The Promise of Chang'an Episode 26 Recap, Plot

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> The Promise of Chang'an Recap

Ling Zhen'er pushed Xiao Qihan away, grateful for his kindness but firm in her refusal to abandon Helan Mingyu, who had previously saved her life. Xiao Qihan, who declared his sole care for Ling Zhen'er, tried to persuade her to leave, even offering to speak with Helan Mingyu if she held an indentured note. However, Ling Zhen'er rebuffed the idea of disloyalty and urged him to leave before his presence was discovered, warning that she would yell if he didn't.

Xiao Qihan vowed to return until she agreed to depart with him. Later, Ling Zhen'er observed the arrival of the monthly supplies for the temporary imperial palace, including fabric, and expressed her delight at the prospect of making new clothes for herself and Helan Mingyu. However, their hopes were dashed when the eunuch served them moldy buns. Furious, Ling Zhen'er confronted Eunuch Wang, accusing him of embezzling the rightful charcoal, furs, and fresh food.

Eunuch Wang arrogantly dismissed Consort Xian's status, asserting that she was lower than a servant in this place and effectively waiting to die, and that his word was law. Incensed, Ling Zhen'er physically attacked him, leading to her being brutally beaten by his guards. Helan Mingyu rushed to her rescue, telling the guards to stop. Eunuch Wang allowed Ling Zhen'er to be spared this time, but warned of severe consequences if it happened again.

Helan Mingyu comforted Ling Zhen'er, reminding her that one must endure hardships when under the control of others, and that their health was paramount while they slowly found ways to improve their situation. That night, to warm themselves, Helan Mingyu burned firewood in their room. Ling Zhen'er apologized for her impulsive actions earlier, regretting the worry she caused.

Helan Mingyu reassured her that her fiery temperament was part of her character and that she understood Ling Zhen'er's actions came from a place of care. They found comfort sleeping by the makeshift stove. However, sparks from the burning firewood unexpectedly ignited nearby clothes. They were startled awake by the fire and quickly extinguished it with water. Xiao Chengxu, seeing thick smoke rising from the palace, immediately rushed to them.

He expressed deep concern for their safety and questioned what had happened. Ling Zhen'er explained that the lack of charcoal forced them to burn firewood, leading to the accidental fire. Xiao Chengxu blamed Xiao Chengrui's cold-heartedness for their harsh treatment. He offered to send supplies, but Helan Mingyu refused, fearing dire consequences if his involvement were discovered. Frustrated at being unable to help, Xiao Chengxu pointed out the absence of night guards as evidence of their neglect.

Helan Mingyu, however, resignedly stated that it was human nature for people to curry favor with the powerful and abuse the weak. Xiao Chengxu vowed he would not allow her to continue suffering and promised to change their circumstances as soon as possible. Meanwhile, in the imperial study, an urgent dispatch reported that Great Liang's General Chen Wenzhi was invading Ying City with a large army.

Xiao Chengrui, needing a formidable general, acknowledged that Xiao Chengxu was the most suitable but had promised him a period of rest. Minister Wang proposed an incentive: offering Ying City as a feudal land to the general who could defeat the enemy and capture Chen Wenzhi. He reasoned that Xiao Chengxu, despite his high rank, lacked such a fiefdom and would be tempted. Counselor Li supported the idea.

Xiao Chengrui then announced the reward, and Xiao Chengxu stepped forward to volunteer, accepting the appointment as Protectorate General. Xiao Chengrui later commented on Minister Wang's loyalty, revealing him to be a long-placed "chess piece" by his maternal grandfather. Before departing for the expedition, Xiao Chengxu visited Helan Mingyu again, asking Ling Zhen'er to stand guard outside and offering her a coat to keep warm.

He then asked Helan Mingyu if she would be willing to leave the palace and her identity as Consort Xian to live freely, should an opportunity arise. He revealed his plan to burn down the temporary imperial palace and take her to a place where she would not be recognized.

Helan Mingyu hesitated, explaining her concern that abandoning her Consort Xian identity would also mean forsaking her status as Princess of Yonglin, thereby preventing her from ever returning to her homeland. Xiao Chengxu assured her that if Xiao Chengrui were to die and lose his power, she would no longer need to hide and could go anywhere she wished.

When asked about his intentions, Xiao Chengxu declared his preparations for revenge, seeking justice for Consort Mu, for Helan Mingyu, and for himself, promising that the day would come soon. Helan Mingyu cautioned him, warning that any misstep could lead to ruin and urging him to think carefully.

