The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty Recap, Plot, Synopsis
The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty Synopsis
In the 14th year of Cheng Hua of the Ming Dynasty, Tang Fan and Sui Zhou team up to solve strange cases and smash the conspiracy behind the scenes, bringing peace to the people.
The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In the fourteenth year of Chenghua, Tang Fan, a lower 6th rank magistrate, was enjoying a delicious cut of ""plum pork"", a rare delicacy, at Donggu's Restaurant with Donggu, its proprietor. Just as he took a bite, a Shuntian Prefecture official burst in, snatched the sizzling pork, and fled. Tang Fan chased him all the way to the Shuntian Prefecture yamen. It turned out Pan Bin, the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, had sent the official to "steal" the meat.
Pan Bin hoped to leverage Tang Fan's abilities to solve a multitude of urgent and complex cases. Eager to return to his meal, Tang Fan instructed his clerks to read out all the case details simultaneously.
Despite the seemingly petty nature of the cases, Tang Fan quickly solved them one by one, utilizing his keen observation of weather, knowledge of chemical reactions (such as white lime reacting with water and moss), and common sense (like the horse's preference for sweets), thus easing Pan Bin's immediate burdens. Meanwhile, Sui Zhou, a Zongqi of the Northern Administrative Court of Imperial Guards, arrived in a black cloak at an inn.
He mused that if the year brought favorable weather, the grasslands would yield enough fodder for the livestock to survive winter, preventing the Oirats from invading the south due to food shortages, which would spare many lives for the border guards.
Sui Zhou then confronted the innkeeper, Jia Kui, revealing Jia Kui's true past: Jia Kui had joined the army at 15, became a squad leader at 17, and at 20, was transferred to Datong with Qianhu Ding Rusun and incorporated into the Yunzhou Iron Guard. By 22, he was a Baihu commander, fighting over a hundred battles during five years of border defense.
However, on the fifth day of the first lunar month of his twenty-seventh year, he assassinated Garrison General Ding Rusun, changed his name, and fled outside the Shanhai Pass for eleven years. Sui Zhou, who identified himself as a Zongqi of the Northern Administrative Court of Imperial Guards, had spent years searching for Jia Kui and finally apprehended him.
After ensuring his wife and child would not be implicated, Jia Kui surrendered, though he still wondered if he could have escaped. Later, while patrolling the streets, Zheng Cheng, the eldest son of Marquis Wu'an, tried to accost a flower girl. Tang Fan intervened, publicly scolding Zheng Cheng and calling him out as a "good-for-nothing and lecherous" son of the Marquis, allowing the girl to escape.
Although enraged, Zheng Cheng, being challenged in broad daylight, could do nothing against Tang Fan. News then broke that Han Zao, His Highness Prince's studying companion, had gone missing. The Prince, considering Han Zao like a brother, frantically reported it to the Emperor, but others, including a courtier, dismissed it as mere playfulness, suggesting the Prince choose another companion.
Her Majesty, the Empress Dowager, summoned her personal chief eunuch Liu Xiang, who reported that after their afternoon class, the Prince stayed in Wenhua Palace to continue studying, while Han Zao had left the palace early, stating he was going home for dinner. The Emperor decided to assign the Northern Administrative Court of Imperial Guards to investigate the matter.
Late that night, Wang Zhi, the Commander of Western Depot, visited Minister Yu of the Ministry of War, presenting a memorial to the throne that Minister Yu was supposed to submit. The memorial discussed the matter of establishing an heir apparent to the throne, but its latter half contained accusations against Noble Consort Wan, claiming she monopolized the harem and meddled in state affairs.
Minister Yu, initially dismissive of eunuchs' power, was soon confronted by Wang Zhi, who used this memorial as a starting point.
Wang Zhi then listed Minister Yu's various crimes: forming cliques for selfish interests (such as plotting with officials to oppose the "Wan faction"), deceiving the Emperor (appointing his second son to an official post and fabricating his resume), and discussing state affairs inappropriately with his family (criticizing the Emperor's trust in Noble Consort Wan and accusing the eunuchs of controlling the government).
Wang Zhi then offered Minister Yu a pot of poisoned wine, subtly indicating that Minister Yu should end his life quickly to ensure the safety of his entire clan. Wang Zhi stressed that only the Emperor was truly powerful, not eunuchs like himself. Dong'er, a maid from the Li household, delivered some snacks to Tang Fan and shared the good news that Master Li would soon return to the capital.
Dong'er saw Tang Fan, a lower 6th rank official, as lazy, incompetent, and only capable of writing novels. Tang Fan, however, lectured her on the principles of governance, lamenting that corrupt officials dominated the court, being mostly sycophants who achieved nothing. He pointed out the countless tyrannical officials in the south, leading to widespread suffering and banditry.
He added that the outflow of silver during the Song and Yuan dynasties had depleted the national treasury, causing the Ming Dynasty's paper currency to be indiscriminately printed and its value to plummet. He also highlighted that in recent decades, the northern frontier had been tense, with the Doyan Three Guards of Liaodong eyeing them menacingly, yet military commanders were often incompetent.
Tang Fan believed the court should prioritize rectifying governance and investigating corruption: the national treasury needed thorough auditing and measures to increase income and reduce expenditure; the northern borders required military reorganization, rewarding merits, and stricter discipline; the south needed a focus on agriculture and commerce; and Liaodong should reopen horse markets to temporarily appease various factions, to be suppressed once the nation was prosperous and strong, thus removing future worries.
As they discussed, Pan Bin sent an official, Zhang Daren, to summon Tang Fan to Huanyi Brothel, where Zheng Cheng, whom Tang Fan had encountered earlier, had died. Inside Huanyi Brothel, Pei Huai, a medical genius, examined Zheng Cheng's body.
While all symptoms indicated a sudden collapse due to over-exhaustion, two crucial anomalies remained: the deceased had vomited a large amount of fresh blood (evidenced by bloodstains inside his teeth, gums, and mouth), yet the scene was unusually clean; and the bed frame bore multiple scratch marks, suggesting intense pain before death, possibly indicating poisoning. Tang Fan questioned the servant who first discovered the body.
Zheng Cheng had come to Huanyi Brothel that night to see the courtesan Qingzi but was refused because Qingzi was indisposed and Zheng Cheng was drunk, so he was directed to a side room to rest. The servant returned to the room around 11 PM, discovering a child hanged inside and Zheng Cheng dead. The servant confirmed that Zheng Cheng usually sought Qingzi's services and took Fuyangchun, an aphrodisiac, prescribed by Qingzi and filled at Huichun Pharmacy on Tangxibai Street.
Qingzi stated Zheng Cheng had fallen asleep when she briefly checked on him around 7:30 PM. She denied knowing the child or when the child entered the room, adding that Zheng Cheng often brought outside women into the brothel. As Tang Fan was piecing together clues, Marquis Wu'an entered the crime scene and removed Zheng Cheng's body.
Recognizing the many suspicious circumstances, Tang Fan suggested taking the body back to Shuntian Prefecture for a detailed examination, but Marquis Wu'an refused, wanting to avoid public scandal. Given Marquis Wu'an's desire to keep the matter private and his second son's plea to downplay the case, Pan Bin decided to rule Zheng Cheng's death as a sudden collapse due to illness.
He also tried to explain away the hanged child as a prostitute who committed suicide out of fear, which Tang Fan immediately refuted, stating the child was not a courtesan from Huanyi Brothel. Tang Fan vehemently disagreed with the hasty conclusion, insisting on further investigation due to the numerous irregularities, such as the missing bloodstains and the scratch marks on the bed frame, which indicated a painful struggle.
Pan Bin advised Tang Fan that the way of an official was to facilitate things for others and oneself, criticizing Tang Fan's excessive seriousness and stating that this excessive attention to detail was why Tang Fan had been idle for so many years at the Hanlin Academy. Noble Consort Wan and Wang Zhi also discussed Han Zao's disappearance.
The Noble Consort found it suspicious and feared it was a plot against her, but Wang Zhi reassured her that he would handle it appropriately. The Emperor then summoned both Shang Ming, Commander of Eastern Depot, and Wang Zhi, wishing for a thorough investigation into Zheng Cheng's death. Wang Zhi eagerly volunteered, promising a diligent inquiry, engaging in a fierce competition with Shang Ming over which agency should handle the case, emphasizing the Western Depot's efficiency and the Emperor's trust.
Afterwards, Wang Zhi subtly mentioned Minister Yu's recent death by poisoned wine to Shang Ming. Pei Huai and Tang Fan re-examined the child's body. Although apparently hanged, the ligature marks on the neck were superficial, lacking the severe bruising and struggle signs typical of self-strangulation, indicating the child was strangled after death. The true cause of death was poisoning.
Zheng Cheng died from chronic poisoning, which accumulated over time, while the child died from acute poisoning, with death occurring within an hour of ingestion, and three to six hours before Zheng Cheng. This meant the child was already dead before Zheng Cheng arrived at Huanyi Brothel.
Further investigation revealed that Zheng Cheng and Tang Fan's public quarrel had caused a street blockage the previous day, forcing a carriage carrying a child to stop near the brothel around 3-5 PM, which had gone unnoticed by Tang Fan until now. The Ministry of Punishments and the Court of Judicial Review jointly submitted a memorial impeaching Pan Bin for his shoddy handling of Zheng Cheng's case, accusing him of negligence and disregarding human life.
Pan Bin, in a panic, sought Tang Fan's help. Tang Fan advised Pan Bin to submit a memorial confessing his shortcomings, explaining the pressure from Marquis Wu'an to avoid public scandal, hoping to gain the Emperor's sympathy. Tang Fan suggested Pan Bin also request that the Eastern Depot, Western Depot, Imperial Guards, Ministry of Punishments, and Court of Judicial Review jointly assist in the investigation to uncover the truth for Marquis Wu'an's family.
Episode 2 Recap
Tang Fan and Pan Bin arrived at Dong's Restaurant, where Tang Fan noted the minced meat noodles tasted uniquely different. He praised the chef, who revealed he enhanced the dish by incorporating egg white for tenderness and egg yolk for richness. Despite the chef’s culinary skill, Tang Fan observed his upright posture, broad shoulders, and powerful arms, deducing he was not a true cook but rather someone with military training and a skilled hand for wielding a knife.
The final confirmation of his identity came from the seventh-rank official boots he wore. The chef then introduced himself as Sui Zhou, a Zongqi from the Imperial Guards’ Northern Administrative Court. Soon after, Wang Zhi from the Western Depot arrived, joining them at the table. The conversation quickly turned to the cases of Marquis Wu'an's son's death and the disappearance of the Prince's studying companion.
It was revealed that the Prince's companion's carriage was last seen stalled on a street where Tang Fan and Zheng Cheng, Marquis Wu'an's son, were involved in an altercation. Given Tang Fan's unexpected connection to both major cases, Sui Zhou decided to take him to the Northern Administrative Court’s prison for questioning.
Wang Zhi also expressed a desire to question Tang Fan at the Western Depot, but Sui Zhou asserted his precedence, reminding Tang Fan that the Imperial Guards operate under imperial decree and can question any official, regardless of rank. Tang Fan, a sixth-rank magistrate, initially resisted being taken by Sui Zhou, a seventh-rank official, but was ultimately led away. Held overnight in the prison, Tang Fan meticulously outlined his movements, demonstrating his alibi for the time of Zheng Cheng's death.
He recounted being detained by Governor Pan Bin at Shuntian Prefecture to review case files from late afternoon until early evening, a fact Pan Bin and other officials could corroborate. After returning home, Tang Fan made several stops to buy food and wine, arriving home at 8:45 PM. Zheng Cheng was killed between 7 PM and 11 PM. Tang Fan pointed out that he only lacked an alibi between 8:45 PM and 11 PM.
He then presented five different routes from his home to Huanyi Brothel, where Zheng Cheng was found dead, calculating that it would be impossible to travel there, commit the murder, and return home within that limited timeframe, especially before a Shuntian Prefecture clerk arrived at his residence. He humorously concluded that he was certainly not a hidden martial arts master.
The next morning, Sui Zhou offered Tang Fan wontons, explaining that taking him into custody had prevented Wang Zhi from doing so, which would have had more severe consequences. They then revisited the disappearance of the Prince's studying companion, Han Zao. Tang Fan inquired about Han Zao’s appearance, noting its striking resemblance to the boy found dead in Zheng Cheng’s room.
They brought Han’s servant to the Shuntian Prefecture coroner’s office, where the servant tearfully confirmed the deceased boy was indeed Han Zao. With the two cases now closely linked, Sui Zhou also questioned the circumstances of Zheng Cheng’s death. Initial findings indicated poisoning. A bottle of "Fuyangchun," a tonic Zheng Cheng reportedly took daily at 9 AM, was found near the body. Zheng Cheng’s servant confirmed the medicine was prepared at Huichun Pharmacy using a specific prescription.
Sui Zhou immediately dispatched Imperial Guards to retrieve Zheng Cheng's body from Marquis Wu'an's mansion for further examination. At Huichun Pharmacy, they discovered several pages missing from the prescription records. The clerk explained that a former apothecary named Lin Chaodong, who had since returned to his hometown in Henan, was responsible for the missing entries. Lin Chaodong had joined Huichun Pharmacy two years prior, reportedly to follow a childhood sweetheart to the capital.
Tang Fan quickly deduced that the man pretending to be a customer was, in fact, the shopkeeper, Mr. Li, based on his subtle interactions with the clerk and his familiarity with the shop’s layout. Under Sui Zhou's interrogation, Mr. Li confessed to engaging in illicit trade with Oirats in the Iron Market, exchanging medicinal herbs for wrought iron, a controlled substance, as he only accepted iron and not money for these transactions.
However, he denied having anything to do with Western Xia grass aconitum, a highly toxic ingredient. Shortly after, Sui Zhou learned that the Eastern Depot had already seized Zheng Cheng's body. Tang Fan, initially eager to assist with the investigation, was denied entry into the Northern Administrative Court, much to his frustration. As Tang Fan walked home, he was intercepted by Western Depot guards and brought before Wang Zhi.
Wang Zhi, who knew of Tang Fan's secret life as an author of romantic novels, revealed that his medical officers had analyzed the Fuyangchun. They discovered two additional ingredients not listed in the original prescription: Bupleurum and Western Xia grass aconitum. Wang Zhi shared this information with Tang Fan, requesting his assistance in solving the murder, emphasizing the Prince’s distress over Han Zao’s death. Tang Fan then sought out Qingzi, the courtesan Zheng Cheng had sought out at Huanyi Brothel.
While Zheng Cheng had been devoted enough to buy her freedom, Qingzi admitted her affections were merely a performance for business. She confirmed providing Zheng Cheng with the Fuyangchun prescription, admitting it was solely for monetary gain. She claimed not to have noticed anything unusual about Zheng Cheng, though she acknowledged his overbearing personality often led him to make enemies. Leaving Huanyi Brothel, Tang Fan was ambushed by several masked Oirats. Sui Zhou dramatically intervened, saving Tang Fan’s life.
Sui Zhou informed him that a fire had broken out at the Eastern Depot, destroying the morgue, including Zheng Cheng's body which had been taken there earlier that day. However, upon closer inspection of the burnt remains, they discovered three deep knife wounds on the chest and abdomen. This crucial detail confirmed their suspicion that the body was not Zheng Cheng's and had been swapped.
Tang Fan suspected Marquis Wu'an's mansion had provided the fake body to the Eastern Depot, although the motive remained unclear. This, however, definitively linked Zheng Cheng's death to the Marquis's household. They further deliberated on the two additional medicinal ingredients Wang Zhi had found: Western Xia grass aconitum, a potent poison, and Bupleurum, which could suppress its immediate effects.
They deduced that this concoction transformed the otherwise beneficial Fuyangchun into a chronic poison that, over time, would deplete a person's vitality and erode their internal organs. Amidst their discussion, an officer reported the discovery of Han Zao's missing carriage. Its deep wheel tracks had aroused suspicion, leading to the discovery of a hidden compartment containing over seventy ingots of wrought iron, weighing hundreds of kilograms. A plum blossom insignia on the axle confirmed it belonged to the Han Mansion.
The driver, interrogated by Sui Zhou who spoke Oirat, admitted the carriage was procured from a dealer in the Iron Market. Sui Zhou explained that Oirats, needing ironwares like salt and tea from the Central Plains, traded their own specialties.
With the Ming court's strict prohibition on exporting weapons to the north, Oirats increasingly sought wrought iron, which could be directly forged into weapons, leading to the establishment of the "Iron Market" in the capital, a bustling bazaar frequented by Oirats, some of whom were spies or bandits.
Connecting Mr. Li’s illicit trade with the Oirats, Han Zao’s carriage ending up in Oirat hands, and his own recent ambush by Oirats, Tang Fan decided he had to investigate the Iron Market. Sui Zhou, however, warned him of the Oirats' fierce nature and their ruthless treatment of captives, implying that Tang Fan would not survive long in such an environment. Despite the warning, Tang Fan insisted on going. They disguised themselves and entered the market.
While Sui Zhou questioned a man about a carriage, Tang Fan spotted his jade chopsticks, lost during the ambush. In the ensuing commotion to retrieve them, Tang Fan and Sui Zhou became separated. Tang Fan, unable to defend himself, hid until nightfall. Emerging from his hiding spot in the deserted Iron Market, he was unexpectedly slapped by a drunken woman.
Episode 3 Recap
Tang Fan, having been slapped by a drunk woman who then fainted, had no choice but to carry her. On the way, he encountered an Oirat man who spoke Han Chinese. The man led Tang Fan to the woman's room before leaving. Seeing the woman still clutching his clothes, Tang Fan removed his outer garment, quickly put on a jacket from the room, and slipped out. Sui Zhou captured the Oirat who had ambushed Tang Fan.
Under interrogation, the Oirat confessed that Lin Chaodong had paid him for the attack. Six months prior, Lin Chaodong had come to the Iron Market and purchased all of the Western Xia grass aconitum available in the store. Later, he returned and offered ten taels of silver for the Oirats to snatch a medicine bottle from Tang Fan. After they succeeded, Lin Chaodong disguised himself as an Oirat and acquired two Oirat customs clearance papers.
Regarding the Han family carriage, the Oirats explained that they had gone to the destitute's cemetery outside the city at night to dig up ownerless bodies for money. There, they encountered a coachman with a carriage. They killed the coachman and discovered a child's body in the carriage, subsequently selling both corpses to someone claiming to be Lin Chaodong's friend.
The Oirat revealed they initially sold the child's body disguised as a female corpse, and later sold an adult male corpse for double the price. Tang Fan recalled showing the Fuyangchun medicine bottle to Feng Qingzi, the courtesan from Huanyi Brothel, on the day he was ambushed by Lin Chaodong's hired men. He deduced that Feng Qingzi was Lin Chaodong's childhood sweetheart.
Given that Zheng Cheng's Fuyangchun prescription was provided by Feng Qingzi and prepared by Lin Chaodong by adding conflicting ingredients, they suspected Feng Qingzi and Lin Chaodong were the true murderers of Zheng Cheng, considering it a crime of passion. Tang Fan and Sui Zhou went to Huanyi Brothel, only to find that Feng Qingzi had redeemed her freedom and disappeared, leading them to a dead end on that lead. They decided to reinvestigate the Han family carriage instead.
They knew Han Zao died from acute poison and wondered if the coachman was the culprit. Their investigation revealed the coachman had no family, only a distant relative in the capital whose identity was unknown to Han Mansion staff. Meanwhile, Wang Zhi discovered that Han Zao, the Crown Prince's studying companion, had died from Tancha Powder, a secret poison manufactured by the Eastern Depot.
It was rumored that masters of this poison could precisely control the victim's time of death down to the "弹指 (tánzhǐ, an instant)" and "刹那 (chànà, a moment)". Wang Zhi used this information to summon the Eastern Depot officers responsible for Tancha Powder to the Western Depot for questioning. He eventually traced the poison to a eunuch named Fulin. Fulin, attempting to evade capture, jumped into a well to commit suicide.
This incident alarmed the Emperor, who summoned Wang Zhi and warned him not to cause further trouble, especially concerning the inner palace. Tang Fan and Sui Zhou continued their search for witnesses, driving a carriage around. They learned from a roadside shop owner that the coachman's distant relative was his uncle, Hou the Senior. As they were calculating the time of the incident based on Hou the Senior's testimony, Wang Zhi arrived.
The three men went to Dong's Restaurant to eat and discuss the cases. Tang Fan presented three conjectures. First, Han Zao had only interacted with his coachman from leaving the palace until his death, yet the coachman was innocent, indicating Han Zao must have been poisoned within the palace.
Second, Wang Zhi's discovery that Han Zao died from Tancha Powder, combined with the fact that the Crown Prince daily read historical texts detailing treacherous eunuchs, confirmed Tang Fan's second conjecture: the two cases were initially unrelated and their intersection was a mere coincidence. Tang Fan withheld his third conjecture, hinting that Wang Zhi's assistance would be necessary to confirm it.
Sui Zhou led his men to ambush Lin Chaodong at the Iron Market, though he was annoyed to find Tang Fan had insisted on accompanying them. Sui Zhou, recognizing the extreme danger of the Iron Market, tried to dissuade Tang Fan, but Tang Fan slipped away. Feng Qingzi and Lin Chaodong appeared at the Iron Market. After a frantic chase, Tang Fan and Sui Zhou finally apprehended them.
As Sui Zhou prepared to capture Lin Chaodong alive, a masked man shot Lin Chaodong and then escaped. Despite Tang Fan and Sui Zhou's best efforts, Lin Chaodong died from his wound. A heartbroken Feng Qingzi, seeing Lin Chaodong pass away, prepared to reveal the full story.
Episode 4 Recap
Feng Qingzi, with her family having a long-standing friendship with the Lin family, was engaged to Lin Chaodong since childhood. They shared the happiest times until her father was imprisoned, leading her to be sent to the Department of Official Prostitutes and then sold to Huanyi Brothel. She believed her life was over, but Lin Chaodong found her after great hardship, promising to redeem her freedom.
To gather the exorbitant 500 tael demanded by the procuress, Lin Chaodong sold his land and valuables. However, Zheng Cheng intervened, buying Feng Qingzi’s freedom first but keeping her confined to the brothel. When Lin Chaodong confronted Zheng Cheng, he was severely beaten, and the authorities, instead of helping, arrested him for a month. Trapped and desperate, Feng Qingzi and Lin Chaodong had initially contemplated suicide.
Then, someone approached Lin Chaodong, offering a way out by demanding Zheng Cheng’s death and the Fuyangchun Pill’s prescription be given to this mysterious person. Though initially hesitant, Feng Qingzi realized that Zheng Cheng’s demise was their only hope for survival. Unexpectedly, their plan was exposed. After recounting the tragic sequence of events, she pleaded with Tang Fan to be buried alongside Lin Chaodong, then ended her life with a hairpin.
Tang Fan, seeing her profound despair, did not stop her, acknowledging that a person whose spirit has died has no reason to cling to their physical form. Governor Pan, of Shuntian Prefecture, eagerly inquired about the case’s progress. Tang Fan and Sui Zhou, having decided on a strategy to lure out the true mastermind, lied to him, claiming they had apprehended the culprit and would transfer him to Shuntian Prefecture after interrogation at the Northern Administrative Court.
Satisfied, Governor Pan proceeded to Marquis Wu’an Mansion to report the successful arrest. Upon hearing the news, Zheng Ying, the second son of Marquis Wu’an, displayed a peculiar expression. Later, Sui Zhou and Tang Fan planned to "draw the snake out of its hole" to catch the true mastermind. Sui Zhou, instructing Xue Ling, ordered all exits guarded while leaving a side door open and vacating certain cells to reinforce security.
Anticipating that the real murderer would dispatch someone to silence the supposed culprit that night, Sui Zhou took the additional precaution of locking Tang Fan in a prison cell. He reasoned that Tang Fan's inability to keep a secret would surely lead to the exposure of their plan, thus preventing him from inadvertently interfering. Tang Fan, a higher-ranking magistrate, expressed his indignant frustration at being confined by the lower-ranking Sui Zhou, but he was powerless to change the situation.
As night fell, assassins indeed infiltrated the prison. Upon realizing their cover was blown, they seized Tang Fan and fled. The carefully laid plan by Sui Zhou and Tang Fan had failed. Governor Pan, discovering the deception and the subsequent escape, was enraged. He sternly ordered Sui Zhou and Tang Fan to cease all further investigation and immediately close the case. Meanwhile, Dong, the food vendor, arrived at Tang Fan’s residence with food.
Their conversation was interrupted by Duo Er La, the woman from the previous night’s drunken encounter, and Wuyunbulage, a formidable man who spoke fluent Han Chinese. Duo Er La, whom Wuyunbulage respectfully called "Aha" (meaning boss), accused Tang Fan of stealing her valuable cloak when he helped her home. They demanded 50 tael for the stolen cloak and an additional 500 tael for its alleged tearing, claiming his life was forfeit for the damage.
As the dispute escalated, Sui Zhou arrived, and the confrontation moved to Shuntian Prefecture. Dong, an objective witness, clearly recounted the chaotic events, including Duo Er La kicking Tang Fan and Wuyunbulage holding a sheep while Tang Fan struggled over his chopsticks and the cloak. After hearing Dong’s testimony, Governor Pan confiscated the disputed items and announced that a verdict would be given on a later date. Duo Er La, though furious, had no choice but to comply.
Later, Wang Zhi, from the Western Depot, summoned Governor Pan to Marquis Wu’an Mansion to clarify the details of the murder case. Governor Pan truthfully reported the case’s closure and the supposed death of the culprit. Wang Zhi then offered condolences and assurance to Marquis Wu’an regarding the future granting of the title to Zheng Ying.
As Wang Zhi prepared to depart, Tang Fan seized the opportunity to request access to all coast defense files from the Jingtai reign to the present. Wang Zhi, noting that Lin Chaodong’s killer had used a Japanese sword, immediately perceived a connection with Tang Fan’s request for maritime defense records. Just as Wang Zhi considered questioning Tang Fan further, an assassin, disguised as the carriage driver, lunged at him.
With Tang Fan’s quick thinking and assistance, Wang Zhi managed to counter and kill his attacker, acknowledging Tang Fan’s invaluable aid. That same night, Marquis Wu’an Mansion was preparing for Zheng Cheng’s funeral procession. Tang Fan and Sui Zhou, with their forces, surrounded the mansion. Tang Fan boldly accused Marquis Wu’an and Zheng Ying of four grave crimes: harboring a murderer, providing false evidence, setting fire to the Eastern Depot, and murder along with prison break.
He declared that the definitive evidence lay within the coffin. When Marquis Wu’an refused to open the coffin, asserting his authority and defying the Imperial Guards and Shuntian Prefecture, Wang Zhi intervened. Tang Fan then laid out his theory: Marquis Wu’an was initially unaware of the true culprit on the night of the murder. However, within a day, he learned that Zheng Ying was the actual killer.
To protect his son, he promptly replaced Zheng Cheng’s body with a fake one for the Eastern Depot and ordered the Eastern Depot to be set ablaze. Tang Fan further presented two pieces of evidence to prove that a contingent of Japanese retainers was in the Marquis’s service.
He explained that in the third lunar month of the 7th year of the Jingtai reign, the ""current Marquis Wu’an"", then his father's eldest son (named Ying, 18 years old at the time), was stationed at the Zhejiang coast. To prevent the demotion of his family's hereditary knighthood, as dictated by law, ""he"" earned military merit.
In the 3rd year of the Chenghua reign, at the age of 29, during the Civil War of Onin in Japan, the Marquis, then General of Defense in Xiangzhou, subdued a large number of Japanese warriors and brought them back to Beijing as his personal retainers after inheriting his title. Despite Tang Fan’s detailed revelations, Marquis Wu’an continued to deny everything, adamantly refusing to open the coffin and creating a tense standoff.
Seeing his father’s defiance, Zheng Ying stepped forward and confessed to all the crimes. He admitted that he had killed Zheng Cheng because his older brother was a dissolute and worthless individual who would have tarnished the family’s honor if he inherited the Marquisate. To conceal the murder, Zheng Ying had staged Zheng Cheng’s death as a sudden stroke during sex, which required a female companion.
Unable to use Feng Qingzi due to Lin Chaodong’s interference, Zheng Ying bought a female child’s corpse from Iron Market and placed it in Zheng Cheng’s room to simulate a suicide. Coincidentally, the child turned out to be the Prince’s studying companion. After confessing his heinous actions, Zheng Ying took his own life with a swift stroke of his sword. With Zheng Ying’s confession and suicide, the Marquis Wu’an Mansion murder case finally concluded.
Shortly after, Wang Zhi redeemed Jia Kui from the Northern Administrative Court. He provided Jia Kui with some money, instructing him to settle down quickly, clearly intending to utilize him in the future. For his meritorious service in assisting Shuntian Prefecture with the Marquis Wu’an Mansion murder case, Sui Zhou was promoted to Baihu, a sixth-rank official. He received a reward of 100 tael.
Tang Fan, who felt he had risked his life to solve the complex case, grumbled to Governor Pan about Sui Zhou receiving all the accolades and promotions. Governor Pan, revealing that Sui Zhou was a descendant of Sui Anlan, a revered General of Cavalry who had defended the empire against invaders and had powerful connections (e. g. , related to Empress Dowager Zhou), explained that such connections were instrumental in officialdom.
He advised Tang Fan to focus on diligently performing his duties, as hard work and practical actions were the only way for him to advance without such powerful backing. Later, at Dong’s Restaurant, Tang Fan continued to lament his lack of promotion and constant danger, even complaining about his outstanding noodle bill.
Sui Zhou, however, shared half of his reward money (50 tael) with Tang Fan, reminding him that the Imperial Guards had also suffered casualties and injuries in the pursuit of justice, showing that both sides had paid a price for the resolution of the case.
Episode 5 Recap
Wang Zhi's interrogation methods were harsh, driving people to madness in his search for clues, a style Sui Zhou criticized as ineffective. Sui Zhou believed such torture yielded no useful information, while Wang Zhi retorted that sometimes a lack of leads was a lead in itself. Late one night, Dong knelt at Tang Fan's door, desperate for help. Her master, Mr. Li, and his second wife had returned home and planned to sell their property and move south.
As a "dead contract" servant, Dong was to be sold. Tang Fan assured her he would try to buy her contract. Sui Zhou went to Tang Fan’s residence to discuss the stagnant Han Zao case, only to find Tang Fan’s rented place had been sold by the Li family, requiring him to vacate within three days.
Tang Fan, a sixth-rank magistrate, took advantage of his predicament, inquiring about Sui Zhou’s spacious three-entrance house in the prime area of Chongbeifang, which Sui Zhou lived in alone. Tang Fan claimed he could not focus on the case without a place to stay, effectively moving into Sui Zhou's home. Despite Sui Zhou's initial surprise, Tang Fan settled in quickly, even trying to assert himself as a paying tenant.
Later, at Shuntian Prefecture, Duo Er La, accompanied by her subordinate, confronted Tang Fan again. She demanded her cloak back within three days, accusing him of theft and damaging her property from their previous encounter, which had led to their original dispute. To ensure Tang Fan's compliance, she seized his personal chopsticks. Tang Fan managed to gather the fifty taels needed for Dong’s contract, only to discover the second wife had already sold Dong to the proprietress of Huanyi Brothel.
The proprietress, however, drastically inflated the price, demanding two hundred taels for Dong's freedom. With no other options, Tang Fan decided to seek Sui Zhou’s assistance. Attempting to curry favor, Tang Fan tried to cook for Sui Zhou, but his culinary skills were so poor he nearly set the kitchen ablaze. He then relayed Dong’s tragic story, appealing to Sui Zhou for help.
Sui Zhou responded by dispatching Imperial Guards, in conjunction with the Water and Fire Association, to inspect Huanyi Brothel's fire safety. This disruption drove away all the customers, forcing the proprietress to quickly hand over Dong and her contract to the Imperial Guards to preserve her business. The Imperial Guards brought Dong directly to Sui Zhou’s residence and gave her contract to Tang Fan, who immediately tore it up.
Dong was welcomed into the household, and the three began living together. However, Tang Fan and Dong’s attempts to organize Sui Zhou’s belongings, such as airing his books and ordering a new arhat bed, led to chaos. Sui Zhou, a man of meticulous habits, became furious, but Tang Fan managed to appease him by mentioning he had spent the entire night reviewing Han Zao’s case files.
Tang Fan informed Sui Zhou that to uncover more clues for the Han Zao case, he needed to enter the palace. Sui Zhou, making an exception, escorted Tang Fan inside, pointing out significant locations like the Imperial Kitchen, the Crown Prince's Ciqing Palace, Empress Dowager Zhou's Ningshou Palace, Noble Consort Wan's Anxi Palace, and Wenhua Hall, where Han Zao had last been seen before his death.
Tang Fan revealed his true objective was to speak with the Crown Prince, the last person to have seen Han Zao alive. Sui Zhou acknowledged this was an extraordinary and difficult request. Leveraging his family's long-standing connection with Empress Dowager Zhou, Sui Zhou sought her assistance. He explained the complexity and slow progress of the Imperial Guards' investigation into the Crown Prince's studying companion case, emphasizing the Emperor's close attention to the matter.
He requested Empress Dowager Zhou to facilitate a meeting between Tang Fan and the Crown Prince. Empress Dowager Zhou agreed and took them to the drill ground, where the Crown Prince was practicing archery. During a break, she inquired about the events of the day Han Zao died. The Crown Prince cooperatively recounted the day's events.
He recalled studying "Historical Records of the Later Qin Dynasty," the third chapter of "Abridged Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government," and taking a short nap around Wei Shi (1-3 PM). Palace maids then brought mung bean soup, a gift from Noble Consort Wan's palace. However, his eunuch, Liu Xiang, intervened, stating that the decoction the Crown Prince was taking for internal fever and external cold (a Ficus tea prescribed by the Imperial Hospital) was incompatible with mung beans.
Consequently, the Crown Prince did not drink the soup, and Han Zao consumed both bowls. They continued their studies until Shen Shi (3-5 PM), when Han Zao departed. Noble Consort Wan, having been informed that Empress Dowager Zhou and a magistrate were questioning the Crown Prince, quickly arrived at the drill ground. Meanwhile, a subordinate reported the situation to Wang Zhi, who immediately ordered a carriage to the Imperial Study, intending to involve the Emperor to resolve the escalating confrontation. The Emperor arrived just as Empress Dowager Zhou and Noble Consort Wan's dispute over the matter intensified.
Episode 6 Recap
The Emperor arrived to mediate the tension between the ""Empress Dowager"" and the Noble Consort, skillfully redirecting the conversation by reminiscing with Tang Fan about "Scholar's Candies." Wang Zhi, visibly nervous, later escorted Tang Fan and Sui Zhou out of the Forbidden City. He sternly warned them against taking such risks, emphasizing the dangers of their actions within the imperial palace, particularly questioning the Crown Prince.
Tang Fan lightheartedly dismissed the severity, but Sui Zhou conceded Wang Zhi's point about the perilous nature of the Forbidden City. Tang Fan later obtained some Tancha Powder from Wang Zhi for analysis. Wang Zhi cautioned him that the poison was extremely potent and lacked an antidote. To understand its properties and effects, the eccentric physician Pei Huai bravely experimented on himself.
He meticulously described his physiological changes after ingestion, from abdominal pain and blurred vision to a doubled heart rate, chills, and cold sweats, while Tang Fan diligently recorded everything. As his symptoms worsened, Pei Huai hurriedly induced vomiting with muskmelon pedicel powder and took an antidote, narrowly saving his own life. Following this harrowing experience, Pei Huai concluded that the poison must have been administered around the time the mung bean soup was consumed.
He further determined that the dosage was precisely calculated based on the victim's height and weight, indicating a deliberate act rather than an accident. Meanwhile, Wang Zhi's investigation revealed that the eunuch, Fulin, who brought the Tancha Powder into the palace, had moved his family to the capital two years prior, purchased property, and opened a bean pudding shop. With this information, Wang Zhi approached the Noble Consort.
Initially, she accused him of distrusting her, but to clear her name, she reluctantly handed over her personal eunuch, who had been the last person to interact with Han Zao. After an intense interrogation, Wang Zhi corroborated the eunuch's testimony with Tang Fan's findings, leading him to suspect Chief Eunuch Liu Xiang as the poisoner. Concurrently, Tang Fan and Sui Zhou’s external investigation gained clarity.
They visited the bean pudding shop, pretending to be Fulin's friends, and offered his family ten taels of silver as a gesture of sympathy. During their conversation, they learned that a "Godfather Liu" had been taking care of Fulin's affairs after his death. Based on this, Sui Zhou deduced that "Godfather Liu" was likely a senior eunuch who had sponsored Fulin upon his initial entry into the palace.
Sui Zhou expressed his distrust in Wang Zhi due to the Noble Consort's involvement. Their continued investigation pinpointed Liu Xiang as the only eunuch surnamed Liu who had early contact with Fulin in the palace. Upon confronting Liu Xiang, he confessed his motive. Fifteen years prior, while working in the Imperial Library, he befriended a court lady named Ji. Her intelligence and grace captivated the Emperor, who made her ""Consort Shu Ji"".
She soon became pregnant, which enraged the Noble Consort, who subsequently ordered her execution. Liu Xiang believed that as long as the Noble Consort lived, the Crown Prince (""Consort Shu Ji's"" son) would be in constant peril. He stated that all his actions were solely for the Crown Prince's safety and to avenge ""Consort Shu Ji"", seeing himself as a loyal and righteous individual.
Before Tang Fan and Sui Zhou could apprehend him, Wang Zhi arrived and executed Liu Xiang on the spot. With his dying breath, Liu Xiang implored Wang Zhi to protect the Crown Prince, a promise Wang Zhi readily gave. Wang Zhi then invoked the authority of the Imperial Palace, ordering Tang Fan and Sui Zhou to immediately close the case and strictly forbidding any further discussion of it.
Wang Zhi's recent success in solving two high-profile cases involving imperial family affairs led to considerable criticism from court officials. To avoid further scrutiny, the Emperor dispatched him to Liaodong to investigate Chen Yue's proposal to reopen the horse markets there. Meanwhile, Sui Zhou remained troubled by the injustices in the Han Zao case, where the innocent died without proper redress, and the Lin Chaodong case, where the helper was murdered while the true culprits remained at large.
Tang Fan, however, argued that the primary culprit in the Han Zao case was dead, and therefore justice had been served, suggesting the matter be dropped. Sui Zhou received a new assignment: investigating a report from Ji'an Government of Jiangxi, where 387 prisoners had supposedly died of illness since the 11th year of Chenghua. It was suspected that prisoners were being tortured and their deaths falsely reported as illness.
Sui Zhou was tasked with a joint investigation alongside Tu Xun, an official from the Ministry of Punishments, and "a censorial inspector and Du Bu". Before his departure, Jia Kui sought out Sui Zhou, asking him to deliver "gold" to his wife and children and instruct them to relocate and start a new life elsewhere.
Sui Zhou agreed but pressed Jia Kui for the identity of the person who had released him from the Imperial Edict Prison with an imperial pardon, suspecting only the Emperor could issue such a document. Jia Kui indicated he would reveal the truth, but warned that doing so would necessitate killing Sui Zhou. Now with time on his hands after the case closure, Tang Fan decided to teach Dong to read, having been impressed by her exceptional memory in court.
He gave her a copy of "Hundred Family Surnames." Tang Fan remarked that he had taken three days to learn it, but Dong surprised him by memorizing the entire book in just one hour, leaving him astonished. Tang Fan then recalled his earlier promise to Duo Er La. He took her "clothes" to the Iron Market, only to discover a hole she herself had torn in it.
Furious at the perceived damage to her beloved garment, Duo Er La snapped Tang Fan's chopsticks in retaliation. With Sui Zhou leaving for his mission, expected to be gone for over a month, Tang Fan, feeling indignant, decided to personally seek revenge at the Iron Market. He began selecting a weapon, finding one that looked imposing but was too heavy, leading Dong to question his fighting ability and suggest he wait for Sui Zhou's return.
Episode 7 Recap
Tang Fan returned home covered in injuries, much to Dong’s dismay. Despite his wounds, Tang Fan remained defiant, insisting that the "wild woman" had cheated by striking first and catching him off guard. He declared that once his injuries healed, he would challenge her to another fight. Meanwhile, Sui Zhou and his subordinates arrived in Ji'an City. Local residents boasted about the remarkable public order under the local ""Prefect"", Huang Jinglong, claiming that doors could be left unlocked at night.
As Sui Zhou's group regarded these claims with skepticism, they witnessed several yamen officers apprehending a petty thief and attempting to inflict severe punishment. Unable to bear the brutality, Sui Zhou intervened, only to be arrested himself along with his men. The group was taken to the local ""Prefect's"" office where Huang Jinglong interrogated the thief, Nie Ping. Nie Ping confessed he stole medicine because his mother was gravely ill and his family had no money.
Huang Jinglong, while sentencing Nie Ping to one year in prison according to Ming Dynasty law, personally modified the costly prescription to be more affordable by substituting expensive ingredients with common ones. He also lent Nie Ping five taels of silver to ensure his mother had enough medicine for a year, instructing him to settle his mother before returning to serve his sentence.
