Joy of Life Recap, Plot, Synopsis

> Joy of Life

Joy of Life Synopsis

Zhang Qing, a student of literary history at a university, was well versed in classical masterpieces, but his thesis proposition of analyzing ancient literary history with modern concepts was not approved by Professor Ye.

In order to make Professor Ye his graduate advisor, Zhang Qing decided to further elaborate on the point he wanted to make by writing a novel.

In his novel, Fan Xian, a teenager with a mysterious birth, has been living with his grandmother in the small seaside town of Tanzhou since he was a child.

With the sudden visit of a teacher, his seemingly peaceful life began to face a number of crises and trials.

Under the guidance of the mysterious teacher and a blindfolded guardian, Fan Xian became familiar with the medicinal properties of medicine, practiced and refined his martial arts, and then solved many dangerous situations one after another.

Curious about the mystery of his birth, Fan Xian left Tanzhou and went to the capital.

In the capital, Fan Xian experienced the warmth and coldness of the world and kept his insistence on justice and kindness, writing a glorious life legend.

Joy of Life Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

Zhang Qing, a university student, sought out Professor Ye in hopes of securing him as his academic advisor. However, Professor Ye unequivocally declined the request, deeming Zhang Qing's approach of analyzing ancient literary history with modern concepts to be preposterous. Undeterred, Zhang Qing resolved to pursue his ideas through an alternative avenue.

He registered for Tencent's online science fiction contest, intending to write a novel exploring the collision between modern thought and ancient systems, centered on the theme of "If You Have a Chance to Live Once Again," with the aim of encouraging readers to cherish their present lives and live for happiness. Professor Ye found himself intrigued by this novel concept. Encouraged, Zhang Qing enthusiastically explained that he had already completed the initial chapters of his story, only lacking a title.

As he pondered, his gaze fell upon a passage from the second edition of "A Dream of Red Mansions" displayed near a bookshelf – specifically, "Leave behind a residue of joy" from the "Twelve Songs of Red Mansions." A flash of inspiration struck him, and he immediately named his novel "Joy of Life." He then vividly described the world of his story to Professor Ye.

The narrative began with a modern young man, afflicted with myasthenia gravis, who awoke to find himself reborn as an infant in a bamboo basket. He retained all the memories of his past life in modern society. Soon, he was surrounded by assassins in ancient attire. Amidst his confusion, a new world unfolded before him. This infant, the protagonist of the novel, was named Fan Xian.

The blindfolded man who carried him, escaping the pursuers, was Wuzhu, a devoted servant of Fan Xian's late mother, Ye Qingmei. Wuzhu carried Fan Xian to safety, eventually meeting Chen Pingping, the Director of Nanqing's Investigator's Office, who arrived with his black knights. Chen Pingping, grieving over the news of Ye Qingmei's death, wished to take Fan Xian to the capital city.

However, Wuzhu, expressing his profound distrust of everyone in the capital due to Ye Qingmei's demise, insisted on protecting Fan Xian himself. Observing Wuzhu's resolve, Chen Pingping suggested that Fan Xian be taken to Danzhou, where The Madam, Fan Xian's paternal grandmother, resided and could raise him. Thus, Fan Xian was entrusted to The Madam's care in Danzhou. Years passed, and Fan Xian grew into a sharp-witted boy.

He shared a close bond with Fan Ruoruo, his legitimate half-sister, who was of similar age and grew up alongside him. Despite his intelligence and charm, Fan Xian, being Earl Fan Jian's illegitimate son, received a cold reception from The Madam, while his father remained distant. He often faced subtle and overt mistreatment. One day, upon returning from an outing with Fan Ruoruo, he witnessed Butler Zhou, the mansion's steward, arrogantly punishing his maids.

Fan Xian intervened, but Butler Zhou ignored him, citing The Madam's authority as justification for his actions. Enraged, Fan Xian quickly retrieved a stool, climbed onto it, and ordered Butler Zhou to approach him. As the confused Butler Zhou drew near, Fan Xian delivered a forceful slap, knocking out one of Butler Zhou's back teeth and leaving a bloody mark on his face. Disgruntled by the humiliation and the injury, Butler Zhou complained to The Madam during dinner.

In response, The Madam ordered all maids to be removed from Fan Xian's courtyard and sent Fan Ruoruo back to the capital city, leaving Fan Xian isolated. Butler Zhou further taunted Fan Xian about his status as an illegitimate son and the impossibility of his union with Fan Ruoruo, mocking his lisp from his lost tooth. Later that night, a masked man clad in black silently entered Fan Xian's room.

To the intruder's surprise, Fan Xian was awake and seemingly expecting him, exclaiming that his "father" had finally arrived. The black-clad figure was bewildered, but Fan Xian, believing it was his father, expressed his joy. Realizing the misunderstanding, Fan Xian seized the opportunity. As the man relaxed his guard, Fan Xian struck him repeatedly with a porcelain pillow from his bed, ensuring he was unconscious, before frantically running to Wuzhu's nearby shop for help.

It was revealed that Wuzhu had remained in Danzhou, secretly watching over Fan Xian as he grew up. Wuzhu inspected the unconscious man and calmly informed Fan Xian that he was not dead and was not an enemy. He was Fei Jie, the Head of the Third Division of the Investigator's Office in the capital city, and "one of us."

The following day, Fei Jie, bearing a letter from Earl Fan Jian, presented himself to The Madam and formally became Fan Xian's teacher. Fei Jie, with his peculiar demeanor, chose an unconventional curriculum. Instead of traditional studies or martial arts, he taught Fan Xian medicine and poisons. Their first lesson involved a nocturnal visit to an unmarked grave, where they exhumed and dissected a corpse.

For a typical child, this would have been terrifying, but for Fan Xian, with his modern adult mind and prior experience in hospitals, it was merely routine. After a night of dissecting, Fan Xian sought out Wuzhu to complain and discreetly inquire about his mother. Wuzhu only provided her name, Ye Qingmei, refusing to elaborate further. Fan Xian then asked about the vitality Qi cultivation manual Wuzhu had given him.

Wuzhu, not a practitioner of vitality Qi himself, could not explain the cultivation methods. After some thought, he led Fan Xian to a bamboo grove on the outskirts of the city and began teaching him combat through a unique method: Wuzhu would attack, and Fan Xian would dodge. Under the demanding tutelage of both men, Fan Xian grew rapidly. Being poisoned became commonplace, and enduring Wuzhu's beatings became second nature.

Despite Fei Jie's eccentric methods, he taught Fan Xian with genuine dedication, while Wuzhu provided unwavering protection. Their care filled Fan Xian's mature yet previously empty heart. Time flew by, and one day, Fan Xian successfully "poisoned" Fei Jie. This wasn't with a harmful toxin, but by overloading Fei Jie's system with tonics he had secretly added to his tea, causing an imbalance. This clever trick signified the completion of Fan Xian's apprenticeship.

Over the years, their bond had deepened, becoming akin to that of a father and son. Besides Wuzhu, Fan Xian now had another person he could wholeheartedly trust. As they parted ways, Fan Xian presented Fei Jie with surgical gloves he had painstakingly crafted from lamb intestine. In return, Fei Jie gave Fan Xian the Director's token of the Investigator's Office, explaining that the Director had been an acquaintance of Fan Xian's mother.

Returning to the Fan Mansion, The Madam noticed Fan Xian's despondent mood but assured him that Fei Jie's departure was beneficial. She explained that Fei Jie's presence in Danzhou would inevitably draw unwanted attention from the capital city. She warned that the true danger would only arrive if red-armor knights appeared on the streets of Danzhou. Taking her words to heart, Fan Xian began to sit by the main gate every day, patiently awaiting the arrival of the red-armor knights.

Years passed like flowing water, and Fan Xian transformed from a young child into a refined young man. Finally, one day, a group of people wearing red armor appeared on the streets. The Madam informed Fan Xian that these individuals were sent by his father to escort him to the capital city. However, she firmly refused their request, stating that the capital was a perilous place, the very site where his mother had met her end.

She insisted that Fan Xian would live a longer life by remaining in Danzhou and coldly instructed that if the knights chose to kneel to death, they should simply be buried.

Episode 2 Recap

The red-armor knights sent by Fan Xian's father arrived in Danzhou, intending to escort him to the capital city. However, The Madam firmly rejected their request, stating that the capital was a dangerous place where Fan Xian's mother had died. She insisted that he would live longer if he remained in Danzhou and dismissed the knights, who continued to kneel outside the mansion gates. She even callously suggested they be buried if they died there.

Feeling conflicted, Fan Xian sought advice from Wuzhu. Wuzhu recalled that Fan Xian's mother had conducted business in the capital but could not remember many details. He also admitted ignorance regarding the identity of his mother's killers, leaving the decision to investigate or remain in Danzhou entirely up to Fan Xian. As they spoke, Fan Xian pondered Wuzhu's seemingly ageless face. During dinner, Butler Zhou reported that the red-armor knights were still kneeling and refusing to eat.

The Madam ignored his concerns. Fan Xian, however, grew suspicious of a dish of bamboo shoots. When he inquired, Butler Zhou reluctantly explained that Old Ha, the usual supplier, was ill, and his nephew had made the delivery for the first time. Fan Xian quickly consumed the entire dish and excused himself. Outside, he immediately vomited, having identified the poison. He discovered many other servants also suffering from severe illness and instructed them to drink milk to induce vomiting.

Noticing that the red-armor knights had left to find Old Ha, Fan Xian deduced that Old Ha had likely been coerced. Fearing this was a "trick to lure the tiger from the mountain," he instructed the knights to return to protect The Madam while he, armed with a knife, headed to Old Ha's home alone. At Old Ha's house, Fan Xian found him bound.

As he approached, the gate slammed shut, and Teng Zijing, an agent from the Investigator's Office Fourth Division, emerged. Teng Zijing, under orders to kill Fan Xian, attacked with a volley of hidden throwing knives. Fan Xian, utilizing the rigorous training he received from Wuzhu, skillfully engaged him in combat. During the intense struggle, Teng Zijing's poisoned dagger wounded Fan Xian, causing him to collapse.

Believing Fan Xian defeated, Teng Zijing questioned why he had risked his life for Old Ha by preventing the red-armor knights from storming the house. Suddenly, Teng Zijing felt his internal energy wane. Fan Xian then rose, revealing his immunity to common poisons, a result of Fei Jie's childhood training. He confessed that his own dagger was also coated with poison, incapacitating Teng Zijing.

Under interrogation, Teng Zijing admitted he was acting on a secret Investigator's Office order to execute a "traitor." Fan Xian displayed his Director-General token, given to him by Fei Jie, and asserted that as an powerless illegitimate son, he could hardly be a traitor, suggesting the order was fraudulent. Teng Zijing, now convinced of a conspiracy, revealed that Butler Zhou had assisted him in poisoning the food.

Returning to the Fan mansion, Fan Xian found Butler Zhou bound in the hall. Butler Zhou, exposed, attempted to justify his actions, claiming he was sent by Madam Liu Ruyu to prevent Fan Xian from going to the capital and disrupting the family by vying for inheritance. He also asserted that he had merely assisted the Investigator's Office in their plot. The Madam, having listened to his confession, advised Fan Xian to learn to be ruthless as he grew older.

She then ordered Butler Zhou's legs broken and him exiled to a fishing boat, never to set foot on land again. In that moment, Butler Zhou realized that The Madam's apparent coldness towards Fan Xian had been a carefully maintained facade to protect him. The Madam confirmed to Fan Xian that Liu Ruyu had indeed sent the letter to Butler Zhou, instructing him to arrange his death.

Despite this, Fan Xian declared his firm intention to go to the capital to investigate the truth himself, stating he had hidden long enough and would now confront his fate. He vowed to tell Liu Ruyu that he had no interest in the family inheritance. The Madam, though saddened, accepted his decision to depart the next day.

Fan Xian then revealed that his earlier emotional distance from her was a deliberate act to protect her from the assassins who had pursued him since childhood. Meanwhile, Teng Zijing informed Fan Xian that he had received an urgent order confirming that the assassination order was a fake, orchestrated by someone using the agency. To uncover the real culprit, Teng Zijing asked Fan Xian to feign his death.

Fan Xian went to bid farewell to Wuzhu, expressing his wish for Wuzhu to find his own purpose and live his own life, rather than solely protecting him. Wuzhu found these words eerily familiar, recalling Fan Xian's mother had once said something similar. He then produced a mysterious box, explaining it was left by her and that opening it was the one thing he truly desired. However, he lacked the key.

Fan Xian tried to open the incredibly durable box but failed. Wuzhu decided to go to the capital to retrieve the key, stating he would leave ahead of Fan Xian and they would meet there. The next day, Fan Xian departed for the capital. Along the way, he discovered Teng Zijing had disguised himself as a servant and joined the entourage.

Teng Zijing then informed a surprised Fan Xian that the knights' true mission was to escort him to his wedding. Days later, the group encountered a merchant caravan which Teng Zijing recognized as Investigator's Office operatives. Fan Xian was astonished to spot Fei Jie among them. He covertly met Fei Jie, who explained he was escorting Yan Bingyun to take charge of an intelligence network in Beiqi, a direct consequence of Fan Xian's actions.

Because Teng Zijing, a scout under Yan Bingyun, had attempted to kill Fan Xian, a Director-General, Yan Ruohai, the head of the Fourth Division and Yan Bingyun's father, was held responsible. The enraged Director of the Investigator's Office stripped Yan Bingyun of his position and dispatched him to Beiqi. Before they parted, Yan Bingyun confronted Fan Xian from his carriage, demanding the Director-General token.

Fan Xian refused, and Fei Jie intervened, reminding Yan Bingyun of his mission and warning his men not to attack. With his subordinates standing down, Yan Bingyun vowed that he and Fan Xian would meet again. Fei Jie advised Fan Xian to defer any major issues until his return and, with a playful jab, suggested he pick fatter pears next time he "acquired" fruit. Upon reaching the capital city gates, Wang Qinian, an Investigator's Office clerk, stopped their convoy.

After showering Fan Xian with extravagant praise, Wang Qinian skillfully convinced him to buy a supposedly valuable map of the capital for two taels of silver. Fan Xian, understanding the need to avoid complications, especially for Teng Zijing's discreet entry, paid the price. Inside the city, Teng Zijing departed, warning Fan Xian that Liu Ruyu would likely make his entry into the Fan mansion difficult.

True to his word, a trap had been laid ahead: a group of women were waiting in a residence to accost his carriage and ruin his reputation. However, before he could reach them, the carriage was stopped by a seemingly genial man. This man dismissed the red-armor guards, informing them they had other duties, and revealed that the women in the trap had already been killed.

He then took the reins himself, explaining that a detour was necessary due to an overturned carriage blocking the road. Fan Xian, sensing a deliberate misdirection by a powerful, unknown ally, allowed it. The carriage then stopped before a divine temple. The driver, feigning an urgent need for the restroom, left Fan Xian alone. Intrigued, Fan Xian approached the temple but was blocked by a stern guard.

After a brief physical exchange, the guard surprisingly opened the door, stating that his "master" permitted Fan Xian to enter the side hall for worship, but strictly forbade entry to the main hall. When Fan Xian inquired about the temple's deity, the guard recounted its mythical origins, telling of how enlightened beings descended to establish human civilization after the separation of heaven and earth.

Episode 3 Recap

Upon arriving in Kyoto, Fan Xian's carriage stopped before a divine temple. The driver, feigning a sudden need to relieve himself, left Fan Xian to explore alone. As Fan Xian attempted to enter, a stern-faced guard blocked his path.

They exchanged a brief palm strike, and Fan Xian, not wanting trouble, was about to leave when the guard unexpectedly opened the door, stating that his master permitted Fan Xian to enter the side hall for worship, but not the main hall. Venturing into the temple, Fan Xian worried it might be a trap. He casually asked the guard what the temple worshipped.

The guard, surprised by his ignorance, explained that all such places of worship are divine temples, where envoys once descended to teach mankind characters and etiquette, helping them establish civilization. Fan Xian dismissed it as mythology but, out of curiosity, entered the side hall. He found no ambush, only murals depicting ancient figures from the temple subduing giant beasts and imparting knowledge. A product of modern times, Fan Xian harbored no belief in deities.

He picked up an offering fruit, took a bite, and jokingly challenged any real god to send an envoy to explain his journey into this world, promising to believe in them if an answer was provided, with all expenses covered. Suddenly, the altar shook, startling him and causing him to drop the fruit. Peering under the table, he discovered a beautiful young woman, Lin Wan’er, holding a half-eaten drumstick, looking back at him in surprise.

Their eyes met, and Fan Xian felt his blood rush to his heart, his mind slowing to a halt. He dazedly asked if she was sent by the gods. Lin Wan’er, daughter of Prime Minister Lin Ruofu, found his reaction amusing and, seeing no malice in him, emerged from beneath the table. The reality of her presence overwhelmed Fan Xian, causing him to spit blood. Concerned, Lin Wan’er approached him.

Fan Xian, ever the jester, reassured her, saying he would get used to it. His playful remark made Lin Wan’er laugh. Their pleasant moment was cut short by a maid's urgent calls from the courtyard. Lin Wan’er quickly handed her drumstick to Fan Xian and hurried away, leaving him captivated by her parting smile.

It was only then that he realized he had forgotten to ask her name and rushed out to pursue her, but she had already departed in her carriage. Lin Wan’er, whose health had been delicate since childhood, was strictly confined at home and often snuck away to play during such outings. Despite coughing blood again due to her excitement, she couldn't help but smile, recalling Fan Xian's words.

Her maid, worried about her health, noted that she had been smiling ever since leaving the Qing Temple and hoped the Fan mansion’s young master would be as interesting. Unbeknownst to Lin Wan’er, the Emperor had already arranged her marriage to Fan Xian. Meanwhile, Emperor Qing returned from the temple. Gong Dian, Deputy Director of the Imperial Guard, reported the young man's unexpected appearance, taking responsibility for the security lapse and requesting a thorough investigation into his forces.

Emperor Qing, however, calmly dismissed the need, stating that the worship ritual had proceeded without incident, crediting Gong Dian with its successful execution. Gong Dian then revealed that he had exchanged a palm strike with Fan Xian, noting his impressive internal strength for his age. A squad of guards arrived, reporting that several maidservants from the imperial harem, attempting to block the road ahead to ruin Fan Xian's reputation, had been intercepted and killed. The Emperor acknowledged this without expression.

Later, as his carriage stopped, Emperor Qing asked Gong Dian to fetch him a bowl of wontons from a street stall. He then nonchalantly inquired about the young man who had entered the temple. Gong Dian identified him as Fan Xian, the illegitimate son of the Vice Minister of Revenue from Danzhou, finally realizing that Fan Xian’s presence at the temple had been orchestrated by Emperor Qing himself.

When asked why he would make such an arrangement, Gong Dian cautiously suggested that His Majesty wished to observe Fan Xian personally. The Emperor then pressed Gong Dian to identify who might have sent the imperial harem maidservants to obstruct Fan Xian's path. After some hesitation, Gong Dian implicitly pointed to the Crown Prince and asked for clemency for his presumptuous guess.

The Emperor then abruptly asked if Gong Dian was fond of a painting gifted by the Crown Prince, causing the guard to break into a cold sweat as he understood the warning. Upon reaching the Fan mansion, the coachman instructed Fan Xian to enter through a side door, explaining that his father was still at the Ministry of Revenue and that Madam Liu Ruyu had made these arrangements. Fan Xian, seeing it as a deliberate slight, complied good-naturedly.

Inside, he noticed an unusual hush; the servants explained that Madam Liu Ruyu was having her afternoon nap in the backyard, and no one dared to make a sound, a testament to her authority within the mansion. Suddenly, a boy in silk robes, Fan Sizhe, Madam Liu Ruyu's pampered son, burst out, chasing a bookkeeper with a stick and demanding money.

Spotting Fan Xian, Fan Sizhe, without bothering to ask his identity, arrogantly demanded Fan Xian open his travel chest for inspection. Fan Xian, amused rather than angered, challenged him to try it himself. Meanwhile, Madam Liu Ruyu, informed of Fan Xian's arrival, instructed that he be made to wait in the courtyard until she awoke, a clear power play. Fan Sizhe, despite his bluster, was guileless.

After failing to open the chest, he declared his supreme authority in the mansion, stating everyone must obey him. Fan Xian playfully questioned this, asking what if Fan Sizhe ordered the servants to kill him – if they obeyed, they would harm him, showing disrespect; if they didn't, they would defy his orders. This logical paradox completely bewildered Fan Sizhe. Fan Xian, aware of Madam Liu Ruyu's intentions, patiently sat down in the courtyard.

Later, Gong Dian visited Crown Prince Li Chengqian. Though the Crown Prince greeted him warmly, Gong Dian, with a heavy heart, proceeded to tear up several of his own most cherished paintings in front of him. He then requested that the Crown Prince reclaim the art he had been gifted, explaining that Emperor Qing had subtly warned him about his close ties with the Eastern Palace.

To avoid further imperial displeasure, he had resolved to abandon all personal hobbies and cease private meetings with the Crown Prince, ensuring his unwavering loyalty to the Emperor alone. The Crown Prince, though angered by the abrupt separation, had no choice but to accept. Madam Liu Ruyu awoke and was informed that Fan Xian, instead of showing agitation, had simply pulled up a chair and was also napping in the courtyard.

Incensed, she went out to confront him, criticizing his lack of decorum. Fan Xian, however, responded with equally polite but subtly cutting remarks. Just then, Fan Sizhe, having finally understood Fan Xian's earlier trick, returned, brandishing his stick and intent on revenge. Madam Liu Ruyu deliberately stepped aside, hoping a confrontation would lead to Fan Xian's downfall, either by being beaten or by striking a legitimate son. Fan Xian remained unperturbed, calmly watching Fan Sizhe's antics.

As Fan Sizhe was about to strike, Fan Ruoruo, the eldest daughter of the mansion, arrived and intervened. Fan Sizhe, who had been disciplined by her since childhood, was instantly cowed. He meekly apologized to Fan Xian, much to Madam Liu Ruyu's frustration, as her carefully laid plans were thwarted by Fan Ruoruo's unexpected appearance. She lamented her son's simple-mindedness, focused only on money.

Brother and sister shared a joyful reunion in Fan Ruoruo's room, which was filled with precious gifts and curiosities. Fan Ruoruo explained that these were offerings from young ladies across Kyoto, all "asking for updates" on chapters of "Dream of the Red Chamber" that Fan Xian had included in his letters to her.

Fan Xian, surprised his stories had become so popular, tried to credit a "Mr. Cao" from Danzhou, but Fan Ruoruo, having confirmed with their grandmother that no such person existed, promised to keep his "secret" as the world's greatest literary talent. Fan Xian realized that Uncle Wuzhu must have secretly arrived in Kyoto ahead of him to deliver the note that allowed Ruoruo to know his exact arrival time.

A servant then announced that Fan Jian had returned and requested Fan Xian's presence in his study. Fan Xian carefully placed the drumstick into a wooden box and asked Fan Ruoruo to keep it for him before heading to meet his father. Meanwhile, Madam Liu Ruyu expressed her suspicions about Fan Jian's apparent disinterest in Fan Xian for years, followed by his sudden summons. She revealed that she had sent people to Danzhou to monitor any secret communication between them.

Fan Sizhe, still smarting, proposed tricking Fan Xian into meeting him in the city the next day to beat him up, requesting money to facilitate the plan. His mother, seeing it as a viable tactic against the cunning Fan Xian, reluctantly provided it.

Episode 4 Recap

Upon entering his father Fan Jian's study, Fan Xian respectfully stood by as his father attended to official duties, only being told to close the door. Meanwhile, Madam Liu Ruyu, Fan Xian's stepmother, instructed servants to prepare the servants' kitchen for Fan Xian to reside in, a subtle snub.

Concerned that Fan Xian had been in the study for a long time, she sent her son, Fan Sizhe, to discreetly check on the situation under the guise of offering his father pastries. However, Fan Sizhe seized the opportunity to slip away unnoticed by his accompanying maidservant. Later that evening, after Fan Jian concluded his work, Fan Xian knelt to greet him. Fan Jian asked what kind of life Fan Xian envisioned for himself.

Fan Xian candidly expressed his desire for a peaceful existence, to become the richest man in the world, surrounded by beautiful wives and concubines, and to live a romantic life, admitting his aspirations were rather "vulgar." When pressed on how he would achieve such wealth, Fan Xian excitedly proposed manufacturing glass, perfumed soap, and white granulated sugar.

To his surprise, Fan Jian revealed that Fan Xian’s late mother, Ye Qingmei, had already invented all these items, with refined techniques already in place. Fan Xian, bewildered, wondered why these marvels were unknown in Danzhou. Fan Jian explained that these products were exclusively for influential officials and only circulated in major cities, implying Danzhou was too provincial for such luxuries. Fan Xian sighed, jokingly wondering why he was born if his mother had already achieved everything.

Continuing the topic, Fan Jian recounted how Ye Qingmei's immensely successful firm, which was once the wealthiest in the world, was brought under imperial control after her death and named "Neiku." As Emperor Qing was too preoccupied with national affairs, he entrusted the management of Neiku to Li Yunrui, the Princess Royal. Fan Jian described her as extremely beautiful and gentle, deeply trusted by the Emperor despite not being his blood sister, and still unmarried.

Fan Xian, amused by his father’s gossip, playfully asked if he was smitten with the Princess Royal. Fan Jian then disclosed a well-kept secret: Li Yunrui had an illegitimate daughter, Lin Wan’er, with Prime Minister Lin Ruofu. This Lin Wan’er was the very woman Fan Xian was destined to marry, as Emperor Qing had decreed that whoever married her would take over Neiku from Li Yunrui.

Fan Jian explained that bringing Fan Xian to the capital now was the prime opportunity to reclaim his mother's legacy. He handed Fan Xian a summary of Neiku’s affairs, cautioning him that many powerful individuals were opposed to him taking control of this imperial money tree. Meanwhile, Princess Royal Li Yunrui, determined to prevent the marriage, sought an audience with the Empress Dowager late at night.

She argued that Fan Xian, a man of no fame or talent from a remote area, was an unsuitable match for Lin Wan’er and begged the Empress Dowager to intervene. However, Fan Jian had already told Fan Xian that the Princess Royal had no authority over Lin Wan’er's marriage; only Emperor Qing could decide. The Empress Dowager, instead of supporting Li Yunrui, gestured to her chief eunuch, Hong Sixiang, who promptly slapped the Princess Royal.

The Empress Dowager sternly reminded Li Yunrui that affairs of the imperial family were solely the Emperor’s prerogative and warned her to know her place. Fan Jian reiterated this point to Fan Xian, emphasizing the Emperor’s absolute will. Fan Jian further explained the political landscape: Emperor Qing had four sons, with the First Prince commanding troops away from the capital and the youngest prince being too young.

The real contenders for the throne were the Crown Prince and the Second Prince. Since Li Yunrui had always supported the Crown Prince, Emperor Qing could not allow him to control the imperial family's finances. Therefore, the manager of Neiku had to be replaced. Fan Jian speculated that this power struggle was likely the reason behind the assassination attempt on Fan Xian in Danzhou, suggesting the Crown Prince's faction was responsible.

Fan Xian, still harboring suspicions about his stepmother, dismissed Fan Jian’s explanation as a ploy to exonerate Liu Ruyu, believing she was the one who ordered his assassination to secure the family inheritance. To address Fan Xian's doubt, Fan Jian brought him to confront Liu Ruyu. During their conversation, Fan Jian questioned Liu Ruyu about her alleged involvement with Butler Zhou in the assassination plot. Liu Ruyu was genuinely shocked, adamantly denying any murderous intent.

She argued that harming Fan Xian would only displease her husband and lead to her expulsion from the Fan mansion, benefiting her in no way. Fan Ruoruo found her reasoning plausible, but Fan Xian remained unconvinced, asserting that mere words were insufficient proof. Later, at dinner, Liu Ruyu dramatically changed her demeanor, showering Fan Xian with affectionate attention, which he reciprocated. Observing this sudden camaraderie, Fan Sizhe, confused, asked Fan Ruoruo what was happening.

When she whispered that their father suspected their mother of trying to kill Fan Xian, Fan Sizhe was so startled he dropped his chopsticks. Following her chastisement by the Empress Dowager, Princess Royal Li Yunrui was summoned by Emperor Qing. She admitted that she did not wish for Lin Wan’er to marry Fan Xian. Emperor Qing criticized her for secretly maligning Fan Xian's reputation, but Li Yunrui feigned ignorance.

The Emperor then dispatched Gong Dian to investigate who had arranged for the maidservant to spread rumors about Fan Xian. Shortly after, Gong Dian returned to report that Ms. Han of the Shanggong Bureau, the responsible party, had committed suicide by hanging. Unperturbed, Emperor Qing instructed Li Yunrui to remain and await another arrival. After some time, the Crown Prince, Li Chengqian, hurried in and immediately confessed to orchestrating the maidservant incident.

Emperor Qing, though disappointed, acknowledged that a Crown Prince must vie for power. However, he reprimanded them both for resorting to "despicable means" that could "ruin the foundation" of the imperial family by eroding public reverence. He handed the Crown Prince a list of officials to be dismissed, advising him to check for any of his own followers, and then dismissed them. After dinner, Fan Ruoruo and Fan Sizhe departed.

Liu Ruyu also prepared to leave with Fan Xian, but Fan Jian requested to speak with Fan Xian alone. Fan Jian revealed his awareness of Teng Zijing’s presence in the capital, cautioning Fan Xian to be prudent. He then presented an old arrest warrant for Teng Zijing from the Ministry of Penalty, which accused him of assassinating court officials, causing Fan Xian to wonder why the Investigator’s Office would recruit such a person.

Fan Jian warned him to be wary of the Crown Prince and to distance himself from the Investigator’s Office, promising to investigate the Danzhou assassination. He also disclosed that Fan Xian’s mother had been murdered, and he had kept Fan Xian in Danzhou for his protection. Assuring Fan Xian that he would handle the marriage arrangements for Lin Wan’er, Fan Jian insisted there was no need to worry.

However, Fan Xian, irritated by his father’s persistent focus on Neiku, declared that he did not wish to marry Lin Wan’er, revealing that he had fallen in love with a girl who eats drumsticks. He passionately asserted that he was "a living man," not merely "a chess piece" or a "chip," and would not sacrifice his life for a firm.

Fan Jian, shocked by his defiance, grew angry when Fan Xian implied his father had only been interested in his mother's wealth. Despite his father's fury, Fan Xian maintained his stance, stating his desire to live his life on his own terms. Reflecting on the dismissal list, Li Yunrui discerned Emperor Qing’s message: he permitted the power struggle but drew a line at interfering with military power and official governance.

She realized the Emperor had not forbidden action against Fan Xian, only condemned the disgraceful methods. Learning of Fan Xian's popularity for a masterpiece titled "Red Mansions," written under a pseudonym, she resolved to undermine him by attacking his most celebrated achievement. Back in his new room, Fan Xian found several servants tidying up. He attempted to dismiss them politely, expressing his belief in equality and individual autonomy.

The servants, confused by his progressive ideas, feared punishment for disobedience and reaffirmed their loyalty to the Fan family. Realizing that philosophical reasoning was futile, Fan Xian feigned anger, threatening to beat them with a plank, which finally scared them away. Later that night, Teng Zijing secretly entered Fan Xian's room. Moments later, Fan Sizhe arrived, mistaking Teng Zijing, who was concealed under the covers, for Fan Xian.

He apologized for his earlier rudeness and invited "Fan Xian" to lunch the next day, secretly planning to "teach a lesson" to the "bumpkin from Danzhou." Just then, Fan Xian entered, catching Fan Sizhe. He quickly introduced Teng Zijing as the guard who had escorted him from Danzhou, subtly diffusing the situation. Before leaving again, Fan Sizhe reiterated his father's importance and asked Fan Xian not to mention their lunch to him. Teng Zijing then revealed his old arrest warrant, which accused him of assassinating court officials, and expressed his bewilderment as to why the Investigator's Office would employ someone like him.

Episode 5 Recap

Fan Xian presented Teng Zijing with an arrest warrant, questioning why the Investigator's Office would employ a man on their wanted list and why Teng Zijing sought his help. Teng Zijing, kneeling, pleaded with Fan Xian to retrieve a non-confidential file from the Investigator's Office, offering his life in return. Fan Xian declined, insisting on understanding the file's contents and Teng Zijing's past.

Teng Zijing recounted how he had once intervened to protect a common couple being beaten by Guo Baokun's men, only to be falsely accused of assassinating a court official. This led to his entire family being implicated and sentenced to extermination. The Investigator's Office saved him on the condition that he join their ranks, subsequently transferring all his case files, leaving only the arrest warrant.

Teng Zijing confessed that he initially sought revenge on the couple who testified against him but ultimately could not bring himself to harm them. He realized that in this world, justice was secondary to power. Now, he simply wished to find his missing family, believing the Investigator's Office held records of their whereabouts. Recognizing the lingering kindness in Teng Zijing's heart, Fan Xian agreed to help him find his family, but refused his offer of servitude.

Meanwhile, Lin Wan’er, still frail from her ongoing illness, received a visit from her friend Ye Ling’er. Ye Ling’er had brought a chef from the countryside known for making vegetarian dishes taste like meat, hoping to alleviate Lin Wan’er's restricted diet. While touched by the gesture, Lin Wan’er expressed her profound unhappiness about the arranged marriage decreed by Emperor Qing. She steadfastly declared her desire to marry only for love, not under imperial command or for political gain.

With Ye Ling’er's staunch support, Lin Wan’er resolved to go to the Fan mansion immediately to confront Fan Xian and dissolve the engagement, unaware that he was the very man she had encountered and fallen for at the divine temple. Elsewhere, Fan Sizhe, Fan Ruoruo, and Fan Xian were en route to the Yishi House. Fan Sizhe had orchestrated an ambush by thugs to challenge Fan Xian, but Teng Zijing, acting as Fan Xian’s protector, effortlessly subdued them.

A flustered Fan Sizhe quickly disavowed any knowledge of the ruffians. Outside the restaurant, Fan Xian noticed a woman selling "forbidden books." He was astonished to discover copies of "Red Mansions", a novel he had transcribed from memory, being sold at a steep price. Feigning a large purchase, he followed the woman into a back alley, where he identified the book distributor as Wang Qinian, who swiftly made his escape.

Back inside the Yishi House, Fan Xian informed Ruoruo about Wang Qinian’s illicit book trade. Fan Sizhe, upon realizing that Fan Xian was the author of the widely popular "Red Mansions", was overcome with excitement. He immediately proposed a business partnership, detailing precise profit calculations and showcasing his sharp entrepreneurial instincts. Impressed by Fan Sizhe's genuine passion for commerce rather than mere indulgence, Fan Xian began to reassess his younger brother.

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted when Guo Baokun, the son of Guo Youzhi, the Minister of Rites, stormed into the street. He aggressively dispersed the book vendors and publicly condemned "Red Mansions" as a vulgar book, advocating for its ban. Enraged by this direct threat to his prospective fortune, Fan Sizhe impulsively rushed downstairs to confront Guo Baokun, arguing that the book's widespread popularity affirmed its value.

He Zongwei, a notable scholar in the capital, then joined Guo Baokun, publicly endorsing his stance and subtly signaling his allegiance to the Crown Prince, whom Guo Baokun served. As Guo Baokun's henchmen prepared to attack Fan Sizhe, Fan Xian intervened. He swiftly knocked down the henchmen with his Overbearing Vitality Qi and then verbally outmaneuvered both Guo Baokun and He Zongwei, criticizing their superficial judgment of a book they had not read.

At this opportune moment, Li Hongcheng, Prince Jing's son, emerged. He lauded Fan Xian's eloquence and extended an invitation to Fan Xian, Guo Baokun, and He Zongwei to a poetry gathering at his residence the following day, proposing a literary contest to determine the true scholar. Fan Xian accepted, discerning political motives behind the invitation. Unbeknownst to those involved, Emperor Qing, accompanied by Eunuch Hou, observed the entire spectacle.

The Emperor mused that Fan Xian was acting as a lure in the capital city's deep political waters, drawing out various influential factions. He decided to continue monitoring the situation. On the carriage ride back to the Fan mansion, Fan Xian questioned Fan Sizhe about his earlier outburst in defense of "Red Mansions". Fan Sizhe honestly stated that Guo Baokun was attempting to cut off their financial prospects, which he considered an unforgivable offense.

Recognizing his younger brother’s fundamental good nature despite his boastful exterior, and his innate financial acumen, Fan Xian agreed to the book publishing venture. As they neared the Fan mansion, Fan Xian prepared for a clandestine visit to the Investigator's Office. He instructed Ruoruo and Fan Sizhe to maintain the pretense that he was still in the carriage to cover his secret departure. However, just as he was about to slip away, their carriage was intercepted by Ye Ling’er, who had Lin Wan’er in her own carriage and was looking for Fan Xian.

Episode 6 Recap

As Fan Ruoruo and Fan Sizhe were making their way back in their carriage, they were intercepted by Ye Ling’er and Lin Wan’er. Ye Ling’er, the daughter of the Chief Guard of the capital city, was persistent, believing Fan Xian to be inside and wanting him to meet Lin Wan’er. Lin Wan’er herself requested a meeting to clarify matters.

Ruoruo, though worried, maintained a composed demeanor and tried to decline, stating that her brother had a cold and should not be exposed to the wind. Fan Sizhe, however, quickly intervened, mimicking Fan Xian’s voice from within the carriage. He brazenly claimed to have a singing girl inside, making it inconvenient for him to meet Lady Lin Wan'er. This infuriated Ye Ling’er, who threatened to deal with Fan Xian. Lin Wan’er was so vexed that she coughed up blood.

Concerned for her health, Ye Ling’er hastily escorted her away. After the carriage departed, Lin Wan'er reflected that she would rather die than marry a man unworthy of her trust. Meanwhile, her servant informed her about a poetry gathering, and Lin Wan'er, intrigued, asked for more details. Unaware of the incident, Fan Xian leisurely strolled into the Investigator's Office, enjoying some candied hawthorns. Initially, no one paid him any attention as people bustled in and out.

It was only when he loudly announced himself as the Director of the Investigator's Office and Fei Jie’s student, displaying his official token, that a staff member approached and verified his identity. Fan Xian requested file D No. 534 and was directed to the clerk in charge of non-confidential files, who turned out to be Wang Qinian.

Upon learning of Fan Xian's new title, Wang Qinian dramatically knelt, weeping as he recounted a fabricated tale of woe: his wife died young, and his daughter succumbed to an incurable illness, forcing him to accumulate wealth for her burial. Fan Xian, listening with skepticism, was amused when a guard inadvertently exposed Wang Qinian’s lie, mentioning he had just met Wang Qinian’s healthy wife on the street, who asked him to buy vegetables and cold medicine for their daughter.

Wang Qinian, caught in his lie, comically suggested his wife and daughter had been resurrected. Fan Xian, finding Wang Qinian’s love for money akin to Fan Sizhe’s, decided not to pursue the matter of the two taels of silver Wang Qinian owed him, but instructed him to cease selling pirated copies of "The Story of the Stone". He then asked Wang Qinian to retrieve Teng Zijing’s file.

Wang Qinian agreed to personally deliver the document to the Fan mansion the following day. When asked about the mastermind behind the assassination attempt in Danzhou, Wang Qinian revealed that the person who forged the secret order, a scout named Xu Yunzhang, had already committed suicide. Before leaving, Fan Xian asked about a stele his teacher had mentioned, related to his mother.

Wang Qinian pointed him to the only stele on the premises, located outside the main gate, stating that its inscription represented the founding principles of the Investigator's Office. Fan Xian found the stele covered in dust, suggesting it had long been neglected. Reading the weathered words, he discovered his mother, Ye Qingmei’s, grand vision: a country where laws served the people, not the powerful, where justice prevailed, and where everyone lived with dignity, equality, freedom, and happiness.

She aspired to a world free from oppression and hierarchy. Realizing the immense and daunting nature of her dream, Fan Xian understood the perilous reasons behind her death. However, he felt he lacked the courage to inherit such a grand ambition and fight against the entire world, confessing his simple desire for a peaceful life. He quietly apologized to his mother for not being able to follow in her footsteps.

Meanwhile, Eunuch Hou informed Emperor Qing that Fan Xian had secretly visited the Investigator's Office, retrieved Teng Zijing's file, and inquired about the Danzhou assassination. Emperor Qing calmly revealed that he already knew Teng Zijing was alive and had returned to the capital with Fan Xian, dismissing it as a minor deception.

He expressed that he cared less about people lying and more about their ability to get things done, viewing Fan Xian as a lure to stir up Kyoto’s political waters. Eunuch Hou also reported on the Crown Prince’s faction, who were spreading rumors about Fan Xian’s misconduct at the Yishi House, hoping to damage his reputation.

The Crown Prince, along with Guo Baokun and the newly acquainted He Zongwei, viewed the upcoming poetry gathering as a prime opportunity to publicly expose Fan Xian’s perceived lack of talent and further discredit him, believing this would compel Prime Minister Lin to annul Lin Wan’er’s engagement. Soon after, Prime Minister Lin Ruofu, having heard about Fan Xian’s public altercation, sought an audience with Emperor Qing.

Emperor Qing, aware of Lin Ruofu’s intention to dissolve the engagement, deliberately ordered Eunuch Hou to stoke the palace fire, making the chamber uncomfortably warm. Lin Ruofu, a cunning statesman, subtly reminded Emperor Qing that the marriage was his decree and implicitly stated his unwavering faith in the Emperor’s judgment. He expressed confidence that Fan Xian would soon demonstrate his talents and become renowned in the capital, thereby avoiding directly requesting an annulment.

Emperor Qing, understanding Lin Ruofu's move to put him in a difficult position, allowed him to leave without comment. Back at the Fan mansion, Fan Xian found Ruoruo waiting for him. He confided that his reason for agreeing to the poetry gathering was to find his "Lady Drumstick"—the girl he met at the Qing Temple. He described their serendipitous encounter, his subsequent dreams of her, and his conviction that he must find her, despite forgetting her name.

Ruoruo, deeply touched by his romantic tale, promised to help him find her, even offering to search every mansion in the capital if she wasn’t at the poetry gathering. Fan Xian playfully noted her eagerness, which Ruoruo attributed to the "romantic" feeling he had introduced her to.

Fan Xian then wondered if Lady Drumstick might be Lin Wan’er, but Ruoruo immediately dismissed the idea, explaining that Lin Wan’er was chronically ill, forbidden from eating meat, and could not be exposed to the elements. Seeing Ruoruo’s wistful look, Fan Xian assured her that he would ensure her own marriage would be to a man she loved, regardless of parental expectations.

Ruoruo then remembered important news: their father had detained Teng Zijing in the backyard and had forced Fan Sizhe to kneel outside the study. Their father suspected Fan Sizhe of orchestrating the conflict with Guo Baokun to push Fan Xian into opposing the Crown Prince. Fan Xian dismissed this, knowing Fan Sizhe’s simplemindedness. He then went to the study to confront Fan Jian.

While Madam Liu Ruyu secretly listened from outside, Fan Xian argued that Fan Sizhe was incapable of such a complex plot and that Fan Jian was being overly harsh and prejudiced due to Sizhe’s perceived shortcomings. Fan Jian admitted his disappointment in Fan Sizhe’s lack of academic and martial prowess and his idle ways. However, Fan Xian countered that Fan Sizhe, despite his greed, indulged in no vices and possessed a natural talent for business and finance.

He posited that Sizhe’s obsession with money stemmed from his admiration for Fan Jian, the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and his desire to emulate him and gain his approval. He reminded Fan Jian that Sizhe’s violent outburst at the Yishi House was a defense of his father’s honor. Fan Xian concluded by asserting that Fan Jian had wronged his son and owed him an apology.

Touched by Fan Xian's words, Fan Jian went outside and told Fan Sizhe to rise. Fan Sizhe, whose legs were numb from kneeling, assumed he had once again displeased his father. Unexpectedly, Fan Jian offered to grant him one wish. To everyone's amusement, Fan Sizhe, after much deliberation, asked to play Pai Gow with his father, for money. Fan Jian agreed and sent him to the hall to wait.

Before leaving, Fan Xian insisted that Teng Zijing, whom he considered a friend, also be released. Fan Jian, however, warned him that in the capital, the word "friend" was a luxury.

Episode 7 Recap

Fan Xian asked his father, Fan Jian, to release Teng Zijing. Fan Jian, recalling Teng Zijing's record in the Ministry of Penalty and his deliberate return to the capital with Fan Xian, expressed concern that the man might have ulterior motives. However, Fan Xian insisted on Teng Zijing's release, asserting, "He's my friend." Fan Jian sighed, acknowledging that having a friend in the capital was a luxury, but ultimately agreed to release him, urging Fan Xian to be cautious.

After Fan Jian left, Liu Ruyu surprisingly approached Fan Xian, thanking him. She declared that she now owed him one and promised to cease hostilities if he no longer caused trouble. Fan Xian questioned if she was genuinely seeking peace. Upon his release, Teng Zijing immediately inquired about the file. Fan Xian informed him that Wang Qinian would deliver it the following day. Feeling deeply indebted, Teng Zijing offered to "kill someone" for Fan Xian as repayment.

Amused, Fan Xian declined, suggesting Teng Zijing keep the offer on account for future use. Fan Xian then asked Teng Zijing about Xu Yunzhang, the person responsible for forging the false assassination order in Danzhou. Teng Zijing admitted he wasn't very familiar with Xu Yunzhang, but suggested a particular secret shop specializing in selling intelligence might have information.

As a "dead person" who couldn't show his face publicly, Teng Zijing measured Fan Xian for a custom-made nocturnal costume, suggesting Fan Xian visit the shop himself. Meanwhile, Fan Jian honored his promise to Fan Sizhe from the previous night, joining Liu Ruyu and Fan Ruoruo for a game of Pai Gow with Fan Sizhe. Fan Sizhe gleefully won all the money from the three, much to Liu Ruyu's worry. However, to everyone's surprise, Fan Jian didn't scold his son.

Fan Sizhe, insistent on settling accounts precisely, explained, "Accounts need to be crystal clear among family members. Why would we play if not for money? !" Ruoruo, on the other hand, found the lively, boisterous atmosphere made them feel truly like a family. As night fell and Fan Sizhe had won every last coin, Fan Jian finally called an end to the game.

Later, Liu Ruyu told Ruoruo that she now believed it was unwise to make an enemy of Fan Xian, a sentiment with which Ruoruo readily agreed. Ruoruo later found Fan Xian in his room, crafting a "humidifier" to combat the capital's dry climate, describing it as a way to live "more exquisitely." She happily recounted the Pai Gow game, noting how Fan Jian hadn't reprimanded Fan Sizhe, making them feel like a real family. "

Your presence seems to change everything," she observed. Fan Xian, however, confessed a sense of burden after seeing his mother's ideals of "reshaping the world" on the stele at the Investigator's Office. He admitted he sometimes just wanted to "live a good life and die in peace" but also felt a pull toward his mother's grand aspirations, torn between a simple life and a world-changing one.

Ruoruo, ever loyal, assured him that she trusted him completely, no matter what path he chose. Later that night, Teng Zijing arrived with the nocturnal costume. Seeing Ruoruo's excitement, Fan Xian relented and agreed to take her along for a "night adventure." When they arrived near the secret shop, however, Teng Zijing stopped Ruoruo, explaining that only Fan Xian, dressed in the specific attire, could enter the shop that "sells nothing but intelligence."

He warned Fan Xian not to have high hopes, reminding him how difficult it was even for the Investigator's Office to retrieve files. Ruoruo, hearing talk of files, tried to pry for details, but Teng Zijing quickly cut her off. Fan Xian, observing the shop's overt facade, suspected it was run by a swindler but decided to investigate. Dressed in the nocturnal costume, Fan Xian entered the intelligence shop, which appeared to be a bustling gambling den.

He requested information about Xu Yunzhang's connections. The shopkeeper silently dispatched a carrier pigeon. Unbeknownst to them, the pigeon flew directly to Eunuch Hou in the palace, who reported Fan Xian's inquiry to Emperor Qing. Emperor Qing, nonchalant, simply instructed Hou to "give it to him then." Fan Xian received the information, which revealed Xu Yunzhang's close ties with the Eastern Palace. Teng Zijing immediately questioned if the Crown Prince was behind the assassination attempt.

Fan Xian, however, found the ease of obtaining such sensitive information suspicious. He recalled Wang Qinian mentioning that the Director of the Investigator's Office personally handled Xu Yunzhang's case, implying the details should be highly confidential. He pondered why a powerful entity like the Investigator's Office would allow such an intelligence hub to operate openly, speculating it was either secretly run by them or by someone beyond their jurisdiction. When they returned to the shop, it was completely deserted.

Fan Xian felt an unsettling sensation, as if a "large hand from behind" was orchestrating events since his arrival in the capital, pushing him into the "teeth of the storm." In the palace, Emperor Qing, having been informed of Fan Xian's suspicions and the abandoned shop (which he revealed was a "shelter" for outlaws provided by Chen Pingping), dismissed it as a minor loss.

He mused that the drastic difference in status between Fan Xian and the Crown Prince would serve as a "test" of "harsh suffering" to determine if he was capable of managing the Neiku. The next day, the poetry gathering hosted by Prince Jing's son, Li Hongcheng, commenced. Li Hongcheng personally awaited Fan Ruoruo and Fan Xian at the entrance.