Xiao Chengxu, however, stated that his brotherly bond with Xiao Chengrui had long since been extinguished upon learning that Xiao Chengrui had forced his own mother's death for the throne and subsequently treated Helan Mingyu so cruelly. He admitted to harboring an endless hatred that he must extinguish through revenge, lest it consume him. Back in their room, Ling Zhen'er lamented the torn and moldy blanket, vowing to punish Eunuch Wang.

Helan Mingyu dismissed it as a minor issue, but Ling Zhen'er expressed her deep sadness that Helan Mingyu, the pearl of Yonglin, who deserved adoration and respect, was instead being trampled upon by people of lower status. She asked if Helan Mingyu could truly accept such a life. Helan Mingyu firmly replied, "No. I cannot." That night, General Yan arrived at the temporary imperial palace. Helan Mingyu and Ling Zhen'er were swiftly and secretly escorted away by his guards.

The temporary palace was then set ablaze, with General Yan noting that the strong north wind would ensure the fire was inextinguishable, leading to Eunuch Wang being blamed for the disaster. Helan Mingyu reflected that the raging fire was not just consuming the palace, but also burning away her past, signifying the beginning of her new, and hopefully happier, life.

The next day, as Helan Yunqi was pleading with Xiao Chengrui to allow Helan Mingyu to return, news arrived of a massive fire at the temporary imperial palace and Consort Xian's tragic death. Xiao Chengrui was visibly shocked, while Helan Yunqi was overcome with grief, her eyes red with tears. She bitterly asked Xiao Chengrui if he was now satisfied, and if he regretted Mingyu's death.

Xiao Chengrui remained silent, then quietly whispered Mingyu's name, admitting his error in bringing her into the palace. Meanwhile, Helan Wanyin was informed of Consort Xian's death and the unrecognizable state of her body, save for a piece of jade. Distraught, Helan Wanyin lamented that she had only intended to discipline her sister, not cause her death. She decided to hold a memorial ceremony to pray for Helan Mingyu's peaceful rebirth.

She inquired about Xiao Chengrui, learning he had not left his study since receiving the news. Separately, the Liang army was defeated, and Xiao Chengxu personally captured General Chen Wenzhi, who agreed to surrender and become a subject of Great Sheng. Chen Wenzhi offered Great Liang's military tactical map but requested to present it to Xiao Chengrui in person, which Xiao Chengxu agreed to.

Inside the study, Xiao Chengrui angrily confronted Eunuch Wang, demanding to know why he was still alive when Consort Xian had died in the fire. Eunuch Wang pleaded for mercy, claiming he had tried his best, but the fire was too fierce. Xiao Chengrui accused him of negligence and mistreating Consort Xian, holding him responsible for her demise. Despite Eunuch Wang's desperate pleas, Xiao Chengrui ordered his guards to beat him to death.

Later, Helan Wanyin attempted to see Xiao Chengrui but was blocked by Chief Eunuch Man Fu, who stated His Majesty refused to see anyone. As she waited outside, she heard Xiao Chengrui angrily smashing objects within his study, prompting her to leave. Ling Zhen'er and Helan Mingyu, having faked their deaths, were now safe.

Xiao Qihan visited the charred remains of the temporary imperial palace, grieving Ling Zhen'er's supposed death and regretting that she had not married him, which he believed would have spared her such a fate. Helan Mingyu reflected on her previous life in the palace, noting that despite the unhappiness and injustice, she had never considered leaving. Now, free from the entanglements and suspicions associated with her identity as Consort Xian, she felt a profound sense of ease and liberation.

Ling Zhen'er expressed her renewed admiration for Xiao Chengxu, initially having worried that he saved Mingyu only to keep her as an untitled companion, which would be no different from palace life. Helan Mingyu affirmed that Xiao Chengxu would never harbor such intentions and always acted wholeheartedly for her well-being. Ling Zhen'er acknowledged that only Helan Mingyu truly understood Xiao Chengxu's heart. Helan Mingyu concluded that the world was vast and she would find her place within it.

She cautioned that while Xiao Chengxu's plan was meticulously crafted, they must remain vigilant given Xiao Chengrui's continued control over Great Sheng, and carefully guard their whereabouts. As for her relationship with Xiao Chengxu, she believed it could not be rushed and must be left to the arrangements of Heaven.

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