The Legend of Xiao Chuo Episode 22 Recap
> The Legend of Xiao Chuo Recap
Han Derang's reputation among the tribe was high, and Lu Duan's parents, along with Lu Duan himself, came to express their profound gratitude for Han Derang risking his life to save them. Other grateful servants also gathered to bid farewell to Han Derang. He assured them all that they must protect themselves and that, like other tribespeople, they were born equal, with no inherent distinction of status.
He emphasized that people carry responsibilities, not sins, and that their parents' care for them was a responsibility they owed. He urged them to never give up on life, no matter what, reminding them that all citizens of Liao, protected by Tengri, had the right to live well, and that Emperor Shizong had declared all citizens of Liao equal, regardless of ethnicity or status.
Han Derang's words deeply moved the servants, who knelt in thanks, believing him to be Tengri's messenger sent to save them. Xiao Yanyan accompanied Yelv Xian to pay respects to his late mother, Queen Huaijie. Yelv Xian introduced Xiao Yanyan to his mother, affirming his desire to marry and have children only with the one he truly believed in, regretting that she was not yet willing, but declaring his readiness to wait.
He then spoke to Xiao Yanyan about the sorrow of wanting to care for one's parents when they are no longer there, hoping she would understand and avoid future regrets. This prompted Xiao Yanyan to recall her own wedding day when she had given Xiao Siwen a cold reception out of resentment. Later, Lu Duan rushed to Han Derang, informing him that the old clan elder had died the previous night.
Elder Tuoli intended to use servants, including Lu Duan's mother, as human sacrifices. Han Derang, appalled by such disregard for life, immediately set out to rescue the innocent servants, despite Lu Duan's warnings of the overwhelming odds. Seeing Han Derang's determination, Lu Duan released the imprisoned servants, encouraging them to rebel against the Rilian tribe. Abohe was in the process of being inaugurated as the new clan elder. Han Derang's arrival caused a stir.
Elder Tuoli, long resentful of Han Derang, accused him of inciting rebellion and angering Tengri, thereby causing the old clan elder's death. Initially, Abohe was swayed by Tuoli's accusations and, believing Han Derang to be his father's killer, moved to strike him down. However, the revolting servants, organized by Lu Duan, intervened and clashed with the clan members. Amidst the chaos, a servant urged Han Derang to flee, unwilling to see him sacrifice his life for them.
Han Derang refused to abandon them and rushed to examine the old clan elder's body. Tuoli, fearing exposure, shot an arrow at Han Derang, but Shiwu bravely intercepted it, taking the wound himself. Han Derang quickly determined that the old elder had not died of illness but was poisoned, evidenced by festering wounds. He pointed out that Tuoli, who was responsible for the elder's treatment and was now eager to cremate the body, was clearly trying to conceal his crime.
Han Derang logically argued that Tuoli's real motive was to become the most influential person in the clan, rendering Abohe a mere puppet. When Abohe confronted Tuoli, Tuoli deceptively feigned affection before unexpectedly stabbing Abohe. Han Derang rushed to Abohe's aid, disarming Tuoli, allowing Abohe to fatally strike Tuoli down, thus asserting his authority and bringing the chaotic situation under control. After the turmoil, Abohe inherited the position of clan elder. He and Han Derang respectfully buried Shiwu.
Abohe declared the abolition of all prejudice against servants, encouraging them and the clan members to live together in harmony. Han Derang was deeply pleased by Abohe's actions. Around this time, Li Si arrived in the tribe, having traveled across the vast steppe to find Han Derang. Despite her clear affection, Han Derang remained unmoved and gently advised her not to waste her time on him.
Li Si, however, was resolute in her decision to follow him wherever he went, leaving Han Derang to sigh, wondering why she was so persistent. Considering the severe damage the tribe had suffered, Han Derang suggested that Abohe lead his people to a safe location before eventually relocating them to Youzhou, hoping that the more equitable life there, including learning farming and weaving, and reading books, would gradually transform the Rilian tribe.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yanyan visited Xiao Siwen, who was pained to see his daughter's visible weight loss. He understood her resentment but explained his own predicament. He spoke of the endless feuds among the three branches of the Taizu lineage and how Liao could no longer endure such turmoil. He expressed his belief that Xiao Yanyan was destined to help Yelv Xian complete the reforms for Liao, bringing an end to the current strife.
Back in the palace, Xige, having been in the imperial court for over a month without Yelv Xian's attention, sought help from the Imperial Consort. The Imperial Consort devised a plan for Xige to disguise herself as a palace maid and deliver refreshments to Yelv Xian. Yelv Xian, however, saw through the disguise. Xige tearfully pleaded for his favor, but Yelv Xian dismissed her, citing state affairs, and ordered her sent back to her palace.
Devastated, Xige wept in her quarters, unable to comprehend Yelv Xian's indifference. Hulie, an attendant who had received favors from Xige, then confided in her, revealing that Emperor Mu had a debilitating condition that prevented him from being intimate with women, which led to him violently killing the deceased Queen.
Hulie suggested that Yelv Xian might suffer from a similar affliction, noting he had not consummated his marriage with either Xiao Yanyan or Xige, and advised Xige to prioritize her own well-being over imperial favor. Xige then confronted Nüli, divulging her suspicions about Yelv Xian's impotence. Nüli initially dismissed the idea but grew thoughtful upon hearing that Yelv Xian had also not been intimate with Xiao Yanyan. Just then, news arrived that Wuguli was in labor.
Nüli instructed his attendants to ascertain the child's gender, intending to present Xiyin with a lavish gift if it was a boy. Wuguli successfully gave birth to a son. Xiao Siwen, overjoyed to hold his first grandson, named him "Liulishou," wishing him health and longevity. Nüli, laden with gifts, subsequently visited Xiyin to congratulate him.
Harboring concerns about Yelv Xian's potential childlessness, Nüli subtly encouraged Xiyin to have Wuguli frequently bring Liulishou to visit Xiao Yanyan, hinting that Wuguli's son would be the prime candidate for adoption if an heir were needed. Xiyin, however, was livid at the suggestion; his son would never be given to "that weakling" Yelv Xian. Wuguli, overhearing the conversation, also vehemently opposed the idea.
