Heart of Loyalty Episode 22 Recap
> Heart of Loyalty Recap
Prince Ning Jin had a risky strategy: he fully disclosed his intentions to Yelv Hongji, gambling on the kind of ruler Yelv Hongji aspired to be. Ning Jin affirmed Yelv Hongji's upright character and extensive learning, suggesting that if he became a wise monarch, it would benefit both Liao and Song. Yelv Hongji, however, retorted that a wise ruler could still execute people and wage war against Song.
Ning Jin countered by reminding him of Liao's depleted treasury after three military campaigns into Western Xia, warning that another war would lead to public discontent. He implied that Yelv Hongji’s cooperation would not only aid Song but, more importantly, help him consolidate his own power by removing Yelv Chongguang, whose presence disturbed his peace of mind. Yelv Hongji eventually agreed to cooperate but presented a condition: Yelv Pusanu must die in Liao.
Ning Jin worried this would alert Yelv Chongguang, but Yelv Hongji assured him he would handle Yelv Chongguang, emphasizing that Yelv Pusanu's death was paramount. He explained that Yelv Pusanu, as a spy, had fooled them for years, which was a blow to Liao’s prestige, and his death would solidify Yelv Hongji’s political authority and status as crown prince.
If his condition was met, Yelv Hongji promised to deal with Yelv Chongguang, help take down Grand Preceptor Pang, and ensure lasting peace between Liao and Song. He gave Ning Jin time to consider, instructing him to bring Yelv Pusanu when ready. Back at the Datong Boarding House, Ning Jin summoned Su Zui.
While initially trying to convince Su Zui to take Zhao Yu away for leisure, he soon revealed his true intention: Zhao Yu could not marry Yelv Hongji, who neither loved her nor could offer her happiness. Ning Jin urged Su Zui to take Zhao Yu and flee, reassuring him that as a prince, he would be safe. Su Zui, however, declined, citing his lack of wealth, status, and martial skills, which would prevent him from protecting Zhao Yu.
He pressed Ning Jin for the real reason. Ning Jin then disclosed Yelv Hongji’s demand for Yelv Pusanu’s death. Ning Jin admitted he had considered a look-alike but knew Yelv Hongji would see through it. Therefore, he insisted that Su Zui, Zhan Zhao, and Mo Yan must all leave, so that Yelv Pusanu would effectively cease to exist.
Su Zui firmly refused, asserting that his years as Yelv Pusanu were dedicated to stabilizing Song’s foundation, and he could not abandon Ning Jin or the mission. When Ning Jin mentioned Zhao Yu and her need for him, Su Zui reiterated that her wedding was inevitable and that, between national affairs and personal feelings, he would choose the former, believing Zhao Yu would do the same.
Before leaving, Su Zui asked Ning Jin to restrain Zhan Zhao, fearing that the appearance of another Yelv Pusanu elsewhere would jeopardize their plan. He also entrusted Zhan Zhao with Mo Yan’s care, mentioning that Mo Yan, his sister, was already married to Zhan Zhao. Su Zui then went alone to the Crown Prince’s Residence to meet Yelv Hongji. Yelv Hongji challenged him to show his true face, and Su Zui removed his mask, revealing himself as a Song man.
To prove his identity as the Yelv Pusanu who had spied for a decade, Su Zui recounted precise details: Yelv Chongguang’s serious illness five years prior, cured by Physician Zhang, and Yelv Chongguang’s handwritten calligraphy titled "Scorching Sun," gifted to Yelv Hongji three years ago for his birthday. Convinced, Yelv Hongji asked why Su Zui accepted his terms. Su Zui calmly stated he was willing to die for peace between the two nations, finding purpose in such a sacrifice.
Yelv Hongji admitted he had expected Ning Jin to resort to tricks, perhaps taking Ning Jin hostage. Su Zui dismissed this, declaring that Song men were not afraid of death. Yelv Hongji expressed regret that Su Zui, not being a Liao man or an informant, could not serve by his side. A servant then presented the poisoned wine. Without hesitation, Su Zui drank it, and Yelv Hongji pledged to uphold his promise.