Witnessing Huang Jinglong's handling of the case, Sui Zhou and his men were initially convinced of his impartiality and integrity, believing he could not possibly be an abuser of prisoners. They then revealed their identities, with Sui Zhou stating his purpose was to investigate the alarmingly high number of prisoner deaths in Ji'an. He requested five years' worth of prison files, which Huang Jinglong readily agreed to provide.
Back in the capital, Tang Fan, still nursing his wounds, plotted his revenge. He meticulously recreated the layout of the Iron Market and identified an ideal ambush spot. Armed with a slingshot, he returned to the market and launched a stone at Duo Er La. His attempt failed, and he was once again defeated by her.
He returned home injured, and Dong, disheartened, urged him to defer his revenge until Sui Zhou returned, or seek help from the Shuntian Prefecture, though Tang Fan dismissed the latter as a misuse of public resources. Sui Zhou visited the Ji'an prison for an on-site inspection, discovering that the number of inmates, 514, far exceeded the prison’s capacity of 200.
He confronted Huang Jinglong about the overcrowding and the severe treatment of prisoners, arguing against the ""Prefect's"" philosophy that all criminals, regardless of the severity of their misdeeds, deserved to suffer equally. Huang Jinglong maintained that his actions were rooted in justice and law, for which he had no shame. Sui Zhou’s investigation gradually revealed that Ji'an's seemingly tranquil atmosphere was, in fact, maintained by the populace's profound fear of Huang Jinglong's harsh punishments.
Meanwhile, on his journey to Liaodong, Wang Zhi inquired about the relationships among the various tribes. He learned that the Three Guards—Doyan, Fuyu, and Taining—had served the Ming Dynasty since the Yongle Emperor's reign, with the Doyan Guard being the most powerful. He also discovered that recent horse markets, opened across Liaodong, had inadvertently led to the resurgence of the nearly extinct Jurchen tribes.
As Wang Zhi discussed these matters, tribal leaders, including an envoy from the Three Guards named Jia Kui, arrived to welcome him. However, Guangning General Chen Yue was conspicuously absent. The leaders hosted a lavish banquet, attempting to curry favor and offer bribes to Wang Zhi. Chen Yue eventually arrived late and displayed blatant disrespect, questioning Wang Zhi's presence and refusing to drink.
Wang Zhi, unfazed, used the opportunity to subtly address the issue of officials embezzling military funds and exploiting the populace. He then declared that all the valuable gifts received would be meticulously recorded by Ding Rong and deposited into the national treasury, ensuring transparency and asserting his authority. After this exchange, Chen Yue, recognizing Wang Zhi was incorruptible, became more cordial. He discussed the volatile situation in Liaodong, explaining that while the tribes appeared obedient, undercurrents of discontent ran deep.
Each tribe coveted the lucrative horse market for their own territory. Chen Yue argued that opening the market in Guangning, which was closest to the Jurchens, would undoubtedly provoke the jealousy of the Three Guards and was thus ill-advised. Wang Zhi clarified that the reopening of the horse market was the Emperor's express wish, emphasizing that the Emperor's judgment was paramount.
Chen Yue, understanding the profound implications, requested that Wang Zhi, in his capacity as an imperial commissioner, issue a strict order prohibiting any tribe from carrying weapons into the horse market. After a brief consideration, Wang Zhi readily agreed to this crucial security measure. Tang Fan, still undeterred in his quest for an apology, positioned himself outside Duo Er La's residence, vowing not to leave until she yielded.
Duo Er La, through Aha, refused to apologize but offered him three chances to hit her with his slingshot to settle the matter once and for all. Tang Fan, conflicted, aimed his slingshot at the sky but, by an unforeseen stroke of luck, his projectile accidentally struck Duo Er La. The unexpected hit caused her pain, leaving Tang Fan pondering why he was upset despite achieving his aim, as all he truly desired was an apology for her past actions.
Sui Zhou's subsequent conversations with Huang Jinglong solidified his conviction that the ""Prefect"" was indeed responsible for abusing and killing prisoners. Despite his profound disagreement with Huang Jinglong’s methods, Sui Zhou acknowledged the ""Prefect’s"" unwavering commitment to his own skewed definition of justice. Sui Zhou proposed that Huang Jinglong accompany him to the capital to allow the Ministry of Punishments to evaluate his conduct.
However, on the day of their planned departure, Huang Jinglong reneged on their understanding, arresting Sui Zhou and his men on fabricated charges of impersonating imperial officials and imprisoning them in the Ji'an jail. News of Sui Zhou's predicament reached Tang Fan through routine reports, revealing that his friend was now in serious trouble.
Episode 8 Recap
Sui Zhou, imprisoned in Ji'an, managed to send a coded message back to the capital, but the Imperial Guards initially failed to recognize its urgency. It was only by chance that Xue Ling showed the message to Tang Fan, who immediately deciphered its hidden meaning. Using the Fanqie method from a previous dynasty's pronunciation, Tang Fan extracted a sound and a rhyme from each group of characters in Sui Zhou's message, forming three new words: "Trapped in Ji'an" (困于吉).
He realized Sui Zhou was in grave danger and urgently sought to convince Wan Tong, the Imperial Guard Commander, to dispatch troops for rescue. However, Wan Tong dismissed his concerns, believing Tang Fan was overreacting.
Left with no other choice, Tang Fan and Xue Ling secretly stole an official boat and set off south for Ji'an to save Sui Zhou, anticipating a journey of about five to six days via the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, Yangtze River, Poyang Lake, Jiaolongkou, and Ganjiang River. Meanwhile, in the Ji'an prison, Sui Zhou was confronted by a man claiming to be Wang Zhi.
The imposter stated he could report the situation to the Emperor and secure Sui Zhou's release, but only if Sui Zhou revealed the identity of the person who had accused Huang Jinglong. Sui Zhou quickly saw through the deception, recognizing the man was not the real Wang Zhi, which led to a brutal beating. Through this ordeal, Sui Zhou finally understood why Huang Jinglong dared to imprison an imperial envoy with such impunity.
In the northern pasturing area, a significant crisis unfolded as several hundred fine horses, prepared by four local tribes for the market's reopening, vanished overnight. This sparked severe internal conflict among the tribes, particularly between the Jurchen and Doyin Guards, with Fuyu and Taining Guards also en route. Upon receiving the news, Wang Zhi and Chen Yue immediately arrived at the scene. They found the area meticulously cleaned, with no trace of horses, horse droppings, or even hoof prints.
The horse keepers initially tried to blame the Jurchens, claiming the masked thieves spoke the Jurchen language. However, Wang Zhi quickly exposed their lie, and they admitted their negligence, confessing they had fallen asleep and concocted the story to avoid punishment. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the Doyin Three Guards continued to attribute the disappearance to Jurchen witchcraft. The escalating tensions were only quelled when Wang Zhi promised to personally investigate the matter thoroughly.
Chen Yue then suggested temporarily detaining the Jurchens to calm the conflict and suppress their growing influence. However, Wang Zhi firmly disagreed, highlighting the Jurchens' strategic role in balancing the power of the other three guards (Doyin, Fuyu, and Taining). He also reminded Chen Yue that reopening the horse market was the Emperor's directive, and abandoning the investigation would lead to endless future troubles.
Back on their journey, Tang Fan and Xue Ling disembarked from their boat only to be stopped by officials demanding official travel documents. Xue Ling explained their urgent mission and the absence of their documents, but the officials, having received an urgent dispatch about a stolen official boat, refused passage. They were left with no option but to abandon the boat and continue their journey by land. Concurrently, in Liaodong, Wang Zhi continued his investigation amidst worsening tribal conflicts.
Chen Yue again proposed delaying the market's reopening, but Wang Zhi once more refused. After an arduous journey, Tang Fan and Xue Ling finally reached Ji'an and decided to split up. Tang Fan, by chance, visited a small eatery where Sui Zhou frequently dined. There, he unexpectedly encountered the fake Wang Zhi. Recognizing that the imposter did not seem to recall him, Tang Fan cleverly feigned blindness to avoid detection and escape.
Simultaneously, Xue Ling went to the stables and discovered Sui Zhou's horse and his homing pigeon cage, both left behind. This discovery further solidified their belief that Sui Zhou was indeed in serious trouble. Determined to find Sui Zhou, Tang Fan resolved to infiltrate the local government prison. Before going, he entrusted Xue Ling with three small pouches, each containing instructions for different contingencies.
Tang Fan then deliberately caused a disturbance, pretending to be a thief, and allowed himself to be arrested. Inside the prison, he observed the harsh conditions and the unjust hierarchy among inmates, where a select few received better treatment. He challenged the "boss" of the prison to ensure that the meager food supply was shared among all prisoners, arguing that this would at least ensure everyone survived, even if not fully fed.
Finally, he found Sui Zhou, who was visibly weakened from torture. Sui Zhou revealed his precarious situation, stating that Huang Jinglong was desperate to extract the identity of his accuser and planned to eliminate him within half a month, regardless of whether he confessed. Meanwhile, Wang Zhi arranged a meeting with the Jurchen commander, initially attempting to assert authority by brandishing an imperial edict.
The Jurchen commander openly mocked Wang Zhi in his native language, unaware that Wang Zhi understood Jurchen. Incensed by the disrespect and insult to the imperial edict, Wang Zhi ordered his guards to flog the Jurchen official fifty times.
After this display of power, Wang Zhi calmly recounted the cautionary tale of Li Manzhu and his son, Li Gunaha, reminding the commander of how the Jurchen tribe was nearly wiped out due to their ancestors' arrogance and defiance against the Ming Dynasty. This historical lesson resonated deeply with the commander, who expressed his gratitude to Wang Zhi for his "guidance" and vowed not to repeat the same mistakes.
Both parties then agreed to cooperate: Wang Zhi would help clear the Jurchens' name in the horse theft case, and the Jurchens would provide full assistance for the successful reopening of the horse market in Guangning. Back in Ji'an, following Tang Fan's earlier instructions, Xue Ling successfully secured Tang Fan's release from prison by claiming he had made a false accusation and found his lost wallet, thus clearing Tang Fan.
With Sui Zhou's life hanging in the balance, Tang Fan and Xue Ling decided they must immediately head to Liaodong, hoping Wang Zhi could provide assistance. However, their plan was thwarted when Imperial Guards intercepted them, informing Xue Ling that Commander Wan had issued an order for his arrest on charges of stealing an official boat.
Recognizing the critical need to save Sui Zhou, Tang Fan feigned ignorance of Xue Ling's predicament ("I know nothing") and made a strategic escape, leaving Xue Ling to be apprehended. Concurrently, back in Liaodong, Wang Zhi ordered his subordinates to examine all fodder transaction records from the past ten days, deducing that the immense number of missing horses would require a massive amount of feed, which could not have been supplied if all passes were closed.
He believed this investigation would reveal clues to the horse theft. Tang Fan, now without Xue Ling, pondered how he would reach Liaodong and where he could find fast horses, then realized he knew exactly where to find them.
Episode 9 Recap
Tang Fan found himself solely responsible for rescuing Sui Zhou, as Xue Ling had been apprehended for stealing an official ship. He sought out Duo Er La in the Iron Market, requesting to borrow a horse and for her and her people to accompany him on his journey to Liaodong. Tang Fan meticulously laid out a repayment plan.
Duo Er La, however, expressed little interest in his plan, and her steward, Aha, questioned his plea, asking why they should help him. Tang Fan then offered his cherished chopsticks as collateral, explaining the urgency of Sui Zhou's dire situation and his desperate need to reach him. Aha conveyed Duo Er La's willingness to lend the horse, but stipulated that Tang Fan would owe her a favor and must agree to help her find a person later.
Tang Fan readily accepted, provided the task was neither illegal, outrageous, nor harmful. Aha assured him it was merely to investigate a case. With Duo Er La's agreement, Tang Fan and Dong'er, who insisted on accompanying him due to concern for his safety after a previous dangerous outing with Xue Ling, prepared for their immediate departure. Meanwhile, Huang Jinglong personally interrogated Sui Zhou, expressing admiration for Sui Zhou's compassion and leadership among the prisoners.
He attempted to persuade Sui Zhou to join him in his ruthless approach to governance, arguing that true salvation required an iron will, not "petty kindness." Sui Zhou firmly rejected this, asserting his unwavering commitment to the Law of the Ming Dynasty. Losing patience with Sui Zhou's defiance, Huang Jinglong revealed Sui Zhou's identity as an Imperial Guard to the other prisoners.
This revelation ignited the prisoners' animosity towards officials, shifting their collective hatred onto Sui Zhou and placing him in immediate danger within the prison. Sui Zhou, however, reminded the prisoners that he had helped them when they were starving. In Liaodong, Wang Zhi, speculating that the theft of so many horses would require large amounts of fodder, instructed his men to investigate. Chen Yue indeed confirmed that Jurchen tribes were buying substantial amounts of grass.
Wang Zhi arrived at the Jurchen tribal area just as other tribal leaders, believing the Jurchens responsible for the recent horse thefts, were on the brink of conflict. As tensions mounted, Tang Fan appeared. After Tang Fan explained his urgent need to reach Ji'an to save Sui Zhou, Wang Zhi, knowing the horse market had to reopen for him to leave Liaodong, insisted that Tang Fan first solve the horse theft case. Tang Fan reluctantly agreed.
Privately, Wang Zhi expressed considerable interest in Yang Fu, the impostor mimicking him in Ji'an. He dispatched Jia Kui ahead to investigate Yang Fu and, more importantly, instructed Jia Kui to find a way to get himself imprisoned to ensure Sui Zhou's safety. Later that night, Tang Fan, consumed by worry for Sui Zhou, could not sleep. He went to Wang Zhi's tent, eager to expedite the case and rush to Sui Zhou's aid.
Wang Zhi advised him to rest and resume the investigation the next day. As Tang Fan left Wang Zhi's tent, he became disoriented in the darkness and mistakenly entered Duo Er La's tent. He noticed her cloak had a large hole and offered to mend it, observing its large size and wondering if it belonged to a male suitor.
As he stitched, he saw how much she cherished it, prompting him to share the personal story of his own cherished chopsticks—the only mementos left by his deceased parents. The following morning, Tang Fan obtained the interrogation records of the horse herders: Yirentai, Meng'en, and Batu. He then gathered 81 cavalrymen and instructed them to divide into three teams, each following a specific, recursively branching path, with the objective of finding large concentrations of horse dung.
Soon, a report came in: a significant amount of horse dung had been found about ten kilometers away. Following this crucial lead, the stolen horses were successfully located. Tang Fan then explained his ingenious deduction: the horses never "disappeared" from the reported crime scene because they had never actually been there. He theorized that there were two assembly points, one real and one fake.
On the night of the incident, the three exhausted herders, disoriented by the darkness, unknowingly arrived at the fake assembly point. Their food was likely drugged, and once they were unconscious, the numerous culprits simply moved the herders and their tents to the real assembly point. They then dismantled the fake setup and rode off with the horses, creating the illusion that the animals had vanished into thin air.
Tang Fan wished to interrogate Batu further, but Wang Zhi intervened, declaring the case solved and promising to depart for Ji'an with Tang Fan the very next day. After Tang Fan left, Wang Zhi summoned the Doyan Guard commander. Wang Zhi revealed that Tang Fan's deductions implicated the commander's own brother and Batu as the culprits.
The brother, unable to repay his massive gambling debts, had promised the horses intended for the market as collateral, instigating their theft, with Batu acting as an inside man. In a stark display of justice, Wang Zhi's subordinate executed the guilty brother in front of the stunned commander. Wang Zhi then assured the commander that the matter would remain strictly confidential, citing the Han proverb about keeping family disgraces private.
With the horse market case resolved and the market successfully reopened, Wang Zhi and Tang Fan prepared for their journey to Ji'an. They opted for a quicker water route, anticipating their arrival in just two days.
Episode 10 Recap
Jia Kui arrived in Ji'an ahead of Tang Fan and Wang Zhi. To get himself inside the local prison, he deliberately created a disturbance at a shop by refusing to pay for his meal, challenging the shopkeeper to report him to the authorities. He told the bewildered shopkeeper that he would learn his identity sooner or later. Inside the Imperial Edict Prison, Huang Jinglong approached Liu Si, a fellow inmate, and threatened his life, ordering him to poison Sui Zhou.
Liu Si, desperate for survival, complied. When his family bribed a jailer to visit and brought him cloud slice cakes, Liu Si secretly laced them with poison. He then offered the poisoned cakes to Sui Zhou as a token of gratitude for past kindness. Sui Zhou suggested sharing the cakes with other prisoners, but Liu Si insisted they were solely for him. Fortunately, Jia Kui, having just been admitted to the prison, observed the situation.
A commotion ensued, and someone else who sampled the cake began to bleed, revealing the poison and preventing Sui Zhou from consuming it. Thwarted in his poisoning attempt, Huang Jinglong devised a new scheme, ordering a large quantity of straw to be brought into the prison, intending to burn Sui Zhou and the other inmates to death.
Jia Kui, who had meticulously observed the prison's operations, informed Sui Zhou that the guards were weakest during the midnight shift change, when only two jailers were on duty. Jia Kui proposed they eliminate these two, then swiftly deal with the incoming relief, swap clothes, and escape together, focusing only on their own survival. However, Sui Zhou firmly refused to abandon the other prisoners, arguing that they were all important witnesses and did not deserve to die.
He then rallied the inmates, and after consulting with a prisoner named Li about the feasibility of digging an escape tunnel, they decided to excavate a passage, hoping to complete it within approximately twenty hours. Meanwhile, traveling to Ji'an by boat, Tang Fan was severely seasick. A bored Wang Zhi, with no one to play Go with, decided to teach the game to Dong. To his surprise, Dong displayed extraordinary talent, quickly grasping the rules and excelling.
Impressed but also slightly annoyed by her natural ability, Wang Zhi called Tang Fan to join him in a game against Dong. Despite their combined efforts, neither Tang Fan nor Wang Zhi could defeat the newly-minted Go prodigy, playfully abandoning the game. Tang Fan found Duo Er La on the deck and attempted to thank her for her earlier assistance. Despite the language barrier, they shared a surprisingly harmonious interaction.
Tang Fan, initially apologizing for accidentally hurting her before, complimented her beauty. Duo Er La, finding him somewhat naive, asked if he was still seasick. Tang Fan then reiterated his gratitude, mentioning Sui Zhou also owed her thanks. Duo Er La, frustrated by his incomprehensible words, dismissed his rambling.
Despite this, they began to teach each other words from their respective languages, with Tang Fan learning "Oden" for "star," and Duo Er La teaching him "Tangus" for "sea" and "Oengque" for "boat." Tang Fan, still seeking his missing chopsticks, asked Duo Er La when she would return them. Before the tunnel in the Ji'an prison could be fully dug, a fire, presumably set by Huang Jinglong's men, erupted.
Panic spread among the inmates, but Sui Zhou quickly took command, instructing them to move all flammable materials away from the blaze. He prioritized the tunnel, ordering some to continue digging while he bravely directed all prisoners towards the escape route. Outside, townspeople rushed to extinguish the fire, but they were aggressively blocked by Huang Jinglong's subordinates who threatened to kill anyone approaching.
Despite the chaos, Sui Zhou successfully oversaw the evacuation, ensuring all prisoners, including Jia Si who stayed behind to cover their escape, safely emerged from the burning prison. Tang Fan and Wang Zhi finally arrived in Ji'an by boat. Upon arrival, Tang Fan questioned why Wang Zhi would not disembark and appear publicly.
Wang Zhi explained that as an imperial eunuch, his unauthorized visit to Ji'an without an imperial edict was highly sensitive and could lead to severe political repercussions, especially since over half of the court officials hailed from Jiangxi. He also stated that his public presence would complicate dealing with the fake Wang Zhi.
Instead, Wang Zhi instructed Tang Fan to proceed through official channels, revealing that he had already summoned Administrative Commissioner Chen, Chief Prosecutor Cai, and Military Commander Sun for a joint hearing of three departments to address the prefectural governor. Wang Zhi assured Tang Fan that he would appear when truly needed. Shortly after, Duo Er La and her companions, stating their task in Jiangxi was complete, bid farewell to Tang Fan.
Tang Fan, having no alternative, proceeded to the yamen alone. He initiated a joint hearing with Administrative Commissioner Chen, Chief Prosecutor Cai, and Military Commander Sun, directly confronting Huang Jinglong in court. Huang Jinglong, initially feigning ignorance, was taken aback when Tang Fan, introducing himself as a magistrate from the capital's Shuntian Prefecture, asserted he was there as a civilian to sue Huang Jinglong.
Tang Fan meticulously laid out three major charges against Huang Jinglong: abuse of authority for wrongfully convicting him without evidence; corruption, alleging that his subordinate extorted money from the "original plaintiff" (who had earlier proven Tang Fan innocent); and severe abuse of lynching resulting in the deaths of 387 prisoners in the Ji'an prison. Huang Jinglong, though eloquent, could not refute Tang Fan's logical arguments.
He dismissed the charges, claiming Tang Fan was disruptive in court and that his home was free of any ill-gotten gains. When Tang Fan demanded to question Sui Zhou, who was imprisoned by Huang Jinglong and was a key witness, they discovered the prison had inexplicably caught fire. Huang Jinglong, believing this would eliminate all witnesses, immediately ordered a manhunt and the execution of the "escaped" prisoners.
However, his plan backfired when a guard announced that all the prisoners from the jail had already gathered at the yamen, prepared to testify against Huang Jinglong's crimes of torture. Back at the yamen, Sui Zhou, identifying himself as an Imperial Guard Baihu, presented himself as a witness, confirming Huang Jinglong's culpability in the prisoners' deaths and his attempt to murder a court official. Numerous former prisoners stepped forward to corroborate the accusations of torture.
Huang Jinglong vehemently denied the charges, instead accusing Sui Zhou and Tang Fan of being imposters and claiming that the Commander of the Western Depot, Wang Zhi, was his true witness and was present nearby to expose their lies. The officials, swayed by the mention of Wang Zhi's name, deferred to his authority. However, to Huang Jinglong's shock, the "fake" Wang Zhi he expected had been replaced by the genuine Wang Zhi.
The real Wang Zhi immediately disarmed the situation by addressing the three senior officials by their names and subtly recalling personal details about each of them, proving his true identity. Huang Jinglong, realizing he had been outmaneuvered, furiously accused Wang Zhi of being an imposter. Wang Zhi calmly confirmed Tang Fan and Sui Zhou's true identities, explaining that he had engineered this very confrontation by pretending to support Huang Jinglong, thereby setting a trap to secure the joint hearing.
Wang Zhi then formally charged Huang Jinglong with abuse of power, corruption, abuse of lynching, and the attempted murder of a court official. With overwhelming evidence, Wang Zhi ordered Huang Jinglong and his accomplices arrested and transported to the capital for sentencing. Later, now in prison attire, Huang Jinglong bitterly reflected on the nature of winners and losers. He expressed his disdain for the current legal system, believing there was no objective standard for justice or punishment.
Sui Zhou countered that while laws may have flaws, they are more objective than individual judgment, and officials must adhere to them. Huang Jinglong challenged Sui Zhou, suggesting his perspective would change if he ever lost his loved ones. Sui Zhou maintained that law and human sentiment are equally crucial, with the latter able to bridge legal gaps to achieve true justice.
He acknowledged that while crime could be fought, it could never be entirely eradicated, and that efforts should focus on guiding people and minimizing criminal acts. Huang Jinglong noted that Yang Fu, the imposter, looked exactly like Wang Zhi.
Episode 11 Recap
The capital city was illuminated by beautiful fireworks one night, drawing crowds of onlookers. Amidst the festivities, a young boy named Xiaobao, who was watching fireworks with his parents, was suddenly abducted. His parents frantically searched but could not find him. Sui Zhou received a commendation and promotion for his role in solving the Ji'an case. Wang Tong, the Commander of the Imperial Guards, observed Sui Zhou's rapid rise with jealousy.
He took out his resentment on Xue Ling, reprimanding him harshly for leaving his post without permission and stealing an official boat. To protect Xue Ling, Sui Zhou humbly attributed all credit for the Ji'an case to Wang Tong's wise command and decisions. Pleased with Sui Zhou's obedience, Wang Tong then assigned him a new, significant, and tricky case: the abduction of a high-ranking official's child in the capital.
He stressed that this was a high-profile case involving the son of Assistant Minister Jia, whose family had served three emperors. Wang Tong mocked the Shuntian Prefecture officials, claiming they were too incompetent to handle such a case. Meanwhile, Pei Huai brought Tang Fan a peculiar item from the Western Regions, which he called "Wolf Peach." He explained that it was among the items Zhang Qian brought back from his expeditions, along with grapes, pomegranates, and sesame.
Though beautiful in appearance and sweet-smelling, it was rumored to be highly toxic. Pei Huai had hoped to extract poison from it for new drugs, but to his surprise, Tang Fan’s pet sheep ate it and remained unharmed. Pei Huai then realized the fruit was harmless to humans and, in fact, was a delicious, sweet, and sour treat. Seeing its potential, they decided to profit from it.
Tang Fan found the name "Wolf Peach" too aggressive and renamed it "Tomato," inspired by its round, eggplant-like shape and foreign origin. Pei Huai then showed Tang Fan an anatomy book from the far Western Regions, which emphasized understanding the body's structure before diagnosis and treatment. Eager to practice the knowledge in the book, Pei Huai asked Tang Fan for assistance in finding newly deceased bodies for dissection. Tang Fan, however, refused, deeming it an immoral act.
He also expressed concern about his superior, Governor Pan, who was still angry about Tang Fan's unauthorized trip to Ji'an, making him unwilling to risk further displeasure. Xue Ling was finally released. He and Sui Zhou joined Tang Fan at Dong's Restaurant. Xue Ling, still traumatized, found the bland tofu unappetizing. Sui Zhou took charge, personally cooking an elaborate and flavorful tofu feast. As they were eating, Dora’s assistant, Wuyun, arrived with a bill.
Both Sui Zhou and Tang Fan were grateful for Dora's crucial help in Ji'an. They had planned to visit Iron Market together to express their gratitude, but Sui Zhou, feeling awkward, abandoned Tang Fan, leaving money for the bill, and departed, claiming urgent official duties. The abduction case in the capital shocked the imperial court. Wang Zhi also received direct orders to thoroughly investigate. Sui Zhou and Wang Zhi began their investigations, operating openly and secretly, respectively.
A street child named Little Loach approached Wang Zhi, whispering rumors about the child abduction case. Following up on this, Wang Zhi invited Assistant Minister Wang and Assistant Minister Su, both known to be at odds with Assistant Minister Jia, to Huanyi Brothel for a banquet. Both officials, however, claimed ignorance regarding Assistant Minister Jia's missing son. Meanwhile, Sui Zhou and Xue Ling went door-to-door asking around.
Finally, a shopkeeper reported seeing people disguised as beggars leading children through the streets. Tang Fan's sister, Tang Yu, and nephew, Cheng, came to visit. Soon after they settled in, Cheng suddenly collapsed and began frothing at the mouth. Tang Fan rushed Cheng to Pei Huai, who quickly diagnosed him with epilepsy and began treatment.
Tang Yu tearfully confided in Tang Fan about her in-laws' cruel treatment of Cheng, who they believed was possessed by a demon, and how they had resorted to physical abuse and attempted to force incense ashes down his throat. After Cheng's condition stabilized, Pei Huai explained that while epilepsy had no known cure, its symptoms could be managed through treatment and consistent care, allowing Cheng to live a near-normal life. Following leads, Sui Zhou apprehended a group of beggars.
Among them, he found Xiaobao, who was covered in injuries. Through his investigation, Sui Zhou realized that these beggars were not the actual kidnappers. An old beggar explained that he found Xiaobao by a water ditch, wet and severely injured, and had taken him in out of compassion.
He described the horrific methods of the true abductors, who would "cut the children's limbs and disfigure them," transforming them into grotesque figures to exploit public curiosity and force them to beg for money on the streets. Sui Zhou relayed the beggar's information to Wang Zhi. They decided to use the current high-profile case as an opportunity to dismantle the entire child abduction ring and enlisted Tang Fan's help to devise a strategy.
Tang Fan was enraged by the revelations and resolved to review all child abduction cases from previous years. Due to the overwhelming number of cases, Tang Fan began categorizing them by time and location, meticulously pasting the files onto a wall, hoping to uncover patterns. When Dong arrived with food, she also brought him clean clothes and food from his sister Tang Yu, and updated him on Cheng's improved health, noting Pei Huai's diligent care.
Dong immediately noticed a flaw in Tang Fan's classification system. She suggested adding more criteria, such as environmental details, to re-categorize the cases, which would allow all files to be placed and reveal concentrated "overlap points" where the perpetrators likely operated. Tang Fan, however, dismissed her advice, deeming it a child’s concern. Later, Dong discussed Tang Fan's classification with Wang Zhi, explaining her idea of including environmental factors like nearby shops, weather conditions, and market days.
Wang Zhi was profoundly impressed by her insight, praising her intelligence, and agreed to implement her method. Dong suggested that once the "overlap points" were identified, they could use a child as bait to catch the criminals.
Episode 12 Recap
Wang Zhi enacted a plan by setting up a performance with Dong, intending to use her as bait to lure out the human traffickers. He dispatched fourteen groups of men and instructed them to be vigilant and ensure Dong's safety, emphasizing that no harm should come to her. However, neither Wang Zhi nor Dong anticipated the criminals' experienced and ruthless methods. Wang Zhi's overconfidence led to Dong's abduction by the perpetrators.
Deeply remorseful, Wang Zhi immediately organized a group of young beggars, instructing them to infiltrate the traffickers' lair by any means necessary, even if it meant being abducted, to find Dong and ensure her safety, and if possible, bring her out. If they couldn't bring her out, they were to report back, or if truly unable to escape, to stay inside and ensure her safety by all means.
Upon learning of Dong's abduction, Tang Fan became enraged and confronted Wang Zhi, accusing him of being heartless and selfish for endangering a child for his own ambitions, even questioning if Wang Zhi would betray his own father for promotion and wealth. Wang Zhi attempted to explain, but Tang Fan refused to listen, questioning Wang Zhi's humanity and his willingness to sacrifice others' lives.
Sui Zhou intervened, urging Tang Fan to calm down and focus on finding and rescuing Dong, stressing that every moment wasted in arguments increased Dong's danger. Desperate to find Dong, Tang Fan repeatedly asked Pei Huai to administer acupuncture needles to forcefully sharpen his mind. Pei Huai refused, warning that this method would severely damage Tang Fan's heart, kidney meridians, and liver, carrying a risk of sudden death. Tang Fan, however, insisted.
During their argument, Duo Er La and Wuyun arrived, offering their help. Sui Zhou, to Tang Fan's dismay, harshly drove them away. Tang Fan tried to defend them, reminding Sui Zhou that they had once saved his life. Sui Zhou, however, explained that while defending the border, he had once received a war report indicating traces of Oirat people. He then sent several groups of cavalry to investigate, but all vanished without a trace.
When he went to investigate, he discovered that all his men had been killed. He explained that these men were his comrades, closer to him than family, and their tragic deaths at the hands of the Oirats made him extremely cautious about allowing anyone under his command to face similar dangers. Despite being rebuffed by Sui Zhou, Duo Er La and Wuyun remained determined to help Tang Fan.
They learned of a kind Han man known as Well-doer Zhu, who had extensive connections. They sought his assistance, and after hearing their plea, Well-doer Zhu promised to help inquire about the lost girl, asking them to provide a detailed description of Dong and their address for updates. Meanwhile, at Wantai Tea House, its proprietor, Qian Tai, was entertaining Mr. Chen with premium Longjing tea.
During their conversation, Qian Tai's subordinate informed him of a new "batch of goods" that had arrived. It was revealed that Qian Tai was the mastermind behind the abduction cases, and the "goods" were the children, including Little Loach, who had infiltrated the group on Wang Zhi's orders. Little Loach found Dong and secretly assured her that he would get her out as soon as possible, warning her not to eat the food provided by their captors.
As Qian Tai's carts approached the city gate, where Xue Ling's men were conducting strict inspections, he attempted to bribe the imperial guards. Qian Tai's convoy secretly contained the abducted children, and he hoped to secure swift passage out of the city. After Xue Ling reported this to Sui Zhou, Sui Zhou immediately ordered a thorough inspection of Qian Tai's vehicles.
Realizing the situation was dire, Qian Tai quickly had his subordinates move the carts containing the children back into the city. When Sui Zhou's men found fewer carts than expected, they prepared to take Qian Tai to the Northern Administrative Court for questioning. However, Qian Tai produced a token, revealing he was an inner official under the direct command of Commander Wan.
Seeing the token, Sui Zhou had no choice but to let Qian Tai go, though he instructed his men to ensure the rest of Qian Tai's convoy (implied to be the carts with the children) did not leave the city. Tang Fan dreamt that something terrible had happened to Dong.
He woke up to find Sun, an official from Shuntian Prefecture, informing him of a female corpse, aged thirteen or fourteen, found nearby, asking him to identify if it was Dong. Tang Fan and Sui Zhou rushed to the scene. Fortunately, the body was not Dong's. Sui Zhou examined the footprints around the body, determining it was a dumping site.
He noted that the incoming footprints were deep, suggesting the person was carrying a heavy object, while the outgoing ones were shallow, indicating the body had been disposed of. He also observed an uneven stride, leading him to conclude the perpetrator was a cripple. Furthermore, he found wide ruts in the vicinity, indicating a vehicle with specialized wheels for mountain roads, rarely seen in the city.
Commander Wan summoned Sui Zhou and reprimanded him for unilaterally closing the capital's gates, arguing it disrupted commerce and trade, costing the city thousands of taels daily. He ordered Sui Zhou to immediately lift all restrictions. As a result, Qian Tai's goods were smoothly transported out of the city. Qian Tai later visited Commander Wan at the Northern Administrative Court, offering him shares of his tea house as a gift.
Commander Wan made it clear that while he would turn a blind eye to some activities, they must not overstep their boundaries, or no one could help them. He then declared the abduction case closed, instructing Sui Zhou to cease investigations. Despite Commander Wan's orders, Tang Fan and Sui Zhou continued their investigation. Tang Fan analyzed the numerous abduction case files, noting the alarming number of children kidnapped and the low rescue rate (less than 10%).
He concluded that the children were being quickly transported out of the city, possibly beyond the Great Wall, and theorized that the human traffickers were disguising their operations within large trade caravans, such as those dealing in horses, rice, or tea, to facilitate such massive transportation. On their way back to the Northern Administrative Court, Sui Zhou spotted Qian Tai leaving Commander Wan's residence, confirming his suspicions about Qian Tai's involvement.
Sui Zhou immediately sent Xue Ling to gather men and head to Wantai Tea House, while he rushed ahead alone, planning to leave a trail for Tang Fan. He also instructed his subordinates to inform Tang Fan to go to Wantai Tea House. Meanwhile, Qian Tai returned to his tea house, furious about the expenses incurred to suppress the recent incident, and berated his subordinates, calling them useless.
He announced that he had found a major buyer who would take all the children at once, setting the delivery location at West Mountain outside the city. He then instructed his men to pause operations for three months after this transaction to let the uproar subside. His subordinates worried about income during the hiatus, but Qian Tai assured them he would cover their expenses.
Wang Zhi, having also traced the lead to Wantai Tea House after Little Loach sold himself to the traffickers and was tracked there, and after informing Tang Fan, rushed to the tea house with his men. However, by the time they arrived, all the abducted children had already been moved. Wang Zhi's subordinates discovered deep ruts leading south, indicating the children's cart, and shallower ruts leading north, indicating Qian Tai's departure.
Sui Zhou, who had already been there laying groundwork, had left similar marks confirming the divided routes. Sui Zhou was already pursuing the cart heading south. The human traffickers arrived at West Mountain for the supposed transaction, only to find that the "buyers" were assassins sent by Qian Tai to eliminate them, as they knew too much. In the ensuing chaos, Little Loach seized the opportunity and led all the children into the forest to escape the ambush.
Simultaneously, Well-doer Zhu found Duo Er La, informing her that he had located the child she was seeking and that Wuyun was on the way. He urged them to hurry, as the traffickers might escape if they delayed.
Episode 13 Recap
As Dong'er was about to be captured, Sui Zhou arrived and fought fiercely against the multitude of assailants, successfully rescuing Dong'er. Meanwhile, Wang Zhi tracked the fleeing Qian Tai and uncovered a larger mastermind behind him, named Li Zilong. Li Zilong was furious, exclaiming that the network they had painstakingly built over many years in the capital was utterly destroyed by Tang Fan. He declared his intention to kill Tang Fan.
Wang Zhi intended to capture the ringleaders, but Li Zilong was prepared. He escaped quickly through a secret underground tunnel before Wang Zhi could act. To buy time for Li Zilong, Qian Tai handed over a ledger detailing his years of bribes to Commander Wan before taking poison and dying. This forced Wang Zhi's investigation to a halt. He dispatched men to determine where the secret tunnel led and became increasingly curious about this mysterious mastermind.
Sui Zhou's injury was bone-deep; merely applying topical medicine would only stop the bleeding. Pei Huai had to cauterize the wound with a hot iron to seal it, then gradually apply medicine for recovery. Tang Fan watched Sui Zhou in agony, remarking that such treatment was worse than torture. Pei Huai, a medical enthusiast, explained that this method was necessary for deep wounds and often used in the army, urging Tang Fan to observe a dissection sometime to understand.
Wang Zhi met with Commander Wan, burning the incriminating ledger in front of him to secure a favor. The ledger revealed numerous large payments, including Commander Wan's "birthday" presents, which happened more than twice a year. Wang Zhi pointed out that he himself, having grown up in the palace, only knew the birthdays of the Emperor and Noble Consort Wan, having long forgotten his own.
Despite the favor, the Emperor was enraged to learn of such heinous crimes occurring in the capital, right under his nose. He publicly executed the child traffickers, warning that such audacity indicated official involvement. The Emperor reiterated that he established the Western Depot because the Eastern Depot and Imperial Guards had monopolized power and kept him in the dark. He demanded Wang Zhi investigate thoroughly, reminding him that the thousands of kidnapped children were also the Emperor's children.
Commander Wan, witnessing the Emperor's fury, grew anxious. Soon after the kidnapping case subsided, Tang Fan was summoned by Sun Daren (his superior from Shuntian Prefecture). Sun Daren scolded Tang Fan for his unauthorized trip to Jiangxi, disobeying orders, and failing to secure credit for Shuntian Prefecture in previous cases, threatening to deduct his salary further. Tang Fan, indifferent to the deductions, was then assigned a trivial case: finding a lost fur coat belonging to a minister.
However, Tang Fan insisted on investigating a long-dormant serial murder case that had re-emerged in the capital, a cold case that even the Imperial Guards and Eastern/Western Depots hadn't solved. Sun Daren reluctantly agreed that Tang Fan could take the serial murder case, but only after he found the fur coat. While inspecting vehicles entering the city, Xue Bing discovered a suspicious wagon containing a female corpse. The body was disemboweled, highly similar to past cases.
Interrogation of the driver led to the confession that the murderer was Pei Huai. Tang Fan had been investigating the old heart-extraction cases, noting that the killer's technique had matured over the years, with the latest victim's wound being a precise, thin line. He deduced the murders had been occurring much longer than initially thought, possibly starting eighteen years ago, not just six or seven as official records suggested.
Sui Zhou then informed Tang Fan that he had captured a suspect who was likely the killer. Tang Fan rushed to the Imperial Edict Prison, only to find that Sui Zhou's prisoner was Pei Huai. Sui Zhou explained that during a routine Imperial Guards patrol, they intercepted a female corpse being transported out of the city, disemboweled in a manner highly similar to the serial murders.
Following the transporter's lead, they traced it to Pei Huai, finding him dissecting another female corpse at his clinic. Tang Fan, knowing Pei Huai for years, insisted he was merely a medical enthusiast and incapable of such atrocities. He believed Pei Huai could not be the serial killer, but Sui Zhou argued that before the law, only evidence mattered, and with witnesses and physical evidence, along with a matching timeline, Pei Huai was the prime suspect.
Sui Zhou pointed out that the serial murders began seven years ago, precisely when Pei Huai arrived in the capital. Tang Fan immediately countered that the timeline was problematic and urged for Pei Huai's release, reiterating his trust in his friend, just as he had trusted Sui Zhou's innocence when he went to Jiangxi to save him. Pei Huai, observing their argument from his cell, told them to take their quarrel outside.
Sui Zhou placed Pei Huai in a single cell and promised Tang Fan not to torture him. Tang Fan worked tirelessly to prove Pei Huai's innocence. He summarized four key points to Sui Zhou. Firstly, based on Old Sun, the coroner's records, all serial murder victims died from heart removal, while Pei Huai's dissected bodies mostly died from acute illnesses and were several days old.
Secondly, Pei Huai purchased the bodies, most of which were unclaimed, and even bought a plot of land outside the city to bury them, unlike the killer who simply discarded bodies. Thirdly, their methods differed significantly: Pei Huai performed full dissections to understand causes of death, while the killer only extracted hearts.
