The Longest Day in Chang'an Episode 40 Recap
> The Longest Day in Chang'an Recap
Xu Hezi was preoccupied with worry for Zhang Xiaojing, unable to eat or sleep, and unabashedly sang Li Bai's "Chang Xiang Si." Her brother, Xu Ge, cautioned her against sentimental distractions, reminding her that her mission was paramount. He stressed the importance of protecting her voice, for only by enchanting His Majesty and becoming a second Yan Yuhuan could she secure the survival of their Yongxin villagers. Xu Hezi, weighing her duty, reluctantly agreed.
He Zhizheng requested permission to stand, citing his advanced age and discomfort from kneeling for too long, a request His Majesty granted. As he paced, He Zhizheng lamented his solitude, having sent his biological son to guard the Tang borders and now losing his adopted son, He Fu. The Emperor expressed envy for He Zhizheng’s loyal students and adopted son, in contrast to his own son.
He Zhizheng then offered a candid observation: "If we can't even treat our own child well, how are we going to protect all the people in this world?" This remark struck a chord with the Emperor, who recognized it as He Zhizheng’s true feelings, finally spoken after fifty years. Zhang Xiaojing ascended the Grand Lantern Tower in pursuit of Long Bo.
Below, Yuan Zai and Wang Yunxiu, leading the Xu Hezi was preoccupied with worry for Zhang Xiaojing, unable to eat or sleep, and unabashedly sang Li Bai's "Chang Xiang Si." Her brother, Xu Ge, cautioned her against sentimental distractions, reminding her that her mission was paramount. He stressed the importance of protecting her voice, for only by enchanting His Majesty and becoming a second Yan Yuhuan could she secure the survival of their Yongxin villagers.
Xu Hezi, weighing her duty, reluctantly agreed. He Zhizheng requested permission to stand, citing his advanced age and discomfort from kneeling for too long, a request His Majesty granted. As he paced, He Zhizheng lamented his solitude, having sent his biological son to guard the Tang borders and now losing his adopted son, He Fu. The Emperor expressed envy for He Zhizheng’s loyal students and adopted son, in contrast to his own son.
He Zhizheng then offered a candid observation: "If we can't even treat our own child well, how are we going to protect all the people in this world?" This remark struck a chord with the Emperor, who recognized it as He Zhizheng’s true feelings, finally spoken after fifty years. Zhang Xiaojing ascended the Grand Lantern Tower in pursuit of Long Bo.
Below, Yuan Zai and Wang Yunxiu, leading the Right Cavalries and Dragon Guard Army, discovered the remains of Mao Shun, killed by a Crouching Fire. This confirmed Zhang Xiaojing's earlier warnings, terrifying Yuan Zai, who initially intended to escape with Wang Yunxiu.
After no other Crouching Fires were found, Yuan Zai, regaining his composure, delivered an impassioned speech to the soldiers, proclaiming Tang's army never retreats and urging them to ascend the tower to apprehend the criminals and save His Majesty and the people. However, this was merely a ploy; he then quietly instructed Wang Yunxiu to stay by his side and swiftly fled with her, asking about their running speed.
Meanwhile, Zhao Canjun oversaw Cheng Can’s meticulous investigation of the archive room’s charred ruins. Zhao Canjun, eager to return home to his wife for moon-viewing, grew impatient with Cheng Can's slow pace, which Cheng Can dismissed, stating that the lantern festival was a reckless waste. Cheng Can deduced that the fire, which started in the deepest part of the archive and required added fuel to burn the high-density wood, could not have been set by the hurried Ants.
He sharply dismissed Commander Zhao’s impatience, stating that his careless, impatient, and indecisive nature made him incapable of such a meticulous act. Cheng Can then pondered who the most meticulous person in the Peacekeeper Corps could be. Xu Bin arrived at the Unruly Agency's quarters to collect a change of clothes for Zhang Xiaojing.
The remaining Unruly Agents doubted Zhang Xiaojing would survive to need them, but Xu Bin steadfastly maintained his belief that good deeds would be rewarded, despite the others' cynicism. High up in the tower, Li Bi attempted to dissuade Long Bo from his path, but Long Bo instead challenged Li Bi to find a way to stop Zhang Xiaojing. At that moment, Zhang Xiaojing appeared, utterly shocked to recognize Long Bo as his Eighth Division brother, Xiao Gui.
