The Lady in Butcher's House Episode 29 Recap
> The Lady in Butcher's House Recap
In the bustling Capital, at the Jade House, Yu Niang chided Gao Zheng for his short temper, reminding him that as the Military Commissioner of Kaifeng Prefecture, he shouldn't be so narrow-minded. Gao Zheng admitted he couldn't stand the customers' attention towards her, insisting the Jade House should maintain a respectable image.
Yu Niang cautioned him, emphasizing the risks of offending powerful figures in the Capital, especially since all their savings were invested in the business for their son, A'Lin's, medical treatment. She reminded him of his promise to propose once the Jade House turned a profit and A'Lin could be brought to the Capital. Realizing his error, Gao Zheng sincerely apologized and promised to stay out of sight during business hours to avoid causing trouble.
Yu Niang then playfully asked him for her flower honey tea. Soon after, an urgent letter from Mo Jing in Shangyong arrived for Gao Zheng, revealing that Fei Jing had died a strange death in custody. The coroner found his neck swollen with a strange tumor in his throat, and the cause of death remained a mystery. Before his death, Fei Jing had been insane, frequently scribbling two names on the ground with stones: "Ruo Qi" and "Xu Keyan."
Gao Zheng recognized "Xu Keyan" as Xu Qingjia's father and pondered the identity of "Ruo Qi," who was known to be Xiaobei's mother and Prince Ning's beloved, realizing the case was far from simple. He decided to report this to Prime Minister Jia. Gao Zheng promptly reported the findings to Prime Minister Jia, who then summoned Ning Wang. Prime Minister Jia revealed that based on Fei Jing's cryptic message, Ruo Qi's death had undeniable connections.
Ning Wang recalled that he had been on the battlefield the week before Ruo Qi's passing and wondered if she had been murdered instead of dying of illness. He noted that his servants had reported nothing suspicious, only that Ruo Qi had been fatigued in her last days. Prime Minister Jia suggested that Fei Jing, a member of the Southern Thievery Gang known for poisons, might have poisoned Ruo Qi.
He then drew a connection to Grand Preceptor Fu, who had taken the remnants of this gang under his wing to handle his illicit affairs, including assassinations. If Ruo Qi had indeed died from such a poison, Grand Preceptor Fu could have ordered it. Ning Wang questioned why Fu would target Ruo Qi, an outsider, but Prime Minister Jia countered that Fu's real target might have been Ning Wang's own life.
Prime Minister Jia reminded Ning Wang of his past triumphs, including his successful military campaigns where he reclaimed lost borderlands and earned numerous honors, making him greatly favored by the Emperor. Coupled with the Crown Prince's increasing frailty and inability to govern, rumors had circulated that Ning Wang might be appointed as the new Crown Prince.
Prime Minister Jia also pointed out that the Emperor's arrangement for Ning Wang to marry Jia Jirong was a clear attempt to balance power in the court. Ning Wang, however, strongly affirmed his unwavering loyalty, stating that he had always performed his duty, risked his life for the nation, and had even declined the position of Kaifeng governor multiple times, never harboring ambitions for the throne.
Yet, the attempt to murder a prince, an act risking an entire clan, was an undeniable provocation, forcing his hand. Prime Minister Jia advised Ning Wang to take action against Grand Preceptor Fu, who was exploiting his influence to control the government and harm the country. Ning Wang concurred, deciding to thoroughly investigate the matter and, with Prime Minister Jia's suggestion, to summon Xu Qingjia to the Capital for assistance, along with Cui Wulang and Gao Zheng.
A month later, in Yunlai, Yong Shou and La Mei had become skilled in managing Songsongfang, which was flourishing. Gao Zheng and Cui Wulang arrived to explain their mission to Xu Qingjia. Gao Zheng informed him that Grand Preceptor Fu was suspected of attempting to murder Prince Ning and was likely connected to the mysterious death of Xu Qingjia's father.
