The Legend of Xiao Chuo Episode 27 Recap
> The Legend of Xiao Chuo Recap
Hi Yin was enraged by not being appointed regent, believing Yelv Xian feared losing power and disregarded royal members by allowing Xiao Yanyan to assist in governance instead. He dismissed Gao Xun's new title as Prime Minister as "nominal" and thought Gao Xun, being an "idiot," would never gain stable ground with Xiao Yanyan and Han Derang in power. His subordinate reminded him that as the Riot Suppressor of Southwest, he now had the right to command the army.
Hi Yin, however, was still fixated on Xiao Yanyan, asserting that her presence prevented him from becoming regent. He declared that anyone who stood in his way would be punished, threatening Xiao Yanyan that she would "bring trouble upon herself" and that "the higher she stands, the harder she falls." Xiao Haizhi and Xiao Haili panicked upon learning that Huerbo, a killer from Gyrfalcon, had been captured.
Fearing Huerbo would expose their involvement, they decided their only recourse was to accuse Nüli, insisting he had orchestrated the assassination and provided them with the defense map. Meanwhile, Gao Xun confidently told Nüli not to worry, revealing that he had already "dealt with those who needed to be dealt with" and that they simply needed to push the blame onto Xiao Haizhi and Xiao Haili to close the case.
Han Derang delved deeper into the investigation, observing that the animosity between Gao Xun, Nüli, and Prime Minister Siwen had intensified since Yelv Xian's ascension. He acknowledged Nüli was responsible for the defense of Lüshan on the day of the assassination, making it unlikely Nüli was entirely unaware. However, Han Derang doubted Nüli was the primary instigator for the attempt on Yelv Xian's life.
He discovered a significant detail: the April archive contained a record of a formal complaint against Gao Xun and Nüli, which Prime Minister Siwen had received. Yet, the actual complaint papers were now missing, while the archive itself remained conspicuous, suggesting someone deliberately wanted these clues to surface and mislead the investigation towards Gao Xun and Nüli.
He concluded that the abundance of easily accessible clues indicated a deliberate attempt to manipulate their focus, and he suspected he knew who was truly behind the conspiracy. During the court session, Nüli and Gao Xun announced they had apprehended the mastermind behind Prime Minister Siwen's assassination. Nüli dramatically prostrated himself, confessing his guilt for the defense lapses at Lüshan that day, which endangered both Prime Minister Siwen and His Majesty. Yelv Xian absolved him, asking him to rise.
Gao Xun then presented their findings, recalling an earlier incident where Xiao Haizhi and Xiao Haili had harassed his maid, leading Prime Minister Siwen to arrest them. He stated that after Prime Minister Siwen's death, he and Nüli suspected the two and secretly investigated them, ultimately discovering the defense map in their residence, which he claimed proved they were the masterminds plotting to seize the Xiao family's assets. Xiao Haizhi and Xiao Haili were then brought before the court.
Instead of denying the charges, they immediately turned on each other, each vehemently accusing the other. Xiao Haizhi claimed Xiao Haili had paid a thousand taels and found the assassin, convincing him that killing their uncle was the only way to inherit the family fortune and become patriarch. Xiao Haili retorted, accusing Xiao Haizhi of lying and trying to shift blame, asserting that if he died, Xiao Haizhi would not live either.
Annoyed by their squabbling, Xiao Yanyan ordered them to be slapped twenty times. Seizing the opportunity, Nüli quickly solidified the case against them by alleging that the two had colluded with his squire to conceal the truth. When questioned about the squire, Nüli reported that the man had been found dead for days, presumably having committed suicide out of fear of exposure, thereby definitively implicating Xiao Haizhi and Xiao Haili in the murder and the cover-up.
After the court dismissed, Han Derang discussed the case with Yelv Xian. Han Derang revealed that Xiao Haizhi and Xiao Haili were merely scapegoats. He explained that as soon as he subtly released information to test the waters, Gao Xun and Nüli immediately produced what they claimed was conclusive evidence, proving their swift and coordinated efforts to cover up the real truth.
Han Derang suspected a larger conspiracy was at play, pointing out that Prime Minister Siwen's fatal wound—a stab in the back—must have come from the person closest to him at that moment. According to the guards, that person was Gao Xun. Han Derang suspected Gao Xun and Nüli were the main perpetrators, although he lacked firm evidence regarding their involvement in the broader plot to assassinate Yelv Xian.
He expressed concern that pursuing Gao Xun and Nüli without solid proof would be difficult, given their high positions in court. Yelv Xian acknowledged the implications of Han Derang's suspicions, recognizing that confronting Gao Xun and Nüli would destabilize the court significantly. With Xiao Yanyan pregnant and distressed, Yelv Xian felt compelled to offer her some closure and avenge her father's death, even if it meant publicly condemning Xiao Haizhi and Xiao Haili.
