Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty Synopsis
The Drama tells a series of strange and unusual events that take place under the prosperous Tang Dynasty.
Lu Lingfeng, a general of the Chang'an Jinwu Guard joins forces with Su Wuming, a disciple of Di Renjie, to solve mysterious cases and protect the people.
Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In the Jingyun Reign of the Tang Dynasty, a black cat stealthily entered the residence of Wu Daqi, the Sheriff of Chang'an. Startled from his sleep, Wu Daqi, enraged, tried to strike down the creature, calling it a "beast." However, the black cat transformed into a woman in red, who melodiously recited, "Spring wind is sentimental, too, Blowing my silk dress flapping loose." She then softly inquired if Wu Daqi had forgotten her.
Briefly bewildered, Wu Daqi quickly regained his composure, branding her a "demon" and declaring that as the Sheriff of Chang'an, he would "kill the demon and get rid of an evil for the people." Yet, in his pursuit, he accidentally fell into a lake and drowned. The next day, his body was discovered. Lu Lingfeng, a General of the Imperial Guards, arrived to investigate and noted the persistent presence of a black cat in the courtyard.
Su Wuming, a direct disciple of Detective Di, took office as the new Sheriff of Chang'an. As he stood atop the city walls, he mused that beneath Chang'an's seemingly "peaceful and bright" and "prosperous just like a dream" facade lay deep, unpredictable shadows where "ghosts are everywhere," quoting his esteemed teacher. Lu Lingfeng sternly warned Su Wuming not to "show off" Detective Di's quotations in front of him.
He pressed Su Wuming to swiftly uncover the truth behind Wu Daqi's "many strange and suspicious" drowning, assuring that he would "supervise" the investigation to ensure Sheriff Wu did not "die without a clear reason." Meanwhile, a wedding procession was taking place below. Dou Cong, daughter of a prominent family, was to marry Song Chai, a man from a declining noble household, outside Chang'an.
Dou Yulin, Dou Cong’s brother, repeatedly cautioned Song Chai to treat his sister well, mindful of their differing statuses, but Song Chai pledged his devotion, calling the marriage a "blessing." According to Tang custom, after the bride was escorted out of the city, the groom had to return to the bridal chamber first to await her. Song Chai departed, leaving Dou Yulin to continue escorting his sister. Unexpectedly, thunder boomed on a clear day, startling the horses.
Dou Cong’s carriage bolted, causing her to fall out. A masked man suddenly appeared behind her, terrifying her into a scream. As the incident unfolded, Dou Yulin watched, a slight smirk playing on his lips. Later that evening, a body was discovered in a secluded garden. Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng arrived to investigate. Su Wuming observed that the red cloth shrouding the body had been disturbed, implying someone had already examined it.
He indirectly accused Lu Lingfeng of interfering, stating that "turning over the body at will can greatly hinder the effect of the autopsy." Su Wuming pointed out that the Imperial Guards were meant for "guarding His Majesty and patrolling Chang'an," not for investigating homicide cases in Chang'an County, thus accusing Lu Lingfeng of "overstepping his authority."
Lu Lingfeng countered that the capital had seen "many murders" over the past year, leading him to suspect a conspiracy against the court and the emperor. He dismissed Su Wuming's query about old case files as irrelevant to the Imperial Guards and urged him to focus on solving the case, so as not to "humiliate Detective Di" by failing. Su Wuming, however, believed Lu Lingfeng was trying to test him.
Upon examining the deceased, Su Wuming identified her as a new bride, clad in a wedding dress. She wore a Fang Xiang mask, a "divinity that leads the way" used for exorcising ghosts at funerals, which, according to Tang ritual, was reserved for officials of the fourth rank or higher. The mask was deeply embedded in her skin, fused with her face, a gruesome detail that suggested the murderer's methods were "bizarre and terrifying."
Su Wuming instructed his subordinate to find out which family had lost a bride, noting that similar cases had begun "a year ago," in early July. Lu Lingfeng jokingly asked if Su Wuming aspired to be the President of the Supreme Court, given his keen interest in homicides, then warned him against being "beaten" for his insolence before leaving for night patrol.
That night, Assistant Minister Pei Jian, having heard of Su Wuming’s success in solving a case for the princess, hosted a banquet in his honor, attended by Wen Chao, the Minister of the Household, and Magistrate Yuan. During the feast, Pei Jian’s daughter, Pei Xijun, burst in, carrying a portrait of General Xiao.
She declared her unwavering resolve to marry Xiao, even if it meant marrying his portrait, despite her father’s insistence that Xiao had "died on the battlefield" and that she was "crazy." As Pei Xijun was escorted away, Su Wuming noted the striking resemblance between General Xiao in the portrait and Lu Lingfeng. Meanwhile, Lu Lingfeng, while on patrol, apprehended a thief who had stolen golden cakes.
He returned the gold to its owner, who mentioned that he had intended to use it to buy Chang'an red tea, a rare and popular "immortal tea" in the capital, highly sought after by nobles and even the emperor and princess. Back at the banquet, Pei Jian, to soothe the awkwardness caused by his daughter, offered to treat his guests to Chang'an red tea.
Magistrate Yuan praised the tea’s unique ingredients and preparation, claiming it could invigorate the elderly and imbue the young with "infinite energy," even potentially allowing one to "reach the fairyland." However, as Su Wuming accepted his cup, he unexpectedly collapsed. The next day, Su Wuming awoke in his new residence, which happened to be the very place Wu Daqi had died.
His old servant, Su Qian, found the house ominous, but Su Wuming dismissed such superstitions, asserting that the truth of the case was always "so close to us." Magistrate Yuan visited, expressing concern over Su Wuming’s fainting spell. Su Wuming confessed that he had suffered from "hemophobia since childhood," and the tea’s "blood-like color" had triggered his collapse.
Magistrate Yuan, impressed by Su Wuming's ability to solve cases despite this, then informed him that all the old case files regarding the missing brides had been "confiscated" by the Yongzhou Government, the Supreme Court, and the Imperial Guards after Wu Daqi’s death and had "not been returned." Su Wuming later sought out Lu Lingfeng, asking if he knew Pei Xijun, specifically mentioning the portrait that looked like him.
Lu Lingfeng flatly denied any acquaintance, accusing Su Wuming of "clinging to powerful people" and "looking at paintings" instead of focusing on his duties. He then abruptly told Su Wuming that the deceased bride was from the Dou family, and the Imperial Guards had already notified them for identification. Su Wuming, sensing Lu Lingfeng’s discomfort, deduced that he indeed knew Miss Xijun. At the mortuary, Su Wuming met Dou Cong's grieving parents and her brother, Dou Yulin.
Despite the damage to the body, Dou Cong was identified by a red mole behind her ear and a birthmark on her waist. Su Wuming pledged to find the killer. Dou Yulin immediately accused Song Chai, the groom, of the murder. Su Wuming questioned Song Chai, who denied the accusation. Song Chai explained his impoverished background, stating that his parents were dead and his family had fallen apart.
He revealed that the Dou family had long wished to cancel the engagement, with Dou Yulin frequently "speaking rudely" and sabotaging the wedding. Song Chai lamented that if it weren’t for his father-in-law's insistence and Dou Cong’s genuine affection for him, the marriage would never have happened. Su Wuming also questioned Dou Yulin about why he hadn't pursued the carriage when the horse bolted. Dou Yulin claimed he went to "drink" out of unhappiness with the marriage.
Concluding that Song Chai was a gambler and thus unreliable, Su Wuming instructed his subordinate to have Song Chai report his whereabouts to the county government daily, fearing he might flee. Unbeknownst to Su Wuming, Lu Lingfeng had also independently deduced that Song Chai was a gambler based on his late return home and destitute living conditions.
He tracked Song Chai to a gambling den and, pretending to be a fellow gambler, attempted to learn his secrets to "getting seed money," subtly hinting at marrying a wealthy wife. Suddenly, two men confronted Song Chai, accusing him of cheating them after he had shown them Dou Cong, whom they intended to sell to the eastern region. They claimed Dou Cong never arrived at his home as promised and demanded their money back.
Lu Lingfeng, revealing his true identity as a General of the Imperial Guards, intervened to fend off the traffickers. Song Chai seized the opportunity to escape with his winnings. However, he encountered night patrols who, in accordance with curfew regulations, ordered him to stop. When Song Chai, desperate to keep his money, refused and kept running, he was shot dead.
Su Wuming arrived on the scene, furious, accusing Lu Lingfeng of repeatedly "obstructing his investigation" and threatening to report him to the princess. Lu Lingfeng challenged his authority, but Su Wuming, though an eighth-rank sheriff, asserted his position as "an official of Tang" in the "county of Chang'an," not a place for "palace guards like you to act tough."
Su Wuming pointed out that Imperial Guard protocol for curfew breakers required three warnings: a plucked bowstring, an arrow shot at the feet, and only then a fatal shot. He demanded to know how many arrows were used to kill Song Chai, implying a direct, unprovoked killing. Lu Lingfeng conceded that the Imperial Guards' actions were "improper," but claimed it was done "in emergency, not on purpose," trying to downplay the incident.
He acknowledged Su Wuming's sharp deduction that Song Chai was a gambler. Back at the county government, Su Wuming interrogated the captured human traffickers. They reiterated that Song Chai had brought them to "check the goods"—Dou Cong—whom they found beautiful and planned to sell. They claimed Song Chai had promised delivery after the wedding procession, but the bride "didn't even come in," leading them to believe he had cheated them.
Su Wuming then re-examined Dou Cong’s corpse, noting its unusual lack of decay and a lingering, unfamiliar fragrance. He deduced a "preservative spice" had been used. In the West Market, a hub for foreign merchants and exotic goods, Su Wuming spoke with Kang Yuanli, the government official of the West Market, about various spices.
Kang Yuanli confirmed that no such preservative spice was available there, suggesting it might be found in the ominous "Ghost Market," but warned against visiting it due to its ill effects on one's vitality. The abandoned bridal carriage was eventually located in a village 17. 5km outside Mingde Gate.
Lu Lingfeng went to investigate and learned from the villagers that the horse pulling the carriage had been "exhausted to death," its body covered in "sweat," which Lu Lingfeng suspected was actually "blood." He then found Su Wuming at Wu Daqi's old residence, sitting in the pond, trying to mentally recreate Wu Daqi's final moments to understand how he could have drowned in such shallow water.
Lu Lingfeng called him "crazy," but Su Wuming insisted Wu Daqi must have been in a "frenzied state." Discussing the horse, they theorized that someone had "tampered with the horse" to cause its violent reaction. Considering Dou Yulin’s hostility towards Song Chai and his failure to pursue his sister’s runaway carriage, their suspicions turned to him. They immediately proceeded to the Dou residence.
A servant informed them that Dou Yulin had been severely depressed, crying nightly, but she had seen him drink porridge that morning. Upon forcing open his door, Lu Lingfeng and Su Wuming discovered Dou Yulin hanging dead in his room.
Episode 2 Recap
Upon arriving at Dou Yulin's residence, Lu Lingfeng observed that Dou Yulin had consumed porridge that morning, indicating the murderer had not long fled the scene. He promptly ordered Guo Zhuang to pursue the culprit. Su Wuming, examining the body, noted that a person who hangs themselves typically has shut eyes and an open mouth; the position of the tongue depends on where the rope is tied. Dou Yulin's hands were also not clenched.
From these observations, Su Wuming concluded that Dou Yulin had been throttled before being hung. Lu Lingfeng instructed Xiao Wu to gather all Dou family members for questioning. The stableman revealed that Dou Yulin had personally chosen, fed, and driven the horse, and had been seen adding something to its water. A servant later confirmed that Dou Yulin had returned home drunk late on the night Dou Cong disappeared, visibly distraught and questioning where things went wrong.
Lu Lingfeng also found crushed tiles on the backyard wall, suggesting the killer's escape route. Su Wuming noticed the maid Ling'er acting suspiciously and questioned her privately. Ling'er tearfully stated her belief that Yin Shilang had killed Dou Yulin and pleaded with Su Wuming to avenge him. In a separate location, Yin Shilang boasted about narrowly escaping the Imperial Guards.
He recounted how Dou Cong's "foolish" younger brother had asked him to kidnap his sister because he disliked the arranged marriage. Yin Shilang, needing a bride, seized the opportunity, abducting and killing Dou Cong. He then killed Dou Yulin to silence him. Su Wuming later explained to Lu Lingfeng that Dou Yulin, knowing Song Chai was a gambler, had desperately sought to prevent his sister from marrying him.
Despite Dou Cong's insistence on upholding the engagement, Dou Yulin, through word-of-mouth, learned of Yin Shilang's "omnipotent" reputation in the Ghost Market and sought his help with a large sum of money. However, Yin Shilang, a villain, not only kidnapped and killed Dou Cong but also murdered Dou Yulin to cover his tracks. Su Wuming concluded that Yin Shilang was the prime suspect, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation before jumping to conclusions.
The revelation that Ling'er had an affair with Dou Yulin also emerged. Su Wuming announced his intention to venture into the perilous Ghost Market. However, the Chang'an County constables, including some who had previously accompanied the former Sheriff Wu Daqi to the Ghost Market and witnessed his subsequent bizarre behavior and death, all offered various excuses to avoid going.
Su Wuming, dismissing their fears of ghosts, decided to go alone, also planning to investigate the strange spice used on Dou Cong's body. His old servant, Su Qian, despite his concerns about the dangers, insisted on accompanying him. Su Wuming, drawing on his knowledge, described the Ghost Market as an underground world near Xuandu Temple, a result of a sinking depression, where the city's strict curfews led homeless people and night traders to gather.
He confidently recalled his own experiences visiting it multiple times with his teacher, Detective Di. While in the Ghost Market, Su Wuming was accidentally knocked over by a chicken thief. The thief, noticing the distinct scent of the spice on Su Wuming, panicked and repeatedly screamed, "Ghost!" , before fleeing. Su Wuming and Su Qian then located Yin Shilang's establishment.
Outside, Su Wuming questioned a tea peddler about "Chang'an black tea," learning it was a highly sought-after commodity among the wealthy. As Su Wuming prepared to enter, he told Su Qian to wait outside, but Su Qian insisted on accompanying him. Upon entering the seemingly empty room, they were both ensnared in a net.
Lu Lingfeng and his Imperial Guards were revealed to be behind the trap, having targeted a tea peddler who had previously bought Chang'an black tea from Yin Shilang. Lu Lingfeng mocked Su Wuming for his inability to catch the real culprit and for disrupting his trap, accusing him of disgracing Detective Di's name. When Su Wuming appealed for Su Qian's release due to his age, Lu Lingfeng ordered them to be hoisted even higher, belittling a county sheriff's authority.
Suddenly, a ferocious tiger appeared, causing panic among the Imperial Guards who scrambled to jump out of the windows. Su Wuming, from his suspended position, urged Lu Lingfeng not to abandon his post and to fight the beast, reminding him of his noble family lineage. Lu Lingfeng, spurred by the insult, confronted the tiger. After striking it, he discovered it was merely an illusion crafted from several tiger skins.
Su Wuming explained his deduction: such a massive tiger would have left the Ghost Market filled with bones, not living people. He warned Lu Lingfeng that those who jumped out of the windows were likely dead, as the illusion was a ploy to force them outside where the real danger lay. Lu Lingfeng then looked out the window and found Xiao Wu and the tea peddler dead, having been killed by a volley of arrows.
As Lu Lingfeng ordered a search for the enchanter, a commotion outside announced "Immortal flying up to heaven!" Yin Shilang had escaped, transforming himself into a beautiful woman named Shi Yiniang, declaring that from now on, all transactions for Chang'an black tea would be conducted through her. The Dou family brought Ling'er to the county office, accusing her of theft. Ling'er denied stealing, stating she had merely taken Chang'an black tea left for her by Dou Yulin.
She explained that Dou Yulin had planned to sell the valuable tea in Luoyang to provide for Dou Cong and for her. After dismissing others, Su Wuming privately explained to Dou's father that Dou Yulin had acquired "Sweat Blood Powder," a Lingnan herb that induces horses to run wildly until death, to cause the carriage accident. Dou Yulin's intention was for Yin Shilang to abduct Dou Cong and take her to Luoyang until her father's anger subsided.
However, Yin Shilang proved to be a villain, turning Dou Yulin's plan into a tragic fate for his sister. Dou's father expressed deep regret for insisting on the marriage and blamed himself for the deaths of both his children. Su Wuming further revealed that Ling'er was also part of Dou Yulin's plan to go to Luoyang. He clarified that Ling'er had not stolen the tea but intended to sell it to raise her child.
Ling'er confessed that Dou Yulin, distressed by his sister's refusal to break off the engagement to the gambler, had drowned his sorrows in drink, leading to their affair. Hearing this, Dou's father, acknowledging the child as his family's flesh and blood, agreed to take Ling'er back and care for her. Su Wuming then examined the Chang'an black tea Ling'er had, and Su Qian found similar tea among former Sheriff Wu Daqi's belongings. Su Wuming decided to investigate both samples.
Meanwhile, Pei Xijun, still distraught, insisted on marrying "Xiao Lang" despite her father's pleas that General Xiao had died in battle. She claimed to have seen Xiao Lang the previous night and that he was alive. Pei Jian attempted to console her with Chang'an black tea, stating it could alleviate her pain, but she defiantly knocked it away, reiterating her sole desire to marry Xiao Lang.
Su Wuming visited Pei Jian, who appeared fatigued, and gently suggested he stop drinking Chang'an black tea, suspecting it contained illicit substances. Pei Jian, while admitting the tea hadn't helped him sleep, defended its quality, citing even the Princess drank it. He then recounted how he had once fainted after drinking it, mistaking its color for blood, and accused Su Wuming of making baseless claims due to personal aversion.
Su Wuming clarified his warning was not for personal gain but out of respect for Pei Jian, whom his teacher, Detective Di, held in high regard as a virtuous and knowledgeable pillar of the country. Su Wuming then inquired about General Xiao, noting Pei Xijun's vivid portrait. Pei Jian explained he had only met General Xiao a few times as a child and hadn't seen him since.
He revealed that General Xiao had briefly visited Chang'an to meet the Emperor but hadn't called upon him. Unbeknownst to Pei Jian, Pei Xijun had secretly hosted a farewell banquet for General Xiao, an act Pei Jian had overlooked, attributing it to youthful romance and their existing engagement. Su Wuming silently grasped the implication. Later, Su Wuming found Lu Lingfeng drinking heavily at home, consumed by guilt over Xiao Wu's death.
Lu Lingfeng expressed shame for being deceived by the illusion, feeling that Detective Di had been right to choose Su Wuming over him. Su Wuming attempted to console him, reminding him that everyone makes mistakes. Su Wuming then revealed he had learned that General Xiao Bozhao was Lu Lingfeng's cousin.
When Su Wuming described General Xiao as a tall man wielding a silver spear, Lu Lingfeng vehemently corrected him, stating Xiao Bozhao used two maces, was shorter, and wouldn't have died in the Western Region if he possessed such martial prowess. This exchange confirmed Su Wuming's suspicion: the man depicted in Pei Xijun's portrait was indeed Lu Lingfeng, not General Xiao. Lu Lingfeng, enraged by the realization, threatened Su Wuming, but his anger only further validated Su Wuming's deduction.
A messenger then arrived, summoning Lu Lingfeng to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince informed Lu Lingfeng of several high-ranking officials—Helan Mieming, Li Buqi, and Sun Xiu—who had mysteriously committed suicide in recent months. Lu Lingfeng reported that all three had been secretly consuming Chang'an black tea, which he declared to be "diabolically poisonous."
He cited the recent death of Professor Cui Dongwang, a respected official, who, after spending all his money on the tea and claiming to hear celestial calls, drowned himself. Lu Lingfeng explained he had infiltrated the Ghost Market to investigate Yin Shilang, the tea's seller, but fell victim to an enchanter's illusions, almost losing his life.
Recognizing the danger of the "demon tea" bewitching the populace, the Crown Prince ordered Lu Lingfeng to work with the Capital Tea Alliance to thoroughly investigate Chang'an black tea, also advising him to drink less alcohol. Returning home, Lu Lingfeng found Su Wuming still there, perusing his personal case records. Su Wuming acknowledged Lu Lingfeng's thorough documentation and praised some of his analyses while dismissing others.
Learning that the Crown Prince had tasked Lu Lingfeng with the Chang'an black tea case, Su Wuming proposed they collaborate, pointing out that his predecessor, Sheriff Wu Daqi, had also been drinking Chang'an black tea before his strange death. Su Wuming emphasized the synchronized appearance of Chang'an black tea and the bride disappearance cases a year ago, with one new bride missing and the tea's price changing each month, strongly suggesting a connection.
However, Lu Lingfeng, asserting his authority under the Crown Prince's direct order, angrily rejected the offer, ordering Su Wuming to leave and focus solely on the bride murders, as the monthly disappearances were causing widespread fear in Chang'an. Despite the rejection, Su Wuming noted the superior detail in Lu Lingfeng's personal records compared to official county files.
He concluded that the four bride bodies discovered in the cardinal directions of Chang'an suggested the killer deliberately disposed of them as part of a ritual, and that more bodies could likely be found with a diligent search.
Episode 3 Recap
With eight brides still missing, Su Wuming offered money to the constables of Chang'an County, who were initially reluctant to dig for bodies at his specified locations. He organized a meal for them and presented co-investigation documents for Wannian County. When the constables made various excuses such as a pregnant wife, poor eyesight, and a timid nature with an elderly mother to care for, Su Wuming highlighted that the missing brides' families had offered substantial rewards.
This promise of payment successfully persuaded the constables to agree to the task. Meanwhile, Lu Lingfeng led the Imperial Guards in raiding tea shops suspected of selling Chang'an black tea, apprehending numerous vendors. Lady Shiyi, having learned of Lu Lingfeng’s movements, instructed the Immortal Venerable to eliminate him, fearing that the investigation would cut off their lucrative tea business. The Immortal Venerable, in turn, awoke two dormant warriors from stone statues, tasking them with Lu Lingfeng's assassination.
Lu Tong, the Great General of the Imperial Guards, reprimanded Lu Lingfeng for independently sealing the tea market, asserting that tea affairs were beyond the Imperial Guards' jurisdiction. While Lu Lingfeng explained that he was acting on His Highness's orders, he lacked a written instruction from His Highness, and His Highness had remained silent when questioned by His Majesty in court.
Lu Tong warned Lu Lingfeng that this investigation could jeopardize his promising career and that no one could save him if he displeased His Majesty. Ultimately, Lu Tong permitted Lu Lingfeng to continue the investigation but forbade him from deploying any more Imperial Guard personnel. The county constables successfully located the bodies of the eight missing brides, earning them respect and a renewed commitment to their duties under Su Wuming.
Magistrate Yuan then approached Su Wuming, praising his detective skills and seeking advice on the numerous tea dealers arrested by the Imperial Guards. The Imperial Prison could not hold all of them, so many were sent to Chang'an County. Su Wuming advised releasing the dealers, stating that the Imperial Guards had overstepped their authority. He further noted that Her Highness also consumed Chang'an black tea, suggesting that holding the dealers might inadvertently offend her. Magistrate Yuan understood the implication.
Upon learning that Su Wuming had found the missing brides' bodies, Lu Lingfeng visited him at the Chang'an County Sheriff's residence early the next morning. Su Wuming explained that he had gleaned clues from folk tales and bizarre compilations. Though Lu Lingfeng initially scoffed, he decided to examine the books. Su Wuming then offered Lu Lingfeng some expensive Chang'an black tea, insisting that to investigate the case, one must first understand the tea itself.
After Lu Lingfeng observed the tea but did not drink it, Su Wuming, feigning poverty, demanded payment for the tea. He used this opportunity to borrow money from Lu Lingfeng, which he then distributed among the constables, telling them it was a reward from General Lu Lingfeng for future assignments.
Later, Su Wuming, correctly surmising that Lu Lingfeng was short on men after raiding the East and West Markets, offered him 19 Chang'an County constables for the Ghost Market operation, adding that he would make the 20th if not for his scholarly nature possibly being a burden. That night, Lu Lingfeng led the newly assembled team to the Ghost Market to investigate Chang'an black tea.
During the raid, they apprehended Wen Chao, the minister of the household, who was caught buying the tea. Lu Lingfeng ordered Wen Chao's arrest, despite his pleas. Outside one of the shops, Lu Lingfeng's team was ambushed by arrows, resulting in the death of the tea vendor they were questioning. He realized the archers were skilled fighters, not common thugs.
Meanwhile, Su Wuming and his servant Su Qian were also in the Ghost Market, prioritizing the spice investigation for the missing brides. Su Wuming encountered the chicken thief again, who, smelling the Soul Returning Incense on Su Wuming, mistook him for a ghost and fled. Su Wuming pursued him, realizing the thief's reaction was to the distinct scent he carried.
Lu Lingfeng and his remaining men arrived at Lady Shiyi’s establishment, a large and extravagant venue where music and dance filled the air. Seeing this, the Chang'an constables, eager to prove themselves, volunteered to lead the charge. Lu Lingfeng agreed, using them to test the defenses. Inside, Lady Shiyi calmly entertained guests, who were experiencing illusions from her free-flowing Chang'an black tea. As the constables charged in, Lady Shiyi dismissed her official guests and unleashed two formidable warriors.
The Immortal Venerable, present at the scene, taunted Lu Lingfeng, remarking on his family background and boasting that his warriors had "indestructible bodies," assuring Lu Lingfeng he would not leave alive. Lu Lingfeng ordered the constables to retreat, recognizing the overwhelming threat, and engaged the warriors with his three Imperial Guards. After a fierce fight, Lu Lingfeng discovered the warriors' vulnerability lay in their eyes and swiftly defeated them. However, he was then trapped in an iron cage.
He instructed his remaining subordinates, including Guo Zhuang, to quickly escape and report to His Highness to gather forces and eradicate the treacherous Ghost Market, while he braced himself to withstand a barrage of arrows. As arrows rained down, Su Wuming, still chasing the chicken thief, accidentally led them through a hidden tunnel that opened directly into Lu Lingfeng’s cage. Seizing the opportunity, Su Wuming and the chicken thief helped Lu Lingfeng escape through the tunnel.
During their flight, the chicken thief continued to fear Su Wuming, believing him to be a ghost because of the Soul Returning Incense emanating from him. Su Wuming clarified that the scent came from the red cloth used to wrap the non-decaying bodies of the brides, which he was investigating. The chicken thief then introduced himself as Fed, or "Chicken Fed" due to his love for eating chicken.
Su Wuming asked him about the origin of the Soul Returning Incense, but Fed feigned forgetfulness. Fed noticed Lu Lingfeng’s arrow wound was poisoned and offered to treat it, albeit with a condition. Su Wuming initially expressed doubt in Fed's medical abilities, citing his reputation as a petty thief. However, Fed proved his knowledge by mentioning the unique flora in Kang Yuanli's backyard at the West Market office, which Lu Lingfeng confirmed.
Lu Lingfeng, dismissing Su Wuming’s attempts to provoke him, agreed to trust Fed. Recognizing the arrow's poison, Fed then brazenly blackmailed Lu Lingfeng, demanding a chicken daily, and preferably wine, in exchange for his medical aid. Su Wuming tried to intercede, but Fed, distrusting him, insisted on Lu Lingfeng’s direct promise. Lu Lingfeng, appreciating Fed's "temper," agreed. Unaware of their escape, the Immortal Venerable and Lady Shiyi believed Lu Lingfeng would succumb to the poison by dawn.
Despite the loss of their tea stock, the Immortal Venerable remained unfazed, ordering the release of a "special batch of premium tea" for gold pre-orders on the eighteenth of the month, at a significantly inflated price, hinting that these events were part of a larger plan. As dawn approached, Su Wuming woke a weakened Lu Lingfeng, urging him to leave the Ghost Market. Lu Lingfeng, despite his serious wound, had recovered overnight, a testament to Fed's unique medical skills.
He thanked Fed, calling him a "great doctor," a title Fed disliked. Shortly after their escape, Magistrate Yuan met Su Wuming, expressing feigned concern about his "night visit to the Ghost Market."
Episode 4 Recap
Magistrate Yuan visited Su Wuming, expressing concern after hearing that Su Wuming had led a night expedition to the Ghost Market. Su Wuming, initially hesitant to confess, realized Magistrate Yuan already knew, having seen all nineteen county constables leave the previous night. He admitted to sending his men to assist the Imperial Guards and accepted any potential punishment.
Su Wuming explained his silence was due to the lack of progress and his narrow escape from death during two visits to the Ghost Market. Magistrate Yuan, impressed by Su Wuming's talent and courage, predicted a bright future for him and jokingly asked for future patronage. Su Wuming humbly responded that he would always follow the magistrate.
After Magistrate Yuan's departure, Su Wuming roused a sleeping Fei Jishi and took him to visit Kang Yuanli, the government official of the West Market. Finding Kang Yuanli out on patrol, Su Wuming and Fei Jishi, disregarding the servants' attempts to stop them, proceeded to the backyard. There, amidst numerous fragrant flowers, Fei Jishi confidently identified them as the raw material for Soul Returning Incense.
When Kang Yuanli returned, he stated that he was only growing the flowers for a businessman and could not part with any of them. As Su Wuming and Fei Jishi were about to leave, Kang Yuanli's servants caught Fei Jishi attempting to steal some flowers. Despite Su Wuming's protests that Fei Jishi was merely trying to get flowers for him and was not a thief, Kang Yuanli ordered Fei Jishi to be beaten.
Fortunately, Lu Lingfeng arrived just in time, asserting his authority as an Imperial Guard to halt the punishment and secure Fei Jishi’s release. At Su Wuming’s subtle suggestion, Lu Lingfeng also confiscated some of the flowers. Back at the sheriff's residence, Fei Jishi diligently processed the confiscated flowers, creating an incense powder that perfectly matched the scent of Soul Returning Incense.
Drawing upon his decades of experience living in the Ghost Market, Fei Jishi revealed that Kang Yuanli was cultivating these flowers for Yin Shilang, who purportedly used the incense to preserve his body, claiming it enabled him to become immortal and even travel between the mortal and immortal realms. Fei Jishi explained that the Ghost Market’s perpetual darkness made it impossible to grow such plants there, forcing Yin Shilang to rely on Kang Yuanli.
Su Wuming then speculated that the main ingredient of Chang'an black tea, the Western Magic Grass, was also being grown within Chang'an city walls, noting its status as a prohibited herb since the Sui Dynasty made outside importation impossible. He suspected the cultivation was occurring in one of the many large, empty courtyards sealed after the Rebellion of Queen Wei.
Meanwhile, Great General Lu Tong severely reprimanded Lu Lingfeng for the losses suffered during the Ghost Market raid, including three Imperial Guards and Lu Lingfeng's own injury. He stripped Lu Lingfeng of his command and ordered him confined to his residence to reflect on his actions, awaiting further punishment.
Undeterred, Lu Lingfeng continued his investigation from his quarters, telling Su Wuming that a year's records showed brides typically went missing at the beginning or end of each month, while new batches of Chang'an black tea appeared between the third and fifth days, indicating a clear link between the cases. Su Wuming concurred but lamented his lack of authority to search for the Western Magic Grass.
Lu Lingfeng, unfazed by his confinement, declared his intention to "sneak out through the window" during the day, as only daytime visits to suspicious vacant properties would not arouse suspicion. He secretly instructed Guo Zhuang to bring in Wen Chao, an adjutant for the census, whom they had apprehended buying tea in the Ghost Market, believing his role in managing civil affairs like marriages and funerals could yield crucial information.
Lu Lingfeng successfully investigated three suspicious courtyards and returned with samples, confirming they were indeed Western Magic Grass after consulting an encyclopedia. He intended to immediately report his findings to His Highness, the Crown Prince. However, Su Wuming cautioned against this, explaining that rumors already implicated the Crown Prince in the Imperial Guards' black tea investigations, and reporting prematurely without apprehending the main culprit would only further complicate matters for the Crown Prince.
Su Wuming offered the assistance of his county constables, praising their courage in the recent Ghost Market raid despite their initial inexperience. He reiterated his belief that Lu Lingfeng, with his exceptional martial skills, could capture the "Immortal Venerable" while the constables handled the lesser henchmen. Fei Jishi, having returned from the Ghost Market, reported that a special, exorbitantly priced batch of Chang'an black tea—one ingot of gold per liang—was scheduled for release on the 18th of the current month.
Su Wuming then visited Assistant Minister Pei Jian, informing him that Wen Chao, caught buying Chang'an black tea, had confessed that Pei Jian was the source of his funds. Pei Jian denied providing money but admitted knowing Wen Chao was buying the tea. Su Wuming presented the Western Magic Grass as definitive proof of the tea's illicit nature.
He revealed that Pei Jian had been receiving the tea from Wen Chao for some time, and given Wen Chao's modest salary, he could only afford such an expensive habit by exchanging lists of weddings and funerals for the tea. Su Wuming subtly warned Pei Jian of the potential repercussions from the Crown Prince.
During their conversation, Pei Jian's daughter, Pei Xijun, burst in, threatening to take her own life if her father did not allow her to travel to the Western Region to find General Xiao. Su Wuming intervened, claiming he possessed a "soul-summoning skill" that could bring General Xiao's spirit to meet her at midnight. He advised her to eat and prepare herself, to appear her best for her beloved. Moved by this possibility, Pei Xijun agreed.
Once she departed, Pei Jian threatened Su Wuming, but Su Wuming calmly explained his true intention was to cure Pei Xijun's "heart illness" and requested to borrow her cherished portrait of General Xiao. Su Wuming brought the portrait to Lu Lingfeng. They discussed the upcoming release of the special Chang'an black tea on the 18th, noting that the three days prior would be the Hungry-Ghost Festival.
Su Wuming suggested that the sequence of bride disappearances followed by tea releases indicated a nether marriage scheme was being employed to procure ingredients for the tea. He proposed using Pei Xijun as bait for a "nether marriage" to trap the culprits. Lu Lingfeng vehemently objected, unwilling to endanger her. Upon being pressed by Su Wuming, Lu Lingfeng reluctantly confessed: months ago, his cousin, Xiao Bozhao, was appointed General Mingwei and was to lead a campaign to the Western Region.
Pei Xijun hosted a farewell banquet, but Xiao Bozhao, preoccupied with courtesans, sent Lu Lingfeng in his stead. Lu Lingfeng, despite initially intending to expose his cousin's character, was so captivated by Pei Xijun’s elegance and intelligence that he could not bring himself to hurt her. Su Wuming persuaded Lu Lingfeng to maintain the charade and appear as General Xiao once more that night.
At midnight, Lu Lingfeng, as "General Xiao," emerged, dancing with his sword to the accompaniment of Pei Xijun’s zither. Pei Jian, witnessing the scene, found the swordsman vaguely familiar and was told by Su Wuming that the person in the painting was, in fact, Lu Lingfeng himself. Later, Lu Lingfeng, still confined, was visited by Fei Jishi, who complained that the sword dancing had reopened his arrow wound.
Fei Jishi then presented him with a detachable silver spear he had acquired from a tomb robber in the Ghost Market, having paid for it by "borrowing" Lu Lingfeng's jade tablet. Lu Lingfeng was delighted with the innovative weapon. Meanwhile, a messenger delivered an oral instruction from the Crown Prince to Lu Lingfeng: due to pressing state affairs, he could not meet Lu Lingfeng and advised him to obey Great General Lu Tong's order of confinement.
Elsewhere, Su Wuming observed the county constables diligently practicing their combat skills. They explained that witnessing the Imperial Guards’ heroic sacrifice, specifically the loss of two guards who died protecting them during the Ghost Market raid, had inspired them to train rigorously. They vowed to avenge their fallen comrades and never again disgrace Chang'an County. Su Wuming commended their determination, assuring them that the culprits had revealed their weaknesses and could be apprehended within three days.
In the shadows, Yin Shilang appeared at Wen Chao's home, gifting him Chang'an black tea and discussing his supposed ascension. Yin Shilang then requested a list of nether marriage candidates for the Hungry-Ghost Festival in three days, instructing Wen Chao to have it ready by midnight on the 14th of the seventh lunar month. Wen Chao presented a list, which included Pei Xijun's name.
Yin Shilang, having heard about Pei Xijun's intense grief for her deceased lover and Pei Jian's recent public denouncement of the "immortal tea" in court, declared that she would be the chosen one. He planned to use Pei Xijun as an ingredient for his "premium immortal tea" as retribution for her father's actions.
Episode 5 Recap
Pei Jian, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, told Su Wuming that he had offended most of the court officials, including the Princess and the Emperor, because of the Chang'an black tea. He expressed no regret, however, as his daughter, Pei Xijun, was the "apple of his eyes," and he would die without regret if it meant saving her. He explicitly requested Su Wuming, being Detective Di's disciple, to ensure Pei Xijun's safety during the upcoming nether marriage.
Su Wuming, who had orchestrated this nether marriage as a trap to capture the criminal mastermind, vowed with his life that Miss Xijun would remain unharmed. Pei Xijun, adorned in wedding attire, prepared for her nether marriage to General Xiao on the Hungry-Ghost Festival.
Believing she would finally reunite with her beloved, she declared her fearlessness, stating that even though the ceremony required passing through the Ghost Market, she would face mountains of knives and seas of fire to be with Xiao forever. Unbeknownst to her, Lu Lingfeng, disguised as General Xiao, accompanied the procession as part of Su Wuming's plan to protect her and capture the culprits.
As the palanquin traveled through the Ghost Market, a sudden gust of wind preceded the appearance of a monstrous beast. The crowd panicked, shouting about a "Tiger Subduing Beast," but Lu Lingfeng quickly realized it was an illusion, as no such creature capable of eating tigers could exist. He ordered the guards to protect the palanquin while he confronted the beast alone.
He successfully broke the illusion, revealing Lady Shiyi, who then engaged him in a swift sword fight before escaping. To everyone's astonishment, Pei Xijun vanished from the palanquin. At Chicken Fed's prompting, Lu Lingfeng ordered a check beneath the palanquin, revealing a hidden passage. He deduced she had been taken through an underground tunnel and prepared to follow. Chicken Fed handed Lu Lingfeng golden armor for protection and insisted on accompanying him into the dangerous, trap-filled passage.
Lu Lingfeng then instructed the other guards, though eager to help, to return. Meanwhile, Su Wuming visited Magistrate Yuan's residence, offering wine and food. Magistrate Yuan initially claimed he wasn't in the mood, but Su Wuming, citing his past experience with Detective Di during the Hungry-Ghost Festival, persuaded him to drink. After several cups, Magistrate Yuan pretended to be overcome by the alcohol and feigned sleep, hoping Su Wuming would leave.
Su Wuming, however, insisted on staying by his side, claiming it was his duty as a subordinate, akin to attending his own teacher. Exasperated, Magistrate Yuan abruptly suggested tea, then splashed a cup of blood on Su Wuming's face, causing him to seemingly collapse. Lady Shiyi then took the unconscious Su Wuming and placed him in a dark river to be fed to fish. Su Wuming later revealed that his fainting was a pretense.
He had long overcome his blood phobia while training with Detective Di, and the earlier feint at Pei Jian's house was merely to save face. He had suspected Magistrate Yuan since former Sheriff Wu Daqi's mysterious death and the disappearance of case files. Magistrate Yuan's subsequent attempts to subtly test Su Wuming about the missing brides and Chang'an black tea only strengthened his suspicion.
He had deliberately kept his suspicions hidden, choosing this moment to fully expose Magistrate Yuan after recognizing the "Immortal Venerable's" distinct voice during the Ghost Market incident. Su Wuming, having freed himself from the dark river where Lady Shiyi had intended to dispose of him, arrived at an underground altar where Pei Xijun was bound. He interrupted the "Immortal Venerable," identifying him as Magistrate Yuan (also known as Yin Shilang) and demanding he remove his Fang Xiang mask.
Magistrate Yuan complied, revealing his face and confirming Su Wuming's accusation that he was the mastermind behind the murders and the "evil tea" that plagued Chang'an. Magistrate Yuan confessed to killing former Sheriff Wu Daqi with an overdose of the "immortal tea" after Wu Daqi, despite his rough demeanor, meticulously traced the missing bride cases back to him. Su Wuming further deduced that the tea given to Wu Daqi was specially enhanced with Western Magic Grass.
Magistrate Yuan targeted brides for their "extreme yin" bodies, draining their blood from their heads to produce the tea, and placing Fang Xiang masks on their faces "to open the way for their souls." Magistrate Yuan affirmed his ambition, stating that within a year, all officials and royalty in Chang'an would be dependent on his Chang'an black tea for their lives, making him the undisputed ruler of the city.
Meanwhile, in the tunnels, Lu Lingfeng and his team were ambushed by five skilled archers dispatched by Lady Shiyi. Guided by Chicken Fed, who had extensively scouted the narrow side passages, Lu Lingfeng devised a strategy: one group created a diversion with makeshift cloth shields, another flanked the enemy, and the rest joined him in a direct assault, successfully eliminating all the archers with only one injury.
They then searched for the hidden entrance to the main lair, believing a massive stone wall at the end of the passage held the key. Magistrate Yuan, now revealed, bitterly recounted his grievances. As a descendant of a former Emperor from a noble family, he had diligently studied for ten years to become an official.
