Luoyang Recap, Plot, Synopsis

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Luoyang Synopsis

Gao Bingzhu, a deputy captor who lives in Luoyang is involved in a case by mistake and becomes a suspect. While trying to prove his innocence, he meets Baili Hongyi. Baili Hongyi is trying to find out the truth about his father’s murder. Then they team up to investigate.

The guardian, Si Yue comes from an aristocratic family. To find out the informing letter related to the case, she is on a mission to investigate and get close to Gao Bingzhu, a superb martial artist and a wise man.

The two people from completely different classes, dislike each other but are forced to work together. As they delve deeper and deeper into the case, they find the truth leads to a shocking conspiracy that could destroy the capital Luoyang.

Luoyang Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

When the empress was enthroned, the dynasty was in turmoil. To solidify her domination, she popularized the practice of tipping off, allowing commoners to enter the capital city to disclose secrets and grievances. This trend boomed in the capital city of Luoyang until the fall of oppressive officials during the Daqing period, when it gradually declined, and informers disappeared. However, in the third year of the Dacheng period, an informer suddenly reappeared, disrupting the capital city's peace once more.

The South of the Capital was the capital city's largest commercial hub, filled with merchants and bustling crowds. An old man, Lin Zhong, accompanied by his daughter Lin Yan, asked for directions to Dangyang Tavern, where he intended to tip off. Their movements were being watched by Grand Court mortician Gao Bingzhu and an assassin who had been following them. Meanwhile, Interior Guard Services officer Wu Siyue was escorting Princess Yongchuan, who was mesmerized by the vibrant market.

Wu Siyue stayed close, concerned the princess might get separated in the throng. Dangyang Tavern was packed with spectators. Baili Hongyi, an official from the Ministry of Works and a discerning gourmet, was a regular. He meticulously critiqued the preparation of a snakehead fish dish, asserting that only Dangyang Tavern among those he had reviewed held his approval. The assassin who followed Lin Zhong and his daughter to Dangyang Tavern.

Lin Zhong approached Baili Hongyi, reporting that he and his daughter had traveled from Mount Lian to the capital city to blow the whistle, but had been attacked on their journey and their escorting soldiers scattered. Before he could reveal more, an assassin attacked Lin Zhong. Baili Hongyi quickly threw a bowl of hot soup at the assailant, covering Lin Zhong and Lin Yan’s escape.

Baili Hongyi also intended to follow, but Shen Fei, a guard from his mansion, called him away, reminding him of his responsibilities at the Heavenly Hall project. As the assassin pursued Lin Zhong and his daughter, chaos erupted. In the ensuing pandemonium, another assassin, disguised as a merchant, suddenly attacked Princess Yongchuan. Wu Siyue bravely fought back, while nearby Interior Guard Services guards rushed to protect the princess.

She commanded her guards to capture the assassin alive, but the assailant committed suicide immediately upon being apprehended. From a second-story vantage point, Gao Bingzhu observed the entire melee. He briefly intervened to stop the assassin's suicide attempt before quickly disappearing. Wu Siyue, having noticed him, attempted to follow, but Gao Bingzhu vanished without a trace, prompting her to return to the palace to report on the incident.

Princess Yongchuan returned to the palace in distress, tearfully recounting her ordeal to Crown Princess Du. Sir Wu, Wu Youjue, and Wu Siyue then presented themselves to apologize, with Sir Wu assuring the Crown Princess that they would provide a full explanation. Wu Siyue attempted to report on the suspicious details of the incident, but Wu Youjue quickly interrupted her, inquiring if Princess Yongchuan had already met the empress, who was greatly concerned.

Later, Wu Siyue pressed Wu Youjue for his reasons, highlighting three key suspicious points: why Princess Yongchuan, who was not involved in politics, was targeted; why innocent bystanders were killed; and why the assassin committed suicide so swiftly after capture. Wu Youjue, however, dismissed her concerns, stating that the Interior Guard Services' duty was solely to protect the empress, the imperial clan, and the capital city, not to investigate such matters, which fell under the Grand Court’s jurisdiction.

He gently chastised her for being reckless and outspoken. At the site of the Heavenly Hall project in Taichu Palace, Baili Hongyi conducted an inspection, much to his guard Shen Fei’s quiet exasperation at his unauthorized absence. Baili Hongyi discovered that pinewood, which is prone to dampness and expansion, had been used for the "dougongs" instead of willow. He immediately ordered the artisans to redo the work, explaining that pinewood could not adequately support the main hall’s beams.

The artisans expressed concern that it would take over half a month to transport willow to the capital city, potentially delaying the project and incurring the empress's displeasure. Despite their worries, Baili Hongyi remained resolute in his demand for a rework, stating that it was his last day in the Ministry of Works. Baili Yan, the Minister of Works, arrived, attempting to dissuade his son, Baili Hongyi, from his decision.

Baili Hongyi, having already submitted his resignation in defiance of an arranged marriage, refused to engage and departed abruptly. Baili Yan, acknowledging his son's motive, sternly reminded him that the marriage was set and he could not escape it. Meanwhile, Gao Sheng, Officer of the Grand Court, arrived at the South of the Capital.

Witnessing the chaos and numerous innocent casualties, and learning that the Interior Guard Services had taken both the deceased assassin (who committed suicide after attacking the princess) and a sole living captive, he promptly ordered his men to retrieve the captive and transport all bodies, including those of other assassins, back to the Grand Court for thorough investigation. Among those carrying the bodies, Gao Bingzhu, the mortician, was surprised to discover the corpse of Lin Yan, the informer's daughter.

Chen Que, the registrar of the Grand Court, visited the dungeon, sternly instructing the guards to keep the sole captured assassin under strict watch, as he was crucial to the South of the Capital case. Shortly after Chen Que’s departure, Gao Bingzhu, masked, stormed into the cell and stabbed the assassin three times. Believing he was fatally wounded, the assassin revealed that the informer father and daughter were dead and that the Divine Way's great mission was nearing completion.

Gao Bingzhu, impatient, pressed for information about "the man who used a polearm" and his current location. The assassin, recognizing Gao Bingzhu was not from the Divine Way, refused to answer further questions. Gao Bingzhu then revealed that none of his stabs were fatal, ensuring the assassin's survival for future interrogation, and promised to return.

Wu Siyue led a night raid on the Grand Court, demanding to participate in the interrogation of the captured assassin, whom she insisted was originally apprehended by her Interior Guard Services. Gao Sheng, Officer of the Grand Court, adamantly refused her request, citing procedural rules and her lack of a stamped official document from Sir Wu. He firmly dismissed her, subtly referencing the empress's authority. Moments later, a guard burst in, reporting a jailbreak and a stabbing in the dungeon.

Gao Sheng, along with Pei Jian, the managing clerk of the Grand Court, rushed to the scene, finding the assassin gravely wounded. Gao Sheng immediately dispatched him for medical treatment, prioritizing his survival. Gao Bingzhu located Lin Zhong's body. He retrieved an official document from Lin Zhong, which confirmed that he and his daughter originated from Mount Lian. Gao Bingzhu noticed a distinctive cross-shaped wound on Lin Zhong's body, caused by a curved saber.

Upon examining Lin Yan’s corpse, he found an identical wound, and a sudden realization dawned on him. Restaurateurs clamored for Baili Hongyi’s approval, as his “not bad” rating could turn any dish into a popular sensation. Shen Fei diligently managed the long queues of eager proprietors. Baili Hongyi was invited to a lamb soup restaurant in the west of the capital, where he was approached by Gao Bingzhu.

Gao Bingzhu informed him that Lin Zhong and his young daughter were dead, observing that such a young lady had not even had the chance to experience the capital city’s splendor. Gao Bingzhu revealed an intimate knowledge of Baili Hongyi's habits, stating he had been following him for a month, knew he frequented over seventy food stalls, had rated more than twenty as "acceptable," and only one, Dangyang Tavern, as "excellent."

He remarked that the informers did not seem like patrons of Dangyang Tavern, and implied that Baili Hongyi had been present when they escaped. Gao Bingzhu then confirmed he had left his money at home, suggesting Baili Hongyi pay, before departing with a cryptic promise that their paths would cross again. Wu Siyue reported back to Wu Youjue.

He was well aware that Gao Sheng, Officer of the Grand Court, was attempting to seize credit for the case and frame the Interior Guard Services, suggesting that the assassin's near-fatal stabbing was part of this scheme. Wu Youjue then assigned Wu Siyue the task of investigating the whereabouts of Lin Zhong and his daughter. Wu Siyue proceeded to the Grand Court, where she located the bodies of Lin Zhong and Lin Yan.

She questioned the morticians who had handled the corpses, asking if they had found any hidden letters or tokens. The morticians denied any such discovery, explaining their strict professional rule against taking anything from the deceased to avoid eternal damnation. Later, a guard reported that the captured assassin, previously stabbed by Gao Bingzhu, had succumbed to his injuries despite being sent for medical treatment.

Wu Siyue was taken aback, observing that the man had survived three stabs but died after being sent for care. She immediately suspected a traitor within the Grand Court, implicitly accusing them of an intentional killing to silence the captive. At that moment, Gao Bingzhu stepped forward and confessed that he was the one who had stabbed the assassin in the dungeon.

Episode 2 Recap

Baili Hongyi, the second son of Baili Yan, the Minister of Works, sought out Gao Sheng at the Grand Court, requesting to examine the bodies of Lin Zhong and Lin Yan. Gao Sheng, citing the bodies' importance to an ongoing case, refused Baili Hongyi's request. When Baili Hongyi then asked if Gao Bingzhu was the criminal being interrogated and requested to observe, Gao Sheng dismissed the idea as ridiculous and had Baili Hongyi escorted out.

Inside the Grand Court, Wu Siyue of the Interior Guard Services pressed Gao Bingzhu on why he committed the murder and then surrendered, referencing the assassination case in the capital's south market. Gao Sheng interrupted, asserting that the Grand Court was not the Interior Guard Services and that she had no authority to conduct an interrogation. Wu Siyue countered that the case implicated royal safety, thus granting the Interior Guard Services jurisdiction.

Gao Sheng maintained that her presence was already a courtesy and ordered Gao Bingzhu taken to jail. Wu Siyue intervened, insisting there were still unresolved doubts and asked for more time for questioning. At that moment, a written order from the empress arrived, summoning Gao Sheng and Wu Siyue for an immediate audience at the palace. At the Palace of Immortality, the empress's secretary, Yang Huan, questioned Gao Sheng about the south market assassination.

Gao Sheng, flustered, admitted the case was still under investigation but confirmed the sole captive had been killed in the Grand Court's jail due to his oversight. He reported that the killer, Gao Bingzhu, had been apprehended. Wu Siyue interjected, highlighting the inconsistency of a killer surrendering after eliminating a key witness, suggesting a deeper conspiracy beyond a simple attack on Princess Yongchuan, and urging the empress not to let Gao Sheng hastily close the case.

Gao Sheng quickly tried to explain that Gao Bingzhu had only surrendered that morning and they hadn't yet questioned him thoroughly. Yang Huan chastised Gao Sheng for trying to use a random person as a scapegoat. The empress then revealed her suspicion that the attackers were targeting informers, noting that she hadn't seen any informers since the first year of the Taicheng period because they were being killed upon entering the capital. Gao Sheng profusely apologized.

The empress then dismissed everyone except Wu Siyue. The empress privately tasked Wu Siyue with investigating the informer case, granting her the Hibiscus Peony Token, which gave her authority over the Intelligence Services, the Grand Court, and all allied soldiers. Wu Siyue thanked her and requested an imperial edict to personally interrogate Gao Bingzhu.

Later, Wu Youjue, the Imperial Attendant of Interior Guard Services, reprimanded his sister, Wu Siyue, for openly defying Gao Sheng in front of so many officials, warning her that the empress's leniency this time might not be repeated. Wu Siyue explained her intention to transfer Gao Bingzhu to the Interior Guard Services for questioning. Wu Youjue advised her to let Lu Zhi and other Interior Guard Services officers handle the transfer, given her recent conflict with Gao Sheng.

Meanwhile, Baili Yan conducted an ancestor worship with his son, Baili Hongyi. He spoke of the Baili family's esteemed lineage and his own high position as Minister of Works, expecting Baili Hongyi's marriage to Liu Ran, from the powerful Liu family, and the near completion of the Supreme Buddhist Temple project.

Baili Hongyi, however, openly refuted his father, stating that the Supreme Buddhist Temple project would not be finished for a long time, especially since Baili Yan had resigned from the Ministry of Works. He also declared his refusal to marry into the Liu family or continue the family line, even offering to issue a divorce certificate to call off the engagement.

Baili Yan was enraged, arguing that the Liu family was a powerful house and questioning why Baili Hongyi disliked Liu Ran, whom he had known since childhood. Baili Hongyi retorted that his feelings were irrelevant to the forced marriage, accusing his father of trying to climb the social ladder and abandoning the family's traditions as skilled workmen by clinging to the Liu family. Enraged, Baili Yan slapped him.

In her investigation, Wu Siyue sought assistance from the Intelligence Services, a secretive organization that gathers information and maintains files on various individuals. She requested an audience with Lord Chu, the director. An agent informed her that Lord Chu was special and did not meet outsiders, introducing himself as Han Dongqing, the deacon of the Intelligence Services. Wu Siyue, presenting the Hibiscus Peony Token, requested to examine Gao Bingzhu's file.

Han Dongqing initially questioned her interest in a mere mortician, but Wu Siyue countered by asking why the Intelligence Services would monitor an ordinary person. Although Han Dongqing accused her of crossing a line, Wu Siyue retorted by pointing out the Intelligence Services' failure to provide early warning about the chaos in the capital's south market.

Subsequently, Lord Chu, from behind the scenes, was informed of Wu Siyue's visit, who had been brought blindfolded to the Myriad Phenomena Hall secret room. He acknowledged the many doubts surrounding Gao Bingzhu and instructed his staff to cooperate fully with Wu Siyue, hoping she might uncover the truth, as he suspected infiltration within the Intelligence Services due to the lack of warning about the south market incident.

Back at the Grand Court prison, Chen Que, the registrar, interrogated Gao Bingzhu. Gao Bingzhu insisted he had killed the in-custody murderer. Chen Que expressed disbelief, aware that the murderer had been injured before being killed, and knowing Gao Bingzhu's character, he didn't believe Gao Bingzhu was the killer. He pressed Gao Bingzhu to tell the truth. Gao Sheng, growing impatient, ordered Gao Bingzhu to be tortured.

Under duress, Gao Bingzhu confessed that he sought revenge because the murderer had killed his relatives: Lin Yan and her father, Lin Zhong, who had come to the capital to inform. Chen Que challenged him, noting Gao Bingzhu's background from the Unwelcome Well meant he had no relatives. Gao Bingzhu maintained that their relationship was unimportant, only that he wanted revenge for their deaths.

An Interior Guard Services officer, Lu Zhi, then arrived with an edict from the empress, ordering Gao Bingzhu's transfer to the Interior Guard Services for further investigation. Lu Zhi criticized the Grand Court's harsh interrogation methods. Gao Sheng reluctantly accepted the order. Meanwhile, Baili Hongyi continued to ponder Gao Bingzhu's peculiar surrender, suspecting he was either protecting someone or seeking something specific within the Grand Court. Unbeknownst to him, Gao Bingzhu was being transported.

As Interior Guard Services officers escorted Gao Bingzhu away from the Grand Court, Chen Que intercepted the carriage, feigning the need to complete paperwork for the transfer. After dispatching the accompanying Interior Guard Services officers, Chen Que confronted Gao Bingzhu, asking if he had surrendered to lure him out. Gao Bingzhu confirmed this, then demanded to know what Lin Yan and Lin Zhong had told Chen Que before their deaths.

As Gao Bingzhu pressed him to reveal who was behind him, Chen Que replied, "It's too late." Before he could say more, a hand-halberd pierced him, killing him instantly. Gao Bingzhu, severely wounded from the struggle, recognized the hand-halberd as identical to the one used to kill Xiaowu five years prior.

Upon arriving at the Grand Court, Wu Siyue learned from Li Beiqi, a Beidou of the Interior Guard Services, that Gao Bingzhu had escaped after killing Chen Que and three Interior Guard Services officers. Observing the scene, Wu Siyue noted that the Interior Guard Services had died of stab wounds, while Chen Que had a distinct cross-piercing injury. She immediately suspected a second killer, questioning how a single prisoner could possess so many different weapons.

Gao Sheng dismissed her concerns and immediately ordered a city-wide manhunt for Gao Bingzhu, mobilizing forces from the Grand Court, Interior Guard Services, Henan Prefecture soldiers, and city guards. Despite the vast net, an Intelligence Services agent remarked that Gao Bingzhu, a former Unwelcome Well officer who knew the capital's 109 wards, streets, and patrol routes intimately, had a fifty-fifty chance of escaping, as one could bypass main subdivision gates.

Gao Bingzhu, still injured, sought refuge at Ji Shan Fang casino, where he found its owner, Yao Niang. Grand Court officer Pei Tingzhang led his guards in a search of Ji Shan Fang casino. Yao Niang remained calm and cooperative, guiding them through the premises. Despite a thorough search, including her private chambers, Pei Tingzhang found no trace of Gao Bingzhu and eventually left empty-handed.

After the officers departed, Yao Niang led Gao Bingzhu out from a secret room hidden behind a wardrobe. She bandaged his severe wounds. Gao Bingzhu then shaved his beard, explaining that "it's time." Yao Niang questioned his intentions and warned him of the widespread search, but Gao Bingzhu simply stated he had "something to do" and would return to where he came from.

Meanwhile, Liu Ran, knowing Baili Hongyi's fondness for mechanics, managed to acquire a long-lost text called "Workmen's Essentials." She sent her maid, Yunzhi, to deliver a letter inviting Baili Hongyi to the Qianji Fish Restaurant, offering him a chance to view the authentic book. Eager to see the rare text, Baili Hongyi promptly set off for the meeting. Unbeknownst to many in the bustling capital, there lay a hidden, perpetually dark and humid area called the Unwelcome Well.

It was home to outcasts, often descendants of criminals, who were forbidden from ever leaving. Gao Bingzhu, a former Unwelcome Well officer, secretly returned to this place. He met Mr. Unsightly, the manager of the household register, and handed him the hand-halberd. Mr. Unsightly, concerned for Gao Bingzhu's safety, pulled him aside and identified the weapon's material as brass, obtainable only from Mount Lian.

He explained that Mount Lian brass was specifically used in the construction of the Big Buddha in the Supreme Buddhist Temple, a project overseen by Baili Yan, the Minister of Works. Gao Bingzhu then recalled that Lin Zhong's identity certificate had also mentioned Mount Lian, causing him to instantly suspect Baili Yan and his son. Soon after, Wu Siyue and her Interior Guard Services arrived at the Unwelcome Well to investigate Gao Bingzhu's background, having discovered his connection to the community.

Episode 3 Recap

Baili Hongyi arrived at Qianji Fish Restaurant for his arranged meeting, where Liu Ran had been waiting for him. She had ordered a lavish spread. Eagerly, Baili Hongyi requested to see the "Workmen's Essentials," a legendary book he longed to study, which was described as the most amazing essence of Mo family's craftsmanship, long thought lost. Liu Ran playfully proposed that she would only allow him to see it on their wedding day.

Shen Fei, Baili Hongyi's guard, scoffed, accusing Liu Ran of trying to force the marriage. Liu Ran's maid, Yunzhi, quickly retorted, defending her mistress by asserting that Lady Liu Ran, as the eldest daughter of the esteemed Liu family from Hedong, was worthy of marrying even a prince, and certainly did not need to resort to coercion for Baili Hongyi. Liu Ran then admitted that despite having known Baili Hongyi since childhood, she never realized he disliked her so much.

She clarified that she did not hate him, confessing her deep affection and revealing she had rejected hundreds of marriage proposals for him and had already passed the conventional age for marriage, now being eighteen years old. Baili Hongyi, however, unequivocally stated that marriage held no meaning for him, and he had no desire to wed.

Liu Ran, steadfast, insisted that if he truly wished to see the invaluable "Workmen's Essentials," he would only find it in their bridal chamber on their wedding night. He then bid her farewell. Meanwhile, Gao Bingzhu secretly watched his home from outside, observing through the door crack as the Well officer, Wang Dengcheng, tenderly encouraged his mother to eat porridge, going to great lengths to cheer her up. His mother, delighted, enjoyed the meal.

Gao Bingzhu felt immense gratitude towards Wang Dengcheng for his kindness. Wang Dengcheng, sensing Gao Bingzhu's presence, called him in. Gao Bingzhu expressed his profound thanks for Wang Dengcheng's care for his mother. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted when Wu Siyue, Li Beiqi, and Pei Jian from the Interior Guard Services and the Grand Court, along with their retinue, arrived in the Unwelcome Well to apprehend Gao Bingzhu. Wang Dengcheng immediately went to greet them.

Wu Siyue announced that Gao Bingzhu was wanted for the deaths of over ten people and offered freedom from their lower social class and a way out of the Unwelcome Well to anyone who would report his whereabouts. Wang Dengcheng firmly declared the Unwelcome Well's strict rules: all conflicts within the well are resolved internally, and its residents would never betray one another, stating they would not intervene but also would not help the Interior Guard Services.

Not wishing to implicate the community, Gao Bingzhu stepped forward and revealed himself. The guards from the Interior Guard Services and the Grand Court immediately converged on him. Wu Siyue relentlessly pursued Gao Bingzhu, who expertly utilized the complex terrain of the Unwelcome Well to evade his pursuers. During the chase, he and Wu Siyue even momentarily collaborated to rescue a small girl from harm. Despite his evasions, Wu Siyue eventually cornered him.

Gao Bingzhu, however, activated a trap, snaring Wu Siyue. Wu Siyue immediately questioned if he was the killer. Gao Bingzhu sternly warned her that the Unwelcome Well was not a place for her to assert her authority, telling her she should never have provoked him or the well's inhabitants, before vanishing from sight. The Intelligence Services, known as Lianfang, operates as a clandestine organization with members subtly embedded across all walks of life.

Their operations are highly secretive, their reach pervasive, and their knowledge all-encompassing, responsible for monitoring the capital. No whisper or stir in the capital city of Luoyang escapes the watchful eyes of Lianfang's agents, known as Jianfeng and Shenzu. Jianfeng, who can be hawkers, shop owners, or even courtesans, collect information and relay it to the Shenzu, who act as messengers. The information then ascends to the Twelve Fú Tús, named after musical temperaments.

These Fú Tús each oversee nine of the capital's 109 districts, covering the entire city. All collected intelligence is then delivered to them, who then sort, report, and disseminate it to the Lianfang headquarters, specifically to the Twelve Skillful Agents within the Ten-thousand Hall. Observing the vast and intricate network of the Intelligence Services, Wu Siyue decided to seek their assistance in locating Gao Bingzhu.

Gao Bingzhu subtly made his way to the outskirts of the Baili family mansion, where he discovered the entire estate adorned with festive decorations. He intended to leverage the ongoing wedding celebrations to infiltrate the residence and uncover the secrets surrounding the hand-halberd he was investigating. He sought out Yao Niang, the owner of Ji Shan Fang, to gather information. From her, he learned that Baili Hongyi was set to marry Liu Ran.

This union was arranged by Liu Ran's uncle, Liu Xiang, the Duke of Xùnshan, as Liu Ran's father, Liu Shi, had been missing for over a decade. Yao Niang also described Baili Hongyi as exceptionally intelligent and highly skilled in various crafts, yet entirely lacking in social graces.

Meanwhile, Wu Siyue and Pei Jian were seated in a tea house, receiving a detailed report from the Intelligence Services outlining all of Gao Bingzhu's movements, including his stops at Lü Dao Fang, Xiu Xing Fang, and Ji Shan Fang. Wu Siyue deduced that Gao Bingzhu's target was the wedding itself, which was taking place at the mansion of Baili Yan, the Minister of Ministry of Works.

She concluded that Gao Bingzhu intended to infiltrate the Baili family residence, despite being a wanted man, and resolved to go there herself to apprehend him. On the day of Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran's wedding, Baili Hongyi adamantly refused to don his ceremonial robes and fetch his bride. His father, Baili Yan, exasperated, ordered the household servants to forcibly dress him.

Baili Hongyi resisted fiercely, prompting Baili Yan to raise his hand as if to strike him, only to be stopped by the intervening maids and household members. Baili Yan then dismissed everyone, and earnestly attempted to reason with his son. He explained the profound implications of the marriage, noting that just as a small error can lead to widespread disaster, his elder brother Kuan Ren suffered grave consequences for speaking rashly.

He emphasized that marrying Liu Ran would secure the influential Liu family as a powerful ally, a protective canopy for Baili Hongyi's unconventional nature, allowing him to pursue his passion for crafts or indulge in the world's culinary delights without worry. Baili Yan also acknowledged Liu Ran's deep affection, which was why he had sent the marriage proposal.

He concluded that if Baili Hongyi married Liu Ran but remained unhappy, there would be no point, and stated he would not force him further, offering to go to the Liu family to apologize for the proposed marriage. After much deliberation, Baili Hongyi reluctantly proceeded with the wedding procession. The entourage waited outside the Liu family mansion for nearly an hour before Liu Ran's uncle, Liu Xiang, the Duke of Xùnshan, finally allowed the gates to open.

Liu Xiang had heard rumors of Baili Hongyi's repeated attempts to call off the engagement. When confronted, Baili Hongyi admitted that he was only proceeding with the marriage to please his father. Enraged, Liu Xiang, visibly seething, immediately declared the engagement null and void and dismissed Baili Hongyi. However, Liu Ran, having rushed to the scene, adamantly insisted on marrying Baili Hongyi, expressing her dismay at the thought of becoming the capital's laughing stock.

Without further words, Baili Hongyi instructed his attendants to lift the palanquin and take Liu Ran away. Wu Siyue, who had grown up with Liu Ran and considered her a close friend, arrived at the Baili mansion for the wedding, accompanied by Pei Jian. Meanwhile, Yao Niang had successfully bribed Liu Zhang, the General Affairs of the Ministry of Works, to facilitate Gao Bingzhu's entry into the Baili family residence.

Gao Bingzhu claimed he was merely there to observe the festivities, and Liu Zhang cautioned him to act discreetly to avoid implicating him. As the wedding ceremony officially commenced, Liu Ran and Baili Hongyi performed all the traditional rituals. They were then escorted to the bridal chamber, while Baili Yan invited the assembled guests to join the wedding feast.

Throughout the ceremony, guests observed that the groom, Baili Hongyi, did not smile, speculating that he was likely being forced into the marriage. Later, Liu Ran dispatched her maid, Yunzhi, to summon Wu Siyue. Liu Ran warmly introduced Wu Siyue to Baili Hongyi, mentioning her prominent role as the Interior Guard's Moon Blossom Envoy. Soon after, Princess Yongchuan also arrived to congratulate Liu Ran.

Baili Hongyi, seizing an opportunity, asked Wu Siyue to speak with him privately, prompting Liu Ran to leave to greet the Princess. Baili Hongyi immediately questioned Wu Siyue about the progress of the informer case. Wu Siyue, surprised he knew, confirmed that she was indeed at the Baili mansion to apprehend Gao Bingzhu, having received intelligence that he might appear there that day. She also asked Baili Hongyi how he knew about the informers.

He revealed they had come to him, stating they were from Lianshan, and later a mysterious person told him they were dead. Wu Siyue then deduced that this mysterious person was Gao Bingzhu, who was a dangerous escaped convict. Baili Hongyi, connecting Gao Bingzhu's investigation of the informer case—which originated from Lianshan and its copper mines—to his own father, Baili Yan, suddenly realized Gao's true target. He swiftly led Wu Siyue to confront Gao Bingzhu.

As Baili Hongyi and Wu Siyue rushed to Baili Yan's room, they found Baili Yan already dead, with Gao Bingzhu standing next to his body. Both Baili Hongyi and Wu Siyue immediately concluded that Gao Bingzhu was the killer. Gao Bingzhu vehemently denied the accusation and, seizing the moment, took Baili Hongyi hostage. Left with no choice, Wu Siyue allowed Gao Bingzhu to escape with Baili Hongyi.

Gao Bingzhu led Baili Hongyi to the outskirts of the city, repeatedly explaining that he had not killed Baili Yan. He claimed that when he had gone to find Baili Yan, he discovered him already dead. Gao Bingzhu then pursued the killer, who quickly vanished. Gao Bingzhu returned to the room to search for clues, only for Baili Hongyi and Wu Siyue to arrive. Despite Baili Hongyi's demands for answers, Gao Bingzhu urged him to investigate the true culprit himself, then mounted a horse and rode away swiftly.

Episode 4 Recap

Liu Ran was distraught when Baili Hongyi did not return, and although she sent people to search for him, they found nothing. Baili Wu, the housekeeper, dispatched additional men to continue the search. Liu Xiang, Liu Ran’s uncle, grew impatient and urged her to return home with him, stating that he had waited with her all night and questioning why she would stay for someone whose fate was unknown.

Liu Ran, however, firmly declared that she was now part of the Baili family and would not leave, stating, "I, Liu Qiniang, am not some object or decoration," and insisting that her uncle had been the one to insist on her marriage into the Baili family in the first place. Just then, Baili Wu announced Baili Hongyi's return. Liu Ran rushed to him, asking if he had been hurt by the thugs.

Baili Hongyi, seemingly unaffected, simply told everyone, including Liu Ran, to leave. Baili Wu, concerned for his well-being, urged Baili Hongyi to rest, as he had been awake all night beside Baili Yan's body. Meanwhile, Lord Pei of the Grand Court led his men to the Unwelcome Well, announcing that Gao Bingzhu, a wanted criminal, was still at large.

He declared that all entrances and exits to the Unwelcome Well would be sealed, and no one, not even a mouse, would be allowed to leave until Gao Bingzhu was arrested, threatening death to anyone who attempted to do so. The residents protested loudly, pleading with Lord Pei. Wang Dengcheng, a Well officer, explained that their food and medicine were purchased from outside, and if the lockdown was sudden, they would starve.

He detailed that they only had enough food for fifteen days, ten piculs of bran noodles, and dwindling medicine, emphasizing that while the strong could endure, the old, weak, and ill would perish. Another man pleaded for his critically ill son, whose life depended on medicine. Lord Pei remained resolute, stating that if they wished for the lockdown to be lifted, they must cooperate with the Grand Court to apprehend Gao Bingzhu.

Back at the Baili Mansion, Liu Ran, concerned for Baili Hongyi, instructed Baili Wu to remove all the red silks in the garden and replace them with funeral customs. She also ordered him to immediately go to the west of the capital to procure the finest coffin and quickly draft a list of those attending the funeral, emphasizing that in these trying times, they must all work together. Lord Pei's men tracked Gao Bingzhu to Ji Shan Fang.

Inside the bustling casino, Lord Pei questioned Yao, the owner, about Gao Bingzhu's whereabouts, showing her a wanted poster. Yao denied having seen him, citing the constant flow of customers and accusing Lord Pei of trying to shut down her business with such a thorough search. When pressed about her prolonged gaze at the wanted poster, Yao wittily remarked that he looked "decent," implying Lord Pei might be jealous.

Lord Pei then proceeded to search her private quarters, where Gao Bingzhu, hidden, suddenly emerged and took Lord Pei hostage. Lord Pei confronted Gao Bingzhu, blaming him for the lockdown of the Unwelcome Well and the recent murders, including that of a third-grade official, stating that officials cared more about their ranks than human lives. He declared that the Unwelcome Well would remain sealed until Gao Bingzhu surrendered.

Gao Bingzhu, in turn, reminded Lord Pei of a past favor, promising to capture the true culprit within ten days and send him to the Grand Court, but only if Lord Pei ensured the well-being of the Unwelcome Well residents, providing them with ample food and medicine. He pledged that if he failed within ten days, his head would be Lord Pei's.

After Lord Pei left, Yao warned Gao Bingzhu against interfering, pointing out the extreme danger posed by the "cruel and dangerous criminal" whom even the Grand Court couldn't apprehend. Gao Bingzhu, however, dismissed her concerns, stating that he was compelled to act as he had indirectly caused trouble for the Unwelcome Well, and moreover, he had almost died five years ago in connection with the same underlying forces.

Yao acknowledged their agreement not to pry into each other's past but thanked him for saving her life once again. Their conversation was interrupted by a commotion downstairs. Yao discovered that a ship crew owed gambling debts and were attempting to default on them, stating their employer, Lord Baili, the Minister of Works, had died suddenly the previous night, preventing them from collecting their wages.

Yao, unfazed by their story, dismissed it as nonsense, accusing them of using a death to shirk responsibility. When they offered the Baili Mansion's goods on their ship as collateral, Yao still refused and ordered her men to beat them. Gao Bingzhu followed the crew to the pier in the west of the capital, posing as a porter to board their ship.

He quickly realized the crewmen were fake when he noticed one had no calluses on his hands, despite claiming to be a boatman. He cornered one, who confessed that someone had paid them to impersonate boatmen and lure Gao Bingzhu into the ship's cabin, where a specific individual would appear, and that this individual also provided the ship. As Gao Bingzhu absorbed this information, masked assailants suddenly appeared, killing the fake crewmen with hand halberds.

Realizing he had been set up, Gao Bingzhu fought back desperately against the masked attackers in a fierce struggle aboard the ship. He repeatedly tried to unmask his opponents but failed, and both sides sustained injuries. Eventually, the masked assailant plunged into the sea, with Gao Bingzhu pursuing closely behind. Meanwhile, at the Baili Mansion, during Baili Yan's funeral, Baili Hongyi tearfully bade his final farewell. He noticed unusual red rashes on Baili Yan's chest.

Baili Wu dismissed them as mere heat rash. However, Baili Hongyi, recalling that the Grand Court's autopsy had mentioned no such rashes, carefully examined the marks. He realized that the wound on his father's chest, near the heart, should have caused blood to splash high onto the walls of the study, yet there were no stains. He deduced that Baili Yan's blood must have coagulated "before" the knife wound was inflicted, indicating he had been poisoned first and then stabbed.

He then retrieved a bowl from a trash bucket in his father's room, confirming his suspicion that the white fungus soup had been poisoned. Gao Bingzhu, having barely managed to swim ashore, discovered that the masked assailant he had been pursuing was dead. He picked up the hand halberd that had fallen, then proceeded to the graves of his fallen brothers. He poured their favorite Pine Leaf Wine, talking to each of them by name: Buyi, Xiaoqi, and Xiaojiu.

He spoke of Buyi's son, Xiaoqi's fondness for wind chimes, and how Xiaojiu would now be seventeen. Though he had avenged them, Gao Bingzhu admitted to feeling a profound emptiness. He promised them that once he had settled their families, he would join them and apologize for what he owed them. Later, Gao Bingzhu confidently returned to the Unwelcome Well, openly confessing his past wrongs to the families of his fallen brothers and declaring he had avenged them.

However, the residents refused to accept his words, vehemently accusing him of being a criminal who had brought disaster to the Unwelcome Well. They forcibly drove him out, despite him leaving all his money for them as he departed. Back at the Baili Mansion, Baili Hongyi summoned all the maids to inquire about the precise process of preparing the white fungus soup on the wedding day. A maid confirmed she had distributed the soup to guests.

Baili Wu then detailed the preparation: Miss Zheng picked the white fungus, Wang Xiaohei fetched the water, Miss Chen cleaned the lotus seeds, and Xiaoju kept the fire burning for two and a half hours. He confirmed that he personally tasted it before sugar was added and it was served, and no external servants were involved. Baili Hongyi concluded that someone had poisoned the white fungus soup. Later, Lord Chu received delayed news of Gao Bingzhu's ambush at the dock.

He suspected a spy within the Intelligence Services was intentionally blocking information, expressing deep concern about this internal threat. He inquired about the cases of the seven murdered Unwelcome Well residents, the informer Lin Zhong and his daughter, and Grand Court official Chen Que, all of whom had been killed in different locations. He also learned that Lord Baili, the Minister of Works, had been killed at Baili Mansion.

The Grand Court had dismissed the dock incident as a dispute among associations, but Lord Chu found this absurd. He ordered his agent to investigate and bring him detailed files on the Unwelcome Well murders. Gao Bingzhu, replaying the events in his mind, realized he had been misled. He distinctly remembered the masked assailant's hand halberd falling into the water when he jumped overboard, yet the same weapon had been found on the dead man's body.

He recognized that the person he had killed was not the true culprit. With this realization, he covertly infiltrated the Baili Mansion that very night to investigate and gather evidence, only to find Baili Hongyi waiting for him. Baili Hongyi, who had dismissed everyone from his father's wake to be alone, immediately recognized Gao Bingzhu, stating that he knew Gao Bingzhu would come and that he was not his father's killer.

Episode 5 Recap

Baili Hongyi, certain that Gao Bingzhu would seek him out, sent away his household staff under the pretext of wishing to mourn his father, Baili Yan, in solitude. Soon after, Gao Bingzhu arrived, intending to perform an autopsy on Baili Yan. Baili Hongyi, wanting to personally verify the cause of death, agreed to the procedure. As Gao Bingzhu meticulously dissected the body, the putrid smell of the ruined organs overwhelmed Baili Hongyi, who was forced to step away, nauseated.

Gao Bingzhu concluded that Baili Yan had been poisoned with Shachi Venom, a fast-acting toxin that leaves no external marks but completely destroys internal organs. Gao Bingzhu stressed that the poisoner, not him, was the true killer. Meanwhile, Wu Siyue returned to the Interior Guard Services and found a guard, Chen Wu, along with others, examining the archives left by Baili Yan.

When Wu Siyue reached for a scroll, Xu Yuan, another guard, promptly intervened, stating that no one was permitted to review the archives without Wu Youjue’s explicit permission. Xu Yuan also accused Wu Siyue of incompetence, claiming her poor leadership led to the deaths of Lu Zhi and two other guards. Wu Siyue argued vehemently against the accusation until Wu Youjue arrived and intervened, advising his sister to go home and rest, as she had been working too strenuously.

Later, Gao Bingzhu intercepted Wu Siyue, eager to examine Baili Yan's archives. He revealed the truth about Chen Que killing the three Interior Guards, though Wu Siyue was hesitant to believe him without proof. Gao Bingzhu then implicated the Four Season Clan as the true masterminds behind the recent incidents, including the assassination in the capital's south, the Interior Guard Services killings, and Baili Yan’s death.

He posited that Baili Yan’s death, uniquely caused by Shachi Venom rather than physical injuries, suggested he had stumbled upon a secret of the Four Season Clan, leading them to eliminate him. Gao Bingzhu asserted that the Four Season Clan was preparing a larger operation and urged Wu Siyue to help him investigate.

Despite her initial skepticism about the defunct clan, Wu Siyue agreed to bring him into the Interior Guard Services the following day at noon, meeting at Changxia Gate. The next morning, Liu Xiang arrived at the Baili mansion looking for Baili Hongyi, who was still asleep. Liu Ran, now Baili Hongyi's wife, offered tea and acknowledged Baili Hongyi as her husband, a title Liu Xiang reluctantly conceded due to his previous disapproval of their marriage.

Liu Xiang expressed his family's willingness to support the Baili family during their current difficulties, but he doubted Baili Hongyi's reciprocal loyalty. Later, Wu Siyue brought Gao Bingzhu, disguised as a guard, into the Interior Guard Services. They were immediately confronted by Li Beiqi, who recognized Gao Bingzhu as the killer of their comrades. Wu Siyue quickly assured Li Beiqi that she would explain later and urged him to trust her, allowing them to proceed to the Archive.

Once inside, Gao Bingzhu began meticulously reviewing Baili Yan's case files while Wu Siyue stood guard at the door. Back at the Baili mansion, Baili Hongyi finally emerged, ignoring Liu Xiang's presence and solely focused on arranging Baili Yan's burial for the next day, despite the short mourning period. Liu Xiang, exasperated by Baili Hongyi's cold demeanor, concluded that Liu Ran had chosen poorly in marrying such a heartless man.

Liu Ran, however, remained hopeful that she could change Baili Hongyi's mind over time. Meanwhile, Wu Youjue arrived at the Archive to review documents. Wu Siyue attempted to stall him, but Wu Youjue quickly noticed that the archives had been disturbed and immediately suspected his sister. He harshly rebuked her for interfering, questioning her competence and reminding her that internal investigations were not her place.

