Treasure at Dawn Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Treasure at Dawn Synopsis
The young Fu Sheng, naive to the ways of the world, was solely obsessed with medicine. His unconventional healing methods made the townspeople both adore and fear him. Fu Sheng was mistakenly accused of being the murderer behind the Hundred Physicians' deaths, and the clues left in his master's letter seemed to point to a mysterious "Heavenly Book".
By coincidence, Wen Jue, the daughter of Liangzhou's city lord, and Gu Tian, an inheritor of the Hundred Arts, were also drawn into the affair. The three companions journeyed to Liangzhou to investigate.
With the backing of the city lord's mansion, Wen Jue ensured Fu Sheng could open a clinic in Liangzhou, while Gu Tian's silver tongue helped extract information.
As Fu Sheng treated the poor and sought the truth, strange and eerie incidents occurred frequently, and the mystery grew ever more tangled. Unbeknownst to him, his arrival had quietly stirred the undercurrents within Liangzhou's walls...
Treasure at Dawn Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In the medical clinic, patients and even a rat collapsed in agony, poisoned. One person tried desperately to escape the building but was ruthlessly blocked from doing so. Outside, a simple farmer struggled to break free from Fu Sheng, also known as Crazy Fu, who eventually subdued him with an anesthetic. However, Fu Sheng then turned his attention to the farmer’s ox, which had eaten poisonous feed, and, showing unexpected compassion, saved the animal.
Upon waking and learning the truth, the farmer expressed his profound gratitude to Fu Sheng. Despite this act of kindness, word spread through the city about Fu Sheng’s bizarre methods, causing residents to avoid him. A local storyteller further fueled the public’s apprehension, recounting how five years prior, Fu Sheng, while studying under a wandering physician, became obsessed with dissecting cadavers.
To prevent him from getting into trouble, his father, Physician Fu, secured him a clerk position at the county office to officially examine unnatural deaths, cementing his reputation as "Crazy Fu" who treated the dead. Fu Sheng, however, maintained that his actions were for the pursuit of knowledge. Meanwhile, Wen Jue, a princess from Xichuan and an envoy, arrived in Shangyi disguised as a man. She swiftly sought out Fu Sheng, describing her severe migraine symptoms.
Fu Sheng calmly administered an acupuncture needle, causing her to fall into a deep sleep. Her attendant, alarmed, cautioned Fu Sheng that she was a special envoy from Xichuan. Fu Sheng explained that the treatment caused her Qi and blood to surge to her head, assuring them she would wake after a restful sleep. He instructed her escorts to direct her to his residence if she sought him after waking, then hurried off.
Upon returning to his clinic, Fu Sheng was horrified to find his father and all the other physicians sitting motionless, already dead. Wen Jue awoke shortly after, angered by being forcibly put to sleep. She rushed to the clinic to confront Fu Sheng, only to discover the lifeless bodies of the physicians. A frantic butler immediately informed County Magistrate Yang of the mass poisoning, also revealing Princess Wen Jue's unexpected involvement.
Eager to swiftly close the case and avoid implications for the powerful Princess, Magistrate Yang unjustly blamed Fu Sheng, coercing him to sign a confession. During the interrogation, Fu Sheng denied having the motive to poison the physicians, especially his own father. The aide, acting on Magistrate Yang’s behalf, argued that Fu Sheng’s father had prevented him from practicing medicine, providing a possible motive.
Just as Wen Jue arrived, incensed by the aide's attempt to hastily close the case, an urgent message arrived: Magistrate Yang's wife was in difficult labor. With all other physicians dead, the midwife, recognizing Fu Sheng's unique abilities, desperately had him brought to the county residence. At the residence, Magistrate Yang's wife lay unconscious and bleeding profusely.
Fu Sheng quickly assessed her critical condition, informing the anxious Magistrate Yang that her narrow pelvis, combined with rapidly depleting amniotic fluid, meant a traditional birth would result in the death of both mother and child. His mental simulation confirmed the baby was breech, necessitating a life-or-death Cesarean section. Magistrate Yang, desperate, agreed to the drastic measure, promising no interruptions. Fu Sheng, requesting a steady hand, was surprised when Wen Jue, despite her earlier anger, volunteered to assist.
He quickly instructed her on how to hold the incision open, cut the umbilical cord, and remove the baby. Wen Jue questioned if he was not afraid, noting Magistrate Yang would be furious if anything went wrong. Fu Sheng simply stated that human lives were at stake. Together, they successfully performed the pioneering surgery, delivering a healthy baby boy. Overjoyed and immensely grateful, Magistrate Yang thanked Fu Sheng profusely, who then provided instructions for the mother's post-operative care.
Meanwhile, Gu Tian, known as Greedy Gu, was performing at an inn, reciting verses about Xichuan's immense wealth, particularly its "Star gold." He boasted of having visited Xichuan, possessing a residence permit, and displayed a bounty order from the Jibei Chamber of Commerce for various treasures, promising wealth to those who completed the mission. This spectacle drew much attention. Shortly after, Ruan Changfeng, a wealthy and influential figure, arrived in Shangyi also searching for the "Bird Jade Plate."
His subordinate reported that the physicians possessing the plate were already dead, suspecting another party had committed the murders, possibly related to a similar Xichuan bounty. Gu Tian, holding a drawing of the jade plate, approached Ruan Changfeng, demanding double the bounty for his help, which Ruan Changfeng raised to triple. Gu Tian admitted he had only seen the plate's image on a bounty order.
When threatened, Gu Tian leveraged his extensive knowledge of Shangyi, boasting that if he couldn't find the plate, no one could. Impressed, Ruan Changfeng agreed to cooperate, and Gu Tian provided a list of all physicians' addresses for them to search. Gu Tian began his investigation by looking into Fu Sheng but soon learned he had been arrested for the physicians' murders.
This news stirred a memory of a past encounter: earlier that day, Fu Sheng, while fleeing a brothel madam over his father's unpaid debts, had bumped into Gu Tian. Fu Sheng was frustrated when Gu Tian, invoking the principle of "a son pays his father's debts," blocked his escape. During their scuffle, Gu Tian accidentally knocked over Fu Sheng's medicine box, getting drugged and subsequently apprehended by the madam. This memorable incident deepened Gu Tian's interest in Fu Sheng.
To aid Fu Sheng, Gu Tian brought two witnesses to the county yamen. The first, an inn kitchen assistant, testified that Fu Sheng’s father had reserved a meal for noon. Around 12:30 PM, she encountered Fu Sheng returning from collecting herbs and accompanied him toward the clinic, where they met Wen Jue.
Wen Jue confirmed that Fu Sheng had put her to sleep and recounted her timeline: Fu Sheng left her at 1:00 PM, she woke up at 1:15 PM, and reached the clinic about 7. 5 minutes later. She highlighted that the narrow time window made it impossible for Fu Sheng to commit the murders. The aide suggested Fu Sheng could have premeditated the poisoning. Then, the farmer testified that earlier that morning, Fu Sheng had performed surgery on his ox.
Fu Sheng then accompanied him to his village, performed an autopsy on a deceased villager, and determined he died from monkshood poisoning. The farmer confirmed Fu Sheng left the village at 10:00 AM. Wen Jue concluded that Fu Sheng’s unhurried timeline contradicted the idea of him being the perpetrator. Despite these testimonies, the aide continued to push for Fu Sheng’s guilt to protect the Princess.
As Magistrate Yang remained unconvinced, Fu Sheng, having saved the Magistrate's wife and child, seized the opportunity. He knelt, pleading to be entrusted with the investigation. He argued that as the county clerk, examining bodies was his duty; as a son, he sought vengeance; and as the prime suspect, no one had a stronger desire to uncover the truth and prove his innocence.
Episode 2 Recap
Fu Sheng's father expressed his long-held worries about his son's impetuous nature, which was why he had initially prevented him from practicing medicine independently. He cautioned Fu Sheng to temper his character and approach his medical practice with patience, reminding him that while illness is seen, human lives are on the line.
Despite his concerns, witnessing Fu Sheng's renowned medical skills, especially after he gained a reputation as one of the "four pests" for his life-saving efforts, his father finally relented. After testing Fu Sheng's keen senses with a challenge involving hairs under a cloth and receiving the correct answer, he permitted his son to undertake medical visits, advising him to always remember that "seasoned skills and a kind heart make the core of a physician."
As the investigation into the "Murder of Physicians" case continued, Fu Sheng asserted his right to participate. He argued that as the county clerk, autopsies fell within his duties; that filial piety demanded he find his father's killer; and most importantly, as a suspect, no one was more motivated to uncover the truth and clear his name. County Magistrate Yang granted Fu Sheng three days to prove his innocence but stipulated that someone must constantly oversee him.
Wen Jue, revealing herself as a Lord Envoy but preferring to be called by her name, immediately volunteered for this task, citing her own need for a skilled physician for her father's headache and an existing "unfinished business" with Fu Sheng. Gu Tian, eager to access Fu Sheng’s medicine box in search of a jade plate, also offered his assistance, suggesting Fu Sheng needed a "servant to carry the case."
Wen Jue, however, viewed Gu Tian's over-eagerness with suspicion, remarking that his intentions were likely not honorable. Gu Tian feigned an itch and separated from the group to further his secretive plans. Meanwhile, Ruan Changfeng's men continued their brutal search for the jade plate. They visited the residences of various physicians, where grieving families were mourning their deceased loved ones.
Unsuccessful in finding the plate, Ruan Changfeng heartlessly ordered the complete massacre of these families, stating that since they had seen his face, their lives were forfeit. Gu Tian's subordinates reported Ruan Changfeng's ruthless actions, including the murder of Physician Zhang's entire family and his current frantic search at Physician Liu's residence. Gu Tian rushed to Physician Liu's, only to find the family already brutally murdered. Witnessing the carnage, Gu Tian was filled with rage and despair.
Recognizing Ruan Changfeng's extreme cruelty, he ordered his brother to take their two younger brothers and hide them to ensure their safety. Realizing that the lives of all physicians' families in Shangyi hung in the balance, Gu Tian resolved to take preemptive action against Ruan Changfeng. Fu Sheng, back at his medical hall, discovered a peculiar odor emanating from a basin of medicinal herbs.
