The Promise of Chang'an Episódio 51 Resumo e Enredo

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Emperor Xiao Qiyuan, still masquerading as "Young Master Huang," secretly met with Dong Ruoxuan, creating a surprise for her. He confessed that he had been thinking of her since their last farewell and presented her with a love poem, which read, "Always in my thoughts, surprises in my dreams, no one knows of my feelings." He added that since their first meeting, she had already walked straight into his heart. Dong Ruoxuan had a complicated expression as she read it.

Xiao Qiyuan further expressed his deep affection, recalling how she had spoken of crab cakes and how he wished to travel south with her to revisit those places. Before Dong Ruoxuan could respond, Xiao Qiyuan was called back to the palace by an attendant. Unbeknownst to him, Dong Ruoxuan had already realized his true identity, confirming that "Young Master Huang" was none other than Emperor Xiao Qiyuan after recognizing a palace guard by his side.

Meanwhile, the King of Xi Qi arrived to meet Helan Mingyu. He reminded her of the late emperor's promise to bestow the title of Empress upon Princess Situ Zhen of Xi Qi. Helan Mingyu acknowledged the promise but suggested that Emperor Xiao Qiyuan, having just ascended as sole ruler, needed time to sort out government affairs and that the marriage arrangements should not be rushed.

The King of Xi Qi pressed the issue, asserting that Great Sheng urgently needed to unite its lands and ensure stability. He implied that even if Xiao Qiyuan were to choose, he would select Situ Zhen, leveraging Xi Qi's role in safeguarding Great Sheng's frontier. Helan Mingyu assured him of her desire for peace across all lands.

After the King departed, Ling Zhen'er voiced her concern that the King of Xi Qi was exploiting Xiao Qiyuan's recent ascension and Great Sheng's need for border stability. Helan Mingyu explained that Xi Qi's strategic location on Great Sheng's borders made it crucial to maintain stability, as unrest there could lead to an alliance with other nations like Fan Guo and plunge Great Sheng back into chaos.

Emperor Xiao Qiyuan was greatly annoyed by the constant pressure from his ministers to marry the Xi Qi Princess. He vented his frustration to Xiao Qirong, lamenting that even as the sole ruler, he couldn't escape such control and would rather become a monk than marry someone he didn't like. Xiao Qirong tried to persuade him, describing Princess Situ Zhen as well-born and beautiful, but Xiao Qiyuan dismissed her looks as irrelevant.

Meanwhile, Helan Mingyu confided in Ling Zhen'er about her worries regarding Xiao Qiyuan's marriage. She emphasized that compatibility was paramount in love, not mere beauty, and understood Xiao Qiyuan's desire to choose his own Empress after a lifetime of being controlled. Ling Zhen'er then proposed holding the triennial imperial selection. This way, Xiao Qiyuan could feel he had chosen his own Empress, thereby preserving his dignity and easing his frustrations. Helan Mingyu agreed it was a good approach.

Xiao Qirong advised Xiao Qiyuan to simply accept the arranged marriage, knowing it was unavoidable, but sensing Ling Zhen'er's approach, he quickly made an excuse and fled, fearing her lengthy lectures. Xiao Qiyuan confided in Ling Zhen'er that he envied Xiao Qirong's freedom to choose his own marriage. Ling Zhen'er then presented her plan for Xiao Qiyuan to select his Empress, which he eagerly accepted.

However, Xiao Qiyuan harbored a secret counter-plan: he intended to "humor" everyone by going along with the selection, only to then insist on choosing Dong Ruoxuan as his Empress. Ling Zhen'er, having heard about the complex selection process where a candidate could easily be eliminated if unwilling, noted that Dong Ruoxuan's agreement would be essential.

Sensing Helan Mingyu's lingering unease, Ling Zhen'er suggested inviting not just Princess Situ Zhen, but also Dong Ruoxuan and a few other princesses to the palace for several days. This would allow them to observe Xiao Qiyuan's interactions with them and gauge his true feelings towards Dong Ruoxuan in a less obvious manner. Helan Mingyu found this idea quite agreeable.

Upon learning that Dong Ruoxuan had arrived at the palace, Xiao Qiyuan was initially delighted and prepared to go greet Helan Mingyu. However, a sudden realization struck him: his true identity as the Emperor would be revealed to Dong Ruoxuan. Panicked, he tried to hastily retreat, claiming he wasn't prepared for such a confrontation. But it was too late; Helan Mingyu, accompanied by the princesses, arrived directly.