Fan Xian, arriving late after changing into the clothes he wore when he first met "Lady Drumstick," hoped she might recognize him. He presented Li Hongcheng with an array of gifts, including glazed fruit, cane sugar, and persimmons, playing on the similar-sounding Chinese words for "Prince's son" and "persimmon." Ruoruo teased him about his simple Danzhou attire, but Fan Xian explained his romantic motive before she joined the other ladies. Inside, Guo Baokun and He Zongwei immediately confronted Fan Xian.

Guo Baokun rudely challenged him, labeling him a "country bumpkin" and demanding he kneel if he wouldn't compete. He Zongwei also criticized Fan Xian's behavior. Ignoring their provocations, Fan Xian asked Li Hongcheng if he knew any "Lady Drumstick," a girl who "likes to hold a drumstick." Li Hongcheng vaguely responded that drumsticks would be served at lunch and urged everyone to be seated. Guo Baokun then formally challenged Fan Xian to a "ten steps, one poem" contest.

Fan Xian rejected the condition, confidently stating he could win with just one poem, regardless of how many they composed. He then declared a wager: if they could produce a better poem, he would "stop composing poems for his whole life." Guo Baokun and He Zongwei, confident in their superiority, readily agreed. Fan Xian then picked up a brush and composed Du Fu's renowned masterpiece, "On the Height." The profound beauty and sorrow of the poem stunned everyone.

One scholar hailed it as the greatest seven-character regulated verse of all time. Guo Baokun and He Zongwei were left speechless. He Zongwei attempted to salvage their dignity by criticizing Fan Xian's poor handwriting, but Ruoruo quickly pointed out that the contest was about poetry, not calligraphy. Fan Xian, seeing no further challengers, excused himself to the backyard to find a latrine, leaving Ruoruo to remind his opponents of their oath.

In the backyard, Fan Xian was unexpectedly ambushed by Xie Bi'an, the Second Prince's bodyguard. Their brief skirmish was interrupted by the Second Prince, Li Chengze, who emerged from a pavilion. The Second Prince, acknowledging Fan Xian as the Crown Prince's enemy, declared his intent to "kill" Fan Xian and present his body as a "gift" to reconcile with his brother. With Xie Bi'an's sword at his throat, Fan Xian remained calm, casually eating grapes.

He shrewdly argued that killing him would not resolve the deep-seated rivalry between the princes and that such an unwise, public assassination was uncharacteristic of the Second Prince. Impressed by Fan Xian's composure and wit, the Second Prince ordered Xie Bi'an to sheathe his sword. He then admitted he had been eager to meet Fan Xian after reading his extraordinary poem.

Fan Xian, wary of the political implications, expressed his reluctance, fearing the Crown Prince would assume he had aligned with the Second Prince. The Second Prince asked if he was worried. Fan Xian deflected by asking if he knew of any "Lady Drumstick" and offered to tell him the story of his "love at first sight." Meanwhile, Eunuch Hou reported Fan Xian's unparalleled poem and his secret meeting with the Second Prince to Emperor Qing.

Hou noted the poem's "gloomy" tone and his inability to overhear their conversation. Emperor Qing, informed that the Crown Prince was with the Princess Royal at Guangxin Palace, instructed Hou to send the poem and news of Fan Xian's encounter to the Crown Prince. Upon receiving the message, the Crown Prince recognized Fan Xian's literary talent and worldly acumen as "rare." His scheme to publicly humiliate Fan Xian at the poetry gathering had failed, and his face darkened with frustration.

Episode 8 Recap

The Second Prince Li Chengze confronted Fan Xian, remarking that the Crown Prince would soon learn of their meeting. Unfazed, Fan Xian asked Li Chengze if he knew a girl who loved drumsticks and if he believed in love at first sight. Fan Xian then recounted his story of encountering the Lady Drumstick, declaring his desire to marry her.

He firmly stated that, due to his commitment to breaking off his existing marriage contract, he would not take control of Neiku. When Li Chengze questioned how he planned to defy the Emperor's decree, Fan Xian confidently told him to "wait and see," asserting his good fortune would help him find his beloved again. Li Chengze, intrigued, expressed his eagerness to witness the "ruckus" Fan Xian was about to create in the capital.

Wandering through the Fan mansion's backyard, Fan Xian stumbled upon the Lady Drumstick again, emerging from the kitchen with a drumstick in hand. They locked eyes in a moment of silent recognition. Hearing approaching kitchen staff, Fan Xian instinctively pulled her into a small storage room to hide. Mistaking her for a maid from the mansion, Fan Xian introduced himself as a bullied but righteous servant boy to Guo Baokun.

Lin Wan’er, playing along, did not deny it and feigned curiosity, asking Fan Xian to show her who this celebrated Fan Xian was. Taking her hand, he led her to a discreet spot in the front hall and pointed to Teng Zijing, identifying him as Fan Xian. Lin Wan’er observed the man she believed to be Fan Xian, noting he seemed somewhat stern.

She quickly excused herself, deciding to go to the Fan mansion directly after the poetry gathering to break off her engagement, as she did not want her beloved to know about her predetermined marriage. Fan Xian, left alone, lamented forgetting to ask for her name again. Wang Qinian, avoiding the front door for ease, stealthily scaled a wall into the Fan mansion, delivering a file to Fan Xian. The file contained information about Teng Zijing.

When Teng Zijing asked if the file contained news of his family, Fan Xian tried to delay him, but Teng Zijing snatched the document. Reading that his wife and son had been "ruthlessly killed" by Guo Baokun, Teng Zijing was consumed by rage, ignoring Fan Xian's pleas for caution and declaring his intent to seek revenge alone. He publicly broke ties with Fan Xian, urging him to stay out of his business to avoid implicating him.

Meanwhile, Lin Wan’er arrived at the Fan mansion, intending to discuss her marriage contract, but saw Teng Zijing leaving in a fury. She tried to speak with him, but he rudely ignored her. Her maid observed Teng Zijing's behavior, attributing it to Fan Xian's supposed arrogance and advising Lin Wan’er against the marriage. Knowing that Teng Zijing was determined to act that night, Fan Xian asked Fan Ruoruo to find Guo Baokun's whereabouts.

Ruoruo, having previously investigated Guo Baokun after his conflict with Fan Xian, revealed that Guo Baokun was a well-known playboy who frequented brothels along the Liujing River. Fan Xian then instructed Ruoruo to send an invitation to Shizi Li Hongcheng for a night of drinking and conversation by the Liujing River. Li Hongcheng reported this development to the Second Prince Li Chengze, noting Fan Xian's sudden interest in brothels despite his earlier declaration of love.

Li Chengze found it "interesting" and told Li Hongcheng to go. In parallel, Lin Wan’er, still unable to break off her engagement, pleaded with her close friend Ye Ling’er to check on "Guo Baokun's servant boy." Ye Ling’er, confused as to why Wan’er knew Guo Baokun's servant, hesitantly agreed after hearing about the servant's alleged injuries during the poetry gathering.

Fan Ruoruo, disguised as a man, led Fan Xian to Joy Tsin House, the most famous brothel in the capital city. She informed him about the strict rules of the Guo family, which required Guo Baokun to return home before midnight. Fan Xian, however, prevented Ruoruo from entering, explaining her presence would be a distraction. Inside, Shizi Li Hongcheng greeted Fan Xian, revealing he had already delivered Fan Xian's poem to Si Lili, the new, elusive courtesan.

Li Hongcheng then gave Fan Xian a tour, highlighting the unique appeal of Joy Tsin House where guests could find kindred spirits for any passion, not just fleeting pleasures. Suddenly, shouts erupted that Si Lili's pleasure boat was moving, a rare event as she seldom appeared publicly and had never hosted a guest before. The crowd rushed to the waterfront as fireworks lit the night sky.

Li Hongcheng teased a visibly nervous Fan Xian, remarking that Si Lili's boat was moving "for him." Si Lili, elegant and beautiful, emerged, captivating the onlookers. She approached Fan Xian, expressing her admiration for his poetry and finding him "not bad" in person, then invited him for a boat trip. Li Hongcheng jovially suggested Fan Xian would spend the night on the boat. Once aboard, after Fan Xian toasted her, Si Lili drank and promptly fainted.

Fan Xian had drugged her. He placed her on the bed, disheveled her attire to create the appearance of intimacy, and then discreetly left, observed by Li Hongcheng. Si Lili, upon waking, realized Fan Xian had drugged her but had not touched her, puzzling her about his true intentions. As Teng Zijing prepared to ambush Guo Baokun's sedan, Fan Xian intervened, urging caution.

He argued that Guo Baokun's usual method of dealing with opponents involved legal punishment, not ruthless murder, making the claim in the Investigator's Office file suspicious. Fan Xian then incapacitated Guo Baokun's sedan carriers, dragged Guo Baokun out, and, after placing a sack over his head, beat him while revealing his identity. Fan Xian relentlessly questioned him about killing Teng Zijing's family, even quoting his own poem from the poetry gathering to emphasize the severity of the beating.

Despite the assault, Guo Baokun vehemently denied any involvement in the murders, maintaining he had no idea about Teng Zijing's family. Teng Zijing, who had been watching, became suspicious due to Guo Baokun's persistent denials. Fan Xian, sharing this doubt, pointed out that the Investigator's Office file had previously declared Teng Zijing himself dead, suggesting its information could be fabricated. They decided to seek out Wang Qinian for answers.

As they approached Wang Qinian’s supposed residence, Fan Xian detected someone following them. It was Wang Qinian, who, surprised to see Teng Zijing alive, confessed that Teng Zijing's wife and son were, in fact, safe and living in a house outside the city. He admitted to fabricating the file, fearing that after Fan Xian had "killed" Teng Zijing, others might target his family.

Wang Qinian explained that he admired Teng Zijing’s character from his time in the Investigator's Office and felt compelled to protect them, moving them to the house himself to ensure their safety. He then led the two men to the secluded courtyard. Teng Zijing hesitated at the door, overcome with emotion. When he finally knocked, his wife, who believed him dead, answered, bursting into tears of relief. Inside, he saw his son, who had grown significantly.

In that moment, Teng Zijing felt truly alive, reunited with his family. Fan Xian and Wang Qinian stood by, as Wang Qinian explained his motivations. Fan Xian then asked what Wang Qinian would have done if he had truly intended to harm the family.

Episode 9 Recap

Wang Qinian escorted Fan Xian and Teng Zijing to a house outside the capital city where Teng Zijing was safely reunited with his wife and son. Wang Qinian explained that he had moved them there out of concern for their safety after Fan Xian's supposed killing of Teng Zijing, and had falsified the official report about Teng Zijing's death. Fan Xian, impressed by Wang Qinian's warm heart and "lightness skill," playfully sparred with him.

Wang Qinian then produced the title deed for the house, humorously trying to get Fan Xian to reimburse him a rounded-up price for the 123 taels he spent. Wang Qinian then turned serious, warning Fan Xian that Guo Baokun, a supporter of the Crown Prince and son of a powerful minister, would seek revenge. Teng Zijing immediately offered to take the blame, but Fan Xian stopped him.

Fan Xian explained that he had deliberately identified himself to escalate the conflict, hoping to force the cancellation of his engagement so he could find and marry his "Lady Drumstick." When Teng Zijing questioned why Fan Xian would help him, Fan Xian invoked the principle inscribed on a stone tablet at the Investigator's Office, stating he believes people should be treated as equals, regardless of their status.

He then promised to arrange a false identity for Teng Zijing before returning to his own affairs. Fan Xian returned to Joy Tsin House and noticed a subtle disturbance to a mark he had left on the door, indicating someone had been awake. Inside, he found Si Lili still feigning unconsciousness. He revealed his trick of placing a knotted hair on her shoulder, which had since disappeared, only to then admit he was lying about the hair.

He instead felt her racing pulse, confirming her awareness and nervousness. Si Lili then abandoned her pretense. Fan Xian, impressed by her quick recovery from his strong sedative, deduced she must have developed a "drug resistance" from prolonged use of similar substances, hinting at a complex background. They quickly established a mutual understanding: Si Lili would not question Fan Xian's late-night excursion, and he would not delve into her identity, securing his alibi.

Si Lili humorously stated she would only remember their "night of passion." Meanwhile, Li Hongcheng, who had observed Fan Xian's hasty departure from the brothel earlier, surmised he had gone to cause trouble, realizing Fan Xian had punched Guo Baokun. The next morning, Guo Baokun, severely injured, filed a complaint against Fan Xian. Officers from the Kyoto Prefecture were dispatched to the Fan mansion to arrest him.

Aunt Liu Ruyu initially denied Fan Xian's presence and firmly refused the officers entry into the inner residence. Just as she dismissed them, Fan Xian emerged, prompting the officers to attempt an arrest. Fan Sizhe dramatically intervened, wielding a large broom and declaring himself "General Fan," driving the officers back.

Aunt Liu Ruyu then stated that Fan Xian would only appear in court to confront Guo Baokun if Guo Baokun himself, not merely his butler, was present to press charges, emphasizing this as the Fan family's rule before forcing the officers to leave. At the Guo mansion, Guo Youzhi, the Minister of Rites, was furious to see his son, Guo Baokun, so badly injured.

Despite his severe condition, Guo Baokun, barely able to speak, adamantly insisted on going to court to confront Fan Xian, expressing his intense hatred and desire for Fan Xian's downfall. Guo Youzhi initially considered hiring a renowned lawyer, but He Zongwei, present at the mansion, volunteered his services. He Zongwei, an experienced and undefeated former lawyer, pledged to ensure Fan Xian was convicted and received the severest possible punishment, wishing Fan Xian "dead."

Aunt Liu Ruyu, now genuinely concerned for Fan Xian's well-being, confronted him about the severity of Guo Baokun's injuries and the political implications due to Guo Baokun's ties to the Crown Prince. She observed that Fan Xian didn't seem impulsive, to which he retorted that if he were truly impulsive, Guo Baokun would be dead. She then urged him to return to Danzhou to escape the escalating trouble, even preparing money for his departure.

Fan Xian asked her why she was helping him, and she stated that despite her different surname, she belonged to the Fan family, leading Fan Xian to trust she was not involved in the Danzhou assassination attempt. He then revealed his true intention: he wanted to deliberately magnify the incident, much to her exasperation. Meanwhile, the Princess Royal spoke with the Crown Prince, reminding him that Guo Baokun had been a loyal supporter.

She urged him to attend the trial at the Kyoto Prefecture, explaining that his presence would demonstrate his backing for the Guo family. She strategically suggested that if Fan Xian were found guilty, Emperor Qing might cancel Lin Wan’er’s marriage, allowing the Princess Royal to retain control of the Neiku treasury, which would then serve as a significant asset for the Crown Prince. She warned that not showing up would discourage his subordinates.

Convinced by her reasoning, the Crown Prince agreed to intervene. Fan Xian arrived at the Kyoto Prefecture for his trial. He Zongwei, acting as Guo Baokun's attorney, immediately accused Fan Xian, who calmly denied any wrongdoing. Fan Xian playfully questioned the object brought into the court, which was the heavily bandaged Guo Baokun, implying it wasn't even a human. He challenged the lack of direct witnesses, pointing out that Guo Baokun's head was covered and his servants were drugged.

He Zongwei claimed Guo Baokun recognized Fan Xian's voice and accused Fan Xian of planning to use an alibi. He Zongwei then presented crucial evidence: the assailant had recited lines from a poem that Fan Xian wrote just the day before at Prince Jing's poetry gathering, which Guo Baokun confirmed. Fan Xian argued that it was illogical for him to recite his own poem while committing an assault, suggesting it was a deliberate framing.

When asked for his alibi, Fan Xian claimed he was at Joy Tsin House having "drinks and pleasure" with Li Hongcheng and Si Lili. Magistrate Mei Zhili, noting the testimony and witnesses, ordered them summoned. Meanwhile, Fan Sizhe rushed to Fan Ruoruo, who was calmly having tea with several ladies.

He was agitated about Fan Xian's trial, but Fan Ruoruo revealed her plan: she had strategically informed the wives and daughters of various officials, including Magistrate Mei Zhili's daughter, that Fan Xian was the author of the popular novel "Red Mansions." She predicted their obsession with the book would lead them to pressure their husbands or fathers, potentially with extreme measures, to influence the trial's outcome.

Concerned about the swiftness of the trial, Fan Ruoruo then instructed Fan Sizhe to go to the Kyoto Prefecture and, if the verdict was unfavorable, to storm in and rescue Fan Xian. Recognizing his lack of combat skills, she humorously gave him a pair of large scissors, telling him it suited his "temperament," and he enthusiastically vowed to "cut them to death" if necessary.

During the trial, Li Hongcheng testified that he and Fan Xian were indeed at Joy Tsin House, and Fan Xian went to Si Lili's room around midnight. Si Lili, under oath, confirmed Fan Xian's presence in her room, using euphemisms to imply their intimacy and stating he never left. With corroborating witnesses, Magistrate Mei Zhili was ready to acquit Fan Xian, concluding there were "other circumstances." However, the Crown Prince unexpectedly arrived.

He graciously accepted Li Hongcheng's testimony as a royal family member but immediately dismissed Si Lili's, citing her "humble origin" as a courtesan from Joy Tsin House. The Crown Prince declared that the assault on Guo Baokun, an imperial compiler, was a direct insult to the royal family's dignity and demanded a "strict investigation," effectively pressuring Mei Zhili to continue the trial.

Mei Zhili, yielding to the Crown Prince's authority, then ordered Si Lili to be tortured for her "confusing" testimony. At the Fan mansion, Fan Jian’s wife expressed worry about Fan Xian’s situation and urged her husband to go to the Kyoto Prefecture. Fan Jian, however, explained that as Assistant Minister of Revenue, his direct involvement would be improper.

He revealed he was aware of the Crown Prince's presence and hinted that another powerful figure was also involved, acknowledging that Fan Xian had become embroiled in a dangerous political struggle due to his connection to the Neiku treasury. He stated that Fan Xian's fate would depend on his own abilities, but assured his wife he had measures to ensure Fan Xian's survival if the outcome turned dire.

He refused to elaborate on the secrets behind Fan Xian's appointment to Neiku, stating "the less you know, the better." Back at the trial, as the officers prepared to torture Si Lili, Fan Xian attempted to confess to spare her. However, Si Lili subtly stopped him, explaining that if he confessed, it would invalidate her testimony and brand her as a liar, indicating she was willing to endure the torture for her own reasons. Just then, the Second Prince arrived.

He greeted the Crown Prince with a mix of deference and thinly veiled jabs, then questioned Magistrate Mei Zhili about the sudden use of torture after the case had seemingly concluded. Mei Zhili took full responsibility to shield the Crown Prince. Si Lili endured the torture without retracting her testimony. The Second Prince subtly criticized the excessive use of torture on a mere witness. Still, the Crown Prince, undeterred, escalated the trial by having Teng Zijing brought into the court.

He dramatically revealed that Guo Baokun’s assailant had inquired about Teng Zijing’s family and then exposed Teng Zijing as alive, directly contradicting Fan Xian’s official report of having killed him in Danzhou. The Crown Prince argued that Fan Xian had "deceived His Majesty" by fabricating Teng Zijing’s death and enlisting a former Investigator’s Office agent as his personal guard.

Teng Zijing tried to take the blame, claiming he had coerced Fan Xian, but the Crown Prince dismissed it, highlighting Fan Xian’s opportunities to seek help from the Second Prince during the poetry gathering if he were truly unwilling. The Crown Prince concluded that regardless of the assault charge, Fan Xian was guilty of deceiving the Emperor, which would effectively nullify his marriage contract. He then ordered Teng Zijing to be tortured to uncover any broader conspiracy.

However, before the torture could commence, Eunuch Hou arrived with an imperial edict from Emperor Qing. The edict explicitly stated that Teng Zijing’s faked death was a sanctioned arrangement by the Investigator’s Office, known to the Emperor, thereby absolving Fan Xian of the charge of "deceiving His Majesty." The Emperor further commanded all "members of the royal family" to withdraw from the trial, explicitly removing the princes’ intervention from the judicial process. Both princes and Magistrate Mei Zhili immediately bowed to the imperial decree.

Episode 10 Recap

Eunuch Hou, the Emperor's personal servant, arrived at the Kyoto Magistrate's office and relayed Emperor Qing's decree. He announced that Teng Zijing's supposed death was a deliberate arrangement by the Investigator's Office, and the Emperor was aware of it, thus it was not an offense.

Eunuch Hou instructed the members of the royal family to return to their residences and refrain from interfering, as the trial fell under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Magistrate, Mei Zhili, who respectfully acknowledged the order. As Crown Prince Li Chengqian was about to leave, Fan Xian boldly stepped forward and publicly questioned whether the Crown Prince was involved in the assassination attempt on him in Danzhou.

The Crown Prince merely scoffed and offered no reply, while the Second Prince, Li Chengze, looked on, surprised by Fan Xian's audacity. With the matter seemingly concluded, Fan Xian offered to escort Si Lili home, but she gracefully declined, suggesting they might meet again at Joy Tsin House. With Teng Zijing's name now cleared, he was finally free to live openly. Meanwhile, Ye Ling’er, acting on Lin Wan’er's behalf, investigated Guo Baokun’s supposed page.

To her surprise, she learned that Guo Baokun had been beaten by Fan Xian and never employed a page. Even more infuriatingly, she discovered that Fan Xian had spent a night at the Joy Tsin House. Filled with anger and resentment, she vowed to help Lin Wan’er annul the marriage. Fan Xian, having sent Fan Sizhe to report back at home, made his way to Teng Zijing’s residence.

Along the path, he encountered a child happily eating candied haws on a swing. Losing his way slightly due to his previous nighttime visit, Fan Xian asked the child for directions. He noticed the candied haws seemed unusual and, upon closer inspection and a taste, realized they contained a mild laxative. The child cried out when Fan Xian took his snack, but unable to explain, Fan Xian simply offered him money as compensation.

Arriving at Teng Zijing’s home, Fan Xian suggested he cherish his newfound freedom, spend time with his wife and son, and leave the treacherous capital city. Teng Zijing seemed to consider it, though he didn't immediately agree. He introduced Fan Xian to his family, only for his son to loudly declare that Fan Xian was the "weird uncle" who stole his candied haws, much to Fan Xian's awkward amusement and the couple's surprise.

Mei Zhili arrived in the palace to meet Emperor Qing, feeling apprehensive. However, Emperor Qing was unexpectedly warm, offering him honeyed water and reminiscing about their early days. Emperor Qing recalled promoting Mei Zhili from a minor post when he was still the Crown Prince, calling it a prime example of a harmonious monarch-minister relationship. Just as Mei Zhili began to relax, Emperor Qing’s demeanor abruptly shifted.

He acknowledged that while judging Fan Xian was Mei Zhili's duty, he found it unacceptable that Mei Zhili had secretly ordered officials to assist the Eastern Palace in apprehending Teng Zijing. The Emperor emphasized that he could not tolerate divided loyalties among his subordinates. Realizing his deceit was exposed, Mei Zhili, trembling, knelt and offered to face punishment according to imperial law. Emperor Qing retorted that such a severe punishment for an old minister would make him seem heartless.

With no other recourse, Mei Zhili offered to "accidentally" fall into a well upon returning home, pleading for the safety of his family. Seeing Mei Zhili's despair, Emperor Qing then smiled, reassuring him that out of respect for his long service, he would be allowed to retire to his hometown and live a peaceful life. Mei Zhili, relieved and tearful, expressed his profound gratitude.

The Emperor’s intricate mind was fully revealed, as unbeknownst to Mei Zhili, Emperor Qing instructed Eunuch Hou to have the Investigator's Office monitor him and arrange for him to be ambushed and killed by "bandits" on his journey home. At home, Fan Jian questioned Fan Xian's decision to publicly confront the Crown Prince and create such a scandal.

Fan Xian candidly admitted his true intention was to break off his engagement with Lin Wan’er so he could marry his "Lady Drumstick." Elsewhere, Teng Zijing, reflecting on Fan Xian's recent kindness, felt no joy about his impending departure from the capital. Understanding her husband's reluctance, Teng Zijing's wife encouraged him to meet Fan Xian one more time, assuring him of her and their son's unwavering support regardless of his decision.

Ye Ling’er informed Lin Wan’er that Guo Baokun truly had no page, and she recounted Fan Xian’s beating of Guo Baokun and his overnight stay at the Joy Tsin House, pledging to help Lin Wan’er cancel the marriage. The Princess Royal, learning of Lin Wan’er’s attempts to break the engagement, sent a messenger to reassure her. The Princess Royal promised to help annul the marriage and ensure Lin Wan’er married someone she genuinely loved.

Delighted, Lin Wan’er accidentally mentioned a "page" to the messenger. Intrigued, the Princess Royal immediately ordered an investigation into this mysterious "page." Late that night, Teng Zijing visited Fan Xian. He playfully chided Fan Xian for his "stupid" acts, using it as a reason to explain his decision to stay and become Fan Xian's bodyguard, citing his concern for Fan Xian's well-being in the capital. He also presented a list of demands for his service.

Fan Xian knew his public confrontation had surely angered the Crown Prince, making the capital even more dangerous. He was deeply touched by Teng Zijing's loyalty, realizing his friend was willing to forsake the safety of his family to stay and protect him. The Empress Dowager, concerned by Fan Xian’s recent behavior, sent a message to Emperor Qing, urging him to reconsider the imperial marriage between Lin Wan’er and Fan Xian.

Eunuch Hou commented to the Emperor that the Second Prince’s presence at the public hearing was likely a calculated move to mislead the Crown Prince into believing Fan Xian had joined his faction. This, he suggested, would provoke the Crown Prince into making a hasty mistake, thereby allowing the Second Prince to gain an advantage. Emperor Qing, sighing, acknowledged the cunning nature of both his sons and decided to let their schemes continue, eager to see the outcome.

He then subtly warned Eunuch Hou to be careful with his words. The following morning, the Princess Royal dispatched a messenger to Crown Prince Li Chengqian. The messenger reported that Mei Zhili, who had retired the previous day, was killed by bandits on his journey home, implying Emperor Qing's direct involvement. The Princess Royal also suggested that Fan Xian had likely aligned with the Second Prince and would soon become a formidable threat to the Crown Prince.

While pained by Mei Zhili's fate, the Crown Prince doubted Fan Xian's true allegiance to the Second Prince. More importantly, he suspected Emperor Qing had brought Fan Xian to the capital as bait. He concluded that any future attempt on Fan Xian’s life must be decisive and executed without involving official government channels, requiring careful planning. Early that same morning, Fan Jian informed Fan Xian that the marriage arrangements remained unchanged.

Fan Xian was exasperated, questioning why Emperor Qing would still insist on marrying his own niece to a man whose reputation was now so tarnished. In a fit of frustration, he rounded up Fan Ruoruo and Fan Sizhe and marched directly to Prince Jing’s mansion, determined to find and marry his Lady Drumstick immediately, hoping this would definitively end Emperor Qing’s plans for his arranged marriage.

Prince Jing’s son was perplexed by Fan Xian's request to see all the female attendants in his household but eventually complied. However, after thoroughly inspecting every maidservant, Fan Xian was dismayed to realize his Lady Drumstick was not among them.

Episode 11 Recap

After leaving Prince Jing's mansion without finding the Lady Drumstick, Fan Xian realized the root of his unwanted marriage lay with Lin Wan’er. He asked Fan Ruoruo to take him to the imperial residence, intending to meet Wan’er under the guise of treating her illness and then persuade her to break off the engagement.

Fan Xian mentioned that since many guests were at the poetry gathering that day, the maidservant he was looking for might not be from Prince Jing's mansion, making her hard to find. He jokingly considered visiting every family, but Ruoruo quipped he would likely "be kicked out." When Fan Xian asked if Ruoruo knew Lin Wan'er, she confirmed they had met a few times and shared that Wan’er suffered from tuberculosis, residing year-round at the imperial residence.

Declaring Wan'er the key to the marriage, Fan Xian instructed Ruoruo to lead the way. News of Fan Xian's visit quickly reached the Princess Royal. Knowing he was pretending to be a doctor to meet Wan’er and break the engagement, and understanding that Fei Jie's disciples, skilled in poison, were also expert physicians, she permitted the meeting. She had heard Fan Xian was looking for the "Lady Drumstick" and also wished to prevent Wan’er from marrying him.

The Princess Royal believed if Wan'er grew to detest Fan Xian, the Emperor might reconsider the imperial decree. Outside, Teng Zijing, waiting with Fan Sizhe, wondered why Fan Xian would cause such a fuss for a mere maid, suggesting counting money was far more enjoyable. Fan Sizhe countered that in the capital, only Fan Xian would make such a choice. While they waited, Lin Gong’s carriage passed.

Lin Gong, Lin Wan’er’s second brother, was visibly surprised to see Fan Sizhe, but enraged upon seeing Teng Zijing, whom he mistook for Fan Xian. Lin Gong, fiercely protective of his younger sister, had heard numerous rumors about Fan Xian's scandalous behavior in the capital and believed him to be lustful, aggressive, mischievous, and ignorant.

He warned that Wan'er would never marry such an "incorrigible" man and demonstrated what would happen if Fan Xian persisted by kicking one of his guards. Teng Zijing explained to Fan Sizhe that Lin Gong had doted on Wan'er since childhood and, given Fan Xian's reputation, would have "rushed into our mansion long ago" if not for the Lin family's strict discipline. Lin Gong then entered the imperial residence, redirecting his anger towards Ruoruo.

He dismissed Fan Xian, due to his youth, as incapable of treating Wan’er and ordered them to leave. Instead of explaining, Fan Xian pretended to examine Lin Gong's face, counting down from three. At "one," Lin Gong suddenly collapsed, clutching his chest. Fan Xian dramatically announced that Lin Gong suffered from a hidden illness causing "excruciating pain," and without immediate treatment, he "will die."

He named the mysterious ailment "Why Giving Up," explaining it was "tricky" and often led to "abandoning treatment." He quickly offered a pill, which Lin Gong, in desperation, took. To everyone's astonishment, Lin Gong instantly recovered. Convinced of Fan Xian's exceptional medical skills, Lin Gong, now respectful, apologized for his earlier rudeness and asked Fan Xian to see Wan’er.

Inside Wan’er's chamber, she lay behind thick curtains, as it was improper for an unmarried woman to show her face to a male doctor. Fan Xian initially intended to act outrageously, hoping to make her thoroughly despise him and thus annul the marriage. However, when Wan’er spoke, her voice instantly struck him, and he realized she was his beloved Lady Drumstick.

Abandoning his original plan, Fan Xian announced that a crucial "guiding drug" was needed to treat her illness: "a greasy drumstick from under the censer table in the side palace hall of the Qing Temple." Wan’er, recognizing the peculiar request, immediately withdrew her hand. With suspicion turning into dawning recognition, she slowly pulled back the curtain, finally reuniting face-to-face with Fan Xian. Outside, Fan Sizhe, bored, spotted Ye Ling’er approaching on horseback.

Hoping to flirt, Fan Sizhe boldly introduced himself as "the son of Earl Sinan, Fan Xian" and invited her to play Pai Gow. Ye Ling’er, a martial and strong-willed woman, recognized the name "Fan Xian" and, disgusted by what she perceived as his frivolousness, delivered a powerful kick that sent him flying. After examining Wan'er, Fan Xian confirmed her diagnosis of tuberculosis. Lin Gong reiterated Wan’er’s strict diet of no meat or fish.

Fan Xian vehemently countered, asserting that such a chronic wasting disease demanded a diet rich in protein, suggesting even drumsticks could be eaten frequently, and dismissed any nausea with the crude advice that "after vomiting several times, you'll just get used to it." He then emphasized the importance of frequently opening the window for fresh air.

With a subtle glance, he added that she should decide whether to close the window at night, as one "has to prevent others from entering your room at night," a clear hint to Wan'er that he would visit her that evening. As Fan Xian and Ruoruo prepared to leave, Lin Gong thanked Ruoruo for bringing such a talented doctor, acknowledging the Lin family owed her.

However, he firmly stated that Wan’er's marriage to Fan Xian was out of the question, as Wan’er already had someone special in her heart: Guo Baokun. Fan Xian was incredulous and deeply troubled by the news of Wan’er's supposed affection for Guo Baokun.

Fan Sizhe, equally surprised to learn that the Lady Drumstick was actually Lin Wan’er, finally resigned himself to the fact that it was Ye Ling’er who had kicked him, understanding her formidable background as the daughter of the Chief Guard of the capital city and grandniece of a Great Master. Ruoruo advised Fan Xian to address his doubts directly with Wan’er that night.

Upon returning home, Fan Xian learned from Liu Ruyu that his father, Fan Jian, had, after much deliberation, finally agreed to his plea to break off the engagement. Fan Jian had concluded that Fan Xian’s mother would have preferred him to find true love over the wealth and power associated with the Neiku, and had decided to petition the Emperor to cancel the betrothal so Fan Xian could pursue the Lady Drumstick, regardless of her status.

However, now knowing the Lady Drumstick was Lin Wan'er, Fan Xian, to his father's utter fury, declared he no longer wished to cancel the marriage. Fan Jian was furious at Fan Xian's flip-flopping. Fan Xian, promising a definitive answer by tomorrow morning, swiftly left for the imperial residence. Meanwhile, Lin Wan’er, having understood Fan Xian's subtle hint, was anxiously glancing at the window.

Ye Ling’er, mistaking Wan’er's restlessness for anxiety about the impending marriage, offered to stay the night and vowed to challenge Fan Xian at the Fan mansion the next morning to beat him thoroughly and force him to give up the marriage. Lin Gong had also assured Wan’er that he would never let her marry Fan Xian and would help her marry someone she truly loved, even if it meant defying the imperial order.

As Wan’er went to take a bath, Fan Xian silently entered through the window, carrying a drumstick he had specially prepared. He lifted the bed curtains, expecting to see Wan’er, but instead found Ye Ling’er. Startled, Ye Ling’er, mistaking him for a pervert, furiously attacked him.

Fan Xian tried to explain he was there to deliver a night snack, but when the drumstick was kicked to the ground, he lost his temper, and the confrontation intensified, with Ye Ling'er demonstrating her "Dapiguan Palm" technique. Hearing the commotion, Wan’er rushed back to the chamber. Ye Ling’er, observing their reactions, suddenly realized they had a secret rendezvous.

Touched by their "worldly love," she praised Fan Xian's martial arts skills before sheepishly admitting her obsession with martial arts and voluntarily leaving to guard the door, allowing them privacy. Finally alone with Wan’er, Fan Xian poured out his heart, confessing that he had been searching for her since their first meeting. Wan’er, however, remained guarded. She produced a dagger, accusing him of being a seasoned playboy whose sweet words were a practiced skill.

She revealed that she had sent Ling’er to investigate and discovered that Guo Baokun had not employed a servant for a long time, exposing Fan Xian's lie. Wan’er chastised him for breaking into her chamber, but Fan Xian argued that he had hinted he would come and that her failure to expose him to Ling'er revealed her underlying concern. He stressed that he was leaving not because he was dissolute, but because he feared she might hurt herself.

As Fan Xian reluctantly turned to leave, Wan’er called him back, demanding to know his true name. When he finally revealed, "I'm Fan Xian," Wan’er believed he was mocking her, having already seen the "vulgar" man at the poetry gathering whom Fan Xian himself had pointed her to. Fan Xian defended himself, clarifying that the scandalous carriage incident involved Fan Sizhe and that Ruoruo would never bring a stranger to meet her future sister-in-law.

Still skeptical, Wan’er presented him with paper and brush, asking him to rewrite the poem from the gathering. As he wrote, a maid, having heard the earlier commotion, insisted on entering to check on Wan’er, despite Ye Ling’er’s attempts to block her. By the time the maid burst in, Fan Xian had slipped away. Wan’er, holding the fresh poem, recognized the identical, albeit "ugly," handwriting, which matched the copy previously given to her by Li Hongcheng. She now truly believed he was, indeed, Fan Xian, her fiancé.

Episode 12 Recap

After the maid left, Ye Ling’er quietly asked Lin Wan’er, who was feigning sleep, where Fan Xian was. Fan Xian, who had been holding his breath under the covers, then emerged. Lin Wan’er, embarrassed, explained that it was an act out of emergency. Understanding, Ye Ling’er, holding a drumstick, quickly left the room to keep watch outside. Fan Xian playfully refused to get out of bed.

Lin Wan’er was both shy and annoyed, urging him to get up, worried about being discovered as they were engaged but not yet married. Seeing her urgency, Fan Xian sat on the bed's edge, remarking on his incredible luck, "I fell in love with a girl, and it turns out that she is my future wife. This must be fate!" Lin Wan’er then questioned his relationship with Si Lili from the Joy Tsin House.

Fan Xian quickly clarified that he had nothing to do with her, explaining that all the trouble he had caused was to cancel his engagement because he was in love with a "little maidservant who steals drumsticks." He even confessed that if His Majesty didn't agree, he would have run away with her to the end of the world. Overjoyed by his sincerity, Lin Wan’er expressed sadness about her tuberculosis, believing she couldn't travel far with him.

Fan Xian comforted her, assuring her that tuberculosis could be cured with careful treatment. He promised, "Believe me. I will cure you." Lin Wan’er, now trusting him, thanked "Doctor Fan," to which he playfully objected, wishing she'd call him by his name. He offered to visit her regularly, but she replied, "No." This prompted him to share a story about how a simple "No" can ruin a life, recounting a tale of missed love.

Lin Wan’er, with her ancient perspective, struggled to grasp the story's modern sentiments. She later suggested he tell her the rest of the story of "Red Mansions" instead. Seeing her fall asleep, Fan Xian quietly left, both unaware that Ye Ling’er had stood guard outside in the cold all night. The next morning, Lin Wan’er awoke feeling refreshed. She found a note from Fan Xian on her desk that read, "Hold your hand, and age with you."

Her heart swelled with happiness. Ye Ling’er entered, shivering and sneezing. Lin Wan’er immediately instructed a servant to prepare medicine for Ye Ling’er. Ye Ling’er, however, declared that since Lin Wan’er already had someone she liked, she would go to the Fan mansion after breakfast to challenge Fan Xian and make him break off the engagement. Lin Wan’er quickly stopped her, revealing that Fan Xian was indeed the man she loved.

Confused but concerned, Ye Ling’er decided to go find Si Lili to clarify her relationship with Fan Xian. Shortly after, the Princess Royal summoned Lin Wan’er to the palace, happily informing her that the engagement with Fan Xian would likely be dissolved soon. Lin Wan’er reacted with worry, asking if it wasn't an imperial edict. The Princess Royal explained it wasn't a formal decree, and the Second Prince was also trying to help cancel the marriage.

Sensing her mother's misunderstanding, Lin Wan’er hesitantly suggested there was no need to rush. The discerning Princess Royal, picking up on her daughter's change of heart, calmly asked for her true thoughts. Wan’er explained her previous urgency to cancel the engagement was due to a misunderstanding. The Princess Royal pressed her on how it was resolved, asking if she had met Fan Xian. Lin Wan’er quickly shook her head in denial.

Unwilling to pressure her daughter, the Princess Royal agreed to revisit the matter later. Meanwhile, Fan Xian was busy in the kitchen, making a sandwich for breakfast, his good mood unfazed by Teng Zijing's stoic demeanor. The Heir of Prince Jing, on behalf of the Second Prince, invited Fan Xian to meet at the Joy Tsin House the following day. Elsewhere, Ye Ling’er, approaching Si Lili’s pleasure boat, was shocked to find a dead maid.

Inside, she saw Si Lili speaking with two women in white and handing one a token. While eavesdropping, Ye Ling’er accidentally sneezed, alerting those inside. She fled but was injured by an assailant, eventually escaping by jumping into the water. Fan Xian diligently prepared a potent cough medicine for Lin Wan’er and a special sachet containing extracts from over eighty types of flowers and leaves. To Teng Zijing, it smelled like spiced duck.

Ignoring his guard, Fan Xian, dressed in nocturnal attire, skillfully climbed through Wan’er's window. Lin Wan’er, anticipating his visit, had sent her servants away. However, she still found his late-night window-climbing improper. Fan Xian presented the medicine, explaining his actions were for her treatment. After drinking it, Lin Wan’er became drowsy and flushed. Fan Xian quickly helped her back to bed.

Sitting by her side as she slept, Fan Xian revealed his deepest secret: he was from another world and had felt profoundly lonely until he met her, which gave his existence meaning. On his way back, Fan Xian ran alone through the empty streets, feeling like a child who had finally found his way home. The next day, Fan Xian prepared to meet the Second Prince. Ruoruo, concerned, wanted to accompany him, knowing the Second Prince aimed to recruit him.

Fan Xian understood that royal power struggles could endanger his family and wished to keep his distance. Ruoruo worried about the Crown Prince's continued inaction since the last trial. Fan Xian reassured her, joking, "This is the capital city. Can he really kill me on the streets?" With that, he and Teng Zijing set off for the Joy Tsin House.

Unbeknownst to them, in a hidden residence in the capital, two women released Cheng Jushu, an eighth-rank master from Northern Qi, from a locked chest, intending to kill Fan Xian by surprise. Before they left, Teng Zijing spoke of his family's importance, saying his son had called for him in a dream, and how meaningless life would be without someone to die for.

Fan Xian agreed, inviting him to move back to Danzhou with him and Wan’er after their marriage, so their families could be neighbors. Fan Xian then shared his original goals in the capital—to find out about his mother's past, uncover the world's secrets, and identify who tried to kill him—but admitted his inherent laziness now made him only want a good life, provided his finances were secure.

When Fan Xian jokingly asked him to be a diligent guard, Teng Zijing candidly stated his life was for his family, and Fan Xian would have to face danger alone, as he would flee. Fan Xian appreciated his honesty. Meanwhile, the Second Prince was already at the Joy Tsin House, awaiting Fan Xian.

Episode 13 Recap

The Second Prince, Li Chengze, waited early at Joy Tsin House for Fan Xian, with Si Lili preparing tea beside him. When a teacup inexplicably cracked, he felt a jolt of unease, interpreting it as a bad omen. Meanwhile, Fan Xian and Teng Zijing conversed as their carriage made its way through the capital. Teng Zijing shared his joy, mentioning his son had called out to him the previous night.

Fan Xian revealed his intention to return to Danzhou for a peaceful life after marrying Lin Wan’er and invited Teng Zijing to join them as a neighbor. Teng Zijing jovially agreed, stating he cared little about the location as long as there was sufficient land and money. Their journey brought them to Niulan Street, a place Teng Zijing remarked was memorable for being where Fan Xian had previously assaulted Guo Baokun.

Teng Zijing light-heartedly reminded Fan Xian of an outstanding debt—an ox—to which Fan Xian promised to buy him one once they reached Danzhou. Teng Zijing then expressed profound gratitude, acknowledging that meeting Fan Xian had allowed him to reconcile with his family and overcome his long-held resentment. Fan Xian playfully warned him against further expressions of thanks, threatening to be sick. Suddenly, two white-clad women emerged from the rooftops, firing arrows at them.

Teng Zijing agilely dodged, swiftly dispatching one with a hidden weapon, while Fan Xian assisted in eliminating the other. Just as they relaxed, their carriage rounded a corner, its wheels triggering a hidden mechanism that launched crossbow bolts, instantly killing their horse. From an adjacent building, Cheng Jushu, an Eighth-Dan Martial Arts Master from Beiqi, burst through a wall, dragging Fan Xian into a courtyard and throwing him to the ground.

Teng Zijing recognized Cheng Jushu and immediately engaged him in combat. Cheng Jushu, however, fought with a frenzied power that Teng Zijing, skilled in hidden weapons, could not match. Their fierce struggle shattered the courtyard’s furniture, and a fallen candle soon set the room ablaze. Despite the dangerous situation, Fan Xian and Teng Zijing eventually managed to knock Cheng Jushu down. Yet, Cheng Jushu, an Eighth-Dan Martial Arts Master, was not easily defeated.

Teng Zijing was gravely wounded and unable to stand. Fan Xian urged him to flee, but Teng Zijing refused to abandon him, rushing forward to shield Fan Xian with his own body. Fan Xian watched in horror as Teng Zijing was brutally killed. Overwhelmed by grief and fury, Fan Xian’s inner Bawang zhenqi surged. With a powerful strike, he embedded Cheng Jushu two inches into the ground before delivering a final, crushing blow to his head.

Cheng Jushu finally fell, but Fan Xian, severely injured, collapsed unconscious. When he slowly awoke, Wang Qinian was by his side. Fan Xian’s immediate concern was for Teng Zijing, but Wang Qinian sorrowfully informed him that Teng Zijing would never wake up; he had died before Wang Qinian arrived, leaving no last words. Devastated by the news, Fan Xian, consumed by sorrow and rage, snatched a dagger, intending to kill Cheng Jushu.

Wang Qinian intervened, explaining that Cheng Jushu must remain alive to uncover the true mastermind and avenge Teng Zijing’s death. Accepting this grim logic, Fan Xian instructed Wang Qinian to transport Teng Zijing’s body back to the Fan mansion, vowing to demand answers from the Investigator's Office the following day. Fan Xian then limped away, covered in blood, walking defiantly through the streets. Fan Ruoruo rushed to him, distressed by his injuries.

Fan Xian, now composed, asked her to inform Li Chengze that an unforeseen accident would prevent him from attending their meeting and to also convey his decision to abandon their plans of returning to Danzhou. Upon hearing of the assassination attempt on Fan Xian, Li Chengze, the Second Prince, expressed concern.

Although he denied any involvement, he acknowledged that he would be considered the most likely suspect, since he was the one who had invited Fan Xian to Joy Tsin House and Niulan Street was on the way. He later remarked to Si Lili, who showed no surprise at the news, whether she had anticipated the events, but she remained evasive. Back at the Fan mansion, Fan Xian sat alone in his room, silent.

Fan Sizhe, secretly observing, noted that Fan Xian had reset his dislocated arm himself and appeared calm, believing him to be fine. However, Liu Ruyu understood that Fan Xian was merely suppressing his emotions and quickly dispatched Fan Sizhe to fetch Fan Jian, hoping he could offer guidance. Fan Xian ate dinner as if nothing had happened.

Fan Jian joined him, informing him that Cheng Jushu had been taken into custody by the Investigator's Office and that Fan Ruoruo was waiting outside for news. Fan Jian then inquired about Fan Xian’s suspicions regarding the mastermind. Fan Xian publicly suggested Li Chengze was the most likely suspect, reasoning that if he had died, everyone would point to the Second Prince.

Privately, however, Fan Xian suspected the Crown Prince and tried to inquire about his movements that day, but Fan Jian sternly reminded him that the Crown Prince’s whereabouts were not his concern. Fan Jian concluded by advising Fan Xian against any rash actions, as the true culprit remained unknown. Later, Lin Wan’er, having heard about the day’s events, waited for Fan Xian.

He finally released his pent-up emotions, railing at Teng Zijing for being a fool who broke his promise to live for his family and flee from danger. Lin Wan’er, after listening to Fan Xian recount his history with Teng Zijing, consoled him. She explained that Teng Zijing had long considered Fan Xian family, and his sacrifice was a testament to that bond.

She solemnly echoed Teng Zijing’s own earlier sentiment: “If there is nobody you would die for, living would be so dull.” He may have died, but he did so without regret. Emperor Qing summoned both the Crown Prince and the Second Prince, demanding to know who was behind the assassination. Both princes denied responsibility.

The Crown Prince attempted to shift blame to Beiqi, while the Second Prince countered that Fan Xian’s only known grievances in the capital were with the Crown Prince, adding that "gossip is a fearful thing." Emperor Qing, growing weary of their bickering, delivered a chilling discourse on the ease with which problems could be solved by murder, even going so far as to include himself as a potential victim, though he clarified this was the delusion of the unpardonably wicked.

Both princes vehemently denied such intentions, prompting Emperor Qing to sternly warn them against testing each other with words and acting in a foolhardy manner, emphasizing that ruling the world required a generous heart, not defiance of national law. He then dismissed them. Shortly after, Eunuch Hou arrived with a secret report from the Investigator's Office, revealing their plan to release Cheng Jushu. Emperor Qing, surprised, immediately ordered Eunuch Hou to relay this information to Fan Xian.

Fan Xian spent the night with Lin Wan’er, and as morning broke, he prepared to leave, intending to inform Teng Zijing’s family of his death. Just then, Fan Ruoruo arrived at Lin Wan'er’s residence, bearing the alarming news that the Investigator's Office planned to release Cheng Jushu. Fan Xian immediately sought out Wang Qinian for verification.

Wang Qinian confirmed the report, explaining that with the Director-General absent from the capital, Zhu Ge, the Director of the First Division, was managing all affairs. Fan Xian, ignoring Wang Qinian’s detailed warnings about Zhu Ge's years of service, high position, and severe temperament, insisted on an immediate confrontation. He burst into Zhu Ge’s office, sternly demanding an explanation for Cheng Jushu’s release. Initially, Zhu Ge refused to engage, criticizing Fan Xian for acting rashly like his teacher Fei Jie.

However, after Fan Xian presented his Commissioner's token, Zhu Ge revealed a military urgent report: northern border armies were deploying, and a war with Beiqi was imminent. He explained that killing Cheng Jushu, a Beiqi master, would provide Beiqi with a pretext to launch an attack prematurely, disrupting Nanqing's long-planned war strategy. Furthermore, Cheng Jushu had a connection to a Beiqi general who promised valuable military intelligence in exchange for Cheng Jushu’s safety.

Fan Xian, growing increasingly incensed, questioned if a human life could simply be reduced to a transaction. Zhu Ge dismissively retorted that it was “just a guard” who died.