He learned from a worker named Liu Ji that his father and other physicians had collectively purchased a large batch of rare herbs at a low price from a merchant in the Eastern Market. However, the herbs' scent changed upon receipt, prompting Fu Sheng's father to gather other physicians to discuss whether their medicinal properties had altered and if they were still safe to use.
Liu Ji also mentioned the merchant's young master had recently been diagnosed and treated by Fu Sheng's father. Suspecting the herbs might have been poisoned, Liu Ji provided Fu Sheng with a sample, leading Fu Sheng to decide on an investigation at the Eastern Market. The following day, Fu Sheng, Wen Jue, and Gu Tian arrived at the Eastern Market. The young master of the merchant caravan explained that his medicinal herbs had been stolen by a group of bandits.
He recounted how, despite his numerous guards, the bandits displayed exceptional combat skills, were well-organized, and their leader wore heavy armor, suggesting they were no ordinary thieves. Gu Tian, recalling the local "four pests," speculated that Zhao Sihu might be involved due to his mounted bandit team. Following this lead, the trio waited on a road known to be frequented by bandits. The "bandits" soon appeared, and rather than negotiating, they immediately attacked.
During the fight, Gu Tian recognized their fighting style and the heavy armor, realizing they were Ruan Changfeng's disguised men. Just as the situation grew dire, the true bandit leader, Zhao Sihu, unexpectedly arrived with his own men, forcing Ruan Changfeng's forces to retreat quickly. Zhao Sihu, an old acquaintance of Fu Sheng, had rushed down from his mountain stronghold upon hearing Fu Sheng was in trouble. Seeing Fu Sheng safe, he was relieved.
Fu Sheng immediately provided acupuncture treatment for Zhao Sihu, and during their exchange, Zhao Sihu was informed that imposter bandits had been operating under his name, engaging in kidnapping and extortion. Outraged, Zhao Sihu ordered his men to seize the fake bandits for interrogation. Before departing, he had one of his men return Fu Sheng's father's medical book, which had apparently been left with him earlier.
As Zhao Sihu left, Gu Tian playfully noted that they now owed him a favor for his role in their rescue. Later, as Fu Sheng and Gu Tian shared a meal, Gu Tian urgently requested to borrow the "Bird Jade Plate." Fu Sheng, surprised that Gu Tian knew of its existence, questioned his motives. Before Fu Sheng could press for an answer, Ruan Changfeng dramatically entered the courtyard, demanding the jade plate.
He brazenly admitted to killing Fu Sheng's father and the other physicians and their families, asserting that these deaths were directly linked to the plate's significance. However, as Ruan Changfeng advanced, Fu Sheng used hidden needles from his medicine box, effectively stunning Ruan Changfeng's men and then Gu Tian, who appeared to be fighting with Fu Sheng. It was then revealed that this entire confrontation was a meticulously orchestrated plan.
Gu Tian had earlier confessed his true intentions to Fu Sheng and Wen Jue: he had initially sought to steal the jade plate after learning of a high reward offered by outsiders and recognizing the plate in Fu Sheng's possession. However, after witnessing Ruan Changfeng's horrific massacres for the plate, Gu Tian realized the gravity of the situation.
He feigned cooperation with Ruan Changfeng to protect innocent lives and had subsequently divulged Ruan's ruthless behavior and his true objective to Fu Sheng. They collaborated, setting a trap to capture Ruan Changfeng before he could leave Shangyi. Ruan Changfeng was then brought before the county office. He admitted to the murders and confirmed that the poisoned herbs, whose altered scent Fu Sheng had observed, were indeed the murder weapon.
However, before signing his confession, Ruan Changfeng produced a token from the Jibei King's Mansion. Upon seeing it, County Magistrate Yang immediately ordered Ruan's release, deferring to the powerful Jibei King and cautioning Wen Jue that her small state of Xichuan could not afford to offend such a formidable power. Fu Sheng, undeterred, boldly accused Ruan Changfeng of stealing poisoned herbs and orchestrating the caravan robberies to dispose of them.
Ruan Changfeng then presented the alleged "poison" to Fu Sheng, who, upon inspection, declared it non-toxic. Ruan Changfeng then clarified his true mission: for years, a mysterious organization had been plotting a rebellion in Jibei. A key figure, an immune physician residing in Shangyi, had stolen something vital from the Jibei Mansion. Ruan Changfeng's "poison" was actually a substance called Quexian, non-toxic to ordinary people but designed to activate a unique poison within the target's body.
He had intended to use it to lure out this specific physician, but he claimed the physician had preemptively poisoned the other doctors to "confuse the public" and hide himself. Fu Sheng realized that his father was the true target, explaining why his internal organs were less affected by the poison than the others, and why his father had gathered the physicians and shared ancient prescriptions before their deaths.
The revelation deepened the mystery, and Ruan Changfeng's subordinate confirmed that his father's actions were ultimately tied to the "Bird Jade Plate" in Fu Sheng's possession. Fu Sheng, seeking further clarity, requested an autopsy of his father. Ruan Changfeng granted it but instructed County Magistrate Yang to keep a close watch on Fu Sheng to prevent him from escaping with the precious item.
County Magistrate Yang, attempting to prevent Ruan Changfeng from taking Fu Sheng away, tried to argue that Fu Sheng was a local citizen and the case remained unresolved. Ruan Changfeng, with a sharp glance, silenced him, implying knowledge of the magistrate's ill-gotten wealth. Panicked, Yang quickly offered Ruan Changfeng large amounts of gold and silver. As an act of friendship, he then offered Ruan Changfeng a cup of tea.
Ruan Changfeng accepted, but upon drinking it, he suddenly collapsed and died, poisoned. County Magistrate Yang, revealing his sinister true colors, declared himself the rightful "king" of this place, vowing to cut off the life of anyone who dared to threaten his source of wealth. In the midst of this chaos, a servant urgently reported that County Magistrate Yang's wife, who had undergone a C-section by Fu Sheng, had not recovered from a high fever and was now unconscious.
The servant revealed that pus and blood were oozing from the incision site and suggested that "Crazy Fu" might be responsible. Enraged by this new development, County Magistrate Yang, forgetting his previous gratitude, accused Fu Sheng of attempting to murder his wife and vowed retribution.
Episode 3 Recap
Fu Sheng diligently studied the will left by his father in his study. In a daze, he saw his father's kind face, as if receiving a heartfelt entrustment. His father, seemingly aware his life was short, confessed to having killed a hundred medical officials to bury a shocking secret. The will revealed that combining the three jades—Cloud, Water, and Mountain—with a jade plate would unlock a mysterious treasure.
If this treasure were to be unleashed, it would plunge the world into war and suffering. His father offered two paths: if Fu Sheng desired a peaceful life, he should seek out his master. If he wished to prevent widespread misery, he should go to Xichuan to find a person named Song Jingye, who possessed the Cloud-shaped Jade and could clarify all his doubts.
Gu Tian, ever vigilant, noticed County Magistrate Yang and his officers heading menacingly towards Fu Sheng's home. Concerned for Fu Sheng's safety, Gu Tian urged him to leave. Initially, Fu Sheng believed he should confess, thinking his father was the murderer. However, Magistrate Yang arrived, announcing that Fu Sheng and Gu Tian were wanted for the murders and demanded their immediate surrender.
Wen Jue bravely stepped forward to confront and delay Magistrate Yang, allowing Fu Sheng and Gu Tian a chance to escape the chaotic scene. She was subsequently apprehended and ordered to be escorted back to Xichuan. The next day, Magistrate Yang publicly posted a bounty, proclaiming Fu Sheng as the murderer of the physicians and the County Magistrate's wife. While gathering information, Gu Tian learned that Mrs. Yang had died.
He found this highly suspicious, as Fu Sheng had meticulously sterilized all instruments during her surgery, and the procedure had gone smoothly. Gu Tian suspected foul play. Although he wished to investigate the truth, the city was swarming with people searching for them. Left with no choice, he and Fu Sheng decided to flee to Xichuan. Fu Sheng chose the path of finding the treasure to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
Concerned about leaving Gu Tian's younger brothers, Gu Bao and Gu Liang, behind, Fu Sheng sought Gu Tian’s input. Gu Tian arranged for Yinshu to take his brothers to their aunt's in the countryside, providing them with enough money for their sustenance. Before their departure, Fu Sheng visited his father's newly erected tomb, expressing his sorrow and the realization that he knew little about the secrets his father carried.
He bid his father farewell, and Gu Tian, in turn, vowed to protect Fu Sheng on their long and uncertain journey to Xichuan. Meanwhile, Wen Jue, worried about Fu Sheng, faked a severe stomachache during her journey back to Xichuan, cleverly escaping her escorts. However, her attempt was foiled by her senior brother, Wen Jiu, who intercepted her.
She tearfully pleaded with him to let her go, explaining she had found a skilled physician in Shangyi who could help their father. But Wen Jiu, familiar with her ploys, adamantly refused, reminding her that His Excellency's orders were only to bring her back, not a physician. He then unceremoniously carried her back towards the mansion. After an arduous journey, Fu Sheng and Gu Tian finally arrived in Xichuan, amidst a bustling sky-worship ceremony.
Unbeknownst to them, one of the beast performers slipped away into the woods to relieve himself and was suddenly struck unconscious from behind. As they observed the ceremony, Fu Sheng noticed many villagers had red rashes and festering sores on their faces.
An old man, seeing them, kindly warned them against drinking from Xiangshui Lake, explaining that the Ma Gang's actions had allegedly angered a "plague devil," causing it to poison the lake and even the well water, leading to their affliction. Concurrently, within the Xichuan City Lord's mansion, Wen Yu, the Lord of Xichuan, attempted to cultivate patience in his daughter, Wen Jue, through meditation. However, within moments, Wen Jue grew restless and wished to leave.
