Su Yuying, to check on his welfare.

He gave Ling Zhen'er a letter, purportedly for Su Yuying, and had her immediately escorted away. Xiao Qihan then teased Xiao Chengxu about Su Yuying's strictness, remarking that she kept such a close watch on him even before he reached home. Ling Zhen'er delivered Helan Mingyu's letter, which cautioned Xiao Chengxu that it was "not too late to mend a broken fence." Xiao Chengxu's reply confirmed he had found Su Qiu and had deduced the full extent of the situation.

Helan Mingyu earnestly hoped that his understanding would lead him to abandon their dangerous plan. On the day of the welcome ceremony outside the city, Xiao Chengrui's general confirmed that all preparations were complete and the signal for their ambush would be the smashing of a wine cup.

Xiao Chengrui warmly greeted his returning generals and princes, including Xiao Chengxuan, Xiao Qihan, and Xiao Chengxu, commending their efforts in the victory, which he declared particularly significant for their new "Great Sheng" dynasty. He then offered ceremonial wine, first to Xiao Chengxuan, then to Xiao Qihan. Finally, Xiao Chengrui offered a cup to Xiao Chengxu, who, without hesitation, drank it. Xiao Chengrui then probed if Xiao Chengxu had any further reports.

Just as Xiao Chengrui was about to give the signal to strike, Xiao Chengxu dramatically knelt, announcing a crucial matter to report. He then produced the long-missing Imperial Jade Seal of Succession, presenting it as a treasure offered by Xi Qi to signify their sincere surrender. Xiao Chengrui was initially stunned but, after confirming its authenticity, questioned why such a significant item had not been mentioned in the victory report.

Xiao Chengxu explained that he had deliberately concealed it from everyone, including his own troops, to prevent any mishaps or leaks during its transport, ensuring its safe delivery directly to Xiao Chengrui. Relieved, Xiao Chengrui praised Xiao Chengxu's meticulousness and forethought. Feigning unwavering loyalty, Xiao Chengxu then declared his heartfelt desire to follow Xiao Chengrui in unifying the world, bringing immense relief and satisfaction to Xiao Chengrui.

Xiao Chengrui later confronted Xiao Qihan, perceiving a strain in his relationship with Xiao Chengxu. He noted that as his eldest son, Xiao Qihan, accustomed to flattery, had become arrogant and headstrong, but lacked wisdom. Xiao Chengrui sternly reminded Xiao Qihan of Xiao Chengxu's superior abilities and intelligence, clearly demonstrated by his skillful handling of Xi Qi's surrender and the secure return of the Imperial Jade Seal.

He urged Xiao Qihan to set aside his pride and diligently learn from Xiao Chengxu. Still shaken, Helan Mingyu confided in Ling Zhen'er how close Xiao Chengxu had come to an irreversible downfall. Meanwhile, Xiao Chengxu and Xiao Chengxuan discussed Helan Mingyu's letter. They understood that all their previous plans were doomed to fail, and without Helan Mingyu's intervention, they would have faced catastrophe.

Recognizing their precarious position, they resolved to prioritize their own preservation and patiently await a more opportune moment. Following this, Xiao Chengrui officially ascended the throne, establishing the Great Sheng dynasty and renaming the era to Xiande, and Xiao Chengxu was greatly rewarded for his contributions. Despite a celebratory banquet hosted by Xiao Chengrui, Xiao Chengxu sought out Helan Mingyu. He expressed profound gratitude for her intervention, acknowledging that she had saved him.

He bitterly regretted his past naivety, realizing he had mistakenly considered an enemy as family. Helan Mingyu understood his anguish and cautioned him to suppress his true feelings and act with extreme caution, especially concerning Xiao Chengxuan, to avoid impulsive actions. Xiao Chengxu assured her he was no longer the naive boy he once was and vowed to slowly accumulate power and influence by remaining close to Xiao Chengrui.

Helan Mingyu's concern and worry for him were genuine, but she emphasized that their changed positions, and the safety of their respective households and the people of Yonglin, necessitated that they set aside their personal affections and adhere to their proper stations. With a heavy heart, they both urged each other to take care. Following the rewards bestowed upon both Xiao Chengxu and Xiao Qihan, Consort Hui reveled in her good fortune. However, Su Yuying expressed her discontent.