Despite his outstanding governance of the area west of Zhuque Street, his disabled leg was used as an excuse to deny him promotion, leaving him a "Capital County Magistrate" in his fifties while others took credit for his achievements. Unwilling to accept this fate, he created the Chang'an black tea using the blood of innocent people, intending to addict, cause hallucinations, and control officials at all levels to achieve his ultimate ambition of ruling Chang'an.
Suddenly, Lady Shiyi blew a whistle, causing two massive stone statues to shatter and reveal two members of "The Four Ghosts of Youli." Su Wuming immediately recognized them as the four assassins from the Youli Tribe who had attempted to assassinate the Empress during the Yonglong era. They had disappeared from the Chang'an County Prison after their capture, only to be secretly imprisoned and exploited by Magistrate Yuan.
Lu Lingfeng, fearless, reminded the constables that he had already killed two of "The Four Ghosts of Youli" and charged into battle against the remaining two. Despite some injuries among their team during the fierce fight, Chicken Fed provided crucial assistance, enabling Lu Lingfeng to defeat the last two "Four Ghosts of Youli" members. Witnessing the collapse of their forces, Lady Shiyi fled.
Enraged by his defeat, Magistrate Yuan lunged at Pei Xijun, intending to kill her as an act of revenge against her father, but Lu Lingfeng swiftly struck him down with an arrow, fatally wounding him and saving Pei Xijun, who was left in shock. Shortly after, Great General Lu Tong of the Imperial Guards arrived with his troops. He ordered his men to count the dead and take everyone alive for questioning.
Despite Su Wuming's explanations that he and Lu Lingfeng were investigating a criminal case, Lu Tong ordered both Su Wuming, the Sheriff of Chang'an, and Lu Lingfeng, the Imperial Guard Middle Commander, to be imprisoned in the Imperial Prison awaiting trial.
Episode 6 Recap
Pei Xijun awoke in her mansion, calling out for her "Xiao." Her servants confirmed her awakening, and her father, Pei Jian, reassured her. Recalling being saved, Pei Xijun excitedly declared that her "Xiao" was alive and had rescued her. Pei Jian affirmed that the person she referred to was indeed alive but clarified that it was not Xiao Bozhao, Minister Xiao's son, who had tragically perished in battle in the Western Region.
Instead, the man she held dear was Lu Lingfeng, the General of the Imperial Guards. Surprised, Pei Xijun repeated Lu Lingfeng's name and demanded to see him to understand the truth of the matter. Pei Jian regretfully explained that seeing him would be difficult, as Lu Lingfeng was currently imprisoned in the Imperial Prison. In the Imperial Prison, two envoys arrived simultaneously to summon the detainees.
Bai Shan, the Royal Steward of the Eastern Palace, came for Su Wuming, while Wei Fenghua, the Regimental Commander in the Princess' Palace, came for Lu Lingfeng. A brief dispute arose over who had priority, with Wei Fenghua emphasizing the Princess's demand for an immediate audience. Despite Bai Shan's initial thought that the Princess would want to see Su Wuming, Wei Fenghua insisted that the Princess's verbal instruction was explicitly for Lu Lingfeng.
Lu Lingfeng, observing the commotion, asked if the Crown Prince had inquired about him, but Bai Shan remained silent. Ultimately, Su Wuming was escorted by Bai Shan to see the Crown Prince, while Lu Lingfeng, after being instructed to bathe and change out of his bloodied clothes, which he initially resisted, was taken by Wei Fenghua to the Princess's Palace. At the Eastern Palace, Su Wuming greeted the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince, acknowledging Su Wuming as Detective Di's disciple, praised him for swiftly solving the black tea case that had troubled Chang'an for a year and affected many officials, promising to recommend him to His Majesty for commendation. However, when Su Wuming attempted to credit Lu Lingfeng as having the primary role, the Crown Prince grew stern.
He argued that Lu Lingfeng's reckless act of killing Yuan Lai, the culprit, just as the truth was about to be fully uncovered, likely made the case impossible to thoroughly investigate, thus stripping him of any claim to merit. The Crown Prince then summarily dismissed Su Wuming, cutting short his attempt to explain the circumstances of Yuan Lai's death. Meanwhile, at the Princess's Palace, Lu Lingfeng, now in fresh attire, paid his respects to the Princess.
She studied his features, noting a striking resemblance to someone she knew, but Lu Lingfeng confirmed he had never met her before, and their ages did not align. The Princess lauded Lu Lingfeng for his remarkable feat of killing the Youli Four Monsters, acknowledging that even a large army had struggled against them, though Lu Lingfeng humbly admitted to having many helpers. She then offered him a cup of "Chang'an black tea."
Though hesitant, fearing it was the poisonous "demon tea," Lu Lingfeng was compelled to drink under the Princess's unwavering gaze, who pointedly asked if he believed she was addicted. After he drank and noted the absence of any bloody taste, the Princess revealed that this was the genuine Chang'an black tea, a gift from His Majesty. She explained that Yuan Lai's concoction, made with bride's blood and Hades Grass, was a fraudulent imitation, a deception perpetrated in her name.
She expressed her sadness that Lu Lingfeng had believed the rumors and sympathized with his imprisonment despite his contributions, dismissing his self-blame. The Princess then declared her intention to generously reward General Lu. Back in the Imperial Prison, Lu Lingfeng reflected on his misjudgment of the Princess. Su Wuming, having returned from his audience, jokingly complained of being hungry, contrasting his treatment with the drinks offered to Lu Lingfeng.
Lu Lingfeng inquired if the Crown Prince had mentioned him, but Su Wuming stated that despite a lengthy conversation, Lu Lingfeng's name was never brought up, a revelation that deeply disappointed Lu Lingfeng. Soon after, Wei Fenghua returned with the Princess's instruction written by herself, ordering Lu Lingfeng's immediate release and commendation for his bravery, asserting he had committed no crime.
Lu Lingfeng, however, challenged Wei Fenghua's authority, pointing out that the Imperial Prison fell under the Imperial Guards' jurisdiction and adhered to its own rules. Wei Fenghua, labeling him arrogant, warned that he would report Lu Lingfeng's words to the Princess. Simultaneously, at the Pei mansion, Pei Jian, concerned for his daughter, inquired about her whereabouts.
His servant reported that Pei Xijun had escaped through her window, aided by the household servant Xue Huan, who had prepared a carriage for her. Upon his release from prison, Lu Lingfeng encountered Xue Huan waiting for him. Xue Huan politely invited Lu Lingfeng to join his lady for a reunion. Lu Lingfeng initially feigned unfamiliarity, claiming not to know Xue Huan's lady.
Pei Xijun then emerged, reminding him that she was the one he had saved the previous night and expressing her gratitude. Stating he had important matters, Lu Lingfeng attempted to depart, but Xue Huan tried to block him, arguing that Pei Xijun had waited for two hours. Lu Lingfeng, with a sarcastic remark about Xue Huan's bravery, bypassed him.
Pei Xijun, however, gracefully allowed him to leave, but reaffirmed her invitation, stating she had prepared a banquet at their first meeting place merely to toast him as a hero and express her profound gratitude, regardless of the hour. Lu Lingfeng then sought an audience with the Crown Prince to report the specifics of the Chang'an black tea case, emphasizing his original commission from the Crown Prince.
However, Bai Shan informed him that the Crown Prince was occupied with state affairs and had retired, refusing to see him. Feeling shunned and perplexed, Lu Lingfeng attempted to purchase wine to assuage his melancholy but was refused by a seller due to the impending curfew. With no other recourse, he accepted Pei Xijun's earlier invitation and went to her banquet. There, Pei Xijun offered no further questions, simply playing the zither while he drank.
Meanwhile, Su Wuming was once again summoned from the Imperial Prison by Wei Fenghua, who reminded him of a previous encounter when he conveyed the Princess's request for Su Wuming to investigate a lost item. At the Princess's Palace, the Princess sternly criticized Su Wuming for allowing widespread rumors targeting her to circulate concerning the black tea case.
She informed him that His Majesty had assigned the Dali Temple (Supreme Court) to take over the investigation, with the explicit instruction that the case details were not to be disclosed to avoid public panic. Furthermore, she revealed that Wen Chao, a Sihucanjun (Registrar/Accountant) implicated in the case, had been found dead at home, an incident His Majesty had ordered not to be further investigated.
The Princess then offered Su Wuming the vacant position of Chang'an County Magistrate, implying a desire for him to serve her. Su Wuming, however, gave a non-committal reply, stating that serving the Princess was akin to serving the court, and that he would dedicate himself to the court until his death. Angered by his evasiveness, the Princess ordered Su Wuming to be sent back to the Imperial Prison to reflect on his words.
Later that night, Lu Lingfeng, heavily intoxicated, was ambushed by Lady Shiyi on his return journey. As he pursued her, he was intercepted by Imperial Guards led by Great General Lu Tong, who accused him of violating the curfew. Lu Lingfeng indignantly asserted his rank and that he was pursuing an assassin, but Lu Tong dismissed his claims, stating he had only seen Lu Lingfeng running with a sword and ignoring warnings.
Lu Tong ordered Lu Lingfeng's arrest and re-imprisonment in the Imperial Prison, to await punishment for violating curfew. In the prison, Lu Lingfeng's return surprised Su Wuming, who jokingly accused him of returning to keep him company. Lu Lingfeng retorted by asking if Su Wuming had also been drinking, to which Su Wuming cheerfully confirmed he had enjoyed "divine nectar" at the Princess's Palace.
Later that same night, Assistant Minister Pei Jian arrived at the Imperial Prison, where he was greeted by Great General Lu Tong, who was also there on official orders. Pei Jian delivered an imperial edict to Su Wuming, appointing him as the Military Commander of Nanzhou, and instructing him to depart south immediately on foot, without the use of a horse or carriage.
This journey, Pei Jian explained, was at the Princess's behest, intended to provide Su Wuming with experience and time for reflection. Su Wuming expressed his gratitude and accepted the new assignment. Concurrently, Lu Tong delivered the Crown Prince's decree regarding Lu Lingfeng: for knowingly violating curfew, his crime was aggravated, warranting thirty strokes of the cane, confiscation of all his property, and expulsion from Chang'an.
An Imperial Guardsman attempted to object on Lu Lingfeng's behalf, but Lu Tong reiterated that the Crown Prince's personal order made the decision final and commanded the flogging to commence. After enduring his severe flogging, Lu Lingfeng was carried out of Chang'an by his loyal subordinate, Guo Zhuang. Lu Lingfeng, in a daze, instructed Guo Zhuang to return and report as Lu Tong had ordered, fearing punishment for him.
However, Guo Zhuang defiantly refused, expressing his profound disgust with Great General Lu Tong's jealousy and unfair treatment of Lu Lingfeng. He declared his unwavering loyalty, stating he would follow Lu Lingfeng wherever he went, refusing to return to such an unjust superior. Lu Lingfeng, utterly disheartened, ordered him to put him down. Suddenly, Chicken Fed appeared, loudly demanding the daily chickens Lu Lingfeng had promised, complaining he was famished for days.
Guo Zhuang, annoyed by Chicken Fed's lack of sensitivity towards the injured Lu Lingfeng, threatened him. But upon learning that Chicken Fed possessed healing skills, Guo Zhuang immediately apologized and promised to fetch him a chicken. Lu Lingfeng, however, was despondent and expressed a desire to die, refusing any medical treatment.
Chicken Fed vehemently urged him to reconsider, arguing that his current predicament was a clear setup, and to seek revenge, he needed to heal and survive, otherwise, his grievances would be buried with him. Stirred by the thought of revenge, Lu Lingfeng finally agreed to receive treatment. Meanwhile, Pei Jian visited Pei Xijun, who was found sketching a portrait of Lu Lingfeng.
She pleaded with her father to approve her marriage to Lu Lingfeng as a way to repay his life-saving kindness, dreaming of their union becoming a romantic legend in Chang'an. Pei Jian, however, delivered a crushing blow, revealing that Lu Lingfeng had been stripped of his official position, had his lands confiscated, and was expelled from Chang'an.
He pointed out that Lu Lingfeng's downfall was a direct consequence of Pei Xijun inviting him to drink and causing him to violate curfew. He grimly suggested that Lu Lingfeng would likely never want to see her again, and that she would not be able to see him even if she wished. Pei Jian decreed that Pei Xijun was to remain confined to her room, studying, playing music, and painting, while he would arrange a suitable marriage for her later.
He also ordered all back windows of her room to be nailed shut and guards to be posted. Recognizing Xue Huan's unwavering loyalty to Pei Xijun and his basic martial skills, Pei Jian assigned him to be her dedicated protector, instead of punishing him for aiding her escape.
Episode 7 Recap
Lu Lingfeng, recovering from his injuries, spoke with Guo Zhuang, telling him that his impassioned words from the previous night were not to be taken seriously. He reminded Guo Zhuang that his humble origins made joining the Imperial Guards an honor for his family, and he shouldn't abandon his post. Lu Lingfeng, believing Guo Zhuang to be a loyal and brave man, foresaw him achieving great things in the future.
Now a commoner himself, Lu Lingfeng asked Guo Zhuang to treat him as a brother and thanked him for his efforts in carrying him out of the capital. When Guo Zhuang expressed concern about locating Lu Lingfeng if Great General Lu Tong had a change of heart, Lu Lingfeng clarified that it was the Crown Prince who dismissed him from office and expelled him from Chang'an, not Lu Tong.
Guo Zhuang, knowing Lu Lingfeng had no money, offered him a purse containing funds pooled by his brothers, which Lu Lingfeng reluctantly accepted after some persuasion. Meanwhile, Su Wuming and his old servant, Uncle Qian, were traveling on foot towards Nanzhou. Su Wuming admired an unusual flower along the way. Suddenly, Lady Shiyi attacked them.
Su Wuming urged Uncle Qian to flee, but the loyal servant refused, even drawing a knife to defend his master, declaring he would rather die by Su Wuming's side. Su Wuming then revealed Lady Shiyi's true identity as Yin Shilang, the notorious figure from the Ghost Market. Yin Shilang confirmed it, then brutally killed Uncle Qian, who died protecting Su Wuming.
Yin Shilang explained his past, how he learned martial arts just to survive, wandering as a "half-man half-ghost" until he met an "Immortal Venerable" who treated him with dignity and allowed him to thrive in the Ghost Market. He recounted the Immortal Venerable’s promise that if he succeeded with the Chang'an black tea, the Emperor would crown him King of the Ghost Market. Now, with everything ruined, Yin Shilang sought to avenge his benefactor by killing Su Wuming.
Just as he was about to deliver the fatal blow, Lu Lingfeng arrived, despite his own injuries. A fierce struggle ensued, and Lu Lingfeng ultimately managed to slay Yin Shilang. Fee Jishi, who had also arrived, noted the impressive nature of Yin Shilang's disguise, remarking that his real face looked a dozen years older than his own. After Lu Lingfeng helped Su Wuming bury Uncle Qian, he turned his anger towards Su Wuming, accusing him of framing him.
Lu Lingfeng pointed out the injustice: he, Lu Lingfeng, was stripped of his position and exiled, while Su Wuming was promoted from a low-ranking sheriff to the Military Commander of Nanzhou, both stemming from the same case. Fee Jishi attempted to mediate. Su Wuming acknowledged that he couldn't immediately explain the situation, but insisted that the truth would eventually be revealed.
He referenced his teacher, Detective Di, and even hinted that the Chang'an black tea case held deeper, uninvestigated truths, possibly revealed in Yin Shilang's dying words. Su Wuming challenged Lu Lingfeng, stating he could either kill him if he truly believed he was framed, or join him on his journey to Nanzhou.
He reasoned that returning home in disgrace would lead to mockery from his noble clan, while life as a wandering commoner would be difficult without funds for basic necessities like food and lodging. He also reminded Lu Lingfeng of his promise to provide Fee Jishi with a chicken daily, emphasizing the importance of keeping one's word, a sentiment Fee Jishi heartily echoed. Lu Lingfeng eventually conceded that his predicament might not be entirely Su Wuming's doing.
Su Wuming then offered Lu Lingfeng a position as his "personal staff," promising to pay him from his own salary. Lu Lingfeng accepted, and despite his injuries, insisted on carrying Su Wuming's books, declaring that he would now be known as "Staff Lu," not General Lu Lingfeng. As Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng continued their journey on foot, Fee Jishi, tired of walking and the lack of chicken, was left behind.
At an inn, the waiter informed them that Fee Jishi had purchased a fast horse and departed earlier, leaving a note. Lu Lingfeng discovered his money bag was empty, confirming Fee Jishi's theft. In his letter, Fee Jishi confessed his inability to endure the arduous journey on foot, stating he had taken some money—enough for months of chicken—and promised to return for more if he ran out and was still alive, bidding them farewell.
Meanwhile, Pei Xijun, confined to her family's estate, called for Xue Huan, a household servant she had purchased when he was nine. She flattered him by claiming her painting skills also allowed her to read faces, and she had recognized his extraordinary potential. She even suggested he might be a descendant of the legendary General Xue Rengui, inspiring in him aspirations for military glory.
She then tested his courage by proposing they escape Chang'an together, daring him to inform her father if he was too afraid. Xue Huan agreed to her daring plan. Later, caught in a heavy downpour, Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng sought shelter at Gantang Post. Su Wuming noticed the post was not on his map, but Lu Lingfeng, seeing the imminent storm, insisted they stay.
The post's corvee, Liu Shiba, emerged, claiming the post was abandoned and haunted, and urged them to go to the new station ten miles away. Lu Lingfeng, however, pointed to the "Gantang Post" plaque and Liu Shiba's uniform, asserting it was an official establishment and demanding entry for a court official. He threatened flogging if Liu Shiba continued to refuse.
Liu Shiba explained he had been a corvee there for eight years and made the abandoned post his home three years prior. Despite his warnings, Lu Lingfeng insisted on staying. Liu Shiba, sarcastic about not being able to distinguish between an official and a commoner, led them inside, noting the main hall had been locked for years. Lu Lingfeng offered money, but Liu Shiba refused, citing official regulations and fear of legal repercussions.
Su Wuming introduced himself as the Military Commander of Nanzhou and Lu Lingfeng as his personal staff. Liu Shiba openly mocked Lu Lingfeng's self-appointed title, questioning his authority. He then agreed to prepare them some food, using his stored provisions. Su Wuming observed that Liu Shiba had a missing finger, which the corvee claimed was bitten off by a wild dog, a story Su Wuming found suspicious.
At dinner, Lu Lingfeng found the vegetable balls unappetizing and complained about not being given a superior room. Liu Shiba explained that the right superior room was "haunted," and the left was reserved for officials of the fifth rank or higher, or members of the esteemed Cui, Lu, Li, or Zheng families. Lu Lingfeng proudly declared his lineage from the Lu family of Fanyang.
Liu Shiba acknowledged his noble background but stated that as Su Wuming's personal staff, not a serving official, he still wasn't eligible for a superior room. Infuriated by Liu Shiba's perceived insolence, Lu Lingfeng was calmed by Su Wuming, who agreed to stay in the wing-room. Liu Shiba then strictly warned them that only the first room of the right wing-room was safe, forbidding them from occupying any other room.
Back in their shared wing-room, Lu Lingfeng, still fuming at Liu Shiba's "snobbery," refused to eat the vegetable ball. Su Wuming offered him a spare one, reminiscing about his own humble childhood diet. He also pointed out that the main hall, despite Liu Shiba's claim of being locked for years, had a spotless table, implying either Liu Shiba cleaned it or "ghosts" did.
Su Wuming then philosophized about renowned scholars being broad-minded, prompting Lu Lingfeng to lament his fallen status as merely Su Wuming's personal staff. Lu Lingfeng also expressed his discomfort sharing a bed with another man. Later, hearing a noise outside, Lu Lingfeng confronted Liu Shiba, who claimed he was merely checking if Su Wuming desired hot water for his feet, an excuse Lu Lingfeng found transparent. Dismissing the ghost stories, Lu Lingfeng left to investigate the other rooms.
Immediately after Lu Lingfeng's departure, Su Wuming fell into a deep sleep, dreaming that Liu Shiba was bagging his head. Around the same time, Colonel Yu, a military officer, arrived at Gantang Post with his retinue, demanding lodging. To Lu Lingfeng's shock, he recognized Colonel Yu's captive as Pei Xijun. Colonel Yu, after ordering his men to find Pei Xijun a room, took her into another room, making his intentions clear.
Episode 8 Recap
Colonel Yu secured Pei Xijun in a room, ordering the door to be tied shut with cloth, convinced that a frail girl would be unable to escape and would not require constant guarding. Before this, he had attempted to justify his abduction of her by claiming he was ensuring her safety on the dangerous road, a pretense Pei Xijun vehemently rejected. Separately, Colonel Yu’s soldiers attempted to seize chickens from the inn’s coop for their meal.
The innkeeper, Liu Shiba, desperately tried to dissuade them, arguing it was too late to prepare fresh chicken and he already had meat stewing. His pleas were ignored, and he was beaten by the soldiers as they proceeded to take the chickens. Inside the secured room, Pei Xijun observed that the windows were nailed shut, trapping her. Suddenly, Lu Lingfeng appeared, having cut the rope that held the door shut.
Pei Xijun was overjoyed, exclaiming she was unsure if she would ever see him again if not for her abduction by the "bastard colonel." Lu Lingfeng chastised her for sneaking out of Chang'an, fearing for her father’s worry, but Pei Xijun insisted she had left a letter and her father would understand. Their reunion was cut short by a giant python attacking them.
Lu Lingfeng fought the serpent, and with Pei Xijun’s quick action of tossing him a dagger, he successfully killed it. After the danger passed, Lu Lingfeng acknowledged that Pei Xijun had saved his life, and they both realized the python was likely the "unclean thing" Liu Shiba had warned about earlier.
Despite Liu Shiba’s repeated warnings about the right main room being haunted and the site of past deaths—the reason the inn was abandoned—Colonel Yu, enjoying his meal and drinks, insisted on taking it, claiming that alcohol would deter ghosts. Meanwhile, Lu Lingfeng found Xue Huan, who had been tied up, and freed him. Soon after, Cui Wuji, an eight-rank assistant of county magistrate from the prestigious Cui family of Qinghe, arrived at the inn.
He immediately dismissed the notion of the inn being abandoned, citing the lit lamps and presence of horses. Cui Wuji acted with immense arrogance, refusing to have his "noble horse" tied with ordinary ones and brushing off Colonel Yu’s attempts at courtesy. He openly declared that not "just anyone" could share a table with him and demanded the right main room for himself, dismissing Liu Shiba's warnings about its haunted nature.
When Colonel Yu tried to assert his claim to the room, Cui Wuji challenged him, reminding him of the Cui family's superior status even over ministers. Colonel Yu, intimidated by Cui Wuji's powerful lineage, reluctantly conceded the room. His subordinate questioned his forbearance, but Colonel Yu simply replied, "His surname is Cui," indicating his fear of the noble family's influence.
Xue Huan expressed profound gratitude to Lu Lingfeng and requested to become his disciple, aspiring to emulate his ancestor, Xue Rengui, and restore his family's glory. He revealed that Pei Xijun had deliberately tricked him into leaving Chang'an to find Lu Lingfeng, believing only he could help fulfill Xue Huan's ambition. Lu Lingfeng, concerned for Pei Xijun's safety, ordered Xue Huan to take her back to Chang'an.
Xue Huan, now regretting their perilous journey, confessed his fear, especially after their encounter with Colonel Yu, and echoed the suggestion to return. However, Pei Xijun refused, stating she would only return if Lu Lingfeng personally escorted her, or at the very least, if she could meet Su Wuming before departing the following morning. Su Wuming woke in a cold sweat from a disturbing dream.
Finding Lu Lingfeng absent from their room, he went to search for him, eventually discovering Colonel Yu and his men in the main hall. Upon learning that Su Wuming was the new Military Commander of Nanzhou and had previously served as a sheriff in Chang'an, Colonel Yu, who harbored ambitions of securing a post in the capital rather than continuing his arduous provincial training, compelled Su Wuming to drink with him and share gossip about Chang'an.
Lu Lingfeng soon returned, furious to find Su Wuming drinking with the man who had kidnapped Pei Xijun, and declared his intention to kill Colonel Yu. Colonel Yu, realizing Pei Xijun had escaped, quickly fabricated a story, claiming he had rescued her from her servant, Xue Huan, whom he accused of attempting to sell her to human traffickers. Despite Lu Lingfeng's vehement denial and assertion that Xue Huan was merely a child, Su Wuming, attempting to avert bloodshed, interceded.
He apologized for Lu Lingfeng's "reckless" misunderstanding and, feigning acceptance of Colonel Yu's story, urged Lu Lingfeng to temporarily back down. Colonel Yu then noticed Cui Wuji's room was silent and decided to check on him. He concluded that Cui Wuji, a coward, must have overheard the commotion and fled, opting not to pursue him further.
Rejoining Pei Xijun and Xue Huan in their room, Su Wuming declared that the Gantang Post was dangerous, filled with treacherous people, and urged them to leave immediately. Just then, Colonel Yu and his men arrived, demanding to see Su Wuming's official certificate. Su Wuming refused, explaining that as a Military Commander, his certificate was meant for the prefectural governor of his appointed state, not for a chance encounter with a Colonel.
Colonel Yu, despite being a higher-ranking official, had no authority to demand it. Infuriated, Colonel Yu falsely accused Lu Lingfeng, who was armed, of being a dangerous fugitive and ordered his men to execute them on the spot. Lu Lingfeng, despite a previous injury, quickly shielded Su Wuming, Pei Xijun, and Xue Huan, pushing them back into the room.
He then instructed Su Wuming and Xue Huan to barricade the door and protect Pei Xijun while he confronted Colonel Yu and his armed forces outside. Colonel Yu, observing Lu Lingfeng's injury, ordered his men to use a "wheel-battle" tactic to exhaust and eventually kill him. During the intense fight, Pei Xijun rushed out of the room and was instantly seized.
She quickly announced her identity, revealing herself as Pei Xijun, daughter of Pei Jian, the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, from the influential Hedong Pei family. She declared she did not want to see any more bloodshed, especially not Lu Lingfeng, whom she had once loved, die before her eyes. She explained her flight from Chang'an was to elope with Lu Lingfeng, but she now believed he was a "bloodthirsty killer" only interested in her family's wealth.
To Colonel Yu, she presented a proposition: as her father controlled official appointments, if he ceased the attack immediately and escorted her back to Chang'an by morning, she would personally ensure he received a coveted position in the capital, freeing him from his provincial training duties. She further bolstered her credibility by revealing her knowledge of Lu Lingfeng's injury, explaining it was sustained from killing the "Ghost Four" in Chang'an, who were renowned masters.
Colonel Yu, swayed by the prospect of advancement and impressed by her knowledge and aristocratic demeanor, apologized for his earlier actions and ordered his men to stand down and allow Lu Lingfeng and Su Wuming to leave. Su Wuming, seizing the opportunity, reinforced the idea of a peaceful withdrawal, noting Pei Xijun's stated intention to no longer "cling" to Lu Lingfeng. As Lu Lingfeng and Su Wuming left the inn, Su Wuming explained his true plan to Lu Lingfeng.
He feared that Lu Lingfeng, consumed by his past grievances and anger, might go on a killing spree, leaving no path to redemption. Pei Xijun's dramatic intervention was a calculated move to buy them time. Su Wuming revealed that Colonel Yu had previously kidnapped another woman before Pei Xijun, only to throw her off a cliff when Pei Xijun's beauty caught his eye. This act of murder, combined with Pei Xijun's abduction, would be sufficient to convict Colonel Yu.
Su Wuming planned to report the crime to the authorities, and with official backing, Lu Lingfeng, using his skills as the former General of the Imperial Guards, could then capture Colonel Yu alive. Su Wuming instructed Lu Lingfeng to remain hidden near the inn to protect Pei Xijun. They had a pre-arranged signal: if the light in Pei Xijun's left main room went out, it meant she was in danger, and Lu Lingfeng was to immediately rescue her.
Su Wuming then departed on a white horse to report the crime at Gantang County. The following morning, Su Wuming returned to the inn with Sheriff Su of Gantang County, who was his relative. He informed Lu Lingfeng that Pei Xijun's room light had remained on throughout the night, indicating her safety, and that he had secured his luggage and books.
Together with Sheriff Su, they entered the inn, only to find Pei Xijun and Xue Huan safe and sound, but Colonel Yu and all his men had vanished without a trace. Lu Lingfeng then approached Pei Xijun, asking how her night had been.
Episode 9 Recap
As Lu Lingfeng searched the inn, he was assailed by a disgusting smell. Following it, he discovered Liu Shiba boiling human heads in a room. Lu Lingfeng recognized one head as Colonel Yu's, and Liu Shiba then revealed the other was Cui Wuji of Qinghe, who had arrived later and insisted on staying at Gantang Post.
Su Wuming, recalling his disturbing dream, questioned Liu Shiba about an icehouse filled with meat and a man in a red robe, but Liu Shiba denied their existence. He suggested Su Wuming was experiencing hallucinations, a common occurrence at Gantang Post, and even recounted his own dreams of imperial examination success.
When Lu Lingfeng ordered Liu Shiba's arrest, Su Wuming intervened, asking how the murders occurred since Pei Xijun and Xue Huan, staying in the left main room, heard no commotion. Liu Shiba explained he drugged his victims with incense before beheading them, causing no sound. When pressed about the location of the bodies and the other missing people, Liu Shiba revealed his motive: they killed his Bai, the white python.
It was then that Lu Lingfeng admitted to killing the python because it had tried to harm him. Enraged, Liu Shiba cursed Lu Lingfeng, claiming he was the one who deserved to die, and then claimed his snakes had eaten the other bodies. After learning that Lu Lingfeng killed his white python, Liu Shiba, realizing he had punished the wrong people, demanded to be released. Su Wuming, seeking to uncover the fate of the remaining victims, allowed it.
With a whistle, Liu Shiba summoned numerous pythons, startling everyone. As the guards prepared to kill the snakes, Pei Xijun intervened, arguing that the pythons were spiritual and innocent. Su Wuming agreed, suggesting that Gantang Post might have originally been their territory, and advised a retreat. Lu Lingfeng, frustrated, attempted to burn the inn, but Su Wuming stopped him, emphasizing that crucial mysteries remained unsolved, and burning the place would forever hide the truth.
Sheriff Su confirmed that as an official property, burning it would be indefensible. He offered to take Liu Shiba into custody and investigate the case, promising to find the truth and punish the murderer. Su Wuming revealed that he suspected more victims, including a wandering monk, and now believed Liu Shiba to be truly evil. Trusting Sheriff Su, Su Wuming bid him farewell. As they prepared to depart, Pei Xijun insisted on accompanying them to Nanzhou.
Lu Lingfeng voiced his disapproval, but Su Wuming, asserting his authority as the commander, stated he had invited her for a trip. Su Wuming then explained that due to a princess's decree, he was forbidden from riding a horse or carriage to Nanzhou, needing to walk the journey. Quick-witted, Pei Xijun suggested that Xue Huan could ride a horse, with Su Wuming riding behind him, thus adhering to the decree. She then asked Lu Lingfeng to drive her carriage.
Despite his initial reluctance, Lu Lingfeng accepted, and the group set off. Upon arrival in Nanzhou, which Lu Lingfeng found surprisingly bustling despite its supposed remoteness, Xue Huan explained it was a prosperous hub, the "Chang'an and Luoyang of the south." They proceeded to the prefectural governor's mansion. Prefectural Governor Xiong Qiannian, after chastising his Administrator Luo for not waiting longer at the city gates, warmly welcomed Su Wuming.
Recognizing Su Wuming as Detective Di's disciple and a princess's envoy from Chang'an, Xiong Qiannian showed great respect, despite his higher rank. During the welcome, Xiong Qiannian recognized Lu Lingfeng, despite his claim of being Su Wuming's attendant, acknowledging him as Lu Lingfeng of Fan Yang, a renowned noble family. He also realized Pei Xijun was the daughter of Assistant Minister Pei Jian, which raised his concern, but she quickly assured him her visit was merely for sightseeing.
At the feast in Wangbin Restaurant, Chicken Fed, who had stolen Lu Lingfeng's travel money and arrived half a month early, made a boisterous entrance. He proudly declared that Governor Xiong had treated him well after he revealed Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng's identities. Lu Lingfeng initially chastised him for stealing, but Chicken Fed, having received money from Governor Xiong, paid him back with interest. Governor Xiong clarified that he treated all visitors from the capital well.
Su Wuming, apologizing for his subordinate's behavior, was then treated to a Nanzhou specialty, "The Young and the Old Together". Meanwhile, Pei Xijun had politely declined the feast, preferring to share their first meal in Nanzhou with Xue Huan at the Commander's Residence as a token of gratitude for his help. She presented him with a painting titled "The Young and the Old Together," depicting Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng from behind, wishing them success.
Xue Huan expressed his admiration for Su Wuming's wisdom and Lu Lingfeng's bravery, feeling his journey was worthwhile. He confessed that while he initially disliked Lu Lingfeng's arrogance, he was impressed by his martial arts prowess, especially at Gantang Post, and wished to learn from him to protect Pei Xijun. Pei Xijun, recalling Xue Huan's claim of being a descendant of Xue Rengui, encouraged him to become Lu Lingfeng's disciple and offered to prepare the traditional "master-apprenticeship gift" for him.
During a lull in the banquet, Su Wuming inquired about his old friend, the calligrapher Yan Yuanfu. Governor Xiong's expression turned somber as he revealed that Yan Yuanfu had died seven days prior and his funeral was being held that very day. The remaining three "Nanzhou Four Scholars"—tea master Zhong Boqi, guqin master Lu Gongfu, and poet Leng Ji—were mourning him. Zhong Boqi carried the coffin, Lu Gongfu played his ancient guqin, and Leng Ji scattered paper money.
As the funeral procession moved, a guqin player named Lin Bao, who had repeatedly sought to become Lu Gongfu's disciple, brazenly blocked their path to make his ninth plea. Lu Gongfu, disgusted by the timing, ordered him away. When Lin Bao accused him of refusing because he had played in brothels, Lu Gongfu publicly humiliated him, stating his refusal was due to Lin Bao's utter lack of talent, not his past.
He declared that his art would rather perish without a successor than be passed to someone so mediocre. Infuriated by the public shaming, Lin Bao vowed revenge. Su Wuming, deeply saddened by the news of his friend's passing, joined Governor Xiong and Administrator Luo to pay his respects. Governor Xiong recounted how Yan Yuanfu had proudly returned to Nanzhou from Chang'an because of the unbreakable bond among the Nanzhou Four Scholars.
He mentioned a famous painting, "The Stone Bridge," depicting the four, which was owned by Ouyang Quan, the proprietor of the Wangbin Restaurant. Ouyang Quan, who had always revered Yan Yuanfu as a kindred spirit and longed to join the scholars as a "Wine Immortal" to form the "Nanzhou Five Scholars," privately mourned at home, knowing his dream was now shattered by Yan Yuanfu's death and his status as a merchant.
Meanwhile, Lu Li, an antique dealer, repeatedly tried to purchase "The Stone Bridge" from Ouyang Quan, but was always rebuffed. Lu Li, discussing the painting with his servant, mused that Nanzhou held only "one and a half" treasures: "The Stone Bridge" as the full treasure, and Lu Gongfu's Three Kingdoms guqin as the half, because its true brilliance could only be unlocked by Lu Gongfu himself.
Chicken Fed boasted about his ability to manage affairs, suggesting he become their vanguard wherever they went. Pei Xijun presented Su Wuming with the painting of him and Lu Lingfeng, which Su Wuming praised, though Lu Lingfeng warned him against mentioning past romantic misunderstandings that the painting evoked. Su Wuming then asked Lu Lingfeng to persuade Pei Xijun to return to Chang'an, concerned about her reputation if she stayed.
Pei Xijun also gave Lu Lingfeng a ceremonial sword, a gift from her and Xue Huan, claiming it was left by a former Nanzhou Colonel. Lu Lingfeng initially refused, deeming himself unworthy, but Su Wuming and Chicken Fed teased him, reminding him of his "contributions" driving the carriage, and he reluctantly accepted. Chicken Fed then jokingly suggested Lu Lingfeng marry Pei Xijun, which angered Lu Lingfeng.
Pei Xijun interceded, promising to fulfill any past promises Lu Lingfeng had made to Chicken Fed, effectively taming the eccentric man. Later that night, as Lu Lingfeng practiced with his new sword, he discovered Xue Huan secretly watching. Xue Huan admitted he wanted to learn martial arts from him to protect Pei Xijun. Lu Lingfeng, still viewing Xue Huan as lacking grand ambition, initially refused.
However, Xue Huan challenged Lu Lingfeng's arrogance, arguing that lofty ambitions are meaningless without grounding in reality, and that someone who can adapt and excel in their current situation is truly remarkable. He pointed out Lu Lingfeng's disdain for Nanzhou, despite the local officials' respect, reminding him of his current status as Su Wuming's staff. Impressed by Xue Huan's unexpected wisdom, Lu Lingfeng agreed to take him as a disciple and teach him martial arts.
Governor Xiong Qiannian found Lu Lingfeng's presence a dilemma, unsure how to assign him duties given his noble background and current status as a personal staff. Su Wuming clarified that Lu Lingfeng was sent by the Crown Prince for training and could be assigned any task. Governor Xiong then suggested Lu Lingfeng temporarily fill the vacant position of Minister of Justice, responsible for capturing thieves, as the previous one was in mourning and a replacement would take time.
Lu Lingfeng, conscious of his "sinner" status, expressed concern that accepting the post might implicate Governor Xiong if discovered by the capital. Su Wuming, citing the backlog of old cases, insisted that the position could not remain empty and took full responsibility for the decision. Lu Lingfeng agreed to the temporary appointment but stipulated that Su Wuming must send Pei Xijun back to Chang'an to avoid gossip.
The next morning, Su Wuming began attempting to persuade Pei Xijun to return, citing Nanzhou's humid climate and Governor Xiong's offer of an escort. Pei Xijun, however, perceived his words as an attempt to drive her away.
Episode 10 Recap
Su Wuming called Pei Xijun to discuss sending her back to Chang'an. Pei Xijun understood he was concerned about her reputation, but she was reluctant to leave. Su Wuming then admitted he did not want to cater to Lu Lingfeng's wishes and had thought of a way to resolve the situation, though he felt it might be a bit presumptuous towards Pei Xijun.
Pei Xijun had initially considered renting a small courtyard with Xue Huan near the Commander's residence to avoid inconveniencing Su Wuming, but Su Wuming insisted that as the Military Commander of Nanzhou, it was not Lu Lingfeng's place to dictate who lived in his residence. Meanwhile, Lu Lingfeng presented Xue Huan with an unsharpened sword, explaining that a sharpened blade was for killing, which was too brutal for a young lad.
He promised to teach Xue Huan practical martial arts that night, implying it might be the last time he could train him before Pei Xijun’s potential departure back to the capital. The next day, Prefectural Governor Xiong arrived at the Commander's residence for a celebration, having been invited by Su Wuming. Lu Lingfeng, unaware of any good news, assumed the gathering was a farewell feast for Pei Xijun. Master Fei proudly presented a table laden with Nanzhou's famous delicacies.
When Su Wuming announced that he and Pei Xijun had become sworn brother and sister, Lu Lingfeng accused him of currying favor with Assistant Minister Pei for future career advancement. Master Fei initially agreed with Lu Lingfeng, but Pei Xijun's attempt to defend Su Wuming was halted by Su Wuming himself, who chose to admit to the accusation. Despite this, Lu Lingfeng remained unconvinced of Su Wuming's sincerity.
The celebration took on a dual significance as Xue Huan also publicly declared his apprenticeship to Lu Lingfeng, who had given him the sword the previous night. Everyone at the feast, except for a disgruntled Lu Lingfeng, was delighted by the "double happiness." Later, as they drank tea, a Nanzhou specialty known for its elaborate ceremony designed by Zhong Boqi of the Nanzhou Four Scholars, news arrived that Lu Gongfu, the Master of Guqin, had died the previous night.
As they hurried to Lu Gongfu's mourning hall, they encountered Ouyang Quan, a merchant, leaving after paying his respects, stating he did not want to disturb the respected scholars. An administrator remarked that Ouyang Quan would be particularly saddened, as the painting "The Stone Bridge" in his possession would now be worthless.
Inside, Zhong Boqi explained that Lu Gongfu had succumbed to "heartache" from profound grief after Yan Yuanfu's death, even breaking the strings of his ancient Guqin while playing at Yuanfu's grave. Lu Lingfeng found the sudden death suspicious, as he had recently seen Lu Gongfu in good health and heard his vigorous Guqin playing, suggesting no prior illness.
He proposed an autopsy to determine the cause of death, but Leng Ji vehemently refused, even threatening to die himself if they insisted on disturbing his deceased brother. Prefectural Governor Xiong and his administrator advised Lu Lingfeng to proceed cautiously, acknowledging the immense influence of the Nanzhou Four Scholars. While Su Wuming agreed that an autopsy was justifiable, he suggested Lu Lingfeng should have provided his reasons beforehand to gain trust.
He also pointed out the strange disappearance of Lu Gongfu's ancient Guqin, prompting Zhong Boqi to question Leng Ji about the missing instrument and if he was withholding information. Leng Ji, however, remained silent, appearing troubled.
