The Wanted Detective Episode 16 Recap
> The Wanted Detective Recap
Feng Qingzhuo, having finally understood the truth about his master's death from Old Bug, was present as Xiao Beiming interrogated Old Bug for details about Yesha. Old Bug demanded his freedom in exchange for information about Yesha, a proposal Xiao Beiming rejected. Old Bug then threatened that if he were to die, the truth about Yesha would forever remain hidden.
Later, Xiao Beiming was surprised when Feng Qingzhuo admitted to having released Old Bug, explaining he did so precisely because Old Bug possessed crucial information about Yesha. Xiao Beiming deduced that Old Bug had blackmailed Feng with these details, and Feng confirmed that a deal was struck: information for freedom. Feng clarified that while avenging his master was once his utmost priority, some people and matters had now become more important.
Old Bug, now free, described Yesha as a masked young man with a black mole on the right side of his eye, though he couldn't see his true face. This description conflicted with previous accounts, making Xiao Beiming question the identity of Yesha and whether multiple individuals were operating under that name. Old Bug further revealed that Yesha had commissioned him to create a poison that would cause hallucinations and ultimately death, all while being difficult to detect.
Old Bug identified Red Crystal as the ideal substance, explaining it is refined from a rare mineral called red obsidian. While red obsidian is not hard to find, the refinement process requires a large quantity of "medicinal usher," specifically corpse oil and living blood. Old Bug confessed to providing Yesha with the ingredients and method, expressing shock at the amount of Red Crystal Yesha produced, implying numerous lives were taken to create it.
Realizing the extreme cruelty of this poison, Xiao Beiming decided to focus their investigation on the rare sources of red obsidian as a primary lead to finding Yesha. Although Feng Qingzhuo initially believed the Fire Cicada had cured Xiao Beiming's Blood-freezing Frost poison, he soon learned the painful truth from Old Bug: it had merely stimulated Xiao Beiming's remaining vitality, leaving him with only a month to live.
Xiao Beiming, already aware of his deteriorating condition and the poison's progression (manifesting as a livid streak on his arm that would progressively darken and spread), comforted a burdened Feng, expressing gratitude for the additional month of life Feng had helped him secure.
He also thanked Feng for keeping his true condition a secret from Zhong Xueman and Tong Shuang, emphasizing that their focus on the case and finding Yesha was paramount, and they would be too distracted if they knew. Xiao Beiming affirmed his unwavering resolve to pursue justice until his last breath, likening his commitment as a constable to Feng's own dedication as a forensic medical examiner.
With the red obsidian clue pointing to Weizhou, Xiao Beiming, Feng Qingzhuo, and Zhong Xueman began preparing for the journey. Tong Shuang, revealing his origins as the Third Young Master of the Pingyuan Escort Agency in Weizhou, offered to guide them. He recounted the tragic massacre of his entire family, 74 people, by poisoning and fire during a Mid-Autumn Festival dinner ten years prior. Tong Shuang survived only because he was out playing.
He then spent three agonizing years on the run, suffering greatly after being captured by a trafficker, until Xiao Beiming rescued him. Xiao Beiming corroborated Tong Shuang's story, stating that Tong Shuang became his only family and endured many scars protecting him during those years. To secure an official reason for leaving the capital, Xiao Beiming devised a plan involving Zhong Xueman. The Elite Constabulary Unit had a pending case in Weizhou concerning a shipment of sick horses.
Zhong Xueman, with Feng Qingzhuo's medical skills in mind, suggested they volunteer. Knowing this was a low-prestige, difficult task that would raise suspicion if they merely volunteered, Zhong Xueman orchestrated a public confrontation with Chief Fang Tianzheng. She taunted him about his gambling debts and a prized cricket, escalating the dispute until Fang Tianzheng, exasperated by her defiance and past insubordination, angrily assigned her the Weizhou sick horse case.
He specifically instructed her not to return to the capital until the case was solved. Zhong Xueman, feigning reluctance, then requested Tong Shuang as her helper, citing his familiarity with Weizhou, and Feng Qingzhuo, given his medical expertise. Fang Tianzheng, annoyed but having no choice, reluctantly agreed. Later that evening, Feng Qingzhuo brought supper to Huo Dairong, noticing her visible distress. She requested him to accompany her on a walk, burdened by memories of her mother.
Meanwhile, Zhong Xueman brought a medicinal tonic to Xiao Beiming, who quickly concealed his arm, where the poison was visibly worsening. Zhong Xueman expressed immense relief that his "poison was detoxified," and joyfully spoke of their future once his name was cleared and Yesha captured, unaware of his true, grim prognosis. Xiao Beiming, troubled by his limited time, could only express a distant hope, while Zhong Xueman, determined, insisted they must succeed.
The following morning, Feng Qingzhuo had worried about Huo Dairong traveling alone after she left the capital silently. To his surprise, Huo Dairong was waiting for them at the city gate, determined to join their journey to Weizhou. She revealed her desire to investigate the Haiya and uncover the truth about her own identity and birth parents.
When they expressed caution, she tearfully explained her profound sense of being alone after losing her father, mother, and Qing Ying, emphasizing that she had nothing left to lose and would face any danger. Xiao Beiming, touched by her plight, agreed to let her join, stating he wouldn't be comfortable letting her travel alone. He assigned Tong Shuang to handle her extensive luggage, which included many clothes and cosmetics, much to Xiao Beiming's humorous chagrin.
During their journey, Tong Shuang and Feng Qingzhuo went to gather wild vegetables, while Xiao Beiming impressively demonstrated his fishing skills, providing a bountiful meal of fresh fish and pheasant. As they shared the meal, Tong Shuang playfully teased Feng Qingzhuo about his obvious affection for Huo Dairong, remarking on the similar sparkle in his eyes when looking at her and when examining corpses.
Meanwhile, Huo Dairong privately thanked Zhong Xueman for her kindness and for making her feel like she had friends and was no longer alone. Later, as they celebrated, Zhong Xueman, still believing Xiao Beiming was cured, asked everyone about their plans after catching Yesha. Xiao Beiming admitted he hadn't decided if he'd stay with the Elite Constabulary Unit, and Zhong Xueman also mused about her own future. Tong Shuang lightheartedly suggested Xiao Beiming and Zhong Xueman should get married first.
Feng Qingzhuo shared his aspiration to capture Old Bug to truly avenge his master, then open a medical clinic for a simple life. Huo Dairong expressed a desire to travel and see the beautiful landscapes of the Qi Kingdom, prompting Tong Shuang to suggest Feng Qingzhuo could accompany her. After more than two arduous days of travel, the group finally arrived in Weizhou.
Tong Shuang led them to the dilapidated Pingyuan Escort Agency, his former home, which had remained vacant since the fire. Despite its desolate state, he believed it could be made habitable with some effort, and they went inside to inspect it. As they entered, Xiao Beiming suddenly felt dizzy, a moment of weakness that Zhong Xueman keenly observed.