Lastly, Pei Huai had only been in the capital for seven years, yet Old Sun's records indicated the heart-extraction cases began eighteen years ago, when Pei Huai was only twelve or thirteen years old and not in the capital. Sui Zhou acknowledged the validity of Tang Fan's points but insisted there was still no direct evidence to exonerate Pei Huai. As they were discussing, Xue Bing arrived with urgent news.
A child shepherd had found Wuyun gravely injured outside the city and reported it. Wuyun had suffered eleven bone fractures and various internal organ damages. Pei Huai examined Wuyun but was uncertain if he could save him. Seeing Wuyun's critical condition, Tang Fan rushed to Dora's home, only to find she was also missing, and no one had been there for three days. Wuyun eventually regained consciousness but was delirious due to a sedative, poppy, given by Pei Huai.
Through his incoherent words, Tang Fan only managed to discern the name "Well-doer-Zhu." Sui Zhou identified "Well-doer-Zhu" as Zhu Jianmou, a royal prince known for his philanthropy. Tang Fan suggested they visit him immediately, hoping he might know Dora's whereabouts. Sui Zhou, though initially reluctant to keep Wuyun, agreed to allow him to stay for three more days, regardless of his recovery. Upon arriving at Zhu Jianmou's residence, Tang Fan asked if he remembered Dora.
Zhu Jianmou confirmed he remembered her, recalling her asking for help to find a missing girl and meeting her twice afterwards, including recently at the orphanage. Tang Fan informed him that the missing girl was his sister, Dong'er, who had been found safe. However, Tang Fan then revealed Dora herself was now missing. Zhu Jianmou expressed surprise and concern, assuring them that despite not knowing Dora's current location, he would do his best to help find her, considering their friendship. Tang Fan expressed his gratitude to the Prince.
Episode 14 Recap
Tang Fan and Sui Zhou located Well-doer-Zhu, who readily agreed to help find Duo Er La. Sui Zhou mentioned knowing Well-doer-Zhu from royal banquets in his youth, describing him as the "beacon of hope among the royal members" in the capital, someone who has consistently performed good deeds for decades and whose conduct is beyond reproach.
However, Tang Fan found Duke Well-doer-Zhu's extreme kindness unsettling, questioning why a duke with limited income would dedicate nearly all of it to charity, calling it "a bit too showy, almost too good to be true." Tang Fan pondered if good deeds require a reason, positing two types of philanthropists: those driven by compassion and those seeking to atone for past wrongdoings.
Unable to get further leads from Well-doer-Zhu, Tang Fan and Sui Zhou shifted their investigation to the cliff where Wuyun had fallen. There, they discovered distinctive limping footprints, identical in pace and posture to those found at the previous female victim's scene. Tang Fan surmised that Wuyun had been pushed off the cliff in a crate.
The presence of these footprints and nearby wheel ruts led Tang Fan to conclude that Duo Er La had been abducted by the same heart-extracting serial killer. Tang Fan decided on a risky strategy: he spread false information that ""Pei Huai"" had been apprehended as the heart-extracting killer. He explained his intent to Pei Huai, stating that this would buy crucial time for Duo Er La, as the real killer would refrain from further crimes for fear of exposing himself.
This, Tang Fan believed, was their only method to prolong Duo Er La's life and give them more time to solve the case. The tragic death of Minister Yu, ordered by higher command and with Wang Zhi's involvement, resurfaced. Minister Yu’s passing left his wife gravely ill, and his eldest son, Yu Zhengpeng, a newly returned General from the borders, along with his second son, both came back to the capital to mourn.
Her Majesty Zhou, taking pity on the Yu family, expressed her desire to arrange a marriage between Sui Zhou and the Yu family’s third daughter. She advised Sui Zhou to first meet Yu Zhengpeng. Meanwhile, Yu Zhengpeng, filled with resentment over his father’s death, held a strong grudge against Wang Zhi and frequently provoked him. During one such instance, Wang Zhi, despite his annoyance, chose to tolerate Yu Zhengpeng’s unruly actions to avoid further complications.
Later, Sui Zhou went to meet Yu Zhengpeng as instructed by Her Majesty Zhou, only to find him drunk and causing a scene at Huanyi Brothel, yelling for Wang Zhi to come out. Sui Zhou intervened, brought Yu Zhengpeng home, and then spoke with his second son. " "During their conversation, the second son revealed that the family's recent misfortunes, including his father's death, his mother's illness, and his own resignation, began because he had fabricated military merits.
He also introduced their loyal family cook, Zhang, who had stayed with them despite the family's decline." " Eastern Depot Commander Shang Ming, who had years ago thoroughly investigated a similar heart-taking case, came to Shuntian Prefecture Governor Pan's office. He inquired whether the re-emerging cases might be connected to his old investigation and if they should be merged. Governor Pan initially mistook the visit for his gambling transgression but quickly corrected himself.
He vehemently denied any connection, insisting that Commander Shang's prior case was fully resolved with the culprit executed, suggesting the current incidents were merely the work of a copycat. He also asked who was handling the current investigation, learning it was Tang Fan. Tang Fan sought out Dong, offering a sincere apology for his previous stubbornness and lack of trust in her judgment. He praised her exceptional memory and analytical abilities, acknowledging his own mistakes.
He then presented her with nearly two decades' worth of missing persons case files, requesting her help to swiftly identify any cases related to the heart-taking murders, stressing the dire situation of Duo Er La. Dong meticulously reviewed the files, focusing on those marked with the character "外" (foreign). She discovered that the victims in these 36 cases were consistently foreign women aged 15 to 25.
The earliest related incident she found was a missing Tatar maid from 22 years prior. Concurrently, Sui Zhou's investigation yielded a significant lead: he identified unique short-wheelbase carriage axle prints near the cliff. These specialized carriages were rarely sold and required annual maintenance, allowing for meticulous records. Sui Zhou discovered that Zhu Jianmou's mansion owned such a vehicle, and his carter, Tuo San, was notably lame, walking with a limp.
Combining this with Dong's findings—a total of 62 related cases spanning 22 years where foreign women were victims—Tang Fan realized they could roughly map the killer's operational patterns. The next crucial step was to ascertain Tuo San's whereabouts and activities over the past 22 years, which would serve as definitive evidence if they matched the murderer's movements. Tang Fan sought Wang Zhi's assistance, requesting access to the last 25 years of records for Zhu Jianmou’s household servants.
Wang Zhi initially hesitated, pointing out the immense difficulty of investigating Zhu Jianmou, who held the esteemed title of hereditary duke and was revered as the "beacon of hope among the royal members." He also mentioned that the Western Depot had only been established recently. Tang Fan, however, pressed on, reminding Wang Zhi of the Western Depot’s extensive surveillance network over various ministers and royal family members.
He appealed to their complex relationship, suggesting that even if the Western Depot didn't hold the records, Wang Zhi possessed the means to acquire them. Eventually, Wang Zhi relented, implicitly agreeing to leverage his informant within the Eastern Depot to obtain the requested information, but not without warning Tang Fan of the inherent risks and the need to bear full responsibility should anything go awry.
Armed with the compiled information from Dong, who had chronologically detailed the 62 heart-taking cases, Tang Fan conclusively identified Tuo San as the mastermind behind the abductions and murders. He swiftly informed Zhu Jianmou, revealing that Tuo San was not only Duo Er La's kidnapper but also the perpetrator of over 60 murders of foreign women over the past 22 years.
When Zhu Jianmou requested proof, Tang Fan presented the compelling match between Tuo San's movements and the killer's documented tracks. Zhu Jianmou feigned shock, claiming he had harbored vague suspicions but never acted due to Tuo San’s long-standing loyalty. He pledged to hand over Tuo San to the authorities if the accusations proved true. Tang Fan suggested Tuo San might be at a house he owned outside the city.
Zhu Jianmou then offered to personally escort Tang Fan to Tuo San's residence, insisting they go alone to protect the mansion's reputation and prevent alarming Tuo San, which could endanger Duo Er La. Tang Fan agreed to this seemingly helpful offer. However, en route, Zhu Jianmou cunningly drugged Tang Fan, causing him to lose consciousness. Duo Er La managed to escape her confinement, only to discover walls adorned with offerings to numerous spirits, a chilling sight.
Despite her momentary freedom, she was ultimately recaptured. Later, Tang Fan regained consciousness to find himself imprisoned alongside her. Duo Er La explained that she was captured because she was a "foreign woman," fitting the Duke's criteria for his "prey." When Tang Fan failed to return through the night, Sui Zhou grew concerned. He arrived at Zhu Jianmou's mansion under the guise of looking for Tang Fan, who had reportedly visited earlier to investigate a case.
Zhu Jianmou denied Tang Fan's presence and initially refused Sui Zhou's request to search his premises, asserting his status as a hereditary duke and claiming such an intrusion was an insult. However, a clever subordinate of Sui Zhou's suddenly "reported" seeing Dugu Buning, a notorious class-A wanted criminal and habitual rapist with distinct facial features, scaling the mansion walls.
Seizing this opportunity, Sui Zhou declared an urgent need to search the entire mansion to ensure the safety of its inhabitants and apprehend the dangerous fugitive. Faced with this new development, Zhu Jianmou reluctantly agreed. Sui Zhou then swiftly ordered all units of the Imperial Guards to thoroughly search the royal residence. As the Imperial Guards meticulously searched the vast mansion, one of Sui Zhou's officers remarked on a strangely high Buddhist shrine that was difficult to properly view. Meanwhile, from a hidden location, Tang Fan and Duo Er La frantically called out for help, their voices eventually reaching someone on the outside.
Episode 15 Recap
Imperial Guard Commander Wan Tong arrived at Duke Zhu's mansion with his team, seemingly due to a report of a criminal, but primarily to manage the fallout of Sui Zhou and Xue Ling's unauthorized intrusion. He apologized to Duke Zhu for the disturbance, who denied any criminal presence and expressed concern for his terrified family members. Wan Tong then turned to Sui Zhou and Xue Ling, scolding them for their reckless actions in offending a nobleman.
He also discreetly inquired about a lame carter in the Duke's household, which Duke Zhu denied. Sui Zhou, however, remained indifferent to the reprimand, his sole focus being Tang Fan's precarious situation. He worried that every passing moment further endangered Tang Fan’s life. Meanwhile, Sui Zhou, knowing the implications of a royal family member being involved, sought help from Wang Zhi, hoping he would employ extraordinary measures to arrest Zhu Jianmou and rescue Tang Fan.
Wang Zhi remained noncommittal, deeply aware that any involvement with a Prince would reflect on the Emperor's dignity. Held captive in a secret chamber within the Duke’s mansion, Tang Fan confronted Zhu Jianmou, who shed his facade as the benevolent "Well-doer Zhu." Tang Fan, astonished, realized the renowned philanthropist was the true serial killer. He had meticulously analyzed the victim profiles—women with light-colored eyes, pale hair, and distinct speaking patterns—and initially suspected the lame carter, Tuo San.
However, Tang Fan now understood that Tuo San was merely an unwitting accomplice, a loyal servant whose movements had coincidentally mirrored the killer’s. Tang Fan pressed Zhu Jianmou, demanding to know what had driven him to commit such atrocities. Zhu Jianmou, with a chilling calmness, asked Tang Fan if he truly wished to know the reason. Zhu Jianmou then revealed that the most terrifying thing in the world was not monsters, but loneliness.
His life changed when he met a woman named Chunhua. However, his father discovered their relationship and relentlessly tried to separate them, even attempting to sell Chunhua. Zhu Jianmou decided to elope, but at their rendezvous, only his father’s retainers appeared, revealing Chunhua's betrayal. Years later, he encountered Chunhua again, and her complete lack of remorse caused him immense heartache.
He explained that he began killing to feel his own heart beat, a sensation that became increasingly fleeting, compelling him to commit murders more frequently to sustain it. He admitted that he paused his killings seven years prior when the Eastern Depot mistakenly identified another culprit, believing he had found a permanent scapegoat, but eventually, he could no longer resist his dark impulses.
Zhu Jianmou then administered a concentrated "Lycoris radiata juice" to the unconscious Duo Er La, explaining to Tang Fan that this would ensure her heart continued to beat even after being removed, thus truly capturing her soul. Tang Fan shrieked in desperation, but Zhu Jianmou raised his knife over Duo Er La. At that critical moment, Jia Kui suddenly appeared, informing Zhu Jianmou that someone outside wished to see him. Recognizing Jia Kui’s formidable presence, Zhu Jianmou reluctantly followed.
The visitor was Wang Zhi, who stated his purpose was to uphold the Emperor's dignity and the honor of the royal family. Wang Zhi openly expressed his disdain for Zhu Jianmou, declaring him insignificant, and even slapped him, insisting on taking Tang Fan and Duo Er La away, despite Zhu Jianmou’s furious protests. Although rescued, Duo Er La remained in a deep coma, her recovery uncertain due to the large amount of "Lycoris radiata juice" she ingested.
Meanwhile, investigators discovered sixty-two crocks, each containing a human heart, in Zhu Jianmou's secret chamber. Tang Fan was then informed that Tuo San was the officially named culprit in the heart-carving cases. Distraught by this false verdict, Tang Fan confronted Wang Zhi, demanding Zhu Jianmou's arrest.
Wang Zhi, however, advised Tang Fan to cease his pursuit, explaining that while the Emperor acknowledged the horrific nature of Zhu Jianmou's crimes, the royal family's reputation must be considered, and Zhu Jianmou’s punishment would be handled within the royal sphere. Subsequently, an imperial decree was issued, formally praising Zhu Jianmou for his "good deeds" and ordering his entire family's relocation to Hulumuwei in North Xinjiang, portraying it as an act of imperial benevolence.
On the day of Tuo San's trial at Shuntian Prefecture, Zhu Jianmou also unexpectedly appeared in court, drawing public sympathy. Tang Fan, presiding over the trial, meticulously detailed Tuo San’s true identity as Shen Chen. He revealed that Shen Chen, a native of Hangzhou, had served as a guard captain in the Duke's mansion before being severely beaten and left for dead by Zhu Jianmou’s father, Zhu Qixing, for an alleged offense against the Duchess.
Shen Chen, disfigured and adopting the new identity of the lame and hunchbacked carter Tuo San, returned to the mansion years later, driven by a desire for revenge. However, he never acted on it. Tang Fan then summoned Dr. Zhong Yishi, a physician from Guangshuntang Pharmacy, who testified that his family had been the Duke’s doctors for three generations and that the late Duke Zhu Qixing had a chronic illness that rendered him infertile.
Tang Fan then revealed that upon seeing a one-year-old child in the Duke's mansion, Shen Chen immediately realized the child was his biological son, Zhu Jianmou, thus abandoning his plans for vengeance. Though appearing calm, Zhu Jianmou was visibly shaken by the shocking truth of his paternity. Tuo San, still in the courtroom, reasserted his guilt, vehemently claiming responsibility for all the murders to protect Zhu Jianmou.
Tang Fan, however, pressed Zhu Jianmou further, accusing him of callous indifference to his biological father’s immense sacrifice. Unable to bear the weight of the truth and unwilling to burden his son, Tuo San suddenly charged forward and fatally struck his head against a wall. Witnessing his father's ultimate act of devotion, Zhu Jianmou, consumed by despair and remorse, seized a moment when Sui Zhou was distracted by the chaos and tragically took his own life by slitting his throat.
The Emperor, already frustrated by the public scandal surrounding Zhu Jianmou's original exile, was incensed by the trial’s outcome and Tang Fan's perceived disregard for royal prestige. Advisers from the Eastern Depot proposed a solution: demote Pan Bin, the Prefect of Shuntian, for his office's supposed poor handling of public sentiment, and temporarily banish Tang Fan to Tongzhou. They suggested that Tang Fan's ultimate fate could be reconsidered once public outrage subsided.
Meanwhile, Duo Er La's pulse and breathing had stabilized, suggesting a path to recovery, though the time of her awakening remained uncertain. Tang Fan, informed of his banishment to Tongzhou, expressed no regret for his actions, affirming his belief in the principle of equality before the law. He viewed the exile as an opportunity to visit his sister in Tongzhou, and Sui Zhou offered to prepare medicines for him to deliver.
Later, a woman named Miss Yu unexpectedly stormed into Sui Zhou's residence, mistaking Tang Fan for Sui Zhou. She immediately challenged him to a fight, disparaging his combat skills and declaring him unworthy of marriage. Just then, Duo Er La, having woken up, rushed to Tang Fan's defense. Miss Yu, witnessing "Sui Zhou's" perceived weakness, loudly declared her intention to break off the engagement.
As she left, she encountered the real Sui Zhou at the doorway and was instantly smitten by him. Upon Sui Zhou’s entry, Tang Fan immediately voiced his strong disapproval of any potential marriage between Sui Zhou and the "crazy woman."
Wang Zhi then sought out Tang Fan and Sui Zhou, having learned that Sui Zhou had followed Tang Fan's gamble in parking Zhu Jianmou’s carriage at the Shuntian Prefecture, betting that Zhu Jianmou would enter to see his biological father one last time.
Tang Fan confirmed the gamble was based on old royal medical records indicating the late Duke Zhu Qixing’s infertility, and his inference that Tuo San was Zhu Jianmou’s true father, the only person who had consistently supported him. Wang Zhi sternly admonished Tang Fan for his recklessness, reminding him that his life was spared only by the Emperor’s benevolence.
He advised them both to abandon their self-righteousness and impulsive actions, emphasizing that the world was not simply black and white, and such unbridled actions created unnecessary complications for the imperial court. Frustrated, Tang Fan retorted that he would simply resign from his post and not even bother going to Tongzhou. As Wang Zhi attempted to leave, he again encountered Yu Zhengpeng, who aggressively reignited their animosity.
Yu Zhengpeng accused Wang Zhi of his father’s death and vowed eternal revenge, even daring Wang Zhi to exterminate his entire family. Yu Zhengpeng had previously declared that whoever managed to kill Wang Zhi could marry Miss Yu. Driven by this, Zhang Degui, a chef who had served the Yu family for over a decade, appeared at Huanyi Brothel. Under the guise of preparing a special, fresh dish, Zhang Degui attempted to assassinate Wang Zhi with a knife.
However, he was swiftly disarmed and apprehended by Jia Kui. Wang Zhi, unperturbed, revealed his prior knowledge of the chef’s identity and mockingly commented on Yu Zhengpeng’s desperate and unscrupulous methods.
Episode 16 Recap
Tang Fan, having been demoted to Tongzhou, found a surprising amount of leisure. He hoped to catch up with his elder sister, Tang Yu, and his nephew, Cheng. However, he soon discovered that Tang Yu was not living happily with her husband's family. The elder He family members were snobbish; upon learning of Tang Fan’s demotion, they even refused to prepare a meat dish for him, claiming that such rich food was unsuitable during dry weather.
Tang Fan's brother-in-law, He Lin, was constantly having affairs outside and frequently subjected Cheng to physical abuse. Back in the capital, Wang Zhi had someone send the chef who attempted to assassinate him back to the Yu mansion. Wang Zhi mocked Third Miss Yu’s eldest brother, who then severely beat the chef. Amidst the beating, the chef muttered repeatedly that whoever killed Wang Zhi could marry Third Miss Yu.
Later, the chef approached Third Miss Yu, grasping her hand and asking her to elope with him. Third Miss Yu gently told him she only saw him as a brother and that her heart belonged to Sui Zhou, whom she intended to marry. Heartbroken, the chef left. Pei Huai and Duo Er La traveled to Tongzhou to visit Tang Fan, where they also encountered the harsh He family. Infuriated, Pei Huai joined Tang Fan in confronting He Lin.
However, He Lin shifted all blame onto Tang Yu, accusing her of being a jinx who brought misfortune and attracted defilements to the family, even connecting Cheng's illness to her. He also slandered her reputation by suggesting she was unfaithful. Angered by the injustice, Tang Fan stood up for his sister and moved her and Cheng out of the He family home to live with him. Soon after, Dong'er and Wuyun also arrived in Tongzhou.
With the exception of Sui Zhou, a group from the capital joyfully gathered under Tang Fan's small roof, sharing a copper hotpot meal. That night, Tang Yu confided in Pei Huai. She revealed that the He family was originally impoverished and only rose to wealth because Tang Fan had given his entire inheritance to her as dowry.
Because of this, divorcing He Lin would be incredibly difficult, as the He family would never allow her to leave with the dowry that had built their fortune. The brief peace was shattered when the He family, unwilling to give up, cunningly lured Cheng away and refused to return him. Desperate, Tang Yu beat the drum to seek justice at the local magistrate's office.
However, He Lin had never formally issued a divorce decree, making the He family's action of taking Cheng seem legally sound. Tang Yu requested an immediate divorce in court, but He Lin's proposed divorce agreement explicitly stated that she could not take Cheng with her. Cheng was everything to Tang Yu, so she heartbreakingly decided against the divorce, leaving her distraught. Enraged, Tang Fan and his friends began to devise a plan to punish He Lin and his family.
Meanwhile, in the capital, Sui Zhou had no intention of marrying Third Miss Yu. He went to the Yu mansion to decline the engagement, only to discover that the entire Yu family had been brutally massacred. Fortunately, Third Miss Yu, though barely alive from a knife wound, was spared, and Yu Zhenglin, the second son, was safe as he had been observing mourning rituals at his father’s tomb.
Wang Zhi discovered that the official silver ingots submitted by Yunhe province this year were filled with lead. As he began to ponder this alarming find, he was suddenly informed of the Yu family massacre and summoned by the Emperor. Upon meeting Wang Zhi, the Emperor immediately cleared him of suspicion, reasoning that Wang Zhi was too intelligent and had far more discreet ways to eliminate Yu Zhengpeng if he wished. Wang Zhi then presented the lead-filled silver ingot to the Emperor, informing His Majesty that something was amiss in Yunhe province.
Episode 17 Recap
Tang Fan's sister, Tang Yu, recovering from the abuse by her husband He Lin, was distraught and injured. She shared her deep despair, feeling her life was now inextricably linked to her son, Cheng, and expressing how Tang Fan himself was once her only source of joy. Tang Fan tried to comfort her, acknowledging her immense kindness. Meanwhile, Sui Zhou arrived at the Yu mansion with Mr. Sun, the coroner of Shuntian Prefecture, to examine the bodies.
Yu Zhenglin, the second son who had survived the massacre, readily granted permission. Mr. Sun observed that the bodies of Mrs. Yu and Eldest Master Yu showed no signs of struggle, suggesting they died in their sleep, and the knife wounds indicated a single perpetrator. However, Chef Zhang and Miss Yu had clear signs of a struggle, and Chef Zhang’s wounds were notably different, even strange.
Mr. Sun speculated that Miss Yu was the last victim, and Chef Zhang had fought to protect her, leading to her survival, albeit gravely injured. He requested a more thorough examination of the bodies, which Yu Zhenglin readily allowed. Yu Zhenglin then pleaded with Sui Zhou to care for his surviving sister. Consumed by rage over his family's slaughter, Yu Zhenglin publicly announced a substantial bounty of 30,000 strings of coins, representing all his family's assets.
He declared that anyone providing evidence of Western Depot Commander Wang Zhi's corruption, deceiving the Emperor, forming factions, illicit profiteering, or selling of official titles would be handsomely rewarded. He further offered half of his family's wealth to anyone who could prove Wang Zhi was responsible for the Yu family massacre. As Sui Zhou began his investigation into the Yu family case, he faced immense pressure from various political factions eager to see Wang Zhi removed.
Commander Wan, in a subtle conversation with Eunuch Commander Shang, alluded to the widespread accusations against Wang Zhi, hinting at adding fuel to the fire. Sui Zhou, however, remained focused on finding the true killer. His efforts were severely hampered by a deluge of false confessions, many of which were orchestrated. Individuals came forward claiming responsibility for the Yu family murders, all alleging Wang Zhi was their instigator.
Sui Zhou meticulously questioned them, quickly exposing their lies as they fabricated inconsistent details about the number of victims or the weapons used. He warned them of severe penalties for perjury. Amidst these false claims, a young child provided accurate details about the Yu family bodies. Under Sui Zhou's persistent questioning, the child revealed an old man without a beard had taught him what to say, promising fifteen taels of silver for his testimony so his family would not starve.
Sui Zhou sent the child home, cautioning him against further deception. Concurrently, Tang Fan's sister, Tang Yu, endured further torment at her husband He Lin's hands. He Lin, believing their son Cheng was possessed, subjected the child to abuse. Tang Yu desperately tried to intervene, explaining Cheng was merely ill and had medicine. He Lin dismissed her, insisting Cheng needed to be beaten to expel the "evil."
He Lin then presented Tang Yu with a mutual divorce agreement, where he promised to return Cheng if she forwent her dowry. Tang Yu, desperate for Cheng's safety, readily agreed to forgo her dowry entirely and signed the agreement. However, He Lin immediately reneged, pointing out the agreement explicitly stipulated she would receive no dowry and made no mention of Cheng. Tang Yu, devastated by the betrayal, collapsed.
Duo Er La, incensed, advocated for forcibly rescuing Cheng, reminding Tang Fan of their prairie customs. Tang Fan, however, urged restraint, emphasizing that they were in Ming territory and must adhere to its laws, advocating for a strategic approach instead of reckless action. At court, a mountain of impeachment memorials against Wang Zhi accumulated. Officials like Wu Yong accused Wang Zhi of massive bribery during his inspection tours and, more gravely, of orchestrating the Yu family massacre.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, a high-ranking official pressed the Emperor, arguing that such widespread accusations could not be entirely unfounded, and reminded him of the long-standing enmity between Wang Zhi and the Yu family, particularly Eldest Master Yu Zhengpeng's previous accusations against Wang Zhi for Minister Yu's death. To appease the clamor, the Emperor ordered Wang Zhi's temporary suspension, confined him to his residence, and prohibited him from leaving the capital.
Western Depot's duties were temporarily transferred to Eastern Depot. Undeterred by his predicament, Wang Zhi stealthily visited a blind treasury clerk to investigate the official silver. The clerk, who had worked in the treasury for over thirty years and lost his sight due to the dim conditions, could discern the origin, weight, and authenticity of any silver ingot by touch alone.
He confirmed that the problematic silver was indeed cast from an official mold of the Yunhe Mintage Supervision Bureau, but it was impure and underweight. As Wang Zhi departed, he was ambushed by numerous assassins. Fortunately, Jia Kui arrived and helped Wang Zhi escape. Despite being under suspension and facing widespread accusations, Wang Zhi undertook a brazen journey to Tongzhou to meet Tang Fan.
He found Tang Fan mediating a mundane dispute in the local court, where Tang Fan ultimately paid for a pig himself to resolve the matter. Tang Fan was also in the midst of formulating a plan to retaliate against the He family for their mistreatment of his sister. When they met privately, Wang Zhi bypassed any mention of his own troubles.
Instead, he revealed a grave national crisis: for the past three years, official silver ingots from Yunhe, a crucial source of Ming's currency, had been found mixed with lead. He stressed the vital importance of this silver for everything from official salaries to military provisions, warning of impending disaster for the Ming Dynasty if the issue remained unchecked. Wang Zhi confided that only the Emperor, he, and now Tang Fan knew of this secret.
Tang Fan, with his characteristic astuteness, immediately deduced that Wang Zhi was facing a severe, possibly career-ending, crisis in the capital, and had traveled to Tongzhou specifically to entrust him with this critical task because he was being framed. Tang Fan suggested Wang Zhi stay in Tongzhou to weather the storm, but Wang Zhi insisted he had to return to the capital before the city gates closed that day.
Wang Zhi, however, failed to reach the capital before the city gates were sealed for the night. The next morning, eager ministers quickly reported his unauthorized departure to the Emperor, claiming he had attempted to flee. An officer from the patrolmen of the capital confirmed Wang Zhi's carriage was seen outside the closed gates and that Imperial Guards had apprehended him.
The Emperor summoned Sui Zhou, who calmly explained that Wang Zhi had been targeted in an assassination attempt and had sought refuge at the Northern Administrative Court for the entire night. Despite Sui Zhou's testimony, the Emperor, aiming to pacify the suspicious and clamoring officials, ordered Wang Zhi to be confined to the Imperial Edict Prison.
Episode 18 Recap
Wang Zhi was held in the Imperial Edict Prison. A guard informed him that his superior had given instructions for Wang Zhi to voice any requests he had. Wang Zhi asked for a small carving knife, but the guard refused, citing prison rules. However, the guard hinted that if Wang Zhi happened to "find" a knife, he wouldn't interfere. Later, Tang Fan devised a plan to punish the He family.
He instructed Dong'er to approach He Lin, presenting corn as a valuable medicinal herb from the Western Regions and offering him a free sample. Wuyun and Duo Er La, disguised as wealthy Western merchants, then arrived and identified the corn as "Jade Bamboo Core," a life-saving holy grail in their homeland. They offered a substantial price, much higher than He Lin's alleged cost, and paid a 600-tael deposit for a portion of the stock.
Convinced by their apparent wealth and eagerness, He Lin became greedy. To fulfill an order for 500 pieces, he pawned his family's property and shop deeds to gather the necessary cash. However, upon returning to the agreed location, He Lin discovered he had been scammed; the merchants were gone, and the "Tongfu Inn," the supposed meeting place, was merely a dilapidated temple.
Meanwhile, Wan Tong visited Wang Zhi in prison, claiming that Commander Shang Ming of the Eastern Depot intended him harm and urged Wang Zhi to hand over any incriminating evidence against the Eastern Depot. Wan Tong implied his influence over the Imperial Guards would protect Wang Zhi. Wang Zhi, feigning distress with "superb acting," rejected Wan Tong's offer, asserting that any secrets he held would die with him.
Shortly after, Commander Shang Ming also visited Wang Zhi, attempting to convince him to merge the Western Depot with the Eastern Depot under Shang Ming's leadership, and to hand over evidence against Wan Tong. Wang Zhi, again acting tearful and distraught, cunningly revealed his knowledge of Shang Ming's own misdeeds, implying he had enough dirt to implicate Shang Ming, but stated that these secrets would remain with him regardless of his fate. Both men left frustrated.
Back in the capital, Tang Fan continued to assist Sui Zhou in investigating the Yu family's murder. Pei Huai's autopsy revealed that all victims, except Chef Zhang, had consumed porridge containing a significant dose of knockout drops, indicating they were killed while unconscious. Chef Zhang's wound, however, was peculiar, and his stomach contained no porridge. Returning to the crime scene, Tang Fan observed fragmented remains of a wardrobe.
He deduced that Chef Zhang, angered by Yu Zhengpeng's repeated insults and Miss Yu's rejection of his advances, had first drugged the family. After killing them in their sleep, Chef Zhang had committed suicide by impaling himself on a sharp object after smashing into the wardrobe. Unaware of the new findings and despairing over the unresolved case and Wang Zhi's apparent impunity, Yu Zhenglin decided to publicly self-immolate to protest.
Sui Zhou and Tang Fan arrived just in time to rescue him, immediately informing him that the true murderer had been identified as Chef Zhang, and explaining his motive and the sequence of events. On the imperial court, ministers continued to press the Emperor to punish Wang Zhi, citing his alleged corruption and involvement in the Yu family murders. The Emperor, however, dismissed all accusations.
He revealed that Wang Zhi consistently submitted all "bribes" to the national treasury, a fact meticulously recorded by the Ministry of Revenue. Accusations of Wang Zhi manipulating the military were found to be baseless, as his alleged "confidant," Chen Yue, was a decorated veteran. Furthermore, the Emperor stated that all officials supposedly "murdered" by Wang Zhi were, in fact, guilty of severe crimes and deserved their fates.
The Emperor reprimanded the ministers for their jealousy and warned them to exercise restraint. Having lost all his property and now pursued by creditors, a destitute He Lin was found by Tang Fan in a dilapidated temple. Tang Fan offered He Lin money in exchange for a mutual divorce agreement, stipulating that Cheng'er would live with Tang Yu and all her dowry would be returned. Desperate, He Lin signed the agreement.
With the divorce finalized and Wang Zhi's name cleared, Tang Fan and his friends celebrated. Duo Er La and Wuyun subsequently departed from Tongzhou. The Emperor intended to send Wang Zhi to Yunhe to investigate the case of "Lead in official silver ingots." However, Wang Zhi explained that as a palace chamberlain, investigating a local case was inappropriate. He also reasoned that his appearance in Yunhe would immediately signal a crisis, making it impossible to contain the scandal.
Instead, Wang Zhi recommended Tang Fan for the assignment, praising his investigative abilities despite his perceived lack of political acumen. The Emperor agreed. Meanwhile, Commander Shang Ming of the Eastern Depot met with Wan Tong, expressing frustration that they almost brought down Wang Zhi, but Sui Zhou's intervention saved him.
Enraged, Wan Tong planted several banned books, including the "Sutra of Sansha Jiegui," "Sutra of Zhaoxianlu," and "Sutra of Fantianjiedi Soushen," in Sui Zhou's home, then reported him to the authorities for possessing forbidden texts. This was a severe charge, punishable by exile or even execution. The court debated how to handle the situation, especially since it involved Sui Zhou's status as a high-ranking Imperial Guard with imperial family connections.
When asked by the Emperor, the Crown Prince advised suspending Sui Zhou and having an independent department investigate to ensure fairness. He also recommended severe punishment for anyone proven to have framed Sui Zhou, a suggestion the Emperor accepted.
Episode 19 Recap
Sui Zhou faced unjust dismissal from his position, and Wan Tong relentlessly pursued his humiliation by having his subordinates demand that Sui Zhou surrender his Flying Fish Embroidered Suit, a symbol of royal appointment. A group of Jinyiwei surrounded Sui Zhou, attempting to take his uniform as a form of harassment, but he managed to fend them off. Upon his return to the capital after receiving an edict from His Majesty, Tang Fan learned of Sui Zhou’s dismissal.
He tried to comfort his friend, suggesting that Sui Zhou’s dismissal might not be a bad thing. Tang Fan proposed they pool their resources and invest in Dong'er's Restaurant.
He envisioned expanding "Sui and Tang's Bistro" across the country, with Sui Zhou contributing his culinary skills and family wealth, Tang Fan providing ideas and new recipes, his sister handling purchasing, Pei Huai researching ingredients and herbal diets, Duo Er La and Wuyun supplying fresh meat from the prairie, and Cheng'er learning the business for the future. As a joke, he added that Dong'er could eat the leftovers.
Meanwhile, Wang Zhi brought Tang Fan to a brothel for a private audience with the Emperor. Tang Fan apologized for his previous conduct. The Emperor revealed the dire state of the imperial treasury, which had been dangerously low on silver since Emperor Hongwu's reign due to constant warfare and famine. He tasked Tang Fan with investigating the Yunhe silver matter, not only to uncover the truth but, more importantly, to find a way to replenish the national coffers.
Tang Fan, however, declined the mission, stating he was merely a magistrate meant for investigations, not someone skilled in profiting from chaos like Commander Wang. He suspected he was being used as a mere cover, while Wang Zhi would handle the actual operations, and reiterated his refusal. Separately, Yu’s second son decided to renounce the mundane world and become a monk, seeking true wisdom to escape the suffering and confusion of life.
Before his departure, he entrusted Sui Zhou with his final worldly concern: his third sister, Yu Xiu Lian. Though she had awakened, Yu Xiu Lian still required time to recuperate. He asked Sui Zhou to assist her until she could return to their hometown, where clan elders would care for her. Sui Zhou readily agreed.
Despite Tang Fan's initial refusal, Wang Zhi relentlessly sought to secure the Yunhe prefecture governor position for him, deeming the Yunhe case, which involved official silver, as fundamental to the nation. Tang Fan, however, remained determined to evade the appointment. First, he bribed Pei Huai to fake a severe illness, complaining of a splitting headache and angina.
Pei Huai played along, diagnosing him with a serious internal heat condition but then forcing him to drink a foul-tasting, non-lethal herbal tonic, much to Tang Fan's chagrin. Wang Zhi, however, was not fooled, having been tipped off by Tang Fan's sister.
Next, Tang Fan attempted to feign a hasty marriage, meticulously planning a lengthy engagement period—including a search for a propitious date, formal ceremonies, a return to his hometown to inform ancestors, and a grand reception—hoping to delay his departure until the end of the year. Wang Zhi saw through this ruse as well, warning him against deceiving the crown.
As a final dramatic attempt, Tang Fan staged his own elaborate funeral, complete with a coffin and mournful wailing, claiming that the Yunhe assignment was a certain death sentence. Wang Zhi, unfazed, knelt before the "coffin," praised Tang Fan's "heroic sacrifice" for the country, and declared he would personally "send him off." Defeated in his attempts to evade, Tang Fan finally accompanied Wang Zhi to receive his imperial decree.
Before the Emperor, Tang Fan declared he desired neither the Shangfang Sword nor the Danshu Iron Voucher, explaining his fear was not of death itself, but of dying without successfully resolving the Yunhe matter. He then humbly requested to handle the Yunhe issue in his own way and asked for a seemingly insignificant item from the Emperor as a reminder of his promised autonomy.
After a moment of suspicion, the Emperor granted his wish, bestowing upon him a box of Scholar's Candies, promising that the candies could be used to save anyone's life. Tang Fan, seemingly joking, even asked if the candy wrapper counted, which the Emperor dismissed. The Yunhe mission was fraught with danger; what appeared to be a promotion was, in reality, a perilous assignment to recover funds for the imperial court.
Tang Fan explained the risks to Sui Zhou, noting the "murky water" of Yunhe was under many watchful eyes, and suggested Sui Zhou, currently idle, accompany him for protection and the chance of reinstatement if they succeeded in recovering the silver. After being subjected to continuous harassment, with people throwing dog excrement at him, Sui Zhou saw no end to the indignities he faced and agreed to accompany Tang Fan south.
As stated in the plot summary, Dong'er also went with them. Pei Huai promised to look after Tang Yu and Cheng'er while they were away. As Tang Fan and Sui Zhou embarked on their journey, ominous news reached the capital: the two officials who had reported the lead in Yunhe's official silver, along with the former Yunhe Prefecture Governor who was on his way back to the capital, had all met suspicious ends.
Mr. Su had hanged himself, Mr. Wang had drowned in his own pond, and the former governor’s horse had been startled, causing him to fall off a cliff. Wang Zhi, however, advised against sending more personnel, believing Tang Fan's light travel was an advantage and that Sui Zhou’s presence was sufficient for protection. On their journey, Tang Fan and Sui Zhou sensed they were being followed. Sui Zhou discovered it was Duo Er La and Wuyun.
Wuyun explained that Duo Er La had closed her carriage business and sold all her horses, keeping only one carriage, to follow Tang Fan, much to his delight. The group later woke to find themselves surrounded by local villagers, who led them to a hidden cave. This turned out to be a small, self-sufficient settlement. Tang Fan, through a scholarly discussion on the meaning of "zhongyong" with the village teacher, Li Mao, quickly befriended him.
Li Mao explained that the villagers were all former residents of Yunhe, either expelled or having fled, who had gathered there to survive and establish their own community. Their initial wariness towards Tang Fan's group stemmed from their need to guard against various external forces, especially local bandits. Li Mao revealed that Yunhe's peaceful days ended when Ma Lin discovered a silver mine.
This discovery led to widespread corruption, with officials colluding with merchants to seize farmlands from households and forcibly conscripting labor for the toxic mine. Many miners developed strange illnesses, their lives uncared for. The land, contaminated by mining waste, became barren. The people living in the cave were those who refused to succumb to this fate or who had lost their family's laborers.
Li Mao stressed that Yunhe was now entirely under the control of the Ma family, and anyone wishing to survive there had to obey them. Tang Fan, upon presenting his official permit, cleared up the misunderstanding about being a spy. Li Mao then guided them on the path to Yunhe and accepted Tang Fan’s offer of supplies, requesting books for the children. Following Li Mao's directions, Tang Fan and his companions arrived at the outskirts of Yunhe.
Before entering the city, they saw a line of officials waiting, which Tang Fan initially believed was a welcoming party for himself. However, he soon realized they were waiting for "Boss Ma," a figure so influential that he was referred to as the singular "Boss Ma" across Yunhe, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and even the entire land. Boss Ma then arrived with an extravagant display of power, even grander than Tang Fan's own arrival. He proceeded to greet Tang Fan.
Episode 20 Recap
Upon arriving in Yunhe, Tang Fan was met with an elaborate welcome from Ma Lin, who had been delayed but had prepared a lavish feast. Ma Lin, a connoisseur of fine dining, shared the intricate details behind exquisite dishes like the Chongyang Flower Rice Cake and Fire-Hock Immortal Duck. Tang Fan, impressed by Ma Lin’s passion for food, quickly developed a rapport with him.
Ma Lin presented Tang Fan with numerous gifts, including the authentic Calligraphy of Jushi, which Tang Fan initially declined due to its immense value but eventually accepted after Ma Lin insisted it was meant for him. Ma Lin then housed Tang Fan and his companions in a luxurious residence, which Tang Fan accepted as a loan.
Ma Rufu, the butler of the Ma mansion, provided Sui Zhou with a general token, granting Tang Fan and his entourage unlimited credit for any purchases within Yunhe, with all expenses covered by the Ma family. When Ma Lin inquired about Tang Fan's family, Tang Fan explained he was unmarried and that his parents had passed away, leaving only a sister in the capital. Ma Lin then introduced a group of female attendants to serve Tang Fan.
