The Promise of Chang'an Episode 40 Recap
> The Promise of Chang'an Recap
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Helan Yunqi worried that Xiao Chengxu might develop ambitions, noting that Great Liang's prosperity and flourishing lands were far superior to Great Sheng's, and human nature often leads people to desire more as they gain. After Great Sheng moved its capital to Chang'an, Xiao Chengxu reported to Empress Dowager Helan Mingyu and Empress Dowager Helan Yunqi, as well as Xiao Qiyuan, that he had fulfilled their ancestors' wishes by unifying the central plains.
He acknowledged the Chang'an campaign was brutal, costing many of Great Sheng's finest generals. He revealed that Xiao Qishuo and Xiao Qida died in battle and that their father, Xiao Chengli, bore the loss of his two sons without a word of blame, making Xiao Chengxu feel deeply indebted. Helan Mingyu inquired about Xiao Chengxu's old injury. When he tried to reach for her hand, she gently pulled back, expressing her hope for a peaceful and stable future for Chang'an.
Xiao Chengxu affirmed his commitment to assist Xiao Qiyuan in governing the land. Helan Mingyu encouraged him to also pay attention to his own life and family, but Xiao Chengxu responded that his life was personally cut off when he agreed to support Xiao Qiyuan, and now he didn't know what else he could do. He then asked Helan Mingyu if she was truly happy and able to let go.
She stated that holding on was pointless, as feelings change and fade over time. Now, she regarded him as family, like a brother, someone she would worry for in hardship and wish peace upon, but nothing more. Xiao Chengxu didn't believe her words were sincere, but Helan Mingyu offered no further explanation. Upon returning to his manor, Xiao Chengxu continued to immerse himself in state affairs. His wife, Su Yuying, distraught, urged him to consider his family and his son.
Unmoved, Xiao Chengxu ignored her pleas. Later, Ling Zhen'er informed Helan Mingyu and Helan Yunqi that Xiao Qihan and Xiao Chengxu had a heated argument in court before Xiao Qiyuan. Xiao Chengxu advocated for an immediate conquest of Xi Shu, while Xiao Qihan disagreed, seeking the empress dowagers' intervention. Helan Mingyu surprisingly sided with Xiao Qihan, suggesting the troops needed rest and conquering Xi Shu later would not be too late. Xiao Chengxu, though seemingly taken aback, accepted her decision.
Official Ling then raised concerns about the new law imposing heavy taxes on the people of the former Great Liang, arguing it was inappropriate. Xiao Chengxu countered that it was necessary due to the depleted national treasury. Helan Mingyu, however, insisted on a more thorough discussion, asserting that the commoners of Great Liang were now Great Sheng's people and treating them differently in taxation could lead to losing their loyalty, which would have dire consequences.
Helan Mingyu prepared a meal for Xiao Chengxu, acknowledging that he was likely displeased by her opposing him on these two issues. Xiao Chengxu felt she was deliberately targeting him. Helan Mingyu patiently explained her reasoning, emphasizing that as Prince Regent and Empress Dowager, they had to act with reason for the good of the realm and win the hearts of the commoners. She hoped he would listen to her as he had in the past.
Xiao Chengxu eventually conceded, declaring that he had never been able to win against her since childhood and agreeing to rescind the higher tax law. Their conversation was interrupted by Xiao Qiyuan, who, upon seeing Xiao Chengxu, rudely demanded he leave. Helan Mingyu chastised Qiyuan for his disrespect. Xiao Chengxu took Qiyuan's cricket, advising him to focus more on his studies and imperial duties rather than play, a sentiment Helan Mingyu supported. Annoyed, Xiao Qiyuan ran off.
Xiao Chengxu then told Helan Mingyu that he would try to learn how to be a good father and promised to stay and accompany her forever, regardless of her status as a mother or a woman. One day, while playing in the imperial garden, Xiao Qiyuan and Xiao Qirong slipped away from their eunuchs. Xiao Qiyuan climbed a tree to catch a bird but accidentally fell, startling Xiao Qirong.
Helan Mingyu was angry with Xiao Qiyuan, but Helan Yunqi suggested inviting children from ministerial families to accompany him, believing it would alleviate his boredom and provide good influence. When Ling Zhen'er brought the children, Xiao Qiyuan refused to take his medicine. Dong Ruoxuan, the daughter of the Prince of Xin'an, offered him a sweet candy, which persuaded him to drink the bitter medicine. During a kite-flying session, Situ Zhen rudely snatched Dong Ruoxuan's phoenix kite.
Learning that Dong Ruoxuan liked kites, Xiao Qiyuan ordered more to be made for her, much to Situ Zhen's jealousy. Helan Mingyu observed that Dong Ruoxuan was the daughter of the Prince of Xin'an, a capable but sidelined former Great Liang official whose birth mother had passed away early. Helan Mingyu then summoned Dong Ruoxuan, and Xiao Qiyuan remembered her name. The Prince of Xin'an was later assigned to guard Jiangnan.
Xiao Chengxu explained that many former Great Liang commoners in the region were secretly rebelling against Great Sheng. He valued the Prince of Xin'an's talent and trusted him to reassure the commoners, especially since he was a native of Jiangnan. Meanwhile, Xiao Qiyuan, on a whim, donned his favorite clothes and rushed off with a new kite to find Dong Ruoxuan. He found Situ Zhen in Helan Mingyu's palace, but Dong Ruoxuan was nowhere to be seen.
Upon learning that the Prince of Xin'an had already taken Dong Ruoxuan out of the palace, Xiao Qiyuan threw a tantrum, demanding that the Prince be recalled. Helan Mingyu allowed his outburst, intending for him to understand that an emperor cannot always have his way. Unbeknownst to her, Xiao Qiyuan issued a handwritten imperial decree, ordering a rider to intercept the Prince of Xin'an and claim that Helan Mingyu had rescinded his assignment.
On their journey to Jiangnan, Dong Ruoxuan felt unhappy about leaving so hastily. When the Prince of Xin'an received Xiao Qiyuan's forged decree, he immediately sought out Xiao Chengxu. Xiao Chengxu was furious at Xiao Qiyuan's reckless behavior. He instructed the Prince of Xin'an to proceed to Jiangnan as originally planned and decided to personally confront Xiao Qiyuan. Xiao Qiyuan, still eagerly expecting Dong Ruoxuan's return, was told by Xiao Chengxu that she had already departed for Jiangnan.
Enraged, Xiao Qiyuan declared his imperial authority, asserting he could do as he pleased, and threatened to order Xiao Chengxu's death. Helan Mingyu arrived, also angry at Qiyuan's actions. Xiao Chengxu then lifted Xiao Qiyuan, proclaiming his intention to personally educate His Majesty. Although worried, Helan Mingyu did not intervene. For several days, Xiao Qiyuan cried for Helan Mingyu. However, she recognized the validity of Xiao Chengxu's actions, understanding that an emperor's impulsiveness and willfulness could harm the nation. To avoid being seen as an overly doting mother, she asked Helan Yunqi to subtly persuade Xiao Chengxu.