Helan Mingyu playfully chided him for his delay, implying she had to personally fetch him. After he offered an excuse about studying, Helan Mingyu began introducing the assembled princesses, including Princess Lu Lingyi, Princess Situ Zhen, and Princess Dong Ruoxuan. Xiao Qiyuan remembered Princess Situ Zhen and Princess Lu Lingyi, but was most delighted by Dong Ruoxuan, who, upon seeing him, showed no surprise. During the introductions, Xiao Qirong mischievously pointed out Dong Ruoxuan as his "future Sister-in-Law."

With the princesses gathered, Xiao Qirong suggested abandoning formal banquets for something more enjoyable. He then presented common street snacks from Cheng Zhou as gifts to Helan Mingyu and Consort Dowager Qiao, explaining that palace food could become tiresome. Helan Mingyu, appreciating the gesture, invited Ling Zhen'er to join them as equals, fostering an atmosphere without rank discrimination. Xiao Qiyuan also contributed with minced melon and duck soup.

Dong Ruoxuan praised the simple meal, noting it reflected the royals' care for commoners, a blessing for Great Sheng. Helan Mingyu commended her wisdom and urged Xiao Qiyuan to heed her words about understanding the people's struggles. Xiao Qirong offered braised pork shoulder, while Lu Lingyi presented a unique, pungent shrimp sauce. In contrast, Princess Situ Zhen refused the street food, deeming it unsanitary and fit only for servants in Xi Qi.

She instead offered exquisite, high-quality desserts she had ordered from the imperial kitchens. Xiao Qirong, finding Situ Zhen rather dull, whispered his thoughts to Xiao Qiyuan. When Ling Zhen'er wished for tea, Dong Ruoxuan presented her meticulously prepared "Double Clarity Tea," made from rose and gardenia petals, captivating Helan Mingyu with its delicate fragrance and thoughtful naming.

Dong Ruoxuan further impressed them by describing how to make wisteria flower desserts, prompting Helan Mingyu to ask her to prepare them next year. Later, Helan Mingyu expressed her concerns to Consort Dowager Qiao about Situ Zhen's pampered upbringing, doubting her suitability to be an Empress.

She also observed a noticeable compatibility in temperament between Xiao Qiyuan and Dong Ruoxuan, leading her to worry that if Dong Ruoxuan, whose father, the King of Xin An, was an old Great Liang minister already elevated to a high position, were to enter the palace, it could spark significant unrest within the court. Xiao Qiyuan and Xiao Qirong found themselves captivated as Dong Ruoxuan played the qin.

Both brothers praised her skill, with Xiao Qirong suggesting Xiao Qiyuan bestow the qin upon her, to which Xiao Qiyuan agreed, though she politely declined. Xiao Qirong then suggested he could visit Dong Ruoxuan at the King of Xin An's manor to hear her play again, given she didn't reside in the palace. When Dong Ruoxuan explained that her sorrowful song depicted a neglected wife whose husband loved another, Xiao Qiyuan declared the husband to be in the wrong.

Xiao Qirong, however, then boldly proposed a bet: if Dong Ruoxuan married him, he guaranteed she would never play a sorrowful song again. Xiao Qiyuan, visibly agitated, chastised Xiao Qirong for his rashness and demanded an apology, calling him reckless. Dong Ruoxuan, however, took no offense, noting Xiao Qirong's straightforward nature.

As their heated exchange continued, Situ Zhen happened upon the scene and, sensing the tension, made a pointed remark about the strong "choking smell," clearly indicating her jealousy over the attention Dong Ruoxuan was receiving from both princes. Xiao Qirong approached Consort Dowager Qiao with an antique gift, then confessed his desire to marry Dong Ruoxuan. He declared that whenever he saw her, "there's no one else in my eyes."

Consort Dowager Qiao, however, expressed reservations, deeming Dong Ruoxuan's status "a little awkward" and her personality "reserved and reticent," believing she wouldn't get along with her. Xiao Qirong countered that he would be the one marrying her, and he found joy in her presence, unlike his mother's nagging. Consort Dowager Qiao was slightly swayed by the knowledge that Dong Ruoxuan's father, Dong Yizhi, was a respected and capable minister.