Wu Siyue passionately defended her actions, explaining that she aimed to protect the Wu family’s standing and his reputation by solving the case quickly, especially with the empress’s scrutiny and rising crime rates. Angered, Wu Youjue ordered her removal. Wu Siyue, in defiance, brandished the Empress' Behest, a token of imperial favor. However, Wu Youjue, asserting his authority as her elder brother, confiscated the token and had her forcibly escorted out. Gao Bingzhu, hidden nearby, witnessed the entire exchange.

Once the area was clear, he resumed his search, discovering a crucial page in the archives that lacked an official seal. He quickly tore it out and concealed it. Baili Hongyi spent a day and a night tirelessly searching his home, eventually discovering that Shachi Venom was a rare and valuable tribute from Western Province, known for its ability to prolong life in the dying, though it was instantly fatal otherwise.

He also learned that some noble families, favored by the empress, might possess this poison, leading him to suspect guests who attended his father's wedding. Meanwhile, Gao Bingzhu approached Wu Siyue's residence and overheard a heated argument between her and Wu Youjue. Wu Youjue was pressuring Wu Siyue to focus on finding a husband and conforming to societal expectations, rather than pursuing cases and fighting. Li Beiqi, spotting Gao Bingzhu, quickly ushered him away, concerned about being discovered.

Once Gao Bingzhu was outside, Li Beiqi fiercely warned him to stay away from Wu Siyue, threatening him with death if he saw him again. Wu Siyue defiantly agreed to meet several suitors Wu Youjue suggested. After she agreed, Wu Youjue softened, returning her Empress' Behest, stating he did not wish her to be mistreated. Later, Wu Siyue received a note, presumably from Gao Bingzhu, indicating "copper" as a vital clue in Baili Yan's case.

Baili Hongyi, now convinced that the poisoner was among the wedding attendees, meticulously cross-referenced the guest list with the sent invitations. He discovered that three guests—Huang An, a supervisor from the Ministry of Works; Wu Cheng, a staff officer from the Ministry of War; and Gu Jia, an official from the Ministry of Rites—had received invitations but did not attend, nor had they sent prior notification of their absence.

He immediately instructed Shen Fei to arrange meetings with these three individuals. Elsewhere, Bai Lang, a bootlegger, was caught selling diluted wine. He attempted a chaotic escape through the streets but was apprehended by Gao Bingzhu. Recognizing Gao Bingzhu as "Officer Gao," who had once shown him leniency, Bai Lang reluctantly cooperated.

Gao Bingzhu revealed he knew Bai Lang's ancestors were experts in the capital's waterway distribution, asking for a waterway map as he suspected foul play with the copper for the Heaven project, which was transported from Mount Lian to the capital via these waterways.

Bai Lang, possessing such a map from the prestigious carpenter Yuwen Kai, who mapped the capital's three rivers and seventeen streams, identified the Dragon Gate section of the Yihe River as the most suitable location for an ambush. Following Gao Bingzhu's instructions, Bai Lang disguised himself as an artisan and infiltrated the Heaven project construction site, where he impersonated a foreman and questioned the head of the smelting workshop about the copper supplies.

He learned that the quality of copper from Mount Lian had noticeably decreased over the past month, impacting production, and that the Chuiliu Corporation, a Baili family enterprise, was responsible for its transport. Crucially, the next batch of copper was due to arrive at Dragon Gate at midnight that very night. Bai Lang rushed back to report his findings to Gao Bingzhu, who resolved to go to the site for firsthand investigation.

To get out of the city, Bai Lang hid Gao Bingzhu inside a wine barrel on his cart, claiming to be transporting wine to officials for a hunting party outside the capital. At the city gate, the guards, after a brief inspection, allowed the cart to pass. Once outside, Gao Bingzhu and Bai Lang abandoned the cart and continued their journey on horseback towards Dragon Gate.

Bai Lang, terrified of the severe consequences of robbing government copper, repeatedly expressed his fears and reminded Gao Bingzhu that his wanted posters were still active. Gao Bingzhu, however, remained undeterred. Upon reaching Dragon Gate, Bai Lang observed newly constructed wooden houses and the presence of sentries, indicating unusual activity.

Episode 6 Recap

Gao Bingzhu, accompanied by Bai Lang, arrived at Dragon Gate, where they observed workers from Chuiliu Corporation moving crates into newly constructed wooden houses. Wu Siyue soon joined them, having also suspected this location was where Mount Lian copper was being illicitly swapped. As they watched, Tiangou, a follower of the Four Season Clan, quickly appeared and ordered the Chuiliu Corporation workers to load twenty crates of copper onto carriages for departure before midnight.

Realizing the danger, Gao Bingzhu urged Wu Siyue to return to the Interior Guard Services for reinforcements, fearing it might be too late. Instead, Wu Siyue dispatched Bai Lang to a wine shop located south along the official road to find Agent Tihu of the Intelligence Services and relay an urgent message about Madam Wu of the Interior Guard Services facing danger at Dragon Gate.

Agent Tihu promptly sent a pigeon message to the Intelligence Services headquarters, also requesting that the Ministry of War be notified. Lord Chu was immediately informed and swiftly dispatched aid from both the Interior Guard Services and the Ministry of War. After the twenty crates of copper were loaded, Tiangou commanded that all the workers be locked inside the wooden house and burned alive to eliminate witnesses.

Wu Siyue desperately wanted to intervene, but Gao Bingzhu physically restrained her, explaining that immediate action would spoil his five-year-long pursuit of clues. He stressed that by waiting, he could track the copper and uncover its destination. Once Tiangou and the carriage team departed, Gao Bingzhu released Wu Siyue, who immediately rushed into the burning structure to rescue the trapped workers.

Gao Bingzhu, initially intending to pursue Tiangou and the copper, turned back when he saw Wu Siyue struggling in the intensifying blaze, rushing in to pull her unconscious form from the inferno. Outside the burning building, Gao Bingzhu performed a resuscitation method on the unconscious Wu Siyue, who gradually regained consciousness. Seeing the few rescued workers offered them a small measure of comfort.

Minister of Ministry of War Song Liang arrived shortly thereafter and ordered Gao Bingzhu’s arrest on suspicion of murdering Minister Baili Yan. Wu Siyue quickly intervened, presenting the Empress' Behest, a token bestowed by the empress, to guarantee Gao Bingzhu’s innocence. Reluctantly, Lord Song released Gao Bingzhu and instructed that Wu Siyue be escorted into the army camp. Wu Siyue thanked Gao Bingzhu for saving her life but urged him to avoid such life-threatening risks in the future.

Gao Bingzhu, however, told her not to follow him anymore. Later that evening, Baili Hongyi returned home to find Liu Ran waiting for him. She offered to cook a meal, but he declined, explaining he was tired and sending her to rest. The next morning, members of the Baili family gathered at the mansion gates, demanding a division of the family assets and the election of a new family head, now that Baili Yan had passed.

Baili Hongyi showed little interest in these discussions, telling them to decide among themselves as he had more pressing matters. He announced his intention to investigate Supervisor Huang An’s home. Meanwhile, Gao Bingzhu, after the incident at Dragon Gate, caught a Chuiliu Corporation worker and discovered a distinctive wooden talisman on him. Later, Gao Bingzhu was observed examining this talisman, which Bai Lang recognized as a black market trading token.

Bai Lang noted its intricate patterns were characteristic of the Chuiliu Corporation, affirming Gao Bingzhu’s suspicion that there was a problem with the company. Gao Bingzhu concluded he would need to investigate Chuiliu Corporation directly. An imperial decree arrived at the Baili mansion, delivered by a Grand Court official, announcing a thorough investigation into Baili Yan's alleged corruption.

The Baili family members hesitated, but Liu Ran, identifying herself as the wife from the Liu family of Hedong, bravely stepped forward to accept the decree on behalf of her husband, Baili Hongyi. Simultaneously, Chief Justice of the Grand Court Gao Sheng and Wu Youjue reported to the empress about the ongoing investigation into Baili Yan’s alleged corruption.

Gao Sheng presented evidence, including records of Mount Lian quarry's recipients and reports from Baili Yan's subordinates, suggesting that material deficiencies in the Supreme Buddhist Temple Project had been a long-standing issue, implying Baili Yan's corruption was deeply rooted. The empress, however, scoffed at the accusations, asserting that Baili Yan was renowned as the capital’s most incorruptible official. She demanded concrete proof of the stolen copper.

Gao Sheng explained that the Mount Lian copper had been confiscated by Minister of Ministry of War Song Liang and was currently stored in the army camp. Despite this, the empress remained skeptical, expressing her disbelief that the Mount Lian copper could be swapped right under the Intelligence Services' nose without their detection. She demanded an explanation from Lord Chu, holding the Intelligence Services accountable.

Lord Chu, acknowledging that the Intelligence Services had indeed been at fault, worried about a deeper issue, noting that various incidents, including the murders of the informer and his daughter and the copper theft, suggested someone was bypassing Intelligence Services surveillance, hinting at the possibility of a spy within their ranks.

Baili Hongyi and Shen Fei arrived at Huang An's residence, only to find a funeral in progress, learning that Huang An had died three days prior, the day before Baili Yan's passing. Baili Hongyi requested an autopsy, which Huang An's family vehemently opposed, with his wife claiming Huang An had accidentally died by burning after drunkenly spilling an oil lamp. Baili Hongyi, aware that Huang An was a teetotaler and that the Ministry of Works prohibited drinking, pressed the matter.

Realizing the inconsistency, Huang An’s wife conceded, allowing the autopsy to proceed to uncover the truth. The autopsy revealed that Huang An had not died from the fire but had been murdered, with the fire set afterwards to conceal the true cause of death. Baili Hongyi explained that a person burned alive would show signs of struggle and twisted limbs, which were absent from Huang An's body. Huang An's wife tearfully pleaded for Baili Hongyi to find the real killer.

During his investigation of Huang An's belongings, Baili Hongyi discovered a receipt from a cosmetic shop in the south of the capital for costly Persian tulip oil. Huang An's wife admitted that Huang An had purchased it for his concubine, Lady Zhai, who had been expelled from the household a month prior for spilling a pot of sweet soup while secretly eating.

Baili Hongyi found this suspicious, questioning why Huang An would buy such an expensive item for Lady Zhai only to banish her for a minor transgression. He concluded there was more to the story and decided to investigate the cosmetic shop further, with Liu Ran offering to accompany him, despite the late hour. Meanwhile, Wu Siyue sought an update on the case from Wu Youjue.

He firmly reiterated that the incident was definitively classified as Baili Yan's corruption, citing conclusive evidence that Chuiliu Corporation personnel, under Baili Yan's long-standing instruction, had swapped copper. He also reprimanded Wu Siyue for using the Empress' Behest to guarantee Gao Bingzhu’s freedom. Wu Siyue, however, insisted that Gao Bingzhu was innocent, arguing that the Four Season Clan was truly involved in Minister Baili’s death, and that Gao Bingzhu, like her, sought to uncover the real mastermind.

She expressed concern that a hasty conclusion to the case would leave the true culprits at large. Wu Youjue sternly warned her to mind her words, stressing that the Four Season Clan was a dangerous taboo to mention, especially given the empress’s sensitivity to it. He forbade her from having any further contact with Gao Bingzhu, threatening severe consequences if his command was defied.

Separately, Liu Xiang personally entered the palace to present a Persian bronze mirror to the empress, but the empress refused to see him. Following his leads, Gao Bingzhu, with the help of Bai Lang, whose prior knowledge of the black market was instrumental, decided to investigate Chuiliu Corporation directly. Bai Lang visited an antique shop rumored to deal in black market transactions, presenting the wooden talisman.

The shop owner, terrified upon seeing the token, tried to flee but was quickly apprehended by Bai Lang. Under duress, the owner confessed that the talisman was the Canglang Talisman of Zhang Silang, the chief person-in-charge of Chuiliu Corporation, who engaged in illicit and capital crimes.

The shop owner further revealed that Zhang Silang, disheartened by Chuiliu Corporation's recent troubles and downturn in business, had been avoiding his home and was currently seeking pleasure in a private mansion outside the city. Separately, Baili Hongyi learned from Liu Ran that Persian tulip oil was extremely valuable and typically required pre-orders due to its scarcity.

He and Liu Ran visited the cosmetic shop, where the owner confirmed that while direct purchases were rare, one order of the expensive oil had been delivered to a brothel. Baili Hongyi concluded this must be for Lady Zhai and proceeded with Shen Fei to Hong Xiao Fang, the brothel. Inside, they were greeted by several women who attempted to entice Baili Hongyi. He inquired about Lady Zhai, only to be told she was out accompanying a client.

Visibly angered and frustrated by the environment, Baili Hongyi left the establishment. Outside, Liu Ran observed his perturbed expression and expressed her concern. She noted that people in such places were primarily driven by profit and suggested that money might be more effective than words in getting information.

Episode 7 Recap

The girls from Hong Xiao Fang relentlessly pursued Baili Hongyi, who was clearly bothered. Liu Ran glared at them, and they quickly ran back inside. Having obtained no information, Liu Ran suggested bribing them. Baili Hongyi immediately returned to Hong Xiao Fang, where he spent money to obtain information regarding the whereabouts of Lady Zhai. Meanwhile, Liu Xiang, the Duke Xunshan, knelt outside the palace, hoping to appeal to the empress.

He wished for the empress to preserve some of the Baili family's properties for Baili Hongyi. The empress, however, doubted Liu Xiang's intentions and consulted her imperial attendant, Yang Huan. Yang Huan advised that Liu Xiang's true motive was to protect Chuiliu Corporation, a significant portion of which belonged to the Liu family and accounted for over half of their annual income. Since Chuiliu Corporation was sealed immediately after Baili Yan's conviction, Liu Xiang was naturally unhappy about it.

Within the Intelligence Services, Agent Han Dongqing reported the discovery of a mole: a Jianfeng named Zhao Yang, who owned a meat shop. Zhao Yang was found to have been using trained falcons from the Intelligence Services to transmit information to the mole's superior. When confronted, Zhao Yang had already poisoned his falcon and was attempting to poison himself.

He refused to disclose the identity of his superior, despite being offered a chance to live and be sent out of the capital. Han Dongqing, frustrated by his silence, ordered his execution. Han Dongqing later reported to Lord Chu that the core of the Intelligence Services, either Agents or Buddha, had been deeply infiltrated.

He suggested activating the Reclining Buddha Order, but Lord Chu rejected the idea, emphasizing that the Intelligence Services were the empress's eyes and ears and could not be disabled. Lord Chu questioned why the Intelligence Services had failed to predict or detect clues regarding the Mount Lian copper mine theft, the replacement of copper for the Supreme Buddhist Temple project, and Baili Yan's recent murder.

He concluded that the mole could only be Agents or Buddha, noting the complex procedures and record-keeping for entering the Palace of Nature, which implied a secret medium for external contact. Lord Chu confirmed that Zhao Yang, the falcon tamer, was this secret medium and theorized that the infiltration had been long-standing, not just involving a minor Jianfeng. Wu Youjue summoned Wu Siyue, presenting her with her favorite childhood snacks.

He reminded her of their identity as members of the Wu family, emphasizing that their actions should reflect the family's standing. Wu Siyue, however, expressed her disinterest in being associated with other members of the Wu family who relied on the empress's favor, stating she only wished to fulfill her duties as an Interior Guard Services. Wu Youjue then instructed her to attend Princess Yongchuan's birthday celebration, advising her to dress up and find a suitable husband.

Wu Siyue adamantly refused to marry, citing her busy schedule with Interior Guard Services matters. Wu Youjue retorted that her marriage was the empress's personal concern and implied that Gao Bingzhu was influencing her defiance, which Wu Siyue denied. Following the provided address, Baili Hongyi arrived at a private mansion and discovered Lady Zhai and Zhang Silang both murdered, with their dinner still warm.

Their deaths, from stab wounds, appeared very recent and likely at the hands of the same killer. Gao Bingzhu soon arrived, and they exchanged information. Gao Bingzhu analyzed that Zhang Silang, as the manager of Chuiliu Corporation, was predictably killed due to his involvement in the Mount Lian copper theft. Lady Zhai, the concubine of Huang An, was likely sent away by Huang An, who anticipated trouble and possibly entrusted her with important information before his own death.

Now, both were dead, leaving no witnesses. Gao Bingzhu meticulously searched Lady Zhai and found a hidden letter from Huang An concealed within her garments. The letter detailed Liu Xiang's crimes of embezzling copper from the Mount Lian mine, confirmed by Lin Zhong, the accountant there. Baili Hongyi was stunned, realizing his marriage was an elaborate scheme by Liu Xiang.

Liu Xiang had manipulated Baili Yan to embezzle the copper, then killed Baili Yan to silence him and shifted all blame onto his father. Baili Hongyi secretly vowed to avenge his father. Gao Bingzhu warned Baili Hongyi that as the first person at the scene, he could be implicated, just as Gao Bingzhu had been in Baili Yan's study. He reminded Baili Hongyi that what he saw might not be the whole truth.

Wu Siyue used her token to pass through guards and re-entered the Unwelcome Well. She sought out Wang Dengcheng to access Gao Bingzhu's files. Wang Dengcheng led her to Mr. Unsightly, the elderly keeper of the household registers. Wu Siyue inquired about Gao Bingzhu's past. Mr. Unsightly initially resisted answering but relented when Wu Siyue explained that she had no malicious intent and only wished to understand why someone who once protected the capital had become so changed.

Mr. Unsightly then recounted Gao Bingzhu's history in detail. Simultaneously, Bai Lang successfully bribed Liu Xiang's stableman with three jars of old wine, posing as an admirer of Liu Xiang's for his sister, and obtained Liu Xiang's recent itinerary. Bai Lang promptly returned to report to Gao Bingzhu, receiving silver as payment. Gao Bingzhu later visited the unmarked graves of his deceased companions, recalling the tragic events of five years prior.

He remembered leading seven companions out of the Unwelcome Well for the first time, where they reveled in the sweetness of the outside air, exhilarated by the bustling capital. As he grieved, Wu Siyue found him at the barren gravesite and revealed her knowledge of his past. She stated that five years ago, Gao Bingzhu and his companions had secretly rescued King Tongyang, now Crown Prince Li Dun, and his family from assassins outside the capital.

The Crown Prince himself had recounted how their saviors vanished as if into thin air after aid arrived. Gao Bingzhu tried to stop Wu Siyue from speaking, but she pressed on, urging him to seek justice for his fallen comrades. Gao Bingzhu, resigned, expressed his belief that no one cared for the lives of those from the Unwelcome Well, asserting that people from the Unwelcome Well had no right to be considered citizens of the capital.

Wu Siyue vehemently disagreed, challenging his despair and declaring that his companions were indeed citizens of the capital who deserved justice. In response, Wu Siyue swore an oath in the name of the Interior Guard Services, specifically as Moonlight Lord, to uncover the truth and seek justice for his seven companions. Moved by her sincerity, Gao Bingzhu finally opened up, recounting the harrowing events.

Five years ago, as he fought a losing battle against assassins, his seven companions bravely came to his aid, sacrificing themselves to draw away the attackers and allow King Tongyang's family to safely withdraw with the arriving soldiers. However, the soldiers, prioritizing the royal family's escape, ignored the companions, who were encircled and brutally killed by an assassin wielding a hand-halberd. Gao Bingzhu watched helplessly as his friends perished, leaving him as the sole survivor.

He blamed himself for leading them out of the Unwelcome Well and for his own survival. This guilt had fueled his path of revenge, which led him to the wooden cabin incident. There, he had come closest to the truth, but had lost the trail of Tian Gou of the Four Season Clan while saving Wu Siyue and the laborers. Gao Bingzhu's pent-up grief and fury from the past five years erupted as he sobbed uncontrollably. Wu Siyue, visibly moved, comforted him and reaffirmed her vow to seek justice for him and his companions.

Episode 8 Recap

Gao Bingzhu, who had fallen asleep drunk by a grave, slowly regained consciousness to find Wu Siyue had personally carved wooden tombstones for his seven deceased companions. Deeply moved, he watched as she instructed him to place each one on their respective graves. Gao Bingzhu then revealed a secret letter left by Huang An, handing it to Wu Siyue.

Wu Siyue admitted she had long found Lord Baili Yan’s death suspicious and, upon seeing the letter, confirmed her suspicions that Liu Xiang was the mastermind. Gao Bingzhu informed her that Liu Xiang intended to go to Zhoushan for Chan training the following day, leaving his mansion empty, which he believed would be the perfect opportunity to infiltrate the residence and seize the relevant account books from Chuiliu Corporation.

Wu Siyue, concerned for his safety given the mansion's tight security, offered to obtain a map of the Liu Mansion for him, urging him not to act impulsively and arranging to meet him at the Tongji canal near Chun Hua Fang before noon the next day. Gao Bingzhu, committed to avenging his friends, insisted he must go. Meanwhile, Baili Hongyi, also eager to investigate Liu Xiang, discussed with Shen Fei the best way to gain access to the Liu Mansion.

Shen Fei suggested that Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran perform the traditional "visiting relatives" custom, which would provide a legitimate reason for their visit. Baili Hongyi, however, found it difficult to broach the subject with Liu Ran. Unbeknownst to him, Liu Ran was preparing a pot of spicy soup in the kitchen, refusing Yunzhi’s offer of help, determined for Baili Hongyi to feel her personal effort.

When she presented the soup to him, Baili Hongyi, despite his initial reluctance, dutifully tasted it. Seizing the opportunity, he awkwardly suggested they visit her family. Liu Ran, thrilled by his unexpected proposal, readily agreed. The next day, Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran arrived at the Liu Mansion. Liu Xiang, originally planning his trip to Zhoushan, changed his itinerary upon their arrival, even instructing his staff to prepare Liu Ran’s favorite dishes.

During dinner, Liu Xiang attempted to engage Baili Hongyi in conversation, remarking that Lord Baili Yan had sat in Baili Hongyi’s current seat just last month and promised to secure Baili Hongyi a position in the royal court once his three years of mourning were complete. Baili Hongyi, however, directly challenged Liu Xiang, asking what he would say to his deceased father if he were still alive and sitting in that very spot. Liu Xiang was momentarily speechless.

Disregarding Liu Ran’s attempts to diffuse the tension, Baili Hongyi abruptly excused himself from the table. Later, Wu Siyue met Gao Bingzhu as arranged, presenting him with a detailed building plan of the Liu Mansion. Gao Bingzhu, skeptical, pressed her for the map's origin, prompting Wu Siyue to reveal that she had obtained it from Han Dongqing of Liangfang, the Intelligence Services.

She further admitted that Liangfang's extensive network and pervasive knowledge were how she had consistently managed to track him. Wu Siyue then informed Gao Bingzhu that Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran were currently at Liu Xiang’s mansion and advised him against taking action that day. Gao Bingzhu, understanding Baili Hongyi’s persistent nature and suspecting he might be in danger, insisted on going to his aid with Wu Siyue.

Inside the Liu Mansion, Baili Hongyi had been meticulously searching for clues and finally located a room he suspected was the account room. However, Liu Xiang immediately confronted him, having anticipated his moves. Baili Hongyi feigned curiosity, claiming he had simply wandered there due to the room's unusual architecture. Liu Xiang dismissed his excuse, believing Baili Hongyi's intentions were suspicious, and ordered his personal escort, Yuan Fei, to kill him.

Just then, Liu Ran rushed in, creating an excuse that Baili Hongyi had merely gotten lost. Liu Xiang remained unconvinced, reaffirming his strict rule that anyone trespassing into the account room would be killed on sight, and ordered Liu Ran to be escorted away. Liu Xiang then privately discussed with Yuan Fei his suspicion that Baili Hongyi would not easily drop the investigation, having already discovered Liu Xiang's involvement despite his efforts to eliminate witnesses like Huang An.

At that critical moment, a guard announced Moonbeam Guard Wu Siyue’s request to see Liu Ran. Liu Ran, seizing the opportunity, cleverly used Wu Siyue’s presence to request Baili Hongyi's release, saving him from imminent danger. Wu Siyue then brought Baili Hongyi to an Interior Guard Services tea house to meet Gao Bingzhu. Gao Bingzhu sternly reprimanded Baili Hongyi for his reckless infiltration of the Liu Mansion, leading to a heated exchange between the two men.

Wu Siyue intervened, urging them to put aside their differences and cooperate to uncover the truth, emphasizing the immediate need to find Chuiliu Corporation’s account books to prove Liu Xiang's guilt. Baili Hongyi then marked the account room’s location on the detailed map.

Together, the trio devised a new plan: the day after tomorrow was Princess Yongchuan's birthday, and Baili Hongyi would attend the feast at the Eastern Palace to keep Liu Xiang distracted, while Gao Bingzhu would seize the opportunity to infiltrate the Liu Mansion and retrieve the account books. On Princess Yongchuan's birthday, Liu Ran and Baili Hongyi were among the early arrivals at the Eastern Palace. Wu Siyue followed shortly after, escorting Minister Yang Huan.

King Dongchuan and Liu Xiang arrived later. Princess Yongchuan, delighted, pulled Wu Siyue aside for a private chat. Meanwhile, Gao Bingzhu, observing from outside the Liu Mansion, waited for Liu Xiang’s departure. Once Liu Xiang left for the palace, Gao Bingzhu quietly slipped into the mansion and located the supposed account room based on the map. Unbeknownst to him, Liu Xiang had anticipated such a move and set a trap there, having already arranged for additional security.

The birthday feast was a grand, traditional flowing banquet. As guests enjoyed the lavish spread, Princess Yongchuan, delighted by the festivities, called for more food and wine, encouraging everyone to continue celebrating. After several rounds of drinks, King Dongchuan and Liu Xiang attempted to excuse themselves, citing their inability to hold more liquor. However, Wu Siyue subtly intervened, prompting Princess Yongchuan to insist they stay for the specially imported Western desserts. Liu Xiang reluctantly conceded and remained at the banquet.

Back at the Liu Mansion, Gao Bingzhu, frustrated by the locked, seemingly ordinary account room, realized it was a decoy. He recalled a crucial detail from the building plan: a nondescript room secured with a unique "snake lock," a high-security mechanism typically reserved for confidential areas within the palace. He deduced that this room was likely the true location of the account books.

At the banquet, Liu Xiang made another attempt to leave, but Baili Hongyi, acting on their plan, expertly lured him to stay longer, enticing him with the promise of trying the renowned Western date pastries, known for their exquisite taste and melting texture.

Episode 9 Recap

Liu Xiang, dismissing the red date cookies offered by Baili Hongyi, prepared to depart from the Eastern Palace. Wu Siyue quickly intervened, stating that she found the red date cookies unappetizing. This sparked a debate with Baili Hongyi, who, as a self-proclaimed foodie, meticulously defended the Western chef's unique approach, explaining that his red date cookies used Western red dates, making them melt in the mouth without being overly sweet, unlike common ones made with cane sugar.

Their argument escalated, prompting a minister, Yang Huan, to suggest that tastes simply differ. Liu Xiang, about to leave, was again called upon by Wu Siyue to judge the cookies, with King Dongchuan, Li Yichen, also expressing a newfound curiosity and Princess Li Lu joining in the persuasion, leading Liu Xiang to reluctantly stay and taste them.

Liu Xiang, however, agreed with Wu Siyue, finding no difference from ordinary ones, which delighted Wu Siyue and prompted her to playfully mock Baili Hongyi's culinary title. With the dispute seemingly settled, Liu Xiang left once more. Baili Hongyi, however, quickly pursued him to the mansion gates, inventing a story about a defect in the Eastern Palace's red date cookies—namely, the Western chef’s addition of milk nougat, which affected the sweetness of the red date puree.

He then offered to take Liu Xiang to a place serving superior red date cookies, an offer Liu Xiang firmly declined, citing prior engagements. Not giving up, Baili Hongyi then inquired about the unique seven-layered bracket set in Liu Xiang's mansion, claiming a hobby of replicating such structures. Liu Xiang, growing irritated, refused access, telling Baili Hongyi he could see them next time he visited with Liu Ran.

Meanwhile, while Baili Hongyi was stalling Liu Xiang, Gao Bingzhu, using a snake lock key duplicated by Baili Hongyi—who revealed his method was to deduce the key's form just by seeing the lock—successfully opened the account room door in Liu Xiang's mansion. He searched thoroughly but found no ledgers. Liu Xiang, realizing Baili Hongyi’s persistent efforts to detain him were suspicious, immediately ordered a full lockdown of his mansion.

Upon discovering a grappling hook near the courtyard wall, he deduced the thief had intentionally left it as a decoy and was still inside. Gao Bingzhu, conducting a second search of the account room, discovered a hidden chamber and quickly retrieved the missing ledgers from within. Upon discovering the snake lock of the account room was open and the hidden chamber ransacked, a furious Liu Xiang realized the ledgers were gone.

Gao Bingzhu, seizing the moment, swiftly escaped the Liu Mansion. Outside, Baili Hongyi expressed concern over Gao Bingzhu’s prolonged absence, fearing he might have taken the ledgers and fled, but Wu Siyue confidently asserted her trust in him. Soon after, Gao Bingzhu returned, producing the ledgers. They discovered the books were written in a complex cipher, which Baili Hongyi claimed he could decode, though it would take time.

Gao Bingzhu, however, insisted on a faster solution before Liu Xiang could react, suggesting involving the Intelligence Services, as they would surely possess the means to decipher such codes. Wu Siyue agreed to arrange a meeting. At the Four Season Clan’s compound, a figure (later identified as Lord Chu) discussed the loss of the Chuiliu Corporation ledgers, which contained records of the Lian Mountain Copper Mine, with a Senior Brother, lamenting Liu Xiang's carelessness.

Later, Lord Chu met with Han Dongqing, an Intelligence Services agent, who reported failing to find a falcon tamer linked to Zhao Yang, implying a deeper internal issue. Lord Chu then proposed involving an outsider, Gao Bingzhu, to help find the mole within the Intelligence Services.

Both Han Dongqing and An Baitan, Lord Chu’s guard, voiced concerns, citing the Intelligence Services' strict requirements for members to abandon all emotions and desires, and Gao Bingzhu’s profound desire for revenge, which would make him difficult to control. Nevertheless, Lord Chu, seeing no better candidate, tasked Han Dongqing with finding a way to help Gao Bingzhu release his hatred. Wu Siyue arranged a meeting with Han Dongqing via a secret letter at Fashan Temple.

Accompanied by Baili Hongyi and Gao Bingzhu, she identified the temple as one of the twelve "stupa" contact points for the Intelligence Services, noting that the names "Man" and "Ying" referred to important figures within the organization. Han Dongqing eventually appeared and confronted Gao Bingzhu, questioning why he never claimed credit for saving King Tongyang five years prior, an act that indirectly led to the death of his seven companions and altered his own life.

Gao Bingzhu adamantly replied that he had no interest in fame or protecting the capital, stating he would have preferred his brothers to live and would not intervene in such matters again if given the choice. Gao Bingzhu then handed Han Dongqing the ciphered ledger, which Han Dongqing promised to decode within an hour. Shortly after Han Dongqing departed, a scream echoed through the temple grounds.

Wu Siyue, Gao Bingzhu, and Baili Hongyi rushed out to find Han Dongqing critically wounded, and the ledger missing. Before succumbing to his injuries, Han Dongqing handed Gao Bingzhu a wooden plaque with "Cui's" written on it and faintly uttered "Biluo" and "blow out the candle." Wu Siyue and Baili Hongyi pursued the masked assailant into the forest, but the attacker relentlessly pressed them, inflicting severe injuries before escaping. Gao Bingzhu arrived just after the assailant had fled.

Elsewhere, Lord Chu, whose unique lotus lamp extinguished automatically, understood that Han Dongqing had died. Liu Xiang reported Han Dongqing's demise to the leader of the Four Season Clan, suggesting a decisive blow against the Intelligence Services while they were weakened. The leader, however, advised patience and a cautious approach. Back home, Baili Hongyi pondered Han Dongqing’s last words and sent Shen Fei to investigate any acquaintances Gao Bingzhu might have.

Acting on Han Dongqing’s dying message, Gao Bingzhu went to a place called "Cui's." There, he extinguished a lotus lamp, a pre-arranged signal, and was led to a secret room where Lord Chu awaited him. Gao Bingzhu handed Lord Chu the "Cui's" wooden plaque. Despite her injuries, Wu Siyue returned to the Interior Guard Services to confront Wu Youjue, admitting her unauthorized investigation into the Liu family and the subsequent loss of the crucial evidence.

Wu Youjue, though concerned for her well-being, urged her to prioritize healing before resuming the investigation. Meanwhile, Gao Bingzhu proposed a collaboration with the Intelligence Services to uncover the truth. Lord Chu, initially wary, was stunned when Gao Bingzhu revealed he knew Lord Chu's true identity as King Dongchuan, Li Yichen.

Gao Bingzhu explained his deduction: the Intelligence Services, as the empress's "eyes and ears," must be led by a capable and trusted prince named Li, just as the Interior Guard Services, her "arms," are led by a Wu. Furthermore, he noted that the pet names "Man" and "Ying," associated with King Dongchuan and his sister Princess Hongsang, matched significant figures at Fashan Temple, an Intelligence Services site, cementing the connection.

As a gesture of good faith, Gao Bingzhu demanded that Li Yichen dismiss his hidden guards. Gao Bingzhu then stated that their shared goal was to uncover the copper mine's whereabouts and expose the Four Season Clan to root out the moles within the Intelligence Services. Impressed by Gao Bingzhu's insight and resolve, Li Yichen removed his mask, agreeing to cooperate openly.

Li Yichen informed Gao Bingzhu that while there was no unusual activity in copper transactions on the black markets, there was an abnormal circulation of charcoal. Gao Bingzhu immediately decided to investigate this lead, reminded by Li Yichen not to squander Han Dongqing’s dying efforts. Separately, Wu Youjue ordered Li Beiqi to thoroughly investigate Liu Xiang's properties, intending to provide an explanation for Wu Siyue's injury.

Li Beiqi, along with Chen Wu and other Interior Guards, systematically raided and disrupted Liu Xiang's businesses throughout the capital. Despite the onslaught, Liu Xiang remained unfazed. Wu Youjue later reported to the empress on Liu Xiang's deceptive practices, highlighting the formidable influence of the Liu family, which had become a dominant force among the capital's noble families. The empress acknowledged the deep-rooted power of the Liu family, recognizing their extensive following among the old noble houses.

Episode 10 Recap

Following the widespread news of discord between the Liu family and the Interior Guard, the empress, reflecting on the complicated informer case and Wu Siyue's unwavering determination, noted that the Hedong Liu family had long been a prominent leader among the noble clans. She expressed annoyance that the noble families, including the Zheng family from Xingyang, the Cui family from Boling, and the Du family from Jingzhao, rushed to the Palace of Immortality and knelt outside.

They claimed that if the influential Liu family could not protect themselves, then the other families would be unable to survive in the capital. Wu Youjue, who was present, apologized to the empress for the disturbance caused by his diligent work. However, the empress, seemingly unconcerned, dismissed their actions, remarking that the old nobles had nothing better to do and could continue kneeling outside.

Shen Fei reported to Baili Hongyi that a liquor seller named Bai Lang in the South Capital knew Gao Bingzhu. Baili Hongyi found Bai Lang at his store and paid a debt for one of Bai Lang's customers, surprising the liquor seller. Inside, Baili Hongyi found Gao Bingzhu eating and inquired if he had obtained the charcoal lead from Lianfang. Gao Bingzhu, in turn, told Baili Hongyi to help investigate the lead himself.

Bai Lang had previously informed Gao Bingzhu that while charcoal usage was generally normal, Princess Yongchuan's mansion, belonging to Li Lu, was an outlier with unusually high consumption, though Bai Lang claimed to not know the reason. Baili Hongyi confronted Gao Bingzhu about what Han Dongqing said or gave him before he died, but Gao Bingzhu simply instructed him to investigate the charcoal usage at Li Lu's mansion.

Liu Ran carefully planted Baili Hongyi's favorite flowers in the courtyard, hoping to please him, despite her maid Yunzhi's observation that Baili Hongyi was a "heartbreaker" who often overlooked her efforts. Baili Hongyi then approached Liu Ran, asking her opinion on giving a crafted jewelry box, embedded with a mechanism, to Princess Yongchuan.

When Yunzhi expressed dismay at his request, Liu Ran, ever eager to assist him, explained that Baili Hongyi needed to ask Princess Yongchuan for a favor and requested Liu Ran's accompaniment for the visit, which Liu Ran happily agreed to. Upon their arrival at Princess Yongchuan's mansion, Li Lu admired the intricate mechanism of the jewelry box, which Liu Ran confirmed Baili Hongyi had personally designed.

Baili Hongyi then directly inquired about the large quantity of charcoal her mansion had purchased. Li Lu clarified that she had recently sold her Linchuan mansion to Liu Xiang, the Duke of Mount Wind, suggesting that he was the one who bought the charcoal. This revelation led Baili Hongyi to suspect that Liu Xiang was using the charcoal for copper smelting.

King Dongchuan, Li Yichen, sought an audience with the empress, bringing her favorite cherries as a gesture of apology and affection. The empress, in turn, questioned if he understood the reason behind Crown Prince Li Dun's deposition. She explained that Li Dun, despite being the emperor, had sought to cede the kingdom to his father-in-law, an act she found intolerable as it treated the realm as personal property.

The empress declared her unwavering resolve not to allow anyone to jeopardize the magnificent kingdom she had painstakingly established. Frightened, Li Yichen knelt, vowing to rectify and enhance Lianfang to ensure it would serve as the empress's effective and transparent eyes and ears. Gao Bingzhu prepared to investigate the whereabouts of the copper materials at Linchuan mansion, cautioning Baili Hongyi against joining him due to the inherent dangers.

However, Baili Hongyi, determined to uncover the truth behind his father's murder and the copper theft, insisted on accompanying him, even challenging Gao Bingzhu's knowledge of metallurgy and copper smelting processes. Meanwhile, Wu Siyue, facing dead ends in her own investigation into the informer case, sought counsel from Yang Huan, a trusted confidant of the empress.

Wu Siyue expressed her frustration and guilt, feeling she had fallen short of the empress's expectations and caused concern for her brother, Wu Youjue, by using her Interior Guard Services authority. Yang Huan, recalling Wu Siyue's past tenacity in overcoming gender stereotypes, urged her to maintain focus on doing what was right, dispelling her doubts about the consequences of her actions. Upon reaching Linchuan village, Gao Bingzhu and Baili Hongyi observed a seemingly peaceful and prosperous community.

However, Gao Bingzhu quickly sensed an underlying abnormality. Despite the fertile land and wide riverbed, suitable for irrigation, no one was farming; instead, only fruit trees were cultivated, leading Gao Bingzhu to suspect that the idyllic scene was a deliberate facade. At a riverside restaurant, they noticed an old man carrying water from a distant source, bypassing the nearby river.

When Gao Bingzhu inquired about this, the restaurant owner's daughter, Lan, innocently revealed that drinking the local river water caused stomachaches. This confirmed their suspicion: toxic waste from a copper smelting operation located upstream was polluting the river, rendering its water undrinkable for the villagers. Wu Siyue visited Liu Ran, observing her diligently organizing Baili Hongyi's study for the third time, a stark contrast to her previous demeanor.

Liu Ran, expressing deep sympathy for Baili Hongyi after his father's demise, explained her desire to care for him, even as Wu Siyue advised her to prioritize her own well-being. Sensing an underlying purpose to Wu Siyue's visit, Liu Ran was correct when Wu Siyue inquired about the relationship between Baili Hongyi and Liu Xiang, the Duke of Mount Wind. Meanwhile, Gao Bingzhu and Baili Hongyi maintained a stakeout in the village.

As night fell, Gao Bingzhu recognized a man from earlier whose heavily calloused hands indicated a long history of casting work rather than farming. Despite acknowledging that following the man might be a trap, Gao Bingzhu reasoned it was their only lead and that they couldn't leave without pursuing it. They cautiously followed the man to a secluded cave, which concealed a massive copper foundry teeming with numerous smelting pits.

As Gao Bingzhu and Baili Hongyi entered the hidden copper foundry, they were immediately ambushed by a large group of thugs. Outnumbered, they fiercely fought back. In a desperate move, Baili Hongyi grabbed a shovel and splashed scalding molten copper onto their attackers, creating an opening. They struggled to escape, but Baili Hongyi stumbled and fell, crying out in pain as the thugs closed in. Gao Bingzhu initially ran ahead, but Baili Hongyi urged him to keep going.

