The Vendetta of An Episode 26 Recap
> The Vendetta of An Recap
Cen Weizong spent the early morning arranging for a young boy to be smuggled out of Chang'an. As they prepared to part, the boy was consumed by guilt for the innocent lives lost because of his past actions. Cen comforted him, explaining that the victims had already forgiven him and urging him to see the vast world rather than dwelling on death at such a young age.
With a travel pass and a group of Cen’s trusted old friends as an escort, the boy was sent away to seek a new life beyond the city walls. As the sun rose, the citizens of Chang’an discovered their world had changed overnight. Tiemo soldiers now occupied the city gates, declaring total martial law.
The primary exits were sealed, and people were informed that the only way to move in or out of the capital was through the distant Yanping Gate. Helpless and unarmed, the common folk could only watch in fear as the invaders took control of their streets. Among the crowd was Xiao Wenjing, wandering aimlessly in despair like a stray dog. He was being closely monitored by Tiemo scouts.
Old Sha, the owner of a noodle stall, spotted him and called him over, pretending to solicit a customer. Although Xiao Wenjing claimed to have no money or appetite, Sha pulled him aside and served him a bowl of fried rice. Xiao Wenjing immediately recognized the dish as Xie Huaian’s handiwork. Sha whispered that Xie Huaian was back and that he must stay strong.
This realization provided a spark of hope; if Xie Huaian was active, there was still a chance to save his brother, Xiao Wuyang, and help reclaim the city. Xie Huaian eventually left Cen Weizong’s residence with Xiaoqing to begin the next phase of his plan. They first visited a pottery shop where Xie left a damaged pot to be mended, specifically instructing the owner to have it ready by the Shen hour the following day.
Afterward, they headed to a physician's hall to find a woman named Yi Zhihu. Known to have saved Ye Zheng’s life in the past, Yi Zhihu led Xie into a hidden room. Inside the chamber, Xie Huaian met with a contact to finalize their strike against the Tiemo forces. Xie revealed that he had already mobilized elite troops from five major garrisons.
Using a secret order, these soldiers had been quietly infiltrated into various corners of Chang'an, waiting for the signal to act. Xie declared his intent to wipe out every invader in one coordinated strike, promising that a "wind" would rise the following afternoon. In the Tiemo camp, Wu Zhongheng, now the Tiemo King, remained wary despite his occupation of the city.
His scouts reported the interaction between Xiao Wenjing and Old Sha, noting that the shopkeeper had been gauging the number of spies following the prince. Wu Zhongheng realized that Xie Huaian had likely returned and reconnected with Cen Weizong. He began to sense that a major move was being prepared against him. At the Huben Army camp, a general reported to Commander Xiang Xuehuai that entire squads of soldiers had been vanishing for five days.
Xiang Xuehuai remained calm as he spoke with Ye Zheng. He explained that these "disappearances" were part of Xie Huaian’s grand strategy. The soldiers were already embedded in the capital, and Ye Zheng had been coordinating with regional governors to join the cause. Back at Cen Weizong’s courtyard, a group of neighbors armed with axes arrived, treating the house like a communal granary. Cen welcomed them, sharing his supplies freely as they discussed the dire situation.
He joked with Xie Huaian about their nicknames, like "Gourd Chicken" and "Boiled Lamb," but the underlying mood was grim. Xie observed that when food runs out, a people's world collapses, strengthening his resolve to end the occupation. Xiao Wenjing was eventually confined by the Tiemo and presented with a humiliating peace treaty.
The terms were devastating: ceding all land north of the North Office and paying a staggering annual tribute of 250,000 taels of gold and silver each, 100,000 horses, 300,000 pieces of silk, and 900,000 dan of grain. Xiao Wenjing, having finally understood the value of a single meal after his time on the streets, was horrified. He realized these terms would turn the nation into slaves and livestock.
He defiantly told the Tiemo that if these were the conditions, they should simply attack, for the people of Chang'an would rather perish in a final stand than accept such a life. As the critical hour approached, Xie Huaian sat alone in the courtyard, sharpening Ye Zheng’s blade. When Ye Zheng approached him, he noticed that Xie’s hair had turned completely white once more, a sign of the immense burden he carried.
Xie revealed that he would personally rescue Xiao Wenjing—whom he referred to as the "Book Boy"—during the imperial procession to the palace, acting as a decoy to divert Tiemo's attention. He instructed Ye Zheng to remain at his designated post to ensure the Shen-hour plan succeeded. Despite Ye Zheng’s protests that this was a suicide mission, Xie remained firm, stating that a life for a life was a price he was willing to pay.
He told his friend to find Zhaolu once the invaders were driven out. Determined to meet his fate just as he had entered the world—white-haired and without regrets—Xie Huaian prepared for the final battle.