Seeing her impatience, Wen Yu, still hoping to marry her off to Xubu Huai, a lieutenant from the Ma Gang, presented her with a bead bracelet sent by him. Wen Jue reacted angrily, accusing her father of "selling her out" for a "shabby bead." Wen Yu, sighing, reflected on her lack of maturity compared to Wen Jiu and revealed his deteriorating health.
He expressed his desire to secure her future before he passed, acknowledging that Xichuan would face threats from the Jibei Chamber of Commerce and the Xiangshui Ma Gang, and he wanted her to have a protector. As Wen Jue returned the unwanted bracelet to Xubu Huai, news broke of the Fangxiang performer's assassination. Fu Sheng and Gu Tian rushed to the scene.
Xubu Huai, however, resented their interference, insisting it was an internal Ma Gang matter and suggesting the performer’s death was divine retribution by the "plague devil." Fu Sheng, examining the wound, quickly concluded it was an assassination. He noted that the injury was caused by a small, low-accuracy crossbow from close range. Since Xubu Huai, standing nearby, hadn't seen an arrow, Fu Sheng deduced the killer must have been one of the eight "beast" performers surrounding Fangxiang on stage.
This theory was further supported when Xubu Huai's men found the discarded costume of one of the beast performers. Shortly after, they located the performer himself, who confirmed he had been attacked and tied up, proving that an imposter had taken his place. Despite these findings, some villagers remained convinced it was the work of a plague devil, citing the absence of an arrowhead in the wound. Undeterred, Fu Sheng skillfully extracted a needle-like poisonous bone from the victim's skull.
He identified it as a dense, solid animal bone, most likely from a tiger, showcasing the killer's cruel methods. Xubu Huai, left with no other choice, reluctantly dispatched his men to track down the missing killer.
Episode 4 Recap
Fu Sheng meticulously examined the deceased, discovering the person died from a tiger bone. Learning from a local that a hunter had recently killed a tiger, the group visited Hunter Zhao, who claimed to have eaten the tiger meat and sold the bones to Zhang Mazi at a plaster shop on the outskirts of the city, stating they were for medicinal use.
When asked about his whereabouts the previous night, Hunter Zhao asserted he had been drinking at home and had not attended the Nuo opera by the lake. However, Fu Sheng noted that the oil in Hunter Zhao's lamp was full, arousing his suspicion. The group proceeded to Zhang Mazi's home. Zhang Mazi was visibly nervous. He feigned going inside to retrieve the tiger bones but seized the opportunity to escape.
He was quickly apprehended and confessed that he ran because he feared being caught for selling fake medicine, specifically dog bone paste instead of genuine tiger bone paste. He offered his numerous dog bones as proof. He also revealed that he had sold the sole real tiger bone he acquired to Jizhi Hall. At Jizhi Hall, Fu Sheng located the tiger bones and expertly assembled the skeleton. He observed that one thigh bone was missing.
The Jizhi Hall clerk, after consulting his ledger, confirmed that only three thigh bones were received during the initial purchase, as each part was priced individually, with thigh bones being the most expensive. With a new plan, Fu Sheng instructed Gu Tian to retrieve a Fangxiang mask. Wearing the mask, Fu Sheng appeared at Hunter Zhao's window, impersonating a ghost and uttering phrases like, "Let's die together, Hunter Zhao. Give me your life."
Terrified, Hunter Zhao blurted out, "I've already killed you! You can't take my life." Fu Sheng then confronted Hunter Zhao, revealing his suspicions about the full oil lamp and Zhang Mazi's fake tiger bone business, which led them to the real tiger bone at Jizhi Hall and the discovery of the missing thigh bone.
Fu Sheng also found a leather glove with white powder and an arrow with similar residue in Hunter Zhao's cabinet, concluding the arrow was crafted from tiger bone. Faced with irrefutable evidence, Hunter Zhao confessed to the murder. He explained that he killed the shaman because his family died from the poisonous lake water, which he believed was caused by the Ma Gang, and he himself was deeply poisoned.
He wanted to take the shaman, who failed to drive away the plague devil or save his family, with him. He had hoped that using a bone arrow would conceal his crime, but Fu Sheng saw through it. Wen Jue expressed her admiration for Fu Sheng's ingenuity, calling his tactic "shadow puppetry." Fu Sheng then questioned Xubu Huai about the Xiangshui Lake water, which Xubu Huai confirmed was indeed poisonous and the cause of the villagers' sores.
Despite Gu Tian's concern, Fu Sheng insisted on tasting the lake water himself to investigate a cure. After tasting it, he declared the lake water was not poisonous, which bewildered the villagers. When asked about other common activities, Xubu Huai mentioned that the villagers regularly worshipped the Fangxiang statue and washed their faces with "holy water" from a nearby Holy Pool. Upon examining the Holy Pool, Fu Sheng noted the water's unusual color.
Xubu Huai explained that the statue's "spiritual body" (red paint) had recently been recoated, and the rain had washed some of it into the pool. Fu Sheng immediately concluded that the red paint on the statue was the source of the poison. The villagers reacted with anger, accusing him of blasphemy and calling him a charlatan. To test Fu Sheng's theory, Xubu Huai scraped some paint from the statue and challenged anyone to try it.
Hunter Zhao volunteered, grimly stating it would save Ma Gang the trouble of executing him. He immediately succumbed to the poison, confirming Fu Sheng's discovery. Meanwhile, tensions grew within the Jibei Chamber of Commerce. Chairman Song Jingye visited Vice Chairman Li Zhizhuo, where a horse slave named Sun Siming was deliberately humiliated for Song's benefit, forced to serve as a human step and have his clothes used to wipe Song's shoes, an insult he endured with silent fury.
Inside, Song Jingye questioned Li Zhizhuo about a jade plate that had been added to the bounty list, reasserting his ultimate authority and warning him to be discreet, particularly as "the old guy inside" was growing suspicious. Later, Li Zhizhuo informed Song Jingye that Ma Gang had uncovered the poisonous red paint on the statue. Worried they might uncover the Chamber's involvement, Song Jingye instructed Li Zhizhuo to act preemptively.
Fu Sheng successfully treated Hunter Zhao, who, recovering, passionately rallied the villagers. He reminded them that their families had died due to the poisonous statue and urged them to stop making further mistakes. Together, they toppled the Fangxiang statue. Shortly after, Song Jingye arrived with a large group of men, sternly reprimanding Xubu Huai and Ma Gang for destroying the statue and warning them of haunting by the plague devil.
Xubu Huai retorted, accusing Song Jingye of being disappointed that his "cover-up" had been exposed. He then directly accused Vice Chairman Li Zhizhuo of being behind the poisonous paint, citing his earlier anxious interjection. Xubu Huai recounted the long-standing conflict between the Ma Gang and the Chamber of Commerce. Years ago, both groups were drawn to Xichuan by the "Star Gold" mine and shared Xiangshui Lake. Tensions escalated into a violent battle over water rights, which Ma Gang won.
To intimidate the Chamber, Ma Gang piled the bodies of their fallen enemies by the lake, creating a "mountain of corpses" that deterred villagers from accessing the water. After two days, desperation drove the villagers back, only for them to discover that heavy rains had washed the corpse mountain into the lake, leaving bodies floating everywhere. This led to rumors that Ma Gang's actions had summoned a "plague devil" that spread disease.
Fearing these rumors, Ma Gang enlisted an "extraordinary person" who claimed to connect with Fangxiang's will to suppress the evil and stop the incessant rain. They erected a Fangxiang statue at the former site of the corpse mountain, and miraculously, the rain ceased. This "extraordinary person" subsequently instructed Ma Gang to regularly repaint the statue with red paint and create a pool, asserting that rainwater collected there would become purified "holy water" to dispel bad luck.
However, this only resulted in the "plague devil" seemingly residing permanently in Xiangshui Lake, rendering the water poisonous and afflicting all who drank it. Xubu Huai concluded that the villagers were mere pawns in this protracted dispute, simply wanting to survive.
He then directly accused the Chamber of Commerce of orchestrating this entire scheme, including hiring the "Fangxiang" shaman and continuously applying poisonous paint to the statue, all to sow resentment against Ma Gang and secure exclusive mining rights for Star Gold. Song Jingye dismissed these accusations as unfounded and threatened war. Xubu Huai defiantly accepted the challenge, and both sides prepared for battle.
Episode 5 Recap
City Lord Wen Yu leaned against a railing, visibly irritated, as his generals discussed the escalating conflict. They reported that the Ma Gang had caused a fatality on the shore of Xiangshui Lake, and Song Jingye, the Chairman of the Jibei Chamber of Commerce, had already led a large contingent to the scene, making a major confrontation imminent. Wen Yu, weary of his responsibilities, expressed his desire to relinquish his position.
He complained that he came to enjoy wealth and glory, not to be burdened by the tiring duties of a city lord, even offering the position to Jiu, who promptly declined. Despite his reluctance, Wen Yu was compelled to intervene. Upon his arrival at Xiangshui Lake, the two factions were embroiled in a heated argument. Xubu Huai, a key figure from the Ma Gang, accused Song Jingye's side of poisoning the statues annually to foment resentment against his gang.
Li Zhizhuo, from Song Jingye's camp, vehemently denied the accusation and threatened war. Although Song Jingye maintained a degree of respect for the City Lord, his men were eager to fight. Wen Yu urged them to cease hostilities, reminding them of the numerous civilians present. To resolve the dispute and the ongoing poisoning issue, he proposed expanding the gold mine to the south and granting the mining rights to the Ma Gang.
Song Jingye, though seething with anger, reluctantly acquiesced, acknowledging that his side had made the first move in the recent conflict and agreeing to put the Xiangshui Lake incident behind them. Meanwhile, Wen Jue excitedly introduced Fu Sheng to her father, Wen Yu, as the physician she had painstakingly found for him.
However, Wen Yu was displeased, rebuking his daughter for meddling in city affairs and asserting that he had no need for a physician, then instructing Jiu to escort her away. Later, Che Hujue, the leader of the Ma Gang, expressed profound gratitude to Fu Sheng for successfully curing the poisoned water.
