The Longest Day in Chang'an Episode 6 Recap
> The Longest Day in Chang'an Recap
Xiaoyi led Zhang Xiaojing and Yao Runeng through the bustling, yet often squalid, back alleys of Pingkang Street, a stark contrast to its opulent facade. Yao Runeng questioned why they were in such a "filthy place," to which Zhang Xiaojing retorted that those in power, born into better families, often judge others without understanding. The three entered an underground gambling den. Upon seeing the uniformed Zhang Xiaojing, the gamblers dispersed.
The casino owner, upon learning of the disturbance, was told by Zhang Xiaojing that he wished to meet his "banker." Before they proceeded, Zhang Xiaojing cautioned Yao Runeng to be extremely careful with his words, as a single careless comment could result in many deaths. As they navigated a rundown street, Yao Runeng expressed his disbelief that such a lawless and impoverished place existed within Chang'an, calling it the "Hell Realm."
He noted Zhang Xiaojing's nervousness and asked about Ge Lao. Zhang Xiaojing explained that Ge Lao, a former Kunlun slave, had been brought to Chang'an in 705 CE and had risen from slavery in Vice Minister Ge's manor and later a brothel. Through his acute ability to discern people's thoughts, Ge Lao had gained his freedom and established an intelligence network within Pingkang Street's underworld.
Unlike typical informants, Ge Lao never demanded money; instead, he sought the most valuable possession of those who came to him for help. Ge Lao appeared, and Zhang Xiaojing greeted him respectfully. However, Ge Lao curtly stated he didn't deal with "dead men." Zhang Xiaojing quickly clarified that he was not dead, apologized for the earlier disturbance at the casino, and presented the "Token of Gratitude."
He explained that he needed to locate an outsider named Long Bo and asked Ge Lao to find the woman who issued the token and any other ladies Long Bo was associated with. Ge Lao’s subordinate was instructed to investigate, and they were told to wait for half an hour. Zhang Xiaojing, still unsure of the price, asked about it, but Ge Lao only questioned if he was in a hurry.
At Changmingfang, Long Bo greeted the workers from Su Transport who had brought his eagerly awaited cargo from Yanzhou. He meticulously questioned them about their journey. The head worker assured him of a smooth transit, highlighting their good relations with city gate customs, which resulted in a quick clearance after only two containers were spot-checked and resealed. Relieved, Long Bo murmured to himself that the "soul of the Flaming Demon" had finally arrived.
He stressed the need to quickly unload the goods, dismissing the workers' concern about authorities arriving within two hours, claiming they wouldn't be able to reach them. The workers, looking forward to their promised rest and rewards, began to unload the carts. Ge Lao’s informant quickly reported back: the Token of Gratitude belonged to a woman named Tong'er from the Zhao troops of the Base Quarter.
Long Bo had been a regular patron for six months, visiting her every ten days. The informant also revealed that Tong'er had attempted to elope with a scholar named Qin the previous day, but Ge Lao's people had captured them. Meanwhile, Li Bi continued his anxious wait outside Lin Jiulang's manor, observing other officials being granted entry. Li Sifang, an attendant, merely relayed that Lin Jiulang wished for him to wait, leaving Li Bi increasingly frustrated.
Back at Jing'an Si, with no news on the Wolf Squad after half an hour, General Chen and General Zhao grew impatient. General Zhao attempted to storm inside, but Tan Qi blocked him, asserting Chief Li's orders against unauthorized entry. Enraged, General Zhao slapped Tan Qi, then ordered her to relay a message to Li Bi: he had one hour left to find a clue, or he would be forced to relinquish his authority.
Ge Lao led Zhang Xiaojing and Yao Runeng into a dungeon, where they found Tong'er and her scholar, Qin, imprisoned. Ge Lao first addressed another captive courtesan, Ah Zhi, urging her to heal quickly so she could continue to extract secrets from high-ranking officials, revealing his contempt for the court. Tong'er immediately recognized her Token of Gratitude from Zhang Xiaojing.
Before she could elaborate on Long Bo, Ge Lao intervened, stating that "free information" had ended and it was time to negotiate. He demanded a "name" from Zhang Xiaojing in exchange for Tong'er’s full cooperation, specifically the name of a spy Zhang Xiaojing had planted in his network. Zhang Xiaojing initially denied having any active spies after his long imprisonment, but Ge Lao insisted that a "tiger retains its might" even when dead and that Zhang Xiaojing's influence persisted.