Despite the generous hospitality, Tang Fan's companions, Dora and Wuyun, expressed their displeasure regarding the sudden presence of the female attendants. Dora confronted Tang Fan, asserting their lack of a romantic relationship, and attempted to leave Yunhe with Wuyun, but Sui Zhou intervened, urging her not to let trivial matters cause discord and reminding her that Tang Fan had brought her joy. They ultimately decided to stay the night in Yunhe.
Meanwhile, in the capital, Wang Zhi of the Western Depot continued his investigation into the Yunhe case. He visited Mr. Wan, a senior official known for his integrity, under the guise of delivering a new official uniform. Mr. Wan initially feared Wang Zhi's visit was a prelude to a death sentence, but Wang Zhi reassured him.
During their conversation, Wang Zhi revealed that the three previous Yunhe governors had all died under mysterious circumstances, as had two officials from the Ministry of Revenue, one by hanging and another by drowning. Mr. Wan admitted the situation was suspicious and agreed to pay closer attention to any relevant information. Later, while receiving updates on the Yunhe investigation from his subordinates at the Huanyi Brothel, Wang Zhi was interrupted by a commotion outside.
Soldiers under General Chen Yue were causing a disturbance. Wang Zhi invited General Chen to a private room, where he learned that Chen Yue had returned to the capital to expedite the release of military pay. Chen Yue explained that his subordinate had been ill-treated by a minor official at the Ministry of War who demanded bribes, resulting in the subordinate's punishment back in Liaodong. Wang Zhi offered to resolve the issue, and Chen Yue gratefully accepted his help.
However, this assistance led to a joint memorial from the Ministry of War and Ministry of Personnel accusing Wang Zhi of falsely reporting and embezzling military funds. Wang Zhi later met with Mr. Wan again, who showed him the memorial. Mr. Wan revealed that General Chen Yue had falsely reported twenty thousand taels of military pay.
He advised Wang Zhi to quickly cover the deficit to maintain the Emperor's trust, and Wang Zhi asked Mr. Wan to temporarily withhold the memorial. The next morning, on Tang Fan’s first day as Yunhe magistrate, Ma Lin took him on a tour of the city. Their progress was halted by a large group of protesting silver miners demanding their wages. Ma Lin dismissed them as unruly rabble, claiming he had always paid them fairly and generously.
Tang Fan, without inquiring further, ordered Sui Zhou to arrest the ringleaders for obstructing the street, despite Sui Zhou's visible reluctance. To Ma Lin’s embarrassment, his own son, Ma Yuancong, was among the protesters, openly supporting the miners' grievances and being arrested. Later, Ma Lin hosted another banquet for Tang Fan, lamenting his difficulties and the miners' insatiable greed.
He explained that despite his apparent wealth, most of his earnings were used to bribe officials at every level, from local administrators to the six ministries in the capital, leaving him with very little profit. Tang Fan brought up the issue of silver mining rendering land infertile, but Ma Lin brushed it aside, stating that silver production was the court's priority, and environmental concerns were merely a cost.
He even mused that if a mine was depleted, they would simply move on to another location. Back at the mansion, Sui Zhou, with Dong'er's exceptional memory, meticulously mapped Tang Fan's tour routes of Yunhe. He discovered that Ma Lin had deliberately bypassed two specific areas, leading Sui Zhou to deduce that Ma Lin was only showing Tang Fan what he wanted him to see, likely concealing the silver mines and impoverished areas.
When Sui Zhou presented his findings to a seemingly inebriated Tang Fan, Tang Fan dismissed the analysis, leading to a heated argument between the two. Meanwhile, Sui Zhou, preparing for a dangerous mission, found Dora struggling to make mutton soup that tasted like home, telling her that its quality was more important than his own life. The following day, Ma Lin frantically sought Tang Fan's help, revealing that his son, Yuancong, had been kidnapped.
Tang Fan and Sui Zhou devised a rescue plan, including a three-layered encirclement of the ransom drop point. However, their initial confrontation with the kidnappers revealed them to be fakes, merely opportunistic extortionists, who were quickly apprehended. Upon returning to the Ma mansion, Ma Lin received another ransom note, which he was convinced was genuine, as it was written in Yuancong's own hand.
Ma Lin was distraught, fearing for his son's life, but Tang Fan and Sui Zhou carefully examined the letter. They observed its neat handwriting, consistent ink density, and the use of expensive Xuanzhou rice paper, all indicative of it being written calmly and deliberately, possibly in Yuancong's own study.
Furthermore, the letter demanded the release of all protesting silver workers, the cessation of mining, the return of land to farming, and payment of wages—but made no mention of ransom or a plea for rescue. Tang Fan and Sui Zhou concluded that Yuancong had orchestrated his own "kidnapping" as a ruse to advocate for the silver miners.
Episode 21 Recap
Wang Zhi met with General Chen and directly asked him to explain his reasons for making a false claim of military pay. General Chen confessed the truth, revealing that each time official silver was taken from the treasury and melted, only 60 to 80 percent of its original weight remained. The Ministry of Revenue dismissed this as a reasonable "loss in heat treatment" during the melting process. However, this consistent deficit had left the Liaodong garrison deeply in debt.
General Chen explained that he had no choice but to make a false claim for military pay in order to secure essential provisions for his troops, who needed 30,000 taels of silver for winter provisions but would only receive 18,000 otherwise. He further clarified that while a normal loss in heat treatment should be no more than 2% and later increased to 10-20% due to embezzlement, it had recently escalated to an alarming 40%.
Wang Zhi, after confirming that all silver ingots were weighed upon leaving the treasury, deduced that the official silver had been mixed with lead, leading to the excessive loss in heat treatment. Trusting General Chen's account, Wang Zhi took it upon himself to resolve the military pay issue, allowing General Chen to return to Liaodong.
In Yunhe, Tang Fan's investigation into the abduction of Ma Lin's son, Yuancong, led him to suspect that Yuancong had orchestrated his own kidnapping to support Li Mao and his followers, who were living in a cave. Tang Fan and Sui Zhou located Yuancong and Li Mao on the mountain.
Tang Fan expressed how worried his father, Ma Lin, was, even going as far as almost fighting with the silver workers and offering to spend all his money to get Yuancong back. Yuancong, however, stated that he was doing well there and did not believe his father was a good person. Li Mao asserted that Yuancong was free to decide whether to stay or leave their community, as no one was forcing him.
Yuancong then agreed to return home on the condition that Tang Fan help persuade his father to release the innocent silver workers he had arrested. Tang Fan promised to do so. Upon Yuancong's safe return to the Ma mansion, Ma Lin expressed his relief but was still upset about his son working in the fields. Ma Lin immediately confided in Tang Fan, and Tang Fan completely became one with Ma Lin.
Ma Lin revealed that Li Mao, whom he had initially hired as a tutor, had instigated Yuancong to defy him and had also bewitched the protesting silver workers. Ma Lin further explained that Li Mao's advocacy for closing the mines and focusing on farming was impractical in Yunhe, which had historically been woodland with acidic water unsuitable for cultivation.
He emphasized that Yunhe's prosperity was entirely dependent on mining, and that most of the mountain dwellers were debtors or tax evaders, not suitable for farming, warning that if left unchecked, they would eventually become bandits. Feigning complete agreement, Tang Fan praised Ma Lin's insight and, to demonstrate his newly aligned views, immediately ordered the arrest of Li Mao and suppression of the mountain community.
Yuancong was seen glaring at Tang Fan, a reaction Sui Zhou noted but Tang Fan dismissed, pretending not to see it. Later, Sui Zhou confronted Tang Fan, who was playing hide-and-seek with Ma Lin's female attendants. Sui Zhou angrily questioned why Tang Fan had arrested Li Mao. Tang Fan, seemingly irritated by the interruption, told Sui Zhou not to be a "buzzkill," reminded him to "know his place," and threatened to dismiss him if he didn't comply.
Sui Zhou, already disheartened by Tang Fan's apparent transformation, declared that he had misjudged Tang Fan and decided to leave, wishing Tang Fan a successful career. Tang Fan then stopped Sui Zhou, revealing that his actions were a pretense to gain Ma Lin's trust and infiltrate his circle to uncover the truth of the case.
He explained that arresting Li Mao served two purposes: to secure Ma Lin's confidence and to ensure Li Mao's safety, as Ma Lin could easily have him killed otherwise. Tang Fan also revealed that the female attendants were Ma Lin's spies, constantly monitoring his actions. Realizing his misunderstanding, Sui Zhou apologized.
Tang Fan then instructed Sui Zhou to continue playing along with the charade, even if it meant being subjected to public scolding, which Tang Fan proceeded to do, humiliating Sui Zhou as a "small-minded" and "incompetent bungler" in front of the servants. Meanwhile, Wang Zhi found himself 8,000 taels short of the 20,000 taels needed to cover Chen Yue's deficit.
To raise the money without risking impeachment from Wan An, Wang Zhi reluctantly decided to pawn the treasured chicken cups gifted to him by Noble Consort Wan, despite his subordinate's pleas against it. He managed to secure the 8,000 taels by pawning the chicken cups and ensured the total 20,000 taels were delivered to Mr. Wan to settle the military pay issue.
However, Mr. Wan, a seemingly upright old minister, secretly converted the silver into gold bars and, with a satisfied grin, hid them at the bottom of his pond. Separately, Duo Er La and Wuyun attempted to open a mutton soup restaurant but struggled to perfect the recipe. Tang Fan repeatedly tried to trick Sui Zhou into giving him his secret recipe, but Sui Zhou saw through each attempt.
Tang Fan even tried to use Dong'er, Sui Zhou's young "niece", by bribing her with osmanthus candy to ask Sui Zhou for the soup. Although Dong'er loved Duo Er La, she initially resisted, echoing Tang Fan's own advice about taking care of one's own business. She eventually agreed after being offered two packs of osmanthus candy, happily telling Sui Zhou that Tang Fan said Sui Zhou was "worth only two packs of osmanthus candy."
Sui Zhou, despite the teasing, eventually made the mutton soup for Dong'er. Back in the capital, Shang Ming of the Eastern Depot reported to "Empress Dowager Zhou" that Wang Zhi had sold the chicken cups, and Shang Ming had purchased them. Upon learning this, ""Empress Dowager Zhou"" visited Noble Consort Wan's palace, ostensibly to offer Xishan pears. During their conversation, ""Empress Dowager Zhou"" mentioned their shared birth year (the year of the dog) and her upcoming birthday feast.
She then casually asked Noble Consort Wan to "borrow" ""the specific set of chicken cups that had been gifted to her"" for her banquet, insisting on waiting to take them with her to save the Noble Consort the trouble of sending them. While the Noble Consort's maids searched for the cups, the Emperor arrived, expressing concern about Tang Fan's mission in Yunhe.
The Emperor then gently chided Noble Consort Wan for her palace being disorganized, which led to her inability to locate the cups. Noble Consort Wan apologized, explaining that the cups were so precious she rarely used them and had forgotten where they were stored. The Emperor, however, reassured her, stating that since he had gifted them to her, there was no fault in misplacing them. After ""Empress Dowager Zhou"" left, Noble Consort Wan, still unable to find the cups. The emperor downplayed the situation, stating, "It's just a set of cups."
Episode 22 Recap
Tang Fan presented Duo Er La with a special mutton soup recipe, explaining that Yunhe's goats, unlike prairie sheep, require unique preparation, including simmering with skin and bone marrow, along with specific ingredients and a final dash of ground pepper, to enhance flavor. With Tang Fan's guidance, the mutton soup restaurant quickly became a local sensation. Tang Fan, however, knew that the sudden surge in patronage was orchestrated by Boss Ma, who was eager to win his favor.
To acknowledge Boss Ma's efforts and discreetly probe him about the adulterated official silver ingots, Tang Fan hosted a private dinner. Despite Tang Fan's attempts to flatter and test him, Boss Ma remained unforthcoming, his responses carefully guarded, leaving Tang Fan's investigation at a standstill. Tang Fan later confessed to Sui Zhou that Boss Ma was a "sly old fox" who still did not trust him.
The two resolved to create a significant incident to firmly establish Tang Fan as an ally in Boss Ma's eyes, drawing inspiration from a more unconventional strategist. Meanwhile, Wang Zhi sought to redeem the chicken cup he had pawned, only to discover that his subordinate had lost it. Enraged, Wang Zhi confronted the subordinate by a lake, recounting the deep personal significance of the cup, a gift from his master who taught him to always hold onto important things.
The subordinate, despite being subjected to torture, swore on his family's lives that he had carefully protected the priceless item, but it had been stolen by highly skilled and determined robbers who seemed specifically targeting the cup. Wang Zhi concluded that his subordinate genuinely had no knowledge of who was behind the theft. In another part of the capital, Eastern Depot Eunuch Director Shang Ming, Mr. Wan (likely Wan An), and Commander Wan conspired against Wang Zhi.
Shang Ming clarified that their goal was to exploit Wang Zhi's alleged private sale of a palace item, especially one gifted by the Emperor, which was a capital offense. Mr. Wan pointed out that Wang Zhi's recent transfer of Tang Fan to Yunhe as governor clearly threatened their financial interests, urging them to eliminate Wang Zhi before he could dismantle their network.
Shang Ming implied that the chicken cup had been conveniently delivered to him by an anonymous party, a "coincidence" that allowed them to corner Wang Zhi. Later, it was revealed that Li Zilong, a key figure in the Yunhe Ma Lin interest group, was the one who arranged for the cup to be delivered to Shang Ming, further orchestrating the plot against Wang Zhi. Back in Yunhe, despite Li Mao and Ertao's imprisonment, the silver workers resumed their strike.
Boss Ma reported this to Tang Fan, who feigned a furious outburst, blaming Sui Zhou for the lapse and threatening to imprison all the workers in the Imperial Edict Prison, even asking Boss Ma to fund a larger jail. Boss Ma quickly interceded, emphasizing that such arrests would halt silver production and incur a massive deficit in the imperial quota, which would implicate them both, stressing that they were "in this together."
Tang Fan then appeared to calm down, accepting Boss Ma's advice. He proposed that he could resolve the unrest by winning over Li Mao, despite Li Mao's reputation for being incorruptible. Tang Fan then proceeded to the prison, while Boss Ma awaited his success. Tang Fan initiated a series of calculated visits to Li Mao in prison, offering tea and playing Go, all while feigning difficulty and frustration to Boss Ma.
After his initial visit, Tang Fan complained to Boss Ma that Li Mao was unyielding, suggesting torture. Boss Ma, concerned about Li Mao's delicate health and the potential backlash, advised Tang Fan to identify Li Mao's true needs, reiterating his business philosophy: "as long as you find the needs of the other party, you can strike any deal." Tang Fan pretended to take this advice to heart.
After a third visit, Tang Fan triumphantly informed Boss Ma that he had secured Li Mao's cooperation. He fabricated Li Mao's demands: the release of Ertao and other imprisoned silver workers, Boss Ma's sponsorship of a private school, and tuition waivers for poor students. Although Boss Ma initially worried that the school might be used to incite unrest, Tang Fan skillfully spun it as a strategic move to control the workers' children and ease tensions, further solidifying Boss Ma's trust.
Completely convinced, Boss Ma agreed to the terms, declaring their shared future. However, during his last visit, Li Mao revealed to Tang Fan that he had seen through the act. He explained that Sui Zhou's kind treatment of the prisoners and Tang Fan's prolonged "negotiations" had led him to suspect a deeper plan to save Yunhe. Touched by Li Mao's unwavering faith, Tang Fan released him and the other workers.
Sui Zhou later praised Tang Fan's successful charade, as the news of the new school brought immense joy to the silver workers' families. Meanwhile, in the capital, Wang Zhi, carrying a counterfeit chicken cup, went to Noble Consort Wan's palace. On the way, he recalled their first meeting, when a young Wang Zhi, whose parents had died, mistook her for a Bodhisattva and praised her beauty.
Noble Consort Wan took him in, raised him, and taught him the importance of always facing challenges with a smile. She later sent him to serve the Emperor, gifting him the chicken cup. During the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet, the chicken cup was brought up again. Noble Consort Wan presented the counterfeit cup.
The Empress Dowager, intending to create trouble, deliberately produced the real cup, warning that forging or privately selling items bestowed by the Emperor constituted a capital offense of deceiving the monarch. To protect Noble Consort Wan and Wang Zhi, the Emperor personally threw the real cup into a lake, publicly declaring the one Noble Consort Wan held to be the genuine article, thereby defusing the crisis.
Afterward, Wang Zhi truthfully explained to the Emperor the reason for his forgery: the official silver from Yunhe was adulterated and used for the border army's provisions and payroll. The Ministry of Revenue used "fire loss" as an excuse for the discrepancy, leading to General Chen Yue falsely reporting military expenditures. Wang Zhi had no other choice but to resort to such a drastic measure to cover the deficit.
The Emperor warned Wang Zhi that this was a one-time exception and advised Noble Consort Wan that, although she raised Wang Zhi like her own child, he was ultimately not their biological son. Later, as Tang Fan waited for Sui Zhou at a mutton soup restaurant, he was abruptly abducted by masked men. He loudly identified himself as the Yunhe governor, warning his captors of repercussions. He was brought to a hidden factory where Boss Ma was waiting.
Boss Ma dramatically unveiled a secret world behind a door, describing it as "heaven"—a path to extraordinary wealth that also carried immense risk. Inside, Tang Fan discovered a sophisticated production line for adulterating official silver ingots with lead. Tang Fan expressed concern about the capital offense of a crime punishable by the extermination of one's entire family.
Boss Ma dismissed this, stating that "high risk brings high return" and that he had already bribed every official from the provincial level to the six ministries in the capital, claiming "everyone except His Majesty is taken care of." Boss Ma confidently explained that the vast network of corruption involved so many powerful figures that they would collectively ensure the Emperor remained ignorant.
He then demonstrated their illicit operation: one box of lead-adulterated silver was discreetly swapped for a box of pure silver before being sent to the adjacent official silver mint, ensuring seamless deception. Boss Ma invited Tang Fan to join his enterprise but did not press for an immediate answer, urging him to consider the proposition. As they exited, Sui Zhou appeared, having grown worried about Tang Fan's sudden disappearance.
Tang Fan downplayed the abduction, maintaining his facade for Boss Ma by feigning a casual walk after a heavy meal. Boss Ma, still seeking Tang Fan's full partnership, invited him to a banquet the next day for further discussion.
Episode 23 Recap
Li Zilong arrived unannounced at Ma Lin's residence late at night after learning that Ma Lin had taken Tang Fan to the secret mint. Ma Lin expressed surprise at his sudden visit, but Li Zilong questioned if he was unwelcome. Ma Lin quickly clarified that he simply wished for prior notice to prepare a banquet.
Li Zilong then got straight to the point, asking if it was appropriate to take Tang Fan to the secret mint, surprising Ma Lin with his rapid information. Ma Lin assured Li Zilong that Tang Fan was "on board" and easy to handle, claiming he had observed him carefully.
However, Li Zilong, drawing on his own knowledge from the capital, countered that Tang Fan was known for being proud of his talent and aloof from material pursuits, never having been bought by anyone. He also held a personal grudge as Tang Fan had foiled his plans multiple times and was responsible for the death of his son, Li Man.
He pointed out Tang Fan's track record of solving major cases and bringing down numerous dignitaries, questioning how such a person could be easily swayed. Ma Lin confidently retorted that Tang Fan had only remained uncorrupt because no one else could afford him. He boasted that he, Ma Lin, could buy anyone in the entire country, except for the Emperor.
Li Zilong then warned Ma Lin that Tang Fan had a close relationship with Wang Zhi and might have been sent by him to investigate. Ma Lin dismissed this concern, asserting that it didn't matter who sent Tang Fan; as long as he was human, he had needs that Ma Lin could exploit. He boasted that no one could escape his influence. Ma Lin revealed his plan to act the following night, and Li Zilong decided to accompany him.
Her Majesty Zhou, displeased with Eastern Depot Commander Shang Ming over the chicken cup incident, had him kneeling by the palace wall. Wang Zhi approached him, offering a cushion while mocking him for his failed attempt to frame him. Wang Zhi suggested Shang's actions only upset Her Majesty Zhou, who couldn't publicly blame her involvement, resulting in a mere night of kneeling.
In contrast, Wang Zhi pointed out that if he were found guilty of deceiving the crown, he would lose his head. Commander Shang denied any involvement, but Wang Zhi dismissed his denial. Wang Zhi then instructed Shang to rise, revealing he had already interceded with the Emperor on Shang's behalf, portraying him as a foolish individual who was duped into accepting a fake cup. He assured Shang that the Emperor would not pursue the matter further.
Commander Shang, realizing he had been tricked into kneeling longer than necessary, angrily called Wang Zhi a "punk." Wang Zhi continued to subtly mock Shang while helping him up, then questioned why Shang allowed outsiders to mock their shared "family" of Eastern and Western Depots. Finally, Wang Zhi directly asked Commander Shang who provided him with the chicken cup.
Commander Shang evasively claimed the item "grew wings and flew to me by itself," asking if Wang Zhi believed him, to which Wang Zhi ironically affirmed his belief. After confronting Commander Shang, Wang Zhi pursued the mystery of the chicken cup. He interrogated three of his subordinates, identifying each by their tenure in Western Depot and their specific duties, even noting that the newest recruit, who cleaned his room, would have noticed the cup's disappearance.
Wang Zhi offered to spare their lives if one revealed who they had informed about the cup. One of the subordinates, however, chose to die rather than betray secrets, a display of resilience that impressed Wang Zhi. He then inquired about Tang Fan's activities. His subordinate reported that Tang Fan had recently grown close to Ma Lin in Yunhe. Wang Zhi pondered whether Tang Fan had "changed," musing that some people only dislike something because they haven't truly experienced it.
Intrigued and suspicious of Tang Fan's behavior, Wang Zhi decided to send an investigator, Jia Kui, to Yunhe. Jia Kui arrived just as Li Zilong's men were making a move on Tang Fan. Tang Fan and Sui Zhou discussed their next steps. Tang Fan explained that despite uncovering the secret of the private mint, they could not act rashly. He needed to identify the ultimate mastermind above Ma Lin to truly solve the case.
Sui Zhou, puzzled by Ma Lin's continued involvement despite seemingly meager benefits, questioned his motivations. Tang Fan clarified that the imperial court's increasing annual silver quotas were beyond Yunhe's capacity. Ma Lin, desperate to retain his private silver minting rights, was forced into these illicit activities and had to continuously bribe a network of officials. If he stopped, someone else would take over, leading to his violent demise.
Sui Zhou suggested attempting to turn Ma Lin, but Tang Fan deemed it a delicate task, opting to improvise based on circumstances. Concerned for Tang Fan's safety, Sui Zhou warned him that prolonging the investigation only increased the danger. Tang Fan acknowledged this, stating that if something happened to him, at least Sui Zhou would know the truth and could bring the culprits to justice.
Sui Zhou, however, vowed that nothing would happen to Tang Fan, insisting they would return to the capital together. He gave Tang Fan a few more days to find Ma Lin's highest patron, threatening to intervene personally for Tang Fan's safety if there was no breakthrough. Tang Fan protested Sui Zhou's independent decision-making.
Later, Tang Fan deciphered Ma Lin's behavior during their previous meeting; when Ma Lin shrugged while listing certain officials, it indicated he was lying to complicate the investigation, meaning those names were innocent. Tang Fan remained unsure about Wang Zhi's potential involvement, as Li Zilong mentioned him, but Ma Lin offered no discernible reaction. Sui Zhou, noticing Tang Fan's exhaustion, urged him to rest. Upon arriving in Yunhe, Jia Kui, the investigator sent by Wang Zhi, met with Sui Zhou.
Sui Zhou remarked that he had recognized Jia Kui the previous night during an attack by Li Zilong's men on Tang Fan, and then explained Tang Fan's true intentions to him. Jia Kui then joined Sui Zhou in protecting Tang Fan. Jia Kui questioned if Wang Zhi intended to harm Tang Fan, a notion Sui Zhou denied. Jia Kui then asked why Wang Zhi had sent him to Yunhe.
Tang Fan, feigning cooperation, was introduced to Li Zilong by Ma Lin. During their gathering, Ma Lin extolled Tang Fan's impressive scholarly achievements. Tang Fan, in turn, humbly praised Ma Lin for his contributions to Yunhe's economy and acknowledged his own reliance on Ma Lin's support. Ma Lin then lauded Li Zilong as the most remarkable of the three, crediting him with his current success, a compliment Li Zilong downplayed as a minor favor from years past.
As they conversed, Li Zilong highlighted Tang Fan's formidable reputation in the capital for solving major cases and fearlessly imprisoning high-ranking officials, including the Chief Eunuch, the son of Marquis Wu'an, and the pride of the imperial family. Tang Fan, however, adopted a facade of a disaffected official, claiming to prefer "rule by inaction" and "going with the flow" for promotion and wealth.
He insisted he was "forced" into solving those dangerous cases without reward and lamented his current posting in Yunhe, which he described as a "land of troubles" he was "forced to come to" after offending someone in the capital. He expressed a simple desire for a peaceful tenure. Ma Lin and Li Zilong readily agreed, assuring him that they were now "in this together" and would help him secure wealth and powerful connections to prevent future bullying.
Tang Fan, still probing, questioned the true influence of their "friends in higher places." Ma Lin then confidently displayed a ledger, claiming it contained the names of "nearly half of the royal court's officials!" When Tang Fan pressed about officials above the Six Ministries, Ma Lin stated, "Then there will be only His Majesty left." Li Zilong urged Tang Fan to trust them, emphasizing their integrity as businessmen.
Tang Fan then revealed his feigned reluctance: his concern over Wang Zhi, who had recommended him and was constantly monitoring him. Tang Fan claimed he "can't afford to go against Wang Zhi" and implied he needed their superiors to "take care of Wang Zhi."
Both Ma Lin and Li Zilong assured him that Wang Zhi "won't be a problem," asserting that their illicit activities, by covering national deficits and supporting numerous people, were in fact "solving His Majesty's problems" and preventing chaos, effectively making them "heroes." Tang Fan raised his cup in apparent agreement. After Tang Fan departed, Li Zilong remarked on Tang Fan's cunning, concluding he had been "acting to show us the whole time."
Despite Ma Lin's initial disbelief, Li Zilong was convinced and decided it was "better safe than sorry," suggesting they eliminate Tang Fan. Ma Lin protested that killing was not a long-term solution, reminding Li Zilong of the consequences if the previous prefect governor had returned to the capital. Li Zilong then chillingly inquired about Ma Lin's son, urging Ma Lin to "think about your son to make your choice" regarding Tang Fan.
As Tang Fan left, Li Zilong subtly handed Ma Lin some money, chillingly suggesting he use it to "buy a good coffin" for Tang Fan, implying Ma Lin should eliminate him. Following his encounter with Li Zilong, Tang Fan initiated a new strategy. He instructed Duo Er La to post a "Prosperous Store for Rent" sign for their sheep soup shop, emphasizing that the shop should be rented out to anyone, regardless of the offer.
Simultaneously, he began openly packing what appeared to be his personal silver at his residence. These actions quickly drew Ma Lin's attention. When Ma Lin confronted him, Tang Fan dismissed his servant and explained his intention to resign and return home, claiming he could no longer participate in the illicit silver operation. He swore to keep Ma Lin's secrets and pleaded for his own life. Ma Lin, bewildered, asked what had changed since their last meeting.
Tang Fan stated that Wang Zhi's people had arrived in Yunhe and were monitoring him, asserting that he could not oppose Wang Zhi and thus had no choice but to escape. He even claimed to have drafted his resignation memorial. Falling for the ruse, Ma Lin invited Tang Fan to his residence, promising to show him something that might change his mind.
There, Ma Lin presented a box containing a ledger, revealing it was his safeguard, and allowed Tang Fan to read its contents to alleviate his concerns. Ma Lin expressed profound respect and gratitude, treating Tang Fan like a close friend who had resolved Li Mao's issue and saved his son Yuancong's life. He proposed they work together to accumulate wealth and share prosperity in Yunhe.
Tang Fan acknowledged Ma Lin's sincerity but politely declined, citing their fundamentally opposed positions, though he expressed gratitude for Ma Lin's trust. Ma Lin, convinced, finally revealed that the true mastermind behind the operation was the veteran courtier, Wan An. Tang Fan returned to the capital, bringing crucial information with him. He delivered a note wrapped in a Scholar's Candies wrapper to Wang Zhi, with "Wan An" clearly written on it.
Wang Zhi presented this to the Emperor, explaining that while swift action was needed in Yunhe, handling Wan An in the court required extreme caution. He emphasized that Wan An was a "veteran courtier during three reigns" and a powerful cabinet prime minister, and the case's broad implications could shake the foundation of the country. The Emperor entrusted Wang Zhi with the matter. Wang Zhi then inquired if the Emperor recognized the Scholar's Candies wrapper.
Upon the Emperor's confirmation, the Emperor mistakenly assumed Tang Fan was simply eager for rewards. Wang Zhi clarified that Tang Fan's true intention was to plead for Ma Lin's life. Later, Wang Zhi confronted Wan An at his residence, by a pond. Wang Zhi subtly hinted at the pond's extraordinary nature, suggesting its hidden contents. Wan An, feigning ignorance about Wang Zhi's purpose, was then presented with a ledger.
Wan An dismissed the ledger as easily fabricated, denying any wrongdoing and claiming there was no evidence. He then audaciously argued that the officials listed were not criminals but "heroes of the Ming Dynasty." He contended that without their practice of mixing lead into official silver ingots to cover national treasury deficits, the Ming Dynasty would not have survived even a year. He admitted they "embezzled a little bit money" but insisted they "solved the greatest problem for the country."
Wang Zhi acknowledged Wan An's impressive sophistry in twisting facts. Wan An defiantly warned Wang Zhi that arresting these officials would leave no one to govern the country, and that publicly exposing the fake official silver would cause serious turmoil in the court and shake the entire nation.
Wang Zhi conceded that the treasury was indeed empty and that their actions perhaps maintained the country's operation, but pointed out that Wan An had also been "storing water in his pond," alluding to his vast personal illicit gains. Wang Zhi offered Wan An a path to continue as Grand Secretary and live a peaceful life, with the only "punishment" being the removal of his hidden gold from the pond.
Furious and distraught as people began to retrieve his gold bars from the pond, Wan An raged that Wang Zhi was trying to force him to kill himself. His subordinate attempted to console him, reminding him that he had outlasted several emperors and that Wang Zhi was but a "baby" compared to him. Wan An, however, vowed to retrieve his stolen wealth with interest, then declared that "there is another person we have to get rid of."
Episode 24 Recap
Cheng, having moved to the capital, was often bullied by local children. He was hesitant to fight back, fearing he would cause trouble for his mother, Tang Yu. Pei Huai, knowing this, advised Cheng that protecting himself was essential to protecting his mother. He then taught Cheng his unique method of fighting using knowledge of meridians and acupoints. Cheng applied these techniques, no longer suffering bullying, but this led to complaints from other children's parents.
Tang Yu was furious upon learning the full story and consequently turned Pei Huai away from their home. Days later, Pei Huai still came to visit, checking on Cheng's well-being from outside. Cheng informed him that he was no longer bullied, having successfully used the moves Pei Huai taught him. He then showed curiosity about how hitting the Jianjing acupoint could disable someone's arm.
Pei Huai eagerly explained the concept of meridians as pathways for qi and blood, connecting organs and body parts, and acupoints as crucial points along these pathways that can be stimulated for therapeutic effects. Later that night, Tang Yu heard a disturbance. Alarmed, she found several black-clad figures entering their yard with murderous intent. She quickly roused Cheng and hid with him in a corner of the kitchen. The following day, Pei Huai came to deliver medicine.
Discovering the house in disarray, he immediately worried about Tang Yu and Cheng's safety. He eventually found them still shaken and hiding in the kitchen. Noticing Sui Zhou's absence, Pei Huai stated that it was dangerous for Tang Yu and Cheng to be alone, especially if the attackers returned. He proposed moving in to provide mutual care and protection, to which Cheng enthusiastically agreed, much to Tang Yu's initial reservation.
Meanwhile, Wang Zhi reported to the Emperor on the recent confiscations: 11,240,000 taels of silver from Ma Lin's estate in Yunhe, and 720,000 taels of gold from Wan An's hidden stash in his pond. These immense sums were enough to cover the national treasury's deficit for the past decade. The Emperor was furious, especially after learning that over 60% of court officials were implicated, with 20% holding high-ranking positions.
The Emperor, wanting to immediately execute Wan An, was advised by Wang Zhi to proceed cautiously. Wang Zhi explained that such widespread corruption meant hasty action could destabilize the entire court. He suggested a gradual replacement of corrupt officials with newly selected ones, a process he estimated would take at least three years. The Emperor, impatient, shortened the timeframe to two years.
Following this, the Emperor decided to recall Tang Fan to the capital, promoting him to the fifth-rank position of Official of Office of Transmission in the Ministry of Punishments. Wang Zhi then introduced Lu Zhi, the current governor of Tongzhou, whom he had recommended to replace Tang Fan as the Yunhe prefecture governor. Lu Zhi, overwhelmed by emotion, shed tears upon finally seeing the Emperor. Before his departure, Tang Fan sought out Li Mao.
Tang Fan informed Li Mao that he was returning to the capital, believing that the Emperor would not allow him to remain in Yunhe given his knowledge of its many secrets. He then formally requested Li Mao's assistance for the incoming governor, regardless of who it might be, to ensure Yunhe's continued good governance. Shortly after, an imperial decree arrived, confirming Tang Fan's promotion and ordering his immediate return, while officially appointing Lu Zhi as the new Yunhe prefecture governor.
Lu Zhi, upon arriving, expressed his gratitude to Tang Fan, crediting him for his promotion and the opportunity to meet the Emperor. He also confessed his worries about governing Yunhe, a critical silver production area, due to his lack of local knowledge. Tang Fan then introduced Li Mao to Lu Zhi, commending Li Mao as the most renowned scholar in the area and suggesting his guidance would ensure Yunhe's stability. Tang Fan also met with Duo Er La and Wuyun.
Wuyun jokingly asked Tang Fan what he did every day as governor, to which Tang Fan admitted to "plotting" and being "full of wicked guile." Wuyun admired Tang Fan's ability to express emotions freely and wished she could be like him, laughing when happy and fighting when angry. Tang Fan, while playfully telling her she was too weak to fight, offered his help. Duo Er La, expressing her loyalty, remarked that Tang Fan was indeed the most loyal friend.
She then brought up their restaurant, expressing relief that Tang Fan hadn't rented it out, especially since business was now thriving. Duo Er La proposed they make more money to buy a larger yard, raise sheep and cattle, and even offered Tang Fan a place to stay if he ever found himself "kicked out." Tang Fan then confessed there was something he didn't know how to tell her. Duo Er La lightheartedly suggested he sing it or write it down.
Tang Fan wrote a message, and upon reading it, Duo Er La realized with dismay that Tang Fan was planning to sell their restaurant. Tang Fan, who had previously sought the Emperor's clemency for Ma Lin's death sentence, shared a final drink with him before departing Yunhe. Tang Fan congratulated Ma Lin on his impending release, reminding him that despite the confiscation of his assets, his life had been spared, which was the best possible outcome.
Tang Fan encouraged him to rebuild his wealth using his business acumen, suggesting the new Yunhe governor would still rely on him to maintain local commerce. Ma Lin appeared hesitant and repeatedly urged Tang Fan to be extremely careful on his journey back to the capital. After Tang Fan left, Ma Lin, knowing his days were numbered and that Li Zilong would not spare him, prepared a lavish meal for his son, Yuancong.
He insisted Yuancong eat, then imparted crucial advice: Yuancong should never let outsiders' opinions define him and, most importantly, their family should always seek reconciliation and never harbor hatred, regardless of what befalls them. Yuancong, surprisingly calm, expressed his understanding about their lost wealth, finding their simpler current life more peaceful. Ma Lin then made him promise never to engage in business.
After Yuancong departed, Ma Lin consumed the poison provided by Li Zilong's subordinate, who confirmed that Ma Lin's family would be safe if he died. On their journey back to the capital, Tang Fan remained unconcerned about potential dangers, often complaining about Sui Zhou's choice of difficult routes and accusing him of paranoia. However, Sui Zhou and Jia Kui were acutely aware that Tang Fan had made many enemies during the Yunhe case and would likely be targeted for revenge.
As they traveled, they discovered a broken bridge that appeared to be deliberately sabotaged, raising their suspicions. They discussed various detours, noting that all routes were dangerous and would add several days to their journey. During this time, the Emperor, in a private conversation, expressed his underlying concern about Wang Zhi's increasing power, fearing it could corrupt him.
Sui Zhou, having grown up with Wang Zhi and trusting him, urged the Emperor to maintain his faith but solemnly vowed that if Wang Zhi ever truly changed, he would personally eliminate him. Their journey was soon interrupted by assassins who launched a direct attack on Tang Fan. After apprehending one of them, Sui Zhou interrogated him about who sent them.
It became clear that the sabotaged bridge and the attack were deliberate attempts to kill Tang Fan, indicating his enemies would stop at nothing. Realizing that continuing together was too risky, Sui Zhou, Jia Kui, and Duo Er La devised a plan to split into two groups and travel in disguise. Tang Fan vehemently disagreed, but the others, prioritizing his safety, knocked him unconscious.
They placed him and Dong into a box, entrusting them to Jia Kui, who would travel ahead in disguise. Duo Er La, dressed as Tang Fan, would accompany Sui Zhou and Wuyun Bulage on the main route back to the capital. Tang Fan awoke to find himself confined in a box, immensely displeased with the arrangement. He loudly protested, demanding to be released and suggesting they simply disguise themselves as beggars.
Unfazed, Jia Kui exchanged some dry rations for several sets of beggar clothes. Tang Fan, Dong, and Jia Kui then donned the disguises and continued their journey. Tang Fan continued to complain about the discomfort, feeling his backside was "cracking" from the bumpy ride and lamenting the loss of their carriage.
Jia Kui, however, urged him to persevere, assuring him that the capital was not far and that Sui Zhou's group, though taking a faster detour to the west, would likely arrive simultaneously. Meanwhile, Sui Zhou's group, including Duo Er La disguised as Tang Fan and Wuyun Bulage, faced their own perilous route. They identified an obvious ambush point but, with no alternative, decided to charge through it.
Both groups successfully made it to the capital, Sui Zhou expressing relief that Tang Fan and Dong were not with them for their dangerous breakthrough. Jia Kui dropped Tang Fan and Dong off at Dong's Restaurant, bidding them farewell before leaving to report back. Tang Fan and Dong, famished and exhausted, ordered noodles from Dong's aunt, who initially did not recognize them due to their disheveled appearance and strong smell.
As Tang Fan waited, a copper coin dropped in front of him. Believing it to be alms, he looked up and saw the figure of Li Zilong across the street. Tang Fan attempted to pursue him, but the figure vanished in an instant.
Episode 25 Recap
Two individuals, Li Fei and Li You, disguised themselves as Imperial Guards and, using Sui Zhou's name from the Northern Administrative Court of Imperial Guards, extorted thirty taels of silver from Mr. Lü. Mr. Lü reported the incident to Wang Zhi, hoping he would intervene. Wang Zhi, upon hearing Sui Zhou's name, instructed Mr. Lü to keep the matter quiet, stating that he would handle it.
Wang Zhi then dispatched Jia Kui to secretly investigate, believing the blackmail was specifically aimed at him. He reasoned that Sui Zhou had only just returned to the capital that day, so it couldn't have been him. Meanwhile, Tang Fan and his companions safely returned to the capital. During dinner, they noticed the growing closeness between Tang Yu and Pei Huai, much to everyone's delight. As they enjoyed their meal, Duo Er La suddenly coughed up blood and collapsed.
It was revealed that while disguised as Tang Fan on the journey back to the capital, Duo Er La had been struck by a poisoned arrow. The poison, as later analyzed by Wang Zhi and Ding Rong, was far from ordinary aconite or poisoned-arrow wood. Instead, it was a complex compound of several toxins, mutually dependent and intensifying each other. Even a tiny amount could lie dormant, spreading through the bloodstream and becoming incurable once it reached the heart.
Ding Rong informed them that attempting a hasty detoxification would only suppress one toxin while exacerbating the others. Therefore, it was crucial to identify all components of the poison before formulating an antidote, but Duo Er La's condition was critical and she could not afford to wait. Sui Zhou suggested gathering medical personnel from the Imperial Hospital, but Wang Zhi rejected the idea. He revealed that Ma Lin from Yunhe had died by suicide.
It was later learned that after Ma Lin's release from prison, knowing his life was short and that Li Zilong would not spare him, he prepared a final meal for his son, Yuan Cong, advising him to live peacefully without hatred, before consuming the poisoned wine given by Li Zilong. Wang Zhi then warned Sui Zhou that someone was still targeting Tang Fan, urging him to be cautious and to stay indoors as much as possible.
Pei Huai concurred with Ding Rong's assessment, emphasizing that the Western Depot needed to quickly identify the poison's components to determine a cure. In the interim, Pei Huai could only prepare tonic prescriptions to buy Duo Er La more time. Tang Fan, frustrated by the doctors' inability to help, chastised Pei Huai, but Tang Yu defended him. Despite his outward refusal to Sui Zhou, Wang Zhi brought up the Oirat woman, Duo Er La, being stabbed, to the Emperor.