Meanwhile, Lu Li, a wealthy merchant from Chang'an, who had already acquired one "half of a treasure"—Lu Gongfu's ancient Guqin—was determined to obtain "The Stone Bridge" painting, which Ouyang Quan refused to sell despite Lu Li's generous offers over the past four or five years. Lu Li declared he would no longer seek out Ouyang Quan, but would wait for the painting to be delivered to him.
Lu Lingfeng later summoned Ouyang Quan for questioning at the prison after Ouyang Quan avoided him at Wangbin Building. Lu Lingfeng brought up Ouyang Quan's past attempts to join the Nanzhou Four Scholars as the "God of Wine," a reincarnation of Liu Ling, only to be ridiculed and rejected by Lu Gongfu. This public humiliation, which Ouyang Quan admitted a cowherd had witnessed, was suggested as a motive for murder.
However, Ouyang Quan denied killing Lu Gongfu, providing multiple witnesses who could testify to his presence at home the night of the death. Lu Lingfeng accepted his alibi and released him, but ordered his constables, Headman Huang and Headman Xie, to keep Ouyang Quan under close surveillance, stating he had his reasons. Lu Lingfeng also recalled Lin Bao, the disgruntled Guqin player who had been publicly scorned and threatened revenge on Lu Gongfu.
Although patrols had been sent to Lin Bao’s house, he was not found. However, it was known that Lin Bao's lover was the top girl at Zixia Building, a brothel. Lu Lingfeng, upon learning that the brothel had been surrounded by constables, ordered them to withdraw, deeming the approach ineffective. That night, Su Wuming requested the assistance of Master Fei and Pei Xijun for a secret task, instructing them to rest until called upon.
At Lu Gongfu's mourning hall, Leng Ji was keeping vigil. When Zhong Boqi, feeling unwell, excused himself to rest, Leng Ji was left alone. Pei Xijun and Master Fei, disguised as the Black and White Guards of the underworld, appeared and lured Leng Ji away with their eerie pronouncements about taking Lu Gongfu's soul.
With Leng Ji distracted, Su Wuming entered the mourning hall and discreetly examined Lu Gongfu's body, discovering a clear wound on his chest, which contradicted the reported cause of death by heartache. Lu Lingfeng had sent Xue Huan to Zixia Building to apprehend Lin Bao. Xue Huan confronted Lin Bao, who was attempting to flee Nanzhou with his lover, Aman. Lin Bao mocked Xue Huan's unsharpened sword and resisted arrest, boasting about having killed before with his own dagger.
As Lin Bao tried to escape, he was ambushed by a black-clad assassin, Tu Yanpi, who intended to kill him for a reward. Lu Lingfeng arrived just in time, and guided Xue Huan, who used a bamboo stick, to skillfully subdue and capture Lin Bao. Under interrogation, Lin Bao confessed that after being publicly humiliated by Lu Gongfu, he had harbored murderous intent. He admitted to sneaking into Lu Gongfu’s home that night and stabbing him in his sleep.
However, he claimed that in his panic, he fled without taking the ancient Guqin, and had regretted not taking it later. Lu Lingfeng, suspecting he was lying about the Guqin, ordered his constables to use torture to extract the truth. Lu Lingfeng then interrogated the captured assassin, Tu Yanpi, who revealed that he had been hired by Zhong Boqi and Leng Ji.
His task was to capture Lin Bao, extract a confession for Lu Gongfu's murder, and deliver him to Lu Gongfu’s mourning hall at midnight five days later. The scholars intended to carry out a private execution of Lin Bao before Lu Gongfu's burial. Enraged by the hypocrisy of these "scholars" who resorted to hiring a hitman and planning a private execution, Lu Lingfeng immediately ordered the arrest of Zhong Boqi and Leng Ji.
The following morning, Pei Xijun expressed concern to Su Wuming about Lu Lingfeng and Xue Huan, who had not returned all night, though she feigned concern for Xue Huan's youth. Su Wuming teased her about her true feelings for Lu Lingfeng. To cheer her up, Su Wuming offered to take her to Ouyang Quan's residence to admire "The Stone Bridge."
Upon arrival, Ouyang Quan, who had just woken from a recurring nightmare about Lu Gongfu and Yan Yuanfu haunting him, informed them that he had sold the painting yesterday to a Persian merchant who was traveling to Luoyang via Nanzhou.
Episode 11 Recap
After leaving Ouyang Quan's residence, Pei Xijun expressed her belief that he was lying about selling "The Stone Bridge" to a Persian merchant. She explained that Persian, Arabian, and Sogdian merchants in the Tang Dynasty were primarily known for appraising and trading jewelry, with very few showing interest in calligraphy and painting, even in Chang'an, let alone Nanzhou.
She suspected that Ouyang Quan's lie was related to the Nanzhou Four Scholars' consecutive deaths, which might make the painting seem ominous and worthless. Suddenly, Xue Huan arrived, informing Su Wuming that Lu Lingfeng had already solved the murder case. Su Wuming and Pei Xijun then hurried back. At Nanzhou Prison, Lu Lingfeng presented his findings to Prefectural Governor Xiong, Administrator Luo, and Su Wuming. He declared that Lu Gongfu was murdered and did not die from illness or grief.
After the group examined the body, Governor Xiong and Administrator Luo acknowledged Lu Gongfu was indeed killed, praising Lu Lingfeng's brilliance. Lu Lingfeng then stated the murderer was Lin Bao, the Guqin player, who had already confessed, and the dagger used was recovered. He lamented the Guqin master's tragic end and the potential harm to the Nanzhou Four Scholars' reputation. He then brought Zhong Boqi and Leng Ji to confront the assassin, Tu Yanpi.
Tu Yanpi confirmed that Zhong Boqi paid him and Leng Ji instructed him to capture Lin Bao, torture him for a confession, and eventually execute him at Lu Gongfu's mourning hall during the burial. Leng Ji confessed that after drinking with Zhong Boqi that night, he, feeling unfulfilled, went to another tavern for an hour before seeking out Lu Gongfu. Upon arriving at Lu Gongfu's residence, he discovered his friend was dead.
Fearing that the news of Nanzhou Four Scholars dying violent deaths would ruin their reputation and become a laughingstock, he decided to conceal the truth, even changing Lu Gongfu's clothes himself. When Zhong Boqi questioned him about why he hid the murder, Leng Ji reiterated his concern for their reputation and suggested that Lu Gongfu's missing Guqin might indicate the motive.
He then recalled Lin Bao, who had tried to become Lu Gongfu's disciple, thinking Lin Bao might be the killer out of revenge for Lu Gongfu's public rejection. Lu Lingfeng condemned Zhong Boqi and Leng Ji for concealing the murder and hiring delinquents to lynch Lin Bao. Governor Xiong intervened, requesting leniency, as the Nanzhou Four Scholars represented the face of Nanzhou.
Lu Lingfeng, understanding the Governor's implicit request, agreed to release them, though he maintained Lin Bao was the murderer. He insisted that the details of Lu Gongfu's murder be made public and that Lin Bao be publicly executed. Su Wuming, however, believed it was too soon to conclude Lin Bao was the killer. He dismissed Governor Xiong and Administrator Luo and released Zhong Boqi and Leng Ji, stating he needed to question Lin Bao.
During his interrogation, Lin Bao, fearing more torture, confessed to killing Lu Gongfu with a dagger but denied stealing the Guqin. When asked about the time, he said it was "a little past 1 a. m. ," as he heard the night watchman's bell when he entered Lu's courtyard. He found Lu Gongfu sleeping on his back on the bed and stabbed him in the left chest, noting that Lu Gongfu died instantly without any reaction.
Su Wuming then explained to Lu Lingfeng that a living person stabbed would show bright, wide, blood-stained wounds with tightened skin, while a post-mortem stab would result in intact, pale flesh due to lack of blood circulation. He accused Lu Lingfeng of never conducting an autopsy, merely deducing the crime backward after arresting Lin Bao. Lu Lingfeng admitted he hadn't called a coroner.
Following Su Wuming's prompt, Lu Lingfeng re-examined the body and discovered a deep, dark strangulation mark on Lu Gongfu's neck, starting from the throat and not intersecting at the back of the head, along with bleeding in the eyelids and purple lips, indicating he was strangled with an object. Lu Lingfeng, acknowledging his grave error, offered to resign as acting Minister of Justice. Su Wuming then questioned Lu Lingfeng about the missing Guqin, which Lin Bao denied stealing.
Lu Lingfeng admitted he had overlooked it, believing it wasn't directly relevant to the case. A bailiff then reported to Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng that, following Lu Lingfeng's earlier instruction to monitor Ouyang Quan, Ouyang Quan was seen going to Treasure House, sighing upon leaving. Later, the owner, Lu Li, left with two items: a box Ouyang Quan had brought and Lu Gongfu's "Guqin of the Three Kingdoms Period."
Su Wuming deduced the box likely contained "The Stone Bridge" painting, emphasizing that both the painting and the Guqin were crucial to solving the case, and ordered Lu Lingfeng to pursue and retrieve them quickly. Lu Lingfeng, accompanied by Xue Huan and others, chased Lu Li's carriage. Lu Li, having paid swordsmen to protect him, ordered them to stop the pursuers while he fled ahead with two others on horseback.
After a struggle where Xue Huan was injured and some of Lu Li's men were subdued, Lu Lingfeng continued the chase on horseback, eventually apprehending Lu Li in a field of rapeseed flowers, seizing both the painting and the Guqin. Back at Nanzhou Prison, Lu Li was interrogated. He vehemently denied killing anyone.
He explained his haste to reach Chang'an was to sell "The Stone Bridge" before news of the Nanzhou Four Scholars' deaths reached the capital, fearing it would devalue the painting. He confessed to buying "The Stone Bridge" from Ouyang Quan for thirty thousand copper coins, after Ouyang Quan claimed it was water-damaged and he had repaired it. Regarding the "Guqin of the Three Kingdoms Period," Lu Li admitted he stole it from Lu Gongfu's residence.
He recounted that after visiting his lover, a woman named Mi whose husband was a night watchman, he passed by Lu Gongfu's house around "4 a. m." Seeing the main gate open, he went in to ask for water. Finding no one, his passion for antiques led him to steal the Guqin, but he did not see Lu Gongfu.
Further investigation confirmed that Lu Li's lover, Mi, indeed had a night watchman husband, and Lu Li consistently left her home around "4 a. m." This meant Lu Li arrived at Lu Gongfu's house after Lin Bao and after the beggar. Su Wuming expressed that the case was becoming more complex, suggesting the murderer was likely already within their sight, and they might have missed crucial details.
Lu Lingfeng then realized his earlier idea of posting a public notice, which Su Wuming had stopped him from doing when he wrongly accused Lin Bao, could now be repurposed. Su Wuming agreed, proposing to publicize the truth of Lu Gongfu's murder and offer a generous reward for information. He called it the most direct and effective way to solve perplexing cases. The notice prompted a beggar to come forward.
He claimed he regularly begged for food from Lu Gongfu through his back window, who was a kind man often sharing food from banquets. On the night Lu Gongfu died, around "midnight," he went to Lu Gongfu's house and witnessed a monk strangling Lu Gongfu. Lu Lingfeng suggested investigating all monks associated with the Nanzhou Four Scholars, especially those close to Lu Gongfu. Su Wuming stressed the importance of paying attention to "details," as they were key to the investigation.
Back at the Sima's residence, Pei Xijun was examining "The Stone Bridge" painting. She observed that Ouyang Quan had deceived Lu Li because the painting wasn't water-damaged. Instead, the "rocks and bamboos" in the lower right corner were a later addition to conceal an original figure, which she sketched out. The figure clearly resembled Ouyang Quan.
Su Wuming theorized that Ouyang Quan was trying to fulfill his lifelong wish of becoming the "fifth scholar" through this modification, imagining that after a thousand years, no one would know if it depicted four or five scholars. Lu Lingfeng compared Ouyang Quan's feelings to Lin Bao's, seeing a transformation from admiration to resentment and hatred towards the Nanzhou Four Scholars. However, he noted Ouyang Quan had an alibi for the night of the murder.
Su Wuming, Lu Lingfeng, and Pei Xijun revisited Ouyang Quan. Su Wuming confronted him about lying about selling the painting to a Persian merchant, revealing it was actually sold to Lu Li and was now in the Nanzhou government's temporary custody. He presented the painting and highlighted Pei Xijun's sketched restoration. Ouyang Quan was ecstatic at seeing his likeness depicted, declaring it a masterpiece and a depiction of "Nanzhou Five Scholars."
He expressed his lifelong desire to be one of the scholars, admitting he had even dreamed of killing Lu Gongfu but claimed his affection for the scholars prevented him from doing so. He offered one hundred fifty thousand copper coins to buy back the painting and pleaded with Pei Xijun to incorporate his image into the original. He promised to confess to all crimes and accept execution if his wish was granted, asking to hold the painting at his execution.
Lu Lingfeng investigated Ouyang Quan's alibi, finding that Ouyang Quan habitually hosted a gathering every third day of March, the Orchid Pavilion Gathering Day, inviting people to impersonate the Nanzhou Four Scholars for drinking and entertainment. The specific night of Lu Gongfu's death, Ouyang Quan had indeed invited four individuals to his garden to role-play the Nanzhou Four Scholars, drinking and making merry all night. This established Ouyang Quan's alibi and cleared him as a suspect.
Lu Lingfeng left to personally interrogate the suspected monks. Su Wuming visited Zhong Boqi and Leng Ji, informing them that Lin Bao was not the killer. He inquired if Lu Gongfu had any enemies, particularly monks. Zhong Boqi stated Lu Gongfu was isolated and had few enemies, especially no monk enemies. Leng Ji added that Lu Gongfu was compassionate and had several monk friends. Lu Lingfeng reported that his interrogations of the monks also yielded no suspects.
He had visited all temples in Nanzhou, confirming no leads. He considered the possibility of a wandering monk but noted the lack of motive since only the Guqin was missing, not other valuables. The case reached a deadlock. The Prefectural Administrator expressed dissatisfaction with their capabilities, implicitly criticizing Su Wuming.
Su Wuming seized the opportunity to inform Governor Xiong that Lu Lingfeng wished to resign as acting Minister of Justice, a position he didn't care for given his past as a General of the Imperial Guards. Governor Xiong agreed and suggested that Su Wuming, Lu Lingfeng, and Pei Xijun attend a celebratory banquet that evening at the Lake Pavilion for Mr. Xie's two sons, who had both passed the imperial examinations.
Episode 12 Recap
Prefectural Governor Xiong invited Su Wuming, Lu Lingfeng, and Pei Xijun to a celebratory banquet at Master Xie's mansion, as Master Xie's two sons, Xie Ming and Xie Hui, had successfully passed the imperial examinations. At the banquet, Su Wuming and his companions greeted Master Xie. Administrator Luo introduced Su Wuming and Pei Xijun, noting their influence and hinting at future patronage for Master Xie's sons. Master Xie then asked for their care regarding Xie Ming and Xie Hui.
An old servant of the Xie family, who was ferrying guests, expressed his joy for the sons, though he also lamented his own birth as a servant compared to their privileged status as masters. As the old servant rowed Xie Ming and Xie Hui to the banquet pavilion, he suddenly struck them with an oar, knocking them into the water. Both sons drowned. The old servant then consumed poison, taking his own life.
Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng were bewildered by the servant's extreme hatred for the Xie family. Headman Xie, a relative of the Xie family and a catcher, attempted to explain, but Master Xie quickly silenced him. Later, Lu Lingfeng privately questioned Headman Xie, who revealed the truth. The old servant's son was the same age as Xie Ming and Xie Hui and had served them since childhood.
Fifteen years prior, on the brothers' birthday, a storm erupted during a boat trip on the lake. The old servant's son bravely jumped into the water to save Xie Ming and Xie Hui. However, fearing the boat would capsize, Master Xie selfishly ordered it to leave, abandoning the old servant's son, who subsequently drowned. Headman Xie admitted that while the storm was severe, Master Xie's decision was "somewhat selfish."
Lu Lingfeng was struck by the old servant's profound patience, waiting over a decade for his revenge until both Xie brothers achieved the pinnacle of their careers. Pei Xijun then remembered the "Stone Bridge" painting and asked if Xie Ming and Xie Hui were depicted in it.
She speculated that the two boys playing chess in the painting were Xie Ming and Xie Hui, and the servant seen from behind was the very old servant who had just committed the murders. Lu Lingfeng initially dismissed her theory, telling her not to make "wild guesses," but promised to "greatly thank" her if her prediction proved true.
Su Wuming, taking her insight seriously, proposed that if Pei Xijun's judgment was correct, then not only the Nanzhou Four Scholars but "everyone in the Stone Bridge painting" was destined for death. The following day, Su Wuming visited Master Xie to confirm Pei Xijun's theory. Master Xie, in his grief, confirmed that the two boys playing chess in the painting were indeed his sons.
He recounted that Zhang Xuan, then a struggling artist, had stayed at his home and was introduced to the Nanzhou Four Scholars by his sons. Master Xie also sadly confirmed that the servant in the painting was the old servant who had murdered his sons, admitting the servant's son had drowned while saving his own.
Despite having given the servant a large sum of money, Master Xie realized he had failed to quell the deep-seated resentment that had festered for years. Su Wuming borrowed "The Stone Bridge" painting for further study. Pei Xijun meticulously re-examined it and discovered another hidden figure: a woodcutter nestled in a tree branch. She surmised that this individual, a young man in the painting, would now be around 35 or 36 years old.
Although Lu Lingfeng was no longer a military adjutant, he quickly instructed Headman Huang and Headman Xie to locate the woodcutter. The catchers found the woodcutter, who was known to brag about his appearance in the painting. However, as they approached, the man suffered a sudden chest pain and plunged off a cliff, dying instantly. Retrieving his body from the deep, wild cliff would be a perilous task, possibly taking days, and the body might not be found intact.
The woodcutter's death solidified Su Wuming's suspicions about the true cause of Yan Yuanfu's demise. Accompanied by Lu Lingfeng, Su Wuming went to the prefectural governor's mansion to request an exhumation and autopsy of Yan Yuanfu. Administrator Luo vociferously opposed the idea, accusing Su Wuming of resorting to disturbing the dead because he was at a dead end in his investigation. Su Wuming, however, vowed to accept any punishment if the autopsy revealed no foul play.
Prefectural Governor Xiong, initially hesitant due to Su Wuming's perceived connection to the Princess, grew even more reluctant when Su Wuming clarified he had been exiled from the capital for offending her. Seeing the prefectural governor's resistance, Lu Lingfeng stepped in. He asserted his long-standing close relationship with the Crown Prince, stating that he had already sent his disciple, Xue Huan, to the capital to report the string of bizarre murders in Nanzhou.
Faced with this thinly veiled threat, Prefectural Governor Xiong grudgingly assented. Later, Lu Lingfeng admitted to Su Wuming that he had fabricated the story about sending Xue Huan, humorously adding that he had learned such deceptive tactics from Chicken Fed. Su Wuming remarked on Lu Lingfeng's newfound cunning, a departure from his previously impulsive nature.
The following day, as the exhumation of Yan Yuanfu's coffin began, his elderly mother, Leng Ji, and other family members tearfully attempted to stop the process, accusing Su Wuming of desecration. Just as Su Wuming prepared for the autopsy, a sudden, violent thunderstorm erupted, complete with lightning and thunder. The crowd interpreted this as divine wrath and clamored for Su Wuming's punishment. Prefectural Governor Xiong, unnerved, moved to seek shelter.
However, Lu Lingfeng bravely stepped forward, brandishing an official notice authorizing the autopsy. He loudly proclaimed his identity as Lu Lingfeng of the Fanyang Lu family and a former General of the Imperial Guards, intimidating the unruly crowd. He then eloquently defended Su Wuming, citing his status as a disciple of Detective Di and his success in solving the Chang'an black tea case, which had earned him praise from the Emperor, Crown Prince, and Princess.
Lu Lingfeng argued that the escalating and linked murder cases in Nanzhou, particularly those connected to the Stone Bridge painting, made the autopsy a "reasonable and necessary" step. He warned that only the "culprit" would maliciously try to stop the investigation. Prefectural Governor Xiong, observing the change in the crowd's demeanor, quickly interjected, declaring that Lu Lingfeng's words "entirely reflected his own intentions."
After the crisis subsided, Su Wuming sincerely thanked Lu Lingfeng for his unwavering support during the difficult exhumation. Lu Lingfeng, in turn, questioned if the potential loss of his position was worth it for Su Wuming. Su Wuming countered by recalling Lu Lingfeng's own past, where he risked and ultimately lost his official post in Chang'an for investigating the black tea case and confronting the Ghost Four, yet expressed no regrets.
Lu Lingfeng admitted he would "still be nosy" if given the chance to go back. Su Wuming then shared that Detective Di had once described a young Lu Lingfeng as "teachable" and destined to become a pillar of the Tang Dynasty. Lu Lingfeng scoffed, asking why, if that were true, Detective Di hadn't taken him as a disciple. Su Wuming then presented his key finding from Yan Yuanfu's body: a shed insect skin.
Chicken Fed, upon examining it, speculated it was the molted skin of a "Hundred-Poison Bug." He described its terrifying nature: it is born from rotten Honey Dragon Mushrooms, which attract numerous poisonous insects. The bug itself has tiger-like patterns, a fondness for the scent of ink, and a gruesome method of killing. It enters a person's ears or nose, devours their heart, and ultimately emerges from the top of the head.
The shed skin, he noted, is a highly prized and expensive medicine for treating stroke. Su Wuming recalled hearing that Emperor Gaozong had once used costly medicine from Nanzhou for his stroke, wondering if it was this very bug. With this new lead, Su Wuming tasked Lu Lingfeng with protecting Leng Ji, who lived alone and was known for his stubbornness.
Meanwhile, Su Wuming and Chicken Fed went to a local drug shop to gather more information about the Hundred-Poison Bug. The shopkeeper confirmed that the bug, known locally as "Ink Crazed," was a rare and valuable Nanzhou specialty, highly sought after by Chang'an drug merchants for its stroke-curing properties. He further explained that its insidious method of killing involved entering human orifices and devouring vital organs, leading to a painful death within seven days.
After the person died and was buried, the bug would eventually emerge from the head, shedding its skin and transforming into a moth. He demonstrated a live specimen, kept in a special glass jar because the glass's colorful glaze disoriented the bug, preventing it from attacking the staff. The shop was the only one in Nanzhou that could afford to deal in such expensive and dangerous items, acquiring them from a collector named Huang.
Su Wuming summoned Huang, who verified his role in collecting the bugs for the drug shop. When asked if anyone else had purchased the bugs directly from him, Huang recalled a single instance: a wandering monk had bought two live "Ink Crazed" for a hefty sum of gold. Huang noted that the monk, wearing a bamboo hat despite the clear weather, had intentionally turned his back before removing the hat, suggesting he wished to conceal his identity.
Upon returning to his residence, Su Wuming received a letter from Zhong Boqi. In the letter, Zhong Boqi invited Su Wuming, Prefectural Governor Xiong, and Administrator Luo to Stone Bridge Mountain the following day, which marked the fifteenth anniversary of the Nanzhou Four Scholars' first visit to the mountain—the very occasion that inspired Zhang Xuan's "The Stone Bridge" painting. Zhong Boqi expressed a desire to revisit the familiar locale with Leng Ji and enjoy tea.
Pei Xijun, having always wanted to see the "Stone Bridge Wonderland," eagerly agreed to go, and Su Wuming decided to accompany them. Administrator Luo voiced his apprehension, fearing that any mishap befalling Zhong Boqi or Leng Ji would lend credence to the ominous rumors about the painting and a prophecy that a divine rock on Stone Bridge Mountain would fall, bringing disaster upon Nanzhou.
Zhong Boqi, seeming to accept his fate, spoke poetically of his deep connection to Stone Bridge Mountain since his youth, expressing a wish to be buried there and a belief that "heaven would surely bless him." Su Wuming's response was subtly cryptic, suggesting that "heaven does not always grant one's wishes" and that "scheming individuals often end up with nothing."
Prefectural Governor Xiong interjected, admonishing Su Wuming for his "inauspicious" remarks and urging him to focus on the pleasant occasion of tea and camaraderie. Su Wuming, apologizing for his supposed lack of eloquence, offered to personally prepare tea for everyone.
Episode 13 Recap
Zhong Boqi brewed tea for everyone gathered at Stone Bridge Mountain. Just as the tea was ready, Leng Ji arrived, prompting Prefectural Governor Xiong to remark on the brothers' synchronicity. Zhong Boqi, however, was in poor health, coughing severely and spitting blood. Su Wuming summoned his guest, Chicken Fed, to examine him. Chicken Fed confidently stated that Zhong Boqi was not terminally ill, attributing his condition to misdiagnosis by inexperienced doctors in Nanzhou.
Zhong Boqi, disdainful of Chicken Fed whom he perceived as a swindler, dismissed his diagnosis, asserting his illness was incurable and demanding to know his lifespan. Chicken Fed declared, "Eighty years old. That's for sure." When Zhong Boqi accused Chicken Fed of being a fraud, Chicken Fed retorted by questioning the reputation of the Nanzhou Four Scholars. Leng Ji attempted to defend them, and Su Wuming waved Chicken Fed away.
Despite the interruption, Zhong Boqi and Leng Ji spoke of their fifteen years of brotherhood. Zhong Boqi lamented the absence of Yuanfu and Gongfu, expressing a wish for all of them to reunite in the underworld after death, still as the Nanzhou Four Scholars, to drink tea and enjoy music together. Su Wuming observed Zhong Boqi's vigorous laughter, noting he did not sound like a man on his deathbed.
Challenged by Zhong Boqi to provide answers, Su Wuming, joined by Lu Lingfeng, began to recount the story of the Nanzhou murders, promising that the murderer would reveal himself amidst the mists of Stone Bridge Mountain. Su Wuming reminded Leng Ji of the "Black and White Guards of the underworld" he encountered during Lu Gongfu's vigil, admitting he orchestrated the event to conduct an autopsy.
Lu Lingfeng explained that the autopsy revealed Lu Gongfu was strangled before being stabbed, proving Lin Bao was not the true killer, despite his confession. He admitted that Leng Ji had initially been a suspect due to his attempts to prevent the coffin from being opened, but the later capture of Tu Yanpi, who confessed to being hired by Zhong Boqi and Leng Ji to apprehend Lin Bao, shifted the focus.
Lu Lingfeng then detailed their investigation into Lu Li, who was suspected due to his keen desire for "The Stone Bridge" painting, possibly killing those depicted to devalue it. While Lu Li had stolen Lu Gongfu's guqin, he had no alibi for the murders and was now imprisoned. Similarly, Ouyang Quan was investigated due to his ambition to become a renowned scholar and resentment towards the Nanzhou Four Scholars' disdain for his merchant status.
However, Ouyang Quan also had no alibi. Su Wuming credited Prefectural Governor Xiong's invitation to a banquet and the presence of Pei Xijun as crucial turning points in the case. Pei Xijun, a skilled artist, recognized the two young men at the banquet as the children playing chess in "The Stone Bridge" painting from fifteen years ago, and the old servant who committed the recent murders as another figure in the painting.
This led Su Wuming to the theory that all individuals depicted in the painting were targets. Su Wuming further explained that his autopsy of Yan Yuanfu uncovered a small hole in his head and a Poison Bug's shed skin in his hair, confirming his death by the bug, locally known as "Ink Crazed." He revealed that this specific bug was sold by Mr. Huang, who initially thought the buyer was a wandering monk.
Pointing to Zhong Boqi's background in collecting and planting tea on Stone Bridge Mountain, Su Wuming pressed him. Under pressure, Zhong Boqi removed his wig, revealing his bald head.
Su Wuming then detailed his deductions: he had noticed Zhong Boqi's servant driving away a comb seller, and further inquiry with the servant revealed Zhong Boqi's gradual hair loss over two years, with none in the past six months, indicating complete baldness, which Su Wuming attributed to anxiety over a presumed terminal illness.
Su Wuming also recounted his visit to Yan Yuanfu's wife, who confirmed her husband was healthy but had shared tea with Zhong Boqi just days before his death. She had noticed Zhong Boqi brought a luxurious glass bottle for tea. A pharmacist later explained that "the glaze of the glass is the best for restraining this bug," preventing it from entering orifices and killing.
Given Yan Yuanfu's love for calligraphy and the inherent scent of ink on him, the "Ink Crazed" bug would naturally target him. Regarding Lu Gongfu's death, Su Wuming stated that a beggar witnessed a bald man strangling him. He deduced that after Lu Gongfu's guqin strings broke at Yan Yuanfu's funeral, Zhong Boqi provided new, "great" strings.
Zhong Boqi then used the old strings to strangle Lu Gongfu, and his wig likely fell off during the struggle, leading the beggar to see a bald man. Zhong Boqi confirmed bringing the new guqin strings. Leng Ji, reeling from the accusations, pleaded with Zhong Boqi to deny them. Zhong Boqi, however, confessed, explaining that he believed he was terminally ill with only three months to live.
He claimed he acted out of deep care, wanting to take his friends with him to the underworld so they could continue their camaraderie. Su Wuming denounced Zhong Boqi's actions as "selfish, arrogant, and cruel." When asked why he targeted everyone in "The Stone Bridge" painting, Zhong Boqi revealed he killed the woodcutter by giving him new black clothes soaked in ink, containing another Poison Bug, causing him to fall to his death.
As for the Xie family's old servant, Zhong Boqi stated the servant "sought his own death" after he "ignited the anger to revenge in his heart" during a tea invitation. He coldly justified these killings by saying the painting "would not be perfect" without all its subjects. Leng Ji, horrified, called Zhong Boqi "crazy" and "scary," expressing profound regret for their friendship and attempting to commit suicide by crashing into a tree, only to be stopped by Lu Lingfeng.
Zhong Boqi then calmly revealed he had poisoned Leng Ji's tea with a slow-acting poison, stating that as renowned scholars, they deserved a graceful death. He assured Leng Ji, as the youngest, of a peaceful passing, and disdainfully dismissed Prefectural Governor Xiong and Administrator Luo, claiming they were "not even on a par with the grass or trees on the painting of the Stone Bridge."
As Zhong Boqi gloated, Su Wuming dramatically declared he had swapped the poisoned tea bowls when Zhong Boqi went to greet Leng Ji, saving his life. Chicken Fed then added that Zhong Boqi's illness was not terminal and was easily curable, as he had successfully treated many similar cases in Nanzhou. Pei Xijun unveiled her painting depicting the day's events, publicly exposing Zhong Boqi as the murderer.
When Prefectural Governor Xiong posted a public notice of Zhong Boqi's crimes, Ouyang Quan, unable to accept the truth, tore it down and attempted to hang himself, seeking to join the "renowned scholars" in death. Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng rushed to his home and saved him. Lu Lingfeng affirmed Ouyang Quan's true nobility, highlighting his extensive philanthropy in Nanzhou, such as employing young men and distributing grain to the poor.
He told Ouyang Quan, "In my eyes, you deserve the reputation of a scholar more than those people on the painting of the Stone Bridge." Su Wuming agreed, adding that Lu Li would return "The Stone Bridge" painting at its original price, and Pei Xijun would add Ouyang Quan to it. Lu Lingfeng invited Ouyang Quan to join them and Chicken Fed to "enter the bamboo forest together" like the Seven Sages.
When Su Wuming mentioned the expensive medicine needed to treat many Nanzhou citizens suffering from the same cough as Zhong Boqi, Ouyang Quan immediately pledged to donate his wealth, earning him praise as a "true renowned scholar." Later, Leng Ji visited a cured Zhong Boqi in prison, who, after receiving medicine, no longer coughed. Zhong Boqi confessed he had written to Prefectural Governor Xiong, offering to donate all his assets for the treatment of Nanzhou's sick.
He admitted to Leng Ji that he was now afraid to die and ashamed to live, fearing the vengeance of those he had killed in the underworld, and pondered his uncertain fate "between the Heaven and the Earth, and between the human and the ghost." Recalling Su Wuming's advice to "pay attention to the details," Lu Lingfeng realized they had overlooked crucial clues about Liu Shiba at Gantang Post.
They requested a month's leave from Prefectural Governor Xiong to return and investigate the strange events there, which Xiong granted, offering a letter of introduction to his former classmate, Wang Nailing, the diligent Magistrate of Gantang. To avoid recognition, Pei Xijun suggested Su Wuming shave his beard, which he reluctantly did. She also helped Lu Lingfeng by attaching a fake, full beard, transforming him into a commanding general. Lu Lingfeng, disguised as a general, arrived at Gantang Post.
Liu Shiba, the same attendant, tried to deter him, claiming the post was abandoned and haunted. Lu Lingfeng insisted on staying due to impending heavy rain and asserted his authority as an official, offering money to Liu Shiba. He requested wine and chicken, but Liu Shiba claimed weasels had killed the chickens, offering other cooked meat instead. Wary, Lu Lingfeng declined the meat and requested wild vegetables. Liu Shiba served him wild vegetable balls, which Lu Lingfeng found palatable.
Liu Shiba explained he hunted "mountain monkeys" from the expansive mountain behind the post, setting traps for them when they "harassed" him, then cooking them for food. Lu Lingfeng, with a pointed gaze, asked if these "mountain monkeys" were human-shaped.
Episode 14 Recap
Lu Lingfeng, disguised as a general, was already settled at the Gantang Post, where he engaged in conversation with the corvee, Liu Shiba. When asked about a strange creature, Liu Shiba described it as having a boar-like head but being thin with long legs, able to stand and climb trees, leading Lu Lingfeng to conclude it was a wild man. Lu Lingfeng, in a jest, accused Liu Shiba of eating human flesh, to which Liu Shiba nervously denied.
Lu Lingfeng then requested to see the trap for this "monster" the next morning. Soon after, knocking was heard at the door, startling Liu Shiba. Lu Lingfeng urged him to open it, suggesting it was just a passer-by caught in the heavy rain and offering to pay for their stay. The newcomer introduced himself as Ma Butong from Lingyun Temple in Nanzhou, a Taoist priest seeking shelter.
He claimed to be carrying Zhang Xuan's priceless "Stone Bridge" painting for the princess in Chang'an and couldn't risk it getting wet. Liu Shiba warned him the post was haunted, but Ma Butong, asserting his expertise in subduing demons and ghosts, said he feared nothing and even offered to cleanse the inn for free. Reluctantly, Liu Shiba let him in but cautioned him about a general with a peculiar temper already staying there.
Inside, Ma Butong (Su Wuming in disguise) greeted Lu Lingfeng, who feigned surprise at encountering a Taoist priest. The two then launched into a staged argument, with Su Wuming implying Lu Lingfeng was gluttonous, and Lu Lingfeng threatening violence to claim the right main room. Su Wuming, citing his mission for the princess, tried to assert his priority, but Lu Lingfeng countered with his duty to the Emperor.
Su Wuming boasted that the princess promised him a high official position, prompting Lu Lingfeng to declare that the court would be doomed if such men became officials. Lu Lingfeng then dramatically called for Liu Shiba, threatening to spill Ma Butong's blood to "cleanse" the inn, terrifying Liu Shiba.
Su Wuming conceded, agreeing to take the left main room, but Lu Lingfeng further humiliated him by ordering Liu Shiba to put the Taoist in a storeroom and expel him once the rain ceased. Afterward, Su Wuming complained to Liu Shiba about Lu Lingfeng’s behavior and asked for his name, promising to report him to the princess, to which Liu Shiba readily agreed, hoping to curry favor.
Liu Shiba then offered Su Wuming a spacious wing-room and some good wine, delighting Su Wuming. Later that evening, Lu Lingfeng requested Liu Shiba to prepare hot water for a foot wash before dismissing him and asking him to extinguish the lamp. Meanwhile, Su Wuming also requested wine from Liu Shiba, who refused, citing his duty to the general. Liu Shiba privately wished that Lu Lingfeng would encounter a ghost that night.
As planned, ecstasy incense was released into both rooms. Once Lu Lingfeng and Su Wuming appeared unconscious, a monstrous man in red robes, Liu Shijiu, dragged them into a hidden chamber. There, his brothers, Liu Shiba and Liu Shiqi, discussed their plan, mentioning that after an incident involving their "second brother," they usually only allowed one guest at a time. However, Su Wuming's painting was too valuable, promising them a life free from their current existence once sold in Chang'an.
Liu Shiqi checked Lu Lingfeng's money bag, only to find it filled with rocks. Furious, Liu Shiba then checked Su Wuming’s bag, finding it also contained only rocks. Lu Lingfeng, who had only been pretending to be unconscious, swiftly subdued the monstrous Liu Shijiu. As Liu Shiba snatched the fake painting from Su Wuming and fled, Lu Lingfeng pursued him into the courtyard, where Liu Shiba summoned a swarm of serpents.
Lu Lingfeng, seeing his escape, used a pre-prepared powder against the snakes before returning to check on Su Wuming. Su Wuming, also feigning unconsciousness despite having taken Fei Jishi's antidote, explained that as a "weak scholar," he would only have been a distraction and chose to avoid causing trouble. Lu Lingfeng was annoyed that Liu Shiba had escaped, but Su Wuming pointed out they still had one captive to interrogate.
Su Wuming then formally introduced himself to the captured man as Su Wuming, Military Commander of Nanzhou, demanding his name. The escaped Liu Shiba discovered the painting he stole was fake, leaving him enraged. Xue Huan, who had been secretly tailing Liu Shiba, reported this development to Su Wuming. Preparing for the next phase, Su Wuming led Lu Lingfeng out to meet Sheriff Su, who had arrived with his men.
Su Wuming openly accused Sheriff Su of colluding with the Liu brothers in a scheme of murder and extortion. He revealed his investigation in Gantang County uncovered that the Liu brothers' father, formerly a headman under Sheriff Su, had died mysteriously at the Gantang Post three years prior.
Sheriff Su, attempting to maintain control, questioned Su Wuming’s identity as the Military Commander of Nanzhou, claiming it was fabricated, and ordered his men to arrest and execute Su Wuming, Lu Lingfeng, and Xue Huan on the spot. A skirmish ensued, but it was quickly interrupted by the timely arrival of Magistrate Wang of Gantang County, who ordered Sheriff Su's arrest.
Magistrate Wang expressed gratitude to Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng for exposing Sheriff Su’s true colors and requested Su Wuming to preside over the case. During the interrogation, Liu Shiba volunteered to recount his family’s tragic history. Twenty-five years ago, his mother gave birth to three sons. The youngest, Liu Shijiu, was born unusually and couldn't speak or walk upright even at five years old, spending his days crawling.
Their father, convinced by rumors that Liu Shijiu was a monster, abandoned him. Liu Shiqi, the eldest brother, interrupted, cruelly remarking that it would have been better if Liu Shiba had also been abandoned. Su Wuming then detailed Liu Shiqi's childhood, marked by dishonesty and petty theft. At thirteen, Liu Shiqi was expelled from Gantang County after selling several young girls, a crime he boasted about as a display of his "talent."
Liu Shiba confirmed he knew about Liu Shiqi's child trafficking and regretted not reporting him, leading to a heated exchange where Liu Shiba accused Liu Shiqi of stealing the family savings meant for his education. Liu Shiqi retorted by disrespecting their father as a "cowardly" man who deserved to die for his inability to provide wealth. Magistrate Wang then produced a collection of hidden treasures, revealing them as Liu Shiqi’s personal loot, which he had not shared with Sheriff Su.
Su Wuming further pressed, bringing up the old corvee of Gantang Post, whose body was never found, implying he too was a victim of the serpents. Liu Shiba revealed that after arriving at the neglected Gantang Post, he initially felt disillusioned. However, interactions with various traveling dignitaries enriched his mind until strange occurrences began. He eventually discovered that Liu Shijiu, who had grown up among snakes after being abandoned, had found his way back and was following him, stealing chickens.
When the old corvee discovered Liu Shijiu and attempted to kill him, he was attacked by snakes. This was Liu Shiba’s first encounter with his monstrously strong brother, who accidentally bit off his finger in the struggle, an act Liu Shijiu immediately regretted, shedding "blood tears." Liu Shiba then informed their father, who intended to kill the "monster," but Liu Shiqi intervened, having manipulated Liu Shijiu into killing their father instead.
Liu Shiqi brazenly admitted to orchestrating his father's murder, regretting he hadn't been strong enough to kill him at thirteen. Su Wuming pointed out that Sheriff Su was responsible for handling the original Gantang Post case. Sheriff Su defended his actions, claiming he covered up the deaths as snake attacks out of pity for the brothers and to motivate his impoverished men, who were not being paid properly, to continue investigating other cases. Magistrate Wang condemned Sheriff Su’s hypocrisy.
Su Wuming further accused Liu Shiqi of his insatiable greed, noting he hoarded treasures despite Liu Shiba’s sacrifice in taking all the blame to protect him and Liu Shijiu. Liu Shiqi, however, expressed only hatred for Liu Shiba, believing his brother had hindered their illicit gains and wished his mother had only birthed him so he could have lived a rich and carefree life.
As Liu Shiqi spoke, Liu Shijiu, the captive, began to roar, shedding blood tears, and a large python dropped from the ceiling, its gaze settling on him. The three brothers were handed over to Magistrate Wang for judgment. As Su Wuming, Lu Lingfeng, and Xue Huan departed for Nanzhou, they mused on the pitiable fate of the brothers, hoping Liu Shiba, who hadn't directly killed anyone, might be spared.
