Coroner's Diary Recap, Plot, Synopsis

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Coroner's Diary Synopsis

Shen Yi, the Minister of Justice, is implicated in the Prince Jin case, leading to the tragic extermination of his entire family. His daughter, Shen Wan, assumes the identity of Qin Wan, the ninth daughter of the Qin family, and flees to Jingzhou. Once perceived as weak and easily bullied, Qin Wan undergoes a drastic transformation—she not only excels in healing but also masters forensic investigation. Along the way, she effortlessly subdues her scheming aunt, stepsisters, and cunning servants within the Qin household.

During her investigations, Qin Wan crosses paths with Yan Chi, the heir of Prince Rui, who is determined to overturn the wrongful case against Prince Jin. Their shared goal of seeking justice for their families brings them together. As they journey back to the capital, they work in tandem to solve a series of bizarre cases. Upon returning, an unexpected discovery of a skeleton reopens the Prince Jin case. Together, Yan Chi and Qin Wan gradually uncover the truth, leading them to a shocking secret hidden deep within the palace.

Coroner's Diary Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

In a heavy rain, Minister Shen's family was annihilated, framed in the Prince Jin case. In their final moments, Minister Shen and his wife entrusted their daughter, Shen Wan, to Mr. Qin Liang, only pleading for her safety. Shen Wan witnessed her parents' death and saw Mr. Qin Liang fall under a hail of arrows while protecting her. To survive, she plunged into the water, evading their pursuers.

Afterwards, she received a letter from her father, instructing her to abandon any thought of seeking justice or revenge and forbidding her from ever returning to the capital. Despite this, Shen Wan resolved to live on as Qin Wan, the daughter of the deceased Mr. Qin Liang, determined to uncover the truth and avenge her family. Assuming the identity of Qin Wan, she arrived at the Qin family mansion with her maidservant Fu Ling and her supposed father's personal seal.

Her arrival interrupted a visit from Mrs. Huo, who was seeking to cancel the engagement between their children, a promise made casually in their youth. Mrs. Huo expressed concerns about Qin Wan's upbringing in Medicine King Valley without parental guidance. Madam Qin, the stepmother of the second branch, claimed she could not interfere but agreed to discuss the matter with Mr. Qin Liang upon his return. Just then, Qin Wan was announced.

Seeking recognition from her grandmother, Qin Wan publicly declared that her father, Mr. Qin Liang, had died in a shipwreck while saving her. Amid the ensuing gossip, Qin Wan feigned a faint, forcing Madam Qin to bring her into the mansion. Fu Ling was questioned by Madam Qin but recounted a pre-planned story: a physician from Medicine King Valley had deemed Qin Wan recovered, so Mr. Qin Liang planned their return home.

During a storm at sea, their boat capsized, and Mr. Qin Liang was swept away. Later, Fu Ling and Qin Wan discussed how fortunate it was that the family was not close with Mr. Qin Liang, making the deception easier. Fu Ling explained the engagement was made when Lord Huo was a minor official, likely to gain ties with the main branch of the Qin family.

After the real Miss Qin died last year, Mr. Qin Liang had not informed the family out of grief. Now that Lord Huo had become a prefect, the Huo family, proving treacherous, no longer valued the match. Qin Wan saw this as beneficial for her plans, but anticipated Madam Qin would take out her public embarrassment on her. Madam Qin, viewing Qin Wan as a jinx, had an exorcism ritual performed near her courtyard.

She then tried to have Fu Ling sold for allegedly speaking ill of the masters. Qin Wan intervened, stating she would discipline her own servant. Madam Qin seized the opportunity to confine Qin Wan to the courtyard, ordering her to copy scriptures and cutting her allowance for a year. Alone, Qin Wan confided in Fu Ling, whom she considered a sister, not a servant.

She inwardly sought forgiveness from Mr. Qin Liang for using his daughter's name for her dangerous quest, while Fu Ling vowed to stay by her side. Meanwhile, Madam Qin urged her son, Qin An, to connect with his elder half-brother, the Marquis of Devotion, to secure a position for his son, Chen. Qin An lamented his status as the son of a second wife, angering his mother.

When Qin Wan came to pay respects, she was made to wait and overheard Qin An discussing the Prince Jin case. He called her father, Minister Shen, a fame-seeker who was exposed by his own student, Li Muyun, and deserved his fate. Distressed, Qin Wan realized she must get to the capital to uncover the truth. Wandering outside, Qin Wan found an elderly woman who had collapsed.

She diagnosed her with wind hysteria, provided massage instructions, and wrote a prescription, warning that the woman’s life depended on sweating by nightfall. Later, she confessed her true identity as Shen Wan to Fu Ling, insisting her father was framed. Fu Ling believed her and swore to help.

Qin Wan initially wanted Fu Ling to stay behind for her safety, but Fu Ling insisted on accompanying her to the capital, reminding Qin Wan of her loyalty since their time in Medicine King Valley. Moved, Qin Wan promised they would never be separated. Soon after, Princess Yongning from the Marquis of Anyang's Mansion arrived at the Qin residence. The elderly woman Qin Wan had saved was the Grand Princess, the matriarch of the mansion and the Emperor's aunt.

Princess Yongning had come to express her gratitude. Presenting herself in her simple, worn clothes to highlight her poor treatment, Qin Wan met the princess. Madam Qin tried to dismiss the rescue as luck, but Princess Yongning invited Qin Wan to the Marquis's mansion for a follow-up consultation, bluntly refusing to let Fifth Lady Qin Xiang tag along. On the way, they witnessed soldiers bullying civilians.

A man on horseback, Yan Chi, the Young Marshal of the Shuoxi Army, descended and executed the offending soldiers, enforcing the army's strict laws. Princess Yongning excitedly introduced her cousin, the famed God of War, to Qin Wan. At the mansion, Yan Chi and the princess sparred before paying respects to the Grand Princess. The Grand Princess introduced Qin Wan as the "Little Medical Fairy" who had saved her life. Yan Chi found her familiar.

The Grand Princess invited Qin Wan to her grandson Jia's wedding, which Yan Chi would also attend. Qin Wan hesitated due to her mourning, but the Grand Princess insisted she come as a companion. Returning to the Qin mansion, Qin Wan was moved into Tinglan House, the best courtyard, and her life improved dramatically. The Third Madam, Qin An's wife, brought gifts and fawned over her newfound status.

However, Qin Wan felt no joy, knowing none of it truly belonged to her. On the wedding day of the Grand Princess's grandson, Jia, Qin Wan attended to the Grand Princess. Yan Chi joined them, noting that Qin Wan seemed wary of him. She explained she was in awe of his martial power. The Grand Princess, aware of Qin Wan's struggles in the Qin family, promised her protection, touching Qin Wan deeply.

Soon, the groom Jia arrived with the bridal procession, accompanied by Wei Yanzhi, the best man from the Duke of Song. The auspicious hour arrived, and the ceremony began with Jia kicking the sedan door. However, the joyous occasion turned to horror as he lifted the bridal veil to reveal not a bride, but a headless corpse.

Episode 2 Recap

In the bride's carriage, the new bride, Song Rou, was found beheaded, causing widespread panic. As attendants escorted the distraught Grand Princess, Madam Qin, back to her mansion, Qin Wan took advantage of the chaos to stay behind and examine the scene. The bride's childhood friend, Vice Commandant Wei, accused the Yue family of murdering Song Rou out of dissatisfaction with the marriage and demanded to take her body back to the capital.

The Young Marshal of the Shuoxi Army, Yan Chi, arrived and secured the area, ordering that no one, especially the bride's escorts, be allowed to leave. He declared that since Song Rou's marriage to the Marquis of Anyang's heir was royally decreed, the matter was of great importance, and all escorts would be detained at the Marquis's mansion for investigation. Seeing an opportunity to prove her worth, Qin Wan hid nearby.

Yan Chi noticed her and, sensing her intent, cleverly ordered his Black Armor Guards to turn their backs to the carriage, creating an opening for her. Qin Wan approached and examined the interior, noting that the bloodstains were long cast-off patterns rather than the arterial spray expected from a beheading in a confined space. She concluded the carriage was not the primary murder scene and the evidence had been staged.

Prefect Huo's son, Huo Ning, arrived with officers to move the body, but Qin Wan intervened, warning that moving the evidence before examination could compromise it. Huo Ning scoffed at her, a "mere woman," questioning her decorum. Qin Wan retorted that his ignorance of forensic procedure, despite his long tutelage, suggested his father was "raising him like a daughter."

Humiliated, Huo Ning was sidelined when Yan Chi took command, ordering his guards to carefully transport the body and carriage, making it clear Huo Ning’s men were merely porters. Later, Qin Wan confided in her attendant, Fu Ling, that she intended to use this case to establish her reputation. Fu Ling worried about the risks, as a woman seeking a role as a criminal consultant was unheard of, and the case involved powerful families they couldn't afford to offend.

Qin Wan explained that her father's name had been unjustly slandered, and she needed more than just medical skills to clear it. Her goal was to make the Grand Princess trust her forensic abilities and recommend her to the court, allowing her to become the "foremost female coroner" and bring justice to her parents and uncle. Meanwhile, Yan Chi had his subordinate, Bai Feng, investigate Qin Wan's background.

The report confirmed she was the daughter of the respected "Dr. Virtue" Qin Liang, had spent years in the secluded Medicine King Valley for her health, and had recently returned. Yan Chi found her story suspicious, noting that a sheltered girl who could travel alone with her father's coffin and remain so composed while living under another's roof was unusual. He was particularly struck by her focused observation of the corpse.

Deciding to use her for his own investigation into the Prince Jin case but remaining wary, Yan Chi ordered Bai Feng to gather all books written by the disgraced official Shen Yi, hoping to understand the man who so clearly inspired Qin Wan's passion for forensics. At the Qin residence, Qin Shuang, prompted by her sister Qin Xiang, confronted Qin Wan, calling her a jinx for ruining Qin Xiang's potential match with Huo Ning.

Qin Wan calmly replied that sisters shouldn't talk of "stealing" fiances. Enraged, Qin Shuang cursed the Grand Princess, wishing for her death. Yue Ning, the Grand Princess's granddaughter, overheard the outburst and furiously intervened. Madam Qin (the elder of the Qin household) begged for mercy, and Yue Ning reduced the standard punishment from eighty strokes to twenty.

Yue Ning then brought Qin Wan to treat the Grand Princess, who was suffering from extreme anxiety over the murder and its potential political fallout for the Yue family. Qin Wan explained that medicine alone couldn't cure an illness rooted in emotional distress. Seizing the moment, she revealed her expertise in forensics, offering to solve the case quickly to ease the Grand Princess's mind.

Impressed by Qin Wan's philosophy that forensics, like medicine, is a way to heal—by purging evil from society—Yue Ning agreed to recommend her to Yan Chi. Before Yan Chi and Prefect Huo, Qin Wan confidently argued her case. She pointed out that the coroner's report lacked a proper body examination and that the victim's identity couldn't be confirmed solely by the testimony of a suspect like Vice Commandant Wei.

When Prefect Huo dismissed coroners as "lowly" and their work as unimportant, Qin Wan quoted Shen Yi's "The Washing Away of Wrongs" on the importance of thorough examination. Skeptical but pressured, Prefect Huo challenged her to first solve an unrelated murder at the morgue. At the morgue, Qin Wan was presented with the body of Lin Daxing, whose death was ruled an illness after the accused, Wei Wu, claimed they fought but delivered no fatal blows.

The coroner, Xu He, admitted he had never performed an autopsy. Qin Wan proceeded to conduct one, discovering a hidden bruise on the chest. While Prefect Huo and Xu He vomited outside, she found the cause of death: a ruptured heart from a powerful blow with a cloth-wrapped blunt object. Yan Chi, who had silently observed the entire process, agreed to her request to keep her skills secret.

With the cause of death proven, Yan Chi ordered secrecy to protect Qin Wan's reputation and assigned her to the bride's case, which Prefect Huo now eagerly accepted. Afterward, Qin Wan explained to Fu Ling that while she needed Yan Chi's support, she had to remain cautious, asserting that her skills were her own and that gaining powerful allies was crucial. However, despite her progress, the Grand Princess's anxiety over the scandal and potential repercussions from the Emperor worsened until the stress caused her to faint.

Episode 3 Recap

The Grand Princess fell gravely ill from worry over the Song Rou case, collapsing from the recurrence of an old ailment. Qin Wan was urgently summoned and saved her life, though her condition remained critical, requiring monitoring for two days to prevent infection. In gratitude, the Marquis of Anyang arranged for Qin Wan to stay in the Plum Garden, affording her the same comforts as a princess.

When Qin Wan tried to return the Hanyue blade, Yan Chi insisted she keep it, stating that while it was a weapon in his hands, it could save lives in hers, fulfilling its true purpose. During their conversation about the revered official Shen Yi, Qin Wan’s assistant, Fu Ling, was visibly startled. Yan Chi later noted to his subordinate how strange it was that they were so secretive about someone they clearly respected.

He also informed Qin Wan that he had arranged with Prefect Huo to re-examine the case the next day. Yue Ning expressed her gratitude to Qin Wan, noting that her recent help had allowed Prefect Huo to capture a criminal named Wei Wu, saving his post and boosting his reputation. Yue Ning believed Prefect Huo must regret annulling his son Huo Ning's engagement to Qin Wan.

However, Yue Ning remained worried about clearing her brother Yue Jia’s name, questioning how a murder in a bridal sedan could go unnoticed by the nearly one hundred attendants. Later, they observed Wei Yanzhi practicing his sword forms. Yue Ning challenged him to a duel, but Wei Yanzhi, claiming to be distracted by grief, was easily defeated. Qin Wan, however, observed that he had skillfully controlled the match and did not seem genuinely unsettled.

That night, Fu Ling was terrified by what she believed was a headless ghost. Qin Wan calmly asserted that it was not a ghost but a person with ulterior motives. Yan Chi’s search of the area found no intruder, leading him to deduce the culprit must be intimately familiar with the mansion to evade his guards. Qin Wan found clues confirming a human intruder: disturbed rose petals and footprints on mossy roof tiles.

She explained the headless, floating illusion was created by someone with lightness skills using the environment to leap onto a pillar while hiding their feet with a gown. Concluding the act was meant to scare her off the upcoming autopsy, they questioned who knew about it. Yue Ning sheepishly admitted she had told a concerned Wei Yanzhi that Qin Wan would help, while Captain Wei Cheng of the Song family guard was also present.

Yan Chi decided to investigate both men. Examining the bridal gown used in the ruse, Qin Wan noted it was new and had a pine soot ink stain on the right cuff—a stain unique to the rare silk gauze fabric. Based on the height required for the illusion and the ink stain indicating a left-handed writer, Qin Wan deduced the culprit was a left-handed man skilled in martial arts, between 5'7" and 6' tall.

Suspecting the gown was a spare from the dowry, Yan Chi had Prefect Huo question the wedding party. Vice Commandant Wei Yanzhi immediately identified the gown as one of two identical pieces made for Song Rou and confirmed the matron-in-waiting held the spare. The matron claimed the spare had vanished from a locked chest, and she was arrested.

Wei Yanzhi explained he had stopped his vigil for Song Rou after fainting from exhaustion while sparring with Wei Cheng, who then made him copy texts all night as a restorative discipline. An examination of their hands revealed calluses on Wei Cheng’s left hand from spear training and that Wei Yanzhi practiced calligraphy with his left hand when upset. Both men fit the profile and were considered suspects.

Unfazed, Qin Wan declared she would proceed with the autopsy, and Yan Chi promised to handle any interference from the Song family. Yan Chi received a report that the Duke of Song had taken his grievances to the Emperor. Simultaneously, his Eagle Squad found two skeletons weighted with stones in the river where Shen Yi’s family had disappeared. Believed to be Shen Yi and his wife, their cause of death was indeterminable.

Their daughter, Shen Wan, remained missing, a fact Yan Chi found suspicious. He also learned that Prefect Huo was attempting to revive the marriage proposal between his son and Qin Wan, a move Yan Chi viewed with disdain. Meanwhile, rumors spread by servants—originating from the Song family—blamed Qin Wan as a jinx for the recent misfortunes. Furious, Yan Chi had the servants punished. Qin Wan saw the rumors as confirmation the Song family was involved and trying to undermine her.

As Yan Chi escorted her, Qin Wan took his pulse and sensed he still harbored suspicions about her, making her regret a brief moment of lowered guard. Before she left for the morgue, Yan Chi gifted her a set of deerskin gloves and rare golden needles, admitting he had wrongly suspected her of seeking personal gain and offering them as a token of genuine appreciation.

While touched, Qin Wan suspected his generosity was part of a larger plan to recruit her as a military doctor, a role she intended to avoid. At the morgue, a disdainful Huo Ning watched as his father, Prefect Huo, eagerly awaited Qin Wan. Qin Wan prepared for the autopsy, asking Yan Chi to serve as her recorder. She began her examination, noting the headless female body was approximately 5'2" tall.

The neck wound indicated the victim was beheaded alive with a single blow. However, Yan Chi pointed out the minimal blood on the gown’s collar meant the victim was dressed after death and killed elsewhere. Qin Wan discovered white-toothed termites on the body, which are native to banyan forests like the one near Shili Temple.

After Huo Ning was escorted out in disgust, Qin Wan had the body washed with onion and vinegar to reveal hidden injuries without a full dissection. She identified the victim as a noblewoman from the capital based on her expensive nail polish. Calluses on the left hand were consistent with years of zither practice, strongly suggesting the body was Song Rou, a known player. Finally, she discovered teeth marks on the skin, leading her to suspect Song Rou was having an affair before her wedding.

Episode 4 Recap

Qin Wan deduced that Song Rou might have had a secret lover. She based this on finding white-toothed ants near the deceased's private parts, indicating the body was exposed naked near an ant nest, and on a bite mark on the body. She explained that the bite mark was from human teeth and, based on its appearance, was unlikely to have occurred during a fight.

Given Song Rou's status as the Duke of Song's daughter, no one in the household would have dared harm her. Qin Wan theorized that for the ants to be present, Song Rou must have been near their nest, suggesting she went to the banyan woods near the posthouse the night before entering Jingzhou. She questioned why Song Rou would go there alone unless it was to meet someone, noting the suspicious lack of awareness from her large escort team.

To find concrete evidence, Qin Wan requested Prefect Huo authorize an autopsy. Prefect Huo was highly reluctant, fearing the Duke of Song's reaction. At that moment, Prefect Huo’s son arrived, reporting that he had found bloodstains in the banyan woods but had not found Song Rou's head despite a thorough search. Wei Yanzhi speculated the killer took it to hide evidence. Seeing a way to delay, Prefect Huo was relieved, which angered Qin Wan.

Yan Chi intervened, reminding Prefect Huo that failing to solve the case would put everyone in a difficult position with the Emperor. Understanding the pressure, Prefect Huo agreed to re-question the escort team and have Wei Yanzhi secure a letter of approval for the autopsy from the Duke of Song. Qin Wan, upset, initially interpreted Yan Chi's actions as letting Prefect Huo evade responsibility.

Yan Chi followed her to explain his strategy: since she had already found the bite mark and the Emperor was personally involved, submitting her report alongside any obstruction from the Duke would make the Duke look guilty. This would likely prompt a direct imperial order for the investigation, leaving the Duke no choice. Understanding his reasoning, Qin Wan admitted she had misjudged him.

Qin Wan confided in Yan Chi that she found Wei Yanzhi suspicious, noting his distress was coupled with an inability to meet her gaze. She asked Yan Chi to spread a rumor that she planned a third examination in a few days. Her plan was to use the upcoming lantern festival as bait to see if Wei Yanzhi would try to eliminate her.

Yan Chi, concerned for her safety, suggested a substitute, but Qin Wan insisted on being the real bait. Meanwhile, Wei Yanzhi received a letter from the capital informing him that his older brother, Wei Qizhi, had disappeared shortly after their departure, and he feared his brother was heading to Jingzhou. Hearing of the planned third examination, he mused that if the coroner were to disappear, the Duke of Song’s problems would be over.

With the Grand Princess's condition stabilized, Qin Wan decided to attend the Autumn Festival lantern fair. The Grand Princess agreed, arranging for Yan Chi and Yue Ning to accompany her. Qin Wan specifically requested that the gloomy Wei Yanzhi join them. Before they left, Yan Li tried to give Qin Wan a popular storybook, but Yan Chi intercepted it, deeming it inappropriate and suggesting a medical book instead. He gave the storybook to Yue Ning.

At the bustling fair, Wei Yanzhi heard a zither playing "Seagulls and Egrets in Serenity," his older brother’s favorite tune. He explained that his brother, who was meant to escort the bride before breaking his leg, had learned the zither alongside Song Rou. Using the excuse of finding the player, Wei Yanzhi left. Qin Wan then set her plan in motion, sending her companions away while trusting Yan Chi was secretly watching over her as arranged.

As Qin Wan rode a lantern float, she disappeared from sight after crossing a bridge, causing Yan Chi to search for her anxiously. Qin Wan, having donned a mask, was following a person with a limp whom she suspected was the culprit. However, she was lured into a trap as a lantern tower collapsed on her. Yan Chi rescued her, having located her by her distinctive xiezhi mask.

He confirmed the real Wei Yanzhi was at Tianyin Pavilion listening to music. Noticing a severe, recent blade wound on Yan Chi's back, Qin Wan insisted on treating it. He claimed it was from his duties but hinted it was related to a wrongful conviction in the capital. Despite his resistance to "soft" remedies, he allowed her to clean and stitch the infected wound.

Later, Yan Chi’s guard, Bai Feng, reported that the lantern tower had been sabotaged and that the Song family's twenty guards had acted with unusual discipline at the fair. Yan Chi deduced it was another attempt to obstruct the autopsy. He ordered Bai Feng to provoke a fight with the Song guards the next day. The following day, during the confrontation, the Song guards publicly slandered Yan Chi, accusing him of attempting to assault Song Rou and then murdering her.

Yan Chi used this outrageous accusation to pressure Prefect Huo, stating that such a rumor would destroy his reputation. He demanded an immediate autopsy to clear his name, threatening to take Prefect Huo to the harsh border region if the case wasn't solved. Prefect Huo immediately consented. Qin Wan was puzzled by how far Yan Chi would go to help her, and her maid Fu Ling suggested he had developed feelings for her.

Qin Wan reflected on her false identity, acknowledging she was using his power and questioning how she could honestly reciprocate any feelings he might have. That night, the morgue caught fire. Though the building was damaged and the body severely charred, Qin Wan was determined to proceed. Yan Chi, having anticipated her insistence, had already rushed to the scene. Qin Wan smelled tung oil, confirming it was arson.

Yan Chi provided a forensic kit he had prepared for her in advance. During the autopsy, Qin Wan discovered from Song Rou's pelvic structure that she had been five to six months pregnant and had a miscarriage about two months before her death. This revealed that the Duke of Song had knowingly sent her to be married in an act of deception against the Emperor.

Prefect Huo then presented a sketch of the man who bought the tung oil: Wei Cheng, the Song family’s guard captain. Yan Chi suspected Wei Yanzhi had ordered the arson on behalf of the Duke, and they considered the possibility that Wei Yanzhi's older brother was Song Rou's secret lover.

Episode 5 Recap

The coroner's kit was stolen but found shortly after right outside the yamen, with nothing missing. When Miss Qin opened the box for inspection, she detected the strong scent of Jinyu Bone-setting Ointment, a valuable medicine only sold in the capital. This suggested the thief had a bone injury, came from a wealthy background, and had held the postmortem report long enough for the scent to transfer.

News arrived from the capital that Wei Qizhi, the Wei family's eldest legitimate young master, had not been injured in a horse-taming accident. Instead, Duke of Song had broken his right leg and confined him to his home, forcing his half-brother, Wei Yanzhi, to escort the bride. Wei Qizhi reportedly escaped and went missing the day after the wedding procession departed.

Miss Qin recalled that the person who pushed her from the tower seemed to have a leg injury, a detail that resonated with Wei Qizhi's situation. Yan Chi confronted Wei Yanzhi, expressing his anger at the Song family's deceit. Wei Yanzhi's loyal guard, Wei Cheng, confessed to setting the fire, claiming he did so to prevent Song Rou's reputation from being tarnished by a postmortem report revealing her infidelity.

Wei Yanzhi then claimed his elder brother, Wei Qizhi, had been intimately involved with Song Rou since childhood. He explained that Duke of Song, upon discovering Song Rou's pregnancy, had broken Wei Qizhi's leg in a rage. Wei Yanzhi stated he had been estranged from his brother after a fight over accepting patronage from Duke of Song, hence his ignorance of recent events.

He also revealed that Wei Qizhi was naturally left-handed but had been forced to use his right hand, a fact known to few. Claiming he lied to protect his brother, Wei Yanzhi was confined to the Eastern Courtyard by a skeptical Yan Chi, who knew further investigation was needed to find Song Rou's head and the murder weapon. Miss Qin discovered scraps of "dusted-gold paper" in Song Rou's stomach.

This tough paper, which gave off a faint lacquer tree scent, was an unusual choice for someone of her status, suggesting its contents were vital. The paper's characteristics—cheaper than other luxury papers yet still a mark of a certain taste—seemed to fit Wei Qizhi's known willful temperament. Miss Qin wanted to confirm this with Wei Yanzhi, but he had fallen gravely ill with a high fever.

Meanwhile, Wei Qizhi was caught attempting to steal the coroner's kit again in a trap set by Yan Chi. When Miss Qin visited the sick Wei Yanzhi, she found his room suspicious: a burning high-temperature stove, an open window, and strong incense, all contradictory for a sick man. She and Yan Chi decided to examine the ashes from his room. Prefect Huo subjected the captured Wei Qizhi to severe torture, but he refused to confess to Song Rou's murder.

Wei Qizhi's attendant, Wu Shu, interjected, pleading his master's innocence. He claimed Wei Qizhi had followed Song Rou to Jingzhou out of concern for her welfare, only to learn of her death upon arrival. He had sent Wu Shu to steal the report simply to learn how she died. Wu Shu revealed that not only was Wei Qizhi innocent of the affair, but Wei Yanzhi was also a skilled left-handed writer.

Wei Qizhi's mother, fearing her husband would favor his concubine's son, had maliciously forced the young Wei Yanzhi to learn left-handed writing to ruin his prospects. Wu Shu also mentioned Wei Qizhi's lifelong aversion to the smell of lacquer. Questioned by Miss Qin, Wei Qizhi admitted he had falsely confessed to the affair with Song Rou.

She had tearfully begged him to take the blame, even self-harming to force his compliance, as she refused to name her true lover for fear of ruining his future. Already at odds with Duke of Song, Wei Qizhi reluctantly agreed. He followed her to Jingzhou out of concern, only to hear of her death. Miss Qin's physical examination confirmed Wei Qizhi suffered from a severe allergy to lacquerware, which caused rashes upon contact.

This ruled him out as the user of the dusted-gold paper, which contained lacquer. As Wei Yanzhi attempted to escape, he was apprehended by Yan Chi. In the ashes from Wei Yanzhi's room, Miss Qin discovered burnt fatty residue on an iron tong, a substance not left by the smokeless charcoal he was using.

After reconstructing Song Rou's skull, she determined the murder weapon was stabbed into her occipital bone from behind, and her head was then severed to conceal the true cause of death. The wound matched Wei Yanzhi's Chengying sword.

With the evidence laid bare, Wei Yanzhi's crimes were exposed: he killed Song Rou, used her blood to stage the wedding sedan as the crime scene, dressed the body, impersonated a headless ghost to obstruct the investigation, and attempted to frame Wei Qizhi. He also ordered his guard to impersonate his brother and assassinate Miss Qin, and when that failed, to burn the morgue and Song Rou's head. Faced with irrefutable proof, Wei Yanzhi showed no remorse.

He blamed Song Rou for being "insane" and trying to ruin his future by demanding they elope. He bitterly contrasted his struggle as a concubine's son with Wei Qizhi's privilege, declaring that Song Rou "deserved to die" for threatening his ambitions with her love. Miss Qin countered that Song Rou's greatest folly was using all her intelligence to protect him, even swallowing the paper note to shield him from justice.

She declared that Wei Yanzhi, for his cruelty, was the one who truly deserved to die. With the case closed, Miss Qin meticulously repaired Song Rou's body, stating it was the least they could do to restore the dignity of someone who used her own body to reveal the truth. Later, Wei Qizhi visited Wei Yanzhi in prison.

Wei Yanzhi remained unrepentant, railing against his family's favoritism and blaming his misfortunes on his mother's cruelty and Wei Qizhi's actions, which led him to secretly seek out Song Rou for zither lessons. Wei Qizhi directly apologized, saying, "I have wronged you," but affirmed that his own conscience was clear and wished his brother peace in the next life.

Song Rou was buried in Jingzhou, a decision advocated by Wei Qizhi, who knew Duke of Song's character meant she would be denied burial in the family's ancestral tomb. Recognizing Miss Qin's invaluable abilities, Yan Chi sent a message to the capital, requesting to suspend his transfer to the Ministry of War and instead be assigned to the Ministry of Justice to pursue the Prince Jin case with her help.

Episode 6 Recap

Upon receiving urgent news that her sister-in-law, Xinlan, had started bleeding profusely after returning to the mansion, Wan, with her medicine box, rushed back, postponing a follow-up visit with the Grand Princess. Wan performed acupuncture and administered medicine, stabilizing Xinlan and saving the seven-month-old baby. She advised Xinlan's husband, Qin Chen, to spend more time with his wife, explaining that pregnant women are prone to worry, and his presence would prevent her from falling into melancholy.

Qin Chen later presented Wan with an extravagant sapphire jewelry set, a custom order from Jinxiu House, which Wan suspected was originally intended for Xinlan. Observing this, Yan Chi remarked on Qin Chen's blatant disregard for his wife's health, prioritizing the opinions of the royal family over Xinlan's well-being. Wan defended her brother's actions as a necessity for the third branch's future, driven by Madam Qin's and the Third Madam's expectations.

However, Yan Chi sharply criticized such family values, deeming the Qin family an unsuitable place for Wan to reside. He offered to arrange her return to the capital, which Wan confirmed was her eventual plan as her father had been buried and they still had property there. Yan Chi then requested her future assistance, which Wan readily agreed to.

Wan advised Yan Chi against any physical exertion due to his still unhealed wounds, and he, in turn, asked her to prepare emergency medicine for his upcoming departure from Jingzhou for Shuoxi. He encouraged her to address him by his given name, lamenting the distance between them, but Wan insisted on maintaining proper decorum given his royal status.

Later, Yan Chi, still consumed by the search for Miss Shen, learned that no one in the capital had seen her true face, though her temperament was noted to be similar to Wan's. He ordered his Eagle Squad to thoroughly search along the river for any trace of her.

Yan Chi also deduced from muddy footprints left by clogs and their direction towards Tinglan Garden that someone had been secretly spying on Wan at night, and he dispatched Yingqi to Jingzhou immediately. That night, as Wan and Fu Ling headed to the mansion's pharmacy, they heard screams and discovered the lifeless body of Lianye, a second-class maid under Madam Qin. Qin Li, Wan's cousin from the third branch, was also at the scene in a panic.

When Wan suggested reporting the death to the authorities, Steward Liu Chun intervened, stating that as Lianye was Madam Qin's maid, he needed her permission before taking any action, a sentiment echoed by Qin Li. Wan later examined Qin Li and discovered he was suffering from syphilis. He admitted he had followed her all evening, desperate for treatment, fearing ruin if his "filthy disease" became known.

Unable to guarantee a cure for such a dangerous illness, Wan agreed to help him, asking him to return the following night. She then inquired about the Purple Bamboo Grove, recalling vague memories of it. Qin Li confirmed its location but warned her against going there, explaining that Madam Qin had forbidden entry, though he would not disclose the reason, stating "the less you know, the better."

Wan's suspicions deepened when she found a piece of purple bamboo on Lianye's body, hinting at a connection to the forbidden grove. Fu Ling expressed fear and a desire to return to the capital, but Wan resolved to uncover the truth, believing they must rely on themselves to gain a firm footing. The next morning, Wan secretly visited the Purple Bamboo Grove, reasoning that Lianye must have witnessed something forbidden there, leading to her death.

As she investigated, Steward Liu Chun appeared, his gaze chilling, and implicitly warned her against trespassing. Meanwhile, Yan Chi's subordinate reported Qin Li's visit to Wan's courtyard, leading Yan Chi to deduce it was for medical consultation and order Yingqi to continue monitoring. The subordinate, attempting to take over the surveillance of Wan, was penalized by Yan Chi for his "weak footing." At the mansion's pharmacy, Wan encountered Concubine Liu, who made veiled taunts about Wan's rising status.

Wan noticed peculiar sores on Concubine Liu's neck and, after examining her prescription, realized she too was suffering from syphilis, despite her claims of menstrual issues. To protect Qin Li's secret, Wan strategically mixed his prescribed herbs with those intended for Yan Chi's emergency medicine, ensuring their true purpose could not be discerned from the records. Upon returning, Wan discovered her room had been searched.

Soon after, Madam Qin sent two new maids, Wantang and Wanxing, ostensibly to assist Fu Ling. Wan suspected they were spies, sent because of her encounter with Liu Chun at the Purple Bamboo Grove, and ordered Fu Ling to closely observe them. In a separate discussion, Yan Chi expressed to a trusted advisor his concerns about the Shuoxi Army's formidable influence, which had drawn the Emperor's wary eye.

He explained that the Emperor's seeming generosity—allowing the Shuoxi Army to be summoned but not relocated—was a calculated move to place his father, Prince Rui, in a vulnerable position. Yan Chi lamented that his father, consumed by loyalty, dismissed his strategic foresight as mere scheming. That night, Qin Li, whose syphilis had worsened significantly, secretly returned to Wan's room. Wan confirmed he had not infected anyone else in the mansion before providing him with ointments and instructions.

She again pressed him about the Purple Bamboo Grove's forbidden status, but Qin Li, citing his vulnerable position as an illegitimate son, reiterated his inability to disclose the truth and urged her to stay away. Still determined, Wan revisited the Purple Bamboo Grove, where she saw Concubine Liu. Moments later, Steward Liu Chun appeared. Wan speculated that Lianye might have been silenced for witnessing Concubine Liu meeting someone secretively in the grove.