Yao Runeng tried to reason with Ge Lao, explaining the immense trust and risk involved for a spy. Ge Lao offered a "great bargain": one name for the information. Unexpectedly, one of Zhang Xiaojing's spies voluntarily stepped forward from the crowd and was instantly executed by Ge Lao's men. Ge Lao dismissed this sacrifice, claiming it "didn't count" because it was voluntary. He then threatened Tong'er's life if Zhang Xiaojing didn't provide a specific name.
Zhang Xiaojing, after a moment of desperate thought, remained silent. Ge Lao, revealing his true demand, asked for the name of the person from "He Village." Zhang Xiaojing, not understanding the veiled reference, replied that he didn't know. Ge Lao then explained that years ago, one of his courtesans had helped a man steal 1,356 valuable gold instruments, representing the pinnacle of Tang craftsmanship, from General Guo Lishi's private manor.
The thief had buried them but only mentioned "He Village" as a clue before attempting to flee with Ge Lao's girl. Ge Lao's twelve best men, including his girl and the thief, were all killed by one person during the pursuit, robbing Ge Lao of his coveted treasure. Ge Lao, feeling the profound loss of this "most important hope," demanded the name of the individual responsible. Zhang Xiaojing insisted it wasn't his man.
Ge Lao threatened to end the conversation and let him leave, but added that he himself would kill the person if Zhang Xiaojing revealed the name. Yao Runeng desperately implored Zhang Xiaojing not to betray a spy, warning him of decapitation and condemnation, but Zhang Xiaojing countered that the lives of Chang'an's millions outweighed any personal cost or "useless rules." Under immense pressure, Zhang Xiaojing named Lin Xiaoyi.
Ge Lao was devastated, as he had treated Xiaoyi like a son and had given him a golden lock, which he now tearfully reclaimed, calling Xiaoyi a "wolf in sheep's clothing." Xiaoyi, revealing his identity as a Wannian County sleuth-hound, knelt before Zhang Xiaojing and asked for a "blessing" – to be killed by his own leader. With a heavy heart, Zhang Xiaojing shot Xiaoyi. Despite Xiaoyi's death, Ge Lao was not satisfied.
He then cruelly demanded that Zhang Xiaojing gouge out Xiaoyi's eyes as "souvenirs," seeing them as pure and innocent, which allowed Xiaoyi to fool him. Yao Runeng protested Ge Lao's sadism, but Ge Lao simply stated his fascination with observing people's choices between self-preservation and being "good." Instead of Xiaoyi's eyes, Zhang Xiaojing, clenching his jaw, cut off one of his own fingers and offered it to Ge Lao, begging to preserve Xiaoyi's body whole.
Impressed and perhaps shaken by Zhang Xiaojing's extreme act, Ge Lao agreed to fulfill any of Zhang Xiaojing's requests, even offering to help him escape Chang'an. Zhang Xiaojing, focused only on his mission, demanded that Tong'er now speak. Tong'er, however, proved defiant. She noted Zhang Xiaojing's exhaustion and soft heart, then insisted she would only reveal information by singing a song Long Bo had sung to her, and only to Zhang Xiaojing alone.
Reluctantly, Zhang Xiaojing agreed, and Ge Lao dismissed his men. As Tong'er began to sing and carefully bandaged Zhang Xiaojing's self-inflicted wound, far away, Long Bo was rigorously questioning the Su Transport workers about their journey and discretion. When one worker inadvertently mentioned going to a "brokerage" after receiving payment, Long Bo immediately grew suspicious that their secrecy might be compromised. Without hesitation, Yu Chang swiftly killed all the workers to eliminate any potential loose ends.
As Tong'er's melancholic song filled the dungeon, Zhang Xiaojing was transported back in time, recalling his days as the leader of the Bad Guys. He remembered Lin Xiaoyi, a bright, kind, and popular newcomer who quickly endeared himself to the team. Xiaoyi's knack for tinkering with weapons, like improving Kang Youguo's crossbow, earned him praise. Zhang Xiaojing treated his men like family, even sharing his monthly salary, which fostered immense loyalty.
The flashback continued to a time when Zhang Xiaojing had been tracking Ge Lao for years with no success. Zhang Xiaojing wanted to personally go undercover to investigate Ge Lao's background, particularly regarding the theft of golden instruments, which he believed was connected to Ge Lao.
When he mentioned a new lead involving Ge Lao and the lost gold instruments, Xiaoyi eagerly volunteered to go undercover as a spy, seeing himself as an ideal candidate due to his newness and a fabricated grudge against Zhang Xiaojing. To prove his resolve, Xiaoyi dramatically cut off one of his fingers. Zhang Xiaojing, angered by Xiaoyi's reckless self-harm and the danger of the mission, initially refused and even tried to stop him.