A flashback briefly showed their former camaraderie, with Xiao Gui remarking that they would never be enemies. Xiao Gui noted Zhang Xiaojing's missing finger, rendering him unable to hold a crossbow steady, and recounted Zhang Xiaojing's arrests over nine years. Xiao Gui then inquired if Zhang Xiaojing had sharpened his sword, before ordering him to kill Li Bi.
Zhang Xiaojing, acting quickly, choked Li Bi into unconsciousness, telling him he was unfit to be chief of the Peacekeeper Corps and should return to his spiritual cultivation and travels. Li Bi, as he was being choked, defiantly told Zhang Xiaojing to meet him in hell if he sought revenge. Satisfied, Xiao Gui led Zhang Xiaojing to the Eighth Division flag.
Xiao Gui declared that many had died that day due to Zhang Xiaojing, but their single lives would save many more in the future. He then explained that each strip on the flag represented a fallen comrade who did not die in battle but was instead unjustly persecuted by the court.
He listed names like Zhang Feng'er, beaten to death in prison, and Duan Junjun, beheaded for resisting land taxes, also including Old Man Wen and Ding Laosan, whom Xiao Gui himself had brought to Chang'an, asserting Ding Laosan would not have died if not for Zhang Xiaojing. Zhang Xiaojing pressed to know who truly commanded Xiao Gui. Xiao Gui vehemently denied taking orders from anyone, claiming he was his own master and unlike Zhang Xiaojing.
He then added a strip for himself, declaring that he and his companions had no intention of leaving Chang'an alive that day. He promised to send Zhang Xiaojing out through a secret passage, urging him to live and witness the righteousness of his actions. Zhang Xiaojing, speaking as a veteran of the Eighth Division, demanded to know why Xiao Gui sought to murder the Emperor and destroy Chang'an, a city they were sworn to protect.
Xiao Gui simply replied, "Because of you," leaving Zhang Xiaojing bewildered. Yu Chang, observing the conversation, accused Zhang Xiaojing of stalling and urged Xiao Gui to kill him immediately. However, Xiao Gui asserted his trust in Zhang Xiaojing as his blood brother. Suddenly, a signal bell rang, prompting the Ants, who were carrying the unconscious Li Bi, to drop him and rush to reinforce their comrades.
The Dragon Guard Army and Right Cavalries, having entered the tower, clashed with Yu Chang’s Ants. Yu Chang swiftly engaged the soldiers, overpowering and eliminating them. She then discovered Wen Ran's lifeless body near the entrance. Meanwhile, Yuan Zai continued his escape with Wang Yunxiu. He outlined an elaborate plan: first, escort Wang Yunxiu two miles to safety, then return to seek General Chen Xuanli’s help.
Chen Xuanli would dispatch two troops – one to evacuate the square’s populace, the other to assault the tower. Finally, Yuan Zai and Chen Xuanli would personally urge His Majesty to evacuate. Yuan Zai feigned self-sacrifice, claiming no desire for merit but only for the safety of the Emperor and the people, and told Wang Yunxiu to forget him should he perish.
Deeply moved, Wang Yunxiu implored him not to risk his life, proposing marriage on the spot and promising him a lifetime of wealth and status. Yuan Zai, his cunning plan successful, feigned humility, insisting he only wished for her safety. Back at the archive ruins, Cheng Can continued his detailed work, frustrating Zhao Canjun.
Cheng Can identified the supposedly deceased Xu Bin not as the archive chamberlain, but as a Royal Escort soldier, strangled before being thrown into the fire wrapped in his uniform. Based on this, Cheng Can concluded that Xu Bin was the true arsonist and ordered Zhao Canjun to search the city for him, to which Zhao Canjun reluctantly complied, complaining about his superior, Chief Ji.
Xu Ge escorted Xu Hezi to the palace gates, where Feng Shenwei, the Emperor’s eunuch, halted Xu Ge and led Xu Hezi alone to the Grand Auditorium (Hua E Xiang Hui Tower).
Along the way, Feng Shenwei meticulously instructed her on the strict protocol for meeting His Majesty: she must present the golden arrow with both hands, never raise her head, and only look at the Emperor’s shoes, warning that even a slight deviation could result in the imprisonment of her entire family and Yongxin County. Xu Hezi acknowledged the gravity of her task.