Suddenly, Wanxing appeared, informing Wan that Physician Qian was waiting and urging her to leave. Liu Chun also warned her away, claiming the area was filthy from being cleaned. When questioned, Wanxing claimed Fu Ling had told her to follow Wan, who then instructed the new maid not to do so again without permission. Later, a distraught Qin Shuang created a commotion, wielding scissors and threatening suicide over being confined by her mother for offending the Grand Princess.

In her agitation, she fell into a well being drained of mud. As she was pulled out, Qin Shuang frantically claimed to have seen "dead bones" that grabbed her. However, after Steward Liu Chun investigated the well, he only retrieved a withered branch, which Madam Qin dismissed as a hallucination. Despite Qin Shuang's insistence, her mother ordered the well to be cleaned. Qin Shuang later thanked Wan for her help, and Wan advised her against further foolish acts.

Fu Ling, unsettled by the stark difference between white bones and a dark branch, expressed her growing fear of the Qin family. Wan reminded her that their departure depended on Yan Chi's arrangements and noted that she wanted to observe the seemingly timid but calculating Wanxing. Late that night, Concubine Liu was brutally murdered.

Episode 7 Recap

Yan Chi, having accepted an imperial decree, joined the Ministry of Justice as the judicial surveillance commissioner. He was determined to investigate Prince Jin's case, viewing it as a personal mission to clear Prince Jin's name, who had been like a father and brother to him.

Knowing his return to the capital would be fraught with danger, Yan Chi asked his uncle, the Marquis of Anyang, to provide Qin Wan with an official identity to protect her from constraints by the Marquis of Zhongyong's influence, an offer his uncle gladly accepted to repay Qin Wan’s kindness. Upon arriving at the Qin Mansion, Yan Chi formally invited Qin Wan to assist him in solving cases, granting her the authority to legally perform autopsies.

He assured her that with his support, she could carry out her work freely, even after returning to the capital. He then informed her of a murder that had just occurred in the Qin Mansion, revealing the victim was Concubine Liu, not the maid Lianye, which surprised Qin Wan. Yan Chi, Qin Wan, and Prefect Huo proceeded to Concubine Liu's residence.

Members of the third branch, including Mr. Qin Chen and the Third Madam, attempted to obstruct the investigation, citing concerns about Qin Wan's reputation as an unmarried lady. However, Yan Chi, asserting his authority as the judicial surveillance commissioner, dismissed their objections and allowed Qin Wan to proceed. Inside, the room was luxuriously furnished, and Concubine Liu had clearly been strangled.

Qin Wan deduced that the room was not the original crime scene because of its pristine condition, the absence of struggle marks, and the victim's missing shoes. She meticulously pointed out that the body had been moved after death, evidenced by the specific patterns of lividity, the state of rigor mortis, the victim's curved legs inconsistent with the current position, and the presence of mud under her broken fingernails, indicating a struggle on muddy ground.

Qin Wan concluded that the perpetrator was someone deeply familiar with the Qin Mansion. She also noted that the patterns of lividity on the limbs suggested two people had moved the stiff body, intending to obscure the true murder site. Madam Qin arrived, expressing confusion that officials had appeared so quickly without her reporting the crime. Yan Chi ordered Concubine Liu's maids, Xiuqin and Xiushu, to be brought for questioning.

They initially claimed they found the concubine dead in her bed. Yan Chi, however, exposed their lie, pointing out Concubine Liu's heavy makeup and broken fingernails contradicted their story of a peaceful death indoors. Madam Qin admitted she had instructed the maids to lie to protect the family’s reputation, revealing that Concubine Liu had been having a secret rendezvous when she met her end. Mr. Qin Chen stepped forward to protect his grandmother, offering himself for punishment.

The maids then confessed that Concubine Liu was found disheveled and dead in the flower shed in the eastern court, a secluded area near the Purple Bamboo Grove. Madam Qin, fearing the well in that area due to a past incident where her granddaughter Shuang fell into it, had ordered it sealed overnight after a ritual. At the flower shed, Prefect Huo found Concubine Liu’s clothes, which a maid had buried in the backyard along with a handkerchief.

The handkerchief, though seemingly belonging to Concubine Liu, bore a strong smell of male sweat, indicating it was likely a token from her lover. Bai Feng, at Yan Chi's instruction, re-enacted the victim's position as described by the maid, revealing broken vines and a drag mark on the ground from the shed to the broken vines. The leaves in the area were trampled black, suggesting the killer had stood there for an extended period.

Qin Wan theorized that Concubine Liu must have known her attacker, or something the attacker said made her immobile, preventing her from screaming despite the dense foliage, allowing the killer to approach from behind and strike decisively. Recalling that she had once seen Concubine Liu and Liu Chun together in the Purple Bamboo Grove, Qin Wan immediately suspected him. Yan Chi ordered Liu Chun's immediate detention and interrogation.

Meanwhile, the coroner Xu He, upon preliminary examination, cautiously informed Yan Chi and Qin Wan that Concubine Liu appeared to have contracted syphilis. Xu He was hesitant to confirm it due to the victim's status within the Qin family, but Qin Wan sternly reminded him that as a coroner, his focus should only be on the evidence, regardless of the victim's identity.

Yan Chi then explained that while Concubine Liu's symptoms had progressed for two months, her strong lover might be asymptomatic. To find the culprit, he ordered a complete body search of all males in the Qin Mansion, believing that such a public display would agitate the true culprit and force him to reveal himself. He dismissed concerns about the Qin family's reputation, stating that their treatment of Qin Wan showed their lack of regard for it anyway.

Prefect Huo was caught between Madam Qin’s outrage and Yan Chi’s resolve, but Yan Chi firmly asserted his authority, reminding Prefect Huo of his duties. Madam Qin, furious at the humiliation, retreated to the ancestral hall to lament to her ancestors. Qin Wan then visited her sister-in-law, Xinlan, who was pregnant. She discovered that Xinlan had not been taking her prescribed medicine because it had been tampered with; musk had been added.

Xinlan's maid revealed that Mr. Qin Chen, Xinlan's husband, refused to believe his wife's concerns, which led Xinlan to secretly stop the medication. Qin Wan urged Xinlan to prioritize her health and the baby’s, warning her of the serious consequences. However, Xinlan lamented her husband’s lack of affection, feeling that if he could not reciprocate her feelings, life was worse than death.

Qin Wan, realizing the depth of Xinlan's emotional turmoil, advised her that she could treat illness but not a broken heart, and that Xinlan needed to find her own resolve. She also observed the strained relationship between Xinlan and Mr. Qin Chen, noting that despite no other women being involved, his perceived indifference was deeply affecting Xinlan.

Qin Wan later confronted Qin Chen, pointing out that his devotion to Madam Qin seemed to overshadow his responsibilities to his wife and child. Qin Wan promised to make the medicine into pills for Xinlan to take more discreetly. Separately, The Third Master (Concubine Liu's former master) raged and ordered the beating of all servants from her courtyard, but his wife intervened and suggested sending them to the laundry division instead, to avoid further attracting attention during the ongoing investigation.

Qin Wan strategically placed purple bamboo in an unobtrusive spot and had Wantang tidy her dressing table. Wantang was subsequently observed handing the purple bamboo to an old woman at the second gate, confirming Qin Wan's suspicion that Wantang was a spy. Qin Wan then connected Concubine Liu's death to Lianye's. She noted the similarities in their deaths—both strangled by neck attacks and both having visited the Purple Bamboo Grove.

However, Lianye's body showed signs of struggle and resistance, suggesting the perpetrator was inexperienced at that time, whereas Concubine Liu's single, decisive fatal wound indicated an experienced killer. Qin Wan theorized that if they found Concubine Liu's killer, Lianye's case would also be solved, and that Wantang's master was likely the true murderer, as only the killer would have known Lianye's presence in the Purple Bamboo Grove.

Shortly after, Li, Qin Wan's second brother, rushed to her, panicking because Yan Chi's search had extended to his courtyard, threatening to expose his own illness. Qin Wan reassured him that she would explain his condition to Yan Chi. She then seized the opportunity to question Li about the Purple Bamboo Grove, asking if Madam Qin's sealing of the area was related to a well inside, to which Li confirmed.

Episode 8 Recap

Fuling confirmed she personally saw the First Master's maid retrieve musk, having cross-referenced prescriptions and coaxed information from Physician Qian. The maid claimed it was to treat the First Master's dizziness, but Fuling observed he appeared clear-headed and healthy, making the diagnosis questionable. Bai Feng, interjecting, suggested Fuling had done enough by helping the Young Madam protect her unborn child. Bai Feng later greeted Qin Wan, informing her that their master was waiting at a pavilion to discuss the case.

He offered to carry medicine for Fuling, who declined. At the pavilion, Yan Chi explained he chose the secluded spot to prevent eavesdropping. He reported that Liu Chun had not been found despite a city-wide search, but they did discover that Third Master Qin suffered from syphilis, matching his previous claims of illness. Constable Huo suggested Liu Chun, fearing exposure of his affair with Concubine Liu, killed her and fled.

Qin Wan countered, asserting that Qin Li's illness was unrelated, as she had treated him herself, noting Concubine Liu’s condition was long-standing and Qin Li had repeatedly sought her help for his own ailment. She reasoned that if Liu Chun had killed Concubine Liu to hide their affair, he would not have left her body or his handkerchief, suggesting he was framed.

Yan Chi agreed, recognizing the danger Liu Chun faced if the murderer was an acquaintance trying to silence him. He immediately ordered all city exits sealed and a thorough search for Liu Chun. However, Liu Chun remained missing despite extensive searches inside and outside the city. Servants then reported strange occurrences in the Qin Mansion’s Purple Bamboo Grove: ghost fire and the cries of a female ghost.

Qin Qizhi Chen dismissed it as mere servant gossip, but Yan Chi questioned why such a lush area was sealed if there was nothing to hide. Qin Qizhi Chen explained that he and his second brother had fallen into a well there as children, leading their grandmother, Madam Qin, to seal it with a demon-suppressing stone out of concern. Yan Chi then summoned Qin Wan to investigate, despite Qin Qizhi Chen's attempts to prevent her, citing her unmarried status.

Upon arriving, Qin Wan identified a stone slab as the demon-suppressing stone, noting the moss growth indicated it had been recently moved. Signs of struggle were evident, with stomping marks around the well. Bai Feng descended into the well and discovered a dead body. Qin Wan, deciding it was time to reveal her skills, chose to perform the initial autopsy at the site, ordering Constable Qi to secure the area and prevent any disturbances.

The body was identified as Liu Chun. Madam Qin soon arrived, furious with Qin Qizhi Chen for failing to stop Yan Chi from entering the forbidden grove. She threatened to report Yan Chi to the Emperor through the Marquis of Zhongyong for disrespecting their family. Yan Chi, however, calmly permitted Madam Qin and Qin Qizhi Chen to enter. During the preliminary autopsy, Qin Wan determined that Liu Chun, aged 40-45, had been strangled elsewhere before being thrown into the well.

His face was blue-purple, and deep strangulation marks were present, with food residue in his mouth. The method of strangulation was identical to that used on Concubine Liu. Liu Chun also exhibited signs of severe, recurrent syphilis, making him the most critical patient known. Qin Wan deduced that Liu Chun was killed between 7 and 11 a. m. , after roll call, which conflicted with the servants' claims of his disappearance.

She posited that Liu Chun had been tricked into hiding and then killed, possibly with an accomplice. The undisturbed state of the crime scene in the isolated Purple Bamboo Grove suggested the killer was either overconfident or had help. Qin Wan then connected the sudden appearance of "ghost fire" while they searched for Liu Chun, suggesting it was a deliberate, artificial lure. Believing the well held more secrets, Yan Chi ordered it to be dug deeper.

As the digging commenced, Bai Feng uncovered a small female skull, estimated to be from a woman who had died at least seven years prior. Seeing the discovery, Madam Qin confessed that eight years ago, her third son, Qin An, had insisted on taking a new concubine (the eighth concubine), which caused his then-pregnant concubine, Concubine Yang, to miscarry. Distraught, Concubine Yang drowned herself in the well.

A sorcerer had advised sealing the well with a demon-suppressing stone to contain Concubine Yang's vengeful spirit and ensure peace for the household. Madam Qin admitted to covering up the incident to protect the Marquis of Zhongyong's reputation. Yan Chi reminded her of the imperial law requiring official investigation of unusual deaths. Madam Qin claimed Concubine Yang's maid had also died from shock, leaving no witnesses.

Qin Wan pressed about the death of Lianye, but Madam Qin maintained that Lianye's parents refused to report her death and had already buried her. Qin Wan emphasized that the demon-suppressing stone had clearly failed to prevent the recent string of deaths, arguing that proper investigation and respectful burial were the only paths to peace.

Yan Chi ordered the remaining bones to be unearthed and declared that Liu Chun’s and Concubine Liu’s cases were linked and their bodies could not be buried until a final verdict was reached. Qin Wan detected the smell of burning phosphorus, which produces a garlic-like odor, explaining how it could be used to create artificial "ghost fire."

She demonstrated how phosphorus-soaked cotton tied to bamboo branches could be manipulated with ropes to create the illusion of a floating ghost fire, combined with wailing sounds, to mimic a vengeful female spirit. She connected the coincidences: Concubine Liu's death leading to Liu Chun, the ghost fire leading to the well, and Liu Chun's body leading to Concubine Yang's remains.

Qin Wan suspected that Lianye was the first victim, murdered in the Purple Bamboo Grove after witnessing the killer, and that the grove was central to the killer's intricate plan. She believed Concubine Yang's death was far more complex than Madam Qin had revealed, given the killer's elaborate efforts to expose her remains. Madam Qin, increasingly agitated, instructed Qin Qizhi Chen to remind Qin Wan of her Qin family ties.

Qin Qizhi Chen also expressed concern about his father’s worsening illness but Madam Qin forbade Qin Wan from treating him, fearing a scandal. Madam Qin then declared her intention to permanently seal the well once the investigations were complete, believing it was the source of their misfortunes. Qin Qizhi Chen, meanwhile, worried about being implicated, but Madam Qin reassured him that she had sought the Marquis of Zhongyong’s intervention in the capital.

Yan Chi confided in Qin Wan, revealing that his understanding of the interconnected cases stemmed from his first independent border patrol at the age of eighteen. He recounted witnessing innocent villagers slaughtered, pursuing the enemy, and falling into an ambush from which only he and Bai Feng survived. Qin Wan comforted him, acknowledging his bravery as a young hero.

Yan Chi then urged Qin Wan to withdraw from the case, citing the potential harm to her and the Qin family's reputation due to the old family secrets involved. However, Qin Wan refused, stating she could not stand by when four lives were at stake and that Yan Chi would be unable to proceed without her autopsy skills. She promised to seek his help if she found herself in a dire situation.

Yan Chi, moved, took her hand and promised never to go back on his word. Fuling, witnessing their interaction, seemed uneasy but was subtly restrained by Bai Feng. The next day, Qin Wan meticulously reassembled Concubine Yang's skeleton. She determined that Concubine Yang, approximately 5'7" tall and aged between twenty and thirty, had died from a broken neck and severe fractures, consistent with a fall from a height.

Critically, Qin Wan discovered multiple distinct grooves on Concubine Yang's pubic bone, indicating she had given birth at least once, which directly contradicted Madam Qin's claim that Concubine Yang had only suffered a miscarriage. Qin Wan speculated that Concubine Yang’s child might have died young. Yan Chi decided to question Madam Qin further, but Qin Wan advised against it, suggesting that Madam Qin was too cunning to reveal anything.

She instead recommended questioning the Third Madam, believing her to be weaker-willed and more likely to disclose information. Yan Chi mentioned that the remaining Qin Mansion servants only had similar, vague accounts of Concubine Yang, and all her former attendants had either died or been sold off, which Madam Qin attributed to her anger over Concubine Yang's grief. Yan Chi instructed Bai Feng to locate former maids who had served other concubines, hoping they might possess crucial insights. As Qin Wan continued her work on the remains, she unexpectedly discovered an extra bone among Concubine Yang's wrist and metacarpal bones.

Episode 9 Recap

The coroner's findings revealed that Concubine Yang had given birth, a fact Madam Qin had never disclosed. When questioned about this, the Third Madam claimed ignorance, stating that Concubine Yang was already over twenty when she entered the household. She added that Qin An favored Concubine Yang, giving her separate quarters, and as the main madam, she had not even received the tea ceremony from Concubine Yang, only knowing she was exceptionally beautiful.

When the Third Madam was evasive, Yan Chi suggested questioning Qin An directly. Qin An's elder brother stated Qin An had been bedridden and unconscious for two days, prompting Yan Chi to visit him under the guise of concern. Yan Chi then proceeded to Qin An's quarters, where Qin An was feigning unconsciousness.

Yan Chi proposed a gruesome "secret method" involving driving an iron nail into the brain for seven days to drain a blood clot, which instantly shocked Qin An awake. Under questioning, Qin An confessed that Concubine Yang had been abducted. Prefect Huo expressed his shock and disbelief that the Marquis of Zhongyong's own brother would engage in human trafficking, finding it inconceivable.

Yan Chi pressed Prefect Huo on the significant number of abductions in the surrounding counties over the past decade, questioning how many occurred during his tenure. He suggested they prioritize recent cases, noting that as an adult, Concubine Yang would have been difficult to conceal, implying her abduction occurred recently and near Jingzhou.

Meanwhile, Qin Wan rushed to the Purple Bamboo Grove, where she learned from Caihe that Madam Qin had ordered the well sealed immediately after the official investigation concluded, ostensibly to calm anxieties. Caihe also mentioned sealing the well by the flower shed. Upon finding Yan Chi, Qin Wan was dismayed by the sealed well.

Yan Chi explained Qin An's confession, revealing that Concubine Yang had been abducted and had a prior marriage and children, and was confined by Qin An after he purchased her. Qin Wan deduced that Madam Qin was trying to conceal something far more sinister than just Concubine Yang's death. She presented a palm bone, identified as belonging to a girl who had not yet reached maturity, found during the initial examination.

Yan Chi was surprised, noting that Bai Feng had personally searched the well. Qin Wan recalled Qin Li's earlier statement that the Purple Bamboo Grove well, once a water source, had mysteriously dried up. She theorized that someone had filled it in to cover up their crimes before Concubine Yang's suicide. Enraged, Yan Chi immediately ordered the well to be reopened for a thorough re-examination.

Madam Qin, upon learning that Yan Chi had reopened the well and surrounded the Qin Mansion, became frantic. She feigned a sudden illness and instructed Chen to attempt to smuggle Qin An out of the mansion under the guise of seeking medical treatment for herself, lamenting that even the Crown Prince and the Marquis of Zhongyong could no longer protect them. Subsequently, a horrifying discovery was made as many skeletal remains were retrieved from the well.

Yan Chi ordered these grim findings to be displayed in the Qin family's main hall. Qin Wan, deeply moved by the tragedy, insisted on meticulously cleaning each bone, declaring that these girls had suffered enough and she would not allow anyone to cause them further harm. Overwhelmed with emotion, she wept, questioning the inhumane cruelty that led to their demise and burial in the dark well. Yan Chi embraced her, vowing to find the perpetrator and ensure justice.

Prefect Huo confirmed that all the retrieved bones belonged to girls. Madam Qin, furious about the unidentified remains being placed in her main hall, accused Prefect Huo of intentionally ruining her family's fortune and threatened to travel to the capital to petition the Emperor directly. Yan Chi arrived and sternly confronted her, suggesting her hasty attempt to take her own life indicated either guilt or an attempt to disrupt the investigation.

He underscored the gravity of the four recent murders in the Qin Mansion and the horrific case of the girls in the well, then decreed that no one from the Qin family could leave the premises without his personal token, under penalty of 100 strokes of the cane, and anyone obstructing the investigation would be charged as an accomplice. Madam Qin privately confided in her family that protecting Qin An was essential to safeguarding the third branch for Chen's sake.

Despite Madam Qin's instructions, Constable Qi intercepted Qin An as he was being smuggled out under the guise of Madam Qin seeking medical treatment. Prefect Huo then presented the preliminary findings from the skeletal analysis: the victims were likely between 12 and 16 years old and had died at least seven years prior. While their bones showed no fatal external injuries, their limbs, ribs, and finger bones all bore signs of old, healed fractures.

Qin Wan suggested this indicated prolonged, repeated torture, where victims were injured, healed, and then brutalized again. Yan Chi concurred, noting similarities to extreme interrogation methods he had observed, adding that human hearts also possess goodness and righteousness despite the existence of evil. He comforted a distraught Qin Wan, reaffirming her crucial role in seeking justice and promising to ensure that such "monsters" would not easily harm others.

Yan Chi speculated that Madam Qin's public scene was merely a diversion to aid Qin An's escape, strengthening his suspicion that Qin An was the culprit, though direct evidence was still pending. He also pondered why Concubine Yang chose to end her life in the Purple Bamboo Grove, an area distant from the concubines' quarters. Bai Feng was currently investigating Concubine Yang's abduction.

Yan Chi urged Qin Wan to rest, emphasizing her well-being, and she, in turn, offered him her hand warmer, which he accepted as a sign of care. Qin Wan was meticulously examining an unusual small finger bone that did not match any of the other skeletal remains. Qin Li arrived, marking his first daytime visit to her residence, acknowledging her medical treatment had helped him.

He offered to disclose everything he knew about the bodies in the well, hoping for leniency for the third branch of the family. He explained that his father, Qin An, once maintained a separate compound where he kept and trained purchased girls in various arts. One night, Qin Li secretly observed Steward Liu carrying a rolled-up straw mat near the Purple Bamboo Grove.

The following day, Madam Qin ordered that compound sealed, and the Purple Bamboo Grove well subsequently became dry. He clarified that Concubine Yang had not yet entered the household when these events transpired; it was Qin An's infrequent returns after the compound's sealing that eventually compelled Madam Qin to allow Concubine Yang into the mansion. Qin Li linked Concubine Yang's suicide to Concubine Liu.

He recounted that Concubine Yang, despite her beauty and Qin An's initial favor, was perpetually melancholic and did not strive to please him, often confined to her quarters by Qin An. After Concubine Liu entered the household, Concubine Yang lost favor but gained a degree of freedom. She frequently stood for long periods outside the sealed compound where the girls were kept, a place only accessible to Qin An's trusted servant, Steward Liu. Qin Li often secretly watched her there.

He revealed that Concubine Liu, jealous of Concubine Yang's beauty, frequently tormented her. One day, after a confrontation with Concubine Liu, Concubine Yang seemed to learn a crucial "truth." Qin Li followed her as she rushed into the Purple Bamboo Grove, only to witness her enter the well and never emerge. Her death prompted Madam Qin to seal the dry well with a demon-suppressing stone and later demolish the compound entirely.

Qin Li confessed that fear, triggered by the memory of the straw mat, prevented him from intervening. He explained his deep concern for Concubine Yang stemmed from her beautiful smile, which made him wonder if his own deceased mother might have smiled similarly. In his sealed quarters, Qin An desperately demanded a physician, even an imperial one, but was informed that no one could enter or leave due to the lockdown.

Madam Qin, in despair, declared her intention to atone for Qin An's sins. Meanwhile, Yan Chi received an update from the Eagle Squad: on the night Shen Yi and his wife were killed, a shipwreck occurred downstream on the canal. The following day, two young women claimed their father had drowned and then disappeared after arranging his funeral. Yan Chi speculated these could be Qin Wan and Fuling, but noted the lack of river transport to Medicine King Valley.

He instructed his team to cease the direct search for the Shen family and instead focus on apprehending the traitor within the Ministry of War who leaked his father's border patrol route. Yan Chi then informed Prefect Huo that Concubine Yang's origins had been uncovered. Records from Yang County and neighbor testimonies confirmed she matched the description of a beautiful Yang family matriarch who disappeared ten years ago with her daughter, with rumors of elopement.

Yan Chi speculated that if Concubine Yang was indeed this missing matriarch, then the mysterious compound Qin Li described, though now demolished, might have held her daughter captive. Neighbors also attested to Concubine Yang's profound love for her daughter, suggesting Qin An might have coerced her into compliance using the child. The missing Yang daughter was around 11 or 12 years old and famously had a supernumerary digit on one hand, a rare birth anomaly.

Qin Wan, realizing the significance of the six-fingered detail for the unusual finger bone she had found, confirmed that this uniquely identified Concubine Yang as the missing matriarch. However, she noted that none of the hand bones found so far in the Purple Bamboo Grove well bore any trace of a supernumerary digit, despite her meticulous supervision.

Remembering Qin Shuang's childhood account of seeing something unsettling in the well by the flower shed, and recognizing that the Purple Bamboo Grove was on higher ground, Qin Wan deduced that the buried remains could have been carried by an underground waterway to the flower shed well. She immediately ordered the flower shed well to be dug up, and her suspicions were confirmed when a human skull was uncovered. Yan Chi immediately ordered Bai Feng to apprehend Qin An without delay.

Episode 10 Recap

After examining Master Qin An, Qin Wan determined he was not suffering from a natural illness but had been poisoned, indicating someone was eager to silence him. She carefully inspected the medicinal herbs Master Qin An had consumed recently, identifying the poison as mineral poisoning. Though seemingly a small dosage, it was lethal for Master Qin An, whose body was already weakened by advanced syphilis, accelerating his organ failure and mental deterioration.

Yan Chi emphasized that the Qin Mansion case had to be reported to the Ministry of Justice, a process that would take at least half a year. He urged Qin Wan to cure Master Qin An's mineral poisoning so he could live to face legal punishment, and Qin Wan agreed. Yan Chi pondered Madam Qin's actions, wondering why she, having always doted on her descendants and done so much for Master Qin An, would resort to such a cruel method.

He concluded she was sacrificing him to protect Qin Chen's future, as Qin An could not be saved. However, Qin Wan countered that if Madam Qin truly wished to silence him, she would have chosen a quicker, less agonizing method. This suggested the poisoner might be someone else, someone who hated Master Qin An even more and wished for him to suffer.

They both agreed that the buried bodies in the well case was the root cause of all the murders in the Qin Mansion, suspecting revenge from the victims' families. Qin Wan and Xu He meticulously examined thirteen sets of skeletal remains, successfully identifying a skeleton with distinct exostosis marks on the second joint of the left thumb, finally allowing Concubine Yang to be reunited with her daughter.

They learned that the Yang family had experienced a fire after Concubine Yang's disappearance, in which her husband died. The local residents knew about this incident. It was revealed that Concubine Yang had two daughters; the elder one was beautiful and capable, and she had escaped the fire because she was out delivering goods for her father that day.

Qin Wan and Yan Chi surmised that the elder daughter, now in her twenties, was the sole survivor of the Yang family and could have infiltrated the Qin Mansion to seek revenge after discovering her mother and sister's fate. They considered her a potential mastermind or a key accomplice, given the intricate planning behind the series of murders.

Prefect Huo was ordered to search Master Qin An's quarters and study for portraits of Concubine Yang to aid in finding her daughter. However, no such portraits were found, and even general female portraits were missing from his collection. This prompted Qin Wan and Yan Chi to search the Qin Mansion's storerooms, where they discovered a secret room. Inside, they found numerous portraits, including one bearing Qin Chen's inscription, depicting a woman who was not his wife.

They deduced that Concubine Yang's portraits had likely been deliberately destroyed by someone else, possibly Qin Chen or Liu Chun, who had access and motive. Qin Wan administered needles to Master Qin An, rousing him from his stupor. In his agony, he confessed that it was Liu Chun who drugged the thirteen young girls with soporifics and threw them into the well. He revealed that Qingyuan Pawnshop, knowing his depraved preferences, regularly trafficked women and delivered them to his residence.

Master Qin An admitted he only wanted to dispose of the "unhealthy" ones. He also confessed that only the younger of Concubine Yang’s daughters was initially abducted by the pawnshop, but Concubine Yang, out of intense motherly love, tracked them down. When Master Qin An went to "pick up the goods," he found them about to kill Concubine Yang. Seeing her beauty and hearing her desperate pleas to enter the mansion with her daughter, he bought them both.

He callously admitted to exploiting Concubine Yang's love for her daughter to control her. Qin Wan, enraged by his lack of remorse, almost used her needle to inflict further pain, but Yan Chi intervened. In the struggle, Qin Wan accidentally pricked Yan Chi's arm, immediately treating him to prevent the transmission of syphilis. Later, Caihe, Madam Qin’s most trusted maid, delivered a new, brightly colored umbrella to Qin Wan.

Qin Wan found it odd, as she was still in mourning, and such a vibrant color was inappropriate. Yan Chi noted Caihe's usually meticulous nature, suggesting this oversight was unusual. He speculated that secretly moving the demon-suppressing stone was the very first step in the revenge plan, and the killer had waited patiently for the right opportunity to set their elaborate scheme in motion. The death of Lianye, he believed, was an unplanned incident, likely a silencing measure.

Upon reinspecting the Purple Bamboo Grove, Qin Wan discovered that the killer had utilized the unique flexibility of bamboo to move the heavy demon-suppressing stone. By wrapping multiple ropes around the stone and securing them to pre-selected bamboo branches, only two people were needed to move it, even if one was a woman. This led them to hypothesize that Concubine Yang's daughter had infiltrated the Qin Mansion a year ago and recruited an accomplice.

Yan Chi ordered the immediate sealing of Qingyuan Pawnshop, ensuring that by acting on two fronts simultaneously, they would prevent any communication among the conspirators. The pawnshop owner, despite being apprehended, brazenly boasted that his unseen master was beyond Yan Chi's reach. Undeterred, Yan Chi ordered an immediate investigation into the true identity of Qingyuan Pawnshop’s owner and their connections with high-ranking officials. Qin Wan then sought out Li, her Second Brother, to question him further about Lianye’s death.

She revealed that Lianye had died in the Purple Bamboo Grove, an uncomfortable fact for Li, who initially tried to avoid discussing it. Li recounted that he had seen Qin Chen enter the Purple Bamboo Grove on the night Lianye was killed, though he had not believed Qin Chen could be a murderer. Qin Wan pointed out that Lianye had joined the Qin household before Caihe, but Madam Qin had favored Caihe, promoting her over Lianye.

This fueled Lianye's resentment, and she became determined to find something to hold against Caihe. On the night she died, Lianye had followed Caihe out of the courtyard, but those in the sewing room, where Caihe claimed to be going, saw neither of them. Qin Wan theorized that Lianye had witnessed Qin Chen and Caihe’s clandestine relationship and was subsequently murdered to silence her.

Qin Wan then confirmed to Li that Caihe was indeed Concubine Yang's daughter, and the entire series of events was orchestrated for revenge. News arrived that Concubine Yang's husband suffered from color blindness, a condition that could be passed down to his children. Yan Chi immediately connected this to Caihe, recalling Qin Wan's earlier observation about Caihe's unusual choice of a brightly colored umbrella despite Qin Wan's mourning period.

Recognizing the significance, Qin Wan instructed Wanxing to inform Yan Chi of Caihe's name, knowing he would understand its implications. Qin Wan also sent word to Prefect Huo to prepare for upcoming developments. Later, Qin Chen, the Eldest Young Master, confronted Qin Wan. He desperately pleaded with her to delay informing Prefect Huo, offering to take Caihe away that very night, disregarding his wife and unborn child, and even his mother and sister.

Qin Wan condemned his willingness to abandon his family and commit murder for Caihe's sake. Enraged, Qin Chen declared that the killings were their victims' just desserts. He confessed to constantly wishing Master Qin An dead ever since discovering his true nature, asserting that Master Qin An did not deserve to live.

Qin Chen vehemently claimed that Caihe had already given up on her revenge for his sake, sacrificing much, even agreeing not to be his concubine so he could marry Xinlan and gain power. He declared that "he" was the one who sought revenge for Caihe. However, Qin Wan cruelly exposed Caihe's true nature, revealing that it was Caihe who had put musk in Xinlan’s medicine, and that Caihe was the mastermind who poisoned Master Qin An.

Qin Wan asserted that Caihe sought not only to punish those who had harmed Concubine Yang but also to ensure the third branch of the Qin family would have no descendants. Furious, Qin Chen refused to allow anyone to slander Caihe, and in a desperate attempt to bury the truth, he produced a rope, intending to strangle Qin Wan.

Episode 11 Recap

Qin Chen attempts to murder Qin Wan, believing she is too clever, but Qin Wan pleads with him not to make further mistakes. Just as he is about to strike, Yingqi, a secret guard under the Young Marshal's command, intervenes and saves Qin Wan, apologizing for her delayed arrival. Chaos erupts as the ancestral hall catches fire, trapping Madam Qin inside.

Qin Chen frantically searches for Caihe, while Prefect Huo confirms that tung oil had been deliberately used, rendering water useless against the blaze. From within the inferno, Caihe's voice declares her long-awaited revenge on the Qin family for torturing her sister, humiliating her mother, and burning her father alive. She accuses Concubine Liu of driving her mother to suicide and Steward Liu Chun of being an accomplice to murder.

Caihe, having served the family for five years, vows to make Qin An witness the end of his bloodline, expressing no regrets. Xinlan, Qin Chen's pregnant wife, had been lured into the burning hall by Caihe. Yan Chi and Yue Ning rush to the scene, where Yan Chi immediately notices the choke marks on Qin Wan's neck, realizing Qin Chen was responsible. Qin Chen bravely enters the blaze, first rescuing Xinlan, who is about to give birth.

He then returns to the inferno. Madam Qin perishes in the fire. Qin Chen confronts Caihe, questioning why she would harm his innocent wife and unborn child. Caihe cruelly reveals that their entire relationship was a lie; she had been deceiving him from the start, as he was nothing more than the son of her enemy. Distraught, Qin Chen still rescues Caihe from the collapsing roof, but she chooses to remain with him, and they both die in the fire.

Xinlan gives birth to a baby girl, but Third Madam expresses disdain for a daughter. Qin Wan encourages Xinlan, reminding her that her child would be left alone in a cold, unforgiving family if she gave up. Resolved to protect her daughter, Xinlan declares her intention to return to her parents' house and never step foot in the Qin Mansion again. With the main culprits dead, Yue Ning considers the case closed.

She invites Qin Wan to move in with her, but Qin Wan declines, not wanting to bring criticism upon Yue Ning's family. Yan Chi then asks if Qin Wan would be willing to assist him with cases in the capital once he joins the Ministry of Justice, and she eagerly agrees. Yue Ning excitedly insists on joining them. Later, Fu Ling questions Qin Wan's decision to travel with an unrelated man like Yan Chi, fearing it will raise suspicions.