Meanwhile, at the Datong Boarding House, Zhan Zhao and the others discovered Su Zui's absence. Ning Jin tried to prevent them from leaving, but at that moment, Su Zui reappeared, opening the door safely. Overwhelmed with emotion, Zhao Yu rushed to hug him. Su Zui explained that Yelv Hongji had sent him a message indicating that sincerity was the key and the deal was done. He realized the poisoned wine was merely a test.
Zhan Zhao admonished Su Zui for risking his life, but Su Zui asserted that if Yelv Hongji had been serious and he had not died, he would have had no peace. Moving past the scare, Mo Yan questioned Zhan Zhao about Grand Preceptor Pang inviting Yelv Pusanu to a banquet. Zhan Zhao explained it was to discuss relocating the stolen money.
He intended to accept the task, learn the money’s exact location, then inform Yelv Hongji to seize it, thereby toppling Grand Preceptor Pang. Mo Yan, recalling Pang’s recent assassination attempt, warned that it was a trap, a “Hongmen Banquet,” and urged Zhan Zhao not to go. Zhan Zhao argued that refusing would confirm Pang’s suspicions, and since Yelv Hongji had already validated Yelv Pusanu’s identity, they couldn't waste their efforts.
He declared, "The show must go on," and since Su Zui had just returned from Yelv Hongji, it was his turn to attend. Grand Preceptor Pang and Yelv Chongguang received Zhan Zhao, disguised as Yelv Pusanu. Grand Preceptor Pang, using a toast as an excuse, pressed Yelv Pusanu to remove his mask. Yelv Chongguang interjected, explaining Yelv Pusanu’s face was burned, hence the mask.
Grand Preceptor Pang feigned a joke, questioning how Yelv Chongguang knew it was the same person if the mask was always on, then apologized, but emphasized caution against spies. He then insisted Yelv Pusanu remove his mask for the sake of their shared venture of moving the money, an urging echoed by Yelv Chongguang. Zhan Zhao, in disguise, reluctantly agreed, saying his appearance might be frightening, then removed the mask.
Earlier, Mo Yan had made Zhan Zhao a human-skin mask, crafted to show severe burn injuries, identical to Su Zui’s, having learned the art of disguise from the Thousand-Faced Bandit in Kaifeng. This was to ensure his identity would pass scrutiny at the banquet. Grand Preceptor Pang observed Zhan Zhao's disguised face, appearing satisfied, and Yelv Chongguang told him to put the mask back on.
Mo Yan, worried Grand Preceptor Pang would not relent, tried to leave, but Ning Jin stopped her, asking about the human-skin mask she mentioned. She explained she learned it from the Thousand-Faced Bandit. Ning Jin, though impressed, still forbade her from going, insisting she would only endanger Zhan Zhao by distracting him. Outside the restaurant, Grand Preceptor Pang, Yelv Chongguang, and Zhan Zhao were leaving.
Grand Preceptor Pang bid Yelv Chongguang farewell, ominously stating he wouldn’t allow any errors on their journey. Suddenly, assassins attacked Yelv Chongguang. Zhan Zhao immediately protected him, fighting off the assailants. During the melee, Mo Yan, who was disguised among the assassins, intentionally wounded Zhan Zhao to solidify his trust with Yelv Chongguang. Yelv Chongguang then took the injured Zhan Zhao to his room for treatment and dismissed his men.
Later, Grand Preceptor Pang confronted Yelv Chongguang, questioning how he dared to show up. Grand Preceptor Pang asserted that he never truly intended to kill Yelv Chongguang, claiming his men were not ordered to deliver fatal blows and implying an unknown party among the attackers was the real threat. He then advised Yelv Chongguang to return to Song.
Yelv Chongguang accused Grand Preceptor Pang of taking his money without fulfilling his end of the bargain, but Grand Preceptor Pang countered that he never made a bad deal. He warned Yelv Chongguang against infighting, especially with the princess’s wedding imminent.
Yelv Chongguang boasted he could achieve his goals alone, but Grand Preceptor Pang scoffed, reminding him that he had been stripped of military power and, without Grand Preceptor Pang’s half of the tiger tally, Yelv Chongguang’s forces would be unable to enter the Imperial City. Grand Preceptor Pang concluded they needed each other, at least for the time being. With no other options, Yelv Chongguang reluctantly agreed to continue their original plan, vowing to settle scores later.
