The Legend of Xiao Chuo Episode 29 Recap
> The Legend of Xiao Chuo Recap
Yelv Xian fell gravely ill from state affairs. Xiao Yanyan, expressing concern for his condition, immediately summoned her trusted officials: Shifang, Xiuge, Xianshi, Han Derang, and Dalin, to come to her. A report soon arrived that Yansage and his family, along with King Dilie’s family, had come to visit. Xiao Yanyan, however, suspected Yansage’s intentions were ill-disposed.
When Yansage questioned Yelv Xian’s sudden faint, Xiao Yanyan calmly explained that the King of Yan had diagnosed Yelv Xian as merely overtired and that he should not meet guests. Despite Yansage's insistence that as Yelv Xian’s uncle he was family, Xiao Yanyan reiterated the paramount importance of Yelv Xian’s rest, subtly accusing Yansage of being too impatient. Recognizing her firm stance, Yansage, not wishing to put her on the spot, departed with Hunian, followed by Dilie’s family.
Meanwhile, Xiyin pressed Wuguli to go to Xiao Yanyan and advocate for his appointment as regent. Wuguli initially refused, reminding him of his past wrongdoings against Xiao Yanyan and stating that Xiao Yanyan's forgiveness was already a great kindness, so he should not push his luck. Xiyin countered that, given Yelv Xian’s severe illness and Xiao Yanyan’s solitary position, she would eventually need his help, even if she hated him.
He warned that if Yansage became regent, Hunian would be unable to control him, which would put their own lives at risk. Swayed by Xiyin’s arguments, Wuguli reluctantly agreed to speak with Xiao Yanyan. Later, Xiao Yanyan convened her confidantes to strategize for the morning court, anticipating challenges due to Yelv Xian’s absence. She voiced her primary concern about Xiyin, who commanded significant support among royal members and military forces, and was sure not to miss this opportunity.
Han Derang also urged caution regarding Yansage. Xiao Yanyan decided that stabilizing Xiyin was the immediate priority, as Yansage's recent relinquishing of half his army left him temporarily powerless. She instructed Xiuge to ensure the safety of Yelv Xian and the young prince, and Xiuge vowed to protect them at all costs. Shifang and Xianshi were tasked with maintaining order in court, while Dalin was ordered to position his Langjun Army outside the hall, ready to intervene if necessary.
After the meeting, Xiao Yanyan asked Han Derang to stay. He proposed a counter-intuitive plan: grant Xiyin a ceremonial title without actual power. This, he reasoned, would allow Xiyin’s arrogance to alienate other powerful figures, making it easier to gather evidence of his past crimes and ultimately condemn him. Xiao Yanyan approved of this strategy.
Unaware of Xiao Yanyan’s meticulous planning, Yansage learned of her late-night meeting and scoffed, believing she was flustered by Yelv Xian’s illness and was presumptuously comparing herself to Empress Dowager Shulü. He deemed it premature for him to seize power, anticipating Xiyin would make the first move for the regency. Yansage resolved to intensify the conflict between Xiyin and Xiao Yanyan, convinced that their internal struggle would ultimately benefit him.
He dispatched Nianmugun to instruct Gao Xun and Nüli to deliberately escalate the tension between the Queen and Xiyin during the morning court. The following morning, Xiao Yanyan presided over the court. She began by announcing Yelv Xian’s decree, appointing herself as regent and naming Prime Minister Gao Xun, Commander Nüli, and Privy Councilors Xianshi and Shifang to assist her in managing state affairs.
Xiyin immediately challenged her authority, arguing that she was too weak after childbirth and that Yelv Xian’s illness meant the descendants of Emperor Abaoji should govern. Gao Xun swiftly retorted, defending Xiao Yanyan and prompting a fierce argument between him and Xiyin. With various officials joining the dispute, the court descended into chaos. With a calm demeanor, Xiao Yanyan declared that Xiyin's proposal was indeed valid and that she was willing to cede the regency to him.
Xiyin rejoiced, but Han Derang quickly intervened, acknowledging Xiyin's suitability but pointing out that announcing a regent while Yelv Xian was gravely ill was inappropriate and requested a postponement. Confident in his eventual power, Xiyin readily agreed to delay the decision. After the court session, Gao Xun and Nüli expressed alarm at Xiao Yanyan's unexpected concession, fearing Xiyin's vengeful nature if he became regent.