However, Gao Bingzhu swiftly located a horse, returned for the injured Baili Hongyi, and hoisted him onto the saddle. Together, they made a dramatic escape, riding away at full speed, leaving their pursuers behind. Gao Bingzhu inquired about Baili Hongyi's leg, reassuring him that since he had brought him there, he would certainly bring him back.

After their escape, Gao Bingzhu instructed Baili Hongyi to ride to the Interior Guard Services and inform Wu Siyue about the exposed Linchuan mansion, urging her to collect evidence. Gao Bingzhu then departed alone. Meanwhile, Wu Siyue, already concerned for Baili Hongyi's safety, had dispatched Li Beiqi to search for him, and upon learning he hadn't been found, decided to extend her search outside the city.

Baili Hongyi, riding swiftly, met Wu Siyue and Li Beiqi at Jianchun Gate, where he urgently recounted witnessing the copper foundry, explaining that while he had no tangible proof, he and Gao Bingzhu had seen it with their own eyes. Hearing this, Wu Siyue immediately sent Li Beiqi back to the Interior Guard Services to gather reinforcements.

Unaware of these events, Liu Ran, anxious over Baili Hongyi's overnight disappearance after he mentioned going to the countryside, rushed to her uncle, Liu Xiang, seeking his help. She voiced her fear that Baili Hongyi might have gone to the recently acquired Linchuan mansion. Liu Xiang, feigning calm despite his surprise, attempted to soothe Liu Ran.

He spoke of her father's decade-long mountain retreat and how he had raised Liu Ran as his own daughter, expressing regret over her marriage to Baili Hongyi. He went as far as to instruct her that if Baili Hongyi ever dared to mistreat her, she should assert the dignity of the Hedong Liu family by divorcing him. Liu Ran found her uncle's words peculiar but trusted his assurances that Baili Hongyi would be safe.

Wu Siyue and Baili Hongyi, arriving at the now-deserted copper foundry, discovered that the numerous workers they had encountered the previous night had vanished, seemingly having evacuated the premises. Inside, they found a substantial quantity of copper coins. Simultaneously, Gao Bingzhu boldly proceeded to the Liu Mansion to confront Liu Xiang, who appeared to have been anticipating his arrival.

Liu Xiang, seemingly unperturbed, offered Gao Bingzhu a cup of tea he had personally prepared, challenging his audacity to enter his home. Gao Bingzhu accepted the tea and drank it. He then declared that he had no interest in the details of the copper theft or its purpose; his sole objective was to locate the Four Season Clan. To Gao Bingzhu's direct statement, Liu Xiang, with a calm demeanor, revealed, "You have found the right person. I'm Four Season Divine."

Episode 11 Recap

Liu Xiang offered Gao Bingzhu tea, then admitted to being a member of the Four Season Clan and confessed to killing Baili Yan and others because they had obstructed his path to wealth. He mocked Gao Bingzhu for relentlessly pursuing truth while facing imminent death, telling him to instead observe the world, which was on the brink of collapse.

Gao Bingzhu, understanding that Liu Xiang would die now that the Riverside Resort was exposed, stated his only interest was in finding and killing the man who used a polearm to avenge his fallen comrades. Liu Xiang claimed he could not help with that, then laughed and declared that life and death were his to decide before taking his own life. Liu Ran, increasingly disturbed by her uncle Liu Xiang's strange words and behavior, returned to the Liu Mansion.

Baili Hongyi and Wu Siyue also arrived there. Liu Ran recounted Liu Xiang's peculiar actions that day. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Baili Hongyi rushed into the room, finding Liu Xiang dead with Gao Bingzhu still at the scene. Liu Ran collapsed over her uncle's body, crying uncontrollably. Both Baili Hongyi and Wu Siyue immediately accused Gao Bingzhu of murder. Despite Gao Bingzhu's insistence that Liu Xiang had committed suicide, they refused to believe him.

Wu Siyue berated Gao Bingzhu for his continued solitary pursuit of revenge, questioning if his vengeance was the only one that mattered. Gao Bingzhu acknowledged his single-mindedness, stating he was a lone ghost who trusted nothing but his own sword. Wu Siyue, disheartened, declared she would never trust or assist him again. Gao Bingzhu apologized and left.

Liu Ran then pressed Baili Hongyi for answers, asking if they had been investigating her uncle and if Liu Xiang was responsible for her father Baili Yan's death. Baili Hongyi confirmed that Liu Xiang was indeed connected to his father's death. Wu Youjue reported to the empress that the Interior Guards had discovered smelting furnaces and counterfeit coins during their raid on Riverside Resort, confirming Liu Xiang's appropriation of Mount Lian copper.

He further reported Liu Xiang's suicide, acknowledging the Duke's self-inflicted death to escape justice. The empress expressed concern that such findings suggested widespread corruption among her officials and sought counsel on how to sentence the case. Some officials advocated for the harshest penalties, including the death penalty for Liu Xiang, a 100-stroke caning, confiscation of his property, and the reduction of his entire clan to commoners, banning them from holding office.

Others argued against such severe measures for Liu Xiang's relatives, citing the Liu family's status as a respected noble clan, fearing it would destabilize the court. When prompted, Gao Sheng, who had been feigning sleep, reasoned that since Liu Xiang had already committed suicide, further discussion of his sentence was pointless. He suggested that confiscating the family's property would suffice as punishment and that reducing their relatives to commoners would be unwise, potentially causing turmoil.

Convinced by his logic, the empress assigned the case to the Grand Court under Gao Sheng's full authority. Gao Sheng oversaw the sealing of the Liu Mansion, with his subordinates meticulously documenting all confiscated items. Pei Jian seized the opportunity to remind Gao Sheng of his promise to unseal the Unwelcome Well once Baili Yan's killer was identified. Gao Sheng granted his request. Pei Jian personally led the team to unseal the Unwelcome Well.

Wang Dengcheng, the well officer, expressed profound gratitude to Pei Jian, who in turn credited Gao Bingzhu for bringing the plight of the Unwelcome Well to his attention. Despite Liu Xiang's death and the apparent avenging of Baili Yan, Baili Hongyi remained troubled. His aide, Shen Fei, tried to comfort him and suggested he return to the Ministry of Works to fulfill his father's wishes.

Baili Hongyi mused about the meaning of "usefulness," wondering if his father had been right all along about what truly held value. Later, Baili Hongyi, walking the streets with Shen Fei, recalled Liu Ran's famously over-seasoned spicy soup. He instructed Shen Fei and others not to hold any resentment towards Liu Ran for her uncle's actions. He then observed a street vendor weighing copper coins with a copper scale, learning that many counterfeit coins were circulating and were often underweight.

Intrigued, Baili Hongyi took the scale for further examination. Wang Dengcheng found Gao Bingzhu at the graves of his deceased friends to share the good news about the Unwelcome Well's unsealing. However, Gao Bingzhu showed no joy. He lamented that Liu Xiang, his most significant lead in five years, had taken his own life before he could extract more information, bringing his search for the polearm killer to an abrupt halt.

Feeling like a failure, Gao Bingzhu acknowledged his vengeance was far from complete. He asked about Liu Ran's well-being. Yunzhi reported that Liu Ran remained confined to her room. Later, Yunzhi brought black chicken soup to Liu Ran, urging her to eat, as Liu Ran had been refusing food. Yunzhi empathized with Liu Ran's grief, recalling Baili Hongyi's own struggle after his father's death.

Liu Ran confirmed she had seen Baili Hongyi outside her door and understood his hesitation to approach her, just as she felt unable to face him after learning of her uncle's involvement in Baili Yan's death. Gao Bingzhu later reported to King of East River about the raid on Riverside Resort.

He expressed disbelief that only 33,000 strings of counterfeit coins had been seized from such a large smelting workshop, which could produce 50,000 strings daily, especially given the vast amount of Mount Lian copper that had been stolen. Gao Bingzhu pointed out that the seized counterfeit coins were strangely heavier than official currency, which made no sense for a profit-driven counterfeiting operation.

He suspected that Liu Xiang's death was merely a ruse by the Four Season Clan to conceal a far larger conspiracy, with Liu Xiang serving as a disposable pawn. King of East River found this highly suspicious, noting that even the Intelligence Services had been unable to locate the missing copper.

He also mentioned that Baili Yan's death by Shachi Venom and the previous murders of a father and daughter, who were silenced before they could speak, suggested a deeper plot, possibly linked to the resurfacing Four Season Clan, which was thought to have been eradicated five years prior.

They agreed that locating the massive copper supply was paramount to uncovering the true scope of the scheme, despite the extensive searches conducted by the Interior Guards and Grand Court across the capital. Gao Bingzhu suggested the copper might be hidden in plain sight. Pondering the mystery of the unnaturally heavy counterfeit coins and the untraceable copper, Baili Hongyi began to consider the Unwelcome Well as a potential location.

He ventured there alone and observed impoverished children fighting over a piece of flatbread. He retrieved the bread and returned it to them. A young boy, recognizing Baili Hongyi's affluent appearance, approached him to beg. Baili Hongyi bought him a flatbread and inquired if many outsiders had been visiting the Unwelcome Well. The boy confirmed that both wealthy individuals like Baili Hongyi and others dressed in common attire had been seen recently. Baili Hongyi then noticed a group of people hurrying past. He covertly followed them down a narrow passage, which led him to a vast, hidden weapon casting workshop.

Episode 12 Recap

Baili Hongyi was meticulously observing the arsenal, where numerous skilled craftsmen worked diligently, each absorbed in their tasks. Suddenly, one of the artisans spotted Baili Hongyi, who immediately fled in alarm, with the workers hot on his heels. He ran frantically through the labyrinthine tunnels. Just as he was about to be caught, Gao Bingzhu arrived and pulled him out of the tunnels. The pursuing artisans, fearing exposure, quietly retreated.

Gao Bingzhu, knowing the residents of the Unwelcome Well resented him, led Baili Hongyi away from the crowds to a secluded spot. When Baili Hongyi insisted on reporting to the authorities, Gao Bingzhu vehemently objected, reminding him of the disaster that befell Riverside Resort and warning that the entire Unwelcome Well would face ruin if the arsenal was discovered by officials.

Though Baili Hongyi still believed the authorities were a better option than trusting Gao Bingzhu, Gao Bingzhu argued that the Well residents already resented him and had suffered enough, so they did not need to be further upset by his presence. He then offered to take Baili Hongyi to someone who understood the Unwelcome Well better than any official. Meanwhile, at Interior Guard Services, Wu Siyue was distraught.

She had sworn at her deceased comrades' graves that she would bring them justice, yet Gao Bingzhu had continued to operate alone, seemingly without trusting her. Her frustration was compounded by the fact that the assassin, Yuan Fei, still remained at large and the leads on the Copper Mine had dried up. Liu Ran then arrived at Interior Guard Services, seeking solace from Wu Siyue.

During their conversation, Liu Ran expressed her internal conflict over facing Baili Hongyi after her uncle Liu Xiang's death and her father-in-law's case. She also inadvertently revealed that Baili Hongyi had gone out alone that morning without his personal guard, Shen Fei. Realizing the potential danger, Wu Siyue immediately sent someone to investigate Baili Hongyi's whereabouts. Gao Bingzhu brought Baili Hongyi to see Wang Dengcheng, but found his mother absent.

Wang Dengcheng claimed she had been sent to a clinic that morning due to a sudden flare-up of her arthritis. However, Gao Bingzhu noticed the Qiongguo candy syrup hadn't yet solidified, indicating it had been freshly made, contradicting Wang Dengcheng's story. He deliberately commented that the candy must taste bitter because the sesame hadn't been properly toasted, urging Baili Hongyi to try it and give a "satisfactory" rating to please his mother.

Baili Hongyi, recognizing that the candy was not bitter and recalling Gao Bingzhu's specific knowledge of his rating habits, instantly understood Gao Bingzhu's subtle hint that Wang Dengcheng was suspicious. Gao Bingzhu then encouraged Baili Hongyi to question Wang Dengcheng about the Unwelcome Well, deliberately mentioning the private arsenal hidden within. Wang Dengcheng feigned ignorance and vehemently objected when Baili Hongyi proposed reporting the arsenal to the authorities, warning of the disastrous consequences for the Unwelcome Well.

Gao Bingzhu, however, intervened, seemingly persuading Wang Dengcheng to allow Baili Hongyi to proceed. Instead, Gao Bingzhu seized the opportunity to quickly knock Baili Hongyi unconscious and instructed Wang Dengcheng to help carry him into a room. Wu Siyue, meanwhile, had Sui Xin draw a wanted poster of Yuan Fei and sent him to find Baili Hongyi. Wu Siyue also questioned Liu Ran about Yuan Fei, learning that Liu Xiang had given him a house.

Upon receiving this information, Wu Siyue immediately dispatched a search party to Yuan Fei's residence, but the residence was already empty. As Wang Dengcheng led Gao Bingzhu towards the arsenal through an old jade mining tunnel, he revealed that a cave-in last year had killed many people, noting that the Unwelcome Well, being composed of ancient rocks, should never collapse. Gao Bingzhu immediately suspected a connection between the cave-in and the arsenal.

As they neared the arsenal, Wang Dengcheng urged Gao Bingzhu to turn back, pleading with him to consider his mother's well-being and the safety of the Unwelcome Well residents. Gao Bingzhu refused, stating he had been searching for five years and could not abandon this crucial lead, determined to uncover the secrets of the Four Season Clan and find the hand-halberd killer to avenge his comrades. Suddenly, Wang Dengcheng pulled out a dagger, forcing Gao Bingzhu to surrender.

Gao Bingzhu was then tied to a pillar in the arsenal, realizing with bitter disappointment that Wang Dengcheng had betrayed the Unwelcome Well. Shortly after, Song Liang, the Minister of War and the Summer Lord of the Four Season Clan, arrived. Gao Bingzhu was shocked that a high-ranking official was involved in private weapon manufacturing, clearly indicating a plot of rebellion. Gao Bingzhu, however, declared his sole focus was revenge.

Song Liang, claiming Gao Bingzhu was blinded by hatred, asserted that the empress was the true root of all injustice and urged Gao Bingzhu to seek revenge from her. Song Liang then attempted to recruit Gao Bingzhu into the Four Season Clan, promising that after dealing with Wu Youjue and destabilizing Interior Guard Services, they would assassinate the empress, and then Gao Bingzhu's revenge would be fulfilled.

Gao Bingzhu, understanding the situation, agreed to join but on one condition: he must be the one to personally kill the hand-halberd murderer. Song Liang readily accepted the terms, and Gao Bingzhu publicly declared his allegiance to the Four Season Clan. Song Liang then released him. Just then, Wu Siyue and Baili Hongyi, accompanied by Interior Guard Services guards, arrived, catching Song Liang completely off guard.

The Ministry of War soldiers were quickly subdued, but the artisans fiercely resisted, initiating a large-scale battle. It was then revealed that Gao Bingzhu and Baili Hongyi had orchestrated a deceptive plan to trick Wang Dengcheng. Gao Bingzhu had intentionally tied Baili Hongyi with a "Workmen's knot," a special knot Baili Hongyi had invented and which Gao Bingzhu, having learned it, knew Baili Hongyi could easily untie. This allowed Baili Hongyi to escape and report their findings to Wu Siyue.

Together, Baili Hongyi and Wu Siyue analyzed the evidence, including the distinct design of the privately cast weapons, which resembled those from the Ministry of War, leading them to deduce that Song Liang was the mastermind behind the plot and was planning a coup. As they prepared to lead the Interior Guard Services to raid the Unwelcome Well, Wu Siyue received word that Wu Youjue was heading to Liu Mansion to investigate copper findings mentioned in a secret letter.

She immediately realized this was a trap set by Song Liang to lure her brother, and she rushed to intercept Wu Youjue. Meanwhile, Yuan Fei and his forces had been patiently lying in ambush on the sole path leading to Liu Mansion. When Wu Youjue's carriage finally sped into view, Yuan Fei ordered his men to unleash a volley of arrows, piercing the carriage.

Yuan Fei then leaped from the surrounding wall to capture Wu Youjue, only to discover the carriage was empty. Realizing he had been tricked, Yuan Fei and his men were swiftly surrounded and annihilated by Interior Guard Services guards who had followed Wu Youjue's decoy carriage. Back at the arsenal, a masked figure suddenly descended, confronting Gao Bingzhu.

Recognizing the hand-halberd the figure wielded, Gao Bingzhu identified him as the murderer of his comrades and immediately engaged him in a fierce fight. As Song Liang's soldiers suffered heavy casualties and he found himself isolated, he attempted to take his own life. However, Baili Hongyi desperately intervened, preventing him and fiercely demanding to know why he had murdered his father, Baili Yan.

Song Liang scoffed, dismissively calling Baili Yan a mere "ant" who had foolishly stood in the way of his grand ambitions. Enraged, Baili Hongyi drew his knife, intent on avenging his father, but Wu Siyue swiftly intervened, ordering him to put down his weapon.

Episode 13 Recap

Baili Hongyi, seeking to avenge his father, confronted Song Liang, who defiantly challenged him to strike the fatal blow. Wu Siyue intervened, stressing that Song Liang's death would sever all crucial leads and that his father wouldn't wish to see his son become a murderer. Baili Hongyi then released him. Gao Bingzhu relentlessly pursued the masked man through tunnels and onto the streets, utilizing his familiarity with the Unwelcome Well to block the man's path.

A fierce struggle ensued, but Gao Bingzhu repeatedly failed to unmask his assailant. As guards, led by Li Beiqi, closed in, shouting about a "Spring and Autumn Dao villain," the masked man seized the opportunity to escape, leaving Gao Bingzhu to be apprehended by Li Beiqi's guards.

Wu Youjue personally interrogated Gao Bingzhu, detailing his background as a "son of criminals in the Unwelcome Well" and accusing him of conspiring with Song Liang, illicitly manufacturing weapons in secret tunnels, and harboring rebels within the Unwelcome Well for a coup. Gao Bingzhu denied any involvement. Wu Youjue, deeply concerned for his sister Wu Siyue, expressed his frustration that she had repeatedly disobeyed him and even risked her life for Gao Bingzhu, whom he deemed unworthy.

Gao Bingzhu urged Wu Youjue to set aside personal grievances and focus on the larger conspiracy behind Song Liang. In response, Wu Youjue revealed he had compiled a list of all 1,403 residents of the Unwelcome Well, threatening to hold them accountable for Song Liang's rebellion if Gao Bingzhu refused to confess, effectively offering him a choice to sacrifice himself to save them all.

Wu Siyue urgently sought out Wu Youjue, presenting herself as a witness to assert Gao Bingzhu's innocence and identify Wang Dengcheng as the true conspirator with Song Liang. To her shock, Wu Youjue informed her that Gao Bingzhu had already confessed to the charges. Wu Youjue reiterated that the empress prioritizes results over truth, and their family's duty was to provide what she desired.

Distraught, Wu Siyue confronted Gao Bingzhu in his cell, demanding an explanation for his confession, but he merely stated he was Song Liang's accomplice and must pay for his crimes. Unconvinced, Wu Siyue swore to personally apprehend Wang Dengcheng and force him to confess, thereby clearing Gao Bingzhu's name, and departed against his wishes. The empress summoned the King of Jin, Wu Shenxing, to her presence, dismissing his suggestion to rename the era to Tianyou.

She pressed him for his perspective on Song Liang's rebellion. Wu Shenxing, a former Minister of War, recounted Song Liang's rise through the military ranks, emphasizing his lack of allies and his unwavering loyalty, which was why he had been promoted. He expressed his confusion over Song Liang's sudden betrayal, leading the empress to task him with a thorough investigation into everyone involved in the case.

Li Yichen knelt outside the Palace of Immortality, seeking the empress's forgiveness and expressing remorse for the chaos created by the assassination of Agent Han Dongqing of the Intelligence Services, which had served as a cover for Song Liang's rebellion. Huan, the empress's attendant, conveyed a stern message: Li Yichen's position as head of the Intelligence Services (Gongzi Chu) would be replaced if he failed to properly manage the Intelligence Services and restore the empress's trust.

Furthermore, she informed him that the King of Jin had been specifically tasked with investigating Song Liang's case, and the Intelligence Services were explicitly ordered to refrain from any further involvement. Wu Shenxing consulted with Huan, seeking guidance on his investigation into Song Liang's alleged allies. Huan advised him to thoroughly investigate Song Liang's connections, suggesting that Song Liang, facing his own demise, might reveal names.

She specifically instructed him to focus on Gao Bingzhu and his relationship with Song Liang. Later, Wu Shenxing summoned Wu Youjue, commending him and Wu Siyue for the Interior Guard Services' success in quelling Song Liang's rebellion, which had brought great honor to the Wu family. He acknowledged their past hardships and praised their remarkable achievements, promising to secure a vacant Minister position for Wu Youjue.

Wu Shenxing then hinted at a scheme: given Gao Bingzhu's presence at the Crown Prince's ambush years ago, his confession could be manipulated to implicate the Eastern Palace. To ensure credibility, he proposed transferring Gao Bingzhu to Dali Temple under Gao Sheng, who harbored deep animosity towards Gao Bingzhu. This arrangement, Wu Shenxing explained, would allow the Wu family to remain insulated from any repercussions. Wu Youjue readily consented to the plan.

Gao Sheng visited Song Liang in prison, enduring Song Liang's curses and defiant accusations of being a "lackey." Gao Sheng inquired about Song Liang's regrets, to which Song Liang responded that his only regret was not witnessing the downfall of Gao Sheng and his ilk.

When pressed about his rebellion despite the empress's past appreciation, Song Liang vehemently denounced the empress as a "hypocritical and vicious woman" who had "killed her husband and children, maltreated honorable officials, and had bodies dug out to be flogged." He recounted how Lord Lu Jing, who had once saved the empress and helped her ascend to power, had met a gruesome end, implying this injustice as a motive.

Gao Sheng attempted to uncover the true instigator, but Song Liang remained obstinate, merely stating his desire for a swift death. Despite Gao Sheng's threats of execution for his entire family, Song Liang remained defiant, proclaiming that the Wu family's dominance would soon end and vowing to await Gao Sheng and his associates in the afterlife.

Baili Hongyi informed Liu Ran that their arranged marriage, originally a family alliance, was now nullified due to his father's death and Lord Liu Xiang of Xunshan's suicide. He offered her all of the Baili family's fortune, but she questioned if he would have accepted her had her uncle not been responsible for his father's death. Baili Hongyi acknowledged her innocence but stated that remaining with him would only be a waste of her time.

Liu Ran, accepting his decision, promised not to pester him and to leave immediately upon receiving the divorce papers. Meanwhile, Wu Siyue sent for Baili Hongyi, seeking his assistance. She explained her visit to the Unwelcome Well, where she discovered Wang Dengcheng had fled, presumably with Gao Bingzhu's elderly mother.

Wu Siyue implored Baili Hongyi to help save Gao Bingzhu, arguing that Gao Bingzhu had prevented the capital from descending into chaos and saved countless lives, and thus she could not simply watch him die. Baili Hongyi surmised that Wang Dengcheng likely had Gao Bingzhu's mother, who, due to her advanced age and frailty, could not have left the city without a carriage. He then listed the four closest city gates—Shangdong, Hui'an, Anxi, and Jianchun—and proposed checking their exit records.

Wu Siyue promptly dispatched Bai Lang and Shen Fei with homing pigeons to investigate each gate for Wang Dengcheng's departure. Bai Lang successfully located Wang Dengcheng exiting Hui'an Gate with an elderly woman and immediately sent a pigeon to alert Wu Siyue. Meanwhile, an Interior Guard Services officer complained about having to cede credit for Gao Bingzhu's case to Dali Temple, but was reminded it was the King of Jin's order.

Baili Hongyi, studying a map, concluded that Wang Dengcheng had not intended to flee far from the capital but rather to hide within it. He dismissed Mount Beimang as an escape route due to its rugged terrain. Instead, he theorized Wang Dengcheng might head towards Cuiyun Peak, known for its well-maintained roads and numerous tea houses frequented by tourists, making sightings more likely.

Indeed, a tea house owner at Cuiyun Peak confirmed seeing Wang Dengcheng and an old woman ascending a nearby path. Wu Siyue then received a message from Baili, pinpointing Wang Dengcheng's last known location on a mountain road at the southeastern end of Cuiyun Peak. Analyzing the map further, Baili deduced their route was uphill.

He systematically eliminated other possible paths: a steep one unsuitable for an elderly woman, a dead-end cliff path, and a cold, humid forest trail that would aggravate Gao Bingzhu's mother's arthritis. His final deduction pointed to Zeyan Peak as their most probable destination. Shen Fei was promptly dispatched to inform Wu Siyue of this crucial update. Wu Siyue arrived at Zeyan Peak, where Wang Dengcheng, having anticipated her arrival, had settled Gao Bingzhu's mother inside after giving her medicine.

Wang Dengcheng revealed he had not intended to escape, but was reluctant to leave Gao Bingzhu's mother, who had lived her entire life in the confines of the Unwelcome Well and was now finally enjoying sunshine. He explained that since his own parents had passed early, Gao Bingzhu's mother had treated him as her son, even mistaking him for Gao Bingzhu due to her dementia. Wu Siyue pressed him to return and confess to clear Gao Bingzhu's name.

Wang Dengcheng asked if Gao Bingzhu would be freed if he complied, to which Wu Siyue admitted she was "not sure." He then recounted how Gao Bingzhu had saved his life eight years prior, emphasizing their bond as brothers, and asked Wu Siyue if she truly saw him as such. Ultimately, Wang Dengcheng agreed to return and sacrifice his life for Gao Bingzhu's, pleading with her to save his friend.

Wu Siyue assured him that Gao Bingzhu would be rescued and his mother cared for. As Wu Siyue prepared to depart, she suddenly felt disoriented, realizing she had fallen into Wang Dengcheng's trap; he had used an anesthetic. Wang Dengcheng was then seen questioning why the Unwelcome Well residents were condemned to live like rats in sewers and if he was wrong to seek a better future for them.

Two hours passed without Wu Siyue's return, prompting Baili Hongyi to realize Wu Siyue was in peril and that Wang Dengcheng had likely relocated her and Gao Bingzhu's mother. He decided to take action, instructing Shen Fei to remain there. He went to the Hong Xiao Fang, a place reserved by the King of East River. After a brief exchange with a guard, Baili Hongyi was granted entry to see the King of East River, whom he formally greeted.

The King, acknowledging Baili Hongyi's reputation as a gourmand, inquired about the purpose of his visit. Baili Hongyi revealed that Wu Siyue, in her attempt to clear Gao Bingzhu's name by apprehending Wang Dengcheng, had instead been captured by him. He implored the King of East River to ask Gongzi Chu of the Intelligence Services to facilitate Gao Bingzhu's release from Dali Temple, as only Gao Bingzhu could track Wang Dengcheng and rescue Wu Siyue.

When the King suggested consulting Wu Youjue, Baili Hongyi clarified that Wu Siyue's mission was a private endeavor, and involving Wu Youjue would only escalate the situation. He appealed to the King of East River's reputation as a "genuine and happy to help" individual, asserting that Gongzi Chu would surely not abandon Wu Siyue in her predicament.

Episode 14 Recap

Baili Hongyi, seeking assistance for Wu Siyue, approached Lord Chu at the Red Silk House. He confronted Lord Chu, revealing his true identity as the head of the Intelligence Services. Baili Hongyi asserted that Lord Chu, despite his reputation as a playboy, possessed a genuine character and would not abandon Wu Siyue in her predicament. Feigning intoxication, Lord Chu made an early departure.

Recognizing that an internal mole within the Intelligence Services prevented overt action, he discreetly instructed his female guard, An Baitan, to handle the situation concerning Gao Bingzhu. An Baitan acknowledged that both Gao Bingzhu and Baili Hongyi were intelligent and capable. Lord Chu then lamented the complicated relationship between the Baili and Liu families. Meanwhile, Lord Pei received a critical message. He promptly arranged for Baili Hongyi, in disguise, and Bai Lang to enter the prison to meet Gao Bingzhu.

Lord Pei informed Gao Bingzhu that Wu Siyue had been captured by Wang Dengcheng while trying to clear his name. He explained that Wang Dengcheng was now in hiding, and only Gao Bingzhu knew enough about him to find and rescue Wu Siyue. Lord Pei then orchestrated a swap, with Bai Lang taking Gao Bingzhu's place in the cell.

Upon learning that Wu Siyue was taken to Zeyan Peak on Mount Beimang, Gao Bingzhu, without a word of thanks, immediately rode off. Baili Hongyi noted Gao Bingzhu's quick departure but acknowledged that Wu Siyue's rescue now depended entirely on Gao Bingzhu. Gao Bingzhu arrived at the desolate Guan Di Temple, the very place he first encountered Wang Dengcheng eight years prior. He found Wang Dengcheng there, holding Wu Siyue and his own mother captive.

Wang Dengcheng reminded Gao Bingzhu of their first meeting: Wang Dengcheng was a thief, having just robbed the Luoyang Magistrate's ancestral grave to pay for his sick mother's medical treatment. He had broken his leg while being chased and was desperate, even asking Gao Bingzhu to kill him after being told his mother had died.

Gao Bingzhu had then brought him back to the Unwelcome Well, where Wang Dengcheng, out of gratitude, diligently cared for Gao Bingzhu's mother and the community. Wang Dengcheng, acknowledging their shared past, proposed a grim path forward. He revealed that they were both wanted men and urged Gao Bingzhu to join the Four Season Clan with him, suggesting that killing Wu Siyue, the Interior Guard Services Grand Supervisor's sister, would be their ultimate token of allegiance.

He envisioned a glorious future for them both. Gao Bingzhu, however, was appalled. He vehemently refused to join the Four Season Clan, reminding Wang Dengcheng that they were responsible for the deaths of his companions, including Xiaowu. He had spent five years seeking justice for them and would never align himself with their killers.

Wang Dengcheng tried to persuade him, claiming he was offering a way out for the Unwelcome Well and that Gao Bingzhu, after five years away, had become a shadow of his former self. He argued that if Gao Bingzhu hadn't interfered, Song Liang would have succeeded, making Wang Dengcheng a hero. Gao Bingzhu countered that Wang Dengcheng was being manipulated and had brought danger to the Unwelcome Well. Wang Dengcheng, ignoring Gao Bingzhu's pleas, lunged at Wu Siyue.

Gao Bingzhu intervened, declaring that despite Wang Dengcheng's past services, their paths diverged from that moment on, and he would pretend they had never met, urging Wang Dengcheng to leave and harm no one else. Gao Bingzhu then decided to let Wang Dengcheng go out of gratitude for his past care of his mother. Wang Dengcheng feigned compliance but then suddenly seized Gao Bingzhu's mother, threatening to kill her if Gao Bingzhu didn't choose between his mother and Wu Siyue.

Gao Bingzhu, in anguish, agreed to act but asked for three kowtows to his mother first, then picked up his curved knife, offering his own life instead. Gao Bingzhu's mother, however, stopped him, revealing that she had been feigning madness for five years, so Gao Bingzhu could single-mindedly pursue revenge without worrying about her.

She urged him to live a good life for her and Ah Tan, then bravely took Wang Dengcheng's dagger and ended her own life, leaving Gao Bingzhu inconsolable. Afterward, Gao Bingzhu buried his mother and carved a wooden memorial tablet for her, weeping inconsolably from grief. Wu Siyue, moved by his sorrow, quietly departed, unable to bear witness further. Just as tragedy struck, Lord Pei and his guards arrived, securing Wu Siyue.

Wu Siyue immediately requested that Wang Dengcheng be taken to the Grand Court. Lord Pei agreed, despite Gao Bingzhu still being a convicted criminal, and accepted full responsibility. At the Grand Court, Baili Hongyi had been waiting anxiously. Upon seeing Wang Dengcheng brought in, he immediately inquired about Gao Bingzhu, only to learn that his mother had died.

The news deeply affected Baili Hongyi, stirring up memories of his own deceased father and leaving him with a profound sense of sadness. Returning home, he was preoccupied, unable to engage with Liu Ran, who wished to speak with him, despite her earnest pleas. The next morning, Wu Siyue returned to the temple to check on Gao Bingzhu, but he was gone. She went to Bai Lang's house, finding him recently released from the Grand Court by Lord Pei.

Bai Lang, however, had no information on Gao Bingzhu's whereabouts. Desperate, Wu Siyue searched throughout the Unwelcome Well, but Gao Bingzhu remained elusive. At the Baili mansion, Baili Hongyi sat motionless in his room until midday, refusing to eat. Shen Fei, his attendant, urged him to eat, suggested checking on Liu Ran, whom Baili Hongyi had upset the previous night, and offered to inquire about Gao Bingzhu's whereabouts.

Suddenly, Yunzhi rushed in, distraught, to report that Liu Ran was missing and had taken her clothes and jewelry. Baili Hongyi and Shen Fei searched the entire mansion, but Liu Ran was nowhere to be found. Yunzhi tearfully accused Baili Hongyi of being heartless, reminding him of Liu Ran's devotion and his cold treatment, even contemplating divorce.

Baili Hongyi, inspecting Liu Ran's room, noticed that two pieces of her preferred fish glue used for facial masks and two rare dimple makeup sheets, drawn by palace artists, were missing. He concluded that Liu Ran had run away. As Baili Hongyi and Shen Fei set out to search for Liu Ran, they encountered Liu Shi, Liu Ran's father, who had just returned from mountain cultivation.

Learning of his daughter's disappearance, Liu Shi, surprisingly calm, advised Baili Hongyi not to worry. He stated that Liu Ran had always been independent and likely just needed time alone to clear her mind. Handing over some wild eggs, Liu Shi then returned home, taking Yunzhi with him. During their conversation, Liu Shi directly confronted Baili Hongyi about his repeated refusals to marry Liu Ran and his subsequent reliance on her dowry after resigning from his official post.

Despite Baili Hongyi's attempts to explain his actions, Liu Shi remained unconvinced, concerned only with the extent of his daughter's suffering that drove her to leave. Meanwhile, Wu Siyue returned to report to Wu Youjue. Having already been informed by the Grand Court about Wu Siyue's unauthorized actions, Wu Youjue chastised her severely and immediately ordered Gao Bingzhu's arrest.

Wu Siyue, in an unprecedented move, knelt before her brother, pleading for him to clear Gao Bingzhu's name and promising to obey his every command thereafter. Wu Youjue, infuriated by her willingness to kneel for Gao Bingzhu, was left seething. Later, Liu Ran sent a message to Wu Siyue, inviting her to meet at Liubai Building. Wu Siyue arrived promptly. Liu Ran attempted to maintain a calm demeanor while serving tea, but Wu Siyue quickly sensed her distress.

Liu Ran tried to conceal her feelings, but Wu Siyue pressed, suspecting it involved Baili Hongyi and threatening to speak with him directly. Liu Ran desperately stopped her, insisting she couldn't bring Baili Hongyi any more trouble. She confessed that Baili Hongyi's father had died due to her uncle's actions, specifically from ingesting white fungus soup.

Overwhelmed by guilt, Liu Ran revealed that she had unknowingly cooked white fungus soup for Baili Hongyi, ignorant of its connection to his father's death. The realization of his likely sorrow, coupled with her unwitting role, led her to believe that Baili Hongyi might be better off without her in his life.

Episode 15 Recap

Wu Siyue returned home feeling burdened but was summoned to the Eastern Palace by a palace maid. Prince Li Dun confessed to Wu Siyue that the very lives of everyone in the Eastern Palace now depended on her. He explained that the empress had tasked the King of Jin with overseeing the Song Liang case, and knowing the King of Jin's longstanding animosity towards the Eastern Palace, Li Dun feared he would exploit this major rebellion case to implicate him.

Li Dun clarified that he was not involved in Song Liang's rebellion and swore to God about his innocence. He expressed concern that Song Liang, who had gone mad in prison, was slandering people, even falsely claiming a close friendship with Li Dun. While evidence might be lacking, Li Dun worried the King of Jin would seize on this as an opportunity to frame the Eastern Palace.

He urged Wu Siyue, as an Interior Guard favored by the empress, to speak on his behalf, believing the empress would listen. Wu Siyue understood Li Dun’s clear conscience and promised to verify Song Liang’s statements, ensuring no one was falsely accused. Li Dun then admitted his past connection with Song Liang, explaining that five years prior, while traveling from Fan Prefecture back to the capital with his family, they were ambushed by assassins from the Four Season Clan.

Song Liang, then the Deputy Minister of War, led the Capital Battalion to their rescue. Song Liang subsequently tracked and killed hundreds of the Four Season Clan members and captured their leader, Lord Freedom, within ten days, leading to his swift promotion to Minister of War. Wu Siyue, however, expressed doubt that the ruthless Four Season Clan could have been so easily eradicated by Song Liang alone, especially since she learned Song Liang had only eliminated Lord Freedom's confidantes.

She then inquired about Lord Freedom's current whereabouts. Meanwhile, Wu Youjue reported to the King of Jin, who was angered by Gao Sheng's incompetence in allowing Gao Bingzhu to escape. Wu Youjue acknowledged Wu Siyue's involvement in Wang Dengcheng's capture, describing her as young, naive, and reckless, and sought mercy for his sister. He then suggested to the King of Jin that, in his humble opinion, this situation could actually be beneficial.

He reasoned that Gao Bingzhu's connection to the Crown Prince was tenuous at best, and if reported to the empress, she might question the King of Jin's impartiality. Instead, Wu Youjue advised the King of Jin to report the capture of Wang Dengcheng, the "real murderer," as a demonstration of his impartiality and commitment. As for Gao Bingzhu, Wu Youjue suggested letting the matter go for now to avoid drawing further attention.

The King of Jin, having no better solution, agreed and expressed his high regard for Wu Youjue and Wu Siyue, urging them not to disappoint him. Separately, Baili Hongyi sought to find Liu Ran. He knew she frequently used skincare products, especially those with isinglass. He dispatched Shen Fei to check all eighteen cosmetic stores in the capital, eventually finding a record of Liu Ran's purchase, which led him to her location. Upon arrival, he found Liu Ran distraught.

He explained that her maid, Yunzhi, had confirmed the need to purchase isinglass from a store, making her whereabouts easily traceable. He brought her freshly made lamb soup and insisted she return home with him, much to her emotional relief. Wu Siyue pressed Li Beiqi for information on Lord Freedom's confinement. Li Beiqi initially hesitated, explaining that Lord Freedom was an imperial prisoner, requiring even Wu Youjue to obtain the empress's written order to see him.

Wu Siyue then produced the Empress' Behest, compelling Li Beiqi to lead her to the secret prison. There, Lord Freedom was heavily chained and gagged. After Li Beiqi removed the gag, Lord Freedom spoke wildly, identifying Wu Siyue as "the 27th" and mocking her presence as a female Interior Guard. He boasted about the "almighty Clan's great cause," claiming ordinary people could not comprehend it, like a frog in a well unable to see the vast world.

When Wu Siyue challenged him about the Clan's indiscriminate killings, Lord Freedom responded with cryptic pronouncements about "lowly weeds thriving" and "precious plants being undeservedly humiliated," suggesting they needed to be "burned to ash." Wu Siyue deduced from his words that the Four Season Clan had not been eradicated five years ago but had been dormant, awaiting an opportunity for a comeback.

When she inquired about an assassin skilled with a hand-halberd, Lord Freedom's demeanor changed, and he admitted that person "was still alive" before uttering "The 16th Night." He then cryptically added, "When the Hidden Phoenix shows up, the world will collapse," and questioned whether he or "they" (implying another faction) were mistaken in their quest for the greater good.

Wu Siyue pressed him further about The 16th Night's whereabouts, but Lord Freedom became deliberately uncooperative, prompting Li Beiqi to advise Wu Siyue not to trust the "lunatic." Liu Ran gently advised her father, Liu Shi, not to be upset with Baili Hongyi, emphasizing Baili Hongyi’s good nature. Liu Shi, in turn, recalled the Liu family's past offense against the empress, which led him to live in seclusion for years as a gesture of submission.

He stated he would not have returned had his younger brother, Liu Xiang, not "lost his mind." Liu Shi stressed that while the Liu family had declined, it had not yet fallen, and that Liu Xiang deserved his fate, but with his death, the past grievances were settled, and the family no longer needed to live in fear.

He asserted that he had tolerated much over the years to preserve the Liu family, but if he continued to endure, their standing would truly collapse. Liu Ran was deeply moved, realizing the immense sacrifices her father had made for their family. Liu Shi then revealed his awareness that Baili Hongyi had searched all eighteen cosmetic stores in the capital for Liu Ran, concluding that Baili Hongyi genuinely cared for her, which delighted Liu Ran.

