The Legend of Xiao Chuo Episode 31 Recap
> The Legend of Xiao Chuo Recap
Han Kuangsi informed his wife about Yelv Xian's desire for Han Derang to marry soon. Han Mother was initially angered by what she perceived as Yelv Xian's "brazen" and "petty" coercion, especially after Han Derang's tireless work for him. She accused Yelv Xian of having a guilty conscience.
Han Kuangsi calmly reminded her that Han Derang was of marriageable age, to which she retorted that it was Han Kuangsi's focus on "career" years ago that prevented Han Derang from marrying Xiao Yanyan. Han Kuangsi apologized and suggested Li Sier as a suitable match. Han Mother softened, calling Li Sier "a poor kid" whose youth they had delayed, and agreed to speak to Han Derang, expressing her wish to see grandchildren.
Meanwhile, Han Derang remained focused on his primary objective: bringing down Yansage. Xinning reported that Nianmugun, Yansage's most trusted confidante, had managed Yansage's affairs in Shangjing while he was in Shatuo. Xinning confirmed that a crucial suing paper was written by Nianmugun, identifying him as a key witness.
Han Derang recognized Yansage's ruthless and strategic planning, noting how easily he manipulated various factions since leaving Shangjing, and concluded that Nianmugun would be "not easy to deal with" and would leave no discernible evidence. Xinning suggested apprehending Nianmugun, but Han Derang cautioned against it. He pointed out that with Yansage's strong influence and a lack of sufficient evidence, Yelv Xian and Xiao Yanyan would be unable to issue an arrest warrant.
He also highlighted the involvement of Gao Xun and Nüli, further complicating matters. Han Derang anticipated more schemes from Yansage and instructed Xinning to remain vigilant. At a late-night banquet, Yansage hosted Gao Xun and Nüli. Nüli voiced his frustration, claiming he followed Yansage's orders to pressure the Queen in court, but Gao Xun offered no support, and Southern officials, including Xiuge and Tiyin, defended the Queen.
Yansage interceded, reminding them they were "all in this together" and should not "blame each other over trivial matters." He apologized for his own "hasty" actions that caused them "embarrassment in the court," acknowledging that bringing down the Queen "is not an easy thing." Yansage then outlined his plan to further "fuel things up" and make Yelv Xian "truly mad at Han Derang."
He revealed that Xiao Yanyan frequently summoned Han Derang to the Royal Study, which belonged to Yelv Xian. He argued that their "open meeting" there made Yelv Xian appear foolish and dishonored the Taizu clan. Nüli doubted this would sufficiently anger Yelv Xian, given his "brotherly" bond with Han Derang. Yansage dismissed this as "pretense," believing Yelv Xian's sudden appearance at the Kaihuang Palace indicated he had already heard and was disturbed by the rumors.
Han Derang explained to Yelv Xian and Xiao Yanyan that Yansage harbored deep resentment towards Xiao Siwen, as Xiao Siwen's actions during the Black Mountain Revolt had cost Yansage the throne and forced him to flee to Shatuo. Yansage meticulously orchestrated a "series of schemes." He understood Gao Xun and Nüli's ambitions and their existing plots.
Yansage subtly "fanned the flames" until a suing paper, written by his subordinate Nianmugun, accusing Gao Xun and Nüli, was sent to Prime Minister Xiao Siwen. Yansage's true intention was to compel Gao Xun and Nüli to act swiftly. Knowing they could not leave any evidence, Gao Xun and Nüli devised a plan to "kill him with a borrowed knife," using Haizhi and Haili to murder Xiao Siwen.
Fearing their plan might fail, Yansage connected them with the Gyrfalcon organization and deployed his own "Men of Sacrifice," who were secretly sent "in parts" to Shangjing to meet Nianmugun and disguise themselves as Gyrfalcon members. This was meant to create confusion and "leave no way of escape for Gao Xun and Nüli," forcing them to commit the assassination. Xiao Yanyan expressed shock at the "complex" and "ruthless" nature of the scheme.
Han Derang further revealed Yansage's backup plan: to "frame Xiyin" if the primary assassination failed. Yansage exploited Xiyin's restless character by deliberately leaking information about Gao Xun and Nüli's involvement to Xiyin, and strategically placing the incriminating paper in Xiao Siwen's mansion for Xiyin's men to find. This prompted Xiyin to blackmail Gao Xun and Nüli into an alliance, drawing everyone's attention away from Yansage.
Yansage also factored in Xiao Yanyan's pregnancy, knowing Yelv Xian would not directly confront Xiyin at that time. He then wrote to the Imperial Concubine Dowager, hinting at his return to Shangjing to surrender his military power, which disarmed Yelv Xian and led them to mistakenly believe Xiyin would become Regent. Finally, Yansage released his fabricated evidence, leading to Xiyin's capture.
Han Derang concluded that Xiyin was a "fool" who "walked into the conspiracy of Yansage" and nearly misled them all, confirming that "everything was part of Yansage's plan" and their current actions were "within his expectations." Xiao Yanyan requested Han Derang to withhold this information from Hunian for now, fearing she "won't be able to handle it," and Han Derang agreed. Han Mother pleaded with Han Derang, reminding him of Yelv Xian's insistence on his marriage or departure from Shangjing.
She expressed her deep concern, believing Yelv Xian was at fault for their predicament. She earnestly urged Han Derang to marry soon for the peace of mind of his parents, as she could not "rest easy" otherwise. She acknowledged his lingering feelings for Xiao Yanyan but insisted that "life runs into bumps," and he could not "just stand there forever." She yearned for him to marry and have "grandkids all over the floor."
