The Promise of Chang'an Episode 15 Recap
> The Promise of Chang'an Recap
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As Helan Yunqi and Helan Mingyu returned to the palace after the wedding, Helan Yunqi expressed her hope for Xiao Chengxu and Su Yuying's happy life, feeling more at ease now that Xiao Chengxu had married. However, Helan Mingyu remained preoccupied, prompting Helan Yunqi to gently remind her that both she and Xiao Chengxu now had their own homes.
Helan Mingyu then asked for permission to visit the Temple of Blessing, which Helan Yunqi granted, advising her to be careful and not return too late. Meanwhile, in the bridal chamber, Su Yuying eagerly awaited Xiao Chengxu. She noted the guests had left and wondered why her new husband had not yet arrived, joking that he was probably the one who couldn't wait. Soon, Xiao Chengxuan brought a heavily intoxicated Xiao Chengxu back to the chamber before quickly departing.
Su Yuying grew impatient when Xiao Chengxu made no move to take her fan. She reminded him that she had meticulously prepared her appearance for him, as "a woman puts makeup on for the one who loves her." To her shock and fury, Xiao Chengxu murmured "Mingyu," mistaking her for Helan Mingyu. Su Yuying confronted him, demanding to know if he was calling her or Helan Mingyu. She accused him of holding her hand while thinking of another woman.
Xiao Chengxu, regaining some composure, told her he didn't want to argue on their wedding day. He acknowledged her feelings for him and stated that while he had once treated her as a younger sister, she was now his official consort, and he would provide her with everything a consort should have, ensuring she would never suffer.
Unappeased, Su Yuying pressed him, asking about his heart, and accused him of still pining for Helan Mingyu, calling all his previous talk of moving on a lie. She furiously reminded him that Helan Mingyu was now Consort Li, his sister-in-law, and that coveting her was an immoral and treacherous deed.
She dared him to snatch Helan Mingyu back if he truly had the power, then mocked him, saying he knew Helan Mingyu would not go with him and reminding him of how Helan Mingyu had abandoned him, leading to his severe illness. Xiao Chengxu finally declared that he had never wanted to marry her in the first place, and although he had initially intended to treat her well, he now felt she did not deserve it.
Su Yuying retorted that their marriage was personally approved by His Majesty and that as his official wife, his heart should only belong to her. Xiao Chengxu calmly stated that no one, not even His Majesty, could order him to do anything, and certainly not her. He then removed his wedding robe and walked out, ignoring Su Yuying’s threats to reveal his true feelings to His Majesty.
At the Temple of Blessing, Helan Mingyu poured out her heart to the Moon Goddess. She recalled the oath she and Xiao Chengxu had made before the goddess to stay together for a lifetime, lamenting that their fate had yielded a blank answer, and they were not destined to write their marriage wish together. Her only desire now was for Xiao Chengxu to live a smooth and safe life, and she asked for nothing more.
As she left, she unknowingly passed Xiao Chengxu. He then discovered a sachet she had dropped, containing a note in her distinct handwriting that read, "I would exchange my heart for yours. I only wish for you to be safe and sound." Recognizing the script, Xiao Chengxu desperately chased after her, but Helan Mingyu had already departed. The next morning, Su Yuying, having cried all night, prepared for her palace visit to thank His Majesty.
Her maid, Suxi, informed her that Xiao Chengxu had gone to sword practice early. Su Yuying instructed Suxi to choose her finest clothes and hairpins, wanting to make a grand entrance. She later confronted Xiao Chengxu, accusing him of abandoning her on their wedding day and making her a laughingstock. Xiao Chengxu, without a word, took her hand, and they proceeded to the palace. At the palace, Helan Mingyu arrived.
Su Yuying quickly put on a show of affection, claiming Xiao Chengxu loved her dearly and had been very warm and considerate since she moved into their new manor, describing their newlywed life as "sweet like honey." Helan Mingyu supported her, noting that Xiao Chengxu and Su Yuying had shared affection since childhood and there was no need for Helan Yunqi to worry. Later, Su Yuying sought out Xiao Chengxu by the horses, which she previously disliked.
She explained that she had learned to care for them, knowing they were his companions in battle, and she wanted to show her dedication by personally tending to them, even showing her roughened hands as proof. Xiao Chengxu suggested she let the servants handle such tasks. Su Yuying then softened her tone, apologizing for her disrespectful words on their wedding day and claiming she had no ill intentions.
She reiterated that Helan Mingyu had personally told her there was nothing left between her and Xiao Chengxu, only childhood affection, and that their feelings had long since faded. Helan Mingyu had also advised her to be patient, assuring her that Xiao Chengxu would eventually love her. Xiao Chengxu, visibly touched, admitted his own impulsiveness and apologized for losing his temper and for leaving her alone on their wedding night. He promised to spend more time with her.
Su Yuying was thrilled, believing he truly loved her. However, their moment was cut short when Xiao Chengxu announced he was leaving for a military expedition with Xiao Chengrui. Su Yuying immediately protested to Helan Yunqi, calling it unreasonable for Xiao Chengrui to send him to battle right after their wedding.
