The Legend of Xiao Chuo Episode 14 Recap
> The Legend of Xiao Chuo Recap
Wuguli joyfully informed her husband, Xiyin, that they were expecting a child. Servants offered their congratulations, imagining a lively palace with a little prince. Wuguli, eager to share the news, instructed a servant to inform her father, Xiao Siwen, and her elder sister, Hu Nian. However, Xiyin quickly intervened, forbidding anyone from revealing the pregnancy. He warned that he would punish anyone who leaked the news. Xiyin then explained to a bewildered Wuguli that Zhimo had recently been castrated.
He expressed concern that this was a deliberate act by the Emperor, possibly in collusion with King Taiping (Yansage), to sever the lineage of the Ren Huangwang branch, especially since Yelv Xian himself was physically weak. Wuguli feared their child might also be targeted. Xiyin reassured her, promising to handle the situation, even suggesting they might "make the first move" if necessary. Wuguli expressed her fear, reminding him of their previous imprisonment.
Xiyin clarified that he was merely planning for the worst and believed the Emperor wouldn't target other royals immediately due to widespread discontent over Zhimo's fate. Wuguli, however, remained terrified. Soon after, Xiao Yanyan arrived at Wuguli’s residence, and Wuguli was happy to have company. Xiyin, seeing Xiao Yanyan, allowed Wuguli to confide in her sister, but stressed that the news must not reach Taiping Palace.
When Xiao Yanyan eagerly suggested playing polo at their elder sister Hu Nian's house, Wuguli declined. This surprised Xiao Yanyan who knew Wuguli loved the sport. Wuguli then pulled Xiao Yanyan aside and, dismissing her servants, revealed her pregnancy. Xiao Yanyan was thrilled to become an aunt but puzzled by Wuguli's secrecy.
Wuguli expressed her fear that the child could be a curse rather than a blessing, and implored Xiao Yanyan to keep it confidential, explaining she didn't distrust Hu Nian, but rather King Taiping (Yansage). She elaborated on her fears, pointing to Zhimo's castration and Yelv Xian's weak health, suggesting that the Emperor and King Taiping might not want any other imperial descendants. Xiao Yanyan grasped Wuguli's concerns that the Emperor might target her child.
Later, Xiao Yanyan found Han Derang writing. She saw papers detailing plans for military power redistribution and inquired if they were for a new emperor's accession. Han Derang confirmed the plans were for Prince Xian (Mingyi), whom he believed would be a great and more suitable ruler for Liao than King Taiping or Xiyin. Xiao Yanyan, claiming familiarity with Prince Xian, offered to join their future discussions and use her access to Taiping Palace to gather intelligence.
Han Derang, however, strongly forbade her from taking such risks, expressing his fear of King Taiping's cunning and the potential danger to her. He then revealed that he was about to embark on a life-or-death mission, confessing his worries that their marriage might be jeopardized. Xiao Yanyan immediately cut him off, vowing to wait for him no matter how long it took. Deeply moved, Han Derang declared that marrying her was the greatest fortune of his life.
Playfully, Xiao Yanyan asked him to choose a Han name for her, as she would soon be his wife. While practicing archery, Yelv Xian reflected on his life, acknowledging his many losses and vowing never to relinquish what he now desired, even if it meant opposing Han Derang.
He recalled Han Derang's previous counsel that an emperor needed no one's forgiveness as long as his actions benefited the country, and Yelv Xian had asked Han Derang to always stand by him through the reform of Liao. Later, Yelv Xian, disguised as "Liu" from Zuzhou, visited the Xiao mansion to meet Xiao Siwen. While waiting, Xiao Yanyan unexpectedly entered.
She quickly deduced his true identity as Yelv Xian and his purpose: to reform the Han system, like Emperor Taizu who admired Liu Bang. Xiao Yanyan expressed confidence in his success, stating that those on the right path receive much help. She elaborated on her political views, emphasizing that while the world can be won on horseback, it cannot be ruled that way, and long-term stability requires adopting Han governance.
Impressed, Yelv Xian praised her, saying she could become like Empress Dowager Shulü. Xiao Siwen, observing their exchange, gently chided Xiao Yanyan for her bluntness before excusing her so he could discuss important matters with Yelv Xian. After Xiao Yanyan left, Yelv Xian inquired about Xiao Siwen's perspective on his "right path." Xiao Siwen confirmed his agreement with Yelv Xian's vision for reform.
Yelv Xian pressed further, asking how Xiao Siwen would handle "those who were wrong" if a crisis like the Mount Xianggu incident reoccurred. Xiao Siwen, understanding Yelv Xian's veiled intentions, acknowledged that the chaos of Chage had never truly ended and that Lihu and his son regretted missing opportunities. Yelv Xian then articulated his belief that if someone could step forward to control the situation and stabilize the country, they would earn immense credit.
