The Promise of Chang'an Episode 28 Recap
> The Promise of Chang'an Recap
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The court was embroiled in discussions regarding the succession, and Xiao Chengrui had indeed begun considering naming a Crown Prince. Helan Yunqi lamented her inability to bear a legitimate son for him. Xiao Chengrui, however, reassured her, stating that if Helan Mingyu gave birth to a prince, he would have Helan Yunqi adopt the child, granting him the status of the first wife's legitimate son.
Helan Yunqi was overjoyed, interpreting this as Xiao Chengrui's intention to make Helan Mingyu's child the Crown Prince. Helan Mingyu, upon hearing this, found no joy in the news. While she trusted Helan Yunqi with her child, she worried about the reaction of the other princes, such as the Prince of Yu, who had military achievements, and the Fifth Prince, who had always received special attention from His Majesty.
She feared her child would become an immediate target, a "thorn in the side" of his brothers, and face constant deception and attacks within the palace. She longed for her child to live a peaceful and happy life, preferably in an ordinary family, rather than being born into the royal family.
She explained to Helan Yunqi that she would rest assured if the child was with her, but she could not accept the potential conflict it would cause for her son. Xiao Chengrui, having procured a mynah bird identical to the one Helan Mingyu had released, arrived at her palace with anticipation.
However, he overheard Helan Mingyu sorrowfully confiding in Ling Zhen'er that she sometimes wished the child did not exist, lamenting that if these events hadn't transpired, she could have lived freely outside the palace with her child. She expressed a preference for her child to be born into a common family, feeling a profound coldness and numbness despite having everything in the palace. Heartbroken by her words, Xiao Chengrui silently released the mynah bird he was holding and left.
Deeply affected by Helan Mingyu's sentiments, Xiao Chengrui made his decision. He summoned his ministers and, without further discussion, decreed that the Fifth Prince, Heng, son of Noble Consort Helan Wanyin, would be named the Crown Prince, citing the prince's handsome appearance and natural gifts. Helan Wanyin was delighted by the news but also expressed her concern to Consort Qiao Shu about Qiheng's young age and the many powerful older brothers he had, some with strong military backgrounds.
Consort Qiao Shu tried to reassure her, noting that His Majesty had suppressed all court opposition to the decision. Later, Su Yuying arrived to stir trouble, warning Helan Wanyin that with Helan Mingyu regaining the Emperor's favor, her son's position as Crown Prince might not be secure. Upon his return to the palace, Xiao Qihan immediately sought out Ling Zhen'er and proposed marriage once more. Ling Zhen'er, however, rejected him again, insisting their union was impossible.
When Xiao Qihan declared his intention to speak with Helan Mingyu immediately about their marriage, Ling Zhen'er quickly stopped him, reminding him that Consort Xian was pregnant and should not be disturbed. Xiao Qihan misinterpreted her concern, believing she meant that after Consort Xian gave birth, Ling Zhen'er would agree to marry him, a notion Ling Zhen'er quickly dismissed as she shyly left. Meanwhile, Xiao Chengxu returned from his campaign.
Su Yuying, his wife, had personally prepared ginseng chicken soup for him. When Xiao Chengxu inquired about recent events in the palace, Su Yuying became upset, realizing he was still preoccupied with Helan Mingyu. Feigning illness, Xiao Chengxu asked for the imperial physician. During the consultation, he discreetly inquired about Helan Mingyu's health, learning that she was due to give birth in a few days and that Consort Qiao Shu had also recently been found to be pregnant.
Su Yuying, overhearing this, grew furious. She confronted Xiao Chengxu, accusing him of caring more for Helan Mingyu than his own official wife and making outrageous insinuations about the paternity of Helan Mingyu's child. Xiao Chengxu, visibly angered, sternly warned her that such slander was treasonous and could lead to her death and the ruin of their entire family if it reached the palace. Later, Su Yuying went to Consort Qiao Shu to complain about Xiao Chengxu's treatment.