The Emperor, concerned for Tang Fan, ordered Chief Imperial Physician Wang to take several imperial doctors to examine her. Wang Zhi also reported on Li Zilong, a mysterious figure from the Yunhe case, describing him as extraordinarily influential, with connections ranging from court officials to the underworld. Wang Zhi suggested Li Zilong's motives went beyond mere wealth accumulation, implying a larger agenda.
The Emperor commanded a thorough investigation into Li Zilong's background, stating that if his ambitions aligned with the throne, he could be recruited; otherwise, he must be eliminated. Concurrently, Shang Ming informed Wan Tong that several high-ranking officials, including Mr. Jiang and Mr. Shi from the Ministry of Personnel, Mr. Zhao from the Ministry of Works, and three officials from the Court of Imperial Entertainments and Hanlin Academy, had been blackmailed by someone posing as Sui Zhou.
Shang Ming implied these officials kept quiet because their dealings were not entirely clean. Wan Tong, upon learning the blackmailer claimed to be an Imperial Guard, initially dismissed it as an attempt to frame them. Shang Ming then subtly warned Wan Tong that Wang Zhi's Western Depot was expanding its influence, advising Wan Tong not to let the Imperial Guards be manipulated.
Wan Tong resolved to use this situation to incriminate Sui Zhou, who was known to be close to Wang Zhi. The imperial doctors who examined Duo Er La were unable to diagnose her condition or find a cure, admitting her symptoms and pulse were too unpredictable. Pei Huai continued to administer Huanxu Tonic to prolong Duo Er La's life, but the side effect of rising body temperature was a concern. He proposed using ice for external cooling.
Sui Zhou managed to obtain some broken ice and ice fragments from the royal ice storage. Ding Rong managed to identify three components of the poison: Venom of Black-headed pit viper, venom of Green Monkey Toad, and Common Nandina. However, he estimated it would take another seven days to identify the remaining two toxins.
Desperate to buy more time for Duo Er La, Sui Zhou attempted to purchase ice from Huichun Pharmacy but was met with deliberate obstruction by Mr. Li, the owner, who recognized Sui Zhou and taunted him for no longer being an Imperial Guard. Despite Tang Yu's protest, Sui Zhou humbly apologized to Mr. Li multiple times until he finally sold them the ice.
Sui Zhou later explained to Tang Yu that ordinary people have emotions, and compared to saving a life, "face" and "humiliation" were utterly insignificant. Pei Huai devised a method to test the antidote more quickly by directly exposing a subject to the poison. As others expressed concern, Tang Fan took the poisoned arrow, deliberately cut his palm, and began to test the antidote on himself.
He reasoned that as a doctor, only he could accurately describe the symptoms, which would expedite the antidote's formulation. He assured them he could withstand numerous antidote trials, and if those failed, they should continue trying other combinations. Tang Yu was distressed, but Tang Fan reassured her by expressing his confidence in Pei Huai's ability to cure him.
Later, Imperial Guards arrived at Sui Zhou's residence, informing him that Commander Wan Tong had summoned him for questioning at the Northern Administrative Court of Imperial Guards. Sui Zhou agreed to go but asked a guard to escort Cheng'er and the ice home. At the Northern Administrative Court of Imperial Guards, Wan Tong interrogated Sui Zhou, repeatedly questioning his whereabouts on specific past dates and times. Each time, Sui Zhou calmly replied that he had only just returned to the capital yesterday. Frustrated by Sui Zhou's repeated non-answers, Wan Tong ordered him immediately jailed.
Episode 26 Recap
Xue Ling, addressing Commander Wan Tong, presented evidence that Sui Zhou's home had been burglarized the previous month, suggesting that the thieves likely stole his identity badge and then used it to impersonate him in a recent extortion case. He emphasized that Sui Zhou had only returned to the capital yesterday, providing him an alibi. Wan Tong, however, dismissed Xue Ling's explanation, accusing him of interfering with the investigation and implying he might be Sui Zhou's accomplice.
Distraught and worried, Dong rushed to Wang Zhi for help. She informed him that Sui Zhou had been arrested by the Imperial Guards on their way back from buying ice and taken to the Northern Administrative Court, his fate unknown. She also explained that Tang Fan had scratched his hand with a poisoned arrow to aid in Dora's treatment, exacerbating his condition.
Wang Zhi, listening intently, offered to cook her rice noodles, revealing that he often did so when homesick for his native Guangxi. He then inquired about her future plans. Dong expressed her immediate goal to rescue Sui Zhou, after which they would focus on detoxifying Tang Fan. Wang Zhi, however, posed a grim hypothetical, asking what she would do if both Sui Zhou and Tang Fan were no longer alive.
Unable to fathom such a scenario, Dong threw down her chopsticks and fled. Wang Zhi then calmly stated that the door to the Western Depot was always open for her. Meanwhile, Li Fei and Li You continued their charade, extracting money and valuables from a victim's servant with threats of further punishment for the imprisoned master. However, their actions had alerted the Imperial Guards.
Patrols were actively displaying their portraits to vendors, warning citizens to report any sightings or face charges for concealing information. Realizing the increasing danger, the brothers fled to avoid capture. In the dungeon, Commander Wan Tong relentlessly interrogated Sui Zhou, threatening him with acupuncture torture and promising relief only if he revealed Li Zilong's whereabouts or information about Wang Zhi. Sui Zhou maintained his silence, only stating that he had just returned to the capital yesterday as an alibi.
Just as Wan Tong was preparing to intensify the torture, Xue Ling arrived to report a fresh case of Imperial Guard impersonation at a Ministry of Revenue official's residence. This new development forced Wan Tong to order Sui Zhou's release. However, he cunningly instructed his subordinates to hold Sui Zhou for an additional hour, using this time to widely disseminate rumors that Sui Zhou was no longer with the Imperial Guards, especially among those he had previously arrested.
Despite their prior exposure, Li Fei and Li You decided to attempt one more large-scale scam before leaving the capital, adopting the "Darkness Under the Light" strategy, reasoning that no one would expect them to act again so soon after their identities were revealed. Instead of targeting officials, they approached a tavern with a gambling den. Impersonating Imperial Guards, they threatened the owner with legal penalties for running a private casino and demanded monthly protection money.
The tavern owner, unfazed, explained that his establishment was already registered with the Northern Administrative Court and regularly paid its dues to Commander Wan Tong. Recognizing the brothers as imposters, he called their bluff and ordered his men to apprehend them, leading to a scuffle. Upon leaving the Northern Administrative Court, Sui Zhou immediately noticed a group of men tracking him, sent by Wan Tong. As they relentlessly pursued him, he was forced into a street fight.
During the commotion, he unexpectedly encountered Li Fei and Li You, who were themselves being chased by the tavern owner's men. Overwhelmed and unable to defend himself alone, Sui Zhou had no choice but to join the brothers in their escape. After evading their pursuers, Sui Zhou conversed with Li Fei and Li You. He quickly discerned that both brothers were also military veterans, having served as border guards, just like himself.
Li Fei admitted they were unemployed and struggling to make a living. Recognizing their shared background and predicament, a bond formed between them. Li Fei then invited Sui Zhou to join them in future endeavors, suggesting they meet at Tianning Temple outside Guangning Gate if he was interested in making money. Later, Sui Zhou recounted this encounter to Dong. She questioned why he hadn't apprehended the imposters, especially given how they had nearly implicated him.
Sui Zhou explained he was outnumbered and couldn't protect himself, and that the brothers had actually helped him escape. He expressed empathy for their plight, noting that as former soldiers, they must have severe hardships to resort to fraud, and he intended to persuade them to surrender, which would lead to a lighter sentence of exile rather than a more severe punishment if caught. Tang Fan endured extreme side effects from testing various antidotes.
Pei Huai observed that some decoctions caused a sensation of burning, others felt like worms gnawing at bones, and the latest one made him feel intensely cold, as if trapped in an ice cave. Pei Huai stated that Tang Fan had no choice but to endure the torment to succeed.
Tang Fan's body was visibly suffering, and Pei Huai even had to tie him down to prevent him from self-harming due to the overwhelming pain after previous medications had no effect. Despite this, Tang Fan, still determined, insisted on being untied and demanding more medicine to continue the arduous process. Tang Fan's body was reaching its limit from the extensive antidote testing.
Pei Huai explained to Tang Yu that while he could administer Huanxu Tonic to prolong Tang Fan's life, it would inevitably cause his body temperature to spike. He warned that without immediate cooling, Tang Fan faced death from hyperthermia or permanent brain damage, potentially leaving him mentally impaired. The critical issue was that they only possessed enough ice for one person.
Hearing this, Sui Zhou, visibly concerned for Tang Fan, urged Pei Huai to give Tang Fan the Huanxu Tonic, assuring them he would personally take charge of acquiring more ice. With their portraits plastered across the capital by the Northern Administrative Court, Li Fei and Li You realized their time in the city was running out.
Li Fei proposed one final, high-stakes scam before their departure, reasoning that the promise of significant profit would attract willing accomplices, despite the grave risks involved. Jia Kui, having successfully located Li Zilong, brought him to a meeting with Wang Zhi at Huanyi Brothel. Li Zilong arrived late, humorously blaming traffic and then proposing a satirical solution for capital congestion, showcasing his keen intellect.
Wang Zhi, acknowledging Li Zilong’s vast network and influence over officials, admitted he was unnerved by someone so capable whose ultimate motives remained unknown. He proposed that Li Zilong serve the court, promising him immense fame and fortune. However, Li Zilong candidly stated that what he truly desired was beyond the Emperor's ability to grant. Wang Zhi then warned him that those who cannot be used by the Emperor would not be tolerated.
Sensing Wang Zhi's intention to eliminate him, Li Zilong presented a mysterious box, claiming its contents guaranteed his safe departure. Realizing he was outmaneuvered, Wang Zhi allowed Li Zilong to leave the brothel with him. As Wang Zhi turned away, Li Zilong vanished into the bustling crowd of patrons being escorted out by the brothel's staff. Holding the box, Wang Zhi then instructed Ding Rong to dismantle it.
Episode 27 Recap
Sui Zhou arrived at the royal ice cellar to borrow ice once more. Despite initial difficulties with the strict inventory of the royal ice cellar, the attendant, to whom Sui Zhou had once saved his life, agreed to provide some ice, stating that this favor would settle their debt. Sui Zhou acknowledged he now owed the attendant instead. This ice could temporarily prolong the lives of Tang Fan and Duo Er La.
On his way back to the residence, Sui Zhou encountered Imperial Guards who taunted him about his lost title and accused him of possessing stolen goods. Sui Zhou clarified that the ice was from the royal ice cellar, not the black market. The guards then threatened to take him to court for obtaining royal ice and offered to let him go if he waited for the ice to melt completely.
Sui Zhou resisted arrest and fled, with the guards in hot pursuit. Fortunately, Li Fei and Li You, the brothers who had previously impersonated Sui Zhou, spotted him. They told him to leave, helping him escape the guards. Back at his residence, Sui Zhou packed a few belongings. He explained to Dong that he had a conflict with the Imperial Guards and they would soon come for him.
He decided to leave the city to find the Li brothers, as only by apprehending them could he prove his innocence. Dong questioned why he would go after them when they had just saved him. Sui Zhou replied that while the law was the law, he also owed them a favor, vowing to both catch and help them. Meanwhile, Li Zilong met with a mysterious individual. Li Zilong noted it had been three years since their last meeting.
The mysterious man inquired about an antidote for his poisoned arrows, mentioning that Duo Er La had been accidentally injured. Li Zilong corrected him, revealing that Duo Er La's injury was intentional, on his orders. The mysterious man pressed for the antidote, but Li Zilong stated he sought something the other man possessed, proposing a trade. The mysterious man hesitated, calling the matter "no small matter" as it concerned "two countries," and admitting he couldn't make a rash decision.
Li Zilong, unfazed, reminded him that Duo Er La could only last "three to five days" even with the Huanxu Tonic, giving the mysterious man time to consider. Elsewhere, Pei Huai worked tirelessly on the antidote. When Cheng inadvertently pointed to the character for "death," Pei Huai angrily scolded him, calling the character "jinx." Tang Yu, seeing Pei Huai's distress, led him to the dining table.
She recalled a saying Tang Fan often quoted: "Those who have the same disease as a dead man shall not live." Interpreting it in her own way, she suggested that if the healer becomes as anxious and distressed as the patient, neither would be saved. Pei Huai gently corrected her interpretation of the classical phrase but took her advice to eat a few bites. Ding Rong began dismantling the box Li Zilong had given Wang Zhi.
He identified the ignition mechanism, named "Bolang," as being made of mercury and thenardite. A slight shake, Ding Rong explained, would ignite surrounding sulfur explosives, creating a scene like a "sea of fire with sound like thunder," with the power to leave "no tile. . . intact within a hundred steps' radius." Ding Rong noted that the exquisite design and craftsmanship of the device suggested it was not of civilian origin but likely came "from the royal court."
Wang Zhi, connecting the "Bolang" to a devastating tragedy three years prior, visited Mr. Ma at the Bureau of Provisions. He showed Mr. Ma the mechanism, but the latter had no recollection of it. Wang Zhi then reminded him of the horrific explosion that "shocked the whole capital" three years ago. Mr. Ma vividly recalled the day when "the world turned dark. With dazzling fire and flash and sound of thunder, the force of the explosion made the earth tremble.
Thousands of people were either exploded into pieces or fell on the ground and became pulp," stating he still felt "terrified" by it. Wang Zhi pressed him on the weapon that caused it, implying it was developed by their bureau. Mr. Ma explained that after the incident, the Emperor ordered all involved weapons, their designs, and raw materials to be destroyed, making it impossible to investigate.
Wang Zhi pointed out that Mr. Ma remembered the event but not the weapon, to which Mr. Ma replied he was a newcomer and all previous staff had died in the explosion. As Wang Zhi departed, he noticed a peculiar man. Mr. Ma introduced him as Wang Xian, an engineer at the Bureau of Provisions and husband of Princess Gu'an. Wang Xian was the sole survivor of the explosion, having left work early that day.
Wang Zhi inquired if Wang Xian knew anything about the incident, but Mr. Ma described Wang Xian as having an "aloof and odd temper," having only ever uttered "Close the door" to him in three years. Wang Zhi initiated an investigation into the matter but found no immediate leads. He contemplated concealing the "Bolang" from the Emperor due to the lack of progress.
However, the Emperor, who was monitoring Wang Zhi's every move, summoned him and questioned why he hadn't arrested Li Zilong on the spot. The Emperor reminded Wang Zhi that he needed him alive for future tasks and then sternly asked why Wang Zhi intended to hide the "thing that Li Zilong used to retreat." Wang Zhi explained that the object was "highly possible" to be related to the three-year-old explosion and involved many people.
The Emperor warned that "those who don't listen to me, no matter who that is, none of them shall live." Later, the eunuch Ding Man escorted a visibly perturbed Wang Zhi out of the palace. Ding Man advised Wang Zhi to remain "His Majesty's eyes and ears" and not to "be blind or deaf," emphasizing that the Emperor was "well-informed." Wang Zhi conceded his understanding. Ding Man then inquired about Tang Fan's health.
Wang Zhi replied that even the imperial doctors were at their wits' end, and Tang Fan's survival now depended on fate. Overwhelmed, Pei Huai broke down, confessing that he had tried every possible method but was "at the end of his wits." He berated himself, wishing he had learned more medical methods and read more medical books. He cried, calling himself "crap" and "a waste" for being unable to save Tang Fan and Duo Er La, his closest people.
Tang Yu comforted him, embracing him and telling him not to be so harsh on himself. Though gravely ill, Tang Fan managed to teach Dong a poem, "Ballad of White Clouds." Dong listened, tears streaming down her face. Tang Fan gently explained that everyone, sooner or later, would leave this world, and that one day she would also experience "love, hatred and separation, all the vicissitudes of life."
He urged her to "cherish the moment," to "cherish the people you love while you can," and to "cherish every day of life," so that when "the day of departure finally arrives, you will have no regret." Sui Zhou, not knowing the exact whereabouts of the Li brothers, went to the outskirts of the city and deliberately allowed himself to be caught by their associates. This led him to their hideout in a dilapidated temple.
He pretended to agree to join their group, intending to go undercover, understand their reasons, and then persuade them to surrender. That night, Sui Zhou woke up from a nightmare, once again dreaming of his comrades dying on the battlefield. The Li brothers, who were with him, asked if he had a bad dream, suggesting that "dead fellow soldiers" might be "trying to tell you something."
They confided that they had similar dreams and agreed that those who had experienced battles would "never forget the scene you saw your comrade-in-arms die in the battlefield." The mysterious figure who met Li Zilong was revealed to be Ding Man. He met Li Zilong by a scenic fishing spot, where Li Zilong commented on its suitability for catching "big fish" and stated he had searched the entire capital to find this unique spot.
Li Zilong, in turn, called Ding Man "insightful," while Ding Man referred to Li Zilong as "patient." Li Zilong then used fishing as an analogy, saying his "bait" lacked "seasoning" and asked Ding Man for his help. Ding Man produced the item Li Zilong desired, saying, "This is what you want." When Li Zilong asked for his "stuff," Ding Man replied, "Your fish just took the bait," implying the antidote had been given.
Soon after, Cheng delivered a pill to Tang Fan, explaining that "a man" outside had given it to him, instructing him to give it to Tang Fan as it was "a life-saving medicine." Pei Huai immediately began analyzing the pill. He observed its appearance, noting it resembled a "mirror and glass with a glossy surface," suggesting the presence of "daemonorops draco." He then smelled it, detecting a "fishy smell" that "makes you sneeze," indicating "dried venom of toads."
He also weighed it. While these ingredients had detoxifying properties, Pei Huai noted the pill felt "slightly light and weak," suggesting it might also contain common heat-clearing ingredients like "honeysuckle" and "Vitex trifolia." He explained that the pill's components had mutually offsetting effects, and their interaction displayed a surprising parallelism to the poisons in Tang Fan and Duo Er La. Tang Fan, desperate, asked if he could take the medicine.
Pei Huai cautioned that the ingredients were complex and "unclear," making it unsafe to take. With only one pill available for two poisoned individuals, Tang Fan offered to take it first. If it was an antidote, he would give the remaining one (presumably a dose from the pill) to Duo Er La; if not, he reasoned, he was going to die anyway. Pei Huai stopped him.
Observing that there was only one pill, Pei Huai proposed a risky gamble: he would "guess the ingredients by the finished medicine" in an attempt to "turn one pill into two." To achieve this, he would have to grind the pill into powder, then subject it to "flames, and soak in water," observing its color and taste to determine its true composition. Tang Yu, overhearing, questioned the risk, asking if failure meant neither person would be saved.
Driven by desperation, Tang Yu attempted to snatch the pill to give it directly to Tang Fan. But Pei Huai stopped her, warning that if she only saved Tang Fan, "he will hate you forever."
Episode 28 Recap
Sui Zhou, undercover, followed Li Fei, Li You, and their fellow gang members to scout the location of a money shop and plan their robbery. Back at their hideout, a ruined temple, they discussed the heist and their retreat strategy. Sui Zhou questioned the plan, specifically where they would hide afterward, as the temple was too far and too recognizable.
One of the gang members (Li You, along with his brother, Li Fei) then proposed hiding in the residence of Imperial Guard Baihu Sui, referencing past petty thefts where they had broken into it and found it empty. He emphasized that the house, being an Imperial Guard's residence, would be the last place authorities would suspect.
When this gang member admitted he only remembered the general location, Sui Zhou interrupted, claiming he could find the place with his eyes closed because the person surnamed Sui had often troubled him. Li Fei then outlined their principle: they would only keep half of the stolen money, donating the rest to the families of fallen or disabled soldiers. Sui Zhou, not exposing them, decided to go along with their plan.
Later that night, Sui Zhou listened as the gang shared their past. Li Fei revealed that the man who had brought Sui Zhou back, known as Ponytail, was a deserter, while three others were brave veterans from the same troop, bearing many injuries. Li You and his brother explained they were conscripted from Henan to Guyuan Town to reduce their family's taxes, serving eight arduous years defending the borders.
During their service, they learned their father was killed by a local tyrant who also seized their land, and their mother, unable to bear it, took her own life. They deserted to avenge their parents, becoming refugees. Sui Zhou tried to persuade them against their criminal path, but their desperate circumstances made them indifferent to his warnings. Meanwhile, at Huanyi Brothel, Ms. Cui complained to Wang Zhi that business had plummeted since the suicide of their former best girl, Qingzi.
To revive their fortunes, she had spent fifty thousand taels of silver, a sum Wang Zhi noted was equivalent to two years of military provisions for the Guangning garrison, to acquire a new best girl named Qingge from Suzhou's Department of Official Prostitutes. Ms. Cui praised Qingge's beauty and her proficiency in all scholarly arts, assuring Wang Zhi that Qingge would bring soaring profits. Wang Zhi then inquired about Li Zilong.
Ms. Cui explained that in her business, familiarity was solely based on how much money a customer spent. She clarified that guests came to the brothel for pleasure, connections, or to discuss sensitive matters. Ultimately, for her, only money brought true familiarity. The next day, as the gang prepared for the robbery, some members expressed fear of the severe punishment if caught in the capital.
Others, however, focused on what they would do with their share of the money: marry, open a shop, or brew wine. When asked, Sui Zhou declared he would ensure "Sui Zhou will never exist in this world," implying he would disappear or change his identity. The gang then proceeded to rob the money shop. Sui Zhou intervened to prevent his associates from harming the shop owner and employees, insisting they only take money.
Outside, Imperial Guard Xue Ling and his men waited in hiding, following Sui Zhou's instructions to apprehend the gang at the intersection to ensure all money was recovered. Sui Zhou had a brief exchange with a gang member about the value of human life, with the gang member cynically stating it was worthless based on his experiences. As the gang fled the money shop with their loot, Imperial Guard Wan Tong spotted them.
He immediately ordered his men to pursue them. The gang, trying to escape, found themselves cornered and burst into Huanyi Brothel. Inside, Li Fei and Li You quickly seized Wang Zhi, who was a patron there, taking him hostage, believing that with Wang Zhi as their captive, they could escape safely.
When Wan Tong arrived at the brothel, he berated Xue Ling for not reporting such a major case and for attempting to handle it privately, accusing him of seeking sole credit. Xue Ling explained that Sui Zhou was undercover and had sent a note, and for confidentiality, he hadn't reported it. Wan Tong dismissed this, alleging that Sui Zhou, no longer an Imperial Guard, was using Xue Ling as a diversion to escape with the stolen money.
He boasted that his timely arrival had saved Xue Ling's life. Inside the brothel, Li Fei's brother, Li You, became suspicious of Sui Zhou and decided to test him, asking for his name. Sui Zhou revealed his identity, shocking the gang members, who immediately tied him up. Li Fei confronted Sui Zhou, questioning his betrayal given how well they had treated him.
Sui Zhou explained he was trying to save them, emphasizing that no lives had been taken yet, and surrendering now would only result in military impressment. He warned them that if the Imperial Guards stormed in, it would be too late, as the Imperial Guards did not care about the lives of hostages like the city wards did. Li You, however, accused Sui Zhou of trying to trick them into surrender to claim credit.
Outside, Wan Tong discovered Wang Zhi was inside and, seizing the opportunity, decided to use the situation to eliminate Wang Zhi. He loudly announced to those inside not to harm Commander Wang, or they would be dismembered. Ding Rong, understanding Wan Tong's true intentions, tried to object but was helpless. Wan Tong ordered Xue Ling to bring archers, despite Xue Ling's misgivings.
Shortly after, Commander Shang Ming arrived and, colluding with Wan Tong, suggested using fire or smoke to force the robbers out, seemingly ignoring Wang Zhi's presence. Ding Rong again protested, but Shang Ming dismissed his concerns, then subtly tempted Ding Rong with the prospect of becoming the leader of the Western Depot once Wang Zhi was dead.
Inside, one of the gang members, Ponytail, panicked, lamenting that he had killed a civilian, something he had never done even on the battlefield. Li Fei tried to calm him, placing the blame on the imperial court for their desperate situation and threatening to kill all the hostages if the authorities outside dared to make any moves. Back home, Dong saw the commotion at Huanyi Brothel and rushed to tell Tang Fan that something had happened to Sui Zhou. Despite his own dire health, Tang Fan insisted on going to the brothel himself, dismissing Dong's offer to go in his stead.
Episode 29 Recap
Wan Tong ordered his men to surround Huanyi Brothel with straw. An Imperial Guard questioned the order, reminding him that Commander Wang, Sui Zhou, and many hostages were inside, and that the priority should be saving them, not setting a fire. Wan Tong angrily dismissed him, telling him to leave if he was unwilling to help, and reiterated his order to surround the brothel with straw. Tang Fan arrived and asked about the situation inside.
Wan Tong tried to brush him off, pointing out Tang Fan was from the Office of Transmission at the Ministry of Punishments and had no business there. Shang Ming, however, intervened, suggesting Tang Fan's eloquence might peacefully resolve the situation. Tang Fan then requested Shang Ming to prepare a food container with some food inside. Privately, Wan Tong told Shang Ming to set the fire once Tang Fan had entered.
Tang Fan acknowledged the danger of the fire to Xue Ling, stating his intention was to buy time. He instructed Xue Ling to be ready to act on his cue and to storm the brothel before it was set ablaze. Inside, Tang Fan entered with the food container and attempted to negotiate with Li Fei and Li You, the leaders of the robbers.
The brothers were confident, believing that holding Wang Zhi as leverage made them invincible and that the forces outside were merely bluffing. Tang Fan explained the grim reality: three factions of the Imperial Guards, Eastern Depot, and Western Depot surrounded the brothel, rendering any chance of escape impossible. He warned them that even if they managed to flee today, they would live in constant fear of capture. Tang Fan offered to exchange himself for a hostage.
The robbers refused to let Wang Zhi go but eventually agreed to release a female hostage. Tang Fan, knowing his life was at risk due to the poison, emphasized that he was a dying man but they still had a chance if they surrendered. He guaranteed their lives if they cooperated. He further warned them that the people outside intended to use the situation as an excuse to kill, and continued confrontation would lead to everyone's demise.
As he spoke, Tang Fan distributed food to the hostages, subtly revealing a hidden weapon inside the food container to Sui Zhou. Outside, Wan Tong ordered his men to set the fire, but the Imperial Guards hesitated, unwilling to harm Sui Zhou who was still inside. Ding Rong stepped forward, volunteering to light the fire. He entered the brothel with a torch but, instead of igniting the straw, he threw the torch outside, buying valuable time.
With their combined efforts, Sui Zhou, Tang Fan, and Wang Zhi eventually coordinated to lead everyone out of the brothel. However, immediately after escaping, Tang Fan collapsed, succumbing to the poison. Fortunately, Pei Huai arrived in the nick of time with an antidote, saving Tang Fan's life and that of Dora. Tang Fan awoke to an empty house and, feeling abandoned, made his way to Dong's Restaurant.
There, he found all his friends and family gathered, apparently enjoying a meal without him. He chided them, complaining that no one was home to care for him, and specifically accused Pei Huai, Tang Yu, and Dong'er of neglecting him. He even called Sui Zhou ungrateful for not staying by his side.
Xue Ling clarified that Tang Fan had been unconscious for seven days, not just overnight, attributing his slow recovery to his weak constitution compared to Dora, who recovered in three days. Dong'er joked that Tang Fan had merely been frightened into a coma. Xue Ling then explained that the gathering was a celebration of Sui Zhou's return to the Northern Administrative Court. Although Sui Zhou had to start as a xiaoqi, a junior official, he was not bothered by it.
Xue Ling, however, expressed frustration that Wan Tong consistently took all the credit for their dangerous missions. Tang Fan then inquired why the streets were deserted. Xue Ling informed him that Huanyi Brothel had recently acquired a new flower queen, renowned as a peerless beauty, drawing everyone to see her. Suddenly, Sun Da arrived, urgently seeking Sui Zhou's assistance. He reported a theft at the royal ice cellar.
Four hundred and eighty-one blocks of ice, each meticulously recorded, had vanished without a trace. Sun Da emphasized the extreme security of the royal ice cellar, stating that no one but the guarding soldiers could enter or exit. He also dismissed the possibility of an inside job, as such a crime carried a severe penalty of execution for the entire family. Despite the missing ice, the cellar remained intact, showing no signs of forced entry.
Tang Fan remembered Ms. Dong mentioning that ice was unusually cheap this year, implying an excess supply in the market. This led them to suspect the stolen ice had been diverted to the black market. Since there were no clues within the ice cellar, they decided to reverse their investigation, starting with the black market ice vendors. Meanwhile, Wang Zhi and Wan Tong reported to the Emperor about the Huanyi Brothel incident.
Wan Tong brazenly tried to claim all the credit, even asserting that Sui Zhou had been his undercover agent. The Emperor, however, questioned Wan Tong about the order to fire arrows and set fire. Wang Zhi, unexpectedly, covered for Wan Tong, explaining that the robbers were dangerous and Wan Tong's timely arrival and "feigned attacks" with arrows and fire had distracted the thieves, allowing the Imperial Guards to apprehend them and secure Wang Zhi's escape.
As they spoke, Noble Consort Wan arrived and requested the Emperor's permission to speak with her brother, Wan Tong, privately. On their way, Wan Tong continued to boast about his heroic actions during the standoff. Noble Consort Wan, knowing her brother well, slapped him and sternly reminded him that it was Wang Zhi who had saved him. The Emperor then warned Wang Zhi about the numerous powerful figures in the court who sought his downfall, urging him to be cautious.
Wang Zhi, however, expressed greater concern about Li Zilong, believing he was still in the capital and posed a significant threat that needed to be eliminated. The Emperor doubted Li Zilong would remain in the capital after being exposed, but Wang Zhi asserted that if he were Li Zilong, he would indeed still be there. Tang Fan and Sui Zhou visited Huichun Pharmacy to follow up on the ice theft.
Mr. Li, the shopkeeper, revealed that he purchased his ice from Ms. Cui at Huanyi Brothel. Upon arriving at Huanyi Brothel, they found a massive crowd eager to catch a glimpse of the new flower queen. Ms. Cui, recognizing her saviors, quickly ushered them into a private room and expressed her profound gratitude for their help during the crisis.
Sui Zhou, however, got straight to the point, asking Ms. Cui about the source of the ice she sold to Huichun Pharmacy. Ms. Cui initially denied selling ice to the pharmacy but quickly changed her tune when Tang Fan pointed out the generous amount of ice used in her own establishment.
She then admitted to reselling ice, explaining she had to resort to buying from the black market to boost business and intended to buy out her supplier's entire stock to make more profit. She claimed she had never met her supplier, only communicated through crypted correspondence, and knew him only as Jin San. She mentioned Jin San agreed to meet only because she wanted to buy his entire remaining stock.
Tang Fan proposed accompanying Ms. Cui to meet Jin San, and she feigned agreement before deliberately faking a leg injury to avoid the meeting. Recognizing her ploy, Tang Fan decided to impersonate Ms. Cui himself, as Jin San had never met her in person. They considered who could pull off the disguise: Dong'er was too young, Dora too hot-tempered, and Tang Yu lacked the necessary skills. Tang Fan then playfully suggested himself, even joking about shaving his beard.
A skilled makeup artist named Qingge was brought in to assist with the transformation. Tang Fan initially felt awkward during the process, preferring to change and prepare himself, but Qingge assured him there was no need for modesty. Elsewhere, a woman sought medical attention from Pei Huai and, during the consultation, attempted to embrace him. At that moment, Tang Yu unexpectedly walked in. Pei Huai immediately became flustered, desperately trying to explain the situation, insisting that the woman was "sick." Tang Yu, though clearly affected by jealousy, feigned indifference, stating that Pei Huai's private affairs were none of her concern, before calmly handing him his freshly washed clothes.
Episode 30 Recap
In the morning, Tang Yu discovered her son, Cheng, secretly taking an osmanthus crunchy candy. Despite her initial frustration with him for pilfering snacks, Cheng explained he was trying to save it for Uncle Pei. Tang Yu, already annoyed, declared that all men were the same and none of them were good. Later, Tang Fan, disguised as Ms. Cui (Madam Cui of Huanyi Brothel) and looking remarkably attractive, entered the black market. He was immediately accosted by several men.
Suddenly, a carriage sped past, and a man, Mr. Jin (Jin San), swiftly pulled Tang Fan into it before disappearing. Sui Zhou, who was monitoring the situation, quickly followed but lost track of the carriage. Inside the carriage, Tang Fan, maintaining his disguise as Ms. Cui, initiated negotiations with Mr. Jin. He proposed to buy all of Mr. Jin’s ice at a very favorable price, reassuring him by claiming to have powerful connections who could handle any trouble.
After some thought, Mr. Jin was swayed by the offer but stated he needed to consult his associates before making a final decision. They agreed to meet again at the same spot the following day. Still in his female attire, Tang Fan happened upon Wang Zhi's carriage on the street. Jia Kui let Tang Fan into the carriage. Wang Zhi found Tang Fan’s appearance amusing, struggling to contain his laughter.
Tang Fan, observing Wang Zhi’s attire, accurately deduced that he was investigating the black market ice trade, which he linked to the royal ice cellar theft. Tang Fan asserted that the theft was clearly an inside job due to the ice cellar’s tight security, suggesting that torturing the guards would quickly yield confessions. Wang Zhi, however, dismissed the ice theft as a "small case" and sought Tang Fan's expertise on the whereabouts of Li Zilong.
Tang Fan theorized that Li Zilong, being audacious and unconventional, would have anticipated being searched for in the capital and likely fled. Despite this, Wang Zhi insisted on a thorough search of the entire city, stating that even a minimal possibility of danger warranted maximum effort. The next day, Tang Fan again donned his female disguise and waited for Mr. Jin, with Sui Zhou now discreetly following in a different carriage.
Mr. Jin's men, however, grew suspicious of Sui Zhou, fearing that "Ms. Cui" and her companion were government spies. To overcome this, Tang Fan dramatically feigned being in distress, grabbing a knife as if to stab himself. Sui Zhou, quick to react, pulled Tang Fan away and embraced him, playing the part of an enraged lover.
This bold act, along with Sui Zhou's indignant outburst against Mr. Jin's men for bullying a woman and Tang Fan's show of "ruthlessness" towards himself, convinced Mr. Jin of their genuine intentions. With trust established, they finalized the deal, confirming Mr. Jin as the mastermind behind the ice thefts. More importantly, they realized that the Imperial City's security was severely compromised, as Mr. Jin boasted an inexhaustible supply of ice, hinting at direct access to the royal ice cellar.
Mr. Jin then led Tang Fan and Sui Zhou to his hideout. There, they discovered that Mr. Jin and his gang were not malicious criminals but rather "righteous thieves" who stole from the wealthy to aid the impoverished. This revelation presented a moral dilemma for Tang Fan and Sui Zhou, complicating their mission to apprehend him. In another part of the capital, Qing Ge, the newly popular flower queen, was revealed to be an informant for Li Zilong.
They shared a quiet understanding regarding the situation with the Imperial City's ice cellar. Tang Fan later met with Pan Bin, his senior schoolmate, at the Office of Transmission. Pan Bin had been demoted three ranks due to his involvement in the Zhu Jianmou case, a consequence Tang Fan felt responsible for.
However, Pan Bin expressed no resentment, stating that his demotion had allowed him to shed his political ambitions and find a more grounded and honest purpose in his new role, where he was able to accomplish practical work.
Tang Fan playfully remarked that he should have gotten Pan Bin demoted sooner, to which Pan Bin responded by challenging Tang Fan to tackle the immense backlog of petitions and cases that flooded their office daily from across the empire, jokingly implying that Tang Fan could now share his burden. Meanwhile, Pei Huai found himself locked out of Tang Yu's residence.
He explained to Tang Fan that Tang Yu had witnessed a misunderstanding at his clinic where another woman had embraced him. Tang Fan advised Pei Huai to apologize sincerely, offer genuine compliments, and bring a gift as a token of his sincerity, warning that if these steps failed, he should prepare for Tang Yu's "punishment." Following Tang Fan's advice, Pei Huai attempted to apologize to Tang Yu.
She, however, responded with overly polite and formal expressions of gratitude for his past kindness to Tang Fan and her son, effectively sidestepping his apology and leaving him frustrated. Back at the Imperial Guards' headquarters, Sui Zhou informed Tang Fan that he had managed to gather only six Imperial Guards, including Xue Ling, for Mr. Jin's arrest. Tang Fan deemed this force insufficient and dangerous.
He pointed out that Mr. Jin’s gang, despite their illegal activities, were not inherently evil, as they consistently helped the poor. Tang Fan, recalling the tragic fate of the Li brothers (Li Fei and Li You), expressed his reluctance to involve official authorities and risk Mr. Jin’s life. Instead, they decided to devise a strategy to outsmart the thieves rather than confronting them directly with force. Separately, Tang Fan went to Huanyi Brothel, seeking to speak with Qing Ge.
Madam Cui attempted to block his entry, claiming Qing Ge was busy with another client. Tang Fan, asserting his status as a "lifetime VIP" and threatening to monopolize all the girls, compelled Madam Cui to grant him access. Inside, Tang Fan found another man, also attempting to see Qing Ge. Tang Fan, introducing himself as a "poor scholar," exchanged sharp words with the other man, who had boasted about his wealth and talent.
Qing Ge intervened, proposing a poetry duel to determine who would gain her audience. They exchanged verses, showcasing their literary wit. After the duel, Qing Ge acknowledged Tang Fan's talent, then subtly prompted him about the true reason for his visit. Concurrently, Wang Zhi gave private instructions to his subordinate, directing him to coordinate with the palace guards. In two days, an official from the Ministry of War's Armory Department would present a mysterious item to the Emperor.
Wang Zhi strictly forbade his subordinate from inquiring about the item's nature, emphasizing that since the Emperor had not revealed it to him, it was not for anyone else to know, underscoring the extreme secrecy of the matter.
Episode 31 Recap
Sui Zhou was determined to prevent Ms. Jin San from committing further crimes and to save her band of righteous thieves. He and Tang Fan set out to apprehend Ms. Jin San and her men, hoping to persuade them to abandon their ways. Before they could act, a group of mysterious men in black attacked Ms. Jin San and her followers.
Earlier, Ms. Jin San's men complained about being short on money because she had been giving their earnings to the poor. Ms. Jin San explained that their illicit gains were obtained through dishonest means, and performing good deeds was necessary to avoid a grim fate, promising them a larger share after their next big deal. Suddenly, Ms. Cui arrived, urgently warning Ms. Jin San that someone intended to capture her and urged her to leave immediately.
Ms. Jin San, however, insisted on discussing the matter openly with her trustworthy brothers. As Ms. Cui reiterated her warning, the mysterious black-clad assailants stormed the tavern. Ms. Jin San fled to a friend's place, where she confronted Ms. Cui, suspecting her of being a spy sent by rivals. Ms. Cui denied involvement, stating she had just saved her. Ms. Jin San pressed her, wondering why trouble arose the moment she appeared.
She threatened to release her if she truthfully confessed who was trying to capture her. Ms. Cui feigned ignorance, then pretended to remember, but Tang Fan, in disguise, burst in before she could reveal anything. Tang Fan, still in his female attire, chided Sui Zhou for not following their plan and arriving late, jeopardizing his safety. Sui Zhou clarified he hadn't arranged anyone to ambush them at the tavern. Tang Fan then offered Ms. Jin San help.
Ms. Jin San retorted that she didn't need help and asked to be released. Tang Fan pointed out that if Ms. Jin San was merely a black market ice vendor, she wouldn't face such a formidable threat, acknowledging Ms. Jin San was aware she was dealing with powerful forces. Ms. Jin San believed both the authorities and the underworld sought information from her, and speaking would only hasten her death.
Tang Fan assured her that if she didn't trust him, she could trust Sui Zhou, introducing Sui Zhou as a junior official of the Northern Administrative Court. Tang Fan elaborated on Sui Zhou's reputation as an upright and trustworthy man who was demoted from baihu for offending superiors. Sui Zhou quickly interjected, urging Tang Fan to cease speaking about his past. Tang Fan insisted it was necessary to prove Sui Zhou's credibility.
Ms. Jin San, impatient, suggested they continue their conversation inside, allowing her to rest. Tang Fan reaffirmed that Sui Zhou would help her if she agreed. Ms. Jin San then asked what information they sought. Tang Fan clarified that he was Tang Fan, a low-ranking official from the Ministry of Punishments, and Sui Zhou was a junior officer of the Northern Administrative Court. Ms. Jin San realized she had been tricked and admitted defeat.
Tang Fan reiterated his promise: if Ms. Jin San spoke the truth and vowed to cease her illegal activities, they would not pursue the matter further and would not hold her men accountable. Tang Fan added that if Ms. Jin San didn't trust Sui Zhou, she could trust him as an official from the Ministry of Punishments. During the chaotic battle, Sui Zhou and Tang Fan fought to protect Ms. Jin San and her men.
After a chase, they narrowly escaped, but Ms. Jin San was unfortunately struck by an arrow fired by Qing Ge. Tang Fan took Ms. Jin San to Pei Huai for treatment, only to discover that Ms. Jin San was, in fact, a woman. Sui Zhou realized that the attackers were after Ms. Jin San's secret, and their willingness to confront imperial guards indicated they were no ordinary criminals.
