The Legend of Xiao Chuo Episode 11 Recap
> The Legend of Xiao Chuo Recap
Xiao Yanyan and Yelv Xian were seated in a tavern. Yelv Xian was feeling unwell, prompting Xiao Yanyan to ask Po'er to bring tea, stating she would drink the wine alone. Xiao Yanyan remarked on Molugu's deserving fate, attributing his current predicament to his disdain for outsiders. She then shared her broader views, advocating that talent and loyalty should matter more than ethnic origin for the good of Liao Dynasty.
Yelv Xian was impressed by her foresight and the fact that a young woman cared about national affairs. He also noted her admiration for Empress Shulu. Xiao Yanyan confided in Yelv Xian about her feelings for a man who was not Khitan. She was waiting for him to propose but feared his family might have already arranged a marriage with a girl from their own tribe.
She also worried their differing family backgrounds would be an obstacle, especially since the other girl was very gentle and skilled in embroidery. Yelv Xian gently reminded her that she was a Khitan girl from the Empress' family and could even become an Empress. Xiao Yanyan quickly dismissed this, asserting she only wished to marry the man she loved. Seeking his advice, she asked what gift her erudite beloved might appreciate.
Yelv Xian suggested a set of books, specifically mentioning a rare collection of Yonghui Law that he possessed. Xiao Yanyan thanked him profusely, promising a thank-you gift if her plan succeeded. Yelv Xian brushed it off, emphasizing their bond as close friends and confidants. Before excusing himself to attend to other matters, Yelv Xian instructed Po'er to look after Xiao Yanyan. He then met privately with Gao Xun.
Yelv Xian flattered Gao Xun, acknowledging his talent and noble lineage as a descendant of Ping King of Jinbei, and assured him that his family would prosper again, even suggesting he could be re-enfeoffed as a prince. He revealed that Han Derang and Nüli had highly recommended Gao Xun, and praised Gao Xun's significant contributions to the Liao Dynasty despite his humble background.
Yelv Xian criticized his imperial uncle (the Emperor) for being too rigid, which led to the mistreatment of loyal officials like Gao Xun. Gao Xun, deeply touched, pledged his unwavering loyalty to Yelv Xian. The two men then agreed to work together for their grand ambition. Upon returning to Xiao Yanyan, Yelv Xian fabricated a story about getting lost in the wrong room.
He informed her that he could not frequently leave the palace and arranged for Po'er to deliver the books to her mansion the following day, proposing they meet again on the fifteenth of the next month. Later, speaking with Po'er, Yelv Xian mused about his surprise at Xiao Yanyan's political acumen and admitted his growing admiration for her, despite her affections lying elsewhere.
He noted the man's non-Khitan origin and expressed doubts about whether Prime Minister Siwen would approve the match, adding that the man also seemed to harbor his own concerns. Po'er commented that a match between a member of the Empress' family and someone not from the imperial family was impossible. Meanwhile, Li Si and her mother arrived in Shangjing, nearing Han Derang's mansion. Li Si expressed her apprehension, mentioning Han Derang's apparent affection for Xiao Yanyan.
Her mother reassured her, emphasizing that marriages are decided by parents and that Han Derang's mother greatly liked Li Si. She added that Xiao Yanyan, being from the Empress' family, would never marry a Southerner like Han Derang. Inside the mansion, Li Si first greeted Han Derang, noticing a wound on his face. She learned he had been involved in a skirmish with some imperial family members.
Li Si urged him to be cautious, reminding him that despite his father being honored as King of Yan and her father serving as Treasury Chancellor, Southerners would always be considered inferior to the imperial family in the Liao Dynasty. Han Derang's mother warmly welcomed Li Si, showering her with compliments about her gentle and virtuous demeanor, clearly intending to facilitate a match between Li Si and Han Derang.
She even playfully suggested Li Si choose any of her other unmarried sons, lamenting Han Derang's stubborn refusal to marry. After Han Derang's mother left them alone, Li Si mentioned her previous pleasant encounter with Xiao Yanyan and the gifts she had brought for her. Han Derang thanked her on Xiao Yanyan's behalf, affirming the depth of his friendship with Xiao Yanyan.
Li Si then subtly suggested that Xiao Yanyan, being from the Empress' family, was destined to marry into the imperial family, perhaps becoming an imperial concubine or even an empress. She voiced concern that Han Derang's close friendship with Xiao Yanyan might be misinterpreted as an attempt to curry favor. Han Derang countered that not all members of the Empress' family were required to marry into the imperial household.
Li Si, however, cautioned him to be discreet about such sentiments, given the highly coveted status of the Empress' family, and advised him to maintain good relations with Xiao Yanyan so she might be of assistance to him should she rise to an influential position. Just then, Xiao Yanyan arrived with books for Han Derang and overheard Li Si's remarks.
Incensed, she interrupted Li Si, unequivocally declaring that Han Derang's heart belonged solely to her and imperiously told Li Si to leave. Han Derang, mindful of his mother's expectations for proper hospitality, asked Li Si to stay. Hurt and angered by his words, Xiao Yanyan stormed out of the mansion. Han Derang then apologized to Li Si for Xiao Yanyan's youthful impetuosity and lack of manners, then hurried after her.
Xiao Yanyan walked slowly through the streets, secretly hoping Han Derang would follow. Instead, she encountered Molugu, who invited her to a wrestling match. Initially declining, she deliberately accepted his invitation once she spotted Han Derang approaching, intending to provoke his jealousy. Han Derang tried to intercept them, pleading with Xiao Yanyan to put aside her anger.
