The Chang'an Youth Episode 15 Recap
> The Chang'an Youth Recap
Shangyi School emerged victorious in the competition, to the great delight of the Emperor. The East Kingdom's envoy conceded their defeat wholeheartedly, vowing eternal submission to Great Yu and a future of friendship. Dr. Lin initiated a debate on the topic of "war." Mr. Bai expressed his view that wars are inherently cruel, leading to widespread destruction and misery.
Tang Jiuhua echoed this, advocating for mutual tolerance rather than conflict, highlighting that Great Yu's current prosperity stems from harmonious relations with its neighbors. Another student added that wars, like business disputes, often result in both sides losing, suggesting that compromise leads to thriving. However, Xiao Xinyuan contended that some wars are waged not for invasion, but for protection. Dugu Muxue then spoke passionately, challenging the others on their lack of experience with war.
He emphasized the immense sacrifices of Great Yu's soldiers, who fight to secure peaceful lives for the common people. He also asserted that "justice without force is incompetence, force without justice is tyranny," arguing that a strong nation is essential for maintaining peace and deterring aggression, echoing the famous Han Dynasty general Chen Tang’s sentiment that Great Yu must punish those who offend it, no matter how distant.
Dr. Lin commended all the students for their insightful perspectives, concluding that every issue has two sides and should not be viewed from a single angle. To celebrate their victory over the East Kingdom’s mission, Tang Jiuhua decided to host a celebration at Shangyi School. Shen Yiyi volunteered to organize it and tasked other students with various preparations, while she chose Dugu Muxue to help her with food procurement.
As they were eating at a stall in the market, they witnessed child refugees begging for food, who had been displaced after the Tuoxi Kingdom invaded from the north three days prior. Shen Yiyi compassionately paid for their food. Dugu Muxue expressed his sorrow, lamenting the unstable borderlands and wishing his adoptive father were still alive to lead them in battle, asserting that Great Yu would never surrender an inch of its territory.
Later, at the celebration, Shen Yiyi noticed Dugu Muxue was absent. She found a letter from him in his dorm, addressed to Yiyi, Zi'an, Tangtang, and Xinyuan. In it, Dugu Muxue revealed his decision to join the army, fulfilling a mission inherited from his adoptive father, who had dedicated his life to Great Yu. He acknowledged his previous isolation and expressed gratitude for their friendship, stating that while gold is easy to find, a true confidant is not.
He bid them farewell, hoping they would meet again someday. Separately that night, Ning Xiang found Dugu Muxue drinking alone in Ningxiang Pavilion before his departure. She remarked on his solitude despite the celebration at Shangyi School. Dugu Muxue mentioned her familiarity, but Ning Xiang played it off as casual encounters. He persisted, hinting at an "old friend."
Ning Xiang, quoting a proverb about chance encounters, downplayed the significance of their connection, stating that in this world, everyone is merely a fleeting passerby. She then toasted him. Dugu Muxue complimented her unique scent, which she dismissed as ordinary powder perfume. Ning Xiang then reminded him of his journey and bade him farewell. Upon discovering Dugu Muxue’s letter, the other Shangyi Scholars—Shen Yiyi, Yang Zian, Tang Jiuhua, and Xiao Xinyuan—were distraught but quickly set out to find him.
They found him disguised at the city gate. Tang Jiuhua initially scolded Dugu Muxue for his recklessness, but Shen Yiyi reminded Dugu of his own words from the debate, "Great Yu punishes those who offend it, no matter how far they are from it," and asked if he was willing to serve. He affirmed his commitment. Dugu Muxue tried to deter them by recounting the horrors of war he witnessed at the border.
However, Shen Yiyi declared that their enlistment was not for him, but for Great Yu, as the country was in peril. She proposed that all Shangyi School students should join, arguing that merely discussing theories in school was insufficient, and it was time for practical action. Yang Zian and Xiao Xinyuan supported her, echoing the sentiment that the Five Scholars of Shangyi School must remain united.
Despite their collective determination, Yang Zian and Tang Jiuhua vehemently opposed Shen Yiyi's participation, urging her to wait for their triumphant return. Shen Yiyi insisted that without her, they wouldn't truly be the "Five Scholars" and expressed her confidence in helping and being protected by them. Realizing it was late, Xiao Xinyuan suggested they return to Shangyi School to discuss further.