As the designated time approached, Feng Shenwei announced Xu Hezi’s arrival, but His Majesty declared that the "main course" he had prepared was yet to be served and instructed her to wait. Nearby, Yan Yuhuan expressed deep concern about Xu Hezi's presence, worried about her meeting with the Emperor.
Zhao Canjun reported his failure to apprehend Xu Bin, explaining that Xu Bin's wife claimed he was dead, found her patching windows with their young children, and had only managed to confiscate all the papers from their house. Cheng Can, sifting through these documents, discovered a century-old mathematical code. He painstakingly deciphered it, revealing a chilling message: "Lantern Festival. . . Kill Crown Prince."
In the Grand Auditorium, the Emperor's "main course" was finally served – a collection of tower-shaped dishes. He invited the Crown Prince to taste first. As the Crown Prince hesitated to reach for a bowl, Guo Lishi urgently prompted Feng Shenwei to announce the dish's name. When Feng Shenwei declared it to be "The Country," a horrified silence fell.
The Emperor then proclaimed his intention to "share my country with all of you," causing all the officials to immediately kneel in terror, forbidding the Crown Prince from taking a bowl, leaving him suspended in a state of shock and indecision. and Dragon Guard Army, discovered the remains of Mao Shun, killed by a Crouching Fire. This confirmed Zhang Xiaojing's earlier warnings, terrifying Yuan Zai, who initially intended to escape with Wang Yunxiu.
After no other Crouching Fires were found, Yuan Zai, regaining his composure, delivered an impassioned speech to the soldiers, proclaiming Tang's army never retreats and urging them to ascend the tower to apprehend the criminals and save His Majesty and the people. However, this was merely a ploy; he then quietly instructed Wang Yunxiu to stay by his side and swiftly fled with her, asking about their running speed.
Meanwhile, Zhao Canjun oversaw Cheng Can’s meticulous investigation of the archive room’s charred ruins. Zhao Canjun, eager to return home to his wife for moon-viewing, grew impatient with Cheng Can's slow pace, which Cheng Can dismissed, stating that the lantern festival was a reckless waste. Cheng Can deduced that the fire, which started in the deepest part of the archive and required added fuel to burn the high-density wood, could not have been set by the hurried Ants.
He sharply dismissed Commander Zhao’s impatience, stating that his careless, impatient, and indecisive nature made him incapable of such a meticulous act. Cheng Can then pondered who the most meticulous person in the Peacekeeper Corps could be. Xu Bin arrived at the Unruly Agency's quarters to collect a change of clothes for Zhang Xiaojing.
The remaining Unruly Agents doubted Zhang Xiaojing would survive to need them, but Xu Bin steadfastly maintained his belief that good deeds would be rewarded, despite the others' cynicism. High up in the tower, Li Bi attempted to dissuade Long Bo from his path, but Long Bo instead challenged Li Bi to find a way to stop Zhang Xiaojing. At that moment, Zhang Xiaojing appeared, utterly shocked to recognize Long Bo as his Eighth Division brother, Xiao Gui.
A flashback briefly showed their former camaraderie, with Xiao Gui remarking that they would never be enemies. Xiao Gui noted Zhang Xiaojing's missing finger, rendering him unable to hold a crossbow steady, and recounted Zhang Xiaojing's arrests over nine years. Xiao Gui then inquired if Zhang Xiaojing had sharpened his sword, before ordering him to kill Li Bi.
Zhang Xiaojing, acting quickly, choked Li Bi into unconsciousness, telling him he was unfit to be chief of the Peacekeeper Corps and should return to his spiritual cultivation and travels. Li Bi, as he was being choked, defiantly told Zhang Xiaojing to meet him in hell if he sought revenge. Satisfied, Xiao Gui led Zhang Xiaojing to the Eighth Division flag.
Xiao Gui declared that many had died that day due to Zhang Xiaojing, but their single lives would save many more in the future. He then explained that each strip on the flag represented a fallen comrade who did not die in battle but was instead unjustly persecuted by the court.
