Killer And Healer Recap, Plot, Synopsis

> Killer And Healer

Killer And Healer Synopsis

In troubled times, things are changing.

Jiang Yuelou, the head of the Police Station, is both good and evil, making smugglers scared of criminals.

While pursuing an opium case in Hong Kong, he meets Churan and Chen Yuzhi, and the three become close friends.

Chen Yu Zhi discovers Jiang Yue Lou’s bipolar disorder, and Jiang Yue Lou goes from initially refusing treatment to befriending Chen Yu Zhi.

One kills, the other saves, and the two men with opposite values redeem each other and become sympathetic friends.

In addition, the warlord Zhan Junbai, the Chamber of Commerce tycoon Zhao Jingming, and the rogue gang Zhou Huo are constantly making trouble and want to put Jiang Yuelou to death.

The three good partners support each other’s growth, and the secrets of the two families gradually emerge during the period.

Killer And Healer Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

Under a stormy sky, two groups were engaged in a violent conflict inside a warehouse, appearing to be involved in a transaction involving gold bars and packages of a dark substance. The situation escalated when a man, later identified as Wang Meng, threw an axe, striking a black-clad man and igniting an all-out battle. Chen Yuzhi, a doctor, was passing by and took shelter from the impending rain under the eaves.

He heard the commotion inside, then witnessed an injured man stumble out, followed closely by Wang Meng, who then spotted Chen Yuzhi. Inside the warehouse, Chen Yuzhi, driven by his medical oath, attempted to aid the injured, including the fallen black-clad man. However, Wang Meng threatened him with an axe, demanding he stop.

Chen Yuzhi firmly declared that regardless of a person's character, they were merely a patient in his eyes, and as a doctor, he would never abandon any patient, persisting in his efforts despite the threat. Shortly after, Jiang Yuelou, the Chief of the Jing City Inspection Department, led his team to raid the warehouse, announcing their presence as police. Amidst the chaos, Wang Meng managed to escape.

Jiang Yuelou, upon learning of the leader's escape, confronted the captured Chen Yuzhi, remarking that his leader had abandoned him. Chen Yuzhi steadfastly denied any association, explaining that he was a doctor who had merely passed by and intervened to save lives. Skeptical, Jiang Yuelou ordered his men to take Chen Yuzhi back for questioning. Chen Yuzhi was held in a cell, where Jiang Yuelou interrogated him about his presence at the gang fight, implying his involvement in opium smuggling.

Chen Yuzhi firmly reiterated that he was merely a doctor who had arrived to save lives, challenging Jiang Yuelou's assumption of guilt and stressing that police shouldn't arrest people based on mere speculation. He also pleaded for his release, stating he had a younger sister to care for at home.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yuelou's subordinates reported their investigation results: Wang Meng was identified as a known criminal from Jinma Hall, primarily involved in opium sales, confirming the fight was over an opium shipment. Crucially, their investigation also confirmed Chen Yuzhi's account: he was a respected doctor in Jing City who had been visiting a patient from the Dong family on Songdong Road, and the abandoned warehouse was on his route home.

Despite a subordinate suggesting they detain Chen Yuzhi longer for his earlier defiance, Jiang Yuelou ordered his immediate release. The next morning, Jiang Yuelou reviewed an inspection report with his subordinate, Song Rong, pointing out a significant discrepancy: 19 kilograms of crude opium were seized from a single ship, yet the total reported sales across all recent examinations amounted to only 20 kilograms. He demanded a thorough investigation to uncover who was manipulating the records.

Song Rong cautioned him, suggesting that those involved were not ordinary people and advised turning a blind eye. However, Jiang Yuelou adamantly refused, reiterating his unwavering commitment to exposing such illicit activities. He declared he would keep his eyes wide open to see who dared to play tricks under his command, unconcerned about making more enemies. Upon returning home, Chen Yuzhi discovered his younger sister, Keying, was missing. He immediately set out to search for her.

A noodle vendor recalled seeing a girl matching her description in the backyard of Nianchun Pavilion the previous night. Chen Yuzhi rushed to Nianchun Pavilion, only to be forcibly turned away and assaulted by the staff. Soon after, a sympathetic woman from inside discreetly confirmed that Keying, who she said was 13 years old, had indeed been there. She revealed that Keying had been trafficked the previous night and sold to a passing Hong Kong businessman.

The woman could not provide the businessman's name or specific location in Hong Kong. Jiang Yuelou then interrogated a prisoner suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms. The prisoner revealed that their illicit goods were sourced from Southeast Asia, transited through Hong Kong, and then distributed to various mainland cities. When pressed, the prisoner disclosed the name "Lucas" as the person controlling the opium transfers from Hong Kong. He also mentioned that injured smugglers avoid formal medical treatment, relying solely on luck.

Following this, Jiang Yuelou decided to go to Hong Kong immediately. He met with Commissioner Bai, who expressed strong reservations, fearing for Jiang's life in British-controlled territory with so few leads. Jiang remained resolute, arguing that any delay would lead to more deaths. Commissioner Bai eventually consented, advising Jiang to travel undercover as a businessman. Jiang Yuelou, accompanied by Song Rong and another subordinate, arrived in Hong Kong. Chen Yuzhi also arrived independently in search of Keying.

Jiang's team was immediately struck by the sight of opium being transported in broad daylight under the escort of British police. As they watched, Jiang looked up and saw Chen Yuzhi on a bridge asking for directions. Deciding to act, Jiang planned to investigate the docks that night. However, their attempt to board a vessel was thwarted by colluding officials and criminals. Song Rong created a diversion, allowing Jiang to escape alone, but his bicycle soon broke down.

While seeking cover, Jiang hid in a woman's apartment when British police, searching for a murderer, came to her door. The woman covered for him, but the police discovered blood in her bedroom, forcing Jiang to reveal himself after they left. Elsewhere, Chen Yuzhi was approached by a man urgently seeking a doctor for a "special patient" with a high fever from a wound infection. Emphasizing the need for secrecy, the man led Chen to the patient. Upon entering the room, Chen was stunned to recognize the injured person.

Episode 2 Recap

Jiang Yuelou, injured, received treatment from Chen Yuzhi. Jiang Yuelou expressed regret that Chen Yuzhi, despite being mistakenly apprehended by him earlier, still chose to save his life, recognizing that it is a doctor's duty. Chen Yuzhi then prescribed medicine for Jiang Yuelou, instructing him to take it. As Jiang Yuelou took the medicine, he noticed a missing person notice for Chen Yuzhi's sister, offering a significant reward for her return.

Learning that Chen Yuzhi's sister went missing just before he was caught, Jiang Yuelou promised to help find her. After Chen Yuzhi left, a young woman named Bai Qing, who was waiting outside, inquired about Jiang Yuelou's condition. Chen Yuzhi advised her to ensure Jiang Yuelou's wound did not get inflamed or infected.

Bai Qing, curious about their prior acquaintance and why Jiang Yuelou was being pursued by the police, was told by Chen Yuzhi that Jiang Yuelou was not a bad person, and Chen Yuzhi introduced himself as Doctor Chen. Bai Qing remarked that Chen Yuzhi himself stated Jiang Yuelou was not a bad person. While Chen Yuzhi was busy posting notices for his missing sister, Jiang Yuelou, having stayed overnight at Cheng Xiuzhi’s home, thanked her for her help.

He realized she was also from Jing City due to a unique local craft and acknowledged that she had saved him. However, as he departed, Jiang Yuelou fainted on the stairs. Later, Cheng Xiuzhi arrived at Doctor Qiu's clinic, specifically asking for Doctor Chen, stating they were both from Jing City and she had something important to discuss with him. Doctor Qiu, seeing the urgency, asked Chen Yuzhi to accompany Cheng Xiuzhi to see the ailing patient.

Upon their arrival at the apartment, Jiang Yuelou, having regained consciousness but still weak, cautiously drew his gun when he heard them. Recognizing Chen Yuzhi and Cheng Xiuzhi, he lowered his guard. Jiang Yuelou then requested Chen Yuzhi's help, asking him to leave a specific triangle-shaped symbol, pointing forward, at three distinct locations: downstairs in the Fall Department Store, on the corner of Queen's Street Central, and downstairs in the very apartment building they were in.

Chen Yuzhi initially refused Jiang Yuelou's request and began to leave. Jiang Yuelou then seized Chen Yuzhi's hand, revealing his true purpose in Hong Kong: to uncover the source of opium flowing into Jing City, locate his coworkers, and eliminate those responsible for the illicit trade. Chen Yuzhi turned to Jiang Yuelou, challenging his worldview by asking if he believed only in violence against violence and if he truly thought all his decisions were sound, especially regarding Miss Cheng Xiuzhi.

Chen Yuzhi argued that Cheng Xiuzhi, by saving him, might be unknowingly placed in grave danger. He further pressed Jiang Yuelou, suggesting that if he hadn't been mistakenly apprehended, his sister might have been saved. Reiterating his stance, Chen Yuzhi firmly stated he still could not help Jiang Yuelou. Jiang Yuelou then recounted a tragic incident from two years prior: a devastating fire in the western city that scorched half a street and claimed eighteen lives.

He explained that a newly recruited, soft-hearted policeman had allowed a criminal, who tearfully pleaded to see his pregnant wife one last time before imprisonment, to do so. However, the criminal seized this opportunity to set a fire to facilitate his escape, inadvertently igniting a much larger blaze. Consequently, the young policeman, the criminal, his pregnant wife, and all residents from three neighboring families perished in the inferno.

Jiang Yuelou concluded that this experience taught him he could not afford to let any suspicious individual go. After a moment of silence, Chen Yuzhi, seemingly moved by the story, offered his hand, indicating a change of heart, and asked Jiang Yuelou to draw the symbol again. Meanwhile, one of Jiang Yuelou's team members, Song Rong, expressed strong suspicion upon learning of Chen Yuzhi's presence in Hong Kong.

He pointed out the coincidence of Chen Yuzhi appearing in Jing City when they were there, and now again in Hong Kong as they pursue the opium trade. Song Rong doubted Chen Yuzhi's innocent facade, suggesting he might be an accomplice of Lucas, potentially the one who leaked information or even caused their boss, Jiang Yuelou, to get lost. He proposed apprehending Chen Yuzhi for interrogation, believing it would reveal crucial information.

Another team member agreed with the plan but advised against acting during the day, suggesting they observe Chen Yuzhi closely and make their move at night to avoid drawing attention. Upon Chen Yuzhi's return to the clinic, Doctor Qiu remarked on his recent surge in popularity, noting how many people were specifically seeking him out. Chen Yuzhi apologized, attributing the attention to mere coincidence and deferring to Doctor Qiu's expertise.

Doctor Qiu then revealed he had made an exception to take Chen Yuzhi in out of compassion, given that he came to Hong Kong alone to find his missing sister, and warned him not to do anything that might jeopardize his clinic's reputation and his own livelihood. Later, at the clinic, Doctor Qiu noticed the missing person notice for Chen Yuzhi’s sister on his desk and asked if there was any news.

Chen Yuzhi sighed, confirming he hadn't found anything, noting that while Hong Kong isn't large, locating someone proved challenging. Doctor Qiu suggested advertising in newspapers, emphasizing their wider circulation compared to Chen Yuzhi's hand-drawn notices. Chen Yuzhi explained that he had considered it, but newspaper ads were costly and only effective for a single day, as people wouldn't read outdated papers.

He preferred posters and medicine lists, which could remain visible for longer periods, with posters lasting up to seven days, offering more time for people to notice the missing person's notice. Doctor Qiu commended Chen Yuzhi's thoughtfulness, expressing belief that his sincere efforts would eventually lead to his sister's return. As night fell, Song Rong and his companions lay in wait outside Chen Yuzhi's clinic. When Chen Yuzhi emerged to lock up, they quickly abducted him.

Song Rong immediately began to interrogate Chen Yuzhi about his presence in Hong Kong and his true identity, questioning if he was truly a doctor or merely pretending. Instead of answering the accusations, Chen Yuzhi revealed that Jiang Yuelou was looking for them, prompting the men to surround him eagerly, asking about their boss's whereabouts and injuries.

Chen Yuzhi informed them Jiang Yuelou was in Xi Ying Pan and offered to take them to him, suggesting they get a car for convenience. As Chen Yuzhi prepared to take them to Jiang Yuelou, Song Rong profusely apologized for his earlier suspicions and treatment of Chen Yuzhi. Just as Jiang Yuelou and his team were about to leave with Chen Yuzhi, Sun Heming made a phone call to Sister Xiaofeng, revealing Jiang Yuelou's location in Xi Ying Pan.

Sister Xiaofeng, accompanied by police, quickly arrived, confirming Sun Heming's earlier admission that he had deliberately created the commotion the other day. As the police ascended, Chen Yuzhi proposed a plan: Song Rong would create a diversion by causing an explosion and running away, pretending to be Chen Yuzhi, to draw the police's attention away and facilitate their escape. Jiang Yuelou, seeing the danger, insisted that Cheng Xiuzhi accompany them for her safety.

Amidst the chaos of the police raid, Jiang Yuelou himself created a distraction, allowing himself, Chen Yuzhi, Cheng Xiuzhi, and his team to escape. During the escape, Song Rong confronted Sun Heming, who was revealed to be a traitor. In a struggle for a gun, Song Rong shot and killed Sun Heming. Jiang Yuelou then offered to pay double the rent for Cheng Xiuzhi's apartment, but she declined, stating she could manage and intended to return to school.

However, Jiang Yuelou strongly advised her to stay with them overnight due to the unsafe situation outside and instructed Song Rong to escort her for safety. After securing their escape, Chen Yuzhi checked on Jiang Yuelou's wound, offering to treat it the following day since he lacked his medical kit. Jiang Yuelou gave Chen Yuzhi something, telling him he deserved it, then inquired about the progress in finding Chen Yuzhi’s sister.

Despite no new leads, Jiang Yuelou reassured him, promising to continue helping with the search. Later, at a new, safe location, Jiang Yuelou tested Song Rong, asking about his whereabouts during the explosion. Song Rong’s overly loyal response pleased Jiang Yuelou. As Jiang Yuelou ate, he reflected on how a small wallet had saved his life, which Song Rong identified as Cheng Xiuzhi's.

Song Rong pointed out that Cheng Xiuzhi had now saved Jiang Yuelou's life twice, urging him to live up to her kindness, to which Jiang Yuelou affirmed he would remember her generosity.

Episode 3 Recap

Jiang Yuelou's wounds reopen, requiring Chen Yuzhi to clean and dress them. Chen Yuzhi deduces that since it took approximately twenty minutes for Sun Heming's associates to arrive after his call, their base of operations must be within a thirty-mile radius. Combined with the red clay stains on their car, he pinpoints the location to be near Gao Street. The next morning, Chen Yuzhi prepares breakfast for the team, earning the admiration of a previously critical Song Rong.

Jiang Yuelou affirms that Sun Heming was not the sole conspirator working with Lucas and that other accomplices must be operating in Jing City. He decides to sever all ties with Jing City until they identify these collaborators, confident that their small, skilled team can succeed. Jiang Yuelou explains that the high-purity opium found at the wharf was meant for processing into opium gum and other drugs, to be transited through Hong Kong.

He acknowledges Lucas as a formidable adversary, given the scale and longevity of his illicit business and his ability to remain anonymous. Based on the size of Lucas's operation, Jiang Yuelou theorizes that suspicious locations near Gao Street large enough to serve as a base include a printing house and Shengde Hall. Noting a half-finished report found in one of their vehicles, he infers that Lucas regularly inspects his premises.

Combining these observations, Jiang Yuelou concludes Lucas is likely to appear at the dock, a warehouse, a bar, a church, or Shengde Hall. They plan to split up and monitor these locations, believing that the individual seen at all of them must be Lucas. Meanwhile, Chief Zhao visits a high-ranking director, mentioning his sister's imminent return from abroad and his business ventures.

He alludes to his import activities, which he conducts with the tax bureau turning a blind eye, but complains that Jiang Yuelou's strict anti-smuggling stance is an obstacle. Chief Zhao then attempts to persuade the director to expedite a matter for Minister Li of the Ministry of Industry, but the director firmly refuses, stating that government procedures apply to everyone and he will not make special exceptions.

He also cautions Chief Zhao against greed and his questionable import practices, reminding him of Jiang Yuelou's diligent scrutiny. While investigating, Song Rong photographs a church and observes a white-haired old man with Xiaofeng. The man, whom they suspect is Lucas, asks Xiaofeng if she has found "that man." She replies that she hasn't, but reassures him they will have news soon, adding that no one in Hong Kong can escape his grasp.

Xiaofeng then promises to bring Jiang Yuelou to him as soon as possible. Later, while eating noodles, Jiang Yuelou questions Chen Yuzhi about his modest living conditions despite having studied abroad. Chen Yuzhi reflects on the instability of life in troubled times, where survival is a challenge.

When Jiang Yuelou presses for a deeper story, Chen Yuzhi remarks that everyone has stories they choose not to share, sometimes because the listener is not the right person, hinting that Jiang Yuelou also has his own secrets. This statement triggers painful childhood memories for Jiang Yuelou, who furiously overturns the table and storms out. A concerned Chen Yuzhi follows him. Outside, Chen Yuzhi is ambushed by a robber.

Jiang Yuelou appears and, seeing the assault, flies into an uncontrollable rage, violently beating the man. As Chen Yuzhi tries to intervene and calm him down, he is accidentally cut by the robber's knife during the struggle. Concerned about Jiang Yuelou's behavior, Chen Yuzhi visits Doctor Qiu for advice. He describes how his friend, while usually normal, can suddenly become intensely impulsive, irritable, and detached from reality.

Doctor Qiu identifies the condition as an "emotional disease" in Western medicine and gives Chen Yuzhi a book on the subject, admitting he lacks more specific knowledge. Song Rong reports his findings to Jiang Yuelou, confirming he has tracked the man presumed to be Lucas for two days. He details his movements, including a meeting with a mysterious girl on an overpass and a visit to the dock, noting that the man consistently has lunch at the Blue Cafe.

Chen Yuzhi goes to the Blue Cafe and asks for "Miss Cheng," but is told no one by that name works there. A woman then approaches him, identifying herself as Chu Ran and explaining that "Cheng Xiuzhi" is an alias she uses for self-protection. She expresses her fear of being entangled in Jiang Yuelou's dangerous life after having saved him once. Chen Yuzhi relays Jiang Yuelou's request to meet, and despite her hesitation, Chu Ran agrees.

Upon meeting Jiang Yuelou, Chu Ran thanks him for his help at the hotel, but he insists her wallet inadvertently saved his life. He shows her a photograph of the old man from the church. Chu Ran recognizes him as someone who once helped her at a coffee shop. She is incredulous when Jiang Yuelou asserts the man is Lucas, the probable leader of Hong Kong's underworld who wants him dead, citing the man's bishop's attire and apparent piety. Jiang Yuelou maintains that all evidence points to this man and asks Chu Ran to get close to him to confirm his identity.

Episode 4 Recap

Jiang Yuelou and his team waited outside the blue cafe, poised for action. Lucas arrived punctually. Chu Ran, following Jiang Yuelou's instructions, approached Lucas to serve him. As she took his order, she observed his hands, noting that his forefinger and ring finger were not parallel, and his middle finger had a distinct thick callus, a clear sign of prolonged gun handling. This observation confirmed Jiang Yuelou's suspicion.

Following her instructions, Chu Ran then placed a bunch of yellow roses on his table, as these symbolize good wishes. From their vehicle, Jiang Yuelou and his team tensely observed the cafe. Chu Ran stepped outside, feeling a deep internal conflict. She found it hard to believe that such a polite and considerate gentleman could be Lucas, the notorious head of crime responsible for countless murders, despite the suspicious calluses on his fingers.

As Chu Ran stood outside smoking a cigarette laced with a small amount of opium, a test devised by Jiang Yuelou, Chen Yuzhi arrived and asked her for coffee. When she declined, he sat down nearby. Lucas then exited the cafe, and sensing something unusual about Chu Ran's cigarette, he asked her for one. Chu Ran turned to re-enter the cafe, but Lucas stopped her, inquiring about the origin of her cigarette. She explained it was from a small workshop.

Chen Yuzhi then stepped in, attempting to de-escalate the situation, but his intervention only deepened the danger for both him and Chu Ran. As Lucas’s cigarette fell to the ground, he signaled his subordinates to act. Seeing this, Jiang Yuelou and his team immediately intervened. Lucas ordered one of his associates, a woman known as Xiao Feng, to take Chu Ran. Chen Yuzhi courageously blocked Xiao Feng, engaging her in a fight, which allowed Chu Ran to escape.

However, Chen Yuzhi was captured in the process. Song Rong quickly drove Jiang Yuelou, pursuing Lucas's vehicle as it headed towards a church. Inside the church, Lucas interrogated Chen Yuzhi, but Chen Yuzhi remained silent. When Xiao Feng left the area, Song Rong quickly subdued the guard at the entrance. Jiang Yuelou then entered the church and confronted Lucas.

Lucas attempted to persuade Jiang Yuelou to join him, asserting that their goals could align, but Jiang Yuelou firmly rejected his offer, stating their paths were fundamentally different. Jiang Yuelou then lowered his weapon to engage Lucas in conversation. Seizing a moment of distraction, Jiang Yuelou and Song Rong worked together to kill Lucas. Following the confrontation, Jiang Yuelou and his team found themselves in a precarious situation, as the entire Hong Kong police force was now searching for them.

They planned to return to Jing City. Jiang Yuelou checked his watch before excusing himself to find someone. Meanwhile, Chu Ran visited Chen Yuzhi, bringing him fruit and inquiring about Jiang Yuelou's condition. When Jiang Yuelou arrived later and saw the fruit basket on the table, he realized someone had just visited Chen Yuzhi. Jiang Yuelou asked Chen Yuzhi about his plans.

Chen Yuzhi explained he intended to stay at the clinic, believing it would be convenient for both his work and his search for his sister. Jiang Yuelou offered to contact his friends at the Hong Kong police bureau to help find her, urging Chen Yuzhi to return to Jing City with him. However, Chen Yuzhi refused to go, leading Jiang Yuelou to subdue him and forcibly take him back. Chen Yuzhi awoke to find himself in the car.

Enraged, he opened the door to jump out, only to see Song Rong and Sun Yongren outside. Song Rong pushed Sun Yongren into the car, who, holding a cup of water, stumbled and spilled water on Chen Yuzhi. Sun Yongren urged Chen Yuzhi not to blame Jiang Yuelou, explaining that Jiang Yuelou was acting for his own good.

He revealed that Lucas's remaining subordinates had now made Chen Yuzhi their second target, offering a 30,000 yuan bounty to anyone who killed him. Jiang Yuelou was their primary target, making Hong Kong an unsafe place for Chen Yuzhi to remain. Jiang Yuelou and his team eventually parted ways with Chen Yuzhi. Jiang Yuelou instructed Chen Yuzhi to never speak of the events in Hong Kong again, keeping the truth hidden.

Upon returning home, Chen Yuzhi was overcome with sadness as he surveyed his familiar surroundings, acutely aware of his sister's absence. He began searching for her in Jing City. Back in Jing City, Jiang Yuelou instructed his subordinates to assist in the search for Chen Yuzhi’s sister, but their efforts yielded no results. Upon Jiang Yuelou's return, the Commissioner expressed his relief and inquired about the situation in Hong Kong.

Jiang Yuelou reported that while they found no further valid information at Shengde Hall, he was certain that a mysterious figure, Lucas's accomplice in the opium trade, was still active in Jing City. He admitted that this operation only dismantled a transit station in Hong Kong, leaving the main opium network deeply entrenched, and thus, he did not consider it a complete success.

The Commissioner, however, assured him that Lucas's death would cripple Hong Kong's opium transport for a considerable time, marking a significant victory. He urged Jiang Yuelou not to pressure himself and to take his time in uncovering the mysterious figure. Jiang Yuelou affirmed his determination to find this person. The Commissioner then revealed another pressing concern: there was a mole within the police department.

Jiang Yuelou deduced that the leak might have originated from a phone call Sun Heming made after discovering Chen Yuzhi. Meanwhile, Section chief Jin, boasting about his supposed heroics during the mission, spoke with a subordinate. He claimed to have led the charge against the drug dealers, stating even Jiang Yuelou couldn't have performed better. He then speculated about the vacant deputy commissioner position, believing his contributions would secure him the promotion and earn Jiang Yuelou's respect.

Later, Jin confronted Jiang Yuelou, implying that his mission in Linjiang was a failure, resulting in the deaths of several officers. Jiang Yuelou retorted that his mission was secret and questioned how Jin knew so much, suggesting Jin had unauthorized access to information. Jin then bragged about his own "secret operation" with Director Zhan, claiming to have destroyed two large cigarette shops and arrested seven major cigarette dealers.

Jiang Yuelou feigned ignorance and tried to leave, but Jin persisted, demanding an explanation for the supposed lack of cooperation from the Linjiang police bureau during Jiang Yuelou's mission. Jin hinted that Jiang Yuelou might have been pursuing personal profit instead of official duties. Jiang Yuelou, recognizing Jin's attempt to trap him with police regulations, dismissed him as too busy to entertain his baseless accusations. The investigation into the mole continued.

Jiang Yuelou's team confirmed that the call log from the day Sun Heming made the phone call had vanished. Checking the reception room schedule, they identified Zhao Xiaochun as the officer on duty that day, making him the prime suspect. However, Zhao Xiaochun had been missing for two days, reportedly on sick leave. His family assumed he was on a temporary business trip, and the police bureau believed he was recuperating at home.

Jiang Yuelou suspected Zhao Xiaochun realized he was exposed and fled, coincidently disappearing the same time Jiang Yuelou's team returned to Jing City. Jiang Yuelou ordered a thorough search for Zhao Xiaochun, alive or dead. Separately, Jiang Yuelou received a call from Director Zhan, who revealed that the patrol team had caught a smoker, leading them to Zhang Daqing’s two underground cigarette shops. Since Jiang Yuelou was unavailable, Director Zhan had enlisted Section chief Jin's help to dismantle them.

Jiang Yuelou, ever practical, stated he did not mind who destroyed the operations as long as they were gone. The search for Chen Yuzhi's sister continued. Song Rong and his colleague, in charge of investigating different parts of Jing City, reported their findings. Song Rong had investigated casinos in the west, while his colleague covered the brothels, confirming no suspicious activity related to the sister's disappearance. Despite the extensive search, Chen Yuzhi's sister remained missing.

Jiang Yuelou worried about her safety, given her young age. The internal investigation for the mole was also ongoing, with half of the staff already vetted. However, no connection to Zhao Xiaochun had been found yet. Jiang Yuelou remained convinced that the mole was still within the police bureau and urged his team to keep digging.

Episode 5 Recap

After the internal personnel investigation within the police bureau began, only half of it was completed, and no one was found to be directly connected to Zhao Xiaochun. However, Chief Jiang Yuelou asserted that the culprit must be within the police bureau. Meanwhile, Chen Yuzhi revisited the young woman who had previously told him about his sister, Keying, being sold to Hong Kong. This time, he didn't ask who purchased her, but rather who sold her.

The woman hesitated, but Chen Yuzhi assured her that he knew someone in the police bureau who could protect her. Reassured, she revealed that Jinma Hall was responsible. Separately, members of Jinma Hall discussed their precarious situation. Their supply of opium from Hong Kong had been cut, and consumption was high. The existing stock could only last half a month if solely supplied to Nianchun Pavilion, or at most three days if distributed among all their establishments.

Zhang Daqing's smoke shop being wrecked also diverted more customers to them, increasing demand. They considered consulting San Ye, but he apparently had his own plans. They noted Jiang Yuelou's recent return to Jing City, believing he would capitalize on his success in Hong Kong to cause more trouble, prompting them to lie low for a while.

It was revealed that Lucas, who was supposed to wear down Jiang Yuelou in Hong Kong, had failed and betrayed San Ye, leading to the collapse of their transport line. During these trying times, quiet moments brought melancholic reflections. Jiang Yuelou, holding his cat, Xiaobai, reflected on his pet's age and his desire for it to stay with him longer. In another memory, Chen Yuzhi fondly recalled a moment sharing wontons with his sister, Keying.

Later, Zhao Xiaochun was found dead. Jiang Yuelou immediately suspected foul play, believing it was a "crime planting" to frame a dead man. He deduced that an internal mole within the police bureau, familiar with their procedures, had used Zhao Xiaochun as a scapegoat and fabricated signs of his escape to divert attention. Jiang Yuelou ordered Song Rong and Sun Yongren to investigate Zhao Xiaochun's social circle and any police personnel exhibiting abnormal or suspicious behavior.

Elsewhere, Chu Ran discussed books on emotional illness with Chen Yuzhi over the phone, informing him she would soon return to Jing City. Her friend, Mia, expressed pity that Chu Ran wasn't staying in Hong Kong, given her intelligence and potential to work in a British bank. Chu Ran dismissed it, stating that Jing City was her home, and after years of studying abroad, it was time to go back.

Song Rong reported to Jiang Yuelou on Chen Yuzhi, observing him as a "pathetic man" who constantly ran around inquiring about his sister's whereabouts while also attending to patients. Feeling guilty that Keying's disappearance might have been prevented if he had been "more careful," Jiang Yuelou instructed Song Rong to rent a well-located shop in the North Market, regardless of the high price. He intended to help Chen Yuzhi open a clinic.

Song Rong expressed doubt that Chen Yuzhi, being a "lofty person" and given their "subtle relationship," would accept such a favor, but Jiang Yuelou insisted he had a plan. To facilitate this, Jiang Yuelou met with Jade Boss, a prominent figure in the local opera scene. Jade Boss's apprentice, Zining, greeted Jiang Yuelou. Chen Yuzhi was called in to examine Jade Boss, who suffered from throat congestion.

Chen Yuzhi warned him that continuing to sing without rest would prevent healing and could even endanger his life. Jade Boss, however, declared he would rather die on stage than live an ordinary life without dignity. After the consultation, Jade Boss revealed Jiang Yuelou's request, mentioning that Chen Yuzhi had previously expressed a desire to open a clinic.

Jade Boss claimed he found a suitable location, a former herbal medicine shop whose owner needed to return home for mourning, making the transfer urgent and the price reasonable. He offered to rent it to Chen Yuzhi, explaining that Chen Yuzhi would only be "watching the shop" until the owner returned. Chen Yuzhi initially refused due to the high cost and feeling indebted, but Jade Boss convinced him to accept, suggesting they co-own the clinic.

Jade Boss would invest the funds, and Chen Yuzhi would contribute his medical expertise, providing Jade Boss with a stable business for his later years. Once Chen Yuzhi accepted the shop, Jiang Yuelou presented him with a personalized plaque for the clinic, "Yuzhi Tang." The clinic's opening was notably low-key; there were no traditional lion or dragon dances, nor any celebratory firecrackers. Chen Yuzhi explained that a clinic should maintain a discreet profile, as loud celebrations might make patients uncomfortable.

He believed that treating patients effectively was the best form of publicity. Jiang Yuelou's subordinates, particularly Song Rong and Sun Yongren, noticed the "subtle" and unusual relationship between their boss and Chen Yuzhi, wondering about Jiang Yuelou's extensive help. Later, Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi coincidentally met at a wonton stall. To their surprise, they shared a similar preference for no scallions in their wontons.

During their conversation, Chen Yuzhi mentioned that while making house calls, he had heard whispers of several girls disappearing in recent months. He handed Jiang Yuelou a list of these missing girls. Jiang Yuelou immediately recognized a pattern: the abductions occurred in concentrated bursts over several days, followed by long periods of silence. He pointed out that these periods of criminal activity aligned with the times when large quantities of opium entered Jing City.

