The Legend of Xiao Chuo Episode 9 Recap
> The Legend of Xiao Chuo Recap
Xiao Hunian revealed to her father, Xiao Siwen, that she understood marrying Taiping King was an inevitability, regardless of Wuguli’s previous actions. She knew their family, given their high status and the Emperor’s brutal nature, was always at the center of political turmoil. Having witnessed many friends’ lives cut short, she believed that if her marriage could ensure her family’s safety, then it was a path she was willing to take.
Xiao Siwen, however, cautioned her that while the world might envy the Princess Taiping’s prestige, Taiping King’s cunning and unpredictable nature meant the role would be challenging. He urged her to be exceedingly cautious. Hunian assured her father that she would ensure her own well-being, no matter what difficulties lay ahead, and he expressed his faith in her. Xiao Yanyan overheard this conversation and, furious, confronted Wuguli, who was admiring her wedding dress.
Yanyan accused Wuguli of being selfish, only caring about her own happiness while Hunian was forced to marry Yansage to save her. Wuguli, more concerned about her dress being ruined, retorted that Hunian was not selfless and might have wanted to marry Yansage for his power and a chance to become empress. This angered Yanyan further, leading her to declare she no longer had such a sister. After pushing Wuguli, Yanyan was asked to leave the room.
Distraught, Xiao Yanyan sought out Han Derang, hoping he could persuade Hunian to reconsider. Han Derang gently explained that with the wedding so close, nothing could be changed. He believed Hunian, being intelligent and kind, knew what she was doing. He also advised Yanyan that Wuguli must be heartbroken by her accusations and encouraged her to apologize so Wuguli wouldn't go into her marriage with a sad face. Later, Xiao Yanyan returned to Wuguli’s room.
Wuguli was still upset, accusing Yanyan of being cruel and wishing her ill. Yanyan, however, acknowledged her own anger and explained that she was upset Wuguli wouldn't admit her mistakes, but she didn’t want Wuguli to marry without her support. Wuguli then tearfully recounted her fear of never seeing their family again when Yansage had imprisoned her. The sisters reconciled, crying and laughing, and eventually fell asleep on the same bed.
Hunian found them there and, with a soft gaze, asked a maid to bring another quilt, joining her sisters for their last night together. Xiao Siwen reflected on his daughters' bond, hoping that despite their destined path into the royal family, they would always trust each other, remain united, and never get entangled in political strife. On the wedding day, Taiping King and Xiyin arrived to collect their brides. Taiping King respectfully addressed Xiao Siwen as his father-in-law.
Xiao Siwen, who had no sons and cherished his three daughters, urged Taiping King to treat Hunian well and grow old with her, reminding Hunian of his earlier advice. Taiping King promised to cherish her like a treasure. Xiyin also offered a toast, and Xiao Siwen encouraged him to treat Wuguli well and live peacefully, acknowledging Wuguli’s deep affection for him.
As the two couples slowly departed, Xiao Yanyan, standing by the gate, prayed to God Tengri for her sisters’ happiness and well-being, hoping that even in marriage, they would remain the best of sisters. Outside the mansion, Taiping King's betrothal gifts were quickly claimed by the eager crowd, while Xiyin's gifts remained untouched until Dalin stepped forward to collect them, highlighting the disparity in their influence. The wedding banquets reflected this contrast.
Taiping King’s reception was bustling with influential clan and empress family members, celebrating with music and merriment. His brother even wondered if their own future wedding would be so grand, to which Taiping King dismissed such displays as superficial. Meanwhile, Xiyin’s reception was eerily quiet, with no guests in attendance. Wuguli was heartbroken for Xiyin, who tried to hide his disappointment and act cheerful.
Wuguli tearfully vowed to Xiyin that she would help him reclaim everything and make those who scorned him regret their actions. Xiyin, however, insisted that such struggles were a man's business and promised to repay her sacrifice a thousandfold for the wrongs they faced that day. Later that night, Taiping King entered Hunian’s bridal chamber. He perceived her reluctance and offered to wait until she changed her mind. As he prepared to leave, Hunian gently pulled him back.
