The Vendetta of An Episode 14 Recap
> The Vendetta of An Recap
Following the sudden ambush by the Huben Army, Chang'an has fallen, and Emperor Xiao Wuyang has vanished after the assault. With Yan Fengshan successfully reclaiming authority over the city, Ye Zheng and Xiao Wenjing flee via the waterways under the guidance of their master. During the journey, Xiao Wenjing reads a poignant letter left by Han Ziling. While others may have viewed the Emperor as a weak ruler, Han Ziling’s words reveal a deep respect for the sovereign's compassionate vision.
He writes of a dream where the elderly are cared for and children are nurtured—a peaceful era that favored restoration over conquest. He encourages Xiao Wenjing that even if they are forced into seclusion in the countryside, they can still strive to benefit the people, as true devotion to the state does not require a throne. In the capital, Yan Fengshan has secured every vital pass, positioning his troops so thoroughly that the city is sealed tight.
At Hidden Soldier Alley, the former gatekeeper prepares to leave with her foster son. They reflect on their mutual betrayal of the Huben Army for the sake of their bond, acknowledging that they no longer have a place in the organization. Xie Huaian had honored his word by opening the prison gates for them, allowing them a chance at a new life.
In stark contrast, the once-powerful Chancellor Gao has been reduced to a wretched state; with his legs broken by Yan Fengshan, he now hauls a small cart through the palace to refill lamp oil, living more like a dog than a high official. Xiao Wenjing and Ye Zheng eventually find refuge in Cangshuichuan, a secret sanctuary and the final stronghold of the Huben system.
Though the site remains unfinished following the death of its creator, Liu Ziwen, it serves as a final sanctuary for those displaced by the fall of Chang'an. The Emperor remains in a deep coma from his injuries, cared for by Ye Zheng, who remains vigilant. To afford the necessary medicine and supplies, Xiao Wenjing takes up back-breaking labor as a porter at a salt shop.
The shopkeeper, noticing Xiao Wenjing’s delicate features, suspects he comes from a noble background, but Xiao Wenjing maintains his cover by claiming he was merely a pageboy. Back in the city, Wang Pu lives in a state of self-imposed punishment for his failure at Hidden Soldier Alley. Shackled and forced to roam the markets, he is eventually found by Yan Fengshan at a local tavern.
Despite Wang Pu’s deep shame and his refusal to eat the meals prepared by their associate Zhiying, Yan Fengshan treats him with uncharacteristic warmth. Yan Fengshan has avoided the throne at Taiqing Hall, choosing instead to live among the common people, and he personally seeks out Wang Pu like a father looking for a wayward son, urging him to return home.
Meanwhile, hearing that Yang Chuhao will soon arrive in the capital to oversee Tiemo envoys, Xie Huaian has spent the last month hiding in a suburban temple under the alias "Zeng." The temple's keeper, a man burdened by gambling debts, notices Xie Huaian appearing dazed and talking to the air as if conversing with spirits.
Seeing a bounty of a thousand liang for Xie Huaian's capture, the keeper conspires with Officer Wang, a man who claims he is looking for a way back to the capital. They report Xie Huaian’s location to Wang Pu, hoping to trade the rebel for wealth and status. Eager to redeem himself in Yan Fengshan’s eyes, Wang Pu travels to the temple alone. He finds Xie Huaian calmly boiling dumplings in a pavilion, seemingly waiting for him.
Xie Huaian reveals that the encounter is no accident; he had deliberately lured Wang Pu there using Officer Wang as bait, who is revealed to be Xie Huaian’s own man. Knowing that Wang Pu was under constant surveillance by Huben spies, Xie Huaian’s associates in the city had already neutralized the sentries. As the dumplings simmer, Xie Huaian confronts the man known as Yan Fengshan’s smartest tactician, daring him to see what moves remain in this dangerous game.