The students presented their request to Chief Song, kneeling to express their unwavering resolve to join the army and protect their people and territory. Chief Song, moved but unable to grant permission himself, promised to report to the Emperor. The Emperor, however, was furious and rejected their petition, ordering them to return to their studies. Disheartened but not deterred, Shen Yiyi and Yang Zian independently came up with the idea of submitting a blood petition to demonstrate their deep commitment.
While the Emperor was still enraged by the students' defiance, the Crown Prince arrived. He convinced his father that Great Yu needed its young talents, and the students' patriotic zeal was commendable. He argued that facing hardships was crucial for their growth. After careful consideration, the Emperor finally relented and issued an edict permitting the Shangyi School students to join the army.
The Chief, in turn, pledged that Shangyi School would not fail the Emperor, promising to drive out the enemy and return victorious. The Crown Prince then spoke to his second brother, Xiao Xinyuan, who had also signed the petition, urging him not to disappoint their father or him. The petition initially lacked Shen Yiyi’s name, but she secretly bit her finger and added her name in blood. Tang Jiuhua discovered this later, but it was too late.
Before their departure, Tang Jiuhua returned home. His father sternly questioned his decision to enlist, expressing concerns about his capabilities and especially about Shen Yiyi, a woman, going to the battlefield. Tang Jiuhua tried to explain he was "driven by circumstances," as the Emperor had already given his approval. His grandmother arrived and, unaware of the true situation, chided his father for scolding him and fretted about him leaving for a "school trip," which Tang Jiuhua used as a cover-up.
She prepared provisions for his journey, reminding him to be careful. Meanwhile, Yang Zian also visited his father, who questioned him about the petition. Yang Zian asked his father about the ongoing investigation into Censor Tu’s assassination. His father cautioned him that the case was complex and involved many influential figures. Yang Zian speculated that Censor Tu might have been silenced for uncovering the mastermind, but his father advised against premature conclusions.
His father then warned Yang Zian to be cautious on the perilous battlefield and to avoid reckless bravery. Yang Zian promised to be careful and bowed deeply to his father before leaving. That evening, Chief Song and the Doctors hosted a farewell banquet for the students. Dr. Wu and Dr. Lin would accompany them to the front lines. Chief Song urged the students to uphold military regulations and obey all commands.
Amidst the festive atmosphere, some students expressed their somber thoughts about the uncertain fate awaiting them on the battlefield. Shen Yiyi, however, rallied their spirits, encouraging them to be confident and suggesting a guessing game (shefu) to foster team spirit. They divided into two teams, with two players per round: one would give hints, and the other would guess. The losers would either answer a question honestly or perform a brave act.
In one round, Shen Yiyi teamed with Dugu Muxue, who failed to guess "Zongzi" from her hints, leading them to lose and drink a bowl of wine each as punishment. For the next round, Shen Yiyi teamed with Yang Zian. She hinted at "flower" by referencing a dogwood perfume sachet she once gave him that made him sneeze. Yang Zian, however, was visibly distracted and failed to guess within the time limit.
As punishment, they were to confess their love to their teammate. Tang Jiuhua tried to intervene, suggesting the punishment be changed or that he take Shen Yiyi's place, but the other students excitedly insisted on the original punishment. To put an end to the awkward situation, Shen Yiyi grabbed Yang Zian’s hand, declaring the task done. Xiao Xinyuan then stepped in, urging everyone to rest, and Tang Jiuhua promptly led Shen Yiyi away.
The next morning, the Shangyi School students began their journey to the battlefield. During a rest stop that night, Tang Jiuhua asked Shen Yiyi if she was nervous, to which she shook her head. Shen Yiyi noticed Yang Zian's unusual demeanor. He walked alone to a nearby river, taking out a dogwood perfume sachet. Gazing at it, he recalled his moments with Shen Yiyi and realized his deep feelings for her.
Tears streamed down his face as he lamented his love, knowing her engagement to Tang Jiuhua stood in the way. Shen Yiyi approached him, concerned by his tears. Yang Zian, flustered, quickly hid the sachet and claimed that sand had gotten into his eyes. Shen Yiyi insisted on checking his eyes, despite his protests that it was "inappropriate," and continued to press him, guessing it might be the dogwood perfume sachet causing his distress.
