The Mystic Nine Episode 42 Recap
> The Mystic Nine Recap
Zhang Qishan presented a fragment of the Copper Meteorite to Lu Jianxun, who had long coveted the tomb's secrets and had been colluding with the Japanese, causing turmoil in Changsha. Zhang Qishan aimed to deal with Lu Jianxun, who he felt had overstepped his bounds. During their meeting, Zhang Qishan explained that the Copper Meteorite's power was immeasurable and shouldn't fall into Japanese hands.
He proposed a deal: Lu Jianxun would report the meteorite to his superiors and take credit, but in return, Zhang Qishan would regain military command of Changsha. Lu Jianxun, initially skeptical of the meteorite's value, decided to keep it without immediately agreeing to the terms, stating he would investigate its worth first.
Later, Lu Jianxun's aide dismissed Zhang Qishan's offer, but Lu Jianxun, recalling Mr. Cox Hendry's hints about the meteorite's value and knowing Zhang Qishan wouldn't make an uncertain deal, ordered his aide to call his superior to come personally. Unbeknownst to Lu Jianxun, he had walked right into Zhang Fo Ye's trap. Zhang Qishan confirmed to Lieutenant Zhang that Lu Jianxun had fallen for their scheme.
Lieutenant Zhang visited Huo Sanniang on Zhang Fo Ye's behalf, hoping to reconcile with her. He conveyed Zhang Fo Ye's message to "let bygones be bygones," but Huo Sanniang, still holding a grudge, declared her dignity mattered more than winning or losing. Lieutenant Zhang admitted that their private entry into Huo family territory was wrong, but countered that her collusion with Chen Pi and Lu Jianxun was also dishonorable.
Huo Sanniang defiantly told Lieutenant Zhang she was not afraid of Zhang Fo Ye and questioned why Chen Pi, also a member of the Nine Families, wasn't being let off the hook, unlike her. Lieutenant Zhang tried to clarify that Chen Pi was missing, but Huo Sanniang dismissed him, refusing to provide any information and reiterating her defiance. Shortly after, Lieutenant Zhang, visibly upset, ran into Qi Tiezui.
Qi Tiezui accurately deduced that Lieutenant Zhang had been snubbed by Huo Sanniang, criticizing his approach of constantly mentioning Zhang Fo Ye to someone who already held a grudge against him. He suggested that appealing to her feelings for Er Ye would be more effective. Qi Tiezui then offered to visit Huo Sanniang himself, understanding that a direct approach from Zhang Fo Ye's side would be futile.
Earlier, Lu Jianxun had contacted Huo Sanniang, warning her about Zhang Qishan's return and emphasizing their intertwined fate, stating, "Teeth can't live without lips." He demanded a large sum of money and round-the-clock protection from the Huo family to "grease the wheels" with his superiors, promising that the Huo family would become the second most influential power in Changsha after him. Despite her initial reluctance, fearing Lu Jianxun would drain her family, Huo Sanniang reluctantly agreed to his demands.
When Qi Tiezui visited Huo Sanniang, he skillfully brought up Er Ye, knowing her deep affection for him. He explained that Er Ye was recuperating after the tomb expedition, a fact Huo Sanniang already knew. Qi Tiezui then spoke tenderly, acknowledging her tough demeanor as a leader of a prestigious family, burdened by expectations and societal struggles, unlike Ya Tou or Yin Xinyue.
He urged her to abandon her obsessions, reminding her of Changsha's precarious situation and the necessity of returning power to Zhang Fo Ye. He also acknowledged her past actions were for the Huo family's sake but stressed the importance of Nine Families unity, stating that "nine gates are nine gates, we should not fight each other to death." He implied that letting go of her grudge might offer "a chance to turn things around."
Deeply affected by his words, Huo Sanniang contemplated the difficulty of truly letting go of her burdens. Ultimately, feeling a sense of guilt, she agreed to help Zhang Qishan. After Qi Tiezui's visit, Huo Sanniang, contemplating her decision, revealed her understanding of the powerful and mysterious Zhang family from the northeast. She knew that if they intervened, Lu Jianxun was doomed, and she would not save him, stating, "What I want now is his life."
Meanwhile, in his supposedly impenetrable secret room, Lu Jianxun awaited the arrival of his superior, whom he had summoned to personally retrieve the Copper Meteorite fragment. He was confident in his plan, believing it would deter Zhang Qishan from any dirty tricks and ensure his safety. His aide left to greet the approaching superior, leaving Lu Jianxun alone with the meteorite. Suddenly, flashes of light and shadows filled the room, and Lu Jianxun sensed danger. It was too late.
Members of the Zhang family breached the wall of his secret room, swiftly eliminated him, and retrieved the Copper Meteorite fragment. Lu Jianxun died, oblivious to the fact that he had been outsmarted. Lieutenant Zhang later confirmed to Zhang Fo Ye that the Zhang family had successfully retrieved the Copper Meteorite. Following Lu Jianxun's death, Qi Tiezui paid another visit to Huo Sanniang, this time to convey his gratitude.
