The Legend of Xiao Chuo Episode 47 Recap
> The Legend of Xiao Chuo Recap
Xiao Yanyan informed Hunian of her plan to assemble troops for a southern campaign to address ongoing border conflicts, asking Hunian to provide more soldiers from her stable northern territory. Xiao Yanyan proposed that Hunian herself lead the ""Guo A'nian"" troops, stating that leading such a significant military operation required someone she could fully trust. Hunian, however, suggested Talan Abo take command, citing his existing general's rank and it being his duty.
Xiao Yanyan reiterated her trust in Hunian, but Hunian expressed reservations, explaining that ""Guo A'nian's"" northern-trained forces might not be suited for southern warfare, and that extensive troop movement so soon after stabilizing the various clans could be problematic. Sensing Hunian's reluctance, Xiao Yanyan gracefully changed the subject. Later, Talan Abo approached Hunian, expressing his reluctance to go south.
He explained that he had only ever known life on the northern steppe as a horse-breeder, unfamiliar with southern lands or leading an army. Hunian smiled, calling him naive for not knowing how to protect himself, reminding him that despite his skill with horses, as a mere horse-breeder, even her own guards could easily apprehend him. She clarified that she had bestowed upon him the title of general to elevate his status and prevent others from disparaging his humble origins.
However, a general without military achievements would command no respect. She wished for him to prove himself in the south, gain merit, and thus acquire the power to protect both himself and her. Deeply moved, Talan Abo pledged to protect Hunian forever. Hunian then reminisced about their first encounter, when he rescued her from a frightened horse, emphasizing that their destinies were intertwined and that he would accompany her wherever she went, never to be separated.
Talan Abo observed that Xiao Yanyan did not seem to like him and also wished for him to go south. Hunian advised him against any conflict with the powerful Empress Dowager, suggesting Yanyan simply didn't know him well, and lamented that her bond with Yanyan was no longer as close as it once was. After her meeting with Hunian, Xiao Yanyan remained deeply troubled. Han Derang observed her distress and asked what was wrong.
She referred to "that horse-breeder," prompting Han Derang to remind her that Talan Abo was now a general, not merely a horse-breeder. Xiao Yanyan voiced her fear that Hunian's intense affection for Talan Abo might cause her to act irrationally, questioning how Hunian could entrust a mere horse-breeder with military command, thereby compromising critical state affairs.
Han Derang attempted to soothe her, pointing out Hunian's long widowhood and unhappy marriage to Yansaga, suggesting it was natural for her to want to elevate someone she genuinely cared for. He also noted Talan Abo's inherently unruly nature, suggesting that his willingness to be constrained for Hunian indicated true affection between them.
Xiao Yanyan appreciated Han Derang's presence, and he gently reminded her that their primary purpose in visiting was to mend their strained sisterly relationship, not to let Talan Abo derail it. While Xiao Yanyan trusted Hunian, noting that Hunian was the only one among the clans who hadn't relinquished military authority, she couldn't bring herself to entrust such power to Talan Abo.
Concerned for Hunian's well-being in the harsh northern conditions as she aged, Xiao Yanyan resolved to persuade her sister to return to Shangjing with her. The following day, Xiao Yanyan visited Hunian. Hunian, upholding imperial protocol, formally greeted her with monarch-subject etiquette, despite Yanyan's attempts to discourage such formality.
Xiao Yanyan fondly remarked on Hunian's room, still elegant as it was in their youth, and lamented the loss of their father and Wuguli, emphasizing that they were the last two sisters remaining. When Hunian inquired about the purpose of her visit, Xiao Yanyan dismissed all attendants, then, in a display of sisterly affection, playfully bounded onto Hunian's bed, acting like a young girl.
She earnestly pleaded with Hunian to return to Shangjing, offering to arrange new accommodations and stressing the importance of their reunion as family. Hunian, however, initially stated that her continued defense of the northern border was her true support. Xiao Yanyan gently probed, suggesting Hunian was hesitant to leave Talan Abo. She expressed genuine joy that Hunian had finally found love, acknowledging Hunian's past sacrifice in marrying Yansaga for the sake of her sisters.