Han Derang confessed he "can't get over it," but Han Mother adamantly stated he must, even if she had to "force" him. She implored him to do it for his parents' sake, "not for His Majesty, not for Yanyan." Later, Li Sier arrived at Han Derang's residence, but he tried to gently turn her away, suggesting she "deserves someone better."
Li Sier, however, boldly declared her unwavering desire to marry him, dismissing "past events" and only wishing to be a "loving couple." She argued that marrying her, a familiar companion, was preferable to a stranger. Han Derang maintained that he had always viewed her as a sister. Li Sier was visibly heartbroken, realizing her insignificance in his heart and his continued attachment to Xiao Yanyan. She decided not to "put him on the spot" and left.
Xiao Yanyan summoned Hunian to discuss the rapidly spreading rumors about her and Han Derang. She assured Hunian that both she and Han Derang "have nothing to hide," and Yelv Xian "never doubted" them. However, she acknowledged that "someone behind this" was deliberately disseminating these rumors to "make a big deal out of it." She believed the most effective way to "quiet down rumors" was for Han Derang to marry.
Hunian worried that Han Derang, whose heart truly belonged to Xiao Yanyan, would be miserable if he married out of obligation. Xiao Yanyan firmly stated that they were "all grown up" and "a lot of things don't happen the way we want." She claimed she had "already let go of romantic love" and her focus was now solely on "the wellbeing of the people of Liao."
Han Derang and Xinning investigated the source of the rumors, tracing them to a storyteller at a liquor store who was fabricating "nonsense." As Han Derang faced public mockery from the gathered crowd, Li Sier appeared. She bravely declared that she would marry Han Derang soon and demanded that people stop spreading baseless rumors. She even claimed they had "grew up together and were in love since they were kids." The skeptical crowd had never heard of such an engagement.
To protect Li Sier's reputation and silence the onlookers, Han Derang publicly confirmed their engagement. After the crowd dispersed, Li Sier attempted to retract her statement, intending to leave Shangjing the next day. Han Derang stopped her, acknowledging she "was wronged today" and promised to "never let you be wronged" again, vowing to be a "good husband."
He stated he had one more task to complete in Shangjing, after which they would return to Youzhou together to "spend the rest of my life" with her. Soon after, Han Derang and Li Sier were married in a solemn ceremony. Han Derang appeared somber, while Li Sier smiled, content to finally be married to him. Following the wedding, Han Derang requested permission to return to Youzhou.
Xiao Yanyan confronted him, accusing him of "running away" from his duties in Shangjing. She argued that his departure, amidst threats from Gao Xun, Nüli, and Yansage, would play directly into their enemies' hands, especially when their consciences were clear. She questioned why he would "care" about such "nonsense." Yelv Xian arrived, interceded, and granted Han Derang's request, promising to explain to Xiao Yanyan. Han Derang then departed. Xiao Yanyan remained angry about Han Derang's decision to leave.
Yelv Xian explained that Han Derang "has people he's got to look out for," referring to his new wife, Li Sier, and that the pervasive rumors made it difficult for both Li Sier and Han Derang in court. He suggested allowing Han Derang to leave temporarily and pledged to personally invite him back once the situation stabilized. Xiao Yanyan pressed him, questioning if he or others truly desired Han Derang's departure, warning that it would only empower "devils."
Yelv Xian grew angry, denying her suspicions and asserting, "In my heart, Nanjing is as important as Shangjing." Citing "important matters to attend to," he then left for the Royal Study. Meanwhile, an Imperial Concubine Dowager's handmaiden, Doukou, acting as Yansage's spy, informed the Imperial Concubine Dowager that Xiao Yanyan had left Chongde Palace. The Imperial Concubine Dowager revealed she had already drugged the wet nurse and other handmaidens.
She then proceeded to secretly administer a medicine to the little prince, murmuring, "You mustn't blame me. I had to do this." Later, Doukou confirmed the medicine was given to the prince and moved to report to Yansage. The Imperial Concubine Dowager stopped her, asserting that her "big achievement" for Yansage would prevent him from "go[ing] against me for the life of a little maid." Doukou insisted on her loyalty but then left.
Soon after, the little prince developed a high fever. Xiao Yanyan frantically summoned Diligu, the imperial physician. Diligu diagnosed the prince with a fever caused by a cold, but the child's condition worsened despite the prescribed medicine, and he cried even harder. Diligu then suggested summoning Han Kuangsi for a second opinion. Han Kuangsi's diagnosis matched Diligu's, noting the illness was "strange" as the medicine yielded no improvement.
Hunian, upon hearing of the prince's critical condition, prepared to visit Xiao Yanyan despite her own pregnancy. Yansage intercepted her, urging caution due to her pregnancy. He then suggested arranging for Shamans to perform a blessing ceremony for the prince, stating that "Khitans have always been blessed by Tengri," and that the prince "will be blessed by Tengri."
He further proposed setting up multiple altars in the palace, involving "the elders of the court," "other imperial clans and princesses" in praying for the prince. Hunian conveyed Yansage's suggestions to Xiao Yanyan and Yelv Xian. With the royal physicians helpless, they reluctantly agreed to the elaborate prayer ritual, hoping it would help the prince. The royal family, including Xiao Yanyan and Yelv Xian, participated in the ceremony, invoking "God's blessing" and "Tengri's grace" to "Protect people" and "Nourish life."