They sought counsel from Yansage, who shrewdly deduced that Xiao Yanyan's "retreat" was a clever tactic, an "advance in disguise." He recognized her growing astuteness, attributing it in part to Han Derang's counsel, and declared his intention to swiftly eliminate Xiyin, revealing that he already possessed incriminating evidence against him. Meanwhile, in the inner palace, Xiao Yanyan came to feed Yelv Xian medicine.
Yelv Xian had already heard about the court affairs and greatly praised Xiao Yanyan, even wishing to use his illness as an excuse to be lazy for a few more days, letting Xiao Yanyan handle the overall situation. Xiao Yanyan chided Yelv Xian and also mentioned that the strategy was proposed by Han Derang. Han Derang, having returned from his travels, was more mature than before.
Xiao Yanyan told Yelv Xian that once he recovered, he must listen more to Han Derang's advice. Later, Nüli presented a memorial confirming that Yuwan, the palace maid involved in the incident at the young prince's bathing ceremony, was Xiyin’s henchman, and that Xiyin’s letters had been found at her residence. Xiao Yanyan acknowledged the evidence but decided against immediate action, wanting to ensure Xiyin had no opportunity for a comeback.
Meanwhile, Han Derang visited his mother, who persistently nagged him about marriage, urging him to settle down. He skillfully deflected her inquiries as Xinning arrived with new information regarding Xiao Siwen’s assassination. Xinning had located the only person in Shangjing capable of weaving palm insoles—a Liangzhou native whose unique products were exclusively supplied to Xiyin's household. The artisan, after reviewing images, positively identified one of the assassins as Xiyin’s subordinate, noting a distinctive scar on his face.
Han Derang recognized the critical importance of this witness. Han Derang then reported these findings to Yelv Xian and Xiao Yanyan, revealing that all evidence now conclusively pointed to Xiyin as the mastermind behind both the assassination attempt on Yelv Xian at Lushan and the murder of Xiao Siwen. Xiao Yanyan was deeply moved by the discovery of her father's killer. Yelv Xian, eager for justice, wanted to immediately apprehend Xiyin.
However, Han Derang remained cautious, highlighting the sudden emergence of all the evidence and suggesting a potential conspiracy. Xiao Yanyan agreed, suspecting that someone had deliberately withheld this evidence and released it now to thwart Xiyin's regency, possibly for their own ulterior motives. They decided to apprehend Xiyin first before publicly announcing his crimes. Xiao Yanyan specifically instructed Han Derang to ensure the safety of Wuguli and Liulishou during Xiyin's arrest.
Unaware of his impending doom, Xiyin was in his mansion, celebrating his assumed regency with excessive drinking and boastful remarks about Xiao Yanyan. Wuguli attempted to temper his arrogance, but he ignored her. Suddenly, Han Derang and his troops surrounded the mansion. Han Derang announced Yelv Xian’s decree, confining Xiyin to his residence, with no one permitted to enter or leave without imperial permission. Xiyin protested vehemently, accusing them of audacity, but he was forcibly subdued and confined.
Yansage was soon informed of Xiyin's confinement, surmising that his assassination plot against Yelv Xian had been exposed. Later, Xiao Yanyan discussed Xiyin’s fate with Han Derang. He advised that, as Xiyin belonged to the Taizu lineage, only Yelv Xian could ultimately determine his punishment. Xiao Yanyan expressed surprise at Gao Xun and Nüli's sudden eagerness to investigate Xiyin, noting their swift betrayal of a former ally.
She also thanked Han Derang for his brilliant strategy, which allowed them to apprehend Xiyin without bloodshed. She then inquired about his future plans, asking if he intended to leave now that her father's case was resolved. Han Derang remained silent, and Xiao Yanyan lowered her gaze and turned to leave. During a subsequent court session, numerous officials called for Xiyin to be severely punished.
However, Yansage advocated for leniency, citing the recent birth of the imperial prince and suggesting that only Xiyin be confined away from the capital, while his family members be spared. Xiao Yanyan ultimately followed Yansage’s advice, issuing an imperial decree that exiled Xiyin to Zuzhou to serve as a tomb watcher for the imperial ancestors, while his household received a lenient sentence. Yansage then visited Imperial Consort Puge, startling her.
She cautiously asked if he was there concerning some past event, but Yansage feigned ignorance. He then remarked on Xiao Yanyan’s supposed disdain for Puge and suggested that the birth of the new prince would further diminish Puge’s prospects. He directly asked if she was content with her situation, clearly attempting to provoke her discontent and gain her as an ally.