Lu Lingfeng jokingly poked fun at Su Wuming’s concern about his beard not growing back for his Nanzhou posting. Upon their return to Nanzhou, Lu Lingfeng resumed his role as Minister of the Household under Prefectural Governor Xiong. He found himself restless and bored due to the constant monsoon rains. While drinking tea with his subordinates, Lu Lingfeng noticed a beggar named Dong Lang stealing.
He questioned Dong Lang and learned the beggar had found gold and jewels hidden in a wall at the Wen Temple and intended to keep them. It was revealed that the Wen Temple, located at the foot of Minor Stone Bridge Mountain, was built ten years ago by an anonymous old man who had since died without heirs. Despite initial popularity, few visited the temple now, except for two students studying for exams.
Dong Lang, who had no prior theft record, was punished for his intent. That same day, Dugu Xiashu, a student, returned to the Wen Temple after buying books. He overheard Qinghong, his wife, praying for his success in the exams. However, to his shock, he saw her through a window engaged in an affair with his classmate. Enraged, Dugu Xiashu threw his books into the room and fled into the heavy rain.
Later, a passer-by found him drenched and disoriented, reminding him to use his umbrella to protect himself and his books. Dugu Xiashu wondered if his previous sighting was a hallucination. Upon returning home, he found Qinghong in bed. She claimed she hadn't left the house all afternoon due to the rain and had been sleeping, but had a strange nightmare.
She dreamed she went to the Wen Temple to bring him clothes and pray for his success, only to be struck on the head by a pile of books thrown through a window by an "obnoxious person." The blow, she said, still hurt, leaving Dugu Xiashu deeply unsettled, as her dream vividly mirrored his own actions.
Episode 15 Recap
Qinghong recounted a dream where she had visited the Wen Temple to pray for her husband's success in the upcoming exams, only to be struck on the head by a book thrown through a window by an unknown assailant. Dugu Xiashu, however, remained suspicious, questioning if she had truly been out that afternoon. Qinghong vehemently insisted it was merely a dream.
Dugu Xiashu then accused her of having an affair, even pointing to her reluctance to cook for him as proof. Qinghong, feeling deeply wronged, retorted that she spent her days at home like a widow while he was always at the Wen Temple. Dugu Xiashu's anger flared as he speculated that she had dismissed their old servants precisely to facilitate her illicit encounters.
Enraged, Qinghong called him shameless and a bastard, ordering him to return to the Wen Temple and "find his Liu Youqiu." Dugu Xiashu attempted to calm her, but she demanded a divorce. He refused, pressing her again about her whereabouts that afternoon. Qinghong finally admitted that she had indeed left the house, intending to visit him at the Wen Temple, but the heavy rain and her fear of his disapproval led her to turn back home.
Later that night, Dugu Xiashu was plagued by nightmares. In one, tormented by visions of his wife's infidelity, he choked Qinghong to death. He awoke abruptly to Qinghong's anxious questions about his thrashing, but he offered no explanation for his nightmare. After falling back asleep, he dreamt he returned to the Wen Temple and confronted Liu Youqiu, his fellow student, about his relationship with Qinghong. In this dream, Liu Youqiu brazenly confessed his fondness for other men's wives.
Enraged, Dugu Xiashu seized a knife and fatally stabbed Liu Youqiu. He awoke in a frenzied state, again confronted by Qinghong. Believing his nightmare was reality, he muttered, "It wasn't a dream," before tragically strangling his wife. The following day, Liu Youqiu's body was discovered in the Wen Temple. Lu Lingfeng learned that Liu Youqiu was a respected scion of a noble family, sent to the temple to diligently prepare for the imperial examinations.
He had only arrived at the temple in early March of that year, whereas Dugu Xiashu had been residing there, immersed in his studies, for three years. Su Wuming then questioned Dong Lang, a beggar who lived in the woodshed next to the ancestral hall. Dong Lang, still recovering from a recent flogging for theft, admitted his deep animosity towards Liu Youqiu, who had often refused him scraps and demanded his expulsion due to his smell.
However, given Dong Lang's injured state, Lu Lingfeng quickly dismissed him as a suspect. The temple servant, Ji Xiang, informed the officials that he had discovered Liu Youqiu's body around 5 p. m. the previous evening while delivering meals. He also mentioned that Dugu Xiashu had left the temple after lunch, stating he was going to buy books and had not returned.
Ji Xiang also confirmed that Dugu Xiashu had a wife, Qinghong, who occasionally visited the temple to bring him fresh clothes. Shortly after, Liu Youqiu's grieving father arrived, accusing the temple of failing to protect his son. Lu Lingfeng then intercepted Dugu Xiashu, who was hastily departing his residence. He confronted Dugu Xiashu, identifying himself as the acting Minister of Justice for Nanzhou. Dugu Xiashu revealed he was on his way to Chang'an to prepare for the upcoming exams.
Lu Lingfeng informed him of Liu Youqiu's death, prompting a feigned display of shock and calls for justice from Dugu Xiashu. Lu Lingfeng found it suspicious that Dugu Xiashu was leaving so abruptly after the murder. Dugu Xiashu explained his departure was due to his renewed confidence after three years of study, eager to begin preparing for the spring exams. During the interrogation, Su Wuming questioned Dugu Xiashu about his whereabouts the previous afternoon.
Dugu Xiashu reiterated that he had gone to Hangu bookstore in the eastern city to purchase more books for his journey to Chang'an. He claimed that after buying the books, he considered returning to the Wen Temple to bid farewell to Liu Youqiu, but knowing Liu Youqiu disapproved of his ambition to study in the capital, he changed his mind and went straight home.
Su Wuming then inquired about Qinghong, to which Dugu Xiashu stated she had left that very morning for her maiden home in He County. He added that she would remain there until he passed his exams, as he would be too ashamed to face her if he failed. Su Wuming noted the dangers of the mountain roads to He County and questioned why Dugu Xiashu had not escorted his wife.
Dugu Xiashu shrugged it off, describing Qinghong as a tough woman who always traveled alone, implying his studies took precedence. Su Wuming suggested that for Dugu Xiashu, Qinghong seemed to hold little importance. He then probed whether Dugu Xiashu and Liu Youqiu had quarreled over the latter's disapproval of his trip to Chang'an. Dugu Xiashu admitted to past disagreements but insisted there were none yesterday and vehemently denied killing Liu Youqiu, citing his peaceful scholarly nature.
Su Wuming, employing a tactic of feigning leniency, allowed Dugu Xiashu to leave, but strictly forbade him from departing Nanzhou until the case was resolved. Lu Lingfeng, observing Dugu Xiashu's shifty eyes, was convinced of his guilt and had Officer Xie secretly monitor him, noting that letting him go was a strategic move to catch him later. Lu Lingfeng then decided to retrieve Qinghong from He County, believing her testimony could be crucial.
However, upon arriving in He County, Lu Lingfeng learned from Qinghong's brother that she had not reached her maiden home. Her brother expressed concern, revealing that the mountain roads between Nanzhou and He County were notoriously perilous, frequently plagued by bandits who preyed on women, abducting and killing them. Lu Lingfeng, furious, initially considered having Xue Huan disguise himself as a woman to lure out the bandits.
Unexpectedly, Pei Xijun volunteered, offering to pose as a woman to draw out the criminals. Despite Lu Lingfeng's initial reluctance to put her in danger, he agreed to the plan after Pei Xijun suggested that she and Xue Huan could pretend to be sisters, with Xue Huan offering close protection. Pei Xijun and Xue Huan, disguised as sisters, embarked on their journey towards He County. Their ruse worked, and they were soon ambushed by bandits posing as a honey seller.
They were taken to the bandits' hideout and held captive. However, a quick search revealed that Qinghong was not among the other abducted women. Xue Huan attempted to lead the captives to escape, but they were discovered, leading to a tense confrontation. Just as the situation escalated, Lu Lingfeng and his men arrived, quickly subduing the bandits.
During the interrogation, it was revealed that the bandit leader was a former rebel general who had escaped a government crackdown years ago and had been terrorizing the mountain roads with impunity due to the inaction of local He County officials. Despite apprehending the bandits, Qinghong remained missing, leading Lu Lingfeng to suspect that Dugu Xiashu might have lied from the outset about his wife's departure.
Meanwhile, Officer Xie reported that Dugu Xiashu was spending his days either buying books or drinking. Lu Lingfeng decided to conduct a covert search of Dugu Xiashu's residence that night. Inside, he encountered a black-clad intruder attempting to find something hidden in a rice jar. Lu Lingfeng confronted the intruder, identifying himself as a justice official, and a fierce fight ensued. The intruder managed to injure Lu Lingfeng with a poisoned hidden weapon before escaping.
Luckily, Fei Jishi arrived in time, applying a counteracting herbal poultice that saved Lu Lingfeng's life. When Lu Lingfeng regained consciousness after nearly twenty hours, he learned from Xue Huan that Pei Xijun had diligently nursed him throughout the night, even changing his clothes, which left him thoroughly embarrassed. Su Wuming arrived to check on Lu Lingfeng, remarking on his improved mood, and, after hearing the details of the incident, proceeded to the crime scene for further investigation.
Su Wuming visited Ji Xiang, who was hunting pheasants in the rain. Ji Xiang offered him tea and expressed his admiration for the scholars, explaining how their presence fostered his own interest in reading. Su Wuming pressed him, reminding him of the gravity of the murder case and that he seemed to be withholding information. After much hesitation and concern about speaking ill of the scholars, Ji Xiang finally confessed.
He revealed that about ten days prior, both he and Dong Lang had overheard Dugu Xiashu angrily threaten to kill Liu Youqiu. A flashback showed Dugu Xiashu, driven by suspicion that Liu Youqiu was seducing Qinghong, confronting Liu Youqiu. In the heated argument, Dugu Xiashu screamed that he would kill him. Liu Youqiu, defiant, handed Dugu Xiashu a dagger and dared him to do it, stating he would rather die by Dugu Xiashu's hand than his father's.
Dugu Xiashu, however, couldn't bring himself to strike. Ji Xiang clarified that Dugu Xiashu's suspicion of an affair stemmed from an incident where Qinghong had visited the temple while Dugu Xiashu was out, but Ji Xiang could not confirm whether any actual impropriety had occurred. He concluded by saying that Qinghong visited the temple about once every ten days.
Episode 16 Recap
Headman Xie reported that Dugu Xiashu, after drinking all night at a song house, had attempted to flee the city that morning, swaying unsteadily. Headman Xie had to physically stop and bind him when Dugu Xiashu ran. Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng took Dugu Xiashu back to his home, where an elderly neighbor approached them. The old man asked if Qinghong's body had been found, asserting that Dugu Xiashu returned home at 5 p. m.
(the time the Zixia Building lanterns were lit) and likely killed his wife that night. He distinctly remembered hearing Dugu Xiashu sharpening a knife at midnight, despite the rain and his own poor hearing. He also noted that Qinghong, in all her years of marriage, never stayed at her maiden home for more than a day or two, making her prolonged absence highly suspicious. Lu Lingfeng also confirmed that Qinghong's brother in He County had not seen her.
Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng then confronted Dugu Xiashu about Qinghong's whereabouts. He admitted that, in a fit of rage upon discovering her "shameful" actions, he had almost strangled her. However, he was overcome with guilt, recalling his neglect of her over the years. He then went to the kitchen to make her favorite wontons, realizing the knife was dull and sharpening it to mince meat. He claimed they had reconciled.
Su Wuming inquired if he suspected an affair between Qinghong and Liu Youqiu, which surprised Dugu Xiashu, though he admitted to having threatened Liu Youqiu. He claimed he intended to interrogate Qinghong first before confronting Liu Youqiu. He said Qinghong became angry, hit him, then stated she was hungry. After he prepared the wontons, he found her gone and assumed she had returned to her maiden home in He County out of anger.
When confronted with his earlier statement that she left in the morning, Dugu Xiashu revised his story, reasoning that she must have hidden somewhere until daybreak before attempting the dangerous, rainy mountain road. Lu Lingfeng accused him of fabricating stories to evade responsibility, and Dugu Xiashu, in a dazed state, intermittently denied and then confessed to killing someone.
Su Wuming suggested they re-examine Dugu Xiashu's house, recalling the masked intruder from the previous night who had gone straight to the large rice pot. He hypothesized that the intruder was not interested in the pot's contents but needed to move it. Su Wuming ordered the visibly weak Dugu Xiashu to move the heavy pot himself. With great effort, Dugu Xiashu complied, revealing buried ground. Digging further with a hoe, he unearthed one ancestral silver ingot.
He explained that his ancestors were officials, and seven such ingots were given to Qinghong for safekeeping until he passed the imperial examination. Realizing only one was present, he frantically searched for the missing six, concluding that a thief must have stolen them. Dugu Xiashu then pointed to the Land God temple on Minor Stone Bridge Mountain, also known as the back mountain, as a possible hiding place.
Meanwhile, Dong Lang, having rapidly recovered from his injuries after using the medicine provided by Su Wuming, went to the Land God temple to pray for good fortune. Hoping to find hidden treasures, as he had previously done in the Wen Temple, he searched the Land God statue. Instead, he discovered Qinghong's body concealed within. Su Wuming ordered Dugu Xiashu to be brought to identify the body.
Seeing Qinghong's lifeless form, Dugu Xiashu broke down, crying out her name, and vivid memories of chopping her flashed in his mind. Lu Lingfeng then accused him of discovering Qinghong's affair with Liu Youqiu, feigning a book-buying trip, sneaking home to kill her, dragging her body to the back mountain, hiding it in the statue, and then falsely claiming she returned to her maiden home to create a scenario of a mountain accident.
His plan to go to Chang'an for the exams was merely a cover for his escape. Overwhelmed, Dugu Xiashu confessed, crying, "It's all my fault. I killed Qinghong!" He then shockingly declared, "Liu Youqiu must also have been killed by me! I killed Qinghong and Liu Youqiu! They deserve to die!" Imprisoned, Dugu Xiashu experienced vivid dreams.
He dreamed of preparing wontons for Qinghong, followed by a tender reconciliation where she urged him to move out of the Wen Temple and join her in Chang'an for his exams. She spoke of engraving his name on the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and fulfilling his mother's wish for grandchildren, promising to bring the ancestral silver ingots.
He awoke believing they had reconciled and that he hadn't killed anyone, only to be immediately overcome by the conviction that he had indeed killed both Qinghong and Liu Youqiu, his mind caught in a cycle of confusion between reality and dreams. Su Wuming remained silent after the autopsy at the Land God temple, prompting a sarcastic remark from Lu Lingfeng, who assumed Su Wuming was displeased with his firm stance on Dugu Xiashu's guilt.
Su Wuming clarified that Dugu Xiashu's confession was unreliable due to his mental state, contradictory statements, and lack of the "hostility" typical of a murderer. Furthermore, Dugu Xiashu's physical weakness, evident when he moved the pot and dug the ground, made it highly improbable he could have single-handedly transported Qinghong's body to the remote Land God temple.
Lu Lingfeng countered that Dugu Xiashu's trance could be a result of the murder, the concept of "hostility" was subjective, and he could have had an accomplice, possibly the masked man. Su Wuming acknowledged Lu Lingfeng's astute observations before revealing crucial details from the autopsy: Qinghong was not killed by a knife. While knife wounds on her neck could be fatal, their appearance indicated they were inflicted post-mortem.
More significantly, Su Wuming discovered an almost imperceptible pinhole behind her neck, surrounded by black-purple discoloration, indicating poisoning. He deduced that this was the true cause of her death. He concluded that the masked intruder, who knew the location of the silver ingots and used a poisonous needle, likely had a close relationship with Qinghong. While Dugu Xiashu might not have killed Qinghong, his guilt in Liu Youqiu's death remained a possibility.
Su Wuming also mentioned that his analytical and autopsy techniques were documented in some old books he had lent to Lu Lingfeng in Chang'an, encouraging him to read them. He concluded that, without new leads, they must focus on Dugu Xiashu, whose mind seemed to blend reality with his dreams. Lu Lingfeng observed Dugu Xiashu in his cell, sleepless due to constant nightmares.
To address this, Lu Lingfeng had Chicken Fed confined to Dugu Xiashu's cell, ostensibly for his alcohol addiction. Dugu Xiashu begged for execution to escape his recurring nightmares. Chicken Fed, realizing the true purpose of his imprisonment, engaged Dugu Xiashu. He explained the nature of dreams, mentioning local folklore of a "Dream-eater" called Boqi, and discussing various dream theories from Buddhism and Taoism. He emphasized the idea that dreams often reflect one's deepest desires and past experiences.
Chicken Fed then diagnosed Dugu Xiashu with symptoms of "deficiency of Qi and blood, lack of spiritual energy, or Liver-qi Stagnation," which often leads to frequent nightmares. Though initially skeptical of Chicken Fed's disheveled appearance, Dugu Xiashu was convinced by his detailed knowledge and agreed to acupuncture treatment. Chicken Fed performed a comprehensive treatment, using over a hundred needles across Dugu Xiashu's body.
After the treatment, Chicken Fed explained to Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng that Dugu Xiashu's nightmares were not due to common respiratory issues. He theorized they could be caused by shock, congenital hysteria, or even the administration of "ecstasy incense" by an unknown assailant. Further investigation by Su Wuming revealed that Dugu Xiashu's relatives confirmed he had no history of hysteria and was a naturally cheerful person who always slept well.
As predicted by Su Wuming, after sleeping soundly for twenty-four hours without a single nightmare, Dugu Xiashu awoke, now firmly denying that he had killed either Qinghong or Liu Youqiu, completely retracting his earlier confession.
Episode 17 Recap
After sleeping for twelve hours under the care of Chicken Fed, Dugu Xiashu awakened, as Su Wuming predicted, unable to accept that Qinghong was dead and unwilling to admit to killing either her or Liu Youqiu. Lu Lingfeng confirmed that Dugu Xiashu had completely retracted his previous confession. To help Dugu Xiashu separate reality from his delusions, Su Wuming tasked Pei Xijun with visiting him in Nanzhou Prison, listening to his accounts of dreams and real-life events, and illustrating them.
Dugu Xiashu initially expressed discomfort with Pei Xijun, a woman, being present, but she reminded him that Su Wuming, a disciple of Detective Di, sought only the truth. Pei Xijun returned with her collection of drawings. Lu Lingfeng found one particularly unsettling, depicting Liu Youqiu and Qinghong meeting secretly at Dugu Xiashu's home.
Other images showed Dugu Xiashu confronting Liu Youqiu, Qinghong threatening to expose their affair if Liu Youqiu didn't elope with her, and finally, Liu Youqiu, in a fit of shame, killing Qinghong with a kitchen knife. Dugu Xiashu had insisted these images were neither dreams nor reality, but persistent visions in his mind.
Lu Lingfeng dismissed the notion of Liu Youqiu being the murderer due to lack of evidence, finding Dugu Xiashu's new hallucinations strange, especially after his previous delusions were cured. Chicken Fed suggested that Nanzhou's constant rain could induce such visions, prompting Lu Lingfeng to admit to hallucinating about Stone Bridge Mountain and Su Wuming about returning to Chang'an.
Pei Xijun worried her art was useless, but Su Wuming affirmed its value, stating it confirmed Dugu Xiashu's fragile mental state and suggested he had been drugged or targeted. Later, in prison, Dugu Xiashu continued to accuse Liu Youqiu of Qinghong's murder, fearing he would be seen as blaming the dead. Su Wuming noted the low probability of Liu Youqiu being the killer given the evidence and timeline.
Dugu Xiashu became agitated, claiming a hidden truth he hadn't shared with Pei Xijun due to her gender, which he believed would solidify his claims. When he continued to hesitate, Lu Lingfeng suggested corporal punishment, to which Su Wuming reluctantly agreed. Under pressure, Dugu Xiashu began to recount his version of events, starting two months prior when Qinghong brought him fresh clothes at the Wen Temple.
He described a rainy day where Liu Youqiu, carrying an umbrella, met Qinghong at the temple, explaining that Dugu Xiashu was out buying candles. Liu Youqiu then led Qinghong into the warmer Eastern Hall. Dugu Xiashu, returning, secretly followed them and saw Qinghong wiping Liu Youqiu's wet clothes, leading him to believe they were having an illicit affair. He recalled Ji Xiang, who saw them enter the room, discreetly leaving, which allowed him to follow.
Dugu Xiashu fixated on Qinghong "smelling good" and blamed the rain for Liu Youqiu's "opportunity," later admitting he bought and destroyed umbrellas out of rage. He noticed Qinghong's visits becoming more frequent. During one such visit, Qinghong argued with Dugu Xiashu and Liu Youqiu, accusing them of wasting their youth at the temple without achieving any scholarly success. To calm the dispute, Liu Youqiu offered Dugu Xiashu tea, which he drank before falling into a four-hour sleep.
Upon waking to find Qinghong gone, he suspected Liu Youqiu had drugged him to be alone with his wife. Driven by suspicion, Dugu Xiashu decided to test Liu Youqiu. A few days later, feigning a stomachache from eating pheasant, he asked Liu Youqiu to retrieve the first volume of his Zhaoming Collection from his home. Dugu Xiashu admitted to secretly hoping for proof of their affair, a twisted desire for confirmation.
Liu Youqiu went to the house, and Dugu secretly followed. At the house, Qinghong's suggestive comments to Liu Youqiu about burning books for "fire" and Liu's own interest in her "flame" further fueled Dugu Xiashu's conviction. He confronted Liu Youqiu back at the Wen Temple, threatening to kill him. Dugu Xiashu then surmised that a frightened Liu Youqiu must have then approached Qinghong, proposed elopement, and, upon her refusal out of loyalty, murdered her.
Dugu Xiashu ended his tale clutching his head, repeatedly declaring that Liu Youqiu killed Qinghong. Uncertain of Dugu Xiashu's narrative, Su Wuming sent Lu Lingfeng to the Wen Temple to question Ji Xiang. Lu Lingfeng arrived to find Dong Lang stealing a pheasant and sternly advised him to learn self-reliance instead of begging or stealing.
When Ji Xiang returned, Lu Lingfeng subtly probed him about his life at the temple before asking about Dugu Xiashu's account of Qinghong's rainy day visit. Ji Xiang declared Dugu Xiashu's story entirely false. He revealed that on that day, Qinghong had stumbled upon a secret affair between the "two Jurens" – Dugu Xiashu and Liu Youqiu. Ji Xiang expressed regret for not revealing this earlier to spare their reputations, but acknowledged the gravity of a murder case.
Enraged by this revelation, Lu Lingfeng returned to prison and punched Dugu Xiashu, accusing him of lying. He asserted that there was no rain, no shared umbrella between Qinghong and Liu Youqiu, and that Qinghong had discovered Dugu Xiashu and Liu Youqiu's secret relationship, not the other way around. Overwhelmed with shame, Dugu Xiashu repeatedly whispered, "They found out," and attempted suicide by banging his head against a pillar, but was saved by Chicken Fed.
Chicken Fed encouraged Dugu Xiashu to live and seek answers, no matter the hardship. Lu Lingfeng defended his actions to Su Wuming, viewing Dugu Xiashu's suicide attempt as an admission of guilt. Pei Xijun, however, chastised Lu Lingfeng, arguing his words were overly cruel and that Dugu Xiashu's profound love for Qinghong made a homosexual affair unlikely.
She believed Dugu Xiashu's soft and image-conscious nature meant his suicide attempt was not necessarily a confession, and that they were likely missing crucial details. Su Wuming agreed with Pei Xijun, suggesting they meditate to reconsider the case. During their contemplation, Headman Huang rushed in with urgent news. A dispatch from Linzhou confirmed the existence of Ling Jian, a cat burglar from ten years ago, responsible for multiple murders and thefts, including the provincial treasury.
Ling Jian was notorious for his steel needle hidden weapons, each shot proving fatal, and had vanished a decade prior. Additionally, Huang reported that Liu Youqiu's father had committed suicide by self-immolation that night, presumably out of grief for his son. Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng went to the Liu residence.
Su Wuming quickly determined, through a preliminary examination of the body, that Liu Youqiu's father had been murdered "before" the fire was set, as there was no smoke or ash in his respiratory system, indicating he was not alive to inhale them. Both realized this murder was connected to the previous cases, and that they had overlooked important details. Meanwhile, Ji Xiang was preparing to leave the Wen Temple for a new life.
Su Wuming intercepted him, expressing admiration for his intellect and offering to recommend him for a position in the prefectural governor's mansion. Ji Xiang, politely declining, stated his desire to achieve success independently through his own hard work. Su Wuming allowed him to depart. However, Lu Lingfeng, disguised as a bandit in a bamboo hat and straw cape, ambushed Ji Xiang outside the city. Lu Lingfeng questioned why Ji Xiang, a supposed scholar, carried an umbrella on a clear day.
Ji Xiang, admitting his ambition to transition from a "grassroots" life to an official position, was challenged by Lu Lingfeng to recite the "Preface to Tengwang Pavilion." As Ji Xiang recited, Lu Lingfeng subtly revealed his identity. Exposed, Ji Xiang attacked Lu Lingfeng first with his umbrella, then with steel needles. Lu Lingfeng deftly dodged the projectiles, and with the timely assistance of Chicken Fed and Xue Huan, Ji Xiang was captured in a pre-set trap.
Back in prison, Su Wuming confronted Ji Xiang, identifying him as Ling Jian, the notorious Linzhou cat burglar. Lu Lingfeng's earlier confrontation had forced Ji Xiang to use his distinctive steel needle hidden weapons, which, after a second autopsy, confirmed Qinghong was killed by such a weapon. Su Wuming further revealed that Ji Xiang had killed Liu Youqiu's father and, before setting the house ablaze, stolen a letter from him.
This letter was a crucial recommendation from Liu Youqiu's father to influential contacts in the capital, meant to pave Liu Youqiu's path to becoming an imperial scholar. Ling Jian intended to use it for his own ambitious pursuit of an official career in Chang'an. Lu Lingfeng explained he had deduced Ji Xiang's true identity from his peculiar pheasant-hunting technique. Cornered, Ling Jian confessed.
Ling Jian revealed he was an orphan from He County, adopted by a master who taught him martial arts and hidden weapons. After his master died in a conflict, he avenged him and became a drifter, fleeing to a temple in Linzhou where he adopted the name Ling Jian to escape pursuit. Initially, his double life as a monk by day and a cat burglar by night provided him with a thrilling existence.
However, by his thirties, he found it all tedious. He "washed his hands" of his criminal past, moved to Nanzhou, and funded the construction of the Wen Temple, where he lived as the humble handyman, Ji Xiang. Three years prior, Dugu Xiashu arrived at the Wen Temple to study. Ling Jian initially tried to scare him away with ghost stories.
However, Dugu Xiashu proved fearless, remaining for half a month before admonishing Ling Jian, quoting Confucius that a gentleman does not speak of "extraordinary things, feats of strength, disorder, or spiritual beings," and urged him to read more. Influenced by Dugu Xiashu, Ling Jian began borrowing books and gradually developed a passion for reading. Dugu Xiashu even praised his intelligence as "genius," which deeply elated Ling Jian.
This sparked a new, profound ambition: if others could pass the imperial examinations, so could he. He believed that with focused study, he could achieve success in Chang'an, creating a dramatic and stimulating contrast between his former life as a bandit and a future as an esteemed official. This new aspiration became his overriding goal until Qinghong's arrival.
Episode 18 Recap
Upon accidentally seeing Qinghong, Dugu Xiashu's wife, Ji Xiang, who had been diligently focused on his studies for the imperial examination, felt a resurgence of desire. He admitted that the thought of a beautiful woman stirred something deep within him, reminding him of a past life of murder, robbery, and kidnapping women, a life he thought was long behind him. Later, Liu Youqiu was sent by his father to study at the Confucian temple.
However, Liu Youqiu was a playboy who often sneaked out of the temple to seek pleasure. One day, he asked Ji Xiang to escort him outside, claiming he had an appointment and was afraid to go alone in the dark. Ji Xiang advised him to focus on his studies to succeed in the imperial examination, but Liu Youqiu dismissed the idea, boasting that his father's old friend had already guaranteed his success as an imperial scholar next year.
Hearing this, Ji Xiang lost all motivation to study, realizing that no matter how hard he tried, he could not surpass a scoundrel like Liu Youqiu. Ji Xiang then witnessed Liu Youqiu's wicked intentions towards Qinghong. On a rainy day, Liu Youqiu, anticipating Qinghong's arrival to deliver clothes, dispatched Dugu Xiashu to buy candles. Liu Youqiu then made advances towards Qinghong, complimenting her scent and attempting to embrace her. Qinghong resisted.
Ji Xiang later revealed that Dugu Xiashu did not witness these events himself but believed them because Ji Xiang, skilled in using drugs to manipulate minds, had recounted them to him, causing Dugu Xiashu to become disoriented and unable to distinguish between reality, dreams, and what he was told. Ji Xiang confessed his love for Qinghong from the moment he first saw her.
He believed that her virtuousness and beauty made her the only one worthy to be his wife when he eventually became a top scholar. To achieve his perfect future with her, he needed to first win her over. So, Ji Xiang devised a plot, fabricating a homosexual relationship between Liu Youqiu and Dugu Xiashu to make Qinghong completely disillusioned with her husband. He then swooped in to comfort Qinghong in her despair, using a little ecstasy incense on her.
His intention was for Dugu Xiashu to divorce Qinghong, after which Ji Xiang would kill Liu Youqiu, steal Liu Youqiu's letter of recommendation, and then flee with Qinghong to Chang'an to pursue his own scholarly ambitions. However, his plan went awry when Qinghong unexpectedly witnessed him assassinating Liu Youqiu. In the dark, he instinctively threw a steel needle, accidentally killing Qinghong, whom he didn't recognize until it was too late.
Despite his accidental killing of Qinghong, Ji Xiang's plan to become a scholar continued, believing Dugu Xiashu would still take the blame as he was already confused and suspected an affair between Liu Youqiu and Qinghong. Su Wuming initially did not suspect Dugu Xiashu, but the unreliable testimony of Dugu Xiashu's elderly, hard-of-hearing neighbor caused a detour in the investigation. The old man claimed to have heard a knife being sharpened in the middle of the night.
To clear his doubts, Su Wuming revisited the old man, who again insisted he had heard knife sharpening on two consecutive nights, which finally raised Su Wuming's suspicions about Ji Xiang. Su Wuming informed Ji Xiang that Qinghong had long regretted her involvement with him. She had already moved six of the seven ancestral silver ingots, which she had initially told Ji Xiang about, from under the rice jar to under the bed, as a precaution against him.
Furthermore, Qinghong had reconciled with Dugu Xiashu, and had gone to the Confucian temple that night to end her relationship with Ji Xiang, only to tragically witness his crime and be murdered. Ji Xiang, however, stubbornly refused to believe this, clinging to the delusion that Qinghong only loved him and had come to elope.
Lu Lingfeng vehemently chastised Ji Xiang, declaring him unworthy of loving Qinghong, especially after he brutally slashed her neck several times after her death to frame Dugu Xiashu. With the truth now exposed, the murderer would face justice. Dugu Xiashu, recalling Qinghong's last wish for him to pursue the imperial examination in Chang'an, prepared to leave. Lu Lingfeng caught up with him and returned the six silver ingots that Qinghong had hidden under the bed, which Su Wuming had found.
Lu Lingfeng also entrusted Dugu Xiashu with a letter from Pei Xijun to her father, Pei Jian, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Personnel Administration, advising him to seek out Guo Zhuang at the Right Imperial Guards for assistance in delivering it. Lu Lingfeng gave Dugu Xiashu his horse to help him reach Chang'an quickly for his studies, explaining that this act would bring him peace of mind for having misjudged Dugu Xiashu earlier.
Lu Lingfeng then invited Pei Xijun to enjoy the scenic stone bridge and thanked her profusely for her repeated reminders during the Confucian temple case, which prevented him from wrongly convicting Dugu Xiashu. Su Wuming and Fei Jishi, observing the congenial atmosphere between them, teased them about their impending marriage, much to Lu Lingfeng's annoyance, who playfully threatened Fei Jishi with a stone. Shortly after, Lu Lingfeng received an unexpected appointment as the Sheriff of Ju County.
Having given up hope on his official career, he found the appointment suspicious and initially suspected Su Wuming's machinations. Su Wuming, however, deduced that Pei Jian must have learned about Lu Lingfeng's care for Pei Xijun in Nanzhou through Pei Xijun's letter. As a doting father, Pei Jian surely used his influence to help Lu Lingfeng return to officialdom. Lu Lingfeng, unwilling to accept help from others, refused the appointment.
Learning of Lu Lingfeng's refusal, Pei Xijun conspired with Su Wuming to provoke him. Outside Lu Lingfeng's room, Su Wuming dramatically declared his intention to go to Ju County in Lu Lingfeng's stead, lamenting that the position of sheriff had been vacant for too long, with old cases piling up and new ones frequently occurring, hinting that Lu Lingfeng was shrinking from a challenge. Pei Xijun added that Lu Lingfeng must simply disdain such a low-ranking position.
Despite knowing it was a ploy, Lu Lingfeng, spurred by their words, ordered Xue Huan to prepare their luggage, and they set off for Ju County. Pei Xijun felt a little deflated by Lu Lingfeng's cold attitude towards her during their departure, leading Su Wuming to suggest that Lu Lingfeng's pride might be bruised because he felt he was "climbing up" by relying on her father's influence.
Upon arriving in Ju County, Lu Lingfeng immediately went to the Western Office to review case files before paying his respects to Magistrate Lei. He discovered a mountain of unresolved cases, including more than ten women murdered and decapitated since last winter. The previous sheriff had failed to find the elusive perpetrator, who was rumored to be a white-haired ghost.
Lu Lingfeng demanded to see the file for a horrifying, unsolved case from forty years prior, rejecting the officers' attempts to dissuade him. Magistrate Lei soon arrived, incensed that Lu Lingfeng had gone directly to work without greeting him. Lu Lingfeng, citing historical precedent, argued that prioritizing the cases was appropriate for his role. Enraged by Lu Lingfeng's defiant attitude, Magistrate Lei departed.
The Assistant Magistrate then informed Lu Lingfeng that no official accommodation was available due to renovations and leaky rooms, suggesting he find his own lodging. Undeterred, Lu Lingfeng decided to rent a house. Lu Lingfeng and Xue Huan eventually found a cheap house at the Hall of Life. Despite warnings from a local about the place being "unclean" and potentially haunted—even claiming county officials dared not enter—Lu Lingfeng, fearless of ghosts, insisted on renting it, paying three months in advance.
Dr. Zhai Liang, who practiced medicine in the Hall of Life's front courtyard during the day, leased the back courtyard to Lu Lingfeng. Dr. Zhai refused to rent out the attic in the back, explaining it was his late uncle Meng Donglao's study and medicine-refining area, now used as a herb warehouse.
Privately, Dr. Zhai chided his servant Xiaoqi for renting to the sheriff, fearing trouble, but Xiaoqi suggested it might be beneficial, as having an official reside there might stop ghost rumors. That night, as Lu Lingfeng was reviewing case files, he suddenly heard a startled cry from outside.
Episode 19 Recap
Xue Huan cried out to Lu Lingfeng, saying he had seen a ghost. Lu Lingfeng rushed outside but found only a few cats on the roof. He dismissed Xue Huan’s claim as a hallucination from their tiring journey. However, seeing Xue Huan’s fear, Lu Lingfeng offered to let him share his room that night. He mentioned he needed to review case files, including a particularly gruesome dismembered body case from forty years prior.
Xue Huan gladly agreed, even offering to stay awake with Lu Lingfeng to “boost his courage” during the terrifying read. They discussed a past victim of the dismemberment case, Guan Zijun. That same night, A Cui, the daughter of a wealthy merchant in Ju County, was looking into a mirror when she unexpectedly saw a red-robed, white-haired ghost.
Her maid had warned her not to look in the mirror at night, but A Cui had scoffed at the idea of ghosts. The next day, A Cui was found dead in her room, her head severed. Lu Lingfeng and his team were called to the scene. An examination revealed A Cui had been raped and murdered before her head was cut off, a method identical to eleven previous cases, indicating a single perpetrator.
A Cui’s distraught father furiously chastised Lu Lingfeng and Xue Huan, calling them “losers” for the string of unsolved murders. Lu Lingfeng, who had just arrived in Ju County, explained his recent appointment and boldly promised to solve the case within seven days. He proposed a wager: if he failed, he would swallow a stone engraved with the word "loser," but if he succeeded, the merchant would have to do so. The merchant agreed to this unusual wager.
A Cui’s maid described the killer as a red-robed, white-haired ghost. Xue Huan immediately noted this matched what he had seen in the Hall of Life courtyard the previous night, but Lu Lingfeng sternly dismissed his account as a hallucination. The County Magistrate, upon hearing of Lu Lingfeng's seven-day promise to the merchant, sought confirmation. Lu Lingfeng affirmed his commitment, stating he would resign if he failed, much to the Magistrate's delight.
The Magistrate then invited Lu Lingfeng to a feast, ambiguously for either celebration or a farewell. Lu Lingfeng devised a plan. He ordered notices to be posted, falsely announcing the capture of the murderer. He then disguised himself as the killer and was paraded through the streets in a prisoner's cart. As expected, a suspicious man was observed among the crowd. Lu Lingfeng broke free and pursued him.
With Xue Huan’s assistance, they chased the suspect through the crowded streets, causing some public commotion and injuries. Despite the pursuit, he ultimately managed to escape due to the dense crowd and the fact that Xue Huan’s sword was not sharpened. Lu Lingfeng quickly ordered the city gates sealed and dispatched the Old Officer and Xue Huan with teams to search door-to-door. He reiterated to Xue Huan that the assailant was a human, not a ghost.
Xue Huan, regretting the escape, pleaded with Lu Lingfeng to allow him to sharpen his sword, but Lu Lingfeng refused, fearing it would corrupt his young disciple with a "killing aura." Later, Lu Lingfeng reflected on the dire conditions in Ju County, observing the severe miasma, widespread headaches, and the impoverished state of most citizens.
He realized the vast suffering of the common people was far beyond his previous imagination and felt a heavy responsibility as a sheriff to do more for them. They attempted to draw a new wanted poster, but Lu Lingfeng noted the lack of artistic skill, expressing that Pei Xijun would have done much better. He then ordered another comprehensive city-wide search after dark, unafraid of startling the culprit, knowing he was trapped within the city.
The County Magistrate, determined to obstruct Lu Lingfeng, assigned him a barrage of trivial administrative tasks, including tax collection, dam repairs, and canal excavation. Lu Lingfeng initially protested, arguing his focus was on the murder case, but the Magistrate insisted these were his duties and threatened charges of dereliction if neglected. Realizing the Magistrate's intent to make him fail, Lu Lingfeng accepted.
Xue Huan worried about the impending seven-day deadline, but Lu Lingfeng assured him that with the Old Officer and Xue Huan’s diligent efforts, the murderer would be apprehended. Meanwhile, Pei Xijun inquired about Lu Lingfeng’s well-being with Su Wuming, who confirmed Lu Lingfeng was overwhelmed and suffering from headaches, a common ailment in Ju County. Pretending to suffer from a headache, Lu Lingfeng visited Zhai Liang’s clinic.
Zhai Liang explained that the headaches plaguing the local populace were caused by miasma, with only about three out of ten patients fully recovering, another three maintaining their health through continuous treatment, and the remainder being incurable. Zhai Liang spoke highly of his late uncle, Meng, a renowned physician whose "Book of Bones" was widely respected. Meng had pioneered the acupuncture treatment for Ju County’s headaches but sadly passed away last year before completing his book on the subject.
Lu Lingfeng requested to visit the attic in the Hall of Life backyard, which Zhai Liang had previously mentioned as Meng’s study and alchemy lab, to pay his respects. Zhai Liang, however, again refused, citing Lu Lingfeng's busy official duties as an excuse. That night, after Xue Huan had fallen asleep, Lu Lingfeng stealthily entered the Hall of Life's attic.
He noticed that despite appearing to have two floors, there were no visible stairs in what was supposed to be a medicine storage area. Further investigation led him to a hidden room, where he discovered the tomb of Meng Donglao. The sight, coupled with fleeting shadows, unnerved him, causing him to leap from a window in fright, spending a restless night.
The next morning, visibly shaken, Lu Lingfeng confessed to Xue Huan that he had "seen a ghost" and been terrified. Yet, after an entire night of contemplation, he realized that "ghosts" were merely manifestations of human fear in the face of the unknown, leading to a loss of rational judgment. He admitted his own fear, despite his extensive martial arts training and former high rank in the Imperial Guards. With the seven-day deadline upon them, Lu Lingfeng gathered his team.
He commended their tireless efforts, confirming that strict city gate surveillance and continuous patrols meant the killer was trapped within Ju County. He then declared the murderer was hidden in the Hall of Life’s backyard. The officers expressed apprehension about confronting a "ghost," but Lu Lingfeng reassured them, explaining that the high "Yang" energy at noon would render any ghost powerless. Arriving at the Hall of Life, Lu Lingfeng's team announced their official presence and ordered the public to disperse.