Back with Zhan Zhao, Mo Yan tenderly examined his wound, distraught and blaming herself. Zhan Zhao reassured her, stating that her carefully aimed stab had successfully driven a wedge between Grand Preceptor Pang and Yelv Chongguang and secured the location of the stolen money. He comforted her, promising they would overcome any future challenges, no matter how dangerous. Separately, Grand Preceptor Pang visited Yelv Hongji, already aware of Ning Jin’s attempts to turn Yelv Hongji against him.
Yelv Hongji asked if Grand Preceptor Pang feared capture, but Grand Preceptor Pang, a Song official, insisted only Song law applied to him, highlighting his solitary night visit as proof of sincerity. Yelv Hongji pressed, asking why Grand Preceptor Pang, who had previously colluded with Yelv Chongguang to seize the throne, had changed his mind. Grand Preceptor Pang explained Yelv Chongguang’s insatiable ambition and greed made him untrustworthy.
Yelv Hongji noted Yelv Chongguang’s diminished military power, suggesting he was no longer a threat. Grand Preceptor Pang, however, preferred to be cautious, wanting to completely crush Yelv Chongguang and keep him around only to bear the blame later. Yelv Hongji questioned Grand Preceptor Pang’s sincerity, suggesting he could hand him over to Song for political favors.
Grand Preceptor Pang, calling Yelv Hongji intelligent, presented a compelling financial incentive: if Yelv Hongji partnered with Song, Grand Preceptor Pang’s vast wealth would go to Song; but if he allied with Grand Preceptor Pang, they would divide the fortune, with Grand Preceptor Pang taking thirty percent and Yelv Hongji taking seventy. When Yelv Hongji worried about damaging his reputation by breaking a promise, Grand Preceptor Pang proposed eliminating "them" to prevent any leaks.
He outlined his plan: ambush the princess’s convoy on her way to the capital tomorrow, ensure her death, ignite a war between Liao and Song, and pin the blame on Yelv Chongguang. Once he conquered Song, Grand Preceptor Pang promised to deliver all promised terms, including ten cities, to Yelv Hongji.
Yelv Hongji questioned if his Liao troops were to die in battle just for seventy percent of the wealth, to which Grand Preceptor Pang pragmatically noted that war always involved casualties. Grand Preceptor Pang then sweetened the deal by offering the ten cities he had previously promised Yelv Chongguang to Yelv Hongji instead. Yelv Hongji’s face showed a subtle smile, indicating his approval, as he declared his sole concern was the welfare of his Liao people.
On the eve of her wedding, Zhao Yu tearfully adorned herself. Although Yelv Hongji had sent her a perfectly matched jade hairpin, she cherished the one that Su Zui had repaired more. Meanwhile, Zhan Zhao diligently recorded all the details of the stolen money transactions and Yelv Chongguang’s dealings with the Tibetan tribes regarding gunpowder.
Wu Zi Chu presented this critical intelligence to Ning Jin, who instructed him to deploy extra guards to ensure Zhao Yu's absolute safety along her journey from the Datong Boarding House to the palace the following day. Later, Zhao Yu found a despondent Su Zui drinking in his room. She confessed her feelings, knowing she was to be married the next day but desperate to know if he reciprocated.
Su Zui avoided her gaze and dismissed her affections, reminding her of her destiny as the Crown Princess and empress, contrasting it with his own humble status as a commoner. He asserted that her claims of not caring about status were merely a "game" for someone of her high standing, and that she would eventually yearn for her former luxurious life.
He then revealed his true motivations, explaining that his sole purpose in life was to protect Song and its people, and that her protection was merely incidental to his duty. With his back to her, Su Zui wished her happiness. Zhao Yu, heartbroken by his cold words and the revelation of his true feelings, looked at the hairpin she held, which she and Su Zui had once imbued with meaning, and which she had treasured as her life. Utterly devastated, she placed the hairpin on the table and fled, crying. As soon as she was gone, Su Zui turned, tears streaming down his own face.