However, Qin Wan believes Yan Chi already suspects her identity as Shen Yi's daughter, citing his knowledge of her father's "Vindication Records" and his awareness of her distinctive xiezhi mask. She reasons that Yan Chi, who bears new scars indicating he has dangerous enemies, has his own agenda for joining the Ministry of Justice and seeking her help. Since their goals align, she will accept his assistance.

She understands that Yan Chi is Prince Jin's cousin and her father's case is tied to Prince Jin's death, meaning their mutually beneficial relationship could turn hostile once the truth is revealed. Therefore, she resolves never to admit her true identity without irrefutable proof. Third Madam desperately pleads with Qin Wan to ask Yan Chi to spare some assets for their branch of the family, but Qin Wan refuses, reminding her of the Qin family's past cruelty.

She does, however, request that Yan Chi ensure Xinlan and her newborn are undisturbed until their departure, a request Yan Chi grants, though he vows others will face the full extent of the law. Qin Wan later delivers postpartum remedies to Xinlan, who expresses heartfelt gratitude.

Yue Ning again tries to persuade Qin Wan to move into the Marquis's Mansion, fearing harsh treatment from Third Madam, but Qin Wan refuses, feeling it would be ungrateful after having taken refuge with the third branch. Yan Chi's uncle confronts him, revealing he knows about the simultaneous assassination attempts on Yan Chi in Jingzhou and his father in Shuoxi. Yan Chi explains that he kept it secret to avoid involving his uncle, as they were already targets.

He reveals he is returning to the capital to resolve the matter under the Emperor's order to inspect criminal cases. His uncle questions why Yan Chi, with his military achievements, chose the Ministry of Justice over the Ministry of War and is intervening in Prince Jin's sensitive case. Yan Chi explains he suspects a connection between the attacks on his family and those who covet the Shuoxi Army's power, who also knew of his connection to Prince Jin.

Yan Chi admits the danger but states he now has "strong support." Meanwhile, Qin Wan prepares more herbs for Yan Chi, insisting on upholding her word despite her dwindling savings. Yan Chi appears, explaining Yingqi was a secret guard assigned to protect Qin Wan, not to spy on her.

He then asks about Minister Shen Yi's execution, recounting the official story: Prince Jin was accused of attempting to rape and murder the Emperor's favorite consort, and Shen Yi was executed for defending his innocence before Prince Jin supposedly committed suicide. Yan Chi declares his belief in Prince Jin's innocence and asks Qin Wan to help him clear both Prince Jin's and Minister Shen Yi's names. Qin Wan agrees, emphasizing their shared goal of vindicating her father.

Later, Qin Wan and Yan Chi encounter a man begging for help for his drowned child. Qin Wan performs a unique rescue by having the child lie over a stool and rocking it, successfully reviving him. Just then, her Senior Brother from Medicine King Valley, Sun Muqing, appears. Qin Wan quickly pulls him aside, reminding him of her usual male attire in the valley and the need to keep her identity secret.

Sun Muqing suggests she return to the valley, but Qin Wan asserts that both healing and forensics are paths to help people. Before departing, Sun Muqing praises Qin Wan's medical skills and compliments her appearance in women's clothes. Yan Chi, visibly jealous, asks Qin Wan why she didn't ask her senior brother to stay. Annoyed, Qin Wan explains that Sun Muqing is a platonic friend who never looked down on her for being a woman or envied her talent.

She questions Yan Chi's assumption that men and women cannot have a pure friendship. Yan Chi apologizes for his narrow-mindedness, admitting he admires such a relationship. When Qin Wan tells him not to barge into her carriage again, Yan Chi playfully replies that it "depends on my mood." Soon after, people from the Marquis of Zhongyong's Mansion arrive from the capital. Yan Chi advises Qin Wan to be cautious and remains out of sight.

Qin Yan, from the Marquis's family, greets Third Aunt and her daughters, taking particular note of Qin Wan. He presents her with a jade token as a gift, promising a better one in the capital, before revealing he has come specifically to escort Qin Wan and her two cousins back to the capital.

Episode 12 Recap

Qin Yan, the Heir of the Marquis of Zhongyong, arrived in Jingzhou. News from the capital, relayed by Bai Feng, confirmed that Qin Zhaoyu, the Marquis's eldest daughter, had been chosen as the Crown Princess. Qin Yan's official purpose was to escort the three unmarried Qin sisters to the capital for the New Year, a reason Qin Wan found suspicious, as the Third Madam and Qin Li were being left behind.

Meanwhile, Prefect Huo Huaixin reported a breakthrough in the Qingyuan Pawnshop case, having found a hidden ledger and arrested two collaborating families. Eager to return to the capital with Qin Wan, Yan Chi gave the prefect a seven-day deadline to finalize the case files. Four days before her departure, Qin Wan bid farewell to the Grand Princess, who was distressed about Qin Wan's future in the capital's complex social landscape.

The Grand Princess feared the Marquis, Qin Shu, would force an unsuitable marriage upon her and urged Qin Wan to fight for her own happiness, disregarding conventional filial piety if necessary. She promised to use her influence with the Emperor and Empress Dowager to help if needed. Yue Ning was heartbroken at losing her best friend.

Just as Yue Ning's brother awkwardly tried to propose marriage to Qin Wan, Yan Chi swiftly intervened, suggesting that Yue Ning's parents adopt Qin Wan as their foster daughter. This would make her an official member of their family, shielding her from the Marquis of Zhongyong's control over her marriage. The family and the Grand Princess enthusiastically agreed, formally acknowledging Qin Wan as her granddaughter and linking her fate to their Marquis Mansion's.

The rest of the Qin family was visibly displeased by this development, while Yan Chi couldn't hide his joy. Seizing the opportunity, Yue Ning begged her grandmother for permission to accompany Qin Wan to the capital. She argued that she could serve as Qin Wan's guard against common threats and that she longed to see the capital again after ten years, before her own impending marriage. Moved by her granddaughter's desire for one last adventure, the Grand Princess consented.

Before their departure, she gave Qin Wan a valuable gift for her security, instructing her to keep it a secret from the entire Qin family. Late one night, Yan Chi snuck into Qin Wan's room. He explained that his departure was delayed; the pawnshop investigation now implicated a deputy commander of the Jingzhou garrison, and he had to stay to catch the culprit.

Since Qin Wan had to travel with her family, he gave her a token from Prince Rui's Mansion for protection, warning that corrupt officials could be more dangerous than bandits, especially with vagrancy increasing in the north during winter. Too exhausted to travel back to his post, he rested on her daybed until dawn.

On the day of departure, the Third Madam instructed Qin Xiang to curry favor with the Marquis and his wife by being submissive, and she warned Qin Shuang to behave cautiously. Qin Wan's second brother, Qin Li, worriedly gave her his life savings for emergencies. Qin Wan accepted only a small portion, reminding him that he was now the hope of the third branch and that, in her heart, he would always be her second brother regardless of his birth.

As she left, Qin Wan silently vowed to uncover the truth and clear her parents' names, no matter how powerful their enemies were. The party was forced to abandon the waterway for land travel as the canal was at risk of freezing. As night fell, they sought lodging and were warned by an innkeeper about Sanyuan Village, which was said to be haunted by a monster that preyed on people after dark.

As their carriage passed through the village, Qin Wan and Yue Ning noted strange wards, like garlic and animal horns, on the doors. At the inn, the proprietor elaborated on the village's terror: six months prior, workers at the local tea garden began disappearing, their bodies later found with their internal organs missing. Though the official investigation went nowhere, villagers blamed a monster and grew hostile toward outsiders.

Their fear was validated when an old woman, Mrs. Feng, arrived screaming, carrying her granddaughter Cui, whose arm was withered and lifeless like a bone, completely drained of blood and vitality. Enraged, the villagers, led by Village Head Huang, demanded the travelers leave. A violent confrontation was narrowly averted by the arrival of two medical practitioners, Sun Muqing and Sun Haoyue. Sun Muqing offered them refuge at the nearby Herbal Garden, which belonged to Sun Haoyue.

At the serene but unsettling Herbal Garden, Qin Wan wished for Yan Chi's help. Unbeknownst to her, Yan Chi and Bai Feng were already racing to catch up with her. While exploring the grounds, Qin Wan was startled by a hand reaching out from a locked room. The steward, Dong, explained it was a patient of Sun Haoyue's, confined due to violent bouts of hysteria. Later, Qin Wan met Sun Haoyue and his brother-in-law, Bai Feijue.

She learned that Sun Haoyue's wife, Bai Feiyan, was gravely ill. When Sun Haoyue led Qin Wan to see his wife, he stopped her at the doorway, stating that his wife had just taken medicine and fallen asleep. He added that the potent "Yunmeng Incense" he used to help her sleep was too strong for others. Finding his behavior peculiar, Qin Wan left.

Episode 13 Recap

Sun Haoyue explained to Qin Wan that his wife suffered from a congenital deficiency. He had consulted their master, who affirmed the correctness of his prescription. However, his wife's body was exceedingly frail, leading to a slow recovery. Winters were particularly harsh, causing her to sometimes sleep for days or be unable to sleep when awake. Qin Wan expressed admiration for Sun Haoyue, noting that his actions truly embodied the principle of 'Benevolent Heart, Benevolent Skills.'

She also learned that his large residence was used to shelter impoverished patients, who had since recovered and returned home, explaining its current quiet state. She hoped that his deep devotion would bring healing to his wife, allowing them to grow old together. From the herb garden, Qin Wan and Sun Muqing heard shouts of 'Help! Someone's stealing herbs!' A young servant, Song, appeared, distressed that a thief had ruined the master's medicinal herbs.

Upon inspecting the scene, Qin Wan noted that the herbs were merely trampled and knocked over, not harvested. She concluded that the intruder was not there to steal medicine and had likely just climbed over the wall when he was spotted. Song admitted he couldn't get a clear look at the person. Soon after, Mr. Dong, the household steward, arrived. Song immediately knelt, profusely apologizing and fearing a scolding.

Mr. Dong, however, spoke kindly to the boy, explaining that he was an orphan taken in by Sun Haoyue and was traumatized by past hunger. Later, back in their room, Yue Ning recounted seeing Qin Xiang get startled by the gruesome sight of wild animal carcasses in the plum forest, which had an unpleasant smell. Just then, Bai Feijue appeared, offering apologies for the disturbance.

Yue Ning recounted how, after she casually mentioned the Bai family's prestigious status, Qin Xiang’s gaze at Bai Feijue became intensely admiring. Qin Wan, however, was more intrigued by the animal remains, asking where they were and noting Yue Ning’s description of them being disemboweled and cut open as if by a blade.

Mrs. Lin then arrived with pastries, explaining that she and Mr. Dong were the only original servants, while others had chosen to stay after being cured by Sun Haoyue. She shared that after Sun Haoyue cured her heart ailment, she inexplicably gained exceptional skill in the kitchen. Sun Muqing suddenly brought grave news: Song had been murdered. Qin Wan immediately prepared to perform a postmortem.

Her cousin, Qin Yan, attempted to dissuade her, concerned that her involvement would harm her and her sister's reputation. However, Qin Wan insisted she could not stand by when such a serious incident occurred in Sun Haoyue’s home. Yue Ning interceded, assuring Qin Yan that Qin Wan's forensic skills were highly respected by figures like Lord Yan and Prefect Huo, ensuring her reputation would remain intact. At the scene, Qin Wan instructed that Sun Haoyue not be informed yet.

She dispatched someone to report to the authorities, acknowledging that the county office was over seventy "li" away and travel through heavy snow would take two days. Knowing they couldn't wait, she decided to conduct a preliminary examination. The servant who discovered Song explained he had risen early to sweep snow and stumbled upon the body after chasing a wild cat, which Bai Feijue had ordered cleared away.

As Qin Wan tasked Sun Muqing with recording her findings, she overheard Qin Yan discussing an immediate departure with the steward, but she firmly declared that, given the circumstances, no one could leave. Qin Wan’s initial examination revealed Song was approximately sixteen and had died around one to three in the morning. She deduced the killer had pinned him against a wall and brutally slashed at his limbs, though the blade dulled before severing his arms.

The fatal injury was a stab wound to the chest. No weapon was found, but the wounds suggested a crude billhook. Qin Wan ordered the area sealed, fearing the killer was a sadist. Mrs. Lin confirmed that Song, who also had a heart condition, was an orphan cherished by Sun Haoyue and had no enemies. A search of the garden wall revealed no new footprints due to the heavy snow.

Qin Wan suspected the killer was the thief Song had discovered the previous night. Her suspicions grew when they confirmed a billhook was missing from the storage yard. Fearing the killer might strike again, she suggested everyone gather for safety. However, Sun Haoyue sent word that his wife was too unwell to be moved and he would personally ensure her safety.

Qin Wan then instructed Sun Muqing to question all servants about their whereabouts, acknowledging the possibility of an inside job. Feeling useless about her inability to find footprints, Yue Ning admitted to Qin Wan that she missed Yan Chi. Qin Wan comforted her, sharing her own early medical misdiagnoses and emphasizing that making mistakes is part of learning. She then confessed that she too missed Yan Chi.

Unbeknownst to them, Yan Chi and Bai Feng were enduring a perilous journey through heavy snow. Their horse eventually led them to the Herbal Garden’s entrance, where they collapsed, severely frostbitten and unconscious. They were immediately brought in for urgent medical attention. Sun Muqing confirmed Yan Chi and Bai Feng were being treated with medicinal baths. He was surprised by the severity of their condition, given Yan Chi's experience, but Qin Wan attributed it to extreme fatigue.

She requested sugar water and rice oil and rushed to personally apply medicine to Yan Chi. Sun Muqing tried to stop her, concerned about propriety given Yan Chi's naked state, but Qin Wan dismissed him, stating that a physician sees no gender and that she had treated him similarly before, much to Sun Muqing's annoyance.

When Yan Chi awakened, he was touched to find Qin Wan by his side but became flustered upon learning she had applied medicine while he was undressed. Just then, Bai Feng rushed in, revealing Yan Chi's desperate journey: he had abandoned his guards and traveled day and night to catch up to her. Overwhelmed by this revelation and conflicted about how to handle such intense feelings while her family's wrongful conviction remained unaddressed, Qin Wan abruptly left.

Soon after, local officials arrived. Constable Song conducted a perfunctory examination and, based on the victim’s intact clothing, hastily concluded Song was killed by an acquaintance with little struggle. He decided to arrest everyone for interrogation, threatening torture. Qin Wan openly challenged their crude methods, but Constable Song dismissed her as a sheltered lady. At this moment, Yan Chi intervened, presenting his Prince Rui's Heir token. The officials' attitudes instantly shifted.

Yan Chi introduced Qin Wan as "Master Jiu," his specially hired strategist with profound knowledge in criminal law, instructing them to show her utmost respect. Qin Wan, now formally addressed as 'Master Jiu,' conducted a second, more thorough examination. While an official recorded her findings, she noted abrasions and bruises on Song's face, shoulder, chest, and abdomen, as well as on his knees and lower legs.

She also found cut wounds on both palms and a bloodstain on his right wrist. Inspecting Song's clothing, she observed its coarse cotton material, which Mr. Dong confirmed was inferior to the quality Sun Haoyue provided for his servants. Most significantly, Qin Wan discovered that although Song’s shoes were soaked in blood, their soles were completely dry. Yan Chi immediately understood the implication: Song must have only walked along covered corridors.

He then accompanied Qin Wan as they traced Song's potential route through the compound's interconnected walkways. Yan Chi and Qin Wan concluded that Song’s dry shoe soles indicated he was killed in a covered area. They connected this to the missing billhook from the storage yard. Yan Chi speculated that the killer entered the storage yard, grabbed the billhook, and waited. However, the brutality of the attack suggested it was not spontaneous.

He hypothesized that Song was not the intended victim; rather, the true target was likely Sun Haoyue, whose Renxin Clinic was nearby. Song's unexpected intervention had seemingly disrupted the killer's plan, leading to his own brutal murder. Yan Chi instructed Constable Song to prioritize the safety of the Renxin Clinic until his Black Armor Guards arrived.

Episode 14 Recap

Qin Yan, having observed Yan Chi's strong protectiveness towards Qin Wan, began to formulate plans to leverage this connection to draw Yan Chi closer to the Crown Prince. He recognized Qin Wan's exceptional talent, viewing her as a double-edged sword that, while powerful, must remain inextricably linked to the interests of the Marquis's family. Meanwhile, Sun Muqing grew frustrated when Yan Chi and Bai Feng did not return to take their medicine.

Just as Qin Wan prepared to look for them, the two men rushed back. Qin Wan voiced her concern that the killer, in a violent state after brutally killing Song, would directly target Sun Haoyue. Yan Chi reassured her, stating that he had already summoned the Black Armor Guards, who would arrive in four hours.

He and Bai Feng would keep watch until then, promising the concerned Qin Wan that they would only scout the terrain and not engage in combat, to protect their unhealed injuries. Qin Shuang approached Yue Ning and Qin Wan, expressing worries about Qin Xiang. She revealed that Qin Xiang had secretly left her room the previous night and that a distinctive jade butterfly had appeared in her makeup box that morning.

Qin Shuang suspected Qin Xiang had gone to meet Bai Feijue, fearing she was blindly pursuing a dangerous path. Qin Wan acknowledged Bai Feijue's noble family background but pointed out that his marriage might not be his to decide, and a clandestine meeting would only damage Qin Xiang's reputation. She advised Qin Shuang to protect herself, as Qin Xiang would likely not heed her warnings, and urged both of them to stay safe.

Later, while Yan Chi and Bai Feng were investigating, a scream echoed from the pharmacy area. The victim, Dachen, was still alive thanks to Yan Chi's timely warning shout, which startled the assailant into fleeing. Before losing consciousness, Dachen uttered, "Don't wait anymore," which Butler Dong later clarified was a message to his fiancée, as he was soon to be married. Bai Feng reported that the assailant's tracks led west, towards the female guest quarters.

There, Qin Shuang's attempts to reason with Qin Xiang failed, as Qin Xiang defiantly contrasted her own difficult situation as a concubine's daughter with that of Qin Wan, who, despite being a "jinx," enjoyed great favor. Angered, Qin Shuang left. Moments later, Qin Xiang was seized by the killer, who demanded Sun Haoyue's presence. Qin Wan bravely stepped forward to confront the agitated assailant, borrowing a sleeve arrow from Yan Chi.

The killer, consumed by grief, accused Sun Haoyue of murdering his daughter, whose body he found cut open and stitched back up. When Sun Haoyue arrived, the killer confirmed his hatred, declaring that the loyal Song deserved to die for being Sun Haoyue's "dog." As the standoff escalated, Bai Feijue suddenly appeared and killed the assailant with a sleeve arrow, saving Qin Xiang. He apologized for acting on impulse after seeing Qin Xiang bleeding.

Following the incident, Qin Yan announced his intention to return to the capital the next day. Yan Chi advised them to stay a few more days due to the treacherous snowy roads, but Qin Yan declined. Still pondering the mysterious deaths of the wild animals, Qin Wan, accompanied by Yue Ning, went to the Plum Grove. Noting the ground wasn't freshly disturbed, she suspected the carcasses were buried nearby and had them unearthed to determine the cause of death.

Meanwhile, Butler Dong delivered a gift to Qin Xiang from Bai Feijue, informing her that Bai Feijue was returning to Yizhou for an urgent family matter. Qin Xiang interpreted the gift—a ruby and mandarin duck pendant—as a marriage proposal, much to Qin Shuang's exasperation. Inside the gift box, Qin Xiang found a hidden note: a plea from Bai Feijue to elope with him at dawn.

Convinced she knew the truth behind the "monsters" of Sanyuan Village, Qin Wan asked Yan Chi to persuade her brother to delay their departure. Yan Chi agreed, also ensuring she kept a sleeve arrow for protection. The next morning, their carriages' axles were mysteriously broken. Simultaneously, Qin Shuang frantically reported Qin Xiang missing along with her favorite belongings. After examining footprints and traces of a sleeping drug, Qin Wan deduced it was a pre-planned elopement.

Qin Yan decided to give chase, and Qin Wan insisted on joining him, choosing not to inform Yan Chi. Their party reached Changfu Inn, the only route out of the mountain. There, the innkeeper recognized a unique leaf mark on their tea pastries, identifying them as a specialty of the Zhang family from Sanyuan Village, whose line had ended when their daughter was killed by "monsters."

He added that Mrs. Lin at the Herbal Garden made the same pastries exceptionally well. Realizing the connection, Qin Wan urged Qin Yan to dispatch officers to the Herbal Garden. Meanwhile, Sun Muqing confronted Yan Chi, accusing him of ruining Qin Wan's future as a physician by making her his coroner.

Yan Chi countered that Qin Wan, already famous as a "Medical Fairy," deserved to follow her own path and be respected as a national talent, eventually without needing his protection. Soon after, Yan Chi and Bai Feng, learning from scouts that no one had left the mountain, concluded Qin Xiang must still be nearby and set off to search.

Having returned to the Herbal Garden, Qin Wan instructed her maid to send Yan Chi to the Renxin Clinic upon his arrival and ordered the Black Armor Guards to seal all exits. She and Yue Ning then went to the clinic, where she encountered the imprisoned patient. The man, unable to speak, wrote "Bai Feijue," confirming he was the real one.

He indicated the imposter who eloped with Qin Xiang was a patient with a replaced heart and that his sister also had a heart condition. Realizing Qin Xiang's peril, Qin Wan promised to free him after alerting the authorities. Elsewhere, Sun Muqing informed Sun Haoyue of the elopement. Sun Haoyue gave him tea laced with a "calming incense," and Sun Muqing lost consciousness. Having anticipated a confrontation, Qin Wan had given Yue Ning antidote pills.

When they arrived at Sun Haoyue's quarters, he noted their foresight but incapacitated them with his "Yunmeng Incense," a potent inhaled anesthetic, lamenting that Qin Wan's obsession with the animal corpses prevented them from further discussing medicine.

Episode 15 Recap

Realizing the chase down the mountain was a diversion, Yan Chi immediately orders his men back to the Herbal Garden, certain their targets would not flee to a remote location like Yunwu Mountain. Meanwhile, Qin Wan and Yue Ning awaken in a freezing underground chamber. Qin Wan blames herself for their predicament, deducing that Sun Haoyue must have drugged her senior brother first before luring them into a trap with a special medicinal incense.

She reassures Yue Ning that her senior is likely not in mortal danger. Trapped in the maze-like chamber with no knowledge of its location, they resolve to find their own way out, with Yue Ning declaring she has ambitions in the martial world yet to fulfill. As they explore the labyrinth, they discover a gruesome scene: jars containing human organs and numerous hollowed-out corpses. They realize with horror that Sun Haoyue is the infamous “demon of Sanyuan Village.”

Elsewhere, Sun Haoyue and Bai Feijue watch over a semi-conscious Qin Xiang. Bai Feijue callously reveals that her heart is needed to extend Bai Feiyan's life. After the two men depart, Qin Wan and Yue Ning rush to help the devastated Qin Xiang, who is heartbroken by Bai Feijue's betrayal. As news reaches Yan Chi that Qin Wan and Yue Ning are missing from Renxin Clinic, he orders Bai Feng to seal the Herbal Garden and leads a search.

While searching for an exit, the three women inadvertently trigger a floor mechanism, revealing a hidden underground river and forcing them to turn back. Returning to a mostly deserted Herbal Garden, Yan Chi's men find a single survivor unconscious near a stone wall. Yan Chi assigns Fuling to care for the man while ordering a search of the backyard. Below ground, the women's escape is blocked by Bai Feijue.

A tearful Qin Xiang confronts him about his deception, but he coldly dismisses her feelings, stating she was only interested in his connection to the Bai family's status and mocking her for eloping with a man whose identity she didn't even know. As he taunts them, Qin Wan seizes the opportunity, putting a dagger to Qin Xiang’s throat and threatening to kill her.

She warns Bai Feijue that if Qin Xiang dies, she and Yue Ning will take their own lives, leaving him to face his senior's wrath for failing his mission. When Bai Feijue panics and demands they release her, Yue Ning lunges forward and fatally stabs him. After confirming he is dead, the women deduce the exit must be in the direction he came from.

Yan Chi’s men find the sealed stone door and conclude it must be opened from the inside with hydraulic power. Yan Chi orders them to dig. Hearing the digging, the women press on and find Sun Haoyue cradling Bai Feiyan’s body. Qin Wan notices signs of decomposition, realizing Feiyan has been dead for a long time, but Sun Haoyue is lost in delusion, insisting she is merely sleeping.

He claims he only needs a fresh heart from a young girl to revive her. Qin Wan furiously confronts him, calling him a madman and a murderer. She condemns him for the lives he took in Sanyuan Village, arguing that as a physician, he should know a heart transplant cannot revive the dead.

Sun Haoyue defiantly proclaims his innocence, claiming he only took hearts from the weak who were near death anyway, and that his actions would ultimately benefit the world. In a final act of madness, he triggers a mechanism to seal the chamber, intending for them all to die together. Water floods the room, and as Qin Wan and Yue Ning struggle to save Qin Xiang, Qin Wan loses her grip and is swept away.

Before losing consciousness, she sees a vision of her parents. Above, Yan Chi smashes through the wall, sees her fall, and dives into the torrent, pulling her to safety and performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. As Yan Chi revives Qin Wan, Yue Ning, Bai Feng, and Fuling watch anxiously. Recalling Qin Wan's own life-saving techniques, Yan Chi performs chest compressions until she finally awakens.

She immediately tries to tend to his wounds, but he embraces her, confessing that her safety is all that matters. He admits his feelings for her have grown from admiration to a deep-seated joy, and that seeing her lifeless was the first time he had ever known true fear. He tells her he wants to spend the rest of his life with her. Moved to tears, Qin Wan says she is not a suitable match for him.

In response, Yan Chi calls her by her real name, Shen Wan. He reveals he knows about her past and her connection to Medicine King Valley, recognizing that her skills come from years of practice, not just talent. He affirms their goals are aligned—her quest to clear her father’s name and his to overturn Prince Jin’s case—and declares that she is unique and irreplaceable.

As he leans in to kiss her, a shivering Bai Feng emerges from the water and comically covers his eyes. Later, a shaken Yue Ning tearfully vows to protect Qin Wan for the rest of her life, even if it means never marrying. After Qin Yan pays a brief visit, Qin Wan worries he might be suspicious, but Yan Chi dismisses her concern, stating he plans to propose to her openly.

He reaffirms his confession, but Qin Wan admits she is unromantic and unwilling to conform to the life of a noblewoman. Yan Chi replies that he loves her precisely for her defiant spirit, wanting a wife who is a heroine by his side, not one confined to the inner quarters. Qin Wan insists she will not consider marriage until her father's name is cleared.

Yan Chi accepts but refuses to go back to how things were, declaring his heart has been captured and he intends for her to become his princess, Shen Wan, in the eyes of the world. As a condition, Qin Wan asks him to promise he will never take a concubine. Yan Chi solemnly agrees, affirming that his experience with life and death on the battlefield taught him the meaning of true commitment and that she alone is all he needs. Their tender moment is once again interrupted by Bai Feng, who stumbles in complaining that he suddenly can't see anything.

Episode 16 Recap

After apologizing for his ill-timed interruption, Bai Feng delivered an urgent report to Yan Chi: the Marquis of Zhongyong had received an invitation from Prince Yu, ordering Qin Yan's group to divert to Yuzhou for the prince's birthday celebration. Yan Chi expressed concern, noting the Marquis's desperation for power in trying to curry favor with Prince Yu, a man known for his indulgence.

He questioned why unmarried women would be brought to a birthday banquet, suspecting the Marquis intended to offer his nieces as concubines. However, Yan Chi was pleased to learn that Yan Li, the flamboyant Heir of Prince Yi, was personally overseeing the banquet. Qin Yan offered Qin Wan some ginseng, noting that Yan Chi had risked his life for her and trusted her deeply, as shown by his entrusting her with the Heir's Token.

Unaware of its true power, Qin Wan believed it was merely for protection. Qin Yan clarified its immense authority, explaining the token was like the Heir of Prince Rui himself being present and could command local troops. Horrified, Qin Wan resolved to return it. Qin Yan then subtly offered the full support of the Marquis of Zhongyong's Mansion if Qin Wan had ambitions.

Feigning ignorance, Qin Wan attributed Yan Chi's concern to her status as the Marquis of Anyang's adopted daughter and dismissed his recent actions as a simple apology. Qin Yan then informed her they were heading to Yuzhou for Prince Yu's 60th birthday and the birth of his new son. While he framed it as a convenient stop, Qin Wan was suspicious.

Later, Yan Chi informed Qin Yan of his own plans to travel to Yuzhou, asking him to look after Yue Ning. Qin Yan then pressed Yan Chi about the Heir's Token, expressing concern over its power, but Yan Chi dismissed his worries, stating that if a mere token could cause chaos, his own efforts would be meaningless. Humbled, Qin Yan apologized and expressed his admiration.

Yan Chi subtly warned him against forging overly close ties with capital nobles, which could displease the Emperor. Shortly after, Qin Yan confronted Qin Xiang, harshly threatening her to remain silent about her past elopement and warning that any further trouble would result in severe consequences. Qin Wan and Yan Chi discussed their shared unease.

Qin Wan expressed her disgust at the Marquis's "despicable" plans, explaining that he and Qin Yan were risking everything to secure the family title by backing a future emperor. Both agreed they couldn't let the Marquis's schemes succeed. When Qin Wan tried to return the Heir's Token, Yan Chi refused, reassuring her he was not afraid of any trouble and asserting that he was a far better protector than any token.

Before their departure, Sun Muqing announced his decision to remain at the Herbal Garden to preserve his medical knowledge, entrusting his junior sister, Qin Wan, to Yan Chi's care. Upon arriving in Yuzhou, they found the city gates shut. After a servant's shouts went unanswered, Yan Chi announced the presence of the Heir of Prince Rui, ordering the gates opened.

Yan Li, the Heir of Prince Yi, then appeared, playfully admitting he had closed the gates to "clear a space" for a proper welcome. The brothers exchanged lighthearted banter. Yue Ning remarked on Yan Li's good looks, but Qin Wan stated firmly that Yan Chi was the most handsome man in her eyes. After the Pang family's steward arrived, Qin Yan explained his father's long-standing friendship with Pang Fuliang, the richest merchant in the northwest, before departing with the women.

Yan Li then informed Yan Chi he had gotten him out of Prince Yu's official welcome banquet and whisked him away for "some real fun." The group settled into the Pang family's opulent Shifang Inn. Following Yan Chi's orders, Bai Feng remained close to Qin Wan. Qin Yan met with Pang Yiwen, Pang Fuliang's son, who then greeted the women.

Princess Yongning (Yue Ning) was visibly disgusted by his lecherous gaze and the fact that Pang Fuliang himself hadn't come to welcome her. In their quarters, Qin Xiang claimed the main room, annoying Yue Ning, but Qin Wan calmly arranged the rooms. Later, while observing the inn's grandeur, Qin Wan wondered what urgent business Yan Li had with Yan Chi. Yue Ning immediately speculated they had gone to a brothel, alarming Qin Wan.

Indeed, Yan Li had taken a displeased Yan Chi to the Tianxiang House, a brothel. Yan Chi sternly sent the women away and chastised Yan Li, who, realizing the depth of Yan Chi's feelings for Qin Wan, teased him about his "plain taste." Enraged, Yan Chi declared he would take Qin Wan as his wife for life and forbade anyone, including Yan Li, from disrespecting her. Yan Li quickly backed down and showed Yan Chi the banquet guest list.

Yan Chi noted Prince Yu's excessive concern over his seating arrangements, suspecting a hidden agenda. Among the guests was Li Muyun, the new Minister of the Supreme Court. Yan Li explained the Emperor had sent Li in connection with the salt transport corruption probe. Yan Chi expressed profound disdain for Li, recounting how he betrayed his mentor, Shen Yi, to advance his career, and instructed Yan Li to seat the "ungrateful" man far away.

Yan Chi also noticed Liu Renli, a transport commissioner known for corruption. He deduced that Liu's rapid rise was due to bribery and that his early arrival in Yuzhou was likely a hurried attempt to gather information about the Emperor's investigation. Meanwhile, Liu Renli secretly met with Madam Qin. She expressed a desire to acquire the Shifang Inns, but Liu cautioned that the Pang family would never let go of their most vital asset.

He warned her to be careful as political landscapes had shifted and their unexpected guests, Yan Chi and Li Muyun, were likely in Yuzhou for more than a birthday. Before leaving, he grimly declared that "Qing Li must die." Elsewhere, Pang Fuliang discussed the salt transport business with Qin Yan, hinting at his willingness to support the Crown Prince and recommending Liu Renli as a valuable contact.

Later that night, Qin Wan, sensing a shadow at her door, instinctively clutched her dagger, only relaxing when she saw it was Yan Chi. Noticing the scent of rouge on him, she questioned him. Yan Chi awkwardly admitted he had been to the Tianxiang House, a brothel, but swore it was his first time and he had mistaken it for a restaurant.

He explained that he allows his soldiers to joke about such places to cope with the grief of losing comrades. Qin Wan accepted his explanation but admitted her possessive and jealous nature. Yan Chi embraced her, expressing his fondness for her "jealous" and "fierce" personality. Their moment was interrupted by the sound of the Shuangqing Troupe rehearsing "Mulian Rescues His Mother."

As Yan Chi reaffirmed his promise to clear her parents' names, Yue Ning knocked, asking to sleep with Qin Wan out of fear, forcing a swift departure from Yan Chi. At Prince Yu's banquet the next day, Yue Ning was frustrated by a crowd of matchmakers, which Qin Wan observed with a smile. Qin Yan was seen toasting Li Muyun, but Qin Wan's amusement vanished as her eyes met Li's across the hall, leaving her startled.

Episode 17 Recap

Following the events at the banquet, Qin Wan was startled when she unexpectedly saw Li Muyun. She quickly got up to leave, having pictured his face countless times but never expecting him to appear as such a gentleman. Fuling observed that Qin Wan had barely eaten, consumed by her accidental eye contact with Li Muyun and fear of exposing her true thoughts.

Fuling reassured her that it was natural not to feel calm when facing a great enemy, emphasizing that despite his gentlemanly appearance, Li Muyun was a villain who had ruined Qin Wan's family. Yue Ning then joined Qin Wan, expressing relief at finally escaping the stifling atmosphere inside. She complained that Princess Yu was relentlessly trying to arrange a marriage for her with the handsome and talented sons or nephews of various noble families.

