The Mystic Nine Episode 11 Recap
> The Mystic Nine Recap
On the second day, a vain and wealthy warlord, Officer Liu Songren of Xuzhou, influenced by Qi Tiezui's previous day's remarks, instructed his accompanying ladies to pick an opera. They chose "Muke Fortress," which Officer Liu Songren then bid the highest price for. As the opera began, Zhang Qishan initiated his plan. He carefully moved to the rhythm and lyrics of the opera, making sure to evade the detection of the hearing servants.
This was a risky move, but Zhang Qishan believed that the mixed sounds would prevent the hearing servants, despite their exceptional hearing, from noticing any overlapping sounds from his movements. He knew he had to complete his mission before the opera concluded, as there seemed to be no other way. Unexpectedly, his movements were observed by Yin Xinyue. Yin Xinyue still believed him to be Peng Sanbian.
She was delighted, thinking that the man with whom she had an arranged marriage had come to the top floor to find her, perhaps worried she might be "ugly." After removing her male disguise, she meticulously dressed up, eagerly anticipating a romantic encounter with her supposed suitor. Meanwhile, Zhang Qishan had successfully entered the treasure room and was searching for the Deer-Reviving Grass.
After waiting for some time without Zhang Qishan appearing, Yin Xinyue decided to give him a hint by playing music in her room. However, she accidentally set the volume too high, letting out a groan as she adjusted it, which was noticed by the hearing servants downstairs. They heard unusual noises from upstairs and their Miss's unexpected sound, prompting them to investigate. Growing impatient, Yin Xinyue left her room to look for Zhang Qishan.
Noticing the slightly ajar door to the treasure room, she felt something was amiss and approached to investigate. Just as she was about to push the door open, with the hearing servants nearing the top floor, Zhang Qishan opened the door and pulled her inside. Inside the treasure room, Yin Xinyue confronted Zhang Qishan, demanding to know what he was doing. She even jokingly said, "You great wits have short memories. You can't recognize me anymore?"
and mimicked his earlier introduction as "driver Xiao Xin." Zhang Qishan, still feigning ignorance of her identity, claimed he was just "curiously looking around." Although Yin Xinyue found his explanation unconvincing, she did not want him to be discovered. She quickly stepped out into the hallway and dismissed the approaching hearing servants, asserting her authority by saying, "No matter what you hear later, you're not allowed to come up here. This is an order." Her actions effectively saved Zhang Qishan.
Observing her in her female attire and hearing the hearing servants call her "Miss," Zhang Qishan deduced that the "driver Xiao Xin" was, in fact, Yin Xinyue, the formidable daughter of the Xinyue Hotel owner. Later, Yin Xinyue summoned Zhang Qishan to her room and angrily questioned his "thievery."
She accused him of being a thief greedy for wealth and fame, despite his decent appearance, and warned him that in Xinyue Hotel, she could ensure he would not escape and even threatened his companions. Zhang Qishan, seeing that despite her odd behavior, Yin Xinyue was not a malicious person, confessed his true purpose: he had traveled to Beiping to find medicine for his severely ill friend's wife.
Yin Xinyue, temporarily believing his story, explained that there were only two ways to acquire a treasure from Xinyue Hotel: either by successfully bidding for it at the upcoming auction or by paying with one's life. She gave him a choice. Zhang Qishan thanked her and said he would consider his options.
After discussing with Qi Tiezui, Zhang Qishan concluded that attempting to steal the medicine was too risky, especially since he was discovered by Yin Xinyue, and the medicine was likely heavily guarded elsewhere. He decided the only remaining option was to participate in the auction and acquire it openly.
However, counting their money, they realized their current funds were insufficient to compete with the numerous high-ranking officials and wealthy individuals present, including a Japanese Chamber of Commerce delegation who were also eyeing the rare medicines. Recognizing the financial constraint, Zhang Qishan immediately sent an urgent telegram to his residence, instructing Lieutenant Zhang to gather valuable antiques from his family collection and have them used as collateral with several antique shopkeepers to raise the necessary funds as quickly as possible.
Upon receiving Zhang Qishan's urgent telegram, Lieutenant Zhang promptly mobilized his company and headed to Zhang Qishan's residence. There, the butler had already prepared a large collection of antiques. Lieutenant Zhang oversaw their careful transportation to several antique shopkeepers.
The shopkeepers, noting the high quality of items such as a Qing Qianlong red glazed plate, Tang jade bracelets, a Song Dingyao porcelain shallow bowl with hidden twin fish pattern, and a Qing suet jade hairpin, agreed to provide a substantial guaranteed amount. Lieutenant Zhang confirmed with the shopkeepers that the funds were secured, ensuring that Zhang Qishan had the necessary resources for the auction. The next day, with sufficient funds secured, Zhang Qishan and Qi Tiezui attended the auction.
Qi Tiezui pointed out other notable bidders: a descendant of the Qing Dynasty, an "overannuated prince" or Beile with some spare money, and the chairman of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, observing that there was also someone mysteriously hidden behind a screen. Zhang Qishan advised caution, telling him, "Let's just observe and act accordingly." The auctioneer announced the rules, stating a minimum bid of ¥50,000 with no upper limit, emphasizing that there would be no second chances for missed items.
The first item, a porcelain dish with the fish shadow and green lotus design, was then presented and quickly won by Officer Liu Songren. Suddenly, a commotion erupted at the entrance as the real Peng Sanbian arrived at Xinyue Hotel. He loudly declared that the "Peng Sanbian" inside was a fake and demanded to see the owner, asserting his right as the "future son-in-law" to enter.
The hotel staff tried to enforce the "one invitation per guest" rule, but Peng Sanbian became aggressive. A servant quickly rushed to Yin Xinyue, reporting, "Miss! We have a problem! Someone wants to force their way in!" Yin Xinyue, annoyed by the panic, initially told them to "just kick them out," but was startled when the servant added that the person claimed to be "your future husband, Peng Sanbian."