Hunian conceded that Yansaga had been kind to her, but firmly denied any lingering resentment towards Yanyan, reaffirming their unbreakable sisterly bond. Moved by this, Hunian agreed to return to Shangjing but requested time to organize the remaining ""Guo A'nian"" troops in the north. Xiao Yanyan understood, but stressed the urgency of state affairs in Shangjing, stating she and Han Derang would depart the next day to finalize their southern campaign plans.
She urged Hunian to settle permanently in Shangjing upon her return. Hunian promised to visit their father's grave. As Xiao Yanyan departed, Talan Abo, who had been discreetly listening outside, walked away with a visibly displeased expression. Hunian's attendant informed her that Talan Abo had left after his brief appearance. Hunian, immediately concerned, requested a horse to find him, eventually locating him by a lake where he was sunbathing.
She playfully chided him for not being in Kedun City, to which Talan Abo replied that without her, Kedun City was no different from the lonely lake. He then gently cautioned her against staring directly at the sun. Hunian directly asked him if he would come to Shangjing if she were there, and then pleaded for him to return with her. Observing his silence, she deduced his reluctance.
Talan Abo questioned whether Shangjing could offer the same blue skies, beautiful lakes, and vast grasslands of the north. Hunian pointed out the grasslands in Shangjing's suburbs, explaining that she wished to return because it was her hometown. Talan Abo asserted the north was his home. Hunian conceded that he was a free spirit and understood that Shangjing's imposing walls might feel too restrictive for him.
Talan Abo then suggested that as the ""Royal Consort Dowager"" and he her general, she could simply order him to go. Hunian affectionately rejected this, stating she was merely "little Hunian" to him, and that only his own heart could command his actions. In Shangjing, Han Derang reported to Xiao Yanyan that half of ""Guo A'nian's"" troops had arrived, and other tribal forces were ready for war.
Xiao Yanyan, announcing her decision to personally lead the southern campaign alongside Longxu, commanded the immediate assembly of the armies. Before their departure, she visited the ailing Premier Xiuge, who would be unable to join the campaign. She sought his counsel, confirming that Longxu would be the nominal leader with Lanling King, Xiao Dalin, as commander. Xiuge inquired if her intention was to destroy the Southern Dynasties.
Xiao Yanyan clarified her two objectives: first, to reclaim Ying and Mo Prefectures, and second, to foster peace through the conflict. Xiuge lauded her clear-sightedness and advised her to act in accordance with the prevailing circumstances rather than out of impulse, expressing his relief at her ultimate goal of peace. Meanwhile, as Hunian prepared for her journey back to Shangjing, Talan Abo rode up.
He declared he was not merely seeing her off but intended to accompany her to the capital. Hunian reminded him that Shangjing, with its restrictive city walls, was not a place suited for his free-spirited nature. However, Talan Abo confessed that his heart was already with her, signifying his willingness to go. Hunian, deeply pleased, then asked if he had truly considered his decision. The Liao army, having achieved significant breakthroughs, was poised to advance on Kaifeng after taking Chanzhou.
However, news arrived that the Southern Emperor had personally crossed the river to command, a move that significantly boosted enemy morale and signaled they were not to be underestimated. Tragedy then struck as Lanling King, Xiao Dalin, was fatally wounded by a Southern Army crossbow while surveying the terrain beneath Chanzhou's walls. Xiao Yanyan was devastated by the loss. Soon after, an urgent message from Shangjing delivered another crushing blow: Premier Xiuge had succumbed to his illness.
Xiao Yanyan was overcome with grief, noting that Dalin and Xiuge, lifelong friends, had now departed together. She reflected on Chanzhou's prolonged siege, Dalin's death, plummeting troop morale, and the immense logistical challenges of supplying their forces deep within Southern territory. Han Derang urged her to halt the campaign. Xiao Yanyan, however, revealed her deeper ambition: to definitively resolve the protracted conflict between Liao and the Southern Dynasties within her lifetime.