As he was leaving, Huo Sanniang stopped him, revealing that Chen Pi, after escaping the mining mountain, had been detained by Lu Jianxun. Qi Tiezui was surprised but thanked her for the information. However, his hope of finding Chen Pi was short-lived. Later, when he met Lieutenant Zhang, Qi Tiezui shared the "good news" about Chen Pi's imprisonment. Lieutenant Zhang then delivered the "bad news" – Chen Pi had already escaped from prison, and his current whereabouts were unknown.
Qi Tiezui lamented the turn of events, emphasizing the urgency of finding Chen Pi. With Lu Jianxun's demise, a power vacuum emerged in Changsha. Qi Tiezui visited Master Baylor, a long-standing ally of the Nine Families, to enlist his support for Zhang Fo Ye's reinstatement. Qi Tiezui explained that with the military in disarray, it was better for Zhang Fo Ye, who was familiar with Changsha, to resume his position rather than having an outsider appointed.
Master Baylor readily agreed, stamping a jointly signed letter of petition with his seal. Qi Tiezui then reviewed the petition, noting the seals and thumbprints of Er Ye, San Ye, Wu Ye, Black Back the Sixth, himself, and Xie Jiuye. Master Baylor observed that one family was missing, referring to the Huo family, and Qi Tiezui assured him that Zhang Fo Ye had a plan for them.
Meanwhile, Huo Sanniang, having previously ordered compensation for the Huo family members lost in the mining mountain, was summoned by her elders. Her paternal Aunt, two paternal aunts, and the Ninth Grandaunt, who rarely left her self-cultivation, were all present. They confronted Huo Sanniang about sending people into the tomb without consultation, accusing her of recklessness and causing significant losses to the family.
They also criticized her for colluding with an outsider like Lu Jianxun, fearing she would ruin the family. Huo Sanniang defended her actions, stating she believed she had the right to retrieve what was rightfully the Huo family's and arguing that Lu Jianxun was the only one who could stand against Zhang Qishan to prevent the Huo family from being perpetually suppressed.
The elders, however, emphasized the unity of the Nine Families and demanded she surrender the family's seal and the treasury key. Even Ninth Grandaunt, noting Huo Sanniang's short-sightedness and the Huo family's undeniable responsibility for the recent turmoil, urged her to comply. After Huo Sanniang reluctantly ordered the seal to be brought, her aunt used it to stamp the petition. Just then, Zhang Fo Ye arrived.
He assured the elders that he would not further trouble the Huo family, as they had already suffered. Zhang Fo Ye then boldly interceded on Huo Sanniang's behalf, arguing that her punishment was too harsh given she was deceived and that her dedication to the Huo family made her a valuable leader.
Convinced by Zhang Fo Ye's magnanimity and reasoning, the elders, including Ninth Grandaunt, were impressed and agreed to let Huo Sanniang retain her position, thanking Zhang Fo Ye for his generosity. Zhang Fo Ye, now reinstated, hosted a rare gathering of the Nine Families at Huixin Mansion to express his gratitude. Amidst congratulations, the atmosphere was a mix of appreciation for Zhang Fo Ye's leadership and concern for the turbulent times.
Er Ye voiced worries about the national unrest and the Japanese's escalating aggression, acknowledging Changsha's uncertain future but trusting in Zhang Fo Ye's ability to maintain peace. Qi Tiezui mused on the anxieties of life above ground compared to the dangers of tombs, while Master Baylor warned against the Japanese, likening them to relentless wolf-dogs. Black Back the Sixth, however, defiantly vowed to kill any Japanese causing trouble in Changsha.
Zhang Fo Ye urged caution, emphasizing that with the mining mountain destroyed, the Nine Families would become a target for the Japanese, necessitating discretion and preparation. The discussion then turned to Chen Pi's fate. Lieutenant Zhang reported no news of his whereabouts. Er Ye, still bearing responsibility, explained that while Chen Pi technically inherited Si Ye's position after killing him and seizing his assets, his crime and escape rendered the claim void.
Qi Tiezui tried to console Er Ye, suggesting that Chen Pi's talent would have naturally led him to the position, were it not for his ruthlessness and collusion with the Japanese. Black Back the Sixth, however, vehemently dismissed Chen Pi as a coward. Zhang Fo Ye then acknowledged the Huo family's losses and their need to recuperate, entrusting Huo Sanniang with the responsibility. Taking this opportunity, Huo Sanniang rose to make a significant announcement.
She confessed to her own thoughtlessness and recklessness in many matters, deeming herself unfit to be the family head. Er Ye quickly interjected, urging her not to blame herself, as she was instigated by a villain. Thanking him, Huo Sanniang declared this would be her last Nine Families gathering as head. She announced her decision to hand over leadership to a talented junior within her family, an "Immortal Maiden," whose wisdom and resolve had already impressed the elders.
