The Promise of Chang'an Episode 42 Recap, Plot

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> The Promise of Chang'an Recap

Upon his arrival in the south, the Prince Regent, Xiao Chengxu, secretly arranged for Xiao Qiyuan's protection, ensuring the young emperor would face no danger. After being 'sold' into servitude and left with little food, Xiao Qiyuan regretted his impulsive decision to run away from Xiao Chengxu. He observed a father caring for his son and sorrowfully wished his own father, the late Emperor Xiao Chengrui, were still alive to protect him in the same way.

He soon encountered people whose homes and families were destroyed by floods, learning that court-issued rations were severely exploited. This stark reality made him realize the depth of public suffering and confirmed Xiao Chengxu's earlier assertion that his understanding was too simplistic.

That night, surrounded by the impoverished, Xiao Qiyuan vowed that if he could return to the palace, he would dedicate himself to his studies, work for his people's welfare, and never disappoint his Royal Mother, Helan Mingyu, or his Ninth Royal Uncle, Xiao Chengxu. A few days later, Xiao Qiyuan had grown noticeably thinner, but Xiao Chengxu remained firm, believing such hardship was necessary for him to acknowledge his mistakes.

When Xiao Qiyuan eventually collapsed from exhaustion, Xiao Chengxu rushed to his side. Upon waking, Xiao Qiyuan cried in his uncle's arms, expressing his relief that Xiao Chengxu had finally come for him. Back in their temporary lodging, Xiao Chengxu meticulously applied medicine to Xiao Qiyuan's wounds. Despite his usual fear of pain, Xiao Qiyuan remained silent and contrite. He apologized for his willfulness, admitting he had put himself in danger and caused worry.

Xiao Chengxu praised his endurance and resilience. Xiao Qiyuan then expressed his desire to stay and learn about flood management, realizing that theoretical knowledge from books was no substitute for real-world experience. Shortly after, the Prince of Xin'an, Dong Yizhi, arrived, bringing a flood control specialist. Xiao Qiyuan eagerly joined them, impressing Xiao Chengxu, who felt proud to see him developing the demeanor of a wise ruler.

Xiao Qiyuan also inquired about Dong Ruoxuan, and the Prince of Xin'an informed him that she had gone to her grandparents' home and would not be returning soon. Two months passed with Xiao Qiyuan away from the palace, making the days feel like years for Helan Mingyu. Ling Zhen'er delivered good news: the flood control efforts were successful, and Xiao Chengxu was bringing Xiao Qiyuan back.

Upon their return, Helan Yunqi suggested punishing Xiao Chengxu for taking the emperor out of the palace without permission. However, Xiao Qiyuan defended his uncle, expressing profound gratitude. He explained that his time outside the palace allowed him to witness the true suffering of the people, and he now understood that a ruler must protect and care for his subjects. Both Helan Mingyu and Helan Yunqi were immensely relieved and proud to see Xiao Qiyuan's newfound maturity.

Xiao Chengxu reiterated his promise to Helan Mingyu to guide the young emperor, and she, in turn, expressed her hope that they would one day witness Xiao Qiyuan bring peace and prosperity to the land. During their southern tour, Xiao Chengxu discovered widespread corruption among officials, with Prefect Liu Mingtai of Jianglin being the most egregious culprit, having embezzled disaster relief funds and rations. He recommended severe punishment for Liu Mingtai.

Prince Xiao Qihan, however, argued that Liu Mingtai was honest and requested a thorough investigation, citing long-standing political conflicts between Liu Mingtai and Xiao Chengxu. Xiao Qiyuan, having confirmed Liu Mingtai's corruption firsthand in the south, dismissed Xiao Qihan's concerns and placed his trust in Xiao Chengxu to handle the matter fairly. An order was issued for Liu Mingtai's public execution in five days.

Xiao Qihan was incensed, believing Xiao Chengxu was targeting him to dismantle his influence in the southern region. Observing the growing closeness between Xiao Chengxu and Xiao Qiyuan, Xiao Qihan sought out Xiao Qirong for information. Xiao Qirong, feeling sidelined by Xiao Qiyuan's new devotion to Xiao Chengxu, confirmed that Xiao Chengxu had saved Xiao Qiyuan in the south, exaggerating their newfound bond and suggesting Xiao Qiyuan would readily yield his throne to his uncle.