Consort Qiao Shu advised her to secure her position and win over Xiao Chengxu to ensure his support for her future son. Su Yuying scoffed at the idea, pointing out that Helan Wanyin's son was already the Crown Prince. Back at Yongning Hall, Ling Zhen'er found her maid, Ling'er, weeping while clutching a meager amount of coal.
Ling'er explained that the Ministry of Internal Affairs had refused to provide sufficient coal, prioritizing Guan Ju Hall, Helan Wanyin's palace, and even denied a large brazier for Helan Mingyu's impending delivery. Ling'er also revealed that Hui'er, Helan Wanyin's maid, had deliberately kicked over medicinal supplements intended for Helan Mingyu days prior. Ling Zhen'er sighed, recognizing their isolated situation, and decided to gather wood to warm the room.
Helan Mingyu was calmly embroidering silk cloth for her child's third-day bathing ceremony, noting how long it had been since she had done any needlework. Ling Zhen'er expressed her unease about Helan Yunqi's delayed return from convalescence, especially with Helan Mingyu's delivery fast approaching. That night, Helan Mingyu suddenly experienced intense abdominal pain, signaling the onset of labor. Ling Zhen'er rushed to assist her, sending Ling'er to find an eunuch to notify Xiao Chengrui and summon an imperial physician.
However, Ling'er returned, unable to find any eunuchs or nannies on duty. In desperation, Ling Zhen'er braved the snow to seek Xiao Chengrui at Guan Ju Hall, only to be rebuffed by Hui'er, who refused her entry and dismissively told her to wait until morning. Returning to Yongning Hall, a distraught Ling Zhen'er was instructed by Helan Mingyu, who was determined to deliver her child, to find Xiao Chengxu. Ling Zhen'er hurried through the heavy snow to Prince Yan's manor.
At the manor, Ling Zhen'er tearfully pleaded with Xiao Chengxu to save the Princess, explaining the dire situation and the lack of help in the palace. Su Yuying attempted to intervene, loudly questioning why Xiao Chengxu would involve himself in an inner-palace matter, warning him of potential taboos, the Noble Consort's wrath, and even threatening to expose his "past scandals" if he persisted.
Ling Zhen'er quickly interjected, silencing Su Yuying with a stern warning that her reckless words could lead to Xiao Chengxu's execution and the destruction of her own family. Xiao Chengxu, ignoring Su Yuying, immediately left with Ling Zhen'er to find a midwife and imperial physician. Xiao Chengxu successfully brought back an experienced midwife, Nanny Li, and an imperial physician.
With Nanny Li's calm guidance and Ling Zhen'er's unwavering support and desperate prayers for the Princess's safety, Helan Mingyu endured a difficult labor and safely gave birth to a healthy baby boy, a little prince. Later that night, Xiao Chengrui was woken by the news that Helan Mingyu had given birth to a prince. Though informed, he chose not to visit her.
Ling'er, relieved, informed Xiao Chengxu of the safe birth and requested that Nanny Li remain to care for Helan Mingyu and the baby, suggesting they claim Helan Yunqi had arranged for her in advance. Soon after, Helan Yunqi returned to the palace and was furious to learn of Helan Mingyu's ordeal and the lack of support she received during childbirth.
She chided Xiao Chengrui, reminding him of his responsibility, and personally saw to Nanny Li's continued presence at Yongning Hall, making sure everyone understood that she had arranged it. Nanny Li, whose family had previously received grace from Xiao Chengxu, was officially appointed to Yongning Hall to care for Helan Mingyu and the little prince. On the day of the third-day bathing ceremony, Xiao Chengrui finally arrived to see his newborn son.
Helan Yunqi subtly chastised him, noting the contrast between the lively ceremony for the Fifth Prince and the bleak one for the Sixth Prince, and reminded him of Helan Mingyu's near-fatal struggle during childbirth.