Yue Ning admitted she had to dig her nails into her palms to prevent herself from lashing out, and Qin Wan commended her newfound restraint. Yan Li also arrived, announcing that he came to remind them about the Shuangqing Troupe's upcoming performance of "Mulian Rescues His Mother," while also needing to walk off a heavy meal.

During the banquet, Yan Chi subtly instructed Bai Feng to keep a close eye on the people at the back table who were too timid to approach for a toast, specifically identifying Liu Renli as someone involved in salt delivery. Meanwhile, Li Muyun approached Yan Chi, offering his Qinghui Manor as lodging, given Yan Chi was still at the post house. Yan Chi politely declined, asserting his adherence to official regulations.

Li Muyun then sought advice from Yan Chi regarding solving cases, but Yan Chi bluntly stated that those who betray their teachers for career advancement were beneath his contempt, reinforcing that people with different principles cannot work together. Later, Qin Yan expressed his dissatisfaction with Liu Renli's early departure to Pang Fuliang, questioning his disrespect for the Crown Prince.

Pang Fuliang explained that Liu Renli was merely avoiding Yan Chi because he had once invested in Qingyuan Pawnshop, a case Yan Chi was currently handling. Although Liu Renli had withdrawn his investment as soon as the news broke, he feared Yan Chi had some leverage over him. Separately, an idle Yan Li sought out Bai Feng, persistently asking about Qin Wan. Bai Feng consistently claimed to know nothing.

Through a process of elimination regarding roles in criminal justice, Yan Li deduced that Qin Wan must be a coroner, an expert at handling dead bodies, much to Bai Feng's feigned dismay. As the Shuangqing Troupe's performance began, a shocking incident unfolded on stage. Just as Leader Qing Li was performing, she was shot through the chest with an arrow and died instantly. Prince Yu, terrified by the sudden death, fainted.

Yan Chi immediately ordered Bai Feng to seal off the entire area, threatening to kill anyone who attempted to leave. Qin Wan quickly assessed Prince Yu, diagnosing him with a stroke and warning that he must not be moved. She then requested paper and a brush to write a prescription. After ensuring Prince Yu was stable, Qin Wan expressed her desire to quickly examine Leader Qing Li's body to prevent rumors from spreading.

Yan Chi agreed, instructing Bai Feng to escort Qin Wan and Yue Ning to the prefect's office, where he would join them after securing the crime scene. Yan Li, intrigued, also insisted on accompanying them. Upon seeing Qin Wan perform the postmortem examination, Yan Li became visibly nauseated and threw up. He pleaded with Yue Ning to help him save face in front of Yan Chi, promising to grant any future favor.

Yue Ning, in return, demanded that he drink with her until they were both satisfied. Back at the crime scene, Yan Chi and Qin Wan analyzed the fatal arrow. They discovered it was made of pure iron, unlike the other iron-plated wooden arrows in the prop quiver. They noted that even the lighter arrows would be lethal, but the pure iron arrow was so heavy it required two pulls of the quiver's mechanism to fire.

They deduced that the killer, intimately familiar with the prop and the play's choreography, exploited Leader Qing Li's only moment with her back to her stage partner, Yang Ying, to fatally strike her. Yang Ying's reaction seemed genuinely shocked, but they questioned his failure to personally inspect such a critical prop, given he was the deputy troupe leader. They decided to investigate who else could have tampered with the quiver.

Meanwhile, Governor Wang, eager to close the case, was brutally interrogating Yang Ying, coercing him into a false confession. Just as a beaten Yang Ying was about to comply, Yan Chi and Qin Wan burst in, stopping the torture. Yan Chi introduced Qin Wan as "Master Jiu," a master of criminal justice, who quickly assessed Yang Ying and explained that being gagged during the torture had caused him to faint.

Yan Chi fiercely rebuked Governor Wang for his brutal methods, reminding him of the legal codes that required detailed confessions and evidence. He warned the Governor that hastily closing a case that caused Prince Yu to fall ill would not only ruin his retirement but also lead to severe repercussions. Faced with Yan Chi's stern admonition, Governor Wang pledged to investigate the case thoroughly. Later that night, Yan Li and Yue Ning, having drunk heavily, discussed their anxieties.

Yue Ning feared being confined by an undesirable marriage, while Yan Li worried about being pursued for his empty noble title. In their drunken state, they agreed to marry each other. This way, Yue Ning could continue her heroic deeds without interference, and Yan Li could pursue his romantic affairs without being bothered, a perfect solution to their respective dilemmas. Fuling, seeing Qin Wan return late, chastised Yan Chi for overworking her.

Yan Chi playfully promised not to tire her lady out in the future. He then provided Qin Wan with two crucial items for her safety: a Red Flare for signaling him from afar and an eagle whistle for when he is nearby. As Qin Wan went inside, Yan Chi departed, telling Bai Feng that he was leaving Fuling for him to handle. Meanwhile, at his residence, Pang Fuliang and Liu Renli waited a long time for Qin Yan.

Pang Fuliang expressed his frustration, noting Liu Renli’s shady dealings were attracting unwanted attention from Yan Chi. Their conversation revealed that a Madam Tan was demanding ownership of Pang Fuliang’s Shifang Inn because she was being blackmailed by the now-deceased Leader Qing Li over a past incident. Enraged, Pang Fuliang refused to give up the inn, vowing that if Madam Tan tried to threaten him, she wouldn't get a single coin. Just then, Qin Yan arrived.

Elsewhere, as Qin Wan and Fuling stood in their courtyard, they were startled by an unsettling, disembodied voice singing a melody from "Mulian Rescues His Mother," despite Governor Wang having supposedly arrested the entire troupe.

Episode 18 Recap

Picking up from the unsettling opera singing heard in the courtyard, Qin Wan and Fuling are startled by someone approaching from behind, accidentally causing him to fall into the water. The man is revealed to be Pang Fuliang's Eldest Young Master. When his younger brother mocks him, the enraged Eldest Young Master tries to strike them both, but Qin Wan intervenes, questioning his aggression towards a woman and a child.

He dismissively calls Qin Wan a "servant" and his brother a "bastard," scoffing at her protest. Soon after, Qing, a maid, introduces herself, explaining she serves Madam Qin, Pang Fuliang's second wife, who is unwell and rarely sees visitors. As a skilled physician, Qin Wan offers her help. Qing then mentions the opera "Mulian Rescues His Mother" being sung earlier, wondering who it could be, as the Shuangqing Troupe is currently detained.

Meanwhile, Yan Chi discovers that both Liu Renli and Pang Fuliang are from Dingzhou but have concealed their origins for over a decade, suggesting a significant secret. Elsewhere, Pang Fuliang advises Liu Renli to retain his post managing salt permits, arguing it’s more valuable to the Crown Prince's cause than a position in the capital. Their discussion is cut short when a servant announces that Madam Qin has been found hanged in her room.

Yan Chi and Qin Wan rush to the scene at Qinghui Manor. Qin Wan observes that there are no signs of a struggle, a cup of high-grade tea is left untouched, and there are unusual abrasions on the pillar where the body hung. She finds it odd that someone would request fine tea only to commit suicide without drinking it.

When the distraught Liu Renli bursts in, he reveals the victim’s true identity: Qing Yun, the former leader of the Shuangqing Troupe and Qing Li's master. Seeing Liu's grief and Pang Fuliang's haste to distance himself, Yan Chi deduces a secret entanglement between the three. He suspects the profit-driven Pang Fuliang only allowed Qing Yun to live there because she held leverage over him. Later, Liu Renli confronts Pang Fuliang, accusing him of murdering Qing Yun after their recent argument.

Pang Fuliang denies it, stating he had no reason to kill her as he hadn't agreed to her demands. He warns Liu Renli that if Yan Chi's investigation uncovers their shared past, they will both be ruined. Qin Wan performs the autopsy, explaining the process to a queasy Governor Wang. She notes the deceased was between 45 and 55, with intact makeup and no signs of being dragged.

An oil stain scented with ambergris is on her sleeve, and abrasions with green sawdust on her back suggest she was rubbed against a pillar. Though there is a clear ligature mark, the silk rope used shows no grip marks, indicating a lack of struggle. Qin Wan concludes that Qing Yun was likely unconscious before being hanged and that a full dissection is needed.

At that moment, a severely hungover Yue Ning and Yan Li arrive; Yan Li, trying to appear tough, also becomes nauseous upon hearing the details. During the dissection, Qin Wan finds a toxic black powder made from Datura seeds, which induces unconsciousness when mixed with alcohol. She theorizes the victim consumed it elsewhere or the murderer disposed of the container.

Bai Feng presents a fabric fragment found on a pavilion pillar outside Pang Fuliang's study, which matches Qing Yun's dress and carries the same ambergris scent. When questioned, Pang Fuliang lies, claiming he met Qing Yun in an outer pavilion, not his study, and that he drove her away after she demanded a 30% share of his Shifang Inn.

Yan Chi confirms the oil on Qing Yun's sleeve is from a lamp in Pang Fuliang's study, proving he lied about their meeting place. He speculates that the bitter taste of the Datura was masked by heavily seasoned food. The sequential, suspicious deaths of Qing Li and Qing Yun, with conflicting evidence in both cases, leave Qin Wan bewildered. Yan Chi comforts her, promising to keep her updated on any new findings.

Later, the Eldest Young Master uses the pretext of delivering lamp oil to flirt with Qin Wan, but a drunken Yue Ning and Yan Li chase him away. Fuling observes to Qin Wan that she has been smiling more since Yan Chi's arrival, and Qin Wan admits she enjoys working with him. The next day, the injured Eldest Young Master demands Qin Wan treat him.

Yan Li confesses to Yan Chi that he ordered the beating for his inappropriate behavior towards Qin Wan. Showing no mercy, Qin Wan treats the young master by driving a large acupuncture needle into his toe until he screams, forcing his compliance. Yan Chi then dispatches Yan Li on a mission to investigate the Shuangqing Troupe. Accompanied by Yue Ning, Yan Li decides to gather information from their chief rival, the Yunshao Theater.

Their anxieties are heightened when Minister Li Muyun departs for the capital with all the records related to the salt transport investigation. In a touching gesture, Yan Chi gives Qin Wan a handwritten notebook from her late father, filled with his case-solving insights. Shortly after, the sound of opera resumes. They investigate and find Qing searching for Qing Yun’s adopted daughter. Suddenly, the girl points to the lake, where Liu Renli's body is discovered in his official uniform.

Pang Fuliang quickly suggests it was suicide out of guilt over the corruption investigation. Qin Wan examines the body and finds evidence of drowning, but also fresh ligature marks on his wrists and neck, with no ropes present. An old spear wound and thick calluses on his hands indicate he was a skilled martial artist, making it difficult for anyone to overpower him. She theorizes he was strangled unconscious with a pliable rope before being thrown into the lake.

More than 100,000 taels of water-damaged silver bills, embezzled by Liu, are also recovered. Recalling a theatrical trick from her father's notebook involving ropes made of hemp paper that dissolve in water, Qin Wan deduces the killer used this method. The act of destroying such a vast sum of money points to a deep, personal vendetta, leading her to suspect the Shuangqing Troupe is involved.

Episode 19 Recap

Qin Wan arrived to treat Madam Pang, who visibly flinched, attempting to conceal injuries on her arm. Madam Pang's young son, Yan, innocently revealed that his father, Pang Fuliang, was responsible for the bruises. Qin Wan observed Madam Pang's deep mental exhaustion and despair, recognizing it as the true source of her physical weakness.

Qing, Madam Pang's maid, corroborated Yan's statement, explaining that Pang Fuliang's temper had become increasingly volatile, and he frequently abused Madam Pang, even blaming her for their eldest son's misbehavior. Despite the relentless torment, Madam Pang clung to the hope that her son, Young Master Yan, would grow up quickly and help his father manage the family's affairs, believing this would improve her situation.

Qin Wan, however, urged Madam Pang to abandon such illusions, warning that an abusive man would only grow more comfortable with violence. Qing explained that Madam Pang's family had been in business, and Pang Fuliang, in his relentless pursuit of their assets, had driven her family to the brink of ruin years ago. Madam Pang had only reluctantly become his second wife to safeguard her family's legacy, a sacrifice that left her with no perceived escape.

Meanwhile, Yan Chi and Yan Li were investigating Qing Yun, a key figure in the Shuangqing Troupe, and her unusual annual visits to Yuzhou to meet Pang Fuliang and Liu Renli. Yan Li surmised that Liu Renli was infatuated with Qing Yun, and Pang Fuliang's generosity towards Qing Yun was a strategic move to secure Liu Renli's allegiance. Bai Feng, Yan Chi's subordinate, confirmed that Qing Yun, Liu Renli, and Pang Fuliang were all originally from Dingzhou.

He reported that Liu Renli had once operated a martial arts school in Dingzhou, and the three of them had left the city concurrently with a major gold heist fifteen years prior. Only Qing Yun had returned to Dingzhou to retire, using the alias Madam Qin. Yan Chi revealed that this gold heist was an unsolved case involving stolen military funds, a scandal that had been covered up by the emperor. He suspected that the three were deeply involved.

Around the same time, Yue Ning excitedly informed Qin Wan that she and Yan Li had been operating as spies, uncovering significant information about Pang Fuliang's shady dealings. Suddenly, Qin Yan, Qin Wan's elder, instructed them to pack their belongings immediately, as they would be leaving Yuzhou early the next morning. Qin Wan suspected this abrupt departure was linked to Liu Renli's recent death.

As they discussed, an unsettling opera chant echoed through the air—a sound Qin Wan had heard three times before, each instance followed by a death. This was the fourth. Following the ominous melody, Qin Wan and Yue Ning arrived at Pang Fuliang's residence, discovering Madam Pang's daughter, Miss Jia Yun, in distress, suffering a seizure after being frightened. Yan Chi pressed his investigation, interrogating Yang Ying, the deputy leader of the Shuangqing Troupe.

Yang Ying explained that Qingxi, Qing Yun's junior sister and a former leader of the troupe, had married General Zhang and left with her exceptionally talented apprentice, Qing Huan, leading to a falling out with Qing Yun. Yang Ying also mentioned that Qingxi and her disciples had been tragically killed by bandits fifteen years ago while visiting their hometown.

Yan Chi continued to pursue leads on the gold heist, eventually finding the household register of General Zhenwu, who was General Zhang. The records indicated that 50,000 taels of military funds, under General Zhenwu's escort, had vanished during a robbery in Dingzhou, and General Zhang's entire family had perished. Yan Chi observed that Liu Renli's sudden rise in officialdom, Pang Fuliang's acquisition of the Shifang Inn, and Qing Yun's retirement all conveniently coincided with the year of the gold heist.

Though eager to bring Pang Fuliang to justice, Yan Chi was reminded by Yan Li to adhere to the law, especially since Qing Yun and Liu Renli were already dead. They resolved to confront Pang Fuliang and extract the truth. Back at Pang Fuliang's residence, Miss Jia Yun experienced another seizure, but was instantly calmed when her younger brother, Young Master Yan, brought her two exquisitely crafted opera dolls, fashioned by Qing.

Qin Wan overheard Miss Jia Yun singing the very opera tune she had found so unsettling, realizing it was the source of the mysterious chant. Upon leaving, Qin Wan discovered poisonous Datura flowers growing outside Pang Fuliang's study. She immediately dispatched Yue Ning to inform Yan Chi and urge him to bring reinforcements to Qinghui Manor. Qin Wan, alone, ventured into Pang Fuliang's study. There, she found him critically wounded by a sword, pierced and drenched in tung oil.

Before Qin Wan could question him or render aid, a flaming arrow struck, igniting the oil and consuming Pang Fuliang in fire. Trapped by the inferno, Qin Wan was moments from death when Yan Chi dramatically arrived, crashing through the roof to pull her to safety. Outside, Qin Xiang, Qin Wan's younger sister, attempted to approach, only to be sternly deterred by a glance from Qin Yan.

Qin Yan, noting the close bond between Qin Wan and Yan Chi, decided it was time to return to the capital, citing an urgent matter for the Crown Prince that required Qin Wan's exceptional skills. At the Yuzhou Prefecture Office, Qin Wan meticulously conducted post-mortems on the four victims, meticulously comparing her findings with her late father's notes on the gold heist case.

She discovered critical discrepancies between his private records and the official accounts: General Zhang's family had not died in a fire as officially stated, but had been systematically killed through cruel means, with the fire merely a cover-up. General Zhang had been shot with an arrow, Qingxi hanged, and her eldest son drowned.

Qin Wan observed that the deaths of Qing Yun, Qing Li, Liu Renli, and Pang Fuliang mirrored these earlier methods—Qing Yun was hanged, Qing Li died from an arrow, Liu Renli drowned, and Pang Fuliang, though stabbed, was left to burn alive. This striking parallel led Qin Wan to deduce that the killer was a survivor of the gold heist, most likely Qing Huan, Qingxi's apprentice, who, according to her father's notes, had escaped along with Qingxi's eldest daughter.

Based on ages, the Datura flowers, and the opera dolls, Qin Wan concluded that Qing Huan was none other than Qing, and Madam Pang's daughter, Miss Jia Yun, was General Zhang's eldest daughter. Governor Wang's men arrived to arrest Qing from Pang Fuliang's residence. Qing, accepting her fate, entrusted Young Master Yan and Miss Jia Yun to Madam Pang's care. In court, Qing initially denied the charges.

Qin Wan, addressing the court as Master Qin, requested that Qing be allowed to stand, a request granted by Governor Wang. Qin Wan then presented compelling evidence for each murder. She showed how Qing Li was killed by a specially modified arrow. For Qing Yun, she presented forensic findings of Datura seed powder in her stomach, alongside Datura fruit from Qing's residence, detailing how Qing had poisoned and then hanged her.

She also highlighted Qing Huan's renowned martial arts and lightness techniques, crucial for committing such acts. Faced with irrefutable evidence, Qing confessed to all four murders: shooting Qing Li, hanging Qing Yun, drowning Liu Renli, and stabbing and burning Pang Fuliang. Qin Wan pressed her on why Pang Fuliang was not killed instantly. Qing chillingly revealed her intent: she wanted him to suffer, to watch himself burn to death.

She then declared that these four were "cold-hearted, rotten, and vicious people," the true culprits behind the fifteen-year-old gold heist. They had conspired to hang her master Qingxi, shoot her master's husband General Zhang, and drown her master's eldest son, leaving General Zhang's eldest daughter, Miss Jia Yun, traumatized and mentally impaired. The court erupted in uproar. Governor Wang, stunned by the revelation, immediately dismissed the current trial, declaring that the gold heist would be tried separately.

As Qing was led away, she quietly thanked Qin Wan. Later, Qing explained to Qin Wan that she held no resentment for being exposed, knowing that her day of reckoning would come. She shared the full, painful truth of the gold heist. Qing Yun, though older, was consumed by jealousy of Qingxi's marriage to General Zhang and the wealth of his household.

Qing Yun feigned reconciliation with her trusting sister, bringing Pang Fuliang, Liu Renli, and Qing Li into the fold. Together, they infiltrated General Zhang's convoy, disguised as laborers, drugged the escorting soldiers, and massacred everyone to steal the 50,000 taels of military funds. Qingxi's two young children were cruelly thrown into a well.

Qing, who had hidden on a whim and survived, courageously descended into the well after they left, managing to rescue only Miss Jia Yun, who had been carried on her older brother's back as he drowned. Miss Jia Yun's current state was a direct result of that trauma.

Qing explained that she did not report the crime to the authorities because she knew that such a high-stakes case, involving powerful figures, would be suppressed, and that true justice was elusive in a world governed by power and money. Qin Wan reflected on her father's wisdom, which taught her that while perfect justice might be rare, one must not lose faith.

With a public-minded heart, she believed they could still bring about change in an unfair world, using the law to ensure that justice was served for General Zhang and his family.

Episode 20 Recap

After her conversation with Qingniang, Qin Wan left the prefect's office where Yue Ning and Yan Chi had been waiting for her. Qin Wan expressed sympathy for Qingniang's plight and wondered if she, too, might have sought similar revenge if their situations were reversed. Yan Chi reassured her, stating that while Qin Wan sympathized with Qingniang, Qin Wan's ultimate goal was a world free of injustice, not mere vengeance. Even with deep hatred, Qin Wan would never resort to murder.

Yan Chi also noted that the Emperor remained deeply concerned about the unsolved gold heist case, which meant Governor Wang would spare no effort to solve it before his retirement, as the rewards would benefit his family for generations. Later, Governor Wang returned Madam Pan's dowry to her. Madam Pan, who had experience managing an inn before her marriage, decided to use the money to open her own inn to support her children.

With their affairs settled, Qin Wan and her companions departed, setting off for the capital. As their journey neared its end, Qin Wan expressed her desire to visit her parents' graves once they arrived in the capital. Yan Chi offered to accompany her, but Qin Wan explained that their interactions in the capital could no longer be as casual as they were, fearing that the Marquis of Zhongyong might use her to pressure Yan Chi into serving the Crown Prince.

To reassure her, Yan Chi agreed, promising to maintain their public distance while secretly vowing to protect her from being manipulated by anyone. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince was in a difficult situation. Prince Cheng had openly questioned his handling of a series of girls' murder cases before the Emperor, causing the Emperor's displeasure.

To assist the Crown Prince, the Marquis of Zhongyong recommended Qin Wan, praising her brilliant forensic skills and deductive abilities, which had proven instrumental in solving murder cases in Jingzhou and Yuzhou. However, due to Qin Wan's special background and unofficial status, the Marquis stressed that her involvement must be kept strictly confidential to prevent Prince Cheng from interfering. Upon their arrival in the capital, Qin Wan felt a sense of finality, realizing there was truly no turning back now.

Yan Chi couldn't escort her to the Marquis of Zhongyong's Mansion without raising suspicion, as Yue Ning was heading to the Grand Princess's residence. He cautioned Qin Wan to be careful and not to compromise herself. Qin Yan arrived at the Marquis of Zhongyong's Mansion, bringing his three cousins, Qin Xiang, Qin Shuang, and Qin Wan. The Marquis of Zhongyong welcomed them, observing Qin Wan, who had grown significantly since he last saw her.

However, the Marquis's wife, Hu, remarked that Qin Wan did not resemble her father. Qin Wan tactfully responded, mentioning that she wondered if she resembled her late mother, whom she never had the chance to meet. Hu then confirmed the resemblance, noting Qin Wan’s eyebrows and eyes were exactly like her gentle and thoughtful mother’s.

As the New Year approached, Qin Zhaoyu, the Marquis's legitimate daughter and the prospective Crown Princess, returned from the palace, having been summoned by the Empress and even dining with her and the Crown Prince. The Marquis of Zhongyong, impressed by Qin Wan's poised and tactful demeanor upon her arrival, advised Qin Zhaoyu to cultivate a close relationship with her cousins, especially Qin Wan, whose composure reminded him of her late father's gentlemanly grace.

He also warned Qin Zhaoyu to monitor Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang closely, citing Qin An's case as a lesson to prevent any further scandals for the family. Addressing the complicated matter of Yan Chi and Qin Wan, the Marquis of Zhongyong explained that Prince Rui and his son, Yan Chi, traditionally remained neutral in power struggles and would not openly support the Crown Prince solely for a marriage alliance.

He also noted that Yan Chi’s marriage required the Emperor's approval, cautioning against any direct interference that might arouse suspicion. He concluded that Yan Chi’s true feelings for Qin Wan needed further observation. The Marquis later broached the idea of Qin Wan becoming the Crown Prince's concubine with Qin Zhaoyu.

Despite Qin Zhaoyu's expressed love for the Crown Prince, the Marquis underscored the critical importance of securing the family’s future, explaining that noble titles were not inherited without significant achievements, and preserving the family’s legacy superseded personal affections. Deeply saddened, Qin Wan reflected on her parents, whose home was nearby, yet the whereabouts of their remains remained unknown.

Fuling attempted to cheer her up by relaying gossip from the mansion, mentioning that Qin Zhaoyu was widely expected to be selected as the Crown Princess after the New Year. Qin Wan acknowledged that it would be Qin Zhaoyu's dream come true, but she cautioned Fuling against spreading such talk, as it could stir up trouble.

Soon after, Qin Yan came to invite Qin Wan to the outer study, stating that the Marquis of Zhongyong wished to discuss important matters with her. Meanwhile, the Marquis's wife expressed her anxieties about the Crown Princess selection to Qin Zhaoyu, who tirelessly practiced her calligraphy. Qin Zhaoyu, however, remained confident, citing the Emperor's praise for her calligraphy, her reputation as the capital's most talented lady, and her long-standing childhood friendship with the Crown Prince.

In the outer study, the Marquis of Zhongyong presented Qin Wan with her father's collected ledgers and deeds, representing the properties of the second branch of the family. He insisted that these inherited assets rightfully belonged to her, adding that he and his wife would contribute further to her dowry when she married, acknowledging that her father had not amassed much worldly wealth.

The Marquis then revealed his true purpose: he had taken the liberty of recommending Qin Wan to the Capital Prefect to assist with a grave matter—several women in the capital had been raped and murdered, and the killer remained at large. Qin Wan readily agreed, expressing her willingness to do everything in her power to help bring peace to the people.

Unbeknownst to them, Prince Cheng, suspicious that the Marquis might try to find a scapegoat to protect the Crown Prince, had already ordered his men to keep a close watch on the Marquis of Zhongyong's Mansion. Yan Chi engaged in a game of chess with the Emperor, who, pleased with Yan Chi's recent success in the Jingzhou and Yuzhou cases, even offered him a take-back. Yan Chi, however, declined and formally requested to join the Ministry of Justice.

The Emperor agreed, though he teased Yan Chi about no longer being the "young marshal of Shuoxi," and granted his request for a high-ranking post with the freedom to recruit his own people, provided Yan Chi spent more time with the Empress Dowager. Meanwhile, Qin Yan escorted Qin Wan, disguised as a young man, to the capital prefect's office. Qin Wan calmly began her examination of the three deceased women.

She noted that the first victim, found by the Yushui River bridge pier, had distinct drag marks on her body indicating she was pulled down stairs after death, suggesting the murder occurred elsewhere. Qin Wan also observed that the injuries on all three victims indicated they had been sexually assaulted "after" death, as there was tearing but no bleeding in the affected areas. She requested to perform a full autopsy on the third victim.

During the examination, Prince Cheng suddenly arrived, mistaking Qin Wan for a runaway servant and attempting to intervene. Yan Chi swiftly appeared, clarifying that "Master Wan" was his associate. He informed Prince Cheng that he would officially join the Ministry of Justice after the New Year and had received the Emperor's personal permission to assist the capital prefect, bringing Qin Wan as a forensic expert.

While Prince Cheng initially praised Yan Chi, assuming his help was for the Crown Prince, Yan Chi promptly corrected him, distinguishing between his official duty to assist the prefect and his private, brotherly relationship with the Crown Prince. Prince Cheng, realizing his mistake, withdrew his men. Qin Wan then shared her initial findings with Capital Prefect Zheng.

She discovered orange seeds and fish remnants in the third victim’s stomach, indicating her last meal was consumed approximately three hours before her death. Given the victim's modest means and the rarity of fresh fish in the capital's inland region, Qin Wan deduced she likely ate at one of the few affordable eateries in the West Market that served fresh fish, providing a crucial lead.

Additionally, Qin Wan noted that while the victims' outer and inner garments were intact, their undergarments were missing. She inferred from the meticulous stitching and undamaged fastenings on the remaining clothes that the killer was intimately familiar with women's dressing habits, leading her to conclude he had a fetish for women's clothing. Furthermore, she found black frostbite ointment under the third victim’s fingernails.

As the victim herself showed no signs of frostbite and had neatly trimmed nails, Qin Wan concluded she must have scratched the killer during a struggle. This suggested the killer worked with his hands, had a decent income, and took great care of his hands, ruling out common laborers.

Based on the consistent drag marks on the first and third victims, Qin Wan hypothesized that all the murders took place in the same building, which had stairs, where the killer dragged the bodies to hide them before disposing of them at night. She reasoned that a craftsman familiar with women's clothing, with a stable income, a home, and a shop, who operated alone, would be the most likely suspect.

This led her to narrow down the killer’s profession to a tailor. With only one day remaining before the Emperor's deadline, Capital Prefect Zheng felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of tailor shops in the West Market. Although Qin Wan admitted that tracking the killer was not her forte, Yan Chi confidently declared that it was his specialty. Requesting a map of the capital, he promised to locate the crime scene within four hours, urging the Capital Prefect to return to the office at once.

Episode 21 Recap

Prince Cheng's men continued to keep watch outside. Yan Chi addressed Qin Wan as Master Nine to the Capital Prefect, asserting her role as his strategist. He then instructed Constable Zhan to investigate fish vendors at East Water Gate who delivered to West Market restaurants, explaining that damaged fish were often sold cheaply to small diners, which could lead them to where a victim might have eaten.

Qin Wan expressed her desire to delve into criminal justice, which she believed also aided Yan Chi by saving him trouble. Yan Chi, however, worried about the deep-seated animosity between Prince Cheng and the Crown Prince, fearing she might be caught in their political struggles. Qin Wan reassured him that she was not afraid and would proceed cautiously to seek justice for the murdered women and to clear her father's and Prince Jin's names.

Yan Chi then confirmed that he had secured imperial approval for her to work on any case under the Ministry of Justice. To evade their followers, Yan Chi took Qin Wan to Prince Yi's Mansion to visit Madam, Yan Li's mother. Yan Li, annoyed by Yan Chi's sudden appearance, was instructed to chase away Prince Cheng's spy loitering at the gate.

Yan Li expressed his reluctance to visit Madam, who preferred spiritual devotion to social calls, but Yan Chi stated she would make an exception for him. Madam, though generally reserved, was delighted that Yan Chi had finally brought a young lady to meet her. She gifted Qin Wan a hairpin, hoping it would be a keepsake for the future, before retreating. Qin Wan questioned why Madam would part with what appeared to be her and Prince Yi's token of love.

Yan Chi revealed Madam's identity as the daughter of Fu Chengye, who had orchestrated a rebellion twenty years prior, leading to the execution of his entire family. Prince Yi, whose given name was Yan Han, was a farmer's son who had risen through the ranks under Fu Chengye, eventually marrying his daughter. Upon discovering Fu Chengye's treacherous intentions while Madam was pregnant with Yan Li, Prince Yi feigned escorting his wife home for childbirth.

Instead, he secretly rushed to the capital to warn the Emperor. He learned that the Crown Prince, now the reigning Emperor, had been ambushed at Storm Ridge. Prince Yi bravely rescued the Emperor single-handedly from the inferno, protecting him with his life even as he succumbed to his injuries.

Deeply moved by Yan Han's loyalty, the Emperor, after ascending the throne, posthumously honored him as "Prince Yi" and adopted Yan Li as his godson, bestowing upon him the imperial surname Yan. Madam, initially intending to join her husband in death, chose to live in seclusion to raise young Yan Li. Yan Chi suggested Madam's gift was a wish for Qin Wan and him to have a lifelong commitment.

Qin Wan, however, firmly declared that if he were to die, she would live on, hunting down everyone responsible for his demise, a statement that Yan Chi found surprisingly comforting. Back at the Capital Prefect's office, Yan Chi and Qin Wan resumed their investigation. Qin Wan proposed using a map, red string, and pins to deduce the approximate murder site. Yan Chi elaborated that the cautious killer likely operated in familiar areas and pre-planned his actions.

By mapping the three body disposal locations and calculating the time it would take an average adult to transport a body within the 11 p. m. to 3 a. m. curfew, they narrowed down a five-li radius area where the crimes likely occurred. Bai Feng was dispatched to search all shops and houses with stairways in this zone, as the murderer might have a hidden lair there.

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince received a message from the Marquis of Zhongyong, informing him that the coroner he recommended had found crucial clues and the suspect was being pursued. Qin Wan and the Capital Prefect then went to the morgue to seek new evidence from the bodies. Yan Chi advised her to use a red flare if she encountered trouble.

At the morgue, they were dismayed to discover that Prince Cheng had ordered all three victims' bodies and their clothing to be taken away. This interference left them without crucial physical evidence. Concurrently, Yan Chi visited a fish porridge stall in the West Market, where he noticed a woman's sachet on the owner's waist. The owner explained a young lady had left it behind, and he wore it hoping she would return for it.

When asked, the owner recalled the lady wore ordinary ko-hemp clothes, matching the victim's attire. Yan Chi opened the sachet, revealing a contract for a wedding dress, with a pickup date identical to the victim's disappearance. This pointed to "Jinyi Shop" as a key location. Immediately, Yan Chi ordered Bai Feng to search Jinyi Shop and apprehend the murderer, stressing the urgency of securing testimonies now that the physical evidence was compromised.

The Capital Prefect worried that without evidence, Prince Cheng could still make false accusations. Yan Chi advised the Capital Prefect to write a self-condemnatory memorial and urged Qin Wan to prepare for the upcoming palace banquet. The perpetrator, a tailor, had indeed struck again, drugging another woman who had come to pick up her wedding dress. As the New Year's Eve palace banquet approached, the Marquis of Zhongyong had certainly ensured Qin Wan's attendance.

Yan Li, however, declared his refusal to attend, feeling like an outsider among the royal family, especially given his adopted status. Yue Ning busied herself preparing Qin Wan for the palace, instructing her on etiquette and cautioning her about the calculating noble ladies. Qin Wan, undeterred, simply planned to feign ignorance.

Yan Chi, who planned to visit the Empress Dowager in Funing Palace that night, instructed Yue Ning that if anyone dared to bully them, they should "fight back," prompting Yue Ning to joke about her "Grandmother's hot temper" and needing to be told not to strike too hard. Qin Wan also offered Yan Chi a sobriety pill.

At the palace banquet, organized by Noble Consort Su (with the Empress noticeably absent), Princess Yan Zhen, the Empress's daughter, occupied the first seat, followed by Feng Chenbi, whose father was a confidant of Noble Consort Su. Yue Ning explained their natural animosity, yet how they united against Qin Zhaoyu.

Qin Zhaoyu and Feng Chenbi, whose families typically sat in the back row, were granted seats in the middle row, a higher honor attributed to Qin Zhaoyu's favor with the Empress. The Emperor, upon his arrival, immediately noticed Qin Wan, asking if she was the Grand Princess's god-granddaughter.

