The Mystic Nine Episode 10 Recap
> The Mystic Nine Recap
Yin Xinyue, the eldest daughter of Xinyue Hotel, disguised herself as a man and waited at Beiping train station with her subordinates for Peng Sanbian. Her father, the owner of Xinyue Hotel, intended to marry her to Peng Sanbian, but Yin Xinyue was unwilling to marry a stranger and planned to ambush him. She scolded her subordinates for wearing uniforms, which revealed their identities as Xinyue Hotel staff, and ordered them to change.
She instructed them to put up a sign for "Qu Rumei," explaining that if Peng Sanbian didn't recognize "Qu Rumei," she wouldn't acknowledge him. She expressed her frustration with her "muddleheaded" father for forcing her into an arranged marriage. She declared she would see what Peng Sanbian looked like, warning that if he was "craving for what he's not worthy of," he would "find himself in big trouble."
Her subordinate had earlier informed her that Peng Sanbian hailed from Northwest China, dealt in the reselling of sand and stone, was a master of the whip, and possessed a "rough look" and "muscular physique," calling him a "boorish fellow." Yin Xinyue then decided she would "get rid of him before reporting it" and ask for her father's forgiveness later.
After Zhang Qishan, Qi Tiezui, Er Yue Hong, and Ya Tou arrived in Beiping, Zhang Qishan decided that he and Qi Tiezui would proceed to Xinyue Hotel, while Er Yue Hong and Ya Tou would stay at a separate nearby hotel as backup. He explained to Er Yue Hong that there was only one invitation to Xinyue Hotel, and taking Ya Tou, especially in her delicate health, would draw too much attention and risk exposing their true identities.
Their sole purpose in Beiping was to acquire medicine for Ya Tou, and they sought to avoid using force. Though reluctant to be left out, Ya Tou accepted, later deciding to cut her hair to look more refreshing and modern, which Er Yue Hong admired. With this plan in place, Zhang Qishan, disguised as Peng Sanbian, immediately put their infiltration into action at Beiping train station.
Qi Tiezui initially complained that no one from Xinyue Hotel was there to greet them, but Zhang Qishan pointed to a sign displaying "Qu Rumei." He explained that the name was a literary allusion to "Xinyue" (new moon) and "reunion" from an ancient poem, indicating it was their designated pick-up. Zhang Qishan, presenting himself as Peng Sanbian, greeted Yin Xinyue.
Upon seeing Zhang Qishan, who was handsome and carried himself with an extraordinary demeanor, Yin Xinyue immediately took a liking to him and abandoned her plans for an ambush. Yin Xinyue, still disguised as a young male driver named Xiao Xin, drove Zhang Qishan and Qi Tiezui to the hotel. She chatted with them, attempting to glean information.
She commented on their well-preserved appearance despite the harsh Northwest weather, to which Qi Tiezui retorted that they came from wealthy families and did not endure such hardships. After she inquired about famous landscapes, Zhang Qishan curtly told her to drive, and Qi Tiezui tipped her. Qi Tiezui then asked Zhang Qishan if their identities had been compromised, but Zhang Qishan cautioned that Xiao Xin's behavior was "strange" and that she "might be bearing evil intentions."
Meanwhile, Lu Jianxun learned that Zhang Qishan had been secluded for two days and had shown no interest in Chen Pi since his arrest. Suspecting foul play, Lu Jianxun went to the prison to interrogate Chen Pi. His subordinate revealed that Chen Pi, though a "gangster," was Er Yue Hong's disciple. Er Yue Hong, a famous opera singer, was known as "Hong Er Ye," and was a close friend of Zhang Qishan.
Lu Jianxun was informed that Chen Pi's crime was serious: "collaboration with the enemies and treason." In the prison, Lu Jianxun spoke to Chen Pi, mentioning his teacher's fame and questioning his activities in the harbor, hinting at "hijacking merchant ships for restricted items" and "collaborating with the Japanese."
He taunted Chen Pi, asking how he had offended Zhang Fo Ye to become a "prisoner" and why Er Yue Hong hadn't bailed him out, suggesting Chen Pi was an "abandoned pawn." Lu Jianxun offered Chen Pi "a chance to mend his ways and make up for his mistake" and save his life if he answered his questions, threatening to withhold a plea for leniency from Zhang Fo Ye if he refused.
Chen Pi remained scornful and silent, infuriating Lu Jianxun, who ordered him taken away. At Xinyue Hotel, Zhang Qishan and Qi Tiezui settled into their room. Qi Tiezui was impressed by Beiping and the luxurious Xinyue Hotel, but Zhang Qishan warned him that the hotel had a mysterious, century-long history and was "too deep to be fathomable," urging caution. They began their investigation, observing the hotel's activities.
They noticed "Xiao Xin," the driver, now dressed as a "wealthy young master," gambling with other rich merchants. Zhang Qishan's attention was drawn to a female servant behind her, whose uniquely shaped ears twitched with the movement of the dice. He realized she was a "hearing servant" with extraordinary auditory senses. Qi Tiezui confirmed that these "hearing servants" could likely hear every conversation in the hall, meaning their actions were entirely exposed.
To conceal their true identities and intentions, they decided to communicate in Changsha dialect, hoping the servants wouldn't understand it. They also observed heavily armed "baton holding guards" on every floor, patrolling frequently. Zhang Qishan pointed out that the batons were tipped with poisoned needles, making them deadly. Recognizing that all exits were guarded, they deduced the treasure vault was most likely on the upper floors.
Zhang Qishan concluded that to reach the top floor, they would first have to somehow incapacitate the "hearing servants." Zhang Qishan then noticed an opera performance on a stage, which gave him an idea. He tasked Qi Tiezui with investigating the hotel's entertainment schedule. Qi Tiezui reported that Xinyue Hotel had hired Beiping's most renowned opera troupe for a three-day engagement to entertain the auction guests.
On the final day, the main act would be chosen by the audience through a bidding system, with the highest bidder winning. Qi Tiezui excitedly mentioned Er Yue Hong's "Muke Fortress" as a masterpiece, noting his incredible spear-wielding, back-bending, and flipping moves. Zhang Qishan, who had previously discussed with Er Yue Hong about the Deer-Reviving Grass being auctioned at Xinyue Hotel and their objective to obtain the medicine, listened carefully.
He knew "Muke Fortress" was a good opera and pondered how to utilize it to bypass the hotel's security. The following day, Qi Tiezui discreetly mingled with wealthy guests, subtly promoting the bidding for the main opera. He emphasized that winning the bid was an "auspicious start" and that for people of their status, "reputation is what's important," making it "worth it" to spend money for public recognition.
After convincing several guests, he shared a "secret": Xinyue Hotel had brought in Beiping's top troupe, who possessed "hidden skills" they rarely performed. He strongly advised that if one were to bid, it "must be 'Muke Fortress'." A wealthy merchant, convinced by Qi Tiezui's persuasion, declared he was "determined to get it." Back in their room, Zhang Qishan was making notes while listening to an opera, preparing for their infiltration of the treasure vault.
