The Chang'an Youth Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
> The Chang'an Youth Recap
As many ministers reacted with shock to the revelation that Shen Dieyi was a woman, a student at Shangyi School who had always been presumed male, Lord Han was consumed by fury. He reflected on his two decades of meticulous planning, enlisting soldiers, and inciting the Crown Prince to rebellion, all to make the Emperor experience the bitterness of betrayal. His latest scheme involved promoting Shen Dieyi to Crown Prince, a plan now shattered by her true identity.
Realizing his efforts were in vain and his end was near, Lord Han committed suicide by smashing his head against a wall, declaring he was joining the Crown Prince. In the aftermath of Lord Han’s sudden death, Shen Dieyi knelt before the Emperor, asking for forgiveness for her deception. All the students of Shangyi School also knelt, pleading on her behalf, with Xiao Xinyuan highlighting her past meritorious service to the Emperor. The Emperor asked Shen Dieyi what she desired.
She stated that she was merely the eldest daughter of the Shen family and wished to return home to dutifully care for her father. The Emperor then pardoned Shen Dieyi, sparing her life. The Emperor also declared Lord Han (Han Junji) guilty of treason, pardoning his clan from execution but demoting them to commoners, and ordering the arrest of all his accomplices.
He then declared that Shen Dieyi's name would be removed from Shangyi School records, and no one was to ever speak of this matter again. She was officially declared the daughter of the Shen family, not a royal member. Shen Dieyi, radiant and cheerful in her female attire, was surrounded by her admiring classmates.
Dean Ji praised her, noting that despite being a woman, she had excelled in her studies, jointly topped the Shangyi School with Yang Zian, solved difficult cases, and fought bravely in battle, proving herself as capable as any man. He announced that although her student status was revoked, the Emperor had graciously permitted her to attend the upcoming graduation ceremony, where their families would also be invited. The news was met with enthusiastic applause from the students.
Rou sat in Ningxiang Pavilion, recalling its past splendor. Her brother, Dugu Muxue, approached her, offering to stay if she wished, affirming that wherever she went, he would follow. Rou expressed her deep gratitude for all he had done, stating she was ready to let go of the past ten years lived there, finally finding happiness and closure. Dugu then promised, "Now can I protect you?" Meanwhile, Xiao Xinyuan was summoned by the Emperor.
He remembered how, upon learning of the Crown Prince’s rebellion, he had entrusted his imperial seal to Yang Zian. Yang Zian, however, advised against using it directly to request troop deployment from the Emperor, explaining that directly requesting the imperial seal from the Emperor for troop movement would have invited suspicion, as a ruler would always doubt a minister in such a critical situation.
Instead, Yang Zian rode three hundred miles overnight to ask General Li for three thousand auxiliary soldiers, a contingency plan, while the main forces from the city’s eastern garrison would be the Emperor’s primary solution. This wise counsel earned the Emperor's complete trust, leading to Xiao Xinyuan being formally invested as the new Crown Prince, lauded for his distinguished appearance and great talent. Shen Dieyi returned to the Shen family home.
Yang Zian, too, requested permission to resign his official post and return home, desiring a period of rest after so many significant events. Under the moonlight, Shen Dieyi asked him about the depth of his feelings, wondering if he had searched for her for ten years like Dugu Muxue had searched for Rou. Yang Zian teasingly replied that he loved her "three-tenths," which initially saddened and angered her.
He then playfully asked if she was upset over stinky tofu, distracting her. He reassured her, promising plenty of time in the future to prove his affection, playfully adding he would go wherever she went. She also fondly recalled seeing fireworks with Dieyi (the true Shen Dieyi) in Yao City during her childhood, a sight she had longed to witness again.
Shen Dieyi confided her initial dream of opening a restaurant in the capital, believing her culinary skills would make it famous. Yang Zian affirmed her dream, jokingly worrying about becoming fat from her cooking, but then declaring he would be her co-owner, not just a handyman. The graduation ceremony commenced, with family members present to witness the occasion.
When Yang Zian went to receive his award, he was delighted to see his elder brother in the crowd, signaling a mending of their relationship. The Emperor had even commissioned a court painter to create a graduation portrait for all the students. Later, Shen Dieyi penned a letter to her father, confirming she had uncovered Dieyi's true lineage. She also shared her intention to open a restaurant in Chang'an, promising to visit him someday with her husband.
After Lord Han’s downfall and the confiscation of his property, Han Yu’er was left destitute. Tang Jiuhua comforted her, reminding her that she still had him as a friend and that his home was her home, effectively indicating their engagement. Separately, Xiao Xinyuan invited Shen Dieyi to the palace. As they flew a kite, Shen Dieyi commented on his promising future.
Xiao Xinyuan, understanding their bond was one of siblings, regretfully cut the kite string, symbolizing his letting go of his romantic feelings for her. He declared that as a prince, he bore a heavy responsibility and must prioritize the nation. Shen Dieyi encouraged him, believing he would succeed. He, in turn, wished her happiness. Dugu Muxue and Ning Xiang prepared to leave.
Yang Zian bought Ningxiang Pavilion from Ning Xiang, who accepted no money but requested a private room be kept for their future reunions. Upon hearing that Yang Zian had already secured a location for her restaurant, Shen Dieyi excitedly embraced him, playfully declaring she would repay him by offering herself in marriage. A year later, Han Yu’er had become Tang Jiuhua’s fiancée, and Shen Dieyi’s "Five Flavor Restaurant" was thriving.
One evening, Xiao Xinyuan, Tang Jiuhua, and Dugu Muxue gathered with their loved ones to celebrate with Shen Dieyi. Yang Zian, who was not yet present, was jokingly mentioned by Shen Dieyi. Shen Dieyi personally prepared five signature dishes, each representing one of the five tastes, and explained their significance. The final dish, stinky tofu, she humorously declared represented Yang Zian’s "stinky" temper. As the friends laughed and chatted, fireworks suddenly lit up the sky outside.
They all rushed out to watch the spectacular display. Yang Zian approached Shen Dieyi, asking if she liked them. He revealed that he had planned the fireworks, remembering her childhood longing to see them with Dieyi. Amidst cheers and blessings from their friends, Yang Zian clarified that when he had once said he only loved her "three-tenths," he meant "three-tenths of the moon's light in the world," signifying his complete and wholehearted love. Overcome with emotion and cherished memories, Shen Dieyi and Yang Zian shared a joyful kiss, sealing their love and happiness.