He declared Fu Sheng a good brother and offered to purchase his antidote formula, promising that the Ma Gang would bear full responsibility for treating all residents outside the city who had been affected. Fu Sheng declined any reward, stating that their only intention was to ensure access to clean water.
In response, Che Hujue presented Fu Sheng with a special token, granting him and one servant free passage into the inner city, and pledged the Ma Gang's protection in Xichuan. Gu Tian playfully questioned who would be the master and who the servant with the token, to which Fu Sheng retorted that since it was his token, Gu Tian could decide. Gu Tian jokingly accused Fu Sheng of being impolite. At the city gate, Fu Sheng presented the token.
The guards, recognizing him as Che Hujue's friend, allowed them entry and arranged for their horses and luggage to be delivered to the Fortune Inn. Inside the bustling city, Gu Tian was immediately captivated by the beautiful women and headed towards a teahouse, telling Fu Sheng to meet him later at the Fortune Inn.
As Fu Sheng navigated the streets, a young boy named Hulu, claiming to be highly familiar with the city's hidden passages, approached him, offering his services as a guide for a small fee, highlighting Xichuan's impressive sights for newcomers. While talking, Hulu skillfully pilfered Fu Sheng's money purse. Fu Sheng, realizing his loss, accused Hulu of theft, prompting the boy to flee. Separately, Sun Siming, now dressed in finer clothes, covertly entered Li Zhizhuo's residence.
Having overheard Li Zhizhuo's concerns about internal issues within the Chamber of Commerce, Sun Siming eagerly offered his assistance, flattering Li Zhizhuo and even addressing him as "Chairman." However, Li Zhizhuo reacted with contempt, severely beating Sun Siming and ordering his guards to cast him out, labeling him a "rebellious dog."
Injured and humiliated, Sun Siming, though dejected, inwardly resolved to become the King of Xichuan, convinced that in Xichuan, with courage and intellect, he could achieve greatness without resorting to rebellion. Fu Sheng, still pursuing Hulu, traced him to a dilapidated temple via a hidden passage. There, he found Sun Siming with his injured brother, who was applying incense ashes to a wound.
Fu Sheng immediately debunked the efficacy of incense ashes for healing and offered to treat the injury, requesting water to clean the wound. He skillfully stitched the brother's wound, astonishing Sun Siming and his sibling with his medical prowess. Sun Siming recognized Fu Sheng as the physician who had cured the water poisoning.
Sun Siming's brother advised Fu Sheng to avoid entanglement with local gangs, emphasizing that most people in Xichuan were driven by greed or ambition, and urged him to focus on his own goals. Sun Siming, impressed by Fu Sheng's actions, declared himself indebted and promised to save Fu Sheng's life should he ever be in peril. Fu Sheng politely acknowledged the gesture.
As Fu Sheng left, Hulu reappeared, subtly returning the stolen money by dropping it, explaining that "a thief never leaves empty-handed" and must maintain his "rules." Fu Sheng, having noticed the scent of medicine on Hulu, identified it as an insomnia remedy and warned against mixing it with incense ashes, as it would worsen the patient's condition. Hulu hinted that the medicine was for his "sister," clarifying she was not blood-related but someone who cared deeply for him.
Fu Sheng then gifted Hulu a dagger, encouraging him to abandon his thieving ways. Hulu, in turn, revealed his name before leaving. Elsewhere, Gu Tian, still roaming the city, spotted Ying Ying of Chunyun House passing by in a horse carriage. Hoping to stage a heroic rescue, he threw a pebble to startle her horse. Ying Ying tumbled from the carriage, and Gu Tian caught her.
Her maid, Xiao Ru, conveyed her mistress's thanks but politely brushed off any further interaction. Left feeling hungry and ignored, Gu Tian decided to head back to the Fortune Inn. Upon returning to the Fortune Inn, Gu Tian was surprised to find three men, whom he mockingly dubbed "The Three Heroes of Xichuan." Fu Sheng explained that they were merely vagrants who had broken in, whom he had "sorted out" and assigned as staff to manage the previously unattended inn.
Wen Jue arrived, annoyed that Fu Sheng and Gu Tian had already started eating. They sampled the food prepared by the new staff, finding it passable. Wen Jue probed Fu Sheng about his late return, suspecting a romantic encounter. Fu Sheng clarified he had met a boy (Hulu) whose "sister" required medical attention, and had arranged to treat her at the inn the following day. Wen Jue then complained about the excessively sour food.
The new staff explained that Gu Tian had requested extra vinegar, claiming it promoted longevity. Fu Sheng corrected this misconception, explaining that while vinegar had benefits for phlegm and lung health, it was unrelated to a long life. Wen Jue adamantly refused to eat the sour dishes. Concurrently, Sun Siming offered his elder brother plums to stimulate his appetite. An official abruptly confronted them, accusing them of stealing the expensive plums and subjecting them to public humiliation.
The official forced Sun Siming's brother to step on Sun Siming's back and then brutally stepped on his brother's hand, calling them "horse slaves." Enraged by the insult and injury to his brother, Sun Siming offered the official money and lured him to a secluded alley. There, Sun Siming violently murdered the official, declaring, "You can step on my back, but can you step on my brother's hand?"
Later that evening, Wen Jue found her father, Wen Yu, suffering from a severe headache in the courtyard. Concerned, she immediately offered to summon Fu Sheng. However, Wen Yu insisted that it was too late and proposed sending Jiu with a formal invitation and generous gifts the next morning, as a matter of respect for a miracle physician's disciple.
Wen Yu then requested Wen Jue to meet Xubu Huai the following day, explaining that Xubu Huai had sent visiting cards multiple times, but he had been too unwell to receive him. Wen Jue initially resisted, seeing through her father's thinly veiled attempt to arrange a meeting. Jiu interceded, gently reminding Wen Jue not to upset her father further, given his headache. Reluctantly, Wen Jue agreed to the meeting.
After Wen Jue departed, Jiu expressed his worries about forcing her into marriage and vowed to protect her, ensuring she would become the next City Lord if anything happened to Wen Yu. Wen Yu acknowledged Jiu's loyalty but explained his difficult decision: he regarded Jiu as a son, but together, Jiu and Wen Jue lacked the collective strength to protect Xichuan.
He reasoned that the Ma Gang, despite their rough demeanor, were straightforward and powerful, making them reliable protectors, unlike the "calculating" businessmen of the Chamber of Commerce. He reflected on his own past as a bandit, how he built Xichuan on "Star Gold," and assured Jiu that he would understand a father's difficult choices once he had his own family.
Episode 6 Recap
Sun Siming pulled a cart laden with straw into a foggy forest. He drove to a pre-dug pit, where he revealed an official's body hidden beneath the straw. As he buried the body, he muttered, wishing the official peace and a better next life, remarking it was better to be an animal in peaceful times than a human in times of war.
He then asked the deceased for blessings for his own success, hoping to step on those who were truly evil. Following her father Wen Yu's instructions, Wen Jue brazenly arrived at the Ma Gang, demanding to see Mr. Xubu. Spectators noted her fiery spirit and predicted difficulties for Mr. Xubu. Mr. Xubu emerged, greeting her as "Princess," and expressed surprise at her impatience, stating he had planned to visit her at the Lord's Mansion later.
Wen Jue retorted that she couldn't wait and needed to clarify matters quickly. When Mr. Xubu invited her into his tent, she refused, citing impropriety. He reminded her that since her father had promised her to him, she was his fiancée and had nothing to fear. Wen Jue then declared her refusal to marry him, urging him to forget the idea.
Mr. Xubu, in turn, used her reputation for filial piety against her, asking if she wanted to shame her father. Leader Che intervened, supporting the marriage as both Mr. Xubu and Wen Jue were unmarried, but Wen Jue remained firm, proclaiming her arrogance and unwillingness to marry him, insisting that only her father could formally dissolve the engagement.
Leader Che dismissed her, stating that the Ma Gang adhered to rules now that they were marrying into the Lord's Mansion, and suggested she leave if she had no other business. As Wen Jue left in a huff, Mr. Xubu remarked that it was unlucky for an engaged couple to see each other before marriage. Privately, Leader Che confronted Mr. Xubu, correctly sensing his reluctance to marry Wen Jue.
Mr. Xubu admitted he feared he couldn't control her and pleaded for mercy, not wanting to suffer. Leader Che emphasized the benefits of the alliance with the Lord's Mansion against the Chamber of Commerce, warning that if Mr. Xubu didn't marry her, Mr. Wen might seek an alliance with the Chamber of Commerce instead. He even tried to convince Mr. Xubu of Wen Jue's beauty and spirited nature, calling it a blessing.
That night, an agitated Wen Jue approached Gu Tian and Fu Sheng, directly asking them to kill Mr. Xubu. Gu Tian inquired who she wanted dead and why. When she revealed Mr. Xubu wished to marry her, Gu Tian instantly refused, admitting he was no match and would only die. Calling him a "coward," Wen Jue then turned to Fu Sheng, who also declined, stating he only saved lives, not took them.
Wen Jue then revised her request, asking Fu Sheng to pretend to be her lover to make Mr. Xubu call off the engagement. Gu Tian questioned why he was asked to kill while Fu Sheng merely had to "fake it." Wen Jue pressed Fu Sheng to go, to which he reluctantly agreed, admitting he'd never "been a lover" before but would cooperate.
Gu Tian then interjected, insisting that Fu Sheng at least change his attire to avoid embarrassing the Princess of Xichuan. Fu Sheng agreed to arrange new clothes. Wen Jue finalized the plan, promising to pick him up the next morning, and left. Gu Tian then wondered aloud what was wrong with his own clothes. Elsewhere, Li Zhizhuo obtained a jade plate, but was infuriated to find it was yet another fake.
His subordinate tried to reassure him, explaining that the prevalence of fake Bird Jade Plates in Xichuan, made by "bad people," made it harder for anyone, including Song Jingye, to find the real one. Li Zhizhuo sharply rebuked his subordinate for speaking so casually about Song Jingye, whom he considered an "old thing" obstructing his path.