Ning Wang and Prime Minister Jia sought Xu Qingjia's help to thoroughly investigate Grand Preceptor Fu's criminal misdeeds in the Capital and uncover evidence. Xu Qingjia initially hesitated, reluctant to leave the thriving business in Yunlai, which had been Hu Jiao's dream. However, Hu Jiao quickly intervened, urging him to prioritize justice.
She reminded him of the injustices caused by figures like Zhu Tingxian in Shangyong and Tang Ze in Xiangzhou, emphasizing the importance of seeking the truth about his father's death and exposing Grand Preceptor Fu. She assured him she would accompany him to the Capital, trusting Yong Shou and La Mei to manage Songsongfang in their absence. Relieved by her support, Xu Qingjia agreed. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince's health continued to worsen, as he frequently coughed up blood.
He had to discreetly warn his new attendant, Pan Hua, to feign ignorance about his condition, as three other eunuchs had already been disciplined that month for "misspoken" words. Grand Preceptor Fu, visiting the Crown Prince, insisted he continue taking his bitter medicine, warning that news of his illness could destabilize his position. Fu reassured him about the medicine's cost, stating his willingness to spend his entire wealth to ensure the Crown Prince's ascension.
Fu then voiced his suspicion about the Crown Prince summoning Ning Wang, reminding him that during Ning Wang's campaign in Nanjiang, a critical error by the Ministry of Revenue, causing food shortages, prevented Ning Wang from achieving an unprecedented military feat that could have easily cost the Crown Prince his position.
Fu further noted that Ning Wang had been distracted by the death of a civilian woman he cherished (Ruo Qi), which had ironically contributed to the stability of the past few years. Now, with Ning Wang's triumphant return and frequent meetings with court officials, even receiving encouragement from the ailing Emperor, Fu urged the Crown Prince to remain vigilant, focus on his recovery, and trust him to handle all other matters.
Xu Qingjia and Hu Jiao said their goodbyes to their friends and family, including Yong Shou and La Mei, whom they entrusted with the management of Songsongfang. They then departed Yunlai by boat. Meanwhile, Jia Jisheng sent a letter to his Eldest Sister, Jia Jirong. In it, he conveyed his observations from Yunlai, describing Hu Jiao as a loyal and candid person deeply in love with Xu Qingjia.
He asserted that she would never engage in any impropriety with Ning Wang, and thus he refused to treat her as an enemy. He also confessed to having fallen in love with one of Hu Jiao's childhood friends, a woman with a similar personality, and announced his decision to remain in Yunlai indefinitely, with no plans to return to the Capital. Jia Jirong was furious upon receiving her brother's letter, lamenting that her own family would not support her.
Her servant confirmed that the letter also mentioned Xu Qingjia's new appointment in the Capital, meaning Hu Jiao would be accompanying him. Using a visit to her sister as an excuse, Jia Jirong deliberately informed Jia Jifang that Xu Qingjia and his "butcher's daughter" wife were coming to the Capital. Jia Jifang reacted with disgust, wondering why Hu Jiao was coming to "make me puke."
Jia Jirong further inflamed her sister, highlighting that Xu Qingjia's rapid promotion from an eighth-rank county governor to a fifth-rank Controller-General in just two years was widely credited to Hu Jiao. She even mentioned that Ning Wang, Jia Jirong's husband, spoke highly of Hu Jiao. Jia Jifang, though not interested in Xu Qingjia himself, was incensed by the public humiliation of being rejected by him in favor of a "lowly woman who sells meat."
She saw it as a deliberate affront and vowed to assert her dominance in the Capital. Prime Minister Jia and Ning Wang discussed Xu Qingjia's new role. Ning Wang proposed assigning Xu Qingjia to the Censorate as an Investigating Censor, which would provide a legitimate reason to investigate Grand Preceptor Fu. However, Prime Minister Jia disagreed, citing the Censorate's limitations in accessing old financial records.
