The Long Ballad Episode 42 Recap
> The Long Ballad Recap
The martial contest was Changge’s idea. Her plan was for Asher Sun to first defeat Sheer on stage, then lose to Shuyu on purpose, so that Leyan wouldn’t have to marry into the grasslands. But Asher Sun not only refused to take the stage, he also wouldn’t deliberately lose to Shuyu in front of Changge. Unable to convince him, Changge left with Leyan. Leyan didn’t want them arguing because of her.
She told Changge that if Shuyu had feelings for her, he would find a way to win. If he didn’t, then it couldn’t be forced. Seeing how thoughtful Leyan had become, Changge was moved to realize she had truly grown up. To ensure the Tang would win against Sheer, Changge took Leyan to Crown Prince Li Chengqian and picked a strong man from his side to compete the next day.
Gao Du had been taking care of the ailing Du Ruhui. On the eve of the contest, Du Ruhui, already gravely ill, urged Gao Du to win. Knowing Gao Du admired Leyan, he encouraged him to act according to his heart, not bound by rules. He had spent his life for the country and family, never thinking of himself. Now, he wanted Hao Dou to act on his own will. The next day, Sheer held the stage.
Li Chengqian arrived with Changsun Jing as the contestant. Leyan disguised herself as a maid and accompanied them. Changsun Jing was quickly defeated, raising Sheer’s morale, and no one else dared step forward. At that moment, Shuyu arrived. He was prepared to fight, but clarified to Leyan that he didn’t love her. He was stepping in to protect her, not out of affection. Leyan didn’t want to force anyone.
She rejected Shuyu’s offer—if he didn’t love her, he didn’t need to fight. She would wait for someone who loved her to fight for her. After clarifying things with Shuyu, Leyan returned to the stands with teary eyes. Changge, having learned of their conversation, was just about to find Asher Sun when he appeared. She urged him to enter the arena, warning that if he didn’t, Leyan’s marriage to Sheer would be confirmed.
But Asher Sun only had feelings for Changge and didn’t want to fight for another woman. Despite her efforts to persuade him, Asher Sun reluctantly moved toward the arena—only for Gao Du to step in first. He threw down his sword, took the stage, and challenged Sheer on Leyan’s behalf. Gao Du fought Sheer with his life on the line. Though he had the upper hand early on, he was no match in stamina. Sheer attacked him brutally.
Gao Du was soon covered in blood and collapsed. Leyan ran to the edge of the stage, crying, but was blocked by two soldiers. She told Sheer she was willing to admit defeat and accept her fate. But Gao Du refused to surrender or let Leyan accept such a fate. He forced himself to stand, seized a final chance, and used all his strength to trap Sheer, winning the match bloodied and battered.
Gao Du’s victory meant Leyan wouldn’t have to marry into the grasslands. Everyone was overjoyed. Changge mentioned the day’s events to Shuyu. Shuyu admitted that if Gao Du hadn’t stepped up, he would have taken the stage himself to protect Leyan. He didn’t want things to go back to the way they were but hoped both girls could live well. He had always seen himself as their older brother.
Changge was very comforted by Shuyu’s mindset and reminded him to be cautious of Yicheng, who was not to be underestimated. Leyan went to see Gao Du. She wanted to know if he, like Shuyu, fought just for the sake of the Tang’s honor. Gao Du admired Leyan but felt unworthy of her. If she didn’t want to marry him, he would beg the Emperor for forgiveness and nullify the match. Seeing Gao Du’s humility, Leyan expressed her own feelings.
She had been terrified of losing him when he stepped onto that stage. Encouraged by her words, Gao Du found his courage—he no longer wanted to just be her guard, but her husband, someone who could protect her. He fought not because of duty but because he loved her. At that moment, they finally acknowledged their mutual feelings. Leyan had unknowingly come to rely on and love Gao Du, and Gao Du had finally fought for his love.
Later, Leyan found Changge, and the sisters had a heartfelt talk. Changge was worried for Leyan’s happiness, but Leyan had figured things out. She had always seen Shuyu as a hero, overlooking Hao Dou beside her. Just like how Changge could be her true self in front of Asher Sun, Leyan was most real and natural in front of Hao Dou. In the Sifang Pavilion, things became chaotic.
The Tiele Tribe not only refused to sign the alliance agreement with the Tang but also incited other tribes to fear Asher’s Tribe. Changge stepped forward to assure everyone that the Tang would protect them. Yet, swayed by Tiele’s rhetoric, the other tribes hesitated and delayed signing the treaty.
