A League of Nobleman Episode 10 Recap
> A League of Nobleman Recap
Her Majesty was presented with a report by Xuan Ji, Chief of Imperial Astronomy, regarding the Hunxiang Instrument currently under construction. Xuan Ji stated that the design for the top of the instrument was still undecided and, after much effort, he had discovered two large rubies under a plum tree in Zilang Mountain, calling them a rare find that seemed an act of providence. He proposed using gold thread to weave an auspicious treasure incorporating these rubies for the top.
Grand Tutor Liu Xian objected, arguing that establishing a golden phoenix instead of a golden dragon was against the rites system, given that the Emperor was the supreme ruler. Xuan Ji countered that Her Majesty was born in a plum forest, the rubies were found under a plum tree in Zilang Mountain, and Zilang Mountain naturally resembled a phoenix nest. He proposed naming the instrument the "Qianqiu Instrument" to symbolize the dynasty's lasting prosperity and Her Majesty's enduring virtues.
Her Majesty was pleased and tasked Xuan Ji with overseeing the project, despite Grand Tutor Liu Xian's renewed pleas for reconsideration based on upholding ritual law. After the court session, Wang Yan remarked on Xuan Ji's ability to anticipate Her Majesty's wishes, suggesting it was key to his favor.
Grand Tutor Liu Xian stopped Lan Jue, questioning why he hadn't opposed Xuan Ji's proposal based on ritual etiquette in the hall, especially since he was now in charge of the Ministry of Rites following Minister Gong's resignation. Lan Jue was unable to offer a clear explanation.
Just then, Wang Yan intervened, stating he needed Lan Jue immediately to take a statement for the embalmer's case file, which had to be submitted that day, and took Lan Jue away, excusing them from Grand Tutor Liu Xian on grounds of urgency. As they left, Wang Yan commented that Liu Xian had likely intended to use Lan Jue as a scapegoat but that Wang Yan's intervention now meant Lan Jue owed him a favor.
Lan Jue, however, claimed he could have managed to talk his way out of the situation himself. Zhang Ping was gathering reed leaves to wrap zongzi when Chen Chou found him. Chen Chou excitedly told Zhang Ping that his noodle stall had become incredibly popular since he helped the Ministry of Justice solve a case and won against Detective Mr. Wang, drawing crowds like crossing river fish.
He proudly announced that he had given Zhang Ping the name "Detective Noodle," now famous throughout the capital. However, Zhang Ping's mind was elsewhere, fixated on the Moluo Village case. He wondered about the mechanics behind the scarlet mist and the unnaturally bright night sky, the identity and motives of the person who had told the embalmer about the Injitian legend, why the embalmer knew Lan Jue's father, and how all this connected to the 20-year-old treason case.
Mr. Tao, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, approached Wang Yan and Lan Jue to thank them for speaking well of him during the court assembly. Wang Yan attributed the gesture to Lan Jue, who responded that colleagues should support each other and he might require Mr. Tao's help in the future, a debt Mr. Tao acknowledged he would repay.
Wang Yan then reminded Lan Jue about the bet he lost to Zhang Ping and when he intended to fulfill his promise to mix dough for Zhang Ping's stall, a debt Lan Jue playfully dismissed. Meanwhile, Chen Chou erected a "Detective Noodle" sign and introduced Zhang Ping to a growing crowd, inviting them to order noodles and ask about his cases.
As people began asking questions about cases and other lost items, Wang Yan arrived, declaring he had lost the bet and presenting Zhang Ping with dough he had personally kneaded. Wang Yan's unexpected arrival caused the crowd to quickly disperse, frustrating Chen Chou, while Lan Jue, who seemed to be nearby, was surprised that Wang Yan had followed through on the bet himself.
Lan Jue visited a clothing shop and showed Mr. Xu, the owner, a piece of Red Gilding Silk from Yunchang Workshop. He explained that Her Majesty had intended to have a formal dress made from the unique fabric, which was Miss Wu's special, secret technique, but Miss Wu had been murdered before finishing it.
Lan Jue, in his capacity as Vice Minister of Rites, asked Mr. Xu to study the silk and complete the dress, emphasizing the importance of this task for his career. Mr. Xu, eager to understand the technique, promised to do his best. Later, Zhang Ping made egg yolk zongzi at home, and Chen Chou looked forward to eating them the next day. The next morning, Zhang Ping cooked some zongzi and took them to Lan Jue's residence.
