The Vendetta of An Episode 24 Recap
> The Vendetta of An Recap
Xiao Wuyang successfully baited the Tiemo King, Wu Zhongheng, into a fierce duel at Cangshui River. Although Xiao Wuyang’s youth gave him a slight advantage, the battle ended with both men severely wounded and exhausted. As Wu Zhongheng attempted to flee, Xie Huaian pursued him, intent on revenge. However, Tiemo reinforcements arrived, forcing Xie Huaian to temporarily retreat into the shadows to preserve his strength. \n\nNearby, Lu Xiaobing moved to support Xiao Wuyang.
Recalculating his debt, Lu Xiaobing noted that of the four liang of gold he was paid, he had earned one for errands and two for killing Tiemo soldiers. Xiao Wuyang instructed him to use the final liang to protect the shopkeeper who had once sheltered him, as the man’s safety was his only remaining concern. \n\nAs Xiao Wuyang continued to fight off Tiemo assassins, his brother, Xiao Wenjing, suddenly appeared.
Recalling how Wenjing had cared for him during his recovery, Wuyang instinctively lowered his guard. Seizing this moment of trust, Wenjing plunged a blade into Wuyang’s abdomen. The betrayal was the result of Wu Zhongheng’s manipulation. While Wenjing was held captive, the King had shown him military reports of the Tiemo’s unstoppable advance—claiming they were only 1,300 li from Chang'an and that the Baiwenhu Army was in chaos following Gu Yu’s death.
Wu Zhongheng convinced the weak-willed Wenjing that the only way to "save" the realm was to serve as a puppet emperor. Wu Zhongheng admitted he chose Wenjing specifically because he was soft and easily controlled, unlike the defiant Xiao Wuyang. \n\nDespite being stabbed twice and losing his strength, Xiao Wuyang did not retaliate. Instead, he placed a hand on Wenjing’s shoulder, encouraging him to stand tall and protect the people of Chang'an.
He assured his brother that he had never coveted the throne and was willing to let it return to its rightful heir. Taking advantage of this emotional moment, Wu Zhongheng struck and blinded Xiao Wuyang. Wenjing broke down in tears, screaming that they had a deal to spare his brother’s life, but the King ignored his pleas and ordered the guards to drag the blinded prince away.
\n\nMeanwhile, at the Taiyiji Clinic, the Senior Brother (Ye Zheng) and Junior Sister (Xiaoqing) prepared to leave. He explained that staying would only turn them into hostages, forcing Xie Huaian and Lu Xiaobing to make sacrifices they didn't want to make. Determined to forge a bloody path out, he led them into a desperate escape against the surrounding Tiemo guards.
\n\nLater, Wu Zhongheng reflected on his narrow escape from Xie Huaian, admitting that a single inch more would have ended his life. He ordered a total manhunt for Xie. Zhu Zhilong, the leader of the Cangshui River forces, suggested that Xie Huaian would eventually appear at the rice shop due to his loyalty to the shopkeeper. \n\nXiao Wenjing, now treated like a stray dog by the Tiemo, wandered back to the shop seeking comfort.
However, the shopkeeper was filled with fury, branding Wenjing a beast for betraying his own brother and siding with the enemy. He disowned Wenjing, shouting that his "son" died long ago. Left with nothing but crushing guilt, Wenjing knelt in the street, repeatedly whispering apologies. At the same time, Zhu Zhilong waited inside the shop. Through the gloom, a figure in a conical hat approached. Though no shadow was seen, a voice called out "Master," signaling Xie Huaian's arrival for their final confrontation.