The silent periods, he deduced, likely corresponded to Jinma Hall's temporary absence from Jing City for opium smuggling. Jiang Yuelou noted the difficulty of finding clues due to Jinma Hall's large numbers and lack of fixed locations. Chen Yuzhi offered his help, explaining that as a doctor, he could access "the backyard"—the domain of women—where gossip and secrets flowed freely, a source unavailable to police.

He suspected Keying's disappearance was not an isolated incident but part of a larger "dark business chain" involving Nianchun Pavilion and other places of carnal pleasure in Jing City. Chen Yuzhi also mentioned that he had inquired about Jiang Yuelou's illness, referring to it as an "emotional disease" in Western medicine, and offered some remedies. Jiang Yuelou swiftly cut him off, stating that matters concerning Hong Kong should never be spoken of again.

They agreed to meet the following afternoon at five o'clock at the police bureau. Jiang Yuelou insisted on paying for Chen Yuzhi's wontons. Back at the police bureau, Song Rong reported no new leads. Jiang Yuelou stated they needed a "bait." The investigation results confirmed Li Sihai as the prime suspect, as he had been seen with Zhao Xiaochun on the tenth. Jiang Yuelou declared Li Sihai would be their bait.

He then explained his strategy using a map marked with the abduction sites: while previously scattered, these "small circles" indicated that abductions occurred close to Jinma Hall's hideouts to minimize risk. By intersecting these locations, he pinpointed a likely overlapping area—Yong Ning Street—as Jinma Hall's probable hideout. Li Sihai would be used to "fish the people from Jinma Hall out."

Jiang Yuelou tasked Song Rong with taking a few new faces to scout the area at night, securing critical positions, especially high vantage points for observation and attack, to avoid detection during the day. Sun Yongren was assigned to "have a good play" with Li Sihai the following day. Jiang Yuelou later met with the Commissioner, explaining his meticulous "mantis stalks cicada, unaware of oriole" plan.

He intended to use Jinma Hall's own information against them, making them believe its authenticity, thereby luring out the hidden masterminds and their true hiding place. The Commissioner praised Jiang Yuelou's strategy and trusted him to deliver good news, also reminding him to take care of his health. The next day, Chen Yuzhi arrived at the police bureau to check on Jiang Yuelou's health.

Jiang Yuelou deflected, claiming he was fine, though he did acknowledge that the information Chen Yuzhi provided earlier about his illness might be useful. Jiang Yuelou then suggested they talk at his home, revealing that his house was just one lane away from Chen Yuzhi's. Chen Yuzhi was surprised to learn this, especially discovering that Jiang Yuelou's cat was the one that frequently visited his home, a cat Keying had adored.

During their conversation, Chen Yuzhi began to assess Jiang Yuelou's condition. He explained that he combined traditional Chinese acupuncture with Western surgery and was still learning psychology, thus he wasn't entirely confident in curing Jiang Yuelou's "emotional disease." He noted Jiang Yuelou's initial resistance to treatment but now his willingness. Chen Yuzhi asked if Jiang Yuelou became irritable when his emotions were uncontrolled or if he experienced other moods.

Jiang Yuelou's answers were vague ("Probably," "Maybe"), making it difficult for Chen Yuzhi to confirm his symptoms. He pressed for more definite answers. Jiang Yuelou admitted he was mostly irritable and that while he was aware of it, his family and close friends, except for Song Rong and Sun Yongren, were not. He also mentioned that eating sweets, especially chocolate, seemed to help.

Chen Yuzhi confirmed that sugar could indeed alleviate symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder and depression, as the condition often stemmed from childhood environments. He then asked about Jiang Yuelou's relationship with his parents and whether he had any close friends.

Episode 6 Recap

Chen Yuzhi, a doctor, was conducting a session with Jiang Yuelou, discussing bipolar disorder and depression, suggesting that their symptoms often stem from childhood environments. He inquired about Jiang Yuelou's relationship with his parents and close friends. Jiang Yuelou, feeling agitated, insisted he was not upset and left, but Chen Yuzhi remarked that "everything cannot be ended," hinting at unresolved issues.

Meanwhile, Li Sihai, seeing Jiang Yuelou and his team depart, hastily called Wu Shuwei at his office to warn Jinma Hall to evacuate immediately. Wu Shuwei, though surprised by Li Sihai's risky call, quickly relayed the urgent message to a subordinate, ordering a quiet and swift retreat for Jinma Hall's members. When Jiang Yuelou and his officers arrived at the supposed smuggling den, they found the place deserted, with only burnt remnants in a stove.

Jiang Yuelou ordered the stove to be taken to the information department for analysis, noting that the thorough evacuation suggested a significant individual was behind the warning. He acknowledged that their informant, Wang Meng, led them to the location but they were still a step too late. Concurrently, San Ye, the leader of Jinma Hall, was furious about the raid, attributing their escape to Wu Shuwei's timely phone call.

He believed Jiang Yuelou had set a trap, implying they were being monitored. Li Sihai was soon apprehended by Sun Rong, who vehemently expressed his hatred for "rats" and collaborators. During the interrogation, Jiang Yuelou intervened, breaking Li Sihai's hand as a brutal tactic, but Li Sihai stubbornly refused to confess. Observing Li Sihai's conflicted demeanor, Jiang Yuelou suspected his family might be held captive by those he was protecting and urged him to speak up, offering help.

Li Sihai, with a complex expression, declared he was "unfit to be a policeman" and tragically ended his life by striking his head against the ground. Jiang Yuelou reported to Commissioner Bai that while Li Sihai died without revealing names, the last call was routed through a government-dedicated switchboard near Huannan Road, significantly narrowing the search for the internal traitor.

He informed the Commissioner that he had already dispatched officers to investigate calls made between 2:00 and 2:05 PM that afternoon. Song Rong later confirmed two such calls: one from Head Li of the Finance Department to Director Xia of the Office, and another from an unknown caller to Committee Member Wu. Commissioner Bai, anticipating Jiang Yuelou's next move, warned him against rash actions, explaining that Wu Shuwei had deep connections within the cabinet government.

Touching him would inevitably lead to severe repercussions from Mayor Cai, who would need to appease higher authorities. Despite the warning, Jiang Yuelou remained resolute, declaring he would bear all consequences and not implicate anyone else. Jiang Yuelou, accompanied by two subordinates, proceeded to Wu Shuwei's office to arrest him, only to discover Wu Shuwei dead. Noticing that two cups of Da Hong Pao tea were still warm, Jiang Yuelou deduced the killer had not left long ago.

He ordered Song Rong to pursue any fleeing suspects and instructed Sun Rong to summon Doctor Chen for a forensic examination of the body. Chen Yuzhi, after analyzing Wu Shuwei's blood, identified Quinidine, a rare drug that could induce sudden death in individuals with heart conditions, a detail consistent with Wu Shuwei's likely ailments. Chen Yuzhi concluded that the killer was likely familiar with the victim and that the unusual drug was probably smuggled.

Reporting back to Commissioner Bai, Jiang Yuelou speculated that the killer was likely an insider within the government, highly familiar with the surroundings, hence leaving no traces. He noted that the poisoning wasn't through the tea, as the killer also shared a cup, but rather suspected a watch. Jiang Yuelou theorized that the killer presented a poisoned watch to Wu Shuwei to incapacitate him, then took the watch away.

He confirmed that no source of poison was found in Wu Shuwei's office, supporting his theory that the poison was brought in and taken out by the perpetrator. With the autopsy confirming Quinidine, Jiang Yuelou requested permission to investigate Customs records for the drug, but Commissioner Bai refused, citing Mayor Cai's imminent return from Nanjing and urging Jiang Yuelou to prepare for his arrival instead.

Undeterred, Jiang Yuelou attempted to raid Customs for import records, but was thwarted by Chief Zhao Jingming, who reminded him of proper protocol and the need for an official approval document, which Jiang Yuelou's subordinate had forgotten. Jiang Yuelou later confided in Chen Yuzhi about the stalled investigation, expressing frustration that many perceived him as unfeeling and unfamiliar with the nuances of officialdom.

He maintained that his duty was simply to uphold the law and ensure the stability of Jing City. Chen Yuzhi, as a doctor, empathized, acknowledging that both had their principles. Jiang Yuelou then revealed a deep personal guilt: he confessed that he had seen Chen Yuzhi's younger sister, Keying, smiling at his doorstep the night she disappeared.

He also recalled seeing a car pass by his house later, with a child seemingly struggling inside, but he hadn't pursued it at the time. He lamented that if he had acted then, Keying might not have been lost. Chen Yuzhi listened gravely and then offered Jiang Yuelou a bottle of medicine.

Mayor Cai returned and swiftly confronted Jiang Yuelou and Commissioner Bai about the attempted arrest of a committee member and the lack of concrete evidence in Wu Shuwei's death, implying that Jiang Yuelou's actions were reckless and violent. Jiang Yuelou explained that the situation was an emergency, and Mayor Cai was unreachable. He promised to gather evidence to prove Wu Shuwei's connections with Hong Kong gangs and Jinma Hall, and to apprehend the killer.

He subtly hinted that failure to support the investigation might lead to public suspicion regarding Mayor Cai's own integrity, given recent rumors linking him to smuggling. Commissioner Bai intervened, suggesting that if Jiang Yuelou could prove Wu Shuwei's collusion, it would show Mayor Cai's commitment to justice. Mayor Cai, after careful consideration, sternly warned Jiang Yuelou to provide the evidence or face severe consequences. Later, Commissioner Bai found Jiang Yuelou lost in thought about the case.

He advised Jiang Yuelou against being overly stressed, saying that constant tension could lead to a breakdown. Commissioner Bai then led Jiang Yuelou to Tianyu Garden for a dinner arranged by Executive Zhan, stressing the importance of networking and "the way of being an official" even during a waiting period in the investigation. He reminded Jiang Yuelou that Chief Zhao Jingming had not reported his unauthorized visit to Customs, implying a need to mend relations.

Jiang Yuelou expressed confusion as to why he should be amiable with Zhao Jingming, whom he suspected of protecting smugglers, and questioned why such individuals prospered while he and the Commissioner had to engage in "superficial niceties" with them. Commissioner Bai explained that sometimes, compromise and such niceties are necessary to gain power and achieve one's larger ambitions. At Tianyu Garden, Executive Zhan and Commissioner Bai joined Zhao Jingming, who had arranged for them to watch a performance by Yutangchun.

Executive Zhan lightheartedly brought up Jiang Yuelou's "reckless" behavior at Customs, but also defended Jiang Yuelou's dedication, and Commissioner Bai stated the dinner was intended to resolve any lingering tension. During the meal, a performer mentioned that high-ranking officials from the financial department and police bureau were in the VIP box. Commissioner Bai and Executive Zhan then discussed the police bureau's next quarter's funding, with Executive Zhan promising to expedite its transfer.

Episode 7 Recap

After attending an opera where Boss Yu noticeably reacted to a distinctive watch on Executive Zhan's wrist, Jiang Yuelou felt stifled and stepped out for air. Outside, he encountered Chen Yuzhi, who was on a house call. Jiang Yuelou attempted to strike up a conversation, but Chen Yuzhi politely but firmly stated he was busy and quickly excused himself. Back at the police bureau, Mayor Cai urgently pressed the Commissioner for updates on the ongoing investigation.

The Commissioner then met with Jiang Yuelou, who explained that their enemy remained hidden, necessitating a cautious approach and waiting for the opportune moment. The Commissioner, however, stressed Mayor Cai's dwindling patience and the limited time they had. Jiang Yuelou admitted that the materials recovered from the casino were largely undecipherable, offering no substantial leads.

He had already deployed surveillance, waiting for Wang Meng to surface so they could locate Jinma Hall's new hideout and uncover evidence linking them to Wu Shuwei. Jiang Yuelou then raised a more pressing concern: the identity of the mysterious individual who murdered Wu Shuwei remained unknown. The Commissioner, visibly agitated, interrupted, stating that their immediate priority was to unearth Wu Shuwei's criminal evidence to appease Mayor Cai, dismissing the killer's identity as secondary.

Jiang Yuelou vehemently disagreed, arguing that the killer's identity was paramount, perhaps even more crucial than finding the evidence. He pointed out that this unknown person seemed to operate at a higher level than Wu Shuwei, posing a constant, unpredictable threat. Despite the Commissioner's appeals for caution and well-being, Jiang Yuelou stood firm on his own judgment, insisting on pursuing the full truth.

Elsewhere, an operative reported to Executive Zhan on their investigation, stating they had found opium at Nianchun Pavilion, with its owner caught attempting to destroy evidence. The operative suspected a connection to Jinma Hall and Wang Meng, indicating a wider criminal network potentially involving other brothels, also engaging in human trafficking and forced sales. Executive Zhan advised against immediate raids, instead ordering covert surveillance on all establishments to trace the source of the opium, aiming for a fundamental solution.

Meanwhile, Song Rong informed Jiang Yuelou that investigations into suspicious government personnel had yielded no new suspects; all officials present on the night of Wu Shuwei's death, including those from the City Defense Department and Ministry of Industry, had confirmed alibis and never left the meeting room. In a separate instance, a young master was preparing for an opening ceremony.

His Uncle Fu questioned the suitability of inviting Jiang Yuelou, given his strict enforcement against smuggling, which had made him an adversary to many businesses. The young master dismissed these concerns, asserting Jiang Yuelou was merely performing his duty and that their own business practices would be beyond reproach.

They also discussed the delayed arrival of Moqing, whose ship encountered a storm near Japan, pushing her return to the eighth of the month, much to the young master's disappointment as she would miss the ceremony planned around her initial return date. Executive Zhan later met with Jiang Yuelou, sharing a significant development: Ke Ying had been found.

Executive Zhan explained he had looked into her disappearance after sensing a misunderstanding between Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi, confirming that Ke Ying had been trafficked to Hong Kong. He cautioned Jiang Yuelou against immediately informing Chen Yuzhi, revealing that Ke Ying was mentally unstable, having been driven "crazy" by the torment of being repeatedly sold. While her appearance suggested she was indeed Chen Yuzhi's sister, her condition made it impossible to confirm definitively through conversation.

Ke Ying was expected to arrive by ship on the fifth. Jiang Yuelou decided he would personally meet the ship to verify her identity first, fearing the devastating impact on Chen Yuzhi if he were given false hope. Later, Chen Yuzhi visited Jiang Yuelou to return his cat, which he had fed and jokingly named Fat Kitten. Jiang Yuelou, without elaborating, mysteriously instructed Chen Yuzhi to remain at home on the fifth, regardless of his schedule, leaving Chen Yuzhi perplexed.

Boss Yu, meanwhile, was haunted by a childhood memory: witnessing his mother's brutal murder. He distinctly remembered the killer wearing a specific, beautiful watch. Executive Zhan, impressed by Boss Yu's operatic performance, invited him to his residence to sing. Seizing the opportunity, Boss Yu observed the watch on Executive Zhan's wrist, recognizing it as the one from his traumatic memory.

Executive Zhan explained the watch was an 18th birthday gift from his uncle, given at a time when the Xuantong Emperor had abdicated and old customs were being discarded. His uncle, however, emphasized the importance of a man's coming of age, thus presenting him with this Western-style watch. The conversation briefly triggered Boss Yu's repressed memory of his mother's desperate pleas for her life, which he quickly pushed aside.

Executive Zhan then proposed they sing a duet of "Farewell My Concubine." The fifth day arrived. Jiang Yuelou went to the pier to meet the incoming ship. With the help of the woman who had accompanied her, Ke Ying, initially fearful of strangers, slowly allowed her veil to be lifted. It was indeed Ke Ying.

The woman explained that Ke Ying's disobedient attempts to escape had angered her captors, who scalded her with hot water and inflicted a severe head injury, leaving her with the mental capacity of a young child. At the same time, Sun Yongren, eager to witness the reunion, encountered Chen Yuzhi, who was preparing to leave his home.

Unable to persuade him otherwise, Sun Yongren revealed Jiang Yuelou's insistence that Chen Yuzhi stay home for a "big surprise," hinting that it would resolve Chen Yuzhi's previous grievances with Jiang Yuelou. They went to a familiar small restaurant for wontons, but Chen Yuzhi, consumed by anticipation, constantly looked around for his sister. Finally, unable to wait any longer, Chen Yuzhi ran off into the pouring rain to find her, with Sun Yongren giving chase.

Jiang Yuelou drove Ke Ying towards Chen Yuzhi's home. During the ride, Ke Ying recalled fragmented memories of her brother, including that he had a "white cat." As they neared their destination, Jiang Yuelou's vehicle was ambushed. An assailant feigned being struck by the car, drawing Jiang Yuelou's men out, which quickly escalated into a gunfight. Jiang Yuelou instructed Ke Ying to stay hidden in the car as he exited to pursue the attackers.

After a short chase, an unseen assailant from above fired at the car, causing it to instantly burst into flames. The inferno was too intense for Jiang Yuelou to save Ke Ying. Just as the car became an inescapable blaze, Chen Yuzhi arrived, desperately attempting to rush towards the burning vehicle to rescue his sister. Jiang Yuelou forcefully restrained him, holding him back as the car exploded in a fiery inferno.

Episode 8 Recap

Chen Yuzhi knelt beside Ke Ying’s lifeless body, tears streaming down his face as he recalled shared memories. He gently placed a hairpin in her hair. After Chen Yuzhi emerged, Jiang Yuelou immediately stood up, his face etched with regret. He apologized, admitting that the killers were after him and he was responsible for Ke Ying’s death. Chen Yuzhi, devastated, demanded to know who those people were, and Jiang Yuelou revealed they were from Jinma Hall.

Overwhelmed by grief and rage, Chen Yuzhi declared his intent for immediate revenge. Jiang Yuelou tried to stop him, warning that he was no match for them and would only put himself in danger. Chen Yuzhi furiously retorted that Jiang Yuelou had no right to lecture him, as Ke Ying was merely an outsider to Jiang Yuelou, but his own sister. He even felt ashamed to dream of her.

Chen Yuzhi demanded Jiang Yuelou’s gun, but Jiang Yuelou insisted he couldn’t go alone. Chen Yuzhi then challenged him to go together. Jiang Yuelou promised to avenge Ke Ying but insisted it wasn't the right time. Chen Yuzhi pressed him, demanding to know when the time would be. Seeing Chen Yuzhi’s unwavering determination, Jiang Yuelou ultimately agreed, declaring he would go even if it meant sacrificing his own life.

Later, the initial surge of anger subsided, and they did not immediately seek out Jinma Hall. They sat together at Chen Yuzhi’s doorstep. Chen Yuzhi recounted how Ke Ying used to wait for him there when he returned late from house calls, waiting for him to eat dinner together and to be tucked in with a story before she could sleep.

Jiang Yuelou, having lost his own parents to opium at a young age, understood the pain of losing loved ones. He reiterated his vow that as long as he remained in Jing City, he would make it a smoke-free city. Chen Yuzhi confessed that he didn’t blame Jiang Yuelou for Ke Ying’s death, but rather the cruel world they lived in. Jiang Yuelou assured him that Jinma Hall would vanish from Jing City.

Inspired, Chen Yuzhi declared his desire to join Jiang Yuelou in this endeavor, determined to prevent any other child from suffering Ke Ying’s tragic fate. They both acknowledged that after enduring so much together, they could finally try to be friends. Grief-stricken, Chen Yuzhi sat by his doorstep, carving Ke Ying’s tombstone in the pouring rain, his tears mingling with the raindrops. He eventually collapsed, unconscious.

A white cat, observing his distress, hurried back and led Jiang Yuelou to Chen Yuzhi. Jiang Yuelou found Chen Yuzhi unresponsive, frantically calling his name. He gently touched Chen Yuzhi’s forehead, then carefully carried him back inside. Jiang Yuelou stayed up through the night, diligently caring for Chen Yuzhi, even brewing him medicine. The next morning, Sun Yongren noticed Jiang Yuelou’s exhaustion and asked if he had been up all night.

Jiang Yuelou tried to brush it off, claiming his cat was noisy, but Sun Yongren, knowing Jiang Yuelou’s cat was usually quiet, pressed him. Jiang Yuelou then offered a flimsy excuse about the cat being in heat, which Sun Yongren logically countered about cats rutting in spring. However, seeing Jiang Yuelou’s tired expression, Sun Yongren wisely dropped the subject. Meanwhile, Yu Laoban was practicing opera in his courtyard when he suddenly coughed up blood.

His junior apprentice, Zining, immediately offered to summon Doctor Chen, but Yu Laoban waved her off, claiming he just felt a little stuffy and wanted to take a walk alone. He then dismissed Zining, reminding her to practice diligently. During a conversation with Zining, Yu Laoban inquired about Executive Zhan, noting the stark contrast between Executive Zhan and his uncle, Zhan Tianqing, a notoriously ruthless figure known for violence.

Later, Yu Laoban visited Chen Yuzhi, who, at his request, increased the dosage of his medicine. Chen Yuzhi advised him to prioritize rest and forgo attending home entertainment parties for a while. At the police station, Song Rong reported yet another missing girl. The disappearance coincided with the assassination attempt on Jiang Yuelou, leading them to suspect Jinma Hall’s resurgence.

Jiang Yuelou deduced that a master strategist was pulling the strings behind the scenes, noting the distinct methods employed by the group. He shared his concern that they were at a disadvantage, operating in the open while their enemy remained hidden. Jiang Yuelou began to formulate a plan to expose them.

In his office, he reviewed all information on Jinma Hall from the past five years, instructing his officers to conduct thorough searches of warehouses, docks, factories, and even clinics for individuals consistently purchasing large quantities of anti-inflammatory and hemostatic medications. While discussing the case with Executive Zhan, Chen Yuzhi assured him that Jiang Yuelou, despite his recent personal tragedy, possessed an unyielding will and was fully dedicated to the investigation, suggesting that significant developments were imminent.

Soon after, Chen Yuzhi called Jiang Yuelou, inviting him to his home to analyze crucial clues and tend to Jiang Yuelou's lingering injuries. At Chen Yuzhi’s clinic, as he examined Jiang Yuelou’s gun wound, which was healing well, Chen Yuzhi shrewdly deduced that Jiang Yuelou had made a significant breakthrough in the case. Meanwhile, at a gambling den, Brother Chao, restless and bored by San Ye’s orders to lay low, expressed his desire to “get someone back” for their activities.

Despite warnings from his cohorts, he decided to venture out. At a biscuit stall, he spotted a young girl and tried to engage her in conversation, but she ignored him. He then stealthily followed her to Chen Yuzhi’s clinic. Inside, Chen Yuzhi treated the girl's father and offered her a biscuit. He subtly observed Brother Chao, who was still lurking, and the girl confirmed that he had been following her.

When Brother Chao entered, Chen Yuzhi, recognizing him from a previous encounter where he had saved him, cleverly delayed him by offering a detailed diagnosis of "kidney deficiency" and prescribing an elaborate, time-consuming treatment involving deer genitals, which he offered to prepare into pills by the next morning. This was Chen Yuzhi's ploy to detain Brother Chao.

Soon after, Jiang Yuelou returned to the police station, where a subordinate informed him that Chen Yuzhi had called with a lead on Jinma Hall, but due to Jiang Yuelou’s absence, the information had been relayed to Chief Jin of the Judicial Branch, who was already mobilizing an arrest operation. As Jiang Yuelou rushed out, the Judicial Branch arrived at Chen Yuzhi’s clinic. To Jiang Yuelou's shock, Chen Yuzhi was immediately placed under arrest and taken away.

Episode 9 Recap

When Chen Yuzhi provided the police bureau with a Jinma Hall lead, an arrest was made. However, the prisoner, despite being thoroughly restrained with cuffed hands, tied feet, and a gag to prevent suicide by biting his tongue, mysteriously died on the way back to the bureau. Chief Jin Dacheng, who had led the arrest, faced a stern inquiry from Feng Daju, who questioned the bizarre circumstances of the death.

Jin Dacheng, initially defensive, asserted his actions were standard and the death was unexpected, hinting at a larger mystery. An initial autopsy report later confirmed that the prisoner died of poisoning, a method chillingly identical to the death of Wu Shuwei. Amidst the unfolding mystery, Chen Yuzhi, still grieving the loss of Keying, paused outside a cake shop.

Seeing two children admiring a cake, he was reminded of his late sister and her simple birthday wish to always be with him. He bought them a cake and even offered them his umbrella, a gesture of quiet kindness. Later, as Chen Yuzhi was about to open his clinic, Jiang Yuelou arrived to deliver unsettling news: the suspect arrested by Jin Dacheng had reportedly committed suicide. This official narrative, however, was a cover-up.

Elsewhere, in a private residence, Brother Huo furiously reprimanded Wang Meng, a Jinma Hall subordinate, for his reckless actions, specifically for engaging in women trafficking against San Ye's strict orders to lay low. Brother Huo indicated that Wang Meng's reckless actions had contributed to Jinma Hall attracting unwanted attention from Jiang Yuelou and the police bureau.

Though Wang Meng tried to shift blame, Brother Huo, suspecting his involvement in recent trafficking activities, confined him for ten days as punishment, reminding him of San Ye's displeasure. Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi began to piece together the truth. Chen Yuzhi, recalling bandaging the actual Jinma Hall member’s left hand and noticing calluses, realized the body in the morgue had calluses on the right hand. This confirmed a body swap.

They deduced the swap must have occurred within the police bureau itself, as a swap on the road with so many onlookers would have been impossible. Chen Yuzhi theorized that an insider, deeply familiar with police procedures, exploited a loophole. He pointed out that while arresting officers were not authorized in the morgue and morgue staff were not at the crime scene, only Jin Dacheng had been present at both.

However, Jin Dacheng, always maintaining a safe distance, likely hadn't seen the suspect up close, making him an unwitting pawn in the mole's plan. This suggested the mole knew both the procedures and Jin Dacheng's habits. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, they agreed to formally cooperate. Arriving at the morgue, Chen Yuzhi quickly confirmed the body was indeed not the original suspect.

Before they could react, two police officers entered, complaining about the eerie atmosphere, and began moving the body. Jiang Yuelou did not pursue them directly, having already dispatched Song Rong and Sun Yongren to follow the body discreetly. The next morning, Jiang Yuelou convened an emergency meeting, to the chagrin of some officers. He announced that the morgue had been broken into and the mysterious corpse, the one that had died on the way, was now missing.

He revealed that this body was merely a scapegoat, not the actual Jinma Hall member. Jiang Yuelou then directly accused Chief Qian Tongqing, stunning the room. He explained that Chief Qian, the mole, had orchestrated the swap. The only possible time for the exchange, Jiang Yuelou clarified, was during the brief seconds the prisoner was out of sight of the sentries, specifically during the transfer from the car to the interrogation room.

The mole would then declare a "suicide," diverting attention, while the real criminal escaped. Chief Qian, defiant, demanded evidence. Jiang Yuelou had Sun Yongren bring in two police officers, He Jiu and another colleague, who reluctantly testified. They recounted how Chief Qian had approached them the previous night, claiming the body was poisoned and showing signs of decay, asking them to help the Trace Examination Department dispose of it for a small "reward."

They had barely finished burying the corpse when someone opened fire on them, a clear attempt at eliminating witnesses. They confirmed that only the timely arrival of Song Rong and Sun Yongren had saved them from being left as dead bodies in the wilderness. Cornered, Qian Tongqing pulled a gun, but Song Rong quickly subdued him. Desperate, Qian Tongqing wrestled a gun from a nearby officer and, surrounded, chose to take his own life rather than face capture and torture.

Back in his office, Jiang Yuelou, visibly enraged and frustrated, dismissed Song Rong and Sun Yongren. Chen Yuzhi gently advised him to calm down, noting the toll that a sleepless night and immense pressure were taking on him. Jiang Yuelou expressed his disappointment, feeling they could have secured a "more beautiful" victory. Chen Yuzhi, however, reassured him that they had indeed won.

Jiang Yuelou reflected on the shocking revelation that Qian Tongqing, who had worked diligently for three years in the police bureau, was actually an undercover Jinma Hall agent, highlighting the terrifying depth of their infiltration. Chen Yuzhi encouraged him, reminding Jiang Yuelou that his persistent efforts, from tackling grassroots opium dealers to uncovering mid-level moles, were bringing them closer to the truth, and that victory, for both of them, was inevitable.

Meanwhile, within Jinma Hall, a "Boss" (presumably a high-ranking member under San Ye) and Han Zhong discussed the catastrophic fallout. The Boss was furious with Li Chao, whose blunder had not only led to Jiang Yuelou's increased vigilance but also resulted in the loss of their valuable "pawn," Qian Tongqing, who had been strategically placed in the police bureau for three years and was meant for other purposes.

The Boss decreed that Li Chao must die for his failure, and instructed Han Zhong to dispose of him cleanly. They also acknowledged the new challenge posed by the anonymous whistleblower whose identity remained unknown, making it difficult to counter, especially with the police bureau now under city-wide curfew. Later, Chen Yuzhi witnessed a minor altercation where a young woman bumped into an elderly woman, breaking her box. The young woman was reluctant to apologize.

Chen Yuzhi stepped in, offering money to the elderly woman, observing quietly that sometimes, money proves more effective than an apology. Simultaneously, Jiang Yuelou's subordinate urged him to attend a significant public event hosted by Chief Zhao, the Deputy President of Customs. The subordinate stressed the importance of networking with commercial moguls, business owners, and high officials, highlighting the treacherous waters of officialdom. However, Jiang Yuelou remained focused on his police work, preferring to review capture records.

He eventually arrived late at the opening ceremony of the second branch of Daxing Company, where Executive Zhan of the Finance Department and Chief Zhao were already present, preparing for the ribbon-cutting. Jiang Yuelou offered his congratulations to Chief Zhao.

Episode 10 Recap

Jiang Yuelou arrived at the grand opening of Daxing Company, offering his congratulations to Chief Zhao and Executive Zhan. Despite Chief Zhao's concern that Jiang Yuelou might cause trouble, Executive Zhan permitted him to speak. Jiang Yuelou introduced himself and called upon a worker from the Dahua Yarn Factory and a lady wearing a foreign-made coat.

He questioned the worker about the cost of making a coat from their factory's fabric, which was stated to be no more than five yuan including profit. Jiang Yuelou then highlighted that the lady's coat, being an imported item from Japan made with advanced printing and dyeing techniques, was significantly more expensive. He cautioned the public that while Daxing Company imported many foreign goods, their higher prices could lead to local products being unpurchased, potentially causing widespread unemployment.

He advised people to consider their needs and capabilities when buying, emphasizing that the real solution lay in technological advancement, urging local factories to study abroad and acquire better machinery. After concluding his speech, Jiang Yuelou congratulated Chief Zhao and departed. Jiang Yuelou, who had been coughing, was advised by his subordinate to visit Chen Yuzhi at Yuzhi Hall, which was conveniently located nearby. Chen Yuzhi examined Jiang Yuelou, inquiring about his sleep schedule.

Jiang Yuelou admitted to sleeping around midnight. Chen Yuzhi stated this was too late, explaining that both traditional Chinese and Western medicine advocate for adequate rest, particularly for liver detoxification at night. He diagnosed Jiang Yuelou with excessive lung and liver heat, noting red streaks in his eyes, a dry throat, and inflammation. Despite Jiang Yuelou downplaying the issue, Chen Yuzhi insisted on an acupuncture session for a quicker recovery. Meanwhile, Chu Ran returned home from Hong Kong.

