The Long Ballad Episode 10 Recap
> The Long Ballad Recap
Changge arrived in Shuozhou and saw that Jizhou was peaceful and the people lived in harmony. This was due to the upright and benevolent Governor Gongsun Heng, a famous general from the Sui Dynasty. Changge felt uneasy, unsure how to persuade him to rise up and support the Crown. Just then, A Dou also arrived in Jizhou and found Changge. Master and disciple started a new chapter in Jizhou. Asher Sun returned to the grasslands.
The leader of the Bear Division, Tugashe, came to see him with a military order from the Khan. This time, the Bear Division would take full charge of the Jizhou matter and support Asher Sun’s Eagle Division. Although Asher Sun knew Tugashe had ill intentions, he showed no fear. In the Governor’s Office, Gongsun Heng was discussing Jizhou's city defenses with Elder Qin to prepare against the army of Asher's Tribe.
Outside the city, Gongsun Heng’s wife and daughter were attacked by robbers but were saved by Changge and A Dou. The two were invited into the governor’s residence, where they met Gongsun Heng. Changge concealed her identity and asked for a reward. Having heard of Gongsun Heng’s virtue, she expressed her wish to follow him, claiming to be a descendant of Sui generals.
Gongsun Heng, highly cautious, suspected their rescue of his family was no coincidence and initially refused to accept them. However, at the plea of his wife, he reluctantly allowed them to stay for now to test them further. The next day, Changge and A Dou wandered around the residence but were guarded against by everyone. They decided to explore outside and learn about the local customs.
Coincidentally, Changge saw that Gongsun Heng was troubled by issues among the people and offered him a suggestion. Gongsun Heng, who valued talent, was delighted to see that Changge had insights into governance and began to trust her and A Dou more. In Asher's Tribe, the Eagle and Bear Divisions constantly disagreed. Asher Sun did not wish to quarrel with the Bear Division and let them act freely while he planned to secretly infiltrate Jizhou to investigate.
Meanwhile in Chang'an, on his way to Youzhou, Wei Zheng released several of Li Jiancheng’s old subordinates—capable soldiers and commanders. Du Ruhui was furious at Wei Zheng’s actions, but Li Shimin did not blame him and instead addressed his concerns. After discussing state affairs, Li Shimin asked Fang Xuanling about Leyan, who was still missing. Heartbroken, Li Shimin lamented that he had already lost Changge and could not afford to lose Leyan too.
Susu got Hai Lao drunk, went to Leyan, and woke her up, saying they could escape together. She promised to return for Leyan after getting out. Leyan, kind-hearted and innocent, believed her and let Susu climb on her shoulders to escape through a hole. But Susu abandoned her and ran off alone, leaving Leyan crouched in a corner, crying. Gongsun Heng trusted those he used and did not suspect Changge or A Dou.
But Elder Qin, the steward, secretly tested Changge. He deliberately told her about news from Chang'an, and as expected, she sneaked into the study late at night, where he confronted her. When questioned about her identity, Changge did not reveal anything. Elder Qin guessed she was from Chang'an, assuming she had been sent to take back Gongsun Heng’s military power, which Chang'an had long feared. Changge explained that she merely sought refuge in Jizhou.
Elder Qin did not care about her past or intentions—he warned her that if she left the governor’s residence alone, he would do the same. The next morning, Leyan woke up in the woodshed and found no trace of Hai Lao, realizing he must have discovered Susu’s escape. Sure enough, Hai Lao had recaptured Susu early that morning. When Leyan opened the door and saw Susu’s body hanging upside down above the entrance, she trembled in fear and cried again.
Elsewhere, Gongsun Heng decided to keep Changge and A Dou. Changge was appointed a scribe in the governor’s residence, with A Dou as her assistant. Changge expressed her gratitude to Gongsun Heng for taking them in.