Pei Huai confirmed that the "girl" was bandaged and not seriously harmed, leading to Tang Fan's shock when he learned that "Mr. Jin" was actually a woman, and that he had inadvertently hit a woman in the chaos. After regaining consciousness, Ms. Jin San resolved to reform and revealed her family's centuries-old secret. Ms. Jin San revealed that her family ancestors were royal artisans during the Yuan Dynasty, tasked with designing and constructing the dungeon of Khanbaliq.
Due to the sensitive royal and state secrets contained within, the workers knew their completion of the dungeon would mean their demise. Indeed, upon the dungeon's completion, all the workers were massacred, but the Jin family survived by secretly building an escape tunnel. Centuries later, the dungeon was repurposed into the royal ice cellar, and the secret of the tunnel continued to be passed down through the Jin family.
As there were no male heirs in her generation, Ms. Jin San was raised as a boy and learned the secret upon reaching adulthood. She confirmed that the missing royal ice chunks, over three hundred of them, were still within the ice cellar. It became clear that Li Zilong sought to capture Ms. Jin San to extract the location of this secret tunnel from her. Qing Ge reported to Li Zilong about the failed attempt to capture Ms. Jin San.
Li Zilong was unfazed by the failure, acknowledging the significant commotion they caused. He reminded Qing Ge that the value of a secret diminished with the number of people who knew it, instructing her to let the matter go. When Qing Ge asked for further instructions, Li Zilong cryptically stated that in the capital, one must "fish with a rod" rather than a net, implying a need for patience and precision.
He then revealed that the Emperor was soon to see something he had been monitoring for a long time, wondering if its development was complete. Ms. Jin San led Tang Fan, Sui Zhou, and their men to the secret tunnel. Tang Fan praised her ingenious method of keeping the stolen royal ice within the cellar, accessible via the secret passage, which preserved the ice and eliminated the need for external storage.
He rejoiced at recovering over 390 pieces of ice, though Sui Zhou noted nearly a hundred were still missing. Xue Ling reported that the tunnel had two exits: one leading into the Imperial City, and a newly dug one extending towards the city outskirts, whose end they had not yet found. Sui Zhou instructed Xue Ling to station men to guard the exits, preventing any further unauthorized entry or exit.
He then advised Sun Da to report the discovery of the secret tunnel to his superiors, stating that finding such a security loophole should compensate for the lost ice and even earn him a great merit. However, Sui Zhou emphasized that Sun Da should omit any mention of him, Tang Fan, or Ms. Jin San. Sun Da expressed gratitude, but Sui Zhou dismissed it as a minor effort. Sun Da departed to make his report.
Tang Fan then asked Ms. Jin San if she had thanked Sui Zhou, highlighting Sui Zhou's selfless determination to protect her and her gang. Ms. Jin San, acknowledging her new path, stated that saving others was saving herself and that she had always acted on her instincts. She promised to find a new livelihood now that the tunnel would be sealed and offered her help to Tang Fan and Sui Zhou should they ever need it.
Later, Tang Fan asked Sui Zhou if he regretted not claiming the credit for discovering the ice cellar's secret passage, which would have restored his previous rank. Sui Zhou replied that such things were unimportant, asserting that what truly mattered was being with the right people and doing the right thing. Later, Tang Fan met with Pan Bin, his senior fellow student, at the Office of the Transmission Commissioner.
Pan Bin recounted how Zhu Jianmou's case had led to his demotion by three ranks, but he held no resentment towards Tang Fan. He reflected that he had previously deviated from the path of an official, and finding himself at the Office of the Transmission Commissioner had, surprisingly, brought him a greater sense of honesty and grounding, allowing him to accomplish many practical tasks. The Bureau of Provisions demonstrated a new timed-release weapon to the Emperor and his ministers.
The Emperor was delighted after inspecting it, realizing that the centuries-long stalemate between the Ming Dynasty and the Oirats was about to change. He deployed several Ming soldiers to place the new weapons in Oirat territory, resulting in the death of several Oirats. The Oirats were bewildered, never having seen such a device. They found wagons but no soldiers, speculating it was a monster or heavenly troops, describing it as long, narrow, and shooting arrows from its mouth.
Wang Zhi then instructed Ding Rong to prepare a contingent of men to immediately leave the city to ensure the safety of a squad from the Bureau of Provisions returning secretly from the border. Ding Rong, disdainful, questioned why this task, typically handled by the Ministry of War, was assigned to the Western Depot. Wang Zhi grew displeased, reminding Ding Rong that the matter was confidential and that neither of them had the right to question the Emperor's deployments.
Tang Fan was abruptly awakened early one morning by the loud rituals of Madam Shaman, whom Duo Er La had hired to locate Aras. Duo Er La eagerly sought answers from the shaman. The Madam Shaman confirmed Aras was in the capital but offered vague guidance, stating Duo Er La must find his exact location by following the "direction of her heart." Tang Fan was bewildered by this ambiguous advice.
Sui Zhou, heading to court, encouraged Tang Fan to help Duo Er La find Aras for her peace of mind. Tang Fan then consulted Pei Huai regarding the antidote he was analyzing, particularly a rare foreign animal gallbladder. Pei Huai speculated this unique ingredient could be a crucial clue if the antidote indeed came from Aras. Later, Tang Fan questioned an acquaintance at the Huanyi Brothel about any records of palace residents purchasing such rare medicinal ingredients outside the palace.
Tang Yu was helping Pei Huai tidy his room when she discovered a woman's item, prompting her to angrily leave. Tang Fan, seeing her distress, also departed. Later, Pei Huai approached Tang Fan, clarifying that the item was a gift he intended for Tang Yu. He confided in Tang Fan about his frustration, stating that despite his subtle and overt hints about marriage, Tang Yu consistently avoided a direct response, making him wonder if his affections were unrequited.
Tang Fan explained that due to their parents' early death and Tang Yu's subsequent marriage to the He family, she harbored deep insecurities and emotional barriers about commitment. He advised Pei Huai to give her a profound sense of security to overcome these hurdles, leaving the method of achieving this to Pei Huai. Later, Pei Huai found Tang Yu and poured out his heart, confessing that her presence had transformed his once boring life, making it complete.
He told her he couldn't imagine living without her and pleaded for a chance to care for her and Cheng, aspiring to give her happiness. Moved by his sincere declaration, Tang Yu accepted his love.
Episode 32 Recap
Sui Zhou's hands trembled while he cooked, a sudden tremor that left him unsettled. He was plagued by nightmares, which had become so intense that he almost harmed Dong in his sleep, telling her not to come close when he was sleeping. Tang Fan and his friends were deeply concerned about Sui Zhou's distress, and their care touched him greatly.
Sui Zhou confessed that he frequently dreamed of battles, specifically recalling camping in the wild when the enemy attacked at midnight. He described his fellow soldiers falling one by one, horses trampling over their bodies, and enemy soldiers carrying severed heads, driving them into a cave. Those who couldn't enter the cave were used to block the entrance and then burned alive, their agonizing cries and the smell of burning flesh filling the air.
He remembered his comrades begging him to end their lives. Tang Fan acknowledged the brutal nature of war, stating that every conflict obliterates happiness, leaving only a landscape strewn with corpses and rivers of blood. He recited a verse lamenting the endless war-torn mountain roads, where fallen soldiers' bones outnumber autumn's withered grass. Tang Fan empathized with the veterans who, despite surviving the battlefield, remain trapped in a purgatory of the mind.
Dong, in turn, apologized for disturbing Sui Zhou, reassuring him that she no longer blamed him and that he would eventually heal with time. Meanwhile, Tang Fan spoke with his sister, Tang Yu, about Pei Huai. Tang Fan tried to soften Tang Yu's impression of Pei, who she dismissively called a "playboy."
Tang Fan defended Pei's character, explaining that while he might have been a romantic in the past, he believed that a man could change for the woman he truly loved. Tang Fan then presented Tang Yu with a box of rouge, revealing that Pei Huai had purchased it as a gift for her, suggesting she had misunderstood his intentions. Tang Yu admitted her initial judgment was based on his past reputation.
Tang Fan emphasized that outward appearances and past reputations were fleeting, and instead asked if she had been happy in Pei Huai's company recently. Tang Yu teasingly accused Tang Fan of being "bought" by Pei, but Tang Fan insisted his efforts were solely for her well-being. Tang Yu confessed that she was aware of Pei Huai's feelings and grateful for his care of her and her son, Cheng.
However, as a divorced woman with a child, she feared she would be a burden to him. Tang Fan quickly countered that Pei Huai himself considered her and Cheng to be his happiness, not a burden. Later, Wuyun delivered Aras's past financial accounts and cargo lists to Tang Fan, which Tang Fan had requested to uncover Aras's associates and find clues.
While Tang Fan reviewed the documents, noting the beautiful calligraphy, Qingge unexpectedly appeared in the Iron Market, claiming she was moved by Dora and Aras's story and wished to meet Dora. Tang Fan introduced them. Qingge expressed her admiration for Dora's deep affection for Aras and asked Dora not to mind her humble background. Dora welcomed her, asserting that on the prairie, an eagle's origin was irrelevant.
As they bonded over horses, Qingge revealed her own tragic past, having become an official slave after her father broke the law, eventually being sold to a brothel. She acknowledged her difficult life but claimed to have come to terms with it, like a true prairie person.
Qingge admired Dora's profound love for Aras, admitting her own inability to compare, and offered her insights into men's psychology, gained from her life in the brothel, to help Dora understand Aras's potential feelings. Separately, the Oirat delegation arrived to pay homage to the Ming Emperor. Ding Man, greeting them at the palace gate, grew visibly tense upon seeing a specific ring on the lead envoy's hand.
The envoy then asked Ding Man to verify the tributes and discreetly handed him a hidden note. Later, when the Emperor instructed Ding Man to deliver a memorial to the Minister of War, Ding Man secretly broke the wax seal to read its contents. The memorial stated that the "Blinding Sun" machine crossbow had successfully been tested and returned to the capital, but required minor adjustments by Prince Consort Wang Xian of the Bureau of Provisions.
After reading, Ding Man carefully resealed the document. It was revealed that Aras was, in fact, Ding Man, who had received secret orders from Oirat to capture Wang Xian. Ding Man informed his co-conspirators of Wang Xian's habits: leaving the Bureau of Provisions promptly at "Xushi" (7 to 9 in the evening) for his mansion, always carrying his design drawings, believing his residence was the safest place for them.
Ding Man outlined their plan: at 7:15 PM, they would dig a ditch on Bao'ensi Road to Fuma Avenue, forcing Wang Xian's carriage to detour through Shuangta Temple to the secluded Shoushuitang, where they would ambush him to obtain the "Blinding Sun" design drawings.
When a subordinate voiced concern about the Imperial Guards' constant surveillance on the Oirat delegation, Ding Man dismissed it, stating he had placed decoys within the delegation, as the Guards perceived all Oirats as looking similar, ensuring their operation would not be hindered. Back at Tang Fan's residence, everyone tried various folk remedies to help Sui Zhou with his nightmares. Tang Fan offered him a "soothing decoction" from a medical book.
Tang Yu suggested drawing circles on the western wall while chanting a specific phrase, a method that had worked for her son, Cheng. Dong recounted how a pair of scissors placed under her pillow by Mrs. Li had cured her nightmares. Dora offered a prairie custom: snuggling a bag of millet for a peaceful night's sleep.
Pei Huai, while expressing skepticism about these "metaphysical" methods, gently criticized Sui Zhou's hard pillow and offered his own soft, beloved pillow, jokingly warning him not to drool on it. Deeply touched by their genuine concern, Sui Zhou expressed his profound gratitude and agreed to try all their suggestions, from the scissors and millet to the decoction. Tang Fan then invited Sui Zhou to see the fresh mandarin fish he and Dong had bought.
Afterward, Pei Huai approached Tang Yu in the kitchen and handed her his house deeds. He explained that he would feel more at ease if she held them, seeing as his own place was messy. Tang Yu playfully threatened to throw them into the stove, but Pei Huai reiterated that the deeds were now hers to do with as she pleased. He emphasized that while the deeds were valuable, his feelings for her were immeasurably more so.
Moved by his sincerity, Tang Yu returned the deeds to him, asking him to keep them, and formally entrusted herself and Cheng to his care. Pei Huai then presented them with a dish he had prepared, "By Your Side," congratulating them on their new path together. Elsewhere, Tang Fan continued his investigation. Qingge brought him accounts from the palace, specifically detailing the in-and-out records of rare medicinal ingredients.
She questioned why he, a Ministry of Punishments official dealing with local cases, needed palace records. Tang Fan explained he was tracing the antidote given to Dora, as some of its precious ingredients were not found on the market. He promised to return the account book within two days. As Tang Fan sat at his desk, practicing calligraphy, Qingge observed him. She commented on his calligraphy, describing it as "magnificent, powerful, sturdy, unique, and out of the ordinary."
She deduced that the writer was a "tough and steady" person who would "never stop until they achieve their goals" and "would not even hesitate to hurt themselves" to succeed. Tang Fan, seemingly impressed by her insight, continued his calligraphy practice. Later, he decided to go out, asking his subordinate to cover for him. While Tang Fan was busy with these investigations, he unknowingly drew closer to the truth about Ding Man's identity.
Unbeknownst to him, Qingge was operating under the orders of Li Zilong, approaching Tang Fan under the guise of assistance, but in reality, seeking to covertly acquire his investigation findings. Later that evening, at "Xushi", Ding Man's men executed their plan, ambushing Wang Xian's carriage and stealing the "Blinding Sun" design drawings. Wang Zhi and Sui Zhou immediately arrived at the scene.
Wang Zhi quickly informed Sui Zhou that this was a "top-secret case," instructing him to keep the Imperial Guards on the periphery and not to interfere further. He also ordered other city warding soldiers to clear the area. Sui Zhou then directed Xue Ling and other Imperial Guards to search the vicinity for any clues left by the perpetrators. Wang Xian's kidnapping sent shockwaves through the imperial court.
During a discussion among ministers, one voiced concern over the security lapse, especially given the "Blinding Sun"'s recent successful tests and its potential to revolutionize Ming's military standing. Another minister suggested the Oirat delegation, still in the capital and residing in the Iron Market, were responsible and should be immediately arrested. He warned that any delay could endanger Wang Xian. Wang Zhi, however, offered a more cautious perspective to the Emperor.
He asserted that the kidnappers' sole aim was the "Blinding Sun" machine crossbow, and therefore, Wang Xian, as a Prince Consort and a weapon expert, would likely be kept alive for the time being. He stressed that any rash action could destabilize Ming's diplomatic relations, impacting the entire situation. The Emperor then charged Wang Zhi with the investigation, granting him three days and ordering the Eastern Depot and Imperial Guards to cooperate with the Western Depot. His final instruction to Wang Zhi was paramount: the utmost priority was to locate Wang Xian's whereabouts, and under no circumstances should anyone be allowed to take him away alive.
Episode 33 Recap
Following the crucial abduction of Imperial Son-in-Law Wang Xian, Sui Zhou and Wang Zhi requested Tang Fan's assistance. Tang Fan meticulously examined the bodies at the scene. He concluded that, besides the Princess's Mansion guards, two groups of assailants were involved. Five individuals arrived first and killed the guards. Then, six black-clad men arrived and killed the first five before themselves being struck down by hidden arrows fired from the carriage.
The first group of five, though dressed as Han people, exhibited foreign physical traits and prairie totem tattoos, along with strong leg muscles indicative of long-term horseback riding. They used scimitars. The six black-clad men, on the other hand, used Po Knives or long swords, and their clothes were made from identical fabric. Their robust physiques suggested extensive training, but their bodies offered no identifiable clues.
Tang Fan humorously claimed he could sense a "vibe of killing," before explaining the true clue: two of the foreign men had new and old scars on their left hands but clean right hands, a clear sign of professional butchers who press meat with their left hand and cut with their right. Meanwhile, Ding Man held Wang Xian captive. Despite threats, Wang Xian remained silent, clutching a silk scarf.
Ding Man forcibly took the scarf and demanded the secret of the "incendiary device." Wang Xian then wrote "The third day of the third lunar month in the eleventh year of the Chenghua reign" on a piece of paper, a message that visibly alarmed Ding Man. Sui Zhou led Imperial Guards into Iron Market for a house-to-house search. During the search of a carriage shop, Wuyun angrily opened the door, only to freeze when she saw Ding Man.
Despite a subordinate pointing out Wuyun's non-cooperation, Sui Zhou, taking full responsibility, let his men proceed without further incident. Wang Zhi initiated his own investigation into Wang Xian's personal and professional life. He met Princess Gu'an, who expressed deep concern for her missing husband. She led Wang Zhi to their backyard, revealing a "flying machine." Princess Gu'an clarified that Wang Xian, despite public rumors labeling him as intellectually disabled, was a brilliant armament expert whose lifelong dream was to fly.
She believed he withdrew from society because others misunderstood his ambition, only seeing him as someone to be exploited. She implored Wang Zhi to rescue her husband. Later, Wang Zhi asked Tang Fan about the handwriting on some precious medicinal materials' entry/exit records. Wang Zhi immediately recognized it as Ding Man's signature, but Tang Fan, seemingly hesitant, denied any records pertaining to Ding Man. Wang Zhi then visited the Bureau of Provisions.
Mr. Ma, the attendant, claimed ignorance regarding Wang Xian's specific armament research and directed Wang Zhi to Wang Xian's assistant, Zhang Gongzhu. Wang Zhi asked Zhang Gongzhu if they had met before, but Zhang Gongzhu denied it, stating he rarely left Wang Xian's side. Once alone with Wang Zhi, Zhang Gongzhu explained "Biri," a new weapon designed to counter the highly mobile Oirat Rangers.
He noted that the Ming Dynasty lacked sufficient cavalry, and training skilled archers was costly and slow compared to the Oirats' innate horsemanship. " Biri," he asserted, would minimize casualties and maximize defense by allowing an ordinary city guard to wield the power of thirty archers, firing a dense volley of arrows with a wide range. He displayed prototypes, from an initial design firing seven arrows to improved versions firing fifteen, twenty-one, and thirty.
He added that the prototypes sent to the front could fire fifty arrows. Zhang Gongzhu then showed the latest "Biri" model, which Wang Xian had been developing before his abduction, capable of firing seventy-two arrows in a single launch. He emphasized that mass deployment of these new weapons to the northern frontier would allow the Ming to secure its borders with minimal troops and repel foreign incursions.
Zhang Gongzhu stressed the project's secrecy, known only to a few high-ranking Ministry of War officials, and urged Wang Zhi to bring Wang Xian back safely, highlighting his indispensable value to the Ming. Before leaving, Wang Zhi instructed Ding Rong to discreetly audit all staff, including janitors and servants, at the Bureau of Provisions, and admonished Mr. Ma to be more diligent in his duties. Meanwhile, Sui Zhou's search efforts in Iron Market yielded results.
His team identified several suspicious residences and placed them under twelve-hour secret surveillance, with orders to report any sign of Wang Xian or suspicious activity. Xue Ling's investigation uncovered a butcher's shop that, despite expensive prices, poor business, and a bad reputation, had been operating for over four years. It changed owners two years prior, and the current owner seemed indifferent to profit, often closing early.
Records showed discrepancies between the building's original design and its current size, and reports indicated Oirat delegation members frequently visited the area. Sui Zhou suspected this was an Oirat secret stronghold, believing Wang Xian's abduction was linked to them. However, Wan Tong, the commander, cautioned against impulsive actions, emphasizing that direct confrontation could jeopardize diplomatic relations with Oirats, prioritizing caution over immediate success. Tang Fan continued his investigation into Aras, but also noted the unusual behavior of Wuyun and Dora.
Wuyun, typically easygoing, was now working tirelessly. Dora repeatedly missed appointments and, surprisingly, urged Tang Fan to abandon the search for Aras and forget about the antidote. Tang Fan was perplexed by her sudden change. When he shared his frustrations with Sui Zhou at Dong's Restaurant, Sui Zhou revealed his findings: the five abductors, including the butchers, were indeed connected to Oirats, and an Oirat secret stronghold had been discovered in Iron Market.
This information immediately clicked for Tang Fan, connecting it to Dora's strange behavior. He rushed back to Iron Market to question Wuyun, who remained tight-lipped, vaguely mentioning Imperial Guards and a carriage order. Later, Qingge, witnessing Dora's emotional state, suggested Dora was lovesick for Aras and advised Tang Fan to help her move past it.
Ding Rong reported his findings to Wang Zhi: the previously deceased staff members at the Bureau of Provisions were all low-level janitors who couldn't have had access to critical information about Wang Xian's core research. He specifically mentioned a low-level clerk who, despite a small salary, recently became wealthy and bought a house, but then suspiciously drowned in the moat, leading Wang Zhi to suspect a hurried silencing.
Wang Zhi suspected a security breach and ordered Ding Rong to extend the investigation to individuals around the Emperor. At this opportune moment, Ding Man feigned a severe cold, excusing himself from attending to the Emperor, claiming he wished to avoid infecting His Majesty. Other eunuchs, expressing concern for his well-being, assured him they would diligently serve the Emperor, to which Ding Man cryptically replied that serving the Emperor came with both blessings and dangers, urging them to be careful.
Episode 34 Recap
Under Xue Ling's command, the Imperial Guards maintained surveillance on a suspicious butcher shop. When Ding Man entered, Xue Ling's men immediately knew the situation was critical. Xue Ling instructed them to follow without engaging or revealing their identities.
Inside, Ding Man, acknowledging the danger of his sudden appearance, informed his confederates that plans had changed: Wang Xian was to be immediately taken out of the city to meet the Oirat delegation in the suburbs and then returned to the Oirat homeland. Wang Zhi's investigation into palace staff rosters revealed that Ding Man was the only person unaccounted for during the abduction. Realizing this was a key lead, Wang Zhi immediately ordered a carriage to Sui Zhou's residence.
At Sui Zhou's home, Sui Zhou, having been out tracking, discussed the case with Wang Zhi and Tang Fan. Sui Zhou suspected Wang Xian’s abductors disguised themselves as part of the Oirat delegation, which was set to leave the capital soon, but hadn't confirmed their numbers. He also noted that the Iron Market's Oirat spy had made contact with someone in the palace.
Tang Fan, who had initially been secretive about recognizing a particular handwriting from a previous investigation, now revealed that the script was familiar. Connecting this with Wang Zhi’s discovery of Ding Man’s absence and Ding Man’s role in managing the Emperor's daily life and handling imperial edicts, they all concluded that Ding Man was the traitor who had accessed secret memorials to learn about Wang Xian and arrange his abduction.
Wang Zhi and Sui Zhou, eager to apprehend Ding Man, decided to go immediately. Tang Fan stopped them, cautioning that arresting Ding Man without knowing Wang Xian's location would endanger Wang Xian. Wang Zhi countered that securing Wang Xian was paramount, even if it meant risking his life. Tang Fan requested time to devise a plan.
He then presented his strategy: knowing that the Oirat delegation was set to leave at 9 in the morning, and that the city was under strict siege, Tang Fan suggested they provide an apparent "opening." He instructed Wang Zhi to draft a memorial ordering the lifting of the city-wide siege at 9 in the morning and ensure Ding Man would see it.
This "lure the snake out of its hole" tactic would make Ding Man believe it was safe to move Wang Xian, thereby revealing their location. Wang Zhi was to let the Imperial Guards handle the tracking, giving the Western Depot a day off to ensure the enemy felt secure. As predicted, Ding Man, using his method of secretly accessing memorials, read the fake memorial and believed its contents.
Xue Ling and the Imperial Guards initially lost track of Ding Man, leading Xue Ling to believe they had failed. However, Tang Fan reassured him, explaining that this was part of the plan: by seemingly losing track, they allowed Ding Man to relax his guard and move freely, leading them to Wang Xian's location.
Tang Fan admitted he hadn't fully disclosed the plan to Xue Ling out of concern that knowing too much might make Xue Ling nervous and compromise their operation. Meanwhile, Little Loach continued to secretly follow Ding Man, regularly reporting his whereabouts to Tang Fan. The Oirat operatives disguised Wang Xian in a wooden box, transporting him in a carriage towards the city gates.
One operative complained about Wang Xian's unruly behavior and wished they could knock him out, but was reminded not to touch him, only to get him into the carriage. Ding Man, meanwhile, settled at a tea stall by the city gate, surveying the surroundings. Despite the seemingly normal bustling street, subtle cues, including strategically placed "beggars" and "street vendors" (Little Loach and others), caught Ding Man's attention. Upon spotting Sui Zhou's men, he realized his plan was compromised.
He overturned the tea stall and fled. Sui Zhou and his men gave chase, but Ding Man was whisked away by a waiting carriage. In the struggle, Sui Zhou managed to snatch a cloak from Ding Man. Tang Fan arrived and, upon seeing the cloak in Sui Zhou’s hand, asked excitedly where it came from. He recognized it as the one that had played a part in his initial acquaintance with Duo Er La.
Connecting this with Duo Er La’s sudden disinterest in finding Aras and Wuyun’s frantic work on a carriage, Tang Fan realized with a shock that Aras was, in fact, Ding Man. He correctly deduced that Ding Man would use Duo Er La to escape and immediately headed to the Iron Market. Meanwhile, Wang Zhi received an update that Wang Xian was rescued but uncooperative, and Ding Man had escaped.
Despite his frustration with the Imperial Guards, Wang Zhi ordered all city gates sealed, ensuring no one could leave. Tang Fan's hunch proved correct: Duo Er La was indeed the one who rescued Ding Man. As they rode in the carriage, Ding Man explained to Duo Er La that all his actions were solely for the Oirat people.
Duo Er La, who had previously dismissed Tang Fan’s offers to help find Aras, expressed how much she had missed him over the past three years and questioned his activities. Ding Man dismissed her questions, reiterating that his loyalty was to the Oirat. Duo Er La recalled Ding Man's earlier words about fostering peace through trade, exchanging Oirat horses, furs, and medicine for Ming iron, food, and salt.
Ding Man countered that peace was far off and Oirats only sought survival, blaming the Ming for desiring war. He passionately described how the weapon "Bolang" was developed by the Ming specifically to destroy the Oirat people, who struggled for survival on horseback. Duo Er La, knowing the Ming officials, initially rejected this, but Ding Man insisted the Ming understood the Oirat's weaknesses too well, hence creating such a devastating weapon.
He declared that his sacrifices were to protect his people, including Duo Er La herself. Ding Man urged Duo Er La to forget him and return to the prairie, promising never to return to the capital herself. Duo Er La, heartbroken, wanted him to return with her, but he regretfully stated he couldn't.
Ding Man asked Duo Er La to retrieve an important iron box he had previously entrusted to her, explaining that it was crucial for the future of the Oirat people and needed to be given to their delegation to take back to the prairie. Duo Er La agreed to retrieve the iron box, and Ding Man instructed her to return to the prairie with Wuyun after his escape.
When Duo Er La and Ding Man arrived at the Iron Market for the box, they were intercepted by Tang Fan. Tang Fan urged Ding Man to reconsider his path for the sake of peace between the Ming and Oirat. Ding Man scoffed at the idea of peace, reminding Tang Fan of the devastating explosion three years prior. Ding Man accused the Ming Dynasty of secretly developing weapons of mass destruction.
Tang Fan explained that the three-year-old explosion was an accident, and even the Emperor was unaware of the weapon's true destructive power then. After witnessing its effects, the Emperor ordered a complete halt to all related armaments research to prevent future tragedies, emphasizing this as the Ming's genuine commitment to peace. Tang Fan implied that if the Ming had wished for war, they would have continued production.
From the iron box, Ding Man retrieved the igniter, revealing it to be the device that caused the explosion three years prior, which he had taken from Wang Xian. Tang Fan, shocked, asked why it wasn't destroyed, to which Ding Man sneered about Ming hypocrisy. Overcome with emotion, Ding Man lunged at Tang Fan, intending to kill him, but Duo Er La bravely stepped in front of Tang Fan to shield him.
Seeing this, Ding Man changed tactics, seizing Tang Fan as a hostage to force his way out of the siege. Duo Er La, unwilling to leave them, followed them into the horse carriage. Wang Zhi received reports that Tang Fan and Duo Er La had been taken by Ding Man. Though concerned for their safety, Wang Zhi's priority was retrieving the secret documents (the igniter), as they involved Ming national security.
He bluntly stated that national interests could not be compromised for one or two individuals, meaning Tang Fan's sacrifice was acceptable if necessary. As reports came in that the carriage was still within the city walls, Wang Zhi ordered a full assault. Sui Zhou immediately intervened, reminding Wang Zhi that Tang Fan was inside and a forceful attack would endanger him.
Wang Zhi argued for a swift resolution due to the national importance, but Sui Zhou, recalling Tang Fan's previous sacrifice to save his life, physically placed himself in front of the armed guards, declaring they would have to kill him first. Wang Zhi, frustrated, told Sui Zhou to move as the guns were loaded and the situation was too critical for theatrics.
Sui Zhou insisted on a non-lethal approach, warning that pushing Ding Man to extremes would imperil Tang Fan, but Wang Zhi remained resolute, reiterating the high stakes involved. Inside the carriage, a tense standoff continued. Tang Fan tried to convince Ding Man to surrender, emphasizing that he couldn't escape with the secrets and that the Western Depot would prioritize national security over Tang Fan's life.
Ding Man, in turn, urged Duo Er La to leave, promising Tang Fan's safety once he was clear of the city. Tang Fan continued to pressure Ding Man, reminding him that if he didn't surrender, Duo Er La would also be in grave danger, as she wouldn't leave until both he and Tang Fan were safe.
Duo Er La, desperate for the truth, was told by Tang Fan that Ding Man had no chance of escape and only surrender could save his life. Ding Man, cornered, then used the ultimate threat: he told Duo Er La to get off the carriage if she wanted him to live, or he would immediately detonate the igniter, leaving the choice of life or death to her. Amidst the intense arguments, Duo Er La inadvertently activated the "Bolang" igniter.
Ding Man immediately realized it was armed and told Duo Er La he was sorry for how he treated her and hoped to make amends in the next life. He then urged her to take Tang Fan and leave. Tang Fan, hearing the device activate, desperately pleaded with Duo Er La to use her horsemanship to stop the carriage, believing Sui Zhou and Wang Zhi could find a solution. Ding Man stated that once activated, nothing could stop it.
In a heroic act, with the carriage about to explode, Duo Er La forcefully pushed Tang Fan out of the moving vehicle just moments before it violently detonated before his eyes. Sui Zhou, who was watching nearby, called out Tang Fan's name in distress.
Episode 35 Recap
Three years ago, in the eleventh year of the Chenghua reign, heated discussions surrounded the imperial examination results. Though Tang Fan, a young and brilliant scholar, had no powerful connections at court, some officials feared that granting him the top rank might lead to arrogance and disrespect towards the Emperor. They argued that Tang Fan, despite his talent, needed further cultivation, and that the top scholar should be someone more mature.
Ultimately, the Emperor's decision stood, and Tang Fan was ranked first in the second class, while others received the first-class honors. His fellow students were indignant, suggesting they protest at the Ministry of Personnel, but Tang Fan, with a newfound cynicism, dismissed their efforts, lamenting that what was rightfully his had "flown away." He later mused that in a time of peace, he saw no use for his talents.
Around the same time, Sui Zhou, having completed three years of military service in Yansui Town, joined the Imperial Guards. The commander, Wan Tong, acknowledged Sui Zhou's esteemed lineage and valorous service, praising his humble demeanor and calling him a future general. Some junior officers disparaged Sui Zhou as a privileged official's son merely looking to gain experience, but Wan Tong quickly silenced them. Sui Zhou immediately requested to see case files.
Wan Tong initially offered him trivial cases, such as a missing foreign woman, pear flowers picked from the Imperial College, or a lost cat from a noble's family. Sui Zhou found these beneath him, and when offered to choose, he instead selected a more challenging case: capturing a dangerous fugitive who typically required three officers. Sui Zhou insisted he could handle it alone, and to Wan Tong's surprise, he swiftly returned with the captured criminal.
Despite this success, Wan Tong gave him an even more dangerous case involving violent debt collectors who had committed murder, again asking if Sui Zhou could manage it alone. Sui Zhou reiterated his confidence, and though Wan Tong sent other officers, including Xue Ling, to discreetly monitor him, Sui Zhou single-handedly apprehended the thugs. Meanwhile, a clandestine plot unfolded in the Iron Market.
Aras, a companion of the Oirats, helped his comrade Wuyun prepare horse feed, instructing her to dry the corn and apples thoroughly due to the humid climate in the Han people's land. Aras then proceeded to a butcher shop to meet Batu, an Oirat who was preparing to infiltrate the palace as a eunuch. Aras presented Batu with a sum of silver, which Batu confirmed was sufficient to bribe the eunuchs responsible for new recruits.
Aras promised to secure more funds to ease Batu's life in the palace but emphasized that once inside, he would be on his own. Aras asked if Batu wanted to see his wife one last time, but Batu refused, expressing his shame at the thought of his child learning their father became a eunuch.
Batu vowed that the people of the entire prairie would be grateful for his sacrifice, declaring that from that day forward, his name would be Ding Man. In the Bureau of Provisions, 720 units of a new weapon, named "Bolang," arrived, meticulously counted and stored in ninety boxes, eight pieces per box.
Zhang Gongzhu, the official in charge, repeatedly warned his staff to handle the weapons with extreme care, emphasizing the danger of fire or even a single spark near the arsenal. Despite his warnings, some careless workers were seen negligently handling the "Bolang" units, even dropping one. A transaction also occurred where one "Bolang" unit was sold to Li Zilong for a substantial sum. This negligence proved catastrophic.
An accidental trigger of a "Bolang" unit led to a massive explosion that devastated half of the capital, turning much of it into rubble. All personnel at the Bureau of Provisions were killed instantly, except for Zhang Gongzhu and Wang Xian, who had gone home early, thus narrowly escaping the blast. The Emperor's palace also experienced a massive tremor. Inside Yangxin Hall, Consort Wan, dressed in military attire, bravely stood by the Emperor, asking if he was alright.
The Emperor assured her he was. Consort Wan then ordered all Imperial Guards and Flag Bearer Guards to protect the Yuehua Gate and Yangxin Hall, not to leave for a single step. The Emperor, in turn, told Consort Wan that it was his turn to protect her. Reports from the Ministry of War later confirmed that the explosion was linked to the Bureau of Provisions' warehouses, though the exact cause remained under investigation.
Ministers attempted to downplay the severity, claiming casualties were "acceptable," and the Northern Administrative Court even suggested a "cometary collision." The Emperor, however, was enraged, berating his officials for their inconclusive reports after three hours and lamenting that if it were a war, the Imperial City would have fallen. Consort Wan interceded, urging him to grant his anxious ministers more time.
The Emperor, frustrated by the vague answers and the apparent helplessness of his court, expressed despair, questioning if the Ming Dynasty was doomed when its capital could not even protect its own people. He angrily ordered the Minister of Revenue to immediately open the national granaries, dispatching half of the Imperial Guards and Eastern Depot personnel to distribute supplies and settle the tens of thousands of cold, hungry, and homeless victims under the Ministry of Revenue's coordination.
This devastating event became a turning point for Tang Fan, Sui Zhou, and Wang Zhi. Amidst the chaos, Tang Fan, who had initially become cynical about his place, was rescued from the rubble by Pei Huai, a doctor. Once he regained his senses, Tang Fan, acknowledging there was no time for fear, immediately threw himself into helping others.
He ceased his complaints and cynicism, urging survivors to unite and help each other, volunteering to distribute food and water last, to gain their trust. Meanwhile, Sui Zhou, still grappling with the trauma of war, plunged headfirst into the inferno, saving people and directing those he rescued to safety. He encountered a man desperate to find his family and, though firm, allowed him to leave with the instruction to surrender himself to the authorities once his task was done.
In the rubble, Zhang Gongzhu helped a disoriented Wang Xian, the only other survivor, through the debris, reassuring him that everything would be alright. As for the Oirat plot, the intended palace informant, Batu, tragically perished in the explosion. Aras, discovering his lifeless body, was left with no choice but to take Batu's place, assuming the identity of Ding Man and proceeding with the infiltration plan.
The Emperor, deeply disturbed by the disaster and feeling isolated in his palace, resolved to cultivate a new power. He summoned his trusted eunuch, Wang Zhi, declaring it was time for Wang Zhi to leave the palace and become his "eyes and ears." The Emperor then commanded Wang Zhi to establish the Western Depot.
Wang Zhi assembled his new agents, including Xiao Yun, Yu Liang, Zhan He, Wang Min, Ding Man, Wang Feng, Wu Yu, Yao Tao, Wu Cong, and Liu Shi, promising them they would never starve. Meanwhile, Tang Fan, now transformed by the catastrophe and seeking practical experience, reaffirmed his commitment to his teacher.
His teacher introduced him to his senior student, Pan Bin, the Governor of Shuntian Prefecture, where Tang Fan would serve as a sixth-grade judicial officer, eager to learn and grow, regardless of the triviality of the tasks.
Episode 36 Recap
Three years after the devastating explosion, another blast, caused by a weapon known as Bolang, shook the capital. Although it occurred in a remote area, causing no significant casualties, the Emperor and his concubine in the palace felt the tremors, fearing a repeat of the tragedy from three years prior. The Emperor immediately summoned Wang Zhi.
Wang Zhi reported that Ding Man, who had infiltrated the palace three years ago as an Oirat spy, had detonated a Bolang and died during an attempted capture. This alarming incident reignited the Emperor's fury, as Bolang was supposed to have been completely destroyed and its research halted three years ago. Suspecting a connection to Wang Xian, the Emperor commanded Wang Zhi to thoroughly investigate the matter, leaving no stone unturned.
Meanwhile, the new explosion deeply impacted Tang Fan, who bitterly blamed Sui Zhou for the death of Duo Er La, who perished in the earlier explosion. Their relationship fractured, and Tang Fan declared he never wanted to see Sui Zhou again. This accusation, coupled with the recent events, exacerbated Sui Zhou's dormant war trauma. He began to believe himself a bane, someone who brings disaster to everyone around him.
His condition worsened visibly; he started staying in the dark, discarding all his cooking ingredients, and eating only "Radish Bricks," a military ration, stating that he only needed food for survival and no longer cared for culinary art. Dong, deeply worried, sought help from Pei Huai and Tang Yu. Pei Huai observed that Sui Zhou's emotional distress was worsening and identified cooking as his primary outlet for his inner turmoil.
He advised that keeping Sui Zhou engaged in cooking was crucial for his healing. Dong diligently prepared a lavish meal, but Sui Zhou ate only a few bites, having lost all appetite, leaving Dong distraught. Tang Fan was also consumed by guilt and distraction over Duo Er La's death. He frequently drowned his sorrows in alcohol at Dong's Restaurant. Qing Ge often accompanied him, drinking alongside him.
Wang Zhi, facing the challenge of interrogating Wang Xian, found himself in a difficult position. Wang Xian suffered from dementia, making conventional interrogation impossible. Furthermore, Princess Gu'an fiercely resisted Wang Xian's detention by the Western Depot. Wang Zhi and Princess Gu'an appeared before the Emperor. Princess Gu'an pleaded for Wang Xian's release, citing his illness, but the Emperor emphasized the gravity of the Bolang case, which involved national security and the three-year-old explosion.
He ordered Princess Gu'an to cooperate, compelling her to reluctantly allow Wang Xian to remain with the Western Depot for investigation. However, due to Wang Xian's noble status and Princess Gu'an's constant concern, Wang Zhi was constrained from using any harsh methods. He realized conventional methods would not work and sought Tang Fan’s expertise. Wang Zhi dispatched Jia Kui to bring Tang Fan to the Western Depot.
Jia Kui found a heavily intoxicated Tang Fan at Dong's Restaurant and forcibly took him. Wang Zhi attempted to sober Tang Fan up with cold water, but Tang Fan refused to work on any cases, even threatening to resign from his post. Concurrently, Ding Rong went to the Bureau of Provisions to summon Zhang Gongzhu, Wang Xian's assistant, only to be informed that Zhang Gongzhu had been absent for several days.
Ding Rong grew suspicious and considered issuing an arrest warrant. However, Zhang Gongzhu appeared at that very moment, claiming he had been recuperating at home due to illness. Despite Zhang Gongzhu's explanation, Ding Rong ordered him escorted to the Western Depot. While Ding Rong and his men did not notice, Zhang Gongzhu secretly conversed with an unseen individual, confirming his successful completion of a task and asking for further instructions, revealing an abnormality in his demeanor.
Episode 37 Recap
Tang Fan was in a deep state of depression following Duo Er La's death, refusing to engage with his duties as a magistrate and even threatening to resign. Others tried to convince him, but he vehemently stated, "Don't mention investigating cases to me in the future." Wang Zhi confronted him, asserting that the true killer of Duo Er La was neither Ding Man nor Wang Xian, and that Tang Fan knew this.
Wang Zhi emphasized that Tang Fan was the only person capable of solving the complex case and reminded him of his duty as a royal court official to serve the Emperor and the country. Wang Zhi challenged Tang Fan, stating that if the Ming Dynasty were to face disaster, he would have to live with the guilt of abandoning his responsibilities.