Xiao Chengxu, irritated, clarified he had volunteered, stating it was his duty as the Wolf Battalion's leader to achieve military merits and defend their homeland, not to spend his life at home without ambition. He asked if she wanted him to be a man with no ambition. Su Yuying expressed her fear for his safety, asking what she would do if something happened to him. Xiao Chengxu, exasperated, left abruptly. On his way, he encountered Helan Mingyu.
Upon learning of his departure, she simply said, "Be careful! Take care!" Xiao Chengxu, in his heart, felt that only Helan Mingyu truly understood him, lamenting that she was not the one by his side. After the successful expedition, Xiao Chengrui rewarded Xiao Chengxu and Xiao Chengxuan for their contributions, announcing a grand celebratory banquet.
However, Princes Xiao Chengyao and Xiao Chengtai expressed discontent, perceiving it as Xiao Chengrui consolidating power and suppressing them, while Xiao Chengli, the Second Prince, remained calm. Suddenly, Xiao Chengxu urgently sought an audience with Xiao Chengrui, reporting that Xiao Chengyao, the Fourth Prince, had not only lost the four cities of Yongping but had also massacred all their citizens. Furthermore, Xiao Chengyao was returning with his troops, their carriages laden with women and valuables plundered from the cities.
Enraged, Xiao Chengrui immediately ordered Xiao Chengtai to intercept Xiao Chengyao. Xiao Chengtai confronted Xiao Chengyao, urging him to confess his wrongs. Xiao Chengyao, defiant, claimed he had only abandoned Yongping because it was unfortified and under heavy attack. He refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing in massacring and looting, asserting it was what northern lords had taught them and questioning why it was now considered a crime.
He accused Xiao Chengrui of being a "tiger" he had fed, now turning on his brothers. In the main hall, Xiao Chengrui questioned Xiao Chengyao's repeated acts of disloyalty, including a past attempt to install himself as king. He then condemned Xiao Chengyao for abandoning Yongping without a fight, slaughtering its people, and looting, acts that had instilled hatred among the populace and would prevent future surrenders.
When asked by Xiao Chengrui, a minister stated that Xiao Chengyao's crimes were punishable by death according to law. Xiao Chengyao's wife rushed to Helan Yunqi, pleading with her to save the Fourth Prince. Helan Mingyu interjected, calmly stating her belief that His Majesty would not kill Xiao Chengyao. In the hall, Xiao Chengyao was defiant, daring Xiao Chengrui to execute him.
Xiao Chengrui, however, declared he would not kill Xiao Chengyao but would imprison him within tall walls for life, never to be released. Xiao Chengli, the Second Prince, attempted to intercede, suggesting that due to Xiao Chengyao's chronic heart condition, imprisonment in his own manor would suffice, but Xiao Chengrui dismissed the plea. He then assigned Xiao Chengxu the duty of overseeing Xiao Chengyao's imprisonment.
Helan Mingyu, upon hearing this, expressed concern, unsure if this task would be a blessing or a misfortune for Xiao Chengxu. Later, Helan Yunqi recounted to Xiao Chengrui how Helan Mingyu had predicted his decision not to execute Xiao Chengyao. Xiao Chengrui, intrigued, asked Helan Mingyu how she had divined his thoughts. She explained that she knew he valued brotherly love.
Moreover, she reasoned that killing Xiao Chengyao would be useless since the cities were already lost; instead, keeping him alive would showcase Xiao Chengrui as a benevolent ruler. Impressed, Xiao Chengrui lamented that she was merely a woman, for otherwise, she would be capable of serving as a prime minister. Soon after, a maid announced that Consort Hui was unwell and wished to see His Majesty. Helan Mingyu promptly urged Xiao Chengrui to visit Consort Hui.
Xiao Chengrui expressed a hint of sadness, noting that other women vied for his presence, while Helan Mingyu always seemed to push him away. He reflected on how she had never tried to keep him by her side or act playfully, making him wonder what he truly was to her in her heart.
Helan Mingyu affirmed he was both her king and husband, to which Xiao Chengrui sorrowfully concluded that in her heart, he was primarily "the King," respected and obeyed, but never a target for her affection or playful teasing. Xiao Chengxu and Xiao Chengxuan went to confront Xiao Chengyao in his prison. Xiao Chengyao begged them to help him plead with His Majesty for his release. Ignoring his pleas, Xiao Chengxu ordered the guards to seal the prison.
In an inner monologue, he expressed his bitter hatred for Xiao Chengyao, blaming him for Consort Mu's tragic death and the ruination of his and Helan Mingyu's lifelong happiness. Desperate, Xiao Chengyao cried out, "Don't you two want to know how your mother died? I'll tell you the truth!" Xiao Chengxu immediately ordered the sealing to stop. He then confronted Xiao Chengyao, asking if he had strangled Consort Mu. Xiao Chengyao admitted to the act but claimed the matter was far more complex than it appeared, implying there was a larger conspiracy at play.