Her stepmother greeted her warmly, but Chu Ran appeared distant. Her stepmother wasted no time in revealing she had arranged a good marriage. The prospective groom was Chief Jin, a Chief at the police bureau, about ten years older, who had been married for seven or eight years without children and thus sought a concubine to bear him offspring.

Chu Ran was enraged, firmly rejecting the idea of becoming a concubine, especially given her family's lineage as descendants of three Imperial Scholars. She accused her stepmother of using her marriage to secure a better future for her son, Chumin, by getting him a job at the police bureau after his middle school graduation. Chu Ran's father, Chu Qingming, also supported the marriage, citing the family's declining financial situation and Chief Jin's promise to help Chumin.

When Chu Ran defiantly refused to marry, her father, in a fit of anger, slapped her. After the acupuncture, which left Jiang Yuelou feeling refreshed, Chen Yuzhi inquired about the Jinma Hall case. Jiang Yuelou confirmed that the man Chen Yuzhi had reported was dead, explaining he had been killed by his own associates and his body found in the river the day after Qian Tongqing’s suicide.

Jiang Yuelou warned Chen Yuzhi to be extremely careful, as tracing the dead man’s movements could easily expose Chen Yuzhi to the ruthless individuals behind the operation. He instructed Chen Yuzhi to hang a red lantern outside his door if he ever found himself in an emergency. As Jiang Yuelou was leaving Yuzhi Hall, he spotted Chu Ran near the police bureau. Seeing Chief Jin approaching, Jiang Yuelou quickly pulled Chu Ran away.

Mistaking Jiang Yuelou for Chief Jin, Chu Ran confronted him, attempting to call off the marriage and accusing him of abusing his position. Jiang Yuelou clarified that his surname was Jiang, not Jin, leading Chu Ran to realize her mistake and apologize. He then advised her against seeking Chief Jin at the police bureau late in the evening and warned her to keep the Hong Kong incident a secret.

Later that evening, as Chen Yuzhi was closing Yuzhi Hall, the housekeeper of Liu Qingfeng, a captain in the Security Department, arrived, requesting Chen Yuzhi to visit his mistress for a medical consultation due to chest pain and headaches. Despite Chen Yuzhi's reluctance to make a house call at such a late hour, the housekeeper insisted, stating it was Captain Liu's direct order, compelling Chen Yuzhi to comply.

Meanwhile, a large quantity of opium, 200 kilograms, was discovered in an old factory outside Jing City, marking the first significant find since Lucas's death. The factory workers attempted to flee or resist, resulting in two deaths and two captures who then bit their tongues before revealing information. This suggested the criminals had other transportation routes beyond the previously destroyed Hong Kong transfer station.

During his visit to Liu Qingfeng's residence, Chen Yuzhi treated Mrs. Liu, noting her "peculiar" symptoms of nighttime shortness of breath, night sweats, and restless sleep. He prescribed medication and arranged a follow-up visit. As Chen Yuzhi left, he encountered a heavily intoxicated Liu Qingfeng collapsing at his doorstep. Chen Yuzhi performed acupuncture on Liu Qingfeng and discreetly collected a few strands of his hair, noticing a distinct opium smell on him, similar to what he had previously encountered.

Jiang Yuelou's subordinate speculated about why goods transported by sea would then be brought into the city if an abandoned dock was nearby. Jiang Yuelou deduced that the criminals likely used the abandoned pier outside the city for temporary storage, then packaged the opium to resemble other goods, such as Western soap, for transportation into the city, bypassing customs by exploiting oversight in the Security Department.

Upon returning to Yuzhi Hall, Chen Yuzhi, finding Jiang Yuelou absent, hung the red lantern outside his door as instructed. Seeing the red lantern, Jiang Yuelou entered Yuzhi Hall. Chen Yuzhi presented the hair samples he had collected from Liu Qingfeng. Jiang Yuelou confirmed the smell of opium. Chen Yuzhi recounted his visit to Liu Qingfeng's home and his suspicion regarding the strong opium smell on Liu Qingfeng.

Jiang Yuelou shared his own discovery that the opium was disguised as Western soap to be smuggled into the city. They concluded that there was likely an informant within the Security Department, and Liu Qingfeng was a primary suspect and a crucial lead. Jiang Yuelou decided to accompany Chen Yuzhi on the follow-up visit to Liu's residence the next day, marking their second collaboration.

Separately, Chumin, the younger brother of Chu Ran, moved into a new place and met his female roommate. The roommate immediately laid down strict rules regarding her private room, her intense need for cleanliness, her dislike for strangers, and her light sleep, forbidding any movement from his room after 10 PM. Chumin challenged her demanding attitude, but she dismissively told him he could move out if he was unhappy.

Episode 11 Recap

Jiang Yuelou carefully applied a false beard as Chen Yuzhi playfully remarked that he looked like a vegetable vendor, questioning if his disguise was convincing enough to fool Captain Liu. Jiang Yuelou confidently assured him that Captain Liu was on duty patrolling the Western Gate and wouldn't be back. Jiang Yuelou was to pose as Chen Tongyin, Chen Yuzhi's distant relative from the countryside, serving as his assistant.

As Liu Qingfeng's housekeeper arrived to fetch Chen Yuzhi, Song Rong and Sun Yongren prepared for their own mission, with Song Rong noting the fortunate timing that Chen Yuzhi was attending to Liu Qingfeng's wife at his home, potentially linking the Security Department to their investigation. Sun Yongren reminded Song Rong that they only had half an hour, and if they smelled moxibustion upon their return, it meant safety; otherwise, they should retreat immediately.

Upon their arrival, Captain Liu's wife expressed her delight to Chen Yuzhi, praising the effectiveness of his medicine which allowed her to sleep through the night. As Chen Yuzhi began his examination with a stethoscope, Captain Liu walked in and became enraged, misinterpreting the device as inappropriate. Chen Yuzhi calmly explained it was a Western medical instrument used to listen to heartbeats and urged Captain Liu to listen for himself.

Initially hearing nothing, Captain Liu was intrigued by the "Western good," but Chen Yuzhi clarified that both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine had their merits, and he simply used the appropriate tool for the symptoms. Meanwhile, at a suburban factory, Song Rong and Sun Yongren waited as a group of individuals approached. Despite their cautious demeanor, two managed to escape as the agents closed in, leading to a brief chase that was eventually called off.

During Chen Yuzhi's examination of Liu's wife, Jiang Yuelou, disguised as Chen Tongyin, discreetly explored the house. He expertly evaded detection by pretending to have stomach issues when confronted by Captain Liu, who was then distracted by Chen Yuzhi offering him acupuncture. Back at Yuzhi Hall, Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi discussed their discoveries. Jiang Yuelou revealed that in the warehouse behind Captain Liu's house, he observed numerous packages that appeared to be Western soaps.

However, he was certain they were not. He explained that the old factory in the suburbs manufactured wrapping paper specifically designed to disguise opium as soap for transport into the city. With Liu Qingfeng of the Security Department providing a tacit green light and the Western packaging acting as a perfect cover, ordinary security soldiers would be unable to detect the illicit goods. Jiang Yuelou regretted not having enough time to inspect the cargo before it was moved.

Chen Yuzhi noted that uncovering Liu Qingfeng's connection to the suburban factory already made their trip worthwhile, confident that by following these clues, they would eventually expose the mastermind. For security reasons, Jiang Yuelou decided he would not visit Yuzhi Hall for a few days, instructing Chen Yuzhi to use their established method for contact if any new information surfaced.

Executive Zhan accompanied Boss Yu to a tailor's shop, where Executive Zhan generously offered to cover the cost of a new opera costume, including a phoenix crown with pearls, suitable for performing "Drunken Concubine." Boss Yu initially protested accepting such a gift without merit, but Executive Zhan insisted it was a present for his new play. As Boss Yu was trying on the costume, an assassin attacked Executive Zhan. Boss Yu heroically shielded Executive Zhan, taking a knife wound.

Executive Zhan quickly reacted, eliminating both attackers. Meanwhile, at the grand Daxing trading firm, Uncle Zhong tried to impress Ms. Zhao, meticulously detailing the various luxurious goods from around the world, including ivory from Southeast Asia, thousand-year-old ginseng from Changbai Mountain, famous French wines, Italian jewelry, and world-renowned Indian silks and French ties. Bored by his half an hour lecture, Ms. Zhao claimed she needed fresh air and quickly exited the store.

Spotting Jiang Yuelou passing by, she enthusiastically greeted him, but Jiang Yuelou, preoccupied, simply acknowledged her and walked away, prompting Ms. Zhao to comment on his peculiar demeanor, yet strangely admit she found it appealing. Though Boss Yu's life was not in immediate danger, his injuries were severe, affecting his body and throat, which would likely prevent him from ever singing again.

Executive Zhan later explained to Chen Yuzhi that the deep wound and significant blood loss were the cause, lamenting that the attack was likely intended for him due to the Finance Department's new policies, which his subordinates had implemented too aggressively, causing public resentment unfairly directed at him.

He requested Chen Yuzhi to stay at his mansion overnight to care for Boss Yu, a request Chen Yuzhi agreed to, but first needed to return to his clinic for anti-inflammatory medication and to see another patient. Executive Zhan then secretly ordered his men to guard Boss Yu.

Recognizing the attackers as Jiang Yuelou's men, Executive Zhan also instructed Han Zhong to visit Liu Qingfeng, ensuring he remained cooperative, and if necessary, to orchestrate a "suicide" to frame him and divert Jiang Yuelou's attention. Meanwhile, Song Rong and Sun Yongren reported to Jiang Yuelou that their raid had alerted the factory operators, who would likely abandon the site. Jiang Yuelou noted that two main clues remained: Liu Qingfeng and the mysterious Western soap.

He assigned Sun Yongren to discreetly monitor Liu Qingfeng and Song Rong to investigate the market for any information regarding the Western soap. Commissioner Bai also spoke with Jiang Yuelou, cautioning him that his pursuit of the opium trade was akin to "cutting off their wealth," making him a target, and urged him to be careful. Jiang Yuelou reassured him he would live to see the opium trade eradicated from Jing City.

Chu Ran arrived at the police bureau intending to annul her engagement to Jin Dacheng. Jin, dismissive of her request, attempted to force her to choose a wedding date, expressing his initial surprise at her beauty, despite his wife having arranged the marriage to secure an heir. He boasted about the prestige of marrying into his family, believing it to be a great fortune for her. Jiang Yuelou happened to pass by and, hearing the commotion, entered the office.

Jin Dacheng asserted it was a private family matter and none of Jiang Yuelou's concern. Jin then recalled seeing Chu Ran speaking with Jiang Yuelou outside the police station previously and mockingly accused Jiang Yuelou, a "grim-faced policeman," of having an "unclear relationship" with his "second wife." Chu Ran, seizing the opportunity, brazenly admitted to such a relationship, hoping to deter Jin.

To her dismay, her ruse backfired; Jin Dacheng, far from being discouraged, became even more determined to marry her. He then feigned an urgent call from Commissioner Bai to get rid of Jiang Yuelou. Shortly after, Jin Dacheng arrived at Yuzhi Hall with a contingent of armed officers, demanding a search. Chen Yuzhi, surprised by the aggressive display, asked what crime he was accused of and requested to see a search warrant.

Jin Dacheng arrogantly declared that his face was his search warrant in Jing City and accused Chen Yuzhi of being an opium seller. Despite Chen Yuzhi's protests that he possessed no such illicit substances, Jin Dacheng ordered his men to ransack the premises. The officers diligently searched but initially found nothing. Eventually, one of Jin Dacheng's men dramatically "found" a box containing what appeared to be opium, clearly planting the evidence to frame Chen Yuzhi.

Episode 12 Recap

Chen Yuzhi was framed with opium and arrested by Chief Jin's men. Meanwhile, Han Zhong watched the scene from a distance. Executive Zhan repeatedly tried to call Chen Yuzhi's clinic but couldn't get through, assuming Chen was simply occupied. He instructed his subordinate to arrange for a western doctor from the Church Clinic and prepared to keep his appointment with Section Chief Jiang, prioritizing official business.

On the street, Jiang Yuelou witnessed a man violently assaulting his wife, a scene that painfully reminded him of his own mother's suffering. Enraged, he intervened, declaring that a man who beats his wife is "unmanly" and "unworthy of being a parent." After helping the woman, Jiang Yuelou continued his walk, deep in thought. Meanwhile, Chu Ran arrived at Yuzhi Hall to find it swarming with police.

A bystander informed her that Doctor Chen had been arrested by "Chief Jin" for allegedly selling opium. Alarmed, Chu Ran immediately tried to call the police station to reach Jiang Yuelou, but was told he had already left and his home address could not be disclosed. Later, while passing through an alley, Chu Ran spotted Jiang Yuelou and urgently informed him that Chen Yuzhi had been arrested.

Jiang Yuelou reacted with immediate concern and rushed off, telling her not to follow him. Shortly after, Executive Zhan encountered Chu Ran and offered her a ride, introducing himself as Zhan Junbai, a friend to both Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi. They decided to travel together by car. At the police bureau, Chief Jin subjected Chen Yuzhi to a brutal interrogation, demanding a confession about the opium and the identity of his "partner."

Despite being severely beaten, Chen Yuzhi vehemently denied the accusations, insisting, "That's not mine." When pressed for details, Chen Yuzhi only requested to see Jiang Yuelou, which Chief Jin twisted into an admission that Jiang Yuelou was his accomplice in a secret opium trade. Just then, a guard frantically reported that Section Chief Jiang Yuelou was forcefully breaking in with a gun. Jiang Yuelou confronted Chief Jin, demanding Chen Yuzhi's release.

When Chief Jin refused, Jiang Yuelou, disregarding their "colleague" status, shot Chief Jin in the arm. Enraged, Chief Jin ordered his men to open fire on Jiang Yuelou, but Commissioner Bai arrived just in time, stopping the escalating confrontation. Commissioner Bai sternly reprimanded Jiang Yuelou, warning him that his actions were only making things worse for Chen Yuzhi, and ordered him to leave with him. In another location, Han Zhong confided in Brother Huo his suspicions about Chen Yuzhi.

He revealed that investigations showed Chen Yuzhi was the only person, besides their own men, to have visited Liu's home since the old factory's exposure, ostensibly for a patient visit. Furthermore, a man named Chaozi had also visited Yuzhi Hall just before his arrest, making it difficult to dismiss these incidents as mere coincidences.

Brother Huo added a crucial piece of information: Miss Zhao was seen meeting Jiang Yuelou in front of Daxing Firm, which is also located in front of Yuzhi Hall. Han Zhong concluded that Chen Yuzhi was an informant for Jiang Yuelou, and they were colluding. Brother Huo proposed a plan to use this apparent connection against them, spreading the "amazing" news of a "policeman who bans opium trades and a doctor who hides opium scheming together."

Han Zhong approved the "good idea," instructing Brother Huo to arrange for an anonymous tip to be called into the police bureau, specifically to the person who most despised Jiang Yuelou, ensuring a predetermined outcome. He declared that Chen Yuzhi would pay for his "rashness." Commissioner Bai furiously chastised Jiang Yuelou, accusing him of reckless behavior and believing he could act with impunity within the police bureau.

Jiang Yuelou adamantly asserted Chen Yuzhi's innocence regarding opium trafficking, but Commissioner Bai countered that regardless, Chen Yuzhi was now in prison with clear evidence against him. Jiang Yuelou argued that Chief Jin's brutal interrogation methods meant that Chen Yuzhi would be crippled or even dead before he could unearth the truth. Understanding the urgency, Commissioner Bai agreed to secure Chen Yuzhi's release from Chief Jin's custody and guaranteed his safety until the truth was uncovered.

However, this came with a strict condition: Jiang Yuelou must immediately apologize to Chief Jin. Jiang Yuelou initially refused, but Commissioner Bai sternly warned him that Chief Jin would leverage the incident to tarnish Jiang Yuelou's reputation and report him to the Municipal Council and Mayor Cai if he didn't comply. He emphasized that for Jiang Yuelou to save Chen Yuzhi, he must first ensure his own position and freedom, or both would end up unjustly imprisoned.

In the interim, Executive Zhan arrived at the police bureau to request Chen Yuzhi's release, citing that Doctor Chen had performed life-saving surgery on his critically injured patient, Boss Yu. Despite Chief Jin's initial reluctance, Executive Zhan used his reputation as leverage, also subtly implying increased funding for Chief Jin's department, which swiftly secured Chen Yuzhi's release. Shortly after Executive Zhan left, Jiang Yuelou, having been persuaded by Commissioner Bai, arrived at the jail to apologize.

He immediately went to Chen Yuzhi, who was lying injured on the ground, and helped him up. Jiang Yuelou then offered a formal apology to Chief Jin for injuring him. Unsatisfied, Chief Jin demanded multiple apologies, mocking Jiang Yuelou's sincerity. Finally, to settle the "account" for the gunshot wound, Chief Jin forced Jiang Yuelou to shoot himself in the arm. After this humiliating ordeal, Jiang Yuelou helped the severely injured Chen Yuzhi out of the police bureau.

Commissioner Bai and Executive Zhan later discussed the unusual coincidence of both of them having come to secure Chen Yuzhi's release. Outside, Jiang Yuelou expressed his gratitude to Executive Zhan. He then instructed Chen Yuzhi not to return to Yuzhi Hall for the time being, but to rest at home until the ongoing investigation was complete.

Upon returning to his mansion, Executive Zhan inquired about Boss Yu's condition from his guard, learning that the western doctor had changed his dressing overnight and he only needed ample rest. Executive Zhan instructed his staff to prepare nutritious soup for Boss Yu. When Executive Zhan entered Boss Yu's room, Boss Yu, who had just woken up, quickly feigned sleep.

Boss Yu lamented that he wouldn't be able to perform opera for a while, to which Executive Zhan responded reassuringly that he would have "too much time to sing" once he fully recovered, carefully omitting the more serious implications of his injuries. He had also informed Boss Yu's theatrical troupe leader that Boss Yu would be recuperating at the Zhan Mansion.

Chu Ran reported for her new job at Jing City Daily, where she was surprised to find her roommate, Ding Jia, already working there. Ding Jia excitedly told the editor that they were "destined," having just become roommates and now colleagues. The editor welcomed Chu Ran and assigned her a temporary desk, instructing Ding Jia to support her.

The editor then informed Chu Ran about an upcoming interview, asking her to fill in for a colleague who had taken leave, suggesting it would be a good learning opportunity. Chu Ran, eager to prepare, requested the interviewee's materials. To her surprise, the documents revealed the subject of the interview to be Jiang Yuelou. Following his concern for Jiang Yuelou, Executive Zhan initiated an investigation into his background.

His subordinate reported that Jiang Yuelou's original name was Kang Sheng'an, which he changed after Commissioner Bai Jinbo brought him into the police bureau. Executive Zhan found this intriguing, surmising that a name change often signifies deep-seated hatred or a hidden secret. He pressed for information about Jiang Yuelou's family and any past instances of emotional instability, but the subordinate admitted that such old records were difficult to retrieve.

Executive Zhan insisted on a thorough investigation, feeling that as a friend, he should show more concern. Separately, Executive Zhan learned that Miss Yuan from Tianyun Garden had visited the mansion twice, demanding to care for Boss Yu, having heard of his injury. Recognizing her sincere devotion, Executive Zhan instructed the guard to allow her in, believing her care would aid Boss Yu's recovery. Jiang Yuelou visited Chen Yuzhi, who was recovering.

He advised Chen Yuzhi to continue resting and not return to Yuzhi Hall until Jiang Yuelou's investigation was complete. Jiang Yuelou then brought up Chen Yuzhi's recurring illness, expressing his deep concern and desire to help, even though Chen Yuzhi was reluctant to seek treatment. Jiang Yuelou implored him to trust him, stating he didn't want to see Chen Yuzhi suffer any longer. Chen Yuzhi, contemplating Jiang Yuelou's plea, asked if he truly could trust him.

Episode 13 Recap

Chen Yuzhi tells Jiang Yuelou that avoiding problems will not solve them, urging him to trust him to help open his mind and alleviate his suffering. Jiang Yuelou asks if he can truly trust Chen Yuzhi. Upon receiving an affirmative answer, Jiang Yuelou begins to recount a painful memory from his childhood, his voice choked and eyes red with tears. He recalls teaching his mother how to write his original name, Kang Sheng'an.

He describes how his mother endured his father's behavior for three years until she could no longer bear it, eventually leaving on his eleventh birthday after preparing him a bowl of longevity noodles. She never returned, and he remains uncertain if she is alive or if she remembers having a son. Chen Yuzhi reassures him, suggesting his mother is likely safe and well somewhere, and might even return one day to cook him longevity noodles on his birthday.

However, Jiang Yuelou expresses a wish that she has forgotten him and the pain his father caused, desiring only for her to be safe and happy. He reveals that his father died less than a year after his mother left, succumbing to an opium overdose, which Jiang Yuelou considers a relief for him. At just twelve years old, Jiang Yuelou then faced relentless pursuit from moneylenders seeking his father's debts, who even seized their humble home.

He recalls a poignant memory of being denied a steamed bun and then having one snatched from him by another child. Chen Yuzhi asks if speaking about his past has brought him comfort, and Jiang Yuelou confirms it has. Meanwhile, Zining, Yu Laoban's junior sister, rushes to Mansion Zhan to see him. She tearfully confronts him, questioning why he deliberately put himself in danger. Yu Laoban reassures her that he is fine, gently teasing her about her crying.

Executive Zhan, who is also present, comments on the close bond between the two siblings. Yu Laoban explains Zining's straightforward nature to Executive Zhan, who expresses understanding, recognizing her concern. Executive Zhan then offers to teach Yu Laoban how to shoot a gun once his injuries heal, suggesting it would help him protect himself. Zining eagerly urges Yu Laoban to accept, and he agrees. Zining playfully pushes for more, hinting that merely learning to shoot isn't quite enough.

Executive Zhan responds by offering Yu Laoban a rare, new Browning pistol as a further token of gratitude for saving his life. Despite Yu Laoban's initial reluctance to accept such a valuable gift, Executive Zhan insists, stating he never goes back on his word. Yu Laoban ultimately accepts. Returning to their residence, Chu Ran's roommate questions why Chu Ran kept her employment at Jing City Daily a secret.

Chu Ran retorts that her roommate hadn't even bothered to ask her name. The roommate then declares that from that point forward, they will maintain a strictly professional relationship, only interacting if their paths cross at the newspaper office. She then disparagingly remarks on Chu Ran's disheveled appearance, suggesting that no one would want to befriend someone who looks so poor.

Jiang Yuelou prepares to go out, instructing Chen Yuzhi that he may return home but must be cautious and immediately retreat if he notices anyone following him. Chen Yuzhi asks why they concealed their neighboring residences the previous night. Jiang Yuelou explains that the opium framing at Yuzhi Hall indicates a security breach, and that the perpetrators are targeting both Chen Yuzhi and him. He believes that maintaining secrecy grants them more control.

Chen Yuzhi then inquires if Song Rong and Sun Yongren are not his friends. Jiang Yuelou states that he only trusts Commissioner Bai and his cat, adding that Chen Yuzhi is now also included in that small circle of trust, clarifying that Song Rong and Sun Yongren are valuable subordinates. Chen Yuzhi expresses gratitude, hoping that once Jiang Yuelou recovers, his life will include more people. Jiang Yuelou replies that Chen Yuzhi's presence is sufficient, then departs.

As Chu Ran's roommate prepares to leave, she accidentally drops her belongings. Chu Ran bends down to help and discovers photographs of Jin Dacheng with the Security Department Minister's third wife. Her roommate attempts to bribe her to keep the secret, but Chu Ran refuses the money, demanding only the photos, which her roommate reluctantly hands over. Chu Ran then goes to the police bureau to confront Jin Dacheng.

He attempts to explain away the compromising photos, but Chu Ran dismisses his excuses, stating her sole interest is whether he will break off their engagement. When Jin Dacheng initially refuses, Chu Ran threatens to send the incriminating photos to Minister Cheng, compelling him to agree to cancel the engagement.

As she prepares to leave, Jin Dacheng angrily confronts her, accusing her of having affairs with both Jiang Yuelou and Executive Zhan and implying she is playing them against each other. Chu Ran warns him to mind his words, asserting that her personal life is none of his concern.

Jin Dacheng retorts that he no longer cares who she associates with, now that their engagement is off, but warns her that Jiang Yuelou is "sick" and she should stay away from him to prolong her life. Chu Ran counters that he is the sickest person she knows, and Jin Dacheng throws a copy of the Jing City Daily at her, which features an article proclaiming Jiang Yuelou is "sick," indicating his public reputation is now tarnished.

Jiang Yuelou arrives at the police bureau, where Sun Yongren and Song Rong immediately express concern and inquire about his condition. Sun Yongren informs him that the entire police bureau is abuzz with gossip from the previous night, with numerous versions circulating. Jiang Yuelou, curious, asks to hear them.

Sun Yongren relays rumors, including claims that Jiang Yuelou is secretly the head of Jinma Hall, using the opium crackdown to eliminate rivals, and that he and Chen Yuzhi are colluding for illicit gains. Cutting to business, Jiang Yuelou asks for an update on the investigation into the suspicious soaps.

Sun Yongren reports that the soaps are not sold on the open market, and despite extensive searches, no merchant in Jing City has seen them, suggesting the packaging is merely a facade for limited distribution. He then reveals that Liu Qingfeng, a recent contact, is dead. Jiang Yuelou is shocked. Sun Yongren explains that Liu Qingfeng's house caught fire around four or five in the morning, a massive blaze that killed all thirteen family members.

Despite recent heavy rain making the surroundings damp, the fire spread rapidly, indicating it was deliberately set, with a strong smell of kerosene at the scene. Sun Yongren apologizes for the oversight that allowed Jinma Hall's people to grow suspicious. Jiang Yuelou deduces their multi-step strategy: first, framing Chen Yuzhi with opium; second, involving Jiang Yuelou to divert attention and buy time; and third, murdering witnesses.

He instructs Sun Yongren that anyone who acts will leave clues, and tells him to investigate Liu Qingfeng's social connections and the patients who visited Yuzhi Hall yesterday afternoon, believing there must be a link. Sun Yongren offers to speak with Chen Yuzhi, but Jiang Yuelou assigns him to the Liu Qingfeng case, stating he will handle Chen Yuzhi himself. Sun Yongren confirms he understands and goes to retrieve the opium from the evidence room.

Later, back at Yuzhi Hall, Chen Yuzhi shares his deduction with Jiang Yuelou about the identity of the person who planted the opium. He explains that out of eight patients seen that day, five could be immediately excluded due to being in his sight, physical limitations, or lack of hiding places. This left two suspects: a woman with a baby and a young man receiving acupuncture.

Chen Yuzhi identifies the woman with the baby as the culprit, reasoning that several of the Chinese traditional medicines he prescribed for her were harmful to infants. Her apparent disregard for her baby's health suggested the infant was merely a prop, and the opium was likely hidden within the baby's blanket. Jiang Yuelou praises Chen Yuzhi's astute observation, then immediately instructs Song Rong to locate this woman.

Reports about Jiang Yuelou assaulting people are now prominently featured in the Jing City Daily. As Jiang Yuelou walks home, he notices people giving him strange looks. A child's ball rolls to his feet, and he picks it up, returning it to the child while advising them against playing in the dangerous street. The child's mother quickly apologizes to Jiang Yuelou, then pulls her child away, muttering about him being a "guy who beats people up."

Song Rong, who is with Jiang Yuelou, expresses his frustration, asking why Jiang Yuelou doesn't explain the truth to the public, especially since the newspaper reports are false. He feels it's unfair that Jiang Yuelou protects the citizens only to be harshly judged by them. Jiang Yuelou dismisses the idea, stating he has no time to explain himself, and that public opinion of him is a trivial matter compared to the many important tasks they need to accomplish.

A high-ranking figure, addressed as "Master," is informed of Chen Yuzhi's release, expressing surprise given the opium found. He reflects on underestimating Chen Yuzhi and confirms that the woman who planted the opium has been "taken care of," implying she was killed to prevent exposure. Meanwhile, Brother Huo receives an urgent summons from San Ye, the top boss. San Ye directly confronts Chief Zhao (Han Zhong), scolding him for the "extremely stupid" decision to frame Chen Yuzhi.

San Ye emphasizes that this is part of a much larger, complex strategy and warns Chief Zhao not to jeopardize their plans with such foolish actions in the future, instructing him to consult someone more capable if he is unsure of what to do.

Episode 14 Recap

Chu Ran questioned her editor about a recent newspaper report. Her editor explained that Chief Editor Yu personally replaced the content just before printing, placing it on the front page without a reporter's signature. This practice, known as "paying for headlines," involves companies or individuals paying for articles to be published. While usually used for praise, this particular report exposed a superior.

The editor expressed disbelief that Jiang Yuelou could be depicted in such a negative light and advised Chu Ran to be gentle with her questions during the next day's interview. Later, Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi sat together, observing a cat that now preferred Chen Yuzhi, as he often fed it when it was hungry. Jiang Yuelou stated his determination to fully investigate a brewing threat. Chen Yuzhi, concerned by the aggressive nature of their adversaries, urged caution.

Jiang Yuelou, however, welcomed open confrontation over hidden attacks, which he found much harder to investigate. Chen Yuzhi then inquired about Executive Zhan, whom Jiang Yuelou regarded as a man of honor, feeling indebted to him. They discussed Yu Qing's recovery at Mansion Zhan. Despite Executive Zhan’s careful arrangements, including a live-in doctor and visits from Zining, Yu Qing’s throat condition and shoulder injury meant he likely could not perform opera again.

Yu Qing, however, chose the fleeting joy of singing over a long life without it. Zining confided in Yu Qing, revealing that Qiu Ming had arranged a separate residence for Executive Zhan’s uncle, Zhan Tianqing, who was not as easygoing as Executive Zhan. She worried Yu Qing might offend him. Yu Qing reassured her, emphasizing that Zhan Tianqing was staying in a separate villa while he himself remained at Mansion Zhan, and that he understood the nuances of their situation.

Meanwhile, Song Rong and Sun Yongren located the deceased woman responsible for planting opium at Yuzhi Hall, concluding that Jinma Hall was involved. They returned to the police bureau. At the police bureau, Yu Sinian from Jing City Daily interviewed Jiang Yuelou about his anti-opium efforts. Chu Ran, also present, confronted Jiang Yuelou directly about the newspaper article depicting him assaulting a man. Jiang Yuelou admitted to hitting the man, stating he "deserved it," but offered no further explanation.

Determined to find the truth, Chu Ran approached the man in the photo, who denied any wrongdoing. She then spoke to his wife, who bore visible signs of abuse. The wife confessed that while Jiang Yuelou did hit her husband, the injuries in the newspaper were exaggerated. She revealed that her husband had been paid a large sum by an unknown party to frame Jiang Yuelou.

In exchange for Chu Ran's help with a divorce, the wife agreed to provide real photos of her husband’s injuries for comparison. Chu Ran later informed Jiang Yuelou that the incident was a premeditated setup, but he dismissed it, stating he had too many enemies and would handle the matter himself. Sun Yongren subsequently reported to Jiang Yuelou that Jinma Hall's people had been sighted.

Concurrently, Chen Yuzhi, after arranging for someone to inform Wang Meng that his mother had fallen, successfully lured him back home. Chen Yuzhi confronted Wang Meng, attempting to subdue him, but was overpowered and taken hostage. Wang Meng’s mother, who had poor eyesight, came out and warmly welcomed Chen Yuzhi, believing him to be Wang Meng’s friend.