Xiao Siwen pledged his loyalty, promising to support the new ruler and stabilize the country, just as King Wuzhi had done for the late Emperor. Yelv Xian then proposed a plan: with rumors of a Southern army preparing to march north, the Emperor would likely be too distracted to consider a strategic Heishan Nabo.
He urged Xiao Siwen to suggest the Emperor go to the Winter Nabo alone, leaving King Taiping to guard Shangjing, thus creating an opportunity for their move. Xiao Siwen understood and promised to arrange it. Yelv Xian then turned the conversation to Xiao Yanyan. He noted that Xiao Siwen's elder two daughters were married to King Taiping and Xiyin, and asked if he had plans for Xiao Yanyan.
Despite Xiao Siwen's assertion that Xiao Yanyan was merely a child with no grand ambitions, Yelv Xian countered, highlighting her sharp political judgment and broad-mindedness, far surpassing other women her age. He reiterated his belief that she could become like Empress Dowager Shulü, a woman capable of supporting him in ruling the Liao dynasty. He declared that if their rebellion succeeded, Xiao Yanyan was his ideal choice for Empress.
Yelv Xian openly confessed his sincere affection for Xiao Yanyan, his desire to marry her, and his conviction that his love for her was unmatched. He promised to ensure her lifelong happiness. He also reminded Xiao Siwen that his branch of the Empress's family was the only one that had not yet produced an Empress, urging him to consider this an opportunity for both Yelv Xian and the Xiao family.
After Yelv Xian departed, Xiao Siwen summoned his servant, Husi, to inquire about Xiao Yanyan. Husi reported that Xiao Yanyan spent her days riding horses, visiting her sisters, and was currently busy trying on her wedding gown, constantly smiling as she looked forward to marrying Han Derang. Xiao Siwen visited Xiao Yanyan in her room.
She enthusiastically showed him her gilded crown, personally designed by Han Derang and crafted by imperial artisans, and her wedding gown, confident it would charm Han Derang. Xiao Yanyan, sensing his mood, confessed to having chatted with Yelv Xian earlier in the study, reassuring her father it was an accidental meeting and just a casual conversation. Xiao Siwen tenderly gazed at her, remarking how much she resembled her mother.
He advised her to temper her childlike impulsiveness, reminding her that life often brings disappointments, but as a Khitan woman, she must be strong and never be like a tearful Southern girl. Xiao Yanyan assured him that she would be fine in the Han family, cherished by Han Derang and his parents. Meanwhile, Emperor Yelv Jing went hunting and, in a fit of rage, indiscriminately killed several valets, among them Bai Hai, the foster brother of Chu Bu.
Po'er quickly informed Yelv Xian of this, who immediately recognized it as an opportunity, stating, "Our time has come." Yelv Xian instructed Po'er to find a suitable moment to relay the news to Chu Bu, hoping to sway him, but to be cautious not to provoke an uncontrolled reaction from Chu Bu. Later, Yelv Xian and Han Derang discussed their plan for Heishan. Han Derang asked Yelv Xian where they were heading.
Yelv Xian stated they would first take a detour before going to Nüli, explaining that Nüli controlled the royal guards, making his cooperation essential for their operation. Han Derang questioned the boldness of meeting Nüli openly, fearing King Taiping's discovery. Yelv Xian, however, was confident that Chu Bu would not betray them. Han Derang asked if Chu Bu had been convinced.
Yelv Xian admitted he was still testing Chu Bu's loyalty to King Taiping, and if Chu Bu didn't side with them now, he would find another way to persuade him. Han Derang found it strange that Chu Bu, who had served Yelv Xian for years but was loyal to King Taiping, would suddenly switch allegiances. He expressed concern about the crucial timing of their plans, warning that a single mistake could lead to ruin.
Yelv Xian assured him of his trust in Chu Bu, highlighting Chu Bu's humble origins but strong sense of loyalty, and noting that the Emperor's recent murder of Bai Hai would surely alienate Chu Bu from King Taiping. Han Derang found Bai Hai's death suspiciously coincidental and asked Yelv Xian if he was involved. Yelv Xian dismissed the idea, stating that the Emperor's killings were unpredictable and beyond his control.
Han Derang accepted his denial, reminding Yelv Xian that as a man of great ambition, he must not resort to trampling innocent lives like a brute. Yelv Xian pledged he would never do such a thing, and Han Derang reaffirmed his trust. Han Derang then detailed their elaborate plan for Heishan: his father and Xiao Siwen would be with the Emperor, ensuring immediate action once the plot was set in motion.
