Episode 13 recap: Xiao Yao and Xuan Qiangxiang have reconciled.
Xiao Yao of Xiling firmly told Xiangliu that no matter how he changed his appearance, she could recognize him without a doubt. When she expressed her desire to break the curse, Xiangliu regretfully said he was powerless to help. Facing Xiao Yao's confusion, Xiangliu explained that it was Tu Shan Jing who had asked him to try to break the curse, and offered very tempting conditions, but he truly had no way to break the curse.
Hearing this, Xiao Yao was surprised and asked if Tu Shan Jing was present, and Xiangliu told her that Tu Shan Jing was standing behind her. Xiao Yao turned around and sure enough saw Tu Shan Jing slowly approaching. Afterwards, Xiangliu left alone, leaving Xiao Yao and Tu Shan Jing together.
Xiao Yao gently comforted Tu Shan Jing, saying that there was no need to be too anxious about the curse, and that she believed there would be a solution, and that time would bring about a turning point. Tu Shan Jing nodded with a smile, and the two then sat side by side on the bridge, quietly enjoying the night view. However, this tranquility did not last long, as Xi Yan Qiangxuan, who had witnessed the scene from afar, was filled with jealousy. He came forward and interrupted their time together, claiming to take Xiao Yao home.
After bidding farewell to Tu Shan Jing, Xiao Yao left with Xi Yan Qiangxuan. Back home, Xiao Yao's attitude towards Xi Yan Qiangxuan remained cold. Outside, the rain was pouring down, and she asked about the ceasefire. Xi Yan Qiangxuan explained that due to the rainy season, continuing the war might cause flooding disasters, so they had temporarily halted the fighting.
Afterwards, he told Xiao Yao to rest early, and then prepared to leave. Xiao Yao stopped him and handed him an umbrella, which Xi Yan Qiangxuan took with a smile, and walked away into the rain.
Hao Ling Wang's health condition was deteriorating, but he still insisted on personally handling the heavy political matters. Hao Ling Wang, seeing his daughter's worries, gently comforted her, telling her that simply being by his side was his greatest solace. Hao Ling Wang's hair was turning whiter, which saddened Hao Lingyi, and she used her magic to try to restore his dark hair.
At night, Hao Lingyi stayed up late on her own, diligently studying military strategies and tactics, hoping to be able to share the burden of state affairs and lighten her father's load. Meanwhile, Xi Yan Qiangxuan, concerned that his friend Chi Shuifeng Long might be affected by the recent defeat of the Western Yan, decided to go to the military camp to accompany him, and obtained his grandfather's permission to do so. Qiangxuan informed Xiao Yao of this plan. Although Xiao Yao was worried about their safety, she also wanted to be by Qiangxuan's side, but was concerned about Hao Lingyi's stance possibly not welcoming her. To dispel Xiao Yao's concerns, Qiangxuan invited Tu Shan Jing to accompany them, and Tu Shan Jing gladly agreed, so Xiao Yao also followed them without worry.
After entering the city, Xiao Yao saw a peaceful and harmonious scene, which puzzled her. Tu Shan Jing then explained to her that all of this was due to Xi Yan Qiangxuan's strict military orders.
He emphasized that no disturbance to the people would be tolerated, and that violators would be severely punished. He also actively took measures to build dams, dredge waterways, and improve the people's livelihood.
As a result, despite the ongoing conflict between Hao Ling and Xi Yan, the people of Hao Ling understood and were grateful for Xi Yan Qiang Xuan's actions during this peaceful period, and could no longer harbor resentment. Upon learning this, Xiao Yao of Western Ling had a significant change of perspective towards Xi Yan Qiang Xuan.
Xi Yan Qiang Xuan candidly expressed his ambitions to Xiao Yao, while emphasizing that he was merely following the tide of the times, seeking to unite the Great Waste and benefit all people. He acknowledged that war was unavoidable and would bring sacrifice and suffering, but he had done his utmost to minimize civilian casualties. After listening, Xiao Yao of Western Ling nodded in understanding and agreement.
As night fell, under the careful arrangement of Tu Shan Jing and Xi Yan Qiang Xuan, Xiao Yao of Western Ling enjoyed a pleasant evening and experienced the joys of camping. Afterwards, the three proceeded to visit Chi Shui Feng Long.
Xiao Yao of Western Ling inevitably felt anxious, fearing that her elopement would make Chi Shui Feng Long resentful. However, Chi Shui Feng Long received her with tolerance and understanding, as if nothing had changed, which greatly reassured her. Just as they were conversing, a soldier rushed in with the news of another defeat of the Western Yin army.
This was the fourth loss, deeply troubling Chi Shui Feng Long with guilt and self-blame. Yet, with the encouragement of Xi Yan Qiang Xuan, he quickly regained his confidence and resolved to fight on. Meanwhile, in Hao Ling, there was heated debate among the court officials regarding the issue of appointing a crown prince.
Some ministers recommended that Princess Hao Ling be made the crown prince, but there were also dissenting voices who believed her temperament was too indulgent and unsuitable for such a weighty responsibility. Others proposed selecting a suitable candidate from among the nephews. These disputes further exhausted the already frail Hao Ling Wang, causing him to cough incessantly. Upon learning of this, Hao Ling was both self-reproachful and furious, determined to take measures to discipline those officials who dared to meddle in state affairs.
In fact, it was Tu Shan Jing who proposed abandoning the Western Yin mountains and attacking the Chenrong mountains, but Xi Yan Qiang Xuan was unaware of this, mistakenly believing it to be Chi Shui Feng Long's strategy, thus raising Chi Shui Feng Long's standing within the army.
Tu Shan Jing openly told Chi Shui Feng Long that he had no desire for power, only wishing to remain by Xiao Yao's side, and acknowledged his debt to Chi Shui Feng Long, expressing his sincere blessings. After hearing this, Chi Shui Feng Long said he needed to consider the matter further.
Meanwhile, Hao Ling recklessly stormed into the Western Yin camp, determined to punish the one who had betrayed her trust.
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