The Lady in Butcher's House Episode 20 Recap
> The Lady in Butcher's House Recap
After the new County Governor took office in Shangyong, he implemented a strategy of apparent promotion but actual demotion for Constable Gao Zheng. While Gao Zheng's salary was increased, his actual power was diminished, leaving him feeling like a mere figurehead. He understood the Governor's caution, given the scandal surrounding Zhu Tingxian that had rocked the capital. Yet, Gao Zheng struggled to adapt to this idle life.
He had stayed in Shangyong out of loyalty to a benefactor, initially intending to simply fulfill his duties and keep to himself, but Xu Qingjia's arrival had shown him a clearer path. Missing Xu Qingjia, Gao Zheng sought out Yu Niang for solace at Jade Spring Pavilion. Yu Niang sensed Gao Zheng's inner turmoil and gently probed why he hadn't accompanied Xu Qingjia to Xiangzhou, hoping to uncover if he had any attachments in Shangyong.
Gao Zheng, however, was oblivious to her hints, citing reasons like missing his favorite tofu pudding, much to Yu Niang's disappointment. Meanwhile, in Xiangzhou, Xu Qingjia delved into the prefectural office's records, discovering a suspicious discrepancy between the region's reported grain output and its cultivated land. He noted that Xiangzhou had even resorted to purchasing grain from nearby Huazhou Prefecture in the past two years, which he found strange.
When he informally asked Tang Ze about it, Tang Ze attributed it to bad harvests. However, a quick chat with the bookkeeper, Sir Sun, confirmed that Xiangzhou's climate had actually been favorable for medicinal herbs, casting doubt on Tang Ze's explanation. Concurrently, Hu Houfu and Yong Shou went to Old Zhang's house to collect medicinal herbs as previously arranged. To their surprise, Old Zhang refused to sell, abruptly closing his door.
Soon after, a group of men appeared, one of whom intentionally collapsed, feigning injury and accusing Hu Houfu of breaking his leg. The situation quickly escalated into a violent ambush, leaving Hu Houfu and Yong Shou beaten. Back home, Yong Shou vaguely recalled seeing a constable's badge on the leader's waist, suggesting the attackers might be from the government office. Hu Houfu worried that Xu Qingjia, as a new official, might have offended someone, leading to this retaliation.
Hu Jiao, however, dismissed this, asserting Xu Qingjia's gentle nature. Instead, she suspected the incident was an act of predatory competition within the medicinal materials trade. Xu Qingjia decided to investigate the official connection, while Hu Jiao planned to visit local pharmacies. Back in Shangyong, rumors of "King of Hell Gao's" resignation spread through the tea houses, with many celebrating his departure. Yu Niang, hearing the news, felt a deep sense of loss.
Gazing at her ailing younger brother, A'Lin, she resolved to let go of her feelings for Gao Zheng. As Gao Zheng prepared to leave Shangyong, Yu Niang sent him travel gear and a horse. Gao Zheng, upon hearing from the messenger that Yu Niang was busy with new tea preparations for the upcoming Flower Goddess Festival and had received numerous invitations from "young masters and lords" for spring outings, couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy.
Xu Qingjia discussed his findings with Hu Jiao, revealing that Tang Ze had hinted that Prefect Han Nansheng's nephew was heavily involved in the medicinal materials business and likely owned the Nanfeng House, which Hu Jiao had found suspicious. Hu Jiao, eager to seek justice, wanted to confront them immediately. Xu Qingjia, however, urged her to remain calm and avoid rash actions before the full truth was uncovered.
He explained that if Prefect Han and his nephew were indeed colluding, it transcended simple market oppression and unfair competition; it would be a case of bribery and official-merchant collusion, requiring a long-term strategy. He decided to first hear Tang Ze's proposed mediation. The next morning, Xu Qingjia met Tang Ze, who confirmed Nanfeng House was behind the assault.
Tang Ze strongly advised against confronting Prefect Han directly, arguing it would be perceived as a public insult, wouldn't guarantee justice, and would likely invite retaliation that could hinder Xu Qingjia's career and Hu Jiao's business ventures. He insisted that he handle the matter to avoid openly offending Prefect Han. Later, Zha Bi, accompanied by the attackers, arrived at Xu Qingjia's residence with two boxes of gold and silver and a shop title deed as compensation.
Hu Jiao vehemently refused the offerings, demanding official punishment. However, Xu Qingjia intervened, accepting only the shop title deed and instructing Zha Bi to take back the money and ingredients. Confused and upset, Hu Jiao later pressed Xu Qingjia for an explanation. He clarified his reasoning: Prefect Han Nansheng had been distant, and such a generous offer seemed like an attempt to implicate him.
By accepting the shop (which Hu Jiao needed anyway and intended to pay for) and rejecting the money, he aimed to give their adversary an "out," making them believe the matter was resolved. This would cause them to relax their guard, allowing for a deeper investigation later without appearing to accept bribes. Xu Qingjia assured Hu Jiao he would pay a fair price for the shop, legitimizing its acquisition.
After delivering the news, Zha Bi reported to Great Shopkeeper Han about Xu Qingjia's decision to only accept the shop deed. Great Shopkeeper Han was surprised. Tang Ze, present during the report, remarked that Nanfeng House still belonged to "that Lord," hinting at Prefect Han Nansheng's ultimate control.
