The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty Episode 38 Recap
> The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty 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.
