The Promise of Chang'an Episode 27 Recap
> The Promise of Chang'an Recap
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 32
- 33
- 34
- 35
- 36
- 37
- 38
- 39
- 40
- 41
- 42
- 43
- 44
- 45
- 46
- 47
- 48
- 49
- 50
- 51
- 52
- 53
- 54
- 55
- 56
Prince Xiao Chengtai met with Hong Guangzhi, Xue Ji's former deputy general and now Great Liang's San Bian Governor. Hong Guangzhi attempted to turn Xiao Chengtai against Emperor Xiao Chengrui, speaking of Xiao Chengrui's past suspicions and cold treatment which stripped Xiao Chengtai of his power. He proposed a collaboration with Great Liang, working from within to oppose the Emperor and share power.
Xiao Chengtai feigned agreement while expressing doubts about the feasibility of such a plan with only one Great Xiao Battalion under his command. Hong Guangzhi then disclosed that another powerful battalion leader within the Twelve Great Xiao Battalions was also willing to ally with Great Liang, offering a secret letter as proof. However, Xiao Chengtai unexpectedly called for Hong Guangzhi's capture, revealing his loyalty to Great Sheng and his intention to expose the traitor.
Hong Guangzhi managed to flee, leaving behind the blood-stained secret letter. Later, Helan Mingyu discovered a severely injured Hong Guangzhi lying unconscious and brought him to a spare room at an inn. Hong Guangzhi, upon waking, noted that Helan Mingyu's demeanor did not match the ordinary surroundings. Ling Zhen'er quickly defended Helan Mingyu, who in turn recognized Hong Guangzhi was not from Great Sheng due to his accent and the distinct way his belt was tied, despite his Sheng attire.
Hong Guangzhi's subordinate, Jingzhou, found him at the inn and explained the full extent of their counter-plan. Jingyuan had feigned defeat and was captured by Xiao Chengtai to create a believable scenario that would turn Xiao Chengtai against Xiao Chengxu. Chen Wenzhi, who had successfully gained Xiao Chengxu's trust, was to offer Great Liang's military positioning map to Xiao Chengrui. This map would highlight defense locations under Xiao Chengxu, implying his complicity.
Under torture, Jingyuan would then implicate Xiao Chengxu, while Chen Wenzhi would feign suicide, making it appear Xiao Chengxu had silenced him. The ultimate goal was to sow discord between Emperor Xiao Chengrui and his generals, leading to internal strife among Great Sheng's Great Xiao Battalions and ultimately eliminating Xiao Chengxu, thus repaying Xiao Chengrui for Xue Ji's death. Overhearing this shocking conversation, Helan Mingyu realized that Xiao Chengxu's life was in danger.
She immediately decided they must leave the inn to find Xiao Chengxu. Ling Zhen'er expressed concern about being discovered, reminding Helan Mingyu of General Yan's instructions to wait. However, Helan Mingyu insisted on proceeding, fearing any delay would be too late. Helan Mingyu and Ling Zhen'er rode quickly towards the capital. As they neared the city gate, they saw Xiao Chengxu and Xiao Chengxuan preparing to present a captured prisoner.
Realizing there wasn't enough time for her to reach Xiao Chengxu, Helan Mingyu sent Ling Zhen'er to warn him, while she herself rushed to intercept Xiao Chengrui. Ling Zhen'er found Xiao Chengxu and urgently warned him that Chen Wenzhi was part of a conspiracy designed to harm him, revealing that Helan Mingyu had gone to stall Emperor Xiao Chengrui. Meanwhile, Helan Mingyu ran directly into Xiao Chengrui's path. Xiao Chengrui, seeing her alive, was astonished.
Following Ling Zhen'er's warning, Xiao Chengxu executed Chen Wenzhi. Xiao Chengrui dismounted his horse, greatly moved to see Helan Mingyu. He inquired about the fire and her survival. Helan Mingyu explained that she and Ling Zhen'er had escaped through a back exit during the fire, but she had inhaled too much smoke and fainted. Fortunately, nearby civilians had saved them. Xiao Chengrui escorted Helan Mingyu back to the palace, foregoing the planned welcome for Xiao Chengxu.
Xiao Chengxu later reported that he had discovered Chen Wenzhi was feigning surrender with the intention of assassinating the Emperor, and thus he had executed him on the spot. Xiao Chengrui praised Xiao Chengxu's perceptiveness and, as promised, conferred Ying City upon him. Meanwhile, Helan Wanyin was surprised that Helan Mingyu was alive, having believed her to be dead in the fire, but expressed relief.
Helan Yunqi was overjoyed at Helan Mingyu's return and soon learned even greater news: Helan Mingyu was three months pregnant. This news quickly reached Xiao Chengxu through Su Yuying. Xiao Chengxu was devastated upon hearing this. Xiao Chengrui watched Helan Mingyu as she slept, contemplating that her pregnancy had forged an unbreakable connection between them. Upon waking, Helan Mingyu learned she was pregnant. She was stunned, touching her belly, realizing this meant she could never leave the palace.
Elsewhere, Xiao Chengxu was filled with self-reproach. He lamented that Helan Mingyu, after finally finding hope for a life of freedom, was now trapped in the deep palace again because of him, likely for good. He despaired at his own powerlessness to change her fate. He angrily rejected the idea that this was "heaven's will," believing Heaven had been too unfair to him, and vowed to defy fate to give Helan Mingyu a new beginning.
Xiao Chengrui, seeking to cheer Helan Mingyu, had Helan Yunqi select some gifts. He reflected on his old, slightly uncomfortable octagonal hand stove, which he still cherished more than a new one, associating it with things one only appreciates after almost losing them, implicitly referring to Helan Mingyu. He then sent a parrot to Helan Mingyu, which had been taught to say "Ten thousand blessings for the Consort Xian!"
Helan Mingyu, however, remained indifferent and disconsolate, viewing her return to the palace as a dream of grandeur from which she had now awoken. When the imperial physician sent calming medicine for her pregnancy, Helan Mingyu initially refused it. Ling Zhen'er gently reminded her of Xiao Chengxu's likely self-blame if anything happened to her. This prompted Helan Mingyu to accept her responsibility.
She then asked Ling Zhen'er to release the parrot, saying it belonged in the forest, free, and she could not bear for it to share her fate. Xiao Chengxu managed a private visit to Helan Mingyu, expressing his deep worry and self-blame for her predicament. Helan Mingyu, however, comforted him, acknowledging he had given her the courage to seek freedom, even if fate had intervened. Xiao Chengxu reiterated his promise to set her free.
He gave her medicine he had brought from Great Liang and informed her he would be departing for battle in a few days, urging her to take care of herself. During his military campaign, Xiao Chengxu received orders from Xiao Chengrui to retreat due to a shortage of provisions. However, Xiao Chengxu refused, insisting on capturing Li City to secure its granaries. He asserted a general's right to make battlefield decisions independently of the Emperor's direct orders.
Xiao Chengxuan expressed concern over Xiao Chengxu's plan to forcibly take provisions from civilians. Xiao Chengxu, usually cautious, justified his impulsiveness by stating he needed to achieve military merits more quickly and was willing to sacrifice everything for this goal. Back at the palace, Helan Mingyu sent good fabric, originally given to her by the Empress, to Helan Wanyin. This displeased Xiao Chengrui, who was also noted to be preoccupied and sullen as Helan Mingyu's delivery approached. The court had also begun fervent discussions about proclaiming a crown prince.