He also worried that prolonging the investigation would harm both the court and Xiao Yanyan's unborn child. Han Derang suggested a strategic move: formally close the case for now to appease the conspirators and prevent further instability. He assured Yelv Xian that he would covertly gather irrefutable evidence to bring the true culprits to justice later. Han Derang also warned that Prime Minister Siwen's assassination was likely just the "beginning of a huge conspiracy" aimed at Yelv Xian.
He proposed they "use" Gao Xun and Nüli to gradually reclaim military power, thus preventing the true mastermind from achieving their ultimate goal. Yelv Xian agreed and, shortly after Han Derang's departure, summoned Xiuge, the Tiyin, for an urgent and important task. Yelv Xian visited Xiao Yanyan to console her, but she remained deeply distraught, lamenting that her heroic father had fallen victim to such "petty villains" over a trivial inheritance dispute.
She vowed to personally execute them to bring peace to her father's spirit. Yelv Xian, understanding her pain, promised that Xiao Haizhi and Xiao Haili would be entrusted to the three sisters for their fate. Later, Wuguli consulted Hi Yin on how to punish the culprits. Hi Yin suggested the "Ghosts Shooting Arrows" ceremony, explaining that while it was typically a sacrificial rite, it was also used for "the worst offenders."
Wuguli readily agreed, envisioning Xiao Haizhi and Xiao Haili suffering a painful death by a thousand arrows. She then suggested informing Xiao Yanyan and Hunian, but Hi Yin dissuaded her, arguing that Hunian was preoccupied with managing the family and funeral arrangements, and Xiao Yanyan, being pregnant, should not be bothered. He firmly stated that he would take full responsibility for all the preparations. Xiao Yanyan and Hunian eventually agreed to the "Ghosts Shooting Arrows" method for their revenge.
Unbeknownst to Wuguli, Hi Yin had a sinister plot. He instructed his steward to tamper with the high platform's bamboo steps, emphasizing that Wuguli must remain unaware of his scheme. He feared Wuguli would blame him for putting her in danger if she found out. However, Wuguli accidentally overheard Hi Yin's secret conversation with his steward about harming Xiao Yanyan.
Confronted by a shocked Wuguli, Hi Yin quickly downplayed his intentions, claiming he merely wanted to "teach Xiao Yanyan a lesson" for "stealing his regent power" and not taking him seriously. Xiuge, now the Tiyin and patriarch of the imperial clans, visited Nüli's residence under Yelv Xian's orders.
He subtly brought up the suspicious knife wound on Prime Minister Siwen's back, reminding Nüli that he was responsible for Lüshan's defense that day and how such a "defensive loophole" could have occurred. Xiuge then threatened to report Nüli to Yelv Xian and Xiao Yanyan, warning him of the severe consequences. He then revealed his true intention: a share of the benefits that Nüli and Gao Xun had acquired, specifically demanding the position of Zhengshi.
Nüli initially resisted, but after Xiuge emphasized his growing influence as Tiyin and promised to advocate for him over Gao Xun, Nüli reluctantly agreed. When Gao Xun learned of Nüli's recommendation for Xiuge to become Zhengshi, he was furious, accusing Nüli of self-sabotage. Nüli, however, remained confident, asserting that as Tiyin, Xiuge could be "won over" and controlled, and that he, Nüli, was perfectly capable of "handling" him.
Meanwhile, Han Derang received an urgent report from his subordinate: all the craftsmen constructing the high platform for the "Ghosts Shooting Arrows" ceremony were long-time confidants of Hi Yin. This immediately raised Han Derang's suspicions of foul play, realizing the grave danger Xiao Yanyan was in. He rushed to the scene.
As the three sisters, Xiao Yanyan, Hunian, and Wuguli, began to ascend the bamboo steps, Hunian advised the pregnant Xiao Yanyan to proceed slowly, with her and Wuguli following close behind. Just as Xiao Yanyan was about to step onto the compromised section of the staircase, Han Derang arrived, shouting a warning. Wuguli and Hunian quickly reacted, grabbing Xiao Yanyan and preventing her fall.
Instead, Xiao Yanyan's maid, Qingge, stumbled and fell down the short flight of stairs but was fortunately unharmed. Despite the incident, Xiao Yanyan insisted on proceeding with the execution. The three sisters then ascended the platform, carrying out the "Ghosts Shooting Arrows" and avenging their father by killing Xiao Haizhi and Xiao Haili. Later, Yelv Xian tried to comfort a still-distressed Xiao Yanyan.