Fan Xian, his voice filled with emotion, pointed to the stone tablet at the Investigator's Office gate, inscribed with the principle that "men are born equal, with no distinction between noble and humble," reminding Zhu Ge that a guard was a person, a father, a husband, and the sole support of his family. He demanded to know where national law and justice stood if the killer of an unburied victim walked free.

Unmoved, Zhu Ge declared the decision final and ordered his subordinates to deny anyone, even with a Commissioner’s token, access to Cheng Jushu. Fan Xian, his eyes welling with tears, challenged Zhu Ge on whether he could truly live with such a decision before storming out of the Investigator’s Office. Later, the Prince of Jing’s son arrived to apologize to Fan Xian on behalf of the Second Prince, vehemently denying any involvement in the assassination.

Fan Xian requested his help in extracting Cheng Jushu from the Investigator's Office to execute him according to law. The Prince of Jing’s son, however, regretfully explained that the Investigator's Office operated independently, under Emperor Qing's direct command, and no member of the imperial family, not even the Crown Prince, was permitted to interfere. He then proposed compensating Teng Zijing’s family with a large sum of money.

Fan Xian sharply countered by asking how much money he would accept for the life of his own family member, leaving the prince's son speechless. Recognizing that no faction in the capital dared to openly defy the Investigator’s Office, Fan Xian gave Wang Qinian a substantial amount of money to ascertain the precise time and route of Cheng Jushu’s departure. Back at the Fan mansion, Fan Xian placed Teng Zijing's coffin in the courtyard, awaiting Wang Qinian's information.

Soon, Wang Qinian arrived, reporting that Cheng Jushu would be escorted from the Investigator’s Office, exit the North Gate, and leave the capital by water in half an hour. Wang Qinian suggested ambushing Cheng Jushu in a small forest outside the city to avoid detection. However, Fan Xian proceeded directly to the North Gate, determined to exact his revenge in broad daylight and see if justice still existed in the world.

As the guards escorted Cheng Jushu through the market, cautioning him against stopping or speaking, Fan Xian stepped forward. He announced that he was not there to interfere, but to kill him. He declared that while some had advised him to act in secret, he refused, choosing instead to deliver justice in full view of the public.

As the guards attempted to pull Cheng Jushu away, Fan Xian proclaimed that his own power had grown since their last battle and that this day would be Cheng Jushu's last.

Episode 14 Recap

Fan Xian stood before Cheng Jushu in the bustling street, publicly listing Cheng Jushu's crimes. He declared that while some advised him to kill Cheng Jushu in secret and others wished to trade for his life, he refused such deals. Since higher authorities wouldn't allow Cheng Jushu to be killed for the "greater good," Fan Xian announced he would do it himself, right there in front of everyone.

Cheng Jushu, laughing at this, easily pushed away the two Investigator's Office escorts and lunged at Fan Xian. Wielding Teng Zijing’s dagger, Fan Xian fought fiercely, recalling Teng Zijing’s words that one must have someone worth dying for to truly live. Meanwhile, Zhu Ge, Director of the First Division, had anticipated Fan Xian's defiance and stationed his top men in a small forest outside the city, expecting an ambush there.

He was surprised by Fan Xian's public confrontation and rushed to stop him. During the intense fight, Cheng Jushu, already severely wounded, coughed up blood. Unexpectedly, Teng Zijing's young son appeared, unafraid, and greeted Cheng Jushu naturally. Cheng Jushu, seeing the boy, even smiled faintly, wiped blood from his hands, and gently stroked the child's head before suddenly charging at Fan Xian.

Fearing for the child's safety, Fan Xian immediately met the attack, plunging the dagger into Cheng Jushu's body while urging the boy to turn his head away. As Cheng Jushu lay dying, Fan Xian questioned why he hadn't taken the child hostage. Cheng Jushu weakly explained that since birth, his ugly appearance had only evoked fear, disgust, demands for murder, or avoidance from others; only that child had offered him fruit.

The boy, oblivious, chimed in that the "big guy" ate pears like a child. Just then, Zhu Ge arrived and immediately ordered Fan Xian's arrest. Fan Xian offered no resistance but sternly told the child not to look back and to go straight home. News of the public killing reached the palace. Eunuch Hou expressed concern to Emperor Qing that the event, witnessed by so many, could not be suppressed.

Emperor Qing, however, smiled, praising Fan Xian's strategic move and declaring the killing "ingenious." He ordered Eunuch Hou to draft an imperial decree for Fan Xian's release. Back at the Investigator's Office, Zhu Ge prepared to personally escort Fan Xian to the dungeon when a group from the Third Division, Fei Jie’s former apprentices and thus Fan Xian’s "senior fellow apprentices," intervened. They pleaded with Zhu Ge, arguing that no matter Fan Xian's offense, it didn't warrant imprisonment.

Zhu Ge, irritated by these "poisonous" individuals, threatened to charge anyone who obstructed him with treason. The Third Division members merely laughed, provoking Zhu Ge to draw his sword and hold it to Fan Xian's throat. Seeing the escalating tension, Fan Xian calmly assured his well-meaning seniors that he could handle this minor issue. Zhu Ge declared that with Fei Jie absent from the capital, the Third Division was without a true leader and powerless.

He reiterated that Fan Xian had disrupted his war strategy against Beiqi and that no one could save him now. However, Wang Qinian suddenly appeared, boldly stopping Zhu Ge’s procession. Zhu Ge was about to explode in anger, but Wang Qinian presented Cheng Jushu's dossier. He argued that Fan Xian deserved credit, not punishment, because Cheng Jushu had no allies among Beiqi generals. The proposed exchange was likely a ruse to provide false intelligence, which Fan Xian’s actions had averted.

Wang Qinian humbly requested leniency. Zhu Ge coldly revealed he had already investigated Cheng Jushu's background and was prepared to use a "scheme within a scheme" to turn Beiqi's fake intelligence against them. Fan Xian, by killing Cheng Jushu, had ruined this intricate plan. Zhu Ge angrily stated that with the Investigator's Office Head absent, no one could save Fan Xian. Yet, just as he spoke, another voice called out.

Turning, Zhu Ge saw Yan Ruohai, Director of the Fourth Division. Zhu Ge questioned why Yan Ruohai would help Fan Xian, given that Yan Bingyun, his son, had been demoted and sent to Beiqi due to Fan Xian. Yan Ruohai, emotionless, stated he was merely delivering a message and produced Emperor Qing's secret decree. Forced to comply, Zhu Ge released Fan Xian and returned his Tisi token.

As Fan Xian departed, Yan Ruohai explained to Zhu Ge that the Emperor was not protecting Fan Xian himself, but rather harnessing public sentiment. Fan Xian's public killing of a Beiqi martial arts master had become a popular tale, and with war imminent, the Emperor sought to bolster the people's unwavering spirit and fighting will.

Separately, Si Lili set fire to her pleasure boat and, along with a dozen similarly dressed individuals, rode out of the capital, dispersing in different directions. After leaving the Investigator's Office, Fan Xian gave Wang Qinian money, tasking him with continuing the investigation into the mastermind behind the assassination attempt. He then used a carriage to transport Teng Zijing's body home.

Teng Zijing's son, seeing Fan Xian, was joyful and asked why Fan Xian fought the "big guy in the box." Fan Xian did not answer directly but inquired where the boy had seen Cheng Jushu. The child pointed to a courtyard by a stable on Dashu Street. The boy led Fan Xian to his mother. Teng Zijing's wife had sat by an oil lamp all night, her heart heavy with a premonition.

After sending her son away, Fan Xian, struggling to find the words, informed her that Teng Zijing had died protecting him during an assassination attempt on Niulan Street, and he knelt to beg her forgiveness. Overcome with grief, Teng Zijing's wife coughed up blood. She recounted how Teng Zijing had told her he stayed not out of gratitude, but because he considered Fan Xian a close friend, viewing him as a younger brother.

He saw it as his own choice, a path he embraced even if it meant facing "mountains of swords and seas of fire." She acknowledged her husband's decision but declared that as a wife, she could not forgive. She asked Fan Xian to visit less often, fearing for her son's safety if he remained connected to Fan Xian. Feeling deeply ashamed, Fan Xian left with tears in his eyes.

Returning, Fan Xian entrusted Wang Qinian with discreetly hiring people in the capital to protect Teng Zijing's wife and son. Wang Qinian informed Fan Xian that he had secretly reviewed a confidential document from the First Division, revealing the two female assassins were disciples or followers of Si Gujian, a Great Master from Dongyi Town, and that their crossbows were military-grade weapons.

Wang Qinian believed that one of the Four Great Masters would not resort to such stealthy assassination methods, suggesting a different, powerful culprit behind the scenes. To pursue these leads, Fan Xian and Wang Qinian visited the courtyard on Dashu Street where Cheng Jushu had been held. They discovered a forgotten token with a symbol Wang Qinian recognized from a secret report held by Zhu Ge. Wang Qinian, familiar with illicit information gathering, volunteered to retrieve the report.

That night, he infiltrated the First Division, found the document bearing the familiar symbol, but was confronted by Zhu Ge and his men upon leaving. Fortunately, Wang Qinian's exceptional lightness skill allowed him to evade capture. Simultaneously, Fan Xian investigated the home of the general from whom the military crossbows were stolen. To his shock, he found the entire household, from the general down to his servants, had all committed suicide by hanging. Fan Xian realized this was a calculated warning and threat, deliberately orchestrated to leave him with clues but always one step behind.

Episode 15 Recap

Wang Qinian met Fan Xian at the commander’s family residence, where the entire household had been brutally wiped out. Wang Qinian expressed deep regret for not informing them sooner, believing it might have averted the disaster. Fan Xian, however, viewed the massacre as a calculated warning, designed to make him stop his investigation, but delivered just a moment too late. Wang Qinian deduced that such a swift and thorough annihilation could only be orchestrated by someone of immense power.

He also confirmed that a token found at the scene belonged to a Beiqi secret agent, making it highly probable that Cheng Jushu was indeed a Beiqi operative. Fan Xian sarcastically acknowledged the "honor" of being targeted by an unnamed powerful figure collaborating with Beiqi to end his life. Despite the escalating danger, he was unyielding, vowing to uncover the true culprit and ensure Teng Zijing’s sacrifice was not in vain.

Setting aside complex political implications, Fan Xian focused on the assassination itself. He questioned how the assassins knew his route to Joy Tsin House, concluding that only someone with knowledge of his appointment could have leaked his whereabouts. He specifically suspected Si Lili from Joy Tsin House, noting that her demeanor was unusually composed for a courtesan. They immediately headed to Joy Tsin House, only to find it closed.

Upon inquiry, they learned that Si Lili’s pleasure boat had been burned that very afternoon, and the imperial office was investigating. Si Lili herself, they were told, had already left the capital city. Disheartened by Si Lili’s disappearance, Fan Xian felt at a loss. Seeing this, Wang Qinian revealed his hidden talent: he was one of the two master trackers in the Investigator's Office, the other being Zong Zhui.

Wang Qinian explained that his clerk position was safe, but having recently been dismissed from the Investigator’s Office, he needed to support his family. He offered his services to Fan Xian, requesting a monthly salary, land, and oxen, excitedly adding that his daughter loved pork belly, so ten extra pigs would be fantastic.

He warned Fan Xian of the perilous journey ahead, suggesting that Si Lili, likely a Beiqi secret agent, would have meticulously planned her escape, making their pursuit fraught with danger. Fan Xian, driven by a desire to avenge his friend, readily accepted the challenge. Before their departure, Wang Qinian insisted on collecting his tracking equipment from home.

Fan Xian found Wang Qinian's extreme caution around his house amusing, realizing he was thoroughly dominated by his formidable wife, Mrs. Wang, whom he endearingly called "tigress-like." Moments after Wang Qinian slipped inside, sounds of a woman scolding and a man begging for mercy erupted. He soon emerged, carrying a case and bearing a fresh handprint on his face, yet seemed content. Observing that time permitted, Fan Xian decided to visit Lin Wan’er to bid her farewell.

Under the cover of night, Fan Xian entered Wan’er’s room through the window, finding her awake and lost in thought. She expressed her worry about his public killing of Cheng Jushu but found solace in knowing he did it to avenge Teng Zijing. Fan Xian informed her about Si Lili’s involvement in the assassination and her subsequent flight, explaining he had to pursue her and urging Wan’er not to worry. As he turned to leave, he asked for a hug.

Wan’er initially remained still, but as he moved towards the door, she rushed to embrace him, confessing her constant concern and pleading with him to return quickly if he did not wish her to suffer. At dawn, as Fan Xian and Wang Qinian attempted to leave the capital city, Zhu Ge and his subordinates blocked their path at the city gate, intending to arrest Wang Qinian for secretly reviewing confidential documents.

Fan Xian presented his Director-General token, asserting that Wang Qinian acted under his orders. However, Zhu Ge dismissed this, believing Fan Xian was being manipulated. Just then, Fan Jian, the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, arrived with a contingent of imperial guards. Confronted by Fan Jian’s unexpected display of authority, Zhu Ge grudgingly relented, allowing Fan Xian and Wang Qinian to pass.

Fan Jian expressed his concern for Fan Xian’s safety but ultimately permitted him to proceed, advising extreme caution. Wang Qinian observed that Fan Jian wielded extraordinary power, noting that these imperial guards were usually reserved for the Emperor himself, a testament to Fan Jian’s deep, long-standing relationship with Emperor Qing, which dated back to the Emperor's days as a crown prince. News of Fan Jian’s intervention reached the palace, prompting Emperor Qing to summon him.

The Emperor feigned anger, reprimanding Fan Jian for overstepping his authority. Unfazed, Fan Jian calmly explained that he was merely interpreting the Emperor’s true intentions. He reasoned that Emperor Qing allowed Fan Xian to learn of Cheng Jushu’s release, permitted his public execution, and suppressed Zhu Ge’s attempts to punish Wang Qinian, all to encourage Fan Xian to continue the investigation.

Fan Jian elaborated that Emperor Qing sought to test Fan Xian’s capabilities and judgment before entrusting him with control of the Neiku treasury, a position fraught with intricate power struggles. He asserted that tracking Si Lili was a crucial test of Fan Xian's analytical and executive skills under pressure. Amused, Emperor Qing accepted Fan Jian's wager that Fan Xian would successfully capture Si Lili.

Fan Xian and Wang Qinian gathered information from the city gate guards, who reported that Si Lili had left the city in a black cloak, heading north, followed by several other cloaked figures who then dispersed to create confusion. This confirmed Si Lili’s elaborate escape plan. Wang Qinian then demonstrated his skill by using a slingshot to bring down a carrier pigeon from the Investigator's Office.

He explained that such pigeons often passed through this area from northern towns, and having raised pigeons himself, he knew the Investigator's Office sent multiple birds, so the loss of one would typically go unnoticed, attributed to natural predation.

The message carried by the pigeon confirmed that the Investigator's Office, under Zhu Ge's direction, had indeed deployed multiple secret agent teams to pursue Si Lili northwards, and two of the decoy teams had already been intercepted, though none of them was Si Lili. Using his meticulously drawn map of the land, Wang Qinian identified a specific town that Si Lili would inevitably pass through if she were genuinely heading north to Beiqi.

He proposed that they could patiently wait to intercept the Investigator's Office convoy returning with Si Lili and then use Fan Xian's Director-General token to take custody of her for personal interrogation. However, Fan Xian felt an increasing sense of unease. He reconsidered Si Lili's actions: burning her pleasure boat and staging such a conspicuous, multi-pronged escape to the north. He realized that if her true goal was merely to escape unnoticed, she would have disguised herself and left discreetly.

Her dramatic actions—the burning boat, the prominent departure, and the scattering decoys—were designed to attract maximum attention, a classic "trick to lure the tiger from the mountain." This elaborate ploy, he concluded, was meant to divert everyone's focus to the north. Given the heightened tensions between Nanqing and Beiqi and the heavily fortified northern border, a direct northern route, even if attempted subtly, would be too risky for a true Beiqi agent.

Therefore, Fan Xian surmised, Si Lili was not among the northern-bound teams, and her actual escape route lay elsewhere. Fan Xian asked Wang Qinian if any other routes could lead to Beiqi without heading north. After careful consideration, Wang Qinian proposed an alternative: traveling eastward to a coastal city and then returning to Beiqi by sea. He identified Danzhou harbor, Fan Xian's childhood home, as the most probable port for such a journey.

They also determined that instead of departing through the north gate and then turning towards Danzhou harbor, a route obstructed by mountains and passes, the most convenient path would be to re-enter the capital and depart through the east gate. Indeed, Si Lili had taken this eastward route. After her decoy teams had left the capital, she cleverly used the excuse of seeking medical treatment for an illness to pass through the city guards at the east gate.

She then rode swiftly eastward on horseback until she reached an inn, where she stopped to rest. Coincidentally, not long after she checked in, Fan Xian and Wang Qinian also arrived at the same inn. Initially, Fan Xian was eager to continue their pursuit, but Wang Qinian, drawing on his experience, insisted that rest was often more crucial than constant travel when tracking someone. Si Lili, from her room, overheard Fan Xian's voice and immediately hid behind her door.

Wang Qinian, unaware of her presence, simply requested a premium room from the waiter. Si Lili, contemplating an escape, hesitated. When she saw the waiter carrying food to Fan Xian and Wang Qinian's room, she quickly called him over. As Wang Qinian and Fan Xian settled into their room and received their meal, Wang Qinian enthusiastically discussed how Si Lili, with only one horse, wouldn't be able to outpace them over long distances without proper rest and premium fodder.

However, just as he was about to eat, Fan Xian immediately recognized that the food was poisoned. Fan Xian stepped out and summoned the waiter, who initially lied, claiming the food came directly from the kitchen without anyone else touching it. Fan Xian, feigning panic, dragged the waiter back into their room, pointing to Wang Qinian, who was dramatically pretending to be dead with blood oozing from his face, and threatened to report the murder to the authorities.

Terrified, the waiter quickly confessed that the young lady from the room directly opposite theirs had indeed handled their food, claiming she wanted to check its quality before ordering her own meal.

Episode 16 Recap

A waiter frantically informed Fan Xian that the woman from the room opposite had looked at their food, claiming she was checking its quality. Upon hearing this, Wang Qinian, who had been feigning death, quickly sprang up and rushed to the opposite room, but found it empty.

He confirmed Si Lili's presence by the lingering scent of Chenguang incense, a distinctive fragrance used at Joy Tsin House, a detail he knew from his own past visits to the establishment to listen to music. The waiter then informed them that Si Lili had ridden her own horse towards Pijia Hill, despite his warning about the prevalent robbers there.

Wang Qinian, examining fresh horse waste, identified the premium forage the horse had consumed, confirming their pursuit was on the right track and that they needed to acquire horses to continue the chase. However, Fan Xian felt uneasy about how smoothly their pursuit was going. He noted that Si Lili, knowing his proficiency with poisons, had used only common ones and had explicitly revealed her escape route to the innkeeper. This suggested she was intentionally luring them.

Despite Wang Qinian’s detailed tracking, confirming they were close and that Si Lili’s horse was fatigued, leading him to believe they would catch her by morning, Fan Xian remained suspicious. Soon after, they found Si Lili calmly waiting for them at a roadside pavilion, alone with her horse. Fan Xian confronted her, asking if she was a Beiqi agent, to which she admitted. However, she denied orchestrating the Niulan Street assassination, asserting her affection for him.

When Fan Xian insisted on taking her back to the capital for interrogation, Si Lili coolly challenged him, asking if he knew why she had poisoned them and led them there. A sudden realization struck Fan Xian: the innkeeper had warned about robbers in Pijia Hill. At that very moment, dozens of brigands, who were also Beiqi secret agents, emerged from their ambush to surround Fan Xian and Wang Qinian.

Si Lili revealed that these robbers were indeed Beiqi agents, originally scheduled to meet her there, and she had deliberately used the opportunity to ambush Fan Xian when she realized only two people were chasing her. With a triumphant smile, Si Lili mounted her horse, intending to leave Fan Xian and Wang Qinian to the robbers. However, before she could get far, the thunder of approaching hooves filled the air.

Nearly a hundred elite black knights, clad in dark armor, steadily forced her back towards Fan Xian. Wang Qinian immediately recognized them as the formidable Black Knights, the elite direct force of the Investigator's Office's Head. In the capital, Director of the Fourth Division Yan Ruohai, hearing of the black knights' sudden deployment, expressed concern, highlighting their unusual activation. Assuming the Head was nearby, Fan Xian expressed a desire to meet this legendary figure.

However, Master Shadow, the Head of the Sixth Division, informed them that the Head had not come in person. Instead, Master Shadow conveyed a message from the Head to Fan Xian: "Act with a free hand. Even if the sky falls down, he will push it back. He will be back when you need him the most."

Wang Qinian privately explained that Master Shadow was widely regarded as the Investigator's Office's most terrifying assassin, always by the Head's side, yet his appearance and name were unknown. Gazing at the now encircled Si Lili, Fan Xian mused that such overwhelming power rendered all clever schemes insignificant. Si Lili, shocked by the display of force, questioned Fan Xian's identity, bewildered why Chen Pingping would deploy the Black Knights for him.

Fan Xian admitted he had never heard the name "Chen Pingping" before, prompting Si Lili to explain it was the Head's name, a taboo to speak directly. Wang Qinian added that Chen Pingping, the King of Nights and source of all sins, was once a nightmare to all kingdoms.

Concerned about assassination attempts on their return journey, Wang Qinian suggested they proceed covertly, especially given the involvement of various powerful factions in the Niulan Street assassination, which he believed an agent alone couldn't orchestrate. However, Fan Xian countered that the Black Knights' dramatic appearance made secrecy impossible. Instead, he opted for an audacious approach, displaying a banner publicly announcing their capture of Si Lili, the Beiqi agent, and their return to the capital.

This bold move was meant to deter any attackers, as anyone attempting to intervene would reveal their own guilt. The news quickly reached the Second Prince and Princess Royal. The Second Prince acknowledged Fan Xian's cleverness in using public awareness for safety. Meanwhile, the Princess Royal, playing chess with the Crown Prince, lightheartedly suggested killing Fan Xian outside the city to nullify his marriage contract with Lin Wan’er and prevent her losing control of the palace treasury.

The Crown Prince, however, advised against it, fearing such an act would draw Emperor Qing's suspicion, prompting the Princess Royal to dismiss it as a mere joke. During their journey, several factions attempted to take Si Lili from Fan Xian. He warned Si Lili that any of these parties would subject her to unimaginable torture, emphasizing that her only chance of survival lay in cooperating with him.

Si Lili, a shrewd individual, refused to divulge the mastermind behind the assassination, knowing that this secret was her last bargaining chip. Fan Xian, though frustrated, respected her decision and refrained from using torture, stating that abandoning one's moral baseline would make them no different from beasts. He reaffirmed his principles to Wang Qinian, who, while initially suggesting private torture, ultimately pledged his loyalty as long as his monthly stipend of fifty taels of silver was secured.

Upon reaching the capital gates, they found several groups, including the Ministry of Penalty, waiting to intercept Si Lili. When Fan Xian presented his official Tisi token, the officials demanded a formal arrest warrant. Just as Fan Xian found himself in a difficult spot, Yan Ruohai, Director of the Fourth Division of the Investigator’s Office, arrived with an official warrant. Citing the Emperor's direct authority over the Investigator's Office, he asserted their jurisdiction and allowed Fan Xian to proceed.

Fan Xian anticipated being allowed to preside over Si Lili's case due to his involvement in the assassination investigation. However, Yan Ruohai firmly stated that since they were back in the capital, the case now belonged to the Investigator’s Office, and Fan Xian, as a party involved, should recuse himself to avoid suspicion. Despite Fan Xian’s reluctance and Si Lili’s silent plea for help, he reluctantly handed her over.

Yan Ruohai dismissed Fan Xian, crediting his efforts in apprehending Si Lili, and absolved Wang Qinian of his previous offense of secretly investigating documents. Wang Qinian, relieved, decided to return home to his family, promising to work for Fan Xian in the future. Meanwhile, Fan Ruoruo, upon hearing of Fan Xian’s successful capture of Si Lili, felt more concern than joy.

She sought an audience with the Crown Prince at the Eastern Palace, offering to discreetly monitor her brother’s actions to secure a future for the Fan mansion. While the Crown Prince remained skeptical of her motives, given her close bond with Fan Xian, he did not refuse her offer. Feeling troubled, Fan Xian went to the royal residence to see Lin Wan’er.

He sat with her in silence, distressed by the turn of events, and she listened patiently, understanding his unwavering resolve to avenge Teng Zijing. Lin Wan'er suggested he seek out Ye Ling’er. She explained that Ye Ling’er had visited Joy Tsin House after learning Fan Xian's true identity, intending to investigate his connection to Si Lili.

Two days later, Ye Ling’er was reported to have fallen into a river and been rescued, and had since remained confined to her residence, leading Lin Wan’er to suspect she might have witnessed something significant. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by Lin Gong, Lin Wan’er’s second brother, who burst into the room and aggressively attacked Fan Xian with a sword, accusing him of disrespecting Lin Wan’er's honor by secretly entering her chambers.

Lin Wan’er quickly intervened, reminding Lin Gong of her engagement to Fan Xian and the potential damage to her reputation if word spread. Fan Xian skillfully evaded Lin Gong’s attacks and made his escape. Lin Gong, convinced of Fan Xian’s deceit and fearing for his sister’s well-being, vowed to deploy guards to prevent Fan Xian from returning. Later, Fan Xian visited Ye Ling’er, asking about her fall into the Liujing River. Ye Ling’er's face paled at the question.

She eventually pleaded with him to stop inquiring, explaining she could not risk her entire Ye clan. Fan Xian, sensing her genuine fear, did not press further, but he inwardly deduced that the person she saw must hold a position of immense power. Back at the Investigator’s Office’s dungeon, Yan Ruohai prepared for Si Lili's interrogation, stating he was awaiting the arrival of the true interrogator, hinting it was neither himself nor Zhu Ge of the First Division.

Episode 17 Recap

After Si Lili was taken to the Investigator's Office, Fan Xian's investigation into Teng Zijing's assassination hit a dead end. With most clues exhausted and Ye Ling’er unwilling to reveal what she had witnessed, Fan Xian realized only one path remained. He sought out Ye Ling’er, pressing her about what she saw on the boat during the incident. Although she initially claimed to have seen nothing, she eventually admitted that someone was indeed present.

However, she refused to disclose the individual's identity, explaining that the person wielded enormous power, and revealing their name would jeopardize the entire Ye family. She urged Fan Xian to abandon his investigation, but he understood her difficult position and the grave danger she faced. Later, as Fan Xian leisurely ate in his courtyard, Wang Qinian scaled the wall, complaining good-naturedly about the vats obstructing his usual entrance.

Fan Xian playfully retorted that if the vats were moved, he wouldn't know when Wang Qinian, who always sneaks in, had arrived. After a brief banter, Fan Xian handed over the promised banknotes and assured Wang Qinian that the ox, land, and ten pigs he had requested were being arranged. Shifting the conversation, Fan Xian abruptly inquired about Si Lili's whereabouts. Without hesitation, Wang Qinian revealed she was held in the Investigator's Office's heavily fortified dungeon.

Fan Xian then requested a detailed map of the dungeon's entrances, exits, and defensive arrangements. Recognizing the extreme danger, Wang Qinian complied but not without a grave warning that historically, no one who infiltrated the dungeon had ever emerged alive. While Wang Qinian worked on the map, Fan Ruoruo came to speak with Fan Xian. She explained that she had gone to the Eastern Palace to assess the Crown Prince, suspecting he might be behind the assassination attempt.

She found him to be far from the weak figure rumor depicted; instead, he was cunning and adept at concealing his true nature. While she couldn't definitively discern if he harbored an absolute intention to kill Fan Xian, she discovered a secret: his study contained numerous lifelike portraits of women, all lacking facial features. She speculated that this suggested a deep, hidden affection for someone whose identity he wished to keep secret, possibly Si Lili.

Due to Si Lili's identity as a Beiqi secret agent, the Crown Prince could not openly pursue her and, out of jealousy, might have sought to kill Fan Xian, believing he had spent a night with her. Fan Xian found this theory "too dramatic." That night, with Wang Qinian's map, Fan Xian, dressed in a nocturnal costume, prepared to infiltrate the dungeon.

Unexpectedly, Wang Qinian appeared, offering his prized stealth tools, including a grappling hook with a rope made of hair and spider-web, dizzy incense, and cotton-soled shoes. Fan Xian politely declined, stating he had his own skills in climbing and poisons, and more importantly, explaining that his capture would inevitably implicate Wang Qinian. Arriving at the Investigator's Office, Fan Xian paused at the inscription left by his mother, Ye Qingmei.

He now understood why she desired to change the world: a man's life had been taken, and no one cared because the deceased was "just a guard," his status rendering his life irrelevant to the powerful. This injustice deeply angered Fan Xian and solidified his understanding of his mother's intentions. Inside the heavily guarded Investigator's Office, Fan Xian used the map to swiftly enter the dungeon during a perceived gap in the patrols.

Unbeknownst to him, the guards who had seemingly left their posts immediately returned, making it appear as though his entry had been intentionally facilitated. Upon finding Si Lili alone in her cell, Fan Xian proposed a deal, but she told him to turn around. To his surprise, Yan Ruohai was already waiting inside. Yan Ruohai handed Fan Xian the key to the cell, declaring him the chief interrogator.

He revealed that his earlier public dismissal of Fan Xian was a protective measure, fearing the true mastermind would target him. Yan Ruohai affirmed that the Investigator's Office would support Fan Xian's decisions completely. Si Lili, witnessing this, was bewildered by Fan Xian's true identity and the Investigator's Office's profound deference to him. Outside the dungeon, Zhu Ge confronted Yan Ruohai, questioning his protection of Fan Xian.

Yan Ruohai calmly stated it was the Head's directive, revealing that he and the Head had been in secret communication and he was simply "following orders." Fan Xian then told Si Lili that her fate rested entirely in his hands and demanded she reveal the full story of the Niulan Street assassination. With no choice left, Si Lili confessed.

She was a Beiqi secret agent, empowered to command her colleagues in the capital and subject only to orders from the Beiqi imperial family. Someone discovered her identity and had also captured Cheng Jushu, secretly bringing him to the capital. Si Lili reasoned that only high-ranking Beiqi figures knew Cheng Jushu's whereabouts, implying her identity had been leaked by Beiqi's high command.

This individual then came to Joy Tsin House and coerced her into surrendering her secret agent token, which Cheng Jushu was bound to obey. At the time, she was unaware that the target was Fan Xian. She also recalled a woman eavesdropping outside, who was attacked by two disciples of Si Gujian and fell into the Liujing River. After hearing about the Niulan Street assassination, Si Lili burned her boat and fled, only to be apprehended by Fan Xian.

Fan Xian pressed her for the mastermind's identity, but Si Lili refused unless he guaranteed her safe passage out of the city. Recognizing her training and resilience to physical torture, Fan Xian opted for psychological pressure. He declared he wouldn't harm her but would instead have a tiny, soundless, and lightless dark room dug beneath the dungeon, where she would be confined in endless darkness and silence. Si Lili grew visibly tense but defiantly claimed she would rather die.

Fan Xian smiled, tossed her a bottle of poison, and told her to take it if she wished. He observed her hesitation and noted that she had tidied her hair in the dungeon, concluding that someone so concerned with her appearance would not truly embrace death. He told her that hope was "the most horrible thing in this world."

Under his relentless psychological assault, Si Lili’s defenses crumbled, and she tearfully revealed the mastermind's name after securing Fan Xian's promise of safety, no torture, and no humiliation. Fan Xian then instructed Si Lili to conceal the true mastermind's identity from others and only provide the names of other Beiqi agents if questioned. Meanwhile, Wang Qinian, worried about Fan Xian, had followed him into the Investigator's Office and was caught by Zhu Ge.

Wang Qinian feigned distress, explaining he had returned to retrieve banknotes hidden within official documents on his desk, as his wife's thorough searches forced him to find creative hiding places. Zhu Ge, skeptical, sent someone to verify his story. After the interrogation, Fan Xian handed Zhu Ge a list of Beiqi agents in the capital, claiming it was all he had found.

He informed Zhu Ge of his promise to Si Lili: she would be spared, not tortured, and merely imprisoned. When Zhu Ge challenged his authority, Yan Ruohai intervened, affirming that Fan Xian held this power, as it was "the Head's decision." Seeing Wang Qinian, who had risked much by returning, Fan Xian remarked, "Wang Qinian, you're a good man."

The next day, Fan Xian arranged for Fan Sizhe to lead a noisy procession with drums and gongs to the imperial residence, intending to make a grand and public visit to Lin Wan’er. Upon hearing this, Lin Gong, Wan’er's second brother, was enraged. Interpreting this as a deliberate provocation, he ordered his seventh-dan masters to ambush and kill Fan Xian the moment he entered the courtyard. Wan’er, distressed, secretly dispatched a maid to warn him.

At the gate, after Fan Sizhe's boisterous group attracted attention, Fan Xian entered and was met by Wan’er’s maid, who whispered a desperate warning: "The Second Young Master is going to kill you! You should leave!" Just then, dozens of hidden guards surrounded him. Outnumbered, Fan Xian skillfully evaded them and scaled the wall to escape. Relieved by his escape, Wan’er was confronted by Lin Gong, who told her to abandon any hope for Fan Xian.

He revealed that their father, the Prime Minister, was preparing a memorial to the Emperor to annul their engagement. Wan’er confessed she loved Fan Xian despite his flaws, praising his sincere eyes. Lin Gong insisted that Fan Xian's character no longer mattered, warning her that he shouldn't have come to the capital, as many powerful people were watching him. After leaving, Fan Xian sought out Ye Ling’er.

He revealed that he knew the mastermind was Lin Gong, Wan’er's second brother, and that his investigation showed Lin Gong was a staunch supporter of the Crown Prince. Ye Ling’er, seeing he had uncovered the truth, pleaded with him to drop the matter. She urged him not to endanger the Fan family for the sake of "just a guard," warning that offending the Crown Prince would put even the Ye family, despite having a Great Master, at grave risk.

Fan Xian, angered by the repeated dismissal of a guard's life, reaffirmed his understanding of his mother's desire to change a world that so readily disregarded the lives of the less privileged.

Episode 18 Recap

Lin Wan’er pressed her second brother, Lin Gong, about his animosity towards Fan Xian, expressing her willingness to marry him. She described Fan Xian as sincere and pure-eyed, despite his occasional lightheartedness. Lin Gong, however, dismissed Fan Xian’s character as irrelevant, asserting that his presence in the capital was ill-advised as many powerful figures were observing him.

Lin Wan’er acknowledged Lin Gong’s consistent kindness, contrasting it with their father’s more distant approach, though she understood it was for the family’s greater good. Still, she questioned the purpose of their family's glory if they could not protect its own members. Lin Gong explained that his opposition to the marriage was to protect her from being entangled in Fan Xian’s troubles.

He left her a short dagger, insisting that they could never be together and telling her not to see Fan Xian again. Fan Xian informed Fan Ruoruo that Lin Gong was the mastermind behind the Niulan Street assassination attempt, a fact he had confirmed with Ye Ling’er. Fan Ruoruo was perplexed, questioning if it was due to Lin Gong's allegiance to the Crown Prince or a struggle for control over the Neiku’s financial power.

Fan Xian recounted how he had deliberately caused a scene at the royal residence to provoke Lin Gong, noting that Lin Gong’s subordinates were all formidable martial artists, easily capable of capturing Cheng Jushu. He expressed frustration that no one had simply asked him about the Neiku, resorting to murder instead. He lamented the powerful's callous disregard for common lives, repeatedly hearing the phrase, “He’s dead, but he’s just a guard.”

Fan Xian declared his intention to avenge Teng Zijing that very night, explaining his revenge was not just for Teng Zijing, but to challenge the prevailing belief that ordinary people are insignificant. Fan Ruoruo reminded him of the painful dilemma: Lin Gong was Lin Wan’er’s brother, and killing him would irrevocably sever any possibility of a future with her. Empathizing with his desire for justice, she emphasized that he alone must make this difficult choice.

Deeply troubled, Fan Xian asked for solitude. Later, Lin Wan’er confided in Ye Ling’er, expressing an intuition that there was a deeper conflict between Lin Gong and Fan Xian. Ye Ling’er, knowing the truth but unable to disclose it, asked Lin Wan’er how she would choose if an irreconcilable conflict arose between her family and the man she loved.

Lin Wan’er reflected on Lin Gong’s kindness as her primary source of familial warmth and acknowledged her deep emotional commitment to Fan Xian. She concluded that if such a choice were forced upon her, she would ultimately stand on the side of justice. That night, Fan Xian, dressed for his mission, prepared to assassinate Lin Gong but was intercepted by a suddenly reappeared Wuzhu. Wuzhu coolly commanded him to retreat, perceiving that Fan Xian’s agitated state guaranteed failure.

Enraged, Fan Xian demanded to know if Wuzhu also believed Teng Zijing’s death was inconsequential and, in his fury, attacked him. Wuzhu effortlessly subdued Fan Xian, knocking him unconscious. Fan Xian awoke in his own bed at the Fan Manor, instinctively searching for Wuzhu. Fan Ruoruo informed him that Wuzhu had not been seen and, crucially, that Lin Gong had hastily left the capital early that morning. Fan Xian sought out Ye Ling’er for information on Lin Gong’s whereabouts.

She confirmed his departure with a retinue of guards after a meeting with the Crown Prince. Ling’er, unwilling to jeopardize her family by testifying against Lin Gong, suggested Fan Xian pursue him to uncover the truth, implying the Emperor would render judgment if Lin Gong were found guilty of treason. Fan Xian immediately rode off to find Wang Qinian to employ his tracking skills.

However, Wang Qinian found the trail difficult to follow, as the flagstone roads near the Prime Minister’s mansion left no discernible tracks. As they proceeded towards the Prime Minister’s mansion, they encountered the Second Prince, who was leisurely reading "Red Mansions." The Second Prince candidly admitted he was waiting for Fan Xian and revealed that Lin Gong and the Crown Prince had a tense discussion in the Eastern Palace study that morning before Lin Gong’s swift departure.

Acknowledging the pervasive espionage within the royal family, he offered the assistance of his personal guard, Xie Bi'an, a renowned swordsman whose skill was poetically described as "a sword that breaks the passage of time." Fan Xian declined, expressing appreciation for the Second Prince’s honesty but asserting his preference for handling the situation independently. He also subtly criticized the Second Prince for having common street vendors displaced for his comfort, highlighting their differing philosophies on the value of ordinary people.

Unfazed, the Second Prince wished him luck. Recognizing the urgency, Fan Xian and Wang Qinian decided to leave the city to track Lin Gong. Meanwhile, Lin Gong and his entourage arrived at a secluded courtyard to rest before continuing south. Wuzhu suddenly appeared, declaring he would kill Lin Gong for attempting to harm Fan Xian. Lin Gong, initially disdainful, ordered his guards to attack. Wuzhu swiftly dispatched them all before killing Lin Gong himself.

At the Investigator's Office, Zhuge received an anonymous letter detailing Lin Gong's death location. He led his men to the courtyard, where they confirmed Lin Gong’s demise. The body was returned to the Investigator’s Office, where the sword wound indicated a highly skilled assailant. Zhuge speculated that only Xie Bi'an, the Second Prince's formidable guard, possessed such sword mastery in the capital.

Given Lin Gong’s affiliation with the Crown Prince, Zhuge recognized the political sensitivity and decided to submit a secret memorial to the Emperor for a ruling. Later that night, Fan Sizhe visited Fan Xian to discuss plans for opening a bookstore to sell "Red Mansions." As they talked, Wuzhu abruptly appeared, found Fan Sizhe there, and rendered him unconscious. Wuzhu informed Fan Xian that he had killed Lin Gong, reiterating his standing order to eliminate anyone who threatened him.

To Wuzhu’s surprise, Fan Xian reacted with anger, demanding to know why Wuzhu intervened and where he had been during the Niulan Street assassination. Wuzhu, uncharacteristically hesitant, apologized for his absence from the capital and vowed it would not happen again. He revealed he had traveled to Jiangnan to find the key to his late mistress’s box.

By revisiting old places, he recalled that the key was either in the imperial palace or at the Taiping Residence, his mistress’s former abode, though he couldn't remember its precise location. Wuzhu instructed Fan Xian to find the Taiping Residence and to keep his return a secret from Fan Jian before vanishing. The next morning, Fan Sizhe awoke confused in Fan Xian's room.

Fan Xian playfully convinced him that the mansion was haunted, much to the exasperated amusement of his mother. After breakfast, Fan Jian summoned Fan Xian to his study. He informed him of Lin Gong’s death, speculating about the skilled swordsman responsible, and subtly inquired if Wuzhu had returned. Fan Xian feigned ignorance. He then asked about the Taiping Residence, expressing a desire to visit his mother's former home.

Fan Jian, surprised, firmly refused, emphasizing the paramount importance of secrecy regarding Fan Xian’s mother until the Neiku inheritance was secured. Fan Sizhe later approached Fan Xian again about the bookstore, suggesting the name "Danbo Bookstore." Just then, messengers arrived, summoning Fan Xian to both the Crown Prince’s Eastern Palace and Prime Minister Lin Ruofu’s mansion. Realizing both summons were related to Lin Gong’s death, Fan Xian was caught in a difficult position. Before he could choose, imperial guards arrived with a verbal decree from the Emperor, commanding an immediate audience and thus absolving him of the choice.

Episode 19 Recap

Following Lin Gong’s death, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Lin Ruofu both summoned Fan Xian. Fan Xian found himself in a difficult position, as choosing one would offend the other. Just then, imperial guards arrived with a verbal instruction from Emperor Qing, summoning Fan Xian to the palace. Before the summons, Fan Xian had spoken with his father, Fan Jian.

When Fan Jian informed him of Lin Gong's death and questioned if Wuzhu had returned, Fan Xian feigned ignorance about Wuzhu's whereabouts and his own involvement, claiming he only wished to visit his mother's old residence, Taiping Manor, to pay respects. Fan Jian, still suspicious, refused to disclose the manor’s location. Moments later, Fan Sizhe also approached Fan Xian about the bookstore venture, but Fan Xian, preoccupied, quickly brushed him off.

Eunuch Hou, the same eunuch who had driven Fan Xian to the divine temple previously, escorted him to the Imperial Palace. This made Fan Xian realize that his earlier visit to the temple was orchestrated by Emperor Qing. Along the way, Eunuch Hou advised Fan Xian to be cautious in the Emperor's presence and warned him against touching any bows and arrows, as they were the Emperor's cherished possessions.

Suddenly, Fan Xian spotted a masked figure leaping over a high wall. He was surprised by such a blatant assassin in broad daylight, but Eunuch Hou remained unfazed. He explained that Qing was now powerful, and Beiqi and Dongyi Town feared Emperor Qing deeply, making assassination attempts a common occurrence. Soon after, the assassin was swiftly apprehended by Gong Dian, the Deputy Director of the Imperial Guards.

Fan Xian immediately recognized Gong Dian as the martial arts master he had encountered at the divine temple, confirming his suspicion that Emperor Qing had likely been there that day. Fan Xian joked with Eunuch Hou, calling Gong Dian "Laogong," much to Eunuch Hou's dismay, who warned him against such disrespect. Emperor Qing received Fan Xian in the Imperial Study, initially observing him from behind a bookshelf.

After waiting for a while, Fan Xian called out loudly for the Emperor, prompting him to emerge. Eunuch Hou promptly instructed Fan Xian to kneel, but Emperor Qing asked if Fan Xian wished to do so. Fan Xian instinctively replied he did not, and Emperor Qing graciously permitted him to remain standing, surprising and unnerving Eunuch Hou. Emperor Qing then brought up the assassin Fan Xian had seen.

Eunuch Hou explained that the assassin was from Beiqi and had been under the Investigator's Office's surveillance since his arrival. Over several months, six of Qing’s secret agents had subtly encouraged his resolve to assassinate the Emperor. Emperor Qing then revealed that he himself had orchestrated this plot to provide a pretext for war against Beiqi.

He added that the recent Niulan Street assassination, where Fan Xian killed Cheng Jushu and interrogated Si Lili, offered an even better justification for the war, as it exposed a Beiqi secret agent lurking in the capital city. As a reward for eliminating the culprit and capturing the spy, Emperor Qing appointed Fan Xian as the Assistant Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, an eighth-rank official.

As Fan Xian prepared to express his gratitude, cleverly referencing Emperor Qing’s earlier instruction to stand, Emperor Qing abruptly asked if Fan Xian had killed Lin Gong. Fan Xian immediately denied it, claiming he had no reason to harm him. Emperor Qing then revealed that Lin Gong had masterminded the Niulan Street assassination. Fan Xian vehemently denied any prior knowledge of this.

Emperor Qing, unconcerned with the veracity of Fan Xian’s claims, merely informed him that the Crown Prince was aware of Lin Gong’s involvement. At that moment, the Crown Prince requested an audience. When Emperor Qing asked if Fan Xian wished to see him, Fan Xian indicated he preferred the Emperor to decide. Emperor Qing then instructed Eunuch Hou to dismiss the Crown Prince, stating he was busy with the newly appointed Assistant Minister, Fan Xian.

He also told Fan Xian that he would have to deal with the Crown Prince on his own later. Returning to the Imperial Study, Eunuch Hou was startled to see Fan Xian idly toying with the Emperor’s cherished bows and arrows. Emperor Qing then revealed that Prime Minister Lin Ruofu had changed his mind about Fan Xian’s marriage to Lin Wan’er and that Fan Xian would discover the reason upon visiting the Lin mansion.

Before Fan Xian left, Emperor Qing remarked that despite his seemingly sincere and forthright demeanor, every action and word from Fan Xian was a calculated pretense, a comment that chilled Fan Xian to the bone, though he maintained a calm exterior.

Outside the palace, Fan Xian tried to subtly extract information about the potential mole in the Investigator's Office from Eunuch Hou, but the eunuch, still reeling from Fan Xian's audacious behavior before the Emperor, refused to discuss such a sensitive topic. Meanwhile, Yuan Hongdao, an adviser to Prime Minister Lin Ruofu, arrived at the Investigator's Office seeking Zhu Ge. The guards became suspicious of the torture implements he carried.

When a guard initially refused to fetch Zhu Ge, Yuan Hongdao menacingly held a needle to the guard's throat, forcing him to comply. Separately, Ye Ling’er hastily met with Fan Xian, asking if he was Lin Gong’s killer. She was relieved when he denied it, confirming his alibi. Fan Xian then instructed Wang Qinian to convey his whereabouts to Fan Ruoruo, asking her to inform the Crown Prince that he was headed to the Prime Minister’s mansion.

Fan Xian reasoned that if the Crown Prince showed "over-concern" by confronting him at the Lin mansion, it would arouse suspicion in the astute Prime Minister. Fan Ruoruo followed Fan Xian’s instructions and went to the Eastern Palace to inform the Crown Prince of Fan Xian's location. The Crown Prince remained composed, stating he had already conveyed all his suspicions to the Prime Minister.

He chillingly predicted that Fan Xian was walking into a trap, as Prime Minister Lin Ruofu would undoubtedly investigate the true cause of Lin Gong’s death. Back at the Investigator's Office, Yuan Hongdao was granted access to Si Lili’s cell by Zhu Ge. Yuan Hongdao pressed Si Lili, asking if she had revealed Lin Gong's identity as the mastermind of the Niulan Street assassination to Fan Xian during her interrogation.

Despite Yuan Hongdao employing torture to test her veracity, Si Lili steadfastly maintained that she had not disclosed Lin Gong’s name. Yan Ruohai eventually intervened, pointing out that the imperial verbal instruction only allowed for questioning, not torture, and escorted Yuan Hongdao out. Yuan Hongdao left his torture tools behind, mockingly gifting them to Si Lili as a "souvenir." At the Lin mansion, Fan Xian was greeted by a guard who led him inside.

In the courtyard, he met Lin Dabao, Lin Gong’s elder brother, a man with the mental capacity of a child, and the two played together. Dabao innocently spoke of his younger brother "Erbao," whose real name was Lin Gong, and mentioned that he hadn't been home, a poignant moment that highlighted the family's loss. Prime Minister Lin Ruofu observed their interaction from afar, surprised and impressed by Fan Xian’s unexpected kindness and patience with Dabao.

Yuan Hongdao reported his findings to Prime Minister Lin Ruofu: Si Lili had not revealed Lin Gong's involvement in the assassination to Fan Xian, suggesting that Fan Xian had no motive to kill Lin Gong. Lin Ruofu then dispatched Yuan Hongdao back to the Eastern Palace to inform the Crown Prince of this development and to convey his intentions regarding Fan Xian. Later, Dabao led Fan Xian to Lin Ruofu’s study.

Lin Ruofu dismissed Dabao to speak privately with Fan Xian. He showed Fan Xian some childhood writings of Lin Gong, explaining that Dabao had suffered a debilitating illness as a child, leaving him with the mind of a toddler, and that Lin Wan’er suffered from tuberculosis, now recovering due to Fan Xian’s treatment. Lin Gong had been his only healthy child and the sole hope for the Lin family’s future, a hope now extinguished by his death.

Lin Ruofu then directly informed Fan Xian that Lin Gong was indeed the mastermind behind the Niulan Street assassination, carefully observing Fan Xian's reaction. Fan Xian feigned shock and confusion, asking why Lin Gong would want to kill him. Seeing Fan Xian’s seemingly genuine reaction, Lin Ruofu’s defenses lowered.