When his subordinate noted that their own men were too familiar to approach Song Jingye, Li Zhizhuo recalled Sun Siming, who had recently approached them and was already close to Song Jingye, seeing an opportunity. The next morning, Fu Sheng, dressed in new clothes, complained that they were less comfortable than his coarse garments, but Wen Jue urged him to bear with it for their quick mission.
At the Ma Gang, Mr. Xubu greeted them, and Fu Sheng, prompted by Wen Jue, announced their intent to call off the engagement. Wen Jue boldly declared her love for Fu Sheng, stating they had "pledged to get married." Mr. Xubu dismissed this, reminding her of the parental arrangement, and insisted he could win her heart if given a chance.
Wen Jue was resolute, stating the engagement must be broken, but Mr. Xubu countered by asking if her father, Mr. Wen, approved. Wen Jue then resorted to threatening his reputation, implying scandalous behavior with Fu Sheng, but struggled to articulate it. Mr. Xubu cut her off, ordering food and inviting them to eat, subtly implying he wouldn't dismiss the engagement easily.
Wen Jue, frustrated, told Fu Sheng to eat on his own and stormed off, leaving Fu Sheng to dine with Mr. Xubu. Meanwhile, Li Zhizhuo summoned Sun Siming, who humbly presented himself. Li Zhizhuo handed him a specific item and ordered him to ensure Song Jingye saw it that night without being discovered, warning of severe consequences if he failed. Sun Siming, seizing the opportunity, brazenly demanded a price for such a crucial task, despite Li Zhizhuo's initial anger.
Li Zhizhuo eventually agreed to free Sun Siming's entire family from slavery upon completion of the task. Later, Li Zhizhuo instructed his steward to keep their men discreet for now. He mused that Mr. Wen, the "old fox," might be fearing the Chamber of Commerce's rise or seeking a backer for his daughter due to his own impending demise.
Li Zhizhuo vowed that once he became Chairman, he would reclaim everything the Ma Gang had taken from the Chamber of Commerce, repaying them a hundredfold. Back at the Lord's Mansion, Wen Jue discussed the failed attempt to break the engagement with her maid. She realized that trying to call off the engagement through external means was futile. She decided her father's illness was the real reason he wanted to marry her off, fearing she'd be without a protector.
She planned to cure his illness and then use emotional appeal to prevent him from marrying her off, confident he wouldn't part with his "precious daughter." Ying Ying visited a medical hall where she recognized Gu Tian, who she had seen begging at Chunyun House the day before, now posing as a physician and bragging about his skills.
Gu Tian, mistaking her recognition as admiration, flirtatiously suggested she had taken a fancy to him, to which Ying Ying retorted that he should stop wearing his mask as his "skin was as thick as city walls." Fu Sheng, interrupting Gu Tian's boastful display, introduced himself as the physician and invited Ying Ying to sit for a pulse check. Ying Ying stated she wasn't sick, but her brother Hulu insisted she come.
After an initial examination, Fu Sheng noted her steady pulse and strong physique but observed her haggard appearance, deducing her problem was sleeplessness and frequent dreams due to "too many trifles."
Intrigued by her unusual memory, Fu Sheng engaged her in a series of detailed questions about her past, from her ancestral home (Fuchun, Wu Commandery) to the exact date she arrived in Xichuan (thirteen years ago, when she was five), and even the precise details of her first meal there, including the number of grapes and seeds. With this information, Fu Sheng accurately diagnosed her with "Hyperthymesia," an illness caused by overly complex memories leading to sleeplessness.
Hulu asked if it was curable, and Fu Sheng assured them that knowing the cause made it treatable with sedatives and acupuncture. When Hulu offered payment, Fu Sheng graciously waived the fee, citing his interest in the rare condition and suggesting a meal as thanks, then even offering to forgo that.
Hulu, unwilling for Fu Sheng to work for free, then offered to help Fu Sheng approach Song Jingye, mentioning that Song Jingye often "bullied" his sister and he'd use this opportunity to "teach him a lesson." That evening, Fu Sheng and Gu Tian arrived at Chunyun House, guided by Hulu's earlier tip about Song Jingye's presence. Fu Sheng explained that he had been there before to settle his father's accounts, and promised to show Gu Tian around.
Meanwhile, Sun Siming, disguised as a drunken foreign merchant, deliberately dropped an item Li Zhizhuo had given him outside the Chunyun House door before discreetly hiding. Qin Shi, Song Jingye's guard, noticed the item and pursued the "merchant," but eventually lost him. Inside, Song Jingye was speaking with Ying Ying, pressing her for a decision, but she requested more time.
Fu Sheng and Gu Tian then entered Ying Ying's room, with Gu Tian cheekily commenting that forced love was never sweet, implying Song Jingye was being too pushy. Song Jingye demanded to know their identities and why they had barged in. Gu Tian retorted that if Song Jingye could be here, so could they. Annoyed, Song Jingye told Ying Ying to reconsider his offer and prepared to leave. Ying Ying pleaded with him to stay.
Fu Sheng then directly addressed Song Jingye, reminding him that he had seen him before when he cured the water poison. He introduced himself as Fu Sheng, the son of Physician Fu, and explained his father had sent him. Song Jingye immediately recognized him as Physician Fu's son. After Song Jingye left, Ying Ying thanked Gu Tian for his timely intervention and expressed embarrassment about her earlier performance.
Gu Tian, surprised to learn she was Chunyun House's top courtesan, asked if Song Jingye was trying to make her his concubine. Ying Ying excused herself for her stage performance, offering to find Gu Tian other company, but he declined, choosing to wait for Fu Sheng. Fu Sheng carefully presented the Bird Jade Plate to Song Jingye, who immediately confirmed it was the very one he had entrusted to Physician Fu.
Fu Sheng then inquired about the details of the past, mentioning his father’s words about the Bird Jade Plate needing the Cloud, Water, and Mountain jades to unlock the Treasure of the Sealed Book, and that the Cloud-shaped Jade was in Song Jingye's possession. Song Jingye recounted that he had been assigned to escort these jades but the mission was compromised, leading to an ambush by a group of guards.
During the attack, his companions sacrificed themselves, urging him to escape and find Physician Fu. Song Jingye, waiting for two days and a night, only encountered one surviving companion who managed to hand him a pouch before succumbing to his injuries. At that time, only the Bird Jade Plate and a Cloud-shaped Jade remained with him, while the other parts of the treasure, including two landscape-shaped jades, were missing.
He further explained that he had entrusted the Bird Jade Plate and a Cloud-shaped Jade to Physician Fu, but Physician Fu insisted they each keep one piece, believing he, as a physician with no power, couldn't protect it alone. Physician Fu told Song Jingye to safeguard his piece for an "esteemed one."
When Fu Sheng asked if Song Jingye knew the location of the Treasure of the Sealed Book, Song Jingye replied he did not, and asked if Fu Sheng also sought it. Fu Sheng confirmed it was his father's dying wish to prevent the treasure from falling into malicious hands and causing chaos.
Song Jingye then clarified that the reward order for the Bird Jade Plate was issued by Vice Chairman Li Zhizhuo, not him, and he suspected Li Zhizhuo was connected to the same people who killed Fu Sheng's father. He added that he couldn't give Fu Sheng the Cloud-shaped Jade yet, needing to verify Fu Sheng's story and follow new clues to uncover the masterminds. He asked Fu Sheng to stay in Xichuan, promising to find him once matters were resolved.
Just then, Qin Shi returned and reported that something Song Jingye wanted was at Lin's Mansion. As Song Jingye prepared to leave, Fu Sheng pressed him for the name of the organization behind it all. Song Jingye revealed it was called "Breakwall." After Song Jingye left, Gu Tian questioned Fu Sheng about the Cloud-shaped Jade, accusing Song Jingye of tricking him by keeping it.
Convinced Song Jingye might send people to steal their jade plate, Gu Tian urged Fu Sheng to follow him, grabbing their belongings. Meanwhile, Qin Shi advised Song Jingye against going to Lin's Mansion immediately, citing the suspicious nature of the information and the mansion's reputation as a haunted and dangerous place where many had died mysteriously. Song Jingye, however, dismissed these concerns, stating he had "lived his life on the edge" and cared nothing for ghost stories.
He ordered his other men to return, and despite Qin Shi's request to accompany him, Song Jingye insisted Qin Shi go back as well, then departed alone. Fu Sheng and Gu Tian covertly followed Song Jingye, observing the eerie atmosphere of Lin's Mansion. Qin Shi, however, spotted them, questioned their presence, and, finding their excuse of "wandering around" unconvincing, curtly dismissed them, suggesting they return the next morning if they had official business.
Fu Sheng apologized for the disturbance, and they left. The following morning, as Fu Sheng and Gu Tian were still asleep, Li Zhizhuo's men burst in, forcibly arresting them. They were accused of murdering Song Jingye, with the men claiming to have irrefutable evidence. Both Fu Sheng and Gu Tian were stunned, Gu Tian exclaiming in disbelief, "Song Jingye is dead?" They were both taken away, and Li Zhizhuo appeared, looking at one of them with a cryptic remark, "I never thought it'd be you."
Episode 7 Recap
Fu Sheng and Gu Tian found themselves unjustly imprisoned, accused of Song Jingye's murder. Confined in a dark, damp cell filled with a foul stench, Gu Tian despaired, fearing they would succumb to illness or be secretly killed and framed as suicides. Fu Sheng, however, reassured him, promising to save him even if he were gravely wounded. Meanwhile, Li Zhizhuo met with Sun Siming, offering him money and freedom from servitude to leave Xichuan with his brother.
Sun Siming, shrewd and cautious, immediately suspected Li Zhizhuo intended to eliminate him en route. He firmly refused to leave, stating that his departure would surely lead to his death. Li Zhizhuo dismissed his fears, unaware his scheme had been easily seen through. Sun Siming then bluntly warned Li Zhizhuo that if he were to die, connections would inevitably be made to Li Zhizhuo, especially given his long history as Song Jingye's horse slave.