After delivering his impassioned plea, Wang Zhi declared he would no longer try to persuade Tang Fan and allowed him to leave if he wished. This deeply affected Tang Fan, leading him to agree to assist. Tang Fan immediately went to the Western Depot prison to see Wang Xian. To Wang Zhi's dismay and concern, Tang Fan handed Wang Zhi's personal pistol to Wang Xian through the cell bars.
Wang Zhi questioned the appropriateness of this, given Wang Xian's "dementia" and history of creating powerful weapons. Tang Fan explained that what they perceived as dementia was merely a fundamental difference in Wang Xian's thinking and behavior compared to ordinary people, leading to communication barriers. He argued that Wang Xian, as the inventor of the "Biri" machine crossbow, was undoubtedly obsessed with weapons, and that Wang Zhi's intricate pistol would capture his attention.
Tang Fan stated that Wang Xian's recent trauma from the kidnapping and Western Depot's torture had caused him to shut down, making it impossible to extract information through conventional means. Instead, they needed to use Wang Xian's interests as an entry point to slowly open up his mind, a process that would require time and patience.
With the realization that questioning Wang Xian would take time, Wang Zhi suggested another avenue, leading Tang Fan to meet Zhang Gongzhu, Wang Xian's assistant. Zhang Gongzhu, while acknowledging Wang Xian's current detention, claimed complete ignorance regarding the "Bolang" explosion from three years prior, stating it was a highly sensitive and forbidden topic in the Ministry of War after officials were beheaded over it. He insisted he was a low-ranking official who knew nothing.
However, when asked about Wang Xian, Zhang Gongzhu was forthcoming, detailing Wang Xian's family history as renowned weapon craftsmen, their surname being bestowed by Emperor Hongwu, and the family's subsequent achievements. He explained that Wang Xian was initially not highly regarded by his family due to his "dementia," but after his marriage to Princess Gu'an in the fifth year of Chenghua, his condition seemingly improved, and his status in the Ministry of War rose.
Zhang Gongzhu concluded by mentioning Wang Xian's promotion to Official in the Bureau of Provisions after the explosion three years ago. Wang Zhi then dismissed Zhang Gongzhu, instructing him to remain in the capital and be available for questioning at any time, an order Zhang Gongzhu readily agreed to, even offering to visit Wang Xian if it would help the investigation, an offer Wang Zhi declined for the time being.
Following Tang Fan's instructions, Wang Zhi went to the palace to request an audience with the Emperor. Wang Zhi explained that the three-year-old bombing case was far more complex than initially thought and required unprecedented access. He boldly requested all case files from the Six Ministries, Five Courts, Six Offices of Scrutiny, and Censorate from the past five years, including confidential and sealed documents, regardless of their security classification.
The Emperor, recognizing the gravity of the request, pointed out that after the Yunhe case, the Western Depot already held immense power over personnel transfers in all departments, and granting this new request would give them supervisory power over all governmental affairs, making the Western Depot the most powerful department since the Ming Dynasty's founding. Despite fearing the Emperor's suspicion of treachery, Wang Zhi insisted it was the only way to solve the case.
Seeing his conviction, the Emperor reluctantly granted his permission, cautioning Wang Zhi to be mindful of his actions and his place. Wang Zhi solemnly promised not to disappoint His Majesty. Back at Tang Fan's residence, Pan Bin, visibly stressed, expressed deep concern over the sheer volume of official documents flooding their home, overflowing Tang Fan's bedroom. He worried they wouldn't finish reviewing them, especially with files from the Ministry of War and Censorate still incoming.
Pan Bin openly questioned Wang Zhi's motives, suggesting he was either naive or blinded by power, given that the Western Depot already held immense influence over officials' private lives. He elaborated that by requesting all government records, Wang Zhi was expanding his supervisory authority to the highest levels of state affairs, risking accusations of the Western Depot meddling in governance.
Pan Bin warned that this act mirrored the detested actions of the late Emperor's chief eunuch, Wang Zhen, and could easily be seen as eunuchs overstepping their bounds in politics. He expressed personal anxiety, fearing that this move might lead to his own demotion. Tang Fan, realizing the serious repercussions his request had inadvertently brought upon Wang Zhi, decided he had no choice but to bite the bullet and continue the investigation.
At that moment, a guard announced the arrival of a young girl seeking Tang Fan, whom Pan Bin immediately recognized as their much-needed "helper." This was Dong, known for her eidetic memory, whom Tang Fan enlisted to help him sort through the mountains of documents. Later, Zhang Gongzhu personally delivered a new batch of files, all documents from the Bureau of Provisions, without regard to their secrecy level.
He again inquired about Wang Xian's condition and offered his assistance if there was still no progress, citing his long-standing familiarity with Wang Xian's habits. Tang Fan, acknowledging his offer, departed for the Western Depot, instructing Pan Bin to let Dong rest before continuing her review of the newly arrived files.
Meanwhile, Sui Zhou continued his own investigation, despite being in a deep state of personal turmoil, reflected in his refusal to eat and his dismissive attitude towards Dong, telling her he was "fine by myself" and preferred not to have her around. At the explosion site, Xue Ling, his subordinate, showed him various debris. They pieced together fragments that suggested a peculiar iron box.
Sui Zhou then sought out Wuyun Bulage, who confirmed that such an iron box was neither Oirat nor commonly used in carriages due to its size. This led Sui Zhou to suspect the box belonged to Wang Xian. He and Xue Ling thoroughly examined Wang Xian's carriage, discovering indentations that precisely matched the iron box, indicating it was habitually carried by Wang Xian, suggesting its immense importance, possibly even containing "Bolang."
They promptly went to the Bureau of Provisions to pursue this lead, but Zhang Gongzhu blocked their entry to Wang Xian's office, citing secrecy and the lack of an imperial decree. Undeterred, Sui Zhou and Xue Ling covertly entered Wang Xian's workshop that night.
There, they found four slips of paper with dates written on them: the 29th day of the eleventh lunar month of the year of Wuxu (the day Wang Xian was kidnapped), the 17th day of the second lunar month of the year of Dingchou (the month Wang Xian was married), the 21st day of the second lunar month of the year of Gengyin (eight years prior), and the eighth day of the eleventh lunar month of the year of Jichou (the day Emperor Jingtai passed away).
Sui Zhou instructed Xue Ling to take the discovered dated notes to Tang Fan for examination. When Xue Ling arrived, Dong, noticing Sui Zhou's continued refusal to eat, coaxed him into the house by promising to help analyze the notes, even offering him leftover food which he finally consumed. Dong, with her extraordinary memory, quickly verified that three of the dates corresponded to significant events in Wang Xian's life: his kidnapping, his marriage, and the death of Emperor Jingtai.
However, the date "21st day of the second lunar month of the year of Gengyin" yielded no immediate connection. Upon Sui Zhou's prompting to check for any relevance to Wang Xian or the Ministry of War, Dong cross-referenced the date with financial records from the Ministry of Revenue. To their shock, she discovered that this seemingly insignificant date marked Zhang Gongzhu's entry into the Ministry of War. Dong then realized that Zhang Gongzhu had just left, having summoned Tang Fan.
Realizing the critical implication, Sui Zhou immediately contacted Tang Fan. Tang Fan confirmed that he and Dong had linked Zhang Gongzhu as a highly suspicious individual with a deep connection to Wang Xian, possibly even being the true mastermind behind "Bolang." Tang Fan recalled Wang Xian's alarmed reaction to Zhang Gongzhu's presence, believing Zhang Gongzhu was relaying information in code. Wang Zhi, also present, acknowledged Zhang Gongzhu's hidden depth and immediately ordered his arrest before he could flee.
However, by the time Western Depot agents arrived, Zhang Gongzhu had vanished. Simultaneously, Qing Ge relayed this crucial information about Zhang Gongzhu to Li Zilong, confirming him as the most critical figure and the likely mastermind behind Wang Xian.
Episode 38 Recap
Li Zilong identified Zhang Gongzhu as a crucial figure, seemingly the mastermind behind Wang Xian. Qing Ge, however, expressed her confusion, wondering why Zhang Gongzhu would so easily expose himself after years of meticulous secret planning, especially by brazenly visiting Wang Xian. Li Zilong theorized that Zhang Gongzhu’s actions were a deliberate sacrifice aimed at saving Wang Xian by diverting all suspicion onto himself.
As he pondered, Li Zilong repeatedly uttered "Zhang Gongzhu," which brought to mind a person whose existence had been largely erased from history: the late emperor’s brother. This individual had once reigned for eight years before abdicating following the death of his two-year-old son. Although he had no surviving male heirs, he did have a Grand Princess. Li Zilong then explained that after the current emperor’s father re-ascended the throne, all the Grand Princess’s titles were abolished.
Thirteen years later, the current emperor restored her title to Commandery Princess and arranged her marriage to an obscure official in the Ministry of Personnel, Wang Xian. Li Zilong concluded that the only person who would go to such extreme lengths to save Wang Xian could only be Commandery Princess Gu'an, Wang Xian’s wife, suggesting that "Zhang Gongzhu" was her chosen alias.
Simultaneously, the Western Depot and the Imperial Guards launched a comprehensive search for Zhang Gongzhu at the Bureau of Provisions, but he was nowhere to be found. Sui Zhou, leading the Imperial Guards, confirmed that with the entire perimeter sealed, Zhang Gongzhu had no opportunity to escape. Officials from the Western Depot reported that while Zhang Gongzhu had a dormitory at the Bureau, no one knew his actual residence or where he went after his shifts.
Tang Fan noted that Wang Xian, when questioned, would only repeatedly utter "Zhang Gongzhu." Convinced that Zhang Gongzhu must still be within the capital due to the ongoing city-wide martial law, Wang Zhi ordered a sweeping search. He instructed Ding Rong to coordinate with the various Warden's Offices and to leave no stone unturned in finding the individual. Tang Fan was also directed to secure cooperation from the Northern Administrative Court for this extensive search.
Meanwhile, Sui Zhou's emotional state continued to deteriorate, leading to uncontrollable violent outbursts. He physically assaulted the Bureau of Provisions Commander and Xue Ling. Despite maintaining a seemingly detached demeanor, Tang Fan harbored profound concern for Sui Zhou. When Pei Huai arrived and examined Tang Fan’s injuries, he deduced they were inflicted by Sui Zhou.
Pei Huai diagnosed Sui Zhou with a severe psychological disorder, or "heart illness," which he believed had originated during Sui Zhou's military service at the border. He pointed out that previous symptoms, such as recurring nightmares and difficulty controlling his emotions, had been present for years, though never with such intensity. Pei Huai stressed that this "heart illness" necessitated a "heart medicine" and a potent remedy, warning that without proper intervention, Sui Zhou's condition would only worsen.
He advised Tang Fan to consider what Sui Zhou had relied upon in recent years to suppress his symptoms. Tang Fan appeared to have a realization regarding Wang Xian as well. Following his deductions, Li Zilong visited Commandery Princess Gu'an at her mansion. He subtly complimented the intricate design of Wang Xian's wood kite before using a mirror to hint at Zhang Gongzhu's true identity to her.
Li Zilong then cryptically told her that the day would come when she would require his assistance, instructing her to hang a red lantern outside her gate as a signal. Immediately, Commandery Princess Gu'an ordered her carriage to be prepared. She arrived at the Western Depot and demanded Wang Xian's immediate release, asserting that Zhang Gongzhu's involvement exonerated her husband.
However, Wang Zhi refused her demand, citing the ongoing investigation into potential accomplices and insisting that Wang Xian remain in custody for his own safety until the true culprit was apprehended. Frustrated by the impasse, Commandery Princess Gu'an proceeded to the Emperor’s study and knelt outside. The Emperor was informed but initially dismissed her, suggesting she could remain kneeling if she intended to exert pressure.
After some time, softened by their familial bond, the Emperor conceded and ordered Wang Xian’s transfer from the Western Depot to the Royal Clan Court for formal sentencing. Unaware of Tang Fan’s rapidly progressing investigation, Li Zilong remained confident that Tang Fan had not fully uncovered Zhang Gongzhu’s true identity. He planned to leverage the ongoing situation to force Commandery Princess Gu'an into cooperation, with Qing Ge ready to execute any necessary "fire-starting" actions to pressure her.
Back at Sui Zhou’s residence, Tang Fan continued his relentless work on the case files. He experienced a breakthrough, finally deducing Zhang Gongzhu's real identity. He promptly rushed to the Western Depot to halt Wang Xian’s transfer to the Royal Clan Court. Accompanied by Wang Zhi, Tang Fan then proceeded to the palace to report his critical findings to the Emperor. Tang Fan respectfully questioned the Emperor about the circumstances of Commandery Princess Gu'an’s marriage to Wang Xian.
The Emperor, initially defensive, clarified that the marriage was not his mandate but was granted only after Commandery Princess Gu'an's persistent pleas, despite his mother's strong opposition due to concerns about public perception. The Emperor admitted that he and his late father felt a deep sense of indebtedness to Commandery Princess Gu'an and her father, expressing a desire for her involvement to be handled with leniency if she was indeed implicated.
Tang Fan, however, insisted on pursuing the full truth of the case. He explained to Wang Zhi that the widespread rumor about the Emperor forcing the marriage was a fabrication by Commandery Princess Gu'an herself, designed to conceal her true motive: to use Wang Xian and his "Bolang" invention to exact revenge for her father and herself.
He revealed that "Zhang Gongzhu" was a deliberately chosen alias, phonetically similar to "Grand Princess," the very title Commandery Princess Gu'an held during her father’s reign. By adopting this name, she subtly declared her intentions to the world. Wang Zhi proposed apprehending Commandery Princess Gu'an immediately, but Tang Fan reminded him of the Emperor’s wish for leniency and the current lack of direct, irrefutable evidence to warrant her arrest.
Instead, Tang Fan suggested employing a strategy to "entice the snake out of its hole" by manipulating Wang Xian's precarious safety. Soon after, a public notice was posted announcing Wang Xian’s imminent execution. Upon learning of this, Commandery Princess Gu'an, unable to endure the thought of Wang Xian's fate, immediately followed Li Zilong’s previous instructions by hanging a red lantern outside her mansion. Li Zilong promptly appeared, offering an apology for keeping her waiting, ready to meet her.
Episode 39 Recap
Li Zilong revealed his identity as a descendant of the Tang royal family to Princess Gu'an, seeking half of her "Bolang" in exchange for rescuing Wang Xian. Princess Gu'an first offered five-tenths of unfinished Bolang, but Li Zilong insisted he only wanted finished bombs, which he needed for a "big scene" and still required Wang Xian's help to prepare.
He reminded her that Wang Xian was soon to be executed, leaving her with no other choice but to cooperate with him. They eventually agreed that Li Zilong would help rescue Wang Xian, and then Princess Gu'an would hand over half of her finished Bolang to him. Princess Gu'an declared that Li Zilong's intentions for the bombs were no longer her concern.
Shortly after, Princess Gu'an, disguised as Zhang Gongzhu, surrendered to the Western Depot, removing her disguise to reveal her true identity. She immediately demanded to see the Emperor, not to plead, but to question why Wang Xian's transfer to the Royal Clan Court had been reversed to an execution order.
Wang Zhi explained that the order to execute Wang Xian was not the Emperor's idea, but Tang Fan's strategy, who had already seen through her disguise as Zhang Gongzhu, recognizing that only Princess Gu'an would show such a clear motive to protect Wang Xian. Princess Gu'an then stated that since she was a prisoner and the Western Depot had achieved their goal, Wang Xian should be released.
Wang Zhi, however, told her the matter was beyond his authority, involving the safety of the Ming Dynasty. Princess Gu'an warned him not to blame her for being ruthless, indicating she was not so foolish as to surrender without a plan. She revealed that she held a powerful card: time. She alluded that if Tang Fan was truly clever, he would have noticed the anomalies in the files she had previously submitted.
Wang Zhi confirmed that Tang Fan had indeed discovered something amiss in her files, leading him to identify her. Princess Gu'an retorted that finding something unusual was not difficult, but discerning the truly exceptional from the mundane was the real challenge. She stressed that very little time remained for them. During her interrogation, Princess Gu'an elaborated on her personal history, revealing a deep-seated hatred.
She was born in the second month of Jingtai's first year, and her father, the former Emperor Jingtai, named her Gu'an hoping for a stable court and peaceful world. However, when Emperor Yingzong initiated the "Seizure of the Gate" coup to reclaim the throne, her father, despite commanding significant military power, chose not to suppress the rebellion out of brotherly affection, wishing to avoid fratricide within the Ming royal family.
To her profound dismay, Emperor Yingzong, upon re-ascending the throne, forced her father to his death and even held his own enthronement ceremony on her father's death anniversary. This act fueled Princess Gu'an with intense resentment. Tang Fan tried to persuade her to prioritize the greater good and avoid harming innocent civilians, but Princess Gu'an, consumed by hatred, was beyond reason. Acting on Princess Gu'an's veiled warning, Tang Fan quickly sent for Dong.
Dong, after examining the files, showed Tang Fan the financial discrepancies and purchase records for materials like pig iron, saltpeter, and sulfur—all used to manufacture Bolang. The quantities were similar to those involved in a major explosion three years prior, leading Tang Fan to conclude that Princess Gu'an possessed a large number of finished Bolang bombs.
When Tang Fan pressed her about the Bolangs' location and urged her to consider the greater good, Princess Gu'an responded cryptically, asking when fireworks looked most beautiful, implying they would be detonated at dusk. She also taunted them by asking if they thought Bolangs were still the "same old thing" after three years, indicating their increased potency. After being held for over four hours, Princess Gu'an declared that time was up.
Tang Fan immediately informed the Northern Administrative Court to initiate a city-wide search. Just as he did, several explosions rocked the capital. The sight of the suffering civilians spurred Sui Zhou into action. Driven by a desire to prevent further catastrophe and overcome his long-standing inner demons, he stormed the Northern Administrative Court's prison. He confronted Princess Gu'an, seizing Wang Xian and threatening his life to force her to reveal the Bolang placement map.
Princess Gu'an pleaded for Sui Zhou to release Wang Xian, but Sui Zhou demanded the map first. Wang Zhi intervened, injuring Sui Zhou to protect Wang Xian. Princess Gu'an, abandoning her demand to see the Emperor, now insisted on an imperial decree pardoning Wang Xian, threatening mutual destruction if her demand was not met. Tang Fan appealed to her, suggesting her late father would be disappointed by her actions.
Wang Zhi reported to the Emperor that Princess Gu'an was apprehended and possessed a large number of Bolang bombs, but refused to disclose their locations without a decree pardoning Wang Xian. The Emperor, initially ordering Wang Xian's immediate execution, paused. He asked Wang Zhi if he feared Princess Gu'an's threat to destroy the capital. Wang Zhi expressed unwavering faith in the Emperor's wisdom.
The Emperor then reflected on his own past kindness towards Princess Gu'an, including granting her a grand wedding despite her background. Wang Zhi took responsibility for his and Tang Fan's actions, admitting their "bad decision" had pushed Princess Gu'an to desperation and requested punishment. The Emperor, considering Wang Zhi's long service, pardoned him and agreed to issue the decree. The imperial decree reduced Wang Xian's sentence from execution to exile, forbidding his return to the capital.
Upon receiving the imperial decree, Princess Gu'an gave Wang Zhi the Bolang placement map. Seeing the vast number of bombs, Wang Zhi proposed that he, Sui Zhou, and Tang Fan each lead a team to quickly defuse them. However, Tang Fan, suspecting a deeper plot, insisted that Wang Zhi and Sui Zhou go, while he remained at the Western Depot to continue interrogating Princess Gu'an.
Tang Fan subtly provoked Princess Gu'an, asking if her rescuers were almost there, which Princess Gu'an acknowledged. Tang Fan's foresight proved correct: following the map, Sui Zhou's team found the Bolang bombs conspicuously placed and, crucially, all were unfinished. Sui Zhou realized Princess Gu'an's plan was a "lure the tiger out of its den" tactic, designed to draw him and Wang Zhi away.
He immediately ordered Xue Ling to continue collecting the remaining Bolangs and rushed back to the Western Depot, realizing Tang Fan was in grave danger. Meanwhile, Li Zilong, having instructed Qing Ge not to linger but to rescue Wang Xian and Princess Gu'an safely, arrived at the Western Depot. He confronted Tang Fan, accusing him of repeatedly sabotaging his business and cutting off his wealth, equating it to "killing their parents."
He asked if he could kill Tang Fan, seizing the "God-given opportunity" to finally eliminate his obstacle. As Li Zilong prepared to strike Tang Fan, Sui Zhou arrived in the nick of time. Although skilled, Sui Zhou was outnumbered. Just as the situation grew dire, reinforcements from the Imperial Guards arrived, forcing Li Zilong to retreat, declaring that Tang Fan and Sui Zhou's "time was not yet up."
In the ensuing fight, Sui Zhou was severely injured while protecting Tang Fan. This act of saving Tang Fan also spiritually healed Sui Zhou, curing his long-standing heart ailment. Li Zilong managed to evade the soldiers, settling Princess Gu'an and Wang Xian in a secluded countryside home. Wang Zhi's subsequent search yielded no results, confirming they were effectively hidden.
Wang Zhi reported the entire sequence of events to the Emperor, who, after deliberation, decided to transfer Princess Gu'an and Wang Xian to the Royal Clan Court for their eventual judgment. Sui Zhou began his recovery, with Tang Fan ensuring he received proper care and rest, jokingly reminding Sui Zhou that he would have been "skinned alive by Li Zilong" if not for Sui Zhou's timely return.
Episode 40 Recap
As promised, Princess Gu'an and Wang Xian were obligated to deliver half of the Bolang devices to Li Zilong. However, Wang Xian refused to finish assembling them. Fearing their hiding place would be exposed, Li Zilong threatened Gu'an's life, forcing Wang Xian to continue his work. As Wang Xian reluctantly complied, Li Zilong's subordinates meticulously recorded every step of the assembly process. During this time, Wang Xian reflected on his relationship with Gu'an.
He recounted how he had fallen in love with her at first sight, recognizing a kindred spirit despite her painful past. He cherished her belief in his dreams, especially that the wooden kite could soar and that together they could change the world.
However, as he completed the Bolangs, he realized that Gu'an's true desire was not just to fulfill his dreams or seek justice; it was to destroy not only her enemies but the entire world, and herself along with it. Meanwhile, Tang Fan, reviewing case files, discovered a critical deception. He realized the Bolangs they had seized earlier represented only half of the total quantity, meaning a significant number remained at large.
Tang Fan quickly informed Wang Zhi that they had fallen into a trap laid by Gu'an and Li Zilong. He explained that Gu'an's desperate attempt to rescue Wang Xian was due to the incomplete nature of the remaining Bolangs, which only Wang Xian possessed the expertise to finalize and detonate. He expressed his grave concern, stating that the situation was far more complicated than it appeared and that a greater catastrophe still loomed.
Determined to locate the remaining Bolangs, Tang Fan began a process of elimination using a map previously marked by Gu'an. A crucial tip from Dong about a Ministry of War application, filed by Wang Xian, for fireworks materials to be stored near Zhengyang Gate for an upcoming spring ceremony, gave Tang Fan an idea. He noted the proximity to the Imperial City and the use of gunpowder in fireworks, making it an ideal, discreet location for storing Bolangs.
Next, Tang Fan re-examined the four significant dates Sui Zhou had discovered in Wang Xian's most cherished box.
He initially thought these dates were only precious to Wang Xian, but upon deeper reflection, he realized they were all deeply connected to Gu'an and their shared journey: the day they first met (which also happened to be the day Emperor Yingzong re-ascended the throne, Emperor Jingtai died, Wang Xian first lit ceremonial fireworks, and Gu'an's flame of vengeance ignited), their wedding day, the day Gu'an, disguised as Zhang Gongzhu, began assisting Wang Xian in the Ministry of War, and the day they finally completed the Bolangs.
Tang Fan deduced that Wang Xian's actions were entirely for Gu'an, driven by his love, even for her hatred. He concluded that this location, marking the beginning of their shared path, would also be its tragic end. As Tang Fan and his team prepared to act, Qing Ge, having observed their departure from the Northern Administrative Court of Imperial Guards, swiftly sent a pigeon message to Li Zilong, warning him that their hiding place was compromised.
With all the Bolangs now fully assembled, Li Zilong provided Gu'an and Wang Xian with a colossal wooden kite, which he had secretly laden with the powerful devices. He then took his leave, instructing his remaining subordinates to ensure no survivors from the impending explosion, as Wang Xian's genius could not be allowed to benefit anyone else. Li Zilong also planned to begin mass production of Bolangs immediately and establish contact with his foreign allies.
When Wang Zhi, Tang Fan, and their forces finally reached the hideout, the fuses were already lit. Gu'an, embracing a death wish, intended to perish in the explosion. Tang Fan desperately pleaded with her, revealing that Wang Xian's earlier "abduction" by the Oirats was a self-sacrificing act, an attempt to save her from her vengeful path of self-destruction. Despite Tang Fan's heartfelt pleas, it was too late. Gu'an and Wang Xian ascended into the sky in the large wood kite.
Just moments after take-off, the hidden Bolangs detonated, consuming the couple in a devastating inferno. Sui Zhou arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion. Seeing the widespread destruction and fearing Tang Fan had been killed, he frantically called out Tang Fan's name. His desperate cries eventually reached Tang Fan, rousing him from unconsciousness and urging him to return home, where Dong was waiting.
The Emperor was greatly pleased by Tang Fan and Sui Zhou's successful resolution of the Bolang case. He reinstated Sui Zhou to his former position as baihu in the Northern Administrative Court of Imperial Guards, acknowledging his past transgressions were now redeemed. For Tang Fan, the Emperor revealed that he had originally intended to award him top honors three years prior but was advised against it due to his youth.
To compensate, the Emperor offered Tang Fan an unprecedented promotion to Minister of Punishments. However, Tang Fan humbly declined, citing his youth and lack of experience, and requested to return to Shuntian Prefecture to continue his work at the grassroots level, stating his desire to further hone his skills. This public refusal caused a stir among other officials.
After Tang Fan and Sui Zhou departed, Wang Zhi remained behind to mitigate the Emperor's potential anger, portraying Tang Fan's refusal as a youthful lack of awareness rather than defiance. Convinced by Wang Zhi, the Emperor assented to Tang Fan's request to return to Shuntian Prefecture. Wang Zhi then sought the Emperor's guidance on the fate of the 48 uncompleted Bolangs seized during the case.
The Emperor ordered them to be safely stored and commanded Wang Zhi to find a way to complete them, explicitly removing the Ministry of War from any involvement in the matter. With his past burdens resolved and his bond with Tang Fan strengthened, Sui Zhou happily resumed cooking for Tang Fan and Dong.
However, Tang Fan became surprisingly critical of Sui Zhou's culinary efforts, constantly pointing out imperfections, which eventually led to an exasperated Sui Zhou playfully ejecting him from the kitchen. Later, as the group enjoyed the meal, Wang Zhi unexpectedly arrived. He lightheartedly accused Tang Fan of abandoning him after the explosion, claiming he risked his life to save Tang Fan only for Tang Fan to return home and eat.
Tang Fan, acknowledging his oversight, offered Wang Zhi a piece of fish as a form of apology. Meanwhile, seeking to mend relations with the Ming Dynasty, the Oirat Khan Bolonahal offered to return prisoners of war captured during the Tumu Crisis, including those who were with the late Emperor.
Wang Zhi reported this development to the Emperor, who was informed that the returned prisoner was General Gao Yi, a loyal bodyguard who had famously saved the late Emperor by striking down Esen Taishi's horse. Thirty years after his capture, the Emperor was deeply moved by Gao Yi's survival and loyalty. He planned to bestow honors upon him and host a grand welcoming banquet.
However, General Gao Yi humbly requested permission to first visit his wife, whom he had not seen in three decades. The Emperor granted his wish, instructing that an auspicious day be chosen for his knighthood. Upon General Gao Yi's highly publicized arrival at his residence, his wife, after observing him intently, declared with certainty that the man before them was not her husband.
Simultaneously, one of Li Zilong's subordinates informed him that the person he had been waiting to contact had appeared, strongly suggesting General Gao Yi's return was part of Li Zilong's larger, ongoing conspiracy.
Episode 41 Recap
After his successful appointment as the Governor of Shuntian Prefecture, Tang Fan also welcomed former Governor Pan back, appointing him as the fourth-rank Vice Governor. Pan, expressing mock resentment, lamented Tang Fan's refusal to become Minister of Punishments, which would have allowed Pan to attain a higher position as Assistant Minister of Punishments.
Tang Fan, feeling guilty for Pan losing his previous governor role, offered to let Pan manage all the governor's duties while he himself would continue his work as a magistrate, a gesture Pan jokingly accepted only if it included Tang Fan's salary.
Their first day in office was immediately met with a major case: Mrs. Gao, the widow of the meritorious General Gao Yi, beat the drum of injustice, claiming that the man who had returned after thirty years was not her husband but an impostor. Mrs. Gao insisted that her husband had died a long time ago and that the person currently residing at the official courier hotel was a sham, asking the court for justice.
However, when asked to provide specific identifying features of her husband, she vaguely stated that she would recognize him no matter what, but couldn't recall precise details about old injuries due to her age. Wang Zhi reported Mrs. Gao’s accusation to the Emperor. The Emperor, surprised by the claim, ordered Wang Zhi to conduct a thorough investigation, emphasizing that the truth must be uncovered before General Gao Yi’s scheduled knighting ceremony.
Wang Zhi provided Tang Fan with General Gao Yi’s detailed medical records, which included information about his past injuries. Tang Fan then visited General Gao Yi at the official courier hotel. General Gao Yi, to prove his identity, removed his shirt, revealing a back covered in severe burn scars.
He explained that after killing Esen Taishi's horse to protect the former Emperor, he was captured and tortured by Esen, who used burning linoleum to destroy all the skin on his back, causing lifelong pain. This torture had rendered any distinguishing marks unrecognizable. Gao Yi expressed his deep sorrow that even his own wife, whom he instantly recognized despite the years, did not acknowledge him. Tang Fan, seeing no further identifying marks, returned.
Tang Fan, frustrated by the lack of physical evidence, shared his dilemma with Sui Zhou, hoping Sui Zhou’s military background could offer a fresh perspective. Sui Zhou agreed and visited General Gao Yi under the guise of admiring his courage in killing Esen Taishi’s horse. Sui Zhou, a seasoned veteran who had defended the borders in Yansui Town for three years and fought the prairie cavalry multiple times, immediately recognized Gao Yi's military bearing.
Gao Yi also recognized Sui Zhou's military background and offered comfort, assuring him that surviving a battlefield where comrades fell was not a fault, but a sign that they still had purpose in serving the country.
Despite affirming Gao Yi's authentic military spirit and skill in warfare, Sui Zhou found his demeanor too composed for someone who had endured thirty years as a prisoner of war, as such an ordeal would typically leave indelible psychological and physical marks, which Gao Yi seemed to lack. Meanwhile, Tang Fan revisited Mrs. Gao to clarify her statements. Mrs. Gao spoke of a deeply loving and respectful marriage with Gao Yi before his departure with the late Emperor.
She recounted years of hoping for his return, followed by despair when only the Emperor was released. She tearfully shared her sorrow, mentioning how the late Emperor later honored her husband posthumously, confirming his sacrifice in killing Esen Taishi’s horse to protect him. However, when Tang Fan specifically asked about the location of General Gao Yi's back wound, she claimed her old age made her forget the precise details.
As Tang Fan prepared to leave, he met Gao Xiang, Mrs. Gao’s adopted son, whom she claimed to have taken in to continue the family lineage. Later, Tang Fan and Sui Zhou met at a noodle shop to exchange their findings.
Both expressed suspicion about Mrs. Gao's inconsistent statements: claiming deep love but forgetting key physical details, while also asserting instant recognition of a husband not seen in thirty years, which contradicted Gao Yi's statement about their short time together before his capture. Believing Mrs. Gao was lying, they decided to investigate her past, as she had remained in the capital. They went to Huichun Pharmacy, a time-honored establishment, to retrieve Mrs. Gao’s medical records.
The proprietor initially refused to release the confidential information, citing privacy and only complying with requests from the Eastern and Western Depots or the Imperial Guards. Sui Zhou, donning his Imperial Guard Flying Fish suit, quickly obtained the detailed medical records. They then brought the records to Pei Huai for analysis. Pei Huai, after examining the prescriptions from the past three decades, identified that approximately twenty years ago, Mrs. Gao had been pregnant.
He explained that the records showed prescriptions for abortion, followed by prescriptions to prevent miscarriage, indicating a failed attempt to end the pregnancy. Subsequent entries included tonics for post-birth recovery, and later, for an infant and toddler's growth, confirming that she had indeed given birth and raised a child. Unbeknownst to them, Wang Zhi had already dispatched Jia Kui to Oirat to investigate General Gao Yi's thirty years of captivity.
Jia Kui overheard local songs praising a "Black General," an alien general captured by Esen Taishi who later served the Oirats with great distinction. As Jia Kui probed further, his inquiries were noticed, forcing him to flee from an attack, which he narrowly survived and managed to return to the capital. He later found a brown carriage with a black horse, which appeared to be the same one Wang Zhi had been seen using.
Armed with Pei Huai’s discovery, Tang Fan confronted Mrs. Gao, unraveling the full story. He recounted a tale mirroring her situation: a lonely woman, whose husband was long gone, fell in love and became pregnant. Pressured by societal expectations and her established chaste widowhood, her lover left. She initially considered aborting the child but ultimately gave birth, adopting him as her "righteous son" to ensure the Gao family line continued.
However, the unexpected return of the real General Gao Yi threw her into a panic, leading her to falsely accuse him of being an impostor. Mrs. Gao, deeply moved, confessed her actions and pleaded for her son, Gao Xiang's, innocence. General Gao Yi, understanding the circumstances, embraced his wife and, without a trace of resentment, accepted Gao Xiang as his own son, expressing joy at having a child in his old age. The knighting ceremony proceeded as scheduled.
The Emperor, praising General Gao Yi's bravery, loyalty, and unwavering spirit during his three decades of captivity, officially bestowed upon him the title of Earl Anding and hosted a celebratory banquet. During the feast, the Emperor inquired about his father's demeanor as a captive. General Gao Yi affirmed the late Emperor's unwavering integrity in the face of Esen Taishi's threats.
Gao Yi then subtly advised the Emperor against trusting eunuchs, drawing parallels to the disastrous Tumu Fortress incident where the late Emperor's undue reliance on Wang Zhen led to calamity and the deaths of many officials, including Wang Zhen himself, who was killed by Fan Zhong to prevent further harm to the nation. Gao Yi urged the Emperor to learn from history and keep treacherous officials at bay.
After the banquet, Wang Zhi, still concerned about Tang Fan's earlier refusal of a promotion, privately returned to the imperial study to intercede on his behalf and discuss the remaining "Bo Lang" weapons. Sui Zhou, his personal emotional burdens lifted, happily resumed cooking for Tang Fan and Dong'er. However, Tang Fan, in good spirits, playfully critiqued Sui Zhou's cooking, leading to a humorous spat where Sui Zhou chased Tang Fan out of the kitchen.
Later, as they enjoyed the meal together, Wang Zhi joined them, jokingly scolding Tang Fan for his reckless behavior during the recent explosion, to which Tang Fan, acknowledging his fault, humbly served him food.
Episode 42 Recap
Tang Fan sought a private meeting with General Gao Yi at Dong's Restaurant, where he immediately addressed the unusual circumstances surrounding the general's return. Tang Fan pointed out Gao Yi's seemingly unaffected spirit despite thirty years as a prisoner of war and his complete silence about his time in Oirat, noting that such behavior was highly improbable for someone who had endured so much.
Tang Fan pressed Gao Yi for details about his captivity, questioning where he was held, what he did, and whom he saw, suggesting that Gao Yi's silence indicated an unwillingness to lie. General Gao Yi candidly revealed the truth. Thirty years ago, he and Emperor Yingzong were entrapped in the Tumu Fortress, where Gao Yi suffered immensely. Witnessing his comrades being tortured to death, he gradually lost all hope and struck Esen Taishi’s horse, intending to provoke his own death.
However, Esen chose instead to subject Gao Yi to five more years of torment. Following this period, Esen presented Gao Yi with his second son, Ashitemur, whose mother had been killed by the Han. Esen offered to spare Gao Yi’s life if he would educate Ashitemur with an open mind and teach him Han culture, as Esen himself did not wish to raise his son with hatred.
Though initially filled with resentment, Gao Yi found no hatred or evil in Ashitemur’s heart. He realized that Oirats, like the Han, understood love and kindness. Gao Yi shed his prejudice, diligently taught Ashitemur, and came to regard him as his own son. He also served Esen Taishi, achieving numerous military successes for Oirat, earning him the formidable title of "Black General." As Gao Yi finished his tale, Ashitemur entered, addressing Gao Yi as "teacher."
Ashitemur explained his presence in the capital was for the future of Oirat and that a major event was imminent, requiring Gao Yi's assistance. Ashitemur, demonstrating his ruthless control, informed Gao Yi that his family was now under his protection and would soon be sent to Oirat, thus removing any "worries" Gao Yi might have. Gao Yi reluctantly agreed, questioning Ashitemur's lack of mercy even towards him.
Ashitemur justified his actions, stating that personal sacrifice was minor for the greater good of Oirat. He then instructed Gao Yi to act as Oirat's representative and contact various regional envoys already gathered in the capital, ready to cooperate on a "major mission" that would "change the whole game" of the country.
Sensing the immense danger of his situation, Tang Fan subtly handed a large silver ingot to Ms. Dong, instructing her to purchase food from a neighboring restaurant and keep the change, a pre-arranged signal for distress. Immediately afterward, Gao Yi struck Tang Fan, rendering him unconscious. Meanwhile, Wang Zhi received urgent intelligence from Jia Kui, who had uncovered General Gao Yi’s true activities in Oirat.
Wang Zhi promptly reported to the Emperor that Gao Yi, initially a prisoner, had indeed become a general under Esen Taishi, accumulating significant battle achievements in Oirat's conflicts against other tribes, and was known as the "Black General." Learning of Tang Fan's alarming signal from Ms. Dong, Sui Zhou realized Tang Fan had been captured by Gao Yi.
He and Wang Zhi decided against a city-wide search, fearing it would alert Gao Yi and further endanger Tang Fan, opting instead to wait for any discernible move. Tang Fan awoke to find himself chained, but remarkably calm. He confidently asserted that Gao Yi would not harm him, having discerned from their earlier conversation that Gao Yi did not align with Ashitemur’s extreme views.
Tang Fan speculated that Gao Yi had not truly betrayed the Ming Dynasty, believing that the past thirty years of limited skirmishes between Ming and Oirat, without major conflicts, were a testament to Gao Yi's efforts to maintain a fragile peace. Gao Yi acknowledged Tang Fan’s astute observation. General Gao Yi then elaborated on his presence in Ming, explaining it stemmed from internal turmoil within Oirat.
Following Esen Taishi’s death, a power struggle erupted between his eldest son, Borona Halle, and his second son, Ashitemur. With Borona Halle gaining an advantage, Ashitemur sought to break the balance between Oirat and Ming, having initiated his plans years prior, with Alas being one of his agents. Gao Yi revealed that the children he had nurtured, intended as bridges between Ming and Oirat, were instead deployed by Ashitemur as secret agents.
It was Borona Halle who had sent Gao Yi back to Ming, partly as a gesture of goodwill and partly to uncover Ashitemur’s plots. Tang Fan, however, believed the situation was more complex, deducing that Borona Halle aimed to use Ming to eliminate Gao Yi, while Ashitemur sought to test Gao Yi's loyalty by making him kill Tang Fan. Tang Fan warned Gao Yi that he faced animosity from both Ming and Oirat, leaving him with no refuge.
Gao Yi, having already accepted his fate the moment he decided to spare Tang Fan, initially suggested Tang Fan feign his death to avoid interference. Desperate to save Gao Yi, Tang Fan implored him to return to the imperial court, offering to vouch for his innocence and enlist the court's aid against Ashitemur. Gao Yi dismissed this, arguing that the Emperor, bound by principles of loyalty, would never accept him, even if he understood Gao Yi's intentions.
Refusing to accept Gao Yi’s resignation, Tang Fan feigned an urgent need to use the toilet, complaining dramatically about his stomach. Appealing to Gao Yi’s sense of honor and his own dignity as a scholar, Tang Fan convinced the general to unchain him. Seizing the moment, Tang Fan swiftly bound himself to Gao Yi instead, declaring, "War allows deceit."
He then presented Gao Yi with an ultimatum: either surrender to the court with Tang Fan or take him to the meeting. When Gao Yi resisted, Tang Fan threatened to follow him everywhere. Frustrated, Gao Yi reluctantly disguised Tang Fan as an ordinary Ming citizen and led him to the Huanyi Brothel. Inside the Huanyi Brothel, Li Zilong presided over a clandestine meeting of various tribal envoys.