He listed names like Zhang Feng'er, beaten to death in prison, and Duan Junjun, beheaded for resisting land taxes, also including Old Man Wen and Ding Laosan, whom Xiao Gui himself had brought to Chang'an, asserting Ding Laosan would not have died if not for Zhang Xiaojing. Zhang Xiaojing pressed to know who truly commanded Xiao Gui. Xiao Gui vehemently denied taking orders from anyone, claiming he was his own master and unlike Zhang Xiaojing.
He then added a strip for himself, declaring that he and his companions had no intention of leaving Chang'an alive that day. He promised to send Zhang Xiaojing out through a secret passage, urging him to live and witness the righteousness of his actions. Zhang Xiaojing, speaking as a veteran of the Eighth Division, demanded to know why Xiao Gui sought to murder the Emperor and destroy Chang'an, a city they were sworn to protect.
Xiao Gui simply replied, "Because of you," leaving Zhang Xiaojing bewildered. Yu Chang, observing the conversation, accused Zhang Xiaojing of stalling and urged Xiao Gui to kill him immediately. However, Xiao Gui asserted his trust in Zhang Xiaojing as his blood brother. Suddenly, a signal bell rang, prompting the Ants, who were carrying the unconscious Li Bi, to drop him and rush to reinforce their comrades.
The Dragon Guard Army and Right Cavalries, having entered the tower, clashed with Yu Chang’s Ants. Yu Chang swiftly engaged the soldiers, overpowering and eliminating them. She then discovered Wen Ran's lifeless body near the entrance. Meanwhile, Yuan Zai continued his escape with Wang Yunxiu. He outlined an elaborate plan: first, escort Wang Yunxiu two miles to safety, then return to seek General Chen Xuanli’s help.
Chen Xuanli would dispatch two troops – one to evacuate the square’s populace, the other to assault the tower. Finally, Yuan Zai and Chen Xuanli would personally urge His Majesty to evacuate. Yuan Zai feigned self-sacrifice, claiming no desire for merit but only for the safety of the Emperor and the people, and told Wang Yunxiu to forget him should he perish.
Deeply moved, Wang Yunxiu implored him not to risk his life, proposing marriage on the spot and promising him a lifetime of wealth and status. Yuan Zai, his cunning plan successful, feigned humility, insisting he only wished for her safety. Back at the archive ruins, Cheng Can continued his detailed work, frustrating Zhao Canjun.
Cheng Can identified the supposedly deceased Xu Bin not as the archive chamberlain, but as a Royal Escort soldier, strangled before being thrown into the fire wrapped in his uniform. Based on this, Cheng Can concluded that Xu Bin was the true arsonist and ordered Zhao Canjun to search the city for him, to which Zhao Canjun reluctantly complied, complaining about his superior, Chief Ji.
Xu Ge escorted Xu Hezi to the palace gates, where Feng Shenwei, the Emperor’s eunuch, halted Xu Ge and led Xu Hezi alone to the Grand Auditorium (Hua E Xiang Hui Tower).
Along the way, Feng Shenwei meticulously instructed her on the strict protocol for meeting His Majesty: she must present the golden arrow with both hands, never raise her head, and only look at the Emperor’s shoes, warning that even a slight deviation could result in the imprisonment of her entire family and Yongxin County. Xu Hezi acknowledged the gravity of her task.
As the designated time approached, Feng Shenwei announced Xu Hezi’s arrival, but His Majesty declared that the "main course" he had prepared was yet to be served and instructed her to wait. Nearby, Yan Yuhuan expressed deep concern about Xu Hezi's presence, worried about her meeting with the Emperor.
Zhao Canjun reported his failure to apprehend Xu Bin, explaining that Xu Bin's wife claimed he was dead, found her patching windows with their young children, and had only managed to confiscate all the papers from their house. Cheng Can, sifting through these documents, discovered a century-old mathematical code. He painstakingly deciphered it, revealing a chilling message: "Lantern Festival. . . Kill Crown Prince."
In the Grand Auditorium, the Emperor's "main course" was finally served – a collection of tower-shaped dishes. He invited the Crown Prince to taste first. As the Crown Prince hesitated to reach for a bowl, Guo Lishi urgently prompted Feng Shenwei to announce the dish's name. When Feng Shenwei declared it to be "The Country," a horrified silence fell.
The Emperor then proclaimed his intention to "share my country with all of you," causing all the officials to immediately kneel in terror, forbidding the Crown Prince from taking a bowl, leaving him suspended in a state of shock and indecision.