While this served as a veiled threat, it also declared his loyalty, indicating he would not leave Li Zhizhuo's side. Faced with Sun Siming's intelligence, Li Zhizhuo reluctantly allowed him to stay and, after dismissing the current carriage steward, promoted Sun Siming to the position. He praised his own discernment while disparaging Song Jingye's poor judgment, characterizing Sun Siming as a seemingly meek "quail" who could turn into a "rabid dog," but ultimately, a mere "plaything in his hands."
Later, Sun Siming brought a feast of roast chicken, vintage wine, and raw fish slices to Fu Sheng and Gu Tian in prison, explaining that he had earned a promotion to carriage steward but wasn't entirely pleased with it. Gu Tian, complaining about the quality of the food, was urged by Fu Sheng to be grateful. Recalling his earlier promise to save them, Sun Siming offered to seek help.
Fu Sheng suggested approaching Wen Jue, the Young Mistress of the Lord's Mansion, as they shared a "life-and-death bond." Sun Siming readily agreed to convey their message, pledging to go through fire and water for his benefactor. However, upon arriving at the Lord's Mansion, Sun Siming was rudely turned away by the guards, who dismissed him as a "stable hand" and "trash fish," refusing to even inform Wen Jue of his presence.
Meanwhile, Wen Jue, having learned of Fu Sheng and Gu Tian's arrest, rushed to her father, Wen Yu. At the execution grounds, Li Zhizhuo was eager to carry out the sentence, declaring Fu Sheng and Gu Tian the murderers of Chairman Song and ordering their immediate beheading. Just as the execution was about to proceed, Wen Yu arrived with Wen Jue and intervened, reprimanding Li Zhizhuo for attempting an execution without a proper trial and suggesting he had ulterior motives.
Li Zhizhuo relented and called upon a witness, Qin Shi, Song Jingye's personal guard. Qin Shi testified that he saw Fu Sheng and Gu Tian tracking Song Jingye, was then drugged at the Lin's Mansion, and subsequently, Song Jingye was found dead. He highlighted Fu Sheng's expertise in herbs as a suspicious point. The alleged murder weapon, a dagger, was then presented.
Gu Tian, furious, mumbled about the dagger causing trouble, while Li Zhizhuo challenged Wen Yu to find fault with the "solid" evidence. Suddenly, Wen Jue interjected, claiming the dagger was hers, a gift from Fu Sheng that her father had confiscated and discarded due to her disinterest in weapons. Wen Yu corroborated her story, confirming that the dagger had been in his possession and not with Fu Sheng. He stated firmly that Li Zhizhuo had arrested the wrong people.
Li Zhizhuo accused Wen Yu of trying to protect the murderers. In response, Wen Yu announced a city-wide bounty for information leading to the true killer and personally took charge of the case. He declared that since the evidence was invalid, he would absolve Fu Sheng and Gu Tian of any further recourse against Li Zhizhuo for their wrongful arrest. After their release, Wen Yu's existing illness worsened. Fu Sheng diagnosed him with only about thirty days left to live.
To spare Wen Jue distress, Fu Sheng concealed the truth from her, telling her her father was much better and sending her away. Wen Yu, however, was aware of his grim prognosis, having consulted many doctors worldwide with the same outcome. Despite his acceptance, a flicker of unwillingness remained. Fu Sheng, equally unwilling to let Wen Yu die, began practicing intricate medical procedures on a doll, hoping to find a cure.
Later, Wen Jue approached Fu Sheng, expressing her desire to learn medicine so she could save countless patients from suffering. Seeing her determination, Fu Sheng began teaching her basic pulse diagnosis, explaining how pulse rates differ for normal adults, the elderly, children, and the critically ill.
When Wen Jue attempted to verify the lessons by pressing her ear against Fu Sheng's chest to listen to his heartbeat, Fu Sheng's heart unexpectedly raced, causing him to panic and wonder if he was suffering from Palpitation. That night, his agitated mind conjured up an internal dialogue with imaginary figures: a talking duck sounding like Wen Jue and a "Wood" figure sounding like Gu Tian.
He worried he was losing his mind, concluding he was simply too deeply influenced by others, unconsciously creating these mental representations, and hoped sleep would restore his sanity. The next day, Fu Sheng brought a roasted lamb leg to Gu Tian, who was now with a group of followers, seemingly having become a small-time leader. Gu Tian complained about the cold and gamey meat. During their meal, Fu Sheng inquired about the dagger he had given Gu Tian.
They then went to an abandoned temple to question Hulu, who was present with his companions. Hulu tearfully confessed that he had followed Song Jingye to an old house to get back at him for harassing his sister. There, he was knocked unconscious, and upon waking, found Song Jingye dead beside him. Terrified, he fled, not understanding what had happened. He offered himself up to the authorities or the Chamber of Commerce, only asking that his sister be cared for.
Fu Sheng, moved by Hulu's plea to protect his sister, decided not to turn him in, concluding that Hulu, even with the dagger, was not capable of killing Song Jingye. Gu Tian then sarcastically asked Fu Sheng for an apology. Fu Sheng, still perplexed by Song Jingye's suspicious death, expressed his desire to investigate further. Gu Tian, however, was only interested in making money.
He declared that he and Fu Sheng should go their "separate ways" and stated his intention to return to Shangyi after finding a way to get some money. As Fu Sheng left, he noticed a monkey that appeared to have emerged from a painting.
Episode 8 Recap
Disguised as a soldier, Gu Tian skillfully infiltrated the mysterious Golden Silk Cave. When a guard stopped him, Gu Tian gave the password, "You're not a fish," and was allowed to pass. Deep inside the cave, he knocked out a guard and discovered a room filled with gleaming gold. As he indulged in his greed, Wen Jiu caught him red-handed. Gu Tian, quick on his feet, managed to evade Wen Jiu's pursuit but found himself in a dead end.
Wen Jiu cornered him and issued a stern warning, telling him to inform Fu Sheng that they must find a way to cure the City Lord, or they would both face death. The next day, Wen Jiu reported to the City Lord about the preparations for the Golden Bloom Banquet.
He also informed the City Lord that Princess Wen Jue had moved all the medical books into her room and was studying them diligently all night to find a cure for him. The City Lord, pleased by Wen Jue's filial piety despite his ailing health, mentioned his initial doubts about Fu Sheng and Gu Tian.
Wen Jiu confirmed that Gu Tian had tried to flee but was caught and reminded of the ultimatum, while Fu Sheng was preoccupied with Song Jingye's case. Wen Jiu offered to find other physicians, but the City Lord, having lost hope and only giving Fu Sheng a chance because of Wen Jue's trust, stated he would have them "skinned" if they failed.
Back home, Fu Sheng expressed his intention to continue investigating Song Jingye's case, believing it might lead to clues about the Sealed Book and the Cloud-shaped Jade, despite Gu Tian's reluctance and suggestion to prioritize the City Lord. Gu Tian, trying to cover up his own escapade, offered Fu Sheng a meat pie, claiming he had traveled far to get it. They then proceeded to the morgue.
Fu Sheng was critical of the rough stitching on Song Jingye's body by the mansion's post-mortem examiner and instructed Gu Tian to open it. Gu Tian jokingly refused, citing his master's rule against dissecting after eating, but eventually complied, speaking to Song Jingye's corpse and assuring him they were seeking justice. Meanwhile, Wen Jue struggled with a pile of medical books, finding them incomprehensible and suspecting Fu Sheng was deliberately making things difficult.
Qin arrived at the morgue, accusing Fu Sheng and Gu Tian of being Song Jingye's murderers and attempting to defile his body. Fu Sheng calmly explained they were there to investigate Song Jingye's death. Convinced, Qin revealed that her brother's Cloud-shaped Jade was missing. She also recalled being drugged on the night of the murder, remembering a distinct sweet scent.
Elsewhere, Li Zhizhuo summoned Sun Siming, complimenting his new attire before ordering him to burn down Lin's Mansion to destroy any evidence before Fu Sheng and Gu Tian could investigate there. Sun Siming acknowledged the command. That night, Fu Sheng and Gu Tian arrived at Lin's Mansion. The official guards, fearing the mansion's reputation as a haunted house, quickly left, warning the two men of the dangers. Fu Sheng, disbelieving in ghosts, insisted on investigating.
Sun Siming then appeared with a torch, explaining that Li Zhizhuo had ordered him to burn the "haunted mansion" to the ground, threatening his life if he failed. Fu Sheng proposed that they first conduct an investigation, and if nothing was found, then Sun Siming could proceed with burning it. Sun Siming agreed and joined them inside. Fu Sheng pointed out the misplaced stone lions at the entrance, suggesting they would bring bad luck.
As they explored, Wen Jue, who had followed them, decided to play a prank, startling everyone with eerie sounds. Gu Tian quickly realized it was Wen Jue, who then revealed herself, admitting she had come to supervise them and ensure they weren't slacking off. On the second floor, they discovered a painting depicting a monkey holding a peach. Gu Tian commented on its unusual display for a birthday painting, but Fu Sheng explained the sophisticated preservation techniques used.
Suddenly, a real peach fell from above, and the painted monkey and peach vanished, only to reappear as a living monkey within the room. Everyone was terrified. Wen Jue screamed when a peach hit her. While they were distracted, the monkey quickly fled. Sun Siming, utterly unnerved by the strange occurrences, insisted on setting the mansion ablaze. As he moved toward the painting to burn it, a poisonous hundred-pace viper struck and bit him. The group fled in terror.
Later, Wen Jue, despite the danger, found the experience "fun" and suggested going back to the mansion. Ying Ying recounted the local rumors of Lin's Mansion, explaining that it was built in an isolated area and became truly haunted after Master Lin's family perished under the curse of the "Golden Monkey Offers Birthday Blessings" painting.
Real estate agents and even swordsmen had attempted to occupy or clear the property, only to either go insane or disappear, cementing the mansion's status as a forbidden place. Fu Sheng, realizing they hadn't found many clues for Song Jingye's death amidst the chaos, decided they had to return. Meanwhile, Sun Siming reported to Li Zhizhuo, exaggerating the haunted nature of Lin's Mansion, including ghosts, monkeys, and snakes, and showed off his snake bite.
