The Lady in Butcher's House Episode 22 Recap
> The Lady in Butcher's House Recap
Xu Qingjia, unable to tolerate the situation any longer, went to confront Prefect Han Nansheng. He boldly questioned how Han Nansheng, an official paid by the imperial court, could allow his nephew to run rampant and exploit the local people. Han Nansheng revealed that his nephew, who had been bedridden with leg problems since childhood, was merely a nominal shopkeeper for Nanfeng House.
He explained that his nephew's name was used as a gesture of his own allegiance, implying that if he didn't cooperate, he would have been replaced. At Xiaoxiang Pavilion, Han Nansheng further explained the true situation in Xiangzhou. He disclosed that Tang Ze was actually in charge of Nanfeng House, even though he appeared busy with official duties at the Prefectural Magistrate's office. Tang Ze had entrusted the full management of Nanfeng House to Han Wenfang, his paramour.
Xu Qingjia recalled his previous conversations with Tang Ze and recent suspicious events, realizing the full extent of the deception. Han Nansheng clarified that Tang Ze's power came from a powerful backer whom even the Prefect could not challenge. The profits from Nanfeng House's monopoly on medicinal herbs were shared by the Ministry of Revenue and the Internal Treasury.
When Xu Qingjia inquired about the Internal Treasury, Hu Houfu explained it was the imperial family's private fund, distinct from the imperial court's Ministry of Revenue. Despite Han Nansheng’s warning not to investigate further due to the involvement of imperial family members, Xu Qingjia decided to directly question Tang Ze. When Xu Qingjia confronted Tang Ze, Tang Ze indirectly admitted his connection to Nanfeng House, stating he was "only taking orders."
When pressed about who gave the orders, Tang Ze evaded the question, warning Xu Qingjia that he was not "qualified to know." Xu Qingjia argued that as an official, he must serve the people, and Nanfeng House's actions harmed their interests. Tang Ze countered that the money earned by Nanfeng House was used for public welfare such as disaster relief and military funding, questioning if this was not in the people's interest.
Xu Qingjia refuted this, stating that if it were truly for the people, it should be an open government monopoly like salt and iron, not a clandestine one. He then questioned the Internal Treasury's involvement. Tang Ze mocked Xu Qingjia's eloquence but emphasized the "rules" of officialdom, stating that officials serve the emperor. Xu Qingjia vehemently disagreed, asserting that without the people, there would be no court, and declared his intention to stop Tang Ze.
Later, at home, Hu Houfu expressed concern about Xu Qingjia, a fifth-ranked official, challenging such powerful figures, calling him a "pond loach" compared to "big fish." Hu Jiao, however, passionately defended Xu Qingjia, arguing that even high officials and nobles should not be above the law and exploit the people. She declared that the herbal gatherers had done nothing wrong and that the true wrongdoers were those in power.
Xu Qingjia, inspired by Hu Jiao's words and ancient wisdom, vowed to fight to the end, even if it meant offending the powerful noble behind Tang Ze. Meanwhile, Han Wenfang discussed the collection of dragon bones for a demanding buyer, noting a 20% shortage and the difficulty of excavation.
She wondered aloud who constantly used such rare and expensive medicine, only to be sharply rebuked by Tang Ze, who warned her not to ask unnecessary questions and to prioritize their safety and Nanfeng House's operations. Xu Qingjia was troubled because Nanfeng House, despite its oppressive tactics and profiteering, hadn't directly violated imperial laws. Hu Jiao devised a plan: she would lead the charge against Nanfeng House by openly purchasing medicinal herbs at higher prices.
The next day, she visited Huatuo, who, remembering Xu Qingjia's past kindness, agreed to sell her herbs. Inspired by his lead, other villagers also eagerly participated. When Nanfeng House's thugs arrived to intimidate the villagers, Hu Houfu and Yong Shou appeared. Hu Houfu, using his brother-in-law Xu Qingjia's official status as leverage, successfully scared off the thugs, much to the villagers' delight.
Han Wenfang, realizing the threat, explained to Tang Ze that even if other pharmacies didn't openly compete, they might discreetly sell through Hu Pharmacy or even invest in it, undermining Nanfeng House's low purchasing prices. She suggested asking Lord Fu for help to eliminate Xu Qingjia. Tang Ze, however, was hesitant. He reasoned that involving Lord Fu in such a "trivial matter" would diminish his own value. More importantly, he feared Prince Ning's protection of Xu Qingjia.
While Prince Ning might not challenge Lord Fu directly, he could retaliate against Tang Ze, and Lord Fu might not offer protection. Tang Ze decided to test Xu Qingjia's resolve by revealing the true identity of his backer. Tang Ze confronted Xu Qingjia again, revealing that Nanfeng House's true master was Grand Master Fu, a venerable official who had served three regimes, the Empress's biological father, and the Crown Prince's grandfather.
He pointed out that most court officials were his proteges, implying that even Prince Ning would not dare offend him. Tang Ze offered Xu Qingjia a chance to surrender and promised to put in a good word for him with Lord Fu and help his career. Unfazed, Xu Qingjia became even more incensed, openly calling Grand Master Fu a "bastard" for exploiting the people and betraying his imperial duties.
Seeing Xu Qingjia's defiance, Tang Ze ordered his subordinate, Zha Bi, to take action. Foreseeing potential trouble during the herb acquisition, Xu Qingjia had arranged for Gao Zheng to escort the goods. On their journey, they encountered a group of "mountain bandits." Gao Zheng, recognizing them as imposters, easily defeated them, driving them away. That night, Zha Bi, the leader of the disguised bandits, and two constables located the injured "Third Brother" (Lao San), one of the disguised bandits.
Zha Bi dismissed the other constable and then brutally murdered the already injured Lao San by suffocating him. The following morning, a crowd gathered outside Hu Pharmacy. Several individuals, including Lao San's mother, carried his corpse, accusing Gao Zheng and Hu Pharmacy of murder. During the ensuing conflict, Hu Jiao and her group had no evidence to prove the "bandits" were attempting robbery. Gao Zheng, however, admitted to kicking Lao San during the encounter.
Although there was no direct evidence that the kick caused Lao San's death, the presiding official, Duan Gongcao, was pressured to imprison Gao Zheng. Zha Bi, having already bribed the coroner, prepared to secure a conviction against Gao Zheng. Tang Ze's goal was not merely to convict Gao Zheng, but to force Xu Qingjia's submission.
He ordered Zha Bi to ensure Gao Zheng suffered in prison, as Gao Zheng, a skilled former county lieutenant, was Xu Qingjia's vital ally and weakness. He also explicitly denied any prior knowledge of Lao San's death to Zha Bi, creating deniability. Xu Qingjia was informed that Gao Zheng was in jail, and Duan Gongcao hinted that pacifying Lao San's mother would help resolve the matter.
