The Vendetta of An Episode 4 Recap
> The Vendetta of An Recap
Xiao Wenjing, the deposed emperor disguised as Zhang Mo, awoke in an unfamiliar location, his head throbbing from the blow delivered by Xie Huaian. Desperate to escape, he tried to leave the city but was stopped by guards who demanded a travel pass. He claimed to have lost it, stating his name was Zhang Mo and he was from Huzhou, near the Acting Inspector's Office on Little Yamen Street.
The guards advised him to get a replacement to avoid worrying his family. Overwhelmed by hunger, he later snatched a bun on the street, leading to a chase, all while being discreetly observed by Ye Zheng. Later, Xie Huaian discussed Xiao Wenjing’s situation with Ye Zheng, who confirmed that "the dog," as he referred to Xiao Wenjing, was being monitored.
Xie Huaian revealed he had already sent a letter to the original Zhang Mo’s family in Huzhou, assuring them that Zhang Mo's wife and children would be looked after. He instructed that the letter should explain Zhang Mo's business in Chang'an was thriving, requiring him to stay longer for the family's future livelihood, and stressed that nothing about the current situation could be leaked.
When Ye Zheng suggested Xie Huaian was worried about Zhang Mo's family, Xie Huaian, without admitting it, simply reiterated the need for absolute secrecy. Meanwhile, Pu Nichuan, an undertaker who performed rituals for the dead, was a frequent visitor to Jinhua's tavern, having taken a liking to its owner. After conducting a ritual where he declared "Hell, break!" and announced the deceased had crossed the realm of lost souls, he would head to the tavern.
However, his funeral robes often drove away other patrons, much to the annoyance of Jinhua, who would scold him for losing her half a day's business for just a pot of liquor. Pu Nichuan, despite his philosophical musings on death, lamented that Jinhua never smiled at him. Xie Huaian sought out Pu Nichuan, informing him that Liu Ziyan had appeared, bringing a fierce look of determination to Pu Nichuan's face.
Pu Nichuan recalled the torment of being buried alive by Liu Ziyan years ago and declared his readiness for revenge. Xie Huaian confirmed that Liu Ziyan was to die. Although Liu Ziyan was Pu Nichuan's uncle, Pu Nichuan stated that a diviner once told him he would cut ties with all his kin after age twelve.
He confidently boasted that there was no one he couldn't "send off," even mocking Liu Ziyan as "Huben's top fool" despite Xie Huaian's warning that Liu Ziyan was Huben's top killer. Xie Huaian also instructed Pu Nichuan to perform a ritual for the deceased original Zhang Mo that night.
Back at his shop, Pu Nichuan distributed all his gold ingots and earnings to his men and their families, citing it as an old promise and a way to avert bad luck associated with "money made off the dead." His men appeared somber, aware of the perilous mission ahead. Separately, Liu Ziyan was frustrated by his intel operative, Qingyi, who had no useful information about the deposed emperor.
However, Qingyi mentioned that Liu Ziyan's older brother Liu Ziwen's old family residence, which had been vacant for years due to numerous deaths and was officially held by merchant Yang Chuhao (who secretly handled royal asset sales), remained unsold. This surprised Liu Ziyan, as he had recently encountered a pale scholar at the house, prompting him to speculate if this scholar might be Liu Ziwen's son.
Suspecting a trick related to the house, Liu Ziyan rushed back to his old residence, finding it empty. He then discovered a blade, confirming that someone had indeed been there and had played a significant role. Before the night's confrontation, Xie Huaian and Pu Nichuan shared a final drink at Jinhua's tavern. Xie Huaian inquired about Pu Nichuan's greatest care in life. Pu Nichuan replied it was "getting justice for the dead" and personally killing his enemy.
Xie Huaian reflected that there were many beautiful things in the world beyond vengeance, pointing out swaying lanterns, passing carriages, and the scent of liquor. He noted that Jinhua, the tavern owner, seemed kind to everyone but Pu Nichuan, perhaps not understanding him. Pu Nichuan questioned Xie Huaian's own motivations, but Xie Huaian acknowledged that he too had "attachments" that were unbreakable. Pu Nichuan lamented that despite his daily visits, he had never seen Jinhua smile.
Seeing Pu Nichuan’s unfulfilled desire, Xie Huaian approached Jinhua and spoke to her briefly. To Pu Nichuan's sheer delight, Jinhua then smiled warmly at him from across the room. Overjoyed, Pu Nichuan eagerly pressed Xie Huaian to reveal what he had said, but Xie Huaian promised to tell him only after their mission that night was complete. As planned, Ye Zheng initiated the ambush on Liu Ziyan's forces, strategically leaving a trail of animal blood to lure them.
Liu Ziyan, sensing a trap but confident, pursued the "assassin." He was informed they had "tracked him," but Liu Ziyan corrected them, realizing they were being led. Xie Huaian had orchestrated this entire plan to bring Liu Ziyan and Pu Nichuan together to "settle the old debt." In a secluded alley, Ye Zheng guided Liu Ziyan’s men into Pu Nichuan's ambush. Pu Nichuan, emerging from the shadows, launched a fierce attack, killing many of Liu Ziyan's soldiers.
Xiao Wenjing, whom Ye Zheng had deliberately brought to witness the chaos, watched in terror as men died before his eyes. Liu Ziyan recognized Pu Nichuan, his long-standing foe, and confronted him. Pu Nichuan, having "crawled back from hell" for this moment, furiously declared his intent to take Liu Ziyan's life, taunting him as "Huben's top fool." Liu Ziyan questioned why Pu Nichuan had returned to this troubled world. Their ensuing duel was brutal, leaving both severely wounded.
A gravely injured Liu Ziyan fled, while Pu Nichuan suffered critical injuries. After the battle, with Liu Ziyan having fled, Xie Huaian approached the mortally wounded Pu Nichuan. Xie Huaian calmly acknowledged Pu Nichuan's past involvement in his father's murder but reminded him that he had also saved Pu Nichuan from being buried alive years ago; thus, their scores were now settled.
Pu Nichuan, filled with regret for failing to fully accomplish his mission, spoke of his life-long entanglement in hatred and urged Xie Huaian not to repeat his mistakes, reminding him of the many beautiful things in the world beyond vengeance: lanterns swaying, carriages passing, and the aroma of liquor from the tavern. With his last breaths, Pu Nichuan implored Xie Huaian to reveal what he had told Jinhua to make her smile.
Xie Huaian finally confessed he had told her that an unseen, intangible connection, "fate," existed between them. Pu Nichuan, finding peace in the memory of Jinhua’s beautiful smile, passed away. Witnessing the brutal consequences of opposing Xie Huaian, Xiao Wenjing was utterly terrified. He fell to his knees, pledging his complete subservience to Xie Huaian, declaring his willingness to be his slave or dog from that moment forward.