Consort Hui admonished Su Yuying for tormenting Kelan, a maidservant, during Xiao Chengxu's absence, noting that such misconduct had become common gossip within the manor. Su Yuying, unrepentant, fiercely justified her actions. Consort Hui criticized Su Yuying's stubborn and competitive nature, warning that it might alienate Xiao Chengxu. Su Yuying, however, believed it was the very trait that secured her marriage to Xiao Chengxu.

She then challenged Consort Hui, implying that a lack of ambition would prevent her from achieving a high rank in the palace. Consort Hui conceded that the Empress title was beyond her reach, but with the support of two princes and her influential family from Mao Zhou, she was determined to secure the highest position among the consorts, second only to the Empress, specifically aiming to surpass Helan Mingyu.

Empress Helan Yunqi visited Helan Mingyu, who had left the celebration banquet early, feigning chest pain. Helan Yunqi informed her that Xiao Chengrui, now Emperor, planned to simplify the inner palace structure by appointing only one Empress and four consorts. Helan Mingyu acknowledged Helan Yunqi's new title. Helan Yunqi explained that while the Empress title was hers, Helan Mingyu would be "wronged" in her new rank.

She clarified that consort rankings were based not only on imperial favor but also on the political influence of their families. Thus, Consort Hui, with her family from Mao Zhou and her ties to both Xiao Chengxu and Xiao Qihan, was named Consort Shu. Consort Lian, though reclusive and sickly, received the title of Consort De due to her status as the first to enter the Emperor's manor and her father being an important minister.

Helan Mingyu, being the youngest, was consequently named Consort Xian, the lowest of the four consorts. Helan Yunqi admitted Xiao Chengrui had worried about Helan Mingyu's reaction, but she assured him that Helan Mingyu was openhearted and indifferent to such competition. She also revealed that the prestigious Imperial Consort position remained vacant because Xiao Qihan’s birth mother was deemed lacking in decorum and understanding of the "bigger picture," and thus was only conferred the lesser title of Zhaoyi Lan.

The Emperor then sent numerous gifts to Consort Xian. Helan Mingyu, however, showed little interest in these lavish presents, instructing Ling Zhen'er to distribute them among the other palaces. Helan Mingyu was embroidering a sachet. Just as she was struggling to stitch a pair of mandarin ducks onto it, Xiao Chengrui unexpectedly arrived. He noted that it was unusual to see her engaged in such female crafts.

Upon observing the embroidered mandarin ducks, Xiao Chengrui expressed a desire for the sachet for himself. Helan Mingyu politely refused, instead offering to embroider a magnificent dragon for him, a design more fitting for his imperial stature. Xiao Chengrui accepted this proposition. He then announced his intention to spend the night in her palace. Helan Mingyu, however, found an excuse, claiming that since the establishment of the Great Sheng dynasty, she had been fasting and praying for the nation's prosperity.

Xiao Chengrui grew visibly displeased, remarking that she had become distant since her return. He questioned if she harbored secrets or was discontent with her newly conferred title. Helan Mingyu denied any such feelings, reaffirming her genuine devotion to praying for the country. Annoyed by her persistent refusal, Xiao Chengrui departed, but not before issuing a stern warning that she should not presume his indulgence would be limitless.

The following day, after visiting Zhaoyi Lan, Helan Mingyu and Consort Hui encountered Xiao Qihan. Zhaoyi Lan, still resentful about not being granted a consort title, had been further agitated by Consort Hui's complacent demeanor. Helan Mingyu, however, had tactfully offered her comfort. In her usual outspoken manner, Zhaoyi Lan impulsively declared her intention to one day force Consort Hui to kneel before her and address her as Empress Dowager.

Xiao Qihan, upon hearing this, was aghast and immediately cautioned his mother against such dangerous talk. This discussion, particularly the mention of Xiao Chengxu, triggered a sudden realization in Xiao Qihan: Ling Zhen'er's bracelet was identical to the one worn by the mysterious woman he had encountered in Xiao Chengxu's military camp that night. Convinced of a secret plot, Xiao Qihan swiftly confronted Ling Zhen'er, demanding to know what conspiracy she and Xiao Chengxu were involved in.

Ling Zhen'er staunchly denied his accusations. Unbeknownst to them, Consort Hui, who was nearby, overheard their heated exchange. She later exploited this information, selectively informing Xiao Chengrui that Ling Zhen'er had been seen in suspicious contact with Xiao Chengxu and had even secretly left the palace for a rendezvous during the crucial period of Xiao Chengxu's return, specifically around the time Xiao Chengrui had gone out to welcome him. This detail immediately raised Xiao Chengrui's suspicions.

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