He vehemently denounced Ming, decrying the forced annual tributes and the worthless Ming Banknotes offered in return. Li Zilong incited the envoys to unite and overthrow the Ming Dynasty. The envoys, however, expressed fear of Ming’s formidable weapons: the "Biri" (machine crossbow) and the "Bolang" (bomb). Li Zilong confidently dismissed their concerns, assuring them he had countermeasures and ominously predicted that an event capable of "shaking the Ming's foundation" would soon occur.
News of the secret meeting swiftly reached the authorities. The Eastern and Western Depots, along with the Imperial Guards, immediately converged on the Huanyi Brothel, encircling it. Inside, as panic spread among the envoys, Li Zilong calmly reminded them that visiting a brothel was not a crime and discreetly slipped away. Outside, Imperial Guard Commander Wan Tong confronted Wang Zhi about the presence of conspirators in his district and the Western Depot's involvement.
He then reprimanded Sui Zhou for allegedly taking orders from Wang Zhi. Ignoring Wan Tong's commands to stand down, Sui Zhou loudly proclaimed his intent to search the premises, feigning obedience to Wan Tong's "order," and led the charge inside. As chaos erupted, Wang Zhi threatened Gao Yi with a pistol, but Tang Fan bravely stepped forward to protect him, and they managed to escape together.
Tang Fan recounted Li Zilong's extensive history of dangerous schemes, including his past attempt to recreate the Chenghua Eleventh Year explosion, convincing Gao Yi that Li Zilong was indeed plotting a major conspiracy. The two resolved to contact Li Zilong. When they met, Gao Yi pressed Li Zilong for details on his method to destabilize Ming. Li Zilong, however, remained evasive. To earn his trust, Gao Yi then presented Tang Fan as a "gift."
Satisfied by this gesture of sincerity, Li Zilong finally revealed his full plan: he intended to assassinate the Emperor during the upcoming Beginning of Spring Festival ceremony, which was only two weeks away.
Episode 43 Recap
Wang Zhi meticulously oversaw the security preparations for the upcoming Beginning of Spring Ceremony, acknowledging that the large crowd presented numerous hidden dangers. He emphasized the need for a watertight plan to ensure the Emperor's safety. He ordered all Jinwu Royal Guards and secret agents of the Western Depot to be deployed around Taihe Gate and on the gate tower to ensure airtight security around the Emperor.
Additionally, he mandated that all dishes for the Emperor be tested with a silver needle for poison and personally tasted by him before being served. Detailed background checks were required for all attendees, including officials, guards, and eunuchs, with anyone of suspicious origin being denied entry. The palace was to have only one designated entrance and exit, which would be strictly managed by the Imperial Guards, and no one, except the guards, was permitted to carry weapons inside.
Wang Zhi also stressed the importance of securely hiding the half-finished Bolang bombs, ensuring no errors occurred. Still uneasy, Wang Zhi summoned Jia Kui to inquire about the maximum range of bows and crossbows. Jia Kui explained that the most lethal, used by the Mongolian Cavalry of the Yuan Dynasty under Temujin, had an average range of 200 steps, with top archers reaching 300 steps.
Measuring the distance from Wu Gate to Taihe Gate at about 400 steps, Jia Kui concluded it would be impossible to threaten the Emperor from that distance with a bow or crossbow. However, acknowledging his limited expertise, Jia Kui recommended Wuyun Bulage as a true master of archery who might offer different insights. Sui Zhou received news from Xue Ling that Gao Yi was at the Western Depot.
Believing Tang Fan might also be detained there after their escape from Huanyi Brothel, Sui Zhou, accompanied by Wuyun Bulage, hurried to the Western Depot's Imperial Edict Prison. There, they found Gao Yi. Gao Yi recounted Tang Fan's perilous plan: he had offered himself to Li Zilong as a token of Gao Yi's cooperation to gain information. This risky move had indeed worked, as Li Zilong then revealed his intention to assassinate the Emperor during the Beginning of Spring Ceremony.
Gao Yi confessed he had no idea if Tang Fan had an escape strategy, fearing that his capture by Li Zilong might lead to a grim outcome. A disagreement arose between Wang Zhi and Sui Zhou. Wang Zhi contended that with the Beginning of Spring Ceremony fast approaching, the Emperor's safety was paramount. He believed Tang Fan, being intelligent, must have conceived an escape plan when he undertook such a dangerous maneuver.
However, Sui Zhou argued that since Wang Zhi admitted to having no other leads on Li Zilong's plot, Tang Fan was the sole source of crucial information. Therefore, saving Tang Fan was the only way to uncover more details about the assassination and thus effectively protect the Emperor. Meanwhile, Li Zilong commanded Qingge to kill Tang Fan. However, Qingge, recalling her previous acquaintance with Tang Fan, chose not to harm him, instead staging his death.
Li Zilong then placed Tang Fan's feigned corpse into a carriage and coerced Ms. Jin San into helping him flee the capital by threatening her family's lives. After successfully getting out of the city, Li Zilong unexpectedly instructed Ms. Jin San to rest briefly before driving back into the city. Ms. Jin San resisted, unwilling to risk returning, and during their argument, she accidentally discovered Tang Fan’s “body.” Li Zilong, to silence her, then killed Ms. Jin San.
Sui Zhou and Xue Ling meticulously examined the scene where Li Zilong's carriage had departed. They noted the unique, narrow wheel ruts, which Xue Ling identified as belonging to a modified carriage designed for extreme speed, requiring exceptional driving skill. A Western Depot agent informed them that a first-degree alert had been issued at 9 at night, resulting in a full city blockade by 9:15, making it nearly impossible for anyone to escape the capital so quickly.
Sui Zhou later borrowed a fast horse and carriage to test the travel time, confirming that even with his expert driving, it took him over 30 minutes to cover the distance Li Zilong’s carriage would have needed. He concluded that given the strict blockade, only Ms. Jin San, renowned for her exceptional driving skills, could have possibly navigated the carriage out of the city at such a speed.
This led them to track the unique wheel marks and scent to a forest outside the city where Li Zilong had briefly stopped. Upon discovering Qingge’s defiance in not killing Tang Fan, Li Zilong was enraged. He slapped Qingge for her repeated mercy towards Tang Fan and ensured Tang Fan remained imprisoned. Subsequently, Second Prince Amasanj, seeing Tang Fan alive, questioned Li Zilong about it.
Amasanj, now aware of Gao Yi's true allegiance due to Tang Fan's survival, reported that their attempt to seize the Bolang bombs had failed, explaining that the Western Depot’s ingenious security system involved three identical carriages traveling on different routes, making it impossible to identify the real one. Amasanj attributed the Western Depot's heightened security to Tang Fan and Gao Yi's apparent collusion and vowed to kill Tang Fan.
Li Zilong, however, vehemently opposed this, cautioning Amasanj against impulsive actions that could alert their enemies and jeopardize their entire plan. He emphasized that Bolangs, one of the two "divine artifacts" that even foreign envoys feared, were central to their scheme and they would not get a second chance. Li Zilong forbade Amasanj from killing Tang Fan, insisting that Tang Fan was indispensable for acquiring the Bolangs.
Li Zilong then revealed he had devised a plan to achieve "two birds with one stone," stating that he wanted his plot to be known, believing “the more the merrier” for such a grand scheme, and intended to use his enemies' precautions against them, akin to a "counter-strategy" from the Thirty-Six Stratagems. Meanwhile, Tang Fan, though imprisoned, remained calm. When Qingge brought him a meal, including lamb, he ate it with great appreciation, showing no fear of poison.
He pointed out that Qingge had saved his life multiple times, even defying Li Zilong's orders, making it clear she wouldn't poison him. Tang Fan then revealed that he had long been curious about who was protecting him and finally confirmed his suspicion when the wind carried her distinctive perfume to him, deducing her identity as Qingge. Qingge confirmed his assumption. Wang Zhi continued to consult with Wuyun Bulage about potential threats.
Wuyun Bulage identified several potential attack points: the open square near Taihe Gate was unlikely, but a nearby woods could offer concealment for archers at its highest points, which were within range. Wang Zhi ordered the woods to be cut down. Wuyun Bulage also suggested the roof of the Imperial Ancestral Temple as an excellent attack location due to its distance and height, leading Wang Zhi to increase its guard.
Furthermore, Wuyun Bulage revealed the existence of special matchlock guns from the Sultanate of Rum, which, under ideal conditions, could reach 500 steps, making even seemingly safe distances vulnerable. Wang Zhi then questioned a subordinate about the security of the Bolang bombs. The subordinate detailed a complex, foolproof system: every other day, the bombs would be moved under heavy guard between different warehouses, with three identical carriages traveling on different routes, each carrying a similarly weighted and appearing box.
Even the guards would not know which carriage held the real Bolangs, and only the subordinate himself knew their true location.
Wang Zhi approved this method and urged his subordinate to expedite the search for the other expert marksmen Wuyun Bulage had mentioned, including Hua Yuhu, also known as Eagle Eyes from the Jurchen tribe, known for his exceptional eyesight, and Gurijabatu, nicknamed Three Arrows from the Tumult Tribes of the Tatar, a strong professional armed escort capable of shooting 300 steps with strong bows of three stones, who was currently in the capital and was immediately ordered to be arrested.
Wuyun Bulage also mentioned Liu Bai, known as Strong Liu Bai, a former archery teacher from Nanjing now living in Yangzhou, famous for shooting arrows deep into stone. Sui Zhou approached Wuyun Bulage, seeking news of Tang Fan. Although there was no direct information, Sui Zhou interpreted the lack of bad news as good, confirming Tang Fan was still alive. He then requested to borrow Wuyun Bulage's fastest horse and a carriage.
Wuyun Bulage expressed concern, noting that if Wang Zhi's assessment of the situation was correct, Tang Fan's survival seemed unlikely. Sui Zhou acknowledged the logic in Wang Zhi's words but reflected on lessons Tang Fan had taught him about living without regret, embracing life and death. He then stated that his immediate goal was to find Tang Fan, as he was surely hungry after his ordeal, and bring him home for a meal.
Episode 44 Recap
With assistance from Wuyun Bulage, Wang Zhi successfully identified and mitigated numerous security vulnerabilities for the upcoming Beginning of Spring ceremony, significantly reducing potential threats. Wang Zhi explained to Wuyun Bulage that, based on his own assessment, the four strongest marksmen were Hua Yuhu, Gurijabatu, Strong Liu Bai, and Wuyun Bulage himself.
Since assassinating the Emperor from a distance during the ceremony would be extremely difficult for anyone else, Wang Zhi regretfully informed Wuyun Bulage that he and the other three marksmen would need to remain in the Western Depot's custody until after the ceremony for the Emperor's safety. Wuyun Bulage, though disappointed, accepted this and asked Wang Zhi to find Tang Fan, dead or alive, for the sake of closure.
Wang Zhi was struck by the deep loyalty Tang Fan's friends displayed. Wang Zhi reported to the Emperor that critical intelligence about the assassination plot during the Beginning of Spring ceremony had been obtained from Li Zilong, a situation that involved Tang Fan risking his life and Gao Yi exchanging himself to gain Li Zilong's trust. The Emperor, concerned about the stored Bolangs, instructed Wang Zhi to personally oversee their security to ensure no mishaps occurred.
Wang Zhi then went to Sui Zhou's residence, hoping to find him, but only found Dong. Noticing Dong's unawareness of the situation, Wang Zhi, despite his hesitation, told her that Tang Fan was in trouble. Dong, though worried, held onto the hope that her brothers would eventually return home, describing how wontons symbolized family reunion. Meanwhile, Sui Zhou and Xue Ling returned to Ms. Jin San's territory, seeking her help to locate Tang Fan.
Ms. Jin San's subordinates, wary of the Imperial Guards, initially challenged Sui Zhou to a "game of chicken" before allowing him to see their boss. After Sui Zhou won the contest, a distress signal flared, indicating Ms. Jin San was in danger. Her subordinates, now convinced, helped Sui Zhou find her severely wounded.
Sui Zhou and Ms. Jin San's men brought her to Pei Huai, who, with the help of his assistant, diligently applied Ten Ashes' Styptic Powder and hastily prepared Jiuhuai Decoction. After much effort, Pei Huai managed to save Ms. Jin San's life. Once she was stable enough to speak, Ms. Jin San recounted that she had attempted to aid Tang Fan but was subsequently attacked by Li Zilong and his associates.
She then revealed that Tang Fan was being held captive in the Iron Market. Sui Zhou immediately contacted Wang Zhi, conveying the urgent news and requesting Western Depot reinforcements to assist the Imperial Guards in searching the Iron Market for Tang Fan. Wang Zhi quickly dispatched his men, emphasizing that Tang Fan must be found, regardless of his condition.
During his captivity, Tang Fan analyzed his surroundings, using details like sunlight and the scent of food to deduce his approximate location. Realizing Li Zilong must have a specific purpose for keeping him alive, Tang Fan directly confronted him, demanding to know his intentions. Li Zilong posed a chilling hypothetical: would Tang Fan sacrifice the Emperor to save a million common people?
Tang Fan countered that personal gain should never be built upon the sacrifice of others, arguing that the true villain was the one who imposed such a choice. Li Zilong scoffed at Tang Fan's idealism, asserting that rules were inherently cold and unyielding. He then dramatically unveiled a finished Bolang, claiming that all the Bolangs were now in his possession, having been stolen from the Western Depot due to the self-importance and incompetence of their guards.
Tang Fan was shocked, having believed the Bolangs were securely hidden. Li Zilong explained that he wanted Tang Fan to experience the power of standing above the rules, deciding the fate of others. To emphasize his point and ensure Tang Fan's message would be believed, Li Zilong handed him the finished Bolang and then severely wounded Tang Fan.
Unbeknownst to Tang Fan, Li Zilong's faction was struggling to locate the Bolangs safeguarded by the Western Depot, which hindered their assassination plan. Qing Ge, secretly hoping to save Tang Fan, suggested to Li Zilong that they release Tang Fan. She reasoned that Tang Fan could then be used to pinpoint the exact location of the Western Depot's Bolangs and to pressure the authorities into surrendering the Emperor. Li Zilong, oblivious to Qing Ge's true motive, agreed to the strategy.
Tang Fan, desperate to prevent harm to the populace, frantically rushed out of the Iron Market upon his release, completely unaware that he was now an unwitting pawn in Li Zilong's scheme. As Sui Zhou continued his search within the Iron Market, he stumbled upon a severely injured Tang Fan. Sui Zhou immediately wanted to take him to Pei Huai for medical attention, but Tang Fan, preoccupied with the imminent danger, insisted on being taken to Wang Zhi at once.
At the Huanyi Brothel, a relieved Wang Zhi met with Sui Zhou and the wounded Tang Fan. Tang Fan presented the finished Bolang he received from Li Zilong, which Ding Rong confirmed was a genuine, active explosive. Tang Fan relayed Li Zilong's audacious demand: the surrender of the Emperor in exchange for the lives of millions of common people.
While the three found the demand absurd, they realized that a Bolang attack during the Beginning of Spring ceremony would indeed be the most effective assassination method. Despite Wang Zhi's unwavering belief in the Western Depot's impenetrable Bolang security, the appearance of Li Zilong's finished Bolang cast a shadow of doubt. They collectively decided to take the risk and personally inspect the Western Depot's Bolang storage.
Wang Zhi, acknowledging his responsibility, jokingly blamed Tang Fan for often causing trouble, but affirmed that if anything went wrong this time, he would take full accountability. With that, they prepared to depart for the storage site.
Episode 45 Recap
To ensure the safety of the capital, Tang Fan convinced Sui Zhou and Wang Zhi to accompany him to investigate the hidden location of the Bolangs. This, however, was a trap set by Li Zilong and A'shi Tie'mu'er. A'shi Tie'mu'er's men ambushed them, seizing all forty-eight Bolangs from Wang Zhi. Wang Zhi, infuriated, suspected Tang Fan had betrayed them and was colluding with A'shi Tie'mu'er.
He accused Tang Fan of being Li Zilong's spy or "the biggest idiot in the world" for letting the Bolangs be taken without a fight. Sui Zhou interceded, reminding Wang Zhi that they both knew Tang Fan's true character. He urged them to focus on finding the Bolangs, suggesting they divide their forces to search the city, to which Wang Zhi agreed, dispatching his men immediately. Meanwhile, Li Zilong received the forty-eight Bolangs from A'shi Tie'mu'er's men.
Anticipating a city-wide search by the Western Depot and the Imperial Guards, he decided to do the opposite and had all the Bolangs transported out of the city through Desheng Gate. He explained that by moving the Bolangs out of the capital, they would catch their enemies off guard, as everyone would be searching within the city. Infuriated, Tang Fan rushed to Huanyi Brothel to confront Qing Ge. However, Li Zilong had already anticipated his arrival and was waiting.
Li Zilong smugly revealed his scheme: he used Tang Fan as a pawn, leveraging his eloquence and concern for the people to turn one Bolang into forty-eight, thereby securing an opportunity to overthrow the regime. Tang Fan, realizing he had been used, condemned Li Zilong as "sinister and shameless." Li Zilong dismissed his insults, reiterating his offer: one imperial life for a million commoners, and gave Tang Fan time to consider the grim choice. Tang Fan pondered all night.
The next morning, he and Sui Zhou met with Wang Zhi at the Western Depot. Tang Fan, having cleared his mind, explained that Li Zilong’s proposed trade was a psychological ploy, a bluff that held no real power, and would not prevent him from attacking the city regardless of the Emperor’s life.
He warned that the upcoming Beginning of Spring ceremony, where all officials would gather with the Emperor, would be Li Zilong’s target, and a successful attack would be more devastating than the Tumu Crisis. Since the Bolangs were nowhere to be found in the capital, Tang Fan suggested canceling the ceremony. Wang Zhi flatly refused, stating that the Emperor would never agree.
Tang Fan then proposed to meet Gao Yi, believing he might know A'shi Tie'mu'er's whereabouts and how to persuade him. Wang Zhi was initially resistant, sarcastically questioning Tang Fan’s judgment given the previous incident. Sui Zhou defended Tang Fan, reminding Wang Zhi that Tang Fan's integrity was beyond doubt, and that Gao Yi, despite his past with Oirat, also sought to protect the Ming and had already proven his loyalty by revealing Li Zilong's assassination plot.
Gao Yi, upon meeting Tang Fan, confirmed his trust in Tang Fan and offered to personally deal with A'shi Tie'mu'er if released. Ding Rong then explained the two known methods for detonating a Bolang: turning a top switch for instant explosion or striking the bottom for a delayed blast. He added that a third method, using a blasting fuse, was too complicated unless the Bolang was disassembled and modified.
Tang Fan emphasized that Gao Yi was willing to sacrifice his life to protect the Emperor and the Ming Dynasty, and releasing him would not pose any threat to the Ming’s interests. Sui Zhou added that Gao Yi, being a traitor to both the Ming and Oirat, was safest confined in the Western Depot and was likely making this desperate offer out of pure loyalty. Wang Zhi, swayed by their persistent arguments, finally conceded and agreed to release Gao Yi.
Later, Tang Fan approached Wang Zhi with a desperate last resort: taking the Emperor out of the palace if Gao Yi failed and the Bolangs remained unfound, especially since the Emperor insisted on holding the ceremony. The Emperor vehemently rejected the idea, citing imperial dignity and tradition. He declared he would not flee from a mere outlaw, emphasizing that his presence among his subjects was crucial for the empire’s morale, and that he trusted Wang Zhi to protect him.
Wan Gui Fei also refused to leave the Emperor’s side but privately instructed Wang Zhi to protect the Emperor at all costs, giving him permission to move the Emperor to a safer location if the situation became truly dire. Wang Zhi accepted her directive. As the Beginning of Spring ceremony commenced, Wang Zhi prepared for the worst, deploying his men to gather intelligence and arranging for the safety of his family.
Tang Fan and Sui Zhou also oversaw security checks, inspecting every corner of the palace. The daytime ceremony passed uneventfully, creating a deceptive calm. As night fell and the dinner banquet began, the sky suddenly lit up with grand fireworks, approved by the Ministry of Rites. Following the fireworks, numerous sky lanterns began to drift down, a sight unheard of for the Beginning of Spring ceremony.
Tang Fan immediately realized Li Zilong had attached the Bolangs to these lanterns, intending to drop them onto the city, potentially flattening the entire Imperial City and the surrounding areas. Wang Zhi, acting on Wan Gui Fei’s directive, subtly drugged the Emperor during the banquet, then swiftly escorted him out of the palace to Huanyi Brothel for safety. Simultaneously, Tang Fan raced to the city walls, where he released the marksmen previously confined by Wang Zhi.
He offered them substantial rewards and future privileges, including access to Ming hunting grounds and free services at Huanyi Brothel charged to Wang Zhi, in exchange for their help. He urged them to begin shooting down the sky lanterns. One marksman expressed concern that if the Bolangs were set to detonate on impact, shooting them down could cause premature explosions too close to the Imperial City.
Tang Fan clarified that the Bolangs had an explosion radius of 100 steps, and they needed to hit the detonation mechanism from at least 150 steps away, ideally over 200 steps. Simultaneously, Tang Fan ordered Sui Zhou to immediately stop the fireworks, collect any fallen Bolangs in and around the Imperial City, and then regroup with their forces at Huanyi Brothel. Sui Zhou affirmed he would proceed with the dangerous task.
Episode 46 Recap
Tang Fan orchestrated the successful downing of all "Bolangs" in the sky, coordinating with his marksmen. From a distance, Li Zilong observed the failure of his elaborate plan. His subordinate confirmed the setback, prompting Li Zilong to order signals to be sent out and for Ashitemur, who was supervising the fireworks display, and his men to immediately withdraw. Just as everyone thought they had won, the situation suddenly changed.
In the palace, Wan An seized the moment and sent guards to kill Tang Fan and the archers. He publicly accused Tang Fan of treason, claiming Tang Fan had recklessly brought foreigners into the forbidden city and fired arrows during the sacred Spring Festival ceremony, questioning his true motives. Tang Fan attempted to explain that the sky lanterns concealed deadly "Bolangs" and that their actions were to avert a catastrophe that would turn the Imperial City into a "living purgatory."
However, Wan An dismissed his explanation as nonsense and silenced a soldier who tried to corroborate Tang Fan, branding him an accomplice and having him dragged away. Tang Fan directly challenged Wan An, accusing him of rebellion, but Wan An was undeterred. Simultaneously, as the Jinyiwei finished repelling the Oirat assassins, Wan Tong arrived and confronted Sui Zhou, stripping him of his military command.
Wan Tong asserted his authority, telling Sui Zhou not to invoke the Emperor's name, as he was now in charge. Sui Zhou, seeing the situation was not right and knowing Huanyi Brothel might be in crisis, defied Wan Tong's direct order, stating he must leave. Wan Tong threatened him with charges of insubordination and dared him not to return.
Tang Fan then threatened Wan An with an arrow if he continued his accusations, leading Wan An to denounce Tang Fan as an assassin and order his immediate arrest. Tang Fan managed to escape under the cover of Wuyun Bulage. At Huanyi Brothel, the Emperor awoke, disoriented, and was informed by Wang Zhi that he was in the brothel. The Emperor was furious, chastising Wang Zhi for daring to make decisions for him.
Wang Zhi humbly accepted any future punishment, insisting he acted only for the Emperor's safety, as Noble Consort Wan had also worried. The Emperor attempted to leave on his own but was gently restrained by Wang Zhi, who continued to endure the Emperor's doubts about his loyalty to Noble Consort Wan. Meanwhile, Li Zilong, confident in his plan, anticipated the Jinyiwei and Western Depot reinforcements, believing that both the Emperor and he had their own loyal followers.
A subordinate reported that Huanyi Brothel was completely surrounded and they were on the verge of being overrun. Wang Zhi then opened the pouch Tang Fan had given him, finding only the single word "Defend," which left him utterly dismayed by its perceived unhelpfulness. Just in time, Sui Zhou broke through the outer lines and entered Huanyi Brothel.
The Emperor immediately questioned the situation outside, and Sui Zhou reported the overwhelming numbers of Li Zilong's forces and Oirat warriors, admitting the Western Depot could not hold out much longer and that he lacked the authority to call for Jinyiwei reinforcements. Recognizing Sui Zhou's martial skills, Wang Zhi instructed him to lead the Emperor through a secret tunnel, providing precise details for its activation.
Wang Zhi explained that since the enemies knew his face but not the Emperor's, he would take someone else out through the main entrance to create a diversion, buying them crucial time. The Emperor, recognizing Wang Zhi's self-sacrifice, commanded him not to die, and Wang Zhi affirmed his order. Wang Zhi then retrieved Yang Fu, who had previously impersonated him in Yunhe, from the secret prison.
He instructed Jia Kui to prepare Yang Fu by styling his hair to resemble Wang Zhi's, then lead him out through the main entrance to draw the enemy away. While preparing Yang Fu, Yang Fu tried to corrupt Jia Kui, questioning Wang Zhi's motives and urging Jia Kui to save himself.
Yang Fu claimed that following Wang Zhi's plan would lead to their deaths and offered a way to "protect" Jia Kui: strangle the "weak" Wang Zhi, throw his body onto the street, and then hide in the dungeon until the turmoil subsided. Yang Fu promised Jia Kui freedom, wealth, and countless benefits, declaring he would then become Wang Zhi himself. Jia Kui, however, remained loyal. When Yang Fu urged him to "kill him!" , Jia Kui instead feigned compliance.
He seized Yang Fu, pretended he was the Emperor, and burst out of Huanyi Brothel, successfully diverting the enemy forces who believed they had caught their target. Having narrowly escaped Wan An's men with Wuyun Bulage's assistance, Tang Fan arrived at Huanyi Brothel only to witness a brutal fight between the Western Depot and Li Zilong's forces. He saw what appeared to be Wang Zhi and the Emperor killed during the chaos, plunging him into deep despair.
A young beggar, one of Wang Zhi's loyal agents, pulled Tang Fan aside, gave him beggar's clothes, and urged him to follow. Later, Tang Fan was seen grieving over what he believed to be Wang Zhi's corpse, lamenting that Wang Zhi had died at the wrong time and left a monumental mess. He expressed his profound distress over the uncertain fate of Sui Zhou, the Emperor's disappearance, and his own status as a fugitive.
He despaired about who would now stand against Li Zilong and whether Shang Ming and Wan An would seize control of the imperial court. Unbeknownst to Tang Fan, Wang Zhi, still alive and disguised as a beggar, overheard his complaints, dryly remarking to himself that he was "scolded even when dead." Wang Zhi then revealed himself, startling Tang Fan, who was shocked to see him alive.
After what they believed to be the deaths of the Emperor and Wang Zhi, Li Zilong and Ashitemur departed, seemingly satisfied with their success. Shortly thereafter, Shang Ming and Wan Tong arrived with their men. Shang Ming theatrically mourned, repeatedly calling out "Your Majesty!" , but upon closer inspection, he discovered the body was not the Emperor's but a severely wounded Jia Kui. Furious, Shang Ming ordered Jia Kui sent to jail to await trial.
He immediately seized control of the Western Depot, instructing Wan Tong that they must prioritize finding the Emperor, even if it meant searching the entire capital. Shang Ming feigned deep sorrow over Wang Zhi's "death" in service of the Emperor, despite their past conflicts, and dismissed Wan Tong's concerns about leaving Wang Zhi's body on the street.
Shang Ming declared himself the acting commander of the Western Depot in the absence of a leader and ordered his new subordinates to hunt down Tang Fan and Sui Zhou, whom he now considered fugitives. He also ordered the crime scene secured, as it might hold clues to the Emperor's whereabouts. After escaping Huanyi Brothel, Sui Zhou and the Emperor found themselves south of the city.
Sui Zhou advised against returning directly to the palace through the Huanyi Brothel area, deeming it too dangerous, and suggested they find refuge for the night. He proposed going to Fayuan Temple, which was nearby, to seek out Monk Zhiwu, whom he identified as an old friend. Upon their arrival, Sui Zhou delivered an urgent message to the monk, who recognized him as "Zhou" (Guangchuan) and then realized the Emperor was with him, quickly inviting them inside.
Back with Tang Fan, Wang Zhi, now disguised as a beggar, confirmed he was alive and informed Tang Fan that Sui Zhou had safely brought the Emperor to Fayuan Temple, where they were taking refuge with Monk Zhiwu, who was indeed Sui Zhou's old friend and the second son of the Yu family. Meanwhile, Wan An was consolidating his power within the palace.
He assured Her Majesty Zhou that all efforts were being made to find the Emperor, while subtly blaming Noble Consort Wan for the Emperor's departure from the palace. However, he prevented the Crown Prince from visiting Her Majesty Zhou and confined Noble Consort Wan to her palace, using the pretext of ensuring their safety amidst the turmoil, thus placing them under de facto house arrest.
Li Zilong, initially confident in the Emperor's death and having received pledges of troops from Annam and Tartar, received devastating news from his agents: the Emperor was, in fact, still alive, his whereabouts unknown.
Enraged, Li Zilong furiously ordered his subordinates to bring him the Emperor's head, declaring that while his "friends" in the Eastern and Western Depots and Jinyiwei might be timid and unwilling to get their hands bloody, he was not afraid to shed blood, viewing it as a good omen. He understood that without the Emperor's confirmed death, he remained an enemy of the entire Ming.
Episode 47 Recap
Disguised as beggars, Tang Fan and Wang Zhi shared a meal at Dong's Restaurant, discussing the unfolding crisis. Tang Fan had deduced that Li Zilong's true intention was to lure the Emperor out of the palace, kill him, and then collude with treacherous officials Wan An, Wan Tong, and Shang Ming to seize control of the royal court by crowning the young prince.
Tang Fan noted that the city was under martial law, with authorities pursuing Sui Zhou and the Emperor, but no one would notice two humble beggars. He also mentioned that he had figured out who leaked their plan, but deemed it unimportant for now. Tang Fan recounted how he had last seen the Emperor, explaining that he had used Yang Fu as a decoy to allow Sui Zhou to escape with His Majesty through a secret tunnel from Huanyi Brothel.
They decided to separate for safety, agreeing to use Dong's Restaurant as a contact point while remaining in disguise. Wang Zhi then instructed Little Loach, a small beggar, to contact Ding Rong to prepare for reclaiming the Western Depot, and to discreetly inform Noble Consort Wan of their situation. He also tasked Little Loach with finding the whereabouts of the Emperor and Sui Zhou.
Meanwhile, Dong, deeply worried about Tang Fan and Sui Zhou, secretly left Tang Yu and her companions after they fell asleep. She hurried back to the capital, where the wanted posters for Tang Fan and the news of Wang Zhi's supposed death initially disheartened her. However, she found Tang Fan, still in beggar's attire, at his old residence.
Relieved that Tang Fan, Wang Zhi, and Sui Zhou were all safe, she followed Tang Fan’s instructions to go to Dong's Restaurant and await news. Elsewhere, Sui Zhou and the Emperor were hidden at Fayuan Temple. Sui Zhou relied on Miss Yu to gather intelligence from the city. He learned of Wang Zhi’s supposed death, with his body displayed in the streets, and that Tang Fan was now a wanted fugitive, accused of attempted assassination.
The city was under strict martial law. Sui Zhou concluded that someone was up to an evil scheme, exploiting the Emperor's absence. To ensure the Emperor's safety, he decided to remain hidden at the temple and asked Miss Yu and Xiulian to continue gathering information, especially about Tang Fan. Unaware of the intricate network working against them, Wan An, Wan Tong, and Shang Ming were strategizing their next steps. Wan Tong expressed apprehension about the Emperor's possible return.
However, the more cunning Wan An and Shang Ming had prepared for both outcomes. If the Emperor returned safely, they would eliminate Li Zilong and appear as loyal officials. If the Emperor truly returned to Heaven, they would ascend as regents to the young Crown Prince, thereby seizing control of the court. In either scenario, Li Zilong's fate was sealed. Their immediate priority, they decided, was to eliminate Sui Zhou and Tang Fan, whom they dismissed as mere "minions."
At Dong's Restaurant, Qingge observed Dong's anxious wait and shrewdly deduced that Tang Fan must still be in the capital. Playing on Dong's innocence and her feigned interest in chess, Qingge managed to extract details about Tang Fan's current "chess game"—which was, in fact, his intricate strategic plan. Dong, hoping to help Qingge win and distract Tang Fan from his perceived obsession, unknowingly revealed crucial elements of his deductions.
Wang Zhi, through Little Loach, successfully connected with Ding Rong, who was disguised as a vendor. Wang Zhi ordered him to prepare to reclaim the Western Depot and contact Noble Consort Wan. Simultaneously, Sui Zhou utilized Fayuan Temple's connections to reach Xue Ling. A monk relayed the Emperor's verbal decree to Xue Ling, instructing him to ready his forces at the Northern Administrative Court and await Sui Zhou's command to reclaim the Yamen, facilitating the Emperor's return to the palace.
Xue Ling, deeply honored, assured the monk that his men were prepared and awaited Sui Zhou's orders for a full-scale assault. Dong diligently served as a crucial link, relaying information between all parties. She informed Tang Fan that the Emperor and Sui Zhou were safe, that Sui Zhou was mobilizing the Imperial Guards, and that Wang Zhi had contacted Ding Rong to reclaim the Western Depot.
Armed with this vital intelligence, Tang Fan, who had finally completed his strategic "chess game," relayed his own counter-offensive plans back to Sui Zhou and Wang Zhi through Dong, initiating a coordinated assault. Just as the final operation was about to commence, Tang Fan discovered that Dong, in her naive attempt to help, had unwittingly revealed all their plans to Qingge. The element of surprise for their counter-offensive was now lost.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Tang Fan instantly understood that Li Zilong's faction had won this intelligence battle. Concerned for Wang Zhi's safety, Tang Fan initially intended to send Little Loach to warn him, but then realized Wang Zhi was likely already en route to the Western Depot. He frantically instructed Little Loach to warn Sui Zhou. However, it was too late. Sui Zhou, who had just infiltrated Wan Tong's room, was discovered and ambushed by prepared guards.
The multiple counter-attack routes plunged into extreme peril. Wang Zhi was betrayed by Ding Rong, who had been swayed by Shang Ming's offer of the Western Depot commander position. Sui Zhou was ambushed by Wan Tong's men. Noble Consort Wan, attempting to rescue the Emperor, was blocked by Wan An, who feigned loyalty while citing martial law as an excuse to keep her confined. The Emperor remained surrounded by Li Zilong's forces. With all his allies trapped, Tang Fan was left with no choice but to take a desperate, high-risk gamble.
Episode 48 (Ending) Recap
Tang Fan, realizing the entire plan had been compromised, knew they had to resort to a desperate, last-ditch strategy for survival. He understood he could not achieve this alone. With Xue Ling's assistance, Tang Fan made his way into the prison to rescue Sui Zhou. Inside the cell, Sui Zhou expressed his dismay at the plan’s leak, which Xue Ling had already informed him about, fearing it was too late.
Tang Fan assured Sui Zhou that they needed to combine their efforts to resolve the crisis. He then instructed Sui Zhou to seek help from Zheng Ying at the Marquis Wu'an's residence, while Tang Fan himself rushed to Fayuan Temple to aid the Emperor. Meanwhile, in the palace, Consort Wan, dressed in military attire, gathered a contingent of female soldiers, intent on venturing out to rescue the Emperor. However, Wan An blocked their path at the palace gate.
As the standoff continued, Her Majesty Zhou intervened. She produced the late Emperor's personal sword, declaring that its presence signified the late Emperor's authority to command and to execute. With this show of power, she compelled Wan An to allow Consort Wan to leave the palace, with a clear instruction to bring the Emperor back safely. At Fayuan Temple, Dong arrived and relayed Tang Fan's message to the Emperor, warning him that Li Zilong was imminent.
Soon after, Li Zilong arrived outside the temple. A group of beggars had gathered there, chanting a poem written by Qing Ge's father when he was exiled to Sichuan. Observing them, Li Zilong's subordinate suggested dispersing them, but Qing Ge volunteered to handle the situation herself, opting for a less confrontational approach. She approached the beggars and was led to Tang Fan. Tang Fan then offered a new interpretation of her father’s poem.
He revealed that it was Wan An, not the Emperor, who had truly wronged her father, Liu Qing, a former scholar and military official who had been demoted to Sichuan for his uprightness and opposition to Wan An, ultimately dying of grief at a young age. Tang Fan explained that the poem was not about resentment but about finding peace and release from the entanglement of power, similar to his own experience when he was sent away from the capital.
He urged Qing Ge to realize she was inadvertently aiding her real enemy, Wan An, by targeting the Emperor. He emphasized that her father, like him, would have returned to serve the country if needed, and that her vengeful actions were based on a misunderstanding of her father's true "path." Simultaneously, Ms. Cui successfully rescued Wang Zhi and Jia Kui from prison.
Wang Zhi promptly coerced Ding Rong, who was about to take over as the Grand Administrator of the Western Depot, to arrange a meeting with Shang Ming. Once Shang Ming arrived, Wang Zhi held both Ding Rong and Shang Ming captive. He then dispatched Ms. Cui to release Wuyun Bulage and several other skilled marksmen from the Eastern Depot’s prison, instructing her to bring them to a designated rendezvous point, emphasizing the need for more allies in this critical moment.
Unaware of these developments, Wan Tong, gloating over Sui Zhou's supposed capture, visited the prison, eager to mock him. He revealed his long-standing animosity towards Sui Zhou, admitting to framing him with banned books and using fake Imperial Guards to undermine him. To his shock, he discovered that the man in the cell was not Sui Zhou, but Xue Ling, disguised as him.
Realizing he had been tricked, Wan Tong was promptly knocked unconscious by Xue Ling, who then escaped the prison. Back at Fayuan Temple, Li Zilong, growing impatient with Qing Ge's prolonged absence, decided not to wait any longer and ordered his men to storm the temple. Just as he believed he had the Emperor cornered, Qing Ge unexpectedly reappeared and turned against Li Zilong, aiding the Emperor in his escape from the temple.
A furious Li Zilong demanded to know why she had betrayed him, to which Qing Ge simply replied, "For one person. . . my real father." Unable to locate the Emperor, Li Zilong and the Second Prince deduced that the Emperor would inevitably attempt to return to the palace. They planned an ambush along his most likely route. However, their plans shifted when they spotted Consort Wan leading a troop of female soldiers out of the palace.
Recognizing her, Li Zilong devised a sinister plot: he would use Consort Wan, knowing the Emperor's deep affection for her, as bait to force him out of hiding. As expected, Li Zilong's vile scheme worked. The Emperor, unable to bear the thought of Consort Wan falling victim to the Second Prince's blade, recklessly rushed forward to protect her. At that critical moment, Sui Zhou arrived with a contingent of elite soldiers loyal to the Marquis Wu'an, along with Gao Yi.
Gao Yi immediately confronted the Second Prince, reminding him and his men of the Oirat Khan's emphasis on peaceful trade relations with the Ming Dynasty, arguing that their actions were jeopardizing Oirat's future. A fierce battle ensued. Through their combined strength and unity, the group managed to turn the tide, overcoming the perilous situation. Following the intense battle, Li Zilong was killed by a barrage of arrows.
Gao Yi personally escorted Amasanj back to Oirat, who conveyed the Oirat leader Borona Halle's deep apologies for the incident and a desire for continued peaceful coexistence with the Ming Dynasty. The Emperor, contemplating the severe punishment deserved by the three treacherous officials—Wan An, Wan Tong, and Shang Ming—but also mindful of Consort Wan's feelings regarding her brother Wan Tong, sought Wang Zhi's counsel. Wang Zhi proposed a series of sentences that would satisfy justice without unduly upsetting the Consort.
Wan An was to retire and return to his hometown, forever banned from the capital. Shang Ming was stripped of his Eastern Depot position and reassigned to serve as a palace eunuch. As for Wan Tong, the Emperor entrusted his fate to Consort Wan, who banished him to Changping to raise horses, declaring she never wished to see him again. Despite Tang Fan having played a pivotal, albeit manipulated, role in the larger conspiracy, the Emperor did not punish him.
Wang Zhi, however, took the opportunity to highlight Tang Fan's "crimes": unknowingly exposing the Bolangs to Li Zilong and almost making a "wrong choice" between the Emperor and the common people. The Emperor dismissed these accusations, asserting that Tang Fan’s choice to prioritize the populace was not wrong, but rather exemplified the ideal conduct of an official.
The Emperor then granted Wang Zhi his long-held ambition to gain military merit by appointing him as a military supervisor at the Hetao border, an unusual appointment for a palace chamberlain, but a reflection of Wang Zhi's exceptional service. On the day of Wang Zhi's departure from the capital, Tang Fan and Sui Zhou personally came to bid him farewell. Consort Wan also sent a messenger with a lost chicken cup, explicitly instructing Wang Zhi not to lose it again.
As they parted ways, Tang Fan and Sui Zhou discussed the revelation that Yang Fu, whom they had believed missing after a previous case, had been secretly imprisoned by Wang Zhi all along, intended as a sacrificial pawn to demonstrate Wang Zhi’s loyalty to the Emperor. They reflected on Wang Zhi's cunning and maturity despite his youth.
Just as they were about to enjoy a meal, their old friend Pei returned from his hometown, bringing news of a mysterious "zombie plague" in a northwestern village. Pei suspected the outbreak was a cover for a series of murders. Tang Fan and Sui Zhou, ever vigilant, immediately prepared to investigate this new mystery, ready to continue their fight against injustice.
