The Promise of Chang'an Episode 12 Recap, Plot

> The Promise of Chang'an
> The Promise of Chang'an Recap

Xiao Chengxu confronted Xiao Chengyao, demanding to know how he would take responsibility for the soldiers who died unjustly because of his actions. Xiao Chengxu accused Xiao Chengyao of being a coward who dared not face the consequences of his deeds. Xiao Chengyao vehemently denied any knowledge of the events and provocatively challenged Xiao Chengxu to kill him if he truly believed it. Chengtai tried to mediate, urging Xiao Chengyao to stop.

As their heated argument continued, Xiao Chengrui passed by but chose not to intervene, leaving the brothers to their dispute. Later, Xiao Chengrui found Helan Mingyu engrossed in military strategy books. He expressed surprise, to which Ling Zhen'er explained that Helan Mingyu had always been unique, preferring martial arts and serious reading over typical feminine pursuits.

Xiao Chengrui then tested Helan Mingyu by presenting a dilemma: how to handle a once-loyal but now arrogant and uncontrollable falcon that he could not simply discard. Helan Mingyu, recalling a conversation with Helan Yunqi, understood he was referring to Xiao Chengyao. She advised that to eliminate a powerful but corrupt individual, one must first allow them to act freely until they commit an unforgivable act, thereby making their removal justifiable. Xiao Chengrui was greatly impressed by her wisdom.

Feeling tired from reviewing state documents, Xiao Chengrui then asked Helan Mingyu to help him read the scrolls. Despite her hesitation due to the rule against harem interference in politics, she eventually agreed under his persistence. As she began reading, Xiao Chengrui leaned on her shoulder and fell asleep. Helan Yunqi later expressed her happiness that Xiao Chengrui appreciated Helan Mingyu's intelligence, noting that Helan Mingyu's cheerfulness had faded since entering the palace.

Helan Mingyu confided that she now deeply admired Xiao Chengrui’s diligence and dedication to his people, which motivated her to do everything she could to help alleviate his burdens. One year later, after a costly war with Xi Qi, Xiao Chengrui decided to withdraw the troops due to heavy casualties. Xiao Chengyao and Chengtai vehemently opposed the retreat, accusing Xiao Chengrui of being afraid of Xue Ji, the Great Liang general.

Xiao Chengxu, however, supported the withdrawal, arguing that one battle should not dictate the entire war. A heated argument ensued, but Xiao Chengrui disregarded their protests and ordered the retreat. After Xiao Chengyao and Chengtai left, Xiao Chengrui praised Xiao Chengxu's maturity and expressed his desire for them to maintain their close brotherly relationship, as in their youth when he taught Xiao Chengxu to ride and shoot.

Xiao Chengrui visited Helan Mingyu, who bravely brought up the recent military defeat, suggesting that public opinion might perceive it as a sign of weakness. Xiao Chengrui, however, stated that defeat was common in warfare and that this particular loss had only intensified his desire for victory, contrary to Xiao Chengyao and Chengtai's belief that he feared Xue Ji.

Shortly after, an urgent report arrived, revealing that Xue Ji, Great Liang's most formidable general, had resigned in anger after being slandered by treacherous ministers at court. Helan Mingyu saw Xue Ji's absence as a golden opportunity for Great Sheng to strike, but Xiao Chengrui decided against immediate action, emphasizing the need for Great Sheng to be fully prepared before launching another offensive.

Xiao Chengyao was enraged to learn that Xiao Chengrui intended to send him and Chengtai to guard the Ningdong front lines. He openly disdained Xiao Chengrui, calling him a coward, and declared his intention to defy the order, hoping to demonstrate that Xiao Chengrui could accomplish nothing without their assistance. When both Xiao Chengyao and Chengtai feigned illness to avoid duty, Xiao Chengrui grew furious, feeling they no longer respected him as King.