He recounted how the Grand Princess had written to him, specifically asking him to care for her "dear Wan," and had even threatened to visit the capital with her whip if he failed. Qin Wan humbly assured the Emperor of her self-care and mentioned her prescription had indeed calmed the Grand Princess's fiery temperament. Yue Ning further praised Qin Wan's medical prowess, calling her a "medical fairy."

When another noble lady made a dismissive comparison to the capital's "most talented woman," Qin Wan gracefully responded that all women who uphold integrity and reason, regardless of their talents, deserve respect. The Emperor concurred, commending Qin Wan's sentiments. Soon after, the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng entered with the officials. Prince Cheng immediately pressed the Crown Prince for updates on the murdered women's case.

As the Crown Prince faltered, Yan Chi arrived, presenting a memorial that declared the case solved. He explained that the Crown Prince had chosen not to reveal it at the family banquet. Yan Chi detailed how the perpetrator, a tailor, driven by childhood abuse and jealousy towards women marrying up, had committed the brutal murders. He then presented the Capital Prefect's self-condemnatory memorial regarding the missing evidence and destroyed bodies.

While praising the Crown Prince for the swift resolution, the Emperor expressed dismay at the severe lapse in evidence security under the Capital Prefect's watch. He then swiftly tasked Yan Chi with investigating and apprehending those responsible for destroying evidence and obstructing justice. The Emperor further praised the Crown Prince for his meticulous handling of the matter and his focus on maintaining peace during the New Year.

During the banquet, the Empress Dowager suddenly fell ill, suffering from severe chest pain and a cough. She asked to be taken outside, not wanting to disturb the Emperor. While the Emperor was being entertained by Yan Chi's impressive performance of an evil-repelling ritual, a eunuch rushed in to report the Empress Dowager's critical condition; she was unable to ingest her medicine. The Emperor immediately ordered his carriage prepared to visit her.

Yue Ning, distressed, implored Qin Wan to go to the Empress Dowager, who had always treated her kindly. Qin Wan, however, cautioned that the situation was unclear, and rash intervention might make them political pawns, but she assured Yue Ning she would help when the opportune moment arose.

As the Emperor prepared to leave, a chorus of old officials blocked his path, arguing that for the sake of public stability and the nation's welfare, the Emperor, Empress, and Crown Prince must be seen by the populace at the dawn of the new year.

Episode 22 Recap

As the new year began, ministers urged the Emperor to prioritize the nation, especially since the Empress Dowager's condition remained critical. Yan Chi advised the Emperor to first visit his mother at Funing Palace, arguing that the people would understand his filial devotion. Within the palace, Princess Zhen brought up the "medical fairy" who had cured the Grand Princess, suggesting she could help the Empress Dowager. Qin Zhaoyu quickly dismissed this as local gossip.

However, Qin Wan, the ninth young lady of the Qin family, stepped forward and confirmed she had treated the Grand Princess, offering to try her best to heal the Empress Dowager. The Emperor, desperate, questioned her willingness to "just try." Qin Wan clarified that without a prior examination, no doctor could promise success, leaving the decision to him.

Despite an imperial physician accusing Qin Wan of being calculating, the Emperor, concerned for his mother, immediately sent the Empress and the Crown Prince to Zhenghua Gate while he personally escorted Qin Wan to Funing Palace. Upon arriving at Funing Palace, Qin Wan examined the Empress Dowager and diagnosed her condition as "wind evil invading the brain," noting specific symptoms that confirmed her diagnosis.

She stated that the first hour after onset was crucial for treating wind symptoms and that there were only three-quarters of an hour left. Trusting her, the Emperor allowed Qin Wan to proceed. After reviewing the previous prescription, Qin Wan suggested adding two specific herbs, Tianlong and Dilong, to improve blood circulation, despite the imperial physicians' concerns about their toxicity and the Empress Dowager's weakened state.

Qin Wan asserted that saving a life was paramount and cautioned against forcing the decoction before the Empress Dowager regained consciousness. When the Emperor became angry with the imperial physicians for their previous attempts at forced feeding, Qin Wan defended them, explaining their methods were sound but overly cautious. Softened by her plea, the Emperor relented and asked if she could save his mother. Qin Wan promised to treat the Empress Dowager as her own kin.

The Emperor then departed for Zhenghua Gate, leaving Yan Chi to guard the Empress Dowager's chambers while Qin Wan, using the Golden Needle's complex acupuncture techniques, began her work. After a tense wait, the Emperor returned. Qin Wan informed him that the Empress Dowager had stabilized and would fully recover after two more doses of a life-sustaining decoction. With the Empress Dowager out of immediate danger, the Emperor, pleased by Qin Wan's success, decided she should oversee her long-term recovery.

He initially instructed that Qin Wan be lodged in the palace, but Yan Chi intervened, explaining that Qin Wan, having grown up in Medicine King Valley, was unaccustomed to strict palace rules. Understanding, the Emperor instead granted Qin Wan a jade token for free access to the palace to attend to the Empress Dowager. On their way out, Yan Chi escorted her home.

Qin Wan confessed her fear of being confined, which would prevent her from investigating her father's case, and apologized for her earlier boldness with the Emperor. Yan Chi, in turn, told her to leave dangerous matters to him. As a thank you for saving his beloved grandmother, Yan Chi presented Qin Wan with a jade pendant, a token of affection his own parents had exchanged, engraved with the words "Guard Your Heart," symbolizing his promise to protect her.

He then warned her against getting entangled in the power struggles between Noble Consort Su and the Empress. Qin Wan suggested that by taking on cases as a coroner, she could gain the Emperor's attention, secure a unique identity, and deter unwanted attention from nobles. Meanwhile, the Empress, Princess Zhen, and the Crown Prince returned to their quarters. Princess Zhen teased the distracted Crown Prince, suggesting he was taken with both Qin Wan and Qin Zhaoyu.

The Empress acknowledged Qin Wan's talents but stressed that her distant familial ties meant she could not offer significant political support and could only be a secondary consort. She explained to the Crown Prince that delaying Qin Zhaoyu's appointment as Crown Princess would make her treasure the position more and remain easier to control, lamenting his lack of strategic acumen compared to Yan Chi. Later, news of the Emperor and Empress showering Qin Wan with rewards reached the Qin family.

Qin Xiang reacted with bitter jealousy, earning a punishment from her mother. Qin Zhaoyu suggested it was time to arrange her sister's marriage to prevent future trouble. Despite the rewards, their mother, Feng-shi, expressed concern to the Marquis of Zhongyong that the Empress might reconsider Qin Zhaoyu's position, but the Marquis reassured her. As Qin Wan prepared to return to the palace, she overheard Feng-shi and Qin Zhaoyu.

Feng-shi, still wary of Qin Wan, mentioned expediting a marriage between her and Yan Chi. She then revealed a dark rumor: that Yan Chi's mother, the previous Princess Consort Rui, was poisoned by Prince Rui himself because Yan Chi was not his biological son, which is why the Prince abandoned his infant son for Shuoxi. Hearing this, Qin Wan recalled the jade pendant and Yan Chi's words about it being his parents' token of love.

Finding the rumor absurd but dangerous, she resolved that it was now her turn to protect Yan Chi. With the Empress Dowager's condition stable, a grand palace banquet was held for foreign envoys, and Qin Wan was invited to sit with Princess Zhen and Yue Ning. The noble ladies who previously shunned her now fawned over her.

During the festivities, Crown Prince Yuan Hong of Beidai presented Princess Zhen with a magnificent "pigeon blood ruby," while the Third Prince Liu Bin of Xihan gifted her a highly intelligent "snow fox," which delighted her. The Emperor then announced an archery contest to be held in ten days, appointing Yan Chi to accompany the foreign princes. Immediately, Princess Yuanwu of Beidai declared that if she won the contest, her prize would be to have Young Commander Yan Chi as her consort.

Episode 23 Recap

Princess Yuanwu announced to the Emperor that if she won the upcoming contest, she would ask for Yan Chi to be her imperial son-in-law. Yan Chi, taken aback, immediately countered that they were strangers, making such a proposal inappropriate. Princess Yuanwu reminded him that he had saved her when she, disguised as a Beidai soldier, was captured by nomadic enemies during his patrol in Shuoxi, and he personally led troops to escort her back to the Beidai border.

Yan Chi, however, claimed to have saved countless lives and only remembered escorting someone he believed to be a young soldier; had he known she was a princess, he would not have acted so casually. Undeterred, Princess Yuanwu declared she would secure the engagement regardless of his consent. Yan Chi firmly refused, stating he would only marry the woman he truly loved, and she was not that person.

He further added that with him present, she could not win the archery contest. Angered, Princess Yuanwu was about to retort when the Crown Prince intervened, suggesting an outing to the Southern Court in three days for the princes and princesses of Beidai and Xihan to practice mounted archery, celebrating the New Year and strengthening diplomatic ties. The Emperor approved, cautioning the Crown Prince to ensure everyone's safety.

Later, Yue Ning worried that the Emperor might force Yan Chi to marry Princess Yuanwu, but Qin Wan remained unconcerned, stating she would simply watch how Yan Chi handled it, as the affairs of others did not involve her. Outside the city gate, Qin Wan boarded a carriage. Yan Chi attempted to follow but was stopped by Yan Li, who pointed out that the Marquis of Zhongyong's wife and Qin Zhaoyu were inside.

Yan Li suggested Qin Wan was likely upset by Princess Yuanwu's antics and questioned what Yan Chi could achieve by chasing after her. He also noted that if the Emperor, for the sake of international harmony, decided to grant Princess Yuanwu's wish, Yan Chi would have to defy an imperial edict. Yan Chi declared he would defy the Emperor if necessary.

Yan Li then offered to find a way for Yan Chi to attend the outing if Yan Chi promised to take him along, a proposal Yan Chi scoffed at. Meanwhile, inside the carriage, the Marquis of Zhongyong's wife told Qin Wan that the envoys from both Xihan and Beidai were seeking a marriage alliance with Princess Yan Zhen. Only one would become her husband, and the other would likely be married into a noble family.

The Marquis of Zhongyong's wife hinted that Qin Wan should consider marrying one of them for the country's benefit. Qin Wan, however, declined, explaining that such political marriages often appear glorious but hide deep personal misery, and that she did not seek fame or wealth. Qin Zhaoyu, while feigning praise for Qin Wan's "unconventional" pursuits, gritted her teeth in frustration. Later, Fuling advised Qin Wan to formalize her relationship with Yan Chi soon, worried about other potential suitors.

Qin Wan explained that an early marriage would lead to accusations that her access to the Ministry of Justice for her father's case was due to Yan Chi's influence, undermining her efforts to clear his name. She also noted Yan Chi's own uncertain path in the capital and did not wish to distract him. She believed in letting things take their course naturally.

Late that night, Yan Chi surprised Qin Wan by taking her on a boat trip to a secluded small island he had discovered. He revealed she was the first person he had ever brought there. Qin Wan teasingly reminded him of escorting Princess Yuanwu. Yan Chi playfully wished Yuanwu had appeared sooner so he could have seen Qin Wan’s jealous reaction. Qin Wan denied any jealousy and questioned if he truly hadn't recognized Princess Yuanwu as a woman.

Yan Chi responded that he only found Qin Wan "exceptionally beautiful" when she calmly held a blood-dripping human heart. He then showed her the beautifully decorated island, explaining he had prepared it specifically for her. Yan Chi reaffirmed his deep feelings, declaring he would only marry the woman he loved, and that woman could only be Qin Wan. Later that night, Princess Yuanwu arrived at Prince Rui's Mansion, only to see Yan Chi returning with Qin Wan.

Enraged, she vowed to personally kill Qin Wan. Inside, Yan Chi confided in Qin Wan about his father, Prince Rui, explaining that Prince Rui had been even more diligent in martial arts than himself. The late Emperor had once intended to name Prince Rui as Crown Prince, but his father, having no desire for the throne and fearing sibling conflict that would distress the Empress Dowager, voluntarily chose to move to Shuoxi, allowing the current Emperor to ascend.

After his mother’s death, Prince Rui became even more unwilling to return to the capital, causing Prince Rui's Mansion to fall into disrepair. Yan Chi clarified that his father viewed his current stay in the capital as merely being a "hostage" to appease the Emperor. However, Yan Chi emphasized that the unpredictable court was a "bloodless battlefield," and remaining isolated would lead to the destruction of the Shuoxi Army and Prince Rui's Mansion.

He asserted that he must stay in the capital to secure a future for them. Qin Wan asked why he didn’t explain his true intentions to Prince Rui. Yan Chi replied that if his father had listened, there wouldn't have been repeated assassination attempts on them. He concluded by telling Qin Wan that his own life had become as broken as the dilapidated mansion.

Qin Wan reassured him, calling him an "upstanding and dignified" man and "the finest of men," telling him that her return to the capital gained more meaning because of him. At the Marquis of Zhongyong's Mansion, the Marquis's wife, Feng shi, learned that the Crown Prince had arrived and specifically asked to see Qin Wan.

Feng shi cunningly sent her son, Qin Yan, away on a fabricated errand and instructed her maid to accompany Qin Wan to deliver wine to the Crown Prince, hoping the Crown Prince would misunderstand her intentions. However, the maid feigned a stomach ache, and Qin Wan, sensing the scheme, volunteered to deliver the wine herself. The Crown Prince, surprised to see her alone, accused her of being "insatiable" and "coveting what doesn't belong to you."

Qin Wan retorted that people "reap what they sow." The Crown Prince, enraged, called her "shameless." At that moment, the Marquis of Zhongyong arrived and clarified the misunderstanding: Qin Wan was the "excellent coroner" he had recommended to the Crown Prince, and she sometimes disguised herself as a man, a fact known to the capital prefect. Upon returning to her room, Qin Wan discovered Qin Xiang disparaging her recent imperial rewards. Qin Wan firmly told Qin Xiang to "get out."

Qin Shuang apologized for her sister's behavior. Acknowledging Qin Shuang had "never caused any real harm," Qin Wan instructed Fuling to give some of the palace jewelry to her. Qin Shuang expressed regret for past wrongs and promised to change, and the sisters embraced. Later, the Marquis confronted his wife. Qin Zhaoyu took responsibility, admitting the scheme was her idea to "test" Qin Wan.

The Marquis was furious, lambasting both his wife and daughter as "foolish," stating their actions nearly "ruined his grand plan" for Qin Zhaoyu to become Crown Princess. Subsequently, Yan Chi and Yan Li visited Prince Yi's Mansion. Prince Yi's wife declined to see them, sending two Buddhist bracelets with a message wishing them to be "bosom friends forever" and enjoy a "lifetime of wellness." Yan Li was unsuspecting, but Yan Chi sensed an ominous meaning in her words.

Qin Wan performed a medical consultation for the Empress Dowager, who was recovering well. The Emperor praised Qin Wan's skills and offered her any gift she desired. Qin Wan requested only that Yue Ning be allowed to attend the outing the following day. The Emperor granted this, mentioning that someone else had made the same request. Yan Chi, Yan Li, and Yue Ning then entered with Yan Sui, the quiet ninth prince.

The Emperor instructed Yan Li to accompany and ensure Yue Ning's safety during the outing but explicitly told Yan Chi to skip it to avoid potential problems with Princess Yuanwu. The Empress Dowager later revealed to Yan Chi that Yan Sui was the late Consort Jin's son and had been present when his mother was killed, which caused his silence. She asked Yan Chi to guide the boy, as the Emperor paid him little attention.

She also asked Yan Chi not to inform Prince Rui about her illness. As the Empress Dowager observed the clear affection between Qin Wan and Yan Chi, she smiled and playfully teased Qin Wan. The Emperor then summoned Yan Chi for a private conversation. At the plum forest in the Southern Court, the Crown Prince invited everyone to enjoy the scenery and participate in mounted archery.

A Beidai prince remarked on the pleasant scenery, a rarity compared to Beidai's harsh winters. One of the royal princes remarked that the Crown Prince had "finally said something sensible," arguing that mounted archery would be more spirited. Another royal brother, "Fourth Brother," subtly complained about his lesser status compared to the Crown Prince. Everyone then proceeded to the plum forest. Shortly after, a Beidai attendant approached Qin Wan, claiming Princess Yuanwu was injured and required her medical attention.

The attendant explained that Princess Yuanwu, upset by Yan Chi's absence, decided to return to the capital, but her horse was startled, throwing her and rendering her unconscious. He claimed a female physician was preferred for a royal princess and warned that if anything happened to her, it would become a diplomatic incident for which the Crown Prince and Yan Chi would be held responsible. Though skeptical, Qin Wan agreed to go. When she asked for Princess Yuanwu's whereabouts, the princess herself emerged from hiding, stating, "Here I am."

Episode 24 Recap

Following his public rejection, an enraged Yuan Wu lured Qin Wan into a trap, accusing her of seducing Yan Chi and causing her profound humiliation. Declaring her intention to make Qin Wan pay with her life, Yuan Wu indiscriminately attacked the Imperial Guards. Qin Wan managed to use a sleeve arrow to create an opportunity for escape, eventually jumping into a river and hiding behind a waterfall before being swept away by the current.

Furious, Yuan Wu ordered her men to find Qin Wan, dead or alive. Seven days later, the Emperor summoned Yan Chi to discuss the security for an upcoming hunting expedition. He expressed disappointment with Crown Prince Yan Che's lax attitude and entrusted Yan Chi with full responsibility for the event's safety, acknowledging his vigilance. The Emperor, however, sensed that Yan Chi was concealing something.

His suspicions were partially addressed when he reviewed a report from the Yuzhou prefect, revealing Qin Wan's crucial role in solving the gold heist case. Yan Chi elaborated, explaining that Qin Wan's exceptional forensic skills were also instrumental in resolving the cases of Qin An in Jingzhou, the murder of Song Rou, and a recent assault in the capital.

The Emperor lamented that Qin Wan was a woman, fearing that granting her an official position would provoke opposition from court officials. Yan Chi passionately argued against such outdated views, asserting that women should not be confined to domestic roles and were capable of great achievements. He humbly requested that the Emperor recognize Qin Wan's talent and allow her to serve the court, proposing she continue as a secret strategist for the Ministry of Justice under his supervision.

The Emperor agreed, allowing Qin Wan to serve in this capacity until a suitable opportunity arose to grant her a proper title. During their discussion, news arrived that Crown Prince Yuan Hong of Beidai was missing in the Southern苑 (Nanyuan). The Emperor ordered Yan Chi to lead a search, demanding Yuan Hong be found within one night. In the Southern garden, tensions flared as Princess Yuan Wu of Beidai accused the Xihan prince of harming her brother.

Yan Chi intervened to de-escalate the situation. Xu Chang, the guard responsible for Yuan Hong's safety, explained that the Crown Prince had dismissed him while chasing a snow fox for Princess Yan Zhen. Upon learning that Yuan Wu's attendants had taken Qin Wan, a worried Yan Chi decided to split their forces. He dispatched Yan Li to continue the search for Yuan Hong, while he personally set off to find Qin Wan.

Meanwhile, a wounded Qin Wan found herbs in the wilderness to treat herself, remaining confident that Yan Chi would find her. Elsewhere, Yuan Hong's loyal horse, Changfeng, appeared with injuries and led Yan Li's team to a swampy area with gorgon plants. Deducing the horse had struggled there to save its master, they followed its trail and located Yuan Hong, who was severely wounded with an arrow in his chest. Yan Chi eventually found Qin Wan in a cave.

Pained by her injuries, he made her wild onion soup to warm her and fashioned her a pair of straw shoes. Qin Wan expressed her unwavering belief that he would find her, while Yan Chi admitted his deep fear of being too late. Upon their return, Yuan Wu was enraged to see Qin Wan alive and threatened to lead Beidai troops to invade Zhou if her brother died.

Crown Prince Yuan Hong's condition was critical, as the imperial physicians dared not remove the arrowhead lodged near his heart. The task fell to Qin Wan, who, before beginning the risky operation, discovered animal bait hidden in Yuan Hong's hair. She realized someone had planned to use wild animals to destroy the body and conceal the crime. Yan Chi and Yan Li returned to the scene to investigate and discovered a horse-tripping rope, confirming it was a premeditated assassination attempt.

Yan Li proposed a plan to expose the culprit, but Crown Prince Yan Che hesitated, fearing it would create further discord. Later, Yan Chi and Yan Li apprehended the Beidai general, Xu Chang. Yan Chi accused him of using a poison-tipped arrow and revealed that Xu Chang had deliberately rubbed the scent of a wolverine onto Princess Yan Zhen, knowing the scent would cause the snow fox to flee wildly and lure Yuan Hong into the ambush.

Yuan Hong, now stable, confronted Xu Chang, questioning his betrayal. Yan Chi then exposed that Xu Chang had been bribed by Prince Yuan Rui, the Fifth Prince of Beidai. Cornered, Prince Yuan Rui brazenly admitted to masterminding the plot to seize the crown prince position from his "incompetent" brother. The Emperor intervened, expressing his regret over the strife. He declared that Yuan Hong could take both men back to Beidai for punishment once he recovered.

Shaken by the betrayal, Yuan Hong withdrew his marriage proposal to Princess Yan Zhen. The Emperor noted that with Liu Yun, the Third Prince of Xihan, also departing, the original goal of the marriage alliance had been achieved in an unexpected way. In light of Qin Wan's repeated contributions, Yan Li subtly prompted the Emperor to reward her with an official title.

Later, as they saw off Liu Yun of Xihan, Qin Wan noticed his makeup concealed a severe lung disease and offered to treat him, but he politely refused. He noted that with Yuan Hong's injury, Beidai would be weakened for years, granting Xihan a much-needed respite. Soon after, an imperial decree arrived, formally bestowing upon Qin Wan the title of Princess Yongci in recognition of her virtue and talent. Now, Qin Wan and Yan Chi could openly work together at the Ministry of Justice, ready to pursue justice and their shared goal of vengeance.

Episode 25 Recap

The Crown Prince appeared troubled, admitting to his mentor, Marquis Zhongyong, that as heir, he had to make sacrifices and fight for certain things. The Crown Prince of Beidai's recent peril had led His Majesty to blame him, but fortunately, Princess Yongci had saved the Beidai Crown Prince and helped Yan Chi apprehend the culprit, offsetting the Crown Prince's failure.

However, his mother, the Empress, now feared Princess Yongci might be manipulated and intended to nominate her as a candidate for Crown Princess. The Marquis was surprised, noting that since Princess Yongci had already been granted a noble title, she couldn't be a secondary consort, meaning the Empress wanted her as the primary one. This raised concerns about the position of his own daughter, Qin Zhaoyu.

The Crown Prince assured the Marquis that if Qin Zhaoyu was unwilling to endure such a position, he would ask his mother to arrange a suitable marriage for her, ensuring her lifelong happiness. Qin Zhaoyu, who had overheard the Crown Prince's words, returned to her chambers upset, injuring her hand. She tearfully played her guqin to vent her emotions. Her mother, Lady Feng, was heartbroken, believing Qin Zhaoyu was distressed by Princess Yongci's success.

However, Qin Zhaoyu clarified that she wasn't wronged by Princess Yongci's genuine merit or the Empress's preference; instead, she was deeply hurt that the Crown Prince would so casually mention arranging another marriage for her. Lady Feng advised her daughter that men were unreliable and urged her to guard her own heart. Unbeknownst to them, Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang had been eavesdropping.

When Lady Feng discovered them, she ordered them confined to their quarters, warning Qin Xiang that if she spread gossip or spoke disrespectfully again, she would be sent to a family temple for penance. Meanwhile, Yan Li was found disheveled and drunk on the streets, lamenting that he no longer had a home. Elsewhere, the Grand Princess arrived at the palace to visit the Empress Dowager.

Princess Yongci soon joined them, bringing the Empress Dowager’s medicine, which she had meticulously supervised. When young Prince Sui accidentally spilled ink on his robe, Princess Yongci offered to take him to change clothes. She patiently engaged him in conversation about a wild bird he had caught. She gently explained that the bird was unhappy without its freedom and suggested they release it.

Sui, who had been withdrawn and mute after witnessing his mother's murder, agreed and spoke for the first time in a long while. As they returned, the Crown Prince overheard Sui speaking, much to his surprise. Back in the hall, Sui addressed the Empress Dowager as "Grandmother," delighting her. Princess Yongci explained that Sui's mutism stemmed from emotional trauma and promised to help him recover.

Soon after, Yan Chi arrived, stating he was there to escort Princess Yongci out of the palace, as a new murder in the capital required her assistance by order of the Emperor. The Empress Dowager and Grand Princess expressed their concern for her safety, and Yan Chi vowed to protect her with his life. Observing their interaction, the two elder women understood their unspoken bond and decided to feign ignorance for the time being. The new murder scene was ghastly.

The victim was found naked, his skin having been completely removed. The scene was remarkably clean, suggesting the murder occurred elsewhere. Prefect Zheng and Minister Li were already present. Princess Yongci, asking to be called Master Wan for professional purposes, began her examination. She noted that the body's severe decomposition was unusual for the season, accelerated by the lack of skin.

The jaw had been dislocated, likely to prevent the victim from crying out or committing suicide, and a slight indentation on the back of the head indicated a non-lethal blow used to subdue him. Master Wan concluded the victim had been flayed alive with a small, sharp knife, evidenced by a thin starting incision and overlapping shallow cuts suggesting the perpetrator was physically weak.

She determined the cause of death was cardiac arrest from overwhelming pain, a method similar to ancient torture. She requested a skilled artist, Ning Buyi, to sketch the victim's face based on his skull to aid in identification. Yan Chi noticed cinnabar residue at the scene, which he found suspicious. He had Bai Feng search the archives, who quickly found the file for the Guanyin Town murder case from six years prior.

That case, which involved victims surrounded by cinnabar and drawings of a "Black Unrighteous Flower," had been classified as suspicious by Princess Yongci's late father, Shen Yi. Realizing her father must have had a reason to doubt the verdict, she suspected the convicted killer might not be the real culprit. While the investigation began, Yue Ning frantically searched the city for Yan Li, showing his portrait to passersby, worried he might be the unidentified victim.

Following the lead, Yan Chi visited the Guanyin Town suspect, a blind fortune teller named Zhang Dongxuan, who remained imprisoned. Shrewd despite his blindness, Zhang Dongxuan deduced Yan Chi's identity and the reason for his visit, hinting that the new flaying case was identical to the old one. In exchange for his cooperation, he demanded a hot meal of rock sugar-braised pork knuckle.

Meanwhile, Princess Yongci's autopsy revealed the victim had consumed a large amount of alcohol and, more importantly, steamed crab about four hours before his death. Knowing Fengqi House was famous for its steamed crab and located near the body disposal site, she ordered Constable Zhan to investigate their recent clientele. Seeing her meticulous work, Minister Li remarked that her solemn focus reminded him of his mentor, Shen Yi. Deeply moved by the comparison to her father, Princess Yongci became even more determined to solve Shen Yi's unresolved case and honor his legacy by cracking the current one.

Episode 26 Recap

Qin Wan confided in Yan Chi, expressing her concern that Li Muyun might have already discovered her true identity. She admitted that she nearly lost her composure during their encounter, but thankfully, Yan Chi was there to support her. Qin Wan was particularly disturbed by Li Muyun's calm demeanor when speaking of Shen Yi, showing no apparent guilt.

This raised questions for her: if Li Muyun truly felt no remorse, and if her father had indeed aided Prince Jin, she wondered how she should proceed. Yan Chi reassured her, advising them to first establish themselves at the Ministry of Justice before taking further action, promising that the truth would eventually come to light step by step. He also mentioned that Prince Sui could now speak, and once his emotions were stable, he would question him about Consort Jin.

Meanwhile, Yue Ning found Yan Li surrounded by several women. Overwhelmed with emotion, she burst into tears, believing the brutally murdered victim at Fengqi House was him. Even if it wasn't him, the victim's habit of frequenting brothels made her fear Yan Li could be next. Her profound distress moved Yan Li, who admitted that no one had ever cared about his life and death so deeply.

Yue Ning, in turn, declared that she would always be his true friend for life, regardless of their circumstances. Yan Chi then took Qin Wan to meet Zhang Dongxuan in prison. Qin Wan quickly deduced that he was not truly blind, discerning his ability to perceive changes in light and shadow, and warned him against continuing his pupil-concealing technique, which could damage his vision. She inquired about his involvement in the Guanyin Town cases six years prior.

Zhang Dongxuan explained that he was already severely injured and virtually incapacitated before the murders, which led Minister Shen to believe he wasn't the true culprit. Qin Wan learned that the victims of the three Guanyin Town murders had all sought Zhang Dongxuan for fortune-telling.

He recounted how he got involved with the Heavenly Way Society after his family was ruined by a wealthy official who coveted their ink and brush shop, colluded with ruffians to brutally beat his father to death, and forced his mother to hang herself. When he reported this, the official bribed authorities, leading to Zhang Dongxuan being framed for false accusation. Desperate, he met an old man and joined the Heavenly Way Society, believing it was a regular guild.

However, it turned out to be a group training assassins to "punish" wrongdoers according to their own violent rules, including a horrific "flesh-cutting" ritual for leaving. He revealed that the flaying of the elder brother, who had wronged him and was later found dead at his doorstep, was a warning from the society for the "crime of alienating kin," meant to prevent him from revealing their secrets.

He also revealed that when he wished to leave, the old man who introduced him had to cut a piece of his own heart flesh as part of the ritual. Qin Wan realized that finding the culprit of the current capital flaying case was crucial to reopening the Guanyin Town case and clearing Zhang Dongxuan's name.

Separately, the Emperor summoned the Crown Prince, sternly comparing him to Yan Chi and berating him for his negligence regarding the capital's security, specifically mentioning three major cases. The Emperor called him "unworthy of his title" for his lack of action on the recent flaying cases. The Crown Prince was confined, leaving him frustrated and despairing.

The Empress, however, admonished him for his defeatist attitude, reminding him that as the legitimate son, the Crown Prince title was rightfully his, and that deposed crown princes faced only death. She urged him to dutifully fulfill his responsibilities for the sake of the people and secure his position. Prince Cheng, upon hearing of the Crown Prince's confinement, expressed satisfaction but remained cautious, knowing the Emperor's shrewdness.

He admitted to underestimating Qin Wan, realizing she was the skilled coroner who had aided the Crown Prince previously. He then considered how to ruin her reputation to weaken Yan Chi's influence. Outside the prison, Bai Feng and Fuling shared an affectionate moment, much to Qin Wan and Yan Chi's amusement.

As it was late, Qin Wan decided to stay at Yan Chi's residence to avoid questioning at the Marquis of Zhongyong's Mansion, assuring Fuling that her reputation would be safe, as human life was more important than reputation. Qin Wan, realizing the inconvenience of staying at the Marquis residence, expressed a desire to move into her Uncle Qin's old house, which was closer to her own family's ancestral home. Yan Chi readily agreed to arrange the move immediately.

Just as Qin Wan and Yan Chi were sharing a close moment, Yan Li and Yue Ning burst in, interrupting them. Yue Ning, excited, offered to bring them wontons. Yan Li, having identified the deceased in the flaying case, revealed it was Wu Qian, the Fourth Young Master of the Earl of Weiyuan's household. He added that Wu Qian was known for squandering his family's wealth and had financial disputes.

Qin Wan and Yan Chi visited the Earl of Weiyuan's mansion, speaking with Wu Qian's brother, Wu Yu. Wu Yu explained Wu Qian's extravagance and debt, detailing how Wu Qian, despite being the youngest and most pampered, had squandered family wealth by pawning antiques, calligraphy, paintings, and even several shops. He had also falsely accused Wu Yu of embezzlement, almost leading to a family split. Wu Yu specifically mentioned a hundred taels owed to Ranmo Gallery.

They then went to Ranmo Gallery and questioned Mr. Ning. Mr. Ning confirmed Wu Qian was a regular customer who often entrusted the gallery with his family's paintings for safekeeping but denied Wu Qian had any outstanding debt with the gallery, claiming all transactions were cash. Upon seeing a sketch, Mr. Ning identified the debt collector as Wang Xin, a former carver he had fired a month prior for forging noble seals for profit.

Qin Wan noted that Wang Xin's excellent carving skills could be related to the flaying, and his financial dispute with Wu Qian made him a prime suspect, prompting the need for an arrest warrant. Feeling hungry after the day's progress, Yan Chi took Qin Wan to a secluded spot by a pond, where water lilies bloomed year-round due to an underground hot spring.

He explained that this place was a favorite of his late mother and where his father, Prince Rui, would often come when he missed her. Qin Wan asked about his mother's death. Yan Chi recounted that his mother died from a hemorrhage that occurred during his birth and lingered for over a month before her passing. She was buried quickly while his father was still returning to the capital.

He mentioned his father then spent three months by her tomb before leaving him in the care of the Empress Dowager and returning to Shuoxi, seemingly heartbroken by not seeing her one last time. Qin Wan found the swift burial unusual given his mother's rank, noting she should have been laid in state for several months, suggesting a possible hidden reason.

Despite Yan Chi's initial dismissiveness, Qin Wan's observations made him realize the strangeness, pulling them back to the ongoing investigation. Qin Wan, concerned she was being unromantic by focusing on the case during their private moment, was reassured by Yan Chi, who told her her dedication was a unique charm that only he could appreciate.

They then decided to go to the capital prefecture to examine the postmortem reports of the Guanyin Town victims, whose deaths included flaying, tongue-cutting, and freezing, and discuss strengthening patrols with Zheng Baishi, hoping to find a connection and prevent more killings.

Episode 27 Recap

Yan Chi spent another sleepless night, while Princess Yongci, also known as Wan, briefly rested on the case records. Prefect Zheng, however, snored loudly, prompting Yan Chi to playfully pour water into his mouth. Prefect Zheng awoke, embarrassed but grateful for the refreshment, as he had been thirsty.

Yan Chi then tasked Prefect Zheng with copying the astronomical and weather records related to the three murder cases in Guanyin Town and Fourth Young Master Wu's death from the Ministry of Archives. Prefect Zheng initially hesitated, explaining such records were confidential to the Imperial Astrology Bureau, but Yan Chi suggested he use his close friendship with the current Court Diarist to gain access. Prefect Zheng assured them he would not fail.

Princess Yongci questioned why such records would be in the Court Diary, and Yan Chi admitted it was also to keep Prefect Zheng occupied and out of their way. Yan Chi still harbored suspicions about Zhang Dongxuan, arguing that without independent verification, the old fraud's claims were unreliable, especially since the first body was found at his home and drawings linked to the murders were found in his possession.