Zhai Liang attempted to block their entry, but Lu Lingfeng swiftly ordered his arrest to prevent him from alerting the killer. Inside the attic, they initially found no one. Lu Lingfeng revealed the presence of a secret passage, explaining why he had apprehended Zhai Liang. He commanded his men to break through a hidden door, behind which they discovered Meng Donglao's tomb—confirming the "ghost" was a deception. Still, the inner chamber was empty.
Lu Lingfeng then pointed to the window, announcing the killer was outside. The "white-haired ghost" was apprehended outside the attic. Upon removing his white wig and mask, Zhai Liang recognized him as Liang Sanqi, a notorious thief whose broken bones his uncle, Meng, had once healed. Zhai Liang angrily denounced Liang Sanqi as an ungrateful wretch who had used his uncle’s former workspace to feign a haunting and commit crimes.
Lu Lingfeng realized Zhai Liang was not an accomplice but had tried to prevent them from entering to conceal his uncle's tomb. He mockingly asked Liang Sanqi if he wasn't afraid of Meng's ghost, with the tomb so close. Liang Sanqi confessed to the murder of twelve women but defiantly refused to disclose the location of their severed heads. He also vowed he would never be paraded through the streets.
With a sudden burst of strength, he broke free from his bonds and committed suicide by impaling himself on a sword. Relatives of the victims, witnessing the events, rushed forward to vent their grief and rage upon Liang Sanqi's corpse. The rich merchant, holding the stone inscribed with "loser," stepped forward, ready to swallow it as per his agreement. Lu Lingfeng stopped him, calling their bet a mere jest.
However, the merchant insisted, stating that his honor and reputation in Ju County depended on him fulfilling the wager, and he sincerely apologized for insulting an imperial official. Lu Lingfeng humbly responded that the merchant's challenge had actually spurred him to solve the case faster. He then revealed his shame that the victims' heads remained undiscovered.
Taking the "loser" stone, Lu Lingfeng declared he would keep it as a personal reminder to never be a "loser" and to always strive to be an upright official. He promised to find the missing heads as quickly as possible. Moved by his integrity, the grateful citizens, including the victims' families, knelt and praised Lu Lingfeng, calling him a blessing for Ju County.
Episode 20 Recap
Zhai Liang explained to Lu Lingfeng that although building a tomb within the Hall of Life was against the customs of Ju County, he had to honor his uncle Meng Donglao’s last wish. Meng Donglao had practiced medicine in the Hall of Life his entire life, and before his death, he expressed a desire to continue guarding it from the underworld. As Meng Donglao had no children and left the house to Zhai Liang, Zhai Liang felt obligated to agree.
He asked Lu Lingfeng to keep the matter confidential and offered to refund the rent, suggesting Lu Lingfeng find another residence. However, Lu Lingfeng refused, stating he was comfortable living there. The County Magistrate later approached Lu Lingfeng, praising him for solving the previous rape and murder case and suggesting a celebratory parade. Lu Lingfeng declined, emphasizing that the case was not truly closed until the victim's head was recovered, thus negating any celebration or feast.
He also mentioned needing to fix the leaking roof of the Dragon King Temple before expected heavy rains, a task he was currently engaged in. That night, Lu Lingfeng found Xue Huan practicing martial arts in the courtyard. Xue Huan, no longer afraid of ghosts, declared that only evil people pretended to be supernatural beings and vowed to hone his skills to eradicate them.
He explained he hadn't woken Lu Lingfeng because his master was exhausted from both criminal investigations and repair duties. The next day, a woman's head was discovered in a temple. The coroner immediately noted its similarity to the Guan Zijun dismemberment case from forty years prior, based on the method of dismemberment. Soon after, reports flooded in, with additional body bags found in Destiny Temple, Greenery Temple, and Lingdang Temple.
The abbot of Destiny Temple confirmed that the current situation was "exactly the same" as four decades ago, recalling finding a body bag on the incense table, with even the wrappings identical. He explained that the temple opened to pilgrims at eight in the morning, and the body bag must have been placed between five and eight in the morning.
Lu Lingfeng ordered a comprehensive investigation of everyone who had visited the temples that morning, including monks, beggars, and scholars, and directed that a notice be posted to identify the deceased, as no missing persons had been reported recently.
The current coroner, however, refused to perform the autopsy, fearing he would meet the same fate as his father, who had examined the forty-year-old case and hung himself within a month at the age of forty-two, the same age as the current coroner. He resigned on the spot. Recognizing the critical importance of an autopsy, Lu Lingfeng attempted to perform it himself, despite only having rudimentary knowledge, but was ultimately unable to overcome his psychological barrier.
Observing Lu Lingfeng's distress, Xue Huan sent a basket of oranges to Su Wuming in Nanzhou, recalling Su Wuming's earlier instruction that this was the coded signal for Lu Lingfeng needing assistance but being too proud to ask. Upon receiving the oranges, Su Wuming immediately traveled to Ju County, accompanied by Pei Xijun and Chicken Fed.
The County Magistrate, advised by Assistant Ye, feared losing his position as the previous magistrate had, and sought to ensure Lu Lingfeng took full responsibility. He approached Lu Lingfeng, effusively praising his abilities and declaring that he would personally handle all trivial county matters, such as collecting taxes and roof repairs, so Lu Lingfeng could focus entirely on solving the dismemberment case and achieve "another great contribution."
Lu Lingfeng, appreciating the gesture, agreed to a seven-day deadline, stating the terms for failure would be the same as their previous agreement. Just then, a guard announced the arrival of Su Wuming and his companions, whom Lu Lingfeng had seemingly "hired" as coroners. The Magistrate and Assistant Ye, initially unfamiliar with Su Wuming, were profoundly impressed to learn he was the Military Commander of Nanzhou, and Pei Xijun was the daughter of Assistant Minister Pei.
Pei Xijun politely greeted them. Su Wuming immediately took charge of the autopsy, instructing Lu Lingfeng to pursue other leads. Lu Lingfeng learned from initial inquiries that witnesses had given contradictory descriptions of the person seen with body bags—some said an old man, others an old woman, or a beggar. However, the only recent missing person was Lady Hui, the concubine of the wealthy pawnbroker Qian Xiaoyi, who lived in the south of the county with her mother.
Qian Xiaoyi stated that his wife, the daughter of the renowned butcher Hu Yidao, had previously chased Lady Hui with a knife and threatened to dismember her, being skilled in butchery. Lu Lingfeng ordered Qian Xiaoyi's wife to be brought in for questioning. Meanwhile, Su Wuming, after four hours of intense autopsy, instructed Xue Huan not to let Pei Xijun enter due to the horrific state of the body, which was entirely deboned.
He told Xue Huan to inform Lu Lingfeng that the victim was female and had a red mole on her right chest. Lu Lingfeng confirmed with Qian Xiaoyi that Lady Hui indeed had such a mole. When Qian Xiaoyi's wife arrived, she expressed satisfaction at Lady Hui's death, reiterating her family's butchering expertise.
Lu Lingfeng noted her habit of carrying a knife; she claimed she had been feeding pigs the night Lady Hui disappeared before going to her ailing father, Hu Yidao. Lu Lingfeng decided to visit Hu Yidao and had the wife lead the way. Lu Lingfeng then discussed Su Wuming's autopsy findings, which, combined with Qian Xiaoyi's statement, confirmed Lady Hui as the victim. He reiterated Qian Xiaoyi's desire to break up with Lady Hui and his wife's threats.
Although a guard suggested imprisonment, Lu Lingfeng deemed it too early for jail or torture, opting instead for close surveillance of the couple. At Hu Yidao’s residence, the fifty-one-year-old butcher, suffering from a severe headache, expressed his belief that he was dying and his concern for his only daughter. He admitted that on the night Lady Hui disappeared, despite his daughter’s pleas, he went gambling. Lu Lingfeng noted Hu Yidao's skillful butchery, which belied his rough appearance.
He tasked a guard with verifying Hu Yidao’s gambling alibi. The County Magistrate again worried about Su Wuming’s intense autopsy work, drawing parallels to the previous coroner's fate. Su Wuming, however, downplayed his findings, stating there were few clues. He revealed that the victim had not been raped, beaten, or poisoned, but had been killed by a single, clean strike.
The murder and dismemberment weapons were different, indicating the killer possessed a complete set of tools, was highly skilled, and possessed an "extremely cold" heart. Lu Lingfeng momentarily suspected Hu Yidao but dismissed it, noting Hu Yidao was only eleven years old forty years ago. Suddenly, a scout reported that Hu Yidao had fled the city with a package. Lu Lingfeng gave chase and apprehended him. Under threat of torture, Hu Yidao confessed he had indeed visited Lady Hui.
He was initially angry about Qian Xiaoyi’s concubine but then witnessed Qian Xiaoyi attempting to end the affair, describing it as a "fling" and declaring he would not abandon his wife, who "truly loves" him. Qian Xiaoyi even threatened Lady Hui with violence. Delighted by Qian Xiaoyi's rejection of Lady Hui and praise for his daughter, Hu Yidao decided to buy good food and wine to celebrate with Qian Xiaoyi but succumbed to his gambling addiction instead.
He was then arrested by constables for fighting a pimp (who had introduced Lady Hui to Qian Xiaoyi) and held overnight, providing him with an alibi. He had fled due to his gambling debts, not the murder. Lu Lingfeng confirmed Hu Yidao's high gambling debts. Su Wuming then inquired about Hu Yidao's cat. Hu Yidao described his cat as a Chinese Li Hua.
Su Wuming revealed he had found five cat hairs on the victim's body: three yellow, one black, and one white, matching the description. Su Wuming then instructed Lu Lingfeng to tell Qian Xiaoyi to pay Hu Yidao’s gambling debts, threatening to implicate him in Lady Hui’s murder if he refused, assuring Lu Lingfeng that this use of his (Su's) authority was permissible. Grateful, Hu Yidao promised to stop gambling.
Su Wuming also mentioned a distinct smell of herbs on the body bag and instructed Lu Lingfeng to consult Chicken Fed about it. That night, Chicken Fed woke from a nightmare where his deceased elder fellow, Meng Donglao (whom he called "Old Weirdo"), appeared, reminding him of a promise to write books and refine medicine together for life and trying to force him to stay.
Chicken Fed woke in a panic, asking where they were, and realized they were in the Hall of Life. He frantically demanded to see Meng Donglao, only to be told by Xue Huan that Meng Donglao had died last year, which greatly distressed him. Chicken Fed then attempted to enter the attic, convinced Meng Donglao was inside. Lu Lingfeng quickly ushered him away, concerned about him discovering the tomb.
Lu Lingfeng later confided in Su Wuming about the tomb, to which Su Wuming observed that Chicken Fed and Meng Donglao were clearly old friends, and Chicken Fed seemed to have known Meng Donglao was there all along, likely harboring other secrets. Su Wuming prepared to return to Nanzhou but announced he was leaving Pei Xijun behind to supervise the case, requiring Lu Lingfeng to report daily progress to her.
Lu Lingfeng initially viewed Pei Xijun as a hindrance, but she offered to draw sketches of the suspicious individuals seen near the temples, despite the conflicting witness descriptions. Recognizing the potential value, Lu Lingfeng agreed, formally addressing her as "Inspector Pei." Later, Lu Lingfeng approached Chicken Fed with a ruse, claiming a "jar of wine" (actually the body wrap) had been found wrapped in a cloth with a medicinal smell.
He concocted a story about a bet that Chicken Fed could identify the herbs by smell alone, promising a lavish three-day feast if he succeeded. Chicken Fed eagerly agreed, smelled the cloth, and noted its "weird" scent, containing only medicine and no wine. He questioned if it was truly a wine wrap. He then identified Gastrodia elata and other herbs. Noticing Xue Huan's unusual expression, he asked if the boy was "learning bad things," which Xue Huan denied before leaving.
Lu Lingfeng then interviewed Lady Hui's mother. She revealed that Lady Hui mostly stayed with Qian Xiaoyi at his residence north of the county, but also went for acupuncture every three days due to a headache. Although common in Ju County, this condition was rare for someone of Lady Hui's age. She confirmed Lady Hui visited the Hall of Life for treatment.
Pei Xijun noted a witness description of an "old man" with a hunchback and the smell of medicine carrying a package. Lu Lingfeng visited the Hall of Life and asked Zhai Liang if Lady Hui had visited for her headache one day before the winter solstice. Zhai Liang checked the medical log, but Lady Hui's name was not recorded. He insisted that if she had come, it would have been documented. During this questioning, the medicine boy appeared visibly alarmed.
Episode 21 Recap
Lu Lingfeng, having made no progress in the investigation, received a visit from Pei Xijun. Upon hearing his account, Pei Xijun examined the medical journal at the Hall of Life. Her keen eye, developed since childhood, immediately detected that the entry for the day before Winter Solstice had been written later than the actual date. The assistant, fearing repercussions, quickly admitted that Lady Hui had indeed come for acupuncture and that Dr. Zhai had altered the journal.
Embarrassed, Dr. Zhai confessed that he had been seduced by Lady Hui's beauty and had secretly met her multiple times in the backyard storeroom. On the day before Winter Solstice, Lady Hui, complaining of a severe headache, was directed by Dr. Zhai to the storeroom, where he gave her the key while he attended to other patients. However, when he arrived later, Lady Hui was gone.
He initially assumed she had been frightened by the tomb in the attic and fled, intending to instruct her to keep silent upon her return. But when news broke of Lady Hui's dismembered body, fearing both suspicion and the exposure of their affair, Dr. Zhai tampered with the medical journal. His assistant corroborated that Dr. Zhai returned home early that evening and had his feet washed, suggesting Lady Hui was not harmed within the Hall of Life.
Meanwhile, Chicken Fed returned, fuming at Lu Lingfeng for tricking him. He recognized eight potent herbs on the cloth Lu Lingfeng provided, declaring them far too strong to be used in liquor. When Lu Lingfeng admitted the cloth was a fragment from the body bags, Chicken Fed identified the mixture of herbs as suitable for treating headaches, but noted that only "Old Weirdo Meng" would dare combine them in such an unconventional way.
Intrigued, Lu Lingfeng pressed Chicken Fed about his connection to Meng Donglao. Disturbed by recurring dreams of his elder fellow, Chicken Fed revealed that Meng Donglao was his senior disciple-brother and expressed a strong desire to visit his tomb to ease his restless spirit.
To prevent Pei Xijun from discovering the actual, unsettling location of the tomb in the attic, Xue Huan quickly intervened, fabricating a story that Meng Donglao was buried on Shou Mountain, forty miles northwest of Ju County. Pei Xijun, after interviewing several more witnesses who had seen individuals discarding the body bags, and Lu Lingfeng both concluded that the culprit was a single person who had used various disguises.
Pei Xijun synthesized the common features described by the witnesses into a single portrait. Just then, Chicken Fed returned, exhausted and frustrated from his fruitless journey to the distant Shou Mountain. He immediately recognized the man in Pei Xijun's drawing as Meng Donglao, mistakenly believing she had drawn it to comfort him in his longing. This startling recognition, coupled with Lu Lingfeng’s memory of a similar portrait found near the tomb in the attic, confirmed their suspicions.
Lu Lingfeng then led Chicken Fed to Meng Donglao’s actual burial site, a tomb built within the Hall of Life's attic. They were astonished to find a statue of their revered master, Sun Simiao, placed at the tomb to stand vigil over Meng Donglao.
Chicken Fed explained that Meng Donglao, whose birth name was Meng Dongxiao but was playfully nicknamed "Donglao" due to his premature white hair, had been expelled from their master's tutelage for grave robbing to dissect bodies and study human meridians. Chicken Fed admitted he was the one who informed their master, leading to Meng Donglao's enduring resentment. He also revealed Meng Donglao's unusual affection for cats.
The mention of several cats of different colors immediately clicked with Lu Lingfeng, who recalled Su Wuming's autopsy report noting various colored cat hairs found on the victims. Realizing the profound danger, Lu Lingfeng instantly ordered everyone to evacuate the Hall of Life and instructed Xue Huan to stay by Pei Xijun's side, protecting her without fail. After a night of intense thought, Lu Lingfeng concluded that Liang Sanqi's suicide was to protect Meng Donglao's dark secret.
He sought the Magistrate's permission to open Meng Donglao's coffin, strongly suspecting that Meng Donglao was not only alive but also the true perpetrator of the dismemberment murders. The Magistrate, fearful of a scandal that could ruin his career and cause public panic, reluctantly agreed, but urged Lu Lingfeng to handle the matter with utmost discretion.
Lu Lingfeng devised a clever scheme, announcing to the public that "cat demons" in the Hall of Life would be "purged by fire" at noon and advised residents to avoid the area to prevent the spread of evil spirits. Ignoring Dr. Zhai's desperate pleas to respect his uncle's grave, Lu Lingfeng ordered the coffin to be opened.
To their surprise, the coffin did not contain Meng Donglao's remains, but rather the skeleton of a tall woman, as confirmed by Chicken Fed. Further investigation beneath the coffin revealed a hidden secret room. Simultaneously, Xue Huan discovered an exit to a secret passage in a nearby abandoned house, deducing that this was the route Liang Sanqi used to deliver food, drinks, and the severed heads to Meng Donglao.
Inside the secret room, they confronted a very much alive Meng Donglao. He calmly confessed to having killed Guan Zijun forty years prior, stating his intent was to preserve her complete skeleton for medical research and to write a "Book of Bones" to benefit future generations.
He explained that six months ago, to dedicate himself to solving the mystery of headaches, he ingested a self-made concoction that induced a state of false death, allowing him to be buried in the attic and continue his research in secret.
Meng Donglao revealed that Liang Sanqi, whom he had saved from an illness, was loyal to him but was also a lecher, often bringing beautiful women who, unfortunately, did not suffer from headaches and were therefore useless for his research. He recounted how he encountered Lady Hui, recognized her severe headache condition, and subsequently murdered her for study. He dismembered her body and discarded the parts in temples, seeking a twisted form of "psychological comfort."
Meng Donglao displayed no remorse for his actions, instead expressing a profound belief that in a thousand years, his groundbreaking medical treatises, like his "Book of Curing Headaches," would be celebrated, and no one would remember him as a murderer. He even suggested that he be imprisoned in his secret chamber to complete his work, after which a temple should be built in his honor with a plaque proclaiming him the "Reincarnation of Hua Tuo."
Lu Lingfeng, utterly repulsed by Meng Donglao's heinous crimes and unrepentant attitude, ensured his swift execution. In the aftermath, Lu Lingfeng confided in Pei Xijun, expressing doubt about the absolute correctness of his decision and pondering how Su Wuming might have handled the complex case. Meanwhile, Chicken Fed, unexpectedly, chose to remain in Ju County. He dedicated himself to treating the widespread headache affliction among the populace, skillfully applying his medical knowledge.
His successful cures earned him immense gratitude from the villagers, who showered him with gifts and bestowed upon him the esteemed title of "Reincarnation of Hua Tuo." He even took Dr. Zhai as his new disciple. On Pei Xijun's birthday, Lu Lingfeng celebrated with her, and the following day, he escorted her to the border as she prepared to return to Nanzhou. Before parting, Pei Xijun once again subtly conveyed her heartfelt affection for him.
Upon his return to the county government, Lu Lingfeng was summoned by Magistrate Lei, who, with a somber expression, presented him with an imperial decree. The decree, originating from the imperial court in Chang'an, stripped Lu Lingfeng of his official position, citing his "bewitching of the populace with the heresy of cat demons." As Lu Lingfeng, accompanied by Xue Huan, prepared to depart Ju County, the grateful townspeople lined the roads, kneeling in respect and bidding him an emotional farewell. Even Magistrate Lei and the county constables, filled with newfound admiration, saluted him as he left the city.
Episode 22 Recap
Su Wuming received a transfer to Ninghu, where he would continue as a Military Commander. Although the title remained the same, Ninghu was a prosperous city in Zhongzhou, located south of the Chang Jiang River, making it a significant promotion. Su Wuming expressed surprise at the swift promotion, having not been in Nanzhou for long.
Administrator Luo praised Su Wuming’s diligent work and organizational skills, stating that everything was well-organized under his care, to the point of making the Administrator himself feel ashamed in comparison. Prefectural Governor Xiong, hinting that Su Wuming had powerful backing, asked him to put in a good word for him and Administrator Luo upon his future success. Meanwhile, Lu Lingfeng returned from his own dismissal and questioned if someone had used him as a stepping stone for their own advancement.
He clarified that Su Wuming had taken him in after he was expelled from the capital, making it unlikely for Su Wuming to have impeached him. Su Wuming then confirmed that an Imperial Inspector, an associate of the princess, had recently toured Nanzhou. This revelation made Lu Lingfeng understand the true reason behind his dismissal. Lu Lingfeng, back from his mission in Ju County, expressed how much he missed the fine liquor and friends from Gourmet Restaurant.
He offered to host a banquet for Prefectural Governor Xiong and Administrator Luo. Suddenly, Chicken Fed appeared, chiding Lu Lingfeng for leaving Ju County without him. Lu Lingfeng explained he hadn't wanted to disturb Chicken Fed, who had been busy taking on disciples, including Zhai Liang and four other doctors, and leaving them his headache prescriptions and acupuncture techniques to help the local populace.
Chicken Fed proposed a celebration for Lu Lingfeng's success in cracking a difficult case and for his own healing work. Lu Lingfeng agreed enthusiastically, suggesting they invite Headman Huang, Headman Xie, Ouyang Quan, and the poet, Leng Ji, for a grand, inebriated reunion.
After the feast, Prefectural Governor Xiong, Administrator Luo, Ouyang Quan, and Leng Ji were all thoroughly drunk, and Headman Huang and Headman Xie were particularly delighted to have had the rare opportunity to drink alongside the Prefectural Governor. Later, Lu Lingfeng thanked Su Wuming for the three old books he had lent him, calling them "amazing books" that had proved very useful in Ju County.
Su Wuming playfully remarked that Lu Lingfeng was "not an ordinary man," having managed to offend both the Crown Prince, who expelled him from Chang'an, and the Princess, who dismissed him from his post, a feat Su Wuming had never witnessed before. Lu Lingfeng dismissed these comments as trivial, stating his feelings about the dismissal were irrelevant.
He then shrewdly deduced that Su Wuming's transfer to Ninghu was also orchestrated by the Princess, implying Su Wuming’s diligent work had garnered her favor. Su Wuming, annoyed, confirmed this. Su Wuming then inquired about Lu Lingfeng’s future plans and invited him to join him in Ninghu as his personal staff once more, admitting he felt "at ease" with Lu Lingfeng by his side.
However, Lu Lingfeng declined the offer, asserting his desire to live a life of "wandering around," free from official duties. Later that night, Pei Xijun came to Lu Lingfeng alone. She clarified that she wasn't there to persuade him as Su Wuming had suggested, but to declare her unwavering commitment: "Pei Xijun is willing to wander around the world with Lu Lingfeng. I'll follow you to anywhere no matter what happens."
Overcome with emotion, Lu Lingfeng embraced Xijun, their shared feelings evident. Pei Xijun then informed Su Wuming of her decision. Su Wuming was taken aback, as he had intended for her to persuade Lu Lingfeng to join him in Ninghu, not to embark on a life of wandering with him. Seeing her resolute, Su Wuming reluctantly blessed his sworn sister and Lu Lingfeng, albeit expressing concern about how he would explain her departure to her father, Minister Pei.
Pei Xijun, however, simply suggested he tell her father she had "left to travel around the world with Lu Lingfeng" and "there's no need to worry," believing this "may be the best destination for us." The next morning, as Pei Xijun prepared her departure, she assured Su Wuming she would never forget him and would visit him wherever he might serve, entrusting Xue Huan to his care.
However, Xue Huan soon reported that Lu Lingfeng had departed without a word, taking his sword, spear, and the three old books with him. Pei Xijun, heartbroken and angered, called Lu Lingfeng a "jerk" for abandoning her. Su Wuming, however, viewed Lu Lingfeng’s actions as those of a true gentleman, explaining that he did not wish for her to endure the hardships of a perilous wandering life.
He reassured her, stating Lu Lingfeng was "long fallen in love with you" and that he was now a mature man who could control his emotions, promising, "Don't worry. You'll see him very soon." Su Wuming had initially considered having Prefectural Governor Xiong send Pei Xijun back to Chang'an, as her father, Minister Pei, missed her, a message conveyed by the Imperial Inspector. However, Pei Xijun, though missing her father, insisted on accompanying Su Wuming to Ninghu.
Her rationale was that returning to Chang'an might mean never seeing Lu Lingfeng again, whereas traveling with Su Wuming offered a chance for them to reunite in Ninghu. Su Wuming acquiesced, believing her company would make the journey less monotonous, noting Ninghu’s scenic beauty despite his personal dislike for its Prefectural Governor, Li Yu, a sentiment Pei Xijun seemed to share before dismissing it as irrelevant.
Xue Huan voiced concern about Chicken Fed, wondering if he had joined Lu Lingfeng’s wandering, but Su Wuming confidently predicted that Chicken Fed had merely gone ahead to Ninghu as an "advance official" in pursuit of good wine. As they neared Ninghu, a sudden torrential rain began. Their horses, startled near a large lake, bolted.
Su Wuming attributed the horses' fright to a "huge creature," recalling a story about "Tuo" (alligators) and how Ninghu, once called Tuozhou, likely had many of them. He mentioned an ancient superstition about Tuo souls attaching to people who shed blood near water. They soon found a large temple and decided to take shelter there until dawn. Inside, Pei Xijun found the main idol, strangely covered with a red cloth, unsettling.
Su Wuming, also finding the statue "weird" and the place "hair-raising," admitted he couldn’t identify the deity. Hearing approaching voices, Su Wuming quickly hid himself, Pei Xijun, and Xue Huan. Soon, Lu Yong, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, entered with his men, intending to burn down the "Temple of Tuo God" and kill any "worshippers of the evil god" found inside.
However, Shen Chong, the Chief of the Worshippers of Tuo God, arrived with his own group, stopping Lu Yong, and a fierce battle ensued. Overwhelmed, Lu Yong’s men retreated. Shen Chong’s men captured some of Lu Yong’s followers and intended to tie them up and throw them into the lake to "feed them to the crocodiles." Just as Shen Chong’s men were about to leave, hearing a faint noise, they suspected more of Lu Yong’s accomplices.
Su Wuming seized the moment, using a deep, booming voice to mimic the "Tuo God," scolding Shen Chong for disturbing his rest and ordering him to leave. Terrified, Shen Chong and his men quickly begged forgiveness and retreated. After they departed, Su Wuming, Pei Xijun, and Xue Huan emerged from their hiding place. The mysterious woman who had also been hiding in the temple swiftly left without expressing gratitude. Su Wuming mused on the strangeness of people worshipping alligators.
Deciding against waiting for the rain to cease, he led his companions to brave the stormy night and enter Ninghu city. Upon entering Ninghu, Su Wuming and his companions were immediately confronted by a street procession led by Shen Chong, who was carrying the Tuo God statue. Citizens knelt reverently, chanting "God bless us!"
Shen Chong, observing Su Wuming and his group standing, questioned why they refused to kneel, reminding them that even the Prefectural Governor would prostrate himself before the Tuo God, making a Military Commander's refusal all the more disrespectful. Other citizens urged Su Wuming's group to kneel, fearing that offending the Tuo God would bring suffering upon them all. Pei Xijun, sensing the strangeness of the situation, discreetly advised Su Wuming not to invite trouble.
One bystander even remarked that Su Wuming, carrying his own book bag, resembled a "teacher" more than a Military Commander. Just as the tension escalated, Administrator Gu Wenbin and Minister of Warehouse Zeng Sanyi arrived. They greeted Shen Chong respectfully and intervened on Su Wuming’s behalf, explaining that the new Military Commander was unfamiliar with local customs and would undoubtedly come to worship the Tuo God in time.
Shen Chong, though visibly annoyed, reluctantly relented, warning Su Wuming, "Don't do that again." Gu Wenbin then formally introduced himself and Minister Zeng to Su Wuming, offering to host a welcome banquet for him that evening. However, Su Wuming insisted on immediately paying his respects to the Prefectural Governor.
Gu Wenbin agreed to lead him and explained that while Shen Chong might be domineering, he played a crucial role in the city by ensuring tax collection from merchants and citizens, thereby alleviating the state's burden and guaranteeing favorable weather, which contributed to Ninghu's prosperity. He attributed this success to the blessings of the Tuo God.
Administrator Gu Wenbin led Su Wuming to Bishui Pavilion, a mansion originally built by the Worshippers of Tuo God and gifted to the government, which served as the Prefectural Governor's private residence. At the pavilion, Gu Wenbin introduced Li Si, a mute old servant, highlighting the Prefectural Governor's strong bond with him. Li Si indicated that the Prefectural Governor was inside, and Su Wuming instructed him to announce the new Military Commander.
Gu Wenbin explained that the Prefectural Governor lived there to focus solely on public affairs, never permitting interruptions, with his meals delivered only by Li Si and left on the window sill. After repeated knocking yielded no response, Su Wuming, sensing trouble, ordered the door to be broken down. Inside, they made a grim discovery: Prefectural Governor Li Yu had been murdered.
Following the discovery, Gu Wenbin introduced He Xi, the Minister of Justice of Ninghu, to Su Wuming, emphasizing Su Wuming's expertise in solving cases and suggesting He Xi should seek his guidance. However, He Xi, with an arrogant demeanor, dismissed Su Wuming, telling him to rest and promising to report any progress himself. Later, at the Commander's Residence assigned to Su Wuming, Xue Huan commented that it was smaller than their previous residence in Nanzhou.
Su Wuming then revealed the Prefectural Governor Li Yu's murder, a shocking piece of news to Pei Xijun. Meanwhile, Yingtao, the Prefectural Governor’s daughter, was mourning her father. He Xi approached her, swearing to investigate the case thoroughly out of gratitude for her father’s patronage, which had secured him his position as Minister of Justice. Yingtao, distraught, dismissed him and then found solace, embracing Li Si and weeping in his arms.
Chicken Fed found Ninghu "not fun at all" because he couldn't get his hands on the famous "Tuo God Wine." Su Wuming inquired if it was a matter of funds, but Chicken Fed explained that the wine, once known as "Nantian Wine" and a beloved staple at all local celebrations, was now exclusively brewed by Yaoyue Restaurant "only for Tuo God." This, combined with the forced kneeling, made Pei Xijun deeply concerned, calling the city "very creepy and weird."
Su Wuming, asserting his authority as the new Military Commander, took Chicken Fed to Yaoyue Restaurant. However, the restaurant owner explained that despite the wine being made from Tuo Lake water and once brewed by many, only Yaoyue was now qualified, producing a mere thirty jars monthly. He emphasized that not even the Prefectural Governor could buy it.
The owner informed them that the wine was exclusively served during the "God Sighting Ceremony" on Tuo God Island, held annually on the Double Third Festival (the 3rd day of March), when the Tuo God made his appearance. High-ranking officials like Su Wuming would undoubtedly be invited. Su Wuming openly criticized the Tuo God’s monopoly over the local wine, asserting that a true deity would not deprive its people.
The owner, fearful of repercussions from the Worshippers of Tuo God, pleaded with Su Wuming to cease such talk. When Su Wuming pressed if the owner had personally seen the Tuo God, the owner admitted he hadn't, but his "master" had. The master, when called, confirmed he saw the Tuo God’s "several feet high body" annually during the festival while transporting wine, and that the deity would even speak to attending officials and fortunate citizens.
He clarified that the Tuo God had existed since the Later Han Dynasty but made his first recorded appearance thirty years prior. Seeing Su Wuming’s inability to procure the wine, Chicken Fed criticized the Worshippers of Tuo God’s arrogance as a direct insult to the imperial court and governmental authority. Leaving Yaoyue Restaurant, Su Wuming and Chicken Fed witnessed Worshippers of Tuo God harassing the owner of Lin Inn over overdue payments, accusing him of "disrespecting Tuo God."
Su Wuming intervened, condemning their bullying tactics. Although initially defiant, the Worshippers of Tuo God, upon learning of Su Wuming's new official capacity, reluctantly granted the inn owner three more days to pay before departing. Su Wuming expressed his outrage at the Worshippers of Tuo God's "running amok," deeming it an affront to the dignity of the Tang Dynasty.
The inn owner, however, cautiously advised Su Wuming against speaking ill of the "almighty" Tuo God within his establishment, fearing he would be implicated. He then shared a tragic tale of his stubborn nephew from Qiantang, who had opened a rice store in Ninghu and refused to pay the mandatory "fees to the Worshippers of Tuo God" and "donations to the temple." Consequently, his nephew "lost his life," a fate the inn owner attributed to defying the deity.
When Su Wuming questioned how the Worshippers of Tuo God could "decide life and death," the inn owner stressed that the Tuo God was a "god," transcending human laws. He elaborated that all business owners in Ninghu were automatically considered members of the Worshippers of Tuo God, compelled to pay monthly fees and a substantial 30% of their annual profits as temple donations, with no one daring to resist for fear of crop failures.
Su Wuming, seeking to understand this fervent belief, was told the story of the Late Han Dynasty's great flood in Ninghu, during which fewer than a hundred survivors were saved by clinging to a "giant alligator," leading to its subsequent deification. The inn owner himself claimed to have witnessed the Tuo God’s "several feet high body" three years prior when his successful business earned him a privileged spot on Tuo God Island during the Double Third Festival.
He reiterated the grave danger of unauthorized visits to the island, warning of being "thrown into the Swamp of Alligators," where the "descendants of Tuo God" awaited, a fate his nephew had tragically met. The inn owner also revealed that only Lu Yong of the Chamber of Commerce openly "flagrantly against the Tuo God," predicting Lu Yong's imminent demise. The scene then shifted to Lu Yong, who met with Administrator Gu Wenbin.
Lu Yong presented a document titled "Records of Worshippers of Tuo God," which he claimed to have "got this by chance." The document meticulously detailed numerous crimes committed by the Worshippers of Tuo God, a claim that Gu Wenbin, having perused the records, acknowledged as factual. Gu Wenbin recognized Lu Yong's efforts in rallying people to oppose the Worshippers of Tuo God but also highlighted the deeply entrenched tradition of respecting the deity and its followers.
Lu Yong implored Administrator Gu Wenbin, as "an official of our city," to thoroughly examine the records and "ask for your help" on behalf of the populace, exposing the many evils perpetrated under the guise of the Tuo God.
Episode 23 Recap
Su Wuming and Pei Xijun attempted to persuade Chicken Fed to abstain from alcohol. Chicken Fed, however, grumbled that Su Wuming hadn't managed to get him any Tuo God Wine, which he had sworn to drink exclusively in Ninghu. If forced to quit drinking, Chicken Fed declared it would be a sign of Su Wuming's incompetence as Ninghu's Military Commander.
Su Wuming, acknowledging the strange circumstances in Ninghu, reflected on the innkeeper's previous mention of Tuo God's towering true form, admitting his own ignorance regarding the existence of deities in this world, which his teacher, Di Renjie, had taught did not exist. Realizing he had overlooked details earlier, Su Wuming returned to the Lin Inn.
The innkeeper clarified that one could only see the Tuo God from behind a curtain, and warned Su Wuming, as the Military Commander, that while he could question anything and anyone else in Ninghu, he must never doubt the Tuo God, or risk losing his life. Meanwhile, Shen Chong received a copy of the "Records of Worshippers of Tuo God," purportedly presented to the Shrine by Administrator Gu Wenbin, who claimed it originated from merchant Lu Yong.
This document detailed the various crimes committed by the Worshippers of Tuo God. Shen Chong immediately prepared to travel to Tuo God Island to report this to Tuo God. He informed Tuo God that the records were identical to a previous copy and likely penned by Li Yu, the recently deceased Prefectural Governor. Shen Chong expressed concern that Li Yu's daughter, Yingtao, who was now in Ninghu and skilled in martial arts, might possess more copies of the incriminating records.
If these were to leave Ninghu, the consequences would be dire, requiring swift action. Shen Chong also mentioned Su Wuming's recent disrespectful actions, such as demanding God Wine and associating with merchants who owed money. Tuo God, recognizing Su Wuming as a disciple of Di Renjie and a highly skilled investigator, advised caution, indicating that Su Wuming should not be dealt with hastily. Later, masked assassins from the Worshippers of Tuo God ambushed Yingtao.
Fortunately, He Xi, the Judicial Advisor (Minister of Justice), intervened and rescued her. He Xi explained that most Ninghu officials were connected to the Worshippers and acknowledged her distrust. However, he believed the Worshippers were complicit in her father's death, an suspicion confirmed by the recent attack. He implored Yingtao to share any information Li Yu might have told her about the Worshippers and the reason for his death, affirming his commitment to solving the case.
When Yingtao remained silent, He Xi advised her to stay hidden and not attend her father's vigil, warning of the extreme danger. At a welcoming banquet hosted by Administrator Gu for Su Wuming, an official, Minister Zeng, openly lamented the lack of freedom in Ninghu, unable to even choose what to drink and longing for the Nantian Wine now replaced by Tuo God Wine. Su Wuming questioned Administrator Gu about the Worshippers of Tuo God's extensive involvement in state affairs.
Gu Wenbin vaguely replied that Su Wuming would understand in a few months, and that as long as tasks were completed, the specifics of who performed them didn't matter. Dissatisfied, Su Wuming excused himself to attend Li Yu’s vigil. At the vigil, Yingtao arrived to mourn her father. She suddenly saw a figure resembling him, which startled her into fainting. Su Wuming, entering the hall, confronted the "ghost" and then revived Yingtao.
Returning her sword, he introduced himself as the new Military Commander of Ninghu, expressing admiration for Li Yu and explaining his presence. Yingtao recognized him from the temple incident and was surprised he was a commander. She accused him of ruining her plans earlier and distrusted his promises, believing all Ninghu officials were tied to the Worshippers.
She claimed her father's ghost appeared because he couldn't rest in peace, dismissing Su Wuming's suggestion that it was a hallucination caused by grief. Moments later, Worshippers of Tuo God assassins attacked, demanding the Records of Worshippers of Tuo God. When Yingtao refused, they attempted to strip her. Su Wuming angrily intervened but was quickly overwhelmed. Just as he was about to be killed, Lu Lingfeng arrived, saving Su Wuming and capturing one assassin.
Su Wuming wanted to interrogate the captive, but Yingtao, after feigning an attack and releasing a hypnotic drug, incapacitated both Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng, then killed the assassin and disposed of his body. The next day, Su Wuming thanked Lu Lingfeng for saving his life. Lu Lingfeng downplayed his heroism, stating he had only come to Ninghu to check on Su Wuming, a scholar who might struggle in this strange city where everyone feared Tuo God.
Su Wuming then conducted a closer examination of Li Yu's corpse. He noted calluses on the left hand, suggesting long-term knife-holding rather than writing, and a distinct red birthmark on the back of the hand. Lu Lingfeng concurred that the body was likely not Li Yu. Meanwhile, Shen Chong, furious at the failed assassination and the unexpected intervention by Su Wuming's "powerful subordinate," ordered the immediate capture of Lu Yong.
He asserted that Lu Yong's caution was futile against the pervasive influence of Tuo God's believers throughout Ninghu. Shen Chong presented a bound Lu Yong before Administrator Gu and Minister Zeng, accusing him of murdering Li Yu. Lu Yong, in a defiant confession, admitted to hiring an assassin to kill Li Yu, whom he called a "bastard official" in cahoots with the Worshippers of Tuo God, thus deserving death.
He then demanded to know the whereabouts of the Records of Worshippers of Tuo God he had entrusted to Gu Wenbin, implying Gu Wenbin was also involved. Gu Wenbin denied all knowledge, while Minister Zeng expressed confusion, noting the coroner’s report stated Li Yu was devoured by a giant alligator. He Xi, arriving at this point, challenged the validity of Lu Yong's confession, pointing out the contradiction with the autopsy findings.
He also revealed his own investigation suggested Li Yu had joined the Worshippers of Tuo God before his death. Su Wuming supported He Xi, reiterating his request to assist the Judicial Advisor in "catching ghosts," given his experience with criminal cases as a former county magistrate. Gu Wenbin reluctantly agreed. Minister Zeng then mused philosophically that ghosts "cannot be believed to exist, but also cannot be believed not to exist." Su Wuming proceeded to interrogate Lu Yong in prison.
He confirmed that the assassin hired by Lu Yong was indeed Xiao Qi, a famous left-handed swordsman with a red birthmark on his left hand, and that Xiao Qi had not returned for the remainder of his payment. Su Wuming explained that the body found was Xiao Qi's, not Li Yu's.
He advised Lu Yong to feign a strong desire for death to ensure his safety in prison, promising to save him from lawful execution, though he could not protect him from the Worshippers of Tuo God. Convinced Li Yu was still alive, Su Wuming, accompanied by Lu Lingfeng, went to Li Yu's villa, reasoning that Yingtao's "ghost sighting" was actually Li Yu himself.
They confronted Li Si, a mute servant, whom Su Wuming deduced could hear but had become mute later in life. He questioned Li Si about Li Yu's whereabouts, pointing to food being brought into the villa. As they pressed Li Si, a giant alligator suddenly attacked. Lu Lingfeng struggled against the creature, but Su Wuming, recalling from a "Book of Natural History" that alligators had acute hearing, advised using loud noises to confuse it, allowing them to escape.
