The Promise of Chang'an Episode 33 Recap
> The Promise of Chang'an Recap
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Xiao Chengli presented the marriage contracts of Su Yuying and Kelan, revealing a missing piece in Xiao Chengxu's personal seal on Kelan's contract. He explained that official records showed Xiao Chengxu received a new, intact seal at the beginning of the year, meaning his seal had been damaged for a period. However, the collaboration agreement that accused Xiao Chengxu had a perfect, intact seal, despite being dated after the marriage contract.
From this, Xiao Chengli concluded that the collaboration agreement was forged to frame Xiao Chengxu and eliminate a strong contributor to Great Sheng. Many officials, including Li Wencheng, pleaded with Xiao Chengrui to thoroughly investigate the matter and restore Xiao Chengxu's innocence, expressing concern for the morale of the soldiers. Xiao Chengrui's face darkened, but he had no choice but to agree to a full investigation. Xiao Chengli then looked at Helan Mingyu from afar, acknowledging their successful plan.
Xiao Chengrui was furious, realizing that Su Yuying and others had outmaneuvered him. He felt that nearly the entire court had sided with Xiao Chengxu. He was unwilling to accept this setback, feeling that his authority would turn to dust if he let the matter go. Despite the evidence of Xiao Chengxu's innocence, Xiao Chengrui was not ready to release him, no matter how much Xiao Chengli pleaded.
Helan Mingyu and Helan Yunqi discussed the situation, remembering Xiao Chengrui's oath to Consort Mu before her death. Helan Mingyu suggested they needed to find a way to remind Xiao Chengrui of his oath. Meanwhile, Helan Wanyin visited Helan Yunqi, and it began to rain heavily. Helan Yunqi arranged for Helan Wanyin to be escorted back to Guan Ju Hall. On her way, a sudden clap of thunder startled them.
Helan Wanyin noticed the door of an abandoned hall moving and, upon approaching, was terrified by a ghostly figure, fainting on the spot. When Xiao Chengrui arrived, Helan Wanyin cried, describing a "hanging ghost" with a long tongue that stared at her coldly. A palace maid suggested it resembled the late Consort Mu, causing Xiao Chengrui to become visibly disturbed. This "ghost" was a ruse orchestrated by Helan Mingyu and Ling Zhen'er.
Ling Zhen'er confirmed she had burned the props after the incident to ensure no trace remained. Although Xiao Chengrui had been confined to his Imperial Study by the rain and thus missed the direct encounter, Helan Mingyu hoped the news would reach him and remind him of his forgotten oath, thus compelling him to release Xiao Chengxu. Indeed, Xiao Chengrui spent a restless night, plagued by nightmares and memories of his past oath to Consort Mu.
The next day, many exaggerated rumors about the ghost spread throughout the palace. Helan Mingyu instructed Nanny Li not to take Xiao Qiyuan outside, to avoid any potential conflict or distress. Helan Wanyin remained deeply traumatized, refusing to sleep and later running barefoot into the night, calling out for her son, Xiao Chengheng, believing he had returned. She developed a high fever due to exposure to the cold. Xiao Chengrui, concerned, personally cared for her.
When Li Wencheng arrived to discuss Xiao Chengxu's fate, Xiao Chengrui, still distressed, ordered him to handle the matter according to the law and to prepare a decree for him to review, citing his poor health. Soon after, Xiao Chengxu was released from the Ministry of Justice. Xiao Chengxuan greeted him, surprised by his release. Xiao Chengxuan explained that Helan Mingyu was responsible, having found crucial evidence from Kelan's marriage contract and persuaded Xiao Chengli to present it in court.
Xiao Chengxu was deeply moved and also filled with trepidation, realizing the immense risks Helan Mingyu had taken for him, believing in his innocence when everyone else doubted him. Xiao Chengxuan suggested Xiao Chengxu comfort Su Yuying, acknowledging her significant contribution to his release. Su Yuying then approached Xiao Chengxu, asking him to destroy the marriage withdrawal letter he had given her, citing her sincere repentance and desire for harmony.