She admitted her initial plan was to seize several prefectures before negotiating peace, but the new Southern Emperor's unexpected courage had proven that the South was not lacking in capable leaders. Han Derang, realizing her strategic foresight and relieved that she was not acting out of personal anger over Dalin's death, pledged his unwavering support. Xiao Yanyan emphasized that as a ruler, she could not let personal grief cloud her judgment or jeopardize the larger state.
She articulated her fear that without a definitive end to the war now, a future incompetent ruler could plunge Liao back into an endless cycle of conflict. She was determined to secure lasting peace for both empires. Xiao Yanyan summoned ""Zhang Jizhong"", a former valiant general under the current Southern Emperor who had been captured by Liao years ago.
She inquired about his life in Liao, acknowledging his marriage into the royal family and his position as deputy minister, subtly probing for any lingering desire to return south. " "Zhang Jizhong"" affirmed his satisfaction and denied any such intentions. Xiao Yanyan reminded him of their "three chapters of law" agreement upon his surrender: he pledged to work only for peace between Liao and the Southern Dynasties, never for war.
With his former lord currently in Chanzhou City, she asked if he would undertake the mission to negotiate peace on her behalf. " "Zhang Jizhong"" confirmed her genuine desire for peace. Xiao Yanyan confessed her deep sorrow at the prolonged suffering of both empires' populations due to constant warfare. She envisioned a future where, if the Southern court agreed to her terms, Liao and the Southern Dynasties could become brotherly states, ensuring lasting tranquility. "
"Zhang Jizhong"" questioned how he would explain her southern campaign to the Southern Emperor if her ultimate goal was peace. Xiao Yanyan explained the internal political pressures she faced, the risk of a prolonged war despite Liao's current advantages, and her own advancing age. She feared that a future incompetent ruler, like a "Mu-like" emperor, could undo all their gains. Therefore, her ambition was to secure a permanent peace treaty in her lifetime.
Understanding her intentions, ""Zhang Jizhong"" pledged his utmost efforts to facilitate the peace agreement. Xiao Yanyan noted that her foresight in keeping ""Zhang Jizhong"" and treating him honorably under their original agreement was precisely for this moment, so he could serve as a crucial intermediary between the Southern Emperor and Liao, thereby achieving peace and fulfilling his own principles of loyalty and righteousness.
Following the signing of the Chanyuan Treaty, Longxu questioned Xiao Yanyan's decision to negotiate peace, feeling they had forfeited an opportunity to conquer more southern territory. Xiao Yanyan challenged his narrow focus on immediate victories and losses. She explained that the Southern Emperor's presence in Chanzhou was attracting countless "Emperor-rescue forces" daily, rapidly swelling the enemy's ranks. Moreover, the escalating cold weather would render deep penetration into Southern territory logistically unsustainable, making the transportation of provisions increasingly perilous.
Longxu acknowledged her foresight, realizing that a prolonged war would force their retreat. Xiao Yanyan reiterated that while Liao might not fully control the Southern Dynasties, the Southern Dynasties also lacked the capacity to decisively counter Liao. She revealed that the southern campaign's true purpose was to achieve peace through military pressure, consolidate the military power of various kings and the eight noble clans, and rally popular support for Liao.
She imparted a crucial lesson: true victory lay not in conquest, but in the ability to strategically end a war and usher in an era of lasting peace and stability. Longxu understood. He then happily informed Xiao Yanyan that Hunian had begun her journey back to Shangjing, expressing his relief that she could finally put one of her major concerns to rest.
Xiao Yanyan shared his joy at the prospect of their sisters reuniting and entrusted Longxu with the increasing responsibility of state affairs. Xiao Yanyan and Longxu returned to Shangjing triumphant, and a grand celebratory feast was held in Kaihuang Hall for all officials. Hunian attended with Talan Abo, whom she had explicitly warned to be discreet.
