The Promise of Chang'an Episode 29 Recap, Plot

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Helan Mingyu gave birth to the Sixth Prince, enduring a difficult labor that almost cost her life and left her very weak. Though Empress Helan Yunqi reported her condition to Xiao Chengrui, he chose not to visit, stating that she needed rest. Xiao Chengrui then named the new prince Xiao Qiyuan.

Helan Wanyin, however, was displeased by the birth, expressing to Xiao Chengrui her fear that he would forget their son, the Fifth Prince Xiao Qiheng, now that Xiao Qiyuan was born. She mentioned that everyone was talking about how Xiao Qiyuan was born with auspicious red clouds and fetal hair like a crown, suggesting he was blessed by Heaven and Earth. Xiao Chengrui dismissed these rumors as nonsense, assuring her that Xiao Qiheng remained his Crown Prince and beloved son.

Helan Yunqi began investigating the circumstances surrounding Helan Mingyu's delivery. She summoned Hui'er, Helan Wanyin's maid, to Feng Yi Hall. Hui'er, terrified, pleaded with Helan Wanyin and Xiao Chengrui, but Helan Wanyin sternly told her that the Empress controlled the inner palace and she must obey. After Xiao Chengrui left, Hui'er confessed to Helan Wanyin that she had blocked Ling Zhen'er from reaching Xiao Chengrui on the night of Helan Mingyu's labor.

Helan Wanyin was angry about Hui'er's actions but warned her that Xiao Chengrui must not find out. Helan Wanyin then visited Helan Yunqi, who directly accused Hui'er of preventing the news of Helan Mingyu’s labor from reaching Xiao Chengrui. Hui'er denied the accusation, so Helan Yunqi summoned two eunuchs who were on duty that night.

The eunuchs, loyal to Helan Wanyin, claimed that Ling Zhen'er had not clearly stated Helan Mingyu was in labor and they had not wanted to disturb His Majesty late at night in heavy snow. Though lacking concrete evidence, Helan Yunqi ordered the two eunuchs to be beaten 100 times for their negligence and other staff to be punished for disappearing from duty.

Later, Helan Yunqi lamented to Helan Mingyu that despite the severe wrong done to her, she couldn't get full justice without more evidence. Ling Zhen'er worried that even if Xiao Chengrui knew the truth, he would protect Helan Wanyin, and feared more plots against the Sixth Prince. Helan Wanyin, after the incident, secretly instructed Hui'er to ensure the two eunuchs were given money and sent away with their families to prevent further exposure.

Meanwhile, Helan Wanyin overheard Helan Mingyu telling Ling Zhen'er that Nanny Li, who assisted with the birth, was "handpicked by the Prince of Yan" (Xiao Chengxu) and sent to the palace in the middle of the night. Later, Helan Wanyin's maid deliberately caused Nanny Li to drop fabric, sending her to retrieve new material to delay her. Helan Wanyin then confronted Helan Mingyu at Yong Ning Hall, demanding to know Nanny Li's true origin.

Helan Wanyin summoned Xiao Chengrui, claiming Nanny Li was not registered in the palace and suspiciously resembled someone from the Wolf Battalion. Helan Mingyu admitted Nanny Li was not from the palace but denied any connection to the Wolf Battalion. Hui'er then interjected, stating that Nanny Li had sneakily left the palace and was followed by royal guards.

When the guards were summoned, they reported that Nanny Li went to the Yanqiu Tower and then to a house on the outskirts owned by Helan Keyong, Prince of Yonglin. Surprised, Hui'er and Helan Wanyin had expected Xiao Chengxu. Helan Mingyu calmly explained that Helan Keyong was her older brother and had come to visit her privately, apologizing for his discreet arrival. Xiao Chengrui summoned Helan Keyong and Nanny Li.

Helan Keyong explained that he had come to the capital because Helan Mingyu was giving birth, only to find no one was helping her. He stated that Ling Zhen'er was forced to leave the palace in the middle of the night to seek his help. Ling Zhen'er corroborated, describing how she desperately sought help but was ignored, and how Hui'er had driven her away from Guan Ju Hall, insisting Helan Mingyu wait until morning to give birth.