Shen Fei reported to Baili Hongyi that his extensive search for Gao Bingzhu had yielded no results. He did, however, share news from a Grand Court officer that Song Liang was slandering numerous nobles in prison, causing widespread panic among the capital's elite who wished to distance themselves from him. Baili Hongyi found Song Liang's situation perplexing.

He recalled his visit to the arsenal, where he felt something was amiss: while a large number of weapons were forged, the narrow and winding tunnels of the Unwelcome Well suggested a limited number of rebel forces could be concealed. Yet, Song Liang, a seemingly intelligent man, claimed "the greater good was about to be achieved," leading Baili Hongyi to suspect Song Liang had another, hidden agenda beyond the rebellion itself.

Shen Fei advised him to put his investigation aside for the night and focus on comforting Liu Ran, noting her father, Liu Shi, was still visiting. Meanwhile, Wu Siyue visited the Interior Guard Services' Archive, asking Fan Changling if he had heard of "Hidden Phoenix." Fan Changling had not, but Wu Siyue expressed concern that the Four Season Clan was planning a major operation, even if she lacked concrete evidence.

Just then, she received news from the Grand Court: Wang Dengcheng had died in prison. Liu Ran and Baili Hongyi’s relationship deepened, much to the relief of Liu Shi, who then departed. While helping Baili Hongyi tidy his room, Liu Ran accidentally knocked over his meticulously crafted pine model of a pagoda.

She was distraught and profusely apologized, but Baili Hongyi reassured her, explaining that pine wood was an unsuitable material as it easily warped and damaged when damp, and that it was not her fault. It was at this moment that Baili Hongyi recalled Song Liang's sword, which had been easily broken, and it triggered a crucial realization about the quality of materials.

Baili Hongyi, feigning interest in an official position, arranged to inspect weapons seized from the Unwelcome Well arsenal with Li Beiqi. As they examined the collection, Baili Hongyi noted that while one sword appeared to be made of copper from Mount Lian, the poor quality of the weapons, which showed easy cracking and numerous impurities, led him to conclude that the bulk of these weapons were definitely not crafted from genuine Mount Lian copper.

He resolved to personally investigate the copper's true destination by traveling to Mount Lian. Concurrently, Wu Siyue visited Pei Jian at the Grand Court, suspecting foul play in Wang Dengcheng’s death. Pei Jian countered that Wang Dengcheng had suffered a fatal heart attack due to anxiety after his imprisonment, citing multiple autopsies that found no fatal injuries or signs of poisoning, ruling out murder.

He also affirmed the impossibility of an assailant entering the Grand Court prison to commit such an act, adding that Wang Dengcheng had confessed all his crimes before dying. Later, Liu Ran cheerfully approached Wu Siyue, who was preoccupied with her thoughts. Liu Ran observed that Wu Siyue seemed troubled about how to explain Wang Dengcheng's death to Gao Bingzhu, correctly deducing that Wu Siyue cared deeply for him.

She encouraged Wu Siyue to act on her guilt by doing something tangible, reminding her of her own past advice to "try everything to achieve" a goal. Liu Ran also reflected on how much she had grown since marrying Baili Hongyi, expressing that despite common perceptions, she saw Baili Hongyi’s true good nature. Upon returning home, Liu Ran found Shen Fei preparing for a journey, which she initially believed to be just an outing for Baili Hongyi.

However, observing the extensive preparations and a complex map of Luo Prefecture, she suspected a more serious purpose. Baili Hongyi then revealed his true intention: he needed to go to Mount Lian to investigate the copper mine, as all the recent events had stemmed from the Mount Lian copper.

Concerned for his safety, Liu Ran insisted on accompanying him, arguing that her father-in-law's death and her uncle's suicide were linked to the copper, and that her peace of mind and their relationship depended on her understanding the truth. Baili Hongyi initially refused to let her join such a dangerous venture. Undeterred, Liu Ran secretly hid herself in the carriage.

Baili Hongyi soon discovered her and instructed Shen Fei to arrange a separate carriage for her return to the capital from the next station. Liu Ran continued to plead, asserting her ability to assist with the investigation. Shen Fei, recognizing her stubbornness and the approaching late hour and potential rain, suggested it might be safer to take her along. He revealed that Mount Lian was official land, but warned that entering it unannounced could be a "one-way trip." Seeing Liu Ran's determination to follow, Baili Hongyi eventually relented and invited her into the carriage.

Episode 16 Recap

Wu Siyue arrived to see Lord Chu and was surprised to find Gao Bingzhu already there, realizing he had joined the Intelligence Services. Seven days prior, Gao Bingzhu had approached Lord Chu, offering to collaborate and stating his willingness to join the Intelligence Services in order to combat the Four Season Clan.

He explained that the Intelligence Services, being "too old-fashioned" and out of touch with the common people, had failed to recognize the conspiracy between Liu Xiang, Song Liang, and the Four Season Clan. Gao Bingzhu, however, claimed to know these individuals well and could help identify the killer of Agent Han Dongqing.

Lord Chu warned him that joining meant permanent allegiance until death, requiring him to forsake all personal affections, desires, marriage, and children, to become completely unburdened and devoted solely to public service. Gao Bingzhu affirmed he was already alone with no attachments. Lord Chu then tasked him with bringing back Wang Dengcheng from the Grand Court prison, believing Wang Dengcheng possessed vital information about Song Liang's associates.

Gao Bingzhu subsequently sought out Mr. Unsightly, the registrar of the Ghetto Archive, to acquire the Internal Breathing Elixir. Mr. Unsightly explained that this elixir, developed in Lianshan Hall for underwater workers, allowed individuals to stop breathing for up to two hours, appearing dead, which could buy time for rescue if they were trapped underwater.

Although the recipe was lost, Mr. Unsightly managed to find a couple of pills for Gao Bingzhu, cautioning him to act within his limits and avoid further trouble, also urging him to let go of his mother's past. Gao Bingzhu thanked him. Following the plan, Gao Bingzhu secretly entered the Grand Court prison and administered the Internal Breathing Elixir to Wang Dengcheng.

Upon learning of Wang Dengcheng's apparent death, Gao Sheng, concerned about potential repercussions, ordered his body to be immediately transferred to the morgue and instructed all witnesses to report that Wang Dengcheng had died of a heart attack, as Her Majesty disapproved of torture. Later that night, Gao Bingzhu entered the morgue to rescue Wang Dengcheng. After reviving him, Wang Dengcheng, distraught and desperate, questioned why Gao Bingzhu hadn't killed him given all the misery he had caused.

He confessed to being a monster but accused Gao Bingzhu of being no better, blaming him for his mother being harmed into feigning madness and the ruin of seven Ghetto men's families. Wang Dengcheng then pleaded with Gao Bingzhu to kill him, asserting he would be the eighth victim. Just then, masked assassins descended upon them. Gao Bingzhu fiercely engaged the attackers, but in the ensuing chaos, he lost track of Wang Dengcheng.

As An Baitan and her team arrived, Gao Bingzhu discovered Wang Dengcheng's lifeless body, hanged. He was overwhelmed with emotion, recalling past moments with Wang Dengcheng, particularly how Wang Dengcheng had cared for his mother while he was absent and how Wang Dengcheng had once rallied the Ghetto men to protect the capital alongside him, expressing concern for Gao Bingzhu's well-being.

Before his death, Wang Dengcheng had warned Gao Bingzhu that Liu Xiang and Song Liang's failures would provoke the Four Season Clan, whose mole within the Intelligence Services had already made a move. He cautioned that joining the Intelligence Services would plunge Gao Bingzhu into constant peril from countless enemies. Back at the Intelligence Services, Lord Chu confronted Gao Bingzhu, confirming that Wang Dengcheng's death was a deliberate test.

Lord Chu admitted his distrust, explaining that Gao Bingzhu's deep-seated hatred for revenge could lead him to disregard the Services' interests. However, he clarified that the test's primary purpose was to lure out the mole, who had remained hidden since Agent Han's assassination. Gao Bingzhu, in turn, revealed his own findings: the Cakery housed seven Intelligence Services agents, four of whom knew his whereabouts, indicating the mole's source was among them.

He also mentioned that one of the assassins from the recent attack had been captured alive, urging Lord Chu to interrogate him. Lord Chu acknowledged Gao Bingzhu's actions as correct and officially inducted him into the Intelligence Services as the new Halberdier, replacing Agent Han.

During the formal induction, Gao Bingzhu's physical measurements were recorded, and he was again reminded of his new identity—no longer Ghetto officer or wanted criminal—and the strict vows: to forsake love, marriage, and family, dedicating himself entirely to public service, with the Intelligence Services as his sole home. When Wu Siyue learned of Gao Bingzhu's decision, she was furious. She initially attempted to dissuade him, offering her assistance or Lord Chu's help so he wouldn't have to join.

However, Gao Bingzhu insisted he joined willingly, claiming that as a lowborn, he needed the protection and backing of the Intelligence Services. Wu Siyue, remembering the severe vows, expressed her disbelief and anger, demanding to know why he had willingly accepted such conditions. In her frustration, she even slapped him. Gao Bingzhu coldly insisted that she address him by his new title, Halberdier, and declared that his personal affairs were no longer her concern as the guardian of the capital.

An Baitan expressed disbelief that Gao Bingzhu would willingly serve the Intelligence Services wholeheartedly. Lord Chu, in a separate conversation, acknowledged that Gao Bingzhu still harbored deep attachments despite his claims. Gao Bingzhu later escorted Wu Siyue to the Intelligence Services' Archive. Wu Siyue requested information on "The 16th Night," a hand-halberd wielding assassin from the Four Season Clan.

She also shared a crucial detail from her previous encounter with Lord Freedom: five years prior, she had encountered Lord Freedom, the Four Season Clan's leader who was presumed dead but was in fact alive and deranged. He had uttered a cryptic prophecy: "When the Hidden Phoenix shows up, the world will collapse."

However, the Archive contained no records of "The 16th Night" or "Hidden Phoenix," leading Gao Bingzhu to deduce that the mole within the Intelligence Services had already destroyed them.

Sharing their combined intelligence, Wu Siyue and Gao Bingzhu concluded that Song Liang had likely been collaborating with the Four Season Clan and "The 16th Night" for five years, specifically to eliminate Lord Freedom's trusted associates during an event where Song Liang was lauded for "wiping out" the clan and capturing Lord Freedom. This suggested the original "wipe out" was a deception, a betrayal of Lord Freedom by a Four Season Clan member who colluded with Song Liang.

Gao Bingzhu then retrieved Song Liang's travel records, which revealed his frequent visits to White Horse Temple, despite his usual station at the Capital Battalion. Liu Xiang was also noted to frequently visit the same temple to dispense congee. Meanwhile, Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran journeyed towards Mount Lian. Baili Hongyi instructed Liu Ran not to act independently once they arrived.

Liu Ran, touched by his rare displays of consideration, expressed her trust in him and promised to fully assist him in finding the copper ore. As night approached, Liu Ran suggested they find an inn for rest. The innkeeper informed them only one room remained due to many travelers. Liu Ran offered to find another place, but Baili Hongyi suggested they share the room, to which Liu Ran readily agreed.

Inside their room, Liu Ran offered Baili Hongyi food and tea. When Baili Hongyi decided to rest, Liu Ran offered to help him undress, but he politely declined, stating his assistant Shen Fei usually handled it. He then asked her preference for which side of the bed she wished to sleep on.

As they settled in, Baili Hongyi noted Liu Ran was hogging the covers, leading to a brief, shared adjustment of the blankets before they bid each other good night and fell asleep. Back in the capital, Wu Siyue invited Abbot Chengqing of White Horse Temple to the Interior Guard Services to inquire about Song Liang and Liu Xiang.

The Abbot confirmed that both men regularly visited the temple for different reasons—Liu Xiang for charity, and Song Liang for spiritual atonement—but never at the same time, thus never meeting. When Wu Siyue pressed if there was anyone both men had regular contact with, she interrupted Gao Bingzhu when he tried to interject, asserting her authority to ask questions.

Abbot Chengqing then revealed that a monk named Ruo'an, a visiting disciple from Daci'en Temple in Chang'an who served as the temple's guest greeter, had attended to both Liu Xiang and Song Liang during their visits. Armed with this information, Wu Siyue and Gao Bingzhu located Ruo'an's residence hidden within the bustling market, finding it deserted. Inside, Gao Bingzhu discovered partially burned scraps of vine-bark paper, recognizable as a special type used exclusively by the Intelligence Services.

He also found numerous homing pigeons, deducing that Ruo'an was the crucial messenger, using the pigeons to relay information between the Intelligence Services' mole and the Four Season Clan from his convenient city-center location. Wu Siyue declared that Ruo'an must still be within the city gates and intended to capture him herself, ordering Gao Bingzhu to stand down. She reminded him that the Intelligence Services' mandate was supervision, not law enforcement, implying he was overstepping his bounds.

Episode 17 Recap

Wu Siyue deduced that Ruo'an, a recognizable monk from the Four Season Clan, was still hidden within the capital city. She instructed her Interior Guard Services to guard the city gates, advising them to be extra careful in their search and not to let him commit suicide or harm innocents. She was determined to find Ruo'an before Gao Bingzhu. Meanwhile, Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran continued their journey to Mount Lian.

Along the way, Liu Ran initiated various conversations with Baili Hongyi, who, unlike his usual reserved self, engaged in cheerful banter with her. Seizing the opportunity, Liu Ran gently held Baili Hongyi's hand and rested her head on his shoulder, which he did not resist. Baili Hongyi noticed Liu Ran's habit of tossing and turning during her sleep, while Liu Ran commented on the fresh, sweet air compared to the dusty capital.

Upon arriving at Mount Lian, Baili Hongyi decided not to go directly to the copper mine. He reasoned that Lin Zhong and his daughter had gone to the capital to expose misdeeds instead of reporting to local authorities, indicating the presence of moles within the mine. To avoid alerting them, he decided to visit the camp with Shen Fei instead, with Liu Ran insisting on joining them.

At the camp, Baili Hongyi inquired about Lin Zhong, but no one recognized the name of Lin Zhong or his daughter Lin Yan. Liu Ran, seeing their hardship, offered a string of coins to some hungry children, but a miner explained that money was useless there as they desperately needed food and clothes, not currency. He then provocatively suggested Liu Ran could warm his bed. Baili Hongyi quickly intervened to protect her, telling the miner to leave.

When the miner refused, Shen Fei stepped in, leading to a confrontation that drew other miners, who encircled Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran. Fortunately, Liu Chun, a miner foreman, arrived and sternly dispersed his men, advising Baili Hongyi to leave the area as the copper mine was no place for someone of his background. Unbeknownst to them, Ruo'an, disguised as a Hu nomad, attempted to slip out of the capital.

Spotting the heavily guarded city gates, he turned back, but Interior Guard Sui Xin noticed his suspicious movements and gave chase. Ruo'an fled through narrow alleys, eventually seeking refuge in Chun Hua Fang. Baili Hongyi, accompanied by Liu Chun, went to a blacksmith shop. Baili Hongyi impressed the blacksmith by offering expert advice on repairing rusty tools. Seizing the opportunity, he inquired about Lin Zhong.

Liu Chun revealed that Lin Zhong was the mine's accountant but had disappeared after his drinking buddy, Aisou, who had lodged at his home, died in an unexpected accident. Lin Zhong and his daughter subsequently vanished. Liu Chun assumed Baili Hongyi's group had come from Lianshan to report a secret, and stated he hadn't noticed any other unusual activities at the mine.

Back in the capital, Wu Siyue, informed of Ruo'an's presence in Chun Hua Fang, personally led a thorough search of people and vehicles. She inspected a carriage belonging to Yuwen Peipei, a dancer from Hong Xiao Fang, and initially found nothing amiss, allowing her to pass. However, Wu Siyue soon noticed the carriage left abnormally deep wheel marks and recalled Yuwen Peipei's unusual nervousness. Suspecting Ruo'an was hidden inside, she immediately ordered the carriage stopped.

Just as the carriage was intercepted, Gao Bingzhu dramatically appeared, rushing to apprehend Ruo'an, who was indeed hiding within. Ruo'an, in a desperate move, seized Yuwen Peipei and held her hostage with a knife, threatening to kill her if anyone approached. Wu Siyue and Gao Bingzhu were forced to watch as Ruo'an made his escape in the carriage.

As Ruo'an abandoned the carriage and continued on foot, Wu Siyue dispatched guards to pursue him, then turned to Gao Bingzhu, accusing him of interfering in an Interior Guard operation. Gao Bingzhu retorted that Ruo'an would not have escaped had he been allowed to participate earlier. Dismissing her, he quickly set off in pursuit of Ruo'an.

Wu Siyue then instructed Li Beiqi to report the incident to Wu Youjue and decided to return to Ruo'an's residence to search for overlooked clues. Meanwhile, Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran returned to Lin Zhong's house. As Liu Ran examined a basket filled with miscellaneous items, a disheveled old man suddenly attacked her. Baili Hongyi quickly knocked him to the ground. Liu Chun arrived, explaining the man was a well-known local lunatic, but usually harmless.

Baili Hongyi then inspected the basket and discovered a burnt, incomplete parchment scroll. On it, two lines were faintly visible: "Dragons and snakes slither around. Mountains overlook the crowd." Baili Hongyi pondered the lines, unable to decipher their meaning, but speculated that the full scroll, if undamaged, would contain a significant secret appealing to many craftsmen. Baili Hongyi then instructed Liu Ran to give Liu Chun some money to buy food and care for the old man.

Considering the sudden disappearance of Lin Zhong and his daughter, Baili Hongyi deduced that the secret they sought to reveal in the capital might not be related to the copper mine itself. He decided to return to the capital. At Ruo'an's residence, Wu Siyue found Gao Bingzhu already there, meticulously searching for clues. She confronted him, questioning why he had joined the Intelligence Services without informing her, especially after all they had been through together.

She accused him of being a lone wolf who disregarded her feelings. Gao Bingzhu simply stated he was now part of the Intelligence Services and would be held accountable by Lord Chu if he made mistakes, declining to explain further. A carrier pigeon suddenly flew into Ruo'an's house. Gao Bingzhu quickly retrieved a message from its leg, revealing Baili Hongyi's travel details: "Baili Hongyi. Qingzhou to Huai'an. Between noon to evening on the 7th."

Realizing Baili Hongyi was in danger, Gao Bingzhu and Wu Siyue immediately set out on horseback, riding day and night to intercept him. Shen Fei, driving the carriage carrying Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran through a forest, spotted a person lying on the ground with scattered belongings, presuming it was a robbery. Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran dismounted to investigate, only for the person to spring up and attack Baili Hongyi. Shen Fei bravely intervened but was wounded.

Two more masked assassins emerged from the trees, pressing in on Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran. In the struggle, the parchment scroll Baili Hongyi found at Lin Zhong's house fell to the ground. As he tried to retrieve it, the assassins closed in. Fortunately, Gao Bingzhu and Wu Siyue arrived just in time, fighting off the three assailants. Gao Bingzhu assured Baili Hongyi that he had memorized the scroll's contents before telling him to retreat.

Back in the capital, Wu Shenxing, King of Jin, hosted Wu Youjue. Wu Youjue suffered a coughing fit due to a recurring illness, and Wu Shenxing offered him rice wine, expressing concern about his overwork at the Interior Guard Services. Wu Shenxing then revealed Gao Bingzhu had joined the Intelligence Services, admitting his frustration at being unable to act against Gao Bingzhu due to the empress's high regard for the Intelligence Services.

He also mentioned that Song Liang, the only remaining leader of the rebellion, had gone insane and was a burden. Wu Youjue thoughtfully suggested transferring Song Liang to the Interior Guard Services' secret prison. Impressed by his astuteness, Wu Shenxing confessed his intention to help Wu Youjue secure a higher position, promising to strongly recommend him for Minister of War before the empress in a few days.

Separately, Baili Hongyi recounted the two lines from the parchment scroll to Gao Bingzhu. Gao Bingzhu identified them as a geographical description of the capital and suggested their connection to the Four Season Clan's conspiracy. Gao Bingzhu sternly advised Baili Hongyi to stay out of the investigation, reminding him that he wouldn't always be so lucky as to be rescued, and that investigating was not his responsibility.

Later, in the carriage, Wu Siyue comforted a surprisingly calm Liu Ran, who astutely deduced that their rescuers, Gao Bingzhu and Wu Siyue, wouldn't have traveled from the capital merely for common robbers. Wu Siyue acknowledged Liu Ran's insight, promising to explain the complex situation once they returned to the capital. As Gao Bingzhu rode away, Wu Siyue informed Baili Hongyi that Gao Bingzhu had joined the Intelligence Services.

Baili Hongyi speculated that Gao Bingzhu must have had a compelling reason to cut off all ties. Baili Hongyi then shared the two lines from the parchment scroll with Wu Siyue, explaining that they related to the capital's geography and that he suspected the assassins had targeted him for them. He suspected Lin Zhong and his daughter had also died because of these lines, though he lacked definitive proof.

Despite the danger he would face in the capital, Baili Hongyi declared his unwavering resolve to return and uncover the truth behind his father's death and the Four Season Clan, even if it meant risking his own life. Wu Siyue expressed concern about his willingness to use himself as bait and questioned who would look after Liu Ran.

Episode 18 Recap

Shen Fei drove the carriage carrying Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran. Liu Ran, exhausted, dozed off on Baili Hongyi's shoulder, but he remained wide awake, meticulously reviewing the events of the past few days, yet finding no clear answers. Gao Bingzhu arrived to report to Lord Chu. An Baitan intercepted him, questioning why he failed to promptly report Ruo'an's whereabouts and why he broke protocol by apprehending someone privately. Gao Bingzhu, annoyed, turned to leave, but An Baitan pressed him.

Gao Bingzhu explained his concern that a mole within the Intelligence Services would leak the information, allowing Ruo'an to escape and preventing any further investigation. He claimed to have identified a lead on the mole, which convinced An Baitan to take him to Lord Chu. Gao Bingzhu showed Lord Chu a specialized bowl from Ruo'an's residence, suspecting it was a communication token between Ruo'an and the mole.

He explained that the Cakery regularly donates unsold food to monks and beggars, and Ruo'an used this system, presenting the bowl to collect food and meet his contact. Lord Chu dispatched An Baitan to investigate the person responsible for distributing food at the Cakery, noting that the informant likely leaked information on the third of the month, the same day Gao Bingzhu was attacked after meeting Lord Chu there.

Gao Bingzhu also reported that Baili Hongyi was attacked by Four Season Clan assassins at Mount Lian, who stole a tattered parchment fragment. He recited the two lines written on it: "Dragons and snakes slither on the path. Court and commoners unite, connecting mountains." Lord Chu could not discern their meaning. Outside the Interior Guard Services, new wanted posters for Gao Bingzhu were being put up, replacing the old ones.

Wu Siyue, passing by, picked up one of the old posters, lost in memories of her past interactions with Gao Bingzhu. The realization that he had severed emotional ties to join the Intelligence Services left her with a bitter feeling. Back at the Interior Guard Services, Wu Siyue inadvertently overheard her brother, Wu Youjue, asking Madam Yang to help arrange her marriage. As she was about to enter, Li Beiqi hurried over and called her away.

An Baitan soon identified Zhang Qun, a field agent, as a prime suspect and brought him in for interrogation. Lord Chu and Gao Bingzhu listened from behind a screen. An Baitan pressed Zhang Qun with threats and promises, but Zhang Qun claimed ignorance. Frustrated, An Baitan subjected him to harsh interrogation. Zhang Qun eventually confessed he did not know Ruo'an by face, only by the bowl.

He added that the contact who came to the Cakery always appeared in different disguises. Gao Bingzhu concluded there were more moles within the Services and urged Lord Chu to purge them quickly. Lord Chu vowed to eradicate them. Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran safely returned to Baili Mansion. Yunzhi expressed her relief, noting that both Baili Hongyi and Shen Fei were injured.

Baili Hongyi downplayed his own minor injuries and told Liu Ran to go home while he attended to an urgent matter, departing alone to meet Supervisor Zhang at the Ministry of Works. Someone was secretly tracking Baili Hongyi, well aware of his movements. Liu Ran noticed many unfamiliar servants in the mansion, remembering she had previously dismissed most of the household staff. Yunzhi explained these new servants were hired at Baili Hongyi's instruction.

Gao Bingzhu and Lord Chu discussed Zhang Qun, the field agent Ruo'an had turned. Field agents are responsible for collecting all intelligence. They suspected Ruo'an had turned more than one. The register of field agents is stored in the Palace of Nature, encrypted with a cipher compiled by the empress using the "Directory of Music Scores". Lord Chu realized the grave depth of the infiltration, understanding that the moles were already deeply embedded within the Intelligence Services.

Ruo'an, having narrowly escaped, secretly reported to the Lady of Autumn, attempting to shift all blame onto Liu Xiang and Song Liang. The Lady of Autumn produced the parchment fragment taken from Baili Hongyi, which terrified Ruo'an, prompting him to beg for mercy. The Lady of Autumn had received intelligence that Baili Hongyi was going to see someone from the Ministry of Works.

She praised his exceptional intelligence, impressed that he could deduce a connection to the Ministry of Works from just two lines. She then ordered The 16th Night to closely monitor Baili Hongyi and kill him at the first opportunity, regardless of whom he met. Liu Ran and Yunzhi were chatting, with Liu Ran expressing her unease about Baili Hongyi's unusual demeanor and his evasiveness regarding the dangers he faced in Mount Lian, when a new servant suddenly appeared, flustered.

Liu Ran had never seen him before. He claimed to be replacing the injured He Si and that it was his first day at the mansion. Liu Ran immediately sensed trouble and decided to find Baili Hongyi. Lord Chu had arranged a private study for Gao Bingzhu to facilitate his investigation. Gao Bingzhu learned from An Baitan that Agents, who work in the Hall of Skills, can never leave the Palace of Nature because they possess too many secrets.

Conversely, field agents and Jianfeng are forbidden from entering the Palace of Nature. From this, Gao Bingzhu deduced that the person who stole the secret register must be an Agent from the Palace of Nature. Gao Bingzhu summoned the four Agents who were on duty the night Agent Han was killed on June 23rd: Agent Huangzhong, Agent Yize, Agent Guxi, and Secretary Yanqing. He asked them to truthfully recount their activities that night.

They were initially resistant, questioning his authority, which made Gao Bingzhu suspect they were hiding something. Secretary Yanqing eventually recounted that Agent Han had received a secret letter and then sought out Agent Huangzhong. He also distinctly remembered An Baitan encountering Agent Han after leaving Qianmu Chamber. Gao Bingzhu instructed An Baitan to bring him all the registers from the Palace of Nature.

An Baitan claimed she had already checked them all and found no issues, but Gao Bingzhu insisted on seeing all thousand-plus registers himself, ensuring no omissions. Liu Ran brought food to Baili Hongyi and tried to inquire about his activities, attempting to see what he was working on. Baili Hongyi, however, avoided her questions, falsely claiming he was tired and wanted to rest, urging her to leave.

Liu Ran suspected he had found clues in Mount Lian, but Baili Hongyi refused to elaborate and forcefully made her leave. Baili Hongyi arranged to meet Supervisor Zhang at Liubai Building the following day. He instructed Shen Fei to remain at home and protect Liu Ran. Shen Fei then understood Baili Hongyi's earlier coldness towards Liu Ran was a deliberate act to keep her safe from danger.

Immediately after, Baili Hongyi sent his planned route to Liubai Building to Wu Siyue. This was a carefully orchestrated trap between Wu Siyue and Baili Hongyi; Baili Hongyi would act as bait to lure the Four Season Clan assassins. Wu Siyue planned to ambush them, strategically deploying her forces around Liubai Building. She also secretly dispatched Interior Guards, disguised as servants, to infiltrate Baili Mansion and ensure the safety of Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran.

An Baitan delivered all the registers. Gao Bingzhu began by examining those who had served in the Intelligence Services for three years or more. He also instructed his men to filter out anyone who did not start as a low-level scribe. Gao Bingzhu reasoned that for a mole to grasp every aspect of the Services, they would need to begin at the bottom, allowing them to gather secrets without attracting undue attention.

After several rounds of filtering, Gao Bingzhu narrowed down his suspects. He specifically noted that Agent Huangzhong had entered the Archive three times on January 20th. An Baitan vehemently defended Agent Huangzhong. Just as Wu Siyue had finalized her ambush preparations, she received an urgent order from Wu Youjue: Prince Jin was scheduled to travel the next day, requiring the immediate recall of all field Interior Guards. Wu Siyue was left in a state of shock, her carefully laid plans now jeopardized.

Episode 19 Recap

Wu Siyue and Baili Hongyi meticulously planned to lure out the Spring and Autumn Dao. However, their operation was suddenly jeopardized when Wu Youjue issued an urgent order, requiring all field agents of the Interior Guard Services to return before daybreak to protect the King of Jin, who was scheduled to travel. Despite her reluctance to abandon the plan, Wu Siyue had no choice but to withdraw the Interior Guard Services agents from their ambush positions at Liubai Building.

Li Beiqi suggested informing Baili Hongyi to postpone the action, but Wu Siyue firmly refused, fearing that any change in plans would alert the Spring and Autumn Dao. When Li Beiqi offered to seek Gao Bingzhu's help, she again declined. Unwilling to leave Wu Siyue in such a dangerous situation, Li Beiqi defied orders and stayed behind with her.

That very night, Wu Siyue went to Lord Pei of the Grand Court, asking for his assistance and the help of his officers to apprehend the assassins from the Spring and Autumn Dao, emphasizing the urgency and the Interior Guard Services' temporary reassignment. Meanwhile, at the Intelligence Services, An Baitan presented Gao Bingzhu's list of suspects to Li Yichen, expressing outrage that names like He Jiliang, a long-serving agent, and even her own were included.

She accused Gao Bingzhu of deliberately causing chaos and fabricating charges within the Intelligence Services. Li Yichen, however, reminded An Baitan that her father had saved his and his father's lives, and that he trusted her completely. Despite his trust, he urged her to cooperate with Gao Bingzhu's investigation, stating that if she was innocent, she had nothing to fear. Baili Hongyi, following the planned route, arrived at Liubai Building.

He noticed the absence of the tea stall Wu Siyue had promised to set up near the bridge. Upon entering, he saw only Wu Siyue and no other Interior Guard Services agents, immediately raising his suspicions about the situation. Concerned for Baili Hongyi, Liu Ran sent Yunzhi to Shen Fei to inquire about her husband's whereabouts. Shen Fei feigned heavy intoxication, despite Yunzhi's attempts to ply him with fine wine, to avoid revealing Baili Hongyi's dangerous mission.

Frustrated, Liu Ran later confronted Shen Fei directly about new, unfamiliar staff members in the mansion. When he remained evasive, she threatened to report the matter to the authorities. Under pressure, Shen Fei finally confessed that Baili Hongyi was at Liubai Building, acting as bait. In another part of the Intelligence Services, Gao Bingzhu had worked tirelessly through the night with several senior agents, compiling a list of over thirty suspects.

However, when the agents discovered their own names on the list, they became indignant, accusing Gao Bingzhu of fabricating charges and declaring their refusal to continue the investigation, then left. Gao Bingzhu challenged their retreat, questioning their integrity and reminding them of Agent Han Dongqing's mysterious death, urging them to help uncover the mole and seek justice.

Back at Liubai Building, Baili Hongyi observed that the "waiters" were actually Lord Pei and Grand Court officers in disguise, realizing that Wu Siyue had indeed sought their assistance. Gao Bingzhu convened all thirty suspects at the Hall of Skills for an interrogation. During questioning, it was revealed that Agent Han Dongqing had sent a sealed secret letter to Wu Siyue before his death.

Another agent, a middleman, also confirmed that Agent Han had brought other Intelligence Services middlemen, disguised as monks, to Fashan Temple for a mission involving encrypted information. When Gao Bingzhu questioned An Baitan, she was defiant and uncooperative. Suddenly, Liu Ran, veiled, arrived at Liubai Building looking for Baili Hongyi.

He tried to dismiss her, claiming urgent business, but she saw through his lie, understanding he was trying to protect her from danger, especially after their perilous experience at Mount Lian and the strange occurrences back home. She insisted on staying by his side as his wife. In a desperate attempt to drive her away, Baili Hongyi spoke harshly, blaming her presence for hindering his investigation at Mount Lian and indirectly linking her uncle to his father's death.

Just then, officials from the Ministry of Works arrived. Baili Hongyi quickly pretended to have mistaken them for someone else and rushed off, with the assassin known as The 16th Night secretly pursuing him. An Baitan, having been questioned, went to complain to Li Yichen, who then appeared before Gao Bingzhu wearing a mask. Gao Bingzhu proposed immediately detaining and interrogating all thirty suspects, a suggestion that met with strong protest from the other agents present.

Gao Bingzhu then dramatically declared that An Baitan was the true mole. An Baitan furiously denied the accusation, while Huangzhong and other agents vehemently defended her, accusing Gao Bingzhu of baseless fabrications and warning Li Yichen that trusting him would plunge the Intelligence Services into chaos.

Gao Bingzhu systematically laid out his evidence against An Baitan: her unblemished record, her access to all confidential files, her intimate knowledge of the Intelligence Services' operations, and her childhood training in musical temperament, which would have allowed her to decipher Agent Han Dongqing's ciphers that were based on musical theory. An Baitan vehemently refuted his claims. Li Yichen demanded concrete proof, but Gao Bingzhu insisted on detaining An Baitan pending a thorough investigation.

Li Yichen reluctantly agreed to her temporary detention. The other agents expressed their dismay and sorrow for An Baitan. Gao Bingzhu, however, challenged them, stating that if anyone could find decisive evidence, they would be promoted to replace Agent Han. The agents interpreted this as an invitation to betray their colleague and dispersed in anger. Baili Hongyi deliberately led The 16th Night into a narrow alley.

Wu Siyue arrived just in time to assist him, engaging The 16th Night in a fierce fight. Realizing he was losing, The 16th Night lunged at Baili Hongyi's throat with his hand-halberd. Wu Siyue pressed her attack, forcing the assassin to release Baili Hongyi. Li Beiqi and Lord Pei arrived with reinforcements, prompting The 16th Night to flee. Wu Siyue angrily rebuked Baili Hongyi for his reckless departure from Liubai Building.

He explained his actions were to protect Liu Ran and stated his belief that The 16th Night would try again, offering to remain as bait until they could capture the assassin alive. Wu Siyue, exasperated by his increasingly reckless and "Gao Bingzhu-like" behavior, ordered Li Beiqi to escort him back to the Interior Guard Services.

That night, Agent Yize stealthily entered An Baitan's room and placed Agent Han Dongqing's cipher reference book under her bed, only to be caught in the act. Li Yichen, An Baitan, and Gao Bingzhu quickly arrived. Realizing he had been trapped, Agent Yize attempted to commit suicide with a poison pill hidden in his collar, but Gao Bingzhu intervened and stopped him.

Gao Bingzhu then revealed his elaborate scheme: his public accusation of An Baitan was a calculated ruse designed to provoke the true mole, Agent Yize, into attempting to frame her, thereby exposing himself. Li Yichen immediately ordered Agent Yize's detention and severe interrogation. Agent Yize vehemently protested his innocence, claiming he was being framed, but Li Yichen warned him that he would not be allowed to die easily after killing an executive agent and attempting to destroy the Intelligence Services.

Meanwhile, at the Interior Guard Services, Xu Yuan guarded Baili Hongyi, ensuring his safety but allowing him to choose food from outside and move freely within non-confidential areas, provided he stayed within sight. Agent Yize continued to assert his innocence while being interrogated.

Episode 20 Recap

The stubborn Hua Qingzhi, known as Agent Yize, refused to confess, despite Wu Youjue's furious threats over killing an executive and attempting to sabotage the Intelligence Services. Unable to extract information through force, Wu Youjue handed over all of Hua Qingzhi's outgoing messages to Gao Bingzhu. Gao Bingzhu meticulously sifted through them, pinpointing a message sent on June 23rd, the very day Han Dongqing was murdered. This message claimed, "a guest made a scene at Fashan Temple.

Three people were severely injured." Gao Bingzhu immediately recognized the discrepancy, knowing that only he, Baili Hongyi, and Wu Siyue were present at Fashan Temple that day, leading him to deduce that they were the "three people" mentioned. Wu Youjue then dispatched An Baitan to trace the message's recipient. Meanwhile, Baili Hongyi, confined within the Interior Guard Services, was under strict orders from Wu Siyue not to leave.

He amused himself by loudly critiquing the guards' training, pointing out flaws in their stance and distracting them, much to their annoyance. Wu Youjue summoned Wu Siyue. Upon entering the secret chamber, she found Gao Bingzhu already there. Gao Bingzhu eagerly informed her that the mole within the Intelligence Services had been apprehended. Though the burden of Han Dongqing's death weighed heavily on Wu Siyue, finding the mole offered a sense of partial revenge.

She then confided in Gao Bingzhu, revealing that The 16th Night was likely a woman. Gao Bingzhu, without another word, swiftly departed. Moments later, An Baitan arrived to inform Gao Bingzhu that Hua Qingzhi's intelligence had been sent to Ji Shan Fang. Gao Bingzhu, still without speaking, walked out, ignoring Wu Siyue's attempts to call him back. An Baitan then escorted Wu Siyue to Wu Youjue.

Wu Youjue had invited Wu Siyue to join him in paying their final respects to Han Dongqing. He presented Han Dongqing's service record, acknowledging that while it was a mere register in the vast archives, Han Dongqing himself was unique and unforgettable. Wu Youjue formally inscribed "Loyal, kind, brave, determined, reliable, a man of integrity" on the record, marking the definitive end of Han Dongqing's life.

Wu Siyue vowed to capture the Four Season Clan's murderers to bring peace to Han Dongqing's spirit. Wu Youjue affirmed the Intelligence Services' commitment to protecting all people, not just the Empress, and declared that they would never retreat, even if it meant fighting against ten Four Season Clans. Back at the Interior Guard Services, Baili Hongyi continued to infuriate the guards by finding fault everywhere.

One guard complained that Baili Hongyi’s antics caused him to hurt his back during training. Other guards grumbled about Baili Hongyi's persistent demands, including an expensive abalone soup from Star House that cost half of a guard’s monthly salary. The exasperated guards eventually brought their grievances to Li Beiqi.

Li Beiqi confronted Baili Hongyi, who coolly argued that the Interior Guard Services' layout was fundamentally flawed, pointing out issues with the axis of symmetry, uneven ground, and improperly placed Dougong brackets, insisting that his observations were valid. Infuriated, Li Beiqi ordered Baili Hongyi confined to the dungeon, though he cautioned the guards not to harm him. Soon after, Liu Ran arrived at the Interior Guard Services, demanding her husband's release.

The guards, citing security protocols and Wu Siyue's absence, refused her entry or any information, merely telling her that she would be notified if there was anything to report. In the dungeon, Baili Hongyi found himself incarcerated next to Li Ji, who was loudly protesting his innocence. Li Ji introduced himself and explained his plight: he was accused of murder after a slight nudge to an outlander at Tianxiang House resulted in the man collapsing and bleeding from seven orifices.

Li Ji's father had bribed a coroner, who reported the outlander's internal organs were completely rotten. Baili Hongyi immediately deduced the cause: Shachi Venom, a peculiar poison from the West known to cause instantaneous death and internal organ decay without external wounds. He questioned Li Ji for details about the outlander's name, the body's whereabouts, and any signs of prior injury or illness. Meanwhile, Gao Bingzhu arrived at Ji Shan Fang and directly requested to drink with Yao Niang.

Yao Niang promptly announced an early closure, ushering out all the patrons and producing her finest Qianhe wine to share with him. Concurrently, Liu Ran, unable to secure her husband's release, sought out Wu Youjue for assistance. Wu Youjue personally intervened, apologizing to Baili Hongyi for his detention and ordering his immediate release from the Interior Guard Services.

Back at Ji Shan Fang, Gao Bingzhu and Yao Niang engaged in lighthearted conversation, reminiscing about their seven years, five months, and three days of acquaintance. Gao Bingzhu casually brought up Yao Niang's former claim that Master Kang was her husband and how he disappeared owing significant debts.