Even if Zhang Dongxuan wasn't physically capable of murder, it didn't mean he was uninvolved. Princess Yongci, however, suggested the drawings might not be his and that her father, Lord Shen, must have verified Zhang Dongxuan's story in Guanyin Town. Yan Chi maintained that without concrete evidence, it remained a matter of belief, and he would keep his skepticism to ensure they weren't manipulated.

Princess Yongci then decided to question Zhang Dongxuan herself about the other two murder cases, suggesting they might uncover new information. Yan Chi chose not to accompany her, knowing his presence tended to agitate Zhang Dongxuan and might interfere with her questioning.

At the Ministry of Justice, Princess Yongci interrogated Zhang Dongxuan, who revealed he had given fortune readings to the latter two victims "before" the flaying case, explaining that he stopped giving readings once he realized the Heavenly Way Society had targeted him, as he feared for his life.

Princess Yongci presented him with drawings depicting various punishments from folk legends, which eerily matched the manner of death of the two victims—the second had his tongue severed for slandering his ex-wife, and the third froze to death for abandoning his father. Zhang Dongxuan vehemently denied drawing them and recoiled in fear when she pressed him, confirming her suspicion that he suffered from hemophobia.

Satisfied that his fear of blood made him incapable of committing such gruesome murders, Princess Yongci effectively cleared him. Grateful, Zhang Dongxuan confessed everything he knew. He explained that the Heavenly Way Society preyed on those with unaddressed grievances near government offices, and their leader had also suffered greatly.

Their leader, a tall, slender man in a white mask with a steady voice, created the "Unrighteous Flower"—a black-petaled, red-stamened drawing found at execution sites, said to require human blood to bloom. Its purpose was to warn the world that "the heavenly way no longer exists, and evil has spread everywhere." Zhang Dongxuan feared this meant more murders would continue as long as the society existed.

Just then, Yan Chi arrived, confirming their worst fears: a tongue-severing case had also occurred in the capital. It was indeed the Heavenly Way Society. Yan Chi immediately ordered the scene secured while he and Princess Yongci addressed the panicked crowd. Princess Yongci implored the citizens to step back, emphasizing that contaminating the crime scene would jeopardize the investigation and allow the culprit to escape, potentially endangering more people.

Yan Chi, as Deputy Minister of Justice, assured the crowd that the prefect's office would increase night patrols to ensure public safety and promised a full account once Princess Yongci completed her autopsy. As Yan Chi sketched the scene, Princess Yongci meticulously examined the victim. She noted that traces indicated someone had hidden there and observed calluses on the victim's right ring finger, suggesting he was a scholar.

The twisted fingers and abundant blood in his mouth confirmed his tongue was severed while he was still alive. She identified the black-petaled, red-stamened drawing at the scene as the Unrighteous Flower, drawn with lead chalk and top-quality submerged agarwood ink. Ning Buyi, a painter summoned by Prefect Zheng to sketch the deceased, arrived, thanking Princess Yongci for her earlier request to sketch Fourth Young Master Wu. Constable Zhan was instructed to post Ning Buyi's portrait for identification.

Mrs. Zhao soon arrived, identifying the victim as her husband, Zhao Jiaxu, a tutor for the Wei family. However, Princess Yongci discovered male essence stains on Zhao Jiaxu's trousers, and older stains on his clothes, indicating he was likely engaged in an affair rather than teaching. Princess Yongci pondered the rare coincidence of flaying and tongue-severing cases occurring twice and reaffirmed that if it wasn't the original Guanyin Town culprit, then the Heavenly Way Society was certainly involved.

After further confirmation from Zhang Dongxuan that the blurred pattern matched his "Unrighteous Flower" from his unique chalk and ink formula given to the Society Leader, Princess Yongci speculated the Society Leader might have personally committed this latest, more brutal crime. She questioned why the society, after five years, would risk brazen acts in the capital unless they had never truly laid low but merely moved their operations.

She even wondered if "Heavenly Way" implied a connection to the Emperor himself, though Zhang Dongxuan couldn't confirm this. Believing the Society Leader was highly disciplined and followed strict patterns, Princess Yongci deduced that since both Guanyin Town and the capital saw a flaying case followed by a tongue-severing case, the next would logically be an "ice case," based on the legends of hell.

Seizing on the Society Leader's adherence to celestial timing, Yan Chi offered Zhang Dongxuan immediate release from prison if he could deduce the connections between the solar terms, time, and location of the Guanyin Town cases. Zhang Dongxuan eagerly accepted, needing to prepare after five years of incarceration. Princess Yongci promised to document his hemophobia and submit it to Yan Chi that night.

Yan Chi praised her genius in using Zhang Dongxuan for prediction, while she credited his quick thinking in clearing Zhang Dongxuan. Yan Chi then shared the divination records of Guanyin Town with Princess Yongci to give to Zhang Dongxuan. They also discussed Li Muyun, the former prefect of Luozhou (which included Guanyin Town), whose name was conspicuously absent from the Ministry of Justice's case files for the Guanyin Town murders.

Princess Yongci suspected Li Muyun might have destroyed her father, Shen Yi's, records and annotations, though Yan Chi doubted it given Li Muyun's later position and the lack of connection to Prince Jin's case. Princess Yongci, however, insisted on a connection, noting Li Muyun could not have been unaware of such major crimes in his jurisdiction. Yan Chi urged her to rest despite their many unresolved questions.

Back at the Marquis of Zhongyong's Mansion, news of Princess Yongci's autopsy work had spread, causing servants to avoid her. Fuling defended Princess Yongci, reminding them she acted by imperial order. Princess Yongci instructed Fuling to pack their belongings, as they would be moving out in a few days. Fuling playfully asked if this meant she was marrying Yan Chi, which Princess Yongci denied, asserting that a capable woman could live independently without marriage.

Fuling then teased her about marrying General Bai. Meanwhile, Madam Feng, the mistress of the household, received a report from her maid, Mo Yu, confirming Princess Yongci's activities at the Capital Prefecture and the morgue. Madam Feng disdainfully dismissed Princess Yongci as engaging in a "despicable profession," asserting she was no match for her own daughter, Yu. Madam Feng even ordered that everything Princess Yongci had touched be burned once she left, to ward off bad luck.

Meanwhile, Yan Li and Yue Ning successfully located Zhao Jiaxu's mistress, a former courtesan from Fengqi House, now living in an outer residence after Zhao Jiaxu redeemed her a year prior. Yan Li expressed disgust at Zhao Jiaxu's hypocrisy, calling him deserving of his fate for betraying his trusting wife. Back in the capital, Yan Chi instructed Prefect Zheng to draft a memorial to the Emperor about the connected murders and the need for more guards and a curfew.

Prefect Zheng worried about the Emperor's reaction, suggesting Li Muyun, whom the Emperor trusted, should propose the curfew. Yan Chi agreed to present the memorial with both Prefect Zheng and Li Muyun. However, before they could meet the Emperor, a servant reported an urgent matter: Prince Rui had informed the Emperor of a major discrepancy in the Shuoxi Army's provisions, with moldy grain leaving the army near starvation. The Emperor urgently summoned Yan Chi.

Yan Chi swiftly entrusted Princess Yongci's safety to Yan Li and Yue Ning, urging them to keep her safe. In the palace, Prince Rui complained about a certain official named Zheng, not Prefect Zheng, serving in the Shuoxi Army, deeming him useless. Noble Consort Su and her son, Prince Cheng, discussed their long-laid plans to exploit the military provision crisis to gain control of the Shuoxi Army.

Noble Consort Su worried that Yan Chi's appointment as Investigating Censor might expose their agents. Prince Cheng, however, reassured her, confident that the strained relationship between Yan Chi and Prince Rui would allow him to find scapegoats, ensuring their plan's success. He aimed to become a powerful prince rather than a mere emperor.

Noble Consort Su also voiced her resentment towards Empress Zhao Shuhua, whom she felt was unjustly made Empress simply because she was two years older despite marrying the Emperor on the same day. Prince Cheng promised to achieve her desires by securing command of the Shuoxi Army. Later, Yan Chi, noticing Princess Yongci's continued sleeplessness, reassured her that the military provision issue was minor and didn't require her involvement.

He explained that he wouldn't be able to accompany her as constantly in the coming days but had prepared a gift: a specially crafted carriage made of ironwood, resistant to fire and swords. Yan Li, excitedly showing off its features, revealed hidden compartments for medicine, a coroner's kit, a portable table with tea sets, snacks, and even bedding for rest. Yan Chi lightheartedly asked for an embroidered pouch in return, but Princess Yongci admitted she couldn't do needlework.

Yan Chi playfully dismissed it, saying only sheltered women practiced such mundane skills, not "true heroines." Princess Yongci, amused, promised to give him something she made herself anyway. Witnessing their affectionate exchange, Yan Li remarked that perhaps getting married wouldn't be so bad after all. Princess Yongci then told Yan Chi she planned to visit the Supreme Court that day to review the Guanyin Town case files and her father Shen Yi's previous records.

Yan Chi cautioned her about Li Muyun, but she assured him she would be careful, as Prefect Zheng would accompany her. At the Supreme Court, Princess Yongci, accompanied by Yan Li and Yue Ning, sought access to the archives containing unsolved cases, including her father Shen Yi's records and Prince Jin's case. An archivist requested Li Muyun's approval. Prefect Zheng soon arrived with the necessary approval. Inside the archives, Princess Yongci felt a surge of emotion seeing her father's name.

She focused on quickly locating both her father's and Prince Jin's case files before Li Muyun's arrival. She discovered her father's files were missing from the expected location. When Li Muyun entered, Yan Li attempted to stall him, complaining about the dreary atmosphere and lack of amenities. Li Muyun, unamused, stated that the Supreme Court was not for idle visitors.

Yan Li then accused Li Muyun of pushing Princess Yongning, another princess, claiming she was helping Princess Yongci keep watch outside. Li Muyun explained he was simply trying to deliver the approval documents for Princess Yongci but was blocked. Princess Yongci confirmed she had asked Princess Yongning to help her avoid disturbances.

Li Muyun, trying to leave, was then stopped by Princess Yongci, who formally requested the release of Zhang Dongxuan, citing his confirmed hemophobia, which rendered him incapable of the murders. Li Muyun agreed, acknowledging her medical expertise. She then pressed him on why Shen Yi's annotations and clues were missing from the suspicious case files, despite the case being classified as such. Li Muyun promised to investigate this oversight.

Their conversation was abruptly cut short by news of a new murder at the ice cellar of Zuixian Restaurant in the city's west. Princess Yongci immediately declared she was going to the scene. An observer remarked on Princess Yongci's pursuit of the case, wondering if her true focus was Prince Jin rather than just her father, Shen Yi.

Episode 28 Recap

Following the tense encounter with Minister Li, which could have jeopardized her freedom to investigate within the Ministry of Justice, Shen Wan reflected on her actions. She admitted to Yue Ning that she had been too reckless, often endangering both Yue Ning and Yan Li by acting impulsively. Yue Ning, however, reassured Shen Wan, stating she was happy to share any trouble and valued their friendship above all else.

She wished for Shen Wan to always be unburdened and to stride forward freely. Touched by Yue Ning's words, Shen Wan confessed her true identity: she was not Qin Wan, but Shen Wan, daughter of Shen Yi, and her mission was to clear her father's name. Yue Ning was initially shocked, questioning if Shen Wan was "crazy" for revealing such a secret, especially since Yan Chi already knew.

Yet, she quickly dismissed the change in name, insisting that Shen Wan remained her best friend, the same girl she had always known. She even playfully revealed a secret: she was older than Shen Wan, joking that Shen Wan had kept her guessing for too long. Meanwhile, Yan Chi discussed the military provision case, noting that the Ministry of War, likely at Prince Cheng's behest, intended to shift blame to the transport commissioners.

He suspected a mole within the Shuoxi Army, reasoning that without insider help, moldy grains couldn't have entered the granary. Despite an aide suggesting he inform Prince Rui, Yan Chi knew his father viewed his soldiers as family and would likely scold him for internal investigations, accusing him of sabotaging their cause. Yan Chi resolved to pursue the truth for the sake of the Shuoxi soldiers and border civilians.

At the ice cellar murder scene, the victim, Hu Dequan, responsible for ice harvesting and storage, was found frozen to death. The restaurant owner, who had taken him in out of pity, confirmed no one had touched the scene before the authorities arrived. Shen Wan meticulously analyzed a footprint, concluding that the killer had dragged the victim in after killing him elsewhere, with the body accidentally concealing the last footprint.

She also noticed the absence of the "Black Unrighteous Flower" symbol. Upon closing the ice cellar door, the symbol was revealed, painted on the inside. Shen Wan deduced this was the "ice punishment," designed for those who betray their families, part of the "Seven-Layered Inferno" series of killings. She dispatched Yan Li and Yue Ning to investigate the victim's relationships.

The restaurant owner revealed Hu Dequan was a gambling addict who had sold his daughter to Fengqi House to settle debts. Further investigation by Yan Li and Shen Wan confirmed that all three victims were connected to Fengqi House. Shen Wan discovered Datura leaf residue in the candle wick, suggesting the victims were drugged and then left to freeze, explaining the serene smiles often seen on their faces due to hallucinations.

A sudden coughing fit from Shen Wan prompted Yan Chi to swiftly carry her away, concerned for her health, after instructing his guards to avert their eyes as a sign of respect. He later provided her with a special medicinal tea for her cold. On the carriage, Shen Wan told Yan Chi about revealing her identity to Yue Ning, but Yan Chi's primary concern remained her well-being.

Upon arrival, Shen Wan moved into Qin Liang's renovated house, arranged by Yan Chi, complete with guards from the Dove Unit, similar to Yingqi. Yan Chi informed her that he had acquired her old family home under a brokerage name, as confiscated properties could be resold, and its remote location and case connection made it undesirable to others.

Shen Wan reminisced about her childhood in the house, particularly the flower wall and corner door that linked her home with Qin Liang's, and memories of her mother. Later, she confided in Yan Chi about anomalies she found in the old case files of her father, Lord Shen, and Prince Jin, suggesting Minister Li had tampered with them.

She pointed out that Prince Jin's "confession" was merely a record of his silence during interrogation, and his physical state at the time of the alleged crime made the details impossible. Similarly, her father's "confession" was also documented as "unable to provide an answer," and a supposed hidden piece of evidence was never specified. Yan Chi speculated that Minister Li's elaborate schemes might be a trap to identify those seeking to reopen Prince Jin's case and eliminate them.

Just then, they heard Fuling scream. Rushing to the scene, they found Bai Feng holding a pained Fuling, explaining that a swing chair he was building for her had collapsed under their combined weight. Yan Chi advised them to go rest, leaving the cleanup for the butler. Later, Zhang Dongxuan, having been released and confined to the front courtyard of Shen Wan's residence, burst in with urgent news.

He had applied his unique methods, combining his deductions from the Guanyin Town murders with calendrical analysis, to predict a fourth execution that very night, corresponding to the "fire punishment." Though he couldn't guarantee accuracy, he urged preparation. Yan Chi immediately ordered an all-night patrol. Despite these precautions, the "fire punishment" still occurred on Jade Street in the East Market.

Shen Wan, who had been experiencing nightmares, awoke to find Yan Chi by her side, which brought her a sense of relief. The victim, Wang Shouchang, was found severely burned, his body positioned around a bronze pillar. The coroner noted no struggle, finding traces of powder in his lungs, suggesting he was unconscious from smoke inhalation and possibly poisoned before the fire. The victim's mother arrived, distraught, confirming his identity as Shouchang.

The public believed the killer only targeted "bad people," causing Shen Wan to worry that the "Heavenly Way Society" was exploiting this belief to eliminate opponents and sow discord in the capital. Yan Chi, however, assured her he would manage the larger implications while she focused on the leads, as he would be preoccupied with escorting a suspect in the military provision case back to the capital, leaving Yan Li and Yue Ning to assist Shen Wan.

Yan Li and Yue Ning, after a night of heavy drinking, woke up disheveled. Yue Ning, suffering from amnesia from the alcohol, was mortified to find Yan Li covered in her powder and makeup. Yan Li, recalling her drunken confession of happiness with him, had playfully proposed marriage, but Yue Ning remembered nothing. Their argument about their compromised state was interrupted when they realized they couldn't pay their bill at the brothel.

Yan Chi appeared, pulling them out by their ears and scolding them for their unprofessional conduct during an investigation. He warned them that any future missteps would result in their removal from the case, emphasizing their duty to protect Shen Wan in his absence. Despite their antics, the duo had indeed found a significant lead at Fengqi House: a jade carver named Wang Xin, who was dismissed from Ranmo Gallery, had frequently inquired about the three victims there.

Yan Li explained that carvers frequented brothels not to spend money but to earn it by carving items for the ladies, who then gifted them to wealthy patrons, creating a mutual benefit. Shen Wan remarked on Yan Li's surprisingly extensive knowledge of such establishments. Shen Wan, Yan Li, and Yue Ning then visited Wang Shouchang's mother.

She revealed that her son, as a child, had accidentally started a fire that killed an old beggar, a tragedy that had haunted him with guilt ever since. Despite his remorse, he wasn't a true criminal and only occasionally confided in Wang Xin, the jade carver.

Shen Wan lamented the brutal murder of a person who had sincerely repented, questioning how such an act could be justified as "walking the Heavenly Way," suggesting that if human hearts deviate, the "Heavenly Way" becomes a mere excuse for personal vengeance. She worried about how many members the Heavenly Way Society had and if they, like Wang Xin, would continue to kill innocent people, turning the capital into a living hell.

Just then, Zhang Dongxuan returned with a remarkable new deduction. Using the principle of stellar movement and the Big Dipper, he had analyzed the timing and locations of the previous four murders. He discovered they precisely matched the pattern of the Big Dipper constellation. Based on this, he had mapped out the likely locations for the remaining three killings, offering to lead the way with his compass.

He predicted the next murder would be the "milling punishment," providing a precise location. This intelligence allowed Shen Wan to immediately coordinate with the Patrol Battalion to set up early defenses in the designated area.

Episode 29 Recap

Following a tip about Wang Xin's whereabouts, Yan Chi dispatched Yan Li, Bai Feng, and Constable Zhan to go undercover and search all the mills and wineries in the city's southeast, while the Patrol Battalion secured the area. Soon, a new victim was found in a grain mill. Based on calluses on his fingers, he was identified as a craftsman skilled in fine carving, and the disfigured corpse was presumed to be Wang Xin.

Princess Yongci summoned Ning Buyi to sketch the victim. Yan Chi deduced from the lack of struggle that the victim knew and trusted his killer. The murder weapon was a jade carver's toothless saw, and the rope used was pre-cut, suggesting the killer feared failing to sever it in one go. Ning Buyi arrived and feigned nausea before meticulously drawing a portrait from the victim's half-destroyed face.

Both Yan Chi and Princess Yongci noticed his act, observing that he only dry-heaved and his complexion remained normal, raising their suspicions. Princess Yongci revealed her conclusion that Ning Buyi was the real murderer. She presented a clay sculpture she had made from the victim's head, which perfectly matched the "first" portrait Ning Buyi had drawn of the missing carver, Wang Xin.

She reasoned that his intentionally inaccurate second drawing, combined with the use of a specialized saw, was a deliberate attempt to frame Wang Xin. Only someone who knew Wang Xin intimately could alter his portrait to have a similar structure but a different face, proving Ning Buyi knew the victim's identity and was trying to conceal it. To gather evidence, Yan Li and Yue Ning staged a public argument in front of Ning Buyi at his gallery.

Taking the bait, Ning Buyi offered Yan Li a dagger with a sheath inlaid with seven gems to appease Yue Ning, inviting him to his home later to retrieve it. Bai Feng offered to go in Yan Li's place due to the danger, but Yan Li insisted on going himself, telling the others to prepare for a swift rescue.

Princess Yongci gave him an antidote, wound medicine, and Yan Chi's eagle whistle for emergencies, promising she could heal any injury as long as he survived. Hiding her worry, Yue Ning insisted they were "good brothers for life." That night, Yan Li went to Ning Buyi's home. After drinking tea, Yan Li feigned unconsciousness. When the rescue team, led by Yan Chi, realized something was wrong, they found the house empty, with Ning Buyi and Yan Li gone.

Yan Li awoke bound in a hidden chamber, where Ning Buyi threatened to saw him in half slowly. Meanwhile, Princess Yongci discovered the true secret passage, which was submerged in water, distinguishing it from a decoy. Just as Ning Buyi was about to torture Yan Li, Yue Ning burst in and kicked him away, allowing Yan Li to break free. She furiously chased Ning Buyi, vowing to "chop him up."

Cornered by the group, Ning Buyi committed suicide by slitting his own throat. An examination of Ning Buyi’s body by Princess Yongci revealed he was already dying from a condition that depleted his Qi and blood. An "unrighteous flower" tattoo identified him as a member of the Heavenly Way Society, and a custom-made white mask found on him confirmed he was its leader.

Bai Feng’s investigation into his past revealed his father, Ning Shoude, had been a scapegoat for the Emperor’s uncle, Prince Yu, in a disaster relief fund scandal, which fueled Ning Buyi's quest for vengeance. Yan Chi clarified to a sympathetic Princess Yongci that while Ning Shoude was wronged, he was not entirely innocent like her own father.

The Emperor expressed his displeasure to Yan Chi over the unresolved military provision case, viewing it as a hidden danger within the Shuoxi Army. The situation escalated when Yan Chi learned his father had punished the men sent to secretly audit the army's accounts. Fearing the Emperor would use this as a pretext to seize control of the army, Yan Chi decided to return to Shuoxi immediately to confront his father.

He left Bai Feng in the capital to protect Princess Yongci. Separately, Li Muyun persuaded Prefect Zheng to close the murder case, despite the file noting that the Heavenly Way Society's deputy leader and other members were still at large. Li Muyun argued that leaving the case open would cause public panic and could endanger Yan Chi and Princess Yongci if the Emperor learned of their risky involvement.

Prefect Zheng reluctantly agreed to amend the report to mark the case as concluded. Meanwhile, Yue Ning brought Princess Yongci to the palace to meet Yan Ze, the Heir of Prince Xin and her childhood friend, whom she hadn't seen in a decade. Yan Ze, her gentle cousin, still wore a medicated cloth over his eyes due to a light sensitivity.

Princess Yongci diagnosed that his main ailment was cured but residual issues could be treated with acupuncture and a medicinal diet. Yan Ze quietly asked her not to alarm the Empress Dowager and invited her to his residence for a private consultation. Later, a distressed Yue Ning confessed to Princess Yongci that she felt responsible for Yan Ze's condition.

She recounted how, at age six, she got lost in a blizzard during a winter hunt, and a young Yan Ze carried her back to safety, an act that permanently damaged his eyes from the snow's glare. Filled with guilt, she declared her intention to marry and care for him for life, believing no other noblewoman would accept him.

Princess Yongci cautioned her against a marriage based on pity and asked about Yan Li, to which Yue Ning somberly replied that he might be happier without her. Upon hearing of Yue Ning's intentions, Yan Li, who was sick with a cold, reacted with fury. Bai Feng bluntly told him to take his medicine, warning that if he died, Yue Ning would simply move on.

During another consultation, Princess Yongci's examination of Yan Ze's pulse led her to believe he had been poisoned as a child. While impressed, Yan Ze chose not to discuss the past due to its connection to the imperial family. As Princess Yongci pondered this, Bai Feng arrived with news: there was "movement at Prince Jin's residence."

Episode 30 Recap

The investigation into Prince Jin's case began. Princess Yongci, also known as Wan, rushed to Prince Jin's Mansion, feeling that this was the day they had long awaited. The mansion, however, was sealed. Prefect Zheng informed her that approvals from both the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Justice were required to open the gates. Despite this, Princess Yongci insisted on proceeding with the investigation.

Citing the authority His Majesty had personally granted her to act as a Ministry of Justice officer and a direct order from Yan Chi to examine the scene, she declared she would take full responsibility if His Majesty were displeased and instructed Prefect Zheng and Constable Zhan to proceed. A thief, caught digging in the mansion's backyard, was brought before Princess Yongci.

He confessed he had heard rumors in a gambling house that servants had buried treasure in the backyard when the mansion was sealed, and he had noticed the soil looked fresher there. As they were discussing this, Minister Li Muyun arrived, stating that he was also there because of the recently discovered human remains. He explained that when Prince Jin's Mansion was confiscated, it had been thoroughly searched, and there was no possibility of a body being hidden within.

He pledged to investigate why a skeleton had suddenly appeared a year later. Princess Yongci expressed her strong preference for working alone, even with the Supreme Court. Minister Li assured her that he only required immediate updates on her findings so he could report to His Majesty and would not impede her work, which surprised Princess Yongci.

Princess Yongci relayed her initial findings to Minister Li: the deceased was a male, likely between 20 and 23 years old, about six feet eight inches tall, with adipocere formed on the body, indicating death occurred over a year ago. She noted an indentation on the sternum, suggesting a two-inch-wide blade had been stabbed directly into the heart from the front. She also observed that his features were more defined than those of Zhou people, hinting at foreign ancestry.

Realizing Minister Li Muyun was no ordinary individual and fearing his insight, Princess Yongci decided to prevent him from further access to the body. While praising his sharpness, she sarcastically offered to let him handle the rest. Minister Li apologized for any offense, emphasizing his respect for her skills. Citing official duty, Princess Yongci then instructed Prefect Zheng to move the body to the morgue and ensure no one accessed it without her explicit permission.

His Majesty commented that it had been a long time since he heard Prince Jin's name. He instructed that the investigation be put on hold for now, as the Empress Dowager had just recovered and wished to go on a spring outing. All matters would be addressed after the Double Third Festival. His Majesty then dismissed Prefect Zheng but asked Princess Yongci to stay.

He advised her to spend more time with the Empress Dowager and Grand Princess during the festival outing, explicitly telling her not to mention anything related to Prince Jin's Mansion to avoid upsetting them. Noting that her mourning period was over, His Majesty brought up her marriage, urging her to speak directly to the Empress Dowager if she found someone she liked, as he and the Empress Dowager would arrange everything for her.

Following the discussion, His Majesty reflected on Princess Yongci's humble background. He mused that if Yan Chi, the Heir of Prince Rui, proved to be more manageable than his father, then facilitating a marriage between him and Princess Yongci would not be an issue. With Wan by his side, Prince Sui became increasingly cheerful. During a gathering, the Empress Dowager and Grand Princess inquired about Yan Chi, who had secretly returned to Shuoxi, his whereabouts unknown to outsiders.

Wan could only silently pray for his safe return. Meanwhile, Prince Cheng Qi's cousin pleaded with him to facilitate his marriage to Princess Yongning. Prince Cheng Qi agreed, but only if his cousin first completed a task for him. On the day of the imperial hunt, a messenger informed Prince Cheng Qi that Yan Chi had already left Shuoxi, indicating the time was right to proceed with his plan. During the outing, Qin Shuang accidentally sprained her ankle.

A man on duty, Xue Qingshan, offered to examine her injury, confirming it was not serious. When Qin Shuang asked if he had seen her aunt and sister, he informed her that other ladies had entered a nearby flower grove. As she prepared to leave, he pointed out that her hand was dirty from her fall, and she offered him her handkerchief.

Elsewhere, Crown Prince Che and Prince Cheng Qi began their archery competition, both refusing to yield, resulting in a draw. As they continued to vie for the leading goose, Prince Cheng Qi subtly taunted the Crown Prince. Unexpectedly, Yan Chi arrived, excusing his tardiness due to illness. He then shot the leading goose, hitting both its eyes with a single whistling arrow.

He explained that he used a non-lethal whistling arrow because he saw two arrows already competing for the goose and feared it would fly away. His Majesty, impressed by Yan Chi's precise archery, praised him for "fighting evil and upholding justice" and rewarded him with a thousand taels of gold. Upon his return, Yan Chi immediately sought out Wan. She was pained to see the stubble on his face, indicating his arduous journey.

Yan Chi informed her that His Majesty desired Prince Rui to voluntarily relinquish military command of Shuoxi. However, Prince Rui was unwilling to comply, fearing an invasion by nomadic enemies if he surrendered his power and insisting on first crushing them completely. Yan Chi admitted he doubted His Majesty would wait that long.

Concerned about their future, Wan expressed her worries that if His Majesty insisted on reclaiming the military authority, they would face two dire outcomes: either Yan Chi and Prince Rui would be stripped of their ranks, leaving her to support them through her medical practice, or Prince Rui would rebel with the Shuoxi Army, leading His Majesty to execute them both.

She emphasized the need for them to prepare for the worst, declaring that no matter what happened, she would stand by him, even if it meant sacrificing her own life for their union. Bai Feng reported to Wan that Noble Consort Su had submitted a marriage list to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, proposing Wan as Prince Cheng Qi's intended consort. Bai Feng expressed concern about escalating the situation by directly interfering.

Wan calmly stated that Prince Cheng Qi was not genuinely interested in marrying her and urged Bai Feng not to act impulsively, assuring him that she would not allow the prince's schemes to succeed. Yan Chi then reported to His Majesty on the military provision corruption case in Shuoxi. He revealed that Prince Rui had already dismissed and detained the grain official who colluded with the transport commissioner.

Through interrogation, Yan Chi discovered that a local official from Liangzhou had facilitated the connection, and he had refrained from further investigation to avoid alerting others. He presented evidence that the Shuoxi Army was a victim in the case, absolving Prince Rui of allegations of condoning corruption, and stated that a true mastermind was behind it. Yan Chi emphasized Prince Rui's unwavering loyalty, asserting that the Shuoxi Army was the nation's protective shield.

To quell any lingering doubts, Yan Chi dramatically offered himself for imprisonment, proposing that if Prince Rui disobeyed, His Majesty could cut off one of his limbs, or even take his head. His Majesty dismissed his extreme offer but acknowledged the existence of a powerful figure with influence.

As Yan Chi was about to discuss another matter, Noble Consort Su arrived, weeping and complaining that the ladies selected by the Palace Domestic Service for Prince Cheng Qi were inferior to those from the Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion. She lamented that her son always seemed to fall short compared to the Crown Prince.

His Majesty, seeing her distress, granted her permission to choose a noble lady for Prince Cheng Qi herself and simply report her decision, bypassing the need for the Empress's approval. Yue Ning and Yan Li were still bickering. After the imperial hunt festivities, Yan Chi relayed a request from a tired Wan for Yan Li to escort Princess Yongning back to her tent. Princess Yongning, however, scoffed, calling Yan Li a burden.

Yan Li retorted that he was at least useful for conversation and could even take a blow for her. When he teased her about Prince Ze, Yue Ning threatened him. In a fit of anger, Yan Li vehemently declared that he would never allow Yue Ning to marry Prince Ze. Yue Ning calmly responded that she did not necessarily want to marry the prince, but simply sought to find him a truly excellent woman.

Realizing her true intent, Yan Li eagerly offered to help, boasting of his matchmaking skills, though he balked at her demand that the woman be no less attractive than Yue Ning herself. Late that night, after her attendant had fallen asleep, Wan feigned sleep upon detecting knockout powder. She was then abducted and taken to the outskirts. To her surprise, her captor was not Prince Cheng Qi, but his cousin.

The cousin, having used a paralyzing drug on her, gloated that he planned to defile her. Just as he was about to act, Prince Cheng Qi appeared, enraged that his cousin dared to lay hands on a woman he desired. The cousin retaliated by reminding him of his family's financial and personnel support. After a tense exchange, Prince Cheng Qi fatally stabbed his cousin, remarking that he would be "much less annoying now."

He then commented on the dirty surroundings and suggested they move to a cleaner place. Meanwhile, Yan Chi discovered Wan's disappearance and immediately ordered the incident be kept quiet, creating a cover story that she'd had an accident while hunting. Noting the Patrol Battalion, largely composed of Prince Cheng Qi's men, was responsible for campsite security, he ordered his subordinates to identify and eliminate any absent members without questioning.

Yan Chi then recognized the scent of an herbal powder Wan had deliberately left as a trail, enabling him to track her. His pursuit led him to the location where the cousin's body was discovered. Prince Cheng Qi, having brought Wan to another location, proposed she become his primary consort, expressing admiration for her composure.

Wan, however, directly accused him of seeking her hand only for her talents and her status as the Marquis of Zhongyong's niece to gain political leverage and drive a wedge between her family and Crown Prince Che. She called him a coward who relied on women for advancement and who, unable to fairly defeat Yan Chi, resorted to bullying her to vent his frustration.

As Prince Cheng Qi grew enraged and threatened her, Wan continued to taunt him, asserting that while his power and reputation were fleeting, her virtues and talents were unassailable. Just as he was about to harm her, Yan Chi arrived. He shot two arrows, pinning Prince Cheng Qi to a tree, and immediately rushed to check on Wan's safety. Prince Cheng Qi, stunned by Yan Chi's sudden appearance, screamed in disbelief at his defiance.

Episode 31 Recap

Yan Chi, seething with anger, aimed an arrow at Prince Cheng. Though he intentionally missed by a mere inch, he sternly led Qin Wan away. Qin Wan was shocked by Prince Cheng's audacity and shamelessness, admitting she had suspected him of ill intent after seeing the marriage nominations list. Yan Chi, consumed by self-reproach for failing to protect her, assured her that she only needed to prepare to be his bride, vowing to repay the humiliation they suffered twofold.

Meanwhile, Prince Cheng had not returned the previous night. Feng Chenbi, feigning concern, came looking for him, making sure the Crown Prince would witness their interaction. She claimed sincere feelings for Prince Cheng, though he saw through her pretense, knowing she sought a husband who could rival the Crown Prince, enabling her to stand on equal footing with Qin Zhaoyu, or even become Empress.

She suggested they ally against the Crown Prince and Yan Chi, which confirmed Prince Cheng’s suspicion that she merely desired to become Princess Consort Cheng. Shortly after, Qin Xiang approached Prince Cheng, and upon learning her surname was Qin and that she was Princess Yongci's fifth sister, Prince Cheng invited her into his tent. Yan Chi later presented the Empress Dowager with rare peach blossom fish, a special delicacy only available when peach trees bloomed.

He directly requested her decree to marry Princess Yongci as his primary consort, admitting he could no longer wait, as she had many admirers, and that their hearts had long been connected. The Empress Dowager, after teasing him about his past hesitations, sought his solemn vow never to betray Qin Wan, reminding him that she was no ordinary woman.