Xiao Chengxu, hoping for peace in his household, agreed to destroy it. However, when Su Yuying invited him to her quarters, Xiao Chengxu, feeling exhausted and needing time to think, declined. Angered, Su Yuying accused him of still seeking Kelan and declared that Kelan would never be heard from again because she had already expelled her from the Yan Manor for publicly demanding a divorce. Xiao Chengxu was dismayed, realizing Su Yuying's underlying motive in helping him.
He rebuked her for her cruelty, pointing out that Kelan, a mere musician without connections, would face certain hardship if cast out. Su Yuying retorted that his life was owed to her, and he had no right to deny her his heart. At that moment, a messenger arrived, announcing that Kelan had caught a severe chill at a country estate and died before a doctor could be summoned.
Xiao Chengxu stared at Su Yuying with a chilling gaze, leaving her visibly shaken and defensive. Helan Yunqi confronted Helan Mingyu about the "ghost" incident. Helan Mingyu confessed that it was her doing, a desperate measure to save Xiao Chengxu by reminding Xiao Chengrui of his solemn oath to Consort Mu. Ling Zhen'er also stepped forward to take responsibility. Helan Yunqi, though understanding, warned them to keep the secret absolutely, as its exposure would bring severe consequences.
Helan Yunqi then expressed concern about the growing rift between Xiao Chengrui and Xiao Chengxu. With Xiao Chengxu refusing to attend court and Xiao Chengrui refusing to summon him, the stalemate was creating instability and giving rise to dangerous ambitions among others. She urged Helan Mingyu to persuade Xiao Chengxu to yield, acknowledging that as the Emperor, Xiao Chengrui could not be the first to back down.
Helan Mingyu met with Xiao Chengxu, who felt betrayed by Xiao Chengrui's actions, stating that the Emperor clearly wanted him dead. Helan Mingyu implored him to swallow his pride for the sake of Great Sheng's stability and his own well-being. Xiao Chengxu agreed, explaining that he had planned to de-escalate the tension anyway, as excessive docility could often breed more suspicion. Xiao Chengxu went to the Imperial Study and knelt outside, seeking an audience with Xiao Chengrui.
The eunuch informed him that the Emperor was unwell and resting, advising Xiao Chengxu to return. Xiao Chengxu insisted on waiting until Xiao Chengrui awoke. Hours passed, and a eunuch, upon Xiao Chengrui's subtle instruction, left a lamp for Xiao Chengxu, implying he should continue waiting. Xiao Chengxuan, witnessing his brother's humiliation, became enraged and tried to take Xiao Chengxu away, but Helan Mingyu intervened.
She explained that their actions would be futile and would only exacerbate Xiao Chengrui's anger, insisting they must wait for him to calm down. Late into the night, as Xiao Chengrui prepared to rest, he saw Xiao Chengxu still kneeling. Memories of Xiao Chengxu's childhood, when he would plead for Xiao Chengrui after punishments and secretly offer him candy, flooded his mind. Xiao Chengxu remained kneeling until dawn. The next morning, Xiao Chengrui finally appeared.
Xiao Chengxu humbly admitted his wrongdoing for being disrespectful in court and for his absence. Xiao Chengrui remarked on his generous pardon, which Xiao Chengxu acknowledged, promising to repay his grace and asking Xiao Chengrui to take care of his health. Xiao Chengrui, noting that even Helan Mingyu had interceded for him, ordered Xiao Chengxu to rise, warning him that Great Sheng could survive without any single person. He then told Xiao Chengxu to clean himself up and attend court.
Later that morning, in Chong Zheng Hall, a eunuch announced that Xiao Chengrui was unwell and had canceled the morning court, but instructed all ministers and princes to gather in the Imperial Study to discuss a hunting trip. Xiao Chengxuan remarked that this was a deliberate move by Xiao Chengrui to publicly humiliate Xiao Chengxu. Helan Mingyu, who had also stayed up all night worrying, watched Xiao Chengxu from a distance, relieved to see him, yet understanding the deep humiliation he endured.