She asked Wang Meng to serve Chen Yuzhi soup dumplings and shared stories of Wang Meng’s life as a sailor, his filial devotion, and her hopes for him to marry and give her grandchildren. Wang Meng appeared uneasy throughout. As they prepared to leave, Jiang Yuelou and his team stormed the house. Wang Meng held Chen Yuzhi at gunpoint, using him as a shield.

When his mother called out, distracting him, Chen Yuzhi seized the opportunity to disarm Wang Meng, leading to his arrest. The mother was devastated, tearfully trying to stop the police from taking her son, while Chen Yuzhi attempted to comfort her. Later, Chu Ran confronted Chief Editor Yu with a new article that presented the true account, directly contradicting the previous report. Chief Editor Yu was furious, accusing her of embarrassing the newspaper and their colleagues.

Chu Ran questioned whether a reporter’s conscience or reputation was more important, to which Chief Editor Yu retorted that for a newspaper, circulation was paramount. Chu Ran then removed her work badge and threatened to take her story to Zhaojian newspaper, implying she would leave. A colleague warned Chu Ran that her actions had angered Yu Cheng, a powerful and long-serving figure within the company, potentially jeopardizing her career. However, Chu Ran remained steadfast in her pursuit of the truth.

Shortly after, Chu Ran received a visit from Aunt Zhang, who conveyed her "Madam's" insistence that Chu Ran return home for the weekend. Chu Ran’s colleague, overhearing the conversation, expressed confusion, noting that Chu Ran’s biological mother had passed away, and questioned the identity of "Madam." Chu Ran curtly dismissed the inquiry, stating it was none of her business.

Episode 15 Recap

Jiang Yuelou interrogated Wang Meng, who remained silent despite Jiang Yuelou striking his wounds. Wang Meng proved unyielding, refusing to speak. Sun Yongren then urgently reported that Wang Meng’s elderly mother had collapsed and was suffering from a persistent high fever, even speaking incoherently. Hearing this, Wang Meng became agitated, demanding to know his mother's condition. Jiang Yuelou and Sun Yongren stayed silent, pressing Wang Meng to cooperate. Wang Meng still refused to disclose anything.

After Jiang Yuelou nudged Sun Yongren to continue, Sun Yongren mentioned that the elderly are not like young people, and a prolonged high fever could lead to tuberculosis. Wang Meng finally stated he would speak, but only if Jiang Yuelou agreed to a condition: he must be allowed to return home to see his mother cured first. Jiang Yuelou flatly refused, demanding Wang Meng speak first or he would not leave the room.

As neither would yield, Jiang Yuelou walked away, giving Wang Meng one hour to reconsider and telling him that he was responsible for his mother's suffering. Chen Yuzhi, witnessing the situation, insisted that Wang Meng’s mother was gravely ill and needed immediate medical attention. Jiang Yuelou reiterated that Wang Meng’s misdeeds had affected his family, and it was his own fault.

Chen Yuzhi argued that punishment should not extend to parents, wives, or children; though Wang Meng was indeed unforgivable, his mother was in immense pain. Seeing Jiang Yuelou’s lack of response, Chen Yuzhi prepared to leave and treat her himself. Jiang Yuelou stopped him, presenting two choices: either persuade Wang Meng to confess, or wait there. Chen Yuzhi felt Jiang Yuelou lacked compassion. Sun Yongren was puzzled when Chen Yuzhi chose to persuade Wang Meng, knowing the doctor’s moral struggle.

Jiang Yuelou explained his true intention to Sun Yongren: only by having Chen Yuzhi appear to genuinely help Wang Meng, and acting as if they were ignoring his mother’s plight, could Wang Meng be convinced that the authorities hadn't sent anyone to treat her. This would swiftly break down Wang Meng's psychological defenses and lead them to crucial clues. Sun Yongren still questioned why Chen Yuzhi wasn't directly informed of the plan.

Jiang Yuelou replied that Chen Yuzhi was not a person who could lie convincingly, and informing him beforehand would make the act unnatural. Jiang Yuelou further elaborated that he had a risky plan involving Chen Yuzhi and Wang Meng, aiming to earn Wang Meng's trust and then incite him to cooperate by taking him out of prison. Jiang Yuelou affirmed he would protect Chen Yuzhi if the plan failed, knowing Wang Meng’s filial piety could be a leverage.

Jiang Yuelou’s men discovered Wang Meng had "escaped" from jail, as orchestrated by Jiang Yuelou’s plan. Sun Yongren noticed a suspicious "bootblack" on the street near Wang Meng's house, which Jiang Yuelou recognized as a signal. Following Chen Yuzhi's lead, Wang Meng arrived home, only to find his mother's condition had worsened significantly since the previous night.

Chen Yuzhi examined her and tearfully told Wang Meng that his mother did not have much time left, urging him to cherish her final moments. Wang Meng’s mother briefly awoke, spoke a few words to her son, and then passed away, spitting black blood. Chen Yuzhi confirmed she had been poisoned. Wang Meng, in his grief and rage, immediately accused Jiang Yuelou, but Chen Yuzhi insisted Jiang Yuelou would not commit such an act, stating it wasn't him.

With his mother gone, Wang Meng desperately urged Chen Yuzhi to save her, demanding they return for medical supplies, but Chen Yuzhi explained he was powerless without his medical kit. Just as Wang Meng and Chen Yuzhi were about to leave, Bro Huo and his gang arrived at Wang Meng’s house. Jiang Yuelou and his team also arrived shortly after, finding their covert surveillance team members dead nearby.

They spotted Bro Huo’s group exiting Wang Meng’s home and immediately pursued them. After a high-speed chase, Bro Huo’s vehicle managed to escape. Jiang Yuelou noted that Chen Yuzhi had left discreet markings along their path. They had traveled along Jinhua Road, turned left at the third intersection, and continued along Jingcheng Avenue for some time before the trail ended.

Jiang Yuelou hypothesized that either their target was still in that vicinity, or Chen Yuzhi was no longer able to leave markers for some reason. It was then that Sun Yongren fully comprehended the true depth of Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi’s collaborative deception. Meanwhile, Bro Huo was discussing their operation with another accomplice, mentioning the use of poison in their scheme. Wang Meng, now held captive by Bro Huo's group alongside Chen Yuzhi, overheard their conversation.

He realized with horror that his own mother had been poisoned by Bro Huo and his men. Enraged, Wang Meng confronted Chen Yuzhi, pledging to help him escape if Chen Yuzhi promised to give his mother a proper burial, explaining his fury at feeling betrayed by the men he considered brothers, who had poisoned his mother to death.

He then furiously lunged at Bro Huo, determined to avenge his mother's death, repeatedly beating him while screaming about the poisoning, until he was restrained by Bro Huo's men who reminded him that their master wanted Wang Meng alive for future use. Elsewhere, Chu Ran's article, written to clear Jiang Yuelou’s name, was published. Sun Yongren excitedly pointed out the newspaper to Jiang Yuelou, who simply looked at a map, focused on their ongoing search for Chen Yuzhi.

Chu Ran later met Executive Zhan Junbai, who was teaching Chu Min, Chu Ran's half-brother, how to handle and assemble a gun. Chu Ran's family seemed to be trying to set Chu Min up with Zhan Junbai. Zhan Junbai politely excused himself from the awkward interaction. As Chu Ran was also late for work, Zhan Junbai offered her a ride to the police bureau. During the ride, they discussed their different appearances, and Chu Ran clarified that she and Chu Min were half-siblings. She thanked him upon reaching her destination.

Episode 16 Recap

Jiang Yuelou, acting on Chen Yuzhi's clues, led his team to raid Jinma Hall's hideout, catching their members by surprise. Inside, Wang Meng confronted Brother Huo, accusing him of poisoning his mother. Amidst the chaos, Wang Meng released Chen Yuzhi. As they were leaving, Brother Huo appeared, discovering them. Wang Meng resisted, firing a shot that attracted Jiang Yuelou's attention.

Wang Meng then choked Brother Huo, but a Jinma Hall member arrived and shot Wang Meng, before being killed by Jiang Yuelou’s men. Brother Huo then seized Chen Yuzhi as a hostage, demanding his own release. Jiang Yuelou refused. When Brother Huo threatened Chen Yuzhi, Chen Yuzhi struggled, creating an opening for Jiang Yuelou to fire, killing Brother Huo.

Jiang Yuelou then aimed his pistol at Wang Meng, but Chen Yuzhi intervened, revealing that Wang Meng had been the informant whose timely information facilitated the police bureau's swift arrival and the successful takedown of Jinma Hall. Wang Meng, unfazed, told Jiang Yuelou not to mistake his actions for personal loyalty. He then told Chen Yuzhi that he was raising the stakes of their previous agreement, promising another significant gift if Chen Yuzhi fulfilled his part.

At the newspaper office, Chu Ran's attempts to greet her colleagues were met with indifference and subtle rebuffs, confirming her professional isolation. Meanwhile, Chen Yuzhi visited Jiang Yuelou. Jiang Yuelou expressed satisfaction with the successful victory against Jinma Hall but acknowledged Chen Yuzhi's suffering during the ordeal. Chen Yuzhi simply stated that being alive was enough.

Jiang Yuelou reflected on the unexpected death of Wang Meng's mother, explaining that it was a meticulously planned trap by Jinma Hall, initiated the moment Wang Meng was arrested. He suspected a specific traditional Chinese medicine doctor or the herbal medicine itself was manipulated to coerce Wang Meng into breaking out of prison.

Chen Yuzhi raised further questions, highlighting the improbability of Jinma Hall guaranteeing Wang Meng wouldn't betray them, given his mother's grave condition, and the difficulty of escaping a heavily guarded police bureau alone. Jiang Yuelou then revealed his chilling deduction: the mastermind behind the scheme not only understood Wang Meng's personality intimately but also cunningly factored Chen Yuzhi into the plot.

The most insidious part, Jiang Yuelou concluded, was the deliberate shifting of Wang Meng's hatred for his mother's death onto him, making Wang Meng believe Jiang Yuelou had poisoned her during interrogation. He described it as a "three birds with one arrow" strategy, which, despite its cleverness, ultimately failed. Before leaving for a meeting with a bureau chief, Jiang Yuelou asked Chen Yuzhi to look after his child.

Later that day, as Chu Ran left the newspaper office, Zhong Yiren rushed after her. Zhong Yiren chastised Chu Ran for handling a situation "stupidly," attributing Chu Ran’s current isolation to her "lofty" and "annoying" self-righteousness. Just then, Song Rong approached and greeted Chu Ran. Zhong Yiren, immediately enthusiastic, linked arms with Chu Ran and eagerly requested an introduction. After Chu Ran introduced them, Zhong Yiren quickly extended her hand to Song Rong, introducing herself with a flourish.

Song Rong, visibly uncomfortable, reluctantly shook her hand before swiftly excusing himself to attend to police bureau matters. Zhong Yiren watched him depart, declaring him her "ideal type," leading to a brief discussion with Chu Ran about Song Rong's modest attire and disinterest in fashionable trends. At City Hall, Mayor Cai discussed the recent Jinma Hall case and the murder of Wu Shuwei with Jiang Yuelou.

Mayor Cai expressed reluctance to publicize evidence linking Wu Shuwei to Jinma Hall, fearing it would ignite public criticism against the government. He pressed Jiang Yuelou to quickly apprehend Wu Shuwei's killer. Following this meeting, Commissioner Bai congratulated Jiang Yuelou on successfully dismantling Jinma Hall and effectively neutralizing Mayor Cai's ability to use the case against him. Jiang Yuelou acknowledged Chen Yuzhi's significant contribution to their success.

Commissioner Bai then informed Jiang Yuelou that Executive Zhan had recommended him to lead the upcoming refugee resettlement initiative. Jiang Yuelou expressed reservations, believing his strict approach, while effective in law enforcement, might not be suitable for the sensitive task of refugee aid; he suggested someone with a gentler demeanor would be better received by the public.

Commissioner Bai agreed to further discuss it with Executive Zhan, proposing that Jiang Yuelou retain the lead role with a more mild-mannered individual appointed as his deputy. Jiang Yuelou engaged in shooting practice with Sun Yongren, who coached him on proper technique. Meanwhile, Executive Zhan was seen arranging the residence for Commander Zhan's arrival in Jing City, ensuring that only trustworthy personnel were assigned to the task. Later, Chu Ran visited Jiang Yuelou while he was practicing.

She informed him that her uncle, Commander Zhan, was arriving in Jing City to assume a new official position, prompting Jiang Yuelou to offer his congratulations. Jiang Yuelou then prepared to leave, and Chu Ran reminded him to be careful. After leaving Jiang Yuelou, Chen Yuzhi encountered a young refugee, Shi Lei, who was being harassed.

He brought Shi Lei and his younger brother back to his clinic, diagnosing Shi Lei with severe weakness from prolonged exposure to cold and lack of food. Chen Yuzhi kindly provided them with baozi, and Shi Lei gratefully asked if he could take some back for his family. Chen Yuzhi assured him he could, and soon found himself feeding many other hungry refugees who gathered at his clinic.

While attending to the refugees, Chen Yuzhi received a visit from his uncle, Executive Zhan, who informed him that the mayor had approved the refugee resettlement plan. Executive Zhan mentioned that the committee had recommended Chen Yuzhi for the project and that he needed an assistant. Chen Yuzhi was surprised to learn that he would be working alongside Jiang Yuelou.

Chu Ran, Chen Yuzhi's sister, entered excitedly, offering her help, but Chen Yuzhi cautioned her about the potential dangers of working with desperate people. Chen Yuzhi realized that merely providing food was a temporary solution; the refugees desperately needed proper settlement and government support, including housing, jobs for adults, nurseries for children, and free medical care. He concluded that such a large-scale undertaking would require Jiang Yuelou's assistance.

Wang Meng and Xiaoxin, the only surviving members after Jinma Hall's destruction, discussed their uncertain future following the deaths of Brother Huo and Han Zhong. Suddenly, they were summoned by "San Ye." San Ye, aware that their hideout's location had been compromised and that Jinma Hall was dismantled with only Wang Meng and Xiaoxin escaping, suspected them of being informants.

Wang Meng took responsibility for Chen Yuzhi's capture, which he admitted had given Jiang Yuelou an advantage, but vehemently denied that he or Xiaoxin were informants. Xiaoxin corroborated his story, emphasizing their perilous escape and Wang Meng's injury. San Ye then stepped out of his car, revealing himself to be Chief Zhao, a revelation that shocked both Wang Meng and Xiaoxin. Chief Zhao noted their visible surprise compared to Brother Huo's usual composure.

He quickly shifted the conversation to the remaining Jinma Hall resources, asking how much they knew about Brother Huo's distribution network. Wang Meng explained that Jinma Hall operated on a decentralized system where only Brother Huo knew all the channels to prevent full exposure if one person was caught. He then pledged to Chief Zhao that he would recover all the lost distribution channels, to which Chief Zhao urged him to act swiftly.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yuelou chose to ride his horse back from the racecourse, sending Sun Yongren to pick up Zhao Moqing, who had intentionally deflated her car tires and was waiting along Jiang Yuelou's route. Sun Yongren located her, and Zhao Moqing, who revealed herself to be Chief Zhao's sister, questioned why Jiang Yuelou hadn't returned with them.

Sun Yongren explained Jiang Yuelou's persistent wariness and his difficulty in opening up, a psychological state that demanded deep trust, far beyond a simple friendship. Despite Sun Yongren's reluctance, Zhao Moqing pressed him to help her meet Jiang Yuelou, citing an urgent matter. Later, Gao Yun, the principal of Ci'an Primary School, approached Sun Yongren and Chen Yuzhi, who were engaged in conversation about Jiang Yuelou.

Gao Yun urgently sought financial assistance from Jiang Yuelou, explaining the dire situation of her school, which served primarily impoverished children and war orphans. She described the annual struggle to cover basic education, board, and lodging expenses. She noted that although Jiang Yuelou had been sponsoring the school for three years, this year's unusually cold weather had caused coal prices to soar, doubling heating costs.

Gao Yun desperately needed 3,000 yuan to keep the school operational until the Lunar New Year, fearing its closure afterward due to financial instability, dwindling staff, increasing student numbers, and an impending rent hike. Chen Yuzhi, without hesitation, gave her all the money he had, assuring her that he, like Jiang Yuelou, was willing to help, and encouraged her not to worry. Back with Zhao Moqing, Sun Yongren dropped her off.

She tried to persuade him to stay for tea and then subtly attempted to give a gift to Jiang Yuelou through him. Sun Yongren firmly declined, citing Jiang Yuelou's reputation as an incorruptible public servant who consistently rejected bribes and gifts, a principle he himself upheld. Undeterred, Zhao Moqing attempted to trick Sun Yongren into helping her select a tie for Jiang Yuelou, framing it as a small token of appreciation. Sun Yongren, confused but loyal, pointed out that he had thought the gift was for him, yet still inadvertently offered advice on Jiang Yuelou's preferences.

Episode 17 Recap

Zhao Moqing accompanied Sun Yongren to Daxing Firm, intending to pick out a gift for Jiang Yuelou. While there, Sun Yongren noticed that the packaging of some western soaps looked identical to that of the opium they had previously discovered. Just then, Zhao Jingming appeared.

After Sun Yongren explained that he was there because Jiang Yuelou had sent him to help Zhao Moqing with her broken-down car, Zhao Jingming revealed he was also heading to the police bureau to discuss refugee resettlement with Jiang Yuelou and offered to go together. Zhao Moqing tried to join them, but she was sent home by her brother. Meanwhile, Chen Yuzhi brought Chu Ran home to discuss Gao Yun's financial struggles.

Chen Yuzhi proposed organizing a fundraiser, specifically targeting wealthy merchants and gentry. He suggested that Chu Ran could write a charitable report featuring their businesses for free advertising, while he would offer his services as a family doctor for a year without charge. Chu Ran found this to be a good idea and suggested that refugee settlement and school fundraising could proceed simultaneously.

Upon arriving at the police bureau, Sun Yongren urgently tried to inform Jiang Yuelou about his discovery at Daxing Firm, but Song Rong quickly pulled him away. Jiang Yuelou then met with Zhao Jingming to discuss the refugee settlement plan. Zhao Jingming presented a roster of 370,000 refugees, explaining that the Financial Department had allocated a special fund of 740,000 yuan, which had already been transferred, for their assistance.

He proposed two options: setting up soup kitchens in the east and west of the city where refugees could get food, or directly distributing a two-yuan subsidy to each refugee based on the registration roster. Jiang Yuelou strongly preferred the soup kitchen plan, calculating that the funds would sustain the refugees for three months. However, Zhao Jingming argued that the direct payment method was simpler, quicker, and would satisfy both superiors and the refugees.

Jiang Yuelou disagreed, but Zhao Jingming asserted that the committee, influenced by Mayor Cai, prioritized stability above all else, and establishing soup kitchens would divert valuable labor from essential police duties like handling opium cases. Under pressure, Jiang Yuelou reluctantly agreed to distribute the subsidies at the police bureau gate at 8 AM the following morning, with Zhao Jingming excusing himself from attending due to pressing matters at the tax bureau.

Later, Jiang Yuelou also noticed significant errors in the refugee list, with nearly forty percent of names duplicated, suggesting potential fraud. Later, Song Rong and Sun Yongren returned to Jiang Yuelou. Sun Yongren explained how the soap he saw at Daxing Firm matched the opium packaging, but he hadn't secured solid proof to avoid suspicion.

Jiang Yuelou instructed them to continue their investigation, also expressing his suspicion that Zhao Jingming might be the mastermind or a core member of the criminal operation. Subsequently, Jiang Yuelou visited Chen Yuzhi, who explained his and Chu Ran's efforts in preparing the charity fundraiser, particularly emphasizing Gao Yun's school's desperate financial situation. Despite Jiang Yuelou mentioning the Financial Department's recent allocation for refugees, Chen Yuzhi stressed that individual efforts were insufficient and a broad public fundraiser was still necessary.

Jiang Yuelou agreed to discuss the fundraising with Executive Zhan once the refugee settlement was complete. The next day, during the subsidy distribution, an opium addict collapsed, convulsing and foaming at the mouth. Jiang Yuelou noticed him and instructed Song Rong to follow him. The addict, identified as Shi Lei, was brought to Chen Yuzhi, who quickly determined that Shi Lei was dying from internal bleeding due to ingesting a corrosive substance.

Jiang Yuelou intensely interrogated the dying man, demanding to know his superior and who was behind the opium sales in Jing City, specifically asking if it was Zhao Jingming. Shi Lei tried to die without revealing anything, but Jiang Yuelou pressed Chen Yuzhi to keep him alive to extract information. Shi Lei, in extreme pain, finally succumbed without confessing. Jiang Yuelou recognized Shi Lei as someone Chen Yuzhi had previously saved.

Jiang Yuelou concluded that the relief payments intended for refugees were being immediately diverted into the pockets of opium dealers, with Shi Lei being a key figure in dragging the refugees into addiction. He became even more convinced that Zhao Jingming's insistence on direct cash payments instead of soup kitchens was a deliberate scheme to facilitate money laundering, implying Zhao Jingming was at least a core member of the criminal operation, if not its mastermind.

Soon after, Zhao Moqing arrived at the police bureau to personally thank Jiang Yuelou for sending her home the previous day. Jiang Yuelou introduced her to Chen Yuzhi, subtly pointing out her cough from the day before. Zhao Moqing denied coughing and politely refused Chen Yuzhi's offer to take her pulse. She then presented Jiang Yuelou with a tie from Daxing Firm.

While he tried it on, Jiang Yuelou casually asked her if she had given Sun Yongren a Western soap, which she confirmed. Suddenly, a large crowd of factory workers, protesting factory closures and unpaid wages, gathered outside the police bureau, clashing with refugees. Reporters quickly converged on the scene. Jiang Yuelou emerged, attempting to calm the agitated crowd. The workers demanded their rights and money, questioning why the government only cared for refugees and not their plight.

Jiang Yuelou spotted a man inciting the crowd and, observing the calluses on his finger from firing a gun, exposed him as an agitator, not a genuine worker. The man retorted that he was an accountant, therefore also a worker, and continued to provoke the crowd. Amidst the deafening noise, the man whispered vile insults to Jiang Yuelou, personally attacking his deceased mother. Enraged, Jiang Yuelou's underlying emotional condition flared, and he shot the man dead.

The crowd scattered in terror, while reporters frantically snapped photos. Chen Yuzhi rushed to Jiang Yuelou's side. News of the shooting quickly reached Mayor Cai, who reprimanded Commissioner Bai, questioning Jiang Yuelou's actions despite his usual clear distinction between good and evil, especially given the public nature of the incident. Commissioner Bai assured the Mayor he would launch a thorough investigation and provide a public explanation.

Mayor Cai then instructed Commissioner Bai to prepare a list of candidates for the Inspection Chief position. Jiang Yuelou was subsequently confined. Chen Yuzhi visited him, giving him medicine to help calm his agitated state. Jiang Yuelou believed he had fallen into a trap, convinced that the dead man had deliberately provoked him to shoot, intending for Jiang Yuelou to be imprisoned, thereby allowing their criminal organization to proceed with their plans, possibly involving a ship bound for Nanyang.

Despite the consequences, Jiang Yuelou expressed no regret for killing the man, believing he deserved it, even though he lacked direct proof. He instructed Chen Yuzhi to investigate the dead man's true identity, suggesting that finding this information, along with gathering intel from Wang Meng, would be crucial to clear his name.

Chen Yuzhi later conveyed to Sun Yongren that they had found the key to absolving Jiang Yuelou, emphasizing the importance of uncovering the dead man's identity rather than directly confronting the mysterious mastermind at that moment.

Episode 18 Recap

After visiting Jiang Yuelou, Chen Yuzhi returned to inform Song Rong and Sun Yongren of their plan. Confirming Jiang Yuelou’s analysis, Chen Yuzhi emphasized the need to uncover the identity of the deceased. He instructed Song Rong and Sun Yongren to interview the workers who participated in the recent protest, noting that the instigator was likely not acting alone.

Concurrently, Chen Yuzhi asked Chu Ran to write a compelling article, using her "pen as sword" to influence public opinion and garner support for their cause. Meanwhile, Chief Zhao from the Tax Department anxiously sought out Executive Zhan, expressing his distress over the recent incident involving Jiang Yuelou. Chief Zhao explained that he had advocated for distributing money to the refugees, believing it to be the most straightforward solution, and had therefore avoided the chaotic scene himself.

Now, he feared being held accountable for Jiang Yuelou's actions. Executive Zhan, whose full name is Zhan Junbai, reassured Chief Zhao that the matter had little to do with him and that he shouldn't worry excessively. Chief Zhao, however, remained concerned, especially since Mayor Cai was demanding accountability, leaving him in a difficult position.

He revealed that Bai Jinbo was brought in, and new candidates for Inspection Chief were being considered, raising Chief Zhao's fears of being accused of dereliction of duty. He implored Executive Zhan to put in a good word for him, even offering his mansion in the west of the city if he could retain his position as Chief of the Tax Department. Executive Zhan, however, stated that any assistance would be offered purely out of friendship.

Later, Chen Yuzhi met secretly with Wang Meng at a secluded theater. Chen Yuzhi showed Wang Meng a picture of the deceased, who Wang Meng identified as Lao Ba, a periphery member of Jinma Hall who collected protection fees at the dock. Wang Meng asserted that Lao Ba was notoriously lazy and would never have engaged in manual labor, confirming Chen Yuzhi's suspicion that this was a conspiracy.

Wang Meng further revealed that the true target was Jiang Yuelou, and the mastermind behind it was Zhao Jingming, also known as San Ye. A flashback showed Zhao Jingming coldly executing an accomplice who attempted to extort more money, highlighting Zhao Jingming's ruthless nature. Wang Meng, seeking revenge against those who wronged him, advised Chen Yuzhi to investigate at the dock, as Lao Ba was widely recognized there.

Chu Ran approached Zhong Yiren, asking her to surreptitiously replace an article in the newspaper. Zhong Yiren expressed fear of Chief Editor Yu's wrath and potential dismissal. Chu Ran reassured her, promising to take full responsibility if caught, claiming Zhong Yiren had been asleep and unaware. However, Chu Ran also cleverly suggested that if successful, all the credit would go to Zhong Yiren, and it would impress Officer Song Rong.

Zhong Yiren agreed but insisted that Chu Ran must tell Officer Song Rong that her actions were solely for him. Concurrently, Executive Zhan arrived to escort Chu Ran to work and encountered Chu Min, who was bringing his sister, Chu Ran, some pork bone with lotus root soup. The siblings shared a warm moment, and Executive Zhan offered them a ride. Chen Yuzhi visited Jiang Yuelou in prison under the guise of a medical consultation.

He confirmed that Wang Meng had identified Zhao Jingming as San Ye. Jiang Yuelou then explained his strategy: remaining imprisoned would "paralyze" Zhao Jingming, preventing him from becoming suspicious and going into hiding. Chen Yuzhi agreed with the plan but cautioned Jiang Yuelou not to trust anyone easily, especially those who approached him. He advised Jiang Yuelou to await his news. Jiang Yuelou silently uttered Zhao Jingming's name.

At the newspaper office, Chu Ran's colleagues greeted her with unusual warmth, and Chief Editor Yu profusely apologized, having mistakenly believed she was Executive Zhan's girlfriend and that her defense of Jiang Yuelou was politically motivated. Chu Ran clarified that she and Executive Zhan were merely friends and that her support for Jiang Yuelou stemmed from her duty as a journalist, not from any instruction. Meanwhile, Chen Yuzhi relayed Jiang Yuelou's plan to Song Rong and Sun Yongren.

He confirmed that the deceased was indeed a member of Jinma Hall who operated at the dock, known to many local vendors. Chen Yuzhi instructed Song Rong to task Chu Ran with gathering information at the dock, as her journalistic approach would be more effective, and to assign someone unfamiliar with the local underworld to avoid alerting suspicious individuals. Song Rong was also to discreetly monitor Zhao Jingming, collecting evidence without raising suspicion.

Following this, Chen Yuzhi encountered Executive Zhan outside the police bureau. Executive Zhan inquired about Jiang Yuelou's condition, expressing concern about him potentially being charged with homicide. Chen Yuzhi reassured him of Jiang Yuelou's improved state and extended an invitation to Executive Zhan and Zhao Jingming to attend a charity fundraiser. Song Rong went to the newspaper office but found Chu Ran out on an interview.

He met Zhong Yiren, who eagerly offered her assistance, boasting about her extensive network and knowledge within the newsroom. While Zhong Yiren initially offered to help for free, Song Rong insisted on compensating her for her efforts. He was, however, too preoccupied with the urgency of the matter to stay for a meal. Concurrently, Executive Zhan visited Jiang Yuelou in prison, bringing him a bottle of Xifeng wine.

Jiang Yuelou, wary, intentionally "slipped" and broke the bottle, promising to share a drink with Executive Zhan upon his release. Zhong Yiren, disguised as a young woman searching for her fiancé, ventured to the dock. She gathered information about Lao Ba, learning from a local employer that he was a dishonest man who had recently colluded with criminals to exploit local residents.

Zhong Yiren successfully identified the deceased as Cheng Tianba, also known as Ba Ye, a dock enforcer with a criminal record for theft at the Linjiang police station. She quickly relayed this vital information to Song Rong over the phone. Song Rong, in a hurry, took the details and payment, rushing off and leaving Zhong Yiren frustrated. At Executive Zhan's mansion, Commander Zhan arrived, immediately launching into a tirade.

He rudely referred to Boss Yu, who was recovering there, as a mere "actor" and disparaged Executive Zhan for needing a "player's" assistance, ordering Boss Yu to leave. Boss Yu, with dignity, refused, stating he only answered to Executive Zhan, and calmly retreated upstairs. Commander Zhan continued to berate Executive Zhan, criticizing his lack of military discipline and accusing him of learning "useless things" outside the army.

He asserted his own seniority and demanded Boss Yu's immediate expulsion from the mansion. Concurrently, Sun Yongren reported to Chen Yuzhi that he had spent the entire afternoon monitoring Zhao Jingming outside the tax bureau, but found no suspicious activity. He questioned Chen Yuzhi's decision to invite Zhao Jingming to the fundraiser, wondering if Chen Yuzhi was secretly collaborating with him. Chen Yuzhi clarified that the invitation was a strategic move to publicly expose Zhao Jingming.

Sun Yongren also complained about his physical discomfort from squatting, and Chen Yuzhi playfully offered to treat him. Chu Ran confirmed that her article had been successfully swapped and would be published the following day. She also provided Chen Yuzhi with the information Zhong Yiren had gathered about Cheng Tianba, prompting Chen Yuzhi to plan a trip to Linjiang to retrieve the deceased's criminal record.

Sun Yongren, still frustrated by his lack of progress, was advised by Chen Yuzhi to remain patient, as "long lines will take big fish back." Chen Yuzhi confirmed that all preparations for the charity fundraiser were complete, with Zhao Jingming expected to attend as Executive Zhan had agreed, and Commissioner Bai also giving his consent for Gao Yun's students to perform. Their objective was clear: to raise funds and expose the true mastermind behind the recent events.

Executive Zhan returned to his mansion to find Commander Zhan complaining about the lack of charcoal and his discomfort in the "remote place." Executive Zhan apologized for the oversight, explaining that his steward had misremembered the arrival date, and promised to punish his staff later. Commander Zhan, however, chillingly claimed to have already "punished" them, implying they had been disposed of in the mass graves.

