The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty Episode 40 Recap
> The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty 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.
