The Longest Day in Chang'an Episode 48 (Ending) Recap
> The Longest Day in Chang'an Recap
On the 15th day of the first month of Tianbao Year 3, Xu Bin, holding a torch, stood atop the West Market gate tower, where he had tied up the Emperor. He publicly announced the Emperor's presence and, to the gathered crowd and market officials, scattered some Crouching Fire explosives, threatening to detonate them if the officials did not immediately sound the opening drum.
Despite their protests that it was not the appointed time, the officials had no choice but to comply. Meanwhile, a merchant from Anxi, who had been escorting a disguised Yao Runeng, informed him that this was as far as he could take him. He handed Yao Runeng a token and instructed him to seek him out in Anxi should he ever require assistance. Yao Runeng watched the merchant depart.
On the tower, the Emperor, still under duress, asserted that Xu Bin was merely a puppet of the Crown Prince and offered to spare his life if he released him. Xu Bin vehemently denied this, stating that if he could not achieve his ambition of becoming a prime minister, his life would be meaningless. He proclaimed himself to be a brilliant, courageous man who genuinely cared for the people, and therefore deserved to be prime minister.
He declared that he had meticulously planned the entire assassination himself. Soon after, Yuan Zai arrived with imperial guards and ordered them to kill Xu Bin. However, Xu Bin displayed the Crouching Fire explosives and warned that he would detonate them and kill the Emperor if any arrow was fired, insisting he only wished to negotiate.
He then quoted a passage from former Prime Minister Yao Cong regarding officers' right to criticize their lord, asking the Emperor if he remembered it. From below, Yao Runeng, having heard his father's name, ripped off his disguise and angrily cursed Xu Bin, proclaiming that he was unworthy of speaking his esteemed ancestor's proposals or ambitions. Xu Bin dismissed Yao Runeng's outburst and demanded that the Emperor order the guards to lower their weapons so he could complete his statement.
The Emperor, to protect himself, reluctantly ordered his men not to fire, claiming he was engaged in a conversation with Xu Bin. As Zhang Xiaojing discreetly ascended the tower from the side, Yuan Zai subtly hinted to Wang Yunxiu, who immediately aimed her arrow at Xu Bin. Xu Bin continued to confront the Emperor, questioning why the Emperor allowed "vile people" to bend laws with impunity and demanding if he would rectify this.
After the Emperor conceded, Xu Bin then passionately asked why the Emperor had entrusted his reign to Lin Jiulang and tolerated the conspiracy of imperial court officers, labeling it treasonous. The Emperor eventually acknowledged that he understood Xu Bin's sincere intentions and believed he acted for the good of Great Tang.
The Emperor offered Xu Bin a promotion and, ordering his guards to stand down and not harm Xu Bin, stated that he now believed Xu Bin acted for the good of Great Tang. Xu Bin, however, responded that it was "too late" and declared his intention to take the Emperor with him. As Xu Bin prepared to ignite the explosives, Zhang Xiaojing appeared on the tower, urging him to drop the torch and questioning his presence.
Xu Bin, in turn, repeatedly implored Zhang Xiaojing to leave, warning that he would be falsely accused again if he stayed. Zhang Xiaojing pressed him, demanding to know who he was truly covering for, asserting that Xu Bin was incapable of planning such a grand scheme alone. Hurt by the insinuation, Xu Bin lamented that even Zhang Xiaojing looked down on him.
He explained that as a "lowly officer from the National Treasury," no one ever listened when he tried to discuss national affairs; they dismissed him just as the Emperor did. He declared his elaborate plot, which he had meticulously calculated using the 'Great Case Reckoning Art' (Daan Dushu), was designed to prove his capabilities and demonstrate his vision for the nation.
Xu Bin then detailed his scheme: he revealed his manipulation of Master Mao Shun, who, moved by the philosophy of valuing human life over intricate creations (such as "one qian will get you two flatbreads" to survive another day), was subtly influenced to set explosives in his own lantern tower to kill the Emperor. He explained that He Fu, harboring a deep grudge against Lin Jiulang, was a "great pawn" in his initial plan to eliminate Lin Jiulang.
However, the Emperor's decision to appoint the Crown Prince to lead the Peacekeeper Corps' investigation drew both the Crown Prince and He Zhizheng into the affair. Lin Jiulang, fearing for his life, then fabricated charges to frame the Crown Prince. Addressing other key figures, Xu Bin described Long Bo as arrogant, believing himself an "instrument of heaven's wrath," easily swayed with "the slightest motivation."
He characterized Li Bi as wise but possessing a "fatal flaw"—his profound loyalty to the Crown Prince. Xu Bin admitted to hinting to Li Bi that the Crown Prince might be the true mastermind, causing Li Bi to hesitate. The Crown Prince, terrified by his father's mere suspicion, became entirely preoccupied with clearing his name, leaving him no time to execute any grand plan.