Later, Consort Dowager Qiao met with Situ Zhen, praising her empress-like elegance. She subtly warned Situ Zhen about the upcoming imperial selection, advising her that "the red flower had better not be overshadowed by the green leaves." Consort Dowager Qiao cited the example of the late emperor's favoritism towards Helan Wanyin, which caused immense trouble in the harem, concluding with the warning that "there can't be two tigers on one mountain, and what's more, this is the inner palace."

Meanwhile, Xiao Qiyuan's attendant attempted to invite Dong Ruoxuan for a private meeting, initially offering a vague excuse about viewing an antique. Dong Ruoxuan was hesitant, but the attendant clarified that Xiao Qiyuan wished to speak with her alone, as their previous encounters had always been in the presence of others, making it difficult to converse freely.

During their private meeting, Xiao Qiyuan expressed his regret that their reunion was within the confines of the palace, especially after her long absence. Dong Ruoxuan apologized for not recognizing his true imperial identity, only knowing him as "Huang Yuan." Xiao Qiyuan admitted he had withheld his identity, fearing she would no longer treat him candidly.

He then showed her a kite he had kept since their childhood encounter in the palace gardens, explaining that he had cherished it and realized then the meaning of true friendship, professing his constant longing for her and his desire never to leave her side.

Dong Ruoxuan, however, took the red leaf he carried, reminding him that it was a gift to "Huang Yuan," the person she had met outside the palace, with whom she shared common interests and dreamed of a simple life. She then firmly stated that he was not merely "Huang Yuan" but the Emperor, a role she "dare not and cannot afford."

Dong Ruoxuan declared that her feelings for "Huang Yuan" had "begun outside the palace and also ended outside the palace," finding the complexities of court life overwhelming and impossible for her to handle. She implored him to retract his intentions if he still considered her a friend, asking him not to force her.

Dong Ruoxuan hastily left the palace, confessing to her maid, Chun Yu, that she fled because she feared encountering Xiao Qiyuan and being unable to control her feelings. She explained that she had heard countless tales of harem grievances and quarrels since childhood, and she "would never dare to face those things." Chun Yu agreed, suggesting it might be better to marry into a noble family for a more comfortable life.

Chun Yu also mentioned that Xiao Qirong had inquired about Dong Ruoxuan's health twice in the past two days. She observed his attentive gaze and warm, straightforward personality, suggesting he would be an easy person to get along with. Chun Yu proposed that marrying Xiao Qirong would allow Dong Ruoxuan to live in her own manor, thus avoiding the conflicts of the harem.

Overwhelmed with frustration and anger, Xiao Qiyuan stayed up late studying, lamenting that despite being the Emperor, Dong Ruoxuan showed "no feelings at all" for him. Later, Lu Lingyi visited Dong Ruoxuan, updating her on the palace's happenings: both Xiao Qiyuan and Xiao Qirong had stopped visiting, and Situ Zhen was behaving as if she were already the empress.

Lu Lingyi further revealed that although Helan Mingyu and Ling Zhen'er frequently brought Xiao Qiyuan and Situ Zhen together, Xiao Qiyuan "just doesn't reciprocate the feelings," and Situ Zhen "always keeps a sullen face." Lu Lingyi reported on Xiao Qiyuan's deteriorating state, including a rumor that he had "thrown a fit" the previous night, burning all the books in his imperial study and terrifying his attendants with his erratic mood swings.

When asked why she "hid away from the palace," Dong Ruoxuan stated that she and Xiao Qiyuan were "not destined." She admitted that she had developed feelings for him before knowing his true identity, but as the Emperor, he was destined to marry his official wife, and she "cannot get involved" or "make it difficult for him."

Dong Ruoxuan expressed her belief that "the most attractive thing in the world is being plain and simple," asserting that grand victories would eventually "return to dust." She yearned instead for "a simple life where we love and respect each other, and never leave each other to be so complete." Dong Ruoxuan's conversation with Lu Lingyi was interrupted by a princess consort who informed her that the King of Xi Qi had arrived and specifically requested to see her.

Upon meeting Dong Ruoxuan, the King of Xi Qi reiterated the importance of the alliance between Xi Qi and Great Sheng, which was established by the late emperor. He firmly declared that "no matter whether or not His Majesty wants it, he is destined to marry my daughter," implying that Xiao Qiyuan's personal feelings were irrelevant. Dong Ruoxuan challenged him, questioning the fairness of such a demand to the Emperor.

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