Yao Niang expressed profound gratitude to Gao Bingzhu for his steadfast support over the years, from drinking on her behalf to collecting debts and protecting her from troublesome rascals, allowing Ji Shan Fang to flourish. Gao Bingzhu then revealed his knowledge that she was The 16th Night. Yao Niang confessed without hesitation, admitting that she simply could not bring herself to kill him. Yao Niang then began to unravel her tragic past.

As a young girl, her father had sold her to the Four Season Clan for a mere bag of rice, never looking back. She was then forced into training with hundreds of other children, learning martial arts and the art of killing. Her first mission from the Clan was to kill all her companions, with only three allowed to survive.

She recounted the brutal process of eliminating the other two remaining survivors, solidifying her grim realization that life held no inherent value, and any amount of killing was justified to achieve a mission and survive. She confirmed that Master Kang was not her husband, but her senior brother, whom she had killed on the Lady of Autumn's orders after he botched a mission by seeking undeserved credit.

Following his demise, the Lady of Autumn instructed Yao Niang to take over Ji Shan Fang. Yao Niang recounted how, when she first took over Ji Shan Fang, a group of rascals arrived to collect Master Kang's debts. Gao Bingzhu, appearing just in time, declared her "my girl" and fiercely threatened to cut out their tongues and feed them to dogs, effectively scaring the rascals away.

Yao Niang thanked him, but Gao Bingzhu scoffed, sarcastically lamenting his own naivety for heroically saving a ruthless killer. He realized she had merely used him to intimidate the rascals, knowing he wouldn't commit murder himself. Yao Niang conceded that she was moved by his unexpected protective act for a stranger, but lamented that she had met him too late to change her path.

Gao Bingzhu's anger flared as he accused her of bringing his companions to a place they "were not supposed to be" five years ago, leading to their deaths. He angrily asserted that her own hands had stabbed his friends to death, and he had foolishly considered her his closest friend. Yao Niang reminded him that she had cared for the severely injured Gao Bingzhu after his friends were massacred five years prior.

Gao Bingzhu tightly grasped Yao Niang's hands, systematically listing her treacherous deeds. He accused her of murdering Chen Que of the Grand Court and deliberately leaving her hand-halberd at the scene. He explained that she knew he would investigate, leading him to discover the halberd was made of Lian Mountain copper, thus linking it to Baili Yan. She then killed Baili Yan, intending to frame Gao Bingzhu for his death, possibly even during the Baili Mansion's wedding celebration.

Lastly, she orchestrated a loud argument among boatmen at Ji Shan Fang to lure Gao Bingzhu to a boat, engaging him in a staged fight to fake The 16th Night's death and end his relentless pursuit. Yao Niang expressed her frustration, acknowledging that Gao Bingzhu had repeatedly obstructed the Four Season Clan's plans and relentlessly pursued the truth.

She claimed that as The 16th Night, she should have killed him countless times, but as Yao Niang, she found herself unable to do so, admitting that he would have died countless times if not for her protection. Gao Bingzhu was heartbroken, overwhelmed by the realization that his most trusted friend was the ruthless assassin, The 16th Night, and had meticulously orchestrated these schemes.

Simultaneously, Wu Siyue relentlessly pressed An Baitan for Gao Bingzhu's whereabouts and the nature of his investigation. An Baitan initially refused, citing confidentiality and expressing doubt about the Intelligence Services' capacity to protect Gao Bingzhu. Wu Siyue vehemently insisted that she "could" protect him, finally compelling An Baitan to reveal his location. Having received a secret order from the Lady of Autumn to eliminate Gao Bingzhu, Yao Niang changed into her black execution attire and retrieved her hand-halberd.

She confessed to Gao Bingzhu her deep envy of Wu Siyue, who could openly be by his side and aid him, while Yao Niang was condemned to hide in the "darkest corner," unable to openly express her feelings despite all she had done for him. Gao Bingzhu sharply retorted that she had no right to compare herself to Wu Siyue. Yao Niang, her voice filled with sorrow, apologized and promised she would never lie to him again. With those final words, she tragically used the hand-halberd to take her own life in front of Gao Bingzhu.

Episode 21 Recap

Gao Bingzhu watched in anguish as Yao Niang used a hand-halberd to pierce herself, falling to her death. In her final moments, Yao Niang tearfully apologized, expressing hope that he would remember her for the rest of his life. Gao Bingzhu was utterly heartbroken and in immense pain. Wu Youjue personally released Baili Hongyi from prison. Baili Hongyi revealed the plan to lure out the culprits, which he had meticulously devised with Wu Siyue, but it had ultimately failed.

Wu Youjue chided him, asserting that arresting criminals was the Interior Guard Services’ duty and Wu Siyue should not have risked his life as bait. Baili Hongyi maintained that he willingly participated, as he was consumed with finding the real killer and had already disregarded his own life.

Wu Youjue remarked on Baili Hongyi’s carefree attitude, acknowledging that while Wu Siyue had sent him back to the Interior Guard Services in time to prevent major trouble, the Interior Guard Services could not protect him indefinitely. Outside the Interior Guard Services headquarters, Liu Ran had been waiting anxiously for a long time. In front of everyone, she immediately rushed to Baili Hongyi, embracing him and showing deep concern.

As they rode home, Liu Ran repeatedly apologized for her reckless intrusion into Liubai Building, which had disrupted his and Wu Siyue's plan. Baili Hongyi explained that he had spoken harshly to her out of fear for her safety, advising her to keep her distance from him to avoid becoming a target for the Chunqiu Dao's assassins. Liu Ran, however, was undeterred.

She declared she was not afraid, reminding him how he had risked his life to save her at Mount Lian and Liubai Building. She vowed to protect him at all costs if anyone dared to harm him. Baili Hongyi then asked her to return home first, as he had to investigate a lead, which touched Liu Ran and made her feel delighted.

Afterward, Gao Bingzhu came to Yao Niang’s room, where memories of their shared life and her recent death overwhelmed him, filling him with mixed emotions. Wu Siyue, who had witnessed Yao Niang’s suicide, did not know how to comfort him. Gao Bingzhu merely stated that Yao Niang was the heinous killer The 16th Night, and then departed. Meanwhile, Shen Fei, seeing Liu Ran return to the mansion alone, eagerly questioned her about Baili Hongyi's whereabouts.

Liu Ran admitted she didn't know, only recalling Baili Hongyi telling her to “be obedient” before he left. Following a clue from Li Ji, Baili Hongyi arrived at Guanglin Inn, requesting to examine the body of a foreign merchant named Kang Zhanbi. The innkeeper claimed Henan Prefecture officials had already taken the body.

Baili Hongyi, however, knew that Kang Zhanbi was from the Ke Tribe, not under Henan Prefecture's jurisdiction, and that such a body should be sent to the funeral home in the south of Luoyang after a three-day waiting period. He deduced the body must still be at the inn and, ignoring the innkeeper’s protests, proceeded to search for it, prompting the innkeeper to send for help.

Gao Bingzhu returned to the mortuary, a place he found comfort in because it lacked the "vitality" of the living world, which he felt reminded him of his own "barely surviving" existence. He saw Wu Siyue there, who had witnessed Yao Niang’s suicide. Gao Bingzhu, drinking heavily, confessed to Wu Siyue that while his revenge was complete, he felt no relief or purpose, feeling like he was a "lonely star."

Wu Siyue empathized, sharing her own painful past: her mother died during her birth, and her father passed away when she was two. To raise her, her brother, Wu Youjue, entered the palace to become a food-testing officer for the Saint, a dangerous role involving tasting for poison.

Wu Siyue explained that her mother and brother had sacrificed for her growth, and thus she felt compelled to live a full and meaningful life, doing what she desired and spending time with those she cherished, rather than wallowing in self-pity. She also asked Gao Bingzhu to consider what else his "borrowed life" could be used for besides revenge. Baili Hongyi located Kang Zhanbi’s body and quickly determined he had died from Shachi Venom.

Manager Qin of the inn, recognizing Baili Hongyi, rushed over, eager for Baili to try his establishment’s dishes and give a "satisfactory" rating. Baili Hongyi used the opportunity to inquire about Kang Zhanbi. Manager Qin explained the inn’s policy: if a guest died unexpectedly, the inn would house the body until relatives claimed it. He added that no one had inquired about Kang Zhanbi in two days. Baili Hongyi decided to stay the night in Kang Zhanbi’s former room.

Back at the Interior Guard Services, Wu Siyue found Li Beiqi kneeling as punishment for illegally detaining Baili Hongyi. Li Beiqi informed her that Wu Youjue had released Baili Hongyi. Wu Siyue intervened, accepting responsibility, and then instructed Li Beiqi to go to Ji Shan Fang to retrieve Yao Niang’s body and notify the Grand Court to seal the casino.

Meanwhile, at the inn, Baili Hongyi wrote "Satisfactory" on a wooden plate after tasting the dishes, instructing Manager Qin to take it to the Baili Mansion for payment. Manager Qin was overjoyed. When an inn worker arrived at the Baili Mansion with the plate, Shen Fei recognized Baili Hongyi's handwriting but noted it was different from his usual style, causing him concern.

He instructed Yunzhi to pay the worker while he rushed to Guanglin Inn, fearing Baili Hongyi was in trouble. Wu Siyue also arrived at the inn shortly after, having learned the situation and hurried to find Baili Hongyi. In Kang Zhanbi’s room, Baili Hongyi meticulously examined the surroundings. He discovered two left-footed clogs under the bed, leading him to conclude that another person had been staying in the room and had taken one pair of clogs after the incident.

Wu Siyue arrived shortly after, and together they confronted Manager Qin. Manager Qin initially tried to evade their questions, but under Wu Siyue’s sharp interrogation and threats, he admitted that another individual named Kang Jin had been staying with Kang Zhanbi. However, Kang Jin had disappeared and could not be contacted, and Manager Qin had concealed this to avoid trouble.

Wu Siyue deduced that given their rare surname and origin, Kang Zhanbi and Kang Jin were likely from the Sogdian Ke Tribe and had traveled with a caravan. Meanwhile, Gao Bingzhu returned to the Unwelcome Well. He heard phantom voices of his deceased companions, waiting for him to drink, but found their room empty. At his own home, he seemed to hear his mother’s voice urging him to find his sister, A-Tan.

Gao Bingzhu was overcome with grief, recalling the many friends and family members he had lost. As he sat despondently, Mr. Unsightly called out to him. Gao Bingzhu collapsed into Mr. Unsightly’s arms, weeping and releasing all his pent-up sorrow and anger. He regretted leading his companions out of the Unwelcome Well, believing he was responsible for their tragic fates. Mr. Unsightly consoled him, assuring him that he shouldn't bear all the blame.

Gao Bingzhu, after deep reflection, declared his intention to find the mastermind who manipulated Wang Dengcheng and The 16th Night, determined to dismantle their conspiracy. Mr. Unsightly, however, urged him to remain in the Unwelcome Well and avoid further involvement, but Gao Bingzhu’s resolve was unshaken; he asserted that his life still had purpose. Separately, Pei Jian’s men sealed off Ji Shan Fang. The Lady of Autumn learned of The 16th Night’s death.

She dispatched her people to gather information, discovering that Gao Bingzhu had previously sought out The 16th Night and that Baili Hongyi’s meeting at Liubai Building was not with a supervisor from the Ministry of Works, but with a subordinate of Pei Jian from the Grand Court. Furthermore, Wu Siyue was also present that day. The Lady of Autumn concluded that The 16th Night’s death was likely connected to these three individuals.

Episode 22 Recap

The Lady of Autumn returned to the Four Season Palace to report to the Lord of Spring, expressing her concern over the continuous exposure of their hidden spies across various departments, specifically mentioning the death of the 16th Night. She warned that Gao Bingzhu was especially dangerous, having even removed one of their operatives from the Intelligence Services. The Lord of Spring, however, dismissed her worries, asserting that their grand plan was nearing completion and that such "ants" were insignificant.

He advised her not to provoke Gao Bingzhu, whom he called a "mad dog" consumed by revenge, lest she invite trouble. He then instructed her to oversee the final batch of goods being transported into the capital city, emphasizing that the success of their plan depended on her careful handling. Meanwhile, a disciple named Gong Yan, upon hearing of the 16th Night's death, defiantly forced her way into the main hall despite the guards' warnings about strict rules.

Another disciple tried to remind her of the rules that the 16th Night herself had taught them. The Lady of Autumn then declared that Gong Yan would take over the 16th Night's position. She tasked Gong Yan with eliminating the individuals who had just transported the goods into the city. Gong Yan, filled with grief and rage, vowed to avenge the 16th Night's death. Wu Siyue and Baili Hongyi continued their investigation into the murder of Kang Zhanbi.

They had learned from Manager Qin of the Guanglin Inn that the establishment did not require travel permits for check-in, which likely explained why Kang Zhanbi and Kang Jin chose to stay there without proper documentation. Manager Qin also noted that the two had remained secluded in their room until Kang Zhanbi's fatal outing, suggesting a real threat. They questioned how the men could have entered the capital city without travel permits and acquired identity documents.

While they were certain Li Ji was not the killer, they hypothesized that the poison, Shachi Venom, which causes instant death, was likely administered during the argument between Kang Zhanbi and Li Ji. They also noted Kang Jin's disappearance after Kang Zhanbi's death as a critical clue, believing both men were hiding from something. As Li Ji was scheduled for a joint trial by three departments, Wu Siyue decided to return to the Interior Guard Services to interrogate him further.

Baili Hongyi, on the other hand, chose to visit the Customs Office, where all Western merchants were required to register for identity documents, hoping to find traces of Kang Jin or Kang Zhanbi. However, his efforts at the Customs Office were met with frustration when he learned that identity documents could be obtained from any administrative office, and even forged ones were readily available in the black market for a mere five coins.

Feeling dejected, Baili Hongyi was about to return home when he unexpectedly encountered Liu Feng, also known as Liu Shilang, who had just returned to the capital city from the Western Regions after a long absence. Liu Feng expressed his surprise and noted that Baili Hongyi hadn't changed much. They reminisced about their youth, specifically recalling an occasion years ago when they observed two lions presented by an envoy from Daishan.

Baili Hongyi had commented then that "a caged beast has lost all its majesty." Liu Feng revealed that this remark had profoundly enlightened him, leading him to abandon a life of political ambition and pursue trade in the Western Regions, where he felt as free as "a wild beast returning to the forest." Baili Hongyi, in turn, admitted he had spoken those words for his own reflection. Baili Hongyi invited Liu Feng to stay at his mansion.

Liu Feng, however, wished to visit his uncle, Liu Xiang, and his sister, Liu Ran, first. It was then that Baili Hongyi revealed the shocking news: Liu Xiang had passed away, and Liu Ran was now living in the Baili Mansion as his wife, leaving Liu Feng stunned. Meanwhile, Gao Bingzhu, having overcome his grief, resolved to continue his pursuit of the mastermind behind the Four Season Clan and eradicate them entirely.

He declared that as long as the Four Season Clan existed, they would continue to cultivate new assassins like the 16th Night and victimize innocent people. He returned to the Intelligence Services and instructed Yanqing to compile all available records related to the Four Season Clan.

An Baitan reported Gao Bingzhu's renewed focus to Li Yichen, who, observing Gao Bingzhu's determination, remarked that while An Baitan might think Gao Bingzhu had lost his way after the 16th Night's death, he believed Gao Bingzhu had in fact found a new purpose. Li Yichen then granted Gao Bingzhu access to the Intelligence Services' cipher documents, cautioning him to adhere to their rules.

Simultaneously, Wu Siyue visited the prison of the Grand Court to question Li Ji more thoroughly about Kang Zhanbi's death. Li Ji recounted the events at Tianxiang House, where he had booked a private room. Kang Zhanbi, accompanied by a courtesan, was already using the room and refused to leave. Their argument escalated, and Kang Zhanbi collapsed and died.

Li Ji noted that the manager and other staff of Tianxiang House had witnessed the incident, and he also mentioned that the wine cup used by the courtesan had disappeared. Back at the Baili Mansion, Liu Feng caused a commotion, demanding to see Liu Ran. The butler attempted to remove him. However, Yunzhi recognized Liu Feng and led him to the kitchen, where Liu Ran was personally preparing a meal.

Liu Feng was distressed to see his sister doing household chores, believing she was being mistreated. Though Liu Ran was overjoyed to see her brother after so many years and explained that she happily performed these tasks, Liu Feng remained unconvinced and insisted she return home with him. Liu Ran, feigning anger, asked him to wait while she finished cooking and sent Yunzhi to appease him with snacks.

Wu Siyue, suspecting the courtesan was involved in Kang Zhanbi's poisoning, sought permission from Wu Youjue to investigate her whereabouts at Tianxiang House. Upon arriving at Tianxiang House, she found the establishment closed, an unusual occurrence even after Kang Zhanbi's death days earlier. A street vendor informed her that it had been closed since dawn. Shortly after, Pei Jian arrived with guards to investigate.

He informed Wu Siyue that the Tianxiang House owner's entire family, seven people in total, had perished in a fire overnight, supposedly due to a kitchen fire. Wu Siyue noted that the accountant and all the staff, who were family members, had also died, leading her to conclude that it was a deliberate act of murder to silence them. Meanwhile, Baili Hongyi tasked Shen Fei with investigating the black market regarding the identity documents of Kang Zhanbi and Kang Jin.

Shen Fei found a swindler named Bai Lang and threatened to report him to the authorities to coerce his help. Bai Lang soon reported back that while Kang Zhanbi had indeed been seen in the black market, he and Kang Jin had arrived in the capital city with a merchant caravan whose identity documents were "not" forged in the black market.

This caravan, consisting of over a dozen people, had visited the black market several times but not for documents or goods, deepening Baili Hongyi's suspicion that they harbored a significant secret. Liu Ran returned to Liu Feng with a bowl of beef soup. Liu Feng then confronted her, accusing Baili Hongyi of being responsible for Liu Xiang's death.

Despite Liu Ran's efforts to explain that their uncle was at fault and Baili Hongyi was only investigating, Liu Feng became enraged, calling Baili Hongyi a "murderer." When Baili Hongyi arrived, Liu Feng lunged at him, but Shen Fei intervened. Liu Ran desperately tried to separate them, and in frustration, Liu Feng struck himself. Liu Ran lamented his "ruffian" behavior, so unlike his upbringing in a scholarly family.

Liu Feng retorted that he had endured many hardships while traveling with Western merchants. Baili Hongyi seized the opportunity to question Liu Feng about the Ke Tribe caravan. Liu Feng initially refused to answer, even showing off his scars as proof of his resilience, and dared Baili Hongyi to have him interrogated by the authorities.

Wu Siyue, returning to the Interior Guard Services prison to question Li Ji again, was informed that Wu Youjue had ordered Li Ji's transfer to the Henan Prefecture for re-trial only an hour earlier. Suspecting foul play, Wu Siyue immediately feared that Li Ji, like the Tianxiang House family, would be killed to prevent him from revealing more information.

Her fears were tragically confirmed later when Li Ji was reported dead during the transfer, supposedly from jumping from the carriage in an escape attempt and falling to his death. Wu Siyue, inspecting the scene, was frustrated by the loss of yet another crucial lead. She questioned how anyone could have known about the transfer so quickly, given it was a last-minute decision by Wu Youjue.

Meanwhile, Liu Ran managed to calm Liu Feng, who finally admitted that he knew Kang Zhanbi and Kang Jin. He recounted that during his return journey to the capital city, he had been caught in a sandstorm in Gaochang and sought refuge at an oasis called Crescent Lake. There, he encountered over ten other caravans, including the secretive Ke Tribe caravan to which Kang Zhanbi and Kang Jin belonged.

He noted that they tightly guarded their goods and rarely interacted with others. Liu Feng also revealed that this caravan had been under pressure to reach the capital city by a specific deadline and had consequently departed before the sandstorm had fully subsided. Baili Hongyi quickly pressed him for a description of Kang Jin's appearance.

Episode 23 Recap

Baili Hongyi finished drawing a portrait of Kang Jin based on Liu Feng's description. Liu Feng, impressed, remarked on Baili Hongyi’s talent, though Baili Hongyi humbly dismissed it as a minor skill, noting that Liu Feng’s recent encounter with Kang Jin meant his memory of the man’s features should be quite accurate. Baili Hongyi also confirmed that the caravan's identity documents were authentic.

Liu Ran, eager for Baili Hongyi to stay, offered him a bowl of warm beef soup, which he promised to drink upon his return. He then surprised her by offering to paint her portrait, which delighted her, prompting Liu Feng to tease his sister for being so easily pleased. When Baili Hongyi met Wu Siyue to hand over the portrait, she informed him that Li Ji had died, cutting off their most recent lead.

Wu Siyue revealed that before his death, Li Ji had mentioned an entertainer who was with Kang Zhanbi during their argument. This suspicion led Wu Siyue to Tianxiang House, but she found everyone there had been killed. Both realized that Four Season Clan was likely eliminating all witnesses, especially those who had seen the entertainer, suggesting the Ke Tribe caravan harbored secrets far greater than they had imagined.

To uncover more about Kang Jin, Wu Siyue resolved to seek assistance from Intelligence Services. Late that night, Shen Fei found Yunzhi cooking fragrant noodles. She claimed they were from the Home of Gourmets and that she had personally bought them from the shop. Initially, she pretended the noodles were for Liu Ran, but Shen Fei noted Liu Ran’s lights were off. Then she claimed they were for Baili Hongyi, who was not yet home.

Shen Fei correctly deduced that she was cooking for Liu Feng, playfully pointing out her obvious affection for him. Yunzhi, undeterred, explained that Liu Feng had changed significantly since he left, no longer pale and sheltered but now more weathered, bearded, and composed – "a real man." As Yunzhi spoke with longing, Shen Fei slyly devoured all the noodles, leaving her only with the broth. Gao Bingzhu spent sleepless hours reviewing old documents concerning Four Season Clan.

He observed that many high-profile, unsolved cases over the past five years, such as the killing of a Deputy Minister of Justice in the first year of the Taicheng reign and the massacre in Jingyang Village in the second year, had been summarily attributed to the Clan, seemingly without detailed investigation processes. He noted that this pattern allowed various authorities to conveniently close difficult cases by blaming the Clan, without any real accountability.

The next day, on Valentine's Day, Gao Bingzhu received a secret letter from Wu Siyue. He met her in the bustling South of the Capital, where he bought a lantern for her. Wu Siyue updated him on Kang Jin, explaining he was part of a caravan and potentially linked to the Clan, and recounted Kang Zhanbi's death from Shachi Venom and Li Ji’s suspicious demise while under escort.

Gao Bingzhu concurred that the use of poison and swift eliminations were typical of the Clan. He then asked Wu Siyue why she so diligently pursued the Clan, given her position. She modestly replied that it was simply her duty, rejecting any deeper, personal motivation. As they stood on a bridge, observing the joyous populace celebrating the festival, Gao Bingzhu silently reaffirmed his commitment to dismantle the Clan, ensuring the people could live in peace.

Later that night, the Baili mansion was adorned with lanterns under the butler's direction. When Baili Hongyi returned home late, Shen Fei reminded him that it was Valentine’s Day and urged him to prepare a gift for Liu Ran, suggesting cosmetics or jewelry. Meanwhile, Wu Siyue visited Wu Youjue, bringing him festive pastries. Wu Youjue showed her portraits of several "outstanding men" from the capital, all deemed virtuous and handsome, sent by Madam Yang as potential suitors.

He pressed Wu Siyue to choose one, but she was uninterested. Instead, she urgently informed him about Li Ji’s suspicious death, noting the killer was informed of Li Ji's transfer from Interior Guard Services the moment it occurred, leading her to suspect a mole within their own ranks. Wu Youjue acknowledged the gravity of the situation but cautioned her against impulsive actions, urging her to proceed carefully.

Yunzhi, still infatuated, brought Liu Feng a bowl of noodles late at night, recalling his childhood habit of eating supper. She apologetically mentioned her inability to make his favorite mandarin fish soup. Liu Feng, however, was unresponsive, simply telling her to leave and take the noodles with her, noting he hadn’t eaten mandarin fish soup since Chunhe left the Liu mansion. He then quietly wondered where Chunhe was and if she was well after so many years.

Separately, Baili Hongyi considered his options and decided to paint Liu Ran’s portrait as a gift, working through the night from memory. The next morning, Liu Feng sent lavish gifts from the Western Regions, including fine wines and exquisite porcelain, along with many servants, to Liu Ran's mansion. He explained these were brought specifically for his sister, hoping she would no longer need to exert herself. He then inquired about the whereabouts of Chunhe, the former maid.

Liu Ran informed him that Chunhe had left the household shortly after Liu Feng did years ago and was likely married by now. She then offered Liu Feng some soup she had personally prepared. When Baili Hongyi arrived, Liu Ran also offered him a bowl of her beef soup.

Liu Feng, visibly irritated by Baili Hongyi's presence and the easy affection between him and Liu Ran, snatched the entire pot of soup and, in a fit of pique, dramatically drank it all before storming out, much to Baili Hongyi's amusement. An Baitan reported to Li Yichen that Gao Bingzhu was investigating Kang Jin, showing him the portrait. Li Yichen, intrigued, instructed her to allow Gao Bingzhu to proceed.

Meanwhile, Gao Bingzhu began interrogating Chen Qingzhi, also known as Hua Qingzhi, a man known for his resilience under questioning. Gao Bingzhu meticulously laid out Chen Qingzhi’s past: his birthplace, his early brilliance, his marriage and the birth of his son, Chen Chao, and the supposed death of his family thirteen years prior in a flood, after which he joined Intelligence Services.

Gao Bingzhu then read a poem from an old regional exam, revealing it was written by a "Chen Chao" from North Sea Academy, an institution founded by the notorious Lord Freedom. He exposed that Chen Qingzhi had secretly accessed this specific exam paper fourteen times over the years. Gao Bingzhu then unveiled Four Season Clan’s strategy of recruiting talented youths like Chen Qingzhi to infiltrate the government, turning them into moles.

He confronted Chen Qingzhi, revealing that Four Season Clan had murdered his wife and used his son, Chen Chao, to blackmail him into working for them within Intelligence Services, causing him years of living in fear. Gao Bingzhu pressed further, warning that Chen Chao's life would be in peril now that Chen Qingzhi's identity as a mole was exposed. This broke Chen Qingzhi's resistance, and he confessed everything, tearfully pleading with Gao Bingzhu to protect his son.

He admitted his true identity and confirmed Chen Chao was his son. Gao Bingzhu promptly reported the comprehensive confession to Li Yichen. Chen Qingzhi's testimony revealed that after Lord Freedom's capture, Four Season Clan's operations were overseen by Lord of Spring and Lady of Autumn.

Lady of Autumn commanded all moles and assassins, including the notorious 16th Night, directing major operations such as the assassination in the South of the Capital, the killings at the Grand Court, and the murder of Agent Han, while Chen Qingzhi himself was responsible for concealing information and misdirecting Intelligence Services during these actions. Following Chen Qingzhi’s confession, Li Yichen dispatched a message to Wu Siyue, revealing Kang Jin's address in Xingjiao Fang.

Wu Siyue immediately proceeded to the location, only to find Li Beiqi stealthily following her. He claimed he was worried about her safety given Li Ji's mysterious death. Wu Siyue, finding his presence unavoidable, allowed him to accompany her. They discovered Kang Jin's house was desolate, overgrown with weeds, and clearly long abandoned. Inside, Wu Siyue observed a rope hanging from the beam and multiple drag marks, indicating a violent struggle.

She concluded that Kang Jin had been suspended and fought for his life, reasoning that a member of the fastidious Ke Tribe would not desecrate their own home with such a struggle, implying an external aggressor. Despite their efforts, neighbors consistently denied knowing Kang Jin, which Wu Siyue found highly suspicious, though Li Beiqi suggested it was plausible since Kang Jin, a foreign merchant, spent little time in the capital.

He did, however, learn from one elderly neighbor that Kang Jin rarely returned and had a secretive nature. Wu Siyue returned to the elderly neighbor's home, this time bringing Li Beiqi. She cunningly pretended that Kang Jin often brought the grandmother grape wine from the Western Regions. The grandmother vehemently insisted she had always paid Kang Jin for any wine, but Wu Siyue pressed her, revealing that Kang Jin was not, in fact, a wine merchant.

Cornered, the grandmother confessed the truth: Kang Jin had seduced her daughter-in-law, and they had planned to elope, even packing their belongings. Her son discovered their affair and, in a fit of rage, had tied Kang Jin up. As the grandmother spoke, sounds of her son menacingly sharpening a knife echoed from inside, where he threatened to kill Kang Jin, then his own "promiscuous" wife. Suddenly, Gong Yan appeared from behind the son and fatally stabbed him.

Episode 24 Recap

Wu Siyue and Li Beiqi arrived to find that Gong Yan had already killed Grandma's son. They confronted Gong Yan, but she had no intention of fighting, swiftly escaping through a window. Wu Siyue gave chase, instructing Li Beiqi to keep Kang Jin safe. Gao Bingzhu updated Li Yichen on crucial intelligence, detailing what Chen Qingzhi had revealed.

He explained that since Lord Freedom's arrest, the Four Season Clan had been managed by Lady of Autumn and Lord of Spring, who held significant animosity towards each other. Lord of Spring reportedly disdained worldly affairs, focusing instead on studying the ancient texts for methods of alchemy and crafting elixirs, proclaiming his ambition for a "bigger picture" compared to Lady of Autumn's "unimportant deeds."

Despite Hua Qingzhi, who served Lady of Autumn, dismissing Lord of Spring, Gao Bingzhu believed him to be a formidable figure, not just a simple Taoist practitioner. Li Yichen agreed that the Four Season Clan was more intricate than he initially thought. Li Yichen then revealed to Gao Bingzhu that he had informed Wu Siyue about Kang Jin's residence, prompting concern from Gao Bingzhu.

Gao Bingzhu further detailed how caravans from the Ke Tribe had traveled between the Ke Tribe and the capital city four times a year for the past three years, a demanding schedule suggesting a significant demand. He concluded that their buyer was certainly linked to the Four Season Clan. Wu Siyue pursued Gong Yan through the bustling streets. Gong Yan seized an opportunity to poison a passerby amidst the crowd.

Wu Siyue immediately called for a doctor, but this distraction allowed Gong Yan to blend into the masses and vanish. Upon Wu Siyue's return, Kang Jin was suddenly found dead. Li Beiqi stammered, explaining that he had only stepped to the door to check on Wu Siyue and didn't know what happened to Kang Jin. Wu Siyue instructed her men to transport Kang Jin's body to the Interior Guard Services for thorough examination.

Subsequently, Wu Siyue sent a letter to Baili Hongyi, who promptly arrived. He examined Kang Jin's clothing and discovered a white powder with a distinct smell he recognized from the Guanglin Inn. He collected a sample for further analysis. Meanwhile, Liu Ran had arranged a festive meal in the garden pavilion, hoping to celebrate the Qiqiao Festival with Baili Hongyi.

However, Baili Hongyi informed her he had urgent matters to attend to, as he needed to quickly identify the white powder. Liu Ran gracefully conceded, deciding to celebrate the festival with Yunzhi instead. A flower boat gracefully glided along the Luo River, where Yuwen Peipei, hailed as the capital city's foremost dancer, captivated countless onlookers with her singing and dancing. The crowd erupted in cheers for her.

Liu Feng pushed his way through the throng, his eyes fixed on Yuwen Peipei as he emotionally recognized her as Chunhe. Baili Hongyi proceeded with his analysis of the white powder. Liu Ran, curious, helped him by lighting it, causing a distinctive purple-blue smoke to rise. When Baili Hongyi added water to the powder, it immediately froze. Consulting an ancient text, he quickly identified it as Xuanwu's Pearl, the old name for niter.

He noted its bitter, cold smell, its ability to freeze water upon contact, and the unique purple smoke it emitted when burned. He also discovered that the Ke Tribe's Xuanwu's Pearl was particularly rare and valuable, considered a tribute to the Court and forbidden for private trade. Liu Ran offered to stay and assist him, but Baili Hongyi urged her to rest, sending her away with a gift to open once she was in her room.

Ruo'an reported to Lady of Autumn that Hua Qingzhi had been compromised and their recent movements were being detected. Enraged, Lady of Autumn declared Hua Qingzhi useless and ordered Chen Chao, his son, to be killed to prevent any old secrets from exposing their activities.

Meanwhile, the coroner at the Interior Guard Services determined that Kang Jin had died from a common wasp venom, inflicted by an extremely small, barely detectable needle wound on the left side of his head, causing laryngeal edema and suffocation. Wu Siyue found it difficult to trace the poison's origin. Wu Youjue summoned Wu Siyue, scolding her for Li Beiqi's perceived negligence in Kang Jin's death.

Wu Youjue questioned Li Beiqi's judgment, suggesting he had selfishly changed shifts out of concern for Wu Siyue. Wu Siyue defended Li Beiqi, stating he was already preparing a detailed report of the incident, but Wu Youjue dismissed her explanations, claiming they only worsened the situation. Gong Yan, under orders, arrived to assassinate Chen Chao, only to find him already gone. Unbeknownst to her, Li Yichen had intervened, rescuing Chen Chao and arranging for his protection.

An Baitan, grappling with this decision, questioned Li Yichen, pointing out that Hua Qingzhi had been responsible for Agent Han's death and asking why Li Yichen chose to repay evil with kindness instead of seeking vengeance. Li Yichen clarified that the Four Season Clan was the true enemy, and Chen Chao was not directly involved.

He emphasized that the Interior Guard Services operated under a strict principle of "not punishing innocent people for others' faults" and "not getting innocent people involved," a rule that distinguished them from corrupt officials. An Baitan ultimately accepted his reasoning. Baili Hongyi summoned Wu Siyue and Gao Bingzhu, presenting his confirmed findings: the mysterious powder was indeed Xuanwu's Pearl, specifically the rare, pure variety from the Ke Tribe, which was a forbidden item for private trade.

Gao Bingzhu immediately deduced that the Four Season Clan's grand plan must be intricately linked to this substance. Baili Hongyi elaborated on niter's various applications: making ice (though less pure forms suffice), medicine, gunpowder, flame sticks, and elixirs. With all possibilities still open, Gao Bingzhu suggested they needed to narrow their focus.

Wu Siyue then recalled that Lord Liu, Liu Ran's father, was currently giving daily lectures on Taoism at the Liubai Building and was reputed to be quite knowledgeable in alchemy. They decided that Baili Hongyi would consult Lord Liu regarding alchemy, Gao Bingzhu would investigate pharmacies, and Wu Siyue would check on flame stick production. Baili Hongyi asked Liu Ran to accompany him to the Liubai Building, and she eagerly agreed.

Upon their arrival, they found Liu Shi deeply engaged in a discussion about alchemy with another Taoist. The Taoist boasted about his "Origin Elixir," claiming it was priceless due to its many rare ingredients. Liu Shi, however, countered that merely focusing on ingredient quality was a superficial approach to alchemy; he stressed that "timing and temperature," or fire control, was the true essence. The other Taoist scoffed, dismissing fire control as menial "grunt work."

Baili Hongyi, however, supported Liu Shi's perspective, drawing an analogy to cooking: while recipes might vary, the foundational ingredients often remained similar. He argued that the mastery of fire control was what truly differentiated the outcomes. Liu Ran also chimed in to support her father, reinforcing Baili Hongyi's point. Liu Shi was visibly pleased by their insights, and the other Taoist, frustrated, stormed out of the building. Baili Hongyi then presented the Xuanwu's Pearl powder to Liu Shi.

Liu Shi immediately recognized it as an exceptionally pure, high-grade tribute item, rarely seen outside of the imperial court. He recalled a rumor that the Taoist Tiantong at Yuncui Temple, located in the east of the capital city, was in the process of refining an "elixir of life" and was specifically seeking the purest Xuanwu's Pearl for this endeavor.

Baili Hongyi then remembered Liu Feng's earlier comment about caravans from the Ke Tribe rushing to reach the capital city before a strict deadline, realizing they were likely transporting this precious substance. Liu Shi then inquired about Liu Feng's rumored return. Liu Ran vehemently denied it, but Liu Shi, observing Baili Hongyi's silence, surmised the rumor was true. Despite Liu Ran's efforts to defend her brother, Liu Shi remained unforgiving of Liu Feng's past actions.

Eager to investigate, Baili Hongyi quickly excused himself and Liu Ran from Liu Shi. He brought Liu Ran to Yuncui Temple. While Liu Ran went to the main hall to pray for a good marriage, a Taoist priest offered her a fortune stick for twenty coins. Baili Hongyi, noticing a strong scent of fresh paint on the old-looking fortune stick cylinder and seeing that the sticks inside were new, grew suspicious.

Liu Ran drew a "curse stick," prompting the Taoist to dramatically warn her of impending "blood and disaster," suggesting it could even befall her family. He then aggressively pushed an expensive elixir, claiming it could ward off misfortune and prolong life. Liu Ran, desperate to buy the elixir, accidentally knocked over the fortune stick cylinder. As she and Baili Hongyi began to help pick up the scattered sticks, the Taoist frantically intervened, quickly gathering them himself.

Convinced something was amiss, Baili Hongyi promptly pulled Liu Ran away. Liu Ran also realized that the Taoist priest was a fraud and that both the fortune sticks and their cylinder were suspicious. Baili Hongyi led Liu Ran, unknowingly, towards a closed gate, noticing it was a "forbidden area" of the temple.

Suddenly, three Taoist priests approached the area, and Baili Hongyi immediately recognized the lead priest as the assassin who had attacked him on his return to the capital city. He quickly pulled Liu Ran aside to hide. Meanwhile, Liu Feng burst into the Hong Xiao Fang, loudly demanding to see Yuwen Peipei.

The madam initially refused, but Liu Feng presented her with a bag of pearls from the Western Regions, insisting he would pay any price to see Yuwen Peipei and declared he would even buy out the entire establishment if necessary. Gao Bingzhu reported that he had found no trace of Xuanwu's Pearl in the capital city's pharmacies or black markets, thus ruling out its use for general medicinal purposes.

Wu Siyue likewise found no clues concerning its use for flame sticks. They reconvened with Baili Hongyi, who explained his findings at Yuncui Temple. He pointed out that the presence of fake Taoist priests, fraudulent elixirs, and assassins from the Four Season Clan all converged on the Yuncui Temple. He had already mapped the temple's front palace, noting the locations guarded by the priests, but had refrained from entering the backyard to avoid alerting their adversaries.

Episode 25 Recap

Following their investigation into Xuanwu's Pearl leading them to Yuncui Temple, Gao Bingzhu, Wu Siyue, and Bai Lang prepared to visit the temple. Gao Bingzhu felt that whenever Wu Siyue sought him out, it was for trouble, and noted that traveling to Yuncui Temple would take one hour, urging them to depart quickly. He pointed out that Wu Siyue's official attire would immediately reveal their purpose, suggesting she change into something more appropriate and appealing.

Wu Siyue complied, changing into an elegant dress. Upon arriving at Yuncui Temple, they were met by a bustling crowd of pilgrims and persistent vendors peddling "blessed bracelets" that supposedly cured all ailments. One vendor specifically approached Wu Siyue, insisting she buy a bracelet for her husband, claiming his "sallow face" indicated "hidden illnesses" that their health-preserving bracelet could fix.

Bai Lang quickly intervened, faking poor health and purchasing a bracelet to distract the vendor, allowing Gao Bingzhu and Wu Siyue to slip away and enter the temple. Inside, Gao Bingzhu observed that the temple's priests were unusually stout, resembling guards more than spiritual figures, making him suspicious of their true identities. Pilgrims formed long lines to obtain medicinal elixirs from the main hall.

Wu Siyue instructed Gao Bingzhu to feign illness to join the queue, but his acting was unconvincing. To make it more believable, Wu Siyue landed a hard punch on him, causing Gao Bingzhu to wince in pain. Using this as a pretense, Wu Siyue helped him walk, guiding them discreetly toward the heavily guarded restricted area in the backyard. A priest stopped them at the entrance to the restricted area.

They claimed they were there to burn incense, specifically for Gao Bingzhu's persistent "wind-illness" which they suspected was caused by "unclean things," hoping to pray at the back for privacy due to his severe coughing. The priest directed them to the front palace, insisting that the backyard was off-limits for incense burning. Realizing they couldn't force their way in, Gao Bingzhu suggested they find another method.