Executive Zhan urged his uncle to "keep a low profile" while in Jing City, reminding him it was not the military camp. Commander Zhan retorted, questioning Executive Zhan's right to lecture him. He then reiterated his demand that Boss Yu be expelled from the mansion. Executive Zhan calmly asserted that it was "my mansion," suggesting he would not comply.

Executive Zhan then checked on Boss Yu, who stated he felt much better and offered to move back to Tianyun Garden, but Executive Zhan gently told him there was "no rush."

Episode 19 Recap

Executive Zhan, concerned about appearances, warned Jiang Yuelou to maintain a low profile at the upcoming charity fundraiser, emphasizing the significant risk he took in getting Jiang out and the severe consequences of failure. Jiang Yuelou reassured Executive Zhan that he would not let him face imprisonment, jokingly remarking on Executive Zhan's picky taste and how he wouldn't suit prison food. Executive Zhan expressed hope that Chen Yuzhi was reliable, and Jiang confirmed his trust in Chen.

The charity fundraiser commenced with children singing. Song Rong and Sun Yongren were also present, disguised as waiters. Chen Yuzhi, the event's organizer, welcomed everyone, explaining that the funds raised would primarily support Cian Primary School and subsidize schooling for refugee children. Chief Zhao Jingming of the Taxation Department then took the stage to deliver a short speech, advocating for daily good deeds and self-reflection. However, Jiang Yuelou unexpectedly made an appearance, stopping Chief Zhao as he concluded his speech.

Jiang directly questioned Chief Zhao about Cheng Tianba, revealing that Cheng Tianba was the insurgent he had killed at the police bureau a few days prior, presenting Cheng Tianba's imprisonment record. Jiang asserted that Cheng Tianba was a habitual criminal who had fled to Jing City and worked for Jinma Hall.

He then accused Chief Zhao Jingming of being the mysterious San Ye, the mastermind behind the murder of Commissioner Wu, the fraud within the police bureau, opium trafficking, cheating refugees out of subsidies, and inciting worker strikes to disrupt social security for profit. Jiang Yuelou apologized to the public for the prior killing but firmly stated he never unjustly kills an innocent person and was grateful to have someone who trusted him wholeheartedly.

Chief Zhao vehemently denied the accusations, demanding evidence. At that moment, Wang Meng from Jinma Hall stepped forward, identifying Chief Zhao Jingming as San Ye. Suddenly, an unknown assailant shot Wang Meng. Jiang Yuelou swiftly gunned down the attacker. As Wang Meng lay dying, he expressed a desire for revenge for his mother and hoped to be a good person in his next life, possibly even befriending Jiang Yuelou, a sentiment Jiang acknowledged.

Song Rong and Sun Yongren then escorted a protesting Chief Zhao away. Upon hearing of her brother's imprisonment, Zhao Moqing rushed to Executive Zhan's residence, begging him to help her brother. She asserted he was only involved in minor business irregularities, not serious crimes like those of San Ye.

Executive Zhan explained that with both witness and material evidence against him, overturning the verdict would be unrealistic, advising her that Jiang Yuelou was key to her brother's case and suggesting they go to the police bureau. Meanwhile, at the police bureau, Song Rong interrogated Chief Zhao Jingming, beating him and urging him to confess as the case was "irreversible" to avoid further suffering.

Chief Zhao, however, scoffed at them, accusing the "noble men" of resorting to "filthy measures" and stubbornly refusing to admit he was San Ye. Song Rong reported Chief Zhao's non-cooperation to Jiang Yuelou. They discussed the Daxing Firm's soaps, suspecting they were fronts for opium sales to "old clients" and lamenting the missing trading records that could expose the true buyers. Executive Zhan arrived at the police bureau and requested a private conversation between Jiang Yuelou and Zhao Moqing.

During their talk, Zhao Moqing pleaded with Jiang Yuelou, offering any terms if he would release her brother, insisting he was framed. Jiang Yuelou remained unmoved, stating their judgment would be independent, firmly refusing to release Zhao Jingming, and urging her to respect herself. Distraught, Zhao Moqing stormed out, threatening Jiang. Afterward, Executive Zhan and Jiang Yuelou visited Zhao Jingming in his cell. Executive Zhan advised Chief Zhao to confess to alleviate his suffering.

Chief Zhao continued to deny being San Ye, accusing Jiang Yuelou of framing him and vowing to appeal the case in Beiping. Jiang Yuelou dismissed his chances of appeal, reminding him that he knew the truth of his actions. Chief Zhao finally admitted to engaging in opium trafficking with Jinma Hall but vehemently denied involvement in the deaths of Li Chao, Qian Tongqing, and Wu Shuwei.

Moments later, Song Rong urgently informed Jiang Yuelou that Zhao Moqing had returned to the police bureau, armed with a gun and threatening to kill herself if Jiang refused to see her. Jiang Yuelou went to confront her, leaving Executive Zhan alone with Chief Zhao. Executive Zhan calmly told Chief Zhao that from that moment on, he was San Ye.

Chief Zhao initially seemed confused, but then, with dawning horror, he realized Executive Zhan was the true San Ye and that he had been a planned scapegoat all along. Executive Zhan chillingly confirmed this, recounting how he personally orchestrated Wu Shuwei's death and even designed Chen Keying's demise. Executive Zhan further taunted Chief Zhao, asserting that he operated without leaving any evidence, ensuring Zhao would never have known his true identity without being told.

He then offered Chief Zhao a deal: take full responsibility for all the crimes, and Executive Zhan would ensure the safety of the Zhao family and Zhao Moqing. Outside, Zhao Moqing, still holding the gun, confronted Jiang Yuelou, demanding her brother's release and threatening to die if he refused. Jiang Yuelou callously invited her to shoot, dismissing her threat as irrelevant to him and stating her life or death had no bearing on him.

Zhao Moqing also accused Jiang of shooting her. Having accepted Executive Zhan's terms, Chief Zhao Jingming confessed to being San Ye. When Jiang Yuelou returned, Commissioner Bai praised Jiang Yuelou for successfully closing the case and announced his intention to submit it to the committee for swift sentencing. Noticing Jiang Yuelou's subdued reaction, Commissioner Bai suggested he was overworked and granted him a week's holiday to rest.

Desperate, Zhao Moqing then sought help from Commander Zhan, begging him to save her brother's life. She offered him control of all the Zhao family's businesses and, in a final act of desperation, offered herself as his concubine if he would persuade the committee to release her brother. Commander Zhan, intrigued, confirmed her sincerity and agreed to intervene. Later, Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi met for wontons. Jiang Yuelou commended Chen Yuzhi's excellent cooperation during the fundraiser.

Jiang then cryptically asked Chen Yuzhi if it was "too late to be treated now." Chen Yuzhi replied gravely that it was "too late," that Jiang was "incurably ill," and that "no one can treat you except me." Meanwhile, Executive Zhan's subordinate reported to him that Commander Zhan had returned to his other mansion, and that Zhao Moqing, after being rejected by Jiang Yuelou, had approached Commander Zhan, offering herself as a concubine for her brother's release. Executive Zhan commented cynically that she was "a sheep coming to the mouth of a tiger," deeming it "evil."

Episode 20 Recap

Boss Yu, who had been performing, returned to Tianyun Garden, stating he didn't want to interfere with the uncle-nephew relationship between Executive Zhan and Commander Zhan. Upon hearing this, Executive Zhan instructed his staff to send several flower baskets to Tianyun Garden. This was to ensure the venue proprietor, who was readily moved by money, understood that Boss Yu was not someone who had come down in the world.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi stood by the doorway, watching snow fall. Chen Yuzhi remarked that this was Jiang Yuelou's first time willingly accepting treatment, questioning if it was related to the recent worker's riot. Jiang Yuelou admitted that if he could control his emotions, matters would resolve more smoothly. He expressed disdain for those who live entirely in the past or in the shadows.

However, he also confessed that his own avoidance of his past meant he was trapped, "as if blocked in an an airless room without door or window." He added that while one couldn't open it from the inside, there might be a way from the outside. Jiang Yuelou then quietly vowed that he had finally avenged Keying.

To improve his mood, Jiang Yuelou proposed they go horseback riding the next day, agreeing to proceed "rainy or windy, it doesn't matter," to "gallop on the field and enjoy nature." At a restaurant, Sun Yongren and Zhong Yiren clashed over a table, both insisting they had booked it. Their heated argument escalated as they recognized each other: Zhong Yiren, a reporter for Jing City Daily, and Sun Yongren, likely the officer Song Rong had mentioned.

They continued to trade insults. Zhong Yiren called Sun Yongren a "pig" and later described him as a "four-eyed frog," while Sun Yongren retorted by calling her a "turtle" and likening her to an "eggplant." Concurrently, Zhao Moqing frantically sought out Commander Zhan, having learned that her brother, Zhao Jingming, had been arrested. She offered herself as a concubine to Commander Zhan if he could persuade the committee to release her brother.

Commander Zhan then informed her that Zhao Jingming had confessed to being San Ye and had already been sentenced to death and executed. Devastated, Zhao Moqing accused Commander Zhan of breaking his promise to save her brother and blamed Jiang Yuelou for his death. Commander Zhan dismissed her grief, curtly reminding her that she was now his "second aunt" and part of his family.

Later, after their ride, Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi encountered Chu Ran, who appeared hesitant and struggled to articulate her purpose. Commander Zhan questioned Executive Zhan about the effectiveness of his operations in Jing City over the past few years. Executive Zhan assured his uncle that he had loyal people in political, business, and military circles. Commander Zhan, however, noted the frequent personnel changes and advised caution to avoid exposing their plans.

Executive Zhan detailed his influence in the Defense, Industry, Military, and Education Departments, particularly emphasizing education as a long-term strategy to cultivate loyal individuals by "cleansing the mind." Commander Zhan then pressed Executive Zhan for an estimated timeline to launch a coup and seize Jing City. Executive Zhan suggested delaying, stating the time was not yet ripe.

Commander Zhan, prioritizing military strength, urged him to expedite the construction of an arsenal, asserting that he would only feel secure with "soldiers and guns in hand." Commander Zhan also revealed his true target was Jiang Yuelou, whom he considered a significant obstacle, and admitted to intentionally sending Jiang Yuelou to Hong Kong, not to die, but as a test of "the survival of the fittest" against Lucas, a HK black police agent trying to monopolize the Southeast Asia market.

Commander Zhan confessed that his previous two attempts to manipulate Jiang Yuelou—fabricating violent police news and orchestrating a disaster relief bribery plan—had failed. He declared he had no more patience and ordered Executive Zhan to eliminate Jiang Yuelou, confirming that a woman assassin was already en route to Jing City. Jiang Yuelou offered to treat Song Rong and Sun Yongren to lunch. Sun Yongren enthusiastically suggested hot pot, and Song Rong agreed.

Jiang Yuelou sent them to buy groceries while he went to invite Chen Yuzhi. When Jiang Yuelou arrived at Chen Yuzhi's home to invite him for hot pot, Chen Yuzhi inquired about Jiang Yuelou's feelings for Chu Ran, asking if he liked her. Jiang Yuelou quickly dismissed the idea, stating he only considered her a friend and believed she felt the same.

He added that a police officer living a precarious life in troubled times had "no right to like anyone." During their hot pot meal, Sun Yongren expressed his wish for an opium-free Jing City, stating he would then enjoy hot pot daily. Song Rong asked Chen Yuzhi about his future plans, to which Chen Yuzhi replied he would "just do what I can to save people."

Song Rong observed that Chen Yuzhi's aspirations were similar to Jiang Yuelou's: Jiang Yuelou desired an opium-free Jing City, while Chen Yuzhi aimed to "heal the wounded and rescue the dying." Meanwhile, Executive Zhan and Mrs. Jiang met to discuss a collaboration. Mrs. Jiang, whose full name was Jiang Shengnan, agreed to "take care of Jiang Yuelou," in exchange for Executive Zhan's assistance in rescuing her son from a prison in Beiping.

Executive Zhan acknowledged Mrs. Jiang's formidable reputation as the "lady snake" and advised her not to underestimate Jiang Yuelou. Separately, Liuli, pursued by unknown individuals, was accidentally knocked down by Chu Min's bicycle. Chu Min, feeling responsible, brought her to Chen Yuzhi's clinic for treatment. Liuli revealed she had been sold to be a dying man's wife, and fled when the man died before the ceremony, leaving her homeless.

Chen Yuzhi, noticing she had no place to go and recognizing her need for employment, offered her a position helping with prescriptions and watching the clinic, along with a salary. Chu Min suggested she stay with his sister, but Chen Yuzhi assured him there was space upstairs. Liuli confirmed her name and inquired about payment. At Tianyun Garden, Commander Zhan and Executive Zhan were enjoying a performance by a new singer, once rumored to have sung for Empress Dowager Cixi.

Suddenly, a shot rang out, an attempt on Commander Zhan's life. A woman in black, Zining, was quickly apprehended. The male singer, her brother, stepped forward, confessing he had stolen the gun—which Commander Zhan had given to Boss Yu—from his room, attempting to take the blame. However, Commander Zhan directly confronted Zining, demanding to know her identity and motive. Zining accused Commander Zhan of the massacre in Tumen Town, asking if he feared retribution.

Commander Zhan then tried to persuade Zining to leave with him, repeatedly calling her name, but she was disoriented. She soon collapsed, gravely wounded, while her brother comforted her as she died. Back at the clinic, Jiang Yuelou visited Chen Yuzhi, who noted that Liuli's smile resembled Keying. Jiang Yuelou then reported a breakthrough in his emotional control, stating that he could now manage his reactions better, even in situations reminiscent of his childhood trauma.

Chen Yuzhi, delighted, encouraged him to continue, reminding him he was his "first patient with a mental illness." As Chu Ran was leaving work after an interview, Jiang Yuelou directly asked her if she liked him. She responded that she had already answered that question with a no. Later, Jiang Yuelou informed Chen Yuzhi that his previous assumption about Chu Ran's feelings was incorrect, confirming that "she doesn't like me."

Episode 21 Recap

Jiang Yuelou reflected on Zining, admitting to a confidant that he was wrong about her feelings for him. He recalled a time when Zining, despite the winter, brought him a precious tangerine, a gift from the Li family’s master after performing with her sister at a private show. She had secretly saved it for him. Executive Zhan returned a gun to Yuboss, instructing him to keep it safe.

Yuboss inquired if Commander Zhan had blamed him, and Executive Zhan assured him he would handle it. Yuboss then asked Executive Zhan if he blamed him for Zining’s death, to which Executive Zhan responded that Yuboss wasn't the murderer. Executive Zhan attributed Zining's actions to consequences stemming from Commander Zhan's past actions, stating that Zining merely sought justice for her family.

He also claimed that Commander Zhan was not at fault either, believing that those who seek to do great things must establish authority and rarely achieve their goals through entirely clean means. Yuboss then questioned if Executive Zhan, having served Commander Zhan for so many years, also had blood on his hands. Executive Zhan noted Yuboss's unusual persistence on the topic, and Yuboss confessed he feared Executive Zhan would be the next target of an assassination attempt.

Executive Zhan reassured him that such a day would never come. Later, Song Rong interviewed Jiang Yuelou, asking him how he, a person who wished to work every day, felt about the holiday and if he ever got bored. Jiang Yuelou responded that he enjoyed the holiday, prompting Song Rong to point out his frequent visits to Yuzhi Hall to see Doctor Chen, implying he was bored.

Song Rong then asked Jiang Yuelou what he would do if Jing City truly achieved its dream of becoming opium-free. Jiang Yuelou mused that if that day ever came, he might return to the countryside with someone and quietly watch the sunset. Chen Yuzhi, after giving Jiang Yuelou an acupuncture treatment, reminded him to stay warm, emphasizing that "cold starts from the feet." At Yuzhi Hall, two individuals, a man and a woman, stormed in, attempting to seize Liuli.

The man, who claimed to be Liuli's brother, intended to sell her for money to buy opium. Chen Yuzhi intervened, defending Liuli. Her brother then offered to sell Liuli to Chen Yuzhi for one hundred yuan, which Chen Yuzhi reluctantly accepted, silencing the brother. After they left, Chen Yuzhi secretly followed them, instructing Liuli to go find Jiang Yuelou. Chen Yuzhi tracked the two to a house he suspected was an opium den, unaware it was a trap.

Jiang Yuelou arrived with Song Rong, Sun Yongren, and other officers. He instructed Chen Yuzhi to wait outside while they entered. Once inside, they found the place empty. Jiang Yuelou realized something was amiss and ordered everyone to evacuate, but the door was locked. As a poisonous gas filled the room, Jiang Yuelou and his team quickly wet their ties and handkerchiefs to cover their mouths and noses, desperately trying to break down the door.

Hearing the commotion, Chen Yuzhi rushed upstairs and discovered Jiang Yuelou and his team trapped. He frantically searched for a way to open the electric door. Soon, Jin Dacheng arrived with reinforcements. The officers inside, having inhaled the toxic gas for too long, began to collapse one by one. By the time Chen Yuzhi located the switch and opened the door, everyone inside had fallen to the ground.

Sun Yongren tragically died during the mission, leaving Jiang Yuelou and the others devastated. Jiang Yuelou was later seen cradling Sun Yongren's body. The loss deeply affected Chen Yuzhi, who, in a subsequent conversation, stated that while the death was not their fault, Sun Yongren had indeed matured through his affections, emphasizing that love itself is never wrong, regardless of how unconventional or unaccepted it may be. He only hoped Sun Yongren would not be betrayed again.

Meanwhile, it was revealed that Liuli was working for Mrs. Jiang. Mrs. Jiang provided Liuli with a gun, which Liuli then used to take her own life. Immediately after Liuli's death, Mrs. Jiang made a phone call, instructing someone to prepare for an "onboarding." Mrs. Jiang sent a message to Executive Zhan, stating that this incident was merely "displaying a part of her talents" and that he should await the "big show."

Executive Zhan mused that staging a grand show was no easy feat, and a single misstep could ruin everything. He decided to wait and observe. Mrs. Jiang believed that if she hadn't insisted on "wiping out" everyone in the Inspection Department, Liuli could have assassinated Jiang Yuelou in a different manner.

Executive Zhan found Mrs. Jiang overly confident, even arrogant, but conceded that it was perhaps for the best, as it would make her realize that Jiang Yuelou was not easily defeated. An unnamed subordinate of Executive Zhan suggested that given Jiang Yuelou's trust in Executive Zhan, it would be simple to poison him during a tea session, implying Jiang Yuelou wouldn't survive.

Executive Zhan, however, dismissed the idea, expressing his admiration for Jiang Yuelou as a friend if they weren't adversaries, and stated he did not wish to personally be responsible for Jiang Yuelou's death. He also found the ongoing rivalry between Jiang Yuelou and Jiang Shengnan more entertaining. He anticipated that the climax of their "big show" would arrive when one side faltered, allowing him to "sit idle and rake in a profit."

In the aftermath, Jiang Yuelou discovered that the owner of the opium den was a Frenchman who resided abroad and employed several laborers to manage the operation. On the surface, there appeared to be no connection between the opium den, Jinma Hall, or Zhao Jingming. Commissioner Bai suggested there must be another underlying reason for such a ruthless attack.

Jiang Yuelou considered the possibility that Zhao Jingming was not "San Ye" (Third Master), and that the true San Ye was someone else. Commissioner Bai, however, found this unlikely, arguing that if Zhao Jingming were not San Ye, he couldn't have been so knowledgeable about the details of the crime.

Commissioner Bai instructed Jiang Yuelou to investigate the docks and stations for any suspicious individuals, suspecting the arrival of new opium dealers from other regions following the disappearance of Jinma Hall. He also mentioned that after Jinma Hall's demise, other organizations like Yinma Hall or Tongma Hall might emerge to profit from the pervasive opium addiction in Jing City.

Commissioner Bai then ordered Jiang Yuelou to eat, as he hadn't consumed anything since the previous evening, emphasizing that it was a direct command. Later, Chu Ran excitedly showed a friend her new tailor-made dress. The friend admired it, and Chu Ran, feeling good about it, then inquired if the friend had a boyfriend.

The friend, who had previously stated she wouldn't need to pursue Song Rong if she had a boyfriend, was then abruptly proposed to by "Mr. Pig," who revealed that he had lied about having a wife and children. He asked her to marry him.

Episode 22 Recap

Song Rong, holding a bouquet of flowers, approached a woman he cared for, asking where she was going and complimenting her appearance. She playfully replied she was going to hear a joke. To her surprise, Song Rong then earnestly asked her to marry him. She reacted with disbelief, reminding him of his previous claim to have a wife and children. He immediately confessed that he had lied about everything and reiterated his proposal.

Suspicious, the woman wondered if he and Sun Yongren were pranking her and repeatedly called for Sun Yongren to appear. When Sun Yongren did not emerge, Song Rong sadly delivered the news that Sun Yongren would not be coming back. The woman's eyes filled with tears as she realized the cruel truth, insisting that this "joke" was not funny at all. She demanded to be taken to see him, and later went to burn incense for Sun Yongren.

Meanwhile, Zhan Junbai spoke with Jiang Yuelou, confirming his commitment to push for Sun Yongren's pension and notify them upon approval. Jiang Yuelou thanked him and then pressed for any leads on the murderer. Zhan Junbai admitted they were still investigating, prompting Jiang Yuelou to ask if Zhao Jingming had divulged anything before his identity was revealed.

When Zhan Junbai questioned if he was suspicious, Jiang Yuelou clarified that his concern was over Zhao Jingming's true identity, suspecting that someone else was the real mastermind behind him. Zhan Junbai acknowledged that this hidden individual should not be underestimated, reflecting that a few minutes' delay in rescue could have prevented their current meeting. Jiang Yuelou, however, asserted his disbelief in destiny, trusting only himself.

Zhan Junbai noted that despite everything, Jiang Yuelou retained his strong temperament, a trait they both shared. Elsewhere, discussions revolved around Bai Jinbo's "wife," revealing she was not legally married to him. She had been a bartender before Bai Jinbo bought her freedom seven years ago, and few people knew of her existence. It was decided that there must be a secret history behind her concealed presence, which needed to be unearthed.

Later, Jiang Yuelou sought out Chen Yuzhi, sharing his strong conviction that the orchestrator of the recent trap was someone close to them, or at least intimately familiar with them both. He elaborated that the culprit knew their relationship, understood Chu Min's nature, and had accurately predicted that Chu Min would bring Liuli to Yuzhi Hall, and that Chen Yuzhi would even take her in.

Chen Yuzhi agreed, admitting that Liuli herself seemed to be part of the elaborate scheme, her resemblance to Ke Ying specifically designed to lower his guard. Jiang Yuelou warned that the danger was far from over and that similar incidents would likely occur. He urged Chen Yuzhi to prioritize his own safety before attempting to rescue others in future perils.

Chen Yuzhi, however, firmly stated that if Jiang Yuelou were to put himself in harm's way, he could not simply stand by, despite Jiang Yuelou's insistence that as a police officer, it was his duty, while Chen Yuzhi had no such obligation to risk his life. At a dance hall, a man approached Mrs. Bai, attempting to dance with her despite her initial refusal. He became aggressive, claiming her as "his" possession.

Another woman, Sister Yali, intervened, scolding the man and demanding he apologize. The man eventually relented and apologized. Sister Yali then offered to buy Mrs. Bai a drink, but she was called away for work by a third guest, apologizing that she needed to earn money. The aggressive man returned, offering to support Sister Yali so she would never have to work again. Later, Mrs. Jiang confronted Mrs. Bai, hinting at incriminating photos.

Mrs. Jiang made it clear she had investigated Mrs. Bai, knowing her routine of visiting the dance hall weekly, avoiding repeat partners, and rarely socializing. Mrs. Jiang revealed she specifically used a song to lure Mrs. Bai, understanding how the music would evoke painful memories of her past with Bai Jinbo, fueling a desire for revenge.

Mrs. Bai poured out her heart, expressing how Bai Jinbo treated her as a mere replacement for his deceased wife for seven long years, keeping her confined like a pet and denying her own life. Mrs. Jiang, in turn, comforted her, stating it wasn't her fault, and emphasized that men were unreliable. She advised Mrs. Bai to trust only herself for a fulfilling life and to make Bai Jinbo pay for his treatment.

Mrs. Jiang suggested that the most painful revenge was to make him suffer worse than death, urging Mrs. Bai to target what he valued most. Recognizing Mrs. Jiang's true intent, Mrs. Bai agreed to cooperate, cementing their shared objective. Commissioner Bai held a meeting with Jiang Yuelou and Jin Dacheng, informing them that three high-ranking officials from Qing City were coming to Jing City for a critical, highly confidential meeting concerning the political status of Qing City and railway expansion.

Mayor Cai had personally assigned their police bureau to handle the security. Commissioner Bai designated them to lead the security detail, promising individual briefings on their specific duties. Jiang Yuelou assured him they would successfully complete the mission. After the meeting, Commissioner Bai privately expressed his sorrow over Sun Yongren's death to Jiang Yuelou. He suggested that Song Rong alone wasn't enough assistance, recommending a new, dedicated recruit named Cheng Qing. Jiang Yuelou acknowledged Cheng Qing, noting his youth.

Commissioner Bai fondly recalled Jiang Yuelou's own youth, starting with him at sixteen, and remarked on how quickly eight years had passed, seeing Jiang Yuelou's growth and his own aging. Jiang Yuelou playfully dismissed the aging comment, attributing the Commissioner's humor to Chen Yuzhi's therapeutic influence. Jiang Yuelou then instructed Song Rong to select a dozen agile officers to accompany him to the station the next day, gathering at the police bureau at 8 AM.

He also summoned Cheng Qing, inquiring about a wound on his face. Cheng Qing explained it happened while investigating a lead at the dock, where he encountered a thief and an accomplice, causing him embarrassment. Jiang Yuelou reassured him that letting such incidents pass would be the real disgrace and told him to seek treatment from an old Zhao.

At Tianyun Garden, the supervisor urged Yutangchun to give his courtyard to Boss Su, claiming Boss Su was the current main performer. He also tried to make Yutangchun leave his opera costumes as a gift for Boss Su, citing Yutangchun's inactivity. Yutangchun refused, stating the costumes were heartfelt gifts from patrons he would not relinquish. The supervisor grew aggressive, reminding Yutangchun he was a "laid-back" guest now and threatening to expel him. Just then, Zhan Junbai arrived.

The supervisor immediately became servile, offering to have Boss Su perform for him. Zhan Junbai accepted, stating the performance would continue until he left, then invited Yutangchun to join him to listen. Chu Min, enjoying a half-day off because Zhan Junbai was at Tianyun Garden, visited Chen Yuzhi’s clinic. He busied himself taking photos with his sister Chu Ran's camera, confident in his skills.

He noticed Yutangchun hadn't been to the clinic recently and, observing Chen Yuzhi’s worried expression at the mention of Yutangchun, asked if something was amiss, but Chen Yuzhi assured him everything was fine. Jiang Yuelou arrived at Yuzhi Hall, asking Chen Yuzhi for a favor the next day: to monitor the kitchen at Jing An Hotel. There would be a special lunch, and Jiang Yuelou needed Chen Yuzhi to test for poison. Chen Yuzhi agreed, promising to bring his tools.

While they spoke, Chu Min took a photo of them. Jiang Yuelou quickly snatched the camera, intending to delete the photo, warning that careless actions could lead to trouble. Chen Yuzhi took the camera back, assuring him that as they were all trusted, the photo wouldn't be leaked. Jiang Yuelou expressed concern that if the photo fell into the wrong hands, Chen Yuzhi could be in great danger.

Chen Yuzhi, however, calmly pointed out that both Jinma Hall and the mysterious mastermind already knew their identities. He suggested keeping the photo as a memento, to which Jiang Yuelou reluctantly agreed, reminding him to keep it safe as it could be important evidence. Chen Yuzhi reassured him he would have his sister develop it. The opera performance continued, and Yutangchun felt it was too long, fearing for the singer's voice.

However, Zhan Junbai seemed to be deliberately prolonging it as a harsh lesson for the singer, claiming some people needed a strong push to learn. Yutangchun expressed concern that such a "lesson" could ruin the singer's decade of dedication. Finally, Zhan Junbai instructed his subordinate, Qiu Ming, to tell the singer to stop, clarifying that the favor was for Yutangchun's sake, not the singer's.

Zhan Junbai then asked Yutangchun if he had made a decision: to remain at Tianyun Garden or return to Mansion Zhan with him. Yutangchun ultimately agreed to return to Mansion Zhan. Later, Mrs. Jiang received the developed photos and negatives from a subordinate, expressing satisfaction. She requested an additional print of one particular photo. She also mentioned she had mostly stopped taking her medicine, as she could now control her emotions.

The subordinate congratulated her, but Mrs. Jiang insisted the thanks were hers. They celebrated with a strong, fiery liquor, with Mrs. Jiang noting its potency. Commissioner Bai called Jiang Yuelou to confirm the full deployment of security at Jing An Hotel, stating his team would take over from that night. He emphasized the need for vigilance the following day. He also ordered that the streets around Jing An Hotel be blocked off.

In her office, Mrs. Jiang meticulously outlined her plan. She identified the Jing An Hotel as the meeting venue, expecting heavy security. Based on intelligence from Cheng Qing, Jiang Yuelou's team would depart the police bureau at 8 AM to pick up the delegates at the station. She calculated the half-hour travel time and the train's 8:50 AM arrival, concluding the station was unsuitable due to crowds and the swift transfer of targets. She determined the assassination must occur at the Jing An Hotel, specifically during the brief, exposed moment between the delegates exiting their vehicle and entering the hotel's front door.

Episode 23 Recap

The assassination team, working for Mrs. Jiang, decided that the Jing An Hotel would be the optimal location for their operation. The train carrying their target from Qing City was scheduled to arrive at 8:50 AM, but the station would be too crowded for a clean shot. Instead, they planned to strike within the few steps from the target's car to the entrance of Jing An Hotel, a precise window where the sniper had a clear line of sight.

Mrs. Jiang expressed confidence in her subordinate's marksmanship. That evening, Jiang Yuelou, Chen Yuzhi, and Chu Ran met at a small restaurant where Chu Ran arrived to deliver photos to the two men. It was the first time the three had shared a drink since their days in Jing City and Hong Kong.

As they caught up and exchanged pleasantries, Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi displayed such a strong, tacit understanding that Chu Ran humorously felt a bit out of place. They shared a few drinks before calling it a night, as Jiang Yuelou had an important mission scheduled for the following day. The next morning, Mrs. Jiang's operative positioned himself on the third floor of a coffee shop, aiming a sniper rifle at Jing An Hotel.

Two police bureau vehicles then pulled up outside. Jiang Yuelou and Song Rong were the first to exit, scanning the surroundings before nodding to the occupants of the second vehicle. Just as Minister Zhou stepped out, he was shot in the head, dying instantly. Jiang Yuelou immediately ordered Song Rong to pursue the assailant, while he rushed to Minister Zhou's side, calling out for Chen Yuzhi.

Chen Yuzhi, rushing to the scene, inadvertently collided with a person carrying a cello case, quickly apologized, and continued to the assassination site. Following the assassination, a furious Mayor Cai summoned Commissioner Bai, expressing his outrage over the botched "top secret mission." He threw a stack of newspapers at Commissioner Bai, revealing that Qing City's mayor had sent thirteen telegrams and the news had already reached Shanghai.

Mayor Cai demanded immediate results, and Commissioner Bai, admitting his failure, guaranteed a swift investigation and accountability. Mayor Cai then inquired about the security team and their specific responsibilities. He learned Jiang Yuelou was in charge of transportation and pickup times, Jin Dacheng managed hotel arrangements and meeting details, while Feng Yu was responsible for food safety, procurement, and kitchen supervision. Feng Yu was temporarily ruled out, as he had no knowledge of the hotel's meeting location.