Back at the residence, Chicken Fed tended to Lu Lingfeng's wounds. Su Wuming theorized that Li Yu had used Xiao Qi’s body to fake his own death, knowing he was in grave danger, and speculated that Li Yu was the author of the Records of Worshippers of Tuo God. Lu Lingfeng, still attempting to distance himself from Pei Xijun, refused to stay at the Military Commander's Residence, despite Chicken Fed's jokes about Su Wuming's stinginess.
Su Wuming called this behavior cowardly, but Lu Lingfeng asserted he was acting for Pei Xijun's sake, as he intended to wander the jianghu and did not want her to suffer with him. Pei Xijun, having overheard his heartfelt words, understood his intentions. She bravely told him that while she once couldn't imagine life without him, she now had found her own purpose. She tearfully promised not to pester him further.
Unable to bear her sadness, Lu Lingfeng finally embraced her, declaring he would no longer leave. Chicken Fed, witnessing this tender moment, remarked that Lu Lingfeng was no longer the "young boy of Chang'an." Their embrace was briefly interrupted by Xue Huan, another disciple, who sheepishly apologized for his ill-timed arrival. Lu Lingfeng, accepting his change of heart, playfully punished Xue Huan for the interruption by ordering him to prepare bath water, claiming exhaustion from fighting the alligator.
Episode 24 Recap
On the day of Governor Li Yu's burial, his daughter Yingtao arrived, distraught and weeping over the coffin. She vowed to avenge her father's miserable death, criticizing the government's incompetence for not arresting the murderer. Administrator Gu Wenbin prepared to proceed with the burial, but Su Wuming vehemently objected, declaring that the headless corpse in the coffin was not Governor Li. He insisted on opening the coffin for an autopsy, offering to be imprisoned if his claim was false.
Administrator Gu, after some hesitation, allowed the coffin to be opened. Su Wuming then publicly explained his reasoning. He noted the rough skin and calluses between the left thumb and index finger of the corpse, indicating long-term use of a knife, which was inconsistent with Governor Li, a renowned scholar famous for his poetry, literature, and calligraphy. Minister He Xi suggested the calluses could be from farming during his early career.
However, Su Wuming countered, revealing that Lu Yong had confessed his hired assassin, Xiao Qi, was a left-handed swordsman with a distinctive red birthmark on his left hand. Yingtao confirmed that her father did not have such a birthmark. Su Wuming concluded that the corpse was indeed Xiao Qi, who had been attacked by a giant alligator, losing his head and right arm. When asked to identify the body, Li Si, Governor Li's servant, appeared visibly frightened and refused.
Su Wuming requested to assist Minister He Xi in investigating the complex and unusual case. Minister Zeng, nearing retirement, advised Administrator Gu to allow Su Wuming to investigate but suggested postponing the case until after the Double Third Festival, which was ten days away, to focus on preparing for the God Sighting Ceremony. Su Wuming, however, volunteered to solve the case before the festival.
Administrator Gu agreed to the ten-day deadline but warned that if the case remained unsolved, Su Wuming would be imprisoned, and Minister He would also bear responsibility. Su Wuming expressed his concern that while belief in the Tuo God was natural in the lake-rich Ninghu, some exploited the deity's name to accumulate wealth and harm the populace, with many officials complicit. He pondered whether Ninghu was still truly part of the Tang Dynasty.
Meanwhile, at the prefectural governor's villa, Lu Lingfeng discovered a room adorned with "Heaven Qian Earth Kun" trigrams. Following a hidden mechanism, he uncovered a secret chamber. Upon entering, he was attacked by two giant alligators and sought refuge by hiding inside a coffin, where he surprisingly found the corpse of a beautifully dressed woman. Elsewhere, Tuo God was furious, scolding Shen Chong for his incompetence in not even knowing whether Li Yu was truly dead.
While acknowledging that Su Wuming had inadvertently provided the valuable information that the corpse was not Li Yu, Tuo God, still enraged, vowed to make Su Wuming "practice immortality within my stomach," effectively condemning him to be devoured by alligators. A subordinate reminded Shen Chong that if Li Yu was alive, he would be a living testimony against them, even without the "Records of Worshippers of Tuo God." Su Wuming pressed Yingtao for details about her life before Ninghu.
He observed her proficiency with "sleeve arrows" and questioned why her scholarly father would have encouraged her to practice martial arts. After Su Wuming mentioned the "Records of Worshippers of Tuo God," Yingtao revealed her past. Her mother died young, and when Yingtao was eight, her father entrusted her to a Buddhist nun to raise and teach martial arts, as he sought official status in Chang'an.
Three months prior, Li Si, her father's servant, located her and conveyed Governor Li's desire to meet in Ninghu. However, her master was gravely ill, preventing immediate travel. It was only after her master's death half a month ago that Yingtao finally came to Ninghu. She quickly learned from the common people that her father, Governor Li Yu, was a good official dedicated to his constituents, yet he was under the influence of the Worshippers of Tuo God.
Her father confirmed to her that he had indeed joined the Worshippers, but not out of loyalty. He described them as an "evil shrine" that was poisoning the lives of the people. His intention was to do something significant for Ninghu by meticulously documenting their illicit activities in a text he titled "Records of Worshippers of Tuo God." This document detailed their various methods of extorting money from merchants and their fraudulent practices in collecting taxes for the state.
He wanted Yingtao to take this crucial evidence to the procurator's office in Chang'an, as he trusted no one in Ninghu. Yingtao confirmed that her fateful encounter with Su Wuming at the Temple of Tuo God was the very night she went to retrieve these Records. She recounted how Lu Yong had attempted to burn the temple, only to be thwarted by Shen Chong and his men. She then cleverly impersonated the Tuo God to scare Shen Chong's forces away.
Seizing the opportunity, she took the Records and intended to head directly to Chang'an. However, she was ambushed by Shen Chong's men, who mistook her for an accomplice of Lu Yong. Fearing capture, she concealed the Records in a tree hollow. The following day, upon returning, she discovered the hollow was empty.
Minister He Xi later informed them that Lu Yong had indeed found the Records during his escape, delivered it to Gu Wenbin, who then handed it over to the Worshippers of Tuo God. When Su Wuming asked if there were multiple copies of the Records, Yingtao stated her father had only mentioned the one in the Temple of Tuo God. She emphasized that the immediate priority was to find her father, whether alive or dead.
Su Wuming inquired about Governor Li Yu's family in Ninghu, learning that before Yingtao's arrival, he had lived alone in the backyard of the government office without a prefectural governor's mansion. Su Wuming then showed Yingtao a small piece of gold foil found in her father's villa. Lu Lingfeng recognized it as a popular type of gold foil used for "huadian," a plum makeup in Chang'an.
Since Yingtao did not wear makeup and firmly denied her father having any "confidantes," Su Wuming hypothesized that a woman from Chang'an had visited the villa before Governor Li's disappearance. He advised Yingtao to remain under Minister He's protection and avoid public exposure for her safety. Soon after, Lu Lingfeng returned with a significant discovery.
He reported finding a secret tunnel within the villa and, inside a coffin in a hidden chamber, a female corpse, which he believed might have had "huadian" on her face, though the dark conditions and his fear of the alligators prevented him from confirming. They quickly returned to the secret chamber, only to find the coffin empty. Following the secret passage, they stumbled upon Li Si, Governor Li's servant, attempting to bury the woman's body.
Cornered, Li Si quickly penned a confession, admitting to raising the giant alligator in the villa and using it to kill Governor Li Yu. His motive, he claimed, was to possess the woman from Chang'an, for whom he had prepared meals that Su Wuming had previously seen. When the woman refused his advances, he confessed to killing her as well.
As Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng tried to press for more details, particularly about Governor Li's body, Li Si, with a defiant gesture indicating the lake, bit his tongue and committed suicide. Lu Lingfeng immediately concluded that Li Si's all-encompassing confession was a ploy to "hide something," strengthening his belief that Governor Li Yu was still alive. They then discovered a jailer eavesdropping on their conversation.
The jailer tearfully admitted he was coerced by the Worshippers of Tuo God to act as their informant, with the threat of being thrown into the deadly Swamp of Alligators if he refused. Su Wuming sternly rebuked this, emphasizing that no circumstance justifies aiding evil. Su Wuming then asked Yingtao to identify the body of the Chang'an woman.
Yingtao vehemently denied knowing the woman or her father having known her, initially refusing to view the body, but Su Wuming had the corpse brought to her. She confirmed she did not recognize the deceased. Upon learning of Li Si's confession and subsequent suicide, Yingtao was overcome with grief for "Uncle Si." Su Wuming arranged for Li Si's burial, declining Yingtao's offer to repay him.
Su Wuming suspected that Li Si's dramatic death was intended to conceal a greater truth and pressed Yingtao for information. She, however, stated she would only reveal everything if he found her father. A flashback revealed that Li Si had indeed told Yingtao that her father was safe and urged her to leave Ninghu, instructing her not to seek him out.
Li Si refused to accompany her, stating he had "things to do" and could not leave "any trouble to master." Back in the present, Yingtao, still evasive, insisted Su Wuming stop calling her "Li Yingtao" and maintained that finding her father was his official duty, unrelated to her, unless he had concrete news of her father. Given the remaining eight days before the Double Third Festival, Su Wuming strategized.
He assigned Lu Lingfeng and Chicken Fed to covertly search for Li Yu, while he and Minister He continued their overt investigation. Su Wuming reasoned that Li Yu was likely still in Ninghu because Yingtao had not left. Meanwhile, Tuo God, dissatisfied with his subordinates' failure to locate Li Yu, ordered them to search Hanshan, explicitly stating that Li Yu "mustn't survive the Double Third Festival."
Minister Zeng, in a seemingly casual visit to Minister He, subtly hinted that Governor Li might be hiding among the poor in Hanshan, although he quickly dismissed the idea due to Hanshan's dangerous reputation and its control by the Worshippers of Tuo God. Minister He, recognizing the potential lead, rushed to inform Su Wuming. Chicken Fed, who had overheard, joined them, enthusiastically describing Hanshan as "Ninghu's Ghost Market," the perfect hiding spot.
He mentioned the three-day "Hanshan Banquet" held annually before the Double Third Festival, where free Tuo God wine was served, suggesting Li Yu, if he loved wine, would surely attend. Lu Lingfeng, who had been secretly scouting Hanshan for three days, confirmed its dual nature: quiet by day, but bustling and chaotic with a mix of people and thieves at night.
He explained that Hanshan's unique housing system, with many ownerless properties, made it difficult to find anyone, except during the Hanshan Banquet when all houses and shops would remain unlocked for the communal feast. He reiterated that he would need Minister He and Yingtao's assistance to identify Li Yu. With the banquet starting at nightfall, Su Wuming quickly ordered Minister He to bring Yingtao, and they would all attend the Hanshan Banquet together.
Su Wuming, accompanied by Lu Lingfeng, Minister He, Chicken Fed, and Yingtao, arrived at Hanshan for the banquet. Chicken Fed was particularly delighted by Hanshan's bustling atmosphere, which reminded him of Chang'an's Ghost Market, and the promise of free Tuo God wine. Minister He explained that the Worshippers of Tuo God had established Hanshan as Tuo God's previous residence before his rebirth, providing housing and tax exemptions for the poor.
He also noted that Governor Li Yu had a fondness for the place and visited frequently. At the Hanshan Banquet, held at the Goodwill House, Tuo God would host and occasionally distribute money to the poor, making it the most lively gathering. Inside the Goodwill House, they observed the lack of staff due to everything being free, and they enjoyed the highly sought-after Tuo God wine.
Suddenly, Minister He received a secret note, discreetly passed to him, warning: "It's dangerous here. Leave now." Minister He immediately conveyed the urgency to his companions. Though Chicken Fed was reluctant to stop drinking, they prepared to depart. Just then, Yingtao spotted her father, Governor Li, leaving the Goodwill House. Su Wuming confirmed her sighting, and they began to pursue him. As they attempted to exit the building, they were met with a volley of arrows, forcing them back inside.
Su Wuming shielded Yingtao, sustaining a minor arrow scratch. Moments later, a giant alligator burst into the Goodwill House. Lu Lingfeng bravely confronted the beast, but the fight proved challenging. Desperate for a solution, Su Wuming turned to a still-tipsy Chicken Fed, who, despite his state, recalled that Tianzhu Incense was the alligator's favorite and would make it "sleep happily." Su Wuming quickly inquired about where to find such incense.
Episode 25 Recap
As the group found themselves trapped in Goodwill House with a giant alligator attacking, Chicken Fed was frantically asked for a way to defeat the beast. He recalled that Tianzhu Incense was the alligator's favorite, its scent capable of lulling it to sleep. Yingtao quickly volunteered to find it, knowing it would be near an alligator statue. She successfully located the incense, lit it, and the giant alligator swiftly fell into a deep slumber.
They then made their escape through a back door Lu Lingfeng had found. Outside, Su Wuming reflected on the incident, acknowledging that the Worshippers of Tuo God were intent on killing them. He revealed a paper found on the body of Officer Ma, indicating he was a spy for the Worshippers who reported their movements. Su Wuming had suspected Officer Ma because his reaction to "chase Li Prefectural Governor" seemed more like an intent to kill.
He Xi, the Minister of Justice, expressed remorse for not realizing his long-time subordinate was a spy. Lu Lingfeng, concerned, worried aloud about the safety of Pei Xijun and Xue Huan back at the Commander’s residence, urging them to return quickly. Their fears proved justified as assassins from the Worshippers of Tuo God had attacked the Commander’s residence. Xue Huan bravely fended them off for a crucial moment, but Pei Xijun was still in grave danger.
Just in time, Lu Lingfeng and Yingtao arrived, swiftly dispatching the assassins and rescuing both Pei Xijun and her servant. Pei Xijun thanked Yingtao for saving her life but was surprised to learn she was Prefectural Governor Li's daughter. Later, she privately shared her doubts with Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng, asserting that Yingtao could not be Li Yu's daughter.
Pei Xijun explained that she had met Li Yu three years ago in Chang'an, and he was then only in his early thirties, too young to have a daughter as old as Yingtao. Her father, Pei Jian, had told her that Li Yu secured his position as Ninghu's prefectural governor by buying an "informal official" post. Li Yu had visited Pei Jian to express his gratitude, and it was during this visit that Pei Xijun had seen him.
Based on her recollection, Su Wuming asked Pei Xijun to draw a portrait of Li Yu. That night, Yingtao managed to escape, incapacitating Chicken Fed and He Xi with knockout incense. Su Wuming later showed Pei Xijun’s portrait to He Xi, who, upon waking, confirmed that the man in the drawing was not the current Prefectural Governor Li. He Xi noted that the current prefectural governor rarely interacted with his subordinates, preferring written communication.
Su Wuming then instructed He Xi to examine the official certificate and imperial edict Li Yu presented upon taking office. Their investigation revealed that while the Ministry of Personnel Administration stamp was authentic and Li Yu's birthplace and parentage were unchanged, his age had been altered on both documents. Pei Xijun deduced that the real Li Yu must have been murdered.
Su Wuming emphasized that the immediate priority for their investigation was to find a way to access the heavily guarded Island of Tuo God. Su Wuming eventually found Yingtao, whom he had been personally tracking to ensure her safety. He pressed her for information about her father's true identity and how he came to replace Li Yu. Yingtao, however, refused to speak until the Worshippers of Tuo God were eliminated, expressing her desire to honor her "good" father.
Su Wuming then took Yingtao to Li Si's grave, reasoning that given Li Si's loyalty and self-sacrifice to protect her father, Chu Xiaosheng would surely come to pay his respects. As predicted, Chu Xiaosheng, Yingtao's father, arrived. Chu Xiaosheng identified himself to Su Wuming, recognizing him as a disciple of Detective Di and a man he respected. He acknowledged that if Su Wuming let him go, it would be a breach of law.
When Yingtao impulsively offered to kill Su Wuming to secure his escape, Chu Xiaosheng stopped her, stating he was there to meet Su Wuming and had "no turning back." He confessed that the woman found in the coffin was a singer Li Yu had known in Chang'an. She had traveled a great distance to be with Li Yu, but her arrival threatened to expose Chu Xiaosheng's identity as an imposter, forcing him to kill her.
He hid her body in a secret passage he had recently discovered in the mansion. Chu Xiaosheng further revealed his plan to lead troops to destroy the Worshippers of Tuo God but found a copy of his "Records of Worshippers of Tuo God" stolen from his bookshelf, and his mansion thoroughly searched, indicating the Worshippers had learned of his intentions. He had two other copies hidden, one of which he had entrusted to Yingtao to take to Chang'an.
Shortly after killing the singer, an assassin, sent by Lu Yong, arrived to kill Chu Xiaosheng. However, an alligator, sent by the Worshippers, appeared and brutally killed the assassin instead. Seizing this opportunity, Chu Xiaosheng hid in a stone coffin and dressed the assassin in his official robe to fake his own death, realizing the Worshippers no longer trusted him. He explained he remained in the tomb because Ninghu was saturated with their spies.
He also shared that the copy of the Records he had given to Yingtao had been taken by the Worshippers. He then handed Su Wuming the last remaining copy of his "Records of Worshippers of Tuo God," urging him to safeguard it and work with Yingtao to eliminate the Worshippers.
When Yingtao pleaded with him to escape and travel the world with her, Chu Xiaosheng refused, explaining that fleeing would reveal his past as a murderer, discrediting his Records and making them useless in bringing the Worshippers to justice. He then entrusted Yingtao's protection to Su Wuming before consuming poison and dying, lamenting his inability to personally eradicate the Worshippers. His suicide was an act to preserve the Prefectural Governor's name and ensure the Records would serve as credible evidence.
Later, Chicken Fed, addicted to Tuo God Wine, persuaded Lu Lingfeng to help him "get" more from Yaoyue Restaurant. They waylaid two Worshippers of Tuo God members who were delivering wine, tied them up, donned their robes, and infiltrated the restaurant. The owner was startled when they demanded ten jars of wine instead of the usual seven but quickly complied.
After they left, the actual Worshippers members and the restaurant owner were brutally thrown into the Swamp of Alligators by Shen Chong, who was ordered to take charge of Yaoyue Restaurant and find who was responsible for the theft. The following day, Su Wuming returned to the Commander's residence. He informed the others about finding Yingtao's father, Chu Xiaosheng, who had committed suicide.
Su Wuming then sampled the wine on the table, recognizing it as Tuo God Wine and realizing Chicken Fed and Lu Lingfeng had successfully completed their mission. He revealed that he had intentionally orchestrated the "theft" to draw attention to them, having secretly used He Xi's informant within the Worshippers of Tuo God to report Lu Lingfeng's actions to Shen Chong.
Soon, Shen Chong and a mob of Worshippers surrounded the Commander's residence, accusing Lu Lingfeng of stealing the sacred wine and demanding Su Wuming hand him over, threatening Ninghu with divine wrath. Su Wuming explained that stealing the Tuo God Wine was considered a severe crime, punishable by execution on the Island of Tuo God, making it the perfect opportunity to send someone to scout the island before the upcoming God Sighting Ceremony on the Double Third Festival.
Lu Lingfeng, acknowledging himself as the "most suitable" choice, stepped forward and openly confessed to the crime, claiming sole responsibility and asserting Su Wuming's innocence. As he was being taken away, Lu Lingfeng reassured a worried Pei Xijun, who had drawn a distinctive leaf on his arm at Su Wuming's instruction.
On the boat journey to Tuo God Island, an anonymous informant (He Xi's contact) secretly revealed to Lu Lingfeng that the tree whose leaf Pei Xijun drew was called the Hitholon Tree, also known as the Blood Silkworm Tree, an Indian specialty that grows in alligator-infested swamps. Alligators, though fond of humans, preferred the leaves of this tree.
The informant also told Lu Lingfeng that the Tuo God River, running alongside the mountain road on the island, would be his only escape route. Once on the island, while being transferred to the Guardian, Lu Lingfeng took his chance. He leapt into the lake, quickly broke his bonds, and successfully escaped. Meanwhile, Su Wuming attended Zeng Sanyi's retirement banquet. Shen Chong arrived, carrying two jars of Tuo God Wine, stating they were a gift from the Tuo God.
He then announced that the God Sighting Ceremony on Tuo God Island would proceed as scheduled the next day, and all Ninghu officials, led by Administrator Gu, were commanded to attend. However, Zeng Sanyi politely declined, citing his pre-arranged plans, which visibly angered Shen Chong.
Episode 26 Recap
Zeng Sanyi apologized for his inability to attend the upcoming God Sighting Ceremony, stating his schedule was already set. Chief Shen, infuriated by Zeng Sanyi’s consistent absence from the ceremony, accused him of deliberately opposing the Shrine. Chief Shen then ordered his guards to take back the Tuo God Wine he had brought, despite Zeng Sanyi's attempts to persuade him to stay for a drink.
Administrator Gu questioned Zeng Sanyi's stubbornness, to which Zeng Sanyi retorted that he was an official of the Tang Dynasty, not of the Shrine, and called Administrator Gu "completely gaga" for questioning him. Administrator Gu then turned to Su Wuming, reminding him that the next day was the final deadline for the case, and that Su Wuming had made a military pledge.
Su Wuming assured him he had not forgotten, revealing that the key to the case lay in Prefectural Governor Li’s whereabouts. He confidently stated that he knew where Prefectural Governor Li was, on Tuo God Island, and that he would appear at the God Sighting Ceremony the following day. Meanwhile, on Tuo God Island, Tuo God was enraged by someone who had stolen wine and escaped, ordering his subordinates to jump into the Swamp of Alligators as punishment.
The Right Guardian pleaded for mercy, suggesting the escapee might have been swallowed by a giant alligator, and reminded Tuo God that they needed people for the upcoming ceremony. Tuo God accepted this explanation but demanded the thief be caught before the ceremony, threatening the Right Guardian with the same fate.
Tuo God then ordered the death of Su Wuming, who was also expected on the island the next day, stating that the Shrine would be in danger if Su Wuming lived. Tuo God also commanded his subordinates to bring Lu Yong, who was imprisoned in Ninghu Prison, to the island. Shrine members, posing as officials, forcibly took Lu Yong from his cell. Lu Yong protested, but a Shrine member asserted that in Ninghu, the Shrine "was" the government.
They informed Lu Yong he was being taken to the island on Tuo God's orders to be fed to Tuo God at the ceremony. After Lu Yong was taken, members of the merchant association lamented their failure to rescue him but resolved to sneak onto Tuo God Island that night and save him even if it cost their lives.
Su Wuming gathered his companions, ensuring everyone understood their roles, and assigned Chicken Fed a crucial task that only he could perform. The next day, as Administrator Gu and Ninghu officials sailed to Tuo God Island, Chicken Fed, a guest of Commander Su, was caught secretly drinking Tuo God Wine from his gourd. Chief Shen demanded an explanation.
Su Wuming, feigning surprise, suggested that Lu Lingfeng, who had previously stolen divine wine, must have given some to Chicken Fed, knowing his love for alcohol. Chief Shen then asked Su Wuming how to deal with Chicken Fed. Chicken Fed, begging for help from Su Wuming, was ignored, prompting him to call Su Wuming "heartless."
Chief Shen ordered his men to follow the rules, which meant throwing Chicken Fed into the Swamp of Alligators with other disobedient individuals once they landed. Chicken Fed protested, lamenting his lack of meat and jokingly suggesting Su Wuming should be tied and thrown in with him. Administrator Gu, annoyed by Chicken Fed's behavior, complained to Su Wuming about his choice of guest. Concurrently, Lu Lingfeng was on Tuo God Island, searching for the Blood Silkworm Tree.
He muttered his doubts about Su Wuming's certainty that the tree was on the island. After a thorough search, he eventually found a tree with blood-red leaves, confirming it was the Blood Silkworm Tree. His discovery, however, disturbed a group of giant alligators, forcing him to flee. He accidentally fell down a cliff but landed safely on another Blood Silkworm Tree.
From his precarious position, he spotted members of the merchant association climbing up the cliff face, presumably coming to rescue Lu Yong. At the God Sighting Ceremony, Su Wuming and the officials prostrated themselves before the unseen Tuo God. Chief Shen declared the Shrine’s prosperity and the peace bestowed upon Ninghu by Tuo God.
However, he denounced those who "forget their ancestors," "break their faith," "desecrate the god," and "fight against the Shrine," announcing they would be thrown into the Swamp of Alligators. He singled out Lu Yong for forming a private merchant association to oppose the Shrine, and Chicken Fed for drinking divine wine without permission, condemning both to be fed alive to the alligators.
Lu Yong defiantly cursed Tuo God as an evil god, proclaiming he died without regret for the people of Ninghu, his only sorrow being unable to personally slay the "evil god." Chief Shen condemned Lu Yong's "nonsense." Officer of Merit Song Jiangbo challenged the Shrine’s authority, declaring that the Tang Dynasty had its own laws and no entity, not even Tuo God, had the right to arbitrarily decide life and death.
He questioned the very existence of Tuo God, asking where the god was amidst the many alligators in the lake. From behind a red curtain, Tuo God’s booming voice responded that God was in their hearts, asserting his divine mandate to protect Ninghu. When Song Jiangbo, an imperial official, defiantly proclaimed Tuo God couldn't harm him, Tuo God ordered him thrown into the Swamp of Alligators, which was swiftly carried out amidst his protests.
Tuo God then admonished Administrator Gu for his long tenure and current role as acting prefectural governor, warning him to respect heavenly destiny and control his subordinates, lest the entire state face eternal doom. Administrator Gu meekly pledged strict discipline. Tuo God then questioned Su Wuming, who stood behind Administrator Gu, asking if he admitted his crime. Su Wuming retorted, asking what his crime was, other than drinking Tuo God Wine.
At that moment, Lu Lingfeng, having survived his fall, arrived and announced himself as Ninghu Commander's personal staff. Tuo God, surprised that Lu Lingfeng had not died from falling off the cliff, ordered him seized. Su Wuming intervened, stopping the guards. Su Wuming then directly challenged Tuo God, ridiculing the idea of a god who simply killed all who opposed him.
He accused Tuo God of causing the deaths of many, from merchants to state officials, who ended up in the alligators' mouths. Su Wuming declared that Prefectural Governor Li had exposed these evil deeds in his "Tuo God Shrine Records," meticulously detailing all their crimes. Su Wuming revealed that Prefectural Governor Li had made a critical error by underestimating Zeng Sanyi, who feigned opposition to the Shrine.
Su Wuming then presented his own copy of the records, asserting that even though Prefectural Governor Li was dead, his legacy lived on through these records. Su Wuming then directly accused Zeng Sanyi of being the imposter behind Tuo God. When officials expressed disbelief, Su Wuming explained that he recognized Zeng Sanyi's voice, despite attempts to disguise it.
He recounted how Prefectural Governor Li's secret investigations into tax accounts at the Minister of Warehouse's (Zeng Sanyi’s) office must have aroused Zeng Sanyi's suspicion. He also pointed out Chief Shen’s public comment at Zeng Sanyi’s retirement banquet about Zeng Sanyi’s consistent absence from the annual God Sighting Ceremony, which, while seemingly disdainful of Tuo God, actually served as a cover for him to perform as the "god."
Su Wuming highlighted the irony that while many who opposed Tuo God had died, Zeng Sanyi remained unharmed and had even retired peacefully. Furthermore, Chicken Fed, on Su Wuming's instruction, had delivered a gift to Zeng Sanyi after the banquet and distinctly smelled Tuo God Wine in his room, solidifying the suspicion. Su Wuming concluded that Zeng Sanyi’s love for the divine wine had ultimately led to his unmasking.
Chief Shen still found it hard to believe, citing Zeng Sanyi’s small, humpbacked stature compared to Tuo God’s imposing, gigantic figure. Su Wuming explained the secret: the red curtain in front of Tuo God. He produced a leaf from a Hitholon Tree, also known as the Blood Silkworm Tree, found by Lu Lingfeng.
He explained that the tree's resin could produce fine, semi-transparent gauze that, when illuminated by high temperatures, could magnify a human figure several times over, which was why fire altars were always present in the hall. Su Wuming declared it was time for the people of Ninghu to see the true face of their "god" and called for Lu Lingfeng. Lu Lingfeng swiftly cut down the red curtain, revealing Zeng Sanyi sitting behind it.
Chief Shen and the other officials were stunned, realizing they had been worshipping Zeng Sanyi all along. Zeng Sanyi, now exposed, confessed his past. Born into poverty, he studied diligently, topping every exam, yet was repeatedly rejected from officialdom due to his low social standing, ugly appearance, and hunchback. He was deemed a disgrace to the Tang Dynasty, his governance ideas suppressed, forcing him to remain a minor Minister of Warehouse in Ninghu.
Out of resentment, thirty years prior, he began impersonating Tuo God to force high-ranking officials, especially those who gained positions through family connections, to prostrate before him. Su Wuming interrupted, noting that Zeng Sanyi had become intoxicated with power. Zeng Sanyi, unheeding, commanded his Shrine disciples to kill all the officials present, promising them all his wealth accumulated over thirty years, and even their victims' official positions if they wished. Chaos erupted. Lu Lingfeng single-handedly fought against multiple Shrine disciples.
Administrator Gu, urged by Su Wuming to uphold his duty as a local official, called upon the people of Ninghu to fight the evil cult alongside him. Su Wuming untied Lu Yong and Chicken Fed, who also joined the fray. Though the Shrine disciples were quickly subdued by the combined forces, Zeng Sanyi managed to escape.
The ground then dramatically collapsed, sending everyone falling into the Swamp of Alligators below, where Zeng Sanyi intended for them to be devoured by giant alligators. Just as the alligators began to attack, Pei Xijun and Xue Huan arrived with carts of Tianzhu Incense. They quickly lit the incense and threw it into the cavern, causing the alligators to lose their ferocity and fall into a deep sleep, saving everyone from certain death.
Enraged, Zeng Sanyi, hidden in the shadows, fired an arrow at Su Wuming, but Yingtao courageously shielded him with her body, taking the arrow herself. Lu Lingfeng, catching a spear thrown by Pei Xijun, then launched it, striking and killing Zeng Sanyi. Later, Su Wuming reflected on Yingtao's earlier account of her father, Chu Xiaosheng. Chu Xiaosheng, a scholar, faced repeated failures in the imperial examinations.
Fifteen years prior, after another failed attempt, he returned home to discover his wife had been raped and murdered by the villain Li Yu. The influential Li family bribed officials to imprison Chu Si, Chu Xiaosheng's servant who reported the crime, and even silenced him by pouring molten iron down his throat. Chu Xiaosheng, after entrusting young Yingtao to his master, returned to his hometown seeking revenge but was unsuccessful.
He later learned that Li Yu had bought an "informal official" position. Consumed by rage, Chu Xiaosheng secretly followed Li Yu south, poisoned him, altered his letter of appointment, and assumed Li Yu's identity, bringing the mute Chu Si with him to Ninghu. After the Tuo God Shrine was dismantled, Su Wuming contemplated that the alligators themselves were innocent, and the true guilt lay within human hearts.
He ordered Administrator Gu to release all the alligators from Tuo God Island, advocating for a natural coexistence between humans and all creatures as the true way of heaven. Administrator Gu hosted a celebratory banquet for Su Wuming. Despite many officials present having been former members of the Shrine, Su Wuming chose not to pursue them, asserting that with the primary evil eliminated, their focus should be on rebuilding Ninghu.
He then ordered the incriminating documents of the cult to be burned, trusting the officials to contribute to the city's revival. The officials proposed renaming the "Tuo God Wine" back to its original name, "Nantian Wine," which Su Wuming endorsed. Once Yingtao had recovered from her injury, Su Wuming accompanied her to Chu Xiaosheng's tomb. The tombstone still bore the name of Li Yu, her father's enemy.
Yingtao explained that her father had wished for it, believing that even under an enemy's name, he could still do good for the people, an ambition he carried despite a lifetime of studying the classics. Soon after, an urgent letter arrived from Prefectural Governor Gao of Luozhou, sent from Dongdu, ordering Su Wuming to proceed to Luoyang immediately. Administrator Gu speculated that it must be a promotion to an important position.
However, Su Wuming found it peculiar that the order came from the Prefectural Governor of Luozhou, albeit in the name of the imperial court, and decided to depart for Dongdu at once.
Episode 27 Recap
Lu Lingfeng expressed concern to Su Wuming, believing that Governor Gao Zhongyi of Luozhou, a confidant of the Princess, had summoned Su Wuming to Luoyang on the Princess's orders. He warned that this would inevitably entangle them in the power struggle between the Princess and the Crown Prince. Su Wuming, however, revealed that he heard the Emperor intended to become the Taishang Huang, a retired emperor.
He felt that only the Crown Prince's successful ascension to the throne could ensure the stability of the Tang Dynasty and the well-being of its people. Lu Lingfeng, acknowledging Su Wuming's determination, pledged to stand by him, saying he would sacrifice his life for the country. Su Wuming's disciple, Xue Huan, also eagerly agreed to join them on their journey. Meanwhile, Pei Xijun probed Su Wuming, asking why he hadn't asked Yingtao to stay when she departed the previous night.
She suggested Yingtao held deep feelings for him and was saddened by his lack of retention, reminding him that Yingtao’s father had entrusted her to him before his death. Su Wuming hesitated, admitting it would indeed be a pity if Yingtao were to spend her life wandering. Pei Xijun then revealed Yingtao was still waiting, pointing her out to Su Wuming.
Approaching them, Yingtao clarified she wasn't waiting to join their journey, but to question why Su Wuming had kept secret her father's pretense as prefectural governor, a concealment that risked Su Wuming's own life. Su Wuming assured her he would always bear the responsibility for his actions.
He also affirmed that Yingtao’s father, through his "Records of Worshippers of Tuo God," which had freed Ninghu from the oppression of the Tuo God worshippers, had truly earned the title of a Great Prefectural Governor of Tang. As Yingtao prepared to leave, Su Wuming, after a brief pause, called out, halting her by feigning his old horse was unable to carry him and asking to ride hers instead.
Yingtao, finding his awkwardness endearing, readily agreed to the exchange, noting that his unique character made him even more appealing. With Yingtao now officially joining them, the group proceeded towards Luoyang. Upon their arrival in Luoyang in May, Xue Huan marveled at the city's beauty, though Su Wuming cautioned against the "Double Fifth" (fifth day of May), which was considered an ominous day with many taboos.
Lu Lingfeng, who had left Luoyang at age five, found the city familiar but could only recall painful childhood memories. As they walked through the streets, Yingtao admired the beautiful attire of the local women. Suddenly, a woman collapsed with a terribly disfigured and rotten face, a gruesome sight Lu Lingfeng observed. At the Prefectural Governor's Residence, an attendant informed a surprised Su Wuming that he had been appointed Administrator of Luozhou.
He then met Governor Gao Zhongyi and Resident Regent Li Yue. Governor Gao explained that the appointment originated directly from the Princess, who urgently required Su Wuming's investigative skills. He revealed that a hundred days prior, a beauty product called the "Face Flower" had appeared in Luoyang, promising eternal youth but instead causing users' faces to turn into skulls after 81 days. The Princess herself had used the flower, and her deadline was imminent.
Su Wuming's immediate and crucial mission was to find the culprit and an antidote to save her life, a task requiring utmost secrecy to prevent widespread chaos. Su Wuming recalled that the "Encyclopedia" described the Face Flower as originating from the Arab Empire. Subsequently, Xin Huaishen, Minister of Supervision, reported that the seller, a woman from Tokhara staying at Paradise Inn, had committed suicide before Military Advisor Xing could apprehend her, infuriating Governor Gao.
Su Wuming, upon seeing the official document, indignantly refused the appointment, labeling it an "informal official" title that undermined the imperial court's authority. Li Yue attempted to mediate, suggesting the appointment was a testament to the Princess's trust and inviting Su Wuming to a welcoming feast with Persian wine. Su Wuming awoke in the Administrator's Residence, discovering that Lu Lingfeng had changed his clothes to the official robe while he was in a drunken stupor.
He furiously accused Lu Lingfeng of attempting to ruin his reputation by making him accept an "informal official" position. However, Fei Jishi, who had been in Luoyang for a few days, corroborated the strangeness of the Face Flower case and urged Su Wuming to prioritize human lives over his reputation, aligning with Lu Lingfeng's stance.
Yingtao, conversely, agreed with Su Wuming, stating that the greedy noblewomen deserved their fate and he shouldn't compromise his principles for them, though Pei Xijun quickly interjected that human lives were paramount. When Xue Huan announced that Xing Ying, Minister of Justice, sought an audience, Su Wuming angrily refused, reiterating his rejection of the Administrator title and any "informal official" position.
Xue Huan's spirited defense of Su Wuming caused Xing Ying to reconsider his initial contempt, though he still ordered his subordinates to monitor the Administrator's Residence. Lu Lingfeng recognized Xing Ying as a former subordinate from the Imperial Guards, now a Minister of Justice in Dongdu, but declined to meet him, contemplating how he would explain his own current status.
Later, Su Wuming sought solace at Detective Di's Memorial Temple, reaffirming his master's teachings of integrity as a person and an official, and vowing never to accept an "informal official" post. There, he encountered Niu Su, a young beggar who lived in the temple and claimed to be Detective Di's last disciple.
After Su Wuming offered him some money, Niu Su, now convinced of Su Wuming’s connection to Detective Di, pleaded for guidance in solving the Face Flower case, as many locals had visited the temple seeking divine intervention for their dying family members. This plea, coupled with Yingtao finding him and recounting the tragic story of a poor girl who spent all her family’s money on the Face Flower only to suffer a gruesome death, made Su Wuming waver.
Yingtao implored him to set aside his personal principles for the greater good and investigate the case. Su Wuming agreed to investigate but firmly maintained his refusal to reside in the Administrator's Residence. Ignoring Lu Lingfeng's teasing about his stubbornness, Su Wuming, accompanied by Lu Lingfeng, set out to find an inn. After searching for a considerable time and rejecting several inns, including the "Gale Inn" and "Rosefinch Inn" for various symbolic reasons, they finally arrived at Paradise Inn.
Lu Lingfeng found the name ominous, but Su Wuming explained its auspicious meaning of "longevity." The landlady, Hu Shisi, enthusiastically welcomed them, openly flirting with Lu Lingfeng. She presented them with one large room, but when they requested two, she explained there was only one guest room available upstairs.
She then revealed that a room in the back courtyard could not be used because it contained the body of the Tocharian woman who had sold the Face Flower and had committed suicide by poison. Due to the taboo against moving bodies on the "Double Fifth," the corpse remained, despite Military Advisor Xing having locked the room.
Su Wuming acknowledged he had deliberately sought out Paradise Inn, hoping to uncover clues, but was surprised to find the culprit’s body still present. He also noted they had been discreetly followed by officials, likely sent by Xing Ying, who seemed more interested in their movements than in guarding the body. As night fell, Su Wuming instructed Lu Lingfeng to lower him from a window with a rope into the courtyard to examine the body and search the room.
He then ordered Lu Lingfeng to go and drink with Hu Shisi. Lu Lingfeng initially resisted but eventually agreed, while Su Wuming playfully teased him about Hu Shisi's obvious interest. Meanwhile, Xing Ying was informed of Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng's departure from the Administrator's Residence and their subsequent arrival at Paradise Inn, prompting him to rush there with his men.
In the tavern, Hu Shisi continued to flirt with Lu Lingfeng, pouring him Gaochang wine and commenting on his "strong yangqi," as Lu Lingfeng observed the inn's peculiar patrons and sensed a pervasive "heavy yinqi."
Episode 28 Recap
Lu Lingfeng, engaged in conversation with Hu Shisi, inquired if she had seen the Tocharian woman selling Face Flowers. Hu Shisi, rather than directly answering, claimed to possess some herself and invited Lu Lingfeng to her room to view them. Once in her room, Hu Shisi informed Lu Lingfeng that these flowers were a precious gift from Persia to the Emperor Yang of Sui. She boasted of having stolen a box of them when she left the imperial palace.
She explained that although the flowers had long since dried, soaking them in water would restore their freshness, and using them would grant eternal youth. Lu Lingfeng scoffed when she claimed to be from the Sui Dynasty, saying it was nonsense. Before Lu Lingfeng could press her for the flowers, Hu Shisi lit an incense stick, which had a deceptive mint scent that initially made him feel clear-headed but actually disoriented him.
Sounds of someone approaching grew louder, and a powerful bronze-armored evil spirit burst into the room. Lu Lingfeng, weakened by the incense, struggled to fight. Yingtao arrived to help, but even she was overwhelmed by the formidable entity. Fortunately, a mysterious man in black intervened, drawing the bronze-armored spirit away and allowing Lu Lingfeng and Yingtao to escape. Meanwhile, Su Wuming, performing an autopsy on the Tocharian woman's body, noticed her purple fingernails and toenails.
This led him to suspect the use of Soul Returning Incense, a substance known to temporarily halt a person's breath, creating the illusion of death—a trick once employed by sorcerers. Just as he pieced this together, the Tocharian woman revived, bound Su Wuming, and fled. By the time Lu Lingfeng and Yingtao reached the scene, she was gone.
