The Promise of Chang'an Episode 34 Recap
> The Promise of Chang'an Recap
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Xiao Chengrui ventured to the deer grounds for a hunt, leaving Consort Hui to attend to Helan Wanyin. Helan Wanyin, distressed by what she believed were her son Qiheng's cries in the night, felt she was hallucinating, despite everyone else's reassurances. Consort Hui suggested a folk remedy, mentioning capable warlocks among the common folk.
Despite her maid's caution about taking "holy water" without an imperial physician's approval, Helan Wanyin insisted, fearing His Majesty's disapproval and convinced the water would allow her to see her son. After drinking the first bowl, she still could not see Qiheng. Overcome with grief, she believed she hadn't drunk enough and demanded more, despite her maid's pleas. Meanwhile, Xiao Chengxu declared his refusal to endure Xiao Chengrui's machinations any longer.
He recounted how Xiao Chengrui had slandered him and tried to take his life, despite his many contributions to Great Sheng. He believed Xiao Chengrui's relentless greed extended to wanting him dead. Xiao Chengxu saw Xiao Chengrui's deer hunt as a heaven-sent opportunity to act. He instructed Xiao Chengxuan to provide detailed information on Xiao Chengrui's plans. Yan Hai was ordered to dispatch soldiers to act as Great Liang spies, luring Xiao Chengli's attention away as far as possible.
Xiao Jing was tasked with leading the Lion Battalion to monitor the Phoenix and Tiger battalions in Yan City. When Xiao Chengxuan expressed concern about Xiao Chengli's second battalion seeing through their ruse, Xiao Chengxu explained that Yan Hai should use captive deer, placing them in the hunting grounds for the spies to lead away, thus separating the hunters' movements and setting up an ambush in Lingzhou.
The signal for their uprising would be Xiao Chengxu shooting down the first deer. Xiao Chengrui and Xiao Chengxu rode together to the hunting grounds. Ling Zhen'er observed them, believing they had finally reconciled and crediting Helan Mingyu for the apparent peace. However, Helan Mingyu felt an unsettling premonition, her eyelids twitching as if something bad was about to happen. She wondered if she was simply exhausted from worrying about Xiao Chengxu.
As they rode, Xiao Chengrui reminisced about Xiao Chengxu's first hunt, recalling how he carried a young, joyous Xiao Chengxu on his horse, who would often fall asleep against him. Xiao Chengxu acknowledged his youthful ignorance. Xiao Chengrui reminded him of another time when Xiao Chengxu, as a child, snuck into the hunting grounds alone, prompting a desperate search by their family. Xiao Chengrui had found him and protected him from their father's punishment.
Xiao Chengrui noted how Xiao Chengxu had grown, no longer needing his shield, and asked if he had forgotten these memories. Xiao Chengxu affirmed he remembered everything, from the Mengjiang sword form Xiao Chengrui taught him, his first punishment for refusing to memorize military books, to his first experience on the battlefield at thirteen, disguised as a soldier, when Xiao Chengrui saved his life and disciplined him severely.
Xiao Chengrui praised Xiao Chengxu's stubbornness and bravery, then asked if he ever resented his strictness. Xiao Chengxu denied it, stating he was cultivated solely by Xiao Chengrui and only sought his recognition, crediting all his accomplishments to his teachings. Xiao Chengrui then probed if Xiao Chengxu believed his past mentorship was merely to manipulate him after becoming Emperor. Xiao Chengxu firmly rejected the idea, asserting that Xiao Chengrui's kindness stemmed from their bond as brothers.
Moved by their shared memories of brotherhood, Xiao Chengxu found his resolve wavering and hesitated to give the signal for the uprising, even as his men lay in wait. Xiao Chengrui, noting it had been a long time since they had conversed so openly, suggested they hunt a deer, roast it with chestnuts – Xiao Chengxu's childhood favorite – and drink until they were both thoroughly drunk.
Xiao Chengrui challenged Xiao Chengxu to a friendly competition to see who would catch a deer first. Just as Xiao Chengrui urged Xiao Chengxu to shoot, a soldier galloped up with an urgent report: Hong Guangzhi had launched a surprise attack on the border. Xiao Chengxu's arrow flew wide. Xiao Chengrui immediately ordered a return to the camps.
Back in the camp, Xiao Chengrui consulted with Minister Li, expressing his fury over Great Liang's persistent advance on Ningjin, acknowledging Ling Qi and Hong Guangzhi as formidable generals whose defeat he deeply desired. Minister Li advised caution given the size of the invading force. Xiao Chengrui, despite his initial reluctance to let Xiao Chengxu earn more military merit, declared that such considerations were now secondary. He condemned Great Liang's unprovoked attack as a crime punishable by death.
He decreed that Xiao Qihan, the Prince of Su, would serve as vanguard; Xiao Chengxu, the Prince of Yan, as Commander in Chief; and Xiao Chengxuan, the Prince of Yu, as Deputy Commander, all to lead the expedition immediately. Furthermore, to ensure victory, Xiao Chengrui announced his decision to personally lead the troops. Despite the worried protests of his officials, who pleaded with him to reconsider, Xiao Chengrui's decision was final.
Helan Wanyin tearfully begged Xiao Chengrui not to leave her alone. He assured her he also wished to stay but, as the nation's supreme ruler, he had duties he could not shirk. Helan Wanyin felt abandoned, but Xiao Chengrui explained that this was a crucial war and he could not remain in the capital awaiting news.