Mayor Cai instructed Commissioner Bai to focus the investigation on Jiang Yuelou and Jin Dacheng. He emphasized that Minister Zhou's assassination had caused a public outcry, and a public trial was essential once the culprit was apprehended. Jiang Yuelou and Jin Dacheng were subsequently confined to the police bureau. Jiang Yuelou meticulously studied the layout map of Jing An Hotel, while Jin Dacheng appeared drowsy and lamented their misfortune.

Jiang Yuelou pointed out that the building the killer chose was not directly connected to the hotel, thus falling outside the police bureau's initial search radius. However, it was well within the sniper's range. This implied the assassin possessed intimate knowledge of the target's travel route and destination, as well as the police bureau's investigative scope and plans.

Jin Dacheng, still focused on his bad luck, half-jokingly suggested he should have been assigned to food delivery like Feng Yu instead of security. Commissioner Bai then arrived, acknowledging the immense pressure from Mayor Cai. When questioned about their whereabouts between 7:30 and 7:45 AM that morning, Jiang Yuelou stated he was in his office, while Jin Dacheng said he was en route.

Song Rong, brought in as a witness, confirmed he saw Jiang Yuelou on the phone at 7:40 AM when he went to the office door. Jiang Yuelou, however, clarified that he was "receiving" a call, not making one. Jiang Yuelou recognized the situation as eerily similar to a previous opium den incident, where all evidence seemed to falsely implicate him.

With all suspicion pointing his way and no immediate proof of his innocence, he suspected the same mysterious individual was behind this plot. He decided to "meet trick with trick," planning to openly admit guilt. He reasoned that the culprits aimed to corner him with seemingly undeniable evidence, and such a high-profile case would inevitably lead to a public trial. Jiang Yuelou gambled that the mastermind would attend the trial to witness their success.

He believed that even the most meticulous hunter would reveal a subtle weakness when overcome by pride, providing the perfect opportunity for him and his allies to counterattack. Chen Yuzhi expressed concerns about the extreme risk of this plan, fearing that if the mastermind didn't appear, Jiang Yuelou's conviction would be irreversible. However, Jiang Yuelou maintained that there was no other viable option.

The public trial for the assassination of Minister Zhou Fanling was officially scheduled for 9:00 AM on the 19th, at No. 68 Fa Hua Road, with thirty seats available for observers. Mrs. Jiang received a call from San Ye, who congratulated her and stated that tomorrow's public trial would be the final determinant for the release of her son, who was being held in Beiping. San Ye then invited her to witness the trial.

Initially, Mrs. Jiang expressed reluctance, citing the sacrifices her men had made and Jiang Yuelou's reputation already being tarnished. However, her desire to see her son ultimately led her to agree, and San Ye promised to send her an entry pass. Elsewhere, Executive Zhan and another colleague discussed Jiang Yuelou's surprisingly quick confession, despite his notoriously tough and stubborn character. Executive Zhan pondered if it was a trap. Separately, Chen Yuzhi visited Chu Ran, having seen the public trial notice.

He asked if she could secure him a seat among the thirty observers, specifically one of the two allocated to their newspaper office. Chen Yuzhi was deeply concerned that Jiang Yuelou, if provoked at the trial, might suffer a relapse of his emotional disorder, not only jeopardizing his police career but also solidifying a false conviction. To get a spot, he proposed a daring plan: he would induce Chief Editor Yu to have diarrhea, thereby creating an opening for himself.

Chu Ran, initially hesitant, agreed, advising him to take only two pills to avoid overdose and to disguise himself, as many in the police bureau recognized him. At the public trial, Jiang Yuelou was questioned by the chief judge. He confirmed that he was the only one who had all the specific details about receiving Minister Zhou, though eight other members of the inspection team knew the arrival time.

He also confirmed that Minister Zhou's final destination was only revealed after he entered the car. When asked about his whereabouts at 7:40 AM, the time of the assassination, Jiang Yuelou stated he was in his office and had not made any outbound calls. However, witness Song Rong testified that he saw Jiang Yuelou on the phone at that exact time when he went to the office door. Jiang Yuelou clarified that he was "receiving" a call, not making one.

Commissioner Bai then presented evidence of a phone call record from Jiang Yuelou's office to the Qingming Road switchboard, which served buildings around Jing An Hotel, including the Broadway Building where the assassin was located. This revelation shocked many in the courtroom. Despite the mounting evidence, Jiang Yuelou remained composed, confident in his pre-trial instruction to Commissioner Bai to meticulously observe the subtle "micro expressions" of the audience.

He theorized that while others might react with anger, surprise, or disgust, the true mastermind, witnessing their plan unfold, would reveal unique signs of satisfaction and appreciation, however subtly they tried to conceal it. The autopsy results were then presented, confirming Minister Zhou's head wound was caused by a 7. 6mm bullet, a caliber specific to police-issued ammunition, further implicating Jiang Yuelou in the eyes of many.

When asked if he admitted guilt, Jiang Yuelou calmly responded, "Since the evidence is conclusive, does it make a difference if I admit or not?" The chief judge then pronounced the verdict: Jiang Yuelou was found guilty of collaborating with the enemy in the assassination of Minister Zhou Fanling and sentenced to death, to be executed immediately. As the chief judge announced the verdict, Mrs. Jiang, seated in the audience, revealed a subtle smirk, which Commissioner Bai keenly observed.

Immediately upon adjournment, Commissioner Bai pointed her out, shouting, "Catch her!" Police officers scrambled to pursue her. Mrs. Jiang quickly moved towards her waiting car, where her subordinate was ready to assist her escape. Gunshots erupted outside the courtroom, causing a commotion. Chen Yuzhi, who had managed to get into the trial by inducing Chief Editor Yu with diarrhea, also rushed out, managing to capture photographs of Mrs. Jiang and her accomplice as they fled.

Afterward, Jiang Yuelou confirmed to Commissioner Bai that the entire public trial had been a trap designed to draw out the mastermind. He confessed he had gambled on the mastermind's appearance, though he had not expected it to be a woman. He believed the photos Chen Yuzhi took would help identify her. Jiang Yuelou also clarified that the chief judge was not bribed, and only he and Commissioner Bai were aware of this risky plan.

Later, Jiang Yuelou instructed his team to thoroughly question the staff at the Broadway Building, especially the elevator operator and front desk personnel. Chen Yuzhi then recalled that just after hearing the gunshot, as he rushed towards Jing An Hotel, he had bumped into a man carrying a cello case near the Broadway Building. The man had been in such a hurry that he seemed oblivious to the collision. Chen Yuzhi now realized how suspicious that encounter had been.

Episode 24 Recap

Jiang Yuelou informed Chen Yuzhi that the assassin had fired from the rooftop of the Broadway Building. Upon hearing this, Chen Yuzhi recalled his hurried journey toward Jing An Hotel after hearing the gunshots. He remembered bumping into a man carrying a cello downstairs at Broadway. The man was in such a rush that he barely acknowledged the collision before quickly leaving. Reflecting on it now, Chen Yuzhi found the man highly suspicious.

Though he couldn't recall a clear facial description, he estimated the man to be between 175 and 180 centimeters tall, slender, and in his twenties. Jiang Yuelou immediately instructed Song Rong to investigate based on these clues. Meanwhile, Cheng Qing was told by an assistant that someone was looking for Chu Ran. Chu Ran left, but Cheng Qing lingered, looking at a wall filled with photos, none showing faces.

He then picked up an undeveloped photo and walked out, only to be apprehended by Jiang Yuelou and his team who were waiting at the door. Jiang Yuelou questioned Cheng Qing, suggesting he was an insider who knew the travel schedule and destination, and had set up a fake call to make Song Rong the sole witness. Cheng Qing refused to confess and attempted to resist before being quickly subdued and taken to jail.

On the way to his cell, Cheng Qing suddenly seized a guard's gun and tragically took his own life. Zhan Junbai contacted Mrs. Jiang, discussing the recent failed operation and cautioning her against future mistakes. He questioned the progress of their plans in Beiping, assuring her that there was progress. As they spoke, Yutangchun arrived to deliver a medicinal tea prescribed by Chen Yuzhi, which was meant to help with Zhan Junbai's sleep.

Yutangchun overheard the conversation and attempted to discreetly leave, claiming he hadn't heard anything clearly. Still, Zhan Junbai felt uneasy and ordered his subordinates to conduct a more thorough investigation into Yutangchun. Upon Commissioner Bai's return home, Mrs. Bai secretly accessed his briefcase and reviewed his official documents. The following day, Mrs. Bai relayed this information to Mrs. Jiang. Commissioner Bai entrusted Jiang Yuelou with the responsibility of preparing a new arsenal.

He explained that the Military Commission had made a temporary decision to establish an arsenal due to increasing unrest from rebels in the south, who were now nearing Jing City. He instructed Jiang Yuelou to ensure all incoming ammunition was promptly stored in the Dahua Warehouse, emphasizing the importance of this task. Later, Yutangchun visited Chen Yuzhi at Yuzhi Hall. He revealed that he had been dismissed by Tianyunyuan and was now staying at Zhan Junbai's residence.

Chen Yuzhi inquired about Yutangchun's health, specifically his persistent coughing and coughing up blood in the mornings, and then performed a pulse diagnosis. Chen Yuzhi regretfully informed Yutangchun that he had waited too long, and his condition had deteriorated to the point where he likely wouldn't survive the winter. Yutangchun calmly expressed his dislike for the cold winter and his determination to endure until spring.

He then requested Chen Yuzhi to bury him in the apricot forest on the east side of the city. Yutangchun also asked Chen Yuzhi if he knew of any medicine that could induce a quiet, painless death, as he did not wish to face the ugliness of his final moments. Chen Yuzhi admitted he didn't possess such a strictly controlled government drug but suggested that Missionary Hospital might have it, and that Zhan Junbai's influence could easily procure it.

However, Yutangchun insisted he didn't want Zhan Junbai to know, wishing for a quiet and private end. He then requested Chen Yuzhi to bury a favorite costume belonging to Zining with him after his death. Jiang Yuelou led his men to the Dahua Warehouse to oversee the preparations, making sure all windows were removed and replaced with solid concrete. Unbeknownst to them, Mrs. Jiang had already dispatched her people to set an ambush inside the warehouse.

During the inspection, Jiang Yuelou was ambushed and wounded. Song Rong quickly provided covering fire, killing the assailant and telling Jiang Yuelou to escape through a window and contact the police bureau. However, Song Rong was then shot and killed by Mrs. Jiang herself, who appeared from behind. Dazed and close to unconsciousness from a head injury, Jiang Yuelou saw Mrs. Jiang approaching him, mistaking her for his own mother.

As Mrs. Jiang raised her gun to finish him, she noticed a distinctive birthmark on his back, realizing he was indeed her son, Kang Sheng'an, his childhood name being An'er. She lowered her weapon. Soon after, Commissioner Bai arrived with his men, shot Mrs. Jiang, and arrested her, taking her back to the police bureau. Jiang Yuelou was rushed to Yuzhi Hall for urgent medical treatment.

Zhan Junbai's subordinate reported the incident to him, stating that Jiang Yuelou was severely injured and his condition was unstable, while Mrs. Jiang was also shot and her fate unknown. Zhan Junbai mused that the "battle between mother and son" was a "wonderful scene," revealing his satisfaction with his design to make them fight each other.

He then ordered his subordinate to quickly ascertain whether Mrs. Jiang was still alive, stating that her death would simplify matters, while her survival would be a significant nuisance because she might expose him. He revealed that Mrs. Jiang had traveled to Jing City to assassinate Jiang Yuelou, her other son, in exchange for Zhan Junbai's promise to secure the release of her son from Beiping Prison.

At the police bureau, Commissioner Bai interrogated Mrs. Jiang about the mastermind behind the assassination attempts. She claimed sole responsibility, but Commissioner Bai countered that his investigation showed she lacked the influence in Jing City to arrange a mole within the police bureau or to be connected with Zhao Jingming. He surmised that she and Zhao Jingming were merely pawns in someone else's larger game.

Just then, an officer entered to report on Jiang Yuelou's condition, prompting Mrs. Jiang to impulsively blurt out Jiang Yuelou's childhood name, "An'er." Noticing her familiarity with "An'er" and "Kang Sheng'an," Commissioner Bai began to recount how he first met Kang Sheng'an when he was sixteen years old, saving him from a ruthless debt collector who was brutally demanding repayment for his deceased father's small debt, amplified by years of compound interest.

Episode 25 Recap

When Jiang Yuelou regained consciousness, his first thought was of the woman he had seen just before he collapsed. Chen Yuzhi, seeing his weakness, stopped him from rushing to the police bureau, insisting he was too fragile and needed to recover. Chen Yuzhi then went downstairs to fetch some porridge for him. Meanwhile, at the police bureau, Commissioner Bai was speaking with Jiang Rushui (who later identifies herself as Jiang Shengnan), recounting Jiang Yuelou's past.

He recalled saving Jiang Yuelou, then known as Kang Sheng'an, from debt collectors. He remembered Chief Bai's confrontation with Yang Jing's men, asserting his authority and even buying Kang Sheng'an's freedom for 1,000 yuan, despite the debt being 3,000. Commissioner Bai had then taken Kang Sheng'an to the police bureau. He tried to get Kang Sheng'an to open up about his past, but the boy would become uncontrollably emotional.

To protect him from the usurers and help him forget his painful memories, Commissioner Bai offered to change his name. Kang Sheng'an chose the surname "Jiang," after his mother. Commissioner Bai then proposed "Jiang Yuelou," which Kang Sheng'an accepted. Jiang Yuelou, still deeply troubled, confessed to Chen Yuzhi that before he fainted, he saw the woman with a gun approaching him.

He couldn't make out her face, but the sensation was overwhelmingly familiar, and he believed she might be his long-lost mother. He wanted to go to the police bureau to confirm her identity. Chen Yuzhi, concerned about Jiang Yuelou’s fragile condition, prohibited him from going. Instead, he asked for his mother’s name, "Jiang Rushui," and promised to investigate with Commissioner Bai.

At the police bureau, Commissioner Bai pressed Jiang Rushui to reveal the mastermind behind her actions, but she steadfastly refused, claiming sole responsibility and daring him to kill her. Just then, Chen Yuzhi arrived, sent by Jiang Yuelou to inquire about his mother. Commissioner Bai was taken aback, realizing that Jiang Rushui was indeed Jiang Yuelou’s mother. He expressed bewilderment at her transformation into a drug trafficker, particularly one who had targeted Jiang Yuelou.

Recognizing Jiang Yuelou's growing suspicion, Commissioner Bai warned Chen Yuzhi that revealing the truth would be incredibly difficult for Jiang Yuelou to handle, leaving them in an impossible dilemma. Upon Chen Yuzhi's return, he found Jiang Yuelou awake. Chen Yuzhi tried to mislead him, claiming the name Jiang Yuelou mentioned was incorrect and suggesting his "vision" was a hallucination, a form of hysteria caused by his intense longing for his mother. However, the truth was already spreading.

In the prison, an informant (likely working for the mastermind) deliberately manipulated inmates, many of whom hated Jiang Yuelou, into spreading rumors that his mother was a drug trafficker. This ensured the news reached the police and the general public, making concealment impossible. Soon after, Chu Ran visited Jiang Yuelou, informing him that Zhong Yiren had received intelligence from a source within the police bureau confirming his mother's identity.

Chu Ran surmised that the mastermind was aware of their relationship and was exploiting Jiang Shengnan to force Jiang Yuelou into a difficult choice. Jiang Yuelou, though understanding the manipulation, felt compelled to confront the situation despite his weakened state. Unbeknownst to them, the mastermind, a high-ranking executive, was pleased to hear that Jiang Yuelou now knew, viewing the mother-son conflict as "a good show."

Meanwhile, prison guards gossiped about Chief Jiang's predicament, fearing for his career and discussing the impossible choice he faced regarding his mother's fate. Taking the initiative, Jiang Yuelou took some medicine and asked Chu Ran to investigate the person who sold the information. Chu Ran promised to notify him immediately if she found anything. Jiang Yuelou then went to the police bureau, accompanied by Chen Yuzhi, who waited outside.

Jiang Shengnan, having considered her options, agreed to disclose the mastermind's identity but only after seeing Jiang Yuelou. Commissioner Bai, after some hesitation, granted her five minutes. Jiang Shengnan revealed her self-chosen name, "Jiang Shengnan," meaning she wanted to be stronger than men, having endured immense suffering. Her birth name was Jiang Rushui.

She recounted her tragic past: Jiang Yuelou's father had become addicted to opium when he was a small child, plunging their family into a life of constant beatings, cold, and humiliation. She was even forced to endure public shaming by his father's associates, all for the sake of his opium. Unable to bear it any longer, she attempted suicide by jumping into the Jing River. However, she was rescued by an opium dealer who treated her with kindness.

They eventually had a child together. After his recent death, she naturally took over his business, thus walking the same path that had ruined her family. She mused on the irony of how opium destroyed her family, and now, through her actions, she destroyed countless others. As she spoke, she suddenly began to cough and bleed from her nose, hastily wiping the blood away.

She confessed to Commissioner Bai that she had taken a potent poison, intending to die to avoid implicating Jiang Yuelou further. She remorsefully admitted to being an unfit mother, thanking Commissioner Bai for raising him. With her dying breath, she desperately pleaded with Commissioner Bai for one final opportunity to see her son and cook a meal for him, to fulfill a mother's duty one last time. Commissioner Bai, moved by her plea, reluctantly agreed.

Jiang Shengnan completed preparing the meal just as Jiang Yuelou arrived. Commissioner Bai confirmed that he had allowed her to be in the dining room, a decision Jiang Yuelou questioned, insisting she was a prisoner. Jiang Yuelou struggled internally, reminding himself to act as a son, not Chief Jiang, and as Kang Sheng'an, his old name. Jiang Shengnan, tears welling in her eyes, called him "An'er." Jiang Yuelou gently corrected her, stating his name was Jiang Yuelou now.

She apologized profusely, acknowledging her absence for thirteen years was entirely her fault. She offered him steamed buns and soup, saying she had made his favorites. Meanwhile, outside, Chen Yuzhi expressed his concern for Jiang Yuelou to Commissioner Bai. Commissioner Bai revealed that Jiang Yuelou's willingness to confide his old name, Kang Sheng'an, to Chen Yuzhi demonstrated his deep trust, as he typically kept that part of his past secret.

Commissioner Bai confided that Jiang Yuelou carried immense pain and loneliness, and that Chen Yuzhi had become his most trusted confidant. Jiang Yuelou, inside, refused the food, stating he was no longer the "little Kang Sheng'an" who loved them, and he no longer liked anything she cooked. When Jiang Shengnan tearfully asked what she could do to earn his forgiveness, Jiang Yuelou's voice cracked with pain and anger.

He asked if she had ever considered how he, a small child, would survive after she abandoned him. He declared that from the moment she chose this irreversible path, her hands became stained with blood and opium, and neither he nor the world would ever forgive her.

Episode 26 Recap

Jiang Yuelou's mother, having already consumed poison, urged him to take good care of himself and warned him to be wary of San Ye before succumbing to the fatal effects. Overcome with grief and regret, Jiang Yuelou cried out for her to wake up and allow him to call her "Mother" one last time, expressing his yearning for the steamed dumplings and salted pork and bamboo shoot soup she used to make, just like in his childhood.

He lamented his harsh words to her, feeling like a complete failure for his hurtful remarks. Chen Yuzhi, observing Jiang Yuelou's profound sorrow, explained that his mother's dying wish was to cook his favorite meal and spend some final moments with him, having already consumed poison to avoid implicating him. Chen Yuzhi comforted him, reminding him that the dead cannot return, but the living must continue to live well.

Though Jiang Yuelou initially refused food, grieving that the unique taste of his mother's cooking would never be recreated, Chen Yuzhi offered solace, suggesting they could visit Jing City's best steamed dumpling restaurant together. Jiang Yuelou, overwhelmed, simply said he was alright and left. Later that night, after waking from a dream filled with childhood memories of his family enjoying his mother's cooking, Jiang Yuelou compulsively consumed a large amount of medicine.

The following day, Jin Dacheng led his team to investigate a gruesome massacre, where no one was left alive. At the scene, his subordinate discovered a watch that looked strikingly familiar, which Jin Dacheng then picked up. Back at the police bureau, Commissioner Bai confronted Jiang Yuelou, demanding to know the whereabouts of his watch. Jiang Yuelou claimed he had lost it.

Jin Dacheng then produced the watch, confirming it belonged to Jiang Yuelou, and sarcastically questioned why the Chief, who constantly accused others, would commit such a horrific act by massacring a family late at night. Jiang Yuelou calmly asserted that the victims deserved their fate, accusing them of predatory usury that had ruined countless innocent lives and torn families apart.

Commissioner Bai, stunned, asked if Jiang Yuelou truly killed Yang Jing, and to his astonishment, Jiang Yuelou admitted to the murders without hesitation. Enraged, Commissioner Bai slapped Jiang Yuelou, disarmed him, and ordered his immediate arrest. Meanwhile, Chen Yuzhi, concerned about Jiang Yuelou's emotional state, went to his residence. Finding the door unlocked, he entered and discovered an array of scattered medicine, confirming his earlier fears about Jiang Yuelou's instability.

At the police bureau, Commissioner Bai instructed Jin Dacheng to suppress the news of Jiang Yuelou's involvement, fearing the immense negative impact on the police bureau if it became public. However, Jin Dacheng had already contacted reporters before departing for the crime scene, hoping to gain prestige from solving a major case. Commissioner Bai, furious at Jin Dacheng's blunder, ordered all reporters to be immediately sent away and denied any interviews.

Outside the police bureau, Chen Yuzhi encountered Chu Ran, who had arrived after her newspaper received a tip about the massacre. Chen Yuzhi shared his concerns about Jiang Yuelou's emotional volatility following his mother's suicide, revealing that he had found a mess of scattered medicine at Jiang Yuelou's home that morning. A police officer emerged, telling the waiting reporters that the case was under investigation and confidential, urging them to leave.

When Chen Yuzhi requested to see Section Chief Jiang Yuelou, the officer stated that he likely would not be able to see him again. This alarming statement raised suspicions in Chen Yuzhi and Chu Ran, who wondered if San Ye was somehow involved in framing Jiang Yuelou. Chen Yuzhi decided to seek out Commissioner Bai for more information, while asking Chu Ran to find Yiren to question the cleaner who provided intelligence.

Elsewhere, Yutangchun secured a potent Western medicine that could cause silent death during sleep, which he then ground into a fine powder. A subordinate reported to Zhan Junbai about Jiang Yuelou's confession and imprisonment. Zhan Junbai, deciding to feign ignorance of the matter for now, stating he would wait and see how things developed, sent his subordinate to his annex.

Yutangchun, having heard that Commander Zhan enjoyed sweets, personally prepared sesame cakes and asked Zhan Junbai to deliver them to the Commander, seeking to mend any past ill feelings. Zhan Junbai, however, secretly instructed his subordinate to have the sesame cakes investigated later. Back at the police bureau, Commissioner Bai reported the massacre to Mayor Cai, who angrily chastised Bai for trusting Jiang Yuelou, a police chief who murdered four people overnight.

Fearing severe public backlash that could cost them both their positions, Mayor Cai ordered Bai to quickly find a death row inmate to take the blame for the massacre, and swiftly conclude the case. He further decreed that Jiang Yuelou was to be secretly executed, with the official announcement being that he died in the line of duty. Commissioner Bai was taken aback by the drastic measures but ultimately complied.

Chen Yuzhi waited for Commissioner Bai and was led inside to discuss Jiang Yuelou's case. Chen Yuzhi found it impossible to believe Jiang Yuelou was truly responsible, given his seemingly stable emotional state the day before, questioning how he could have lost control to such an unreasonable degree overnight. Commissioner Bai explained that the victims were the very people who had once exploited Jiang Yuelou's father, coercing him into trading his wife for opium.

Though Bai had cut off their financial dealings after adopting Jiang Yuelou and believed he had moved past his desire for revenge, Jiang Yuelou's deep-seated resentment, combined with the recent trauma of his mother's death, likely triggered a vengeful mentality. Bai speculated that Jiang Yuelou might have merely been acting normal previously, and no one could stop him once he set his mind on something.

Chen Yuzhi, blaming himself for not insisting on staying with Jiang Yuelou, asked to visit him, but Commissioner Bai refused, stating Jiang Yuelou was held in a very secret location. Meanwhile, Zhan Junbai met with Commander Zhan, who gloated that Jiang Yuelou had effectively sealed his own fate without them lifting a finger. Zhan Junbai predicted that Mayor Cai would opt for a secret execution to avoid public scandal.

Commander Zhan then inquired if their own plans could proceed, expressing concern that Mayor Cai was already stockpiling weapons for an arsenal, which would complicate their operations once the arms were in place. Zhan Junbai revealed that the arsenal plan had been delayed, thanks to Jiang Yuelou, but their own current military supplies were limited.

He suggested a strategy akin to "borrowing arrows with straw boats," meaning they would wait for Mayor Cai's arms to be transported into the city and then seize them. Zhan Junbai also informed Commander Zhan that he had already acquired several crucial road sections within the city and was gradually putting them into operation, which would allow them to cut off connections between urban areas, preventing mutual support during their operation. Commander Zhan praised Zhan Junbai's cunning.

Later, Commissioner Bai confided in Chen Yuzhi, proposing they must dramatically publicize Jiang Yuelou's case to buy more time and find a way to save him from secret execution. Chen Yuzhi suggested leveraging a recently enacted law regarding a criminal's mental state, arguing that if Jiang Yuelou's actions were due to a mental health issue, his crimes could be reconsidered for leniency.

Commissioner Bai acknowledged the existence of such a law, intended to align with Western legal systems, but noted it had never been used. Despite the difficulty, Chen Yuzhi insisted they must try, willing to risk everything for Jiang Yuelou. He confirmed Jiang Yuelou's arrest by Jin Dacheng at the police bureau that morning and Mayor Cai's order for secret execution to minimize the impact. Recognizing that public support was crucial, Chen Yuzhi urged Commissioner Bai to use his influence in the media to win over the public by proving Jiang Yuelou's emotional disorder.

Episode 27 Recap

Yutangchun presented her homemade sesame cake to Chu Min, who declined, suggesting it be saved for Executive Zhan Junbai as a late-night snack. Yutangchun informed him that Zhan Junbai was allergic to sesame, which would cause red rashes, and she had prepared other desserts for him. She noted Chu Min's recent absence from the mansion and asked if he had been assigned to the annex.

Chu Min explained that Zhan Junbai disliked strangers, and the mansion rarely had visitors apart from himself and Moqing. He further elaborated on Zhan Junbai's extreme caution, revealing that he only consumed food vetted by Adjutant Zhang, his trusted subordinate of ten years. Yutangchun, in a private moment, reflected on Zhan Junbai’s extreme caution, realizing that even her homemade food would likely be vetted by Adjutant Zhang.

She mused that it would be safer to carry out any plans after several successful attempts to gain his trust. Meanwhile, Chen Yuzhi discussed Jiang Yuelou's situation with Chu Ran, emphasizing the need for proof of Jiang Yuelou's emotional illness, a task too difficult for him alone. He decided they must seek assistance from the Church Clinic, which possessed deeper expertise in Western medicine. Chu Ran suggested approaching Executive Zhan for help, given his connections to the church.

However, Chen Yuzhi expressed reservations, believing that fewer people should know about Jiang Yuelou's predicament. He worried that Zhan Junbai's involvement, if exploited by malicious individuals, could severely damage their standing in the public eye. Chu Ran agreed with his cautious approach. Back at the police bureau, Mrs. Bai questioned Commissioner Bai about the death of Lady Snake, Jiang Yuelou's mother. She pressed him, asking if Lady Snake had revealed any internal traitors within the police bureau before her demise.

Commissioner Bai grew suspicious of his wife's sudden interest in police matters. Mrs. Bai feigned concern for his well-being, but Commissioner Bai sternly warned her to refrain from inquiring about police affairs and to keep silent to avoid bringing trouble upon herself. Newspaper headlines announced that Jiang Yuelou, Chief of the Inspection Division, had been diagnosed with a mental illness, characterized by uncontrollable emotions and aggression, deeming him a danger to society and recommending compulsory treatment.

Jiang Yuelou was subsequently confined to a mental hospital and assigned the number "9," as patients there were identified only by numbers, not names. A nurse attempted to administer medication, but Jiang Yuelou vehemently denied being ill, demanding to be released and to see Commissioner Bai. The nurse explained that Commissioner Bai was busy, but was acting in Jiang Yuelou's best interest, stating that staying in the hospital was his only option.

Jiang Yuelou defiantly admitted to killing Yang Jing, justifying it as punishing vice, but the nurse reminded him that regardless of Yang Jing's actions, murder was a crime, and his only recourse was to receive treatment. At Mansion Zhan, Zhan Junbai received an update from Chu Min regarding Brother Jiu's investigation into Yutangchun's background. Yutangchun had claimed to be the sole survivor from Xijiang after her family was massacred by warlords.

However, Brother Jiu's intelligence indicated a half-year discrepancy in the timeline of the warlords' entry into the city, a detail Yutangchun, known for her meticulousness, should not have misremembered. Zhan Junbai ordered Brother Jiu to continue the investigation, speculating on Yutangchun's motives: either financial gain or revenge. He dismissed financial gain, as Yutangchun rarely showed interest in his work.

He found revenge unlikely, given Yutangchun had risked her life to save him during an assassination attempt and had not acted against him despite living in the mansion for an extended period. Chu Min then suggested Yutangchun's target might not be Zhan Junbai himself, but someone connected to him, specifically mentioning Miss Zining, whom Yutangchun was close with. Zhan Junbai recalled that Zining had assassinated him due to his past actions in battle, acknowledging he had killed many.

He pondered if Yutangchun's family could have been among his victims. Chu Min further noted the inexplicable nature of the sesame cake incident, where nothing harmful was found, yet Yutangchun had deliberately scattered sesame to prevent Zhan Junbai from accidentally eating it. Zhan Junbai told him to continue the investigation into Yutangchun. Their conversation shifted to Jiang Yuelou. Chu Min reported that Doctor Hua was subjecting Jiang Yuelou to increasingly intense electrocution sessions daily, leaving him unconscious each time.

Despite the torture, Jiang Yuelou remained defiant, constantly criticizing Commissioner Bai and the government in his ward, accusing them of misgovernance and advocating harsh measures for a chaotic era. He even hurled insults at Commissioner Bai. Zhan Junbai concluded that Jiang Yuelou appeared to be truly mad and ordered his car to be prepared to go to the annex. Meanwhile, Jiang Yuelou and Commissioner Bai were secretly enacting a high-stakes plan.

Jiang Yuelou revealed that his confinement and erratic behavior were a ruse to draw out San Ye, who had been a looming threat since his mother's dying warning. Jiang Yuelou explained that investigating San Ye while they were exposed was futile; they needed to create a situation where San Ye would reveal himself.

Commissioner Bai expressed concerns about the plan's risks, but Jiang Yuelou insisted it was better than passively awaiting their doom, calculating their chances of success at fifty percent. He believed the optimal time to execute the plan was immediately, capitalizing on his mother's death and his perceived emotional breakdown to justify seeking revenge, which San Ye would likely observe given his presumed knowledge of Jiang Yuelou's supposed emotional issues.