Considering the night's bizarre occurrences and the Qiansui Inn's deceptive nature, Su Wuming deemed the inn too perilous, insisting they relocate to gain a clearer perspective on the case. Lu Lingfeng initially resisted, feeling humiliated, but was eventually persuaded by Su Wuming and Yingtao to leave. Later that night, still determined to identify his mysterious rescuer, Lu Lingfeng secretly returned to Qiansui Inn.
He confronted Hu Shisi, who, under duress, revealed that the black-clad man was staying in the room diagonally opposite the one Lu Lingfeng had previously occupied. Before departing, Lu Lingfeng also demanded two Face Flowers from Hu Shisi, reminding her of her earlier claims. Investigating the specified room, Lu Lingfeng was astonished to discover that the black-clad man who saved him was, in fact, Great General Lu Tong of the Imperial Guards.
The next day, Xing Ying arrived to meet Su Wuming. He presented Su Wuming with a medicinal herb called Aspiration, intending to subtly mock him for accepting the post of an informal official. However, Su Wuming eloquently reinterpreted the herb's symbolism, asserting that his true aspirations were deeply ingrained and not superficially apparent. Recognizing his error, Xing Ying apologized and commended Su Wuming's wisdom.
Xing Ying then reported on the case, admitting that the Tocharian woman had eluded capture after fleeing towards Green Peak, and he suspected she had taken refuge in the Sky Garden, a protected establishment overseen by Li Yue. At that moment, Lu Lingfeng joined them, revealing his new role as Su Wuming's personal staff, which surprised Xing Ying, who had once been Lu Lingfeng's superior.
Lu Lingfeng then presented the Face Flowers he had obtained from Hu Shisi, prompting Xing Ying to display some he had acquired from local buyers. Su Wuming carefully examined the two sets of flowers: the dark, dried ones, which were ancient artifacts from the Sui Dynasty, and the lighter, fresh ones, which were the dangerous "demonic" plants causing harm.
Consulting Chicken Fed, they learned that a mixture of Baohuang from Persia and Guichou of the Miao ethnic group, combined with other strange herbs, could create an incense (the "Husband Incense") that, when inhaled, initially smelled minty, then caused hallucinations and myasthenia—an effect Lu Lingfeng confirmed experiencing. More crucially, if Guichou was the primary ingredient with a small amount of Baohuang and other peculiar herbs, and applied to the skin, it could induce instantaneous decay after a period of days.
The problem, Chicken Fed noted, was that Baohuang had been outlawed since the reign of Emperor Gaozong. Realizing the intricate nature of the conspiracy, Su Wuming dispatched Lu Lingfeng and Xing Ying to the Sky Garden to track down the Tocharian woman. Separately, the Princess, deeply troubled by the Crown Prince's lingering presence in Dongdu, felt a growing sense of vulnerability, suspecting he was awaiting her demise. Gao Zhongyi attempted to reassure her, expressing confidence in Su Wuming's investigative skills.
The Princess, however, instructed Gao Zhongyi to gather her loyal officials and ensure their unwavering loyalty and faith that Su Wuming could help her overcome this tribulation. When Su Wuming came to meet her, he deliberately wore common clothes, not his official uniform. This angered the Princess, who perceived it as a protest against her appointment of an informal official.
She revealed her dire situation, stating she had only six or seven days left and threatening to burn down Luoyang if she perished, convinced the Crown Prince was behind the plot. Su Wuming, calm and resolute, pledged his utmost effort to apprehend the culprit and secure the antidote, emphasizing his commitment not only to her but also to the welfare of Luoyang's populace.
Despite her initial displeasure at his inclusion of commoners, the Princess was eventually moved by his sincerity and dismissed him, reaffirming her belief that the Tang Dynasty could not thrive without her. Lu Lingfeng and Xing Ying arrived at the Sky Garden, where guards initially denied them entry, citing its protected status. However, the arrival of Resident Regent Li Yue swiftly resolved the situation, granting them access.
Inside, Lu Lingfeng recognized the distinctive roar of a Meteorite Bear, one of several exotic animals housed there. They requested Li Yue to assemble all current residents for inspection. Utilizing a fresh Face Flower as a lure, Lu Lingfeng successfully identified a suspicious individual. Soon after, they located the Tocharian woman, who had committed suicide by consuming poison, thus terminating a key lead. Upon learning of this critical setback, Gao Zhongyi became increasingly concerned.
He feared that if Su Wuming failed to find the antidote and the Princess succumbed to the poison, the Crown Prince, upon his ascension, would undoubtedly retaliate against all who had supported the Princess. To safeguard himself, Gao Zhongyi resolved to shift his loyalty to the Crown Prince. In a discreet meeting, Xing Ying reported the case's developments to the Crown Prince.
He hinted that Lu Lingfeng seemed inclined to close the investigation and offered to terminate it if the Crown Prince desired. However, the Crown Prince unequivocally instructed Xing Ying to pursue the case with full rigor. Shortly thereafter, Xin Huaishen met with the Crown Prince, informing him of the Princess's trust and her directive for him to monitor Gao Zhongyi. Xin Huaishen then relayed Gao Zhongyi's intent to switch allegiance and suggested leveraging this opportunity to diminish the Princess's power.
The Crown Prince, however, was uninterested in such political machinations. His primary concern remained the swift resolution of the case and the discovery of an antidote to save his aunt before her life was forfeit.
Episode 29 Recap
Su Wuming, observing Lu Lingfeng's newfound composure in Luoyang, probed if he had met a high-ranking official who promised him a bright future. Lu Lingfeng grudgingly acknowledged Su Wuming's cunning and scheming, and Su Wuming, in turn, deduced that His Highness was also in Dongdu. Su Wuming reasoned that as a trusted aide of His Highness, Lu Lingfeng would prefer the case remain unsolved, as finding the antidote and saving the princess would complicate His Highness's path to the throne.
Su Wuming vowed to diligently investigate the case, not only for the innocent victims but also to honor his master, Detective Di's teachings. He shared his changed impression of the princess after meeting her at the Blessing Temple, describing her as strong yet a victim of the Face Flower poison. He urged Lu Lingfeng to visit her, believing it might change his perspective, and stated that the country, comprising all its people, including the princess, deserved his efforts.
Lu Lingfeng visited the Blessing Temple, which an old man informed him was formerly the Serenity Temple, renamed two years prior at the princess’s behest. It had become Luoyang’s largest temple, cherished and frequently visited by her. Inside, Lu Lingfeng discovered a school for orphans. A young monk explained that the princess, known as the Living Bodhisattva, had ordered the temple to accept all homeless children of Tang, providing them with food and education, even funding the teachers herself.
The princess herself appeared, asking about the number of children, and was told there were over 360. She reiterated her commitment to caring for all children who came to the temple. However, when she tried to embrace a small child, he ran away, leaving her heartbroken and convinced the child hated her and would not forgive her. Upon returning, Lu Lingfeng found Su Wuming preparing to go out and offered to join him in investigating Paradise Inn.
Su Wuming affirmed his belief that new clues awaited them there. They decided to return to the inn posing as exorcists from the south, invited to Dongdu to subdue devils. At Paradise Inn, Hu Shisi angrily confronted them, blaming them for scaring away all her customers, including the pipa players, with their prior antics, and demanded compensation.
However, after witnessing Lu Lingfeng's martial prowess, she changed her tune and enthusiastically invited them to stay, offering the best rooms, food, and service, eager for their help with the "ghosts." Lu Lingfeng accepted but requested the room in the backyard where the Tocharian woman had died, claiming the strong "yinqi" there would help them catch ghosts. In the room, Su Wuming pondered the inn’s motive as a "black inn," given their initial lack of money.
He also questioned why the bronze devil had specifically targeted Lu Lingfeng. Lu Lingfeng remarked on his own lack of official position or wealth, then speculated that the assassin might have "mistook me for someone else," quickly brushing off Su Wuming’s sharp inquiry. Hu Shisi brought them sweet pear syrup, a drink she claimed was her favorite in the palace. Su Wuming seized the opportunity to question her about her alleged Sui dynasty origins.
Hu Shisi, after realizing Su Wuming was testing her, passionately praised Emperor Yang of Sui as the most handsome man she had ever seen, with flawless skin. She claimed he ordered the Face Flowers from Persia for his own use to maintain his appearance. After she left, Su Wuming reflected on the inn’s name and concluded that if an attack came tonight, it would be by a "devil of the Sui Dynasty."
He predicted the bronze devil would surely return to kill Lu Lingfeng, as its previous attempt had failed. Su Wuming also expressed skepticism about Hu Shisi being over a hundred years old, despite her claims of using Face Flowers to preserve her youth. He hinted that he already knew her true identity. Later, Hu Shisi invited them to drink. Su Wuming expressed apprehension and did not drink the wine, but Lu Lingfeng drank it, initially feeling no ill effects.
Hu Shisi, reminiscing about Emperor Yang of Sui asking her to play the pipa, offered to do so for Lu Lingfeng. As she played, both Lu Lingfeng and Su Wuming developed severe headaches, realizing it was the pipa music, not the wine, that caused their disorientation. The bronze devil then appeared, attempting to assassinate Lu Lingfeng, while Hu Shisi continued to play, mocking him and stating his life was "worth a lot" to someone.
Su Wuming urged Lu Lingfeng to escape through the back door to get away from the music. As Lu Lingfeng fled, Hu Shisi pursued him. Just then, Yingtao arrived, cutting the pipa strings and engaging Hu Shisi in combat. Xue Huan and Fei Jishi also appeared, with Xue Huan tossing a spear to Lu Lingfeng and Fei Jishi firing oil arrows at the bronze devil.
Su Wuming, declaring his intention to "subdue her," threw a bag of flour at Hu Shisi, blinding her temporarily, allowing Yingtao to tie her up. Fei Jishi's fire arrows caused the bronze devil to ignite and reveal its true form: the inn's strong man and dwarf, disguised by being stacked together. Su Wuming interrogated the bound Hu Shisi, challenging her false claim of being an imperial concubine by listing various Sui palace ranks, concluding she was merely a palace maid.
He then exposed her true identity as Ms. Caihan’s daughter. He revealed that Ms. Caihan was the culprit of bizarre cases in Luoyang twenty years ago, and Hu Shisi, then a teenager, was an accomplice whom Detective Di had intentionally spared. Su Wuming explained that a palace maid had indeed escaped from Emperor Yang of Sui’s palace after his death in Jiangdu, bringing the Face Flowers with her.
This maid, seeking revenge on the Tang dynasty, taught her martial arts and Sui palace rules to her daughter, passing down the vendetta. Hu Shisi, Su Wuming stated, was at least the fifth generation in this lineage. He accused her of opening the Paradise Inn to kill people for money, hiring the strong man and dwarf.
Hu Shisi confessed to being hired by someone to kill a "noble and tall young man" and his servant, and had mistaken Lu Lingfeng for the target. She admitted to using Husband Incense on him. Lu Lingfeng displayed his knowledge of the incense, identifying its main ingredient as the banned "Baohuang" from the Western Region. Hu Shisi, under pressure, revealed that she acquired the banned ingredients from Shangshan Shop and Hall of Medicine.
Su Wuming ordered Yingtao to take Hu Shisi to the Administrator's Residence to describe her employer and have Xijun draw the portrait, while Xing Ying was instructed to jail the two inn employees. Xue Huan also reported finding three skulls in the woodshed, evidence of many deaths at the inn over the years. Su Wuming then asked Lu Lingfeng if His Highness had stayed at the inn. Lu Lingfeng led Su Wuming to His Highness, who confirmed his presence.
His Highness explained that he had previously ordered Lu Lingfeng's exile from Chang'an as a strategic move to protect him from a more severe charge planned by the princess. Lu Lingfeng, realizing his misunderstanding, expressed remorse for having harbored resentment. His Highness praised Lu Lingfeng’s honesty and asked about his journey south. Lu Lingfeng described encountering the struggles of the common people in remote areas, emphasizing that their well-being was essential for a truly prosperous Tang dynasty.
His Highness, moved by Lu Lingfeng's words, promised to create a true golden age for all people if he ascended the throne. His Highness further revealed that he had chosen to stay at Paradise Inn to investigate the Face Flower case, as the suspect who sold the flowers had committed suicide there. However, Lu Tong had advised him against leaving his room due to the inn’s suspicious nature.
Lu Lingfeng, now understanding, realized that Hu Shisi had mistaken him for His Highness due to the Prince's discreet entry, which explained the assassination attempt. Su Wuming questioned if Lu Lingfeng’s apparent indifference to solving the case was an order from the Eastern Palace. Lu Lingfeng vehemently defended His Highness, stating the Prince remained in Dongdu not to passively await the princess’s demise, but out of concern for his aunt, with whom he had grown up.
Despite Lu Tong's urging to return to Chang'an for safety and political advantage, His Highness refused to abandon his aunt. He rejected Lu Tong's suggestion to secretly order Su Wuming to abandon the investigation, declaring that while a smooth ascension was desirable, abandoning family for it was not his way. He then explicitly instructed Lu Lingfeng to return to Su Wuming's side and fully assist him in solving the case. Su Wuming, deeply impressed by His Highness’s magnanimity, proclaimed that such a Crown Prince was a great fortune for the Tang dynasty.
Episode 30 Recap
Su Wuming declared his commitment to solving the case, catching the murderer, and finding the antidote to save the Princess. He also reminded Lu Lingfeng, as the Crown Prince's most trusted confidant, that his full effort was needed not just for the Crown Prince's trust, but more importantly, to clear the Crown Prince's name. Lu Lingfeng acknowledged that if the Princess died, the Crown Prince would be the primary beneficiary, and the world would suspect him.
Grateful for the reminder, Lu Lingfeng pledged his unwavering assistance to prove the Crown Prince's innocence. Based on Hu Shisi's description, Xijun sketched the individual who hired the killers. Su Wuming found the drawing eerily familiar and noted that Hu Shisi mentioned the person had a slight, barely noticeable stammer. Meanwhile, Fei Jishi (Chicken Fed) was diligently working on the Face Flower antidote.
He determined that the poison was very unusual and could only be countered with another poison, requiring Baohuang as the most crucial ingredient for the antidote to succeed. Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng visited the Hall of Medicine to acquire Baohuang. The shopkeeper, initially hesitant, confirmed they had Persian Baohuang, a substance banned since Emperor Gaozong's reign, upon hearing Hu Shisi's recommendation.
Under questioning from Lu Lingfeng, who was investigating, the shopkeeper disclosed that the Baohuang was supplied by an old servant from Resident Regent Li Yue's residence, who was scheduled to deliver more the following day. The shopkeeper speculated that the old servant might be stealing the Baohuang. Later, Su Wuming went to Chongnian Temple to see the Princess but was told she was chanting and unavailable.
He learned from a guard that Resident Regent Li Yue had been closely associated with the Princess since Empress Wu Zetian's ascent to power. Su Wuming also confirmed that the Princess's 81-day deadline for the Face Flower's effects was indeed tomorrow, prompting the guard to urge him to find an antidote quickly. While leaving, Su Wuming encountered a hostler from the Princess's Palace. The next day, Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng staked out the Hall of Medicine.
As anticipated, the old servant from Resident Regent Li Yue's residence arrived to sell Baohuang. Lu Lingfeng apprehended him, and a search revealed the hidden Baohuang. Xue Huan was immediately sent to deliver it to Fei Jishi for antidote research. Su Wuming then pressed the old servant for the Baohuang's cultivation site. When the old man feigned ignorance, Lu Lingfeng threatened to take him to Li Yue's residence.
Terrified of discovery by his master, the old servant fatally struck his head against a pillar. Moments later, a group of assassins pursued Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng. They escaped the city by hiding in a coffin on a funeral carriage, which Su Wuming astutely noted was heading towards the area outside the upper east gate, where Resident Regent Li Yue resided.
Once outside the city, the "funeral procession" quickly shed its disguise, revealing themselves to be a band of robbers who had been transporting stolen gold and silver inside the coffin. Discovering Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng, the robbers prepared to kill them. To avert conflict, Su Wuming cleverly proposed a different path to wealth. He informed them about the highly sought-after Face Flower and its deadly effects on many rich women in Luoyang.
Claiming the assassins had been after his antidote recipe, he offered to lead the robbers to the final ingredient, Baohuang, promising immense wealth from selling the antidote to Luoyang's rich women. Believing his story, the robbers agreed, and four of their strongest men accompanied Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng, while the rest returned with their loot. Su Wuming, Lu Lingfeng, and the four robbers proceeded to Resident Regent Li Yue's back garden.
Su Wuming instructed the robbers to search for Baohuang, describing its distinctive root resembling a baby's palm with leopard print, and falsely claimed he was on a mission from the Princess, promising generous rewards upon success. As they searched, a formidable Meteorite Bear abruptly emerged, swiftly killing all four robbers. Su Wuming quickly instructed Lu Lingfeng to feign death, which allowed them to escape the bear's attack. Soon after, Li Yue arrived with his guards and had them bound.
Li Yue revealed he had orchestrated the earlier assassination attempt. He admitted that after his greedy servant's death, he anticipated Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng would find his manor. As a precaution, he had already relocated the Meteorite Bear from his Sky Garden to the back garden, knowing their objective was to find Baohuang. He then led them into a secret room, which housed numerous Face Flower trees and Baohuang plants.
Li Yue explained that the manor was originally a villa belonging to Yang Su, Duke of Yue, a powerful official from the former Sui Dynasty. Empress Wu Zetian had granted it to him during her regency. He had accidentally discovered this secret room, which was Yang Su's armory, and realized it was the perfect dark environment for cultivating Baohuang.
He further elaborated that he acquired Face Flower seeds from wandering Persian royal descendants and, over decades, had cultivated dozens of trees. These trees, surrounded by Baohuang, had adapted to growing in darkness and had become mutually dependent on each other for nourishment. Li Yue also confessed to ordering the killing of the Tocharian woman, dismissing her as a dispensable slave with minor escape skills.
Su Wuming condemned Li Yue for his treachery despite years of imperial favor, particularly from Empress Wu Zetian, to which Li Yue scoffed, finding Su Wuming's sentiments naive. Though surprised by their rapid progress, Li Yue, claiming to appreciate talent, granted them a temporary reprieve and allowed them to observe the Face Flower and Baohuang up close. Instead of killing them, Li Yue imprisoned Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng in the secret room.
Lu Lingfeng, reasoning that Yang Su's former armory must have multiple exits for rapid troop deployment during a rebellion, began searching for an alternative escape route. He soon discovered a wall adorned with a map.
Drawing upon his knowledge from three old books Su Wuming had lent him, which detailed Luoyang's geography and architecture, particularly the strategic importance of Longmen Mountain (also known as Long Gate) to any rebel, Lu Lingfeng ingeniously located a hidden mechanism that opened a secret passage. Su Wuming commended his resourcefulness. However, just as an exit was secured, Su Wuming, having recalled some crucial information, declared that he could not leave at that moment.
Lu Lingfeng, still unaware of Su Wuming's full plan, had earlier been agitated when Su Wuming subtly connected Li Yue to the Crown Prince, vehemently defending the Crown Prince's righteous character and denouncing any association with such a wicked person. Su Wuming then cryptically suggested that the Princess's poisoning might involve a deeper mystery, leading Lu Lingfeng to suspect Su Wuming was deliberately withholding key information.
That night, the Princess unexpectedly arrived at Li Yue's villa, accompanied by officials like Gao Zhongyi, whom she knew harbored disloyal intentions. Li Yue informed her that Su Wuming had been apprehended while attempting to steal Baohuang. The Princess expressed delight, viewing this as confirmation of Su Wuming's loyalty and his dedication to finding an antidote for her, and she deemed him a valuable asset.
She then inquired about Lu Lingfeng, acknowledging his close ties to the Crown Prince, and decided to postpone his fate. For the unfaithful officials, who had betrayed her believing she would succumb to the Face Flower's poison that night, the Princess desired for them to personally experience the horrifying sensation of their faces being corroded. Li Yue promptly offered to prepare a special Face Flower concoction that would yield immediate and visible effects.
The Princess then commanded Li Yue to invite Su Wuming to join her for drinks. Upon arriving at the secret room, Li Yue discovered Lu Lingfeng had vanished. Enraged, he accused Su Wuming of facilitating the escape, but Su Wuming cleverly attributed Lu Lingfeng's disappearance to an "Earth escaping method." The Princess, however, remained calm, interpreting Su Wuming's decision to stay behind as undeniable proof of his loyalty.
When Su Wuming finally met the Princess, he candidly stated that his primary concern was not her face succumbing to the poison, but her overall safety. He divulged that he had learned from her hostler about her imminent trip to Chang'an to enjoy "the King's cherry from the Leyou Plain."
This confirmed travel plan, he reasoned, strongly suggested that she had not actually used the poisonous Face Flower, as someone truly in mortal danger would hardly be planning such a journey. The Princess affirmed his deduction, explaining that while she had used Face Flower, it was a specially prepared, non-toxic version from Li Yue, which offered skin-tendering and moisturizing benefits, unlike the poisonous concoctions circulating among commoners.
She recounted how Li Yue had sourced the seeds from a Persian royal descendant decades ago. The Princess expressed her profound anger and frustration with Gao Zhongyi and the other disloyal officials. She called them foolish and despicable for their hasty betrayal and defection to the Crown Prince, all based on the mistaken belief that her life was nearing its end.
The Princess then instructed Xin Huaishen, who had previously served Gao Zhongyi, to assist Gao Zhongyi in "speaking," implicitly forcing him to confess his disloyalty. Gao Zhongyi, pleading for mercy from both the Princess and Su Wuming, tried to downplay his actions as a "momentary slip," but Xin Huaishen sharply countered, recalling Gao Zhongyi's resolute and unwavering disloyalty.
Episode 31 Recap
Xin Huaishen brazenly accused Gao Zhongyi of disloyalty, which was when Gao Zhongyi realized that Xin Huaishen was actually the Princess’s trusted subordinate. Xin Huaishen further revealed that he had already put in a good word for Gao Zhongyi, as the Princess had initially intended to have him torn asunder by five carts.
However, she ultimately decided to "award" Gao Zhongyi and the others each a piece of Face Flower, exquisitely made by Resident Regent Li, to apply to their faces. Gao Zhongyi, terrified, pleaded for mercy. Su Wuming intervened, stating that the Princess was trying to "test and select" her loyal followers, and he questioned if a "storm is coming."
The Princess confirmed a storm was indeed approaching and expressed her hope that Su Wuming would stand with her, noting that he had "passed" her test, unlike Gao Zhongyi. Su Wuming countered that sacrificing "so many innocent lives of young women in Luoyang" to gauge loyalty was too cruel, arguing that "the lives of our people are not trivial." He warned her that if she truly became empress, "it will be the suffering of the world."
The Princess, angered by his words, reminded him that his teacher Di Renjie had dedicated himself to assisting her mother. Su Wuming explained that he now understood his teacher's arduous efforts more deeply. When asked if he would help her, Su Wuming firmly stated that "the Tang Dynasty can't stand any more trouble," and her current ambition for the throne "is against heaven's will."
The Princess defended her ambition, pointing out that her brother, the current Emperor, was weak, and her nephew, the Crown Prince, was too young to rule. She believed only she could make the empire prosper and argued that restoring her mother's empire was not "against heaven's will." Xin Huaishen attempted to appease the Princess, but Su Wuming accused him of plotting to assassinate the Crown Prince, noting the irony that the true assassin was calmly drinking beside them.
The Princess, confused and thinking the Crown Prince had returned to Chang'an, was skeptical. Xin Huaishen feigned ignorance, suggesting Su Wuming was speaking nonsense out of fear. Su Wuming then presented the Princess with a drawing by Pei Xijun. The Princess recognized the man in the drawing as Xin Huaishen, noting his scarf. Su Wuming explained that the drawing was based on Hu Shisi's testimony from Paradise Inn, where the depicted man "paid her a fortune to assassinate Crown Prince."
Xin Huaishen tried to deny it, but Su Wuming laid bare Xin Huaishen's "three identities": a man of Prefectural Governor Gao, a man of the Crown Prince, and a man of the Princess. Su Wuming accused him of exploiting the Crown Prince's trust to learn he had remained in Luoyang to investigate the Face Flower case, then secretly arranged the assassination "without Her Highness's permission." He added that Xin Huaishen’s stammer confirmed his identity.
Xin Huaishen claimed he was merely trying "to solve your problems in advance." Enraged, the Princess declared that her dispute with the Crown Prince was "family business" and demanded to know the Crown Prince's whereabouts. Xin Huaishen confessed he had lured the Crown Prince to the villa by falsely claiming she wished to see him "before your coming demise." The Princess was furious at Xin Huaishen's audacious manipulation. Moments later, the Crown Prince arrived and greeted the Princess.
She noted his unexpected presence in Luoyang. Su Wuming explained that the Crown Prince, worried for her safety, had returned to Luoyang and was secretly investigating the Face Flower case at Paradise Inn to save her. The Princess dismissed this as "impossible." The Crown Prince anxiously inquired if Su Wuming had secured the antidote for his aunt. Su Wuming assured him that the Princess had not been poisoned by the Face Flower.
Relieved, the Crown Prince expressed happiness for the Princess, prompting Su Wuming to praise him as a blessing to the empire. The Princess, however, scorned the Crown Prince's "hypocritical" smile, questioning his true feelings. Tired, she declared that since Gao Zhongyi and his ilk were now "his" men, he could handle their punishment. The Crown Prince insisted that there were "only people of Tang Dynasty," not his or hers.
Disregarding his words, the Princess ordered Xin Huaishen to depart with her. Suddenly, Resident Regent Li Yue mocked her, declaring she "can't leave now." The Princess was stunned, realizing Li Yue was also against her. The Crown Prince was equally surprised. The Princess defiantly stated she wouldn't leave, challenging Li Yue to do his worst. Li Yue revealed he was "not from the Tang Dynasty" and had "endured humiliation" for years awaiting this very moment.
He announced that Xin Huaishen was "his" man. Li Yue then commanded Xin Huaishen to kill both the Princess and the Crown Prince, believing that with only the "cowardly emperor" left in Chang'an, "Tang Dynasty will be doomed." He then revealed the Face Flower he had given the Princess was identical to the market variety, and in "two hours, your face will turn into a skull." He ordered his men to "kill them all."
Su Wuming instructed the Princess to hide indoors and not emerge. The Crown Prince courageously declared he would die before her, but Li Yue's forces quickly overpowered him, and he was wounded in the fight. Just then, Lu Lingfeng and his forces arrived, engaging Li Yue's men. Lu Lingfeng swiftly killed Xin Huaishen. However, Li Yue unleashed Meteorite Bear, ordering it to avenge him by killing Lu Lingfeng and the Princess. Lu Lingfeng struggled against the enormous beast.
Su Wuming, recognizing his difficulty, shouted that "the weak part of the bear lies in the nose." The Crown Prince urged Lu Lingfeng to flee with the Princess, noting the bear's immense size made it impossible to target its weak point. Su Wuming reminded Lu Lingfeng of his past victories against the "Ghost Four and bronze devil."
Taking inspiration, Lu Lingfeng called out to Xue Huan, telling him to "take the knife" and "stand on my spear" to "attack its weak part." With this coordinated effort involving Lu Lingfeng, Xue Huan, and Yingtao, they successfully brought down the Meteorite Bear. Witnessing the death of his beloved bear, Li Yue, with a sorrowful declaration, "In this case, then see you next life," drew his sword and took his own life.
The Princess, in agony, cried out about her burning face, fearing it was turning into a skull. Su Wuming urgently instructed Lu Lingfeng to rush the Princess to Chicken Fed to check if the antidote was ready. The Crown Prince also pressed for his aunt's immediate rescue. Lu Lingfeng carried the Princess to the Administrator's manor, where Chicken Fed was surprised by her arrival.
As the Princess thrashed and lamented her face, Pei Xijun tried to calm her and prevent her from scratching. Chicken Fed quickly retrieved the antidote. As Lu Lingfeng held her hand, the Princess spotted a mole on his left palm and whispered "Ji'er," before passing out, asking, "Are you really my Ji'er?" Chicken Fed administered the medicine, which successfully detoxified the Face Flower poison. The Princess gradually recovered, and peace returned to Luoyang.
The relationship between the Crown Prince and the Princess also notably improved after this harrowing experience. Yingtao approached Su Wuming, conveying a message from Pei Xijun. Pei Xijun's father, Pei Jian, had sent messengers from Chang'an, expressing how much he missed her, describing sleepless nights, headaches, and many new gray hairs. Su Wuming acknowledged Assistant Minister Pei's deep affection for his daughter. Pei Xijun then asked if Su Wuming wanted her to return to Chang'an.
Su Wuming affirmed that she would inevitably return, dispelling her worries about not seeing Lu Lingfeng again. He reassured her that Lu Lingfeng and the Crown Prince were now on good terms, and given Lu Lingfeng's recent great contribution, he would likely be recalled to Chang'an soon. Pei Xijun then expressed her concern for Xue Huan. Later, Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng were drinking. Su Wuming hinted at Lu Lingfeng's impending return to Chang'an, though Lu Lingfeng seemed indifferent.
Su Wuming informed him that Regimental Commander Wei had delivered a message: the Princess commanded both of them to meet her at the Meditation Abode of Blessing Temple that afternoon. Su Wuming insisted that Lu Lingfeng recount his past with the Princess, as he couldn't face her without knowing the details. Lu Lingfeng insisted he had "no dealings" with her. Su Wuming then brought up the Princess's utterance of "Ji'er," suggesting Pei Xijun had informed him.
He warned Lu Lingfeng about the Princess's volatile nature, fearing she might harbor "hate out of love." Lu Lingfeng vehemently denied any affection, declaring "deep hatred" for her because his "parents were killed by her." He asserted that had it not been for the Crown Prince, he "would never have saved her life that day." He then recounted his early life: born in Luoyang, he grew up without parents, fostered in Serenity Temple (now Blessing Temple).
The Princess, disguised as a common woman, frequently visited, bringing him food and clothes, and he often saw her pay the monks. These were his earliest memories, leading him to feel a strong affinity and even suspect she might be his mother. Eventually, a man he called "father," who was actually his uncle, appeared, teaching him to read. Lu Lingfeng explained his uncle had only pretended to be a scholar studying in the temple to take him away.
Once in Fanyang, his uncle revealed the truth: the "aunt" who visited was the Princess, the murderer of his parents. He further explained that she had raised him in the temple as "bait to catch more of my father's accomplices." Su Wuming inquired about his father's identity. Lu Lingfeng recited a verse from Luo Bingwang's famous declaration for Li Jingye, confirming his father was among those "against Empress Wu Zetian."
He proudly declared that the Lu family of Fanyang had always been dedicated to "protecting the legitimate Tang" and would never tolerate the usurpation of the country. At Blessing Temple, the Princess received Su Wuming first. She confessed her lack of "courage to see him," fearing he wouldn't "recognize me." Su Wuming questioned her use of "recognize."
The Princess then spoke of her "first" child, who was not with her, and began to recount her story from "more than 20 years ago," when she was "19 years old." Doted on by her mother, she was willful. She recalled an encounter with a man by the Yi River, where her guards were about to kill him, but she pardoned him. At that moment, she "fell in love with him."
During the Mid-Autumn Festival that year, she spent the night with him, leading to the conception of "Ji'er." The man claimed to be a Caozhou native studying in Yi Gate, Luoyang, to pursue officialdom. However, she later discovered a longsword engraved with "From Li JingYe" hidden in his hut, revealing his true identity as "Li Jing Ye's subordinate." He consistently sought information about her mother's whereabouts. Knowing her mother frequently visited Longmen, the Princess realized he intended to assassinate her.
Angered by his deception, she "played along," arranging for her mother to capture him at Longmen. Upon realizing her betrayal, he did not blame her but tragically "killed himself" by biting his tongue. His name was Yang Guan, though she suspected it was not his real name. Following his death, her mother sent her to a secluded villa outside Luoyang, where she gave birth to their son, "Ji'er," whom she named Yang Ji.
The following year was the happiest period of her life. However, her mother eventually urged her not to keep the child by her side, tempting her with "power" and the prospect of becoming an Empress. Swayed by the offer, she "ruthlessly" sent Ji'er to Serenity Temple. She visited him monthly, disguised as a common woman, telling him she was his "aunt" and his mother was far away. She vividly recalled his "longing in his eyes."
She expressed profound regret for not aborting him, feeling that "God punished me," when she "lost him" at the age of five. The monks informed her that a scholar residing in the temple, who tutored the children, had left after failing his exams, and Ji'er had disappeared with him. She ordered an extensive search, but "it was like looking for a needle in a haystack."
The Princess then pointed out that the crucial detail was a mole on Ji'er's left palm, a characteristic she had also observed on Lu Lingfeng. The Princess concluded her account, stating that the mole on Lu Lingfeng’s palm convinced her he was Yang Ji. Su Wuming, recalling Lu Lingfeng's pride in his "Lu family of Fanyang" heritage and his uncle's origins from Youyan (where Fanyang is located), noted the discrepancy in age.
He suspected Lu Lingfeng intentionally misrepresented his age, manipulated by the "scholar who took him away" (his uncle), who "told Lu Lingfeng never to recognize me." Su Wuming recounted Lu Lingfeng's unwavering belief in his uncle's words, including tales of his father's ancestral tablet and his uncle raising him to uphold the family's honor.
He mentioned Lu Lingfeng's statement that his uncle had adjusted his age to protect him from enemies and had died "5 years ago," extracting a promise from Lu Lingfeng never to "trust her" (the Princess) "no matter what princess says." Su Wuming advised against the Princess's intention to recognize Ji'er. He argued that the age discrepancy suggested Lu Lingfeng might not be Yang Ji, and the mole could be "just a coincidence."
Despite the Princess's insistence on a "mother and son are connected" feeling, Su Wuming reiterated the Empress's earlier wisdom: if "the most powerful woman in Tang" suddenly revealed a hidden son, it would severely damage her reputation and that of the royal family. The Princess, in a moment of despair, declared she would "give up all my power" and "not be the princess of Tang" if Ji'er would acknowledge her. Su Wuming, however, urged her to "think for Lu Lingfeng."
He described Lu Lingfeng as "brave and resourceful, versed in both literature and martial arts," a "man of tremendous promise" who deeply cherished his Fanyang Lu family lineage. Forcing a recognition would inevitably "cause his death." When the Princess defiantly asked who would dare to kill her son, Su Wuming solemnly replied, "Himself," reminding her of Yang Guan's fate. Convinced by Su Wuming's reasoning, the Princess made a difficult decision. She brought Su Wuming to meet Lu Lingfeng.
She offered to reinstate him to an official position, but Lu Lingfeng politely refused, stating he "deserved to be punished" for past mistakes and that any reinstatement based on merit required "a formal official document." The Princess, sensing his concern about an "informal official" and his allegiance to the Crown Prince, then offered to arrange a marriage between him and Pei Jian's daughter. Lu Lingfeng again declined, explaining he was "devoted to the country" and had not considered marriage.
The Princess expressed her annoyance at his repeated rejections. Prompted by a subtle signal from Su Wuming, Lu Lingfeng then made a request: he asked the Princess to permit his disciple, Xue Huan, who had been "alone since childhood" and had learned martial arts but "hadn't studied properly," to attend Blessing Temple for proper education. The Princess readily agreed, promising to instruct the temple monks to "take care of him."
When asked if he had any other requests, Lu Lingfeng replied "No," and wished her well. Later, a tearful Xue Huan cried out, believing Lu Lingfeng, Pei Xijun, and Su Wuming "don't want me anymore." Lu Lingfeng lovingly explained that they wished for him to become a "talented scholar," a "general like your ancestors," excelling "in both literature and martial arts." Despite Xue Huan's desire to follow them, Yingtao interjected that the three would "go their separate ways soon."
Lu Lingfeng then revealed that he himself had studied at Serenity Temple (now Blessing Temple) from the age of four. He emphasized that Blessing Temple housed the "best teachers in the world," calling it a "rare opportunity." He contrasted martial arts, which was "not difficult," with Su Wuming's "knowledge," which was "hard for you to get." He concluded by telling Xue Huan that his future success and ability to become a "real man" depended entirely on "your choice today."
Episode 32 Recap
Lu Lingfeng impressed upon Xue Huan the importance of studying diligently to one day become a man of great achievement, emphasizing that Chongnian Temple offered the best teachers in the land. He told Xue Huan that while learning his own martial arts was achievable, attaining Su Wuming's literary prowess would be a greater challenge. Su Wuming then echoed Lu Lingfeng's sentiment regarding the importance of studying, adding that he had never heard Lu Lingfeng lecture on grand principles so well.
He then instructed Xue Huan to find a clever young beggar named Niu Su at the Memorial Temple of Detective Di and bring him along to Chongnian Temple, so they could both pursue a righteous path. Chicken Fed assured Xue Huan that he would visit him frequently in the Eastern Capital, as he had to remain in Luoyang to administer antidotes to over a hundred court ladies affected by the Face Flowers.
Su Wuming commended Chicken Fed for his virtuous acts. Later, Pei Xijun inquired if the Princess had mentioned Lu Lingfeng during their conversation, but Su Wuming replied that they had only discussed court affairs, with no mention of him. In Chang'an, Administrator Du Ming of Yongzhou introduced foreign envoys to the recently completed Sky-scraping Tower.
He explained its forty-year construction history, noting that it began during Emperor Gaozong's reign, faced interruptions under Empress Wu Zetian and Emperor Zhongzong, resumed under Queen Wei, and was finally completed under the Princess's oversight. Yuwen Mukai, the chief architect, elaborated on its design: thirty-three floors above ground, referencing the Buddhist heavens, and three subterranean levels, totaling thirty-six floors, symbolizing the thirty-six Heavens in Chinese mythology.
He highlighted the exclusive "Beyond Heaven" level at the summit, accessible only with the Emperor's explicit permission. He also noted that the Emperor insisted on reviving the Mid-Autumn Festival magic show, which had been banned by Emperor Gaozong due to some acts being overly dangerous and bloody, symbolizing an era of peace and prosperity. From this privileged "Beyond Heaven" level, the Emperor of Tang and Pei Jian observed the sprawling city.
The Emperor shared his satisfaction, noting that Pei Jian was the first official to join him there. To preserve the tower's unparalleled status, the Emperor revealed that Yuwen Mukai had been ordered to destroy all blueprints. He also spoke of a grand plan, promising a celebratory feast for all meritorious officials, including Pei Jian, in that very place upon its success.
They noticed a curious wooden bird flying, which the Emperor dismissed as a magician practicing for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival magic show, as many illusionists were arriving in the capital. However, this was no ordinary display; the wooden bird delivered an arrow-pierced letter to Administrator Du Ming's residence. Judicial Military Advisor Wan An of Yongzhou identified the sender as Sass, the legendary Tocharian magician and killer who had disappeared for over a decade and was now brazenly challenging the court.
Du Ming recounted Sass's past as a deputy supervisor of the Control Crane Institution, responsible for numerous court-related deaths, and how Detective Di Renjie, despite his efforts, had only managed to capture Sass's subordinates, with Sass himself eluding capture from Luoyang. At his residence, Pei Jian confronted his daughter, Pei Xijun, about her outings disguised as a man, particularly to the Imperial Guards camp, confirming he had her watched.
He expressed deep concern over her open affection for Lu Lingfeng, which had become public knowledge. Given Lu Lingfeng's loyalty to the Crown Prince, Pei Jian feared this could make him a target for the Princess's powerful faction in court. He also criticized Pei Xijun for swiftly accepting Su Wuming as a sworn brother, noting Su Wuming's close relationship with the Princess.
The Princess's direct promotion of Su Wuming to Administrator of Luozhou, bypassing the Emperor, had already sparked controversy, and Pei Jian worried about antagonizing the Crown Prince's supporters. Pei Xijun pointed out her father's contradictory fears of offending both sides. Pei Jian conceded his precarious position between the two factions but admitted joy at the Emperor's increasing trust.
He reminded Pei Xijun of Lu Lingfeng leaving her to rush ahead to Chang'an, though she defended him by saying he entrusted her to a prefectural governor's wife. Pei Jian, however, insisted that in the current tumultuous political climate, and for his own safety, she must temporarily avoid contact with Lu Lingfeng, to which she reluctantly agreed. The Crown Prince summoned Lu Lingfeng, who was eager for a new assignment.
The Crown Prince revealed that the upcoming Sky-scraping Tower ceremony and Mid-Autumn Festival magic show were threatened. He disclosed that Sass, the infamous Tocharian illusionary killer, who had once led enchanters under the Control Crane Institution and was responsible for many past murders, had infiltrated Chang'an and sent a provocative wooden bird message. Lu Lingfeng recalled Su Wuming's mention of the "Sass case" as Detective Di Renjie's final investigation.
The Crown Prince confirmed that while Detective Di had apprehended many of Sass’s followers, Sass himself had escaped. Now, fearing for the safety of the Emperor and the Princess, the Crown Prince tasked Lu Lingfeng with capturing Sass before the Mid-Autumn Festival. To maintain secrecy, Lu Lingfeng would not be immediately reinstated to an official post and would need to gather his own team, with covert assistance from Lu Tong.
The Crown Prince also suggested finding any remaining copies of "The Tale of Sass," a banned biography about the killer that discussed sensitive matters regarding Empress Wu Zetian, believing it might hold crucial clues. Lu Lingfeng then met with his former subordinate, Guo Zhuang, from the Imperial Guards. Guo Zhuang, having heard of Lu Lingfeng's success in Luoyang, assumed he had been promoted.