He expressed his desire for Fan Xian and Lin Wan’er to marry quickly, offering to support Fan Xian’s career, protect him from enemies like the Guo family, and eventually entrust him with all the Lin family’s wealth and connections. His sole condition was that Fan Xian must protect Lin Wan’er and Dabao, and ensure the Lin family’s survival from political adversaries after his own passing. Fan Xian firmly rejected this proposal as a transaction.

He declared that his love for Lin Wan’er was genuine and deeply heartfelt. If he married her, he would naturally love and protect her, and by extension, her family, including Dabao, not as a contractual obligation but as a duty born of love. Lin Ruofu was profoundly moved by Fan Xian’s words, though his concern immediately shifted, asking for details about when and how Fan Xian and Wan'er had met and talked repeatedly.

At the Eastern Palace, Yuan Hongdao arrived and informed the Crown Prince that Si Lili had confirmed she did not tell Fan Xian about Lin Gong's involvement. He then delivered Prime Minister Lin Ruofu’s message: Fan Xian was now considered the son-in-law of the Lin family, and the Prime Minister requested the Crown Prince to overlook Fan Xian's past transgressions for his sake. The Crown Prince, hearing this, questioned if the Prime Minister believed he was the one who wanted to harm Fan Xian.

Episode 20 Recap

Lin Ruofu, the Prime Minister, burned the writings his son Lin Gong had left behind, signifying his intention to put the past behind him and wholeheartedly support Fan Xian. He cautioned Fan Xian to be wary of the Crown Prince, citing two reasons: first, Fan Xian was poised to take over the Neiku from the Princess Royal, and second, Fan Xian's association with the Second Prince since his arrival in the capital city would naturally displease the Crown Prince.

Lin Ruofu emphasized that the capital city was a treacherous place, and without aligning with a powerful faction, Fan Xian would invite danger. He advised Fan Xian to remain neutral and avoid meeting with either the Crown Prince or the Second Prince. However, he then clarified that as Lin Ruofu’s future son-in-law, Fan Xian would naturally be under his wing.

Fan Xian expressed concern that if the Crown Prince were to ascend the throne with a grudge against him, the Lin family would suffer. Lin Ruofu assured him he would mediate, but if the Crown Prince persisted in viewing Fan Xian as an enemy, he would support another candidate for the throne. As Fan Xian prepared to leave, he spoke with Lin Ruofu's eldest son, Dabao.

Fan Xian promised Dabao that he would marry Wan'er and take him to see the sea, also offering to treat him to cakes. Dabao, overjoyed, mentioned his younger brother Erbao (Lin Gong), asking if he could join them. Fan Xian gently explained that Erbao had gone to a very distant place and would not be seen for a long time. Dabao, with innocent understanding, realized Erbao had died, just like the little pets he once had.

He recounted how Wan'er had explained death as going to a faraway place from which one never returns, but that eventually, he too would go there and reunite with his kittens, bunnies, and Erbao. Dabao added that he would tell them how much he missed them. Fan Xian was amused by Dabao’s wish to call him "Xianxian," a name Fan Xian found a bit odd.

Lin Ruofu later confided in his advisor, Yuan Hongdao, about his decision to entrust his daughter and the Lin family's future to Fan Xian. He explained that he had observed Fan Xian interacting with Dabao. Even household servants often mocked Dabao or grew impatient with him, but Fan Xian had shown genuine warmth and a sincere smile, treating Dabao as a true friend.

It was at that moment that Lin Ruofu decided that if Fan Xian was not involved in Lin Gong's death, he would become the Lin family's future pillar. Dabao, still bidding farewell, told Fan Xian he was different from the people his father usually invited, who only smiled at him when his father was present. He never told his father this, fearing they would be scolded.

Fan Xian, finding Dabao more lovable than most people he had met since arriving from Danzhou, praised him. Dabao eagerly asked Fan Xian to visit often, and Fan Xian, while trying to give him simple advice about not picking up food or jumping in puddles, affectionately promised to return. Soon after, a sweat-drenched Wang Qinian caught up with Fan Xian.

He urgently informed Fan Xian that the Crown Prince had left the Eastern Palace and was heading to the Investigator's Office to see, or rather, to rescue Si Lili. Fan Xian understood the gravity of the situation: Si Lili had remained silent because she knew the Investigator's Office valued Fan Xian and believed he would spare her life. If she learned the Crown Prince would guarantee her safety in exchange for the truth, she would undoubtedly reveal all.

This would lead the Crown Prince, Lin Ruofu, and even Emperor Qing to conclude that Fan Xian was responsible for Lin Gong's murder. Fan Xian and Wang Qinian hurried to the Investigator's Office, discreetly observing as the Crown Prince arrived with his elite guards. Fan Xian hoped someone would block his entry, as his exposure would be a death sentence.

Wang Qinian noted that Emperor Qing had previously decreed that no princes were to meddle in the Investigator's Office affairs, believing the officials within would prevent the Crown Prince from entering. Indeed, Zhu Ge, a high-ranking official, stepped forward to stop the Crown Prince, who defiantly declared his intention to force entry unless Zhu Ge dared to physically stop him. Zhu Ge hesitated, but Yan Ruohai, another official, threatened to knock the Crown Prince unconscious if he persisted.

The Crown Prince, seemingly enraged, commanded his guards to draw their swords and charge. Witnessing this display of aggression, Fan Xian felt a surge of despair, realizing he had underestimated the Crown Prince's ruthlessness and even contemplated fleeing the capital city. Just then, the familiar thundering of hooves filled the air. Fan Xian looked up to see the Black Knights escorting Chen Pingping, the Head of the Investigator's Office, back to the capital.

It was Fan Xian's first encounter with this formidable figure, second only to the Emperor. He noticed Chen Pingping's legs and Wang Qinian explained that Chen Pingping had sustained his injury years ago leading the Black Knights on a thousand-mile assault to capture Xiao En, Beiqi's most notorious villain, rendering him unable to walk ever since. Chen Pingping regarded the Crown Prince, who stood with his armed guards, as if he were a child playing games.

He calmly instructed the Crown Prince to return. The Crown Prince, incensed by this dismissive attitude, loudly challenged Chen Pingping's authority, questioning if his Black Knights dared to kill a Crown Prince. Chen Pingping calmly replied that attacking a Crown Prince was not the way of a loyal subject. As the Crown Prince, emboldened, prepared to force his way in, Wang Qinian, from his hidden position, expertly shot a dagger, causing a diversion.

Chen Pingping seized the opportunity, ordering his men to "protect the Crown Prince from assassins," and had him swiftly removed and sent back to the Eastern Palace. After this event, Fan Xian finally understood why the Black Knights had appeared so opportunely during his pursuit of Si Lili outside the capital—Wang Qinian admitted he was specifically placed by Chen Pingping to monitor Fan Xian.

When Fan Xian later met Chen Pingping inside the Investigator's Office, he found Chen Pingping surprisingly warm and familiar. Chen Pingping spoke of Fan Xian's mother, Ye Qingmei, with deep nostalgia, recalling how she had casually scattered wildflower seeds by a wall, confident that life would always find its own way to flourish. Fan Xian, still wary, feigned ignorance about Ye Qingmei and Wuzhu, especially when Chen Pingping subtly hinted that Wuzhu was Lin Gong’s killer.

Seeing Fan Xian’s distrust, Chen Pingping reassured him that he need not concern himself further with Lin Gong's matter, as Chen Pingping himself would handle its resolution. Later, while Fan Xian and Wang Qinian were eating, Fan Sizhe approached them, having just returned from a storytelling teahouse, eager to discuss their bookstore business. Before they could delve into their plans, Eunuch Hou arrived with an urgent summons for Fan Xian to enter the palace.

Fan Xian was led into the palace, where he met Lin Ruofu. Together, they went to face Emperor Qing in the Imperial Study. The purpose of the summons was a confrontation, as the Crown Prince had accused both the Second Prince and Fan Xian of orchestrating Lin Gong's murder. In the Imperial Study, Emperor Qing observed the heated arguments between the Crown Prince and the Second Prince, who tried to implicate each other.

The Crown Prince argued that Lin Gong was killed by a skilled swordsman, like Xie Bi'an, the Second Prince's follower. The Second Prince used Fan Xian as a witness, stating that Xie Bi'an was with them at the time of Lin Gong's death, making it impossible for him to be the killer. The Crown Prince then accused Fan Xian and the Second Prince of conspiring and fabricating their alibi.

When asked about his motive, the Crown Prince revealed that Lin Gong had orchestrated the Niulan Street assassination, implying Fan Xian sought revenge. Fan Xian feigned ignorance about Lin Gong's involvement in that attack. Emperor Qing, growing tired of their incessant bickering, turned to Lin Ruofu, the aggrieved father, for his opinion.

Lin Ruofu, instead of pointing fingers at the princes, placed the blame squarely on Chen Pingping, citing the Investigator's Office's failure to find the true killer as a dereliction of duty. Emperor Qing, feigning anger, summoned Chen Pingping. Upon his arrival, Emperor Qing publicly reprimanded him for his alleged incompetence. Chen Pingping, however, calmly announced that the killer had been identified: Si Gujian, the Grandmaster from Dongyi Town.

He explained that Si Gujian had killed Lin Gong because Lin Gong, in collusion with Si Lili, had orchestrated the Niulan Street assassination attempt on Fan Xian, which resulted in the deaths of two of Si Gujian's disciples. Chen Pingping elaborated that Si Gujian, being a "sword fanatic," would appreciate Fan Xian's skill in defeating the assassins but would seek revenge on those who orchestrated the attack, namely Lin Gong and Beiqi.

Episode 21 Recap

Chen Pingping addressed Emperor Qing, the Crown Prince, and other officials, asserting that he had uncovered the true culprit behind Lin Gong’s death: Si Gujian of Dongyi. He explained that Lin Gong had conspired with Si Lili to assassinate Fan Xian on Niulan Street, but during the attempt, two of Si Gujian's disciples were killed by Fan Xian in self-defense.

Chen Pingping elaborated that Si Gujian, being a master obsessed with swordsmanship, would commend Fan Xian’s prowess but would hold Lin Gong and Beiqi responsible as the true instigators. He further claimed that Beiqi's secret agents had manipulated Lin Gong to sow discord between Nanqing and Dongyi, and then implicated Si Gujian to destabilize the capital. Chen Pingping vehemently urged Emperor Qing to declare war on Beiqi immediately.

Emperor Qing initially expressed caution, but Lin Ruofu, understanding the underlying political maneuver, tearfully knelt and begged the Emperor to avenge his son's death by launching a punitive expedition against Beiqi. Acceding to Lin Ruofu's plea, Emperor Qing announced his decision to order Dongyi to hand over the killer and declared war on Beiqi, stating that Beiqi had pushed them too far and that Nanqing would unite its strength to punish the wicked.

Following this, Emperor Qing consoled Lin Ruofu, urging him to prioritize his health and manage the six ministries during the impending war. Lin Ruofu, accepting the new reality, requested that Lin Gong’s body be released by the Investigator’s Office so it could be buried properly, a request Chen Pingping agreed to fulfill. Chen Pingping then suggested invalidating the marriage contract between Lin Wan’er and Fan Xian, citing the enmity caused by Lin Gong’s actions.

However, Lin Ruofu firmly stated that his son's mistakes were unrelated to Fan Xian and praised Fan Xian's efforts in investigating Beiqi's secret agents, insisting the engagement should stand. Emperor Qing concurred, but postponed the wedding until after the war, respecting the period of mourning. For slandering his brother, the Crown Prince was grounded in the Eastern Palace for three days and instructed to study more classics.

As Fan Xian and Lin Ruofu left the palace, Lin Ruofu confessed that he did not believe Si Gujian was the true killer. He had confirmed with Fan Xian that the Second Prince and Xie Bi'an were not involved, dismissing the official narrative as merely a pretext for Emperor Qing to declare war on Beiqi.

Lin Ruofu lamented that despite his high position, he was powerless against national interests, and the truth of his son’s death would remain buried beneath the political currents. He even hinted at the possibility of a Great Master within the palace walls, loyal only to the Emperor, being the actual killer.

Witnessing Lin Ruofu's despair, Fan Xian felt a complex mix of emotions, acknowledging his hatred for Lin Gong for killing Teng Zijing but also recognizing the universal pain of losing a loved one. Lin Ruofu then warned Fan Xian to stay away from Chen Pingping, describing him as a ruthless and unfathomable figure.

He promised to arrange Fan Xian's transfer to the Ministry of Personnel after his marriage to Lin Wan’er, advocating for a safer career path away from the Investigator’s Office. He advised Fan Xian against investigating Lin Gong's death, warning that the secrets were too profound for him to bear. Before parting, Lin Ruofu urged Fan Xian to spend more time with Lin Wan’er, who was deeply grieved and in delicate health, and to keep her away from the funeral proceedings.

Meanwhile, the Princess Royal, Li Yunrui, met Lin Ruofu outside the palace. She expressed feigned sympathy for Lin Gong's death, but Lin Ruofu, seeing through her facade, coldly rebuffed her, stating that she only cared about his power, not his well-being. Angered but composed, Li Yunrui reiterated her desire to prevent Lin Wan’er from marrying Fan Xian, whom she called a "bumpkin." Lin Ruofu directly accused her of being unwilling to relinquish control of the Neiku.

He asserted that he owed Wan’er greatly, having seen her infrequently since her birth, and would now honor her wishes to marry Fan Xian, whom she genuinely loved. He also noted Fan Xian's kindness to Dabao, assuring that the Lin family's future would be in good hands.

Lin Ruofu then bluntly told Li Yunrui to let go of Neiku, as it was never truly hers, and declared that they had nothing more to say to each other, instructing that they should not meet again. After this confrontation, Li Yunrui coldly ordered her guards to kill unseen individuals and dispose of their bodies in the lake, revealing her true ruthless nature. Later, Fan Xian encountered Lin Wan’er near the imperial residence.

She directly confronted him, asking if he had killed her brother. Holding a dagger Lin Gong had given her, her eyes welled with tears and her hands trembled. Only after Fan Xian firmly denied it, looking her in the eye, did she visibly relax, collapsing into his arms in tears. She confessed that if he were the killer, she would take her own life rather than face such a cruel reality, which intensified Fan Xian’s guilt.

He comforted her, explaining that Si Gujian was the killer and that Emperor Qing would soon launch a war against Beiqi to avenge Lin Gong’s death. Lin Wan’er, however, found no joy in this news, lamenting that war would only lead to more innocent lives being sacrificed. Fan Xian promised to take her out of the city for a change of scenery in a few days. On the street, Chen Pingping intercepted Fan Jian’s carriage.

Chen Pingping criticized Fan Jian for arranging Fan Xian's marriage, seeing it as a move to reclaim the Neiku. He urged Fan Jian to cancel the engagement, arguing that it would put Fan Xian in a dangerous political position. Fan Jian retorted that the marriage was Fan Xian’s own wish and that Neiku no longer belonged to the Ye family.

He accused Chen Pingping of wanting Fan Xian to take over the Investigator’s Office, despite the inherent dangers, while he preferred Fan Xian to live safely as a wealthy commoner, far from power struggles. Chen Pingping countered that wealth without power was fleeting and pledged to protect Fan Xian. Unable to convince each other, they agreed to pursue their own agendas and let Fan Xian ultimately decide his own path.

Still burdened by his lie to Lin Wan’er, Fan Xian visited Teng Zijing's grave. Fan Ruoruo, who had followed him, found him there. She understood his guilt but gently advised him that telling Lin Wan’er the truth would only bring her more pain, especially given her fragile health, and sometimes a white lie served to protect those they cared about. Fan Xian, though still conflicted, found some relief in her words.

As they walked back, Fan Xian confided in Fan Ruoruo about the intricate and confusing political landscape, observing the various factions—the Second Prince, the Crown Prince, Lin Ruofu, and even Chen Pingping—all in opposition. He expressed his unease about the Crown Prince's seemingly reckless behavior in court, questioning how such an apparently incompetent individual could maintain his position if not for a deeper, hidden agenda, especially since his actions that day seemed to only harm him.

Fan Ruoruo reassured him that the capital had long perceived the Crown Prince as lacking talent, leading many to support the Second Prince. Fan Xian, however, found this explanation unconvincing and hoped his suspicions were unfounded. Back at the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince remained in solitary confinement, refusing even to step into his blooming garden, stating he needed to "ground his heart." His attendants worried about his impulsiveness and inability to compete with the Second Prince.

Meanwhile, Chen Pingping visited Si Lili in the dungeon. He directly asked if she had told Fan Xian about Lin Gong's role in the Niulan Street assassination, cautioning her against hesitation. He then informed her of Emperor Qing's decision to declare war on Beiqi, using the official narrative that Beiqi's secret agents manipulated Lin Gong and implicated Si Gujian.

Chen Pingping reminded her that as a Beiqi spy, she was technically set for execution, but he was the only one who could ensure her safety, provided she maintained the official story: she had not told Fan Xian the truth, and Fan Xian had no reason to kill Lin Gong. He stressed that her life depended on providing this consistent answer to anyone who asked.

Later, Chen Pingping’s subordinate, Yan Ruohai, suggested that if Chen Pingping wanted to protect Fan Xian, he should simply eliminate Si Lili. Chen Pingping responded that Fan Xian had promised to spare her life. Ruohai then probed Chen Pingping's relationship with Fan Xian, whom Chen Pingping referred to as an "old friend," despite Fan Xian growing up in Danzhou.

Chen Pingping then discussed the succession of the Investigator’s Office leadership, noting that Ruohai and Zhu Ge were the most capable candidates. When asked about Fan Xian potentially taking over the Investigator's Office, Ruohai deferred to Chen Pingping's judgment but pointed out that Chen Pingping’s gaze during their conversation had held murderous intent. Late that night, Wuzhu appeared at Fan Xian’s residence. Fan Xian recounted the day's events, expressing confusion over Chen Pingping's extreme protectiveness.

Wuzhu explained it was due to Fan Xian’s mother, Ye Qingmei. He revealed that after Ye Qingmei was killed, it was Chen Pingping's Black Knights who avenged her by drenching the capital in blood. Fan Xian was stunned by this revelation, realizing the deep connection between Chen Pingping and his mother.

As Fan Xian pressed for more details, Wuzhu became agitated, speaking in enigmatic phrases about Ye Qingmei being a "guider, a betrayer, like Nuwa who repaired the heaven, the cause of every phenomenon on earth, and the end of finality." When asked to explain, Wuzhu said the words simply appeared in his mind from a deep memory, yet he couldn't grasp their meaning. After a brief moment of intense concentration, Wuzhu suddenly declared that he remembered the location of the Taiping Residence: 2. 5 kilometers east of the capital city.

Episode 22 Recap

Wuzhu, recalling how Chen Pingping once avenged Fan Xian's mother by "bloodbathing" the capital, had a breakthrough in his memory. He remembered that the Taiping Residence, where Fan Xian's mother once lived, was located five "li" (roughly 2. 5 kilometers) east of the city. He believed the key to Fan Xian's mother's box might be hidden there, and finding it could help Wuzhu regain his own memories.

Fan Xian, however, was concerned that directly investigating the residence would draw too much attention. He devised a plan to gather a large group for an outing, explaining that a crowd would make it easier to conceal his true objective: finding the key. On the day of the outing, Fan Xian, his younger sister Fan Ruoruo, and younger brother Fan Sizhe set off early. Lin Wan’er’s carriage was already waiting for them at the city gate.

Ye Ling’er initially rode with Lin Wan’er, but Fan Xian's overtly affectionate behavior annoyed her, causing her to join Fan Ruoruo in another carriage. Inside their carriage, Fan Sizhe complained about Fan Xian's carefree attitude regarding their soon-to-open bookstore, but Fan Xian brushed him off. In the other carriage, Lin Wan’er, both sweet and shy, tried to change the subject, asking why they hadn't departed. Fan Xian smiled mysteriously, saying they were waiting for one more person.

Soon, the sound of hoofbeats approached, and Lin Wan’er peered out to see Dabao joining their group. Meanwhile, the war on the northern border was progressing smoothly, keeping Yan Ruohai busy managing secret border reports. This success, however, led many officials from the Six Ministries to clamor for a full-scale invasion of Beiqi. Zhu Ge reported this dissent to Chen Pingping, who remained unfazed. He reminded Zhu Ge that Emperor Qing's established strategy was a "gnawing-away scheme" for gradual conquest.

Any defiance of the imperial decree, he declared, would lead to severe consequences. He ordered a thorough investigation into those advocating for an immediate invasion, calling them "traitors" and instructing Zhu Ge to "investigate them, punish them, or even kill them." Shortly after Zhu Ge left, Shadow materialized silently. He informed Chen Pingping that Fan Xian had gone on an outing.

When Chen Pingping questioned his absence from guarding Fan Xian, Shadow coldly explained he could not leave because if anything happened to Chen Pingping, he wouldn't be able to return in time. Shadow warned Chen Pingping that dissenting voices were growing within the Investigator's Office, with some tired of his control, and advised him to be especially cautious of those close to him.

Publicly, Zhu Ge followed Chen Pingping's orders to investigate the dissent, but he knew that Yan Ruohai was the primary instigator within the Investigator's Office. Given their long history as colleagues, Zhu Ge privately urged Yan Ruohai to cease his actions. Yan Ruohai, however, retorted that his son, Yan Bingyun, was in dire straits in Beiqi's capital. He believed that only a swift defeat of Beiqi would ensure his son's early and safe return.

He also insisted that his actions were for the good of Nanqing, implying Chen Pingping was "old." Zhu Ge was left speechless and deeply worried, even warning Yan Ruohai not to force him to make an arrest. Fan Xian and his companions arrived at their countryside destination. Fan Xian and Lin Wan’er sat under a tree, while Dabao and Fan Sizhe played by the river, poking at insects. Fan Ruoruo wandered off, and Wang Qinian slept soundly in the carriage.

Ye Ling’er, bored, tried to teach Dabao some self-defense moves, but Fan Sizhe pulled Dabao aside, whispering that Ye Ling’er was a "tigress" who "eats people." Dabao, in his innocence, promptly relayed this to Ye Ling’er, who angrily chased Fan Sizhe, leading to a chaotic but joyful scuffle. Fan Xian was surprised at their ability to get along.

Lin Wan’er explained that Dabao's willingness to come out with Fan Xian was a sign of great trust due to his childlike innocence. Lin Wan’er felt grateful for Fan Xian's kindness to Dabao, but also guilty. The previous night, her father, Lin Ruofu, had secretly visited her at the royal residence. He instructed her to find an excuse to be alone with Fan Xian and lead him deep into the woods during the outing.

Lin Ruofu had not fully dismissed his suspicions regarding Fan Xian. He operated under the assumption that if Fan Xian had a hidden "peerless martial arts master" comparable to the Four Great Masters by his side, that master could have killed Lin Gong outside the city while Fan Xian remained within. This outing was his "final test." He had dispatched his own skilled martial artists to assassinate Fan Xian in the woods.

If a powerful protector appeared, it would confirm his theory about Fan Xian's involvement in Lin Gong’s death. Conversely, if no such protector emerged, he would put aside his doubts and wholeheartedly support Fan Xian, making him an "ally of the Lin family." Unknown to Lin Ruofu, news of his secret meeting with Lin Wan’er had reached the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince, recently out of his three-day confinement, surmised that Lin Ruofu was still testing Fan Xian and decided to join the "outing" as well. As Dabao, Fan Sizhe, and Ye Ling’er, now armed with fishing nets, enthusiastically tried to catch fish, Lin Wan’er hesitantly suggested to Fan Xian that they go for a walk to a secluded area. Before Fan Xian could fully understand her request, Fan Ruoruo returned, handing Lin Wan’er a flower garland.

She then proposed that Fan Xian pick some flowers and make one for Lin Wan’er himself. Fan Xian seized the opportunity, rising and walking off with Fan Ruoruo. While Fan Ruoruo claimed they were going to pick flowers, her real purpose was to scout the path to the Taiping Residence for Fan Xian. Fan Xian initially wanted to go alone, but Fan Ruoruo insisted on accompanying him. Remembering Wuzhu would be there, he did not stop her.

They soon spotted a large house nestled among vibrant flowers and trees on the opposite bank of the river. Fan Xian explained to Fan Ruoruo that the entire outing was a ploy for him to secretly visit the Taiping Residence to find the key to his mother's box. Meanwhile, Lin Wan’er waited anxiously, Ye Ling’er dozed, and Dabao and Fan Sizhe continued their energetic play. Suddenly, the Crown Prince appeared, startling Lin Wan’er.

He asked everyone not to make a fuss and then called Lin Wan’er aside for a private conversation. Lin Wan’er was puzzled by his intentions, but the Crown Prince directly asked what her father had told her during his late-night visit. He speculated that Lin Ruofu had not entirely let go of his suspicions about Fan Xian, and that Lin Wan’er was likely caught in a difficult position.

As Lin Wan’er struggled to respond, the Crown Prince revealed that he knew who killed Lin Gong. He instructed Lin Wan’er to tell her father that "the murderer is a Great Master." Their conversation was abruptly interrupted when a group of masked men in black charged out from the grass. The leader held a knife to the Crown Prince's neck, declaring, "Fan Xian, your doom has come." Lin Wan’er quickly interjected that the man was not Fan Xian.

The Crown Prince, confused, asked Lin Wan’er if this was her father's doing. Hearing this, the masked leader, trying to deny any connection to the Prime Minister, inadvertently confirmed the Prime Minister's involvement and even had his mask fall off in his haste, creating a comically awkward scene. Lin Wan'er then revealed the man being held was the Crown Prince, leaving the assailants stunned.

Back with Fan Xian and Fan Ruoruo, Fan Xian observed that the residence walls were free of weeds, indicating regular maintenance, but the absence of cooking smoke near noon suggested no one lived there. The unnatural silence, devoid of even bird calls, filled him with unease. As they spoke, a sharp arrow suddenly flew between them, embedding itself in a tree. Fan Xian went to inspect it, and two more arrows swiftly followed.

Turning back, he found Fan Ruoruo unconscious on the ground. Startled, Fan Xian realized it was Wuzhu who had discreetly knocked her out. Wuzhu informed Fan Xian that the archer was a Ninth Dan master. He decided to distract the archer himself, instructing Fan Xian to take an alternate route into the residence.

When Fan Xian said he didn't know the layout, Wuzhu gave precise directions: search for the key in the bedroom opposite the square tower in the lake, specifically checking bookshelves and under the bed. Wuzhu explained that seeing the high walls had jogged his memory. Curious about Wuzhu's plan to lure the enemy, Fan Xian watched as Wuzhu casually pulled an arrow from the tree and hurled it across.

The arrow astonishingly pierced through the sturdy courtyard wall, further deepening Fan Xian's awe of Wuzhu's superhuman abilities. A short while later, the gates of the opposing residence opened. Several guards emerged, carrying a table, a grill, fruits, and other provisions, which they arranged by the riverbank. Then, a man holding a magnificent bow stepped out. This was Yan Xiaoyi, the Director of the Imperial Bodyguards.

Yan Xiaoyi began to eat, calling out to Wuzhu's hiding spot, daring him to shoot another arrow. Wuzhu ignored him, and Fan Xian, following the plan, covertly infiltrated the residence from another side. He quickly located the bedroom and, after a brief search, discovered someone hidden behind a screen. Drawing his dagger, he stealthily approached, only to find Emperor Qing sitting there. Outside, Yan Xiaoyi finished his watermelon and roasted lamb leg.

Seeing no further activity from Wuzhu, he prepared to leave. However, just as he turned, Wuzhu shot another arrow from the tree. Yan Xiaoyi spotted Wuzhu's position, drew his bow, and with a flurry of arrows, shot down the large tree Wuzhu was concealed behind. But Wuzhu was already prepared, using his staff as a pivot to lie flat on the ground. Seeing no one behind the fallen tree, Yan Xiaoyi hastily led his men back into the residence.

Inside, Emperor Qing immediately seized the dagger Fan Xian had hidden behind his back. Fan Xian nervously improvised a story about wandering off during an outing and entering the residence for a drink of water. Emperor Qing did not expose his lie, merely stating that an old friend had once lived there and he occasionally visited.

Fan Xian couldn't resist asking what kind of person the former resident was, but Emperor Qing changed the subject, remarking that Fan Xian had never knelt before him. At that moment, Yan Xiaoyi, having returned, knelt outside the door and loudly reported the events by the river, inquiring about the Emperor's safety. Emperor Qing assured Yan Xiaoyi that he was unharmed. However, Yan Xiaoyi detected an anomaly: there was more than one person inside the room.

As he drew and nocked an arrow, he asked if Emperor Qing wished to dine. Emperor Qing, instinctively replying that he had already eaten, suddenly realized the implication. He quickly pushed Fan Xian aside, rushed to the door, opened it, and identified Fan Xian as the Assistant Musician of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, emphasizing that he was not threatened.

He later explained to Fan Xian that a martial arts master above the Ninth Dan, like Yan Xiaoyi, could detect and pinpoint two individuals' breaths through a wall. Emperor Qing ordered Yan Xiaoyi not to impede Fan Xian's departure and, upon his return to the capital, to dispatch a battalion of Imperial Guards to secure the residence, prohibiting anyone from approaching it ever again. He then told Fan Xian that he was lucky to be alive, emphasizing that these masters who could distinguish locations by breaths through walls were "beyond common sense."

Episode 23 Recap

As Fan Xian left the Taiping Residence, Emperor Qing reminded him never to return there and informed him that his marriage to Lin Wan’er was settled. He instructed Fan Xian to visit the imperial palace the next day to meet the Empress Dowager and several consorts, as Wan’er had grown up in the palace and was cherished by them. Though unwilling, Fan Xian could only comply and take his leave.

Outside, Yan Xiaoyi stopped Fan Xian, pressing him to reveal the identity of the skilled archer who had been shooting across the river. Fan Xian feigned ignorance and, citing Emperor Qing’s recent imperial order to let him pass, boldly walked away. Fan Xian then rejoined Ruoruo, noticing the large tree that had been cleanly severed by Yan Xiaoyi’s arrows. Wuzhu was nowhere to be seen.

Fan Xian told Ruoruo he hadn't found the key but had encountered Emperor Qing, who seemed to know his mother but was unwilling to elaborate. Upon their return, Wan’er immediately informed Fan Xian that the Crown Prince had been captured by her father’s men, having been mistaken for Fan Xian. Realizing she could no longer conceal it, Wan’er confessed that her father, Lin Ruofu, intended to test if Fan Xian had a Great Master by his side.

Fan Xian was surprised Lin Ruofu still harbored such suspicions. Wan’er quickly added that the Crown Prince had stated Fan Xian was not the murderer. Ruoruo, hearing this, was upset that Wan’er had conspired with Lin Ruofu to deceive her brother. Wan’er acknowledged her mistake but urged Fan Xian to take Dabao back to the Prime Minister’s residence at once to relay the Crown Prince's message to her father.

Fan Xian, however, reassured Ruoruo that his feelings for Wan’er were not easily shaken, understanding that she must have had her reasons. Meanwhile, Lin Ruofu and Yuan Hongdao were playing chess while awaiting news. Soon, a subordinate reported that the men sent to test Fan Xian had returned. Lin Ruofu, unwilling to show himself, dispatched Yuan Hongdao to ascertain the situation. The leader of the men reported that they had captured "Fan Xian" and brought him into the capital.

He added that "Fan Xian" had seen through their disguise, realizing they were from the Prime Minister's residence, and persistently demanded to see Lin Ruofu. Yuan Hongdao was exasperated that they had botched such a straightforward task and furiously ordered them to release their captive immediately. At that moment, Dabao returned, cheerfully greeting Yuan Hongdao. Following closely behind, Fan Xian also walked in, waving at Yuan Hongdao, who then realized that the men had captured the wrong person.

Dabao enthusiastically recounted the day's outing to Lin Ruofu, who patiently listened, wiped his forehead, and then subtly directed Dabao to the front hall to pay respects at Lin Gong's funeral altar. Though Dabao did not fully grasp the concept of a funeral, he obediently went. After Dabao left, Fan Xian brought up the attempt to test him, expressing his understanding of Lin Ruofu's need for certainty, given the loss of a loved one.

He then conveyed the Crown Prince's message that the murderer was indeed a Great Master. Lin Ruofu reiterated his conviction that only one of the Four Great Masters could have killed Lin Gong. His investigation had confirmed that Ye Liuyun, Ku He, and Si Gujian were not near the capital at the time. Therefore, he concluded, the killer must be the Great Master within the palace.

However, the true instigator remained unknown, with possibilities including the Emperor, Empress Dowager, Princess Royal, Crown Prince, or the Second Prince. He also muttered that the Princess Royal, Wan'er's birth mother, was "crazy." Just then, Yuan Hongdao rushed in to report the mistaken capture of the Crown Prince, who insisted on meeting both Lin Ruofu and Fan Xian. Yuan Hongdao led them to an unassuming courtyard. The Crown Prince immediately played on Lin Ruofu’s emotions by mentioning Lin Gong.

Lin Ruofu then questioned how the Crown Prince could be so certain the killer was a Great Master. The Crown Prince explained that the Overwatch Council had produced two files on Lin Gong's death, and the one sent to the imperial palace contained the full details.

The Crown Prince then revealed his precarious position, stating that despite numerous followers, he lacked significant support from the Six Ministries and felt isolated in court, with neither the Emperor nor the Empress Dowager favoring him, and the Second Prince gaining increasing influence. He openly sought an alliance with Lin Ruofu to avenge Lin Gong, arguing that only by joining forces could they uncover the truth.

When Lin Ruofu cautiously asked what if the Emperor himself ordered the killing, the Crown Prince declared without hesitation that he would seek revenge for Lin Gong regardless of the perpetrator's identity. Lin Ruofu outwardly agreed to the alliance, emphasizing that no written records should exist, relying solely on mutual understanding, to which the Crown Prince readily consented. Once the alliance was settled, Lin Ruofu inquired why the Crown Prince had insisted on Fan Xian’s presence.

The Crown Prince candidly stated that Fan Xian was destined to be Lin Ruofu's future protégé. He acknowledged their past conflicts but asserted there was no irreconcilable hatred, suggesting they turn hostility into friendship. He further pledged never to contend with Fan Xian for the Neiku and promised that with his and Lin Ruofu's combined backing, Fan Xian would achieve a brilliant future. Fan Xian remained silent throughout this exchange. Before Fan Xian could respond, a commotion erupted outside.

Yuan Hongdao went to investigate, finding blood splattered on the door and a scene of carnage beyond it. Lin Ruofu initially suspected the Crown Prince's guards had arrived to rescue him, but the Crown Prince quickly denied it. Witnessing the grim scene, Fan Xian sighed and went outside to assess the situation himself. He picked up a long sword, cautiously surveying the area. Moments later, a sharp blade came at him from behind.

Fan Xian turned to counterattack, but his sword was instantly broken by his opponent: Xie Bi'an. The Second Prince then strolled in, casually advising Fan Xian not to trust the Crown Prince's words easily. Fan Xian claimed to have heard nothing. The Second Prince patted Fan Xian’s arm and stepped over the bodies into the room.

Inside, the Second Prince bowed deeply to the Crown Prince, claiming he had rushed to his rescue after hearing the news and that Xie Bi'an had eliminated all the kidnappers outside. The Crown Prince, seething inwardly, forced himself to thank him. Lin Ruofu, witnessing this, merely stated he was passing by and promptly took his leave with Yuan Hongdao. Once Lin Ruofu departed, the Crown Prince dropped his pretense, openly mocking the Second Prince for his constant surveillance.

The Second Prince calmly replied that it was his duty, stating that no disturbance in the capital could escape his notice. On their way back, Fan Xian asked Lin Ruofu if he genuinely intended to ally with the Crown Prince. Lin Ruofu chuckled, explaining it was merely a temporary tactic. He intended to leverage the current chaos in the court to elevate Fan Xian's position during his remaining time in office.

As they arrived at the residence, Yuan Hongdao reported that all the kidnappers had been killed. Their families were outside the city. Lin Ruofu immediately ordered him not to collect the bodies to avoid leaving any incriminating evidence, but to ensure the families were properly settled. After Yuan Hongdao left, Lin Ruofu advised Fan Xian that sometimes one must be ruthless, as being soft-hearted can lead to one's downfall. Back home, Fan Xian remained uneasy.

He discerned the Crown Prince's sincerity in trying to recruit him, which meant the Crown Prince was likely not the one who ordered Lin Gong to assassinate him. This revelation only deepened the mystery surrounding the true mastermind. Wuzhu, upon learning Fan Xian hadn’t found the key, concluded it must be with the Empress Dowager in the palace. However, Great Master Hong Sixiang, who constantly guarded her, presented a formidable obstacle.

Moreover, the palace also housed Ninth-Rank archer Yan Xiaoyi and was heavily fortified. Wuzhu proposed that he would distract Hong Sixiang, leaving Fan Xian to infiltrate the palace and find the key. He stressed that Fan Xian must first learn the layout of the palace. Conveniently, Fan Xian was scheduled to enter the palace the next day, and he decided to bring Ruoruo along to help him map out the routes.

They also shared a moment of personal reflection, with Fan Xian asking Wuzhu if he ever felt lonely, and Wuzhu responding simply "no." Fan Xian expressed his hope that Wuzhu would accompany him in his old age, to which Wuzhu agreed if Fan Xian still wished it. As they spoke, Wuzhu suddenly sensed someone approaching and vanished. Fan Xian then saw Wan’er enter, explaining that Ruoruo had left the door open for her.

She had come late at night to invite Fan Xian to watch the stars with her. Sitting in the courtyard, admiring the starry sky, Wan’er shared her lonely childhood in the palace. Her parents rarely visited, and at night, alone in a vast room, only the stars offered her companionship. She spoke of her chronic illness, fearing she could die at any moment, which made her reluctant to grow close to anyone, leading to a profound sense of solitude.

Meeting Fan Xian had changed that, making her realize the comfort of companionship. Wan’er then apologized for concealing her father’s test during their outing, feeling at a loss for how to make amends. She had sneaked out simply to be with him under the beautiful night sky. Fan Xian, filled with both pity and affection, also felt a pang of guilt over his own secret regarding Lin Gong's death.

They both promised never to deceive each other again, their bond significantly strengthened by this candid exchange. The following morning, during breakfast, Fan Jian arranged for Liu Ruyu to accompany Fan Xian to the imperial palace. Fan Xian specifically requested Ruoruo's presence, which she readily accepted. After the meal, Fan Xian privately instructed Ruoruo to meticulously remember the palace routes, hinting at a potential future intrusion. Ruoruo, always compliant and trusting, agreed without questioning his reasons.

Before departing for the palace, Fan Sizhe earnestly reminded Fan Xian to request an imperial inscription for their Danbo Bookstore from one of the consorts, believing it would elevate their establishment to a "Royal Danbo Bookstore" and guarantee booming business. Fan Xian and Ruoruo found his preoccupation with profit both amusing and exasperating. Their guide to the palace was the familiar Eunuch Hou, who informed them that the Empress Dowager and several consorts wished to meet Fan Xian. However, the Empress Dowager's audience would only occur after lunch. Given Liu Ruyu's presence, their first stop would naturally be the residence of her cousin, Consort Yi.

Episode 24 Recap

As Fan Xian entered the imperial palace, Eunuch Hou greeted Liu Ruyu and informed them that the Empress Dowager and several consorts wished to see Fan Xian. However, the Empress Dowager's audience would not be until after lunch. Liu Ruyu decided their first stop would be Consort Yi, her cousin, as the Empress was unwell. Liu Ruyu cautioned Fan Xian to be discreet and mind his words in the imperial harem. Fan Xian, intrigued, asked about Consort Yi.

Liu Ruyu explained that due to the Liu family's strong ties, frequent visits to Consort Yi could be seen as collusion, effectively making the palace a gilded cage for her cousin. Upon meeting Consort Yi, Liu Ruyu was jokingly chided for her long absence. Fan Xian, being perceptive, immediately addressed Consort Yi as "Auntie Liu," earning him a warm smile and a compliment for being a "good lad."

Meanwhile, in her palace, Princess Royal received a report on Fan Xian's respectful behavior with Consort Yi, which she found "smart" and "interesting." She briefly entertained the idea of playing a trick on him but dismissed it as "too obvious and not interesting enough," instead instructing her attendant to continue observing Fan Xian and report his words. Back at Consort Yi's palace, Fan Xian inquired about the Third Prince, who Consort Yi described as shy around strangers.

Fan Xian related, saying he too disliked meeting unfamiliar people when he was young. Eunuch Hou gently reminded them of their schedule, prompting Fan Xian to suggest he go alone. Consort Yi, however, insisted Liu Ruyu stay and chat, while Ruoruo volunteered to accompany her brother. As Fan Xian departed, Liu Ruyu warned him not to be so frivolous with the other consorts, to which Consort Yi defended Fan Xian, calling him "sincere."

Next, Fan Xian and Ruoruo proceeded to Imperial Consort Shu’s palace, the birth mother of the Second Prince. Ruoruo described her as rigorous but deeply passionate about reading and appreciative of talent. Inside, Fan Xian found the palace brimming with books. Imperial Consort Shu, absorbed in a book, barely acknowledged him at first but eventually praised his poetry. She asked about his newly opened bookstore, inquiring if it held rare editions, though Fan Xian explained it mostly sold novels.

She then mentioned having heard that he wrote "Red Mansions," which Fan Xian modestly attributed to a "Mr. Cao," claiming he merely copied it. Imperial Consort Shu acknowledged the book was excellent. She also remarked that the Second Prince, Chengze, spoke highly of Fan Xian.

When Fan Xian claimed he and the Second Prince had "hit it off," Imperial Consort Shu swiftly corrected him, stating her son was shrewd and deep-minded and never became "instant friends" with anyone, implying Fan Xian had been deceived. She announced her intention to gift him some rare ancient books, promising to select them herself and have them sent to Consort Yi's palace for him to collect later.

Slightly overwhelmed by her abrupt changes in topic, Fan Xian quickly made his excuses and departed. Their final stop before lunch was Lady Ning, the First Prince’s birth mother. Fan Xian wondered why the First Prince, who commanded significant military power on the frontier, wasn't involved in the struggle for the throne. Ruoruo explained that Lady Ning was from Dongyi, brought back by Emperor Qing after a northern expedition.

She nursed the injured Emperor back to health, was granted freedom from slavery, and later entered the palace, giving birth to the First Prince. However, due to her origins, the Empress Dowager disliked her and years ago had her demoted from Imperial Consort to Lady, effectively disqualifying the First Prince from the succession. Fan Xian muttered about the "old lady" being "quite narrow-minded," prompting a nervous warning from Eunuch Hou about speaking carelessly.

Lady Ning, a blunt and martial woman, openly assessed Fan Xian, finding him too fair-skinned and not rugged enough to have killed the Eighth Dan master Cheng Jushu. She stated that as long as Wan’er liked him, his appearance was secondary. When Eunuch Hou reminded her of the Empress Dowager’s impending audience for Fan Xian, Lady Ning realized it was already lunchtime and invited Fan Xian and Ruoruo to eat.

She even suggested setting up Ruoruo with her son, the First Prince, when he returned. Lady Ning insisted Fan Xian, being a martial artist, needed a large bowl of rice, which he reluctantly consumed. After lunch, Eunuch Hou escorted Fan Xian and Ruoruo to the Empress Dowager’s palace. The Empress Dowager, however, refused them entry, instructing them to kneel on the corridor outside and merely glance in from a distance.

Fan Xian grumbled under his breath that he hadn't even knelt before Emperor Qing, but conceded for the Empress Dowager's advanced age. A grim-faced eunuch emerged from the palace. Eunuch Hou quickly identified him as Hong Sixiang. Hong Sixiang, with a stern voice, corrected Fan Xian, saying he knelt out of duty as a subject, not out of respect for age, and further warned him to kneel before Emperor Qing in the future.

Fan Xian, realizing the eunuch's extraordinary hearing and powerful presence, immediately suspected Hong Sixiang was one of the elusive Four Great Masters. Hong Sixiang did not deny it, only warning Fan Xian to be cautious in his words and actions within the imperial palace. He then conveyed the Empress Dowager’s message: Fan Xian must treat Lin Wan’er well, or he would pay with his life if she were ever saddened.

Unintimidated, Fan Xian calmly asked Hong Sixiang to relay a message back: such threats would be counterproductive, only making others fear approaching Wan’er. He affirmed that his affection for Wan’er was sincere, not compelled by anyone. Hong Sixiang paused, then ordered his attendants to escort Fan Xian out of the palace. As they left, Fan Xian turned back and loudly asked Hong Sixiang if he was one of the Four Great Masters.

Hong Sixiang ignored him, walking back into the palace without a word. From afar, the Empress Dowager, having seen Fan Xian, expressed her dislike, vaguely feeling she had seen him before, but ultimately attributed her aversion to a lack of affinity. Outside the palace, a relieved Eunuch Hou congratulated Fan Xian, stating that his marriage to Lin Wan’er was now officially settled. Fan Xian understood the implication and discreetly handed him a generous silver note as a token of gratitude.

Just then, a female attendant from Princess Royal intercepted them, announcing that Princess Royal wished to see Fan Xian, and only him. Fan Xian agreed, acknowledging her as Wan’er’s birth mother. Ruoruo, feeling an unsettling undercurrent from Princess Royal, expressed her apprehension, but Fan Xian tried to reassure her. Fan Xian was led to the Guangxin Palace, which was eerily empty except for Princess Royal seated alone.

After he paid his respects, Princess Royal inquired about his medical skills, acquired from Fei Jie, asking if he knew any remedies for headaches. Fan Xian offered to perform a massage, suggesting it might alleviate pain. When he hesitated due to propriety, Princess Royal smiled, reminding him he would soon be her son-in-law and dismissing his concerns. Fan Xian then complied.

As Fan Xian massaged her temples, Princess Royal engaged him in casual conversation, asking about the Fan family's connections to the Investigator's Office and his grandmother in Danzhou. Once Fan Xian seemed relaxed, her demeanor shifted abruptly. She spoke of the Niulan Street assassination and Teng Zijing, which Fan Xian recounted with a heavy heart, emphasizing that Teng Zijing was not just his guard, but his friend.

Princess Royal then laughed, a strange, chilling sound, remarking on the "interesting" irony of the plotter comforting the victim. She confessed to orchestrating the Niulan Street assassination, revealing that Lin Gong had secretly come under her service without the Crown Prince’s knowledge, making Teng Zijing’s death indirectly her doing. She then taunted Fan Xian, asking if he still sought revenge now that he knew the truth, noting the empty Guangxin Palace offered the perfect opportunity.

Fan Xian was shocked, images of Teng Zijing’s death flashing through his mind. Despite the powerful urge for vengeance, he managed to control his emotions. Regaining his composure, Fan Xian thanked Princess Royal for finally revealing the identity of his would-be killer. Princess Royal openly admitted to being behind the Danzhou assassination as well, stating her initial motive was to prevent the Neiku's control from falling into his hands.

However, she found him "interesting" later, and killing "interesting people" was far more gratifying. Fan Xian, looking at her smiling face, felt a chill. He realized that if he had acted on impulse earlier, he would surely have died. Seeing her ploy uncovered, Princess Royal called out her hidden female attendant and Yan Xiaoyi. Fan Xian, unfazed, simply told her "the day is yet to come" and that they would see what transpired in the future.

As he left, he exchanged a silent challenge with Yan Xiaoyi, vowing they would meet again. Meanwhile, the war between Qing and Beiqi was progressing favorably, forcing Beiqi to dispatch a peace mission to the capital, including the renowned literary scholar Zhuang Mohan. Zhu Ge voiced his concern to Chen Pingping that Zhuang Mohan's esteemed reputation among scholars might sway the peace negotiations.

Chen Pingping dismissed his worries, stating that Emperor Qing alone would decide the terms, and scholars held no sway. Zhu Ge then reported a rising tide of unrest within the Investigator’s Office, with some factions plotting to sabotage the peace talks, aiming to reignite the war and conquer Beiqi once and for all.

Chen Pingping remained impassive, instructing Zhu Ge to manage the situation and emphasizing that no leniency would be shown, even to colleagues within the Investigator's Office, if they dared defy the Emperor's will. Elsewhere, Yan Ruohai held a secret meeting with his subordinates. He proposed assassinating the Beiqi delegation in the capital to halt the peace talks.

When one subordinate worried that Beiqi could simply send another delegation, Yan Ruohai chillingly suggested that if the revered Zhuang Mohan were killed, war would become unavoidable. This would force Emperor Qing to continue the military campaign, leading to the conquest of Beiqi and, implicitly, the safe return of his son. Yan Ruohai framed his actions as serving the "grand cause of Nanqing" and the ultimate unification of the world.

Back at his mansion, Fan Xian recounted his encounter with Princess Royal to Ruoruo, detailing her confession of orchestrating both the Niulan Street and Danzhou assassinations. He recalled the Prime Minister's previous assessment of Princess Royal and concluded that she was indeed "crazy," and her madness only made her more dangerous. He explained that exposing her would be difficult without concrete evidence or witnesses. He realized a confrontation with Princess Royal would require careful planning.

Given his need to find the key in the palace, he asked Ruoruo to draw a detailed map of the palace routes she had memorized. A servant then summoned Fan Xian to Fan Jian’s study. There, he encountered Xin Qiwu, the Deputy Chief of Court of State Ceremonials, who greeted him with excessive flattery, praising his talent. A bewildered Fan Xian learned that Emperor Qing had appointed him as Deputy Emissary for the upcoming negotiations with the Beiqi mission.

