Episode 23 recap: Shang Yi Zhi suffered a great loss with the death of Shi Da Chun.
Initially, it was Zhao Zhong who leaked A Mai's identity as a woman. Little did they know that it would be spread by malicious individuals. Within the military camp, there was a person named Zhao Zhong who, despite being aware that A Mai was already married, spied on her outside her new house and personally witnessed her true identity as a woman. He immediately ran into He Chao, who happened to be passing by, and in a panic, revealed A Mai's true identity without thinking. Zhao Zhong realized the grave mistake he had made and immediately assassinated He Chao.
He Chao was a soldier in the military camp who had achieved remarkable military feats. With his sudden death, it was necessary to find a suitable explanation. Shang Yi Zhi strongly opposed subjecting Zhao Zhong to military law. After careful consideration, military advisor Xu Jing went straight to Zhao Zhong's tent and told him a fable. Shortly after the advisor left, Zhao Zhong took his own life.
Upon hearing that Zhao Zhong was compelled to commit suicide by the military advisor, Shang Yi Zhi was furious and drew his sword to confront the advisor. Xu Jing remained steadfast and confronted Shang Yi Zhi directly, asking him if his impulsive and emotionally driven actions were worthy of the Princess Chang and the numerous soldiers who fought and bled for him. Shang Yi Zhi fell into silence, realizing that although Zhao Zhong was his best companion, he also understood the weight on his shoulders. After all the hardships they had endured to reach this point, how could he afford to lose more strength by needlessly taking another life?
When the emperor heard that Shang Yi Zhi had successfully repelled the Northern Desert Army and possessed the powerful Qingyu Army, he became wary of the military power in Shang Yi Zhi's hands. Immediately, he issued an edict falsely accusing Shi Da Chun of treason and sentenced him to death. Upon hearing this, Shi Da Chun's wife became deeply worried. It wasn't just his wife; Shang Yi Zhi and A Mai were also shocked. They knew very well that this imperial edict was targeting Shang Yi Zhi. If Shang Yi Zhi resisted the order and failed to execute Shi Da Chun, he would be accused of rebellion, and the Qingyu Army would be considered a rebel force.
If it hadn't been for Shi Da Chun's profound sense of righteousness, Shang Yi Zhi would not have achieved what he has today. Despite being aware of the emperor's conspiracy, both Shang Yi Zhi and A Mai decided to defy military orders and protect Shi Da Chun at all costs. They began crafting weapons and discussing battle strategies.
Xu Jing saw this and questioned whether Shang Yi Zhi was once again letting emotions cloud his judgment. However, Shang Yi Zhi remained resolute in saving Shi Da Chun and was determined to do so, regardless of anyone's dissuasion. Shi Da Chun carved a pair of figurines for himself and his wife, assuring her that if she ever missed him in the future, she could find solace in looking at the figurines. His wife understood Shi Da Chun's decision but silently shed tears.
The next day, Shang Yi Zhi and all the soldiers were fully prepared for action. Shi Da Chun called Shang Yi Zhi to a secluded place and confessed that Shang Yi Zhi's father had once come to Yuzhou seeking refuge. After observing Shang Yi Zhi during this time, he realized that Shang Yi Zhi was indeed a talented individual and entrusted the Yuzhou army to him with complete confidence. Now, he wanted to help Shang Yi Zhi with a task and urged him to become a good emperor in the future. Then, Shi Da Chun took poison and ended his own life.
Shi Da Chun's sacrifice undoubtedly dealt a heavy blow to Shang Yi Zhi. He locked himself in a room without eating or drinking for several days. A Mai personally brought him food and drink, urging Shang Yi Zhi to preserve his strength and seek revenge for Shi Da Chun. Finally, Shang Yi Zhi agreed to eat, picking up his chopsticks once again.
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