Upon Yelv Xian's accession, they would swiftly return to Shangjing, solidifying his position as the new Emperor and rendering King Taiping powerless. Han Derang anticipated King Taiping might fortify the city gates, hindering their rush to Heishan, but assured Yelv Xian that his father would send immediate word of any changes. He also mentioned they had troops stationed along the route and would ride through the night to Heishan once the plan was enacted.
Han Derang also confirmed he would handle obtaining the necessary pass tokens. After bidding Han Derang farewell, Yelv Xian instructed his servant, Po'er, to divert the carriage to Liu Zigu's residence. Liu Zigu, a loyal attendant of Emperor Yelv Jing, had been deliberately held back from promotion by Yelv Xian for years. Yelv Xian expressed gratitude to Liu Zigu for his father's past help and acknowledged his desire for revenge against the tyrannical Emperor, but cautioned him against rash actions.
He instructed Liu Zigu to continue serving the Emperor diligently and await his orders, as the time for revenge was drawing near. Xiao Yanyan visited her elder sister Hu Nian at the Taiping Palace. She asked about the situation in the palace, specifically regarding Zhimo. Hu Nian dismissed her concerns, saying the matter was over, Zhimo and Hugudian were married, and Yelv Xian had gone to recuperate, with the Emperor promising no further action.
Xiao Yanyan, however, condemned the Emperor, stating he was the source of all the trouble. Hu Nian warned her to be careful what she said, arguing that such matters were not their concern. She praised King Taiping for his efforts in mediating the situation with Yelv Xian and his siblings, describing how he worked tirelessly and lost sleep to resolve it. Xiao Yanyan retorted that the Emperor's tyranny only meant King Taiping was constantly cleaning up his messes.
She passionately argued that the Emperor's willingness to abandon the Youzhou Sixteen Prefectures was an affront to the legacy of Emperors Taizu and Taizong, who had built a prosperous Liao by adopting Southern administrative practices. She warned that if King Taiping continued to support such policies, he would eventually lose the people's trust. Hu Nian countered that governing was not a single path, and that Khitans were nomads, with the steppe as their true home.
She defended the Emperor's decision to consider abandoning the Sixteen Prefectures as a way to prevent further senseless deaths in wars with the South. Xiao Yanyan found this argument unacceptable, asserting that the Sixteen Prefectures were vital to Liao's prosperity. She then sarcastically asked if King Taiping shared these views, implying that if he did, he was indeed his brother's true accomplice.
Hu Nian insisted that King Taiping was deeply indebted to the Emperor, his elder brother, and had done his best to advise him over the years. Xiao Yanyan accused Hu Nian of changing, pointing out that she once viewed the Emperor as tyrannical but now defended him after marrying King Taiping.
Hu Nian explained that as his wife, she had to defend her husband, but asserted that her father, Xiao Siwen, and her two sisters remained the most important people in her life. Xiao Yanyan, still hesitant, indicated her distrust of King Taiping. Noticing Xiao Yanyan’s evasiveness, Hu Nian pressed her, speculating if Xiyin had again caused trouble involving Wuguli.
Xiao Yanyan, flustered, quickly denied it, but when Hu Nian threatened to ask Wuguli herself, Xiao Yanyan stopped her, making her promise not to tell King Taiping before revealing that Wuguli was pregnant. Hu Nian was surprised, and Xiao Yanyan explained Wuguli's fear that King Taiping might harm her baby, which was why they were keeping it a secret.
Hu Nian felt hurt and disappointed, lamenting that Wuguli, influenced by Xiyin, was treating her as an adversary, forgetting her elder sister's sacrifices. Just then, King Taiping returned. The sisters quickly changed the topic. After greeting King Taiping, Xiao Yanyan departed. Disappointed by Hu Nian's staunch defense of King Taiping, Xiao Yanyan sought out Han Derang.
He acknowledged that Hu Nian was now King Taiping's wife and it was natural for her to protect him, but reiterated the critical importance of keeping their plans confidential from her. Xiao Yanyan confided that she used to believe her elder sister always knew best, but now realized there were things Hu Nian couldn't see clearly.
She referenced their previous conversation about the differences between Khitan and Southerners, stating it had opened her eyes and that, as Han Derang acknowledged, her discernment surpassed many men, including Hu Nian. Xiao Yanyan then urged Han Derang to be extremely cautious, having heard from Hu Nian that King Taiping was closely monitoring Yelv Xian and his siblings. Han Derang assured her he was aware.
When Xiao Yanyan asked about their next move, Han Derang revealed their plan to seize the opportunity provided by the Emperor's departure for the Heishan Nabo. Xiao Yanyan, realizing they had an informant close to the Emperor, again stressed the need for utmost secrecy to prevent King Taiping's spies from discovering their plot. Han Derang reassured her that the individual tasked with monitoring Yelv Xian was now likely on their side.