Jiang Yuelou instructed Commissioner Bai to arrange for Yang Jing's family to leave Jing City overnight, change their identities, and never return, and also to find corpses to fake a crime scene. He also insisted on keeping Chen Yuzhi unaware of the true plan, fearing that Chen Yuzhi's close association would put him in danger.

Jiang Yuelou predicted Chen Yuzhi would advocate for him by leveraging legal loopholes regarding mental illness, leading him to seek help from Chu Ran to generate public support. Jiang Yuelou anticipated San Ye would attempt to recruit him as a pawn rather than assassinate him, as his perceived turn against the government would make him a valuable asset.

He estimated San Ye would take about a week to observe the situation before making a move, expecting visitors like Chen Yuzhi, Chu Ran, and even Moqing, whose brother had indirectly died because of him and who now held a grudge and was close to Zhan Junbai. Jiang Yuelou vowed to adapt to any situation, and Commissioner Bai urged him to survive at all costs.

Later, Chu Ran attempted to visit Jiang Yuelou at the mental hospital, but a nurse informed her that open visits were not allowed due to the patient's unstable condition. Chu Ran pleaded to at least observe him from a distance to confirm his well-being, identifying herself as his best friend. The nurse relayed that she would report the request to the director. Back with Chen Yuzhi, Chu Ran discussed Jiang Yuelou's week-long confinement and the lack of information.

Chen Yuzhi suggested trying Commissioner Bai again, but Chu Ran countered that Commissioner Bai was already in trouble due to Jiang Yuelou's situation and their close association could lead to further complications, including a potential re-sentencing for Jiang Yuelou. Chen Yuzhi then considered asking Executive Zhan for help, reasoning that since the medical identification of Jiang Yuelou's condition was finalized, Zhan Junbai's influence might secure a visit without compromising fairness.

Meanwhile, Moqing approached Zhan Junbai, seeking his help in eliminating Jiang Yuelou as revenge for her brother's death. Zhan Junbai assured her that while he wouldn't kill Jiang Yuelou immediately—fearing the ongoing fallout from the incident with Mayor Cai—he would ensure Jiang Yuelou suffered a fate worse than death in the mental hospital. He intended to wait until Jiang Yuelou was forgotten as a "clown" before making his final move, if any.

Soon after, Chu Ran arrived at Mansion Zhan, seeking Executive Zhan's assistance. Yutangchun met her and, noting Zhan Junbai's absence, suggested they wait in the garden. While they waited, Chu Min discussed strategy with Zhan Junbai. Chu Min proposed that if Jiang Yuelou genuinely turned against the government, he could be a valuable tool in their power struggle. Zhan Junbai agreed, viewing Jiang Yuelou's break with the government as an "unexpected surprise."

He pondered the authenticity of Jiang Yuelou's rebellion, but approved Chu Min's plan to explore it. Zhan Junbai then instructed Chu Min to eliminate Lady Snake's son, who was imprisoned in Beiping, as a "root cause" of trouble. Chu Min calmly revealed he had already arranged for Jinma Hall members to kill him on the day Lady Snake died, earning Zhan Junbai's praise. They then discussed the re-establishment of Jinma Hall in Jing City, which now lacked obstacles.

When Zhan Junbai finally met Chu Ran, he feigned ignorance of her wait in the cold, gently chiding Yutangchun for not inviting her indoors. Chu Ran explained she was seeking his help, given his extensive connections, to arrange a visit to Jiang Yuelou. Zhan Junbai initially expressed reservations, claiming he could not condone Jiang Yuelou's actions, despite having once trusted and admired him.

Chu Ran passionately argued that Jiang Yuelou had deep-seated difficulties, and his actions were an "accident" due to his illness. After much pleading from Chu Ran, Zhan Junbai agreed to make a call from his study. During the call, Zhan Junbai spoke with "San Ye," arranging a visit for Jiang Yuelou the following morning at 10 AM in a room with a hidden observation side.

He also stated his intention to be present and observe Jiang Yuelou secretly, instructing that the area be cleared beforehand. Returning to Chu Ran, Zhan Junbai informed her that the hospital had agreed to a 10-minute visit for one person. He expressed regret that he couldn't accompany her, feigning that it was due to the one-person restriction. Chu Ran gratefully accepted and prepared to leave.

She then told Chen Yuzhi that only one person could go and encouraged him to be the one to visit, as he was better suited and closer to the hospital. Chen Yuzhi promised to seize the opportunity to speak with Jiang Yuelou. Unbeknownst to Chen Yuzhi and Chu Ran, Jiang Yuelou was marking the days on his wall inside the mental hospital. He meticulously kept track of time. Upon hearing footsteps approaching his room, he quickly feigned a deranged state, lying down and whistling, as a hidden observer watched him from the side room.

Episode 28 Recap

The scheduled yard time at the mental hospital concluded, and an attendant informed Jiang Yuelou, referred to as "number nine," that he had a visitor. Jiang Yuelou reacted with sarcasm, questioning who would dare visit him at such a place. Upon seeing Chen Yuzhi, Jiang Yuelou's demeanor grew cold. He mockingly asked if Chen Yuzhi truly believed a "normal person" could adapt to living in a mental asylum, or if Chen Yuzhi considered him insane.

Chen Yuzhi attempted to calm Jiang Yuelou, advising him to control his emotions, but Jiang Yuelou dismissed his words and grew agitated. An attendant intervened, reprimanding Chen Yuzhi for attempting to provide private medication, stating that Jiang Yuelou was now their patient and subject to their rules. Chen Yuzhi, who had previously been Jiang Yuelou's private doctor, explained the medication was for mood control and pleaded for more time, which the attendant reluctantly granted.

Chen Yuzhi expressed his and Chu Ran's deep concern for Jiang Yuelou, but Jiang Yuelou retorted with bitterness, asking if their concern could get him released. He accused Chen Yuzhi of believing he was a lunatic who deserved to be confined. Chen Yuzhi denied this, prompting Jiang Yuelou to question whether he should have killed the four people he was accused of murdering.

Chen Yuzhi stated he shouldn't have, leading Jiang Yuelou to sarcastically conclude that Chen Yuzhi viewed him as a "violent murderer." Chen Yuzhi clarified that Jiang Yuelou's actions were due to his emotions overwhelming his brain, not because of an inherent flaw. Jiang Yuelou then sarcastically agreed that Chen Yuzhi thought he was "ill," further challenging him on whether a mood illness was a mental problem, to which Chen Yuzhi reluctantly affirmed.

Jiang Yuelou accused Chen Yuzhi of being behind his committal, asserting that Bai Jinbo, Jiang Yuelou's supposed mentor, wouldn't understand such Western medical terms. He lashed out, claiming Bai Jinbo merely used him as a pawn to secure and consolidate his position as Commissioner, only to discard him once he became "useless" and problematic. He accused Chen Yuzhi of colluding with others to send him to the asylum.

Chen Yuzhi expressed how deeply hurt he was by Jiang Yuelou's words, but Jiang Yuelou merely told him to "get away" and stop wasting his time. Unbeknownst to them, Zhan Junbai watched the entire exchange from an adjacent room, observing with interest. Chen Yuzhi, refusing to give up, asked if Jiang Yuelou had a hidden motive, to which Jiang Yuelou exploded, mocking Chen Yuzhi for acting like a "savior."

He defiantly stated that he was tired of pretending to be someone he wasn't, declaring that their friendship was only possible because he had previously suppressed his true nature. He now enjoyed the freedom of doing whatever he pleased, unbound by rules. Chen Yuzhi warned him not to regret his words in the future. As the ten-minute visiting time concluded, Jiang Yuelou was escorted back to his ward, while Zhan Junbai dismissed the encounter as "boring."

Jiang Yuelou, still in character, threatened the attendants, but they seemed to believe his performance. After the visit, Chen Yuzhi confided in a friend, expressing that Jiang Yuelou was not the person he once knew. He feared that Jiang Yuelou's apparent breakdown might be a deceptive maneuver hiding a deeper, more dangerous plan, given his past determination to pursue his goals relentlessly. Chen Yuzhi resolved to investigate from other angles and contact Doctor Qiu for more insights.

Meanwhile, Zhan Junbai ordered the mental hospital to arrange a cleaner's job for Sun Heying, who was returning from Beiping within a few days. Zhan Junbai also received an update regarding Yutangchun. Brother Jiu had investigated Yutangchun's photograph and located a distant relative of the Fu family. The relative confirmed that Yutangchun's appearance bore a striking resemblance to Fu Cheng, the long-missing second son of the Fu family.

This revelation triggered a flashback for Zhan Junbai, confirming his involvement in a past massacre where he ruthlessly killed an entire family. This implied he was the one who murdered Yutangchun's mother, and the watch Yutangchun remembered seeing belonged to Zhan Junbai. A subordinate advised Zhan Junbai to eliminate Yutangchun as a precautionary measure.

Zhan Junbai inquired about Fu Cheng's characteristics, learning that he had been frail since childhood, sustained by imperial doctor-prescribed pills, and that several ingredients in these pills were incompatible with crabs, posing a life-threatening risk if consumed. Remembering an incident when Fu Cheng, at eight, nearly died after eating crab roe, Zhan Junbai ordered crabs to be served for dinner that night.

During dinner at Zhan Junbai's residence, Zhan Junbai noted Yutangchun's sore throat (an old recurring issue), then mentioned his own neck pain, suggesting a joint visit to Yuzhi Hall for treatment after dinner. Zhan Junbai then offered Yutangchun crabs, which were specially sent from an annex. Yutangchun initially declined, citing the crabs' cold nature, but Zhan Junbai insisted he try them with ginger juice and then have ginger tea. Yutangchun reluctantly tasted the crab, admitting it was delicious.

Shortly after, Yutangchun excused himself to wash his hands, then secretly went to the bathroom and vomited the crabs he had eaten. Outside the door, Qiu Ming could be heard listening intently. Separately, Chen Yuzhi called Doctor Qiu for advice on Jiang Yuelou's psychological state. Doctor Qiu, not specializing in psychology, admitted he could not offer much help but promised to contact Chen Yuzhi if he found anything suspicious. Later that evening, Zhan Junbai and Yutangchun arrived at Yuzhi Hall.

Yutangchun explained his visit was for his recurring throat issue, while Zhan Junbai expressed a desire for acupuncture for his recent neck and shoulder pain. Chen Yuzhi informed Zhan Junbai that his acupuncture needles were being disinfected and suggested treating Yutangchun first. Zhan Junbai agreed. Chen Yuzhi then took Yutangchun upstairs, questioning him about the delay in seeking treatment.

Yutangchun claimed he avoided disturbing Chen Yuzhi, who had been preoccupied with Jiang Yuelou's case, and thought he could endure it for a few more days. As Chen Yuzhi was about to treat Yutangchun, Zhan Junbai again asked about the needles, so Chen Yuzhi suggested they both go upstairs, and he would follow after preparing the needles. Once upstairs, Chen Yuzhi performed acupuncture on Zhan Junbai, who quickly succumbed to fatigue and fell asleep.

Chen Yuzhi immediately turned his attention to Yutangchun, who was in severe distress, coughing up blood. Chen Yuzhi quickly administered treatment, and Yutangchun, recovering slightly, pleaded with Chen Yuzhi to keep his condition secret from Zhan Junbai, promising to explain everything later. Chen Yuzhi agreed. After some time, Chen Yuzhi removed the needles from Zhan Junbai and woke him, explaining that his deep sleep was due to extreme fatigue.

He advised Zhan Junbai to rest more and exercise to recover his health faster. Meanwhile, during the mental hospital's yard time, Jiang Yuelou spotted a familiar face: Sun Heying, whom he recognized as Sun Heming's twin brother. Sun Heying confirmed that Jiang Yuelou had seen his face before and addressed him as "Number 9," questioning if Jiang Yuelou was affiliated with the Jinma Hall. With only five minutes of yard time left, Sun Heying proposed a "cooperation."

Jiang Yuelou feigned disinterest, claiming he had nothing to gain from cooperating, anticipating Sun Heying would offer a way out in exchange for joining Jinma Hall. Sun Heying countered by highlighting that Jiang Yuelou had been abandoned by the police bureau, deeming him a "discarded piece" whose life no one cared about. He questioned if Jiang Yuelou was truly content with his current humiliation and whether he harbored any desire for revenge against those who brought him to this point.

Jiang Yuelou's demeanor shifted as he agreed, stating he saw nothing wrong with revenge, especially against those who had persecuted him first. He casually dismissed the lives he took as "worthless." Sun Heying resonated with this sentiment, stating that the Jinma Hall's philosophy was to retaliate fiercely if provoked. Jiang Yuelou enthusiastically agreed, expressing his long-held disdain for societal constraints.

As yard time ended, Sun Heying offered Jiang Yuelou a way out: pretend to be ill at 6 PM that evening, and he would facilitate Jiang Yuelou's escape. Later, Yutangchun attempted to acquire bullets for gun practice but was informed by a subordinate that a new rule, enacted last night, prohibited the release of any firearms or ammunition without Zhan Junbai's express consent. Elsewhere, Princess Zhong was complaining of boredom to a friend, Yiren.

Yiren suggested that Princess Zhong's change in interests stemmed from Sun Yongren's departure, prompting Princess Zhong to assert that her current state had nothing to do with him. Princess Zhong then turned the conversation to Yiren, accusing her of being duplicitous about her feelings for Jiang Yuelou, stating that Yiren harbored deep affection for him but was too afraid to confess it, losing sleep over him, and unconditionally believing in and protecting him even when he was labeled a murderer. Yiren maintained her right to her feelings, but Princess Zhong challenged her to confess them to the world if she dared.

Episode 29 Recap

Jiang Yuelou, still held in the mental hospital, firmly asserted his freedom and character, dismissing accusations of being a murderer. Sun Heying, reiterating their agreement, instructed Jiang Yuelou to feign illness at 6 PM for his pickup. Shortly after, Sun Heying reported to Zhan Junbai, expressing high confidence in Jiang Yuelou's cooperation. He explained that Jiang Yuelou, like them, disliked restrictions and only sought recognition, suggesting that helping him overcome his internal struggles would align them.

Zhan Junbai, however, remained cautious, ordering Sun Heying to take Jiang Yuelou to Tianyun Garden where he planned to test Jiang Yuelou amidst a crowd. He specifically tasked Qiu Ming with ensuring Chen Yuzhi's presence at Tianyun Garden, intending to observe Jiang Yuelou's reaction upon encountering his old acquaintance. Following this, Zhan Junbai departed for his annex. At the annex, a guard announced the arrival of a guest, Boss Yu, who claimed to be a friend of Executive Zhan Junbai.

Commander Zhan initially dismissed him, finding him unworthy, but Boss Yu persisted, claiming he had sensitive information about Executive Zhan Junbai's private opinions and conduct regarding the Commander. This piqued Commander Zhan's interest, confirming his underlying distrust of Zhan Junbai. Boss Yu then pulled out a gun, revealing he was the one who had attempted to kill Commander Zhan at Tianyun Garden previously, and declared his intent to finish the job.

Commander Zhan swiftly disarmed him and, without a word, angrily shot his subordinate dead for failing to frisk Boss Yu upon entry. Meanwhile, Jiang Yuelou executed his escape plan at the mental hospital. Feigning a stomachache, he was escorted by a female staff member to the infirmary. Sun Heying appeared, noting Jiang Yuelou's punctuality, which Jiang Yuelou attributed to the guards being most lax during chow time. Sun Heying then quickly incapacitated the escort, securing Jiang Yuelou's "escape."

Back at the annex, Commander Zhan interrogated Boss Yu, who admitted his motive was revenge for the massacre of his family of sixteen. Commander Zhan demanded Boss Yu's name to identify the potential threat, but Boss Yu defiantly withheld it, promising the "Fu family" would seek him in hell. This revelation prompted Commander Zhan to ask if it was the Fu family of the white flag and if Boss Yu's father was Fu Rong.

Commander Zhan denied responsibility for the massacre, despite acknowledging his own bloody past. Boss Yu insisted he had witnessed it, citing a hollowed-out wristwatch as proof. Commander Zhan revealed he had given that watch to Zhan Junbai for his birthday in January, whereas the Fu family massacre occurred in autumn.

He then delivered a shocking truth: the very Browning pistol Boss Yu now held was given to him by Zhan Junbai, who was also the true culprit behind the Fu family's demise. Boss Yu was left stunned. A child messenger delivered a letter to Chen Yuzhi at Yuzhi Hall, a summons from "Boss Yu" for a meeting at Tianyun Garden.

At the annex, Zhan Junbai confronted Boss Yu (revealing his true identity as Fu Cheng), realizing his elaborate scheme to infiltrate Tianyun Garden was for this very day. Fu Cheng defiantly cursed Zhan Junbai and vowed that justice would prevail. Zhan Junbai dismissed these sentiments as mere psychological comfort for the vanquished, asserting that winners like himself were unconcerned, and ordered his subordinate to kill Fu Cheng.

However, one of Zhan Junbai's men intervened, suggesting that killing Fu Cheng so easily would be too convenient and asked to handle him. Zhan Junbai agreed but warned him not to let an "actor" jeopardize their crucial plans. As Fu Cheng was dragged away, he continued to shout Zhan Junbai's name. Zhan Junbai then discussed with his man how close he came to being framed, and the man reassured him it was merely a misunderstanding.

Concurrently, Sun Heying escorted Jiang Yuelou to Tianyun Garden, where Jiang Yuelou expressed disdain for the theater's lower-tier seating and openly challenged Sun Heying's authority as a new Jinma Hall leader, insisting on meeting San Ye personally. Sun Heying informed him that San Ye would meet him, but not yet. Later, Qiu Ming confirmed Jiang Yuelou's presence at Tianyun Garden to Zhan Junbai, anticipating the unfolding events.

Zhan Junbai also inquired about Mrs. Bai (whom Bai Jinbo considered merely a dancer), an asset left by Jiang Shengnan, instructing Qiu Ming to reactivate her for the armory construction project, which Bai Jinbo was solely overseeing. Zhan Junbai worried about the lack of information on its progress, fearing it would leave them in a passive position.

Qiu Ming confirmed they had eyes on her but noted her deep grief over Jiang Shengnan's death had kept her isolated, suggesting they bide their time. Upon entering Tianyun Garden, Chen Yuzhi immediately spotted Jiang Yuelou. He expressed relief at Jiang Yuelou's release, but Jiang Yuelou, maintaining a harsh facade for Sun Heying, dismissively told him to "get away." Sun Heying mocked their interaction.

When Chen Yuzhi attempted to leave, Sun Heying blocked his path, having learned of Chen Yuzhi's involvement in his brother's death. To prevent Sun Heying from killing Chen Yuzhi, Jiang Yuelou suddenly turned on Chen Yuzhi, violently beating him while accusing him of sending him to the mental hospital and harming him. The commotion drew a crowd, and Sun Heying, realizing the risk of attracting police, intervened to stop Jiang Yuelou from using a gun.

The public spectacle, with onlookers recognizing Jiang Yuelou and calling for the police, forced Sun Heying to back down, allowing Chen Yuzhi to escape. In the aftermath, Qiu Ming reported to Zhan Junbai that Jiang Yuelou's brutal attack had left Chen Yuzhi severely injured with a hairline rib fracture, though not dead. Sun Heying felt Jiang Yuelou's performance was acceptable, despite showing lingering "old times' sake" hesitation. Jiang Yuelou now sought a meeting with San Ye.

Zhan Junbai, recognizing Jiang Yuelou's ambition and capabilities, speculated that Jiang Yuelou would not be easily controlled by Sun Heying and was "too good" for Jinma Hall. Still, he harbored suspicions of a possible "double-cross," much like Fu Cheng. To solidify Jiang Yuelou's commitment, Zhan Junbai set a stringent condition for meeting San Ye: he must first kill Chen Yuzhi.

Meanwhile, Chen Yuzhi, recovering in the hospital, confirmed to Chu Ran that Jiang Yuelou had joined Jinma Hall, suspecting Sun Heying was responsible for his release. Despite his injuries, Chen Yuzhi insisted on discharging himself, asserting his ability to self-care as a doctor. Jiang Yuelou, growing impatient, was informed by Sun Heying that San Ye had indeed agreed to meet, but only if Jiang Yuelou killed Chen Yuzhi.

Jiang Yuelou, eager to comply, immediately demanded a gun and Chen Yuzhi's location, prompting Sun Heying to caution him to adapt to covert, nocturnal operations given that the Tianyun Garden incident had made him a wanted man. Separately, Zhan Junbai visited the imprisoned Fu Cheng, explaining that life offered "infinite possibilities" and true revenge required becoming as strong as one's opponent.

Qiu Ming, concerned by Zhan Junbai's decision to keep Fu Cheng alive, attempted to kill him, but Zhan Junbai intervened, angrily ordering Qiu Ming away and asserting his authority. Fu Cheng then questioned why Zhan Junbai prevented Qiu Ming from killing him. Zhan Junbai declared that Fu Cheng's life was in his hands, and he would decide when to end it.

He explained his preference for power over sentiment, declaring Fu Cheng his "only friend" because no one else had ever "took a knife" for him, though Fu Cheng cynically implied it might have been intentional.

Episode 30 Recap

Jiang Yuelou, now out of the mental hospital, contacts Commissioner Bai. He informs the Commissioner that Jinma Hall has been re-established, albeit on a smaller scale, and is now led by Sun Heying, the twin brother of Sun Heming, who has returned from Beiping. Jiang Yuelou also relays that San Ye might soon agree to a meeting with him, promising to reach out again with any further developments.

Meanwhile, Sun Heying, disguised as a driver, escorts Mrs. Bai to a secluded location. Introducing himself as a friend of the late Mrs. Jiang, he implies knowledge of Mrs. Bai's secrets. When Mrs. Bai expresses disinterest, Sun Heying threatens to take his information to Commissioner Bai. He then changes tack, offering to help Mrs. Bai achieve her desires, including revenge against Bai Jinbo, and promises a large sum of money for her to live abroad. Mrs. Bai agrees.

Sun Heying then instructs her to discreetly place a colorless and tasteless "drowsy pill" into Bai Jinbo's tea, explaining that it is not meant to kill him but to make him semi-conscious for questioning. He reassures her that she will not be exposed, as they will depart before Bai Jinbo fully awakens. Despite his recent injury, Chen Yuzhi insists on returning home to feed his cat, as neither he nor Jiang Yuelou is there to care for it.

Chu Ran accompanies him, and they stop at a nearby wonton shop, reminiscing about a past visit with Jiang Yuelou. Realizing they both forgot their wallets, Chu Ran heads back home to retrieve them. Unbeknownst to them, Sun Heying, having tracked Chen Yuzhi’s whereabouts, brings Jiang Yuelou to the wonton shop. Sun Heying hands Jiang Yuelou a gun, instructing him to kill Chen Yuzhi with a single shot.

Jiang Yuelou enters, points the gun at Chen Yuzhi, and fires, causing widespread panic. As Chu Ran returns, she sees Chen Yuzhi on the ground and Jiang Yuelou holding the gun. Jiang Yuelou then aims the gun at Chu Ran. Sun Heying appears, urging Jiang Yuelou to show no mercy, but Jiang Yuelou lowers his weapon, declaring that he never harms women. Qiu Ming reports to Zhan Junbai that Jiang Yuelou’s shot was a direct hit to Chen Yuzhi’s heart.

Zhan Junbai interprets this as Jiang Yuelou's firm decision to rebel and schedules a meeting with him for the following morning at ten o’clock at their customary location. Zhan Junbai also inquires about Mrs. Bai's progress, and Qiu Ming confirms that the situation is under control, and Mrs. Bai will notify Sun Heying once her task is complete. That evening, Sun Heying visits Jiang Yuelou.

Although internally fearful and worried that Chen Yuzhi might actually be dead, Jiang Yuelou manages to compose himself outwardly. Sun Heying informs him that San Ye is pleased and has agreed to meet him the next day. The following day, Sun Heying escorts Jiang Yuelou to the meeting, where Jiang Yuelou finally discovers that San Ye is none other than Zhan Junbai. Jiang Yuelou admits to being both surprised and yet finding it logical.

He acknowledges Zhan Junbai’s skill in maintaining his disguise, having harbored suspicions before, but admitting Zhan Junbai cleverly diverted them. Jiang Yuelou states that Zhan Junbai is the only person in Jing City possessing such intellect and resolve. He then directly confronts Zhan Junbai about his true motives, linking the operations of Jinma Hall, the Dahua warehouse, and Commander Zhan’s recent troop deployment, concluding that Zhan Junbai’s ultimate aim is political power and control.

They briefly discuss Jiang Yuelou’s mother, with Jiang Yuelou seemingly accepting her death as a path she chose, only facilitated by Zhan Junbai. Jiang Yuelou expresses his desire to work directly with Zhan Junbai as an equal partner, rather than through Sun Heying, whom he finds lacking. Zhan Junbai agrees that he needs a capable partner but insists on using Sun Heying as an intermediary for certain sensitive matters.

Jiang Yuelou, growing impatient, presses for clearer instructions, but Zhan Junbai reiterates that Jiang Yuelou’s current identity makes public appearances unwise, asking him to wait until the current turmoil subsides. Meanwhile, Chen Yuzhi is rushed into surgery. Shortly after, the doctor informs Chu Ran that they have done everything they could and advises her to grieve, implying Chen Yuzhi’s death. Zhan Junbai later receives a report from Qiu Ming confirming Chen Yuzhi’s demise via Sun Heying.

After hearing the news, Jiang Yuelou appears outwardly calm, managing to evade Sun Heying’s surveillance to take a walk before returning to his hotel. Upon his return, he orders a case of alcohol. Sun Heying's subordinate later reports to Zhan Junbai on Jiang Yuelou's behavior. While Jiang Yuelou appeared outwardly calm after hearing the news, his subsequent order for a case of alcohol presented a perplexing contradiction to Qiu Ming and Zhan Junbai, given Jiang Yuelou’s usual ruthlessness.

Simultaneously, Zhan Junbai visits Fu Cheng, also known as Boss Yu, who provokes him by questioning his "bottom line" and accusing him of hypocrisy. In response, Zhan Junbai orders crab roe for Fu Cheng and summons a doctor. The doctor later informs Zhan Junbai that Fu Cheng is gravely ill with a severe throat condition and hemoptysis, and may not survive another month.

It is then revealed through a flashback that Jiang Yuelou had carefully orchestrated the shooting with Chen Yuzhi. Jiang Yuelou explained that he would skillfully fire a shot that appeared to be a fatal blow to the heart but would actually only graze it, leaving Chen Yuzhi with a chance to survive, albeit in a precarious state due to the bullet's proximity.

This deception was designed to secure Jiang Yuelou an opportunity to meet San Ye and launch an undercover operation to restore peace in Jing City. In return, Chen Yuzhi was to become a "living dead man," remaining hidden until San Ye's eventual downfall. The flashback concludes with Chen Yuzhi asking Jiang Yuelou what would happen if he missed. This confirms that Chen Yuzhi is not actually dead, and their elaborate plan was successful.

Episode 31 Recap

Chen Yuzhi slowly regained consciousness, frightening Chu Ran, who had been anxiously watching over him. She expressed immense relief, believing he had been on the verge of death. Chen Yuzhi felt a sense of déjà vu, wondering why he was back in the same situation. Chu Ran explained that the doctor confirmed he was incredibly lucky, as the bullet had merely grazed his heart, missing it by a hair's breadth. Chen Yuzhi immediately realized the truth.

He recalled Jiang Yuelou's previous explanation of how Commissioner Bai had once saved an undercover police officer by making it appear as though the officer had been shot close to the heart, while in reality, the bullet deliberately avoided it to clear suspicion. Chen Yuzhi concluded that Jiang Yuelou’s shot was a calculated act to save him, mirroring Commissioner Bai’s strategy.

He reasoned that if Jiang Yuelou truly intended to kill him from such close range, he would not have missed. Both Chen Yuzhi and Chu Ran understood that Jiang Yuelou had not genuinely joined Jinma Hall, and even his stay at the mental hospital had been part of a larger plan.

Chu Ran recalled how Jiang Yuelou's hostility had always been most pronounced when Sun Heying or others were present, and she wondered why their private meetings were always interrupted when she tried to give him medicine, suggesting someone might have been watching them. Though Chen Yuzhi still had many questions, he knew only Jiang Yuelou could answer them.

Chen Yuzhi then urgently requested a secret meeting with Jiang Yuelou and asked Chu Ran to place a unique secret code—a triangle inside a circle—in a newspaper advertisement. Chu Ran promised to do so, choosing the meeting location herself. Meanwhile, Jiang Yuelou awoke to find himself under surveillance. To create a diversion, he encouraged some children to pester the man watching him for food, allowing him to slip away.

He immediately called Commissioner Bai, but Mrs. Bai answered, informing him that Commissioner Bai was out with Jin Dacheng. As Jiang Yuelou left the phone booth, he overheard people discussing the recent mysterious deaths of senior officials. He then bought a newspaper and saw the secret code. Recognizing the symbol that only he and Chen Yuzhi knew, he realized Chen Yuzhi was still alive. Elsewhere, Chu Min presented a financial report to Zhan Junbai, who praised his progress.

Zhan Junbai then gave Chu Min half a day off to visit Chu Ran. When Chu Min asked about Yutangchun, Zhan claimed he was home dealing with family matters. Zhan then instructed Qiu Ming to release Fu Cheng and return him to his room. Following the newspaper's coded message, Jiang Yuelou found Chu Ran. She confirmed that Chen Yuzhi was alive but seriously injured.

Jiang Yuelou expressed deep remorse for hurting him, but Chu Ran reassured him that Chen Yuzhi understood his intentions and had immediately deduced the truth upon waking. Jiang Yuelou confessed that he had confirmed Zhan Junbai was the true Third Uncle and asked Chu Ran to contact Commissioner Bai on his behalf, as he needed the Commissioner’s help.

Chu Ran was shocked by the revelation but understood the difficult position Jiang Yuelou was in, having been forced to take such extreme measures to prove his loyalty to Zhan Junbai. She told Jiang Yuelou to personally explain everything to Chen Yuzhi once his plan succeeded. Later, Chu Min arrived at Chu Ran’s doorstep. Knowing he worked for Zhan Junbai, Chu Ran feigned absence.

Chu Min was about to leave when he encountered Zhong Yiren, who insisted on bringing him back up. When Chu Ran finally opened the door, she claimed she had been asleep. Suspecting she was hiding something, Zhong Yiren began searching the room. To distract them, Chu Ran offered to treat them to dinner, and the trio left. Meanwhile, Jiang Yuelou went to the hospital, leaving a meal and a fruit basket outside Chen Yuzhi’s ward.

A nurse brought the items to Chen Yuzhi, who discovered a hidden note inside. Chen Yuzhi rushed out to look for Jiang Yuelou, but Jiang Yuelou, hiding nearby, remained out of sight. At his mansion, Zhan Junbai confronted Yutangchun, stating he knew Yutangchun had attempted to assassinate Second Uncle because he was aware of his impending death.

Zhan declared that a "caged bird" must know its place and cruelly threatened to desecrate the burial site of Yutangchun’s parents, leaving him visibly shaken. Later, Sun Heying questioned Qiu Ming about Zhan Junbai's decision to keep Yutangchun alive, speculating it was a form of revenge for betrayed trust. Yutangchun called Zhan Junbai a beast, to which Zhan coldly replied that the loser has no right to speak.

Sun Heying reported to Zhan Junbai that Mrs. Bai had set a trap for Commissioner Bai at his home. Zhan ordered a car to the Bai mansion, believing it was the safest place for an interrogation. Shortly after, Jin Dacheng escorted Commissioner Bai home. Mrs. Bai invited Jin Dacheng to stay for the dinner she had prepared, which included a chicken soup laced with a drug. She tried to dissuade Jin Dacheng from staying, but Commissioner Bai insisted.

