The Promise of Chang'an Episode 49 Recap
> The Promise of Chang'an Recap
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At Helan Yunqi’s bedside, Xiao Chengxu promised to protect both Helan Mingyu and Great Sheng, assuring her that both would be well. Just then, Xiao Qiyuan rushed in, distraught by the news of her grave condition. Helan Yunqi, with her last breaths, urged him to listen to his Royal Mother and not hurt her again, understanding the immense difficulties Helan Mingyu faced. Xiao Qiyuan tearfully promised to obey.
Helan Yunqi then closed her eyes forever, remembering her youth and first meeting with the former emperor. Helan Mingyu was overcome with grief, calling out for her sister, as Ling Zhen'er also mourned. Later, Xiao Chengxu ensured that Helan Yunqi's Yi Ran Hall would be preserved exactly as it was, providing Helan Mingyu a place to find strength. Every visit to the hall, remembering her sister's words and actions, filled Helan Mingyu with courage to face the challenges ahead.
Ling Zhen'er worried for Helan Mingyu, urging her to stay strong, believing Empress Dowager Yuanzhen's spirit would protect Great Sheng and the Emperor. Meanwhile, news broke of Li Sitong’s sudden rebellion. Court officials speculated that Li Sitong, noticing the death of the Prince of Yu and rumors of the Prince Regent Xiao Chengxu’s illness, seized the opportunity. Some even pointed out that Xiao Chengxu himself had promoted Li Sitong. Xiao Chengxu declared his intention to personally punish the traitor.
He proposed an immediate expedition to Xi Yue, promising to return with Li Sitong's head. Xiao Qiyuan, however, questioned his ability, hinting that Xiao Chengxu’s illness would lead to a lifetime’s reputation being wasted. Unfazed, Xiao Chengxu retorted that during his years of fighting for Great Sheng, Xiao Qiyuan was still a baby and lacked battlefield experience, mocking the Emperor’s attempts to dictate military strategy.
He confidently stated that he needed only one month to conquer Xi Yue and behead Li Sitong, vowing to personally teach the Emperor what it meant to be an iron-willed soldier with a true general's soul. The day before the expedition, Helan Mingyu visited Xiao Chengxu, who had stated he wouldn't attend to guests. Concerned, she chided him for pretending to be well after a severe illness, reminding him he was no longer young.
Xiao Chengxu insisted he was fine, claiming his many years of battle had prepared him for any minor ailment. Helan Mingyu questioned why the Prince Regent needed to go personally when Great Sheng had many strong generals, urging him to stop his anger with Xiao Qiyuan. Xiao Chengxu explained that Li Sitong's unpredictable tactics meant only he, who knew Li Sitong so well, could defeat him.
He declared that he had fought his entire life and would never accept humiliation or concede defeat, even if it meant dying on the battlefield. Helan Mingyu, distressed by his words, pleaded with him not to speak such ominous things. Xiao Chengxu then revealed his plan: once Li Sitong was dealt with, they would leave the capital for Jiangbei, where her favorite prairie awaited, promising her freedom to ride as she wished.
He confided that this was the last bit of pride he had left, and without it, his life would be meaningless. Meanwhile, Xiao Qiyuan's loyalists, including Xiao Qirong, continued to fuel his resentment against Xiao Chengxu. They warned the Emperor that Xiao Chengxu’s expedition was a scheme to prove his indispensability and to undermine Xiao Qiyuan's authority, painting the Emperor as an incapable child.
They urged Xiao Qiyuan to act against Xiao Chengxu, suggesting he join the expedition to share the military glory and potentially eliminate Xiao Chengxu if his illness worsened during the intense battle. Xiao Qiyuan hesitated, acknowledging Xiao Chengxu's military control. However, he was persuaded that joining the expedition would not only curb Xiao Chengxu's arrogance but also secure military merits for himself. On the day of departure, Xiao Qiyuan was conspicuously absent.
As the auspicious hour approached, Helan Mingyu, as Empress Dowager Xianzhen, prepared to present the sword to Xiao Chengxu on the Emperor's behalf, officially authorizing him to lead Great Sheng's army against Li Sitong. Xiao Chengxu accepted, pledging to conquer Xi Yue and execute Li Sitong. Just as he was about to depart, Xiao Qiyuan arrived, fully armored, declaring his intention to personally lead the expedition alongside Xiao Chengxu.
Helan Mingyu vehemently objected, highlighting the immense risk to the Emperor and the potential chaos for Great Sheng. Xiao Qiyuan, however, cited the ancient teaching of a monarch dying with the nation and expressed his unwillingness to appear cowardly when the ailing Prince Regent was ready to fight. Despite Helan Mingyu's pleas, emphasizing his lack of battlefield experience, Xiao Qiyuan remained resolute, stating he could not remove his armor and break his promise before the entire court.
Defeated, Helan Mingyu could only turn to Xiao Chengxu, imploring him to protect Xiao Qiyuan. Xiao Chengxu reassured her not to worry, then ordered the battalions to deploy immediately. En route to Xi Yue, Xiao Qiyuan expressed impatience, asking why they weren't rushing to surprise Li Sitong. Xiao Chengxu explained that such a hasty advance would fatigue their troops and play into Li Sitong's ambush tactics, which he, as a seasoned general, knew well.