Fan Xian expressed confusion, citing his lack of diplomatic experience. Xin Qiwu explained that his appointment was due to the joint recommendations of the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister, intended to help Fan Xian gain a stellar reputation. Fan Xian, noting Xin Qiwu's four-rank seniority over him, pointed out the impropriety of being called "Your Excellency."

Xin Qiwu brushed it off, citing a proverb, and then subtly revealed his allegiance to the Crown Prince, implying this was why he was so eager to assist Fan Xian. Xin Qiwu advised Fan Xian to maintain a stern demeanor with all Beiqi delegates except for Zhuang Mohan, towards whom he should show deference.

Episode 25 Recap

Wang Qinian, looking at a cloud and imagining it as a pile of silver, mused about his wife and daughter's happiness if he could bring such wealth home. Fan Xian, noting Wang Qinian's usual style, inquired if he had heard of Zhuang Mohan. Wang Qinian confirmed Zhuang Mohan's arrival in the capital that day, mentioning that scholars across the city had flocked to pay their respects.

He described Zhuang Mohan as a literary giant, a living saint, and a teacher to all scholars. Surprised by how much Wang Qinian knew, Fan Xian asked if he was also a scholar. Wang Qinian humbly replied that he didn't count as one, then turned the compliment back on Fan Xian, telling him he was being too modest, as the author of universally praised poems was the true scholar.

As they were about to return to the Fan mansion, Shadow suddenly appeared, warning Fan Xian that Chen Pingping's life was in danger and an attack was imminent within the hour. Fan Xian initially dismissed the threat, confident in the security of the Investigator's Office. However, Shadow revealed that Chen Pingping was left undefended. He explained that Zhuang Mohan's arrival in the capital was a crucial precursor to the unfolding events.

Everyone in the Investigator's Office believed that assassinating Zhuang Mohan was the key to reigniting the war. Chen Pingping had sent Zhu Ge and the First Division to protect Zhuang Mohan, leaving the Investigator's Office vulnerable. Fei Jie of the Third Division was out of the capital, and other key combat forces had been strategically reassigned by Yan Ruohai.

Even the officials on duty that day were part of the conspiracy, revealing that the true target was never Zhuang Mohan, but Chen Pingping himself. Fan Xian and Wang Qinian rushed to the Investigator's Office, finding Chen Pingping calmly playing chess as rebels began to surround him. As shouts of "Kill Chen Pingping!" echoed, Fan Xian quickly pushed Chen Pingping's wheelchair towards the dungeon.

Yan Ruohai's voice boomed, rallying the rebels by declaring Chen Pingping the sole obstacle to restarting the war and destroying Beiqi. He stressed that this was their only chance to seize control of the Investigator's Office and inspire the Emperor to conquer Beiqi. Inside the dungeon, Chen Pingping instructed Wang Qinian to open a hidden door leading to the deepest part, a place where the most vicious villains were imprisoned. Despite the extreme danger, it was their only viable retreat.

In the deepest dungeon, Wang Qinian realized they had reached a dead end, a path known to many for prisoner upkeep. He lamented that he couldn't die without his wife's explicit permission, fearing her anger more than death. Concerned for Si Lili's safety, Fan Xian demanded the cell key from Chen Pingping.

Despite Wang Qinian's protests, Fan Xian unlocked Si Lili's shackles and brought her inside the hidden passage, reaffirming his promise to protect her, even if it meant she died after him. Chen Pingping then revealed that one of the notorious "vicious villains" was still alive. Curious, Fan Xian peered through a ventilation shaft, spotting a terrifying figure named Xiao En, heavily bound by chains. Chen Pingping grimly revealed that his own legs were crippled because of this man.

As the rebels breached the secret door, Shadow, who had remained silent until then, suddenly proposed a desperate plan to Fan Xian: kill Chen Pingping and offer his head to the rebels to secure their own survival. Fan Xian, after a cold glance, rejected the notion and urged Wang Qinian to prepare for a fight to the death. Shadow then swiftly snatched a dagger from Fan Xian's hand and charged out alone to confront the attackers.

The sounds of combat quickly receded, leaving Fan Xian and Wang Qinian bewildered by Shadow's formidable skill against so many martial arts masters. Chen Pingping, with a subtle smile, explained that Shadow's offer was a test of Fan Xian's loyalty. He confirmed that the attackers and the rebellion were real, but he had never been concerned, confident that "Shadow alone can resist one thousand cavalrymen." Wang Qinian admitted he had never witnessed Shadow in action before.

Chen Pingping then turned to Si Lili, asking why she hadn't seized the perfect opportunity to hold him hostage when Fan Xian and Wang Qinian were preoccupied. Si Lili confessed her fear, stating that in Beiqi, Chen Pingping's name invoked terror akin to gods and demons. Chen Pingping smiled faintly and instructed Fan Xian to push his wheelchair out. Just then, Xiao En's voice echoed from his cell, urging Chen Pingping to stay alive and await his eventual escape.

Chen Pingping, without a glance back, remained confident that Xiao En would never break free as long as he lived. Returning to the upper dungeon, Si Lili voluntarily re-entered her cell and allowed her shackles to be reapplied, asserting that she felt safer inside. Observing the scattered bodies of the rebels, Chen Pingping explained to Fan Xian that it was a strategic trap to expose the traitors within the Investigator's Office.

Fan Xian calmly responded that those who seek to kill others should expect to be killed themselves. Emerging from the dungeon, they found Shadow locked in a tense standoff with Zhu Ge and the First Division members. Zhu Ge reported witnessing Shadow killing colleagues upon his return, to which Chen Pingping casually admitted it was his directive, leaving Zhu Ge visibly surprised but without further questions. Zhu Ge then reported Zhuang Mohan's disappearance.

He explained that since arriving in the capital, Zhuang Mohan had remained secluded, prompting Zhu Ge to send a subordinate disguised as a servant, only to find him gone. Chen Pingping ordered Zhu Ge to compile a list of all visitors for scrutiny but rejected a full-scale investigation of the capital. Instead, he instructed Zhu Ge to summon all available division directors to hear an announcement. Wang Qinian, seeing the immediate crisis resolved, departed to reassure his family.

Fan Xian also attempted to leave, but Chen Pingping halted him, insisting he meet the directors. Once everyone had gathered, Chen Pingping introduced them to Fan Xian: Zhu Ge, Director of the First Division; Yan Ruohai, Director of the Fourth Division (whom Fan Xian already knew); Shadow, Director of the Sixth Division; and Xuan Jiu, Director of the Eighth Division, who oversaw book printing, under whom Fan Xian's bookstore would fall.

The Directors of the Second, Fifth (Black Knights), and Seventh Divisions were absent. Finally, Chen Pingping introduced Senior Fellow Apprentice Leng, Fei Jie's senior disciple, acting director of the Third Division in Fei Jie's absence. Lying on a stretcher, Senior Fellow Apprentice Leng, who was ailing from a failed antidote to a new poison he had tested, warmly greeted Fan Xian as a fellow disciple.

Chen Pingping then declared that Fan Xian had saved his life during the day's assassination plot and announced his intention for Fan Xian to succeed him as Head of the Investigator's Office. Zhu Ge immediately voiced his objection, arguing that Fan Xian lacked the necessary qualifications. Chen Pingping, smiling, clarified that he was not seeking their approval but merely informing them, challenging anyone who disagreed to try and kill him. Senior Fellow Apprentice Leng quickly pledged the Third Division's support.

Chen Pingping reiterated that his decision was final, daring anyone to oppose him. After the meeting, Yan Ruohai attempted to instigate Zhu Ge, suggesting he challenge Chen Pingping's decision. Zhu Ge retorted that his opposition was not for personal power, as he believed himself unqualified for the position; rather, all his actions were for the good of Nanqing.

Yan Ruohai claimed the same, but Zhu Ge then pointed out that several of the recently killed assassins had been in close contact with Yan Ruohai. Yan Ruohai vehemently denied any involvement, again insisting his decisions were solely for Nanqing. Fan Xian questioned Chen Pingping's reasons for entrusting him with the Investigator's Office.

Chen Pingping explained that the office was originally founded by Fan Xian's mother, Ye Qingmei, and he had merely been its custodian, intending to eventually return it to her son. Fan Xian, surprised by Chen Pingping's sentimentality, remarked that times had changed. Chen Pingping, however, calmly stated that while time had passed, his original intention remained unwavering.

He then advised Fan Xian to diligently carry out his duties at the Court of State Ceremonials and to seek his assistance with any difficulties or opposition, promising to resolve them personally. That night, as Fan Xian studied a map of the imperial harem drawn by Ruoruo, he felt uneasy, recalling how close he came to revealing the Princess Royal's name to Chen Pingping. Wu Zhu, upon hearing this, remarked that he was more skilled at killing.

However, Fan Xian, mindful that the Princess Royal was Wan'er's mother, decided against her immediate assassination. He believed that stripping her of power and banishing her from the capital would inflict a suffering far greater than death, a task he would handle himself, as Wu Zhu would not. He also decided to postpone the plan to retrieve the key from the palace, opting to wait for a more opportune moment.

Fan Xian then inquired about Shadow, to which Wu Zhu confirmed he was a martial arts master above the Ninth Dan, a rare feat in Nanqing. Fan Xian asked if Wu Zhu had ever seen Shadow's face, to which Wu Zhu replied no. He then shared his unsettling encounter with the terrifying, chained figure in the deepest part of the Investigator's Office dungeon.

The following day, Fan Xian, now in official attire, joined Xin Qiwu to begin negotiations with the Beiqi mission at the Court of State Ceremonials. Fan Xian confessed his nervousness, lacking experience in such diplomatic matters. Xin Qiwu reassured him, emphasizing the importance of polite and courteous language to project the image of a powerful nation, while he would handle the substantial aspects of the negotiation.

However, during the talks, Xin Qiwu's demeanor drastically shifted; he became overtly aggressive and crude, much to Fan Xian's astonishment. At lunch, Fan Xian cautiously questioned Xin Qiwu's confrontational approach. Xin Qiwu passionately defended his methods, arguing that their firm stance was a tribute to the soldiers who had risked their lives for victory. Unable to argue further, Fan Xian silently drank his tea.

The afternoon session saw Xin Qiwu steadfastly refusing to return any occupied territory and demanding reparations for the Qing army's campaign expenses. The Beiqi delegation vehemently rejected these terms, leading to a tense deadlock. Suddenly, a discreet note was delivered to the head of the Beiqi delegation. After reading it and receiving a whispered message, his demeanor brightened significantly. He declared their conditions unyielding and handed the note to Xin Qiwu, suggesting he verify the information and reconsider their demands.

Xin Qiwu read the note and exclaimed that it was terrible news. Meanwhile, Emperor Qing received a secret report from Beiqi, revealing that Yan Bingyun, a Nanqing spy, had been captured by Shen Zhong, the head of Beiqi's Imperial Guards. Beiqi's demands were extensive: the return of occupied territory, war prisoners, compensation for their fallen soldiers, and critically, the exchange of Xiao En and Si Lili for Yan Bingyun.

Chen Pingping explained the gravity of the situation, noting that Xiao En was once as formidable as himself in Beiqi, captured by Chen Pingping's black knights at the cost of his legs. He also highlighted Yan Bingyun's crucial role in Nanqing's victory through intelligence gathering and his identity as Yan Ruohai's son. Chen Pingping clarified that Beiqi's primary objective was Xiao En and Si Lili. Yan Ruohai vehemently opposed trading territory for his son.

Chen Pingping stated that only Emperor Qing could make such a weighty decision. The Emperor ultimately agreed to the exchange, but with a firm stipulation: no occupied territory would be relinquished. All other conditions were negotiable, provided Yan Bingyun returned alive. Yan Ruohai was deeply moved and grateful for the Emperor's decree. Subsequent negotiations grew heated, with both delegations on the verge of physical altercation, while a bored Fan Xian struggled to stay awake.

After half a day, an agreement was reached, much to Emperor Qing's satisfaction. He ordered a celebratory night banquet at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest for his officials, extending invitations to the Beiqi and Dongyi missions. Zhu Ge, however, found Zhuang Mohan's continued seclusion peculiar, wondering if the renowned scholar had traveled all this way merely for a celebratory dinner.

Chen Pingping, ever enigmatic, suggested that if Zhuang Mohan harbored any intentions, they would surely manifest at the banquet, and since his motives were unknown, they could only wait and observe. Yan Ruohai then delivered another troubling report from Beiqi: Yan Bingyun's identity had been compromised due to a betrayal in the capital. Zhu Ge was aghast, realizing that only the Emperor and the Investigator's Office knew of Yan Bingyun's secret mission, suspecting a traitor within their own ranks.

Zhu Ge demanded an immediate and thorough investigation, but Chen Pingping firmly dismissed the matter, ordering it closed and never to be mentioned again. As the meeting concluded, Yan Ruohai, with an ominous tone, remarked to Zhu Ge that after many years, some "old things" in the Investigator's Office were due for replacement.

Episode 26 Recap

After the negotiations in the Court of State Ceremonials concluded, Fan Jian spoke with Fan Xian, advising him to maintain a steady demeanor at the banquet scheduled for the following night at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. Fan Jian explained that Beiqi was renowned for its literary giants, while Nanqing often lagged in cultural prestige.

He then dropped a bombshell: Nanqing's literary circles had placed all their hopes on Fan Xian, causing Fan Xian to nearly choke on his tea. Fan Jian elaborated that Fan Xian's recently penned poem, "A Thousand Miles of Autumn Sorrow," had been hailed as the foremost Seven-character verse of its time, with many whispering that Fan Xian might one day surpass the great literary giant, Zhuang Mohan.

Fan Xian was taken aback, finding it a hasty conclusion for just one poem. Fan Jian admitted it might be exaggerated, but Nanqing was desperate for literary talent. He reassured a nervous Fan Xian that a figure of Zhuang Mohan's stature would not likely trouble a junior.

Unbeknownst to Fan Jian, Zhuang Mohan's true purpose in the capital city was to seize the opportunity at the banquet to utterly destroy Fan Xian's reputation, having been specifically asked by an unknown party to do so. That night, Fan Xian hung a red lantern to summon Wuzhu.

He initiated a conversation about Wuzhu's mysterious ability to "know everything, but not by seeing," describing it as seeing with his heart, and remarking that anyone who provoked Wuzhu was "dicing with death." Fan Xian then revealed his plan: after the banquet, he intended to secretly enter the imperial harem and find a key inside the Empress Dowager's palace.

He admitted he didn't know where the key would be, but Wuzhu calmly informed him about a secret compartment beneath the bed board under the Empress Dowager's pillow, where she kept all her important belongings. Wuzhu then revealed that Fan Xian's mother, Ye Qingmei, had once searched this very compartment, purely out of curiosity for "gossip," with Wuzhu keeping watch for her. This revelation greatly amused Fan Xian, who declared that his mother had solved the biggest problem for him.

To prevent the Empress Dowager from discovering the missing key, Fan Xian decided a fake replica was necessary. He then summoned Wang Qinian. After a brief playful exchange about the pun between the "Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest" and Wang Qinian's name, Fan Xian informed Wang Qinian of his audacious plan: to infiltrate the imperial harem, steal a key from the Empress Dowager's palace, and require the capital city's best locksmith to craft a flawless duplicate overnight for replacement.

Wang Qinian was aghast, calling it a "deadly sin that could implicate his entire family" and questioning why Fan Xian would entrust such a perilous secret to him. Fan Xian explained that Wang Qinian's role was crucial – he needed to be waiting outside the imperial palace after the deed was done.

He further asserted his trust in Wang Qinian as a "wise man" who would understand that assisting Fan Xian was a minor risk, whereas betraying him would undoubtedly incur Chen Pingping's deadly wrath. Wang Qinian, albeit with a sigh, agreed to find the locksmith. Fan Xian then raised Wang Qinian's monthly salary by ten taels of silver, to which Wang Qinian cheekily requested banknotes next time for easier concealment. As the evening approached, various key figures prepared for the banquet.

The Second Prince eagerly inquired about the banquet time, commenting that such events were primarily for "drinking and praises" rather than actual dining. He expressed his intention to personally congratulate Fan Xian on his diplomatic success, asserting that Fan Xian, like himself, was not one to willingly follow others, dismissing the notion that he was already aligned with the Crown Prince.

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince meticulously prepared, enduring half an hour of standing to prevent any wrinkles on his robes before departing for the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. Zhuang Mohan, too, was ready, with an aide carrying his old paper scroll. Wang Qinian confirmed with Fan Xian that the locksmith was prepared. Wang Qinian then drove Fan Xian to the imperial palace. Fan Xian, opting for casual attire, joked that he wasn't important enough to wear official robes.

At the palace gates, guards conducted a routine inspection, strictly prohibiting any weapons or "edged tools." To Xin Qiwu's wide-eyed surprise, Fan Xian calmly surrendered a dagger, a long steel needle, several hairpins, and various vials containing "poisons made by myself." The Second Prince, observing Fan Xian's array of unusual items, remarked on him being Fei Jie's student and humorously requested a bag of poison.

Fan Xian refused, citing the catastrophic consequences if anything were to befall Emperor Qing or the Crown Prince. The Second Prince then congratulated Fan Xian on his achievements and offered his support in the imperial court. He subtly attempted to recruit Xin Qiwu, who was a known follower of the Crown Prince.

Fan Xian playfully implied the Second Prince was trying to win over Xin Qiwu but then deftly stepped in to reassure the Crown Prince that Xin Qiwu's loyalty was unwavering. Xin Qiwu, still perplexed by the Second Prince's ambiguous recruitment attempts and Fan Xian's intervention, confessed his confusion, to which Fan Xian simply replied, "it's the same." Inside the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, Fan Xian spotted the Princess Royal, which filled him with an uneasy premonition.

Suddenly, Guo Baokun confronted Fan Xian, asking if he dared to show his face. Fan Xian feigned ignorance, then openly mocked Guo Baokun for sounding like a "whining woman" as Guo Baokun vowed to witness Fan Xian's complete ruin. Guo Youzhi, Guo Baokun's father and Minister of the Board of Rites, swiftly intervened, apologizing for his son's impropriety. Fan Xian, with feigned magnanimity, assured him he wasn't angered.

Xin Qiwu then steered Fan Xian to their seats, suggesting a reconciliation with Guo Baokun, as both were ostensibly followers of the Crown Prince. Fan Xian merely gestured towards Guo Baokun, whose "black chicken's eye" stare remained fixed on him, causing Xin Qiwu to sigh in resignation. A servant then announced that the Princess Royal wished to speak with Fan Xian. Upon approaching her, Li Yunrui whispered, asking why Fan Xian hadn't attempted to assassinate her as she had anticipated.

Fan Xian, in a deliberately loud voice, assured her he would not disappoint her expectations. Li Yunrui, amused, then made an enticing offer: if Fan Xian pledged allegiance to her, she would permit his marriage to Wan'er and grant him control over Neiku's power of wealth, along with anything else he desired. Fan Xian, however, boldly retorted that his only desire was for her to "roll out of the capital city," which she found charmingly naive.

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince and Second Prince observed their interaction, with the Second Prince remarking on their seemingly amiable conversation and proposing a bet on who Fan Xian would ultimately align with, though he confidently believed Fan Xian would not willingly follow the Crown Prince. As Zhuang Mohan entered the hall with an old scroll, Fan Xian bowed respectfully, but Zhuang Mohan walked past him without acknowledgment.

Elsewhere, Chen Pingping, despite being in the Investigator's Office, received updates on the banquet's security. Zhu Ge confirmed that Fan Xian had indeed brought concealed weapons and poisons, which were confiscated, and that Zhuang Mohan had only carried an old scroll. Zhu Ge also reassured Chen Pingping that Hong Sixiang was diligently guarding outside the hall, mitigating any threat from Yun Zhilan, who was allowed to carry his sword inside.

Finally, Emperor Qing made his entrance, and all present rose to kneel. Fan Xian, not wishing to "piss off everyone," reluctantly knelt as well. The Emperor then motioned for all to rise, and the banquet officially commenced. Emperor Qing observed Fan Xian eating heartily, a sight that made him frown slightly. He then summoned Fan Xian and pointed him out to Yun Zhilan, declaring Fan Xian to be the killer of Yun Zhilan's two disciples.

Yun Zhilan, with disdain, stated that only if Fan Xian could kill him would it be truly impressive. A slightly displeased Emperor Qing, however, praised Fan Xian for his excellent handling of the Court of State Ceremonials negotiations and invited him to share a drink. After Fan Xian returned to his seat, the Second Prince unexpectedly rose and proposed that Fan Xian, renowned for his literary brilliance and recent diplomatic prowess, should preside over the upcoming spring imperial examinations.

Emperor Qing, however, expressed reservations, deeming Fan Xian too young and inexperienced for such a weighty responsibility. The Crown Prince, fearing Fan Xian might be swayed to the Second Prince's faction, swiftly seconded the proposal, causing a stir among the officials. Emperor Qing, unwilling to publicly display his displeasure, merely stated that the imperial examinations were still some time away and the matter would be decided later, dismissing the princes.

Seizing this moment, Zhuang Mohan subtly praised Fan Xian's youthful talent but then pivoted, cautioning Emperor Qing on the critical importance of selecting a worthy supervisor for the imperial examinations, emphasizing its "fundamental importance to scholars around the world." The Princess Royal, despite admitting her own "little knowledge" and "ignorance," vehemently interjected, defending Fan Xian and accusing Zhuang Mohan of secretly targeting the young man out of fear that his rising fame would eventually eclipse Zhuang Mohan's own.

Emperor Qing briefly chided her for her impropriety. Unfazed, Zhuang Mohan then began to recite Fan Xian's acclaimed poem, "A Thousand Miles of Autumn Sorrow." As he recited the powerful verses, the audience was captivated, particularly by the profound latter four lines. After a dramatic pause, Zhuang Mohan declared that while the first four lines showcased Fan Xian's clear talent, the truly exceptional latter four lines, the very essence of the poem, were not Fan Xian's original work.

He accused Fan Xian of plagiarizing the poem from his own teacher. Zhuang Mohan claimed he had hesitated to reveal the truth but believed it was his duty, an "act of cherishing his talents," to help Fan Xian "correct his mistake" and "focus on moral cultivation," assuring he meant "no harm." Emperor Qing then turned to Fan Xian, inviting him to speak. Fan Xian, with an air of nonchalance, merely inquired if Zhuang Mohan's teacher was surnamed Du.

Upon receiving a negative answer, Fan Xian appeared visibly relieved. The Princess Royal, pressing for concrete proof, asserted that Nanqing's legal system demanded more than "empty words" for an accusation. In response, Zhuang Mohan dramatically unrolled the old paper scroll he had brought, revealing the infamous poem in what he claimed was his teacher's original handwriting. The Princess Royal and others present confirmed that the lines written on the scroll were indeed exactly the same as Fan Xian's celebrated poem.

Episode 27 Recap

Emperor Qing's expression darkened as he saw the poem on the scroll. Zhuang Mohan stated that even without the physical copy, the poem's latter four lines clearly depicted a desolated and frustrated life, an emotional depth only attainable by someone who had experienced profound personal hardships. He questioned how Fan Xian, young and successful, could possibly possess such a sorrowful mindset, suggesting that a young man feigning deep sorrow often overdoes it and invites ridicule.

Fan Xian, however, appeared to ignore the accusations, continuing to drink until his gaze became hazy. Seeing the perceived disgrace brought upon Nanqing, Emperor Qing's face was grim. Guo Baokun, unable to contain his glee, stepped forward to accuse Fan Xian of deception and shaming the nation's scholars. He passionately urged the Emperor to strip Fan Xian of his official title, banish him from the capital city, and forbid him from ever holding office again.

Fan Xian, surprisingly calm, challenged Guo Baokun, asking why he was so overjoyed if Fan Xian had indeed disgraced Nanqing. He pressed Guo Baokun on when he had learned of Zhuang Mohan's planned revelation, pointing out that Guo Baokun had confidently predicted Fan Xian's downfall the moment he arrived at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. Fan Xian suggested Guo Baokun either had prophetic abilities or had conspired with Zhuang Mohan in advance.

Unable to justify himself, Guo Baokun's father, Guo Youzhi, quickly intervened. He downplayed the long-standing animosity between his son and Fan Xian as irrelevant, redirecting the focus to Fan Xian's alleged plagiarism, arguing that it warranted severe punishment to appease public opinion. With no option left, Fan Xian walked to the center of the hall, glass in hand, and admitted to copying the poem.

He clarified, however, that he had copied it from Du Fu, the Saint of Poem, also known as Shaoling Yelao, not from Zhuang Mohan's teacher. Zhuang Mohan, enraged, declared he had never encountered the name Du Fu in his entire literary career. Fan Xian solemnly explained that Du Fu was absent from historical records because his poems belonged to another world, a realm of timeless elegance and brilliant literature that could be described as a fairyland.

He claimed it was a memory, a vivid picture scroll, from his dreams. This fantastical explanation drew widespread laughter, prompting Guo Youzhi to immediately urge Emperor Qing to punish Fan Xian for deceiving the Emperor with such an absurd tale. Ignoring Guo Youzhi, Fan Xian turned to Zhuang Mohan, inquiring if his teacher had any other unpublished poems. Zhuang Mohan confirmed there was only one.

Fan Xian then gave a bold smile, grabbed a wine jar, and called for paper and ink. Eunuch Hou promptly volunteered to transcribe for him. Fan Xian, perhaps truly inebriated, described how the memories of that other world were deeply etched in his mind, allowing him to recall every word and book he had encountered with perfect clarity. Guo Baokun scoffed, believing Fan Xian was simply talking nonsense out of desperation.

Inspired by ancient poets, Fan Xian, in his drunken state, began to recite an astonishing number of poems, one after another. The audience grew increasingly astonished and silent, requiring seven or eight eunuchs to keep pace with his rapid dictation. After Fan Xian concluded his recitation, a still-muddled Guo Baokun muttered about the non-existence of a fairyland. The Second Prince seized the opportunity to ask where such poems could have originated if not from a fairyland.

Guo Baokun reflexively claimed they must be Fan Xian's own creations. Realizing his blunder, he quickly retracted, arguing that even if Fan Xian had written thousands of poems, it didn't prove he hadn't plagiarized the original seven-character verse. The Second Prince, with a sneer, pointed out that a person capable of effortlessly composing timeless masterpieces would have no reason or desire to plagiarize another's work.

Fan Xian then swayed over to Zhuang Mohan's seat, pointed at him, and declared with a chuckle that while he might be inferior in explaining classic texts and being a literary giant, he surpassed Zhuang Mohan in reciting poetry and in character. With those words, he collapsed onto the floor, completely unconscious. Zhuang Mohan, his seventy years of literary reputation shattered in an instant, was overcome with shame and mortification. He coughed up blood and collapsed, unconscious.

The evening banquet had dissolved into a dramatic farce. Wang Qinian carried the seemingly unconscious Fan Xian back to the mansion. On the way, Fan Xian quietly whispered to Wang Qinian that their plan remained unchanged and that Wang Qinian should wait for him outside the palace walls. Meanwhile, Fan Jian and Liu Ruyu had been informed by Eunuch Hou about Fan Xian's astounding poetic performance at the banquet, which had brought immense honor to Nanqing.

Fan Jian was filled with pride, while Liu Ruyu busied herself with arrangements to help Fan Xian sober up. Fan Ruoruo insisted on personally caring for her brother, gently ushering all the other servants out of the room. Once they were alone, Fan Xian took a pill, which caused him to vomit profusely, clearing the alcohol from his system.

Hong Sixiang reported the events at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest to the Empress Dowager, confirming Zhuang Mohan had indeed coughed up blood. He added that after tonight, Fan Xian would truly be known as a "poetic genius," thus exposing Zhuang Mohan's false accusations. The Empress Dowager lamented Zhuang Mohan's ruined reputation at his advanced age and dismissed Hong Sixiang. Elsewhere, Emperor Qing reviewed the transcribed poems.

He mused that Nanqing, historically strong in martial arts, had always been overshadowed by Beiqi in civil administration, a regret of the late emperor. He marvelled at how, almost overnight, Nanqing had gained such literary prestige, surpassing Beiqi, feeling as though he was dreaming. Still, he questioned whether Fan Xian had truly written all the poems himself.

After sobering up, Fan Xian confided in Ruoruo, revealing that Princess Royal Li Yunrui and Guo Youzhi had conspired with Zhuang Mohan, calling the Princess Royal insidious despite her earlier pretense of defending him. He explained that his feigned drunkenness provided the perfect cover for him to sneak into the palace tonight. He instructed Ruoruo to guard his room and prevent anyone from entering, and she promised that as long as she lived, no one would get in.

Later, dressed in a nocturnal costume, Fan Xian met Wuzhu outside the palace. Fan Xian expressed concern about Wuzhu's distinct appearance, but Wuzhu calmly explained that his clothes and sword were stolen from the Dongyi Town mission. He intended to lead imperial investigators to believe that Si Gujian's first apprentice, Yun Zhilan, was the intruder, a tactic he was familiar with from his adventures with Ye Qingmei.

According to their plan, Wuzhu would distract Hong Sixiang for roughly half an hour while Fan Xian entered the palace to retrieve the key. Fan Xian cautioned Wuzhu about Yan Xiaoyi's formidable arrows, to which Wuzhu casually replied that the vastness of the imperial harem meant they might not even encounter him. Wuzhu swiftly scaled the palace walls, but was quickly spotted by Hong Sixiang. Wuzhu, feigning confusion, claimed he had taken a wrong turn and attempted to leave.

Hong Sixiang, however, was not easily deceived, noting that wandering into the imperial palace by mistake was an unprecedented feat. He refused to let Wuzhu depart, initiating a fierce confrontation. As they clashed, Wuzhu deliberately employed Si Gujian's martial arts techniques, confirming Hong Sixiang's suspicion that he was indeed facing Si Gujian's first apprentice. The two Great Masters engaged in a destructive battle, their powerful movements carrying them rapidly away from the Empress Dowager's palace.

Fan Xian, observing from the shadows, saw Wuzhu successfully draw Hong Sixiang away. He then agilely leapt over the palace wall. Imperial Guard Director Yan Xiaoyi, who was on patrol, heard a disturbance. He ordered his men to fetch his bow and arrows, then ascended a rooftop to locate the source of the sound. Fortunately, Fan Xian had prepared for Yan Xiaoyi's exceptional hearing and eyesight.

Remembering Wuzhu's earlier advice to avoid running, jumping, or climbing high, Fan Xian moved cautiously. Yan Xiaoyi's subordinate suggested the sound might have been caused by the palace's famously plump leopard cats, and Yan Xiaoyi ordered his guards to continue their patrol. Following the route he remembered, Fan Xian quickly found the Empress Dowager's palace. He placed an anesthetic incense in the censer, rendering both the Empress Dowager and her attendant unconscious.

He then opened the secret compartment beneath the bed and successfully retrieved the key. Outside the palace, Fan Xian met with Wang Qinian, who recounted witnessing a "weirdo" and an "old eunuch" in a high-flying chase near the palace, causing some damage. They proceeded to meet the pre-arranged locksmith, who, after some initial confusion about the unique key and lock, managed to create a rough replica in about fifteen minutes as instructed.

Fan Xian generously paid the locksmith and had Wang Qinian arrange for his immediate departure from the capital city for a period, rejecting Wang Qinian's more ruthless suggestion to eliminate him. Wang Qinian, impressed by Fan Xian's compassionate nature, jokingly called him soft-hearted but a good friend, and lightheartedly demanded the money for the locksmith and a loan receipt for himself, which Fan Xian dismissed with a laugh.

As Fan Xian prepared to return the fake key to the palace, he spotted Princess Royal Li Yunrui’s personal maid escorting a mysterious cloaked and veiled figure into the palace. Intrigued, he discreetly followed them to the Princess Royal's palace, where he discovered the mysterious person was Zhuang Mohan. Fan Xian overheard their conversation.

It was revealed that Princess Royal Li Yunrui had disclosed Yan Bingyun's identity as a Nanqing spy to Beiqi in exchange for Zhuang Mohan's help in ruining Fan Xian's reputation at the banquet. Zhuang Mohan had gambled his lifelong integrity to save his younger brother, Xiao En. Though Zhuang Mohan’s objective was achieved with Xiao En's return to Beiqi, Princess Royal Li Yunrui's plan to utterly destroy Fan Xian had failed.

She expressed her rage and resentment, telling Zhuang Mohan to inform the Beiqi emperor that he owed her a favor that would eventually be collected. Zhuang Mohan questioned why Princess Royal Li Yunrui was so determined to kill a talent like Fan Xian, especially after sacrificing a valuable spy like Yan Bingyun, who, despite suffering, was still alive. Princess Royal Li Yunrui fiercely declared that she simply wished to see Fan Xian in a state of utter desperation.

Startled by her words, Fan Xian accidentally made a noise as he turned and saw the Princess Royal's personal maid approaching along the corridor. Discovered, he quickly engaged in a fight, gaining the upper hand. However, the commotion alerted Yan Xiaoyi. Fan Xian desperately tried to escape, but Yan Xiaoyi's arrow struck him, sending him tumbling from the palace wall. By the time Yan Xiaoyi and the imperial guards arrived, Fan Xian had vanished.

They found only a broken arrowhead and torn fabric on the ground. Yan Xiaoyi, certain his arrow had hit its mark and that anyone struck by it would be injured, immediately ordered the imperial guards to spread out and search thoroughly.

Episode 28 Recap

Yan Xiaoyi reported to Princess Royal at Guangxin Palace that he failed to capture the assassin but was certain he had shot him with an arrow. Princess Royal, aware that her secret meeting with Zhuang Mohan had been overheard, candidly told Yan Xiaoyi that she had traded Yan Bingyun's identity to Beiqi in exchange for Zhuang Mohan's cooperation. She then ordered Yan Xiaoyi to find and kill the assassin.

Despite his role as Director of Imperial Guards, Yan Xiaoyi readily agreed, explaining that Princess Royal had saved him from starvation as an orphaned child after his village was destroyed, and he vowed to remain by her side no matter the circumstances. Yan Xiaoyi mentioned the assassin’s build was similar to Fan Xian's. An attendant, however, dismissed the idea, as Fan Xian was publicly drunk last night.

Princess Royal, however, remained cautious and dispatched Yan Xiaoyi to the Fan mansion to confirm Fan Xian’s presence. Before daybreak, Yan Xiaoyi arrived at the Fan mansion. Liu Ruyu was overseeing preparations for Fan Xian’s breakfast. Fan Ruoruo, who had spent the night guarding Fan Xian’s empty room, quickly improvised a dummy in his bed before Liu Ruyu could check. As Liu Ruyu prepared to leave, a servant announced Yan Xiaoyi's arrival.

Yan Xiaoyi, asserting Princess Royal's authority, demanded to see Fan Xian. Liu Ruyu, though uneasy, led him to Fan Xian’s room. Ruoruo bravely stood in front of the closed door, insisting her brother was unwell and shouldn't be disturbed. Growing suspicious, Yan Xiaoyi attempted to push her aside, but Ruoruo steadfastly clung to the doorframe, determined to protect the room as she had promised Fan Xian. Yan Xiaoyi’s suspicions deepened when he couldn’t detect any breathing from inside.

Just as the standoff intensified, Fan Xian's voice calmly called out, inviting Yan Xiaoyi in. Fan Xian allowed Yan Xiaoyi to enter and, despite Liu Ruyu’s concern, dismissed her and Ruoruo, asking them to pull back the bed curtains and wait outside. Once alone, Yan Xiaoyi accused Fan Xian of being the assassin, stating that an intruder in the palace had been shot in the lower back and demanding to inspect Fan Xian for injuries.

Fan Xian, acknowledging Yan Xiaoyi's lack of an imperial decree, proposed a wager: if he had an injury, he would accept any punishment, but if unharmed, Yan Xiaoyi must kowtow to Ruoruo. Fan Xian cleverly reminded Yan Xiaoyi of his recent fame as a "Poetry Immortal" and warned him that any harm would not only bring severe repercussions from Emperor Qing and the court but also implicate Princess Royal.

After a moment of hesitation, Yan Xiaoyi accepted the bet, confident in the accuracy of his arrow, which he claimed could wound even a Great Master. Fan Xian then dramatically revealed his perfectly unblemished body. Defeated, Yan Xiaoyi, without a word, left the room, found Ruoruo, and silently kowtowed to her before departing without looking back. Fan Xian, dismissing his family, claimed he needed more rest. Once alone, Fan Xian quickly shut the door.

Wuzhu, who had been hiding behind it, urged Fan Xian to release the suppressed pain. Fan Xian, relaxing his inner strength, immediately coughed up a mouthful of black blood. Wuzhu confirmed that Yan Xiaoyi was indeed the only Ninth Dan archer in the world, whose arrows were known to injure even Great Masters. Fan Xian explained that he was lucky; the arrow had struck the mysterious key he wore at his waist.

To his amazement, the key, despite being hit by such a powerful arrow, remained completely undamaged, its material unknown. Fan Xian then relayed the secret conversation he had overheard between Princess Royal and Zhuang Mohan: her betrayal of Yan Bingyun to Beiqi in exchange for Zhuang Mohan's aid in discrediting Fan Xian, all to save Zhuang Mohan's younger brother, Xiao En.

Wuzhu, however, showed little interest in these political intrigues, his only concern being when Fan Xian could return the fake key to the palace. Fan Xian, eager to uncover his mother's secrets, focused on the wooden box. They found it contained another layer of security: a modern smart password lock.

Fan Xian’s attempts to open it failed, but Wuzhu, with an imperceptible touch, caused the lock to open, fueling Fan Xian's suspicion of a deeper secret shared between Wuzhu and his mother. Meanwhile, Hong Sixiang and Yan Xiaoyi reported the palace assassination attempt to Emperor Qing. Hong Sixiang admitted that one of the assassins, though only a Ninth Dan martial artist, was exceptionally elusive and used the unique swordsmanship of Si Gujian, which is why he couldn't catch him.

Yan Xiaoyi suggested searching the Dongyi mission. Emperor Qing, displeased by their lack of concrete evidence and the national embarrassment of two assassins escaping unscathed, sternly reminded them to focus on the assassins' true motives rather than the immediate pursuit, before dismissing them. Following this, Princess Royal, still perplexed by the situation, instructed Yan Xiaoyi to promptly inform Zhuang Mohan to leave the capital city to avoid complications.

Separately, the Empress Dowager, upon learning of the assassination attempt on Princess Royal, speculated it was due to her tight control over the Neiku, which invited jealousy. Hong Sixiang expressed concern for the Empress Dowager’s safety, but she merely smiled, assuring him she had slept peacefully throughout the night.

Outside the Fan mansion, Wang Qinian, having paid the locksmith handsomely as per Fan Xian's instructions, sent him away from the capital to avoid trouble, emphasizing that he must not reveal anything about last night. As Wang Qinian turned, he was startled to find Chen Pingping and Shadow standing behind him. Chen Pingping calmly questioned Wang Qinian about the locksmith's identity and whether the palace assassination was connected to Fan Xian.

Wang Qinian, trembling with fear, feigned ignorance and tried to concoct a story about a simple theft. When he refused to disclose any information, Chen Pingping ordered Shadow to "teach him a lesson." Back in his room, Fan Xian and Wuzhu inspected the opened box. Inside, they found a strange object crafted from an unknown metal.

Wuzhu puzzled over its purpose, but Fan Xian, recognizing it as a top-tier weapon from a modern era, understood its immense power in this world. After carefully placing the weapon back, Fan Xian discovered a letter addressed to Wuzhu. At Wuzhu's request, Fan Xian read the letter aloud.

Written by Ye Qingmei during her pregnancy, the letter affectionately addressed Wuzhu as "Zhuzhu," expressing her fondness for him, her attempts to find him a partner, and her wish for him to smile more. Hearing his late mistress's familiar tone, Wuzhu uncharacteristically smiled. This rare display of emotion made Fan Xian realize how little he truly knew the man who had accompanied him for over a decade. Sadly, Wuzhu recalled nothing of the events mentioned in the letter.

Ye Qingmei wrote of her concern for Wuzhu's apparent lack of curiosity and desire, explaining that she intentionally left the letter in the box without explicit instructions to open it, hoping that one day, he would be driven by his own curiosity to do so. Wuzhu simply stated that he opened it because he wanted to know what she had left for the world and if she would still mention him.

The letter then shifted in tone, becoming Ye Qingmei's emotional outpouring. She recounted her extraordinary life in this world, having experienced and accomplished much, yet she expressed profound loneliness, emphasizing that no one truly understood her. She was grateful that in her loneliest moments, Wuzhu was always there. She instructed Wuzhu to destroy the box if she was no longer alive, believing others were "unworthy" of knowing her story.

Finishing the letter, Fan Xian felt a profound sadness and asked Wuzhu if he missed his mother. Wuzhu, unsure what "missing" meant, listened as Fan Xian passionately described it as a constant presence in one's heart, a singular voice one yearns to hear, and a single smile one wishes to see. Understanding, Wuzhu then responded, "I miss her." As Fan Xian put the letters back, he discovered another secret compartment at the bottom of the box containing a second letter.

This one bore a clear warning: "Zhuzhu, don't open this letter." His curiosity piqued, Fan Xian asked Wuzhu if he should open it. Wuzhu, with a nod, allowed him to proceed. To Fan Xian’s surprise, the letter was addressed to him. In it, Ye Qingmei dispelled any notions of time travel or parallel universes, confirming that this was indeed Earth, their original world. She described a cyclical history where global cooling led to "major ice ages," effectively resetting civilization.

She revealed herself to be one of those from a past era who had been cryogenically frozen and later revived, emerging into a feudal world after old civilizations had perished and new humanity had evolved through primitive and slave societies. She and other "pioneers" had spread knowledge, contributing to the legends surrounding the divine temple. Addressing Fan Xian's likely confusion about his childhood, she explained that he was a unique "memory datafication experiment," the sole successful subject among many.

For further answers regarding the "Forbidden Door" and the truth of human extinction, she directed him to the Taiping Residence. There, a hidden mechanism beneath a pond would open a secret door within the house, holding all the answers. However, she strongly advised against opening it, warning that knowing the truth would bind him to a perilous underground world, while choosing ignorance would allow him a peaceful and joyful life.

Ye Qingmei also revealed that "vitality Qi" was merely a residual trace from the previous advanced civilization. Her final instruction was a simple yet perplexing plea: "Be nice to Wuzhu." Fan Xian pondered the dangerous secrets in the Taiping Residence, torn between fear and curiosity, and questioned why the formidable Wuzhu would need his care. Wuzhu, ever stoic, simply replied, "Up to you."

Episode 29 Recap

Grappling with the profound revelations from his mother Ye Qingmei's letters, Fan Xian found himself with more questions than answers. He was particularly perplexed by her assertion that "vitality Qi" didn't exist, a notion at odds with his own martial arts practice. Despite the allure of deeper mysteries, Fan Xian ultimately decided to set them aside for now, choosing instead to fully embrace his life in this era and prioritize the well-being of those around him.

Wuzhu supported this decision but cautioned Fan Xian to ensure his recent secret infiltration of the imperial harem remained undiscovered. Fan Xian confidently assured Wuzhu that his actions were untraceable. However, Fan Xian's confidence was immediately shattered when Wang Qinian burst in, frantic, to announce that their palace escapade had been exposed. Wang Qinian recounted being intercepted by Chen Pingping and Master Shadow while discreetly escorting the locksmith out of the city.

Master Shadow had produced the locksmith's house key, revealing the man was Chen Pingping's spy, a discovery that underscored the sheer breadth of Chen Pingping's intelligence network within the capital. Despite this, Chen Pingping sent a message through Wang Qinian, assuring Fan Xian that his nocturnal activities would remain secret and that he would provide cover and support for any actions Fan Xian wished to undertake.

Although surprised by Chen Pingping's unexpected backing, Fan Xian decided he would first attempt to handle the crucial task of returning the fake key to the Empress Dowager's palace himself, reserving Chen Pingping's assistance as a last resort. To achieve this, Fan Xian turned to his fiancée, Lin Wan'er, recognizing her unique advantage of having grown up in the palace. He requested her assistance in entering the palace disguised as one of her accompanying eunuchs.

Wan'er agreed but, in a playful act of defiance, subjected Fan Xian to a tedious and arduous lesson in eunuch etiquette before finally relenting. When she pressed him for his true motives, Fan Xian candidly confessed to having broken into the imperial harem the previous night to retrieve a key from the Empress Dowager's palace, a key intrinsically linked to his mother's past.

He emphasized the urgency of returning it that same day, explaining that his honesty was a testament to his promise never to lie to her. Wan'er, though startled by the magnitude of his confession, seemed to accept his sincerity. Accompanied by Fan Xian in his eunuch disguise and other attendants, Wan'er entered the palace. Noticing an unusual number of guards, she subtly inquired with a palace maid.

The maid revealed that a thief had indeed broken in the previous night, adding a rather scandalous detail: the "thief" was rumored to have been meeting the Princess Royal's maidservant for a tryst. Finding the story unbelievable, Wan'er nonetheless cast a pointed glance at Fan Xian. Leveraging her close bond with the Empress Dowager, Wan'er presented homemade pastries and pest-repelling fumigants, deeply touching the elderly royal.

Seizing a prime opportunity, Wan'er subtly asked about Eunuch Hong's whereabouts, learning he had been temporarily assigned to assist Emperor Qing following the previous night's intrusion. Realizing this cleared a path, Wan'er then suggested a stroll in the imperial garden to enjoy the flowers while servants used the fumigants to rid the palace chambers of pests. The Empress Dowager readily agreed, unknowingly facilitating Fan Xian's delicate mission.

Meanwhile, Yan Xiaoyi reported to the Princess Royal that the Beiqi mission was making preparations to depart. However, the Princess Royal remained preoccupied with the mysterious palace intruder. When Yan Xiaoyi mentioned that Hong Sixiang recognized Si Gujian's fighting style during his encounter with one of the assassins, the Princess Royal immediately spotted a critical inconsistency: Hong Sixiang engaged the assassin around 11 PM, but Yan Xiaoyi only detected a second intruder near her palace after 1 AM.

She deduced that if the assassins' true objective was her, the two-hour gap suggested an entirely different agenda. To uncover the truth, she instructed Yan Xiaoyi to obtain an Imperial Decree from the Empress Dowager, authorizing a comprehensive search of all palace areas for anything missing or unusual.

While Wan'er skillfully entertained the Empress Dowager in the garden, Fan Xian, under the cover of the fumigation, stealthily returned to the Empress Dowager's palace and successfully swapped the stolen key with its fake counterpart. At the same moment, Yan Xiaoyi arrived at the Empress Dowager's palace to request the Imperial Decree. Despite being informed that the Empress Dowager was in the garden, he sensed a lingering presence within her chambers and attempted to investigate.

However, palace maids firmly blocked his entry, citing palace rules. Yan Xiaoyi reluctantly proceeded to the garden, where the Empress Dowager, after granting the Princess Royal's request, suddenly remembered the secret compartment under her bed. Rushing back, she dismissed all attendants, opened the compartment, and breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing the key, completely unaware of the substitution.

Yan Xiaoyi reported back to the Princess Royal, informing her of the martial arts master he sensed in the Empress Dowager's palace, despite the maids' denials. This deepened the Princess Royal's suspicions. She found it highly improbable that Hong Sixiang, a renowned Great Master, would fail to apprehend an assassin, even one employing Si Gujian's techniques.

She speculated that Hong Sixiang had been intentionally lured away, and the assassins' effortless infiltration and subsequent disappearance strongly suggested they were the Empress Dowager's own people. Fan Xian's impromptu poetry performance at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest had turned him into a national sensation. Despite the unknown origins of the poems, Chen Pingping saw an opportunity to elevate Qing's cultural prestige.

He ordered the Investigator's Office's Eighth Division to immediately publish the poems, explicitly forbidding any further investigation into their source, and actively encouraged the public belief that Fan Xian was a "poetic genius." Soon, Fan Xian's poetry collection was ubiquitous, cementing his fame. This rise was quickly followed by a public scandal: as Xin Qiwu was publicly extolling Fan Xian's virtues, countless leaflets descended upon the capital.

These papers meticulously detailed accusations of treason against Princess Royal Li Yunrui, alleging secret dealings with Beiqi, and even a scandalous affair with Zhuang Mohan. The Princess Royal, realizing the devastating power of public opinion, understood these leaflets were designed to corner her, while her maid worried deeply about Emperor Qing's inevitable reaction. Emperor Qing, holding one of the defamatory leaflets, discussed the escalating scandal with Chen Pingping.

While the Emperor dismissed the rumors of the Princess Royal's affair with Zhuang Mohan as absurd, he acknowledged that the widespread public uproar demanded a swift resolution. Chen Pingping subtly pressed, asking if His Majesty desired a mere "result" or the "truth." The Emperor did not answer directly and simply dismissed him. Meanwhile, Yan Ruohai, incensed by the allegations that the Princess Royal's actions had led to his son Yan Bingyun's capture, confronted Zhu Ge.

He vowed not to let the matter rest if an internal conspiracy was responsible. Yan Ruohai explicitly stated his distrust of Chen Pingping, suspecting that Chen Pingping's overt support for Fan Xian was intended to undermine his son, whom he viewed as Fan Xian's primary rival among the younger generation.

Fan Xian, reveling in the public chaos he had meticulously orchestrated, boasted to Wuzhu that his method of distributing the leaflets was flawless and untraceable, ensuring he could observe the unfolding drama from a safe distance. However, his triumphant declaration was abruptly cut short by the arrival of Chen Pingping. After a quick scan for Wuzhu, Chen Pingping presented Fan Xian with a leaflet, directly accusing him.