Armed with this information, Xiao Qihan located the man who had 'kidnapped' Xiao Qiyuan in the south. The kidnapper, when brought before Xiao Qiyuan, confessed that he had been ordered by an "old official" to teach Xiao Qiyuan a lesson. He then identified Xiao Chengxu from a series of portraits as the official who instructed him. Initially, Xiao Qiyuan was skeptical, accusing Xiao Qihan of framing Xiao Chengxu due to their past rivalries.

Xiao Qihan insisted on the truth of the claim, arguing that given Xiao Chengxu's entrenched power in the south, finding Xiao Qiyuan quickly would have been easy if he had genuinely wanted to, implying a deliberate delay. He urged Xiao Qiyuan to test Xiao Chengxu. Xiao Qiyuan subsequently called for Xiao Chengxu, suggesting a delay in Liu Mingtai's execution, claiming that many ministers still believed he was wronged and that he had already promised to postpone the sentencing.

Xiao Chengxu tried to explain that these ministers were merely Xiao Qihan's pawns and that Liu Mingtai's guilt was undeniable. However, Xiao Qiyuan insisted on his authority to make such a decision, reminding Xiao Chengxu of his promise to support him. Xiao Chengxu reluctantly agreed to the delay. Xiao Qiyuan initially felt that this proved Xiao Chengxu's innocence. However, Xiao Qihan then informed him that Liu Mingtai had committed suicide in prison.

Xiao Qihan interpreted this as Xiao Chengxu only pretending to obey Xiao Qiyuan while secretly eliminating Liu Mingtai, further asserting that Xiao Chengxu viewed Xiao Qiyuan as nothing more than a controllable puppet. Helan Mingyu received a letter from Nanny Li stating that Xiao Qiyuan intended to guard his father's mausoleum for half a year.

Xiao Chengxu dismissed this as an excuse to avoid his studies and immediately rushed to the imperial mausoleum to bring him back, while Helan Mingyu suspected there was more to the story. At the mausoleum, Xiao Qiyuan spoke to his late father, Xiao Chengrui, acknowledging that despite his past hatred for Xiao Chengxu's strictness, he had taught him everything, from conduct to martial arts, and had protected him in times of danger.

He admitted to being happy to have someone who cared for him like a father. However, he concluded that this affection was a "lie," a manipulative tactic to control him and make him a "chess piece." When Xiao Chengxu arrived, Xiao Qiyuan defiantly refused to return to the palace. Xiao Chengxu rebuked him for abandoning his duties and studies, calling his actions "rash and headstrong," and disrespecting his late father's legacy.

Xiao Qiyuan retorted, accusing Xiao Chengxu of manipulating him and planning the southern incident. He then challenged Xiao Chengxu to swear before Xiao Chengrui's memorial that he was not responsible for Xiao Qiyuan's suffering and enslavement in the south. Xiao Chengxu tried to explain that he did it to teach Xiao Qiyuan the consequences of willfulness, but he had secretly arranged for his protection.

Xiao Qiyuan refused to believe him, interpreting Xiao Chengxu's actions as a desire to control him and keep his position as regent. He vehemently accused Xiao Chengxu of still harboring resentment for not taking the throne himself, calling him a "disgusting traitor with evil intentions." In a fit of rage, Xiao Qiyuan knocked over the eternal lamp, causing a fire in the mausoleum, and then ordered his guards to arrest Xiao Chengxu. No guard dared to move.

Xiao Chengxu expressed his deep pain and anguish, asserting his unwavering loyalty to Xiao Qiyuan and the Great Sheng, declaring that if he were guilty, his punishment should be decided by the court and the Empress Dowagers, not by the emperor alone. Xiao Qiyuan then brought the matter to the imperial court, asking the ministers how to punish someone who disrespected the former emperor.

Prince Xiao Qihan immediately seized the opportunity, publicly accusing Xiao Chengxu, the Prince Regent, of preventing the emperor from guarding his father's spirit and knocking over the eternal lamp, thereby defiling the imperial mausoleum. He then called for Xiao Chengxu's immediate removal from his title as Prince Regent, a demand echoed by other ministers. Helan Mingyu and Helan Yunqi were furious at Xiao Qihan for orchestrating the discord, lamenting the sudden instability in the court after a period of unity.

They grew increasingly worried about the possibility of Xiao Chengxu losing his regency. Meanwhile, Xiao Chengxuan expressed his anger, calling Xiao Qiyuan a "white-eyed wolf," comparing his actions to the late Emperor Xiao Chengrui, for turning against Xiao Chengxu despite his unwavering devotion.

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