Li Zhizhuo, unfazed, revealed his true motive: he had known someone was hiding in Lin's Mansion and had lured Song Jingye there to force the hidden person out. The current attempt to burn the house was another tactic to pressure them. Sun Siming slowly realized that Li Zhizhuo had merely used him to test the mansion. His mother later gave him a knife, claiming it warded off evil spirits, and advised him to carry it.
Sun Siming, still shaken, wrestled with the thought that Song Jingye's ghost might be haunting him and questioned Li Zhizhuo's methods. To uncover the mystery of the painting, Hulu secretly sought out Feng Qianli, a renowned detective from the Hearsay-capturing Pavilion, known for solving all kinds of bizarre cases. Feng Qianli informed Fu Sheng that the painting, "Golden Monkey Offers Birthday Blessings," was by Li Zhi, a well-known Xichuan painter who had been dead for many years.
He explained that although Li Zhi's other works were valuable, this particular painting was worthless because it was cursed. The painting had brought disaster to the Lin family, leading to Master Lin murdering his entire family during a birthday banquet and then taking his own life. Legend had it that anyone who gazed upon the painting would lose control, as if influenced by a mysterious force.
Episode 9 Recap
Feng Qianli arrived swiftly at the secret message station, spotting a red-stringed umbrella that signaled an urgent mission. He opened the umbrella and retrieved a scroll, which, upon unrolling, revealed a grotesque monkey painting. Following Hulu's directions, Feng Qianli met Fu Sheng and the others, detailing the peculiar history of the "Golden Monkey" painting. He explained that many collectors had vied for this painting, yet all previous owners had mysteriously perished, often along with their entire families.
Master Lin, undeterred by these chilling tales, acquired the painting, only to descend into madness, slaughter his family, and ultimately die by self-immolation. Wen Jue questioned why these horrific cases remained unsolved. Feng Qianli advised her to investigate the Lord's Mansion, where all the pertinent case files were supposedly kept.
Before they could leave, Wen Jue offered a refreshing tonic she had prepared, suggesting they drink it to be better prepared, but Fu Sheng insisted they depart immediately for the mansion. Wen Jue led Fu Sheng and the others to the Lord's Mansion, finding the archive room locked and thick with dust, clearly untouched for a long time. Ying Ying, concerned about the dust, offered Gu Tian her clean handkerchief, which he discreetly kept.
As they sifted through the neglected files, Wen Jiu arrived, visibly displeased. He questioned why Fu Sheng, a physician, was wasting time investigating old cases instead of focusing on curing the ailing Lord. Fu Sheng calmly replied that there was no immediate cure and reassured Wen Jiu that he would eventually find a method to save the Lord. Amidst the piles of documents, Wen Jue discovered a crucial detail: the murders connected to the painting had all occurred in winter.
Armed with this new information, the four returned to Lin's Mansion, where Fu Sheng carefully retrieved the painting. Beneath it, he found an antique incense burner, noticing a subtle heat emanating from it, which he suspected was linked to the painting. Back at their residence, Fu Sheng had Gu Tian place the incense burner beneath the painting.
He distributed a protective pill to each of them, instructing them to hold it under their tongues as a safeguard against any impending illusions, to be chewed and swallowed if they felt overwhelmed. As the four intensely gazed at the painting, they each fell into a unique hallucinatory state. Fu Sheng, sensing the onset of the illusion, used his strong will to break free and quickly roused Gu Tian and Wen Jue from their respective visions.
Gu Tian described seeing the monkey in the painting come to life, while Wen Jue humorously recalled seeing a monkey adorned with a large piece of "Star Gold." Fu Sheng deduced that the monkey they saw was likely a person in disguise. However, Ying Ying remained deeply trapped in her hallucination, reliving the horrific massacre of her family by robbers in her childhood. She screamed repeatedly, "Don't come over!"
Mistaking Gu Tian, who was trying to comfort her, for one of the attackers, she instinctively stabbed him. Realizing her state, Fu Sheng explained that Ying Ying suffered from Hyperthymesia, and the hallucination, combined with her condition, prevented her from taking the pill in time. Gu Tian, despite his flesh wound, had no choice but to gently knock her unconscious to prevent further self-harm. Upon regaining consciousness, Ying Ying tearfully recounted the gruesome details of her parents' murder.
Gu Tian, feeling pity, attempted to forge a bond by falsely claiming a similar tragic past, hoping to offer comfort. However, Ying Ying, perceptive and astute, immediately saw through his fabrication and coldly rebuffed his advances, sending him away. Meanwhile, Wen Jue and Fu Sheng meticulously examined the painting. Wen Jue, using her knowledge of art, pointed out 13 subtle differences from the original and noted how the ink colors had darkened.
Fu Sheng explained that the painting was a counterfeit, aged by the ancient method of smudging—a process where paintings are baked with incense smoke to give them a tea-colored, antique appearance. He realized that the painting’s surface had changed further due to its recent exposure to fire. Suspecting more, Fu Sheng examined the scroll itself, and Wen Jue carefully peeled away a layer of the paper, revealing a second layer.
Fu Sheng identified that this layer had been soaked in Datura flower and Aconite root, both toxic and hallucinogenic. He explained that when exposed to heat, these toxins would release, and Wen Jue connected this to Qin Shi’s earlier recollection of a sweet scent. Fu Sheng then had a brilliant idea, recalling a specific medical text. He located his master's medical book, which contained a unique formula.
He excitedly explained that Datura flower and Aconite root, when detoxified by a secret method and combined with Gastrodia, Uncariarhynchophylla, and Glycyrrhiza, could become a potent remedy for conditions like phlegm and dizziness, and possibly even cure the Lord's illness. Overjoyed by this breakthrough, Fu Sheng spontaneously embraced Wen Jue, who blushed deeply. Afterwards, Wen Jue enthusiastically offered to take charge of finding the painter. The next day, Wen Jue gathered several renowned painters to recreate the "Golden Monkey" painting.
During their discussions, it was revealed that someone at Chunyun House possessed the exceptional skill to produce an almost indistinguishable imitation. Thrilled by this lead, Wen Jue immediately set off for Chunyun House. Separately, Fu Sheng and Gu Tian prepared the new remedy, with Fu Sheng writing a prescription that could alleviate the Lord's phlegm and dizziness within days. Suddenly, a messenger arrived, informing Wen Jiu that Wen Jue had gone to Chunyun House.
Gu Tian suggested that he and Fu Sheng should go, allowing Wen Jiu to focus on gathering the medicinal herbs. At Chunyun House, Wen Jue confirmed that a "Descending Lion" painting displayed there had the same unique brushwork and ink colors as the "Golden Monkey," confirming it was the work of a painter named Li Ye. She learned that Li Ye was the grandson of the renowned painter Li Zhi, but his family's fortunes had declined.
Despite Li Ye's talent, he was an outcast. Other painters, including a Master Wang whom Wen Jue had earlier provoked, deemed him eccentric and arrogant, often criticizing his work. This animosity stemmed from Li Ye's past act of mocking Master Wang at his birthday feast with a "Monkey With A Hat" painting, accusing him of superficiality. Consequently, Li Ye fell into a life of indulgence, abandoning his art.
Wen Jue defended Li Ye, claiming his drunken paintings were still superior to those of the city's so-called "famous" artists. Later that afternoon, Fu Sheng and Gu Tian waited for Li Ye on the street. Gu Tian expressed his impatience, complaining about being hungry and questioning Wen Jue's motive for buying Fu Sheng watermelon, suggesting she was trying to win him over with food. Fu Sheng dismissed it as mere kindness.
Soon, a visibly inebriated Li Ye appeared among a group of dancers. Inspired by their movements, he impulsively used a nearby cabbage as a brush, creating a spontaneous painting that captivated the onlookers. However, Li Ye, consumed by bitterness, scorned his own talent, lamenting its unappreciation, and tore up his creation. Fu Sheng approached him, remarking that such a painting should be framed for its value.
When Fu Sheng directly accused him of creating the "Golden Monkey" painting, Li Ye confessed, expressing his resentment at being dismissed and beaten when he tried to reveal the truth: that the lauded "masterpiece" was actually his own forgery. He admitted to poisoning the painting with Datura flower and Aconite root, not only for its antique aesthetic but also to preserve it.
He defiantly stated that those who couldn't discern true art deserved their fate, claiming they were consumed by their own inner demons. Fu Sheng then questioned if Li Ye was responsible for Song Jingye’s dismembered death. Li Ye vehemently denied it, explaining that the hallucinogenic herbs only caused visions, not dismemberment, and asserted he was not at Lin's Mansion that night. He reiterated that the victims were killed by their own fears, not by his hands.
As Fu Sheng pondered who the real murderer might be, Gu Tian suddenly recalled a forgotten person who was also present at Lin's Mansion that night and had previously discovered them following Song Jingye: Qin Shi. Fu Sheng, now determined, vowed to uncover Qin Shi's true identity.
Episode 10 Recap
Behind a screen, the Master coughed periodically as he meticulously planned his next moves. He revealed that despite sending countless people over the years to find Sage Zhu and the Bird Jade Plate, there had been no news. He noted that Ruan Changfeng’s team, sent to Shangyi, had failed to report back on time, which was unusual for such a loyal group.
He confirmed that the team was indeed killed, leading him and Yun Ting to suspect Sage Zhu might have been in Shangyi. Yun Ting immediately volunteered to go to Shangyi to capture him. The Master then informed her that Sage Zhu was already dead, but the Bird Jade Plate was still missing. He had instructed a mole in Xichuan to place a bounty for the Bird Jade Plate through the Jibei Chamber of Commerce.
He predicted that if the holder was unaware of the plate's secrets, they would be lured by the reward. If they knew its significance, they would be curious about the bounty issuer’s intentions and inevitably appear in Xichuan. Yun Ting understood and prepared to depart for Xichuan immediately. Meanwhile, Li Zhizhuo ordered Qin Shi's immediate execution, declaring him Song Jingye's killer. Qin Shi vehemently denied the accusation, claiming he didn't kill the Chairman.