Fan Xian's denials were met with irrefutable evidence: the Investigator's Office's Eighth Division, under Xuan Jiu, had meticulously analyzed the paper's unique materials, processing, and texture, identifying it as a specific Hexi Circuit product. Crucially, the immense quantity of this particular, uncommon paper found throughout the capital could only have originated from Fan Xian's own Danbo Bookstore, leaving him no room for further denial.

Flustered by this unforeseen exposure, Fan Xian jokingly blamed his brother, Fan Sizhe, for purchasing cheap paper, acknowledging his own oversight in underestimating the Investigator's Office, particularly its Eighth Division. Chen Pingping reminded him not to dismiss the formidable institution, emphasizing its founding by his mother, Ye Qingmei. Chen Pingping then pressed Fan Xian on the truth behind the leaflets' accusations.

Fan Xian clarified that while the rumored affair was false, the Princess Royal's betrayal of Yan Bingyun was indeed true, a confession he personally overheard during his palace infiltration. He justified his actions by stating that the Princess Royal had initiated attempts on his life, leaving him no choice but to retaliate.

Acknowledging that public opinion alone wouldn't suffice, Fan Xian revealed his next strategic move: to leverage Guo Youzhi, the Minister of the Board of Rites, as the key breakthrough in his plan against the Princess Royal. Fan Xian elaborated on his suspicions regarding Guo Youzhi, recalling how Guo Baokun's drunken boasts at a banquet had hinted at Guo Youzhi being the crucial intermediary between the Princess Royal and Zhuang Mohan.

He also pointed out Zhuang Mohan's mysterious disappearance upon his initial arrival in the capital, suggesting Guo Youzhi, who was among those who met him, likely facilitated a secret meeting. Chen Pingping confirmed that the Investigator's Office had already investigated this, capturing Guo Youzhi's carter, who confessed to secretly transporting Zhuang Mohan to the imperial harem that night, where he was met by another contact. With this solid evidence, Chen Pingping asked Fan Xian about his ultimate objective.

Fan Xian declared his unwavering resolve: to have Princess Royal Li Yunrui permanently removed from the capital. Chen Pingping promptly presented his memorial to Emperor Qing. Confronted with the damning evidence, the Princess Royal admitted that Guo Youzhi was her follower and that she had met Zhuang Mohan. She attempted to deflect the accusations of treason by claiming she merely sought Zhuang Mohan's guidance on ancient texts and vehemently denied betraying Yan Bingyun.

Emperor Qing, appearing skeptical of her explanations, asked Chen Pingping if he had anything to add. Chen Pingping shrewdly bypassed the "ancient texts" excuse, instead highlighting the Princess Royal's direct violation of the rule against imperial harem involvement in politics by secretly cultivating Guo Youzhi, thereby accusing her of forming factions for personal gain. Cornered, the Princess Royal had no choice but to confess to this offense.

When Emperor Qing calmly asked for her proposed resolution, she coldly recommended that Guo Youzhi, for his collusion with the imperial harem, be handed over to the Ministry of Penalty. When Emperor Qing pressed her, asking if she wouldn't even protect her own man, she ruthlessly declared, "the law is merciless," and that Guo Youzhi had brought his fate upon himself.

Emperor Qing, after a brief, mirthful laugh, dryly remarked that she was indeed a true descendant of the imperial family. Soon after, Guo Youzhi's mansion was sealed off. Guo Baokun frantically protested, asserting his father's high official rank and threatening to complain directly to the Emperor. However, Guo Youzhi, observing the presence of both Ministry of Penalty officials and Imperial Guards, understood that his fate was sealed by Emperor Qing's direct command.

In despair, he urged his son, Guo Baokun, to publicly denounce him in memorials, to declare a complete break in their father-son relationship, and to accuse him of "wild ambition" to safeguard his own future. Guo Youzhi tearfully expressed his regret at being unable to continue protecting his son's path to success.

Episode 30 Recap

Guo Baokun was filled with regret and resentment, realizing that his own blunder at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest led to his father's imprisonment. As Guo Youzhi was taken away, he publicly disowned his son, declaring their father-son bond severed forever to protect Guo Baokun. Guo Baokun watched his father's resolute back, weeping uncontrollably. Emperor Qing questioned Princess Royal about Guo Youzhi's imprisonment.

She reluctantly offered to relinquish control of the Neiku, but the Emperor scoffed, reminding her it was never truly hers to begin with. Chen Pingping intervened, stressing the grave nature of treason. Princess Royal remained defiant, claiming her meeting with Zhuang Mohan was purely for academic discussions and dismissed the treason accusation as absurd, demanding proof.

Chen Pingping highlighted the suspicious timing: Yan Bingyun's arrest in Beiqi occurred shortly after Princess Royal's meeting with Zhuang Mohan, a secret known to very few. Princess Royal quickly countered by suggesting Fan Xian, revealing that he had encountered Yan Bingyun on his journey to the capital city, thus implying he also shared suspicion. Emperor Qing, listening to their verbal spar, turned to Chen Pingping, who promised a thorough investigation but asserted Fan Xian's innocence.

The Emperor then entrusted Chen Pingping with finding the truth. Wang Qinian informed Fan Xian about Princess Royal’s accusation, which now placed him under suspicion. Just then, a commotion outside revealed Guo Baokun, who burst in and knelt before Fan Xian, pleading for his father's release. Fan Xian, though sympathetic, explained that Guo Youzhi's entanglement with the imperial harem was a severe crime, and moreover, it was Princess Royal's calculated move to sacrifice him to save herself.

Fan Xian stated he could not help. Losing all reason, Guo Baokun, as Fan Xian walked away, screamed that he would personally kill Fan Xian one day. Fan Xian later met with Chen Pingping, expressing his frustration that Princess Royal had used him as a shield. He admitted that even though he had personally heard Princess Royal's secret discussions with Zhuang Mohan, without further concrete evidence, it would be difficult to remove her from the capital.

Chen Pingping, however, smiled and announced that Princess Royal had, in fact, lost. He explained that even with irrefutable proof of her treason and betrayal of Yan Bingyun, she, as a member of the royal family, though not by blood, would likely only face a reprimand. Fan Xian lamented that his efforts might have been in vain, but Chen Pingping reaffirmed his promise to drive her out of the capital.

He revealed that he had deliberately provoked Princess Royal in front of Emperor Qing, leading her to mention Fan Xian's secret encounter with Yan Bingyun. This information, a top secret known only to a few high-ranking officials in the Investigator's Office, exposed the existence of a mole within the agency. Princess Royal's interference with the Investigator's Office, which is directly under Emperor Qing's command, was seen as a direct challenge to imperial authority—Emperor Qing's ultimate "reverse scale."

Chen Pingping declared his intention to root out and eliminate this influential traitor. Meanwhile, Shadow paid a visit to Yan Ruohai, who subsequently met Zhu Ge. Yan Ruohai confided that Shadow suspected him of the recent assassination attempt on Chen Pingping, but he had feigned ignorance. Zhu Ge asked if he was responsible, and Yan Ruohai implicitly confirmed it, explaining his disapproval of Chen Pingping's intention to hand over control of the Investigator's Office to Fan Xian.

He then requested a few trustworthy men from Zhu Ge, as he could no longer rely on his own subordinates. Yan Ruohai intended to travel outside the city to meet an individual from the Beiqi mission who could provide evidence linking Zhuang Mohan to Princess Royal's betrayal of Yan Bingyun, thereby avenging his son. After a moment of hesitation, Zhu Ge agreed to lend him three men.

The following day, Yan Ruohai arrived at a bamboo forest on the outskirts of the capital with Zhu Ge's three men. After a bound captive was delivered, Yan Ruohai instructed his new men to find an ox cart. To his shock, one of the men suddenly drew his sword and killed the witness. Simultaneously, numerous black-clad figures emerged from the surrounding bamboo, and Zhu Ge stepped out from behind them.

Zhu Ge lamented that their long camaraderie had come to this. Yan Ruohai warned him that this might be a trap set by Chen Pingping. Zhu Ge scoffed, explaining that he had deployed all his spies and confirmed that no masters from the Investigator's Office had left the capital. He had even spoken to Shadow moments before leaving, ensuring it was truly him.

Yan Ruohai countered that the variable might lie outside the capital, but Zhu Ge confidently claimed that even the movements of the Black Knights were under his control. Stunned by this revelation, Yan Ruohai realized Zhu Ge's true purpose: he was protecting the Princess Royal. As Zhu Ge ordered his men to attack, Yan Ruohai shouted into the woods. To Zhu Ge's astonishment, Fan Xian emerged, pushing Chen Pingping in his wheelchair.

Undeterred, Zhu Ge boasted that his men could handle them. In response, Chen Pingping gave a silent command, and a volley of arrows from hidden Black Knights instantly killed all of Zhu Ge’s men. Stunned, Zhu Ge demanded to know where they came from. Chen Pingping explained that this squad had been secretly stationed near the capital for months, under the guise of a mission, ever since they helped Fan Xian pursue Si Lili.

Yan Ruohai then revealed the full extent of the deception: Chen Pingping had suspected a mole since the Danzhou assassination attempt, and their public falling-out was an elaborate act to lure Zhu Ge into revealing himself. Defeated, Zhu Ge finally explained his motivations to Chen Pingping. He confessed his fear of the Investigator's Office's immense, unchecked power.

He believed such a powerful "beast" must be leashed by the imperial family, and that the Princess Royal—a woman and non-blood relative completely at the Emperor's mercy—was the ideal figurehead to ensure long-term stability for Nanqing. Fan Xian scoffed at this twisted logic, but Zhu Ge, though admitting he was unaware of her betraying Yan Bingyun, insisted that the principle of royal control was paramount.

As Chen Pingping ordered him taken into custody, Zhu Ge drew a dagger to commit suicide and protect the Princess Royal. The eunuch Hong Sixiang suddenly appeared and disarmed him. In despair, Zhu Ge pleaded with Chen Pingping, who, showing a final bit of camaraderie, persuaded Hong Sixiang to allow Zhu Ge a dignified death rather than the humiliation of interrogation. Moved, Hong Sixiang returned the dagger.

Before taking his life, Zhu Ge offered a final warning: Fan Xian, for all his talent, was unsuited to lead the Investigator's Office because he lacked innate reverence for the imperial family. Declaring his selfless dedication to Nanqing, Zhu Ge then killed himself. After the incident, Hong Sixiang returned to the palace to report to Emperor Qing. Chen Pingping motioned for the Black Knights to disperse and had Fan Xian push him to Zhu Ge's body.

He slowly reached out towards the lifeless Zhu Ge, whose eyes remained open, but his hand trembled and then retreated. Fan Xian, who had not intended for Zhu Ge to die, felt a profound sadness. Chen Pingping told him that choosing a path in life and pursuing it steadfastly to the end was a fortunate thing. Meanwhile, Princess Royal eagerly awaited news of Zhu Ge's success.

Instead, Yan Xiaoyi arrived to inform her that Hong Sixiang had secretly left the palace. A flash of realization crossed her face; she knew she had fallen into Chen Pingping's trap. Upon his return, Hong Sixiang recounted every detail to Emperor Qing. The Emperor inquired about his opinion on Zhu Ge's assessment of Fan Xian, but Hong Sixiang politely declined to comment. Emperor Qing scoffed, remarking that everyone professed loyalty to Nanqing but rarely considered what he truly desired.

He then ordered Princess Royal to be summoned, only for Hong Sixiang to report she was already kneeling outside. Princess Royal remained kneeling for hours. Yan Xiaoyi impulsively wished to intervene but was warned by a maidservant that it would only worsen the situation. Instead, he dispatched a messenger to inform Crown Prince Li Chenqian, who immediately rushed to the palace. Back home, Fan Jian called Fan Xian to his study, pressing him about his intentions towards Lin Wan'er. Fan Xian, without hesitation, declared that even if she were a maidservant, he would marry no one but her.

Episode 31 Recap

After Li Yunrui's schemes were exposed, Fan Jian summoned Fan Xian to his study, inquiring about Lin Wan'er's significance to him. Fan Jian asked if Fan Xian sought to marry her for the Neiku's power of wealth or for Lin Wan'er herself. Fan Xian firmly replied that he would marry no one but her, even if she were a mere maidservant. Fan Jian noted that this meant Fan Xian had truly fallen in love.

He then revealed that the Princess Royal had been kneeling outside the Imperial Study for quite some time. Given that the battle was decided, Fan Jian urged Fan Xian to be magnanimous and intercede on her behalf, suggesting it would prevent further animosity and ease Lin Wan’er’s feelings, as Li Yunrui was, after all, her mother. Fan Xian was touched by this, stating he needed time to consider.

Fan Jian reminded him that this night was his only chance to intercede. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince, Li Chengqian, learned of Li Yunrui's activities, including bribing Zhu Ge and contacting Zhuang Mohan without his knowledge. He angrily confronted her, demanding to know why she kept him in the dark. Li Yunrui retorted that if he had been aware, two people, not just one, would be kneeling before the Emperor now.

The Crown Prince, realizing the dire situation, knelt outside the Imperial Study, loudly requesting an audience with Emperor Qing. Emperor Qing summoned him inside. Li Chengqian pleaded for his aunt, citing her physical weakness, but Emperor Qing remained unmoved. He remarked that soft-hearted princes rarely came to a good end and chose to wait, wanting to see if anyone else would dare intercede for her.

Li Chengqian believed no one would, but just then, Fan Xian's request for an audience was announced. Li Yunrui was genuinely surprised by Fan Xian's arrival. Everyone, including Emperor Qing, expected him to plead for the Princess Royal. However, Fan Xian declared that he came to request severe punishment for Li Yunrui. He explained that someone had reminded him of Lin Wan’er’s feelings, acknowledging that despite the animosity, they were still mother and daughter.

He had found a quiet place to organize his thoughts. He explained to Emperor Qing that while he was willing to make concessions for Lin Wan'er if Li Yunrui was only his enemy, he could not forgive her for Teng Zijing's death. He stated that it was for Teng Zijing’s life, not merely for a house guard, that he insisted on justice.

Emperor Qing appeared satisfied, noting that for Fan Xian to lead the Investigator's Office and the Neiku, he must walk a path of an "isolated minister." He also commented that Fan Xian’s decision, made for the sake of a guard, showed he still needed more tempering, but Fan Xian insisted that he would not lose his sense of right and wrong. Emperor Qing then decreed that Li Yunrui must leave the capital city and return to her fiefdom in Xinyang.

Upon hearing that Fan Xian had not interceded for her, but rather pressed for her harsh punishment, Li Yunrui surprisingly laughed, finding it "fantastic." The Crown Prince still hoped to delay her departure and find a chance to plead for her, but Li Yunrui knew Emperor Qing's decision was final. As they turned to leave, Emperor Qing took up a bow and shot an arrow into the heart of a suit of armor displayed in the hall.

Li Yunrui glanced back, momentarily hallucinating Emperor Qing aiming the bow at her, before turning away with a forced smile, tears unconsciously falling. Lin Wan’er, having heard the news, rushed to see her mother. She found the palace in disarray, with maids and servants packing. Li Yunrui initially refused to see her, but Lin Wan’er stubbornly waited in the cold wind. Concerned for her fragile health, Li Yunrui eventually allowed her in.

Sitting opposite each other, mother and daughter shared an awkward silence. Li Yunrui sighed, stating that she was defeated and Lin Wan’er should not have come. She urged her daughter to pretend they were strangers after tonight and not to come to see her off the next day. Lin Wan’er broke her silence, asking if Li Yunrui had betrayed Qing Kingdom. Li Yunrui was momentarily stunned. Lin Wan’er offered to plead with Emperor Qing if her mother was innocent.

Li Yunrui, seeing no need for such an act, admitted to the betrayal. Lin Wan’er then asked if she had tried to harm Fan Xian, to which Li Yunrui nodded without hesitation. Tears welled in Lin Wan’er’s eyes. She spoke of her childhood, where her mother rarely visited. As a child, she believed her mother faced difficulties and things would improve with age.

But even after she was sent from the imperial harem and suffered from severe illness, Li Yunrui never visited. During her gravest illness, Lin Wan’er wondered if her mother would visit her before she died, questioning if she truly held her daughter in her heart. She confronted Li Yunrui, accusing her of readily harming Fan Xian for power, never considering Lin Wan’er’s feelings.

Li Yunrui, her anger ignited, retorted that life contained joy, suffering, loneliness, and sadness, but only by living could one experience them all. She declared that she only cared for Lin Wan’er’s survival, nothing else. Weeping, Lin Wan’er listened as Li Yunrui revealed that her actions were more complex than merely colluding with Beiqi and betraying Qing Kingdom. She avoided Lin Wan’er precisely to protect her from future implication.

Lin Wan’er was alarmed and pressed for more details, but Li Yunrui refused to elaborate, only reiterating that they should sever ties and live their own lives in peace. Lin Wan’er, still unwilling to accept, challenged her mother, asking if harming Fan Xian was also for her own good. Li Yunrui softly admitted that if Lin Wan’er hadn't loved Fan Xian, she might not have been so determined to kill him.

She explained that Fan Xian's arrival in the capital city was not merely about taking control of the Neiku's power of wealth; Emperor Qing also intended for him to take over the Investigator's Office. This would place him directly in the midst of imperial power struggles, making him bait for formidable adversaries. Under such attacks, he would be shattered beyond recovery. Li Yunrui claimed she sought to kill him to prevent Lin Wan’er from facing a dead end.

She advised Lin Wan’er to find an excuse to break off contact with Fan Xian, promising to arrange the cancellation of their engagement. Lin Wan’er, listening intently, suddenly asked Li Yunrui if she knew her favorite food. Li Yunrui was at a loss. Lin Wan’er then told her that she loved drumsticks, a fact her mother didn't know, but Fan Xian did.

She also loved the starry sky, a private solace from her lonely upbringing, a fact her mother didn’t know, but Fan Xian did. She explained that Fan Xian understood her most deeply and genuinely desired to understand her. Even if his chosen path led to death, she would follow him without hesitation, for she had entrusted him with her deepest fears and greatest loneliness.

Lin Wan’er then observed that the man Li Yunrui had truly entrusted her life to was not her father, and asked who it was. Li Yunrui offered no answer. Lin Wan’er silently bowed and left. As she departed, Li Yunrui called out, reminding her not to come to her farewell. The next day, Li Yunrui departed the capital city in a carriage. The Crown Prince saw her off at the city gate, promising to visit her if time permitted.

Li Yunrui cautioned him that such a visit would provoke the Second Prince. She smiled faintly before drawing the carriage curtain. Then, Fan Xian, who had been waiting nearby, stepped forward. He bowed to the Princess Royal, stating he had come to bid her farewell on Lin Wan’er's behalf. Li Yunrui, with a cheerful smile, remarked that it was fortunate he hadn't interceded for her the previous night, as it would have complicated her plans for revenge.

Fan Xian laughed, replying that he was already pleased to have fulfilled his promise of driving her out of the capital city. Before leaving, Li Yunrui informed Fan Xian that she had left a "gift" for him, sending a chill down his spine. As Fan Xian watched Li Yunrui's carriage depart, Wang Qinian advised him to be wary of her "gift." Suddenly, Fan Xian sensed danger and dodged an attack from behind. Guo Baokun, his attacker, stumbled and fell.

He scrambled up, uttered a threat, and fled. Fan Xian then noticed Lin Wan’er, who had been hiding. He apologized to her, but Lin Wan’er assured him she understood, knowing her mother had tried to harm him, and he was merely defending himself. Lin Wan’er reaffirmed her commitment, telling Fan Xian that even if his chosen path truly was a dead end, she would accompany him all the way.

Unbeknownst to them, outside the Imperial Study, numerous officials were kneeling, submitting memorials impeaching Fan Xian for allegedly leaking information that led to Yan Bingyun's capture. Emperor Qing, however, dismissed them, ordering them to leave their memorials and return home.

A few days later, Lin Ruofu, using a game of Go and his habit of retracting moves as a metaphor, advised Fan Xian on human nature, emphasizing that absolute fairness rarely existed and sometimes one must resort to various means to achieve a good outcome. He also warned Fan Xian that Emperor Qing would soon summon him and instructed him not to agree to any requests unless explicitly stated in an imperial edict.

Fan Xian expressed his reluctance to refuse the Emperor, but Lin Ruofu stressed that the relationship between ruler and minister was not that of master and slave, but rather like two chess players who, even if they lose pieces, must fight for what is necessary. He reminded Fan Xian that he had committed no wrongdoing, and with his reputation as the "Poetic Genius," even Emperor Qing could not openly coerce him.

Just then, a servant announced an imperial summons for Fan Xian to meet the Emperor. Lin Ruofu reiterated his advice, warning Fan Xian that Emperor Qing was a master of controlling hearts and was currently testing him, so he must agree to nothing without an explicit edict. Upon arriving at the palace, Fan Xian did not meet Emperor Qing directly but found the Crown Prince and Second Prince already present. Perplexed, he took a seat.

Soon, eunuchs entered, arraying a lavish spread of dishes on the table. Emperor Qing then appeared, declaring it a "family meal" and instructing them to be at ease. Fan Xian rose, intending to excuse himself, but Emperor Qing stopped him, saying he was "thick-skinned" and it was perfectly acceptable for him to stay.

Episode 32 Recap

Emperor Qing hosted a family meal for the Crown Prince, Second Prince, and Fan Xian, claiming to be unwell and watching them eat. He observed the Crown Prince's rigid eating style, calling him a "piece of wood" since childhood, and criticized the Second Prince's voracious manner, stating he lacked table manners from a young age. Turning to Fan Xian, the Emperor asked who he thought was more promising.

Fan Xian, taken aback, cautiously replied that any answer would be a death sentence. Emperor Qing countered that loyal ministers don't fear death and questioned if Fan Xian was loyal or sinister. Fan Xian cleverly responded that he could be either, depending on the Emperor's needs. The Emperor then asked his sons for their opinions on Fan Xian. The Crown Prince praised Fan Xian's literary talent, calling him a vital minister.

The Second Prince remarked that while loyal and sinister ministers were common, "crafty loyal ministers" like Fan Xian were rare. Pleased with these high evaluations, Emperor Qing instructed his sons to protect Fan Xian, assuring them that he would be an important minister regardless of who ascended the throne. He then mentioned that many officials had recently impeached Fan Xian, linking him to Yan Bingyun's capture in Beiqi.

He urged the princes to restrain their followers and prevent further rumors from spreading, which they agreed to do. Emperor Qing then revealed the main purpose of the gathering: the upcoming mission to escort Xiao En back to Beiqi in exchange for Yan Bingyun. He proposed that Fan Xian lead the mission to dispel suspicions against him. Recalling Lin Ruofu's earlier advice to decline any unofficial requests, Fan Xian asked if this was an imperial edict.

Emperor Qing called it a "suggestion," but subtly pressured him by stating that refusing would mean changing his engagement with Lin Wan’er, as his current status made taking over the Neiku "inappropriate" amidst the court's doubts. Given the veiled threat to his marriage, Fan Xian promptly agreed to the mission. Emperor Qing then instructed him to coordinate the travel plans with Chen Pingping and promised to arrange his marriage to Lin Wan’er upon his safe return from Beiqi.

Meanwhile, Yan Xiaoyi, stripped of his position as commander and banished to the border due to Li Yunrui's actions, met her at the Xinyang border to bid farewell. Li Yunrui expressed regret over his demotion. A messenger arrived with news that Fan Xian would lead the mission to Beiqi. Yan Xiaoyi's new station was on Fan Xian's northern route.

Li Yunrui then hinted to Yan Xiaoyi, instructing him to eliminate Fan Xian in the desolate border region, where "accidents" would be inevitable. After leaving the palace, Fan Xian visited Chen Pingping at the Investigator's Office, finding him melancholic while tending to flowers planted by Ye Qingmei years ago. Chen Pingping confessed his worry that the withered flowers, Ye Qingmei's last remaining legacy, would not survive the winter.

Realizing Chen Pingping missed his mother, Fan Xian examined the plants, diagnosed a potassium deficiency, and promised to revive them, declaring himself their "destiny." Chen Pingping then imparted crucial advice for the Beiqi mission. He emphasized that it was both a test and an opportunity. Fan Xian's paramount task was to bring Yan Bingyun back safely.

He warned Fan Xian to be extremely cautious of Shen Zhong, the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guards in Beiqi, whom he described as very dangerous. Chen Pingping informed Fan Xian that all relevant intelligence on Beiqi's political situation had been placed in his carriage and urged him to study it thoroughly. He also assured Fan Xian that he had dispatched secret protectors to safeguard him from Li Yunrui.

Upon his return, Fan Xian would gradually take control of both the Neiku and the Investigator's Office. With Chen Pingping's covert assistance, Fan Xian would become Nanqing's most influential minister, immune to any threats. Prior to his departure, Fan Xian visited the Third Division, where Senior Fellow Apprentice Leng and other apprentices had prepared an extensive array of protective items.

These included a fire-resistant and weapon-resistant robe, a fire-resistant umbrella for controlled descent, durable escape ropes, a fan with hidden needles coated in a non-lethal poison, and a jade pendant containing piquant powder for creating a smokescreen. They also presented him with a newly developed sleeve crossbow, effective only when aimed at lethal points. Fan Xian, impressed, also requested specific poison ingredients, which the Third Division readily supplied, along with their latest knockout drug called chloroform.

On his way back to his mansion, Fan Xian's secret escorts, sent by Chen Pingping, were mysteriously incapacitated. His personal guard urged Fan Xian to proceed on foot while Wang Qinian drove the carriage. Shortly after, Fan Xian's last remaining guard also fell victim, only for Fan Xian to joyfully discover that the assailant was his teacher, Fei Jie, who had just returned to the capital.

Fei Jie explained that, unaware of the situation, he had mistaken Fan Xian's plainclothes protectors for assassins and had "dealt with" them, assuring Fan Xian that his poisons were non-lethal. Fei Jie led Fan Xian and Wang Qinian to the backyard of a rouge shop he owned, arranged with two recliners under a large parasol, reminiscent of the Fan mansion in Danzhou. Fei Jie revealed he opened the shop due to a past incident.

Years ago, during a mission in Beiqi to capture Xiao En, he attempted to poison Xiao En's daughter-in-law via tainted rouge to coerce Xiao En. However, his unfamiliarity with cosmetics led to an accidental fatal dosage, resulting in the deaths of Xiao En's son and daughter-in-law, and Chen Pingping losing his legs. Fei Jie, feeling immense guilt, opened the shop to prevent similar mistakes.

Concerned by Xiao En's formidable reputation, Fei Jie adamantly opposed Fan Xian's mission to Beiqi and even planned for their escape from the capital. However, as he went to make arrangements, he found Chen Pingping waiting outside the back door. Chen Pingping, having been alerted after Fan Xian's guards were incapacitated, knew Fei Jie's intentions and had anticipated his location. Fei Jie expressed surprise, but Chen Pingping simply stated he had always known about the shop.

Chen Pingping and Fei Jie then sent Fan Xian and Wang Qinian outside, engaging in a heated argument. Chen Pingping argued that the mission was Fan Xian's critical opportunity to consolidate power in the capital by overseeing both the Neiku and the Investigator's Office, securing a brilliant future. Fei Jie, however, viewed Fan Xian as a son and feared a repeat of past tragedies, not wanting to die without someone to bury him.

Overhearing their intense dispute, Fan Xian stepped in and told his teachers that he felt a personal responsibility to retrieve Yan Bingyun, whose capture was a direct consequence of Li Yunrui's schemes against him. Fei Jie, convinced by Fan Xian's conviction, had no further arguments. Later, Fan Xian met Lin Wan’er in the countryside to inform her of his impending journey to Beiqi, confiding that he was reluctantly undertaking it due to their engagement.

Lin Wan’er, in turn, offered to elope with him and live a simple life, assuring him she had saved enough money and cared little for societal judgment. Touched, Fan Xian gently refused, insisting he could not allow her reputation to be tarnished and that he had to go. Though worried, Lin Wan’er accepted his decision, making him promise to return alive and vowing to wait for him with cherry blossoms.

On his way back, Fan Xian encountered the Second Prince, who had erected a temporary pavilion by the roadside solely to meet him. The Second Prince, acknowledging his own "extravagant" nature, offered Fan Xian a drink. He then promised to recommend Fan Xian to preside over the upcoming imperial examinations upon his return, an appointment that would grant him immense influence over a new generation of officials.

The Second Prince explained his support stemmed from a personal liking for Fan Xian and a desire for engaging conversation, asserting that their friendship could endure even if Fan Xian ultimately aligned with the Crown Prince. He also offered the protection of his loyal guardian at Fengming Pass should Fan Xian's mission pass through there. Fan Xian, however, politely declined, stating his route would likely avoid Fengming.

Sensing Fan Xian's reluctance to draw closer, the Second Prince concluded their meeting and departed. Upon learning of Fan Xian's mission, Fan Jian immediately entered the palace late at night to implore Emperor Qing to revoke the order. The Emperor, however, deftly sidestepped the issue, instead announcing Fan Jian's promotion to Minister of Revenue following the previous minister's resignation. Despite Fan Jian's desperate pleas, the Emperor remained firm, declaring both decisions non-negotiable.

Left with no other recourse, Fan Jian requested that his personal guards be assigned to escort Fan Xian on his northern journey, to which Emperor Qing finally agreed. On the day of Fan Xian's departure, both Chen Pingping and Fei Jie came to see him off. Fei Jie presented Fan Xian with a newly formulated, non-lethal poison, capable of incapacitating even a Great Master for a short period. Fan Xian accepted the gift with a grateful smile.

Episode 33 Recap

As Fan Xian prepared for his mission to Beiqi, he exchanged final words with Chen Pingping and Fei Jie. During their conversation, Si Lili was brought out and escorted into a carriage. Fan Xian watched her, prompting Fei Jie to reveal that the little emperor of Beiqi had specifically requested her return. Fan Xian found this perplexing, as he understood the strategic value of recapturing Xiao En, but not Si Lili.

He wondered if she had a secret affair with the emperor, but then questioned why she would be sent as a spy to the capital city if that were the case. Moments later, Xiao En, heavily bound in chains, was brought from the deepest dungeon where he had been imprisoned for many years. He greedily inhaled the fresh air and sunlight.

When a guard impatiently prodded him, Xiao En menacingly asked if the guard had family, threatening to seek them out. Yan Ruohai warned Xiao En not to provoke the younger guards, but Xiao En retorted by threatening Yan Ruohai’s own son, should he die. Xiao En then spotted Chen Pingping and Fei Jie, declaring he had prayed in his cell for them to live long enough for his revenge.

He scoffed at Chen Pingping's disabled legs, but Chen Pingping countered, making Xiao En seethe with anger. Chen Pingping calmly introduced Fan Xian as the one who would escort Xiao En back to Beiqi. Fan Xian greeted Xiao En, who inquired about his relationship with Chen Pingping and Fei Jie. Fan Xian openly stated that Fei Jie was his teacher and Chen Pingping his elder, both treating him like family.

Xiao En then challenged Chen Pingping to take a good look at Fan Xian, implying he wouldn't see him again soon. Fan Xian quickly retorted, suggesting Xiao En should look carefully at the prison courtyard, as he might return there himself, which made Chen Pingping smile subtly. Xiao En, however, dismissed Fan Xian as too young and inexperienced. Fei Jie offered to accompany Fan Xian, but Chen Pingping intervened, stating he needed to speak with Fan Xian alone.

Once Fei Jie was out of earshot, Chen Pingping advised Fan Xian to send his teacher home to rest, revealing that Fei Jie was injured. Fan Xian was shocked to learn that Fei Jie, upon hearing of Fan Xian’s mission, had ridden 800 "li" to the capital without stopping, enduring six assassination attempts. Chen Pingping noted that Fan Xian’s presence had profoundly changed both him and Fei Jie.

Before parting, Chen Pingping instructed Fan Xian to visit Taiping Residence, as someone wished to see him. At Taiping Residence, Fan Xian was surprised to find Emperor Qing. The Emperor explained that the mission to Beiqi was chosen to temper Fan Xian’s spirit. He confirmed that Fan Xian’s primary task was to retrieve Yan Bingyun.

Emperor Qing then revealed that Si Lili had been poisoned with "Red Sleeve Edict," a poison designed not for her, but for the little emperor of Beiqi. Fan Xian gasped, realizing the implications. Emperor Qing further commanded Fan Xian to find an opportunity to kill Xiao En after securing Yan Bingyun's return, adding that the Investigator's Office would not assist him to avoid suspicion.

Fan Xian mused that killing both an emperor and Xiao En in a foreign capital was an immense task. He questioned why such sensitive discussions were held outside the palace. Emperor Qing responded that in the palace, they were ruler and subject, but here, it was different, leaving the thought unfinished. He simply told Fan Xian to return alive.

Fan Xian, testing the limits, asked if failure was acceptable as long as he survived, which amused and annoyed the Emperor, who then angrily dismissed him. Leaving Taiping Residence, Fan Xian headed towards the city gate, where he met Fei Jie. Fei Jie expressed his concern, explaining he couldn't accompany Fan Xian due to the danger posed by Beiqi agents he had previously targeted.

He then warned Fan Xian about several dangerous individuals in Beiqi: Shen Zhong, the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guards; Great Master Ku He; Haitang Duoduo, Ku He's formidable "Saintess" disciple; and General Shangshan Hu, Xiao En’s adopted son. Fei Jie also mentioned the political infighting between Beiqi’s little emperor and the Empress Dowager, advising Fan Xian to escape if the situation turned precarious, rather than getting involved.

Then, with some awkwardness, Fei Jie confessed that he was the one who concocted the "Red Sleeve Edict" poison, which could only be transmitted through intimate contact. He handed Fan Xian an antidote, jokingly suggesting it was in case Fan Xian couldn’t "hold himself back" on the journey. Fan Xian, flustered, denied any such intentions.

As Fei Jie walked away, he shouted a final warning: if Fan Xian did not return alive, he would personally go to Beiqi’s capital and ensure the entire city was slaughtered in revenge. As Fan Xian was about to depart, his siblings, Fan Ruoruo and Fan Sizhe, arrived to see him off. Fan Sizhe, ever the entrepreneur, urged Fan Xian to write more chapters for "Red Mansions" during his journey, emphasizing the urgent demand from their bookstore.

Fan Ruoruo reassured Fan Xian that she had arranged to move into Lin Wan’er’s imperial residence the next day to discreetly watch over her future sister-in-law. Fan Xian, delighted, instructed her to deter any suitors. The lighthearted family moment was broken by the arrival of Fan Jian, who, with a somber expression, presented Fan Xian with his personal Tiger Guards, led by Gao Da.

Fan Jian reiterated the warning about Beiqi's internal power struggles, advising Fan Xian to flee if danger arose, a sentiment Fan Xian privately acknowledged was impossible given Emperor Qing's orders. With tears in his eyes, Fan Jian watched as Fan Sizhe offered a bowl of farewell liquor. Fan Xian drained it, then deeply bowed to his father, sister, and brother before resolutely running to catch up with the waiting convoy.

Meanwhile, in Beiqi, General Shangshan Hu received intelligence that Fan Xian's mission was underway. Fearing that his adoptive father, Xiao En, would fall into the hands of opposing imperial factions, Shangshan Hu decided to intercept the mission at the border within Qing territory, rescue Xiao En, and eliminate the mission's leader, Fan Xian. Later, the mission convoy halted in a dense forest for a break. Fan Xian, claiming a need for nature's call, ventured into the woods.

Wang Qinian, suspicious that Fan Xian might be attempting to escape the perilous journey, insisted on following him. Unable to shake him off, Fan Xian ordered Gao Da to remain with the convoy and ensure no one else left. Deep in the forest, Fan Xian met Uncle Wuzhu, as prearranged. Wuzhu reported on his visit to Taiping Residence, confirming its strict defenses.

Although he managed to enter, he found nothing concrete but sensed a strange mechanism connected to a stone in the pond, which he believed only Fan Xian could decipher. Fan Xian, despite his late mother's warning against seeking the truth, admitted his overwhelming curiosity and decided to postpone his investigation until his return from Beiqi. When Wuzhu asked why Fan Xian wasn't bringing the weapon from the chest, Fan Xian said he left it at home for Wuzhu to guard.

Wuzhu then declared his own intention to travel north to challenge Great Master Ku He, having heard that Ku He might target Fan Xian. He aimed to engage Ku He in battle to ensure the Great Master couldn't interfere with Fan Xian. Fan Xian, initially startled by Wuzhu’s casual challenge to a Great Master, was reassured when Wuzhu stated he would only handle Great Masters, leaving lesser opponents to Fan Xian.

Wuzhu then vaguely recalled that Fan Xian’s mother, Ye Qingmei, had once traveled with Xiao En, and that her arrival in this world was somehow linked to him. This revelation left Fan Xian deeply troubled, as it implied Xiao En might hold the secrets to "the Forbidden Door," creating a profound dilemma given his imperial orders to kill Xiao En.

Upon Fan Xian’s return to the convoy, Gao Da immediately complained about Wang Qinian's apparent fruit theft, describing him as sneaky and greedy, and urged Fan Xian to dismiss him. Fan Xian, exasperated but understanding, promised to handle it. Soon after, Wang Qinian stealthily approached Fan Xian with a bag of chilled fruits, boasting that he had secretly taken them from the gifts intended for Beiqi. Fan Xian, amused by the absurdity, refused.

When Gao Da again tried to intervene, Fan Xian simply waved him away. The following day, Gao Da once more reported Wang Qinian's continued fruit pilfering and offered to personally drive him away.

Left with no other recourse, Fan Xian fabricated a story: Wang Qinian’s greedy demeanor was merely a clever disguise, and he was, in fact, a brave and steadfast warrior who had nobly volunteered to share the prison carriage with Xiao En to keep him under constant surveillance, a task no other guard dared to undertake. Gao Da, completely fooled, was deeply impressed.

He sought out Wang Qinian, profusely apologized for his earlier misjudgment, praised him as a true hero, and swore that if any misfortune befell Wang Qinian at Xiao En’s hands, he would personally avenge him by slaying Xiao En. Wang Qinian was utterly bewildered by Gao Da's sudden change of heart. After Gao Da departed, Fan Xian explained the elaborate deception to a crestfallen Wang Qinian, who now had no choice but to accept the dangerous assignment.

With a basin of water in hand, Wang Qinian nervously entered Xiao En's prison carriage. He cautiously approached Xiao En, offering to wash his face with a cloth-wrapped stick. Xiao En seized the stick and half-jokingly inquired if taking Wang Qinian hostage would be effective against Fan Xian. Trembling, Wang Qinian explained that he was a person of no consequence, and the powerful figures in the Investigator's Office would hardly care about his fate.

Xiao En continued to tease him before requesting a massage, which Wang Qinian nervously began to perform. Xiao En then asked if Wang Qinian feared him. Wang Qinian admitted his fear but stated that if he were to die, Fan Xian was wealthy enough to ensure his wife and daughter would live comfortably. Xiao En then asked Wang Qinian his name, which he haltingly revealed as Wang Qinian.

Meanwhile, Guo Baokun, consumed by a desire for revenge over his father’s imprisonment, bribed a jailer to visit Guo Youzhi. He excitedly informed his father that he had assembled a group of assassins to ambush and kill Fan Xian in the wilderness. Guo Youzhi was aghast, desperately trying to dissuade his son from such a reckless act. However, Guo Baokun, seemingly deluded, claimed to have studied military strategies and believed he had discovered his own potential as a brilliant general.

His father’s pleas were cut short when the jailer urged Guo Baokun to leave, leaving Guo Youzhi to silently pray for his son's safety. Guo Baokun then met with the assassins he had hired, led by a man named Zhao Da. Using a pre-arranged secret phrase, he identified them. Zhao Da and his men, ostensibly retired soldiers who now worked in farming, assured Guo Baokun of their proficiency in murder and robbery, vowing not to fail.

However, Guo Baokun found their relaxed attitude and excuses about farm work unsettling, especially their casual assertion that they could easily catch up to Fan Xian's mission even if they started late.

Episode 34 Recap

Wuzhu, guided by his fragmented memories, located Ku He's secluded cliff cave, a retreat hidden behind a roaring waterfall. Ku He, anticipating Wuzhu's arrival, acknowledged Wuzhu's unchanging nature despite his memory loss. Wuzhu declared his purpose: to fight. He proposed that if Ku He remained in his retreat and did not interfere with Xiao En's return to Beiqi, Wuzhu would not intervene.

However, Ku He adamantly stated that Xiao En must not return alive, a declaration Wuzhu met with a challenge to fight. It was at this point that Haitang Duoduo, Ku He's highly skilled disciple who had been observing from the forest, swiftly intervened. She paused their impending duel, asserting that if Wuzhu were to accept such a fight, survival would be difficult. Without further ado, she lunged at Wuzhu with her twin axes.

Wuzhu adeptly evaded her blows, causing his raft to rock precariously. Ku He then sternly cautioned Haitang against her impetuousness, reminding her that she was no match for Wuzhu. Ignoring her master, Haitang leaped onto the raft, relentlessly pressing her attack against Wuzhu with her sharp broadaxe. Wuzhu calmly and expertly defended himself, quickly deflecting her assault, leading Haitang to admit her defeat.

She even expressed awe at Wuzhu's remarkable ability to detect her presence and tactical shifts during their brief interaction, confessing she could not overcome him. Ku He then explicitly ordered Haitang to proceed into Nanqing territory to kill Xiao En before he could return to the capital. Haitang, concerned that Wuzhu had overheard their plan, questioned how she could possibly leave unnoticed. Ku He simply replied that anyone except a Great Master was free to depart.

As Haitang departed, she paused to playfully inquire about Wuzhu's secret to his incredibly smooth and flawless skin, leaving him visibly flustered. After Haitang left, Wuzhu plunged into the roaring waterfall, commencing his anticipated duel with Ku He. From a distance, Haitang watched, marveling at the intense battle within the cave, the clash of their internal energies churning the waterfall into a chaotic spray. Despite knowing her master couldn't hear, she couldn't help but cheer him on.

Back at the mission's resting place, Wang Qinian proudly reported to Fan Xian and Gao Da that he had successfully diffused Xiao En's hostility with his witty words. He also pointed out Si Lili, who was being escorted, remarking on her apparent affection for Fan Xian. Gao Da surprisingly agreed, teasing Fan Xian about it. Fan Xian dismissed their banter and immediately demanded a precise recount of Wang Qinian’s conversation with Xiao En.

Wang Qinian reported to Fan Xian that he had deliberately downplayed his own importance to Xiao En, hoping to prevent Xiao En from using him as leverage. However, Fan Xian gravely concluded that, contrary to Wang Qinian’s belief, Xiao En would likely attempt to kill him within the day, a prediction that baffled both Wang Qinian and Gao Da. That night, Fan Xian secretly entered Xiao En's carriage.

He revealed that he had been poisoning Xiao En's food for days and now directly administered more poison with a hollow needle. While doing so, he disarmed Xiao En, retrieving a sharpened bamboo piece hidden within the iron chains. Fan Xian confronted Xiao En, revealing his knowledge of the plan to kill Wang Qinian. Xiao En confessed his intent. Fan Xian warned Xiao En to leave Wang Qinian unharmed, asserting that Wang Qinian was a valuable subordinate.

After Fan Xian left, Xiao En, using his internal energy, expelled the poison from his body. Fan Xian later showed the sharpened bamboo piece to a terrified Wang Qinian and Gao Da. He explained that Xiao En, brutal and cunning, and having been imprisoned for years, desperately craved an outlet for his pent-up rage and would likely choose a seemingly insignificant target like Wang Qinian.

However, Fan Xian also clarified that Xiao En wouldn't attempt to seize Wang Qinian as leverage, as his paramount concern was survival, and such a move would risk his life. Wang Qinian finally grasped the dangerous truth. Later, before retiring for the night, Fan Xian discreetly informed Wang Qinian and Gao Da that their route to Beiqi would pass through Cangzhou, emphasizing the need for secrecy to avoid premature interception. Meanwhile, Yan Xiaoyi received an urgent, secret edict.

Despite his officers suggesting he rest, he insisted on patrolling the border, believing Beiqi would not cause trouble. Upon receiving the edict, he immediately decided to pursue an assassination mission in Cangzhou, which lay on Fan Xian’s route to Beiqi. He informed his loyal subordinates that this was a dangerous mission that required crossing the border, a severe breach of law. He offered them the choice to stay behind without consequence, but all of them chose to follow him.

Yan Xiaoyi revealed their target was the person traveling through Cangzhou to Beiqi, which implies Fan Xian. Elsewhere, Guo Baokun, seeking revenge for his father, secretly visited Guo Youzhi in prison. He proudly informed his father that he had hired a group of assassins, whom he deemed exceptional, to ambush Fan Xian in the wilderness.

Guo Youzhi, horrified by his son’s reckless plan, vehemently tried to dissuade him, but Guo Baokun, consumed by his desire for vengeance and convinced of his own strategic genius after reading military texts, refused to listen. The next day, Guo Baokun met with the leader of his hired killers, Zhao Da, outside the city gate. Zhao Da explained that his "assassins," who were supposedly retired soldiers, couldn't enter the city due to the "tricky" nature of their equipment.

To Guo Baokun’s dismay, these turned out to be ordinary villagers loudly hawking vegetables from a cart. Zhao Da insisted they were seasoned veterans and demonstrated their "weapons" – sickles and rolling pins. Despite his disappointment, Guo Baokun, having no other suitable candidates, reluctantly took them along. Their journey quickly turned into a disaster when Guo Baokun's specially chosen "Supreme horse," a ceremonial animal unsuited for long-distance travel and deprived of premium forage, collapsed from relentless diarrhea.

Unaccustomed to such physical hardship, Guo Baokun struggled immensely, often having to be carried by Zhao Da. Despite the bitterness of the wild food and the grueling trek, he remained resolute in his determination to kill Fan Xian. He then instructed his ragtag group to launch a surprise attack on Fan Xian, confident in his own military strategy. Fan Xian continued to subtly poison Xiao En with his hollow needle, feigning respect for the elder while administering the potent substance.

Xiao En, still cunning, probed Fan Xian about his intentions and cultivation, observing Fan Xian's diligent practice and strong perseverance. Fan Xian, deflecting the probes, then proceeded to Si Lili's carriage. Upon entering Si Lili's carriage, Fan Xian's fatigue was immediately apparent to her. She compassionately offered him a massage, which he accepted. Fan Xian then initiated a psychological interrogation, questioning why Si Lili showed him kindness despite his past actions—arresting, threatening, and interrogating her.

Si Lili confessed that while her experiences with him were arduous, she found herself unable to hate him. She explained that his saving her life eventually allowed her to escape her plight, leaving her conflicted between gratitude and resentment. Ultimately, she admitted that his "shadow" had been carved into her heart. Fan Xian, seeing through her outward composure, produced a hairpin she had been secretly clutching since entering the carriage.

He directly addressed her fears, explaining that she kept the hairpin as her only reliance against his perceived "animal disposition," yet lacked the courage to either harm him or commit suicide, as she desired to live. Overwhelmed by being completely exposed, Si Lili broke down, crying uncontrollably. Fan Xian encouraged her to release all her pent-up emotions, causing her loud sobs to echo outside the carriage.

Xiao En overheard her crying and asked Wang Qinian about Fan Xian, noting that Fan Xian must be formidable to break Si Lili's emotional defenses in enemy territory, predicting Fan Xian would become a great enemy for Beiqi. After her catharsis, Si Lili felt much lighter and revealed her true identity: Li Lisi, a member of the Nanqing imperial family.

During Emperor Qing’s bloody ascent to the throne, her clan was nearly annihilated, forcing her and her family to flee to Beiqi. Beiqi then used her younger brother, her only remaining kin, to coerce her into becoming a spy in Nanqing. Fan Xian offered to help her rescue her brother and bring him back to Nanqing. Si Lili, however, only wanted to know if Fan Xian was getting married.

When he confirmed his engagement and his deep affection for his fiancée, she, despite her inner sadness, wished him a long and happy marriage. Fan Xian then assured her that no one would harm her on the way and that he was indeed sending her home. Meanwhile, Fei Jie, deeply worried about Fan Xian, angrily confronted Chen Pingping.

He expressed his concern that by sending Fan Xian into such danger, Chen Pingping was deliberately putting his "nephew" in harm's way, especially after Fei Jie had rushed back to the capital, enduring six assassination attempts on his way. Fei Jie was particularly concerned about Xiao En's dangerous nature. Chen Pingping, however, could only offer evasive answers to Fei Jie's worries.

Unbeknownst to Fei Jie, Chen Pingping had indeed ordered Shadow to withdraw all the black knights from Fan Xian's side, leaving him vulnerable. Shadow questioned Chen Pingping’s decision, citing intelligence that Shangshan Hu, Beiqi's War God and Xiao En's adoptive son, was moving south to rescue Xiao En, which would put Fan Xian in direct confrontation with him.

Chen Pingping, however, instructed Shadow not to inform Fei Jie and revealed his deeper motive: he had spent years gaining Fan Xian's trust to prepare him for this moment, hinting at a larger plan that was finally nearing fruition. Later, Xiao En, affected by Chen Pingping's manipulations, warned Fan Xian not to trust Chen Pingping, saying he would regret it.

Fan Xian, having learned from Wuzhu that his mother had a connection to Xiao En and that her arrival in this world was tied to him, needed to extract a secret from Xiao En. He confided in Wang Qinian and Gao Da, asserting their trustworthiness as declared by his father. Fan Xian revealed his audacious plan to "kidnap" Xiao En.

