The Promise of Chang'an Episode 44 Recap
> The Promise of Chang'an Recap
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He Shaoyong urged Xiao Qihan to cease his conflict with Xiao Chengxu, explaining that while Xiao Qihan, as the former emperor's eldest son, had always been protected, Xiao Chengxu's life had been the exact opposite, forcing him to develop instincts for survival and combat. Xiao Qihan, in a drunken stupor, was confronted by Xiao Chengtai, who encouraged him not to give up.
However, Xiao Qihan admitted that he had never truly won against Xiao Chengxu and, like He Shaoyong, valued his life too much to continue fighting. He then decided to "lead an intoxicated life" and completed a letter of surrender. Meanwhile, Princess Consort Chen sent Helan Mingyu new slippers with a hidden letter, revealing that the recent dispute between Xiao Qihan and Xiao Chengxu had led to damaging rumors spreading, potentially reaching Xiao Qiyuan's ears.
Helan Mingyu immediately ordered severe punishment for anyone caught spreading gossip, especially those in He Yuan Hall. Concerned about Xiao Chengxu's reaction to the rumors, she wrote a letter and had Ling Zhen'er deliver it to him, advising him to consult Helan Yunqi on difficult matters and suggesting his direct involvement would attract more criticism. Xiao Chengxu, however, felt their actions were transparent and upright, and since they had never "crossed the line," there was no need to fear criticism.
Ling Zhen'er reminded him to consider Helan Mingyu’s position as both Empress Dowager and mother, and thus His Majesty's feelings as well. Later, Ling Zhen'er witnessed a drunken Xiao Qihan making a public spectacle in the street. She approached him, urging him to show self-respect and cease his futile struggle against Xiao Chengxu, stating that everything had been decided the day the former emperor died, and he would never achieve what he desired.
Xiao Qihan, believing Ling Zhen'er was still emotionally attached to Xiao Chengxu, accused her of looking down on him and dismissed her. Separately, Su Yuying confided in Helan Yunqi, lamenting her childless marriage to Xiao Chengxu after so many years and blaming Helan Mingyu for their marital woes. Helan Yunqi dismissed the idea of any impropriety between Xiao Chengxu and Helan Mingyu, offering Su Yuying a divorce if she regretted the marriage.
Su Yuying defiantly refused, stating she would rather remain an embittered wife for life than allow Xiao Chengxu to be free for Helan Mingyu. Helan Mingyu, trying to avoid further rumors, instructed her attendants not to allow Xiao Chengxu to visit, but he forced his way into her chambers. He expressed frustration over constantly bearing a "false reputation," believing if he would be criticized anyway, he might as well act on his desires.
Just then, Su Yuying burst in, publicly accusing Xiao Chengxu of having "filthy wishes" for Helan Mingyu and challenging him to act on his intentions openly. Xiao Chengxu, speechless, left. Back at his manor, he drank heavily, clutching a sachet from Helan Mingyu and wondering how much further she expected him to retreat. Su Yuying found him, tearfully embraced him from behind, and proposed having a child together, believing it would make him forget Helan Mingyu.
Xiao Chengxu ignored her, leaving her heartbroken. Xiao Qiyuan, enraged to learn of Xiao Chengxu's continued visits to Helan Mingyu, initially stormed off to confront them but reconsidered, deciding to devise a plan to "stop him." Around the same time, Yonglin's prince, Helan Mingyu's nephew, sought a marriage alliance with a Great Sheng royal family member. An envoy arrived to discuss this with Helan Mingyu.
As Xiao Chengxu was escorting the envoy to see Helan Mingyu, an old nanny, ostensibly from the ancestral temple, blocked their path, admonishing Xiao Chengxu for his presumptuous behavior in entering the Empress Dowager's private residence. Xiao Qiyuan then appeared, revealing he orchestrated the scene to teach Xiao Chengxu about proper etiquette and the boundaries between ministers and rulers. Helan Mingyu quickly arrived to de-escalate the situation, embarrassed by Xiao Qiyuan's theatrics in front of the Yonglin envoy.
Xiao Qiyuan, however, remained defiant, claiming Xiao Chengxu was in the wrong before storming off. Helan Mingyu, realizing Xiao Qiyuan had been swayed by rumors, tried to reassure Xiao Chengxu. Yet, Xiao Chengxu was deeply hurt by Xiao Qiyuan's distrust, feeling his years of guidance had been wasted and vowing to teach the emperor a lesson if his "absurd" behavior continued.
Helan Mingyu, seeing his anger, decided to let him cool down for a few days to find a suitable solution. Agitated, Xiao Qiyuan ran out of the palace, shaking off his eunuchs. He stumbled upon Dong Ruoxuan being harassed by ruffians and intervened to save her. During their escape, Xiao Qiyuan sustained a minor injury. He ingeniously used Dong Ruoxuan's hairpin to create a diversion, allowing them to escape. Dong Ruoxuan then tended to his wound.
Noticing her name "Ruoxuan" embroidered on her handkerchief, Xiao Qiyuan was surprised and revealed his childhood connection to her, though he kept his imperial identity secret, introducing himself as "Huang Yuan." As night fell, he sent Dong Ruoxuan to forage for wild fruits, while secretly dispatching his eunuchs to capture the son of Lin Shaofu, the bully, and to procure rabbits for them to roast.
Sitting by a campfire, Dong Ruoxuan explained she had become separated from her companions while enjoying the autumn scenery. Xiao Qiyuan, enchanted by her stories of the south, later ordered his eunuch, Xiao Linzi, to retrieve an old kite he had kept since childhood, believing their reunion was destiny. On the anniversary of Consort Lan's death, Ling Zhen'er visited her grave, expressing deep regret for her impetuous actions years ago that led to Consort Lan's demise.
Xiao Qihan appeared, initially accusing her of feigning sincerity, but Ling Zhen'er explained she had acted out of loyalty to her princess. Xiao Qihan, moved, pulled her into an embrace, confessing his enduring love for her, revealing he had never remarried after his consort's death, hoping she would one day return his affections. He assured her he never intended to harm her even when he scolded her.
Ling Zhen'er, however, gently pushed him away, stating she had never harbored romantic feelings for him. Heartbroken, Xiao Qihan finally accepted that some things are simply not meant to be. Meanwhile, Xiao Chengxu's advisors discussed the precariousness of his position, noting that Xiao Qiyuan was now seventeen and would soon assume full imperial power after his wedding. They warned that the emperor's stubborn temperament could lead to significant conflict, especially with Xiao Qihan observing their every move, potentially turning them into enemies on all sides.