A large number of scholars were already gathered outside, attempting to present expensive gifts, such as valuable paintings and ginseng, while being turned away by the staff. Zhang Ping called out to Lan Jue and was noticed carrying his simple offering. Lan Jue saw the zongzi, acknowledging that while seemingly plain compared to the expensive gifts, they represented genuine sincerity.
He then addressed all the scholars, stating he appreciated their intentions but could not accept any gifts and advised them to return home and focus diligently on their studies. Chen Chou informed Zhang Ping that the Court of Judicial Review was recruiting new staff due to Her Majesty's dissatisfaction with their work. Zhang Ping immediately expressed interest in applying, even for a helper position.
Chen Chou doubted he could get in without connections but suggested that if Lan Jue could speak for him, it might be possible, hinting that Zhang Ping could ask him for help since Lan Jue had aided him before and he was already going to thank him. Zhang Ping mentioned he had just gone to thank Lan Jue with a gift, but Lan Jue refused to accept it.
Just then, Lan Jue arrived at Zhang Ping's stall, asking about the egg yolk zongzi. Zhang Ping and Chen Chou explained they were gone, and only some leftover salted egg whites remained. Lan Jue was visibly disappointed but settled for millet congee, and Zhang Ping described the quality of the egg whites in detail, mentioning the type of duck egg, wine, and salt used.
Zhang Ping then told Lan Jue he had something important to discuss that required privacy and asked if they could talk at Lan Jue's residence. Lan Jue agreed and told Chen Chou to pack up the stall. At Lan Jue's residence, Zhang Ping proposed performing the "Water Illusion" technique on him. Lan Jue was surprised and asked why.
Zhang Ping explained that ever since he learned about the events in Moluo Village, he had been unable to stop thinking about the scarlet mist and other details, especially since the case seemed connected to Lan Jue's father. He expressed his desire to clarify the truth.
Lan Jue revealed that his father was accused of treason and collusion with the enemy, a case that had been a deeply taboo subject for twenty years and was considered a disgrace to the court. He warned that investigating it, or even asking questions, could cost Zhang Ping his life. Zhang Ping acknowledged the risk but stated he had considered it, was prepared, and would keep everything strictly secret.
Lan Jue pointed out that Zhang Ping fell into a lengthy comatose state after performing the technique and questioned if he wasn't afraid for his life. Zhang Ping replied he was accustomed to it and would recover after sleeping. Lan Jue stated frankly that his greater concern was Zhang Ping's straightforward and perhaps reckless approach to investigation, fearing it could jeopardize his own long-term efforts and potentially lead to the demise of everyone involved.
Zhang Ping reaffirmed his promise not to break his word and suggested a possible connection between the Moluo tribe's "divine retribution," the embalmer's poison, the mysterious person who guided the embalmer, and the treason case involving Lan Jue's father. He argued that he wanted to clarify the truth behind these events.
When Lan Jue questioned why it mattered to him, Zhang Ping quoted Mr. Mu Yesheng, whose detective novels he grew up reading: "If everyone cares about the truth, there would be nowhere to hide for darkness." Lan Jue agreed to the "Water Illusion."
Zhang Ping explained that for the "Water Illusion" to be successful, Lan Jue needed to drop all his mental defenses – his doubts, secrets, and pain – to clear his mind and reconnect with his true nature to find the truth. Lan Jue agreed and asked his attendant, Xu Dong, to leave. Lan Jue described his inner state as akin to a "trapped beast" but confirmed his willingness to cooperate by letting down his guard.
He stated that the only clue he could recall was a mysterious woman who had traveled south with his father. She had appeared suddenly, spent several days in private consultation with his father, and then they had left together for the south overnight. Upon his father's return, he was accused of treason and collusion. Lan Jue admitted that after twenty years, he could no longer remember the woman's appearance and asked Zhang Ping to help him recall details.
Zhang Ping instructed him to gaze into the water vessel, calling it the "realm of truth and purity," where he could meditate and access his memories. As Zhang Ping began the ritual, Lan Jue was drawn into a vision. He heard a disturbing children's rhyme about a "traitor" hanging at the market entrance, asking who he was, with the answer being "not pig or dog."
He recognized this as his persistent inner demon, haunting him whenever he thought about his father's case. In the vision, he witnessed his father's execution, crying out in distress, trapped by this painful childhood trauma and unable to intervene while the rhyme echoed around him. Zhang Ping attempted to guide him to settle his mind, explaining that he could not resolve the inner demon born from Lan Jue's own profound confusion.
