Joy of Life Episode 38 Recap
> Joy of Life 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.