Yan Chi swore a sacred oath, invoking the heavens to strike him down and disown him from the Yan clan should he ever betray her. The Emperor was greatly displeased by the widely reported confrontation between Prince Cheng and Yan Chi during the Double Third Festival hunt. Noble Consort Su arrived, weeping and demanding a thorough investigation into the suspicious death of her nephew, Zhang, during the hunt. The Emperor dismissed it as an unavoidable accident, warning against baseless accusations.

He then announced the Imperial Astronomical Bureau had confirmed Prince Cheng's marriage to Feng Chenbi, a match orchestrated by Noble Consort Su. Though Prince Cheng initially hesitated, he eventually accepted the decree. The Emperor also decreed the Crown Prince's marriage to Qin Zhaoyu. Shortly thereafter, a decree arrived from the Empress Dowager, arranging the marriage of Yan Chi and Princess Yongci. The Emperor was delighted by the flurry of joyous occasions within the palace.

Later, Qin Shuang noticed a mark on Qin Xiang, assuming she was injured, but Qin Xiang quickly dismissed her concern and threatened her against revealing anything, dismissing her sisterly bond. In a private conversation, Yan Chi and Qin Wan discussed the recent events. Qin Wan found it unsettling that Prince Cheng had been let off so easily, suspecting he was the mastermind behind deeper schemes.

Yan Chi revealed that Prince Cheng coveted Liangzhou, a vital stronghold in Shuoxi, more than the Crown Prince's position, and suggested the military provision corruption case could involve Prince Cheng, the Crown Prince, or even the Emperor. Yan Chi explained that the Emperor desired the Shuoxi Army, and Prince Rui's obstinacy had crossed a red line.

He revealed his own precarious position: in the Emperor's eyes, he was a spy for his father, while in Prince Rui's eyes, he was a cowardly, rebellious son who engaged in mere political maneuvering rather than direct military achievements. Qin Wan urged Yan Chi not to meddle further in Prince Jin's case, fearing it would endanger him, especially since Li Muyun seemed to be waiting for them to make a mistake.

Yan Chi, however, insisted he couldn't let her face danger alone, particularly now that the Empress Dowager had decreed their marriage, binding their fates. He asked if she would face the perilous path ahead with him, and she readily agreed. Soon after, an imperial official announced the formal decrees for the marriages: Qin Zhaoyu to Crown Prince Yan Che, Feng Chenbi to Prince Cheng Yan Qi, and Princess Yongci Qin Wan to Heir of Prince Rui Yan Chi.

At the Spring Banquet, Qin Xiang drank heavily, ignoring Qin Shuang's warnings about the severe offense of public intoxication. Qin Xiang, dreaming of rising to power, defiantly declared she feared no one, asserting that even her relatives would kneel before her one day, though Qin Shuang advised her against such fantasies about the princes.

Yan Chi, in a grand gesture, brought two wild geese to the Grand Princess, humbly requesting her consent to marry Qin Wan, even though the Empress Dowager had already decreed it. The Grand Princess accepted him as her sworn grandson-in-law, acknowledging his sincerity. The Emperor, also present, expressed his pleasure, stating that it would honor Prince Rui. However, the joyful atmosphere was shattered by an urgent report: Prince Rui had passed away.

The news stunned Yan Chi, and the Empress Dowager fainted from grief. Yan Chi was devastated by his father's sudden death. Qin Wan, having rushed from the Empress Dowager’s side, comforted him, assuring him that the Empress Dowager would recover. Yan Chi decided he must personally retrieve his father’s coffin and left Bai Feng to protect Qin Wan.

Qin Wan, resolved to protect Yan Chi, then instructed Bai Feng to take the discovered body back to the morgue for a "steaming bones" autopsy upon their return to the capital, vowing to ensure that all who harmed him would face justice. During his journey to retrieve the coffin, Yan Chi recalled a painful argument with his father, Prince Rui, who believed himself to be the Emperor's blood brother, incapable of being suspected.

Yan Chi had tried to convince his father that the Emperor coveted the Shuoxi Army, not private troops, and urged him to return to the capital and surrender the tiger tally to preserve the army amidst the volatile struggle for the throne. Prince Rui had fiercely rejected this, asserting his lifelong integrity in defending the borders and his oath to the late Emperor never to abandon Shuoxi.

He dismissed Yan Chi's political maneuvering as cowardly and disowned him, but Yan Chi had insisted he would return to the capital regardless. Upon her return to the capital, Qin Wan, true to her word, began the "steaming bones" investigation. She supervised the process, instructing assistants to pour medicinal decoction mixed with wine and vinegar over the remains to remove cadaveric wax and reveal injuries.

She meticulously examined the bones, identifying a blunt force trauma to the back of the head, and multiple reddish cracks and bloodstains on ribs, wrist, shin, and kneecaps, indicating severe, prolonged abuse before death. The right ulna showed signs of heavy impact. She also noted the deceased's uneven leg length, a consequence of an inward-bending left knee, causing a distinctive shoulder sway when walking.

His stable lower body and combat stance, with the left leg generating power and the right striking, suggested he was a professionally trained martial artist, like a bodyguard or escort, not an ordinary bandit. Qin Wan concluded that the body's burial in the sealed Prince Jin's Mansion was no coincidence and instructed Zheng Prefect and Li Muyun to investigate the mansion’s former servants and guards.

Li Muyun revealed that Prince Jin had a Western-blooded armed guard named Song Xiwen, who was supposed to be detained in the Imperial Punishment Department. He warned Qin Wan that investigating Song Xiwen's presence outside the tightly guarded Imperial Punishment Department could implicate many powerful individuals. Qin Wan, however, insisted that since the remains appeared in an improper place, they had a duty to report the truth, leaving the Emperor to decide who should be held accountable.

Li Muyun and Zheng Prefect agreed to draft a memorial to the Emperor. Meanwhile, Yan Chi arrived in the capital with Prince Rui's coffin, presenting the Shuoxi Army tiger tally to the Emperor, which brought the Emperor a sense of relief.

Episode 32 Recap

The Emperor decreed that Prince Rui's burial would take place the following morning outside the city, without a wake or mourning rites. He claimed Prince Rui died at the hands of nomadic enemies, and observing such ceremonies would be undignified. This absurd decree left many astonished.

Yan Chi pleaded with Shen Wan, whom he declared his chosen wife, to help him by performing an autopsy on his father, desperate to know if Prince Rui truly died by the nomadic enemy's hand. Shen Wan, acknowledging the tragic circumstances, promised to seek justice for Prince Rui and began the urgent examination, with only three hours to spare.

Shen Wan meticulously examined Prince Rui's body, noting seventeen wounds, including seven abrasions on his left shoulder, back, right wrist, and right calf, and four impact injuries on his chest and abdomen. The fatal wound was a sharp arrow piercing his heart. She learned Prince Rui had been attacked during a brief rest at a posthouse while on border patrol, finding horse feed husks in his hair.

His limbs showed groove-shaped blood stains, suggesting that attackers threw bran in his face to blind him before binding him. Given Prince Rui's lifelong dedication to martial arts, such a vicious method would be necessary to subdue him. Shen Wan and Yan Chi questioned why arrows were used if Prince Rui was already restrained; a rope to choke would have been simpler.

They suspected the use of a four-edged arrow, a unique weapon of the nomadic enemies, was a deliberate attempt to create the illusion that he was killed by them. The killers, they surmised, had intentionally taken the ropes that bound Prince Rui while leaving behind the distinctive arrow, making it seem like a provocation against the Shuoxi Army.

However, if it were truly the nomadic enemy, who often beheaded their victims, Prince Rui's body would not have been intact, leading Yan Chi to believe it was a framing by someone intimately familiar with nomadic weapons and Prince Rui's patrol routes—likely an insider from the Shuoxi Army. Their suspicions intensified after questioning Fan Xin, Prince Rui's personal guard, who confirmed no foreign traces were seen, and he arrived after the attackers had fled.

Shen Wan's pointed question about whether the nomadic enemy ever used "rope formations" surprised Fan Xin. Yan Chi then revealed that Prince Rui had ordered the Tianshu Camp, a specialized unit within the Shuoxi Army for assassinating enemy generals, to develop a "rope formation" based on the Great Zhou's meteor hammer, specifically to force the nomadic enemy into surrender. This secret formation was known only to Prince Rui and the Tianshu Camp.

This revelation led Yan Chi to the painful conclusion that a traitor within the Shuoxi Army was responsible for his father's death. Shen Wan swore to avenge Prince Rui alongside Yan Chi. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager, despite her illness, insisted on seeing her son, Prince Rui. The Emperor rushed to stop her, claiming his actions were necessary for the stability of the nation and the smooth transfer of the Shuoxi Army's command.

The Empress Dowager bitterly rebuked him, reminding him of Prince Rui's unwavering loyalty and two decades guarding the border, yet the Emperor viewed him as a grave threat and even denied him a proper funeral. She questioned what kind of emperor or brother he was, expressing her despair at being unable to see her son one last time and even threatening to abdicate her position.

The Emperor, in turn, asked if her heart only held Prince Rui, reminding her that he too was her son. The deceased was identified as Song Xiwen, Prince Jin's personal guard, whose death in the Disgraced Prince's mansion while supposedly imprisoned raised many questions. While the Marquis of Zhongyong argued against reopening the case to maintain stability, Li Muyun of the Supreme Court insisted on a thorough investigation to uphold the court's reputation and ensure public trust.

The Emperor then tasked Prince Cheng, Yan Qi, to oversee the investigation of Song Xiwen's case, with the Supreme Court assisting. Having properly buried his father, Yan Chi returned to the capital sooner than expected, knowing it would ease the Emperor's mind. He confided in Shen Wan, asking if she would still marry him should he lose his official position and fail to inherit his princedom.

Shen Wan confidently replied that she could open a medical clinic and support him comfortably. She expressed her desire to marry without delay, wanting to seek the Empress Dowager's blessing. Together, they petitioned the grieving Empress Dowager, requesting permission for an early marriage during the mourning period to honor Prince Rui's last wish of seeing his son settled.

Though concerned about potential criticism and the simplicity of the ceremony, the Empress Dowager acquiesced upon learning it was Shen Wan's heartfelt desire, touched by her steadfastness. She vowed to select an auspicious date for their wedding. Simultaneously, Prince Cheng sent envoys to the Marquis of Zhongyong's Mansion, requesting to take Qin Xiang as his concubine. The Marquis vehemently objected, citing the Qin family's ancestral rule against legitimate daughters becoming concubines.

However, Prince Cheng's envoys countered that Qin Xiang had volunteered. To the dismay of her family, Qin Xiang boldly declared her willingness, admitting she had already been intimate with Prince Cheng and sought her family's blessing. Madam Feng, angered by Qin Xiang's disregard for family honor, especially with Qin Zhaoyu soon to marry the Crown Prince, questioned how this would reflect on the Empress, the Crown Prince, and their family.

Enraged, the Marquis disowned Qin Xiang and cast her out of the mansion. As she left, Qin Xiang vowed to remember the humiliation and return to exact her revenge when she rose to power. Meanwhile, the Ministry of War directly assumed control of the Shuoxi Army's command, reassigning Prince Rui's deputies. The soldiers, angered by their Chief General's unclear death, rebelled against the orders and were detained.

The Crown Prince and Prince Cheng took advantage of the chaos to install their own people. Qi Yu, a strategist under Prince Rui, visited Yan Chi and Shen Wan, bringing Prince Rui's treasured personal effects: a portrait of Yan Chi's mother, identical to one in his study, and Yan Chi's own blood-stained hair ribbon, which his grandmother had made for him at age eight, meticulously preserved by his father.

Yan Chi wept as he read his father's personal notes, which revealed Prince Rui's profound love and pride for his son, his regret over his wife's early passing, and his anguish over the difficult choices forced upon him by duty. Prince Rui's writings detailed Yan Chi's growth and triumphs, even his victory over Fan Xin, showing that he never neglected his son despite a public display of harshness to discipline him for a costly battle.

He also lamented being "trusted yet doubted, loyal yet slandered," indicating he was aware of the Emperor's suspicions but chose loyalty to the country above all else, regretting only his perceived failures to his mother, wife, and children. Yan Chi realized his father understood his actions were meant to protect him and the Shuoxi Army. The investigation into Song Xiwen's death continued.

The Crown Prince, anxious, expressed his fear to the Empress that Prince Cheng's investigation might expose her role in releasing Song Xiwen. The Empress calmly dismissed his worries, claiming the case had nothing to do with them. However, Prince Cheng reported to the Emperor that an attendant guarding Song Xiwen had confessed that Wan Xi, the Empress's personal attendant, was responsible for taking Song Xiwen away. The Emperor ordered Wan Xi's interrogation.

Before the interrogation, the Empress visited Wan Xi, promising to care for his family and telling him to "go with peace of mind," hinting at his pre-arranged fate. Wan Xi, seemingly resigned, thanked her. Yan Chi then questioned Qi Yu about any Tianshu Camp officers who rose without military merit, and Qi Yu named Jiang Heying, a former training officer now Chief Commander of Qianzhou, whom Prince Rui had highly recommended for his filial piety.

Yan Chi suspected Jiang Heying due to the assassination method's consistency with Tianshu Camp techniques, knowledge only privy to those involved in its combat formation development. While Qi Yu doubted Jiang Heying's treason, Shen Wan confirmed the autopsy findings. Yan Chi hypothesized that someone more powerful than Prince Rui, perhaps the Emperor or a future monarch, ordered Jiang Heying, believing they could offer protection and a better future.

He pointed to Prince Cheng, noting the Empress's family already commanded the Northern Palace Army, making the Shuoxi Army unnecessary for them. The Emperor's apparent favoring of Prince Cheng over the Crown Prince also suggested Jiang Heying would choose to align with the rising power. Jiang Heying's intimate knowledge of Prince Rui's skills, patrol routes, and even Yan Chi's whereabouts made him the perfect accomplice.

Yan Chi concluded that Prince Cheng was likely the mastermind behind the assassination attempts on both him and his father. Despite the potential danger, Yan Chi and Shen Wan resolved to proceed cautiously, focusing on protecting the Shuoxi Army's remaining strength, and Yan Chi instructed Qi Yu to advise the soldiers to lie low. Later, it was revealed that the Empress did not obstruct Prince Cheng from taking Wan Xi, a move interpreted as "cutting her losses."

Shen Wan concluded that Song Xiwen's death was indeed the Empress's doing, and Wan Xi's compliance indicated he was prepared to die, rendering Prince Cheng's efforts fruitless. Prince Cheng subjected Wan Xi to severe torture, but Li Muyun and Capital Prefect Zheng intervened, arguing against the brutality and unreliability of forced confessions, with Li Muyun warning of the need for an honest report to the Emperor if Wan Xi died.

Faced with Wan Xi's critical condition, Prince Cheng ordered him sent back to Fengyi Palace, leaving his fate to the Empress. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager played Go with the Grand Princess and Prince Yan Ze. Shen Wan arrived to check on her, and the Empress Dowager, still grieving, expressed her weariness. Shen Wan and Yan Chi later sought the Empress Dowager's guidance on the Song Xiwen case, particularly Yan Chi's lingering belief in Prince Jin's innocence.

The Empress Dowager, acknowledging Prince Jin as a good son and brother, close to Yan Chi, promised to help. She revealed that Wan Xi had an adopted son in the Imperial Guard named Wang Han, whom he deeply trusted. Subsequently, Wang Han was seized by masked men. Terrified, Wang Han recognized a woman's voice and feared his captors were from the palace.

He desperately offered money and his position if they would spare him and his family, refusing to betray the Empress. As they prepared to bury him alive, one of the captors chillingly stated that the Empress had already decreed he should not survive. Wang Han, seizing an opportunity, escaped and screamed for help, alerting others that he was being targeted for assassination to ensure his silence.

Episode 33 Recap

Wang Han, a palace guard, revealed that on the night Consort Jin passed away, he was on duty at Yingyang Gate. After the incident involving Prince Jin, the Empress had his guard, Song Xiwen, seized before the Supreme Court could detain him, sending him to the Imperial Punishment Department. She then ordered Wang Han to secretly take Song Xiwen’s body out of the palace.

Wang Han explained that his godfather, Wan Xi, who exclusively serves the Empress and holds her full trust, relayed the Empress’s orders to him. Wang Han hid the body in a secret compartment beneath a night soil cart, taking it out of the city under the cover of darkness and burying it on Qiwu Mountain. He insisted he was telling the truth, even though he had heard the body was later found in Prince Jin’s backyard.

He identified Song Xiwen because he often saw him accompany Prince Jin to the palace. Wang Han noted that when he was about to bury the body, it was already somewhat stiff and showed signs of torture, but had no facial wounds, which helped him confirm it was Song Xiwen. Yan Chi dispatched Bai Feng to confirm the burial site.

Qin Wan, who had found Vaccinium bracteatum seeds on Song Xiwen’s body during her initial examination – seeds that typically grow deep in mountain forests and could not have been present in Prince Jin’s backyard – understood Wang Han was likely telling the truth. She had suspected the body had been moved but remained silent because Li Muyun was present.

Yan Chi acknowledged her prudence, speculating that if Song Xiwen’s death was indeed the Empress’s doing, Prince Jin's case might be overturned. However, he worried about the implications for the Crown Prince, foreseeing that the Marquis of Zhongyong would not spare Qin Wan if Li Muyun had not intervened. Qin Wan reassured him, stating she feared no storm as long as they were together.

In the palace, the Empress Dowager spoke with the Emperor about her failing health and her concern that Prince Rui had died before him. She urged the Emperor to quickly confer the princely title upon Yan Chi so he could assume his father’s responsibilities and protect the Emperor. The Emperor agreed, suggesting that since Yan Li had served as the Heir of Prince Yi for many years, both brothers should be conferred titles at the same time.

He noted his fondness for Yan Li, explaining it was to repay Prince Yi for saving his life years ago. The Empress Dowager then extracted a promise from the Emperor that he would treat Yan Chi well, regardless of future events. The Emperor pledged to ensure Yan Chi’s safety for life, provided he did not commit any capital offenses.

Later, Yan Chi instructed Wang Han to surrender to Prince Cheng, promising to protect him, but strictly warning him not to reveal Yan Chi’s involvement in his rescue. Despite Wang Han’s fears about the Empress’s family and royal dignity, Yan Chi assured him he had a plan, warning that refusing would lead to a swift death at the hands of both Prince Cheng and the Empress’s forces.

Wang Han agreed to tell Prince Cheng the truth but to omit any mention of Yan Chi. At the Supreme Court, Wang Han confessed, explaining his delay in coming forward was due to his godfather’s instruction to lay low, and his return was prompted by his family’s urgent need for money, only to learn his godfather had been arrested.

He further revealed that Song Xiwen’s body was already in the night soil cart when he received it, and the person who handed it over was a eunuch named Kang Bowen. Prince Cheng immediately ordered Kang Bowen’s arrest. Shortly after, news arrived that Kang Bowen’s body had been discovered in a well at the Harem Attendants Bureau. Qin Wan and Yan Chi arrived to examine Kang Bowen’s body.

Qin Wan, applying white vinegar to the body to check for signs of dragging or binding, noted mud around the mouth and nose, no head injuries except an abrasion on the forehead from falling into the well. She also observed that while the deceased’s shoe soles had traces of moss and mud, the well’s rim showed only footprints, not slip marks, indicating he had not accidentally fallen.

When she prepared to open the chest cavity, Prince Cheng intervened, asserting Kang Bowen was a suspect in the Song Xiwen case and forbidding the autopsy without his permission. Qin Wan countered that the Empress Dowager herself had ordered her and Yan Chi to assist the Imperial Punishment Department in investigating the cause of death. Faced with this directive, Prince Cheng relented.

Qin Wan confirmed water in Kang Bowen’s lungs, indicating he was alive before drowning, thus confirming death by drowning and suicide. She concluded that within the inner palace, only the one residing in Fengyi Palace, the Empress, could easily silence Wan Xi and drive Kang Bowen to suicide, highlighting how imperial power can blind, especially a mother who deeply loves her son.

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince, Yan Che, distraught by Kang Bowen’s suicide, confronted the Empress, questioning if she had truly ordered the disposal of Song Xiwen’s body. The Empress vehemently denied murdering Song Xiwen, claiming she had intended to let him go and accusing Yan Chi of trying to frame her by arresting her servants.

The Crown Prince expressed his desire to give up the fight for the throne, but the Empress threatened to take her own life if he spoke of abandoning the struggle again. She declared that as long as they had breath, they must fight to the very end, asserting that only by claiming the throne could he make his father, the Emperor, pay for his indifference towards them. The Crown Prince, chastened, apologized.

The Empress observed that his eyes resembled his father’s, believing the Emperor would be delighted to see him. She then made Yan Che swear that even if she were gone, he would continue to fight to claim the throne. Yan Che solemnly swore this oath. Upon learning that the deaths of Song Xiwen and others were orchestrated by the Empress, the Emperor confined the Empress to Fengyi Palace.

The Crown Prince was also restricted to the East Palace until his wedding, with the ceremony simplified as a punishment. On the day of the Crown Prince's wedding, Qin Zhaoyu, his bride, did not feel aggrieved, believing it was merely a temporary setback. Later, the Emperor issued a decree, formally appointing Yan Chi as Prince Rui, granting him a hereditary title. A eunuch congratulated Yan Chi and Princess Yongci (Qin Wan) on their double happiness of succession and marriage.

Yan Li excitedly told Yan Chi that he too had inherited a title and was now Prince Yi. While happy about his new status, Yan Li grumbled about the Emperor’s high hopes for him, which included sending him to the Ministry of Personnel for training, a position he found stifling for his temperament. Yue Ning found Yan Li looking glum and teased him.

Yan Li earnestly asked her to consider him, recounting how he used to be an outsider among the royal family but now, as a prince highly valued by the Emperor, he could offer her a comfortable life free from scorn. He solemnly promised that there would never be another girl in his heart. Yue Ning expressed her concern for Yan Ze, whose eyes still hadn’t recovered.

Yan Li assured her he would beg the Emperor for any compensation needed, but firmly stated that he could not give her up. Yue Ning, a rare blush on her face, proposed a pinky swear, telling him not to beg the Emperor and promising she wouldn't marry anyone else. They sealed their promise, vowing never to be apart. Yan Li also visited Yan Ze, his third brother, whose eye condition had shown improvement after Qin Wan’s acupuncture.

Yan Li enthusiastically presented Yan Ze with what he believed were "good medicinal ingredients" for his eyes – a collection of spiders, centipedes, and snakes – proposing to "fight poison with poison." Both Yan Ze and Yue Ning were appalled, warning him he would kill Yan Ze.

Yan Ze good-naturedly thanked Yan Li for the "poisonous things," then advised him to focus on his studies at the Ministry of Personnel and refrain from bringing such "disgusting things" as they would hinder his recovery. Yan Li, slightly offended, vowed to find better medicinal herbs before departing to attend to his duties at the Ministry.

On Yan Chi and Qin Wan’s wedding night, although a traditional red veil was forgone due to a period of mourning, Qin Wan had made a red knot. She assured Yan Chi she felt no grievance, as her only wish was to build a home with him, and now that had been fulfilled, nothing else mattered. Yan Chi, however, remained restless, unable to discern the Emperor’s true intentions. Qin Wan asked if he believed the Empress’s confinement was merely temporary.

Yan Chi confirmed that deposing an Empress would shake the nation's foundations, requiring substantial evidence and court petitions. He believed the Empress’s removal was inevitable, but pondered why the Emperor had tasked Prince Cheng with investigating Song Xiwen’s death, seemingly pitting him against the Crown Prince, instead of simply reopening Prince Jin’s case. He also questioned the Emperor’s decision to place Yan Li in the prominent Ministry of Personnel, knowing he was neither suited nor willing for the role.

Yan Chi suspected the Emperor might be considering Prince Cheng as the new heir, using Yan Li as a "whetstone" to toughen him. Qin Wan advised him not to dwell on it, reminding him that the Empress Dowager had warned them to stay away from the throne, implying it would be a chaotic situation, and that Yan Chi’s early succession was meant as a shield for them.

Yan Chi conceded, but worried that if Prince Cheng ascended the throne, his princely title might not be enough to protect them. Qin Wan reassured him that Prince Cheng would not get the chance, urging him to rest and conserve strength to face any future challenges. Later, the Crown Prince, Yan Che, passionately pleaded with the Emperor for the Empress, asserting her innocence and claiming she was framed.

He argued that the Empress, as head of the harem, had no reason to kill Prince Jin’s guard, and that Wang Han, a palace guard who had fled, was untrustworthy. The Emperor grew furious, asking if the Crown Prince believed him to be a muddle-headed ruler. Yan Che quickly apologized for his "rash words." Prince Cheng then intervened, suggesting the Crown Prince’s distress was understandable given the Empress’s grave crimes.

He pointed out that Kang Bowen had been summoned by the Empress before his suicide, implying pressure from her. Enraged, the Crown Prince accused Prince Cheng of scheming, which further incensed the Emperor. The Emperor rebuked the Crown Prince, questioning his presumptuousness while he was still alive and wondering if his brothers would survive if he ever ascended the throne. Yan Che humbly stated his lack of ambition for power and his sole desire to see his mother cleared.

The Emperor, calling him an "insolent brat" who had forgotten loyalty, immediately drafted an edict. The decree stripped Crown Prince Yan Che of his title and confined him to the Imperial Clan Court, citing his favoritism, willfulness, disrespect, and improper behavior in the royal presence. Yan Che accepted the decree.

Shortly after, Noble Consort Su visited Fengyi Palace, mockingly taunting the confined Empress about her son losing his title and predicting the Empress would soon lose her own position, suggesting they would never see each other again. The Empress, enraged, demanded Noble Consort Su return and called for guards to allow her to see the Emperor or Empress Dowager.

Qin Zhaoyu, before entering the Imperial Clan Court herself, visited the Empress, confirming Yan Che’s deposition and explaining she had been granted special permission to bid farewell. She sought a solution from the Empress, offering to ask her father, the Marquis of Zhongyong, to mediate. The Empress praised Qin Zhaoyu and confirmed that with the Empress Dowager’s support, the Emperor would not take further action against Yan Che for the time being.

However, she warned that Prince Cheng would certainly seize this opportunity to destroy them completely, making it paramount to get Yan Che out of the Imperial Clan Court immediately, for as long as he was alive, there was hope. Meanwhile, Prince Cheng reveled in the Crown Prince’s confinement, calling him a "useless fool" and vowing to depose Qin Zhaoyu once he became the Crown Prince.

Prince Cheng then met with the Empress Dowager, who demanded an explanation for Yan Che’s predicament. Prince Cheng argued that Yan Che was unfit for the throne, and that a weak ruler with strong ministers would lead to inevitable chaos. The Empress Dowager, concerned about the historical fates of deposed crown princes, insisted that Yan Che was naturally easygoing and lacked any desire for power.

She pleaded with the Emperor to merely exile him far away, fearing that confinement in the Imperial Clan Court would lead to his death. However, the Emperor abruptly dismissed her concerns, stating he would handle the matter carefully and claiming he had memorials to review. Following this, the Empress Dowager informed her aide, Huai, that with the Empress confined and Noble Consort Su unfamiliar with palace affairs, she would now oversee the inner palace. She confidently stated that the Emperor need not worry about state affairs, ending with a cryptic remark to wait a little longer, as the truth would soon come to light.

Episode 34 Recap

Qin Zhaoyu returned to the Marquis of Zhongyong's Mansion, explaining she had managed to leave the palace only through the Empress Dowager's pity and could not stay long. She quickly presented a letter from the Empress addressed to her brother, Lord Zhao, urging her father, the Marquis of Zhongyong, to deliver it to the Northern Army as soon as possible. Qin Zhaoyu informed her father that the Crown Prince had offended the Emperor by eagerly defending his mother, the Empress.

The Empress's primary concern was to secure the Crown Prince's safety before making any further plans. The Marquis understood the urgency and immediately arranged for Qin Zhaoyu's brother to personally deliver the letter. Qin Zhaoyu affirmed her commitment to the Crown Prince, stating she would stay wherever he was confined. Meanwhile, Qin Wan spoke with young Yan Sui, who was visibly afraid of his father, the Emperor.

Yan Sui expressed his fear that his mother, the Empress, and Crown Prince Che might die, mentioning that deceased individuals, like his own mother, Consort Jin, could no longer speak or move. Qin Wan tried to comfort him, explaining that the Empress and Crown Prince were merely deposed from their positions. Shortly after, Yue Ning arrived, relaying Yan Ze's invitation for Qin Wan and Yan Chi to visit his residence.

Yan Ze specifically asked Qin Wan to bring her coroner's kit, a request that struck both Qin Wan and Yan Chi as unusual. Upon their arrival at Prince Xin's Mansion, Yan Ze welcomed Qin Wan and Yan Chi, apologizing for the imposition. Yan Chi inquired about Yan Ze's eyesight, which Yan Ze admitted had improved thanks to Qin Wan's treatment, though he could still only discern shapes in dim light.

Yan Ze then revealed the reason for their visit: a private matter concerning his family from many years ago, requesting their utmost discretion. He led them to a hidden chamber where the preserved remains of his mother, the late Princess Xin, lay. Yan Ze explained his tireless efforts to preserve her body, driven by his desire to uncover the truth about her death.

He recounted how, on the day she died, his mother had gone to the palace to deliver medicine she had prepared for the Empress. She returned home late, immediately secluded herself in her bedroom, and despite Yan Ze's secret visit to check on her, she tragically passed away overnight after experiencing chest pains, gradual loss of sight and hearing, and continuous vomiting of blood.

The imperial physician had pronounced her death as non-poisonous, yet Yan Ze's own health and eyesight had steadily declined since then. Qin Wan, after confirming the imperial physician had not examined the tea Princess Xin had consumed, requested to perform an autopsy and test for poison. The examination revealed that the late Princess Xin had indeed died of poisoning, finally resolving a long-standing mystery for Yan Ze.

As they left, Yan Ze recounted how his mother, the late Princess Xin, and Yan Chi's mother, the late Princess Rui, were close friends who had died tragically within seven days of each other—Princess Xin from poisoning and Princess Rui from postpartum hemorrhage. Yan Ze found this coincidence highly suspicious, noting that the Empress Dowager and Yan Chi's late father, Prince Rui, had never mentioned these circumstances to Yan Chi.

He recalled the rampant rumors that spread through the capital after Prince Rui entrusted the infant Yan Chi to the Empress Dowager and departed for Shuoxi alone. These rumors claimed Yan Chi was not Prince Rui's biological son, prompting his angry departure. Yan Ze believed these consistent rumors were orchestrated to manipulate public opinion. Yan Chi dismissed them as petty tricks, asserting his father's unwavering loyalty.

Yan Ze, admitting he only had suspicions and no concrete proof, expressed his powerlessness as a frail royal descendant who had lost both parents, and implored Yan Chi and Qin Wan to help him uncover the truth. On their way back, Qin Wan acknowledged that while childbirth posed many dangers, uncovering the cause of Princess Rui's death after so many years would be challenging.

She advised Yan Chi to follow the leads from Princess Xin's case, suggesting it might indirectly shed light on his own mother's fate. Qin Wan revealed that Princess Xin had delivered the medicine to the gravely wounded Emperor, who might not have survived without her intervention. This raised the unsettling possibility that the poisoner could be either the Empress or even the Emperor himself, a conundrum Qin Wan found perplexing, given Princess Xin had saved the Emperor's life.

Contemplating the deep connections between these events and the palace, Qin Wan resolved to spend more time with the Empress Dowager and Yan Sui, believing them to be the most distressed by the recent turmoil. Yan Chi then shared his findings that Jiang Heying, who had assassinated Prince Rui, was indeed working for Prince Cheng, who had consistently funded assassins over the years. Yan Chi suspected Prince Cheng had even orchestrated Jiang Heying's appointment as a chief general.

While the extent of the Emperor's involvement in Prince Cheng's actions remained unclear, Yan Chi planned to undermine Prince Cheng's favor with the Emperor, anticipating Prince Cheng's ambition would lead him to use fabricated testimonies to depose the Empress and eliminate the Crown Prince, creating an opportunity for Yan Chi to strike. In the Imperial Clan Court, Qin Zhaoyu visited Crown Prince Che, who was despondent and refused to eat.

Qin Zhaoyu assured him that the Empress was strong-willed and, with the Empress Dowager now managing palace affairs, no one dared to withhold the Empress's allowances. She also shared that she had sent the Empress's letter to Lord Zhao's army, urging the Crown Prince not to despair. Later that night, Qin Zhaoyu woke Crown Prince Che, informing him that Lord Zhao's contacts were at the door, ready for their escape.

However, Qin Zhaoyu refused to leave, explaining that her lack of martial arts and riding skills would only hinder his escape. She reasoned that her remaining behind to delay their pursuers would buy him crucial time. Despite Crown Prince Che's insistence, she urged him to go, stating that as the eldest legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Zhongyong, she would likely not be severely harmed. Crown Prince Che reluctantly left, promising to return for her if he escaped safely.

The Empress, upon learning of the Crown Prince's successful escape and Qin Zhaoyu's selfless act of staying behind, commended the Marquis of Zhongyong's family. She declared her intention to face the Emperor, anticipating his imminent arrival once the escape was discovered. Soon after, a fire erupted in the Imperial Clan Court, specifically in Crown Prince Che's bedchamber.

Prince Cheng quickly reported to the Emperor that the fire had been extinguished, but Crown Prince Che was missing, with no body found among the wreckage. The Emperor, outraged by the inexplicable fire and the Crown Prince's disappearance from a supposedly secure location, ordered Yan Chi to investigate the arson with Qin Wan, while entrusting the search for Crown Prince Che to Prince Cheng.

Privately, the Emperor confided in Prince Cheng, revealing that Lord Zhao had mobilized troops outside the capital. The Emperor feared Crown Prince Che had been swayed by Lord Zhao and might commit treason, instructing Prince Cheng to intercept him and act decisively if he indeed harbored rebellious intentions, regardless of their father-son bond. The Emperor emphasized that Prince Cheng was now his only adult son fit for significant responsibility, urging him to prioritize his own safety if the situation escalated.

At the Imperial Clan Court, the servants explained to Qin Wan and Yan Chi that Crown Prince Che had not been sleeping well, so Qin Zhaoyu had dismissed them from their usual night duties, resulting in no one being on watch when the fire broke out. Yan Chi questioned the absence of Imperial Guards, a breach of protocol as confined princes should be under constant supervision.