He argued that the Ministry of Revenue, where Grand Preceptor Fu had originated and still wielded significant control, would be a more effective place for Xu Qingjia to monitor money and resources. He suggested a fifth-rank bookkeeper position, which Xu Qingjia's reputation from Shangyong and Xiangzhou would justify, leaving Grand Preceptor Fu no grounds to object. Prime Minister Jia then probed Ning Wang's resolve regarding the Crown Prince's potential objection.
Ning Wang, recognizing the test, declared his unwavering commitment, stating that he would not retreat or budge this time, unlike in the past. With Ning Wang's firm stance, Prime Minister Jia then revealed his long-term strategy. He explained that due to Ning Wang's military achievements and the Crown Prince's perceived mediocrity, directly targeting Grand Preceptor Fu (the Crown Prince's maternal grandfather) would be seen as a power struggle between Ning Wang and the Crown Prince, disturbing court peace.
He admitted that he had only fully understood Ning Wang's principles after the Emperor arranged Ning Wang's marriage to Jia Jirong. This was why he had secretly arranged Xu Qingjia's previous appointments in Shangyong and Xiangzhou, hoping an "unnoticed" official could bring about change without provoking open conflict. Ning Wang acknowledged Prime Minister Jia's foresight, noting that Xu Qingjia had indeed stirred waves in the "stagnant pond" of Capital politics.
That evening, Prime Minister Jia instructed Jia Quan to prepare the side courtyard in the east of the city, which had been empty since his son moved out, for Xu Qingjia's arrival. Jia Jifang, who was with her father, immediately protested, claiming the courtyard as her mother's dowry and declaring her refusal to let Xu Qingjia and "that meat-selling woman" reside there. Prime Minister Jia, clearly displeased, rebuked her arrogance and disdain for those who worked with their hands.
He also sternly reminded her of Minister Liu's recent complaint that she had beaten his two sons, highlighting her wild and boyish behavior that made her an undesirable match for any respectable family. Upon their arrival in the Capital, Xu Qingjia and Hu Jiao were met by Jia Quan, who informed them that Prime Minister Jia had already arranged for them to stay in a side courtyard at the Jia Manor.
Hu Jiao recounted how Jia Quan had saved Xu Qingjia's life when he was attacked by wolves just before their wedding. Jia Quan confirmed he had been acting under Prime Minister Jia's orders even then, and welcomed them inside. Meanwhile, Grand Preceptor Fu was informed of Xu Qingjia's arrival and his lodging at the Jia Manor.
He surmised Prime Minister Jia's intentions, recalling Prime Minister Jia's unprecedented public defiance in court that day to secure Xu Qingjia's appointment to the Ministry of Revenue, an effort supported by Ning Wang against the Crown Prince's initial objections. Fu pondered Ning Wang's motives, finding his current open confrontation puzzling and seemingly disadvantageous, as it would displease the Emperor. He had always anticipated a potential power struggle but not such a direct challenge now.
His subordinate reassured him that Fei Jing's (whom Fu had implicitly ordered to assassinate Ning Wang years ago) death was handled, leaving no proof. Fu, however, understood that Xu Qingjia's placement in the Ministry of Revenue was a deliberate attempt to uncover past evidence. He particularly recalled that Xu Qingjia had already relinquished a crucial "transfer order" bearing the Crown Prince's personal seal, which Ning Wang would surely recognize.
Consequently, Grand Preceptor Fu ordered his subordinates to immediately destroy all incriminating documents related to those years within the Ministry of Revenue and to ensure Tang Ze's body was thoroughly handled, as his family had not yet discovered anything amiss after his burial.
Back at the Jia Manor, Jia Quan explained to Xu Qingjia and Hu Jiao that Xu Qingjia's role at the Ministry of Revenue was to secretly investigate Grand Preceptor Fu's deep-rooted corruption and illegal activities, especially since Fu still controlled the ministry's financial operations and records.
