The Long Ballad Episode 22 Recap
> The Long Ballad Recap
Hao Dou caught up with the southern team and asked about Leyan’s whereabouts. But everyone said they hadn’t seen her, and he couldn’t help but feel disappointed, wondering where she was. Elsewhere, Wei Shuyu reported to Li Shimin that he had found out who shot the arrow—it wasn’t Changge, but a minor officer under the Wolf Army. Li Shimin felt a wave of relief. Changge was captured and returned to the prairie with the troops.
The Great Khan had returned empty-handed and was in a terrible mood—he even refused to meet Sheer. Asher Sun remained anxious about Changge and eventually decided to challenge Sheer to a formal duel at the Kuri Assembly three days later, to win her back with honor. Mimi also worried about Changge. Upon learning that she had been captured by Sheer’s men, she voluntarily accompanied Asher Sun to visit her and bring her food.
Sheer tied Changge to a pillar and used her as a live target. Luckily, Asher Sun arrived in time to rescue her. Knowing Asher Sun cared for Changge, Sheer referenced their long-standing rivalry and decided to use her as a wager in a contest. He placed an apple on her head—whoever shot it would win. Three rounds would determine the outcome, and if Asher Sun won, he could take Changge. The first two rounds went to Asher Sun easily.
But then Sheer swapped the apple for a much smaller one. With the strong wind, Asher Sun warned he couldn’t hit it. Arrogant as ever, Sheer aimed directly at Changge. Fearing for her safety, Asher Sun shot quickly and blocked Sheer’s arrow, saving her life. Furious, Asher Sun struck Sheer and rushed to Changge. At that moment, the Great Khan’s men summoned Asher Sun back. Since he didn’t complete the final round, Sheer refused to let him take Changge.
Asher Sun had to go see the Great Khan first. Changge was taken back to the slave camp, where Mimi saw her and was full of concern. Sheer saw how Mimi cared for Changge and clenched his fists in anger. Meanwhile, the Great Khan praised the Eagle Division’s bravery and wanted to reward Asher Sun, who instead requested to participate in the duel at the Kuri Assembly three days later.
The Great Khan agreed and arranged for Asher Sun to stay in the same tent with him. A soldier reported that Luo Yi had been captured. The Great Khan wanted him to surrender, and if not, he planned to torment him until he wished he were dead. After speaking with Mimi, Changge asked her to return first. On her way out, Mimi encountered Sheer. They were old acquaintances. Sheer eagerly asked about her, but Mimi remained cautious and distant.
Just then, Asher Sun arrived to see Changge. He bluntly stated that Mimi was with the Eagle Division, which surprised Sheer. Mimi made one request of Sheer—not to kill Changge, who was her friend. Sheer agreed but said he would not let her off easily either. Asher Sun told Changge to take care of herself and hold on for three more days—then he would take her away.
At the royal court, Changge spotted Luo Yi and was shocked to learn of his capture. Luo Yi, badly injured, was imprisoned in the slave camp. The Great Khan visited and urged him to surrender. Though Luo Yi had served under Li Jiancheng and didn’t want to side with Li Shimin, he also refused to align with prairie wolves. Proud and unyielding, he rejected submission.
The Great Khan wasn’t in a hurry—he ordered Luo Yi to be kept alive and slowly tormented. Sheer was jealous of Mimi’s closeness to Changge, so he had someone assign nonstop tasks to Changge, not letting her rest. That night, Changge sneaked into the slave camp to see Luo Yi. A woman named Shiba was there—she was one of Luo Yi’s people, sent to rescue him. Upon learning Changge's identity, Shiba released her.
Luo Yi was relieved to know Changge was alive. With his legs seriously injured, Luo Yi knew he couldn’t escape. Since Changge was still alive, he considered taking up the Great Khan’s offer. He was familiar with Tang’s border defenses—perhaps they could lead Asher’s army to attack Chang’an and kill Li Shimin to avenge Li Jiancheng. But Changge rejected the idea, saying they should think of the Tang people, not personal revenge.
Moved by her patriotism, Luo Yi admitted he was only testing her. Hearing that she was captured for helping in the Wei River battle, he praised her bravery and affirmed that although he had betrayed Li Shimin, he remained a Tang citizen and would never surrender to Asher's Tribe. With his injuries grave, Changge gave him some medicine and told Shiba to leave first—she would find a way to rescue Luo Yi. But just as she stepped out, soldiers caught her.