He explained that his mother had once traveled with Xiao En and had even suggested her very existence was somehow connected to him, so he needed to question Xiao En. He intended to impersonate Shangshan Hu, Xiao En's adoptive son, to stage a fake rescue.

This would not only allow him to question Xiao En but also ensure that Beiqi, believing their own people rescued Xiao En, would be in the wrong and thus not impede the exchange for Yan Bingyun.

Episode 35 Recap

Fan Xian, leading the mission to the Nanqing border, orchestrated a deceptive plan with Gao Da. Disguised men, pretending to be Shangshan Hu's subordinates, knocked out Gao Da and "rescued" Xiao En, who then galloped away. Fan Xian feigned pursuit, while Wang Qinian, who had already set up an ambush, reported that the ruse was successful; everyone believed Shangshan Hu’s men were responsible. Fan Xian confirmed that someone was still covertly following Xiao En.

Xiao En, in his escape, discovered Wang Qinian's presence. He confronted Wang Qinian, accusing him of setting the iron chains that tripped his horse. Wang Qinian, using his lightness skill to evade Xiao En's attacks, casually confirmed his involvement and continued leaving marks on stones, telling Xiao En to focus on his escape. Wang Qinian led Xiao En to a steep ravine, where Fan Xian descended to engage Xiao En in battle. Both sustained injuries during their fierce exchange.

Gao Da and his team arrived, surrounding Xiao En, who then realized he had been tricked. Fan Xian, commenting on Xiao En's age, revealed that the "rescue" was a ruse orchestrated by him, confirming that the men who pretended to be Shangshan Hu's subordinates were his own people. Xiao En asked if Fan Xian's intention was to kill him, but Fan Xian then pressed Xiao En for his secrets, asking if he knew Danzhou.

When Fan Xian stated he grew up there, Xiao En's demeanor shifted, and he simply urged Fan Xian to kill him. As Fan Xian held Xiao En, having thrown his dagger away earlier, Haitang Duoduo suddenly appeared from the jungle and sat on a rock. Fan Xian threatened Xiao En’s life if she approached, but she dared him to proceed, revealing she was not there to save Xiao En.

Fan Xian identified her as Haitang Duoduo, Saintess of Beiqi and Ku He's apprentice. Haitang Duoduo acknowledged Fan Xian as Nanqing's "poetic genius" but also labeled him "insidious and ruthless." She then said she also intended to kill Xiao En, offering to let Fan Xian kill him while she watched. Instead, Fan Xian challenged Haitang Duoduo to a fight. Haitang Duoduo, surprised, reluctantly agreed.

Their acrobatic battle was intense, with Haitang Duoduo calling Fan Xian "insane" and "shameless" for his tactics. Fan Xian eventually admitted defeat, calling a halt and praising her "above Ninth Dan" skill. He explained he fought to spar with a master to improve his martial arts. He also asked why Ku He wanted Xiao En dead, but Haitang Duoduo refused to answer. She then insisted he kill Xiao En.

Fan Xian refused, explaining that he had invested too much effort in capturing Xiao En to simply kill him. Haitang Duoduo, growing impatient, again threatened to kill Xiao En herself. At this point, Guo Baokun and Zhao Da with his retired soldiers had also arrived, hiding nearby. Yan Xiaoyi, who was observing Fan Xian and Haitang Duoduo from behind a rock, suddenly shot an arrow at Fan Xian, declaring his intent to avenge his humiliation in the capital.

Haitang Duoduo instinctively intercepted the arrow. Fan Xian pulled Haitang Duoduo behind a large rock, identifying Yan Xiaoyi as Nanqing's unparalleled Ninth Dan archer. He then tried to instigate a fight between Yan Xiaoyi and Haitang Duoduo, suggesting it would bring Yan Xiaoyi great fame. Yan Xiaoyi, however, was focused on killing Fan Xian. As Yan Xiaoyi prepared to shoot again, a cavalry force was heard approaching. He temporarily ceased fire, and Haitang Duoduo seized the opportunity to slip away.

The cavalry turned out to be Beiqi soldiers led by Shangshan Hu, Xiao En's adoptive son. Shangshan Hu, enraged to see Xiao En injured, confronted Fan Xian, asking if Fan Xian was responsible for his adoptive father's wounds. Fan Xian, recognizing Shangshan Hu's formidable skill, attempted to appease him with poetry, but Shangshan Hu dismissed it, threatening to make it Fan Xian’s last will. Fan Xian then tried to provoke him by questioning his surname.

Meanwhile, Guo Baokun, hiding nearby, intended to kill Shangshan Hu for military honors to free his father, but Zhao Da advised waiting for Fan Xian to die first. Xiao En intervened, stopping Shangshan Hu from killing Fan Xian, insisting Fan Xian be taken back to Beiqi to ascertain his identity. Fan Xian, Wang Qinian, and Gao Da were taken captive. Shangshan Hu also threatened to kill Wang Qinian and Gao Da, which Fan Xian desperately tried to prevent.

Just then, Yan Xiaoyi and his cavalry appeared, blocking their path and still demanding Fan Xian's death. Yan Xiaoyi offered Shangshan Hu a deal: kill Fan Xian, and he would leave. When Shangshan Hu refused, Yan Xiaoyi ordered his men to attack everyone. In the ensuing chaos, Guo Baokun, seeing an opportunity for military glory to free his father, urged Zhao Da and his veterans to attack Shangshan Hu. Zhao Da and his men charged Shangshan Hu.

Yan Xiaoyi took the opportunity to wound Shangshan Hu with an arrow and then killed Zhao Da's old soldiers. Guo Baokun pursued Fan Xian, who had been pulled behind a rock by Xiao En. Guo Baokun attempted to stab Fan Xian, but Fan Xian deftly used a rope to seize the knife from Guo Baokun. Fan Xian then kicked Guo Baokun out of the way of an arrow shot by Yan Xiaoyi.

Yan Xiaoyi, intent on silencing all witnesses to his unauthorized actions, then killed Zhao Da. Guo Baokun, terrified, pleaded for his life, identifying himself and his men to Yan Xiaoyi as loyal Qing subjects, not bandits. Fan Xian, realizing Haitang Duoduo was still nearby, called out for her help. Haitang Duoduo appeared, swinging her battle-axe and knocking Yan Xiaoyi to the ground, which prompted Yan Xiaoyi and his men to retreat.

Haitang Duoduo then declared her intention to kill Xiao En. Fan Xian, exhausted and knowing he was no match for her, stepped forward to stop her. He discreetly administered a drug to her. Haitang Duoduo, surprised by the sudden flush and racing heart, accused Fan Xian of insidious tactics. Fan Xian, to make her retreat, brazenly claimed it was an aphrodisiac and warned her he never takes advantage of others in distress.

Still affected, Haitang Duoduo ran into the forest and plunged into a river to clear her head. Fan Xian wanted to hide Xiao En, but the mission's guards arrived and took Xiao En back. Fan Xian quickly told Xiao En to claim he was captured by Fan Xian, asserting that only Fan Xian truly wanted to keep him alive.

Wang Qinian, quick-witted, then spun a convincing story for the mission officials: Shangshan Hu had attempted to rescue Xiao En but was repelled by Fan Xian, which everyone believed. Later, Fan Xian engaged Xiao En in conversation, trying to extract his secrets and asking what was so special about Danzhou that made Xiao En hold back from killing him earlier. Xiao En protested that while he wanted to escape, he didn't intend to betray the country by killing mission members.

He then warned Fan Xian about Chen Pingping's loyalty, pointing out the suspicious absence of the black knights during the entire ordeal, and urged Fan Xian to cultivate more allies, rather than relying solely on Chen Pingping. Wang Qinian concurred, noting Shangshan Hu's brazen attack near Beiqi, indicating potential dangers for Xiao En within Beiqi's court. Fan Xian, still bothered by the black knights' absence, dismissed Wang Qinian's suggestion of Chen Pingping's "oversight."

He then arranged for the burial of the fallen soldiers. Fan Xian approached Guo Baokun, who was distraught over his failed revenge. Fan Xian offered a deal: he would personally petition Emperor Qing to release Guo Baokun's father, Guo Youzhi, whose clique charges were now less significant with Princess Royal Li Yunrui out of the capital.

In return, Guo Baokun had to testify that Yan Xiaoyi colluded with Beiqi to assassinate the mission, and also ensure his family's network allied with Fan Xian in court once his father was free. Guo Baokun, feeling he had no other recourse, reluctantly agreed. Meanwhile, Si Lili, hearing about Fan Xian's initial claim of using an aphrodisiac on Haitang Duoduo, confronted him with sarcastic remarks, questioning his integrity.

As Fan Xian attempted to leave, Yan Xiaoyi reappeared and shot an arrow at him. Si Lili selflessly shielded Fan Xian, taking the arrow. Yan Xiaoyi fled. Fan Xian carried Si Lili to a carriage, and being the only one with medical expertise, removed her upper garment to treat the wound, explaining the urgency. When Si Lili awoke, she was embarrassed about her clothes and continued to question Fan Xian about the "aphrodisiac."

Just then, Wang Qinian called Fan Xian, informing him that Haitang Duoduo was waiting. Fan Xian went to meet Haitang Duoduo by the river, noting she had dried her clothes with internal force. She demanded an antidote for the drug. Fan Xian insisted it was not an aphrodisiac, but a metabolism-boosting agent he created, explaining its effects caused a racing heart and flush, not poison.

He admitted to lying earlier to make her retreat, arguing that if he hadn't, she would have attacked him then. When she continued to challenge him, he argued she wouldn't kill him as it would ignite a war between Nanqing and Beiqi, and her true nature wasn't bloodthirsty, citing her hesitation to kill Xiao En earlier. He even offered her a fruit from the mission's supplies, which she accepted, acknowledging his peculiar character.

Gao Da, observing from a distance, worried for Fan Xian, but Wang Qinian confidently declared that Fan Xian and the Saintess had likely resolved their differences and become friends, perhaps even sharing fruit, attributing it to Fan Xian's charm and his teacher Fei Jie's potent "aphrodisiac."

Episode 36 Recap

After Si Lili was injured protecting Fan Xian, Wang Qinian informed Fan Xian that Haitang Duoduo was waiting for him. Haitang Duoduo led Fan Xian to a river and confronted him, demanding the antidote for the "aphrodisiac" he had administered. Fan Xian clarified that it was not an aphrodisiac but a metabolism-boosting medicine. Initially angered, Haitang Duoduo threatened to kill him. However, Fan Xian, unconcerned, noted that if she were truly bloodthirsty, she would have already killed Xiao En.

He offered her a fruit, and they sat by the river. From a distance, Wang Qinian observed, concluding that Fan Xian and Haitang Duoduo had likely become allies. Haitang Duoduo then requested Fan Xian's help in killing Xiao En, but Fan Xian decisively refused. Instead, he proposed an alliance, stating his intention to help Haitang Duoduo and the Empress Dowager seize power from the little emperor. Haitang Duoduo denied allegiance to the Empress Dowager.

Yet, Fan Xian, demonstrating an astute understanding of Beiqi's political landscape, outlined the three main factions: the little emperor's, the Empress Dowager's (to which Haitang, as Ku He's disciple, would naturally belong), and Shangshan Hu's neutral party. He highlighted that her desire to kill Xiao En contrasted with Shangshan Hu's efforts to save him, and her stance aligned with the Empress Dowager's interests in Si Lili's return to Beiqi.

Anticipating the difficulty of rescuing Yan Bingyun, Fan Xian saw a clear advantage in their mutual assistance. Haitang Duoduo neither explicitly accepted nor rejected the alliance, but she did warn Fan Xian to be wary of Shen Zhong, the Commander-in-chief of Embroidered Uniform Guards, who would be receiving the mission. As she departed, she reaffirmed her unwavering resolve to kill Xiao En.

Returning to the mission, Wang Qinian and Gao Da playfully teased Fan Xian about his presumed affection for Haitang Duoduo, prompting Fan Xian to humorously chase Wang Qinian. Inside the carriage, Si Lili pressed Fan Xian about his relationship with Haitang Duoduo, which he again denied. Fan Xian then asked why she had shielded him from an arrow. Si Lili dismissed it as an unconscious reaction and claimed she regretted it.

Accepting her explanation, Fan Xian gave her the antidote for the Red Sleeve Edict poison, declaring that their obligations to each other were now settled. The Nanqing mission, led by Fan Xian, soon reached the Beiqi border. Dressed in his official robes, Fan Xian made a final attempt to extract Xiao En's hidden secret. Xiao En remained silent, prompting Fan Xian to vow that he would continue to question him.

After bidding farewell to Si Lili, Fan Xian waited at the city gate. Wang Qinian loudly announced their arrival, but no one responded from the city walls. Shortly afterward, four elderly mammies, acting on the little emperor's orders to receive Si Lili, approached a carriage and roused a sleeping Shen Zhong. Shen Zhong, still disoriented, quickly emerged and offered Fan Xian a forced, ingratiating smile. Fan Xian then instructed Wang Qinian and Gao Da to handle the official handover procedures.

The mammies, upon discovering Si Lili's severe injuries, angrily confronted Fan Xian, holding him responsible. Fan Xian explained that she was wounded during an attack by bandits impersonating Shangshan Hu's men. However, the furious mammy refused to listen, verbally assailing him and insulting Nanqing. Shen Zhong quickly intervened, placating the mammy and sending her away. As Xiao En was brought forward, Shen Zhong initially feigned warmth and concern.

But then, without warning, he brutally attacked Xiao En, knocking him to the ground and dragging him to a sturdy cast-iron prison carriage, leaving a bloody trail. Fan Xian watched, horrified by Shen Zhong's chilling ruthlessness. Later, after Si Lili was settled, the furious mammy openly criticized Shen Zhong for being servile to a foreign envoy like Fan Xian while being cruel to a countryman like Xiao En. She threatened to report his behavior to the Empress Dowager.

Shen Zhong, maintaining his composure, led her into a nearby forest where he ruthlessly murdered her to silence her. He then returned, calmly wiping his hands, and falsely claimed that the mammy had committed suicide out of shame. He then urged Fan Xian to proceed quickly to Shangjing for an audience with the little emperor.

Separately, Shen Zhong pulled Fan Xian aside and, to Fan Xian's astonishment, revealed an accurate list of all Fan Xian's secret missions in Beiqi, including rescuing Yan Bingyun, potentially assassinating Xiao En, addressing the Red Sleeve Edict poison on Si Lili, and reorganizing the intelligence network. This shocking display of knowledge confirmed Shen Zhong's formidable nature, leading Fan Xian to silently vow to challenge him.

That night, as Fan Xian, Gao Da, and Wang Qinian chatted outside their tent, a masked assassin suddenly infiltrated the Beiqi camp, attempting to kill Xiao En. The assassin was quickly surrounded by Beiqi soldiers and forced to retreat. Gao Da, eager to help, was held back by Fan Xian, who, along with Wang Qinian, calmly observed the chaotic scene from their campfire. Fan Xian had recognized the masked assassin as Haitang Duoduo.

As she retreated towards the Nanqing camp, Fan Xian subtly directed her to his empty tent, where she concealed herself. Soon after, Shen Zhong arrived with his soldiers, inquiring about the assassin's whereabouts. Fan Xian, feigning cooperation, indicated his tent and even invited Shen Zhong to search, daring him to implicate the Nanqing mission. However, Shen Zhong chose not to search. Instead, he sat down with Fan Xian and shared roasted sweet potatoes.

He revealed his allegiance to the Empress Dowager's faction and disclosed that Shangshan Hu's recent recall to Shangjing was a deceptive promotion, stripping him of his military authority and leaving him with only a hundred private soldiers. Shen Zhong further asserted that both the Empress Dowager and the little emperor were desperate to uncover Xiao En's secret, a fact that also explained Chen Pingping's prolonged preservation of Xiao En's life.

He emphasized that just as many people in Beiqi wanted Xiao En dead as in Nanqing. Before leaving, Shen Zhong delivered a pointed warning to Fan Xian to understand the political realities. After Shen Zhong departed, Fan Xian spoke with Haitang Duoduo, who was still hiding in his tent. She explained that her teacher wanted to kill Xiao En. He proposed a joint effort to "bring chaos to the world" in Beiqi, leveraging their respective positions.

Haitang Duoduo, while not explicitly agreeing, did not reject the idea. She, however, expressed concern that Shen Zhong's presence in Shangjing would make it impossible for her to kill Xiao En. Later, Fan Xian approached Wang Qinian to borrow silver, specifically cash, not banknotes. Wang Qinian, initially reluctant, agreed after Fan Xian promised to repay him double upon their return to the capital.

Fan Xian then gave this silver to Guo Baokun, instructing him to secretly leave the mission that very night and take residence at the Tiaowang Inn in the southern part of Shangjing, promising further instructions later, and explaining that this was the only way to save Guo Baokun's father. Unbeknownst to Fan Xian, Shen Zhong received intelligence about Guo Baokun's stealthy departure the following morning.

Intrigued, Shen Zhong instructed his men to simply monitor Guo Baokun, eager to observe Fan Xian's unfolding strategy. The mission soon arrived outside Shangjing City, led by Shen Zhong. Their path was immediately blocked at the city gate by Shangshan Hu, who was mounted on horseback, brandishing a spear. Shangshan Hu demanded to see his adoptive father, Xiao En. Shen Zhong, with a chilling nonchalance, opened the iron prison carriage, casually admitting that he had broken Xiao En's tendons.

Enraged by his adoptive father's condition, Shangshan Hu bristled with anger. Shen Zhong, however, calmly reiterated that both the little emperor and the Empress Dowager had issued decrees for Xiao En to be held under the jurisdiction of the Embroidered Uniform Guards, making it an imperial command that could not be defied. As Shangshan Hu prepared to forcibly rescue Xiao En, Xiao En subtly shook his head, signaling him to stand down. Shangshan Hu, seething with suppressed fury, reluctantly departed.

Fan Xian immediately understood that Shen Zhong had intentionally provoked Shangshan Hu, aiming to entrap him in an act of rebellion by attacking the mission or the Embroidered Uniform Guards. Upon entering Shangjing, Shen Zhong arranged for Si Lili to stay outside the imperial palace, citing her "lack of formal status" as a reason, implying she would wait for an opportunity to gain recognition.

Meanwhile, Xiao En was led into Shangjing through the West Gate, taking a different route from the mission. Fan Xian then led the Nanqing mission into the city. As they proceeded, the streets were lined with Shangjing citizens who angrily pelted them with rotten eggs and vegetables. Fan Xian, unperturbed, not only endured the barrage but humorously instructed Wang Qinian to collect the projectiles, suggesting they would make good additions to their dinner.

Shen Zhong, observing with evident satisfaction, feigned concern and advised Fan Xian to hide in his carriage to preserve Nanqing's dignity. Fan Xian, recognizing Shen Zhong's manipulative tactic to humiliate him, calmly refused, declaring that hiding would only bring more disgrace. He then instructed Gao Da to retrieve a long cloth scroll from the baggage carriage.

Episode 37 Recap

As Fan Xian and the Qing delegation journeyed through Shangjing, Beiqi, local citizens hurled insults and rotten produce at them. Recognizing this as Shen Zhong's orchestrated harassment, Fan Xian declared that he would not hide, as either way, his country's dignity would be affected, and he could not quell the public anger. He then ordered Gao Da to retrieve a long roll of cloth from a cargo carriage.

With Wang Qinian carefully steering, Fan Xian leaped onto the carriage roof, unfurling a battle flag. He proclaimed it to be the battle flag of the Qing Seventh Battalion, the first flag planted on Beiqi territory during the recent border war, and announced his intention to carry it into the Beiqi imperial palace. Shen Zhong warned Fan Xian that incurring public wrath was dangerous and he would be unable to assist him.

Undeterred, Fan Xian borrowed a long spear from Gao Da and reiterated that the flag would be taken into Beiqi's imperial palace, calling it a remarkable tale. He challenged anyone with courage and uprightness to knock him off the roof or cut down the flagpole, doubting if any such men remained in Beiqi. Zhao Zhelin of the Huxiao Battalion of Palace Guards stepped forward to challenge him, but Fan Xian quickly defeated him.

Meanwhile, in the Beiqi palace, ministers urgently reported Fan Xian's provocative act of planting the flag on the carriage roof. Simultaneously, news arrived that Qing's border forces had advanced thirty li and halted directly on the border, causing panic among the Beiqi court officials who feared another war given their empty treasury. Across the border, Emperor Qing, noting the day, deduced that Fan Xian must have arrived in Shangjing.

Chen Pingping confirmed that the Qing border army's advance was in support of Fan Xian, with Emperor Qing asserting that even if Fan Xian caused trouble, he had millions of frontier soldiers backing him. Back on the street, more challengers, including one attempting a sneak attack, rose to face Fan Xian, all of whom he easily repelled. Suddenly, He Daoren, a Ninth Dan martial arts master and Cheng Jushu's master, blocked the carriage, seeking revenge for his apprentice.

After an intense exchange of blows, He Daoren declared his intent to deliver a killing blow with his next strike. Sensing the danger, Shen Zhong intervened, scolding He Daoren for disrespecting diplomatic etiquette and warning Fan Xian that his provocations could reignite the war. Shen Zhong then signaled his Embroidered Uniform Guards to surround He Daoren. Seeing Shen Zhong step in, Fan Xian promptly lowered the flag and dismounted.

Fan Xian, though victorious, coughed up a mouthful of blood, alarming Wang Qinian. He explained that his Overbearing Vitality Qi, fortified by his recent encounters with Shangshan Hu and Haitang Duoduo, allowed him to match Ninth Dan masters in a pure qi contest. He had deliberately fought on the carriage roof to minimize reliance on subtle movements, which was his weakness, and force opponents into aerial combat, favoring his pure qi strength.

He admitted that He Daoren's next strike would have gravely injured him. Shen Zhong's intervention was strategic; while he aimed to undermine the Qing delegation's morale by inciting public outrage, he could not allow Fan Xian, the Qing envoy, to be seriously harmed under his watch, as that would inevitably lead to war, which Beiqi could not afford. Fan Xian concluded that their mission would be challenging.

Shen Zhong then led Fan Xian toward the palace, but halted Wang Qinian and Gao Da, stating that Emperor Zhan Doudou wished to meet only Fan Xian. Upon entering the imperial court, Fan Xian presented Emperor Qing's credentials to the young Emperor Zhan Doudou, who, instead of addressing diplomatic matters, eagerly inquired about the latest chapter of Fan Xian's novel "Red Mansions." This unexpected question astonished both Fan Xian and the Beiqi court.

Emperor Zhan Doudou, realizing the impropriety, dismissed his ministers but asked Fan Xian to remain for a private conversation. Emperor Zhan Doudou then turned and paid respects to the Empress Dowager, who was seated behind a screen. He apologized for his previous lapse in diplomatic etiquette, citing his excitement at meeting "Nanqing's poetic genius." The Empress Dowager then emerged, with Haitang Duoduo by her side, and extended her greetings to Fan Xian.

Emperor Zhan Doudou requested to walk with Fan Xian and discuss poetry in a less formal setting. When the Empress Dowager offered to join them, he politely declined, suggesting she rest due to her imperial duties. The Empress Dowager, however, insisted that Haitang Duoduo accompany them, ostensibly to partake in the conversation, but in reality, to monitor their interactions. In the imperial garden, Emperor Zhan Doudou composed a poem while Fan Xian offered lavish, albeit perfunctory, praise.

Emperor Zhan Doudou noted that Haitang had described Fan Xian as a rascal, which surprised Fan Xian, who pretended not to know Haitang. However, Emperor Zhan Doudou revealed his knowledge of their previous encounter in the stone forest, even mentioning how Fan Xian had drugged her. Emperor Zhan Doudou also brought up Fan Xian's previous suggestion to Haitang about collaborating with the Empress Dowager to seize power from the young Emperor.

He then dropped a bombshell: Haitang, far from being the Empress Dowager's confidante as Fan Xian had assumed, was secretly loyal to him. This revelation deeply unsettled Fan Xian. Meanwhile, Shen Zhong reported to the Empress Dowager in the imperial harem, expressing concern about Emperor Zhan Doudou's private meeting with Fan Xian, given Fan Xian's resourcefulness. The Empress Dowager assured him that Haitang Duoduo's presence would prevent any secrets from being exchanged.

Shen Zhong seized the opportunity to demonstrate his loyalty, confirming he had eliminated an old palace mammy who had been bribed by Emperor Zhan Doudou, an act for which the Empress Dowager praised him. Emperor Zhan Doudou, still keen on finishing "Red Mansions," proposed a dangerous alliance: he would help Fan Xian retrieve Yan Bingyun if Fan Xian eliminated Shen Zhong, a powerful minister loyal to the Empress Dowager.

Fan Xian refused, pointing out the immense personal risk of being executed as a foreign assassin and the minimal benefit, as Shen Zhong would eventually release Yan Bingyun to avoid war. Fan Xian doubted Shen Zhong had a valid reason to detain Yan Bingyun. With that, Fan Xian politely took his leave.

As Fan Xian exited the palace, escorted by Haitang Duoduo, Shen Zhong confirmed that Fan Xian would be staying for the Empress Dowager's upcoming birthday, stating that Emperor Qing had already agreed to this arrangement. Fan Xian, enraged, demanded to take Yan Bingyun back to the mission's residence immediately. Shen Zhong refused, claiming he had more questions for Yan Bingyun and vaguely promising a meeting after "complicated procedures." Shen Zhong then challenged Fan Xian to find Yan Bingyun himself.

Meanwhile, back in Qing, Emperor Qing, Chen Pingping, and Fan Jian were fishing at the Taiping Residence. Fan Jian expressed deep concern and resentment over Emperor Qing allowing Fan Xian to be detained in Shangjing, suspecting ulterior motives. Emperor Qing, however, philosophically spoke of fishing for the past in a lake without fish, recalling happier times with Ye Qingmei. Fan Jian continued to press, asking why Fan Xian could not return earlier.

Emperor Qing revealed that Fan Xian's biggest flaw was his overly smooth life, coddled by their protection. To become the realm's foremost official, he needed to be tempered by adversity and face life-or-death situations. Chen Pingping acknowledged this was Emperor Qing's final test for Fan Xian, assuring Fan Jian that Beiqi, weakened by war, would not pose a mortal threat. Emperor Qing urged Fan Jian to adopt Chen Pingping's hard-hearted approach.

Upon returning to the mission's residence, Fan Xian found it surrounded by Beiqi warriors, their swords piled at the entrance – a Beiqi custom for challenging duels. Recognizing this as Shen Zhong's "attrition warfare" tactic to delay him, Fan Xian instructed Gao Da to accept the challenges, which Gao Da enthusiastically did. Later, Fan Xian and Wang Qinian sought out Guo Baokun at Tiaowang Inn.

Fan Xian tasked Guo Baokun with discreetly gathering information on the location of the Embroidered Uniform Guards' prison, reiterating his promise to secure Guo Baokun's father's release. As Guo Baokun left the inn, Shen Zhong's agents, who had been shadowing the inn, immediately began trailing him. Fan Xian and Wang Qinian realized their movements were entirely exposed.

Episode 38 Recap

Wang Qinian observed numerous secret agents surrounding their inn. He reported to Fan Xian that Guo Baokun, who had just left, was being closely followed. Fan Xian clarified that he had intentionally sent Guo Baokun out to attract Shen Zhong's attention, as Guo Baokun's inability to be discreet would guarantee he was noticed by the Embroidered Uniform Guards. This maneuver was designed to divert Shen Zhong's focus.

Meanwhile, Guo Baokun openly asked residents on the streets for directions to the Embroidered Uniform Guards' prison. People avoided him, with one pharmacist even offering him medicine for hysteria. Shen Zhong, learning of Guo Baokun's blatant inquiries, deduced that the Investigator's Office would not employ such an obvious agent. Convinced that Fan Xian must be orchestrating something, Shen Zhong led his men to the inn to apprehend Fan Xian. However, Fan Xian and Wang Qinian's room was empty.

Shen Zhong, assuming Fan Xian would not resort to common hiding spots, noticed disturbed dust on a table, concluding that Fan Xian had escaped through the window and ordered a widespread search. Unknown to Shen Zhong, Fan Xian and Wang Qinian were hiding under the bed, having anticipated that a cunning individual like Shen Zhong would overthink the escape route.

Fan Xian explained to Wang Qinian that his conspicuous arrival in Beiqi, including displaying the military banner, served a larger purpose beyond mere provocation. His primary objective was to reactivate Nanqing's dormant spy network. By making a grand spectacle, he aimed to act as a "beacon" to draw out the hidden agents. This strategy proved successful when He Daoren, whom Fan Xian had previously encountered, arrived at a designated meeting point.

He Daoren, a Ninth Dan swordsman and a follower of the Empress Dowager, confirmed he was sent by Chen Pingping to assist Fan Xian, presenting an authentic Investigator's Office token as proof. He clarified that this was a one-time favor for Chen Pingping. He Daoren then provided Fan Xian with the address of Nanqing's Neiku branch in Shangjing and advised him to inspect its account books, revealing that the Embroidered Uniform Guards were secretly conducting business with these shops.

Fan Xian pressed He Daoren for the whereabouts of Yan Bingyun, but He Daoren only knew Yan Bingyun's last known residence before his capture. Fan Xian then sent Wang Qinian to retrieve the account books from the Neiku branch, while he ventured to Yan Bingyun's former residence for clues. Before entering, Fan Xian sat at a nearby tea stall, gathering information from local chatter.

He learned that Yan Bingyun, known as "Mr. Yun," had lived lavishly and socialized with many high-ranking officials and wealthy individuals—a clear cover for his intelligence work. Locals also recounted that on the day of Yan Bingyun's arrest by plain-clothed agents, a young woman had arrived to warn him, then fiercely attacked the arresting officers, who surprisingly did not retaliate. This unusual behavior made Fan Xian suspect her identity.

Upon entering the residence, Fan Xian found Shen Zhong already waiting, anticipating his move. Shen Zhong stated that he had meticulously searched and dismantled the house immediately after Yan Bingyun's arrest, finding nothing. He warned Fan Xian to abandon his search in Shangjing, claiming that only a Ninth Dan martial arts master could challenge him. Fan Xian, undeterred, vowed to find Yan Bingyun.

He Daoren later confirmed Fan Xian's suspicion: Shen Zhong had a much younger sister, whom he raised and held in deep affection, making her the likely woman. Fan Xian decided he needed to meet her. Shen Zhong, influenced by Fan Xian's earlier challenge and Wang Qinian's retrieval of the account books, decided a Ninth Dan master was needed to monitor Fan Xian. He requested He Daoren from the Empress Dowager for this task.

That night, He Daoren reported this development to Fan Xian. Anticipating this move, Fan Xian seized the opportunity. He instructed He Daoren to propose to Shen Zhong that the existing secret agents around the mission be withdrawn. He Daoren reasoned that Wang Qinian, a renowned Nanqing tracking expert, could easily evade ordinary scouts, rendering their efforts futile. Instead, He Daoren offered to personally monitor Fan Xian, which Shen Zhong, after verifying Wang Qinian's background, accepted.

Shen Zhong hoped this strategy would also expose Nanqing's larger spy network. Meanwhile, in Nanqing, Chen Pingping reviewed Yan Bingyun's last reports, which indicated his use of Shen Zhong's sister as a cover. Emperor Qing noted that it was too late to warn Fan Xian via messenger pigeon, recognizing the sister as Fan Xian's critical lead. He Daoren, Fan Xian, and Wang Qinian staked out Shen Zhong's mansion from a restaurant, observing Miss Shen leaving with a food box.

Wang Qinian followed her carriage south, noting increasingly heavy security, prompting him to return to avoid detection. They deduced that Miss Shen was visiting Yan Bingyun, and the concentrated security indicated Yan Bingyun was held within a specific four to five block area in the city's south. They waited for Miss Shen's return. When she did, Fan Xian noticed a bloodstain on her sleeve and saw her maid rush to a pharmacy.

Wang Qinian discreetly followed, confirming the purchase of wound and cold medicine, solidifying Fan Xian's belief that Miss Shen was treating Yan Bingyun. He Daoren then warned them that Langtao, Ku He's formidable eldest disciple, was en route to Shangjing, signifying their limited time. Fan Xian, seizing the urgency, instructed Miss Shen's maid to tell her to stop her carriage at the second intersection the next day if she wished to save Yan Bingyun.

The next morning, Miss Shen stopped her carriage as requested. Fan Xian swiftly entered. Miss Shen, pulling a dagger, was initially distrustful. Fan Xian appealed to her, revealing his knowledge of her visits and the medicine, and asserting his ability to save Yan Bingyun before he suffered further torture. Seeing no other choice, she reluctantly agreed to help. Fan Xian then subtly used a dagger to appear to be taking her hostage, allowing them to pass through the checkpoints.

Simultaneously, He Daoren informed Shen Zhong that a masked Ninth Dan master had intercepted him, causing Fan Xian and Wang Qinian to escape his tracking. Shen Zhong, suspecting Shangshan Hu, then learned his sister was a hostage and immediately rode out to rescue her, leaving He Daoren in charge of the military guardhouse. Inside, Fan Xian found Yan Bingyun. Weakened and highly suspicious, Yan Bingyun believed Fan Xian was a plant from Shen Zhong, attempting to uncover Nanqing's spy network.

Fan Xian identified himself as Nanqing's Chief Emissary and used a long needle to unlock Yan Bingyun's shackles. Yan Bingyun remained skeptical of Fan Xian's quick promotion and unusual entry, still suspecting a trap. Fan Xian assured him that explanations would come once they were safely back at the mission, adding that Wang Qinian had gone to seek help—a notion Yan Bingyun found hard to believe in the heart of Beiqi.

Episode 39 Recap

Fan Xian repeatedly tried to assure Yan Bingyun that he was there to rescue him, explaining that he had already sent his subordinate, Wang Qinian, to seek help. Yan Bingyun remained deeply distrustful, responding coldly that Shen Zhong would not easily release him and questioning what kind of help Wang Qinian, a mere clerk, could summon in Beiqi that would challenge the Embroidered Uniform Guards.

Fan Xian remarked on Yan Bingyun's unlikable demeanor, but then noted that at least one person, Lady Shen, cared for him. Lady Shen, who was also present, heard Yan Bingyun confirm his prior deception, stating he had only used her to gather military intelligence and never truly loved her. Despite this, she confessed she couldn't bring herself to hate him, especially seeing him so tortured.

Yan Bingyun dismissed her as a "stupid woman," but Fan Xian interjected that her feelings were genuine love. Lady Shen expressed her unwavering loyalty to Yan Bingyun, telling him that if he were to kill her brother, Shen Zhong, someday, he should kill her as well. Growing exasperated with their emotional exchange, Fan Xian urged them to continue their conversation once they were safely back at the Nanqing mission residence, where he could offer hot water.

At that moment, Shen Zhong arrived. Lady Shen quickly pressed a dagger into Yan Bingyun's hand, prompting him to take her hostage, trying to mislead her brother by claiming they threatened her life if she didn't escape. Shen Zhong was enraged by his sister's actions, calling her "muddle-headed" for siding with "secret agents of the enemy." Fan Xian, asserting his status as the Chief Emissary, warned Shen Zhong against escalating tensions between the two nations.

Shen Zhong, however, was unfazed, claiming he would simply declare Fan Xian's disappearance a mystery and avenge his death. He offered to release Fan Xian and Yan Bingyun if Yan Bingyun disclosed the entire list of spies in Shangjing. Yan Bingyun defiantly claimed that all ministers and assistant ministers of Beiqi's six ministries were Nanqing agents, provoking Shen Zhong's fury.

As Shen Zhong prepared to give the order to execute them, a messenger from the Embroidered Uniform Guards arrived, reporting the unexpected arrival of Haitang Duoduo. Shen Zhong, surprised, went out to meet her. Haitang Duoduo announced she was acting under the orders of both the little emperor and the Empress Dowager, compelling Shen Zhong to release Fan Xian and Yan Bingyun. Shen Zhong, despite his initial resistance, had no choice but to comply.

Haitang Duoduo personally drove the carriage, escorting them away. Yan Bingyun expressed his disbelief that Beiqi's Saintess would intervene, further fueling his suspicion of Fan Xian. When Wang Qinian joined them in the carriage, Yan Bingyun accused him of having sided with Beiqi. Wang Qinian, in a misguided attempt to explain, claimed Haitang Duoduo was helping them due to her "feelings" for Fan Xian, and even blurted out that their connection began after Fan Xian had drugged her.

Enraged by this public disclosure, Haitang Duoduo threw Wang Qinian out of the moving carriage, though Fan Xian quickly explained it was all a misunderstanding. Upon their return to the mission residence, Fan Xian saw Gao Da engaged in martial arts contests with Beiqi warriors. Haitang Duoduo discreetly led Yan Bingyun through a back door, where mission officials rushed to attend to him, offering comfort and support.

Haitang Duoduo then informed Fan Xian of the little emperor's proposition: a collaboration to eliminate Shen Zhong. She also warned Fan Xian to be cautious of her senior disciple, Langtao, who was on his way to Shangjing. Langtao was renowned as Beiqi's top Ninth Dan martial arts master, second only to their master, and had already demonstrated his prowess by covertly killing a habitual thief under everyone's watchful eyes upon his arrival in Shangjing.

Yan Bingyun was aghast to learn that his freedom came at the price of exchanging Xiao En. He furiously condemned the decision, calling it an idiotic move that would unleash a "trouble for the future." Fan Xian calmly explained that it was a decision made by Emperor Qing and Chen Pingping, who believed Yan Bingyun's youth made him a more valuable asset than the aging Xiao En. Fan Xian further revealed that his ultimate mission was to kill Xiao En.

Yan Bingyun, still fuming, attempted to leave and kill Xiao En himself, but Fan Xian physically stopped him, calling him reckless given his injured state and the dangers of Shangjing. Fan Xian reminded him that Emperor Qing's primary order was for Yan Bingyun to return safely to Nanqing, and any reckless death would be considered an act of treason. Fan Xian then elaborated on his broader strategy: he planned to use the internal conflicts within Beiqi to his advantage.

He would cooperate with the little emperor to remove Shen Zhong, who was obstructing the emperor's power. He also revealed that he had used He Daoren to create a false trail, which initially made Shen Zhong suspicious of He Daoren. Yan Bingyun, knowing Shen Zhong's cunning and suspicious nature, feared this would lead to He Daoren's death. Fan Xian explained his intricate plan to Yan Bingyun: he had orchestrated the entire sequence of events.

He Daoren's false report to Shen Zhong, claiming a masked expert had helped Fan Xian escape, had initially raised Shen Zhong's suspicion. But by successfully rescuing Yan Bingyun, Fan Xian demonstrated his capabilities to Shangshan Hu, who was looking to rescue his adoptive father, Xiao En. This led Shangshan Hu to send his subordinate, Tan Wu, to publicly engage Gao Da in martial arts at the mission's gate.

Fan Xian used this public display as an opportunity to relay a message through Gao Da to Tan Wu, signaling his readiness to proceed with their prior arrangement regarding Xiao En. When Shen Zhong's agents reported this, it simultaneously confirmed a connection between Fan Xian and Shangshan Hu, thereby exonerating He Daoren from suspicion regarding Fan Xian's initial "escape." This chain of events was all interconnected and self-reinforcing.

Yan Bingyun, now fully grasping the depth of Fan Xian's meticulous planning, expressed admiration for his capabilities. Despite this, Fan Xian admitted he still did not know Xiao En's exact whereabouts, but he intended to leverage the various factions in Beiqi to find him. Haitang Duoduo personally escorted Fan Xian to meet the little emperor. The emperor commended Fan Xian for his ingenuity in rescuing Yan Bingyun.

Fan Xian, without hesitation, laid out his audacious plan: he sought the emperor's assistance in finding Xiao En's location so he could then collaborate with Shangshan Hu to break into the prison and rescue him. He explained that this scheme would inevitably lead to a confrontation between Shangshan Hu and Shen Zhong. Given that Shen Zhong was no match for Shangshan Hu in combat, Shen Zhong would likely be killed.

Fan Xian presented this as a benefit to the emperor, as it would remove Shen Zhong, a powerful figure loyal to the Empress Dowager. He further argued that Shangshan Hu, a formidable general who operated independently of both the emperor and Empress Dowager, posed a potential threat to the emperor's authority. If Shangshan Hu killed Shen Zhong, he would face execution, thus eliminating another powerful figure.

Even if Shen Zhong survived, the successful jailbreak would be a grave dereliction of duty, allowing the emperor to strip him of his power. Convinced by Fan Xian's strategic vision, the little emperor agreed to provide Xiao En's location, promising to give Fan Xian the specifics as he departed. Fan Xian congratulated the emperor, affirming their new alliance. Shen Zhong, meanwhile, received reports that Fan Xian had not only met the little emperor but had also openly met Shangshan Hu.

He realized that the moment he had long anticipated had arrived—the reason he had kept Xiao En imprisoned. He immediately summoned He Daoren and Langtao, preparing to set a trap for Shangshan Hu during the planned prison break. Fan Xian, meeting Shangshan Hu openly, explained that any attempt at secrecy would be futile, as Shen Zhong would eventually discover their alliance anyway.

Shangshan Hu, while admitting he viewed Fan Xian as a future formidable enemy of Beiqi, agreed to cooperate for the sake of rescuing his adoptive father, Xiao En. Fan Xian, now fully aware of Xiao En's location, proposed they formulate a detailed plan, also hinting at the opportunity to exact revenge on Shen Zhong for his cruel treatment of Xiao En.

Episode 40 Recap

Shangshan Hu deduced that Fan Xian intended to use him to eliminate Shen Zhong. Despite this, he planned to proceed with the rescue of his adoptive father, Xiao En. However, Shangshan Hu secretly harbored a different strategy: once Xiao En was safe, he would kill Fan Xian and then swiftly ride to the border to rally his army for a rebellion, rather than heading towards Nanqing as Fan Xian assumed.

Fan Xian shared his elaborate plan with Yan Bingyun, describing how creating a conflict between Shangshan Hu and Shen Zhong would benefit Nanqing, as either of them dying was a favorable outcome. Yan Bingyun immediately objected, asserting that Shen Zhong could not be killed. He revealed that the account books from Shangjing's shops, which Fan Xian possessed, differed significantly from those reviewed by the Investigator's Office.

A substantial amount of money had been concealed, indicating a massive trafficking operation, which Yan Bingyun believed was orchestrated by Princess Royal Li Yunrui. This sum, delivered into Nanqing territory via Shen Zhong's Jinyiwei, was enough to fund a highly-equipped private army, potentially sparking civil strife. Yan Bingyun suspected the Crown Prince's faction might also be involved and insisted that only Shen Zhong could reveal the full truth. Fan Xian sarcastically suggested marrying Shen Zhong's sister to get information.

Frustrated, Fan Xian highlighted the immense effort he had put into securing this opportunity to kill Shen Zhong, only for Yan Bingyun to now demand that Shen Zhong be kept alive and interrogated for secrets. Yan Bingyun proposed capturing Shen Zhong alive for torture, but Fan Xian retorted that such a feat was impossible in Shangjing without risking his own life.

Yan Bingyun reminded Fan Xian of his duty as Director-General of the Investigator's Office to serve Nanqing and face death without fear. Fan Xian, defying him, declared his desire to live, leading Yan Bingyun to call him unworthy of his position. Despite Yan Bingyun's strong opposition, Fan Xian reaffirmed his decision to proceed with the plan to rescue Xiao En and kill Shen Zhong the following day, calling it an "unstoppable plan."

He advised Yan Bingyun, who was still recovering, to stay indoors. Fan Xian then instructed Wang Qinian to closely monitor Yan Bingyun's every move, anticipating potential interference. Meanwhile, Shen Zhong, having anticipated the rescue attempt, had already made his own preparations, including summoning He Daoren and Langtao. He revealed to a subordinate that he had detained Xiao En precisely to bait Shangshan Hu.

The next morning, Shangshan Hu, with his masked men, arrived at the designated courtyard provided by Fan Xian. Shen Zhong observed from a high vantage point on a nearby mountain, ordering his forces to commence the attack once Shangshan Hu's men infiltrated the compound using ropes from the rooftops. Inside, Tan Wu located and rescued Xiao En from a small wooden house. As they tried to escape, they realized it was a meticulously planned ambush, surrounded by Shen Zhong's Jinyiwei.

Shangshan Hu briefly wondered if Fan Xian was working with Shen Zhong. Finding themselves trapped, Shangshan Hu’s men were being cut down. His subordinates pleaded with him to escape, reminding him of his Ninth Dan martial arts skill, arguing that he was their only hope for revenge. Despite his reluctance to abandon his men, Shangshan Hu, under their urgent pleas, agreed and retreated under their desperate cover.

Shen Zhong arrived at the courtyard, confirmed Shangshan Hu's escape, and confronted Tan Wu. Tan Wu claimed full responsibility for the rescue attempt, denying Shangshan Hu's involvement. Shen Zhong dismissed this, stating that as Shangshan Hu's personal guard, Tan Wu's capture was sufficient to implicate the General. Tan Wu defiantly declared that border soldiers never surrender. Shen Zhong, uncaring of Tan Wu's desire for a warrior's death, said his corpse would still serve to convict Shangshan Hu.

In a final act of defiance, Tan Wu and his remaining men poured wine over themselves and ignited it, proclaiming that they would "burn up the traces" so no one could identify them, thus ensuring their gravestones would have no names. They also screamed that Fan Xian had set them up and Shen Zhong had killed them, ensuring Xiao En would not suffer another capture and humiliation. The courtyard was engulfed in flames.

After the fire subsided, Shen Zhong's men sifted through the charred, unrecognizable bodies. They identified the body Tan Wu was carrying as Xiao En based on body shape, a recent leg injury, and three missing teeth. A subordinate expressed doubt, finding Xiao En's quick death "a bit strange," but Shen Zhong insisted it was him, turning his attention to Fan Xian's whereabouts.

Unbeknownst to Shen Zhong, during the chaos, Shangshan Hu had orchestrated a secret swap, replacing Xiao En with another body. A Jinyiwei soldier counting the corpses later noticed an extra body but dismissed it, too intoxicated to care. Xiao En, having feigned death, crawled out from among the "dead" and stumbled towards Shangjing.

Fan Xian, who had been observing from a distance, intercepted Xiao En, warning him that all routes into the city, especially towards Shangshan Hu's residence, were heavily guarded. Xiao En quickly changed direction. Shen Zhong returned to Shangshan Hu's residence, where he found the General calmly reading. Shen Zhong reported Xiao En's death and hinted at Shangshan Hu's involvement, noting that the rebels used similar spears and that Shangshan Hu's own spear smelled of blood. Shangshan Hu remained unfazed.

Shen Zhong then revealed that the Empress Dowager had been indecisive about Xiao En's future, and his death conveniently eliminated a potential threat to Shen Zhong. He further disclosed that he had stationed Langtao and He Daoren nearby to thwart any "secret rescue" attempts, boasting that their intervention would "truly eliminate the hidden danger."

He concluded by suggesting that if Xiao En had escaped, he would now be dead, and provocatively asked Shangshan Hu who he thought had "victimized Xiao En." Shen Zhong later mused to his subordinate that Shangshan Hu was becoming a major threat to Beiqi, lamenting that Shangshan Hu had not attacked him, which would have provided a clear reason to convict and execute him.

Shen Zhong, who had been prepared to die for the safety of Beiqi, regretted that Shangshan Hu had not fallen for his provocation. Meanwhile, Xiao En, severely wounded, encountered He Daoren. He Daoren, following Shen Zhong's orders, attacked Xiao En, eventually stabbing him in the abdomen. Fan Xian arrived and pleaded with He Daoren to let Xiao En go. He Daoren refused, citing Shen Zhong's suspicions about him and revealing that Langtao was also lying in wait.

Xiao En, bleeding profusely, struggled onward but was quickly intercepted by Langtao. Fan Xian, masked, intervened to protect Xiao En. During the ensuing skirmish, Langtao inflicted another grievous wound on Xiao En, forcing Fan Xian to help Xiao En flee to the edge of a cliff. Langtao pursued them. He Daoren appeared, seemingly to assist Langtao, but then subtly pushed both Fan Xian and Xiao En off the cliff.

Langtao ordered a search for their bodies at the cliff bottom, which He Daoren reluctantly joined. They found no traces, leading He Daoren to surmise that despite their efforts, it was "in vain" and that Xiao En "can't be saved." Unbeknownst to them, Fan Xian and Xiao En had miraculously survived by landing on tree branches along the cliff face. Back in the capital city, Shadow delivered Fan Xian's last report before his entry into Shangjing to Chen Pingping.

Concerned by the subsequent lack of news, especially after Yan Bingyun's capture and the disruption of the agent network, Chen Pingping instructed Shadow to keep the report confidential from Fei Jie. However, Fei Jie, already suspicious that Chen Pingping was withholding information, secretly poisoned Shadow to retrieve the report. He was shocked when he unmasked Shadow, revealing a familiar face. Fei Jie furiously confronted Chen Pingping about withdrawing the black knights, which put Fan Xian in grave danger.

Chen Pingping urged him to keep Shadow's identity secret and insisted that Fan Xian was still alive. Fei Jie refused to let Fan Xian be a "puppet" and vowed to protect his last apprentice, even if it meant opposing Chen Pingping. Chen Pingping acknowledged Fei Jie's superior skills in toxicology but pointed out that he lacked subtlety in discerning motives, correctly deducing that Fan Jian was assisting him.