Xiao Yanyan, having perceived from Wuguli's eyes that Hi Yin was behind the platform incident, expressed her unhappiness. She was frustrated that Wuguli had known about her husband's scheme to harm her, yet remained silent until the very last moment. While acknowledging that Wuguli ultimately chose her in that critical instance, Xiao Yanyan wondered who Wuguli would side with the next time such a conflict arose.
Yelv Xian attempted to reassure her, emphasizing that Wuguli "did" choose her when it mattered most. Back home, Wuguli confronted Hi Yin, who casually dismissed her concerns, reiterating that he had only intended to "teach Xiao Yanyan a lesson." He argued that the path to imperial power was "paved with blood" and cruel. Wuguli passionately insisted that Xiao Yanyan was her beloved sister and she could not bear to see her harmed.
She believed Xiao Yanyan would not retaliate against them or their son, Liulishou. Hi Yin angrily countered that Wuguli's intervention had put him and their son in mortal danger, accusing her of not understanding the harsh realities of politics. Wuguli, however, stood her ground, declaring that if Hi Yin ever tried to harm Xiao Yanyan, she would protect her, and similarly, if Xiao Yanyan threatened Hi Yin, she would fight for him to the death.
She desperately wished for a scenario where "the best of both worlds" was possible, where both her husband and her sisters could be safe. She pleaded with Hi Yin not to hurt Xiao Yanyan and Hunian, promising to support him in any other ambition, "even if you kill someone," but drawing a firm line when it came to her sisters.
Hunian received a letter from Yansage, who expressed his profound sorrow over Prime Minister Siwen's death and his deep longing to reunite with her, reaffirming their eternal marriage. After reading the letter, Hunian decided to go see Xiao Yanyan. Before Hunian's arrival, Yelv Xian and Han Derang were discussing Hi Yin's reckless behavior.
Yelv Xian noted that Xiao Yanyan advocated for a cautious approach, believing that "proceeding slowly" with Hi Yin was essential to avoid further unsettling the royal members and escalating the political turmoil. Han Derang agreed with the Queen's prudence but cautioned against continuously giving Hi Yin opportunities to cause trouble. Xiao Yanyan then joined them, sharing Yansage's letter.
She proposed recalling Yansage to Shangjing, arguing that Hunian had the capacity to "restrain Yansage," a stark contrast to Wuguli's inability to control Hi Yin. She viewed Yansage's return as a strategic move to "leverage both sides" and counter the formidable alliance of Hi Yin, Gao Xun, and Nüli, whose influence in court was currently "unrivaled."
Yelv Xian expressed deep reservations, fearing that bringing Yansage back would be akin to "driving out a wolf from the front door only to let a tiger in through the back," and would make the situation "more dangerous" given Yansage's intense desire for the throne. He questioned whether Xiao Yanyan had fully considered the risks, warning that Yansage's ambition might not even be satisfied by the throne itself.
Xiao Yanyan, holding Yelv Xian's hand, urged him to "face it," arguing that it was better to have Yansage in Shangjing where he could be "controlled," rather than allowing him to "recruit forces in Shatuo discretionarily," which would pose an even greater threat. She believed Yansage's return could provide them with a "chance to recuperate" and insisted that Yansage, having lost to Yelv Xian before, would not win this time either.
Yelv Xian, swayed by her heartfelt plea, agreed to her suggestion, promising they would overcome all difficulties together. Han Derang, observing the empress and emperor's affectionate exchange, felt a pang of sadness but maintained his composure. Privately, Han Derang advised Xiao Yanyan to reconsider summoning Yansage, deeming it "too risky" and akin to "quenching a thirst with poison."
Xiao Yanyan dismissed his concerns, believing that "tigers and wolves fighting is better than one wolf dominating" and expressing unwavering confidence in Hunian. She asserted that Hunian, like herself, prioritized the stability and peace of Liao above personal feelings or romantic entanglements. Hunian traveled thousands of miles to Shatuo to reunite with Yansage. Upon her arrival, Yansage, visibly relieved and overjoyed, embraced her, reaffirming his deep love and his promise to always return for her.
He had worried about her from afar after hearing of her father's death, and expressed his delight that she had come to him. He then publicly introduced Hunian to his followers as his "brave and beautiful wife," declaring that "her orders are my orders" and that "no one is allowed to disobey." He lifted the alcohol ban, celebrating her return with his loyal men.
Later, in a private moment, Yansage observed Hunian's tired appearance and asked her to stay with him in Shatuo forever, to "never be separated." Hunian, however, gently but firmly stated that she had come to take him back to Shangjing. Yansage, understanding the political implications of her visit, immediately asked what conditions Yelv Xian had set for his return.
