The Long Ballad Episode 3 Recap
> The Long Ballad Recap
The commotion at Rong'en Temple alarmed Du Ruhui. He spent the entire night investigating Li Changge's whereabouts. Upon discovering that she was hiding in a pastry shop, a sudden and suspicious fire broke out, which saved her life but destroyed all traces of her. At this time, Fang Xuanling came to see Du Ruhui. Du Ruhui realized that Fang Xuanling intended to protect Li Changge.
Since Fang Xuanling was present, Du Ruhui did not want to act in vain and thus withdrew his troops. Although Li Changge found the fire suspicious, she did not accept this favor. Her mother had just died tragically at Rong'en Temple, and she was determined to seek revenge. While fleeing, the little beggar followed her closely. Even though he knew who Li Changge truly was, he continued to treat her as his master and stayed by her side.
To dispel the rumors in the army, Prince Qin ordered the pardon of the second prince's followers. The Xuanwu Gate Incident had not been his wish—he only hoped the turmoil would pass quickly and that the Tang Dynasty could enjoy peace. Asher Sun was surprised by Prince Qin’s resolve. Since his diplomatic mission to Chang'an had failed, he decided to travel to Youzhou, hoping to achieve something there.
On one hand, this was to fulfill his khan’s mission, and on the other, to keep his "dear brother" Asher Sheer from speaking further. Li Leyan knew that Fang Xuanling had always been fond of Li Changge, so she inquired about her whereabouts. Since Li Changge had been mentored by Fang Xuanling, she was naturally sharp and clever, and hadn’t been caught. However, this time she would have to suffer a bit.
Later, Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui discussed state affairs with Prince Qin. Du Ruhui had already disagreed with pardoning the second prince’s faction. Now, with Fang Xuanling recommending Wei Zheng to Prince Qin, Du Ruhui found himself even more at odds with Fang Xuanling politically. Du Ruhui ordered strict guards at each city gate to catch anyone who might slip through. Asher Sun had intended to leave the city but accidentally bumped into Li Changge on the street.
Li Changge recognized Asher Sun. Knowing she was from the Eastern Palace, Asher Sun covered for her, which caused him to miss his chance to leave the city. He had no choice but to find another way. Du Ruhui went to the Wei Residence, but Wei Zheng avoided seeing him. Du Ruhui mentioned the current situation of the Wei family and gave some stern advice to Wei Shuyu.
Knowing that the Crown Prince’s power had waned and that Prince Qin had become the new heir apparent, Wei Shuyu accepted Du Ruhui’s fish tally as a symbol of allegiance and promised to persuade his father. After Du Ruhui left, Wei Shuyu saw Li Changge and told her about his current situation. He said that Li Shimin was kindhearted and suggested she come to the palace with him, believing Li Shimin would not harm her.
But Li Changge brushed his hand away—she not only distrusted him but also secretly stole his fish tally, planning to sneak into the palace. Li Changge entered Li Shimin’s study. Just as she was about to strike, Du Ruhui entered to deliver the Crown Prince's seal and attire. Li Shimin asked Du Ruhui to leave, knowing that Li Changge was hiding inside. He called for her to come out. Holding a dagger, Li Changge pointed it at Li Shimin.
Even though he wanted to let her go, she hated him bitterly and was determined to kill the man who caused her mother’s death. The disturbance was noticed by Du Ruhui, who led soldiers to capture her. He wanted to throw her into the death prison, but Li Shimin protected her and instead ordered her to be locked up in the side room and treated well.
Du Ruhui, unwilling to let Li Shimin raise a future threat, secretly instructed Hao Dou to keep a close watch on Li Changge and execute her immediately if she attempted to escape. Fang Xuanling came to play chess with Li Shimin at his urgent invitation. Li Shimin, deeply worried about Li Changge, hoped that Fang Xuanling would help her in secret. The next day, news of an assassination attempt on Li Shimin spread.
Asher Sun suspected the assassin was the person who had bumped into him on the street—Li Changge. He decided to meet her, believing that the enemy of his enemy was his friend. Fang Xuanling sought out Li Leyan. Knowing Li Changge would not accept his favor, he told Li Leyan how to help her escape. Li Leyan visited Li Changge, but Zhangge, always astute, quickly realized that everything Li Leyan did was orchestrated by Fang Xuanling.
Therefore, she refused to accept her help. Following Fang Xuanling’s plan, Li Leyan tried to appeal to her with sisterly affection. But Li Changge could not accept this twisted reality—she couldn’t treat the daughter of her mother’s killer as her sister. She knocked Li Leyan unconscious, disguised herself in her clothes, and snuck into the study to steal the Crown Prince’s seal and escape.