Talan Abo, having ridden in from the countryside, had initially dismissed the city's pampered horses and questioned why he was summoned, but agreed to attend after Hunian explained her intention to silence gossip about their shared residence. At the feast, Xiao Yanyan began by toasting the spirits of the fallen heroes whose sacrifices had brought peace to Liao, followed by a second toast to all the ministers who had contributed to the empire, promising them rewards and promotions.
Longxu then took the floor for the third toast, dedicating it to Hunian. He expressed profound gratitude for her many years guarding the northern border and lauded her for raising the formidable ""Guo A'nian"" troops, whose valiant efforts had been instrumental in their recent victory.
However, Longxu then shockingly announced his intention to redistribute ""Guo A'nian's"" soldiers among other military departments to serve as models, and suggested that Hunian, having toiled for so long, should relinquish her command, recall her remaining troops from Kedun City, and retire peacefully in Shangjing. Longxu's meaning was clear. Xiao Yanyan attempted to postpone the discussion and sought Han Derang's assistance, but Han Derang supported Longxu's move to reclaim military power, framing it as filial concern.
Talan Abo, unable to contain his outrage, scoffed at the wine and then brazenly confronted Xiao Yanyan. He accused her of deceit, reminding her of her pleas for troops at Kedun City, the sacrifices of ""Guo A'nian's"" soldiers for their victory, and now, instead of rewards, they were stripping Hunian of her military command. He accused Yanyan of a premeditated plot to trick Hunian back to Shangjing for house arrest.
Furious at his insolence, Xiao Yanyan ordered Talan Abo to be dragged away for a flogging. To protect him from potentially worse punishment, Hunian slapped him publicly, commanding him to silence, and then requested permission to administer the flogging herself, promising no leniency. Understanding Hunian's protective intent, Xiao Yanyan, despite the murmurs from the officials about Talan Abo's audacity, granted her request.
With a broken heart, Hunian proceeded to whip Talan Abo herself, each lash a torment to her, but a necessary act to ensure his survival. Later, as Hunian tended to Talan Abo's wounds, he acknowledged that her harsh public punishment was an act to save him, but he seethed with hatred for Xiao Yanyan.
He accused Yanyan of a cunning plot, first borrowing troops and then using their sisterly bond to lure Hunian back to Shangjing only to strip her of her military power. He suggested Hunian should have confronted Yanyan directly rather than socializing with her inner circle. Talan Abo then lamented that Hunian was no longer the decisive ""Royal Consort Dowager of the North"". Hunian sternly reminded him that they were in Shangjing, where strict monarch-subject etiquette had to be observed.
Talan Abo, still defiant, impulsively suggested they seize power, making Hunian the ruler and Yanyan her subject, convinced Hunian would be a superior monarch. Hunian immediately silenced his reckless talk. She then declared that she had now seen Xiao Yanyan's true intentions clearly and found nothing left in Shangjing worth staying for. She resolved to take Talan Abo and the ""Guo A'nian"" troops back to the north. Talan Abo asked if she had truly considered her decision.
Back in the palace, Xiao Yanyan sternly chastised Longxu for his reckless actions. She acknowledged his long-held desire to incorporate ""Guo A'nian's"" troops but criticized his decision to publicly raise the matter and humiliate Hunian at the celebratory feast, especially without prior consultation, given Hunian's meritorious contribution of troops to the recent victory. Xiao Yanyan expressed disappointment, having believed Longxu had matured, yet he still acted impulsively.
Longxu defended his actions, explaining that during the southern campaign, he observed ""Guo A'nian's"" soldiers, though brave, were arrogant, openly declaring their loyalty solely to Hunian and disregarding the Emperor in Shangjing. He further stated that Hunian was now "enchanted" by Talan Abo, indulging his every whim, and allowing him to openly reside with her in Yanchang Palace, sparking widespread gossip throughout the court. Talan Abo's audacious behavior at the feast, Longxu concluded, confirmed his conviction that he could not idly watch such a situation unfold.
