The Legend of Xiao Chuo Episode 8 Recap
> The Legend of Xiao Chuo Recap
Xiao Hunian visited Taiping King and offered him the best ointment from her home, asking him to try it and offering to send more if it proved effective. Taiping King accepted the ointment and held her hand, remarking that a few wounds were nothing for someone from the grassland, especially since his injury had brought her to his side and that his having taken a beating for her meant he knew she harbored feelings for him.
To this, Xiao Hunian retorted, questioning why he, a powerful figure in the Liao Dynasty, would pretend to be an infatuated young man when he could have any woman he desired. Taiping King insisted that he was only interested in her and wanted her to be his wife. He presented her with a pair of "East Pearl" earrings, salvaged from the East Sea, claiming they were made for her.
He playfully coerced her into wearing them, saying he was seriously wounded for her and she should grant his small wish. After she put them on, he admired her beauty and urged her not to take them off, immediately proposing marriage and promising to make her the most exalted woman in the Liao Dynasty.
Xiao Hunian, however, stated that true love must be exchanged with true love, and if he had any hidden motives, she could not give him her sincere feelings. Taiping King remained adamant, believing she would eventually be his. Later, Xiao Hunian returned home to find Han Derang dropping off Xiao Yanyan. Xiao Yanyan, in her usual spirited manner, almost tripped but was caught by Han Derang.
Xiao Hunian congratulated Han Derang on his father being crowned King, apologizing for her absence due to other pressing matters, which Han Derang graciously accepted, noting Xiao Yanyan had already conveyed the Prime Minister’s mansion's well wishes. After Han Derang left, Xiao Yanyan became curious about Xiao Hunian's late return and asked her maid to inquire with the carter. She was shocked to learn her sister had visited Taiping King, the man responsible for Wuguli's suffering.
Xiao Hunian dismissed her concerns, claiming it was merely a visit to a patient. When Xiao Yanyan noticed the pearl earrings, she questioned if Taiping King had given them to her and wondered if Xiao Hunian had fallen in love. Xiao Hunian, feigning a headache, urged Xiao Yanyan to rest, but Xiao Yanyan insisted that no matter the hardship, their three sisters could face it together, advising Xiao Hunian not to compromise herself.
Xiao Hunian, however, just wanted to be left alone. Meanwhile, Xiyin sought out King Wuzhi, the most respected elder in the royal family, to help him propose marriage to Wuguli. King Wuzhi questioned if Xiyin truly loved Wuguli or merely sought the daughter of Prime Minister Xiao Siwen and the eldest princess. Xiyin earnestly declared that Wuguli, who had shared life and death with him, was the most precious person in his life, regardless of her lineage.
King Wuzhi, observing that Xiyin’s imprisonment had tempered his frivolity and seeing his sincerity, agreed to help. When Xiao Yanyan later informed Wuguli and Xiao Hunian that King Wuzhi had made a proposal to their father on Xiyin’s behalf, Wuguli was overjoyed, knowing her father deeply respected King Wuzhi and would have to consider the proposal. King Wuzhi had indeed advised Xiao Siwen that a marriage between his daughter and the Imperial Uncle’s son might not be a bad match.
Taiping King later visited Xiao Hunian, enjoying the milk tea she prepared. He noticed she wasn’t wearing the pearl earrings he had given her. He declared that any woman he desired could only belong to him, threatening to brutally eliminate anyone who dared to steal her heart. Seeing the gravity on Xiao Hunian’s face, he told her not to worry, promising to officially propose to her family soon.
Later, as Xiao Hunian reflected on her situation, she took out the pearl earrings and put them on herself, having made a difficult decision for the greater good of her family. The Emperor visited Taiping King, expressing approval for his proposed marriage to Xiao Hunian. He attributed Taiping King’s previous punishment of twenty cane strokes to a deliberate "bitter stratagem" to help him win Xiao Hunian's heart, stating that trading a beating for a beloved woman was a worthwhile exchange.
Taiping King clarified that his decision to spare Xiyin was not solely for Xiao Hunian, but also because Xiyin was a descendant of Emperor Taizu's lineage. He argued that eliminating the other two Taizu branches would weaken their own faction, potentially creating an disadvantage against the Five Clans, Six Clans, and the Empress' family, who harbored old grievances. Maintaining these branches ensured that, even in unforeseen circumstances, Taizu's descendants would continue to rule Liao.