Helan Mingyu tactfully suggested that while his older brothers might be set in their ways, some of the younger generation could be cultivated. Although she declined to make specific recommendations, Xiao Chengrui resolved to prove that Great Sheng had an abundance of talent and did not rely solely on Xiao Chengyao and Chengtai. He decided to personally train and cultivate some of his younger relatives, particularly Xiao Chengxu.

Xiao Chengrui summoned Xiao Chengxu, seeking to assess his capabilities for a significant command. Xiao Chengxu calmly stated that he was aware of his own limits and would only volunteer for a task if he was fully confident. Impressed by his composure, Xiao Chengrui then tasked him with defending the Ningdong front line, calling it a unique opportunity.

Xiao Chengxu humbly replied that "Chengxu" could not undertake such a responsibility alone, but "His Majesty's Ninth Brother" could, implying that with Xiao Chengrui's unwavering support, as in their childhood when he taught him, he would find the courage to succeed. Xiao Chengrui reassured him, promising his continued guidance. Later, while palace maids were playing "touhu", Helan Yunqi encouraged Helan Mingyu to join, recalling her past skill.

Helan Mingyu, despite initial reluctance, effortlessly hit the target, captivating both Xiao Chengrui and Xiao Chengxu, who arrived unnoticed. Xiao Chengxu was visibly lost in memories of their time in Yonglin. However, his reverie was shattered when Xiao Chengrui approached Helan Mingyu and affectionately adjusted her hair, remarking on her rediscovered happiness. The intimate gesture deeply wounded Xiao Chengxu.

Helan Yunqi quickly intervened, and Xiao Chengrui, taking Helan Mingyu's hand, departed, instructing Xiao Chengxu to stay for further discussion and promising that Helan Mingyu would serve him tea later. Xiao Chengxu watched Helan Mingyu leave, his gaze fixed on her retreating figure, painfully aware that it had been over a year since they last met. In the Quiet Pavilion, Xiao Chengxu met Helan Mingyu privately.

He asked about her well-being, and she, in turn, congratulated him on his military achievements but also expressed concern for his safety. Xiao Chengxu admitted he was constantly wary of Xiao Chengyao and would never forget that he was the reason for their separation. Helan Mingyu gently told him that their past was gone and it was time to let go.

Xiao Chengxu felt she had changed, but she explained that both of them had no choice but to change, as there was no returning to their past. He expressed his pain at their situation and the uncertainty of their next meeting. Helan Mingyu withdrew her hand from his, uttering a sorrowful verse about fleeting tenderness and unending longing, concluding that it was better not to meet at all.

Ling Zhen'er later questioned Helan Mingyu’s harshness, but Helan Mingyu explained that while she still cared, their future together was impossible, and it would be crueler to give Xiao Chengxu false hope. As Xiao Chengxu prepared for his expedition, Su Yuying confronted him, distraught that he hadn't informed her and expressing her longing. Xiao Chengxu gently reiterated that he regarded her as a younger sister and wished for her to find true love.

Su Yuying rejected his words, accusing him of being cold and avoiding her, despite her devotion. Xiao Chengxu felt helpless. Meanwhile, at the Ningdong border, Xiao Chengxu and his commanders discussed the new political landscape in Liang after Emperor Feng Qi's death and the ascension of his younger brother, the young Emperor Ming De. The new emperor had already purged corrupt officials and urgently summoned Xue Ji back to the capital, signaling he did not desire peace.

Xiao Chengxu suspected that Xiao Chengrui's earlier peace negotiations with Xue Ji were merely a tactic in the larger war, predicting that if peace failed, war would surely follow. Soon, they received an urgent letter: Xiao Chengrui was personally leading an army of 200,000 troops to the front lines. Having already captured two cities from Liang, Xiao Chengrui intended to press on to Ning City. However, Xiao Chengyao and Chengtai opposed the advance, advocating for retreat due to troop fatigue, dwindling provisions, and Ning City's formidable defenses, openly challenging Xiao Chengrui's decision.

Episode 11 Recap

Episode 13 Recap