When Zhang Xiaojing asked why he was released, Xu Bin explained that he wanted Zhang Xiaojing to live, as he was "different" from everyone else. He expressed his desire for Zhang Xiaojing to "live. . . and watch as Chang'an changes for the better." Xu Bin pointed out Zhang Xiaojing's extraordinary talent, wasted on being a mere Sleuth-hound Captain arresting petty thieves, and argued that he should be a general leading an army of thousands, safeguarding Chang'an for generations.
He recalled Zhang Xiaojing's philosophy about a "broken blade" being lethal if wielded with effort. Xu Bin then urged Zhang Xiaojing to kill him there and then, in front of all witnesses, to become the hero who saved the Emperor, thus ensuring Zhang Xiaojing could once again be useful to the city. He concluded by saying that "there is always someone that must be expendable."
Zhang Xiaojing condemned Xu Bin for his heinous crimes and disregard for the innocent lives in Chang'an. Xu Bin retorted that Zhang Xiaojing failed to see the bigger picture, comparing himself to a "Roc" that should "spread its wing and soar high above." He then passionately declared, "I am supposed to be the prime minister!" Before he could say more, Wang Yunxiu fired an arrow, striking him through the heart.
As Xu Bin fell, his torch dropped, igniting the Crouching Fire explosives. Without hesitation, Zhang Xiaojing embraced the Emperor and leaped from the exploding tower, landing on a cart filled with hay, thus saving both their lives. Following the dramatic events, imperial physicians attended to Zhang Xiaojing, confirming he was out of critical danger. The Emperor, reflecting on the day's profound humiliation, acknowledged that Zhang Xiaojing had witnessed it all and saved his life.
He expressed his desire to reward Zhang Xiaojing handsomely, but Zhang Xiaojing only requested the flag of the Eighth Regiment. The Emperor, however, refused, stating he needed the flag for his own purposes as a constant reminder, and urged Zhang Xiaojing to ask for something else. Zhang Xiaojing replied he needed no personal reward. He explained that as a soldier, his duty was to protect the people, and when Chang'an was in peril, he stepped forward.
He reminded the Emperor that Chang'an belonged not only to him but also to its people. Therefore, if the Emperor truly wished to reward him, he asked that he ensure "an everlasting peace" for the city. After the immediate crisis, He Zhizheng roused Li Bi from his unconsciousness, advising him to "never falter or run away" in the face of future challenges. He then took his leave.
As snow fell, He Zhizheng, with tears streaming down his face, began writing a poem, reflecting on his lost son, He Fu, and his desire to take him home to their thawing hometown. Meanwhile, the Emperor confronted the Crown Prince, demanding an explanation. The Crown Prince responded that he had wished to share the Emperor's burdens but felt untrusted, rendering any explanation futile, and stated he was prepared to accept punishment.
He then proceeded to burn incriminating documents, specifically the letters between Pang Ling and Lin Tengkong, which were evidence against Lin Jiulang. The Emperor questioned why he was destroying the evidence and who he was protecting. The Crown Prince acknowledged his own lack of capability compared to the Right Counselor, expressing his disappointment to the Emperor but affirming his willingness to assist the Emperor in achieving his ultimate goals, even if it meant sacrificing the direct evidence.
The Emperor, visiting the Jing'an Department, discovered an unfinished poem by He Zhizheng, which began, "I left at a young age and return an old man, I retained my accent but not my age." The Emperor then completed the verse, adding, "There is not a person I know here, even the child thinks of me as a stranger."
Later, having entered the Phoenix Hall and being on the cusp of becoming prime minister, Li Bi announced his decision to ascend the mountains for Taoist cultivation. He intended to return only after achieving the same "firm resolve" and clarity of mind as Zhang Xiaojing. Zhang Xiaojing teased him about his culinary skills, to which Li Bi admitted he only knew how to make porridge.
Despite being appointed a third-rank Vice Commander-in-Chief to guard the palace, Zhang Xiaojing declined, choosing instead to wander freely. He vowed, however, that should Chang'an ever face destruction again, he would return as a soldier to fight. Tan Qi, having prepared provisions including blankets, waterproof clothing, cooking supplies, and flatbreads for Li Bi, was then playfully asked by Zhang Xiaojing if she would join them.
Tan Qi explained that she had received orders to serve in the palace alongside Yan Taizhen. She expressed her hope that while they were away, she might have the opportunity, as Yan Taizhen's servant, to advise the Emperor and thus contribute to protecting Chang'an for both of them. Zhang Xiaojing then bid them farewell, embarking on his journey, with Tan Qi watching him depart with a lingering gaze. Zhang Xiaojing paused to look back at the "magnificent" sunrise over Chang'an.