Mrs. Bai grew anxious as Jin Dacheng, oblivious to the plot, heartily consumed multiple bowls of the drugged soup. Later, Jinma Hall’s men located Jiang Yuelou drinking with a woman. They informed him that the Third Uncle wished to see him, to which Jiang Yuelou responded that it was finally time to get some work done.

Episode 32 Recap

After consuming several bowls of the drugged soup, Jin Dacheng grew increasingly drowsy. Sun Heying called Mrs. Bai for an update, learning that Jin Dacheng's presence was complicating the situation. Wary of involving more people, Zhan Junbai had Qiu Ming call Jin Dacheng and order him back to the police bureau. Shortly after leaving Bai's Mansion, a dazed Jin Dacheng collapsed on the roadside. Spotting him, Zhan Junbai ordered his men to dump him elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Chu Ran visited Chen Yuzhi and confirmed his suspicions: the massacre was a fabrication and Jiang Yuelou’s actions were part of a larger plan to arrest the Third Uncle and save Chen Yuzhi. She revealed that Zhan Junbai, the Financial Executive, was the Third Uncle, describing him as a malicious man disguised as a benevolent one. Urging Chen Yuzhi to go into hiding to protect Jiang Yuelou, Chu Ran offered her apartment as a safe house.

She explained she had also changed her meeting point with Jiang Yuelou to her apartment, ensuring the two could reunite there. Back at Bai's Mansion, Commissioner Bai also consumed the drugged soup and collapsed. Zhan Junbai and Qiu Ming arrived, tying up the unconscious Commissioner. Upon waking, Commissioner Bai immediately realized Zhan Junbai was the Third Uncle and was planning a rebellion. Zhan demanded the location of the arsenal he controlled.

When Commissioner Bai refused, Zhan had Qiu Ming administer an injection. At the same time, Mrs. Bai, who had witnessed the scene, tried to flee but was intercepted by Sun Heying waiting outside. Under the influence of the drug, a disoriented Commissioner Bai divulged that the arsenal was at Warehouse No. 2 at the dock.

Zhan then interrogated him about Jiang Yuelou, learning that Jiang had contacted Bai after leaving the hospital, intending to act as a mole to capture the Third Uncle. Sun Heying reported that Jiang Yuelou had been found drinking at a ballroom all afternoon. Deducing Jiang was undercover, Zhan ordered Sun Heying to keep him under close but discreet surveillance.

Zhan then pressed Bai for Jiang Yuelou's weakness, forcing him to admit it was Chen Yuzhi, due to Jiang's immense guilt over Ke Ying's death. Zhan then coerced Commissioner Bai into cooperating, securing his promise that the police would not interfere with the coming rebellion. Jiang Yuelou was summoned to Zhan Junbai's lavish mansion. Zhan posed a hypothetical: if an admired friend sought to kill him, what should he do?

He handed Jiang Yuelou a gun, asking if he would kill or not. In a parallel scene, Chu Ran brought Chen Yuzhi to her apartment, where her roommate Yi'ren was surprised to see him. Chu Ran instructed Chen Yuzhi not to open the door for anyone while she and Yi'ren were out.

She told him she planned to visit the police bureau the next day to help Jiang Yuelou contact Commissioner Bai, and Chen Yuzhi warned her to be careful of Zhan's influence within the force. In response to Zhan's hypothetical, Jiang Yuelou stated he would wait for his opponent to act first before striking back. Zhan retrieved the gun, aimed it at Jiang, and argued that a preemptive strike would have won.

Unfazed, Jiang countered that at such close range, a shot couldn't harm him unless he was completely unprepared, even challenging Zhan to try. He added that few in Jingcheng could best him with a firearm, and an unloaded gun was just a toy. Satisfied, Zhan confirmed the rebellion was imminent and asked for Jiang's help. Jiang readily agreed, but Zhan said the final date still required consultation with his Second Uncle.

The next morning, Commissioner Bai arrived at the police bureau acting strangely and ignoring his officers. Jin Dacheng, having recovered, apologized to Bai, inventing a story about falling asleep in a park and being robbed of his clothes and shoes. With veiled sarcasm, Bai suggested Jin was perhaps distracted by a lucrative offer from Executive Zhan. Jin Dacheng fervently swore his loyalty to Commissioner Bai and the police bureau, after which Bai curtly dismissed him.

Soon after, Chu Ran arrived at the bureau, claiming to be a reporter from Jingcheng Daily seeking to interview Commissioner Bai. Jin Dacheng tried to stop her, but she bypassed him and went directly to Bai's office. Inside, she told Bai that she had met with Jiang Yuelou, knew of "their plan," and that Jiang had confirmed Zhan Junbai was the Third Uncle. Feigning disbelief, Bai questioned her credibility, stating he would only trust such news from Chen Yuzhi himself. Just as Commissioner Bai dismissed Chu Ran, a passing officer's greeting to Jin Dacheng revealed he had been eavesdropping outside the door.

Episode 33 Recap

After Chu Ran departed from the police station, Commissioner Bai contacted Zhan Junbai to inform him that Chen Yuzhi was still alive and residing at Chu Ran’s apartment. Commissioner Bai also told Zhan Junbai that Jiang Yuelou had contacted him after leaving the mental hospital. Meanwhile, Jiang Yuelou suspected that Zhan Junbai was growing suspicious of him, but he refused to evacuate.

He planned to systematically dismantle Zhan Junbai's planned uprising by targeting his weapons, soldiers, and the support of the people, since exposing Zhan Junbai through the newspapers was not feasible due to a lack of conclusive evidence, Zhan Junbai’s positive public image, and the presence of Zhan Tianqing’s army outside the city. Elsewhere, Zhan Junbai instructed Chu Min to deliver a letter to Chu Ran’s apartment, slipping it under the door. Zhan Junbai also inquired about Fu Cheng's condition.

Qiu Ming reported that Fu Cheng was severely ill and that a doctor had advised preparing a coffin and cemetery. Despite Fu Cheng being his enemy, Zhan Junbai ordered a high-quality golden wire Nan wood coffin for him. Sun Heying delivered bread to Jiang Yuelou. Jiang Yuelou subtly provoked Sun Heying into revealing that New Year's Eve was the date of Zhan Junbai’s planned uprising, explaining that the festive chaos would provide cover for their operations.

At Chu Ran’s apartment, Chen Yuzhi discovered the letter delivered by Chu Min. Noticing a drawing on the envelope that reminded him of Ke Ying, he opened it to find a message instructing him to come alone to 328 Qixi Road if he wished to see her. Chen Yuzhi proceeded to the address and met Zhan Junbai. Zhan Junbai demanded that Chen Yuzhi lure Jiang Yuelou to a meeting and then kill him.

Chen Yuzhi refused, asserting that he would never betray Jiang Yuelou, and turned to leave. Zhan Junbai’s men then brought Ke Ying, who called out to Chen Yuzhi, from what appeared to be a train. Zhan Junbai forced Chen Yuzhi to choose between his sister’s life and Jiang Yuelou’s. Chen Yuzhi questioned Zhan Junbai about when he had found Ke Ying.

Zhan Junbai revealed that he had found her even before the car explosion that supposedly killed the fake Ke Ying. He admitted to meticulously planning everything since then, including using the fake Ke Ying to deceive Jiang Yuelou and employing assassins as a diversion to sow discord between Chen Yuzhi and Jiang Yuelou. As Jiang Yuelou was receiving a newspaper, he spotted a coded message and realized Chen Yuzhi was attempting to contact him.

He incapacitated the waiter, changed into his uniform, and managed to evade surveillance to meet Chen Yuzhi. Zhan Junbai and his snipers watched from a distance. At the meeting, Chen Yuzhi revealed Zhan Junbai’s threats, explaining that Zhan Junbai had captured Ke Ying and demanded Jiang Yuelou’s life in exchange for hers. Chen Yuzhi decided to shoot himself to spare both Jiang Yuelou and Ke Ying.

As Jiang Yuelou struggled to take the gun from him, Sun Heying fired a shot, striking Jiang Yuelou in the back. Gravely wounded, Jiang Yuelou managed to convey the crucial uprising date—New Year's Eve—to Chen Yuzhi, then plunged into the river. Zhan Junbai and his men arrived, with Zhan Junbai ordering them to find Jiang Yuelou. He then asked Chen Yuzhi what Jiang Yuelou’s last words were.

Chen Yuzhi responded that Jiang Yuelou said, "A life for a life, it's even." Zhan Junbai allowed Chen Yuzhi to leave with Ke Ying, warning them never to return to Jingcheng. Meanwhile, Chu Ran saw the coded message in the newspaper and rushed to the meeting location. She found a pool of blood but no one else.

Zhan Junbai reported to Zhan Tianqing that Jiang Yuelou was "dead" and detailed his plan for the New Year's Eve uprising: attacking from the East Gate, prison inmates inciting a riot at 5 PM with Commissioner Bai's passive support, and Sun Heying leading the Jinma Hall to seize key city strongholds and cut off communications. He cautioned Zhan Tianqing to be mindful of Mayor Cai’s suspicions. Later, Chen Yuzhi met Ke Ying, who was released to him by Qiu Ming. Qiu Ming provided them with two train tickets to Suzhou, and Chen Yuzhi and Ke Ying boarded the train, leaving Jingcheng behind.

Episode 34 Recap

Confined in a room, Fu Cheng's health deteriorated severely, evident when he coughed up blood. Zhan Junbai entered and sat by him. Fu Cheng remarked on the scarcity of snow this year, fearing he would not live to see it. Zhan Junbai callously told him to hold on, promising to allow him to witness the first snow. Fu Cheng retorted that Zhan Junbai's presence was so repulsive it would taint the snow, making it unworthy of his gaze.

Zhan Junbai asserted his control, declaring that even in death, Fu Cheng's body would remain unburied until snow arrived. When asked for any last wishes, Fu Cheng wished Zhan Junbai a miserable end. Zhan Junbai, in turn, reminded Fu Cheng of the consequences of provoking him and hinted at a grim fate. Chen Yuzhi escorted his younger sister, Keying, to Mr. Gao's home, requesting that Mr. Gao look after her.

He explained that he needed to fulfill an important friend's last wish and would be away for several days, promising Keying he would return. After ensuring Keying's safety, Chen Yuzhi returned to the apartment, where Chu Ran anxiously awaited him. Having visited the dock and found bloodstains, Chu Ran asked if Jiang Yuelou was injured. With a heavy heart, Chen Yuzhi revealed that Jiang Yuelou was dead, a fact he had witnessed himself.

When Chu Ran asked if Zhan Junbai was responsible, Chen Yuzhi, overwhelmed with guilt, confessed that he had arranged the meeting, blaming himself for Jiang Yuelou's death. Chu Ran demanded an explanation. Chen Yuzhi revealed that his actions were to protect Keying, who had been held captive by Zhan Junbai as leverage. While Chu Ran understood his impossible choice, she stated she could not forgive him and urged him to leave.

However, Chen Yuzhi refused, expressing his determination to avenge Jiang Yuelou and fulfill his final wish to protect Jing City. He revealed Jiang Yuelou's last message: the rebellion was set for New Year's Eve. They then questioned how Zhan Junbai knew Chen Yuzhi was alive and residing in Chu Ran's apartment. Deducing that Zhong Yiren was unlikely to be the source, they pinpointed Commissioner Bai as the traitor.

They recalled he had deliberately inquired about Chen Yuzhi's safety, thus providing Zhan Junbai with the information needed to send the threatening letter. They realized Zhan Junbai was a master of manipulation who had placed his own people in key positions across Jing City in preparation for his coup. Recognizing the dire situation, Chu Ran proposed a drastic plan: she would marry Zhan Junbai. Chen Yuzhi immediately objected, but Chu Ran argued it was their only option.

By getting close to Zhan Junbai, she could gather intelligence, allowing them to work together to dismantle his plans—a true fulfillment of Jiang Yuelou's wish. Chen Yuzhi grimly noted that her plan left no room for her own survival. Meanwhile, Sun Heying reported to Zhan Junbai that despite searching twenty li downstream, no trace of Jiang Yuelou's body had been found. He added that given the swift current and a bluff fifteen li away, Jiang Yuelou could not have survived.

Confident his biggest obstacle was removed, Zhan Junbai ordered the continued preparation for his operation in two months. He also insisted on procuring a coffin made of precious gold Phoebe wood for Fu Cheng, dismissing concerns that such a lavish burial would draw unwanted attention. Unbeknownst to them, Jiang Yuelou had been discovered and saved by a kind fisherman and his wife, Aunt Wang. Upon waking, he learned he had been unconscious for a day and a night.

The couple, who had lost their son Chenger and noted a striking resemblance in Jiang Yuelou's eyes, treated him with immense care, giving him their son's clothes. The fisherman later told his wife that suspicious individuals had been inquiring about a man matching Jiang Yuelou's description along the river. Determined to return to Jing City, Jiang Yuelou informed the fisherman of his decision. Despite his severe injuries, he insisted he had important matters to attend to.

The fisherman, a former soldier who had treated Jiang Yuelou's wounds, reluctantly agreed to go to town to inquire about transport. Back in Jing City, Chu Ran visited Mansion Zhan. In the courtyard, she saw a bound Fu Cheng, who mistook her arrival as a threat on his life. Inside, Chu Ran boldly proposed marriage to Zhan Junbai, claiming to admire him. Though surprised, Zhan Junbai accepted, calling it his "dream come true."

Internally, Chu Ran vowed that their wedding, set for New Year's Eve, would be Zhan Junbai's demise, even at the cost of her own life. Zhan Junbai, in his own thoughts, realized the wedding provided a perfect pretext to invite high-ranking officials to his residence, where he could place them under house arrest for his coup. Aware that Chu Ran was likely seeking revenge, he decided to play along. Chu Ran's only demand was the release of Fu Cheng.

Zhan Junbai agreed and informed Fu Cheng of his freedom, coldly remarking that with less than half a month to live, he should enjoy his remaining time. Chu Ran escorted Fu Cheng away from the mansion. At the apartment, Fu Cheng told Chen Yuzhi that he had overheard Zhan Junbai instructing his men to place a few reliable, new faces at the docks to avoid suspicion.

Chen Yuzhi immediately deduced that the warehouses at the docks must house Zhan Junbai's arsenal. They resolved to find and destroy it, while also attempting to warn Mayor Cai. Despite his deteriorating health, Fu Cheng was determined to contribute. Zhan Junbai's "Second Uncle" confronted him about accepting Chu Ran's proposal, but Zhan Junbai explained it was a cover to gather all of Jing City's dignitaries on New Year's Eve and seize power.

Soon after, a report came that Chu Ran was heading to City Hall. Deeming it inconvenient to intervene personally, Zhan Junbai dispatched his "Second Uncle" and Commissioner Bai to stop her, stating that if they failed, he would simply turn Mayor Cai into a puppet. At City Hall, Chu Ran used her status as Zhan Junbai's fiancée to gain an audience with Mayor Cai. As she began to speak, Zhan Junbai and his "Second Uncle" entered.

Feigning a discussion of urgent matters, Zhan Junbai presented the mayor with fabricated intelligence about southern warlords approaching Jing City. He proposed sending troops to a strategic hollow twenty kilometers outside the city to set an ambush, a deceptive maneuver designed to move his forces into position for the coup.

Episode 35 Recap

Fu Cheng, still suffering from his illness, coughs up blood while confined. Executive Zhan arrives, and Fu Cheng expresses his resentment towards him. Executive Zhan ignores Fu Cheng's wishes and states that even in death, Fu Cheng will remain until it snows. Chen Yuzhi has taken Keying to Mr. Gao's for safekeeping. Chu Ran returns to her apartment, followed by Chen Yuzhi, where he tells her that Jiang Yuelou is dead.

Chu Ran refuses to believe it, but Chen Yuzhi insists he witnessed it himself. Chen Yuzhi explains that he betrayed Jiang Yuelou for Keying's sake, as Executive Zhan was using her as leverage. Chu Ran, while understanding his motivations, cannot forgive him. Chen Yuzhi wants to stay and avenge Jiang Yuelou, but Chu Ran asks him to leave. After overhearing Executive Zhan's plans to have fresh faces sent to the docks, Chu Ran takes Fu Cheng from Executive Zhan's residence.

He informs Chen Yuzhi about the conversation he overheard between Executive Zhan and Qiu Ming. They suspect that the docks are being used as an arsenal. Chen Yuzhi and Fu Cheng are sitting by the roadside when Fu Cheng spots a familiar man entering a warehouse. Fu Cheng identifies him as one of Sun Heying's men, whom he previously saw at the Zhan Mansion. This confirms their suspicion that the warehouse is an arsenal.

Fu Cheng reminds Chen Yuzhi that ammunition is vulnerable to water, sparking an idea in Chen Yuzhi. He proposes creating a diversion to endanger the warehouse, forcing the conspirators to transfer the weapons. At that precise moment, they will notify the Security Department to catch them red-handed, reasoning that an early notification risks alerting a potential traitor within the department. Soon after, a fire breaks out at the arsenal, forcing the conspirators to quickly begin transferring the weapons.

Chen Yuzhi departs to notify the Security Department, leaving Fu Cheng to monitor the transfer. As the conspirators load nearly half of the ammunition, the Security Department has still not arrived. Fu Cheng asks Chen Yuzhi what Jiang Yuelou would do in such a dire situation. Chen Yuzhi surmises that Jiang Yuelou would likely blow up the fuel tank to detonate the entire arsenal.

With only a short time left to live, Fu Cheng decides to sacrifice himself, believing that dying to destroy the ammunition would not be in vain. He instructs Chen Yuzhi to find another way if he fails, emphasizing that Executive Zhan must not succeed. Fu Cheng then confronts a worker, holding him at bay with a hook. Executive Zhan arrives, and Fu Cheng, taunting him, ignites a fuse, triggering a massive explosion that engulfs the arsenal.

Fu Cheng perishes in the blast, but Executive Zhan and Qiu Ming manage to escape. Later, Executive Zhan, worried that Fu Cheng's disfigured body might leave clues, orders Qiu Ming to dispose of it in a crab pond. Executive Zhan expresses his concerns to his Second Uncle, Commander Zhan, about how to explain the incident to Mayor Cai and how to secure new military weapons for their uprising.

Commander Zhan assures him not to worry about Mayor Cai, as Commissioner Bai will deflect the blame onto Jinma Hall. As for the new weapons needed for their cause, Commander Zhan states that if internal city arrangements prove too slow, he will personally bring them in from outside on the day of the uprising, emphasizing the importance of controlling all key figures at Executive Zhan's upcoming wedding.

Commander Zhan sternly advises his nephew to never show mercy to enemies, warning that it would be akin to burning their own bridges, and emphasizes the principle of "rather kill one in mistake than miss one." Chu Min visits Chu Ran, asking if her upcoming wedding with Executive Zhan is related to the "love letter" he delivered to her. Chu Ran confirms that he delivered the letter.

Chu Min explains that Executive Zhan instructed him to deliver it directly to Chu Ran's apartment, ensuring she would see it immediately upon returning home after work. After recovering from his injuries and bidding farewell to the kind fishing couple who saved him, Jiang Yuelou returns to Jing City and arrives at Chu Ran's apartment. He finds Chen Yuzhi there alone. Jiang Yuelou asks if the critical intelligence has been passed to Commissioner Bai.

Chen Yuzhi reveals that Executive Zhan was able to threaten Chen Yuzhi because Commissioner Bai had informed Executive Zhan that Jiang Yuelou was still alive, and also revealed Jiang Yuelou's plans. Jiang Yuelou denies this, believing it impossible as only Chen Yuzhi and Chu Ran knew his survival and his plans. Chen Yuzhi, however, suggests that Commissioner Bai might have been coerced. Jiang Yuelou agrees to wait until night to confront Commissioner Bai.

Acknowledging that Chu Ran's attempt to inform Mayor Cai about the impending uprising was thwarted by Commander Zhan, Chen Yuzhi and Jiang Yuelou realize their current forces are insufficient to combat the combined strength of the Zhan family. They conclude that reliable external assistance is crucial. Jiang Yuelou proposes contacting Jin Dacheng. Jiang Yuelou then inquires about Keying, learning that Executive Zhan had orchestrated a deception using a girl disguised as Keying to sow discord between them.

Chen Yuzhi confirms that after Jiang Yuelou jumped into the river, Executive Zhan returned the real Keying. For her safety, Chen Yuzhi has sent Keying to stay with Mr. Gao, and Jiang Yuelou promises to visit her with Chen Yuzhi once their mission is complete. Jiang Yuelou seeks out Jin Dacheng, questioning Jin Dacheng about Commissioner Bai's recent behavior and his increasing closeness to Executive Zhan. Jiang Yuelou asserts that Commissioner Bai is no longer the man he once was.

While Jin Dacheng expresses disbelief that Commissioner Bai could be a traitor, he admits that Commissioner Bai does seem different lately. Jiang Yuelou then appeals to Jin Dacheng's inherent sense of justice, declaring that the very survival of Jing City is at stake and he needs Jin Dacheng's cooperation. Simultaneously, Chen Yuzhi informs Chu Ran that Jiang Yuelou is alive. Despite this joyous news, Chu Ran confirms that her wedding with Executive Zhan will proceed as planned.

Later, while in Commissioner Bai's office, Jin Dacheng overhears a phone conversation between Commissioner Bai and Executive Zhan. Commissioner Bai warns Executive Zhan to keep a close eye on Chu Ran, revealing that he and Commander Zhan had to intervene to prevent her from exposing their plan to Mayor Cai. This overheard conversation confirms Commissioner Bai's betrayal to Jin Dacheng.

Episode 36 Recap

Jiang Yuelou confronted Commissioner Bai, who expressed surprise that Jiang Yuelou was alive and claimed he had been worried since their last contact. Jiang Yuelou questioned this, asking if Bai's supposed worry led him to approach Zhan Junbai for information. Commissioner Bai denied this, claiming he only feigned cooperation with Zhan Junbai after learning of his treachery, all for the sake of their shared plan.

Jiang Yuelou lamented that Bai, whom he considered his most trusted family member, had been on guard with a gun since his arrival. Bai momentarily lowered his weapon but quickly raised it again when Jiang Yuelou reached into his pocket, ordering him not to move. Jiang Yuelou revealed he was only taking out an old photograph, prompting Bai to reminisce.

He recalled commissioning the photo for Jiang Yuelou's first birthday at their home and other "firsts"—buying him his first pen, taking him for his first Western meal, and seeing him in his first police uniform. Bai recounted how he and his childless wife, Siqi, felt the true happiness of parenthood after Jiang Yuelou came to live with them.

He affirmed that Jiang Yuelou was more than a subordinate; he was like a son, and every word he had spoken to him over the past eight years had been heartfelt. Jiang Yuelou questioned why, if Bai truly saw him as a son, he would side with Zhan Junbai, a choice that put Jiang Yuelou in mortal danger. Bai reiterated that he had no other choice and would never intentionally hurt him.

He urged Jiang Yuelou to flee Jing City, as Zhan's uncle and nephew now controlled all armed forces. Jiang Yuelou refused, declaring his intention to fight them to the end, asserting that his purpose was more important than just staying alive. Moved, Bai commended him, stating that Jing City and its people needed him. He then asked Jiang Yuelou to retrieve a picture frame from his study.

As Jiang Yuelou turned to go, Bai apologized to him and the people of Jing City before taking his own life. Later, Chen Yuzhi consoled a grieving Jiang Yuelou, assuring him that Commissioner Bai had considered him family until the very end. Jiang Yuelou learned from a newspaper that Zhan Junbai was marrying on Chinese New Year's Eve, suspecting the event was a cover for the planned uprising. Chen Yuzhi revealed that the bride was Chu Ran.

Shocked, Jiang Yuelou demanded they cancel the plan, but Chen Yuzhi explained it was too late. Chu Ran herself had proposed the marriage after they believed Jiang Yuelou was dead, realizing it was their only way to get close to Zhan Junbai. They knew Zhan was using the marriage for his own ends, but his high-profile wedding, attended by dignitaries, provided the perfect opportunity to expose him. Jin Dacheng arrived, announcing his decision to cooperate with Jiang Yuelou.

He explained that he was now convinced of Commissioner Bai's betrayal after overhearing a phone call in which Zhan Junbai warned Bai to control his fiancée, lest she expose their rebellion. When Jin Dacheng mentioned Bai's absence from the police bureau, Jiang Yuelou informed a shocked Jin that the commissioner had committed suicide. Meanwhile, at the Nan Chao Hotel, Zhan Junbai oversaw wedding preparations with Chu Ran.

He asked if the traditional wedding attire he sent was suitable, but she assured him it was fine. They confirmed the ceremony would be in the lobby, followed by a banquet upstairs. Later, outside, Zhan offered Chu Ran a coffee, calling it their "last date before the wedding." Zhan Junbai then met with his uncle, Zhan Tianqing, to discuss the final details of their coup.

Zhan Tianqing admitted he had kept his wife, Zhao Moqing, in the dark, calling her shortsighted. Zhan Junbai insisted she be briefed, as she had a key role to play. Zhan Tianqing warned his nephew that "one mountain cannot accommodate two tigers," implying a future power struggle. Regarding Chu Ran's fate, Zhan Tianqing stated it depended on whether she could "read the situation."

Zhan Junbai asserted that no one, except his uncle, could stand in his way and reminded him to tell his aunt that she was a star in the next day's "drama." At the safe house, Jin Dacheng arrived, complaining about the location. He provocatively suggested an improper relationship between Jiang Yuelou and Chu Ran, which Chen Yuzhi corrected by stating he and Jiang Yuelou were the current residents.

Soon after, Chu Ran arrived with a detailed internal map of the Nan Chao Hotel, outlining the layout of the lobby and banquet hall. The group determined that the best time to act would be during the ceremony. Jiang Yuelou requested two wedding invitations to allow him and Chen Yuzhi to pose as guests. Recalling Zhan Junbai's evasiveness when her mother asked about Zhan Tianqing, Chu Ran suspected he would not attend the wedding.

Jiang Yuelou agreed and revised the plan: Jin Dacheng would not secure the hotel's periphery but would instead monitor Zhan Tianqing, who would likely be bringing troops into the city. Jiang Yuelou advised Jin to bluff by using Commissioner Bai's authority, as the conspirators were likely unaware of his death, but also warned him to be careful of other spies in the police force. With the plan set, the group shared a moment of resolve, looking forward to celebrating after their success.

Episode 37 (Ending) Recap

As Chu Ran, dressed in her wedding gown, shed tears contemplating her reflection, the sounds of firecrackers heralded the arrival of Zhan Junbai. He instructed her brother, Chu Min, to ride in the front car with him, leaving the bridal car for Chu Ran. As Zhan Junbai led the bride down the aisle, the crowd erupted in applause, admiring him as a benevolent leader despite murmurs of an impending rebellion.

Inside, Chen Yuzhi remarked to Jiang Yuelou that the meticulous Zhan Junbai must have schemes beyond just military preparations to legitimize his actions, and Jiang Yuelou advised they adapt to the situation. During the ceremony, Chen Yuzhi noticed the bride was not following their pre-arranged plan and grew concerned she had been threatened. Jiang Yuelou agreed it was a possibility and told Chen Yuzhi to cover him as he prepared to expose Zhan Junbai.

After the ceremony concluded, Minister Li of the Security Department was invited to speak. Suddenly, a hand holding a gun emerged and fatally shot the minister, plunging the wedding into chaos. The surprisingly calm Zhan Junbai urged everyone not to panic, instructing officers to take shelter in first-floor rooms while other guests were sent to the second-floor banquet hall under guard.

Seeing Chu Min leading Chu Ran away, Jiang Yuelou sensed something was wrong and sent Chen Yuzhi to follow and protect them. However, one of Zhan Junbai's men intercepted Chu Ran at a rear exit, falsely claiming he was taking her to safety from nearby criminals. Meanwhile, government officials were ushered into a room, where they were told Zhan Junbai would deal with the murderer before releasing them. Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi were among them.

When Minister Yang accused Jiang Yuelou of being a traitor, Jiang Yuelou countered that Zhan Junbai was the real traitor, having trapped all of them to stage a coup. He pointed out the locked doors and sealed windows, but the officials refused to believe him. It was then that Chen Yuzhi, after spotting another woman, realized the bride who arrived at the wedding was not Chu Ran but Zhao Moqing, a result of a car swap.

Outside the hotel, Jin Dacheng intercepted Zhan Tianqing’s car, claiming Commissioner Bai had sent him with the latest strategic deployment map of Jing City. After luring a confident Zhan Tianqing out of his vehicle, Jin Dacheng revealed his true allegiance and drew his gun. In the ensuing struggle, Jin Dacheng shot one of Zhan Tianqing's men, then pursued and killed the fleeing Zhan Tianqing. Back at the hotel, Zhan Junbai forced a captured Chu Min to unveil Chu Ran.

Believing it was Zhan Junbai under the veil, Chu Ran thrust a knife forward, only to realize in horror that she had stabbed her own brother. In the room with the trapped officials, Jiang Yuelou discovered a bomb. With Chen Yuzhi’s encouragement, Jiang Yuelou skillfully defused it by cutting the yellow wire. Just as the crisis was averted, Jin Dacheng and his men broke down the door, announcing the situation was under control.

Worried for Chu Ran, Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi grabbed guns and rushed to find her. They found Zhan Junbai holding Chu Ran hostage. Zhao Moqing then entered, furiously declaring her intent to kill Jiang Yuelou. She fired her gun, but the shot tragically struck Chu Ran. As she lay dying in Jiang Yuelou's arms, Chu Ran asked him if he would have loved her had they met in less turbulent times.

Desperate, Jiang Yuelou offered himself in exchange for her. Zhan Junbai released the dying Chu Ran only to seize Zhao Moqing as his new hostage. In a final act of treachery, Zhan Junbai shoved Zhao Moqing toward Jiang Yuelou while shooting her, then made his escape. In the aftermath, Jiang Yuelou was promoted to Commissioner and Jin Dacheng to Deputy Commissioner.

Jin Dacheng good-naturedly complained about being outranked despite his key role in quelling the rebellion, suggesting Jiang Yuelou was now overqualified and should go grow herbs with Chen Yuzhi. Jiang Yuelou affirmed their separate duties, stating his mission was not just to restore peace but to guide Jing City toward a brighter future. Chen Yuzhi reunited with his sister, Ke Ying, and brought her to his clinic.

Enchanted, Ke Ying shared her dream of becoming a doctor and opening her own "Keying Clinic," prompting Chen Yuzhi to encourage her to return to school to gain the necessary knowledge. Two weeks later, Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi met on the street, pleased to see Jing City's restored tranquility. They happily made plans to eat Tangyuan for the upcoming Lantern Festival. As they walked together, a rickshaw driver—revealed to be Zhan Junbai—opened fire.

Chen Yuzhi pushed Jiang Yuelou to safety, taking the bullet himself. Jiang Yuelou returned fire, wounding Zhan Junbai, who then committed suicide. Jiang Yuelou desperately tried to get Chen Yuzhi to a hospital, but it was too late. With his last breaths, Chen Yuzhi entrusted Ke Ying to Jiang Yuelou’s care and whispered that he was tired and wished they could have eaten Tangyuan together. Heartbroken, Jiang Yuelou cradled him, grappling with his profound loss. Later, Jiang Yuelou sat with Ke Ying and a large cat by the doorway, waiting for Chen Yuzhi, who would never return home.