He embraced her tightly, repeatedly calling her name as if to confirm she was real. Hunian asked if he truly loved her so deeply. Taiping King confessed that despite his status allowing him to choose any woman in Liao, he yearned for a woman who prioritized kinship, one who would remain loyal even in his darkest moments.
He recognized these qualities in Hunian, especially given her background in the Empress’ family and her understanding of the cruel royal struggles surrounding someone like him, who was entitled to inherit the kingdom. He asked her to call him Yansage, not Taiping King. Hunian obliged, calling him Yansage twice. He promised to cherish, protect, and stay with her for life. Xiao Yanyan, still troubled by her sisters’ marriages, spoke with Han Derang.
She expressed her deep sadness and frustration, realizing that her father, whom she once thought omnipotent, was vulnerable, and her capable sisters could not control their own destinies. She questioned why they had to endure such hardships. Han Derang reiterated their ongoing efforts. Yanyan articulated her understanding that their current predicament stemmed from a problematic ruler holding power, causing widespread fear and instability.
Han Derang cautioned her to keep her thoughts private, but Yanyan continued, asserting that a leader who cannot secure tribal support or benefit his people is unqualified. She believed the current Emperor's unchecked power magnified his harm, leading to either him eliminating his opponents or being overthrown by them. She then directly asked Han Derang if he and her father had a plan, offering her support. Han Derang again urged discretion, acknowledging her surprising intelligence.
Yanyan, deducing that the new ruler wouldn't be Taiping King or Xiyin, asked if it was Prince Zhimo or Prince Mingyi. Han Derang deflected, suggesting a distraction, but Yanyan expressed her hope that their plans would not harm her elder sisters. The next day, Prince Yelv Xian’s servant, Po, expressed concern about his frequent outings from the palace.
Yelv Xian explained that since he had saved the Emperor during the Spring Outing, the Emperor no longer harbored suspicions, making his trips for leisure acceptable. His true purpose, however, was to return the Pisces jade pendant to Xiao Yanyan. He followed her from the city to the outskirts, where she confronted him, mistaking him for a stalker. Yelv Xian then reminded her of their encounter in the haystack, and she recognized him as the "Cough Childe" she had rescued.
He thanked her for saving his life, and upon learning his name, Mingyi, Yanyan realized he was none other than Prince Xian, grandson of the Imperial King of Men and son of Emperor Shizong. Meanwhile, Prince Zhimo called upon Xiao Siwen, seeking to marry Xiao Yanyan. Zhimo complimented Xiao Siwen’s dedication to state affairs despite the double celebration in his family.
Xiao Siwen, understanding Zhimo’s intention, gently refused, stating that his late wife's fortune-telling indicated Yanyan should not marry too young due to her specific fate. He added that Yanyan’s reckless nature meant he wished to keep her home longer for further guidance. Zhimo, clearly aware of Xiao Siwen’s excuses, reminded him of his own royal standing and poor health of his "second brother," implying his eventual ascension to the throne, and urged Xiao Siwen not to be perfunctory.
Xiao Siwen reiterated his concerns about Yanyan’s fate and the potential harm to Zhimo, maintaining his refusal. Zhimo, accepting the delay for now, departed, stating he would wait until Yanyan was older. The maid Anzhi, who had overheard their conversation, felt a pang of disappointment, as Zhimo had once made tender vows to her. Later, Xiao Yanyan told Yelv Xian that she was in a bad mood due to her sisters' marriages.
Yelv Xian remarked that the entire Shangjing City knew Xiao Siwen had married his daughters into the two most powerful branches of the Taizu lineage, implying a political maneuver. Yanyan vehemently defended her father, asserting that he was not such a person and would never have agreed if he had a choice. She attributed the marriages to coercion by Taiping King and Xiyin's schemes, dismissing the gossips as misinformed.