They joined the line for elixirs, where Bai Lang, still feigning illness, received one and immediately ingested it, collapsing dramatically and loudly demanding compensation, accusing the temple's elixir of being problematic. The scene devolved into chaos as priests rushed to surround the seemingly dying Bai Lang. Gao Bingzhu and Wu Siyue seized the opportunity, using the commotion to slip past the distracted guards and enter the restricted backyard.

Inside, a priest urgently reported the disturbance to Taoist Tiantong, who immediately left the alchemy room with his retinue to investigate. Once they confirmed Taoist Tiantong and his group had departed, Gao Bingzhu and Wu Siyue separated to search the various rooms. Wu Siyue reminded Gao Bingzhu to be cautious. Wu Siyue discovered a large medicine cabinet, including a drawer specifically labeled for "Xuanwu's Pearl," but found it empty. Meanwhile, Taoist Tiantong met with a black-cloaked, masked figure.

The masked individual expressed extreme frustration, questioning why, after three months, the Immortality Elixir had not been completed, despite providing ample funds, manpower, and all necessary alchemy ingredients, even facilitating the acquisition of Xuanwu's Pearl from the Ke Tribe. Taoist Tiantong explained that the ancient formula for the elixir was incomplete and that he had been diligently refining it and repeatedly testing it on pilgrims to understand its properties. He requested a few more days to complete the elixir.

The masked man sternly rejected his request, reminding him that a "big day" was approaching and threatening dire consequences if there were further delays. Taoist Tiantong, under pressure, promised to expedite his work. Wu Siyue eventually found Taoist Tiantong's handwritten alchemy notes, detailing the process of making elixirs using Xuanwu's Pearl, while Gao Bingzhu kept watch outside. The chaos created by Bai Lang continued, with pilgrims joining his demand for compensation from the temple.

Suddenly, the priests realized the disturbance was a diversion and immediately rang the temple's alarm bell. Hearing the bell, Taoist Tiantong quickly had his men escort the masked man away from the temple. Once they were gone, Gao Bingzhu led Wu Siyue to the alchemy room. There, Wu Siyue noticed a familiar-looking gold-inlaid box with a Xuanwu pattern on the table, finding it very familiar but unable to immediately recall its origin.

Before she could fully process this, priests rushed into the alchemy room, forcing Gao Bingzhu to quickly lead Wu Siyue out. Wu Siyue suddenly recalled seeing the distinctive Xuanwu box at the Eastern Palace, and she remembered that Crown Prince Li Dun had a known fascination with alchemy. She immediately suspected that the mysterious masked figure was indeed Li Dun. They decided to return and consult Baili Hongyi.

Baili Hongyi suggested that their primary goal should be to clarify the relationship between Crown Prince Li Dun and Taoist Tiantong. Wu Siyue found the situation perplexing, noting that Li Dun had previously been targeted for assassination by the Four Season Clan. It seemed illogical that he would now be connected to Taoist Tiantong, whom she suspected was affiliated with the Clan.

She also recognized the inherent difficulty of investigating a Crown Prince, as both the Intelligence Services and the Interior Guard Services would be reluctant to act without irrefutable evidence. As it turned out, the mysterious masked figure from Yuncui Temple was indeed Crown Prince Li Dun, who, upon returning to the palace, had secluded himself, refusing all visitors.

Both Gao Bingzhu and Wu Siyue sought official permission to investigate Li Dun; Gao Bingzhu approached the Intelligence Services, and Wu Siyue approached her brother, Wu Youjue, head of the Interior Guard Services. Both were firmly denied. Gao Bingzhu declared his intention to investigate alone, but was warned that he could not use the name of the Intelligence Services and would be solely responsible for any repercussions.

Wu Siyue desperately pleaded with Wu Youjue, but he remained unyielding, privately dispatching Li Beiqi to station guards around Yuncui Temple. Taoist Tiantong discovered that his alchemy notes were missing and, fearing accountability from the masked man, reported the loss to Lady of Autumn. Lady of Autumn severely reprimanded him. The Lord of Spring arrived upon hearing the news and, feigning anger, threatened to execute Taoist Tiantong for jeopardizing the Clan's grand plan.

Lady of Autumn perceived this as an attempt by the Lord of Spring to shift blame onto her, forcing her to protect Taoist Tiantong for the time being. Lu Li, a disciple, voiced his indignation on Lady of Autumn's behalf. Lady of Autumn, however, decided to postpone any retaliation until their overarching goal was achieved, reasoning that Tiantong was still useful.

Wu Siyue sought out Gao Bingzhu to discuss her plan to investigate Li Dun at the Eastern Palace the following day. Gao Bingzhu strongly advised against such a risky endeavor, but Wu Siyue had already devised a comprehensive strategy. The next morning, she went to the Eastern Palace, only to be informed that Li Dun was ill and refusing visitors. Undeterred, Wu Siyue sought out Princess Lu for assistance.

Princess Lu, feeling confined and bored in the palace, agreed to help Wu Siyue meet Li Dun. Meanwhile, Baili Hongyi accompanied Liu Ran to Liubai Building to consult Liu Shi. They were informed that Liu Shi had gone to Hong Xiao Fang. Liu Ran decided to go there alone. At Hong Xiao Fang, Liu Feng had been waiting daily, hoping to see Yuwen Peipei, who had yet to appear.

Suddenly, Liu Shi angrily burst into the establishment, demanding Liu Feng return home. Liu Feng lashed out, accusing his father of abandoning him at age four and not returning even for his mother's funeral, stating that only his uncle, Liu Xiang, and Liu Ran held authority over him. Liu Shi was left speechless by his son's words. Liu Ran arrived just in time to defuse the tense situation, persuading Liu Shi to return to Liubai Building.

There, Baili Hongyi had prepared a lavish meal and presented Taoist Tiantong's alchemy notes to Liu Shi for his review. Li Dun, reluctantly, emerged to meet Wu Siyue. Wu Siyue directly questioned him about Xuanwu's Pearl. Li Dun feigned discomfort and attempted to leave, but Wu Siyue produced the distinct Xuanwu-patterned box, asserting that he had indeed been to Yuncui Temple. Li Dun vehemently denied it. At that moment, a fire erupted in his alchemy room.

Li Dun rushed to investigate, dismayed to find the room in ruins. Wu Siyue advised him against his obsession with alchemy. Li Dun finally conceded, explaining that ever since Song Liang's rebellion was exposed, he had lived in constant fear of the empress's wrath and had hoped to appease her by personally refining an elixir for the Ceremony of Light. He revealed that a retainer named Dai Zhou had introduced him to Taoist Tiantong, who was supposedly skilled in alchemy.

Li Dun lamented that the fire had destroyed three months of his efforts. Wu Siyue probed further, suggesting that Li Dun was unnecessarily covering for Dai Zhou and Taoist Tiantong. Li Dun then confessed that Dai Zhou had once requested official identity documents for a caravan from the Ke Tribe. Li Dun had foolishly complied, only to later hear that several "outlanders" in the caravan had died, a revelation he feared would further enrage the empress and implicate him.

Wu Siyue then revealed her suspicion that Taoist Tiantong was affiliated with the Four Season Clan, which visibly shocked Li Dun. He frantically blamed Dai Zhou, claiming the retainer had deluded and exploited him, adding that Dai Zhou had been missing for days.

Episode 26 Recap

Wu Siyue, following up on her previous visit to the Eastern Palace, inquired about Dai Zhou's whereabouts and learned he had been missing for seven days, ever since Kang Zhanbi's death. It seemed Dai Zhou was hiding, fearing repercussions from the Prince and other threats. Meanwhile, Liu Shi reviewed Taoist Tiantong's alchemy manuscript, specifically his notes on Northern Emperor Xuanzhu.

Liu Shi found the formulas contained within to be absurd, suggesting that following them would yield either highly toxic substances or useless lime. He recommended that Baili Hongyi consult "Qi Wei Yao Shu" by Cao Gongqi to understand the laughable nature of Tiantong's formulas, as Baili Hongyi sought to understand alchemy. Concerned about Wu Siyue, Gao Bingzhu was restless at Bai Lang's home, nearly setting the house ablaze by letting a pot boil dry.

Bai Lang, upon his return, teased Gao Bingzhu about his visible worry, reminding him that as a member of the Intelligence Services, he should be free of emotional attachments. Gao Bingzhu, in turn, playfully threatened to burn Bai Lang. When Wu Siyue returned, she confirmed Dai Zhou's prolonged absence and revealed his severe gambling addiction, noting he owed a substantial debt to Yang's Casino in Hui Jie Fang.

Wu Siyue proposed going undercover to investigate, but Gao Bingzhu strongly objected to her taking such risks, insisting he and Bai Lang would go instead. Bai Lang playfully disclosed Gao Bingzhu's earlier distraction, almost burning his house down, which subtly warmed Wu Siyue's heart. Back home, Baili Hongyi immediately consulted all his alchemy texts. Liu Ran stayed by his side. He soon noticed the resemblance between Tiantong's manuscript and the Thunder Formula.

However, he realized the Thunder Formula was not for creating elixirs from minerals but for neutralizing their inherent toxicity during the alchemy process. He promptly instructed Shen Fei to acquire an alchemy furnace and five sets of ingredients according to the formula. Liu Ran desperately tried to dissuade him, recalling how her own father, Liu Shi, had similarly immersed himself in ancient texts and alchemy at home before abandoning his family to wander the world.

Fearing Baili Hongyi would also leave her, Liu Ran expressed her deep concern. Baili Hongyi reassured her, stating his sole purpose was to understand the actual products of Tiantong's manuscript formulas, not to pursue immortality or neglect her, which brought her some peace. She then asked if she could join him in his research. Wu Shenxing learned from Yang Huan that Prince Li Dun's alchemy room in the Eastern Palace had caught fire.

Wu Shenxing intended to use this to implicate the Prince in a conspiracy with Song Liang, but Yang Huan cautioned him against rash actions, reminding him that the Prince was the empress's biological son, contrasting it with Wu Shenxing's status. Wu Shenxing later visited his brother, Wu Youjue, mentioning that the Interior Guard Services was investigating a Western merchant murder case involving the forbidden Northern Emperor Xuanzhu, and that the Prince seemed to be implicated.

He advised Wu Youjue to pursue the investigation rigorously, as any evidence against the Prince could benefit him in the looming fight for the crown. Gao Bingzhu and Bai Lang located the gambling den, hidden deep within an alley and guarded at the entrance. They feigned interest in gambling and gained entry. Inside, Gao Bingzhu exposed a dealer's cheating, demanding to see the shop owner and threatening to report the establishment for fraud.

The frightened shop owner immediately appeared, pleading for leniency. Gao Bingzhu then inquired about Dai Zhou. The owner claimed Dai Zhou owed a large sum and had only pawned a Tortoise Token as collateral before resigning his post and leaving for Jiangnan. Gao Bingzhu, recognizing the shop owner's deceit, discreetly left with Bai Lang. Baili Hongyi began his alchemy experiments, with Liu Ran constantly by his side. Eventually, she dozed off, leaning on him.

Baili Hongyi noticed a sudden flare-up in the furnace. As he got up to inspect it, the furnace violently exploded, sending sparks flying. He instinctively pulled Liu Ran into his arms to shield her. After reviewing the ingredients, he initially suspected an incorrect proportion. However, upon closer inspection, he found the proportions to be accurate. He pondered what kind of elixir required such high-purity Northern Emperor Xuanzhu and such a potent fire-controlling method.

He also noted that Tiantong's manuscript only described the smoke and flames, not the explosion itself. Liu Ran, concerned by his continuous work, urged him to rest, but Baili Hongyi wanted to solve the mystery first, thanking her for her companionship. Meanwhile, Liu Feng persistently waited for Yuwen Peipei at Hong Xiao Fang for several days. One evening, Yuwen Peipei finally returned late, arriving in the King of East River's carriage.

When confronted by Liu Feng, she coldly denied knowing him, even denying the name "Chunhe" that Liu Feng used, before retreating to her room. The Hong Xiao Fang owner, Madam Chun, advised Liu Feng to go home, warning him against crossing the King of East River, but Liu Feng defiantly chose to rent a room and stay the night.

At Liubai Building, Liu Shi was lecturing, but his audience mocked him, praising Taoist Tiantong for his charitable acts, including treating the ill and distributing elixirs. Annoyed, Liu Shi publicly denounced Taoist Tiantong as a charlatan, inadvertently revealing that he had seen Tiantong's alchemy manuscript. The guests, intrigued, pressed him for details, making Liu Shi realize his slip of the tongue. News of this quickly reached Taoist Tiantong, causing him to panic.

His superiors demanded to know if the manuscript had been recovered, threatening him with severe consequences if it wasn't found, and his subordinates were ordered to destroy all other evidence. Baili Hongyi continued his relentless alchemy experiments, attempting the formula twelve times, but each time, he only produced a pile of ash, never the elixir. Liu Ran, observing his sleepless night, went to prepare breakfast for him, urging him to rest.

At dawn, the shop owner stealthily escorted Dai Zhou out of the gambling den's back door. Gao Bingzhu and Bai Lang, who had been waiting there all night, quickly intercepted him. Startled, Dai Zhou tried to flee back inside, but Gao Bingzhu and Bai Lang swiftly subdued him. However, the shop owner's men then surrounded Gao Bingzhu and Bai Lang.

Suddenly, the gambling den's doors and windows were sealed from the outside, and toxic smoke bombs were thrown inside, causing the shop owner and his employees to cough and stumble. Gao Bingzhu, covering his mouth and nose, struggled to rescue the employees. With the help of a few who held their breath, they managed to break open the main door. In the ensuing chaos, Dai Zhou escaped, and Gao Bingzhu dispatched Bai Lang to pursue him.

Wu Siyue and Li Beiqi arrived at the gambling den and encountered Bai Lang, who quickly informed them of Gao Bingzhu's predicament. Gao Bingzhu, despite his worsening condition from the toxic smoke, continued to pull the unconscious employees out of the smoke-filled building one by one. After saving the last one, he succumbed to the poison and collapsed.

Episode 27 Recap

After being rescued from the poisoned gambling house by Wu Siyue, Gao Bingzhu slowly regained consciousness. Wu Siyue, greatly relieved, embraced him tightly. Gao Bingzhu then urged her to apprehend Dai Zhou quickly, suspecting that someone was trying to silence Dai Zhou, indicating he possessed crucial information. Meanwhile, Liu Ran, disguised in male attire for easier travel, set out to procure alchemy ingredients for Baili Hongyi.

Her servant, Shen Fei, showed concern for her well-being, but Liu Ran was determined to assist Baili Hongyi. She had studied Tiantong's manuscript and knew specific requirements for ingredients like bat guano, realgar, and sandalwood. Unbeknownst to them, Tiantong, who had been waiting outside Baili Mansion, secretly followed Liu Ran to a pharmacy in the South Market. There, Tiantong vocally criticized the pharmacy owner's bat guano for its poor quality, claiming it was unfit for serious alchemy.

He boasted of his own dedication to Taoist alchemy and touted Dong's Pharmacy as the best in the capital. Intrigued by his apparent expertise, Liu Ran inquired about Dong's Pharmacy's location, and Tiantong offered to accompany her. He then led her into a secluded alley and abducted her. Wu Siyue quickly apprehended Dai Zhou and pressed him for information.

Dai Zhou revealed that Tiantong, who had previously treated his illness, asked him to introduce him to the Crown Prince, knowing of the Prince's interest in alchemy. Dai Zhou initially believed Tiantong simply sought to curry favor, but later discovered his true aim was Xuanwu's Pearls.

Dai Zhou confessed that out of nearly a thousand catties of Xuanwu's Pearls obtained from caravans of the Ke Tribe, less than two hundred pounds actually reached the Crown Prince, with Tiantong secretly smuggling the rest. Dai Zhou admitted he took bribes and turned a blind eye. After further interrogation about his awareness of Tiantong's escalating power following the murders of Kang Jin and Kang Zhanbi, Dai Zhou disclosed their meeting point was a deserted house in Quan Shan Fang.

Li Beiqi then took Dai Zhou to Wu Youjue, the Commissioner of the Interior Guard. Wu Youjue reported Dai Zhou's misdeeds to Wu Shenxing, Duke Jin, detailing how Dai Zhou used his official position to amass wealth in the Crown Prince's name, even forging identity documents for a Western caravan to smuggle contraband. Wu Shenxing saw this as a significant opportunity to deal a heavy blow to the Eastern Palace.

Back at Baili Mansion, Shen Fei discovered Liu Ran was gone after checking with the pharmacy owner, who confirmed she had left without buying anything. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Shen Fei frantically searched for Liu Ran but found no trace. He then reported her disappearance to Baili Hongyi, who subsequently received an anonymous letter instructing him to come alone to "Dunhua Fang, Dingzi Road No. 7" to save Liu Ran, strictly forbidding him from reporting to authorities.

The letter was delivered by a Taoist priest. Meanwhile, Wu Siyue observed a change in Gao Bingzhu, noting he had prioritized saving people over pursuing Dai Zhou. Gao Bingzhu, eager to locate Tiantong, suggested they trace the person who had released the toxic gas, believing they were connected to Dai Zhou and the Xuanwu's Pearls. Their investigation led them to Yuncui Temple, but they found Tiantong had already destroyed his belongings and departed overnight.

A Taoist at the temple informed them that Tiantong had relocated to a house on North Mountain, outside the capital city. Following the instructions in the letter, Baili Hongyi proceeded to Dunhua Fang, only to find no such address existed. He was then forcibly taken by Tiantong's men to a villa on North Mountain, where Liu Ran was held captive. Tiantong demanded his manuscript, but Baili Hongyi insisted on Liu Ran's release first.

Tiantong refused, threatening Baili Hongyi's life by strangling him. When Baili Hongyi remained defiant, Tiantong ordered his men to harm Liu Ran. Fearing for her safety, Baili Hongyi finally admitted he possessed the manuscript. At the palace, the empress summoned Wu Shenxing. On his way, Wu Shenxing encountered the Crown Prince, and they exchanged veiled insults, with Wu Shenxing advising the Crown Prince to be more discerning about his subordinates to avoid future trouble.

The Crown Prince, angered, was then summoned by an aide to meet the empress. Back at the North Mountain villa, Baili Hongyi, realizing Tiantong had no intention of letting him live, pretended to cooperate and begged Tiantong to release Liu Ran. Tiantong, suspicious, had Liu Ran imprisoned. Baili Hongyi then claimed the manuscript was given to him by Wu Siyue of the Interior Guard Services for study, and that he was now attempting to create the Thunder Formula.

Tiantong, however, expressed disbelief that Baili Hongyi could comprehend such complex alchemy in a few days. To compel Baili Hongyi, Tiantong ordered one of Liu Ran's hands be severed. Baili Hongyi immediately intervened, offering to prove his knowledge in Tiantong's alchemy room. Simultaneously, the empress severely reprimanded the Crown Prince for the private issuance of identity documents and smuggling of contraband by his retainer, Dai Zhou.

The Crown Prince attempted to explain, claiming he sought to present an elixir for the empress's longevity at the Ceremony of Light but was deceived by Dai Zhou. The empress dismissed his excuses, also questioning a recent fire at the Eastern Palace and the supposed efficacy of his elixirs.

She condemned his misconduct and failure to control his subordinates, sentencing him to confinement in the Eastern Palace to reflect on his actions, forbidding him from seeing any outsiders before the Ceremony of Light. Afterward, Wu Shenxing sought to take credit for Wu Youjue's actions in capturing Dai Zhou, highlighting Wu Youjue's bravery and decisiveness to the empress. The empress praised Wu Youjue and asked how to reward him.

Wu Shenxing suggested appointing him Minister of War, but the empress expressed concern about Wu Youjue's delicate health. Consequently, the empress tasked Wu Shenxing with personally inspecting the Hanjia Granary to verify grain stores, sending Yang Huan along with him. Back at the villa, Tiantong led Baili Hongyi to the alchemy room, where Baili Hongyi began mixing ingredients for the Thunder Formula as Tiantong watched.

Tiantong was initially delighted by the intense fire emanating from the alchemy furnace, believing it signified success. He eagerly pressed Baili Hongyi for the ingredients he had added before the Xuanwu's Pearl. Baili Hongyi disclosed walnut lumber, willow lumber, and sandalwood, demanding Liu Ran's release before revealing anything more.

Tiantong refused, calling Baili Hongyi's bluff and ordering him confined as well, asserting that the Thunder Formula in the manuscript was incorrect and the Interior Guard Services would never uncover its secrets anyway. Liu Ran and Baili Hongyi found themselves imprisoned in adjacent cells. Liu Ran tearfully blamed herself for his predicament, but Baili Hongyi comforted her, reassuring her that he would find a way for them to escape.

As time passed, Shen Fei, unable to locate Baili Hongyi, sought help from Wu Siyue. Gao Bingzhu, Li Beiqi, and Wu Siyue, along with their team, arrived at the North Mountain villa. They observed numerous guards but were unsure of Baili Hongyi's exact location within the complex. Li Beiqi impulsively suggested a direct assault to rescue them, but Gao Bingzhu cautioned against such a reckless move, fearing it would endanger Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran. Gao Bingzhu proposed they first find a way to let Baili Hongyi know that help had arrived.

Episode 28 Recap

At Hanjia Granary, the royal granary that sustains two hundred thousand households and millions of people in the capital city, safety is of paramount importance to the empress. His Highness Jin Wang and Yang Huan arrived to inspect the granaries, personally escorted by Wu Youjue, the Interior Guard. Wu Youjue affirmed it was his duty to protect them, especially as they were on the empress’s orders.

He expressed admiration for the granary, acknowledging its crucial role in Luoyang’s livelihood and the empress’s deep concern for her subjects. Yang Huan conveyed the empress’s high expectations for Wu Youjue in entrusting him with this significant task. Meanwhile, Liu Ran and Baili Hongyi found themselves confined in separate rooms, separated by a wall.

Liu Ran expressed remorse for causing Baili Hongyi trouble and hindering him, but Baili Hongyi gently reminded her that as husband and wife, they should support each other. He confessed that ever since their marriage, he felt understood by her and cherished their harmonious life together. Touched by his words, Liu Ran realized Baili Hongyi truly cared for her, recalling how he had searched eighteen cosmetic stores across the capital city to find her and even drawn her portrait.

She vowed to remain by his side for the rest of her life. Aware of their plight, Gao Bingzhu observed an elderly man named Zhang delivering food to the Taoist priests in the nearby compound. He and Wu Siyue intercepted the old man and discreetly added a generous amount of salt to the food.

When Baili Hongyi tasted the overly salty meal, he immediately recognized it as a signal, recalling a similar tactic he and Gao Bingzhu had employed previously in the Bad Well. Realizing Gao Bingzhu had come to rescue him, Baili Hongyi boldly demanded to see Master Tiantong, claiming he knew about a special missing ingredient in the master's alchemy formula. A guard, convinced by Baili Hongyi's insistence, led him to the alchemy lab.

Gao Bingzhu and Wu Siyue watched as Baili Hongyi emerged from the lab, deliberately stretching his body in a way that subtly indicated Liu Ran's location. Inside the alchemy lab, Baili Hongyi confronted Master Tiantong, who had become convinced that the secret to elixir-making lay solely in controlling the heat, not the ingredients.

Baili Hongyi challenged this, explaining that adding ice would cause the furnace's fire to become too intense, and to balance the temperature, a certain proportion of cooling apatite was required, especially for the burning Beidi Xuanzhu to prevent explosion. Master Tiantong dismissed this, asserting that apatite would cause an explosion because it was known as a combustion agent.

Baili Hongyi then cited ancient texts, specifically Ge Hong’s "The Baopuzi," to demonstrate that apatite, despite its common association with combustion, possessed a cooling nature that, if properly proportioned, could indeed stabilize furnace temperatures and prevent explosions. Pressured by a tight deadline set by Lady of Autumn for the production of the Thunder, Master Tiantong reluctantly agreed to let Baili Hongyi prove his theory, warning him of severe consequences if he lied.

Baili Hongyi took several pieces of apatite and threw them into the furnace, triggering an immediate and violent explosion that engulfed the alchemy lab in thick smoke. Seizing the opportunity, Gao Bingzhu, Wu Siyue, and Li Beiqi rushed into the compound. Wu Siyue quickly located and rescued Liu Ran. Simultaneously, Master Tiantong's men attempted to apprehend Baili Hongyi. Gao Bingzhu swiftly intervened, battling Tiantong’s men to protect Baili Hongyi.

Master Tiantong seized the opportunity to slip away, and Gao Bingzhu immediately gave chase. Liu Ran, now safe, urged Wu Siyue to go help Baili Hongyi, but Wu Siyue reassured her that Baili Hongyi was no longer in immediate danger, as Gao Bingzhu had dealt with his immediate attackers. Li Beiqi then took charge of escorting Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran, who, having narrowly escaped, decided to return home.

Wu Siyue joined Gao Bingzhu in pursuit of Master Tiantong, following him to a cave in the North Mountain. Inside, they discovered numerous copper boxes filled with a black powder. Master Tiantong suddenly appeared, confirming the substance was the Thunder, though he claimed these were defective batches. To demonstrate its power, he threw a torch onto the powder. The Thunder immediately ignited with a massive explosion, engulfing the cave in flames.

Gao Bingzhu instinctively pulled Wu Siyue, frantically trying to escape, but they were trapped amidst the burning debris. Meanwhile, Lady of Autumn confronted Lord of Spring, pressing him to hasten the production of the Thunder. She revealed their plan to assassinate the empress during the Ceremony of Light, once the Heavenly Temple was completed. Lord of Spring urged patience, noting that Master Tiantong was diligently working.

He also subtly reprimanded Lady of Autumn for publicly referring to herself as the Daozun, reminding her that their true teacher, Daozun Xiaoyaozi, was still alive. He shared his hope that once their grand scheme succeeded, they could bring their elderly teacher back. Shortly after, Master Tiantong sent word that he had successfully perfected the Thunder, much to Lord of Spring’s satisfaction. Back at the Baili Mansion, Baili Hongyi, still reeling from his escape, immediately sought Shen Fei's help.

He explained that after his brother Baili Kuanren's death, their father had hidden all of Kuanren's written texts. Baili Hongyi suspected he had seen his brother's distinct handwriting at Master Tiantong's place. With Shen Fei's assistance, he located the cabinet where the texts were hidden.

He then carefully compared the writings, noting his brother's unique trait of having six fingers, which caused him to slightly lift his pinky, creating a subtle upward stroke at the end of each character to avoid smudging the ink. Through this meticulous comparison, Baili Hongyi was certain that the writings he had seen belonged to Baili Kuanren, leading him to suspect that his brother might still be alive.

Trapped within the collapsing cave, Gao Bingzhu struggled to free himself from the rubble. Once out, he desperately searched for Wu Siyue, finding her leg pinned beneath heavy rocks. With immense effort, he managed to move the rocks, then quickly bandaged her leg to staunch the bleeding. He called out for help, but his cries echoed unanswered in the desolate cave.

Wu Siyue, despite their perilous situation, remarked on a strange sense of relief, having been so consumed by investigations that she hadn't had a quiet moment in a long time. They both clung to the hope that help would eventually arrive. The empress summoned Wu Youjue, commending his management of the informers' case and the Interior Guard's achievements under his leadership.

As a reward for his service, she bestowed upon him the honorary title of Duke of Ying, along with a fief of three hundred households. Wu Youjue gratefully accepted. The empress confided in him, acknowledging her advanced age and expressing her sole remaining wish: to personally light the grand Buddha lamp in the Heavenly Temple, a project twenty years in the making. She tasked Wu Youjue with the crucial responsibility of overseeing security for the upcoming Ceremony of Light.

Separately, Wu Youjue also spoke with the Crown Prince, who shared his disappointment that the empress hadn't appointed Wu Youjue as Minister of War, noting that the Duke of Ying title was merely ceremonial and lacked real power. Wu Youjue humbly stated his contentment in serving the empress and the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince then advised Wu Youjue to excel in the Ceremony of Light security, as it might lead to further favor from the empress.

He also expressed regret that the empress had only grounded him for self-reflection regarding the Dai Zhou incident, rather than pursuing the case further. Wu Youjue, in turn, cautioned the Crown Prince to be discreet in such matters. Later, Wu Youjue received an urgent report detailing Wu Siyue's disappearance and a deafening explosion at North Mountain, which was believed to be connected. He immediately confronted Baili Hongyi, demanding a full account of what had happened.

Baili Hongyi, with no choice, truthfully recounted the events. Enraged, Wu Youjue declared his intention to personally search North Mountain for Wu Siyue, delivering a chilling threat to Baili Hongyi: if Wu Siyue were harmed, he would not spare him. Meanwhile, the Lord of Spring, having received Master Tiantong's message, deduced that the Thunder was an extremely powerful and highly explosive substance that was easily flammable and preferred shade, fearing light. He surmised that Tiantong had likely hidden it in a shady area within the North Mountain and ordered his followers to search there.

Episode 29 Recap

After being trapped in the collapsed cave on North Mountain following the Thunder explosion, Gao Bingzhu tried to amuse a weakening Wu Siyue with a joke about a scholar and an Ox-head officer, but she had heard it when she was seven. He then asked how she, a woman, had become an Interior Guard. Wu Siyue explained that she believed she had earned her place by defeating Li Beiqi and others.

However, she had overheard whispers that her brother, Sir Wu, the leader of the Interior Guard Services (Fengyu Lang), had ordered his men to go easy on her, essentially giving his approval for her to join. In a flashback, Sir Wu was seen scolding his men for losing to Wu Siyue in combat, declaring her an official Interior Guard, to be addressed as "Yuehuajun."

However, Li Beiqi and other guards privately complained that Sir Wu had ordered them to go easy on her, suggesting she was only playing at being a guard. Sir Wu later confirmed this to Wu Siyue, admitting he always supported her wishes. He had hoped that encountering danger would make her realize the hardships and return to a life as a noblewoman.

Wu Siyue admitted their assessment was accurate, as she had indeed joined for fun, and might have quit if she hadn't overheard their remarks. Yet, she found herself persisting in her role as an Interior Guard to this very day. As Wu Siyue grew weaker and felt the urge to sleep, Gao Bingzhu urged her to stay awake, assuring her that Li Beiqi and his men were on their way.

He then spoke of his own younger sister, Tan, whom he hadn't seen in years. In a painful memory, Gao Bingzhu recalled his mother punishing him for eating congee before ensuring Tan had eaten, impressing upon him that he was the man of the family and must always put Tan first. Another memory surfaced of him desperately begging a physician to treat his sick sister, only to be turned away for lack of money.

It was Mr. Unsightly who intervened, paying for Tan's treatment and advising Gao Bingzhu never to kneel to anyone but his parents. Gao Bingzhu then revealed that Tan, seven years his junior, had gone missing five years ago when he was expelled from Unwelcome Well, and despite extensive searches, she was never found, causing his mother to fall gravely ill. Back in the cave, Wu Siyue shivered from the cold.

Gao Bingzhu offered to warm her and encouraged her to hold on. He promised that once they escaped, she would accompany him to find Tan and help all the people of Unwelcome Well emerge from their hidden lives to live openly in the capital city.

He also promised to take her to the south market to see the flower lanterns, recalling a night when she first showed him the capital city's beauty, revealing the illuminated homes and countless smiling faces, which had inspired him to dedicate his life to protecting the capital city. Meanwhile, Sir Wu, whose old illness had relapsed due to anxiety, relentlessly drove his men despite his weakened state in a frantic search for Wu Siyue on North Mountain.

When the initial hounds failed to locate them, he ordered all dogs in the capital city to be brought in. Li Beiqi suggested that Sir Wu rest given the cold, but Sir Wu furiously rebuked him, reminding him of his promise to protect Wu Siyue, even if it cost him his life. He declared that Li Beiqi's death would not compensate for his sister's. Traces of a collapsed cave entrance were finally discovered.

Sir Wu immediately directed Li Beiqi and his men to dig, warning them that if Wu Siyue did not come out alive, everyone would pay with their lives. Upon learning that Gao Bingzhu and Wu Siyue were trapped on North Mountain, Baili Hongyi grew anxious and sent Shen Fei to inquire about their situation.

While Liu Ran expressed concern for his safety, Baili Hongyi assured her he would be cautious as he planned to visit the master at Hong Ru Guan to investigate further about Baili Kuanren. Back at the mountain, Sir Wu relentlessly drove his men, urging them to dig faster and calling for additional help from the Grand Court and Palace Guard. He reiterated his grim command: Wu Siyue must emerge alive, or all would perish.

Inside the cave, Gao Bingzhu continued to encourage a fading Wu Siyue, reiterating his promises to find Tan and see the festival lanterns together. Finally, the cave entrance was cleared. Sir Wu pulled Wu Siyue from the rubble, but Li Beiqi, consumed by anger, immediately attacked Gao Bingzhu, blaming him for Wu Siyue's state. Sir Wu intervened, preventing further harm, and ordered Wu Siyue to be rushed back to the Interior Guard Services for treatment.

Though he harbored deep hatred for Gao Bingzhu, Sir Wu honored a prior promise not to kill him. Instead, he issued a chilling warning: if Gao Bingzhu ever came near Wu Siyue again, he and all the people of Unwelcome Well would face an existence worse than death. Baili Hongyi later visited the master at Hong Ru Guan. The master, recalling his close friendship with Baili Hongyi's grandfather, Master Baili Hu, agreed to see him.

Baili Hongyi presented a manuscript he had found in his brother Kuan's room, which contained phrases like "the court and the wilderness combine to form continuous mountains." The master recognized similar concepts from the scholars of Four Season Academy. He explained that Four Season Academy was established in Chang'an by the former Crown Prince Yu, intended to gather talents. After the Crown Prince's death, it was renamed North Sea Academy before eventually disappearing.

Baili Hongyi then inquired if Four Season Academy had any connection to the Four Season Clan, a name the master had never heard before. The master did, however, mention that Baili Hongyi's grandfather, Master Baili Hu, had once taught at North Sea Academy. Meanwhile, Tiantong demonstrated the destructive power of a Thunder, causing mountain rocks to shatter. Lady of Autumn and Lord of Spring were present and appeared pleased with the results.

Lady of Autumn sarcastically remarked on Tiantong's sudden success after her threats, implying he had been negligent before, which Tiantong denied. He admitted to leveraging "external help" from Baili Hongyi, whom he had abducted. Lady of Autumn questioned if Baili Hongyi was still alive, and Tiantong promised to eliminate him.

Acknowledging the Interior Guard Services' involvement, Lord of Spring, enraged, vehemently ordered Tiantong to produce the perfected Thunder and ensure they were all ready before the Ceremony of Light, emphasizing no further delays. Shen Fei later informed Baili Hongyi that Wu Siyue had been rescued by Sir Wu from North Mountain, but Gao Bingzhu's whereabouts remained unknown, though Shen Fei implied he was likely safe.

Baili Hongyi, driven by a desire to understand Four Season Academy, returned home to inquire about his grandfather, Master Baili Hu, a topic usually forbidden in the household. Uncle Baili revealed that Master Baili Hu had been expelled from Four Season Academy due to an argument. Following his expulsion, disturbing rumors spread, including accusations that Master Baili Hu practiced witchcraft, leading the Baili family to relocate from Jingzhao to the capital city in the third year of Zhenlong.

Uncle Baili recalled an instance when the family mansion was filled with smoke and a pungent smell, similar to when Baili Hongyi conducted his elixirs, which had fueled the witchcraft rumors. However, he remained unaware of the specific nature of the argument that led to his grandfather's expulsion. Upon learning of Gao Bingzhu's return, Baili Hongyi eagerly sought him out. Gao Bingzhu recounted his experiences in the cave.

Baili Hongyi then revealed his devastating realization: the Four Season Clan was using Mount Lian copper to construct the Thunder's containers. He explained that the exceptionally hard Mount Lian copper, when shattered by the explosive, would significantly amplify the blast's radius and destructive power. Baili Hongyi confessed that while attempting to delay the Thunder's production by using a frozen Xuanwu's Pearl to lower the furnace temperature, he had inadvertently helped Tiantong achieve the precise temperature needed for its successful creation.

He now believed Tiantong had likely perfected the Thunder and expressed profound self-reproach, offering to bear full responsibility. Gao Bingzhu, however, advised him to keep this information private. He asserted that Baili Hongyi was a victim and that the success of the Thunder was not his fault, as the Four Season Clan would have found a way regardless. Instead of dwelling on his mistake, Gao Bingzhu urged Baili Hongyi to focus on finding ways to rectify the situation.

Liu Shi expressed deep regret for revealing the manuscript, which had placed Liu Ran and Baili Hongyi in extreme danger. Liu Ran comforted him, assuring him that Tiantong would have found them regardless. Liu Shi then inquired about Liu Feng, who had been kicked out of Hong Xiao Fang after squandering his money. Liu Shi mentioned sending people to find his son and vowed never again to interfere with Liu Feng's decisions, wishing only for his and Liu Ran's safety.

Shortly after, Uncle Baili rushed in to inform Liu Ran that Baili Hongyi intended to exhume Kuan's grave to verify his identity. Liu Ran immediately hurried to stop him. Wu Siyue awoke from a nightmare and immediately inquired about Gao Bingzhu's whereabouts to Interior Guard Li Chun, who admitted he did not know, as they had focused on her rescue. Learning that Sir Wu's old illness had relapsed while saving her, Wu Siyue promptly went to visit him.

Meanwhile, Gao Bingzhu reported to Li Yichen at Lianfang (the Intelligence Services). An Baitan confirmed that despite thorough checks of all city entrances for copper boxes, none were found, leading Gao Bingzhu to conclude the Thunder had not yet been transported into the capital city. An Baitan, however, expressed skepticism about the Thunder's described power, suspecting Gao Bingzhu was exaggerating its capabilities given the lack of evidence. When Li Yichen questioned the Four Season Clan's ultimate motive for developing such a powerful weapon, Gao Bingzhu asserted that their true target was the upcoming Ceremony of Light.

Episode 30 Recap

Gao Bingzhu presented his chilling deduction: the Four Season Clan intended to deploy their devastating weapon, the Thunder, during the highly anticipated Ceremony of Light, the moment when the empress would personally officiate at the Heavenly Temple. He urged Lord Chu to persuade the empress to cancel the event.

Baitan vehemently opposed this, highlighting the immense resources and effort already poured into the Ceremony over the past six months and stressing that canceling it would severely undermine the authority of the Intelligence Services. Gao Bingzhu, however, prioritized the lives of Luoyang's citizens, emphasizing the catastrophic consequences if the Thunder were detonated. Lord Chu mediated the heated argument, acknowledging Gao Bingzhu's concern for public safety.

He agreed to report to the empress but cautioned that she was unlikely to cancel the Ceremony. Instead, he tasked Gao Bingzhu with swiftly uncovering the Clan's conspiracy and granted his request to visit Lord Freedom, the Clan's leader, who was imprisoned in Interior Guard Services' secret dungeon. Wu Siyue, though still recovering from a severe injury, visited her brother, Wu Youjue, deeply concerned by his visible fatigue and the toll his duties had taken on him.

She insisted on taking charge of the Ceremony of Light's security and investigating the Thunder, eager to alleviate his immense burden. However, Wu Youjue, prioritizing her recovery after her recent near-death experience, firmly told her to rest and focus on her healing. Baili Hongyi, accompanied by a helper, began to excavate Baili Kuanren's grave. Uncle Baili and Liu Ran rushed to stop him, warning against violating customs and risking divine punishment.

Baili Hongyi remained resolute, compelled by the mysterious circumstances surrounding his brother's death and the discovery of Baili Kuanren's handwriting at an incriminating location. Upon opening the coffin, they found it filled with rocks, confirming Baili Hongyi's suspicion that his brother was still alive. He then recalled Baili Kuanren's lifelong frustration with having six fingers, which had prevented him from becoming an official, and his deep interest in their grandfather's old books.

This led Baili Hongyi to theorize that Baili Kuanren must possess critical knowledge about their grandfather's connection to the Four Season Clan and his practice of witchcraft. Later, acting on orders from the Lady of Autumn, Gong Yan led a group of assassins to attack Baili Hongyi at the grave. Their ambush was abruptly cut short when numerous arrows rained down from the surrounding forest, forcing Gong Yan and her assassins to hastily retreat.

Unsure of who had intervened to save them, Baili Hongyi quickly reburied Baili Kuanren's coffin with his helper before hastily departing the area with Liu Ran and Uncle Baili, fearing further attacks. Gao Bingzhu, invoking Lord Chu's authority, sought an audience with Wu Youjue. Initially, Wu Youjue dismissed him and ordered his arrest, reminding Gao of previous warnings.

