The Long Ballad Episode 45 Recap
> The Long Ballad Recap
Asher Sun and Sheer had a heartfelt conversation in prison. Asher Sun regretted that Sheer had finally reunited with his mother only to end up in conflict with her again. Sheer mocked Asher Sun for his pretended sentimentality, but Asher Sun stated that he would give up anything for Li Changge. Sheer felt envious and even jealous of Changge—why could she inspire such unwavering loyalty from both Asher Sun and Mimi Guli?
Although Changge had exposed Yicheng’s conspiracy, she suspected there were still other Chini conspirators in Chang’an. Hao Dou and Changge went out to track them down. One of the Chini, a man named Yang Cheng, escaped and took Li Leyan hostage to threaten them. Changge pretended to agree to his demands, giving Hao Dou the chance to strike and capture Yang Cheng as well. Hao Dou interrogated the Chini; they confessed everything.
Changge now prepared to reveal Yicheng’s true nature and push for an alliance between the tribes and the Tang Dynasty. Li Leyan was wounded on the neck. Changge wanted to treat the wound, but Hao Dou took over, carefully tending to her injuries. Watching their tenderness, Changge couldn't help but laugh softly. After this ordeal, she believed Li Shimin would certainly grant them a marriage, and they would finally fulfill their wishes.
Hao Dou had mobilized troops on his own to eliminate the remnants of the former Sui Dynasty. Du Ruhui, far from blaming him, took him to pay respects to their ancestors and formally added Hao Dou to the Du family genealogy—he was now Du Ruhui’s legitimate son.
Du Ruhui knew Hao Dou had always been ambitious, wanting to rise through his own efforts, but now that he desired to become a prince consort, Du Ruhui, as a father, had to pave the way. Later, Du Ruhui took Hao Dou to the palace and reported everything to Li Shimin, who personally agreed to the marriage. Hao Dou solemnly promised he would cherish and protect Li Leyan. At the Four Directions Pavilion, the Tang Dynasty delivered the alliance documents.
All the tribes had learned of the Chini’s conspiracy and were prepared to sign the agreement. Unexpectedly, Mimi Guli stepped forward and revealed Changge’s true identity. Yicheng had threatened her with the lives of Mu Jin and Buzhen, forcing her to expose that Changge was the daughter of Li Jiancheng. She claimed Changge had been collaborating with the Chini for revenge and was never truly acting for the sake of the desert. Everything was a plot by Changge.
Looking at Mimi Guli’s betrayal, Changge was stunned. Yang Cheng even committed suicide to support Yicheng’s plan. Amid the commotion among the tribes, Wei Shuyu had no choice but to arrest Changge. Changge’s identity was now public. Li Shimin realized Yicheng’s move was meant to force him to release Sheer. He instructed Wei Shuyu to negotiate with Yicheng. The Tang Dynasty was willing to release Sheer, but only in exchange for the war captives held by Asher’s Tribe.
For Sheer’s sake, Yicheng agreed to the deal, but she demanded that both Sheer and Asher Sun return to Dingxiang with her in front of the tribal leaders the next day. Asher Sun and Sheer had been detained in the Ministry of Justice for four days. The Crown Prince came to take Asher Sun away, intending to avenge Shengxin. Just then, Wei Shuyu arrived to stop him and revealed Shengxin’s true nature.
The Crown Prince was shocked and couldn’t believe he had misjudged someone so badly. Wei Shuyu came on Li Shimin’s orders to summon Asher Sun. Asher Sun followed him and met with Li Shimin but refused to kneel. He said he was not only Asher Sun, but also Li Changge’s man, and she would never bow to Li Shimin.
Li Shimin didn’t mind the lack of courtesy and brought up Changge’s current situation, giving Asher Sun two choices: stay in Chang’an with new identities under protection for a peaceful life, or take a dangerous path where both he and Changge would be in peril. Changge didn’t want to live a life of anonymity in Chang’an, and Asher Sun even less so. He only wanted Changge to do what she wanted and would never abandon the grasslands.
Moved by Asher Sun’s loyalty, Li Shimin respected his choice, shared his plan, and asked him to see one more person before leaving. The Crown Prince returned to his quarters, disheartened by the Shengxin incident. Wei Shuyu stayed by his side, believing this ordeal had brought about a positive change in the Crown Prince’s character.