Back in the palace, Helan Mingyu, continuously worried, prayed for the safety of both Xiao Chengxu and Xiao Qiyuan. Ling Zhen'er comforted her, saying her singular wish for their well-being was not greedy and would surely be granted. Helan Mingyu, still uneasy, recited a poem expressing longing and separation, as the army was expected to reach Xi Yue the next day. Upon their arrival in Yizhou, Xi Yue, Great Sheng's forces demanded Li Sitong's surrender.
Li Sitong, from atop the city walls, defiantly mocked them, calling Xiao Qiyuan a "little brat" and Xiao Chengxu an "ill general," claiming Great Sheng was a spent force. Incensed, Xiao Qiyuan ordered an immediate siege, but Xiao Chengxu countermanded him, aware of Li Sitong's manipulative strategies. Xiao Chengxu confronted Li Sitong, reminding him of his broken promises, while Li Sitong challenged Xiao Chengxu's courage, suggesting his illness made him too afraid to attack.
Xiao Chengxu declared that a siege was unnecessary and he would await Li Sitong outside the city. Xiao Qiyuan, frustrated by the exchange, felt their prestige was wounded by mere words. A report then came of rebels escaping through Yizhou's north gate. Xiao Qiyuan immediately wanted to intercept them, but Xiao Chengxu forbade it, asserting his authority as Commander-in-Chief. He explained that Li Sitong's actions were a feint, designed to provoke them into a premature attack.
However, subsequent reports indicated rebel movements from multiple gates. Xiao Qiyuan accused Xiao Chengxu of deliberately preventing him from gaining military merit. Xiao Chengxu, seeing Xiao Qiyuan's impatience, conceded, allowing him to take Xiao Qirong to pursue the decoy. Xiao Chengxu then discreetly instructed his own officers to prepare for a night battle, anticipating the real fight to begin that very night. As expected, Xiao Qiyuan and Xiao Qirong fell into Li Sitong's trap.
Just as they realized they were deceived, General Cheng arrived, informing them that the Prince Regent had anticipated this diversion. Xiao Chengxu's forces had already defeated the rebels who attacked their camps, and Yizhou had been captured. Xiao Qiyuan was furious, accusing Xiao Chengxu of intentionally making him look foolish.
Xiao Chengxu calmly explained that he had allowed Xiao Qiyuan to pursue the decoy to convince Li Sitong that their plan had worked, thereby luring Li Sitong into attacking the Great Sheng camps, which led to their decisive victory. A new report revealed that Li Sitong had escaped. Xiao Qiyuan blamed Xiao Chengxu for his negligence. Visibly unwell, Xiao Chengxu declared an end to their arguments.
He ordered Xiao Qiyuan to return to the capital in triumph the next day, stating that the Emperor no longer needed to concern himself with military affairs. Away from the main camp, Xiao Chengxiao instigated Xiao Qiyuan against Xiao Chengxu.
He revealed a supposed secret: before his death, Second Royal Uncle Xiao Chengli had discovered Xiao Chengxu was secretly building a private army and had summoned Xiao Chengxu to pledge loyalty in writing, but Xiao Chengxu refused, leading to the Second Royal Uncle's resentful death. Xiao Chengxiao insisted that Xiao Chengxu harbored rebellious intent and urged Xiao Qiyuan to strike first to avoid his own demise. Believing this, Xiao Qiyuan vowed to be ruthless with Xiao Chengxu.
Xiao Chengxu, unaware of the conspiracy, was issuing orders when Xiao Chengxiao rushed in, claiming Xiao Qiyuan's returning convoy was ambushed by rebels and was in grave danger. Suspecting a trap, Xiao Chengxu nevertheless led his troops to the reported location. There, he encountered a decoy posing as the Emperor, whom he swiftly killed, and had Xiao Chengxiao arrested for his involvement in the plot.
Meanwhile, the real Xiao Qiyuan, waiting for news of the planned attack on Xiao Chengxu, was ambushed by Li Sitong. Li Sitong gloated, revealing he had anticipated the Emperor's vulnerability. In a desperate move, Xiao Qiyuan told Xiao Qirong to escape and seek help while he distracted Li Sitong. Xiao Qirong frantically rode to Xiao Chengxu’s camp, pleading for help, explaining that Li Sitong had truly surrounded Xiao Qiyuan.
Xiao Chengxu, still wary from the earlier deception, initially dismissed Xiao Qirong’s cries as another trick. Xiao Qirong desperately tried to convince him, emphasizing Xiao Qiyuan's perilous situation. Xiao Chengxu sarcastically remarked that a "convicted person" like himself couldn't be expected to protect His Majesty. But Xiao Qirong persisted, begging Xiao Chengxu to trust him one last time. Despite his feigned indifference, Xiao Chengxu eventually rode out.
Cornered, Xiao Qiyuan was on the verge of taking his own life when Xiao Chengxu and his troops arrived, cutting through the rebel lines. Surprised to see his Ninth Royal Uncle, Xiao Qiyuan watched as Xiao Chengxu took command of the chaotic scene. Xiao Chengxu then confronted Li Sitong, and the two formidable generals engaged in a fierce battle. Xiao Chengxu ultimately killed Li Sitong.
In his dying moments, Li Sitong fired a last arrow at Xiao Qiyuan, but Xiao Chengxu courageously shielded the Emperor, taking the arrow himself. His final command was to protect His Majesty.