However, Gao, undeterred, leveraged the critical threat of the Thunder and the impending Ceremony of Light to pressure Wu Youjue, who reluctantly allowed him access to Lord Freedom in the secret dungeon. Inside, Interior Guard Services removed the iron muzzle from Lord Freedom. The captive immediately launched into a frantic rant about burning down "weeds" and the empress. Gao, attempting to pose as an ally, recited phrases from the Four Season Clan's teachings and mentioned the Thunder's destructive power.

Lord Freedom, convinced by Gao's facade, then vaguely revealed parts of the Clan's plan and cryptic clues about the Thunder's target within Luoyang, which Gao diligently committed to memory. Upon learning that Gao Bingzhu had visited Interior Guard Services without seeing her, Wu Siyue, despite her injured leg, rushed to confront him. Gao expressed his concern for her wound. He then informed her of his impending departure from Luoyang for a few days to further his investigation.

Wu Siyue immediately insisted on accompanying him, asserting her leg was fine and she could offer assistance. Gao, however, firmly urged her to prioritize her recovery and focus on aiding Wu Youjue with the Ceremony's security, assuring her he would return swiftly.

Wu Siyue then reminded him of the solemn promises they had made amidst the ruins: to survive, to find Tan together, to bring the people of the Unwelcome Well out of hardship, and to live to witness the beauty of Luoyang. Gao solemnly reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to every one of those promises. Wu Youjue subsequently collapsed from severe overwork and his recurring illness.

Wu Siyue rushed to his side, overwhelmed with guilt and repeatedly apologizing for her perceived role in his deteriorated state. After regaining consciousness, Wu Youjue, though weak, insisted on continuing his work, attempting to draft reports. Distressed by his condition, Wu Siyue insisted on taking over his responsibilities with the assistance of Li Beiqi, reassuring him that they could be trusted.

Wu Youjue, despite his frailty, sternly reiterated the paramount importance of the Ceremony of Light's security and the dire threat posed by the Thunder. Recognizing the complexity of the task, he revealed his intention to enlist Baili Hongyi's aid, believing him to be the most suitable person to assist Wu Siyue in thoroughly investigating the Thunder's secrets. Baili Hongyi then confronted Uncle Baili, directly asking if he had known about the empty coffin.

Uncle Baili confessed, revealing that Baili Yan had personally handled all of Baili Kuanren's funeral arrangements ten years prior, including preparing the body and burying the coffin overnight, and then made all household servants swear an oath of secrecy regarding Baili Kuanren. Meanwhile, Wu Youjue, despite his lingering illness, personally visited Baili Hongyi.

He explained his own deteriorating health and Wu Siyue's recent injury, then formally requested Baili Hongyi to join Interior Guard Services as a consultant to assist Wu Siyue in investigating the Thunder. He emphasized Baili Hongyi's unique qualifications, including his understanding of the Thunder's power and his intimate knowledge of Luoyang's architecture and streets.

Baili Hongyi initially expressed doubts about his suitability for such a role, then shifted the conversation to Baili Kuanren, inquiring about their shared past as fellow students under Fu Lyuping, the North Gate Scholar. He then revealed that Baili Kuanren's coffin had contained no body. Wu Youjue initially dismissed the idea of Baili Kuanren being alive, suggesting grave robbery. However, Baili Hongyi reminded him that Wu Youjue himself had visited the Baili Mansion on the very night Baili Kuanren died.

Reluctantly, Wu Youjue agreed to take Baili Hongyi to Interior Guard Services' archive to review relevant records. At the Interior Guard Services' archive, Baili Hongyi uncovered documents detailing Baili Kuanren's conviction for defaming the court, leading to his exile and subsequent death. Disbelieving this, he pressed Wu Youjue for more information. Wu Youjue reluctantly revealed that Baili Kuanren, despite being a commoner, had bravely exposed the corrupt official Lai Junche by submitting a report to the empress.

However, Lai Junche intercepted the report and maliciously framed Baili Kuanren for insulting the empress and slandering the court, leading to the empress's condemnation. Wu Youjue noted that Baili Kuanren then mysteriously died at home less than half a month later, and the doctor who treated him had also since passed away, leaving the true cause of death ambiguous. After careful consideration, Baili Hongyi agreed to assist Wu Siyue in investigating the Thunder.

Concurrently, Wu Siyue meticulously orchestrated security measures for the Ceremony of Light, deploying Interior Guard Services to protect the Heavenly Temple and monitor all city gates. She was alarmed to discover that Li Beiqi had permitted over a dozen individuals, registered as refugees, to enter Luoyang, and now Li Beiqi himself had vanished. Realizing the gravity of this breach, Wu Siyue immediately dispatched teams to locate both Li Beiqi and the refugees, whose registered addresses proved to be fake. She issued strict orders for Li Beiqi to be apprehended and brought back, even if he resisted.

Episode 31 Recap

Using a verse from Xiaoyaozi, "The ancient "Dachun" grew in the northwest, thrived on miasma, grew by rivers, and flourished towards River Gu," Gao Bingzhu deduces that the Four Season Clan's hideout likely uses miasma as a natural barrier. He consults Bai Lang's family water-way map, identifying a dense forest on the north side of River Gu known for miasma.

When Bai Lang questions how anyone could survive such a toxic environment, Gao Bingzhu theorizes the Clan planted rose of Sharon trees there to dispel the miasma and serve as a guide. He concludes that locating this specific rose of Sharon wood will likely lead them close to the Clan's lair.

Before embarking on this perilous journey, Gao Bingzhu gives Bai Lang a sum of money, urging him to start a legitimate business, abandon his swindling ways, and settle down with a wife. Bai Lang, sensing a foreboding tone in Gao Bingzhu's words, wonders if he is making his final arrangements. The Interior Guard Services is plunged into a tense atmosphere following the sudden disappearance of Li Beiqi.

Interior Guards Mo Wubing and Xu Shiqin openly express their discontent, accusing Wu Siyue of favoritism and covering up for Li Beiqi by merely seeking his return rather than arresting him, and for withholding information from Wu Youjue. Overhearing their complaints, Wu Siyue confronts them. She challenges them to provide evidence of Li Beiqi's guilt and reminds them that he is their comrade, warning that such slander could erode their mutual trust.

As she is summoned to see Wu Youjue, Wu Siyue punishes the complaining Interior Guards by ordering them to recite the Interior Guards' Motto one hundred times. Gao Bingzhu returns to the Intelligence Services where Li Yichen informs him that his team has identified a vast, rarely visited forest northwest of River Gu as the most suspicious area for the rose of Sharon wood, acknowledging the difficulty of finding it.

Li Yichen reminds Gao Bingzhu that the Intelligence Services primarily has a supervisory role and cannot offer direct reinforcements, urging him to prioritize his safety and send word if he discovers anything. Meanwhile, Wu Youjue confronts Wu Siyue, expressing his displeasure at being kept in the dark about Li Beiqi's disappearance, especially since she was meant to cover his duties during Wu Youjue's recovery.

Wu Siyue firmly asserts her trust in Li Beiqi, believing there is more to the situation than meets the eye and that they simply need to question him. Wu Youjue, however, sternly questions what would happen if Li Beiqi never returned and emphasizes that despite their close bond, they cannot afford to show any bias. Wu Siyue, dismissing the accusation of favoritism, resolves to investigate Li Beiqi's whereabouts herself. Baili Hongyi picks up a ring puzzle, triggering a childhood memory.

A flashback shows a young Baili Hongyi struggling with the same puzzle, remarking that he might solve it if he had an extra finger like his older brother. This comment visibly angers Baili Kuanren. Later, Baili Kuanren finds his brother and apologizes for his outburst. He then patiently teaches Baili Hongyi how to solve the puzzle, explaining that success lies not in the number of fingers but in understanding its critical "trigger" points.

He guides young Baili Hongyi through the steps until he successfully solves it. Baili Kuanren then advises him not to be overly fixated on achievements and that sometimes, letting go can lead to unexpected outcomes. A subsequent voiceover by Wu Youjue confirms Baili Kuanren's death, noting that the deceased's right hand still possessed six fingers, confirming his identity. It is revealed that Lord of Spring is Baili Kuanren.

When the Lady of Autumn receives a report that her assassination attempt on Baili Hongyi failed due to unknown archers, she confronts Lord of Spring, directly accusing him of sending people to protect Baili Hongyi. He denies it, demanding proof. Lady of Autumn, calling him "Lord Six-Finger Kuanren," expresses her disbelief that he still cares for his "damned brother" after years in the Four Season Clan.

She insists that Baili Hongyi must die, especially now that he has uncovered the secret of the Thunder, asserting that his survival would jeopardize the Clan's grand plan. Lord of Spring maintains his denial, but Lady of Autumn reminds him of the solemn oath he made before Xiaoyaozi.

A flashback depicts Baili Kuanren formally joining the Four Season Clan, publicly renouncing his family ties and declaring that all Clan members are his siblings, while all outsiders are merely "weeds" to be burned. As Gao Bingzhu sets out alone to find the Four Season Clan's hideout, he discovers Bai Lang secretly following him.

Bai Lang, worried for Gao Bingzhu's safety, insists on accompanying him, even if it means having his legs broken, and offers to help with communication in times of danger. Gao Bingzhu eventually agrees but makes Bai Lang promise to prioritize his own life and retreat immediately if danger arises, to which Bai Lang playfully agrees, even joking about burying Gao Bingzhu if he dies. Meanwhile, Wu Siyue investigates Li Beiqi's disappearance.

While her initial review of Interior Guard Services attendance registers shows no anomalies, a deeper inquiry reveals that Li Beiqi had been leaving the Services every one or two days without proper record. Suspicious, Wu Siyue leads Li Chun and other Interior Guards to search Li Beiqi's room.

She spots a bottle of Feng's rice wine, triggering a memory of a time she and Li Beiqi had celebrated a successful arrest with that very wine, which Li Beiqi had saved for months to buy. Li Chun discovers a loose floorboard, beneath which they find a paper listing names: Li Ji, Kang Zhanbi, Kang Jin, and Dai Zhou, along with a wasp stinger. These findings, combined with her recollections of Li Beiqi's recent strange behavior, deepen Wu Siyue's suspicion.

Li Yichen, after much deliberation, gains an audience with the empress. He reports the Intelligence Services' failure to detect the Four Season Clan's development of the Thunder, a weapon of formidable, unknown power. He warns that it poses a grave threat to the upcoming Ceremony of Light and requests the ceremony's postponement. The empress then questions if the Clan intends to use it to create chaos or even assassinate her.

Li Yichen details the suspicious deaths of Kang Zhanbi and Li Ji and the disappearance of Kang Jin, implying an internal leak. Li Yichen informs her that he has dispatched a Halberdier alone to locate the Clan's hideout. The empress, understanding his plea for reinforcements, promises to lend him troops once the hideout is found, for which Li Yichen expresses profound gratitude.

Separately, Wu Siyue presents the list of names to Wu Youjue, highlighting how the suspicious deaths and disappearances associated with the names, combined with the other evidence, appear to implicate Li Beiqi. However, she believes Li Beiqi is being framed and expresses concern for his safety. Wu Youjue, while expressing that Li Beiqi's suspicion is hard for others to accept, decides to reassign Li Beiqi's investigation to prevent Wu Siyue from being biased.

He then tasks Wu Siyue and Baili Hongyi with jointly investigating the Thunder, citing Baili Hongyi's expertise and their existing rapport. Wu Siyue insists on a thorough investigation of the Interior Guard Services for an internal traitor, to which Wu Youjue reluctantly agrees. Meanwhile, Gao Bingzhu and Bai Lang continue their journey northwest. They soon arrive at a dense forest by the River Gu and discover a large expanse of rose of Sharon trees.

Gao Bingzhu deduces they are very close to the Four Season Clan's hideout and quickens his pace, with Bai Lang closely following. As the Ceremony of Light approaches, Li Yichen issues orders for the Intelligence Services to fully support other ministries, particularly the Interior Guard Services and palace guards, in their security deployments, emphasizing immediate reporting of any suspicious activity. He also assigns field agents to locate Li Beiqi.

Wu Youjue briefs Baili Hongyi on the empress's ceremonial route, stressing that Baili Hongyi's primary task is to quickly identify potential hiding spots for the Thunder. Baili Hongyi proposes a complete lockdown of the capital, sealing all city gates and confining citizens to their homes to facilitate the search for Four Season Clan members.

Wu Youjue strongly rejects this, arguing it would cause widespread resentment and shame to the capital, insisting that Luoyang must remain open and the enemy should ideally be contained outside the city. Baili Hongyi then suggests a compromise: allowing citizens on the streets but banning outside merchants, which Wu Youjue still considers a lockdown and dismisses. Baili Hongyi then offers to personally oversee the Interior Guard Services' security operations, which Wu Youjue accepts.

Wu Youjue attempts to assign Li Chun to assist Baili Hongyi, but learns from his subordinate that Li Chun and others are currently being interrogated by Wu Siyue as part of her internal investigation into suspected traitors within the Interior Guard Services. Concerned about the trustworthiness of the Interior Guard Services, Baili Hongyi requests his own personnel for the search.

Wu Youjue agrees to provide trustworthy Interior Guards, but Baili Hongyi insists on receiving only those who have been screened and approved by Wu Siyue. Gao Bingzhu and Bai Lang cautiously circle the rose of Sharon wood. Gao Bingzhu explains the unsettling silence—the absence of birds or insects—is due to the pervasive miasma that surrounds the area, which is only dissipated by the rose of Sharon trees, and warns that direct entry would lead to poisoning.

Suddenly, they hear sounds of a chase and hide. They witness two men pursuing a young woman who eventually collapses. Gao Bingzhu intervenes, driving off the attackers and rescuing the woman. However, she remains highly suspicious, mistaking them for accomplices, and attempts to flee despite her injured leg, only to fall again. Gao Bingzhu offers to help her with her leg.

When questioned, the woman vaguely explains that while gathering herbs, she inadvertently stumbled into an "academy" and was immediately pursued upon leaving, but she refuses to disclose any further details or its exact location, only giving a roundabout description. Wu Siyue conducts rigorous interrogations of Interior Guards who had close contact with Li Beiqi, meticulously documenting their testimonies. She identifies Sui Xin as having provided a false account and detains him for a private, intense questioning.

Sui Xin confesses that he covered Li Beiqi's shift on the very night a group of refugees entered the capital, claiming Li Beiqi had told him he was leaving the city on orders from Wu Youjue. Wu Youjue arrives during this interrogation. Wu Siyue asks him directly if he gave such an order. Wu Youjue adamantly denies it, asserting that only he can issue commands to Li Beiqi, and asks if Wu Siyue believes him.

Wu Siyue then presents the accumulating evidence: Li Beiqi's lie about Wu Youjue's orders, his direct involvement in letting the refugees in, his subsequent disappearance, and the discovery of the Four Season Clan's target list in his room. She concludes that all signs point to Li Beiqi's collusion with the Clan, noting that Dai Zhou is the next name on the list, suggesting he be questioned.

However, Wu Youjue delivers the shocking news that Dai Zhou died in a well at the Eastern Palace the day after being transferred there, strongly implying he was murdered to prevent him from speaking. Wu Siyue is visibly stunned, unwilling to accept that Li Beiqi, whom she has known since childhood, could be involved with the Four Season Clan, despite the overwhelming circumstantial evidence. She expresses a desperate desire to find Li Beiqi herself, but Wu Youjue forcefully restrains her, refocusing her attention on the critical importance of the impending Ceremony of Light.

Episode 32 Recap

Wu Youjue dispatched Sui Xin, Li Chun, Mo Wubing, and Xu Shiqin to assist Baili Hongyi in locating the Thunder. The group resented taking orders from Baili Hongyi, whom they dismissed as an ignorant blue blood, and plotted to teach him a lesson. When Baili Hongyi assigned them to various defense posts, they deliberately challenged him, questioning the necessity of thorough checks.

Baili Hongyi calmly explained the devastating power of the Thunder, clarifying that merely ten stone (shi) of it could obliterate half of the south market. He criticized their complacency and lack of effort, emphasizing the critical importance of the upcoming Ceremony of Light. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the group finally took their duties seriously, agreeing to meticulous rechecks of all designated areas.

Meanwhile, a young woman brought Gao Bingzhu and Bai Lang to her home, promising to lead them to the Four Season Clan’s lair the following morning. Gao Bingzhu observed numerous herbs drying in her house. He inquired about her family, learning she lived with her father who was currently away picking herbs and that her mother had died during childbirth.

When Gao Bingzhu asked for water, the woman hesitated, revealing she didn’t know the water tank's location, which immediately raised his suspicions. Furthermore, he noted that the herbs she was drying by the window were Atractylodes (Baizhu), a shade-loving plant, a detail a seasoned herb gatherer should not overlook. That night, she insisted on sleeping in the woodshed, despite Gao Bingzhu’s concern for her in the cold.

Late in the night, she stealthily entered Gao Bingzhu's room, attempting to assassinate him, but he quickly subdued her. Gao Bingzhu confronted her, revealing his suspicions about her unfamiliarity with the house and her incorrect handling of the herbs. He then identified her as Qingye, a disciple of the Four Season Clan, linking her to a senior disciple known as the 16th Night, who had also died at his hands.

Qingye confessed, confirming she was indeed a Four Season Clan disciple sent by the Lady of Autumn. Upon learning of Qingye’s capture, the Lady of Autumn commanded her archers to stand by, ready to shoot Gao Bingzhu, dismissing Gong Yan's concerns for Qingye’s life as a worthy sacrifice for the Clan. Meanwhile, Gao Bingzhu pressed Qingye for the location of the Four Season Palace, but she refused to answer. Arrows suddenly rained down through the window into Qingye’s house.

Gao Bingzhu, despite his earlier confrontation, bravely shielded Qingye and pushed her out the window to safety, sustaining an arrow wound to his arm in the process. He, Bai Lang, and Qingye then fled, relentlessly pursued by Four Season Clan assassins. Back in the capital city, Wu Siyue worked tirelessly overnight to redraw the deployment map after Li Beiqi had taken the original.

Her brother, Wu Youjue, acknowledged her efforts, remarking on the improved precision of her new security plan, but he still expressed lingering concerns, urging her to rest. An Baitan from the Intelligence Services arrived, conveying information regarding Li Beiqi's connection to the Four Season Clan, which posed a threat to the Ceremony of Light. He specifically cautioned Wu Siyue against disclosing this sensitive information to anyone, a warning she acknowledged.

As Gao Bingzhu, Bai Lang, and Qingye continued to evade their pursuers, Qingye declared her readiness to die for the Clan, stating that her life belonged to them since they raised her. Gao Bingzhu challenged her resolve, arguing that the Four Season Clan would abandon and eliminate her once she was no longer useful.

He spoke about the preciousness of human life, contrasting it with the Clan's philosophy, and explained that he saved her simply because she was a living human being. He also recounted a story about his own missing sister, Ah Tan, who shared a physical resemblance with Qingye but possessed a vastly different, more spirited personality, emphasizing that every life is precious. Moved by his words, Qingye had a change of heart and decided to guide them.

Meanwhile, Liu Feng frequented Hong Xiao Fang, awaiting Yuwen Peipei. He had grown possessive, even getting into an altercation with another patron to prevent him from seeing Peipei. When Peipei finally agreed to meet him, she assumed his visit was driven by desire for her beauty and offered to fulfill his wishes, even attempting to seduce him. However, Liu Feng’s intentions were purely to protect her, leaving him heartbroken by her transformation.

Peipei, now a prominent figure connected with many nobles, bluntly told him that the Liu family had long declined and advised him to retreat. She warned him against competing with the capital city's powerful elite and disrupting her business, threatening to have him thrown out if he persisted. Liu Feng was devastated by her harsh words and the dissolution of their past connection.

Qingye led Gao Bingzhu and Bai Lang to the mountain where the Four Season Palace was located, pointing out a perilous vine ladder as a shortcut that could only support one person. Gao Bingzhu decided to descend alone, urging Qingye and Bai Lang to leave. Qingye, however, expressed that she had nowhere else to go, having been raised by the Four Season Clan, and thus her life belonged to them.

Gao Bingzhu tried to persuade her to seize the opportunity to escape the Clan while they were preoccupied with other plans. Qingye insisted on accompanying him, stating she could guide him, but Gao Bingzhu declined, asserting he had his own methods. Liu Feng, distraught, returned home and drowned his sorrows in alcohol, loudly lamenting his encounter with Peipei. His sister, Liu Ran, tried in vain to console him before finally slapping him in frustration.

She then instructed Uncle Wu to take Liu Feng to bathe and look after him. Separately, Wu Siyue continued her investigation. She visited a freight company, where she questioned the shop owner about Li Beiqi. The owner recalled a handsome young man in his twenties who had rented "all" of their carts three days prior. Wu Siyue, noticing traces of the Thunder powder on the carts, pressed the owner for Li Beiqi's destination.

Though initially reluctant to disclose customer information, the owner eventually revealed Li Beiqi had gone to Hanjia Granary. Wu Siyue immediately rushed to the granary, where she spotted Li Beiqi and gave chase. Gao Bingzhu successfully infiltrated the Four Season Palace. To his surprise, Qingye followed him, explaining she had nowhere else to go. She then guided him directly to the Lady of Autumn’s room.

There, Gao Bingzhu discovered that the Lady of Autumn had already taken Clan members to the capital city. His gaze fell upon a detailed map of the capital city hanging on the wall, marked with numerous points of interest. He also noticed a portrait of Xiaoyaozi (Lord Freedom), whom Qingye referred to as "the Patriarch." When Qingye reached out to touch the portrait, an arrow shot out.

Gao Bingzhu quickly pushed her aside, discovering a hidden compartment behind the portrait containing the Lianshan Rhyme. Qingye explained she had overheard that it contained all of the Four Season Clan’s plans. She swiftly seized the document, threatening to destroy it if Gao Bingzhu refused to take her to the capital city. Gao Bingzhu, left with no choice, agreed.

Episode 33 Recap

Wu Siyue confronted Li Beiqi, demanding to know why he was at Hanjia Granary and how he knew the Thunder was being transported there. Despite her pleas for the truth and her belief that he couldn't be a traitor, Li Beiqi resisted explaining. He feigned a willingness to talk privately, leading her aside before striking her unconscious. Meanwhile, Baili Hongyi, after days of continuous investigation, discovered that the newly constructed Heavenly Temple was shifted by 10.

8 meters southeast from its original location. Gao Bingzhu returned and arrived with Qingye, a disciple of the Four Season Clan, whom he introduced as someone who could help them due to time constraints. Baili Hongyi explained his findings, showing how the new Temple, originally built on granite, had been intentionally shifted to an area of soft ooze, making it highly susceptible to collapse if subjected to external force like the Thunder.

He warned that the empress's Ceremony of Light, scheduled for noon the next day, would be a prime target for the Four Season Clan, aiming to destroy the Temple and kill the empress without direct combat. Despite prior thorough searches by the Interior Guard Services around the Temple, no trace of the Thunder had been found. Gao Bingzhu requested the Lianshan Rhyme from Qingye, explaining that all of the Four Season Clan's plans were built upon it.

Qingye produced a parchment scroll containing the rhyme, which she had found in a secret drawer in Lady of Autumn's room. Baili Hongyi deduced that this rhyme likely indicated weak geological points in the capital. However, upon scrutinizing the 72 characters of the Lianshan Rhyme, they found it did not precisely match the current topography of the capital. Gao Bingzhu connected the Lianshan Rhyme to the Lianshan Hall and recalled that Bai Lang’s ancestors were part of its waterways branch.

He surmised that the rhyme was compiled by Yuwen Kai, the Head of Architecture from centuries past, who had personally surveyed and drawn a comprehensive waterway map of the capital during the Three-River period. He concluded that by comparing the Lianshan Rhyme with an ancient map from Yuwen Kai’s time, they could uncover its true meaning and locate the Thunder. Baili Hongyi promptly offered to find such a map. Wu Siyue gradually regained consciousness, finding herself bound to a pillar.

She pleaded with Li Beiqi to release her, but he refused, instead offering her food. She expressed her unwavering belief that he had not betrayed the Interior Guard Services, despite any evidence, and urged him to confide in her if he was in distress, offering to find a solution together. Enraged, Li Beiqi silenced her, declaring that all her questions would be answered after the Ceremony of Light.

He then passionately confessed his deep affection for her, recalling their shared past and his lifelong commitment to protect her as an orphan taken in by her brother. He bitterly lamented that her attention had completely shifted to Gao Bingzhu since his appearance, making her oblivious to his feelings. Driven by jealousy, he vowed to kill Gao Bingzhu.

Bai Lang, having rushed back from Valley Water to the capital, first went to the Interior Guard Services to find Wu Siyue, only to be turned away. He then headed to Baili Hongyi's residence, having guessed he would be there, and mentioned he heard Wu Siyue was already at the Imperial Palace on call for the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Baili Hongyi meticulously searched the old maps, comparing them with the Lianshan Rhyme, but as dawn approached, he still hadn't pinpointed the exact locations of the Thunder, causing Gao Bingzhu immense anxiety. Early the next morning, Wu Youjue gathered the Interior Guard Services for deployment to the Heavenly Temple for the Ceremony of Light. Upon learning that Wu Siyue had not returned all night, he immediately dispatched men to search for her.

After continued efforts, Baili Hongyi finally deciphered the riddle, identifying Lijing Gate, Shang Shan Fang, and Li De Fang as the three suspicious locations. He explained that these areas were connected to the Heavenly Temple by underground currents, and detonating the Thunder 10. 8 meters below the surface at any one of them would cause the currents to backflow, destroying the Temple’s foundation and leading to its collapse.

The empress, resplendent in her ceremonial attire, arrived to attend the Ceremony of Light, with civil and military officials awaiting her at the palace gates. Wu Youjue personally led the Interior Guard Services and palace guards in securing the area. Noticing Wu Siyue's absence, the empress remarked on her wild nature and instructed Wu Youjue to guide her better after the ceremony. Gao Bingzhu reported to Li Yichen and volunteered to destroy the Thunder at the three locations.

Knowing the empress had already departed the Imperial Palace, Li Yichen instructed An Baitan to assist Gao Bingzhu. As the empress's grand palanquin procession moved through the capital, citizens cheered, creating an exceptionally lively scene. The empress observed her people living in peace and prosperity, feeling deeply comforted. At the same time, Gao Bingzhu met with An Baitan, Bai Lang, and Qingye.

They split into teams to search the identified locations, meticulously checking all underground spots such as wells, vegetable cellars, and wine cellars. Still held captive, Wu Siyue managed to dislodge a hairpin from her head, attempting to use it to pick her bonds. At the Chunrong Bar near Lijing Gate, Bai Lang and An Baitan attempted to access the wine cellar, but the shop owner adamantly refused, claiming he had no cellar despite his large monthly wine imports.

Assassins, ambushed within the bar, then attacked them. Bai Lang and An Baitan fought back fiercely, ultimately gaining control of the shop owner. Simultaneously, near Li De Fang, Gao Bingzhu and Qingye discovered Four Season Clan members preparing to ignite the Thunder. They rushed forward to intervene, and as an assassin lit the fuse, Gao Bingzhu, without hesitation, plunged into the cellar entrance and swiftly extinguished it. Baili Hongyi was restless, anxiously awaiting news from Gao Bingzhu and the others.

Liu Ran came to visit him and idly picked up the Lianshan Rhyme parchment. As she read, "Dragons and snakes slither around. Mountains overlook the crowd," Baili Hongyi had a sudden epiphany. He realized the character for "Chao" (朝) had two pronunciations and that in this context, it referred to "morning" or "sunrise," not "the crowd."

He then understood that the rhyme was not pointing to a place where "authorities and the public meet," but rather to an area "east of sunrise." Drawing a line on his map from the east of the Imperial Palace to the nearest mountain, he identified Longguang Gate as the true third location. With no time to notify Gao Bingzhu, Baili Hongyi immediately departed with Shen Fei for Longguang Gate.

Upon hearing Baili Hongyi's discovery from Liu Ran, Gao Bingzhu and Qingye immediately rushed to Longguang Gate to provide backup. Meanwhile, Bai Lang and An Baitan had coerced the shop owner into a secret room, where they discovered numerous copper boxes filled with the Thunder. The shop owner seized a moment of distraction to light a fuse and hurl it towards the boxes.

Fortunately, Bai Lang reacted instantly, catching the lit fuse before it could reach the explosives, much to An Baitan's relief. Baili Hongyi and Shen Fei arrived at Longguang Gate and quickly pinpointed Jingnian Bookstore as the suspicious location. As they entered to investigate, they were attacked by the shop owner and other assassins. Baili Hongyi watched in horror as a fuse was lit. He grabbed a dipper of water to extinguish it, but was relentlessly attacked by assassins.

He fought desperately to break free, then used all his might to pull and cut the fuse in the cellar, successfully extinguishing it. Suddenly, archers appeared, aiming at Baili Hongyi. Shen Fei, without hesitation, shielded Baili Hongyi, taking an arrow through his body. Gong Yan and Ruo'an, accompanied by Four Season Clan assassins, arrived and surrounded Baili Hongyi, declaring that the Thunder would lead to their demise.

Gao Bingzhu and Qingye promptly arrived, and a fierce battle ensued between the two sides. In the distance, a deafening explosion ripped through the air. Gong Yan, unwilling to prolong the fight, immediately ordered her assassins to retreat. Gao Bingzhu pursued and killed Ruo'an, who had lagged behind. Hearing the distant explosion, Gao Bingzhu suddenly realized he had been deceived.

He understood that Qingye had deliberately led him to obtain the Lianshan Rhyme and then intentionally helped him search for suspicious locations near the Heavenly Temple, all to delay him. Gao Bingzhu immediately reported his suspicions to Li Yichen, stating his belief that the Ceremony of Light was merely a diversion, concealing a far greater conspiracy. His fears were confirmed when An Baitan returned with shocking news: Hanjia Granary had been bombed, leaving Li Yichen stunned.

Episode 34 Recap

Gao Bingzhu considered the possibility that the Light Ceremony was merely a distraction for a more significant conspiracy. His thoughts were confirmed when news broke that Hanjia Granary had been extensively damaged by a powerful explosion, causing widespread destruction and a massive fire. A high-ranking official reported the extent of the damage, stating that most grain reserves would be lost and nearly a hundred granaries by the river had sustained damage.

Casualties were being tallied as various imperial forces worked to rescue the injured and contain the blaze, which threatened to spread into the city. Li Yichen expressed deep concern that Luoyang faced a major crisis due to the destruction of its main grain supply. Wu Shenxing and Wu Youjue reported the devastating incident to the empress. Wu Youjue explained the extent of the damage and the difficulties in counting casualties due to the large number of personnel involved.

The empress, enraged, dismissed their excuses, asserting her authority and issuing immediate commands. She ordered grain boats to gather for transportation, and supervising officials across regions to collect and ship new grain to Huiluo Granary within ten days to maintain public order. She declared that as long as she was alive, Luoyang would be secure, scoffing at the perpetrators who thought they could destroy her and the city.

She then tasked Wu Youjue with swiftly uncovering who was behind this act. After the audience, King of Jin (Wu Shenxing) and Lord Gao (Gao Sheng), the head of the Grand Court, discussed the lack of intelligence from the Intelligence Services regarding such a major event. Lord Gao then informed the King of Jin that intelligence indicated Gao Bingzhu and Baili Hongyi had been seen near locations where the Thunder was hidden just before the explosion, marking them as suspicious.

Simultaneously, the Interior Guard Services located Wu Siyue, who had been at Hanjia Granary, prompting Wu Youjue to rush to the scene. Meanwhile, An Baidan informed Gao Bingzhu that Wu Siyue was at Hanjia Granary, prompting Gao Bingzhu to rush there to rescue her. He arrived at the devastated Hanjia Granary, a scene of widespread destruction and countless casualties, and desperately searched for Wu Siyue amidst the chaos, but could not find her.

Elsewhere, the Lady of Autumn confronted the Lord of Spring, furious that Hanjia Granary had been bombed and other Thunder locations compromised. She accused him of revealing their positions to Gao Bingzhu, which he vehemently denied, asserting he didn't even know their locations himself. He called her vision narrow, stating that merely killing the empress at the Light Ceremony was not his ultimate objective. He revealed that Hanjia Granary was just the beginning of a larger scheme.

When the Lady of Autumn ordered her subordinates to seize him, they turned against her, forcing her to surrender. Back at his residence, Baili Hongyi brought back Shen Fei’s body, causing great sorrow to Yunzhi and Liu Ran. Overcome with grief, Baili Hongyi refused to eat or drink. Liu Ran, concerned for his well-being, asked Uncle Wu to prepare calming herbs for him.

Wu Siyue, having already freed herself from her bonds using a hairpin, was engaged in a fierce fight with Li Beiqi when Interior Guard Services reinforcements arrived. They killed Li Beiqi on the spot. Wu Youjue arrived shortly after, finding Li Beiqi dead, a sight that caused him profound distress. As Baili Hongyi sat in sorrow, the Lord of Spring unexpectedly appeared.

Baili Hongyi recognized him as his older brother, Baili Kuanren, but refused to acknowledge him, accusing him of orchestrating their father Baili Yan’s death. Baili Kuanren denied the accusation, asserting he had no interest in killing. Baili Hongyi then pressed him to explain why Hanjia Granary was targeted instead of the Heavenly Temple, when all evidence pointed to the latter.

Baili Kuanren, dismissing the question, began to recount his past, including his meeting with Lord Freedom and his subsequent decision to join the Four Season Clan. He urged Baili Hongyi to join him in their grand endeavor, explaining that those who died and Hanjia Granary were merely pieces in a larger game. Baili Hongyi then realized his brother’s ambition extended far beyond Luoyang, aiming for control of the entire world.

Baili Kuanren then had the captured Lady of Autumn brought before Baili Hongyi, challenging him to avenge their father by killing her. When Baili Hongyi hesitated, unable to act, Baili Kuanren swiftly killed the Lady of Autumn himself. After this, Wu Youjue tearfully confronted Baili Kuanren, expressing his profound grief over Li Beiqi’s betrayal and death, recounting how he had taken Li Beiqi in as a child and raised him as his own.

Wu Siyue, having witnessed her former comrade’s demise, was also overcome with sorrow. Gao Bingzhu continued his desperate search through the ruins of Hanjia Granary until Wu Siyue suddenly appeared before him, safe. Overjoyed, he spontaneously embraced her, a moment that visibly moved even Wu Youjue. Just then, Pei Jian arrived, sent by Lord Gao to apprehend Gao Bingzhu for questioning.

However, Wu Youjue intervened, defending Gao Bingzhu and dismissing Pei Jian, stating there was no concrete evidence linking Gao Bingzhu to the Four Season Clan. Wu Siyue expressed her desire to remain at Hanjia Granary to search for clues. Wu Youjue, while cautioning her about the unstable ruins, assigned Li Chun and several guards to protect her.

Wu Siyue then tearfully confided in Gao Bingzhu about Li Beiqi’s betrayal and his involvement with the Four Season Clan, and Gao Bingzhu offered her comfort. Later, the empress severely reprimanded officials Yang Huan and Wu Shenxing for their incompetence in identifying the culprits behind the Hanjia Granary explosion. Wu Shenxing then blamed Li Yichen, also known as Lord Chu of the Intelligence Services, for the lack of foresight.

He seized the opportunity to recommend Wu Youjue, citing his loyalty and capabilities, to replace Lord Chu as the new head of the Intelligence Services. The empress agreed, summoning Wu Youjue to officially assign him the weighty responsibility.

Episode 35 Recap

Wu Youjue expressed his gratitude to the empress for her trust but respectfully declined her offer to take over the Intelligence Services. Citing his frail health and the principle that the Intelligence Services, as the empress's "ears and eyes," and the Interior Guard Services, as her "arms," should not be controlled by a single individual, he implored her to select another virtuous member from the royal family for the crucial role.

The empress revealed that Wu Shenxing had recommended him, but Wu Youjue remained firm in his refusal, leaving the empress no choice but to accede to his wishes. Meanwhile, the capital city was plunged into chaos after Hanjia Granary was destroyed, and over three hundred rice shops sold out of their entire stock within three days. Riots erupted, and shops were being smashed and robbed, with thirteen alone in the south market.

The King of East River felt uneasy upon learning that the empress had summoned her officials to discuss the granary incident without inviting him, an unprecedented omission given his long tenure as Lord Chu of the Intelligence Services. Gao Bingzhu worried that malicious rumors might lead the empress to dismiss the King of East River, which would perfectly align with the Four Season Clan's objectives.

Concerned about the gravity of the situation, the King of East River decided to seek an audience with the empress, entrusting Gao Bingzhu with the care of the Intelligence Services. Grand Court officials arrived at the scene, urging the public to remain calm and assuring them that the empress had arranged for new grain to be transported via canals and would arrive within ten days. They warned that any unlawful acts would be severely punished.

Baitan confided in Gao Bingzhu, expressing his concern that the Intelligence Services could face punishment for their supervisory failure, possibly leading to the King of East River's replacement as Lord Chu, a scenario the Four Season Clan desired. Baili Hongyi confronted Wu Youjue, revealing that his brother, Baili Kuanren, was alive and had become the Lord of Spring of the Four Season Clan.

Wu Youjue, deeply shaken, was shocked by the revelation, feeling personally responsible for the ensuing chaos in the capital city. He then confessed to Baili Hongyi the full truth of past events, showing him a letter written by Baili Yan. Years ago, the empress had ordered Baili Kuanren's exile, a sentence akin to death. Baili Yan had written to Wu Youjue, pleading with him to save his son.

Wu Youjue, who considered Baili Kuanren like a brother, conspired with Baili Yan to fake Baili Kuanren's death to deceive the empress. Baili Kuanren then fled to Chang'an, changed his name, and swore never to return to the capital city. Wu Youjue was bewildered by his unexpected return and ascension to the role of Lord of Spring.

He vowed to capture Baili Kuanren and uncover the truth behind his transformation, asserting that since he had saved Baili Kuanren's life, he bore responsibility for his subsequent actions. He sternly warned Baili Hongyi that the truth of Baili Kuanren's survival and leadership in the Four Season Clan must remain a secret, as its revelation would lead to the execution of the entire Baili family, including Liu Ran and hundreds of others.

Meanwhile, Wu Siyue inspected the ruins of Hanjia Granary, discovering that the burned grains were old and rotten, not fresh stock. She reported her findings to Wu Youjue and informed him that Chen Zhuo, the granary director, had hanged himself that morning. A search of Chen Zhuo’s home revealed a large amount of illicit wealth, and his family admitted he had met with Li Beiqi before the explosion.

Wu Siyue deduced that Chen Zhuo had also been corrupted by the Four Season Clan and suspected the clan had swapped the good grain for rotten ones before the explosion, meaning the real grain was now in their possession. Realizing the gravity of this, Wu Youjue immediately set off to report to the empress. As the King of East River and Baitan were on their way to the palace, their carriage was intercepted by Yuwen Peipei.

She tearfully informed the King of East River that she was leaving the capital city due to the chaos and, expressing concern for his safety, presented him with a safety charm, hoping he would remember her. Suddenly, assassins emerged and attacked. Baitan swiftly defended the King of East River, killing all the assailants. However, Yuwen Peipei then seized the opportunity to stab the King of East River with a dagger before escaping.

Wu Youjue promptly informed the empress that the grain in Hanjia Granary had not been destroyed but had been swapped and was now in the hands of the Four Season Clan, admitting his own negligence regarding Chen Zhuo and Li Beiqi’s involvement. At that moment, a palace official reported the attack on the King of East River.

The empress was enraged and, to Wu Youjue’s astonishment, revealed that the King of East River was her grandson, the Crown Prince’s nephew, and none other than Lord Chu of the Intelligence Services. Criticizing the Intelligence Services as "weak and susceptible" for failing to prevent such an attack on its leader, the empress immediately issued an edict.

She commanded Wu Youjue to assume control of the Intelligence Services, retain his leadership of the Interior Guard Services, and command all militia in the capital city. His immediate mission was to eradicate the Four Season Clan and recover the stolen grain from Hanjia Granary. Wu Youjue accepted the critical assignment and formally announced the empress’s decree at the Intelligence Services.

Gao Bingzhu initially refused to accept the order, challenging the validity of the claim that the Hanjia Granary grain had been swapped. Wu Youjue asserted that his appointment was the only evidence needed. At that moment, Baitan arrived, supporting the severely injured King of East River.