When she questioned why he must personally go, Xiao Chengrui articulated his belief that military victories enhance an emperor's prestige, and he needed to personally lead this important war to consolidate his power and prevent other princes like Xiao Chengxu from amassing too much merit and becoming a threat to his throne. Helan Wanyin then voiced a deep fear: if Qiheng returned and Xiao Chengrui was absent, he would miss their son.
Xiao Chengrui dismissed this as nonsense, urging her to focus on recovery and promising a swift, triumphant return. Xiao Chengxu, now alone with Xiao Chengxuan, lamented the lost opportunity for their rebellion. Xiao Chengxuan observed that Xiao Chengrui's decision to personally lead the army was a clear move to suppress Xiao Chengxu and steal military contributions, despite his pretense of brotherhood. Xiao Chengxu declared his intention to "beat him at his own game."
It was revealed that Xiao Chengxu had long been secretly deploying trusted soldiers into various battalions. This ensured that if His Majesty's three battalions suffered heavy losses in the field, Xiao Chengxu's men could escort him back to the capital, presenting an even better opportunity for a takeover. Xiao Chengxu explained to Chengxuan that it was a sensitive matter requiring utmost caution. He vowed that Xiao Chengrui would repay everything he owed, one by one.
Back in the palace, Helan Wanyin awoke from another nightmare, believing she heard Qiheng calling for her. Convinced the holy water was working, she again demanded more, overriding her maid's pleas to stop. The next day, as Xiao Qihan prepared for battle, Ling Zhen'er approached him, presenting a breastplate from Helan Yunqi and urging him to wear it constantly.
Xiao Qihan accepted it coolly, thanked Helan Yunqi, and dismissed Ling Zhen'er, curtly stating he understood Her Majesty's intentions without needing her instruction. Ling Zhen'er wished him victory and a swift return, to which Xiao Qihan replied that he did not need her worry, as his mother would watch over him. Helan Wanyin observed that Consort Hui had stopped visiting. Shortly after, Helan Yunqi arrived, remarking on Helan Wanyin's improved complexion.
Helan Wanyin, however, denied being ill, declaring that anyone who called her sick was cursing her. She tried to go for a walk, but Helan Yunqi stopped her, fearing she would catch a cold. Helan Yunqi mentioned that Helan Mingyu also missed her but hesitated to visit, worrying about annoying her. Helan Wanyin's mood darkened, and she sarcastically asked whether Mingyu cared if she recovered or died, perceiving herself as a "thorn in their eye."
She insisted she would not die and His Majesty belonged only to her, warning others not to try to steal him. Alarmed by Helan Wanyin's increasingly erratic behavior, Helan Yunqi instructed the servants to ensure her well-being. At the war front, Xiao Chengrui approved Xiao Chengxu's military strategy for Ningjin. After they left, Xiao Qihan expressed concern for his Royal Father's health after days of non-stop travel, suggesting he rest. Xiao Chengrui dismissed the concern but then began to cough.
He vehemently refused an imperial physician, calling it an "old problem" and forbidding anyone from spreading news of his health complications, especially to Xiao Chengxu, to avoid demoralizing the soldiers. He then apologized to Xiao Qihan for neglecting him in recent years due to his mother's past actions. Xiao Chengrui confided in Xiao Qihan, stating that while he might not yet be as capable as Xiao Chengxu, as his eldest son, he would surpass him given the opportunity.
He emphasized that high achievements in war were essential to command respect from the people. Xiao Qihan understood and promised not to disappoint him. Separately, Xiao Chengxuan remarked to Xiao Chengxu that Xiao Chengrui's complexion had been worsening lately, an observation Xiao Chengxu confirmed. Xiao Chengxu grimly wondered if Xiao Chengrui would survive this campaign. In the palace, Helan Wanyin continued her delusional belief that folk remedies would bring her child back.
Seeing this, Helan Mingyu and Helan Yunqi sent for the imperial physician. Soon after, Helan Wanyin began to hallucinate again, calling out Qiheng's name. Helan Mingyu tried to bring her back to reality, insisting that the dead cannot be resurrected. But Helan Wanyin argued that Consort Mu had returned as a ghost, so Qiheng must also be back.
In a desperate attempt to break through her sister's delusion, Helan Mingyu confessed that the "ghost" of Consort Mu was a fabrication she had created. Helan Yunqi corroborated Mingyu's revelation. However, Helan Wanyin refused to believe them, accusing them of lying, and, convinced she needed a stronger dose, decided to increase her medicine. Later, Helan Mingyu visited Guan Ju Hall. Helan Wanyin dismissed her servants, expressing a desire for a heart-to-heart talk.
She then poured what appeared to be tea but was, in fact, an increased dosage of her medicine, offering it to Mingyu and drinking it herself. Helan Mingyu expressed a wish to reconcile. Helan Wanyin acknowledged Mingyu's past help but her tone quickly changed. She accused Mingyu of lying and Helan Yunqi of siding with her. Helan Wanyin lashed out, claiming she had always been compared unfavorably to Mingyu, ignored, and neglected, and questioned if Mingyu ever considered her feelings.
Helan Wanyin bitterly expressed a wish that she had died by Situ Kun's hands, so she could have at least retained her "one-sided love" for Xiao Chengrui, a hollow dream to sustain her. Now, her dream and her heart were utterly shattered, leaving her with only coldness, emptiness, and despair.
