The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty Episode 24 Recap
> The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty 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.