The King of East River, revealing his identity as Lord Chu, confirmed his exposed position and the attack were due to his own failings and ordered Gao Bingzhu and all Intelligence Services members to fully cooperate with Wu Youjue in investigating the Four Season Clan’s conspiracy. The stunned members of the Intelligence Services, realizing the King of East River was Lord Chu, watched as Gao Bingzhu finally accepted the order.

Wu Youjue then declared that the Intelligence Services and Interior Guard Services would jointly operate to eradicate the Four Season Clan and recover the stolen grain. He officially appointed Gao Bingzhu as the Lord of Intelligence Services, emphasizing the urgency of their mission. After Hanjia Granary’s destruction, fear gripped the capital city’s residents, and rumors of a complete grain shortage spread rapidly.

The empress ordered the palace guards to raid the Four Season Clan’s suspected hideout, but it was found to be abandoned, leaving no trace. Over ten days later, the famine intensified, plunging the entire city into widespread panic. People took to the streets, forcibly seizing grain, which frequently led to violent riots, engulfing the capital in a deepening crisis. The Lord of Spring, accompanied by a follower, brazenly arrived in the capital city, observing the ensuing chaos.

He mused on how his use of internal spies in the court had allowed him to effortlessly destroy Hanjia Granary without detection. He declared that he sought to conquer hearts, believing the power of human nature to be vastly superior to any explosive force, a lesson he felt Lady of Autumn had failed to grasp even in death.

He noted that the capital city’s long period of peace had caused its inhabitants to forget the sensation of fear, and he intended to exploit their current state of panic. He then instructed Qingye to distribute branches of the Chinese Toon tree to the citizens, and he delighted in seeing people surreptitiously placing these branches outside their homes, a sign that the seeds of his plan were taking root.

Baili Hongyi agonized over the implications of the letter from Baili Yan to Wu Youjue, which stated that Baili Kuanren was in grave trouble and only Wu Youjue could save him, and that the Baili family would be eternally grateful. He recalled his father’s past warnings about the family’s fragile status and the catastrophic consequences if the empress ever discovered the truth about Baili Kuanren.

Faced with an agonizing choice that could endanger Liu Ran and the entire Baili family, Baili Hongyi decided to explain the truth to the Empress but, not wanting to implicate Liu Ran, also asked her to leave the capital city. However, Liu Ran steadfastly declared her unwavering commitment to him, insisting that she would face any hardship by his side.

Wu Siyue approached Gao Bingzhu to discuss the search for the stolen grain, hoping he would assist her brother, Wu Youjue, in his new role. Gao Bingzhu deduced that the Four Season Clan intended to use the Hanjia Granary’s grain to buy the loyalty of the populace, particularly targeting the poorest areas of the capital city, including the Unwelcome Well, which had been most severely affected by the famine.

Intelligence Services agents soon reported a surge of refugees and beggars in the north and south markets, some of whom were found carrying branches of the Chinese Toon tree. Gao Bingzhu recognized this as a clear sign that the Four Season Clan’s plan had begun. The clan had spread a message: any civilian who hung a Chinese Toon tree branch on their door would receive three days' worth of food at night.

The desperate citizens, witnessing others receiving provisions, began placing branches on their doors and, upon receiving grain, expressed profound gratitude to the almighty Clan. Gao Bingzhu and Wu Siyue observed homes throughout the capital city displaying the Chinese Toon tree branches, confirming that the Four Season Clan was indeed using the stolen Hanjia Granary grain to win over the populace. Wu Siyue soon received news of widespread riots across seventeen markets.

These conflicts arose when local authorities, having received reports of civilians colluding with the Four Season Clan, attempted to confiscate the distributed grain, leading to clashes that resulted in numerous civilian injuries and three deaths. Wu Siyue immediately ordered her departments to refrain from rash actions and to report any new information to the Intelligence Services without delay. Gao Bingzhu recognized that the Four Season Clan had successfully ignited the people’s anger and now needed only a small push to fully unleash their fury.

Episode 36 Recap

Lord Gao, accused a man of colluding with the Four Season Clan and stealing government grain from Hanjia Granary, even as the man pleaded his innocence and insisted the seized grain was merely three days' rations for his family.

Lord Gao then announced that anyone found to be stashing grain would be treated as an accomplice of the Four Season Clan, sparking outrage among the people who argued that they couldn't buy food and were simply accepting freely distributed grain. Wu Siyue, of the Interior Guard Services, and Gao Bingzhu arrived amidst the escalating chaos.

Despite Wu Siyue's protests that the man was an innocent civilian, Lord Gao ordered the man's arrest, leading to a full-blown riot as people tried to prevent the arrest, with some even calling to kill the incompetent officials. Gao Bingzhu quickly moved to protect the man's young son during the pandemonium. Wu Siyue intervened, calming the crowd by assuring them that while the grain they had might be stolen official property from Hanjia Granary, it would not be reclaimed.

She promised that the authorities were diligently investigating and would soon provide safe food for everyone, eventually persuading the people to disperse. Wu Youjue received intelligence from the Intelligence Services indicating that rumors were spreading throughout the capital city. The populace believed the famine was caused by Crown Prince Li Dun hoarding grain to amass wealth, and they planned to confront him at the Eastern Palace the following day.

Wu Youjue tasked Wu Siyue with investigating the matter thoroughly to prevent the Crown Prince from being unjustly accused. Meanwhile, the Empress confronted the Crown Prince, expressing fury over his alleged misdeeds, which he attributed to his servants. The Empress dismissed his excuses, reminding him of previous misdeeds also blamed on subordinates, and confined him indefinitely to the Eastern Palace.

Later, Prince Jin met with Wu Youjue, urging him to use his position within the Intelligence Services to uncover scandals involving court officials, which he believed would help them seize control of the court. Wu Youjue, however, emphasized the dire situation in the capital and urged a focus on the bigger picture, a response that angered Prince Jin, who threatened to remove him from his post.

Both Wu Siyue and Gao Bingzhu suspected the Crown Prince was framed by the Four Season Clan to incite public resentment against the Court. News then reached them that unrest had broken out in the Unwelcome Well, prompting Gao Bingzhu to rush there. Concurrently, the Lord of Spring, a leader of the Four Season Clan, instructed Qingye to initiate their final plan, confident that public anger in the capital city had reached its peak due to the Crown Prince's confinement.

Four Season Clan disciples disseminated rumors among the populace, stirring fury against the Empress and urging them to storm the Imperial Palace to overthrow her, promising a life of fortune with no worries about food or clothing for those who joined their "Divine Dao." Hearing the city was in chaos and people were heading to the Imperial Palace to rebel, Baili Hongyi urgently prepared to seek an audience with the Empress, believing they could not simply wait to starve.

Inside the Unwelcome Well, the residents, desperate from hunger, gathered and demanded to leave, some even willing to rebel and die trying. Lord Pei, a Grand Court officer, ordered archers to aim at the crowd if they advanced. Gao Bingzhu arrived just in time to stop the archers, pleading with the residents not to leave, warning that stepping out would lead to certain death as rebels.

The residents scoffed at him, accusing him of siding with the authorities and questioning why they should starve in the Well when "the Divine Dao" promised unlimited grain. Gao Bingzhu then passionately revealed that the Four Season Clan was responsible for their suffering, stating they were the true cause of chaos. He acknowledged his own past mistakes, tearfully admitting he was a "sinner" responsible for the deaths of his seven friends and the ruin of his family.

He explained that his five years of agonizing struggle had been driven by a singular purpose: to lead them out of the Unwelcome Well and bring justice for his fallen comrades. Yet, many remained unconvinced, accusing him of lying and blaming him for their loved ones' deaths. Mr. Unsightly stepped forward, defending Gao Bingzhu by reminding everyone of his years of selfless support, providing them with money and food.

Gao Bingzhu, tearfully, knelt before the crowd, apologizing for his broken promise to lead them out sooner and pleading for their trust one more time. He reiterated his vow to lead them to a rightful life in the capital, but insisted that leaving now would only brand them as rebels and lead to their demise. Gao Bingzhu learned from Mr. Unsightly that an outsider had recently entered the Unwelcome Well to spread the inciting rumors. Rushing home, he found Qingye.

She revealed that the Lord of Spring had dispatched many to spread such messages, and she herself had been sent to the Well, having already eliminated the instigator. Gao Bingzhu, having spared her life before, believed she might be his long-lost sister. Qingye, however, shattered his hopes, stating she was an orphan raised by "the Divine Dao" and was not his sister, though she admitted to envying his care for his sibling.

She then revealed that "the Divine Dao" had now ordered her to kill him. After a brief struggle, she attempted to take her own life, expressing despair as she had betrayed her masters and had nowhere left to go. Gao Bingzhu quickly intervened, stopping her, arguing that death was an easy escape, a sign of incompetence and avoidance. He urged her to live and spend her life atoning for the blood debts she had incurred.

Amidst the ongoing unrest, Baili Hongyi sought an audience with the Empress, concerned about Wu Youjue's presence at Xuanren Gate to address the rioters. He urged the Empress to recall Wu Youjue, fearing he would be endangered not just by the rioting populace but also by the remnants of the Four Season Clan. The Empress, however, expressed confidence in Wu Youjue's ability to handle the situation.

Baili Hongyi then revealed a long-kept secret: his brother, Baili Kuanren, had faked his death years ago after being exiled for slandering the court and had secretly joined the Four Season Clan. Knowing his brother's narcissistic tendencies to showcase his "masterpieces," Baili Hongyi believed Baili Kuanren was in the capital, waiting to witness Wu Youjue's demise. He implored the Empress to withdraw her order and recall Wu Youjue.

Wu Youjue addressed the agitated crowd at Xuanren Gate, publicly taking responsibility for their suffering. He then exposed the Four Season Clan as the true culprits behind the famine, revealing they had stolen the grain from Hanjia Granary and then intentionally blew it up to create the crisis, leaving millions without food.

While the people were initially skeptical, believing "the Divine Dao" had provided them with grain, Wu Youjue countered by stating that the grain distributed by the Four Season Clan was, in fact, the very same grain stolen from Hanjia Granary, which originally belonged to the people themselves. He urged them to consider why the heavily guarded granary would be destroyed if not by deliberate sabotage.

He accused the Four Season Clan of using the people's own resources to incite their anger, sow chaos, and destabilize their peaceful society. Wu Youjue then revealed carriages laden with grain, declaring it was all that remained in the capital and had been collected from the homes of all court officials at his fervent request to the Empress.

He emphasized that the officials themselves would rather starve than let the common people go hungry, asking the crowd to understand the Court's sincere efforts and the Empress's benevolence. Convinced, the people recognized the Four Season Clan as their true enemy and knelt in gratitude to the Empress. Among them, Baili Kuanren remained standing, and Wu Youjue identified him, leading to his capture.

Baili Kuanren admitted his defeat, acknowledging that he had long planned this scheme and felt no resentment at being outmaneuvered by Wu Youjue. The Empress commended Baili Hongyi's courage, revealing she had already learned the full truth from Wu Youjue, including the fact that Wu Youjue and Baili Hongyi's father had discreetly allowed Baili Kuanren to escape years ago.

She explained she had spared them out of respect for Baili Yan's loyalty, though she now found Baili Kuanren to be ungrateful. Despite Baili Hongyi's offer to accept punishment, the Empress dismissed the past, confirming that Wu Youjue had indeed captured Baili Kuanren. Later, Wu Siyue expressed profound admiration for Wu Youjue, who, despite his illness, had successfully calmed the rioting masses and captured the Four Season Clan leader. Wu Youjue confirmed Baili Kuanren was imprisoned but deferred his interrogation.

Wu Siyue then inquired about the stolen Hanjia Granary grain, and Wu Youjue informed her that it had been moved to the mountains north of the capital city and that Gao Bingzhu had already gone to retrieve it. Both Wu Youjue and Wu Siyue, however, harbored lingering suspicions, believing that the Four Season Clan's five-year plot could not have been so easily dismantled, cautioning against complacency as many remnants of the organization likely still remained active in the capital.

Meanwhile, Lord Pei of the Grand Court was actively searching for Yuwen Peipei, also known as Chunhe and Pei Niang of Hongxiao Fang, who was wanted for attacking the King of East River. He emphasized the Grand Court's need for a significant contribution, especially since the Interior Guard Services had captured the Four Season Clan leader. Liu Feng, who affectionately called her Chunhe, was secretly hiding Yuwen Peipei and bringing her food.

Yuwen Peipei expressed concern that her presence would endanger him, urging him to leave as the officials would eventually find her. Liu Feng, however, refused, assuring her of her safety and his arrangements to evade capture. He tenderly reminded her of her favorite childhood foods, declaring that no matter her past, she would always be Chunhe to him.

Acknowledging her past hardships, Liu Feng vowed to protect her and, if she desired, to take her to any place in the world where no one knew them, promising they would never return to the capital city. Moved by his unwavering devotion, Yuwen Peipei tearfully agreed to his proposal.

Episode 37 Recap

Wu Youjue reported to the empress that Baili Kuanren, the leader of the Four Season Clan, had been imprisoned. The empress commended Wu Youjue for his success and asked how she should reward him. Wu Youjue humbly stated that he deserved no praise, acknowledging that his past decision to spare Baili Kuanren's life had led to the current chaos in the capital city, and asked for punishment.

The empress, recognizing his recent significant contribution to the capital city, decided to punish him by deducting a year's salary, noting that the public already regarded him as a hero for destroying the Clan. Wu Youjue expressed his gratitude. When asked about the grain from Hanjia Granary, Wu Youjue confirmed that all of it had been recovered and distributed, making grain available in the market again.

He then proposed holding an opening ceremony for the granaries on an auspicious day to boost public morale and respectfully asked the empress to attend in person. The empress agreed and instructed him to arrange it as soon as possible. Back at the Intelligence Services, Gao Bingzhu learned that all records concerning the assassination of the King of East River and the explosion at Hanjia Granary had disappeared. The staff speculated about another mole within the Intelligence Services.

Wu Youjue summoned Gao Bingzhu and offered him tea, noting his sharp observation skills when Gao Bingzhu recognized the tea set wasn't from Qianmu Chamber. Wu Youjue then revealed his awareness of the deep affection between Gao Bingzhu and his sister, Wu Siyue. He expressed his intention to resolve the past animosities now that they served together in court.

Wu Youjue then declared that the Intelligence Services' rule of forfeiting love, established by Lord Chu, was unnecessary and would not strengthen the organization, urging Gao Bingzhu not to betray Wu Siyue's feelings. Additionally, Wu Youjue assigned Gao Bingzhu the crucial task of distributing the recovered grain at the Unwelcome Well that afternoon.

He explained that the empress was pleased the famine was resolved and intended to personally attend an opening ceremony in the south market soon to reassure the populace and distribute more grain. Wu Youjue stressed that no errors could occur with the grain recovered from the Four Season Clan's lair, entrusting Gao Bingzhu with its protection. Gao Bingzhu accepted the responsibility without hesitation, stating his commitment as an Intelligence Services Agent.

Wu Youjue then presented Gao Bingzhu with an Interior Guard Services token, granting him the authority to command Interior Guard forces, and reiterated his high expectations. Gao Bingzhu went to the Unwelcome Well with Interior Guard Services to distribute the grain. Crowds of people lined up, expressing profound gratitude to the empress and Gao Bingzhu as they finally received rice.

Bai Lang, accompanying Gao Bingzhu, noted the joy among the residents and praised Gao Bingzhu's efforts in saving the Unwelcome Well. However, Gao Bingzhu remained uneasy, finding the entire situation suspiciously smooth. Mr. Unsightly, representing the grateful residents, approached Gao Bingzhu, expressing immense relief and describing how they had been on the verge of starvation, surviving only on water, and that the grain arrived just in time.

As the residents cheered, hailing Gao Bingzhu as a great hero and welcoming him home as "Officer Gao of the Well," Gao Bingzhu was visibly moved to tears. Wu Siyue watched the touching scene from a distance, equally affected. Gao Bingzhu then took Wu Siyue on a tour of the Unwelcome Well, revisiting familiar spots.

As they reminisced about their first encounter there, when she was an officer tasked with catching him, Gao Bingzhu recalled how reckless he thought she was for being so bold in the Unwelcome Well. He then asked why she had grabbed him when he fell into the sluice. She playfully suggested she was worried about him damaging property, but he countered that he wouldn't be who he was today without her.

He then hugged her tightly, promising never to let her go and revealing that his prior plan of seeking revenge for his brothers and joining them in the afterlife had changed, as he now had someone he couldn't bear to leave behind. He then enthusiastically suggested they explore the capital city, mentioning the delicious grapes of Ming Jiao Fang in August, persimmons in September, and chestnuts in October, to which Wu Siyue eagerly agreed.

Meanwhile, Baili Hongyi went to the dungeon to see Baili Kuanren. Wu Youjue initially refused, stating that as a felon, Baili Kuanren could not be visited without the empress's permission, and warned Baili Hongyi that he would be implicated. Despite the warning, Baili Hongyi insisted on a visit, compelling Wu Youjue to grant access. Baili Hongyi confronted his brother, demanding to know the true purpose behind his elaborate schemes.

Baili Kuanren responded cryptically, stating that people live for their ambitions and that his own ambition, though his life was forfeit, would be inherited by someone else to complete their grand undertaking. He then dismissed Baili Hongyi, expressing his readiness to face their father and seek forgiveness. Lord Pei led a city-wide search for Yuwen Peipei, an entertainer from Hong Xiao Fang, distributing her sketch and warning officers that she was extremely dangerous.

Yuwen Peipei secretly met her sister Qingye, revealing that Hong Xiao Fang had been shut down and she was now a wanted person, forcing her to report in secret. Qingye conveyed that her lord was pleased with her actions, explaining that the King of East River's death was secondary to the critical outcome: her assassination attempt had made the empress distrust Lord Chu, thus crippling the Intelligence Services' supervisory power.

Yuwen Peipei, expressing deep gratitude for her lord's help in giving her a new life, then requested permission to leave the capital city permanently after her mission was complete, citing years of exhaustion from her life as an entertainer. Qingye agreed to relay her request to her lord, confident he would not be difficult given Yuwen Peipei's significant contribution. Separately, Liu Feng excitedly purchased cleansing mud, a royal product, for Yuwen Peipei, whom he affectionately called Chunhe.

As he approached, Yuwen Peipei saw him and was about to call out, but Qingye suddenly killed Yuwen Peipei from behind. Liu Feng, finding Yuwen Peipei gone from their lodging, sensed trouble and immediately went to search for her. Wu Youjue later visited Baili Kuanren in prison for a game of chess, recalling their last match years ago. Wu Youjue reminded Baili Kuanren that despite his chess prowess, he had suffered a crushing defeat that day.

He recounted how Baili Kuanren, as a young man with talent but a restless spirit, wrote provocative articles that angered the empress, while his father tried to shield him from the consequences. Wu Youjue, then an official, had come to investigate these writings. During their private conversation, Wu Youjue observed Baili Kuanren's raw talent but also his frustration at being unable to enter officialdom due to his six fingers, which deemed him a misfit.

Wu Youjue acknowledged Baili Kuanren's connection to Lord Freedom, the rebel who founded the Four Season Clan. He challenged Baili Kuanren's belief that mere writings could change fate, emphasizing that without power, his anger and talent would remain unnoticed. He asserted that if "weeds are all over the fields, set fire to them," then "fire" represented power, and to truly effect change, one must overthrow the empress.

Wu Youjue then revealed his true identity to Baili Kuanren, declaring that the "fire" they had set was now close to engulfing the empress and would lead to a rebirth of the old regime. Baili Kuanren immediately prostrated himself, addressing Wu Youjue as "Hidden Phoenix."

He expressed profound enlightenment from Wu Youjue's past words about winning the people's hearts to rule a country, and together, they reflected on their shared history of humiliation and cold treatment, vowing that everything would change. Baili Kuanren then reminded Wu Youjue of his promise that, in the future revision of historical records, Baili Kuanren would be listed at the top of all nobles and officials, ensuring his struggles, rage, ambition, and talent would be lauded by future generations.

Wu Youjue affirmed that this day was fast approaching. Wu Youjue's health appeared to be deteriorating, as he suffered from persistent coughing. Wu Siyue, witnessing this, was heartbroken and expressed her concern. Wu Youjue, however, dismissed her worries, reassuring her that he was fine.

Wu Siyue tearfully confessed that his ill health was a consequence of his efforts to provide for her, recalling how he became the food-testing officer, a position that required him to personally sample the empress's food for poison to gain her trust. Wu Youjue quickly interjected, telling her not to speak of it again and to banish such thoughts from her mind.

Wu Siyue then proposed that once affairs in the capital city were settled, he could relinquish his duties and go to Jiangnan to recover, offering to accompany him. However, Wu Youjue explained that his current responsibilities in both the Interior Guard Services and the Intelligence Services prevented him from leaving anytime soon. He then lightened the mood by asking if she had figured out the ring puzzle he had given her.

An official publicly announced that Baili Kuanren, the leader of the Four Season Clan and self-proclaimed Lord of Spring, had been condemned to public execution at noon in the market. The empress had declared him a vile and cruel individual, responsible for killing innocent people, destroying Hanjia Granary, and plunging the capital city into chaos, deeming him an abomination to gods and men alike.

Episode 38 Recap

An imperial decree was publicly announced, granting Wu Youjue the title of King of Longshan and a fief of 3,000 households, in recognition of his loyal and courageous actions in bringing down evildoers and upholding Her Majesty's reputation during turbulent times. Wu Youjue humbly accepted, promising his utmost devotion. Her Majesty, sitting with Wu Youjue, expressed her relief that his swift actions brought stability after the chaos at Hanjia Granary.

She lamented the weakness and mediocrity of her other sons and nephews, including the King of East River, who were unfit for important duties. She noted that the Crown Prince had disappointed her by having to submit a Remorse List, taking responsibility for his supervisory failures concerning the Ceremony of Light and Hanjia Granary. Her Majesty emphasized her impartial treatment of all her family members, entrusting important posts only to the capable.

She instructed Wu Youjue to delegate his current responsibilities and remain by her side to manage state affairs, with a future plan to appoint him as Deputy Minister of Central Secretariat, urging him not to disappoint her. Baili Kuanren’s execution left Baili Hongyi secluded in his room, grappling with the incomprehensible motives behind his brother’s actions, a state Liu Ran understood and respected, trusting he would eventually find clarity.

Meanwhile, Liu Feng, upon discovering a public notice, learned that Yuwen Peipei, also known as Chunhe of Hong Xiao Fang, had been killed on the spot by interior guards for grave misdeeds and resistance, identified as a disciple of the Four Season Clan. Enraged, Liu Feng confronted Wu Youjue, who was at a rice shop in the South Market overseeing preparations for the upcoming half-price grain distribution. Liu Feng passionately accused Wu Youjue of unjustly killing an innocent, specifically Chunhe.

Wu Youjue retorted that Yuwen Peipei had colluded with the Four Season Clan in an attempt to assassinate the King of East River, a felony punishable by death for her entire family, and that killing her on the spot was a merciful act. Liu Feng pleaded that she was merely a vulnerable accomplice, coerced into action, and lamented their shattered hopes of leaving the capital for a new life.

Wu Youjue dismissed his pleas as ridiculous, noting that Yuwen Peipei’s death conveniently ended the matter, aligning with Liu Feng's own inclination to avoid danger. Wu Youjue then ordered Li Chun to escort the distraught Liu Feng away. To avoid detection by the Intelligence Services, Gao Bingzhu arranged a meeting with Wu Siyue in the Unwelcome Well. He expressed his suspicion regarding the suspiciously smooth resolution of Baili Kuanren's arrest and the grain recovery, suggesting they should investigate further together.

Simultaneously, Liu Ran and Yunzhi faced a hostile crowd at a rice shop. The famine-stricken citizens, recognizing them as Baili Hongyi’s family, accused the Baili household of causing the crisis and surrounded them. Wu Siyue intervened, dispersing the mob by asserting that Baili Kuanren’s actions were unrelated to Liu Ran or Yunzhi, and condemning their bullying of vulnerable women.

When the crowd suspected Baili Hongyi himself of conspiring with his brother, Liu Ran passionately defended him, highlighting his unwavering dedication to eradicating the Four Season Clan and how they had also devastated his own family. She revealed that Baili Hongyi had even reported his own brother to Her Majesty, an act of selfless behavior.

Wu Siyue corroborated, confirming the recovery of the stolen grain and announcing Her Majesty’s personal initiative to open the granaries the following day, urging everyone to unite to overcome their shared hardship. Convinced, the crowd gradually dispersed. Liu Ran visited Baili Hongyi, who was deeply affected by the hurtful rumors circulating and blamed himself for involving her in the recent turmoil.

Liu Ran gently reassured him, dismissing her own discomfort and reminding him that as husband and wife, they would share all burdens. With the capital’s grain supply now secure, she suggested they leave the city to explore the world as he had once desired. Wu Siyue followed Wu Youjue to discover a hidden chamber he kept, which housed the spiritual tablets of their deceased parents.

She expressed surprise at its existence, to which Wu Youjue explained that due to their parents' past as "sinners," they could not be honored publicly. He instructed Wu Siyue to pay tribute, then, overcome with emotion, recounted their tragic history. Despite being members of the imperial Wu family, their parents were kind and honest, a trait misinterpreted as weakness by others. They endured bullying from relatives who seized their property, and faced unjust convictions from corrupt officials.

Wu Youjue described watching them fall ill and die one by one, helpless to afford medicine, while Wu Siyue was still an infant. This experience fueled his profound hatred, leading him to vow revenge and question why he couldn't command everyone's allegiance. Wu Siyue was stunned by the intensity of his long-held resentment. Wu Youjue confessed to Wu Siyue that his chronic ill health stemmed from poisoning himself years ago.

He recounted how, after their parents' deaths, he and a young Wu Siyue were left destitute and with no one to turn to. At fifteen, learning of an open position for a food-testing officer – a perilous role for those under seventeen – he sought assistance from the King of Jin to enter the palace, hoping to attract Her Majesty's attention.

With only two years before he would be too old for the position, and refusing to live a mediocre life, he made a desperate choice to swallow arsenic. Miraculously, he survived, and this act indeed brought him to Her Majesty's notice, earning her trust. Wu Siyue was utterly stunned, questioning if this was all part of his long-term scheme.

Wu Youjue justified his actions by explaining that it secured their survival, gained them the King of Jin's crucial backing, and placed the Interior Guard Services under his command, all while ensuring Wu Siyue was raised safely by Her Majesty as her own granddaughter, thus fulfilling their parents' unspoken wishes. Stunned by Wu Youjue's confession, Wu Siyue realized that all the recent events in the capital, including Li Beiqi's death, were part of his elaborate scheme.

Wu Youjue, confirming her suspicions, detailed his plan: he had enlisted Li Beiqi to facilitate the entry of seventeen refugees into the capital, who would then plant and detonate explosives at Hanjia Granary during the Ceremony of Light. The resulting chaos would allow Wu Youjue to seize control of the Intelligence Services and Interior Guard Services, capture Baili Kuanren, recover the grain, and, by winning public trust, ultimately ascend to the throne.

When Li Beiqi initially refused to aid in this "greater good," Wu Youjue manipulated him by offering a stark choice: kill Wu Youjue or cooperate, warning that refusal would lead to Wu Siyue's implication and execution for treason. Distraught at the thought of Wu Siyue's death, Li Beiqi reluctantly agreed. Wu Siyue was heartbroken, lamenting Li Beiqi's sacrifice and accusing Wu Youjue of betraying his own principles of protecting the capital for personal ambition.

She argued that Her Majesty was not undeserving and that the world remained unchanged; only Wu Youjue had transformed into someone willing to sacrifice anything, even himself, to achieve his goals. She pointed out that he had likely abducted Princess Yongchuan to pressure the Crown Prince, Li Dun, into abdicating, acknowledging the perfect execution of his plan. Wu Youjue confirmed that his grand design would come to fruition the following day.

Wu Siyue vowed to stop him by any means necessary. Wu Youjue, however, revealed that both Gao Bingzhu and Baili Hongyi were already under his constant surveillance. Wu Siyue drew her sword, but overwhelmed by the conflict of emotions, she found herself unable to strike her brother. In despair, she fled, leaving Wu Youjue to suggest she hand over the Peony Token if she couldn't bring herself to kill him.

To ensure his elaborate plan proceeded without interference, Wu Youjue significantly tightened security within the Interior Guard Services, implementing a strict lockdown that prohibited anyone, including Wu Siyue, from leaving without his direct authorization. He emphasized that the following day was crucial for his plan and tolerated no missteps. He then ordered a subordinate to closely monitor Gao Bingzhu and Baili Hongyi, with instructions to eliminate them if they showed any suspicious activity.

Meanwhile, Gao Bingzhu, having been personally entrusted by Wu Youjue, diligently supervised the protection of the grain reserves in the South Market, maintaining a vigilant presence. Yunzhi arrived to inform Gao Bingzhu that Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran had made a last-minute decision to depart the capital that very night and wished for him to join them for a farewell meal at Dangyang Tavern. Gao Bingzhu agreed to the invitation.

At Dangyang Tavern, Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran greeted Gao Bingzhu. Baili Hongyi explained their spontaneous decision to leave the capital that very night, noting he had attempted to invite Wu Siyue but could not locate her, understanding her current duties with the Interior Guard Services and the upcoming grain distribution. As they shared drinks, Baili Hongyi declared he had no further ties to the capital, his father's revenge achieved and the Four Season Clan dismantled.

He expressed gratitude to both Gao Bingzhu and Wu Siyue for their assistance. Gao Bingzhu, in turn, credited Baili Hongyi for his crucial role in uncovering the Thunder and stated that Wu Siyue deserved the most thanks for her dedication to protecting the capital, echoing the Interior Guard Services' motto: "Keep order for Her Majesty and protect Luoyang." They reminisced about their first encounter at Tao's Lamb Soup.

Gao Bingzhu confided that his concern for the residents of the Unwelcome Well was the only reason he remained in the capital, implying he would otherwise also seek to leave the tumultuous city. They shared heartfelt farewells, with Gao Bingzhu reminding Baili Hongyi that he would always have friends in the capital.

Episode 39 (Ending) Recap

Qingye confirmed that Baili Hongyi and Liu Ran had left Luoyang and that Gao Bingzhu was behaving as usual, keeping watch over the rice shops in the South Market. She reported back to Wu Youjue, who was meticulously preparing for the next day's opening ceremony for the granaries. Wu Youjue confirmed that all the Thunder explosives were precisely positioned and instructed his subordinate to take immediate action as soon as the appointed time arrived, confident that nothing would go wrong.

The next morning, Interior Guard Services personnel, dispatched by Wu Youjue, set up checkpoints on the roads leading to the South Market. They rigorously screened all citizens attending the opening ceremony. At the auspicious hour, the empress arrived in her sedan, greeted by kneeling citizens lining the streets. Witnessing their heartfelt welcome, she was deeply moved. Wu Youjue personally escorted the empress to the stage.

She addressed the assembled populace, acknowledging their suffering during the famine caused by the Four Season Clan's attack on Hanjia Granary. She expressed her guilt, recognizing that their hardship was a consequence of the evildoers targeting her. She then solemnly vowed to rebuild Hanjia Granary, restore the grain supply, and personally oversee the opening of the granary.

She pledged that as long as she remained on the throne, no one in Luoyang would ever go hungry again, earning the profound gratitude and cheers of the people. As the empress announced the opening of the granaries, Wu Youjue quietly attempted to slip away, claiming he felt unwell and wanted to rest. However, Gao Bingzhu intercepted him.

Gao Bingzhu politely rebuffed his excuses, reminding him that the empress had praised his efforts in disaster relief and that he held an important position. He suggested that Wu Youjue’s illness was a result of his dedication to the empress and Luoyang, and that no one would blame him, especially now that the people had food thanks to his supposed efforts. The joyous citizens erupted in cheers as the grain began to be distributed.

Wu Youjue, anticipating the detonation of the Thunder, looked around expectantly, but the explosion never came. He finally understood that Gao Bingzhu had sabotaged his meticulously laid plans. Gao Bingzhu confronted Wu Youjue, revealing that he had long suspected a deeply hidden accomplice within the Four Season Clan. It was only after the Hanjia Granary explosion that Gao Bingzhu began to focus his suspicions on Wu Youjue.

He deduced that Wu Youjue was the "Hidden Phoenix" mentioned by Lord Freedom, whose revelation would cause chaos in the world. Gao Bingzhu explained that Wu Youjue had secretly cultivated the Four Season Clan, using them to bomb Hanjia Granary, causing chaos and a famine in Luoyang.

He then orchestrated the attack on the King of East River and framed the Crown Prince for hoarding grain, which led to the Crown Prince losing power and the Intelligence Services falling under Wu Youjue’s control. This series of events allowed Wu Youjue to become the empress's most trusted confidant. His ultimate goal was to put down the manufactured riot, recover the supposedly stolen grain, and gain the people’s admiration, thereby presenting himself as the sole savior of Luoyang.

With control over both the Intelligence Services and the Interior Guard Services, along with military power, he could then justifiably seize the throne from the empress. Gao Bingzhu also revealed that Wu Youjue had given him the crucial task of guarding the grain, a clear sign that he intended to eliminate Gao Bingzhu as part of his larger scheme. Wu Youjue questioned how Gao Bingzhu, who had been under constant surveillance, managed to thwart his flawless plan.

Gao Bingzhu explained that his conversation with Baili Hongyi at the Dangyang Tavern, though recorded word-for-word by Wu Youjue's spies, contained coded messages they failed to decipher. Gao Bingzhu used seemingly innocent comments, like lamenting the lack of food in the city's taverns or expressing hope for an end to Luoyang's chaos, to hint at ongoing disasters.

He mentioned the city's famous song, "Praise the Heavenly Monument," to signify the empress's danger, and the line about "peonies" to indicate the need for the Peony Token to save her. He alluded to their first meeting in the South Market, suggesting danger there, and referenced the Lianshan Rhyme to locate the Thunder. He also implied that Wu Siyue was in trouble at the Interior Guard Services and that Mr. Unsightly from the Unwelcome Well could provide help.

Gao Bingzhu emphasized that while Wu Youjue believed he controlled everything in Luoyang, the Unwelcome Well was a place beyond the Intelligence Services' reach. Baili Hongyi understood the coded messages and rushed to the Unwelcome Well to find Mr. Unsightly, who then led him to the citizens of the Unwelcome Well. There, Baili Hongyi revealed Wu Youjue's plot to use the Thunder at the South Market during the empress's ceremony.

The citizens of the Unwelcome Well were initially hesitant, fearing the fatal consequences of leaving the Well, as many had died attempting it five years prior. However, Baili Hongyi passionately pleaded with them, arguing that Gao Bingzhu had risked his life for them in the past and that the Unwelcome Well was his last hope.

He urged them to protect Luoyang, reminding them that if the city fell, the Well would not be safe, just as when it had been sealed off and deprived of food and medicine. He inspired them by saying that if they helped save Luoyang, they would prove to the world that they were true heroes, not the cowards that society dismissed them as.

Moved by his words, Mr. Unsightly was the first to volunteer, followed by many others, finally willing to risk their lives to save Luoyang. Gao Bingzhu declared that Wu Youjue's elaborate plans had been ruined by the very people he despised—the citizens of the Unwelcome Well—and none of the Thunder explosives would detonate.

Wu Youjue, unwilling to accept defeat, tried to frame Gao Bingzhu, arguing that he had no proof and that no one would believe an "untrustworthy slave" from the Unwelcome Well who guarded the granaries and allegedly planted the explosives. Gao Bingzhu fiercely countered, stating that he was not alone and that the spirits of those who died because of Wu Youjue's schemes were watching.

He condemned Wu Youjue for his inhumane ambition, sacrificing loved ones and lives for personal gain, and treating people like weeds to be eradicated. Just then, Wu Siyue appeared with Interior Guard Services officers, wielding the Peony Token and announcing the empress's order to arrest Wu Youjue for conspiring with the Four Season Clan and plotting against Her Majesty.

Earlier, Gao Bingzhu, suspecting Wu Youjue, had met with Wu Siyue in the Unwelcome Well, laying out his theory that her brother was the mastermind behind the recent calamities, including the disappearance of evidence related to the Hanjia Granary explosion and the King of East River's attack. Though initially unwilling to believe her brother's betrayal, Wu Siyue listened as Gao Bingzhu presented the accumulating evidence of Wu Youjue's benefiting from every crisis.

Realizing the gravity of the situation and the danger Wu Siyue might face, Gao Bingzhu instructed her to first visit Liu Ran before returning to the Interior Guard Services. He told her to give Liu Ran her authentic Peony Token, while he made a fake one for her to carry as a precaution. He also arranged for Liu Ran and Baili Hongyi to meet him at midnight if Wu Siyue did not contact them.

Later, after learning that Wu Siyue had been detained, Gao Bingzhu instructed Liu Ran to bring the real Peony Token to Wu Siyue to rescue her, ensuring she could present it during Wu Youjue’s arrest. Wu Youjue stubbornly resisted arrest, but his remaining Four Season Clan assassins lurking outside the South Market were quickly subdued by the imperial guards.

Wu Siyue pleaded with him to surrender, offering to accompany him to seek mercy from the empress and bear the consequences together. Wu Youjue, convinced the empress would never spare him, refused. As they argued, Wu Siyue spotted Liu Feng perched on a corner tower, drawing his bow and aiming at Wu Youjue. Without hesitation, she bravely pushed her brother out of the way, taking the arrow meant for him.

Gao Bingzhu rushed to her side, holding her as she whispered her last wishes to him, expressing her love and desire to spend more time with him, and assuring him she would hold on. With a faint smile, she passed away peacefully in his arms, leaving Gao Bingzhu utterly heartbroken. Wu Youjue screamed in anguish at the tragic sight. Ten days later, Luoyang had fully recovered its vibrant bustle and prosperity.

The empress issued a decree allowing all citizens of the Unwelcome Well to relocate from their secluded community and be properly settled in various districts across Luoyang, where they could live openly and honorably. The former residents rejoiced, sharing their good news and celebrating their new lives, including enjoying a grand Water Banquet. In related decrees, all remaining Four Season Clan members were arrested and handed over to the Grand Court for investigation.

Pei Jian, formerly a magistrate, was promoted to Vice Minister of the Grand Court and tasked with overseeing the case. Furthermore, the Crown Prince was cleared of all charges related to the Four Season Clan and released from his house arrest. Wu Shenxing, the King of Jin, was stripped of his title and demoted for dereliction of duty, confined to his residence for reflection.

In recognition of Wu Siyue's ultimate sacrifice for the country, Wu Youjue was spared the death penalty. He was instead imprisoned in the Interior Guard Services dungeon for life, never to be released. Overcome by the magnitude of his defeat and the loss of his sister, Wu Youjue descended into madness, believing himself to be the empress. Li Yichen, the King of East River, having recovered from his injuries, resumed leadership of the Intelligence Services.

He no longer needed to wear his mask, openly leading the organization under his true identity. The empress also showed clemency towards Liu Feng, sparing him from the death penalty and ordering him to become a monk. Liu Shi took his son, Liu Feng, to Mount Zhongnan to pray for Wu Siyue's soul.

As for Baili Hongyi, the empress acknowledged his intelligence, courage, and service in protecting Luoyang, bestowing upon him the title of Deputy Minister of Works and granting him the noble title of Lord Evergreen. On the annual Lantern Festival, Luoyang was awash with festive lights as citizens celebrated in the streets with songs and dances. Gao Bingzhu and Baili Hongyi stood on a bridge, observing the joyous faces of the Unwelcome Well citizens, who were now integrated into Luoyang society.

Baili Hongyi revealed that he had resigned from his official post and planned to travel the world with Liu Ran, inviting Gao Bingzhu to join them. Gao Bingzhu, however, politely declined. He expressed his desire to remain in Luoyang, to continue protecting the peace that Wu Siyue had so cherished and died for, and to persist in his search for his sister, A'tan.

He affirmed that Luoyang, with its mix of nobles, commoners, and the newly integrated Unwelcome Well residents, was a good place, and this hard-won peace was worth safeguarding. Baili Hongyi wished him well, promising to return one day to see the Luoyang that Gao Bingzhu would protect. With a final farewell, Baili Hongyi departed, leaving Gao Bingzhu alone on the bridge, a serene smile seemingly crossing his face as if he saw Wu Siyue smiling back at him.