Qin Wan observed that the lack of guards was highly unusual, speculating that perhaps the Emperor had deliberately provided an escape route. However, she also reasoned that if the Emperor truly wanted Crown Prince Che gone, he would simply have demoted and exiled him, not confined him loosely—suggesting a strategy of "letting him run in order to catch him."

As Qin Wan examined the fire's origin, she noted the candlestick had been carelessly discarded after setting the curtains ablaze, confirming arson. This implied Crown Prince Che had left before the fire started. Prince Cheng then arrived, brazenly demanding Qin Zhaoyu appear, threatening her with charges of treason. Qin Wan and Yan Chi observed his arrogant display, with Yan Chi remarking that "when villains gain power, they first become wildly arrogant."

Qin Zhaoyu confronted Prince Cheng, reminding him of her position as his sister-in-law despite the Crown Prince's confinement. Prince Cheng retorted that her act of arson and aiding the Crown Prince's escape stripped her of that title, reducing her to a mere "Sinner Qin." When Qin Zhaoyu demanded proof, Prince Cheng arrogantly declared his word sufficient, then ordered her tied and threatened her with the matrons of the Imperial Punishment Department to extract information about the Crown Prince's whereabouts.

Enraged, Yan Chi drew his sword, declaring his intent to kill Prince Cheng. Prince Cheng, however, warned him that such an act would lead to the Emperor's wrath and the destruction of Yan Chi's entire family, including Qin Wan. After a tense standoff, and Qin Wan's reminder about their imperial assignment, Yan Chi lowered his sword, warning Prince Cheng to abide by the Emperor's orders or face his intervention.

Alone with Qin Zhaoyu, Qin Wan confirmed her suspicion that Qin Zhaoyu had set the fire to buy the Crown Prince time to escape. Qin Zhaoyu admitted she had never intended to survive, willing to accept imprisonment or execution. Qin Wan, however, stressed that Qin Zhaoyu could not bear the responsibility alone, as the entire Marquis of Zhongyong's family would face dire consequences. Qin Zhaoyu, distraught, pleaded with Qin Wan to protect her family, particularly her parents and brother.

Qin Wan promised to do her best to protect Qin Zhaoyu and her mother, but warned that her father, the Marquis, and her brother were too deeply entangled with the Crown Prince to be saved. Qin Zhaoyu resigned herself to this fate, acknowledging it was the consequence of her father's choice to support the Crown Prince. She then apologized to Qin Wan for her past jealousy and suspicion, which Qin Wan gracefully accepted, hoping for no future misunderstandings.

Later, Yan Chi inquired with Yan Li whether the Emperor had mentioned Crown Prince Che's escape. Yan Li reported that the Emperor had been occupied with state affairs all morning and had not uttered a single word about the Crown Prince. They speculated that the Emperor might be trying to conceal the news or perhaps demonstrating his unpredictable imperial authority.

As they spoke, Yan Ze passed by, and Yan Chi subtly observed him expertly avoiding a stone, strongly suggesting that Yan Ze's vision had significantly improved, despite Yan Ze's continued pretense of blindness. They shared a brief, nostalgic exchange, recalling childhood memories and playful banter. Yan Chi assured Yan Ze he would keep his apparent visual recovery a secret, referencing how Yan Ze used to take the blame for him.

In Fengyi Palace, the Empress's residence, the Emperor confronted Zhao Shuhua, addressing her as "Sinner Zhao." The Empress defiantly asserted her rightful title as Empress, reminding him that only an imperial edict could depose her. The Emperor countered that with the Empress Dowager still alive, Zhao Shuhua was not the most noble woman in the realm.

He then accused her of colluding with her brother, Lord Zhao, who had audaciously led the Northern Army into the capital without imperial permission to aid Crown Prince Che's escape. The Empress defended her actions, claiming everything she did was to preserve the legitimate bloodline of the Yan imperial family, and her brother had always been a loyal protector of the nation.

The Emperor contemptuously dismissed Crown Prince Che as "weak and incompetent," offering Zhao Shuhua and her son safety if she willingly relinquished her title, otherwise he would disregard their marital bond. The Empress scoffed at the notion of their marital bond, revealing she had only tolerated him for the sake of Crown Prince Che's claim to the throne.

The Emperor then chillingly revealed his manipulative plot: he had deliberately loosened the security at the Imperial Clan Court, allowing Crown Prince Che to escape, setting him up for failure. He explained that he had promised the Empress Dowager to spare Crown Prince Che's life as long as she lived, but by choosing to escape, Crown Prince Che had forfeited his protection and was now left to his fate.

Enraged, Zhao Shuhua lunged at the Emperor, calling him a demon and demanding he return her son. The Emperor, in a final act of cruelty, ordered all candles and lamps removed from Fengyi Palace, declaring that from that moment on, her palace would not see a single glimmer of light. Zhao Shuhua cried out for her son as the Emperor walked away.

Episode 35 Recap

His Majesty decreed that Qin Zhaoyu, implicated in Crown Prince Yan Che's affairs, should return to the Marquis of Zhongyong's Mansion for quiet recovery, allowing her to rest peacefully without decree to leave, and a royal physician would attend to her daily. His Majesty cited consideration for Princess Yongci, as they are of the same family, and stated the matter should not be publicized to avoid further complications.

Princess Yongci found it strange that His Majesty was so indifferent to Yan Che, his only legitimate son, despite showing mercy to Qin Zhaoyu. Yan Chi explained that His Majesty's gesture was likely to win loyalty from officials who had served Yan Che and to stabilize the court. Princess Yongci also observed that His Majesty, while distant from his own sons, acted like a loving father towards Yan Li.

Yan Chi shared that His Majesty had been very fond of Yan Sui before Consort Jin's tragedy, suggesting Consort Jin's death might be more complex than they realized. They resolved to investigate it further after Yan Qi was captured. Princess Yongci visited the Empress Dowager, who seemed weary but healthy.

The Empress Dowager advised Princess Yongci not to meddle too much in palace affairs, urging her to live a quiet life with Yan Chi, as he was his father's only flesh and blood, and to avoid trouble. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager worried about Yan Che's whereabouts, having learned from a young eunuch that he had secretly left the palace, seemingly accompanied by Lord Zhao's men.

At the Marquis of Zhongyong's Mansion, Qin Zhaoyu's mother lamented her daughter's return, fearing it signaled their family's declining status. The Marquis of Zhongyong believed His Majesty had permitted Qin Zhaoyu to return as a warning for them not to get involved in the unfolding events.

Qin Yan, however, suggested they should seize the opportunity to aid Yan Che in rebellion, but his father sternly reminded him that their family's loyalty was paramount and their lives were in His Majesty's hands. Yan Sui, feeling sad and missing his mother, confided in Princess Yongci. He tearfully revealed that he had been pretending not to be able to speak or write.

He confessed that he had witnessed His Majesty killing Consort Jin, not Prince Jin, with his own eyes. Yan Sui explained that on that fateful day, he had sneaked into his mother's chambers to look through her collections, avoiding an adult banquet. He hid behind curtains when His Majesty and Consort Jin unexpectedly returned and overheard them arguing. He had never seen His Majesty so enraged.

Overwhelmed with fear, he covered his ears, and then witnessed His Majesty killing Consort Jin. Prince Jin arrived shortly after and was framed. Yan Sui expressed his fear that His Majesty would kill him if he discovered his secret, as His Majesty's temper had worsened, and his eyes had grown dark and cold whenever he looked at Yan Sui since that day.

Yan Sui pleaded with Princess Yongci and Yan Chi to help him uncover the truth behind his mother's and Prince Jin's deaths. Princess Yongci and Yan Chi brought Yan Sui to Xuanji Pavilion to investigate. Steward Duoshou, who managed the pavilion, explained that His Majesty cherished simple chess manuals, considering their profound lessons, but had little time for them or calligraphy since becoming busy with state affairs.

Yan Sui led them to a hidden scroll, which his mother had told him contained His Majesty's calligraphy from before he ascended the throne. Princess Yongci and Yan Chi compared this to His Majesty's current vermilion rescripts, noting a stark difference in style; the earlier script was fluid, while the rescripts were vigorous and sharp. They deduced that the pages and scrolls that led to Consort Jin's death must have been disposed of by His Majesty.

Princess Yongci suggested that if Yan Sui's account was true, Prince Jin was framed for trying to cover up His Majesty's murder of Consort Jin. They further surmised that whoever moved Song Xiwen's body to Prince Jin's residence knew the truth and intended to make it public, likely to seize imperial power.

This led them to believe the Empress must also know the truth and eliminated Song Xiwen to secure the throne for His Majesty, which explained Yan Che's subsequent appointment as Crown Prince. They concluded that the Empress and His Majesty had a tacit understanding, with the Empress acting to ensure Yan Che's succession, but His Majesty, who hated being manipulated, eventually found an opportunity to depose both of them.

They hoped Yan Che, whom His Majesty likely allowed to escape, would not fall into Yan Qi's hands. Yan Che was ambushed on Mount Beimang. Yan Qi confronted him, claiming Yan Che had conspired with the Northern Army to rebel, and then killed him, announcing that Yan Che had taken his own life. The news of Yan Che's death devastated the Empress Dowager, who lamented His Majesty's harshness and the loss of her grandson.

His Majesty publicly feigned deep grief, blaming himself. However, he then privately summoned Yan Chi, expressing his disbelief that Yan Che, being gentle by nature, would commit suicide unless forced. He commanded Yan Chi and Princess Yongci to thoroughly investigate the cause of Yan Che's death and clear his name. Later, Feng Chenbi engaged in a heated argument with Princess Consort Cheng Qin Xiang in the garden. Qin Xiang, though neglected, asserted her position as the Empress's appointed wife.

Yan Qi intervened, slapping Feng Chenbi and declaring his intention to divorce her. He sent a message to her father, the Duke of Zhongguo, instructing him to quietly accept the divorce decree and send his daughter to a nunnery, or risk her dying mysteriously. Yan Qi, believing himself destined for the throne as His Majesty's only adult son, deemed Feng Chenbi unfit to be his consort.

The Duke of Zhongguo's wife lamented Feng Chenbi's infertility, revealing that His Majesty had given the Noble Consort (Yan Qi's mother) medicinal compounds over the years to preserve her youth, which also rendered her unable to bear more children, thus cementing Yan Qi's unique position. Princess Yongci and Yan Chi conducted a post-mortem on Yan Che's body.

They determined that he had not committed suicide but was killed by a single, precise cut to the throat, indicating a long blade was used, not a small dagger. They also noted his limbs were bound after death. Li Muyun requested His Majesty to entrust the case to the Supreme Court for thorough investigation. Yan Chi then presented critical evidence: the wound on Yan Che's throat perfectly matched the blade shape of Yan Qi's personal sword.

Yan Qi vehemently denied the accusation, claiming Yan Che had accidentally collided with his sword. Zheng Baishi, the Prefect of the capital prefecture, supported Li Muyun's call for a formal investigation. The Duke of Zhongguo further testified against Yan Qi, revealing his long-held ambition to replace Yan Che and his arrogance, which included his decision to divorce Feng Chenbi.

Feigning outrage, His Majesty ordered Yan Qi's arrest and confinement to the Imperial Clan Court, denouncing him for his cruelty and fratricide in pursuit of the throne. Yan Qi, enraged, accused His Majesty of hypocrisy, asserting that His Majesty himself had ordered Yan Che's elimination. His Majesty appeared shaken and overwhelmed by the recent events. Yan Li suggested to Yan Chi that they seek permission to leave the capital, expressing his exhaustion with the court's dangers.

However, Yan Chi stated he had unfinished business, and Yan Li, valuing their brotherhood, vowed to stay by his side regardless. As Steward Yuan was attempting to force Yan Qi to hang himself in his confinement, Yan Chi arrived, requesting a private conversation with the now commoner Yan Qi.

Episode 36 Recap

Yan Chi confronted Prince Cheng, accusing him of conspiring with Jiang Heying to orchestrate Prince Rui's murder by impersonating foreign enemies. Prince Cheng vehemently denied his involvement, shifting all blame onto Jiang Heying, claiming Jiang orchestrated the plot and harbored resentment against Yan Chi and the Imperial Uncle (Prince Rui).

Yan Chi, however, dismissed his pleas, asserting that all of Prince Cheng's crimes were proven and deserved execution according to the law, adding that the Emperor's current arrangement was merely to save face for the royal family. He forced Prince Cheng to kowtow and admit guilt, vowing that Prince Cheng, this "jackal," would personally experience every wound he inflicted on Prince Rui.

Prince Cheng, defiant even in defeat, retorted that everyone in the palace was ambitious, calling it merely a case of the victor writing history, a lesson he learned from his own father. He further provoked Yan Chi, claiming that Yan Chi, by humiliating him for a woman, had pushed him to kill Prince Rui, thus making Yan Chi the true culprit and an unfilial son.

As Yan Chi raised his sword, he recalled the Yan family law against corporal punishment for royal descendants. Sensing Yan Chi's hesitation, Prince Cheng lunged forward, impaling himself on Yan Chi's sword, challenging Yan Chi to explain his death to the Emperor. Yan Chi later presented himself before the Emperor, prepared to confess to the "private torture and brutal murder" of a prince.

The Emperor, concerned about the royal family's dignity, questioned how he could handle such a scandal if it became public. Yan Chi insisted that he needed to personally ensure Prince Cheng's confession and administer punishment to honor his father's spirit, or he would feel unworthy as a son. The Emperor then subtly orchestrated a cover-up, asking his attendants if they had witnessed Prince Cheng's death.

The head attendant, Yuan Qing, feigned ignorance, then reported that Prince Cheng had appeared deranged, seized Prince Rui's sword, and stabbed himself. Though Yan Chi was cleared of murder, the Emperor demoted him from his position in the Ministry of Justice to a commandant in the Imperial Security Bureau for "negligence" in preventing Prince Cheng's suicide.

Meanwhile, in Fengyi Palace, the Empress reveled in Prince Cheng's death, vowing that his entire household would perish as "accompaniment" for her son, the deceased Crown Prince. Back at his residence, Yan Chi expressed his frustration to Qin Wan about not being able to openly avenge his father's brutal death, as the Emperor had so readily believed Prince Cheng's suicide and covered for him. Qin Wan comforted him, assuring him his father would not want him to become a murderer.

Yan Chi explained his strategic need to appear impulsive and unquestioning of the Emperor, so the Emperor would lower his guard, giving them a chance to uncover the full truth. Qin Wan further clarified that their fathers (Yan Chi's father, her father, and Prince Jin) were not blindly loyal, and would support their investigation if it didn't cause court upheaval, as they sought a wise ruler for the people.

Qin Wan showed him her recent findings: annotations on a go manual, Sui's letters, and notes from Xuanji Pavilion all bore the same handwriting, confirmed to be the Emperor's from before his ascension, validating Consort Jin's previous observations. She noted a tender quote from these writings, indicating a deeply loving relationship between the Emperor and Empress in their earlier days, and affection for Yan Che.

Yan Chi, however, countered that the Emperor had never visited Fengyi Palace since he could remember, treating the Empress with mere courtesy and always calling Yan Che an "unworthy son." This stark contrast suggested a drastic change. Qin Wan also observed that the current Empress was no longer the type of mother who would fuss over trivial matters, like her son wiping a lute with saliva, suggesting a significant change in her character.

They found additional handwriting samples—private letters between the Emperor and Prince Rui, written after the Emperor's military campaign but before Consort Jin's death. Qin Wan recognized the script as identical to the carving on a wooden hairpin gifted to her by Princess Yi. This startling discovery led them to a terrifying hypothesis: the current Emperor might be Prince Yi, Yan Han, perhaps having used a face-changing technique.

Recognizing the profound implications for the court's stability, they decided to continue their investigation covertly, focusing on the Prince Jin case for further clues. Amidst the chaos following Prince Cheng's death, Qin Xiang attempted to flee with stolen valuables, only to be intercepted by Feng Chenbi. Feng Chenbi, accusing Qin Xiang of being a "venomous woman" who had humiliated her, attacked her and threw her into a lake, leaving her to drown.

Moments later, Feng Chenbi herself was apprehended and executed by Imperial Guards, despite claiming she had already divorced Prince Cheng. Qin Shuang was heartbroken by Qin Xiang's death, burdened by a sense of guilt, wondering if she had "stolen" Qin Xiang's good fortune and if Qin Xiang would have been better off marrying Xue Qingshan. Qin Wan comforted her, emphasizing that everyone chooses their own path.

Qin Wan further noted that while Prince Cheng deserved his fate, his concubines, including Qin Xiang, were innocent victims, suspecting that people loyal to the Empress took the opportunity to vent anger during the raid. During their conversation, Qin Wan discovered Qin Shuang was pregnant and advised her against excessive sorrow, urging her to prioritize her health and her unborn child. Qin Wan then examined a dagger her father, Shen Yi, had meticulously hidden.

The dagger, bearing a five-clawed golden dragon pattern and the character "Jin" (Consort Jin's name), clearly indicated it was the true murder weapon used by the Emperor against Consort Jin. Realizing her father had risked his life to conceal this crucial evidence, Qin Wan immediately sought out Li Muyun, determined to witness his reaction to her father's "crime" of hiding the weapon. She declared her intent to reopen Prince Jin's case.

Li Muyun asserted that, according to law, closed cases couldn't be revisited without new evidence, and questioned her basis for accusing Prince Jin and Shen Yi of conspiring to conceal the crime. Qin Wan retorted that Li Muyun had knowingly used a blunt ceremonial dagger as evidence, implying his complicity. She accused him of knowing the true murderer of Consort Jin and that Shen Yi had hidden the actual weapon to protect someone.

Li Muyun acknowledged that Shen Yi had indeed hidden evidence, but he derided Shen Yi as a "sycophant" for prioritizing court stability over justice, claiming Shen Yi and Prince Jin had deserved to be his stepping stones to power. Enraged by his callousness and betrayal of his mentor, Qin Wan slapped him, proclaiming that such an ungrateful individual would face dire consequences.

Later, speaking with Yan Chi, Qin Wan remarked on Li Muyun's unsettling resemblance to Ning Buyi in his demeanor and obsession with the "Heavenly Way," leading her to strongly suspect he was a member of the Heavenly Way Society. Recognizing the potential danger if a high-ranking official like Li Muyun was involved with such a powerful society, Yan Chi promised to investigate, warning Qin Wan against further direct contact with Li Muyun.

Bai Feng brought Prefect Zheng, a former imperial exam colleague of Li Muyun, to Yan Chi and Qin Wan to enlist his help. They discussed Li Muyun's rapid career ascent despite a lower initial exam ranking, attributing it to his success in solving major cases and Lord Shen's patronage.

Yan Chi then stated his suspicion that Li Muyun might be a member of the Heavenly Way Society and requested Prefect Zheng to investigate Li Muyun's past postings for any murder cases similar to those attributed to the Heavenly Way Society. Prefect Zheng agreed to assist, understanding that Yan Chi's recent demotion to the Imperial Security Bureau limited his access to official archives.

Concurrently, court ministers voiced their concerns to the Emperor regarding the "scarcity of heirs," urging him to take more consorts and select a new crown prince for the stability of the nation. Another faction demanded a "Self-reproach Edict" to appease the heavens, given the successive deaths of princes since Prince Rui's passing.

The Emperor erupted in fury, questioning his own misdeeds and defiantly declaring that even if all his sons perished, he still had loyal and upright brothers and nephews, specifically naming Yan Li, Yan Chi, and Yan Ze, as potential heirs to the throne. He then publicly announced that even after his demise, capable rulers from the imperial clan would take his place. Later, Yan Li expressed his profound displeasure to Yue Ning at the prospect of becoming an heir.

He found the idea of living like the Emperor—burdened with endless court duties and strict protocols—worse than death, lamenting that he was merely an adopted son with no true royal bloodline, making the possibility of him ascending the throne an absurd notion when other royal kinsmen were still alive. Yue Ning then revealed that Yan Ze's eyes were nearly healed and reminded Yan Li of their previous agreement, which Yan Li readily affirmed.

In the Empress's palace, she scoffed at the Emperor's declaration regarding his nephews, dismissing it as ridiculous. She secretly entrusted an item to a servant for delivery to Qin Wan. Qin Wan subsequently visited the Empress Dowager, who was still asleep, and was advised by Chen Ma to avoid visiting the palace for a few days. As Qin Wan left, she received a small, intricately carved seal with "Anmin, Zhang, Qian" and a nine-fold script, seemingly made with a hairpin.

Recognizing it as a message from the Empress, Qin Wan deduced that the Empress, in her desperate situation, was seeking their assistance to avenge the Crown Prince. Yan Chi and Qin Wan, with Bai Feng's help, identified "Zhang Alley" in the Anmin district and located Madam Qian, the only resident with that surname. Madam Qian, who was once the Empress Dowager's head matron, explained that she lived under the Empress's protection to survive, despite never betraying the Empress Dowager. She revealed a secret that, if left untold, would "throw the court into chaos." Madam Qian confessed that the Empress Dowager's first birth was, in fact, twins.

Episode 37 Recap

Qian Shi revealed to Qin Wan and Yan Chi that the Empress Dowager's first pregnancy had resulted in twins. However, as she was merely a noble consort constantly suppressed by the previous Empress, she feared that if her sickly child died in the palace, it would be deemed an ominous sign.

With no other choice, she arranged for the child to be taken out of the palace, instructing those responsible to keep his true identity a secret from him his entire life. She named him Yan Han, hoping he could live a long life, even if they could never acknowledge each other.

Despite being diagnosed by imperial physicians with a short life expectancy, Yan Han stubbornly survived outside the palace, cared for by Qian Shi under the guise of a distant relative. Years later, when the true prince, Yan Huai, was to be named Crown Prince, the Empress Dowager ordered Yan Han to be taken far from the capital.

Unfortunately, Yan Han overheard the reason—to prevent anyone from noticing his striking resemblance to Yan Huai—and learned the truth of his birth, developing a deep hatred for the Yan royal family. He secretly left home to join the army. Later, Qian Shi heard news that the rebel leader Fu Chengye, who had once aided Yan Han, had been executed, and that Emperor Yan Huai had heroically returned after surviving a devastating fire.

She immediately understood that the Empress Dowager's worst fears had materialized: the real Emperor was dead, and Yan Han had killed him and usurped the throne. Qin Wan and Yan Chi were astonished by this revelation, realizing it explained why the current Emperor's handwriting differed from before and why he had ordered the deaths of the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng. The false emperor, Yan Han, had sent assassins after Qian Shi upon his return to the capital.

With nowhere else to turn, Qian Shi had hidden in the capital and, learning of the rift between the Emperor and Empress, sought the Empress's protection. The Empress Dowager, too, was not truly unaware; with one biological son already gone, she could not bear to lose another.

Yan Chi and Qin Wan concluded that Yan Li was the current Emperor's biological son, which explained the killings of the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng, actions taken to clear Yan Li's path to the throne. They believed Yan Li was innocent of any wrongdoing and unaware of the truth. They also felt immense pity for the Empress Dowager, whose prolonged endurance had caused her heart condition to worsen.

Yan Li and Yan Sui, being Yan Han's biological sons, would face immense difficulty ascending the throne if the truth were exposed, leaving Yan Chi as the sole legitimate heir. However, Yan Chi expressed no interest in the throne, stating that the current Emperor's actions were unbecoming of a ruler and would inevitably lead to disaster. Despite their initial reluctance to engage in palace intrigues, they resolved to uncover the truth and restore justice.

When Yan Ze’s eyesight fully recovered, Qin Wan visited him. The Empress Dowager and Yan Ze were playing chess when Yan Ze called Yan Li over, claiming he wished to properly observe him now that his vision was restored. Yan Ze commented that as Yan Li entered, he bore a striking resemblance to the Emperor, and that seeing Yan Li holding Yan Sui made them look "just like real brothers."

The Empress Dowager froze, and Qin Wan also noticed Yan Ze's peculiar behavior. After Yan Li and Yue Ning left with Yan Sui, Qin Wan questioned Yan Ze about his remarks. Yan Ze dismissed it as an effect of his improved vision but then pressed Qin Wan and Yan Chi to uncover the truth behind his mother's death. Qin Wan suspected that Yan Ze had long been aware of Yan Han’s true identity.

Meanwhile, a Palace Guard Division member reported to Yan Chi that new guards from the Northern Army of the Zhao family were now assigned to the palace gates under Vice Commissioner Zhao, while many regular guards were reassigned to the city gates. Yan Chi deduced that Lord Zhao's people were seizing control of the palace defenses, indicating that the Empress might be preparing to act. Yan Chi affirmed his suspicion of Yan Han and resolved to act proactively.

Yan Chi explained that Yan Han's elaborate schemes to conceal his identity were the reason for the deaths of Princess Xin, his own mother, Consort Jin, Prince Jin, and Qin Wan's father, Shen Yi. Princess Xin had discovered the black birthmark on Yan Han's waist while treating his wounds. Her subsequent visit to Princess Rui, who had just given birth, provided the opportunity for her assassination.

Consort Jin, who had borne a child with Yan Han after his ascent to the throne, had discovered discrepancies in his calligraphy and foolishly confronted him, sealing her fate. Prince Jin, waiting nearby to give a gift to Yan Sui, had heard Consort Jin's screams and rushed to intervene. To maintain the stability of the nation, Prince Jin chose to cover up Yan Han’s crime but confided the truth to Shen Yi.

Shen Yi, equally committed to safeguarding the country, helped Prince Jin conceal the murder weapon, which tragically led to his own demise. Qin Wan recalled her father's words, urging her not to seek justice as long as Yan Han remained on the throne. Now, with the truth revealed, Yan Chi assured her that they would bring justice to all the victims.

Prefect Zheng discovered old case files belonging to Li Muyun containing detailed descriptions of the Heavenly Way Society's killing methods, yet Li Muyun had never mentioned the society during any trial. Additionally, Li Muyun had concealed his visit to Guanyin Town during the serial murders there, even though he had suggested arresting Zhang Dongxuan. Prefect Zheng further revealed he had followed Li Muyun to a residence once owned by Ning Buyi, confirming a connection between them.

A suspicious testimony in Ning Buyi's files described a "blind young man with an extraordinary presence and refined looks" present at the Guanyin Town crime scene. This blind youth, they concluded, was Yan Ze. Yan Ze had spent the last decade outside the capital, and his activities were unknown. Given his demeanor, he could have easily won over people like Li Muyun and Ning Buyi.

Furthermore, his late mother, Princess Xin, had cultivated many connections within the capital's nobility, which Yan Ze could have leveraged to bring his allies to the capital. This suggested Yan Ze had known about Yan Han's true identity for a long time, explaining his earlier pointed remarks about Yan Li and Yan Sui.

Realizing the capital was on the brink of chaos, Yan Chi took command, instructing Constable Zhan to monitor all major routes and Prefect Zheng to increase night patrols and control key city routes. Qin Wan prepared a medicine box, and Yan Chi ordered the Black Armor Guards to assist the Patrol Department in guarding the inner city, with strict orders that no one could enter the imperial city without an edict.

Qin Wan declared she would accompany him, reaffirming their vow to stand together through life and death, never to part. Yan Li and Yan Sui arrived to see the Emperor, only to find everyone in the hall had been drugged unconscious and dead bodies scattered around. Yan Li tried to leave with Yan Sui, but the door was locked. Meanwhile, Qin Wan entered the palace under the pretense of treating the Empress Dowager but was immediately ambushed by guards.

Yan Chi, who had followed her, rushed in, fighting off the assailants and declaring that a palace coup was underway. He instructed Bai Feng to take his men to Funing Palace to protect the Empress Dowager and Yan Sui. Qin Wan gave Yan Chi a hemostatic bandage and an antidote, warning him not to die. They then separated. Qin Wan hurried to Funing Palace and instructed Nanny Chen to lock down the palace gates, forbidding anyone from entering or leaving.

Yue Ning, initially bewildered, realized Yan Li might be in danger and prepared to search for him. The Emperor, Yan Han, awoke to find himself bound. His personal eunuch, Yuan Qing, stood over him, revealing himself as a member of the Heavenly Way Society. Yuan Qing declared his actions were to correct the injustices he had witnessed, stating his desire to cleanse the filth and restore the righteous way of Heaven. Yan Han, enraged, denounced him as a traitor.

Just then, the Society Leader entered and unmasked himself, revealing he was Yan Ze. Yan Ze declared that his life's work was to correct chaos and uphold justice, revealing that he was an orphan whose parents were killed because of Yan Han. Yan Chi and his forces arrived, confronting Yan Ze and his followers. Yan Chi warned them to surrender, stating he only spilled the blood of enemies and rebels.

Vice Commissioner Zhao, loyal to Yan Ze, threatened to kill Yan Han if Yan Chi's men attacked. Yan Han, realizing the Empress had deceived him, cried out that these were not the Northern Army but the Heavenly Way Society, as chaos erupted and fighting ensued.

Episode 38 (Ending) Recap

Yan Ze orchestrated a treacherous act, instructing Yuan Qing to serve poisoned tea to Yan Han, the Emperor. This tea contained the "Dream Butterfly Poison," the same substance Yan Han had used years ago to poison Yan Ze's own mother, Princess Xin.

Yan Ze recounted how his mother had saved Yan Han's life only to become the first person to test his poison, and how he himself suffered irreversible damage to his eyesight from a single sip while trying to help her. He also accused Yan Han of being responsible for his father's death, condemning him for his utter heartlessness.

Yan Han, still confident in the support of the Palace Guards and the Huaiyang Army, was oblivious that Yuan Qing had already betrayed him, ensuring the Huaiyang Army would not arrive. As Yan Han lashed out at Yuan Qing, Yan Li unexpectedly arrived, witnessing the chaotic scene. Yan Ze explained that he was merely ensuring a son pays for his father's debts, which he called the eternal way of heaven.

He then compelled Yan Li to listen to a "Self-reproach Edict" to fully recognize the man before him. The edict revealed that Yan Han, the late Emperor's second legitimate son, had incited a rebellion, feigned surrender to lure his twin brother Yan Huai to Storm Ridge, murdered him, and then usurped the throne under Yan Huai's name. Stunned, Yan Li refused to believe it. Yan Ze confirmed that the man was indeed his biological father, Prince Yi, Yan Han.

Defiantly, Yan Han claimed he was cast aside by the Yan family for being a twin and that the throne was rightfully his. When Yan Li questioned if he felt no guilt towards him and his mother, Yan Han insisted his actions were solely for Yan Li's sake, to clear all obstacles so that he could one day ascend the throne. Yan Li was then knocked unconscious, and Yan Ze prepared to kill him in front of Yan Han.

Outside the hall, Yan Chi was engaged in a fierce battle against members of the Heavenly Way Society. Inside, Yan Ze drew an "unrighteous flower" with Yan Li's blood as a ritualistic condemnation of Yan Han. Yan Han begged Yan Ze to spare Yan Li, offering to abdicate the throne. Yan Ze mockingly asked Yuan Qing if he should accept the offer before fatally stabbing him.

As Yuan Qing lay dying, he realized Yan Ze had been deceiving him all along, proclaiming that they were both equally treacherous. Yan Ze calmly agreed, stating Yuan Qing was a mere tool destined to be discarded, having helped him achieve his goal of making everyone who enabled Yan Han pay for his parents' deaths. Meanwhile, Yan Chi, Qin Wan, Yue Ning, and Bai Feng arrived at the palace hall.

Yan Chi fought off numerous attackers to allow the others to proceed. Believing his plan was perfectly executed, Yan Ze anticipated that the world would remember Yan Han as having been killed by Yuan Qing, the leader of the Heavenly Way Society. As Yan Ze prepared to strike Yan Li, Yue Ning threw two swords, interrupting him, while Qin Wan rushed to treat the unconscious Yan Li.

Bai Feng took Yan Sui to safety, and Yan Chi hurried inside to aid Qin Wan and Yue Ning. With the rebels' momentum broken, a despairing Yan Li intended to sacrifice himself to atone for the dead, but Yan Chi stopped him, emphasizing that Yan Han's sins were not his to bear and that he must live on. Qin Wan began to treat Yan Han, stating that his crimes would be judged by the law.

Yan Han attempted to justify his reign, accusing Yan Ze of using the Heavenly Way Society to amass power for personal revenge under the pretext of justice. Enraged, Yan Ze declared Yan Han the true villain. Qin Wan, unable to tolerate their hypocrisy, denounced both men as "birds of a feather" who disregarded life and law for their selfish desires.

Amidst the heated exchange, Yan Ze broke free from Yan Chi and lunged at Yan Han, but Yan Han fatally wounded him with a hidden blade. In his dying moments, Yan Ze only asked why Yan Han had killed his mother. Elsewhere, the Empress confronted Noble Consort Su, intending to expose the Emperor's true identity, a fact they had both suspected for years.

The Empress had schemed to protect the imperial succession, while Noble Consort Su had endured living with an impostor for her son's sake. Their bitter, lifelong rivalry culminated in them killing each other. Li Muyun, attempting to flee the chaos, was apprehended by Prefect Zheng. Deeply poisoned and fixated on the throne even in his final moments, Yan Han pleaded with Qin Wan and Yan Chi not to harm Yan Li.

Qin Wan then revealed her true identity as Shen Wan, daughter of Shen Yi, the Minister of Judicial Review. She confronted Yan Han about the deaths of Consort Jin, Prince Jin, Princess Xin, and her own father, asserting that none of these tragedies would have occurred if he had not been blinded by his lust for power. Filled with regret, Yan Han passed away.

Witnessing the devastation, the Empress Dowager confessed her own mistakes, from sparing Yan Han's life as a child to deluding herself after he usurped the throne, admitting that while he had been a strong ruler, the deception was her ultimate error. The Empress Dowager then decreed that Yan Sui would inherit the throne. She requested that Yan Chi and Qin Wan assist the young emperor for a few years, promising to fulfill their wishes in return.

Yan Chi and Yan Li both affirmed they never desired the throne and were content with this outcome. Yan Chi expressed his desire for a peaceful life in Shuoxi with Qin Wan. The Grand Princess, after comforting the Empress Dowager, decided to return to Jingzhou, reiterating that she would always consider Qin Wan her most beloved granddaughter, regardless of her name.

Yan Sui ascended the throne with Yan Chi appointed as Regent, and together with Qin Wan, they began the task of assisting the young emperor. Yue Ning and Yan Li decided to travel to Jingzhou with the Grand Princess. The marriage between Bai Feng and Fuling was also arranged, signaling a return to peace. Qin Wan and Yan Chi worked tirelessly to implement new laws and address cases in the capital, walking hand in hand into their shared future.