Judge Dee's Mystery Episode 5 Recap, Plot

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Di Renjie went to Penglai to take up his post. On the way, he discovered an unidentified male corpse, which aroused his suspicion. He decided to bring the corpse into the city for a detailed investigation. However, below the city gate, the soldiers were heavily guarded. Fortunately, Di Renjie was able to pass after presenting his identification. Although Penglai was not as prosperous as Chang'an, it had a unique serene beauty, with orderly markets and peaceful residents.

According to Hong Liang, the previous county magistrate was imprisoned for smuggling, yet the public remained orderly, indicating effective governance. Ma Rong noticed women in the street applying white powder. Out of curiosity, he asked a vendor about it and learned that it was the most popular beauty makeup of the time, which gave him an idea.

Teng Kan, hearing of Di Renjie's arrival, specifically came to welcome him and invited him to attend the Yichun Banquet to celebrate the festival. Di Renjie had heard a little about Teng Kan, knowing that his poetry had won first place in the capital region.

Since it was also a festive day and he found it hard to refuse the warm invitation, he simply let Hong Liang take Ma Rong and Qiao Tai back to the mansion first, while he went to the banquet alone. During the banquet, Teng Kan introduced his wife, Yin Lian, and their loving relationship made others envious. Guests congratulated Teng Kan on winning the poetry competition one after another.

Teng Kan thanked them all, and Di Renjie also raised his cup to toast him, creating a very harmonious atmosphere. The singer Cao An arrived late. Her song, a Pingzhou folk tune, stirred up endless thoughts in Di Renjie, giving him a sense of déjà vu. After three rounds of drinks, Di Renjie's eyes were hazy with intoxication. He rose to take his leave.

As he was leaving, he overheard guests discussing the Four Lacquered Screens and asked Teng Kan for details. Teng Kan brushed it off lightly, saying it was just a small family matter and not worth mentioning. But Di Renjie's and Yin Lian's eyes were cast towards the corridor, where a ghostly figure seemed to flash by, and he saw a panicked expression on Yin Lian's face. He temporarily suppressed the doubts in his mind.

Afterward, Di Renjie and Hong Liang examined the unidentified male corpse and found fatal stab wounds on both his chest and back. The killer's methods were cruel, seemingly stemming from a deep hatred for him. Hong Liang had Ma Rong find a painter to draw a portrait of the corpse for city-wide identification. Since the deceased had been disfigured by leprosy, it was difficult to identify him immediately and would likely take some time.

Meanwhile, Cao An looked in the mirror while doing her hair, recalling being nearly molested by a hoodlum from the Penghai Gang many years ago, and fortunately being rescued by the masked man "Black Flame". Now, meeting Di Renjie made her feel complicated.

The next morning, Di Renjie reviewed the county office files and was surprised to find that the position of Penglai county magistrate had been vacant for over three months, yet not a single citizen had filed a complaint. This level of tranquility was particularly strange, leaving him puzzled. Passing through Mingyue District, Di Renjie heard the Pingzhou folk tune again. Upon the disclosure by the person in charge, he learned that the singer was indeed Cao An.

After returning to the mansion, Di Renjie asked Hong Liang about the Cao family. Hong Liang recalled that Cao Hexian's family was raided for privately minting coins and that he had no friendship with Di Renjie's father. Ma Rong disciplined some ruffians on the street. Upon his return, he bought new boots for Di Renjie and applied white powder to look pretty. Unexpectedly, Di Renjie did not appreciate it and instead asked Ma Rong to return the stolen money bag.

Despite complaining endlessly, Ma Rong still threw the money bag into the man's courtyard to avoid causing trouble for Di Renjie. At this time, three bandits wanted to tie up Ma Rong to see the mountain king Ba Zong, but ended up defeated by him. Ma Rong, however, wanted to meet Ba Zong and willingly allowed himself to be tied up and brought to the mountain stronghold.

Although Ba Zong was a bandit leader, he had a code of conduct: he strictly prohibited stealing from the widowed, orphaned, lonely, or disabled, and offenders would have their hands crippled without exception. Ma Rong came forward to negotiate, warning Ba Zong to abide by the law, as Di Renjie had been appointed as the magistrate of Penglai and must uphold the rules. Ba Zong was dissatisfied and ordered his subordinates to teach Ma Rong a lesson.

Qiao Tai was hiding in the dark, poised and ready to act at any time. Unexpectedly, the other party proposed a drinking contest, which happened to be Ma Rong's strength. As night fell, Di Renjie visited Cao An to probe her identity. Cao An avoided the subject and played a pipa tune for him. The music contained deep meaning. A horrifying murder occurred at the Teng residence.

Teng Kan seemed to be possessed by an evil spirit, wielding a long saber and killing his beloved wife, Yin Lian. After Teng Kan regained consciousness, he walked aimlessly through the streets, constantly recalling the bloody scenes. Finally, he came to the county office entrance and beat the drum, begging Di Renjie to grant him death.

Di Renjie ordered people to first settle Teng Kan properly, then he took Hong Liang to the scene to investigate, discovering traces of a screen placement in a corner. The steward led Di Renjie and Hong Liang to the side hall and showed them the screens. The steward admitted that when the master purchased the Four Lacquered Screens, the image was originally a loving couple embracing, but five days ago, it inexplicably changed.

The man holding the cup turned into a vengeful spirit holding a sword and stabbing the woman. Since then, the Four Lacquered Screens seemed to be haunted by an evil spirit, causing unrest in the mansion. Furthermore, a maidservant witnessed the terrifying sight of the master being possessed by a ghost.

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