The Emperor agreed, assuring Taiping King he would not harm Xiyin or Yelv Xian's branch. He then mentioned Yelv Xian’s letter declining the position of Commander of the Imperial Guard and his recommendation of Nüli. The Emperor offered to restore Taiping King's former position, but Taiping King, unfazed by the title, suggested Nüli temporarily manage the duties instead. The Emperor consented, and they proceeded to shoot a wild goose together, which Taiping King intended to use as a betrothal gift.
Taiping King then formally proposed to Prime Minister Xiao Siwen, presenting the wild goose he had personally shot as a betrothal gift and declaring his desire to marry Xiao Hunian. Xiao Siwen initially hesitated, deeming Xiao Hunian too young for such a prestigious marriage. Taiping King countered by highlighting Xiao Hunian’s character, her role as a good sister who had delayed her own marriage to care for her younger siblings, making her an ideal choice for a princess.
He asserted that Xiao Hunian was willing to marry him, presenting the bracelet she had given him as a token and mentioning the pearl earrings he had given her. He pressed Xiao Siwen, subtly reminding him of his past actions in aiding rebellious relatives and the negative rumors circulated about him to the Emperor. Taiping King emphasized that by marrying Xiao Hunian, he would become Xiao Siwen’s son-in-law, thus shielding him from slander.
He also stressed that the Emperor himself had accompanied him in shooting the wild goose and was delighted about their union. Xiao Siwen, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, accepted the wild goose and agreed to consider the proposal. He then summoned Xiao Hunian, questioning her about the wild goose and the bracelet in Taiping King's possession. Xiao Hunian confessed that in her father’s absence, she had sought help from Taiping King to rescue Wuguli from prison.
Taiping King had expressed his feelings, and she had agreed to marry him to save her sister. Xiao Siwen, filled with remorse, offered to reject the marriage and bear the Emperor's wrath himself if she was unwilling. However, Xiao Hunian, knowing the Emperor’s cruel nature and Taiping King's influence, believed refusing would bring endless trouble upon their family.
She admitted Taiping King showed her some genuine affection, and as the eldest daughter, she knew it was her destiny to marry into the imperial family. Since Taiping King had fulfilled his promise to save Wuguli, she felt bound to uphold hers. Therefore, she willingly accepted the marriage. News of both Xiyin and Taiping King proposing to the Xiao family spread, reaching Yelv Xian, who was disturbed by the developments. He found himself sketching Xiao Yanyan's portrait, pondering her future.
His attendant, Diligu, found him unwell after a sleepless night. Han Derang visited, concerned about Yelv Xian's health and his evident preoccupation. Yelv Xian expressed his worry that Prime Minister Xiao Siwen might waver in his allegiance given the new marriage alliances. Han Derang reassured him that Xiao Siwen’s loyalty was rooted in the prosperity of the Liao Dynasty, not kinship, and he would not let personal matters sway his crucial stance.
Yelv Xian accepted this logic, realizing that the marriages of the Xiao daughters should not interfere with their overarching plans. Still concerned for Xiao Siwen, who faced immense pressure, Yelv Xian decided to secretly meet him at his mansion, an arrangement quickly facilitated by Han Derang. During their secret meeting, Yelv Xian acknowledged Xiao Siwen's predicament regarding the two marriage proposals.
He advised Xiao Siwen to accept both, ensuring that the Xiao family would maintain influence regardless of the political outcome. He reassured Xiao Siwen of his unwavering support, emphasizing that their bond, forged by their shared vision for Liao, should not be strained by these events. Relieved and touched by Yelv Xian's magnanimity, Xiao Siwen expressed his admiration. As Yelv Xian departed, he caught a glimpse of Xiao Yanyan's graceful retreating figure.
Han Derang remarked on her delicate beauty but also her audacious nature, to which Yelv Xian commented that the daughters of the Prime Minister's family naturally possessed extraordinary spirit. Back at the palace, Yelv Xian, initially intending to discard the portrait he had drawn of Xiao Yanyan, changed his mind and secretly ordered it to be framed. As the wedding approached, Xiao Hunian sat alone in the courtyard, lost in thought and sorrow.
Xiao Siwen found her there, expressing deep regret that his neglect had allowed Wuguli to cause such trouble, forcing Xiao Hunian to make this sacrifice. Xiao Hunian, however, comforted her father, stating that even without Wuguli's predicament, Taiping King would have found another reason to pursue her.
She accepted her fate, believing that marrying Taiping King was a way to ensure the safety and peace of their entire family in the volatile political landscape, especially given the Emperor's brutal nature and his singular trust in Taiping King.