Lu Lingfeng clarified he had no official position but an urgent mission, requesting Guo Zhuang to find trustworthy men to help locate any surviving copies of "The Tale of Sass." Judicial Military Advisor Wan An of Yongzhou presented Administrator Du Ming with a portrait of Sass, which he had commissioned using descriptions from several individuals who knew Sass from his time at the Control Crane Institution. Du Ming acknowledged a resemblance.
Wan An subsequently led a search of the Seeking Inn, where the innkeeper identified a guest matching the portrait. Wan An confronted the man, believing him to be Sass, and ordered his arrest when he refused to cooperate. Sass, employing illusionary magic to unleash a swarm of bats, escaped, with Wan An in pursuit. During the chase, Sass briefly taunted Wan An before a wooden bird appeared and fatally shot Judicial Military Advisor Wan An. Lu Lingfeng arrived soon after.
A soldier informed him that Judicial Military Advisor Wan An had been killed by Sass, who had used illusionary magic at the Seeking Inn to escape, and that Wan An died during the pursuit. Lu Lingfeng located a young beggar nearby. After a brief interaction, he showed the beggar the portrait of Sass. The beggar described Sass as tall, bearded, with a long scar near his eye, wearing a hood and long hair, and looking terrified as he gazed upwards.
However, when shown the older portrait of Sass, the beggar remarked that the person in the portrait "looks alike, but not sure," emphasizing that it wasn't merely a matter of age, but a distinct difference he couldn't articulate. That night, Lu Lingfeng clandestinely visited Pei Xijun, seeking her assistance to draw a new portrait of Sass based on the child witness's description.
He informed her of Wan An's murder and Sass's suspected involvement, explaining the difficulty of bringing the young beggar to her residence. Pei Xijun, undeterred by her father's earlier warnings, readily agreed, proposing that Lu Lingfeng sell the child at the East Market the next day, where she would purchase him. Lu Lingfeng promised to send Guo Zhuang with the child. The following day, Pei Xijun, accompanied by Guo Zhuang, bought the uneasy beggar at the East Market.
Back at her residence, the beggar provided a detailed description to Pei Xijun, enabling her to create a more accurate portrait of Sass. Meanwhile, Administrator Du Ming visited Pei Jian to discuss the critical need to fill the vacant Judicial Military Advisor of Yongzhou position, acknowledging its deceptive importance.
Subsequently, Wei Dianjun from the Princess's Palace called upon Pei Jian, expressing his desire for the seventh-rank Judicial Military Advisor position of Yongzhou, despite his current fifth-rank status, claiming it was the Princess's will for the empire's security. Shortly after, Mr. Bai, representing the Eastern Palace, arrived to recommend Lu Lingfeng for the same position. Caught between these two powerful factions, Pei Jian was in a dilemma.
Pei Jian reviewed Pei Xijun's new portrait of Sass but still found it lacking, remembering Sass as a handsome and intelligent Tocharian whose true essence wasn’t captured. He reiterated his plea to Pei Xijun to persuade Lu Lingfeng to leave Chang'an for his own safety amidst the political strife. Pei Xijun, however, advised her father to let the Princess make the final decision on the appointment, suggesting that informing her of the Crown Prince’s recommendation might resolve his predicament.
Following his daughter's unconventional advice, Pei Jian reported the Crown Prince's recommendation of Lu Lingfeng to the Princess. To his astonishment, the Princess not only approved Lu Lingfeng's appointment but encouraged Pei Jian to consider him for higher positions if he proved his capabilities. She also remarked on Pei Xijun's intelligence and "good taste" for having followed Lu Lingfeng. In a later private conversation, Wei Dianjun reported to the Princess that he had located Sass even before Wan An.
Wei Dianjun had met with Sass and proposed he assassinate the Crown Prince in exchange for anything he desired. Sass had requested three days to consider and agreed to provide his answer at the Spring Field Inn of Pingkang Fang on the seventh of August. However, the Princess, having narrowly escaped death from the Face Flowers, expressed moral reservations about harming the Crown Prince, whom she had raised and who had risked his life to save her.
Wei Dianjun fervently argued against hesitation, depicting the Crown Prince as a manipulative threat and emphasizing his own precarious position should the Princess lose power. The Princess, perceiving his self-serving motives, laughed and pointedly asked if he had been raised by his uncle.
Episode 33 Recap
Wei Fenghua, a trusted aide to the Princess, expressed his apprehension that if the Crown Prince were to ascend the throne, he would face banishment or even death. The Princess reminded him of the past when Empress Wei poisoned the former emperor, and how she and the Crown Prince united to quell Empress Wei's faction, a conflict that led to the Crown Prince personally killing Wei Fenghua's uncle.
She questioned if Wei Fenghua's relentless urging to use Sass to eliminate the Crown Prince during the upcoming magic show was in fact a personal quest for vengeance. Wei Fenghua denied this, insisting his concern stemmed from fear for the Princess's safety, and reiterated his unwavering loyalty. The Princess, seemingly appeased, instructed Wei Fenghua to meet Sass on the seventh of August with a substantial sum of money.
He was to promise Sass not only more rewards upon success but also the restoration of his career, potentially even his former position as deputy supervisor of the Concubinus Institution if the Princess were to assume power. Wei Fenghua readily agreed, affirming his anticipation of that day.
Lu Lingfeng formally accepted his appointment as the Judicial Assistant Minister of Yongzhou, thanking Assistant Minister Pei Jian for his trust and pledging to exert all his efforts to capture Sass and ensure a smooth Mid-Autumn Festival magic show. Pei Jian introduced Lu Lingfeng to Administrator Du Ming of Yongzhou, who immediately displayed his disapproval, cautioning Lu Lingfeng against repeating the mistakes of Judicial Assistant Minister Wan An, who had died pursuing glory.
After Lu Lingfeng was dismissed, Du Ming privately questioned Pei Jian about Lu Lingfeng's capabilities, expressing skepticism despite acknowledging that both the Princess and the Crown Prince had jointly recommended him. Du Ming, a former Judicial Assistant Minister himself, felt he was left to handle the Sass case alone, convinced that Lu Lingfeng was unreliable for such an investigation.
Later, Lu Lingfeng received a cryptic note, delivered by a messenger, guiding him to the Sky-scraping Tower if he wished to capture Sass. There, he was met by the Princess, who confessed to sending the message and to supporting his appointment alongside the Crown Prince. She explained that she had only considered him for the dangerous post due to the Eastern Palace's recommendation.
Lu Lingfeng, currently without any leads on Sass, was then instructed by the Princess to closely monitor Wei Fenghua on the upcoming seventh of August, hinting that this could be his opportunity for a significant achievement. She emphasized that he should enforce the law impartially, even if it involved her own subordinate. Following this, the Princess invited Lu Lingfeng to admire the panoramic view of Chang'an from "Beyond Heaven," the uppermost floor of the tower.
On the agreed date, the seventh of August, Wei Fenghua met Sass in the bamboo forest in the western suburbs. Wei Fenghua presented a hefty payment, but Sass dismissed the money, stating that his skills were too great to risk killing the Crown Prince merely for wealth, which would reduce him to a common bandit. Instead, Sass boldly demanded to be made the Prime Minister of the Tang Dynasty.
Wei Fenghua, implicitly leveraging the Princess's authority, agreed to this demand, leading Sass to correctly infer that the Princess was the true mastermind behind the plot. Satisfied, Sass accepted their alliance. However, Lu Lingfeng and his men suddenly appeared. Lu Lingfeng intended to take Sass alive, but a subordinate, wary of Sass's deceptive illusions and recalling the death of Judicial Assistant Minister Wan, recklessly killed Sass. Lu Lingfeng then confronted Wei Fenghua, demanding to know who had orchestrated his actions.
Wei Fenghua, refusing to implicating anyone else, fiercely declared that his sole motivation was his profound hatred for the Crown Prince and a desire to avenge his uncle. Refusing to surrender, he engaged in a desperate fight and was eventually killed by the surrounding forces. Upon returning to report Sass's death, Lu Lingfeng faced disbelief from Du Ming, who accused him of faking the achievement out of ambition.
Lu Lingfeng countered by citing his constables as witnesses to the fact that the deceased was indeed Judicial Assistant Minister Wan's killer. Du Ming, making a sarcastic reference to Lu Lingfeng's powerful backing, reluctantly agreed to examine the body. After seeing the corpse, Du Ming offered congratulations, acknowledging the man as Sass and suggesting Lu Lingfeng's promotion was imminent.
However, when Lu Lingfeng sought further identification from various individuals, opinions were divided; while some recognized the man as Sass from his past as a deputy supervisor in the Concubinus Institution, others maintained he did not resemble the Sass they remembered from over a decade ago. Later, a young beggar delivered a drawing from Pei Xijun.
Instead of a portrait, it depicted the terrified scene of Judicial Assistant Minister Wan's death, with the killer looking up at the sky, which the beggar confirmed to be an exact rendition of what he witnessed, raising further questions about the identity of the person Lu Lingfeng had killed. Unbeknownst to Lu Lingfeng, Su Wuming, without official summons, arrived in Chang'an, having been secretly followed by Yingtao.
Yingtao convinced him that posing as a married couple would offer better concealment than him traveling alone, given the severe penalty for an official entering the capital without permission. They soon encountered the public notice proclaiming Lu Lingfeng had captured and killed Sass. Yingtao was relieved, believing the threat was over. However, Su Wuming harbored deep skepticism, recalling that the Sass case was his master Detective Di's last unsolved regret.
He felt that Sass's capture seemed too easy and was suspicious of the news. Lu Lingfeng, also harboring doubts, confronted Du Ming, questioning the premature posting of the notice when the identity of the deceased was still disputed among witnesses. Du Ming revealed that the order came from the Crown Prince, suggesting it was a strategic move to fast-track Lu Lingfeng's career for future service.
Du Ming admitted that despite some resemblance, he personally never believed the man was the real Sass, as it would make his own twelve-year pursuit seem futile. Lu Lingfeng then met with the Crown Prince, who explained the dual purpose of the public notice. First, with the Mid-Autumn Festival and the magic show approaching, it aimed to calm the public, who had been disturbed by Sass's past and recent challenges.
Second, if Sass were still alive, seeing the notice might cause him to lower his guard, thus aiding Lu Lingfeng's capture efforts. The Crown Prince commended Lu Lingfeng's newfound competence, attributing it to his travels south. Next, Lu Lingfeng visited the Princess to thank her for her initial clue, again expressing his uncertainty about the dead man's identity. The Princess, unperturbed, stated that his identity was irrelevant to her; she was grateful to Lu Lingfeng for eliminating Wei Fenghua.
She revealed that Wei Fenghua, despite his loyalty, had attempted to manipulate her to settle a personal vendetta against the Crown Prince, her nephew, a family matter she considered off-limits for outsiders. The Princess then expressed an unexpected warmth towards Lu Lingfeng, noting that his act of saving her had made her feel a strong connection.
She revealed that she had a son the same age as him and hoped her child, upon learning of her hardships, would forgive her past failings, which she portrayed as desperate measures. She then mused about whether she would retain her privileged view from Beyond Heaven if the Crown Prince were to become emperor.
Back in Chang'an, Su Wuming diligently searched for "The Tale of Sass," a book he believed was crucial, as Sass's case was Detective Di's final, unfulfilled mission. He and Yingtao visited a nameless bookstore, where the owner, after some probing, admitted to having the banned book but demanded an exorbitant sum of five thousand coins. Su Wuming, angered by the price, left without purchasing it. Later that night, Yingtao, employing her "jianghu" methods, stole the book for Su Wuming.
To show his appreciation, Su Wuming treated her to Chang'an's famous Cherry Dumplings. Concurrently, Lu Lingfeng also managed to acquire a copy of "The Tale of Sass." He asked Pei Xijun to draw a portrait of Sass's former lover, Helan Xue, mentioned in the book, suspecting Sass would seek her out. Pei Xijun agreed, but only if Lu Lingfeng would take her out to eat freshly made Cherry Dumplings. Coincidentally, both pairs encountered each other at the same food stall.
After their meal, Lu Lingfeng brought Su Wuming to examine the body of the man he had killed. Su Wuming, recalling a brief encounter with Sass twelve years prior, confirmed that while the deceased resembled Sass, he was at least a decade younger and lacked Sass's distinctive, long-legged physique—a detail Su Wuming knew from rumors about Sass's unique criteria for selecting male consorts at the Concubinus Institution. It was conclusive: the dead man was not the true Sass.
During their discussion, Lu Lingfeng offered Su Wuming temporary lodging in a house provided by the Crown Prince, as all inns were full due to the magicians for the upcoming festival. Su Wuming accepted, reaffirming his resolve to solve the Sass case, regardless of his impulsive entry into the capital. Examining "The Tale of Sass," they noted the book's explicit mention of Sass's monthly trips to Chang'an to visit Helan Xue.
Crucially, the book also contained a highly personal detail about a Bichen Pearl placed by Detective Di's bedside during his illness. This private information, known only to Detective Di's inner circle, strongly suggested that the author, who signed himself as Nanshan Salouzi, was a close colleague of Detective Di. Realizing this, Su Wuming confidently declared he now knew Nanshan Salouzi's surname, a vital clue for finding him among the many recluses in Zhongnan Mountain.
Episode 34 Recap
Upon learning the author of "The Tale of Sass" signed himself as Nanshan Salouzi, Lu Lingfeng astutely deduced that the individual likely hailed from the Taiyuan Wang family, given their historical nickname "Salou Wang family," which implied a self-deprecating jest about their status. This realization helped Su Wuming identify the potential author, but he remained perplexed as to why this person would be residing in Zhongnan Mountain and how to locate them among the multitude of recluses there.
Pei Xijun then offered her father, Pei Jian's, extensive "Book of Nanshan's Recluse", a personal compilation of 891 recluses that was updated every one or two months. However, even after consulting the detailed book, Su Wuming found that his suspected author was not listed. He considered the possibility that "Nanshan" might refer to another location or that Pei Jian's records were incomplete, ultimately suggesting he visit Pei Jian directly.
Lu Lingfeng, however, cautioned against this, reminding Su Wuming that his unauthorized presence in the capital was already a serious offense. Lu Lingfeng, acting on Su Wuming's behalf, visited Pei Jian, bringing the "Book of Nanshan's Recluse". He expressed admiration for Pei Jian's meticulous work and inquired about a specific individual not in the book: a member of the Wang family, a former colleague of Detective Di, and someone knowledgeable about Sass and the Concubinus Institution.
Pei Jian, drawing from his memory, identified the person as Wang Yuantong, noting that unlike other recluses, Wang Yuantong held a current official position, albeit living in Zhongnan Mountain. When Lu Lingfeng reported this back, Su Wuming affirmed that Wang Yuantong was indeed the person he had suspected.
They then discussed Wang Yuantong's history: he was once the Senior Aide to Prince Xiang (the current Emperor), later promoted to Assistant Minister of the Phoenix Cabinet, exercising the power of a prime minister. He had staunchly opposed Empress Wu's establishment of the Concubinus Institution, leading to his humiliating appointment as its Assistant Chief under Empress Wu's favorite, Zhang Yizhi.
This disgrace prompted him to resign and return to his hometown of Shazhou, but not before visiting the ailing Detective Di. A year prior, the current Emperor, recalling Wang Yuantong, sent Pei Jian to invite him back, assigning him the minor role of Chief of the Department of Bamboo, which explained his long-term residence in Zhongnan Mountain's largest bamboo forest. Su Wuming concluded with certainty that Wang Yuantong was indeed the author of "The Tale of Sass".
Next, Lu Lingfeng and Su Wuming examined Pei Xijun's newly completed portrait of Helan Xue. Su Wuming initially wondered why a teardrop mole depicted in the painting wasn't explicitly mentioned in "The Tale of Sass". Pei Xijun, with remarkable insight, explained that the book's poetic description of tears turning red as they fell implied a "red teardrop mole," interpreting the momentary visual effect of a tear tracing the mole's color.
Lu Lingfeng noted Helan Xue's probable age of 35 or 36, aligning with the book's detail of Sass celebrating her 24th birthday twelve years ago. Impressed by Pei Xijun's perceptiveness, Lu Lingfeng proposed they split up: Su Wuming to Zhongnan Mountain to question Wang Yuantong, and he would search for Helan Xue. Lu Lingfeng then enlisted Yang Ji, the young boy he had taken under his wing, who revealed his proper name, to accompany him.
Lu Lingfeng, admitting his unfamiliarity with such establishments, dispatched Yang Ji to the Cloud Tower in Pingkang Fang with Helan Xue's portrait. Yang Ji was instructed to pose as Helan Xue's son and demand her return.
When the manager reacted violently, Lu Lingfeng intervened, apprehending him and extracting the information that Helan Xue had left the Cloud Tower two or three years prior for the Resentment Tower in the Ghost Market, having consistently refused redemption, as she was evidently waiting for someone. Lu Lingfeng's subordinate informed him that Imperial Guards were strictly forbidden from entering the Ghost Market, citing a past incident where some of their ranks had perished there.
Lu Lingfeng, acknowledging his judicial role, decided against involving the Imperial Guards. He sought to collaborate with Administrator Du Ming, offering his new lead on Sass. However, Du Ming dismissed Lu Lingfeng's pursuit as mere ambition, reminding him of his duty to manage civic order for the upcoming magic show. Du Ming then reallocated Lu Lingfeng's men to his own command, refusing to share any clues about Sass, determined to claim all credit for the capture.
Left with limited options, Lu Lingfeng turned to his old acquaintances at Chang'an County: constables Jia, Luo, and Liu. They eagerly agreed to assist, reminiscing about past adventures with Lu Lingfeng and Su Wuming. Lu Lingfeng dispatched them to the Resentment Tower, promising them "beauties." Upon their return, the constables, though nauseated by the establishment's atmosphere, confirmed Helan Xue's presence.
They reported her reclusive nature, stating she only received visitors who paid in gold and had been awaiting someone for over two years. They also described an unsettling feeling within the tower, as if unseen eyes constantly watched them. Impressed by their findings, Lu Lingfeng then instructed them to embed themselves within the Resentment Tower until the Mid-Autumn Festival to gather more information.
Equipped with this information, Lu Lingfeng ventured alone to the Resentment Tower during the day, a time when the Ghost Market typically did not operate. After some initial resistance from the manager, Lu Lingfeng, offering a substantial amount of gold, insisted he was searching for his "old lover, Xue," expressing his willingness to pay any price. Despite the manager's skepticism about his age, Lu Lingfeng was eventually led to Helan Xue's room.
There, he attempted to gain her trust by fabricating a romantic history, claiming he had seen her perform the "pipa reversely" at the Cloud Tower when he was thirteen, vowing to return for her after making his fortune. He even recounted specific details of a beauty pageant where she had triumphed. However, Helan Xue was not deceived. She quickly realized he had read "The Tale of Sass" and was an official attempting to use her to capture Sass.
She angrily dismissed him, acknowledging that she had been under surveillance by his kind for over a decade. Meanwhile, Administrator Du Ming, learning of Lu Lingfeng's successful infiltration of the Resentment Tower, acknowledged Lu Lingfeng's capability. He confided in his subordinate that he had been monitoring Helan Xue for twelve years, a crucial mission assigned to him by Detective Di.
Du Ming was convinced that Sass would make his move to retrieve Helan Xue before the upcoming magic show and ordered intensified surveillance on her. Elsewhere, Su Wuming and Yingtao arrived at Wang Yuantong's residence in Zhongnan Mountain. Yingtao expressed disdain for the apparent recluse's lavish lifestyle, complete with music and singing girls. Su Wuming, introducing himself as Detective Di's disciple, explained his mission to capture Sass and fulfill his master's dying wish.
He presented his evidence, demonstrating that Wang Yuantong, under the pseudonym Nanshan Salouzi, was the author of "The Tale of Sass". Su Wuming meticulously linked details from the book, such as the "Bichen Pearl" at Detective Di's sickbed, Wang Yuantong's past in the Concubinus Institution, and the "Salouzi" reference, to Wang Yuantong's known history.
Wang Yuantong confirmed his identity and past humiliations but dismissed "The Tale of Sass" as a mere pastime written from "hearsay," claiming he had no further clues about Sass or Helan Xue. Su Wuming, though disappointed by the lack of new information, politely thanked him, affirming the trip was worthwhile simply for meeting his master's old acquaintance. Following his unsuccessful direct approach, Lu Lingfeng continued to dispatch Yang Ji to the Resentment Tower with Chang'an delicacies for Helan Xue.
During one such delivery of roasted camel hump, Yang Ji was waylaid and knocked unconscious. He eventually awoke and completed his delivery, apologizing for the now-cold food. Helan Xue, however, was unfazed, inviting him in for wine, which he politely declined. Unbeknownst to them, a masked figure observed Helan Xue's room from a hidden vantage point outside.
Episode 35 Recap
The young beggar, Yang Ji, recounted to Lu Lingfeng his strange encounter, describing how he thought he was going to die after being accosted by an "eagle" but woke up unharmed, not even losing his money. Lu Lingfeng, however, dismissed it as a hallucination, instructing Yang Ji to continue buying food for Helan Xue, specifically Zongzi from the Yu family, ensuring every flavor was included. Meanwhile, Lu Lingfeng continued to study "The Tale of Sass".
Su Wuming inquired about his progress, asking if he had located Helan Xue and if Pei Xijun's portrait accurately depicted her. Lu Lingfeng confirmed Helan Xue was indeed at the Resentment Tower in the Ghost Market and that the portrait was remarkably similar, even down to the color and placement of her tear mole.
He then revealed his surprising discovery from the book: its author, Nanshan Salouzi, whom Lu Lingfeng identified as Wang Yuantong (a close friend of Detective Di), seemed to hold no aversion to the Heavenly Empress's outrageous actions but, ironically, satirized Su Wuming's own esteemed master, Detective Di Renjie. Su Wuming confessed that while he didn't notice this on his initial reading, he too had become aware of it upon a closer re-read.
Lu Lingfeng attributed this initial oversight to the author's exquisite prose. With the date set as August 13th, Su Wuming pressed Lu Lingfeng on his confidence in using Helan Xue to trap Sass. Lu Lingfeng admitted he had no such assurance. He further revealed that they were not the only ones monitoring Helan Xue, having observed that Du Ming, the Administrator of Yongzhou, also seemed determined to capture Sass and appeared quite self-assured in his endeavor.
Su Wuming then explained Du Ming's background, stating that Detective Di had recommended him on his sickbed twelve years ago, leading to Du Ming's transfer from Luozhou to Yongzhou as the Judicial Counsellor. Lu Lingfeng, however, found it hard to believe that Detective Di could have planned such an intricate scheme twelve years in advance. Su Wuming maintained his trust in his teacher's judgment, recalling Detective Di's assessment of Du Ming as reckless yet loyal and trustworthy.
With time running out, Lu Lingfeng declared his intention to take a risk, as Helan Xue was his only remaining lead. At the Resentment Tower, Du Ming's subordinate reported a noticeable increase in suspicious individuals around the tower over the past three days, many from outside Chang'an, in addition to Lu Lingfeng's men. Du Ming sensed that Sass was about to make his appearance.
Later, Lu Lingfeng brought Helan Xue a new rouge from the Xiu Chun Garden in Pingkang Fang, commenting on its newness and suitability for her, and even suggesting a "huadian" with gold foil would make her look beautiful. Helan Xue, holding the wrapped rouge, noticed a paper inside with the words "Sass has been punished according to the law of the state."
She began to cry but quickly composed herself, confronting Lu Lingfeng about his true identity as the Judicial Counsellor. She questioned why he was still pursuing her if Sass was already dead, dismissing his earlier fabricated story of meeting her in Pingkang Fang as a child. Lu Lingfeng acknowledged his true identity and explained that he feared Sass's former enemies would soon come after her.
He urged her to leave the Ghost Market, suggesting she either find a good partner or another means of livelihood. Helan Xue, appreciative of his kindness, decided to play a pipa tune for him, remarking that she had not left her room in the Resentment Tower for nearly three years. Helan Xue performed a captivating pipa piece for Lu Lingfeng in the main hall.
Afterwards, she excused herself to freshen her makeup, promising to play "Moonlit River In Spring" upon her return. During this time, Lu Lingfeng had Yang Ji deliver Zongzi to Helan Xue's room. Outside, Du Ming and his men, lying in wait, spotted a wooden bird entering Helan Xue's room, confirming Sass's arrival. Du Ming instructed his subordinates to shoot Sass if he attempted to flee, while he himself entered the room to apprehend him.
Inside the Resentment Tower, a cry of "Save Helan Xue!" erupted, plunging the area into chaos as a fight broke out between a group of rescuers and Lu Lingfeng's team. Lu Lingfeng and Du Ming pursued a white-clad figure fleeing Helan Xue's room, but the person managed to escape. Upon entering Helan Xue's room, they found her gone and Yang Ji unconscious and tied up.
Lu Lingfeng realized that the "Yang Ji" who had just escaped during the commotion was actually Helan Xue, who had used a disguise. Lu Lingfeng gave chase, confronting Sass in a skirmish. From a distance, Du Ming shot and killed Helan Xue as she attempted to escape by boat with Sass. With her dying breath, Helan Xue urged Sass to flee quickly. Despite Du Ming ordering his men to shoot Sass, he managed to jump into the water and escape.
Du Ming, enraged, blamed Lu Lingfeng, claiming his interference had ruined his twelve years of waiting. Later, Su Wuming deduced that the "eagle" Yang Ji encountered earlier, which caused him to faint, was likely an illusion created by Sass. He surmised that Sass had used Yang Ji's face to create the human-skin mask that Helan Xue used to escape. Lu Lingfeng, filled with remorse, regretted his "clever" decision to send Yang Ji, as it inadvertently aided Helan Xue's escape.
He realized that Helan Xue had deliberately used her tears to deceive him when she saw the execution announcement, even knowing Sass was coming for her that night. He conceded that Du Ming was right to call him "trash." Su Wuming, however, urged him not to be hard on himself, expressing greater concern that Helan Xue's death would further enrage Sass, potentially leading to catastrophic events at the upcoming magic show.
Tragically, Yuwen Mukai, the architect and designer of the Sky-scraping Tower, was found dead in his home. His butler had been preparing his new clothes for the tower's completion ceremony the next day. Lu Lingfeng observed that Yuwen Mukai's body was posed like the "Heavenly King Stepping on the Ghost" and suspected he was trying to leave a message.
Du Ming, noting the absence of obvious wounds or poisoning, found the circumstances suspicious and believed Yuwen Mukai's death was connected to the completion ceremony. Lu Lingfeng searched all four temples in Chang'an with statues of the "Heavenly King Stepping on the Ghost"—characterized by holding a three-story pagoda and stepping on an "Yaksha ghost," or "Heavy-duty Ghost" as common folk called it—but found no clues.
The coroner's report indicated Yuwen Mukai had been murdered at close range with bare hands, suffering numerous bruises and broken tendons, implying a painful death. The fact that no one in the residence heard anything suggested the killer was someone familiar with Yuwen Mukai. Su Wuming, despite the risk of his unauthorized presence in the capital, insisted on visiting Yuwen Mukai's residence.
There, a servant explained that the empty coffin was filled with Yuwen Mukai's cherished possessions, as it was inauspicious to leave it empty. Su Wuming correctly surmised that Yuwen Mukai's most prized possession would be the Sky-scraping Tower's design blueprint. The servant confirmed this but added that His Majesty had ordered Chamberlain Feng to have Yuwen Mukai burn all copies to ensure the tower's exclusivity.
Inside the coffin, Lu Lingfeng discovered a small statue of the "Heavenly King Stepping on the Ghost," which the servant said Yuwen Mukai dearly loved. Su Wuming promptly smashed it, revealing the hidden blueprint of the Sky-scraping Tower. With the blueprint in hand, Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng met with Du Ming. The three men, now reconciled and showing mutual respect for their dedication to Detective Di's mission, were perplexed by the complex drawings.
They sought the assistance of Feng Tai, a descendant of Lu Ban. Feng Tai recognized Su Wuming as Detective Di's disciple and recalled being interrogated by Detective Di regarding Sass's use of mechanical wooden birds. Upon seeing the blueprint, Feng Tai immediately identified it as the structural drawing of the Sky-scraping Tower.
He recounted that Yuwen Mukai had brought it to him a year prior, seeking advice on the challenging task of extending the tower from its existing eighteen floors to thirty-three, an order from His Majesty to symbolize the "Heaven of 33 in Buddhism," with the Princess overseeing the construction. Feng Tai also remembered that Yuwen Mukai had brought along a "minor official" who offered a "dangerous" idea, which was ultimately rejected.
He could only recall that this official was a trusted aide of His Majesty and pointed out that the eighteenth floor was the "lethal point" of the entire structure. Meanwhile, Pei Jian deliberately faked a sprained ankle at home, preventing him from attending the Sky-scraping Tower's completion ceremony. He instructed his servant to report his absence to the Imperial Secretariat's Residence.
His daughter, Pei Xijun, saw through his ruse, realizing his unease stemmed from Sass's uncaptured status and Yuwen Mukai's sudden death, leading him to fear danger at the tower. She wanted to warn Lu Lingfeng and Su Wuming, but Pei Jian stopped her, confirming Su Wuming's presence in Chang'an for the Sass case. He warned her that Chang'an was on the verge of a "startling transformation" and that his own life might be at risk.
He insisted she stay by his side, telling her that even if she went, she wouldn't be able to enter the Sky-scraping Tower or see Lu Lingfeng. Elsewhere, the Crown Prince was informed of Lu Lingfeng's lack of progress. Worried about Sass potentially causing chaos at the magic show, he had tried to persuade the Emperor to avoid the event, but the Emperor, having endured much suffering before ascending the throne and finding solace only in magic shows, refused.
The Crown Prince, recognizing his duty as heir, resolved to accompany the Emperor, Princess, ministers, and common people to the ceremony, despite the perceived danger. Finally, the grand completion ceremony of the Sky-scraping Tower commenced on the Mid-Autumn Festival. Chamberlain Feng read an edict proclaiming the occasion as a prosperous event for Chang'an and the Great Tang, with the majestic tower symbolizing the dynasty's eternal prosperity.
Du Ming then officially declared the magic show open, featuring various illusionists from different countries. One magician conjured cherries in the air. The Emperor, delighted, tasted one and found it delicious, offering some to the Crown Prince and Princess, who respectfully declined. He then ordered the cherries to be distributed among the common people of Chang'an. Another magician performed a trick, crawling into a small box and emerging as a bird.
The Princess asked Lu Lingfeng for his opinion on the performances. Lu Lingfeng eloquently quoted, "Understand the law and adapt to the change according to the specific situation. It's called transformation and illusion," and reiterated the Crown Prince's earlier point that "magic is clever, but you shouldn't believe it." The Princess, aware that the true Sass was still at large, confronted Lu Lingfeng, recognizing that his presence was due to his concern for her safety, despite his diplomatic reply.
Episode 36 (Ending) Recap
The grand illusion ceremony was in full swing. One magician displayed an act of "borrowing moonlight," filling his cloak with light. Another ascended a sky ladder to retrieve a "moonlight delicacy" for the Emperor. When the Emperor prepared to taste it, remembering the Crown Prince's warning about unknown origins, he bestowed the delicacy upon the people instead.
A third illusionist summoned a magnificent dragon, portraying it as the Emperor's true form, prompting mass worship from the crowd and delighting the Emperor, who rewarded him generously. As the performances continued, Chamberlain Feng advised the Emperor, who appeared fatigued, to retire to the tower for rest. However, Su Wuming, Administrator of Luozhou, intervened, respectfully urging the Emperor to remain seated.
He explained that the Sky-scraping Tower and the illusion show held many unpredictable elements that night, and the safety of the commoners, nobles, and foreign envoys could be jeopardized if the Emperor left. Su Wuming reassured His Majesty that thorough arrangements had been made for his protection and asked him to enjoy the festivities with his people. The Emperor, though visibly annoyed, acquiesced. He then quietly questioned Su Wuming about whether the Princess or the Crown Prince had instructed him.
Su Wuming affirmed that both were loyal to the Emperor. Earlier, the Crown Prince had indeed expressed concern about the Emperor and the Princess attending the Sky-scraping Tower event and had intended to halt the imperial procession. Su Wuming cautioned against such an action, warning it would provide an opportunity for ill-intentioned individuals to accuse the Crown Prince of treason, especially since the Emperor himself had insisted on holding the event.
When the Crown Prince asked if Su Wuming suspected the Emperor's knowledge of any hidden dangers, Su Wuming refrained from direct accusation but highlighted Chamberlain Feng as highly suspicious. Consequently, the Crown Prince authorized Su Wuming to stay by the Emperor's side during the magic show and to act as circumstances required. Suddenly, countless wooden birds, fashioned as arrows, flew from outside the tower, targeting the Princess and the Crown Prince.
Thanks to Lu Lingfeng's timely preparedness, which included activating defensive shields, many were saved from harm. Lu Lingfeng announced that the illusion killer Sass was present and called for Wang Yuantong, the Chief of the Department of Bamboo, to reveal himself. When Wang Yuantong appeared, Lu Lingfeng challenged him, praising his art of lightness and illusion skills.
Lu Lingfeng then explained that he and Su Wuming had only suspected Wang Yuantong's true identity, and this public challenge was a ruse to force Sass to display his unique abilities, thereby providing concrete evidence. The Emperor, startled, questioned when Wang Yuantong, a former Administrator of the Premier's Mansion, had acquired such martial and illusionary prowess. Sass, revealing his true self, taunted Su Wuming, asking how he uncovered his deception at Zhongnan Mountain Villa.
Su Wuming recounted that Wang Yuantong, a close friend of his master, Detective Di, had failed to recognize him during his visit to the villa, which was the first anomaly. Secondly, the real Wang Yuantong cherished calligraphy, yet there was none displayed in the villa, and the gate's inscription wasn't in his preferred style. Thirdly, Yingtao, hidden in the bamboo forest, had witnessed wooden birds flying out of the villa.
Sass, now enraged, confessed he had even severed and reattached his own legs to perfectly mimic Wang Yuantong's appearance and physique, fuming that his secret had been exposed. Su Wuming confirmed that the real Wang Yuantong had likely been murdered by Sass twelve years prior. He recounted how Detective Di had captured all of Sass's accomplices but Sass himself had vanished, unable to escape a secretly blockaded Luoyang.
During Detective Di's grave illness, "Wang Yuantong" had visited him before resigning and leaving Luoyang. Too ill to speak, Detective Di later instructed Su Wuming to bring him paper and pen, on which he wrote half a character. Twelve years later, Su Wuming finally understood it was the character for "fake," confirming Detective Di had seen through Sass's disguise. Sass further admitted that after fleeing Luoyang, he settled in Wang Yuantong's hometown of Shazhou, initially planning to escape further west.
However, the reverence shown to "Wang Yuantong" by local officials, who hailed him as a loyal subject destined for the premiership, ignited Sass's ambition to become the Grand Minister of Tang. Su Wuming reminded Sass of his past as Vice Supervisor of the Imperial Bureau of Control, eliminating dissidents for Empress Wu Zetian, all for this dream. After waiting eleven years in Shazhou, the Emperor sent Pei Jian to recall "Wang Yuantong" to Chang'an.
Though not given a high-ranking post, Sass saw his opportunity when Yuwen Mukai consulted him on the Sky-scraping Tower's construction, believing he could help the Emperor secure his power. Su Wuming rebuked Sass's delusion, stating that he had used Helan Xue as bait for twelve years, but Sass's caution, driven by his ambition, prevented him from falling for it.
It was the "fake Sass" who provoked the court, leading to the true Sass's furious retaliation with wooden birds, tragically killing Wan An, the Minister of Justice of Yongzhou. Su Wuming then detailed Sass's past blood crimes in Luoyang and the recent murder of Yuwen Mukai, demanding his surrender. Sass, declaring himself a pawn used and discarded, an avenger for Helan Xue, and a deranged illusion killer, vowed to bring down the Tang Dynasty with him.
He launched himself out of the tower on a wooden bird, prompting the Emperor to realize Sass intended to destroy the structure. Su Wuming revealed that Sass was heading for the 18th floor, recalling how Yuwen Mukai's friend, the trusted imperial aide Wang Yuantong, had once advised on extending the Sky-scraping Tower to 33 floors. Though feasible, this design made the tower inherently unstable, susceptible to instant collapse if damaged from the 18th floor.
Earlier, Lu Lingfeng had anticipated this and had instructed Feng Tai, a descendant of Lu Ban, to design a special mechanism on the 18th floor to deter anyone from quickly ascending and damaging the structure, as the Emperor had forbidden guards on the tower during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Sass fell into this trap, ultimately dying after plummeting from the Sky-scraping Tower. The Princess summoned Lu Lingfeng to Beyond Heaven, expressing her gratitude for him saving her once again.
Lu Lingfeng humbly stated it was merely his duty. The Princess lauded his actions on the Mid-Autumn night, acknowledging that four prime ministers had jointly recommended him for the position of Deputy President of the Supreme Court, and he should soon receive the imperial edict. She also informed him that the Emperor had ordered the demolition of the Sky-scraping Tower, signifying the end of Beyond Heaven.
As they gazed over Chang'an, Lu Lingfeng echoed the Princess's sentiments, proclaiming the beauty and grandeur of Tang and pledging his life to its service. The Princess, with many unspoken words and tears in her eyes, reached out as if to touch his face but refrained, simply asking him to stay with her a little longer in this place closest to heaven, where she felt at peace. She did not reveal their true mother-son relationship.
Later, Su Wuming presented Lu Lingfeng with six volumes of "Quotations of Detective Di," explaining they were his personal records from his time with his master, with the first three volumes now completing the set Lu Lingfeng had previously borrowed. Lu Lingfeng, sensing the gravity, asked for his meaning.
Addressing Detective Di's spirit, Su Wuming recounted his master's assessment of Lu Lingfeng: though young, reckless, and arrogant, he possessed a kind heart, exceptional intelligence, and a sincere nature, making him a talent with great potential. Detective Di had decreed that if Lu Lingfeng were to undergo trials, understand the suffering of the common people, and truly grasp that the populace formed the foundation of the state, then Su Wuming could accept him as a disciple on his behalf.
Declaring that Lu Lingfeng had now matured and fulfilled Detective Di's final wish by defeating Sass, Su Wuming, with incense lit and seals imprinted, formally took Lu Lingfeng as Detective Di's disciple. Pei Jian, having been implicated in the Sass affair, was demoted to Sheriff of Ju County in Nanzhou. Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng came to bid him farewell.
Pei Xijun wished to accompany her father, but he refused, emphasizing the hardship of his new post and his inability to subject her to it. Pei Jian entrusted Pei Xijun to Lu Lingfeng's care, with Lu Lingfeng promising his unwavering commitment. Pei Xijun tried to reassure her father about Ju County, explaining that Fei Jishi, her guest, had already cured the local headache-inducing miasma and had gone ahead as his vanguard.
She also presented her father with a specially made comfortable chair from Feng Tai, a descendant of Lu Ban. As Pei Jian prepared to depart, Su Wuming pressed him one last time, asking if the Emperor had known about the Sky-scraping Tower plan. After some contemplation, Pei Jian explained that the Emperor, feeling his authority challenged by the Princess and Crown Prince's factions, had sought trusted officials.
Chamberlain Feng (Feng Han) had then recommended recalling Wang Yuantong, whom the Emperor genuinely trusted as a loyal subject who had long considered the Tang court's welfare. Pei Jian, having been sent to Shazhou by the Emperor, personally brought back "Wang Yuantong" to Chang'an. Based on this, Pei Jian believed the Emperor was genuinely unaware of the Sky-scraping Tower plot and Sass's true identity.
He revealed that Chamberlain Feng's real name was Feng Han, and both he and Sass were former subordinates of Zhang Yizhi. They were involved in numerous murders during Empress Wu Zetian's reign, faced castration, but were later reinstated for their "merits." Pei Jian concluded that Feng Han must have colluded with Sass to deceive the Emperor.
Su Wuming further inquired why the Emperor had attempted to leave the magic show early if he was oblivious, and if he knew Wang Yuantong was Sass. Pei Jian dismissed these as mere speculation and sternly warned Su Wuming, who himself was demoted to Assistant of Qianling Mausoleum for his unauthorized return to the capital, to avoid probing questions or thoughts that could cost him his life, just as he had lost his Administrator position.
He also advised Lu Lingfeng, now a high-ranking official, not to emulate Su Wuming, lest Pei Xijun suffer the consequences. Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng watched Pei Jian depart. Standing on a high mountain overlooking Chang'an, they beheld the city's peaceful, bright, and dream-like prosperity. Su Wuming, however, reflected that the brighter Tang appeared, the deeper its hidden shadows.
He charged Lu Lingfeng, in his new role as Deputy President of the Supreme Court, to eradicate this darkness and ensure Tang's skies remained clear and bright. Subsequently, Yingtao accompanied Su Wuming to his new post as Assistant of Qianling Mausoleum, where he anticipated a tranquil life of cleaning by day and reading by night. Lu Lingfeng, upon assuming his duties as Deputy President of the Supreme Court, was overwhelmed to discover a backlog of over 98,760 cases. In despair, he immediately sent for his friend, Su Wuming, hoping to collaborate on solving them.
