The Promise of Chang'an Episode 19 Recap
> The Promise of Chang'an Recap
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Xiao Chengxuan and Xiao Chengxu were deeply disillusioned with Xiao Chengrui. Xiao Chengxuan believed Xiao Chengrui to be a selfish hypocrite who had abandoned Helan Mingyu without hesitation when faced with a critical choice, even factoring her life and death into the war's outcome. He further suspected Xiao Chengrui was responsible for Consort Mu's death, blaming him for seizing the throne.
Xiao Chengxu, while acknowledging a king's need to consider the broader situation, was equally saddened by Xiao Chengrui's actions towards Helan Mingyu. However, he cautioned Xiao Chengxuan against accusing Xiao Chengrui of Consort Mu's murder without concrete evidence, emphasizing the importance of separating the two matters. Meanwhile, Xiao Chengtai had dispatched men to escort Su Qiu away, but his subordinate reported her escape.
Su Qiu, presumed drowned after jumping into the water, managed to reach Xiao Chengxu’s manor with her remaining strength. There, she revealed the truth to Xiao Chengxu and Xiao Chengxuan: Xiao Chengrui had forced Consort Mu to her death and unlawfully taken the throne from Xiao Chengxu. Xiao Chengxuan pointed out that Xiao Chengxu's long-held illusions about Xiao Chengrui were now shattered.
Devastated, Xiao Chengxu recalled Xiao Chengrui's past denials regarding Consort Mu's death and his feigned reluctance for the throne. Overcome with heartbreak, Xiao Chengxu broke a bow gifted to him by Xiao Chengrui and watched it burn, signifying the complete end of his trust and affection for his older brother. Helan Yunqi and Ling Zhen'er were greatly relieved to see Helan Mingyu return safely.
Ling Zhen'er, in tears, expressed her immense worry, and Helan Mingyu reassured them that Situ Cheng had protected her from Situ Kun. Ling Zhen'er then criticized Xiao Chengrui for his heartless abandonment of Helan Mingyu at the city gate, noting that only the Prince of Yan, Xiao Chengxu, had risked his life to save her.
Helan Mingyu, however, stated that while she understood Xiao Chengrui's duty as a king to prioritize the nation, she was still heartbroken by his decision and the feeling that he withheld the full truth from her. She felt a profound separation between them. She concluded that Xiao Chengxu was the only person who would truly stand by her, but fate dictated that she could not fully reciprocate his devotion.
Accepting her role as Consort Li, daughter of Yonglin, she resolved to act cautiously. Elsewhere in the palace, Su Yuying, Xiao Chengxu's principal consort, offered Kelan, a secondary consort, a cup of hot tea. A servant, under instruction, deliberately spilled the tea on Kelan. Su Yuying then commanded Kelan to play an ancient Yonglin tune, which Kelan did, while wishing Su Yuying lasting health and happiness.
On the campaign front, Xiao Qihan questioned why they weren't directly attacking Situ Cheng's forces. Xiao Chengxu explained that Situ Cheng's position was hopeless, and he aimed for a surrender without battle. He tasked Nan Zhu, a loyal subordinate with family ties to Situ Cheng's maternal clan, to persuade Situ Cheng.
Soon after, Xi Qi's envoy arrived at Xiao Chengxu's camp late at night with a letter of surrender from Queen Dowager Su Tai and King Situ Cheng, pledging allegiance to Great Sheng. The envoy also presented a highly valuable Imperial Jade Seal, a historical symbol of Heaven's will to rule, entrusting it to Xiao Chengxu as a token of sincerity. Xiao Qihan observed the envoy's departure and, despite Xiao Chengxu's and Xiao Chengxuan's attempts to hide the seal, grew suspicious.
Xiao Chengxuan, seeing the Imperial Jade Seal, believed it was a divine mandate to overthrow Xiao Chengrui. He proposed marching on the capital with their three elite battalions, using the seal to rally support and launch a surprise coup. Though Xiao Chengxu initially hesitated, acknowledging Xiao Chengrui's firm grasp on the throne, he was swayed by Xiao Chengxuan's passionate plea for revenge for Consort Mu.
He resolved to "follow Heaven's path" and engage in a decisive battle to avenge his mother's death. Alarmed by his observations, Xiao Qihan bribed a Xi Qi servant and discovered that Situ Cheng had offered a hidden treasure, which he suspected was the Imperial Jade Seal. He deduced that Xiao Chengxu was plotting a rebellion and rushed back to the capital to warn Xiao Chengrui. In the capital, Helan Mingyu rejoiced upon hearing of Xiao Chengxu's victory over Xi Qi.
Xiao Qihan reported his findings to Xiao Chengrui, but only after Xiao Chengli had left. He presented his theory about Xiao Chengxu's impending rebellion and urged his father to make preemptive arrangements. Meanwhile, Ling Zhen'er encountered Xiao Qihan, immediately inquiring about Xiao Chengxu's well-being. Xiao Qihan, irritated by her persistent concern, advised her to forget Xiao Chengxu, stating that he was on the verge of misfortune and that clinging to him would only bring her trouble.
Disturbed, Ling Zhen'er reported this to Helan Mingyu, who speculated that the situation might not yet be beyond control. Shortly after, Xiao Chengrui visited Helan Mingyu, appearing troubled. He confided that if Xiao Chengxu were truly to rebel, he would not hesitate to act against him, regardless of their fraternal bond. Both Helan Yunqi and Helan Mingyu noticed Xiao Chengrui's continuous low spirits.
He sighed, lamenting that his painstaking efforts might all have been in vain, hinting at a looming disaster overshadowing the recent victory. Concerned, Helan Mingyu brought pastries to Xiao Chengrui and found him intently studying a military defense map, further heightening her worries about Xiao Chengxu's actions. Ling Zhen'er offered to investigate further by meeting Xiao Qihan.
Xiao Chengxu, on the other hand, advised Xiao Chengxuan to maintain composure as they neared the city, emphasizing the importance of concealing any inner anxiety or hatred to avoid defeat before the battle even began. Ling Zhen'er arranged to dine with Xiao Qihan, where she plied him with wine, skillfully extracting information.
Under the influence, Xiao Qihan revealed that Xiao Chengxu's actions were so severe that he could face execution or, at the very least, confiscation of his property and exile. Ling Zhen'er feigned disbelief, subtly challenging his knowledge to encourage him to divulge more, asking what he could possibly know about such an important and secret matter.