She, however, retorted that her anger was none of his concern and sarcastically told him to go to the "sensible and understanding" Li Si. Molugu intervened, telling Han Derang to leave. Xiao Yanyan then engaged Molugu in a playful exchange, asking him what he liked about her and boasting about her popularity, all while subtly referring to Han Derang as a "wooden block" who couldn't see her worth.
Molugu, eager to impress, agreed to prove his affection by lying down to take a hammer blow. While he was preparing for this audacious feat, Xiao Yanyan feigned an urgent appointment with her father and quickly made her escape. Han Derang, who had been waiting for her, confronted her.
He apologized for the earlier incident, promising that such a situation would never happen again, and declared his intention to ask his father to propose marriage to Prime Minister Siwen for her hand. Xiao Yanyan, delighted that her "wooden block" had finally understood her feelings, embraced him. They agreed to display their love openly for all to see. Elsewhere, Zhimo was admiring a precious bracelet, wondering if Xiao Yanyan would appreciate it.
His subordinate hinted at Zhimo's apparent intention to marry Prime Minister Siwen's daughter, questioning what would happen to Anzhi. Zhimo admitted that Anzhi loved him deeply but stated he could not sacrifice his great ambitions and future for her. Anzhi, having overheard their conversation from a hidden spot, threw herself into the river in an attempt to commit suicide. Zhimo immediately jumped in to rescue her.
As he tried to calm her, Anzhi accused him of planning to marry Prime Minister Siwen's daughter and forget her. She expressed her despair, feeling that his promises were empty words, and declared she would rather die than be abandoned. After a moment of hesitation, Zhimo swore an oath that he would never betray Anzhi throughout his life, or suffer divine retribution. Convinced by his earnest vow, Anzhi finally ceased her struggle.
In Taiping King's mansion, Yansage presented Hunian with an exquisite nine-treasure filigree cloud pendant, meticulously crafted by Shangjing's finest artisan whom he had personally sought out. Hunian found the gift overly lavish and expressed concern about attracting undue attention. She reminded Yansage that he had already made many enemies protecting the Emperor, and with her now married to him, conspicuous displays of wealth might bring trouble to their household.
Yansage dismissed her worries, reassuring her that as his wife, she was now the most respected woman in the Liao Dynasty, especially after the Empress' passing. He cited the Emperor's words about their future son inheriting the Taizong bloodline. He vowed to cherish and spoil her, urging her to abandon all caution and anxieties and rely solely on him. Later, a family banquet was held to bid farewell to Dilie, Yansage's third brother, who was departing for Nanjing.
Dilie's wife openly praised Hunian's elegant Sichuan silk dress and Yansage's profound affection for her. Yansage advised Dilie to heed his wife's counsel while in Nanjing. He then raised a toast to Xiyin, declaring that since both he and Xiyin had married daughters of Prime Minister Siwen, they were now family, and all past unpleasantries should be forgotten. He promised to ask the Emperor to reinstate Xiyin's official position, provided they remained discreet and caused no further trouble.
Wuguli, eager for Xiyin's house arrest to end, anxiously inquired about its lifting. Yansage advised patience, assuring them he remembered their concerns but that things would take time. Xiyin, observing Hunian's happiness, privately vowed to Wuguli that he would make her the noblest woman in Liao, promising that she would one day far surpass Hunian in splendor. During the banquet, Xiao Yanyan offered a toast to her sisters and their husbands, wishing them harmonious marriages and many children.
The three sisters later gathered in a room. Wuguli admired Hunian's nine-treasure filigree cloud pendant but asserted that she preferred Xiyin to personally find such treasures for her. She then lightly chided Xiao Yanyan, noting that she now knew to avoid suspicion, unlike her former self who always wanted what Hunian had. Xiao Yanyan and Wuguli engaged in a brief, playful argument. Hunian intervened, reminding her sisters of their deep bond and urging them not to quarrel over trifles.
She affirmed that her marriage to Taiping King was a suitable match and that he treated her very well. Hunian noticed Xiao Yanyan's preoccupation and inquired about her worries. Xiao Yanyan confided that Han Derang intended to propose, but she was still troubled by his earlier act of siding with Li Si against her.
Wuguli advised Xiao Yanyan to adopt a more gentle and accommodating demeanor to secure a man's affection, suggesting that once he was hers, she could then indulge in any capriciousness she desired. She criticized Xiao Yanyan for exposing her temper too soon, risking scaring Han Derang away.
Hunian, however, offered a different perspective, explaining that Han Derang, a man of refined manners, would show politeness to those he didn't deeply care for, but his harshness towards Xiao Yanyan was a sign of his true affection, indicating he considered her family. She emphasized that his decision to propose clearly showed Xiao Yanyan was the most important person to him, warning her not to be naive and risk losing him to others.
Xiao Yanyan finally understood and thanked Hunian, resolving not to let Han Derang slip away. Meanwhile, Han Derang approached his father, Han Kuangsi, and boldly requested that he formally propose to Prime Minister Siwen for Xiao Yanyan's hand in marriage. Han Kuangsi expressed his surprise, recalling Han Derang's previous vow not to marry until his great ambitions were fulfilled. He highlighted the numerous challenges they faced and worried that such a premature commitment might inadvertently harm Xiao Yanyan. Han Derang acknowledged that his past views were indeed too extreme, a realization he attributed to the recent events in Youzhou.