Helan Wanyin tried to refute this, claiming Ling Zhen'er hadn't been clear and the eunuchs were trying to protect His Majesty's rest, and that the two eunuchs in question had already left the palace after serving their term. However, Helan Keyong revealed that his guards had intercepted the two eunuchs as they were leaving the palace and brought them back.

The eunuchs then confessed that Hui'er had indeed ordered them to block Ling Zhen'er and prevent the news from reaching Xiao Chengrui, and that Hui'er had later bribed them with money to keep silent when Helan Yunqi investigated. They even presented the bribe money as proof. Hui'er desperately begged Helan Wanyin for help, but Helan Wanyin, in front of Xiao Chengrui, feigned ignorance and distanced herself, claiming she had no idea Hui'er would act in such a way.

Xiao Chengrui, disappointed, questioned Helan Wanyin's sincerity and ordered Hui'er to be beaten to death for almost causing the death of Helan Mingyu and his son. Xiao Chengrui then declared that, due to the Sixth Prince's safe arrival, he would dismiss the larger matter, considering Nanny Li a savior. Despite this, Xiao Chengrui expressed his disappointment and anger towards Helan Wanyin, not believing her claim of ignorance, especially regarding Hui'er's ability to bribe and quickly send away the eunuchs.

He warned her that he would not tolerate anyone harming his sons. Helan Wanyin was left feeling Xiao Chengrui cared more for Helan Mingyu. Helan Mingyu, in turn, was surprised by the depth of Helan Wanyin’s resentment. Helan Wanyin confronted Helan Mingyu and Helan Keyong, accusing them of teaming up to bully her and steal Xiao Chengrui's affection, her son's position, and her happiness. Helan Keyong admonished her for her narrow-mindedness.

Helan Wanyin defensively brought up her past suffering and how she finally found love, questioning if they ever cared about her feelings. Helan Keyong then revealed that he knew Helan Wanyin had threatened the eunuchs' families to ensure their silence and that he had previously covered for her by saying he adored her, which led the eunuchs to only confess about Hui'er.

He warned Helan Wanyin that Yonglin would not tolerate any more sibling rivalry, and if she harmed Helan Mingyu again, the entire Yonglin would disown her. Helan Wanyin was heartbroken, feeling abandoned by her brother, sister, and even Xiao Chengrui. In the Imperial Study, Xiao Chengrui complained that Helan Mingyu hadn't sent any tokens of gratitude despite him resolving the matter in her favor.

Helan Wanyin arrived with soup, tearfully apologizing for her wrongdoings, which she attributed to caring for him too much and fearing his disapproval. Xiao Chengrui softened and forgave her. Helan Wanyin then asked if she was still less important than Helan Mingyu in his heart. Xiao Chengrui clarified that his actions were for the sake of the imperial heirs, and he would have acted the same regardless of who was involved.

Helan Wanyin reiterated her desire for his exclusive love and adoration. Upon hearing the news, Xiao Chengxu felt deep sorrow, blaming himself for Helan Mingyu's plight in the palace's intrigues. He discreetly asked Nanny Li to give Helan Mingyu a jade pendant, a gift from his father, during the upcoming one-month celebration for Xiao Qiyuan. However, Xiao Chengrui decided to cancel Xiao Qiyuan's one-month celebration.

Helan Yunqi confronted him, angered by the decision and the breach of tradition, fearing it would hurt Helan Mingyu. Xiao Chengrui admitted his oversight in not consulting her but insisted Helan Mingyu wouldn't care, as she seemingly valued nothing in the inner palace, especially his adoration. He subtly suggested Helan Wanyin's "sincere heart" was more important to him than beauty or virtue, implying Helan Mingyu lacked that devotion.

He stated that he would fulfill Helan Mingyu’s apparent wish by canceling the celebration. On the day of the cancelled celebration, Ling Zhen'er went to the Imperial Kitchen to make Long Life Noodles for Xiao Qiyuan but was met with coldness and refusal. Helan Mingyu, understanding the fickle nature of palace life, was unfazed.

She told Ling Zhen'er not to suffer for her, expressing her deep sisterly bond and suggesting Ling Zhen'er find a good husband and return to Yonglin for a happier life. Ling Zhen'er, however, refused to leave Helan Mingyu or Xiao Qiyuan. Just then, Xiao Qihan arrived.

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