Fan Jian then emerged, confronting Chen Pingping about his promise to ensure Fan Xian's safety while sending him on a perilous mission to gain fame. Chen Pingping explained that his actions were designed to uncover "Xiao En's hidden secret," believing that Xiao En would ultimately reveal it to Fan Xian. When Chen Pingping offered to explain the full reasoning, he insisted that Fei Jie could not hear it.

Fei Jie threatened Chen Pingping, but Fan Jian intervened, offering to go with Chen Pingping instead. Fan Jian convinced Fei Jie that staying alive would be more beneficial to Fan Xian and promised that if anything happened to Fan Xian, he would join Fei Jie in "raising a ruckus in the capital." Fei Jie further swore that if Fan Xian died, he would make the entire world "pay for it."

Meanwhile, in the cave after their fall, Fan Xian attempted to treat Xiao En's wounds. However, Xiao En, recognizing the severity of his injuries, particularly a heart vessel severed by Langtao's blade, laughed, acknowledging his impending death. He remarked that he was happy Fan Xian had saved him, and declared his intention to finally reveal his long-kept secret before he died.

Episode 41 Recap

Fan Jian, consumed by anger, confronted Emperor Qing in the Taiping Residence, accompanied by Chen Pingping. Fan Jian accused Emperor Qing of recklessly endangering Fan Xian by withdrawing the black knights and leaving him alone to face Xiao En. Chen Pingping, however, insisted that Xiao En would eventually reveal the secret he had guarded for so long to Fan Xian.

He explained that withdrawing the black knights was a critical part of the plan to make Xiao En believe his earlier fabrications and to enable Fan Xian to extract Xiao En's hidden information, asserting it was the Emperor's directive, aimed at serving the interests of the Qing Kingdom. Chen Pingping then recounted Xiao En's family history: before his formal marriage, Xiao En's son had a child with a courtesan named Yuxiang.

Xiao En, known for his strict upbringing, discovered this affair and forced his son to end the relationship. After capturing Xiao En, Chen Pingping learned about this illegitimate grandchild and strategically used this information. Instead of directly threatening Xiao En, he cultivated a twisted sense of hope in him.

Following Emperor Qing's directive, Chen Pingping would reveal fragmented details about the child's life, implying the child was being raised as a loyal Qing subject, nurtured to despise Northern Qi and eventually destroy Xiao En's legacy. He intentionally avoided revealing the child's exact location, knowing that Xiao En, being shrewd and suspicious, would piece together the clues himself and thus believe the fabrication more firmly, specifically inferring the child was in Danzhou.

Fan Jian strongly condemned this manipulative plan, fearing for Fan Xian's safety if Xiao En failed to fall for the trick. He questioned the cruelty of using Fan Xian's life as a pawn, especially since Fan Xian was Ye Qingmei's son. Emperor Qing, growing impatient with their argument, reiterated that his actions were for the country's benefit.

Chen Pingping clarified that he harbored no personal vendetta against Xiao En; he viewed their past actions—Xiao En crippling him, and Chen Pingping retaliating by capturing him and killing his family—as a fair exchange. Meanwhile, trapped in a cave on a cliffside, Xiao En, severely wounded and knowing his death was imminent, decided to reveal his long-held secret to Fan Xian. He initially assumed Fan Xian had saved him to uncover this secret, but Fan Xian denied it.

Puzzled by Xiao En's sudden willingness to speak, especially as it involved his mother, Ye Qingmei, Fan Xian listened intently. Xiao En deduced that Fan Xian, an illegitimate child raised in Danzhou who quickly rose to become the Director-General of the Investigator's Office, was actually his lost grandson, the son of Yuxiang. Fan Xian, however, rejected this claim forcefully, even making a rude joke about the name "Yuxiang."

Xiao En further explained that the withdrawal of the black knights and Fan Xian's rapid promotion were all part of Chen Pingping's elaborate scheme to make them "fight each other." He also noted the absence of any concrete evidence, like a jade pendant or birthmark, and saw this as a deliberate tactic by Chen Pingping.

Xiao En believed this was designed to make him infer the truth himself and then experience the cruel torment of patricide should he kill Fan Xian. Xiao En revealed that he had pieced together the entire deception through Chen Pingping's fragmented hints, recognizing the flaw in the plan. Due to this realization, he had prevented Shangshan Hu from killing Fan Xian earlier.

He shared the truth with Fan Xian now simply because he was dying, leaving the burden of this knowledge with him. Xiao En then began to tell the true secret, a tale from twenty years ago. It concerned a mysterious place and a remarkable person. Driven by a desire to surpass his illustrious brother, Zhuang Mohan, and establish his own name, Xiao En took his mother's surname.

The former Emperor of Northern Qi, obsessed with the pursuit of immortality, had discovered a clue pointing to a "divine temple" located in the distant north. A thousand-man expedition was dispatched, led by Xiao En and Ku He. At that time, Ku He was not yet a Great Master, but his deep interest in celestial philosophy and his royal lineage made him a suitable choice to accompany the mission as a supervisor.

Fan Xian, upon hearing this, realized Ku He's royal background and the implications it held, though Xiao En asserted Ku He had no interest in politics. Their journey northward, beyond Beilao Pass, led them into a desolate, snow-covered land. The extreme cold, blinding snow, and harsh conditions decimated their ranks. Many went blind, fell ill, or succumbed to the elements, reducing their formidable thousand-man force to a hundred-man team.

Supplies vanished, horses were eaten, and starvation stripped them of their humanity, turning them into ravenous beasts who resorted to cannibalism. Eventually, only Xiao En and Ku He remained. In their deepest despair, they experienced what Xiao En described as a "Heaven's wrath"—an unending period of polar night, which Fan Xian named "polar night." Ku He, deeply religious, prayed fervently, and Xiao En joined him.

They subsisted on bitter green algae found beneath the snow, enduring the darkness until, inexplicably, the sun finally returned. Shortly after, they discovered the legendary divine temple. It appeared suddenly, as if from nowhere, an imposing structure with grey walls and a distinctive brown gate, which Xiao En noted was similar to Northern Qi's temples but different from Southern Qing's.

They found themselves unable to touch the gate; when Xiao En tried to push it, it seemed to magically shift just out of reach, always a hair's breadth away, as if separated by an entire world. When Ku He, believing Xiao En's heart was not sincere enough, prayed devoutly and tried to touch it, the temple briefly vanished and then reappeared in its original spot.

Suddenly, the gate opened from the inside, and a woman, whom Xiao En described as a "fairy," emerged. She wore unusual clothing that she described as "modern." She found their reverence amusing, asking if they were "stupid" for kneeling. Ku He, overcome with awe, immediately prostrated himself, though Xiao En remained skeptical, seeing no practical benefit in prostrating before her.

The woman, Ye Qingmei, gave Ku He a "secret manual" for cultivation, noting his suitable physique, and advised them both to leave quickly as the temple was dangerous. She mentioned that "something" was pursuing her friend inside. As Xiao En tried to touch the gate again, the temple vanished and reappeared behind them, prompting them to follow Ye Qingmei down the mountain. Near Beilao Pass, Ye Qingmei bid them farewell.

She stated that "something" was chasing her friend, whom Fan Xian deduced to be Wuzhu, and she needed to help him. She warned that their survival chances would be minimal if they intervened. Ku He, treating her words as divine instruction, immediately departed, and Xiao En, recognizing his own limitations, followed.

Ye Qingmei then implored them to keep the divine temple's existence and her connection to it a secret, explaining that the temple's appearance shifted according to one's understanding, and more importantly, a malevolent entity was imprisoned beneath it. If too many people sought the temple, this entity could escape, bringing about the end of the world. Xiao En solemnly promised to guard this secret with his life.

Ku He, however, reinforced the secrecy with a grim threat: he would kill Xiao En if he ever divulged the information. Fan Xian, processing this incredible narrative, realized that his mother, Ye Qingmei, indeed came from this divine temple. He pondered the nature of the "chasing" entity and the "bad thing" imprisoned beneath the temple, which remained a mystery.

Xiao En explained that he passed this secret to Fan Xian as a means of survival and even a way to manipulate Chen Pingping, who seemed excessively obsessed with Ye Qingmei and the temple. He speculated that this desire to protect the secret was also Ku He's motive for wanting him dead, fearing Xiao En might use the knowledge of such a sacred place to regain power.

True to Ye Qingmei's words, Ku He, armed with the "secret manual," rapidly achieved the status of a Great Master within a few years. Xiao En then recounted Ye Qingmei's subsequent travels. She journeyed widely, accompanied by a blind servant, presumably Wuzhu. She visited Dongyi Town, where she met Si Gujian, and later came to Southern Qing, interacting with Ye Liuyun. Thus, as Fan Xian noted, she met three of the four Great Masters of the world.

She settled in Southern Qing for about a decade, establishing powerful firms, inventing many wondrous things, and accumulating vast wealth, becoming "the richest person in the world." Xiao En attributed her extraordinary achievements to her origin from the divine temple. Finally, Xiao En dropped the ultimate revelation: this extraordinary woman, Ye Qingmei, had "fallen in love with a mortal and married into the royal family of Southern Qing."

He clarified that she married the prince who is now the reigning Emperor Qing. Though they never had a formal wedding, their relationship was genuine, and Ye Qingmei conceived a child with Emperor Qing. This last piece of information, learned by Xiao En before his capture and imprisonment, stunned Fan Xian. He realized, with profound shock, that he was not the son of Fan Jian, but the illegitimate son of Emperor Qing and Ye Qingmei, making him a hidden prince.

Xiao En then cautioned Fan Xian about the dangers of the capital, reminding him that both the former emperor and his own mother had met their demise there, suggesting that staying in Danzhou would prolong his life.

Episode 42 Recap

Xiao En confirmed to Fan Xian that Ye Qingmei's son was indeed Emperor Qing's child, and would be about Fan Xian’s age, though Xiao En admitted he lacked specific details due to his long imprisonment. Xiao En also cautioned Fan Xian that the capital city was a dangerous place, noting that both the late emperor and Fan Xian’s mother met their ends there, implying Fan Xian would be safer staying in Danzhou.

This revelation made Fan Xian understand why Chen Pingping and Fan Jian had concealed the truth for so many years and prevented him from entering the capital – he was Emperor Qing’s son, a prince with royal blood. Misunderstanding Fan Xian’s troubled expression as a struggle to accept his identity as a member of the Xiao family, Xiao En encouraged him, stating it was natural to feel overwhelmed.

Xiao En then expressed a sense of relief, having finally unburdened himself of his long-held secret. He reiterated his earnest hope that Fan Xian would not disclose the divine temple secret to Ku He, as Ku He would surely kill Fan Xian to protect it. Noticing Xiao En's rapidly fading strength, Fan Xian gently guided him to the cave entrance. Xiao En appreciated the view, remarking on his dislike for the dim cave after years of confinement.

He urgently warned Fan Xian not to disclose the divine temple secret to Ku He, as Ku He would surely kill Fan Xian to protect it. Xiao En requested that Fan Xian visit Zhuang Mohan to inform him of his death and asked that his body be left unburied at the cave entrance, as he never wished to be interred underground again. He also advised Fan Xian against seeking vengeance on Chen Pingping.

Deeply affected by Xiao En's sorrowful gaze, Fan Xian expressed his gratitude for revealing his true lineage, but clarified that he was not Xiao En’s grandson before departing. Meanwhile, Chen Pingping unveiled his meticulous, long-term scheme to Fan Jian. He explained that he had engineered a series of events, even fostering a war, all to persuade Xiao En that Fan Xian was his grandson.

This, Chen Pingping believed, was the only way Xiao En would disclose the profound secrets of the divine temple. Fan Jian pressed him for more answers. Chen Pingping admitted that he had exploited Li Yunrui's assassination attempt on Fan Xian by deliberately removing all other Investigator's Office agents from Danzhou, leaving only Teng Zijing, who was, unbeknownst to many, a chosen pawn of Emperor Qing.

Fan Jian was horrified, accusing Chen Pingping of recklessly endangering Fan Xian's life and manipulating everyone as mere chess pieces. Chen Pingping countered that the divine temple held resources and knowledge far surpassing their era, and its acquisition would elevate Nanqing to become the center of the world. Left speechless and fuming, Fan Jian stormed out of the room.

Emperor Qing, who had been listening from within, emerged and reprimanded Fan Jian for his stubbornness, yet acknowledged the depth of his affection for Fan Xian. Emperor Qing then subjected Chen Pingping to a stringent interrogation, questioning if his feelings for Fan Xian transcended his loyalty as a subject. Chen Pingping, visibly unnerved, profusely reaffirmed his unwavering allegiance to the Emperor, humbly referring to himself as "an old dog" devoted to His Majesty.

He declared that he would willingly sacrifice his own life if commanded. Apparently satisfied, Emperor Qing, feigning exhaustion, announced his return to the palace, but secretly instructed Gong Dian to closely observe Chen Pingping's every move, emphasizing that Gong Dian was the sole individual he truly trusted. Before Chen Pingping could leave, Fan Jian intercepted him, forcefully asserting that Fan Xian was his son. He demanded that Chen Pingping choose between Nanqing and Fan Xian.

Chen Pingping, stressing his ultimate devotion to Nanqing's prosperity through the divine temple, skillfully avoided a direct choice, questioning why both couldn't be achieved. Fan Jian, however, explicitly stated his choice: he would choose Fan Xian, his son. Fan Jian then inquired about the whereabouts of Xiao En's grandson.

Chen Pingping confirmed that the grandson was alive and that he had raised him within Nanqing, instilling in him a profound hatred for Beiqi, thereby molding him into a loyal Nanqing warrior. Unbeknownst to them, Gong Dian, hidden nearby, overheard their entire conversation. Gong Dian reported the details of Chen Pingping and Fan Jian's discussion to Emperor Qing, specifically Chen Pingping's ambition to forge Nanqing into an "everlasting dynasty."

Still cautious, Emperor Qing tested Gong Dian's loyalty by aiming an armor-piercing arrow directly at him. Gong Dian stood resolute, refusing to flinch or dodge, which finally allayed Emperor Qing's lingering suspicions. Meanwhile, Chen Pingping returned to the Investigator's Office, where Yan Ruohai noted his profound weariness. Back at the Tiaowang Inn, Fan Xian immediately questioned Guo Baokun about their past conflict involving Teng Zijing.

Guo Baokun vehemently denied any involvement in the "extermination of all family members" or the harassment of Teng Zijing’s family, blaming his butler for those actions, of which he claimed he was only later informed. Convinced by Guo Baokun's sincerity, Fan Xian realized the entire, intricate scheme had been orchestrated much earlier by Chen Pingping, who had meticulously timed Fan Xian's arrival in the capital to ensure his meeting with Xiao En.

Fan Xian then asked Wang Qinian about Yan Bingyun, who had remained secluded in his room. Upon entering, Yan Bingyun eagerly inquired about Shen Zhong. Fan Xian admitted he had lied earlier, revealing that their true objective was Shangshan Hu, and that Shen Zhong had merely been a means to test Yan Bingyun’s loyalty. Yan Bingyun expressed satisfaction with Fan Xian’s cunning, deeming it appropriate for a Director-General of the Investigator's Office.

He reiterated his determination to extract information from Shen Zhong regarding the smuggling funds. Fan Xian agreed to assist him, and in return, inquired about other Investigator's Office members of Yan Bingyun’s age, suspecting that Xiao En’s grandson might be among them. Yan Bingyun mentioned that many individuals in the Investigator's Office shared his age, including himself.

He revealed that his mother had died during his birth, and his father, Yan Ruohai, was very strict, entrusting him to others for upbringing from a young age. Fan Xian was utterly stunned, realizing with chilling clarity that this was yet another calculated move by Chen Pingping. Since Teng Zijing had been Yan Bingyun's subordinate, Yan Bingyun would inevitably be held responsible for Teng Zijing's actions and thus be dispatched to Beiqi.

Chen Pingping had meticulously orchestrated this exchange, using Xiao En to secure Yan Bingyun's predetermined role. Overwhelmed by the profound depth of Chen Pingping's machinations, Fan Xian was seized by terror and erupted into laughter, mocking his own past naivety. He admitted that for the first time in his life, he truly feared an individual, recalling the repeated warnings from Fan Jian, Lin Ruofu, Si Lili, and Xiao En to distance himself from Chen Pingping.

After careful consideration, Fan Xian resolved to seize control of the Investigator's Office and uncover the truth behind his mother Ye Qingmei's death. He offered to help Yan Bingyun become the Director of the First Division, proposing they unite to constrain Chen Pingping's power. Yan Bingyun adamantly rejected the offer, threatening to report Fan Xian to Chen Pingping upon their return to the capital. At that moment, Gao Da announced that Shen Zhong’s sister had arrived to see Yan Bingyun.

Despite Yan Bingyun's reluctance, Fan Xian persuaded him to meet her. Shen's sister offered him medicine for his injuries. Yan Bingyun, however, remained cold and distant, reiterating that he never harbored any feelings for her. He further pressured her to poison her own brother, Shen Zhong. Torn and tearful, she fled. Fan Xian sensed a hidden affection in Yan Bingyun, but Yan Bingyun dismissed it, stating that members of the Investigator's Office were devoid of heart.

As Yan Bingyun retreated to his room, Fan Xian, with Wang Qinian nearby, declared his firm intention to become the master of the Investigator's Office and, consequently, the most influential minister in Nanqing.

Episode 43 Recap

Fan Xian, reflecting on his mother Ye Qingmei's death, realized that her demise, given her status, could not have been accidental. He concluded that someone had deliberately concealed the truth. He confided in Wang Qinian that he now had a clear purpose: to become the Head of the Department of Audit and the most influential minister in Qing. This, he asserted, was the only way he could legitimately uncover the truth.

To achieve this, he needed allies and intended to win over Yan Bingyun while also extracting information about a smuggler from Shen Zhong. Despite the apparent difficulty of these tasks, Fan Xian was determined to try and swore Wang Qinian to secrecy. Wang Qinian, motivated by his family, pledged to support Fan Xian, offering to be his stepping stone. However, Fan Xian considered Wang Qinian a true partner.

Meanwhile, Shen Zhong confronted his sister, Miss Shen, on her way home, scolding her for secretly meeting Yan Bingyun again. Miss Shen, tearfully, assured her brother that it was their final encounter and that their relationship was over. When Shen Zhong declared his intent to seek revenge on Yan Bingyun, she desperately tried to dissuade him, promising to completely erase Yan Bingyun from her heart and never see him again. Her distress deeply troubled Shen Zhong.

Driven by anger, Shen Zhong, accompanied by his men, stormed into the mission's residence to confront Yan Bingyun. He warned Yan Bingyun to cease all contact with his sister, threatening to kill him personally, even at the cost of his own position. Fan Xian intervened, proposing a deal: if Shen Zhong provided the names and evidence of the individuals in Qing's Neiku who were embezzling vast sums from its Shangjing shops, Fan Xian would eliminate Yan Bingyun for him.

Shen Zhong, however, scoffed, refusing to reveal such critical information, and challenged Fan Xian to uncover it himself. Fan Xian, undeterred, stated he would find other means, a threat Shen Zhong dismissed. Yan Bingyun, present during the exchange, advised Fan Xian against relying on Shen Zhong for the truth, but Fan Xian insisted on testing the situation. Fan Xian then purchased several coffins and funeral items and personally delivered them to Shangshan Hu's residence.

The unusual delivery quickly reached Shen Zhong, who was baffled by Fan Xian's intentions. Shangshan Hu, enraged by the provocative act following the death of his guards, immediately prepared to attack Fan Xian. However, Fan Xian stopped him, revealing that Shangshan Hu's adoptive father, Xiao En, was indeed dead, murdered by He Daoren and Langtao under Shen Zhong's orders. He also exposed Shangshan Hu's secret plan to substitute Xiao En for an escape, which Shen Zhong had thwarted.

Fan Xian fabricated Xiao En's dying wish, claiming the elder statesman desired no revenge against Shen Zhong, only for Shangshan Hu to live peacefully. Blinded by grief and a burning desire for vengeance, Shangshan Hu swore to kill Shen Zhong openly. Fan Xian highlighted Shangshan Hu's vulnerable position, isolated in Shangjing with no remaining personal guards. Offering to assist in avenging Xiao En, Fan Xian persuaded Shangshan Hu to cooperate, and they proceeded to the imperial palace together.

At the palace, Fan Xian lavished praise upon the Empress Dowager, expressing his admiration and yearning to see her again, having lost his own mother at a young age. He then presented Shangshan Hu as a unique birthday gift, explaining that he had convinced the Grand General to pledge allegiance to her. Shangshan Hu, following Fan Xian's instructions, respectfully kowtowed and declared his loyalty, promising unwavering service.

The Empress Dowager remained skeptical, recounting an old tale of a general who feigned loyalty only to betray his new master. Fan Xian subtly addressed the political discord between the Empress Dowager and the young emperor, highlighting the circumstances that led to Shangshan Hu's removal from the border and his current confinement. He framed Shangshan Hu's allegiance as a strategic move to secure the border region.

To prove his sincerity and alleviate the Empress Dowager's doubts, Shangshan Hu produced a comprehensive roster of all his loyal military subordinates, effectively surrendering his entire network within the army. Deeply impressed by this gesture of commitment, the Empress Dowager's skepticism began to wane. Seizing the momentum, Shangshan Hu accused Shen Zhong of masterminding Xiao En's murder, directly contradicting Shen Zhong's earlier report of Xiao En dying in a fire.

He confessed that his own guards had attempted a "secret rescue" of Xiao En, an act for which he was prepared to face punishment. However, he maintained that Shen Zhong, fully aware of this plan, had dispatched He Daoren and Langtao to kill Xiao En. Disturbed by this conflicting account, the Empress Dowager summoned He Daoren and Langtao for interrogation. Upon hearing of Fan Xian and Shangshan Hu's audience with the Empress Dowager, Shen Zhong, uneasy, rushed to the palace.

He encountered He Daoren en route, and they entered together. Shen Zhong, anxious, bypassed formal announcements to enter the hall. Fan Xian subtly mocked his abrupt entry, implying impropriety. A flustered Shen Zhong quickly apologized. When pressed by the Empress Dowager, He Daoren confessed that he and Langtao had indeed killed Xiao En on Shen Zhong's orders. Despite He Daoren's confession, the Empress Dowager did not punish Shen Zhong.

Instead, she expressed understanding, believing Shen Zhong acted out of self-preservation due to his long-standing enmity with Xiao En. She urged both Shangshan Hu and Shen Zhong to reconcile their differences for the greater good of Qi's stability. Fan Xian then presented another "gift": an account book from Qing's imperial Neiku shops in Shangjing. He revealed that Li Yunrui had conspired with Shen Zhong to falsify records and accumulate immense profits through illicit smuggling.

Fan Xian proposed to continue this profitable venture once he assumed control of Neiku's financial power in Qing, offering a 30% share of the profits as a birthday gift to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager, previously unaware of the extent of this smuggling, was enticed by the prospect of such substantial gains. Shen Zhong confessed to the false accounting, confirming that the money had flowed into Qing and that the Embroidered Uniform Guards had not profited from it.

He explained his motive: allowing the smuggling to continue involved high-ranking Qing officials, intentionally planting seeds of internal strife that could destabilize Qing, thus benefiting Qi in the long run. Fan Xian, feigning a love for money, reiterated his desire to continue the smuggling, and the Empress Dowager granted him full discretion to arrange it.

Fan Xian then requested Shen Zhong to disclose the names of the Qing officials involved, citing a need for self-protection and to ensure the longevity of their "business." Shen Zhong adamantly refused, arguing that revealing this crucial information would negate a vital source of future turmoil within Qing, which was strategically important for Qi. The Empress Dowager concurred, stating that Qing's internal affairs were irrelevant to Qi, and further inquiry into the names was unnecessary.

As Fan Xian prepared to leave, Shen Zhong stopped him, openly questioning his true motives. He praised Fan Xian's literary talents and prophesied a glorious future in Qing, destined for high office. He argued that the financial gains from smuggling, however substantial, could not compare to such a promising career. Shen Zhong pointed out that by exposing Qing's financial secrets, Fan Xian was essentially placing his own life at Qi's mercy, making his actions seem foolishly shortsighted or suspiciously disloyal.

The Empress Dowager also expressed her doubts. Thinking quickly, Fan Xian declared his profound love for Haitang Duoduo, claiming all his intricate plans and "gifts" were merely a desperate attempt to gain favor with the Empress Dowager and secure her blessing for a relationship with Haitang Duoduo. Both Shen Zhong and the Empress Dowager were taken aback by this unexpected declaration. Haitang Duoduo accompanied Fan Xian as he left the palace.

Along the way, Fan Xian repeatedly apologized for using her name, explaining that his "confession" and all his actions were calculated maneuvers to undermine Shen Zhong. He handed her a copied roster of Shangshan Hu's military subordinates, asking her to deliver it to the little emperor, which she accepted. Meanwhile, Shen Zhong vehemently warned the Empress Dowager against trusting Fan Xian's cunning words. The Empress Dowager, growing impatient, dismissed him, stating she would consider his counsel.

As Shen Zhong left, Shangshan Hu, in stark contrast, bowed deeply, an act of humility that pleased the Empress Dowager. She immediately promoted Shangshan Hu to a first-rank military official, subtly indicating her increasing distrust of Shen Zhong. Fan Xian later explained to Haitang Duoduo that these events unfolded precisely as he had planned.

Shangshan Hu's military influence, coupled with his newly adopted humble demeanor, would inevitably highlight Shen Zhong's arrogance, sowing seeds of suspicion against Shen Zhong in the Empress Dowager's mind. He assured Haitang Duoduo that while the Empress Dowager might not directly eliminate Shen Zhong, other forces would, thus fulfilling his promise to the little emperor. Haitang Duoduo, in turn, promptly informed the little emperor of all these developments.

Episode 44 Recap

Haitang Duoduo mistakenly believed that Fan Xian had truly developed feelings for her. As she was leaving, she warned him to maintain a clear mind and suppress his nature by taking cold showers, cautioning him not to get carried away if they spent too much time together. Fan Xian was speechless, while the little emperor, having heard Haitang Duoduo's account, found both her and Fan Xian self-obsessed. Infuriated by Haitang Duoduo's words, Fan Xian complained bitterly to Wang Qinian.

Wang Qinian, in jest, suggested Fan Xian use his charm to bewitch Haitang Duoduo, then ignore her to get revenge. Fan Xian promptly told him to repeat that advice to Lin Wan’er, prompting Wang Qinian to beg for mercy. Yan Bingyun, unable to bear their antics, interrupted, threatening to report Fan Xian's private alliance and smuggling with the Beiqi imperial family to Chen Pingping.

Fan Xian defended himself, explaining that the alleged smuggling was a ruse to connect with the Beiqi imperial family and easily gather information, as well as to completely undermine Shen Zhong. This strategy also aimed to uncover the true Nanqing collaborators who were involved in the illicit trade and had embezzled vast sums. He requested Yan Bingyun hand over the list of secret agents in Shangjing.

Yan Bingyun hesitated, stating he needed to confirm with Chen Pingping and was wary of Fan Xian's impulsive nature. Fan Xian insisted that waiting would be too late to undermine Shen Zhong and that he no longer wished to be a mere pawn, but to uncover the truth himself and take credit for the sake of Daqing. After weighing the options, Yan Bingyun reluctantly agreed, revealing that he only communicated with the Shangjing secret agents through an oil shop owner.

Fan Xian immediately took Guo Baokun to the said oil shop. At the oil shop, Fan Xian exchanged secret codes with the owner, asking for "half jin of palm oil" and if he had a "pot" and "sesame oil." The owner completed the code, mentioning that sesame oil was expensive and usually only bought for "worshipping the Heaven."

Fan Xian countered that it could also be used to "mourn people," then gave the specific quantity, "Seven jin six taels nine qians four haos." Recognizing the code, the owner quickly closed his shop and led them to the backyard. Fan Xian instructed him to spread rumors throughout Shangjing Town about his profitable smuggling deal with the Empress Dowager (which he presented as a cover to solidify his fabricated affections for Haitang Duoduo) and Shen Zhong's opposition to it.

He promised the owner a return to Nanqing to reunite with his family once the task was complete, and that Guo Baokun would take over the Shangjing intelligence network. The owner was surprised, as he had received no such orders and Guo Baokun was not an Investigator’s Office member. Fan Xian then displayed his Ti Si (Director-General) Token and declared Guo Baokun his direct subordinate, forcing the owner to agree to introduce Guo Baokun to the Shangjing secret agents.

Fan Xian repeatedly confirmed if Guo Baokun truly wished to remain alone in the enemy capital of Beiqi, facing danger, to save his father. Guo Baokun, driven by the desire to free his father, agreed to take the risk. He voiced concerns about Shen Zhong hindering him, but Fan Xian reassured him that he was merely a "shield" for Shen Zhong to observe. Guo Baokun's primary role would be to manage trade and bribes, while others would handle intelligence matters.

Fan Xian explained that the smuggling involved Beiqi's high-ranking officials, and once the profit chain was established, many would benefit. If any issues arose, those beneficiaries would step in to resolve them. Using money to pave the way would turn enemies into protectors. Convinced, Guo Baokun accepted the assignment. The oil shop owner activated Nanqing's intelligence network in Beiqi, and soon, rumors about the Empress Dowager and Fan Xian's profitable business, and Shen Zhong's obstruction, spread across Shangjing Town.

Shen Zhong noticed his Embroidered Uniform Guards discussing the rumors and immediately ordered them to block all such talk. Fan Xian continued his frequent visits to Haitang Duoduo, often going to the market with her. Haitang Duoduo deduced that Fan Xian was behind the rumors, a move meant to solidify his fabricated affections for her in the Empress Dowager's eyes. She worried Shen Zhong would quickly suppress the rumors. However, Fan Xian was unconcerned, having anticipated human nature.

He explained that Shen Zhong had incurred the wrath of many by blocking their potential wealth from the smuggling, and the Embroidered Uniform Guards would no longer blindly obey him as before. Indeed, as Fan Xian predicted, days passed, and the rumors not only persisted but grew more rampant. The Empress Dowager even transferred the responsibility of her annual birthday celebration, traditionally managed by Shen Zhong, to his Deputy Commander.

Shen Zhong was furious but dared not voice his displeasure, clearly sensing the Empress Dowager's growing indifference. Dejected, Shen Zhong returned to his military guardhouse. His subordinate showed him his new imperial python-patterned uniform, but Shen Zhong was uninterested. It was the day for battalion commanders to regularly report, yet no one had appeared. Shen Zhong understood that the Empress Dowager welcomed the division of power among her ministers, ensuring mutual checks and balances.

His comfortable days, he realized, were likely over. Haitang Duoduo took Fan Xian to her rural home, its yard filled with wildflowers and vegetables. She claimed to have simply scattered the seeds, which startled Fan Xian as Chen Pingping had said his mother, Ye Qingmei, used to say the same thing. Fan Xian picked up a hoe and tilled the vegetable patch. They chatted, and he confided his feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction. Haitang Duoduo found him affected.

Fan Xian lamented having no friends beyond his family, mentioning Teng Zijing, who died for him, and Wang Qinian as his only true friend. He then admitted that he was actually the Emperor's son, raised secretly in the Fan family. Haitang Duoduo dismissed this as nonsense, and Fan Xian could only offer a bitter smile. Haitang Duoduo personally cooked a feast for Fan Xian. As they drank together, Haitang Duoduo mentioned the wine was from Qingyu Hall.

Fan Xian recognized it as his mother Ye Qingmei's creation, feeling a profound sadness. He drank heavily, quickly becoming intoxicated, and recited a poem titled "Liu Yu Qing," which he noted was Qiaojie's verdict from "Dream of the Red Chamber." Fan Xian vaguely awoke to find Si Lili by his side. Si Lili explained that she would enter the imperial palace after the Empress Dowager's birthday, and they would likely never meet again.

Gathering her courage, she confessed her feelings for him. Fan Xian, stunned, reiterated that he was committed to Lin Wan’er for life. Si Lili understood, saying his fidelity didn't stop her from cherishing her feelings for him. She asked him to recount his story with Lin Wan’er. Fan Xian began to speak but quickly cut himself off, using the crowing of roosters as an excuse to rush out.

Outside, he saw Haitang Duoduo leisurely eating melon seeds, realizing she had drugged his wine. Haitang Duoduo playfully claimed the wine was just strong. Fan Xian was enraged. On the day of the Empress Dowager's birthday, Fan Xian, accompanied by Wang Qinian and Gao Da, arrived early for the banquet. A eunuch directed Wang Qinian and Gao Da to the very back seats. He Daoren quietly warned Wang Qinian that Langtao planned to challenge Fan Xian during the ceremony.

Wang Qinian quickly relayed this information to Fan Xian. Shen Zhong, dressed in his new python-patterned official robe, walked through the great hall. He noticed a Palace Guard nearly fainting from heatstroke and rushed to help him. At the same moment, Shangshan Hu also stepped forward to assist. The two rivals locked eyes, their gazes filled with deep hatred.

Episode 45 Recap

Haitang Duoduo approaches Fan Xian, informing him that Si Lili has already entered the imperial palace. Fan Xian is upset, reminding Haitang that as an envoy of Nanqing, he should not be involved with the little emperor's imperial consort. Haitang explains that Si Lili has feelings for Fan Xian, and she merely wanted to help her friend have a pleasant memory before her new life.

She points out the complicated nature of their relationships: the little emperor is Fan Xian's junior nephew, while Si Lili is her close sister. Haitang assures Fan Xian it was merely a conversation, not a request for marriage, and questions his apprehension. Fan Xian asks about Si Lili's well-being, to which Haitang replies that Si Lili is now undergoing etiquette training and preparing to meet the little emperor, implying that Fan Xian might never see her again.

Although Fan Xian states he has no desire to see her, Haitang emphasizes the significance of such a brief interaction for Si Lili, who has endured a life of hardship, explaining that it would be a cherished memory. She urges Fan Xian to direct any resentment towards her, not Si Lili. The Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet commences, with all civil and military officials presenting their felicitations.

Wang Qinian, having been discreetly informed by He Daoren about an impending challenge from Langtao, relays this to Fan Xian. Consequently, Fan Xian deliberately focuses on eating, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings. As expected, Langtao steps forward, formally requesting to spar with Fan Xian as a form of entertainment for the celebration. Fan Xian, wishing to avoid conflict, readily offers to concede. The little emperor supports Fan Xian, stating that no such contest is necessary.

However, Langtao remains insistent, aggressively questioning if Fan Xian's reluctance signifies the weakness and cowardice of Nanqing's martial artists, citing Fan Xian’s previous boasts of invincibility. Cornered by Langtao's provocations, Fan Xian reluctantly agrees to a duel. Just then, Haitang Duoduo intercedes, asking the Empress Dowager for permission to fight Fan Xian in Langtao's place, playfully recalling Fan Xian's previous declaration of love for her. The Empress Dowager grants her request, and Langtao is forced to withdraw.

Fan Xian and Haitang Duoduo each select a sword and dramatically take their positions, but their "duel" is merely a show. They exchange a few feigned blows before two red cloths are flung from the rooftop. Each seizing a cloth, they gracefully perform a synchronized dance, captivating the Empress Dowager with their seamless coordination.

Wang Qinian, observing the scene, remarks to Gao Da that the "intimate relationship" between Fan Xian and Haitang Duoduo ensures a non-serious fight, attributing Haitang's supposed infatuation to Fan Xian's charm. Meanwhile, a displeased Beiqi official loudly condemns their performance as a deception of the Empress Dowager. In response, Fan Xian deftly slices the official's table in half with his sword, drenching the man in food and soup and eliciting widespread laughter.

Haitang, acknowledging Fan Xian’s skill, apologizes for her own supposed inability to control her strength, which inadvertently splashed the minister. Fan Xian then takes the opportunity to declare the match a tie. The Empress Dowager expresses her delight, deeming a draw perfect for such a celebratory occasion.

As the Empress Dowager expresses her pleasure, Wang Qinian secretly instructs Gao Da to portray Fan Xian's battle to Lin Wan’er as a bloody and relentless struggle, a strategic move to manage Fan Xian's domestic affairs. Gao Da, impressed by Wang Qinian’s cunning, admits to feeling more intelligent under his influence. The Empress Dowager then publicly announces a trade partnership between Beiqi and Nanqing, entrusting the Embroidered Uniform Guards with the negotiations.

Shen Zhong immediately voices strong opposition, but the Empress Dowager, having made up her mind, disregards his concerns. Seizing the opportunity, Shangshan Hu steps forward to impeach Shen Zhong, accusing him of treasonous collusion with Nanqing's Investigator's Office and the leakage of vital military intelligence. He specifically highlights the alleged illicit affair between Shen Zhong's sister and Yan Bingyun, further implicating her in assisting Fan Xian’s rescue of Yan Bingyun.

Shen Zhong vehemently denies having ever disclosed military secrets to his family. When consulted, the little emperor delegates full authority to his mother. The Empress Dowager, acknowledging Shen Zhong's past loyalty, nevertheless faults him for his sister's perceived indiscretions and publicly orders his python-patterned robe to be stripped, though he nominally retains his title. Despite this humiliation, Shen Zhong defiantly continues to obstruct the trade deal, even questioning the Empress Dowager's motives. Enraged, she commands his removal from the hall.

As he is forcibly escorted away, Shen Zhong passionately protests his innocence, repeatedly proclaiming his unwavering devotion to Beiqi. Before Fan Xian departs, the little emperor reminds him to diligently update the chapters of his Red Mansions novel. Wang Qinian observes that while Shen Zhong's authority has been undermined, he technically still retains his position. Fan Xian, however, dismisses this, asserting that Shen Zhong’s complete downfall and loss of power are inevitable.

Fan Xian admits his lingering concern about the unknown identity of the smuggler. Soon after, Shangshan Hu arrives to confront Fan Xian, demanding the return of his adoptive father Xiao En's remains. Fan Xian explains that Xiao En, having spent decades imprisoned underground, wished to remain in the sunlight rather than be buried. He provides Shangshan Hu with the location.

Shangshan Hu, who initially intended to kill Fan Xian before his departure, decides to spare his life this time out of respect for Fan Xian having retrieved Xiao En's body. However, he vows to personally seek out and kill Fan Xian in Nanqing once his mourning period concludes, to which Fan Xian boldly responds, "I'll wait for you."

Fan Xian then dispatches Gao Da to arrange a meeting with Haitang Duoduo, instructing him to bring her to the mission, despite Gao Da’s cautious reminder about Lin Wan’er. Meanwhile, the little emperor discusses the intricate political maneuvers that led to Shen Zhong's downfall. He reveals that he had already secured the loyalty of key officials to oppose Shen Zhong, while those aligned with Shen Zhong were either neutralized or reassigned.

He confesses to Langtao that he was fully aware of He Daoren’s clandestine meeting with Fan Xian and understood that Guo Baokun was merely a decoy, with He Daoren being the true mastermind of the Nanqing intelligence network in Shangjing. During his meeting with He Daoren, Fan Xian formally entrusts him with the leadership of the Shangjing intelligence network, promising that future smuggling operations would generate enough wealth to openly purchase intelligence, thereby reducing the perilous nature of espionage.

He emphasizes the importance of He Daoren remaining undetected. Langtao questions the little emperor's decision to allow a Nanqing spy like He Daoren to remain active. The little emperor clarifies his strategic intent, explaining that sometimes enemies can be leveraged for one's own advantage, using Shen Zhong’s current predicament as an example. He plans to utilize He Daoren to feed controlled information to Nanqing, thereby executing a counter-intelligence scheme.

He further asserts that the Empress Dowager will no longer restore Shangshan Hu to military command, effectively rendering him powerless. Langtao expresses concern that Fan Xian poses a significant future threat to Beiqi. However, the little emperor confidently states that Beiqi is not Fan Xian’s primary adversary; rather, his greatest challenges will emerge from the ambitious princes within Nanqing. Haitang Duoduo meets with Fan Xian, who requests her assistance in arranging a clandestine meeting with Zhuang Mohan before his departure.

Fan Xian assures her that his purpose is merely to deliver a message, posing no threat to Beiqi, and Haitang reluctantly agrees, albeit teasingly acknowledging his persuasive charm. Under the cloak of night, Fan Xian discreetly enters Zhuang Mohan’s residence, having had his companion divert the literary master's servant.

Zhuang Mohan, who has been gravely ill since his return from Nanqing and whose servant had tried to prevent him from meeting Fan Xian due to fears of exacerbating his condition, nevertheless eagerly seeks clarification on the obscure literary allusions within Fan Xian’s poetry, such as references to "Wushan Mountain" and a "Prince Chen surnamed Cao."

Fan Xian explains that these verses are "imprints left by another era," vestiges of a magnificent civilization that predates recorded history by millennia, now lost to time. Relieved to understand, Zhuang Mohan expresses deep remorse and sincerely apologizes for his past false accusation against Fan Xian at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, a confession Fan Xian graciously accepts, understanding that Zhuang Mohan's actions were driven by a desperate attempt to save his full brother, Xiao En.

Fan Xian then delivers Xiao En’s dying message: the news of his passing. Zhuang Mohan is heartbroken by the death of his brother, reflecting on Xiao En's tragic life marked by extensive bloodshed. He earnestly implores Fan Xian not to follow a path of violence like Xiao En, and to safeguard his "excellent poems" from falling into obscurity. Fan Xian solemnly agrees to honor these wishes.

Sensing his own life drawing to a close, Zhuang Mohan resumes annotating Fan Xian’s poetry collection. With tears in his eyes, Fan Xian bids farewell, recognizing that this will likely be their final encounter. The day arrives for the Nanqing mission to depart Shangjing. At the military guardhouse, Shen Zhong's ambitious subordinates eagerly attempt to force him out, vying for his position.

Unknown to them, Shen Zhong has already amassed a contingent of assassins, revealing his audacious plan to ambush and eliminate the Nanqing mission. He explicitly states that this operation lacks imperial sanction and warns his followers that failure means certain death. Despite his subordinates' attempts to call in the Embroidered Uniform Guards to intervene, the guards are hesitant to act against Shen Zhong. The assembled assassins, undeterred, follow Shen Zhong without hesitation.

As Fan Xian leads the Nanqing mission out of Shangjing, Guo Baokun watches their departure with a heavy heart, contemplating his solitary future in Beiqi. A short distance away, Haitang Duoduo awaits Fan Xian in a forest, accompanied by a cart laden with books. When Fan Xian approaches to bid her farewell, she delivers the somber news: Zhuang Mohan passed away last night. It is revealed that before his death, Zhuang Mohan entrusted his life's literary achievements, contained in the cart of books, to Fan Xian.

Episode 46 (Ending) Recap

Haitang Duoduo delivered Zhuang Mohan’s dying wishes to Fan Xian, informing him that Master Zhuang had passed away that morning. On his deathbed, Zhuang Mohan had asked Haitang Duoduo to give Fan Xian all the books he had collected throughout his life, along with a catalog he personally compiled. Haitang Duoduo explained that this act represented Zhuang Mohan entrusting Fan Xian with the inheritance of literature, as he held extremely high expectations for him.

She relayed Zhuang Mohan’s last wishes for Fan Xian: to follow his own path and live a joyful life, as Zhuang Mohan himself had lived, without feeling wronged or deceiving himself. Fan Xian, despite having only met Zhuang Mohan twice, felt the weight of this responsibility and, with a heavy heart, deeply bowed to the cart filled with books. As Haitang Duoduo prepared to leave, she mentioned that Si Lili was also present, watching Fan Xian from a distance.

As Fan Xian prepared to depart, Lady Shen rushed to warn him, revealing that Shen Zhong had mobilized assassins to intercept the Nanqing mission in the wilderness. Before she could finish, Shen Zhong and his assassins arrived, initiating a fierce attack, shouting to kill all Nanqing people for their country. Fan Xian noticed Imperial Guards nearby, and Haitang Duoduo clarified they were there to protect Si Lili. Fan Xian and Haitang Duoduo joined the fray.

Shen Zhong quickly located Yan Bingyun, who, still recovering from his injuries, was no match for Shen Zhong and was soon incapacitated. As Shen Zhong moved to deliver a fatal blow, Lady Shen bravely intervened, shielding Yan Bingyun and taking the sword wound herself, collapsing into his arms. Heartbroken, Yan Bingyun vowed to save her life. Fan Xian and Haitang Duoduo promptly arrived to confront Shen Zhong.

After a tense battle, Shen Zhong was overpowered, and his remaining assassins were subdued by the Imperial Guards. Realizing his cause was lost, Shen Zhong surrendered. He covertly revealed to Fan Xian that the vast sums of money from Neiku’s smuggling operations had flowed into the Ming family, Nanqing’s most powerful clan. The true masters behind the Ming family, he disclosed, were the Second Prince and Li Yunrui.

Fan Xian was stunned by this revelation, as he had always believed Li Yunrui was allied with the Crown Prince. Shen Zhong offered this intelligence in exchange for his sister’s life. With the Imperial Guards approaching, he made a calculated move, intentionally stabbing his sister again, though not fatally, to create the appearance of her having been harmed by him, thereby clearing her of suspicion.

He pleaded with Fan Xian to take his sister back to Nanqing, to which Fan Xian solemnly agreed. Shen Zhong knelt in gratitude, but when Fan Xian suggested he also return with them, Shen Zhong refused, citing the unyielding code of Beiqi’s Embroidered Uniform Guards. Haitang Duoduo then ordered Shen Zhong to be apprehended and instructed Fan Xian to conceal Lady Shen in a carriage and take her back to Nanqing.

As the Imperial Guards escorted Shen Zhong back to Shangjing, Shangshan Hu abruptly blocked their path. He declared his intent to kill Shen Zhong to avenge his fallen brothers and his adoptive father, Xiao En. Despite the Imperial Guard leader's warning that the little emperor had not yet decreed Shen Zhong’s punishment, Shangshan Hu, unmoved, charged forward and killed Shen Zhong on the spot, proclaiming his revenge.

The Nanqing mission continued its journey back, with Lady Shen slowly recuperating but still unconscious. Fan Xian updated Yan Bingyun on her condition, but Yan Bingyun feigned indifference, instead cautioning Fan Xian about the Second Prince. Fan Xian, noting Yan Bingyun’s hidden feelings for Lady Shen despite his outward denial, proposed an alliance and asked him to consider it during their journey. Throughout this exchange, Yan Bingyun’s mind replayed Lady Shen’s unwavering affection for him.

That night, as the Nanqing mission camped outdoors, Wang Qinian detected someone watching them, though Fan Xian dismissed his concerns. Suddenly, Xie Bi'an, the Second Prince's swordsman, arrived. He carried two letters from the Second Prince, one for Fan Xian and one for Yan Bingyun, with instructions that they be opened simultaneously. Fan Xian sent Xie Bi'an to rest and summoned Gao Da to bring Yan Bingyun, and together they opened the letters.

In his letter to Fan Xian, the Second Prince candidly admitted his alliance with Li Yunrui and took responsibility for all the difficulties Fan Xian had encountered in Shangjing. He explained that his actions were driven by a desperate struggle for survival within the royal family, where losing meant death.

The Second Prince, acknowledging Fan Xian’s value, sincerely asked him to set aside past grievances and join him in achieving his grand ambitions, promising to make Fan Xian Nanqing’s most powerful minister and the Fan family the nation’s foremost clan, thereby fulfilling Fan Xian’s dream of a life without worry. Fan Xian noted the letter's cunning lack of a signature, making it impossible to use as evidence, but affirmed his resolve not to compromise.

In his letter to Yan Bingyun, the Second Prince outlined the grave implications of his current situation and urged him to pledge allegiance. Xie Bi'an then presented the Second Prince’s gifts to Fan Xian: sugar-coated hawthorns, Teng Zijing’s son’s favorite treat, a letter from Fan Sizhe’s Danbo Bookstore, and a pair of medical gloves Fan Xian had given to Fei Jie. Fan Xian immediately understood these were thinly veiled threats against his loved ones.

He questioned how Fei Jie could possibly be captured, given his mastery of poisons. Xie Bi'an confirmed that Fei Jie, while not captured, was coerced by threatening Fan Xian, as Fan Xian was Fei Jie's soft spot. This revelation further exposed the Second Prince's ruthless cunning, drawing a sharp intake of breath from Fan Xian, who reaffirmed his refusal to yield.

Xie Bi'an then warned Fan Xian that a large private army of the Second Prince was en route to intercept them, urging him to reconsider his decision by morning, or face lethal consequences. Yan Bingyun advised Fan Xian to take a step back and compromise to save their lives and futures, but Fan Xian, unwavering, declared his intention to try and resist. The next morning, Fan Xian awoke from a troubling nightmare.

As he ordered Gao Da to prepare the mission to leave, Xie Bi'an and the Second Prince’s private army surrounded them, demanding Fan Xian’s final decision. Fan Xian and Yan Bingyun stood back-to-back, ready for battle. Fan Xian defiantly declared that harming Fan Sizhe, the legitimate first son of the Fan family, would incur the wrath of Fan Jian.

Similarly, any harm to Fei Jie, the Director of the Investigator’s Office's Third Division, would provoke a severe response from the entire Investigator's Office. He challenged Xie Bi'an, stating that massacring the entire mission would brand them all as traitors, bringing ruin upon their families. Finally, Fan Xian vowed that if anything happened to Teng Zijing’s son, he would make the Second Prince pay with his life.

Fan Xian's impassioned speech momentarily unnerved the private soldiers, and even Xie Bi'an hesitated, unsure of his ability to defeat Fan Xian. In that tense moment, Yan Bingyun suddenly drew his sword and plunged it into Fan Xian’s back. Fan Xian collapsed, gravely wounded and astonished by the betrayal.