A subordinate urged Qin Shi to confess to spare his family. As they prepared to execute him, Fu Sheng intervened, accusing them of attempting to silence a witness. Li Zhizhuo dismissed it as an internal matter, but Fu Sheng insisted on a proper investigation, warning against an unjust death. Reluctantly, Li Zhizhuo agreed to take Qin Shi back for interrogation.
Later, after Qin Shi had endured a night of torture and still refused to confess, a guard reported to Chairman Li that Qin Shi was tough. Li Zhizhuo threatened to dismiss the guard if he couldn't extract a confession. When Fu Sheng arrived at the prison, he found Qin Shi severely beaten. He confronted Li Zhizhuo, questioning if they intended to torture a false confession or if Li Zhizhuo simply didn't want Qin Shi to speak the truth.
Fu Sheng then requested to speak with Qin Shi alone. Fu Sheng reassured Qin Shi that he hoped he wasn't the murderer and asked for a detailed account of that night. Qin Shi recounted entering Lin's Mansion with Song Jingye, only to lose sight of him. He saw the "Golden Monkey Offering Longevity" painting and then a real monkey, which terrified him before he fainted.
He woke up at home, covered in blood that wasn't his, with no memory of how he got there. His wife confirmed he walked home. As the Chamber of Commerce's warning bell continued to ring, Qin Shi learned from his wife that eight chimes signified the death of an important person.
Fu Sheng then explained that both Qin Shi and Song Jingye were likely poisoned by datura flowers upon seeing the painting, causing them to experience vivid hallucinations, just like Fu Sheng and his companions had. Since Qin Shi was the only other person in the mansion that night, his memory gaps were due to the hallucinogen. Qin Shi, deeply disturbed, questioned whether he might have unwittingly killed Song Jingye.
After the interrogation, Li Zhizhuo, seemingly mollified, invited Fu Sheng and Gu Tian for tea at the Chamber of Commerce. On the street, Fu Sheng recalled the murder weapon and asked Gu Tian, an expert in weapons, if Qin Shi's sword could cleanly dismember Song Jingye in an instant, noting the wounds were smooth and scarless. Gu Tian unequivocally stated it was impossible.
Fu Sheng then concluded that Qin Shi's sword was not the murder weapon, meaning Qin Shi was not the murderer. Puzzled, Gu Tian asked who the real killer could be. Fu Sheng, still troubled, realized the strangeness of the situation. Gu Tian pointed out the painting was the weirdest part, but Fu Sheng reminded him they had already attributed the hallucinations to charcoal.
This sparked a revelation for Fu Sheng: an abandoned mansion for five years should not have ample, well-preserved charcoal, nor should its doors be unbroken. He deduced that the mansion was not truly abandoned but inhabited, explaining why entrants were poisoned and hallucinated—someone was deliberately staging the events inside. Yun Ting arrived at the Chamber of Commerce, where Li Zhizhuo addressed her as "Your Excellency."
Li Zhizhuo apologized for his earlier behavior and confirmed his understanding of the Master's orders: to post a bounty for the Bird Jade Plate, which he believed would lure its holder. Yun Ting affirmed his intelligence. Li Zhizhuo then asked if he should apprehend a long-sought traitor who had appeared at Lin's Mansion. Yun Ting strictly ordered him to focus on the Treasure of the Sealed Book and not to meddle in other affairs.
Li Zhizhuo complied, then inquired when he might be allowed to return to the Master's side after years of service in Xichuan, but before he could finish his question, Yun Ting vanished, leaving only a faint scent behind. Fu Sheng, Gu Tian, and Wen Yu returned to Lin's Mansion, determined to find the mysterious person they believed was the key to solving the case.
During their investigation, Gu Tian accidentally cut his finger, discovering Star Gold dust, which he suspected came from the murder weapon, indicating a very wealthy perpetrator. Fu Sheng recalled Qin Shi's testimony: Song Jingye and he had chased someone upstairs, yet Song Jingye died on the ground floor. This led them to investigate the upper floor.
Wen Yu pointed out deep indentation marks in the wood, suggesting a net made of Western tussah silk, covered in Star Gold dust, had been used. Fu Sheng deduced this expensive combination implied a rich culprit. They then noted that a fall of merely three zhang shouldn't have resulted in such clean dismemberment unless he weighed a thousand jin (five hundred kilograms), or the murderer struck him down with immense force and speed. Gu Tian dismissed the latter as impossible.
Further inspection revealed peculiar drag marks and a tampered railing. Fu Sheng realized Song Jingye's death was a meticulously orchestrated event. He then noticed the two stone lions at the mansion's entrance, whose bases perfectly matched square marks on the upper floor, suggesting they were once positioned upstairs. He hypothesized these lions were part of a death trap, pushed from above to activate the tussah silk and dismember Song Jingye.
Gu Tian doubted this, noting the lions' immense weight of at least eight hundred jin. Fu Sheng explained the concept of leverage, citing Mozi, demonstrating how a strategically placed hole and underlying stone balls could allow even a single person to easily move the heavy lions. He attributed his precise deductions to a method similar to medical diagnosis: "observation, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and palpation," which he had applied since entering the mansion.
Fu Sheng decided the only way to expose the mysterious inhabitant of Lin's Mansion was to destroy the building, forcing them to reveal themselves. Suddenly, Sun Siming, who had secretly entered the mansion intending to burn down the evidence, was seized by a black-clad figure. Fu Sheng and Gu Tian witnessed the abduction and gave chase. They triggered a hidden mechanism, narrowly dodging arrows, and fell into a secret chamber.
In the darkness, the nimble black-clad man attacked, quickly overpowering Gu Tian. Realizing their disadvantage, Fu Sheng gave Gu Tian an experimental pill designed to temporarily enhance his senses, allowing him to see in absolute darkness. Gu Tian, after taking the pill, gained night vision and was able to identify the black-clad man. Together, Fu Sheng and Gu Tian apprehended him and dragged him out of the secret room.
The black-clad man, believing Fu Sheng and Gu Tian to be members of the "Breakwall" organization, immediately attacked them, expressing his long-held fear of being pursued after years of hiding. Gu Tian, playing along, seized the opportunity to interrogate him, fabricating a story about a "secret method" Fu Sheng possessed to detect lies.
Intimidated, the black-clad man revealed that Breakwall was a mysterious organization of the Jibei Royal Family, established to assist the Jibei King, with Su Rang and four other sages acting as "wise masters". He recounted a rebellion in the Jibei Mansion years ago, which was quickly quelled. However, the young Jibei King's personality changed drastically afterward, leaving him in a perpetual daze, with the "wise masters" handling all court affairs.
He confessed that he fled Breakwall after faking his death with a painting, fearing he would be silenced like many others involved in the rebellion. He also admitted partial involvement in Song Jingye's death, explaining he merely "lent a hand" to the real murderer, mistakenly believing Song Jingye was a Breakwall assassin sent to kill him. To secure his freedom, he offered them the Cloud-shaped Jade, which he had found at the scene of Song Jingye's death. Just then, a masked Yun Ting appeared. Before Fu Sheng and Gu Tian could react, she swiftly incapacitated them both, remarking that the "fish" was now "hooked."
Episode 11 Recap
Aware of the danger, Song Jingye entered Lin's Mansion, which was revealed to be a meticulously planned death trap. Once inside, he was tripped by a hidden mechanism in the attic, causing him to fall to his death. The mastermind was Li Zhizhuo, who had used a mysterious person within the mansion—Master Lin himself—to orchestrate the demise.
Master Lin, a member of the Breakwall organization, had faked his death to escape their control, but Song Jingye's death inadvertently led Fu Sheng to discover his hiding place. Fu Sheng and Gu Tian were drugged by Yunting and brought before Master Lin, her Senior Brother. Prepared to die to give Yunting a plausible explanation for the sages, Master Lin was stopped by her. She couldn't bring herself to kill the man who had cared for her since childhood.
Instead, she proposed a new plan: Master Lin would kill the unconscious Fu Sheng, Gu Tian, and Sun Siming, frame them for his own "death," and use the opportunity to escape and eventually rejoin Breakwall. She gave him a token to find her later. Just as Master Lin was about to act on the unconscious Fu Sheng, a conscious Sun Siming attacked from behind and killed him. Suddenly, Li Zhizhuo arrived.
Learning that Sun Siming had killed Master Lin, he praised him outwardly while secretly plotting to eliminate him. Fortunately, Wen Yu arrived with her guards and took Fu Sheng away, with Sun Siming seizing the opportunity to leave with them. The next day, Fu Sheng awoke and, after learning of Master Lin's death, asked Wen Yu if she had seen a woman in black. A jealous Wen Yu reminded them that she had saved them three times and demanded repayment.
She stipulated that Fu Sheng must cure her father; if successful, she would open a medical clinic for him in Xichuan. Gu Tian immediately insisted on getting a share of the clinic. Meanwhile, Xubu Huai arrived at the Lord's Mansion with lavish betrothal gifts to marry Wen Yu, but she furiously sent him away.
Afterward, Wen Yu's father, Lord Wen Yu, tried to reason with his daughter, but their argument escalated until Lord Wen Yu collapsed from a relapse of his illness. Per Lord Wen Yu's request, Fu Sheng had been concealing the severity of his condition from Wen Yu. However, the observant Wen Yu noticed Fu Sheng's troubled expression and secretly knelt before him, pleading with him to save her father.
She explained that he was her only family and her reason for living. Deeply moved, Fu Sheng promised to do his best. Li Zhizhuo reported to Yunting that Sun Siming had killed the "traitor" Master Lin, expecting praise. Instead, Yunting was overcome with grief. She dismissed Li Zhizhuo, claiming an errand from the sage, then collapsed weeping beside Master Lin's body. Later, an attendant brought Yunting medicine; she initially refused but relented and drank it after the attendant knelt.
Worried they would be killed if they failed to cure Lord Wen Yu, Gu Tian suggested they flee. Fu Sheng refused, unwilling to let Wen Yu become an orphan. Resigned, Gu Tian agreed to stay and help investigate tussah silk, assigning the task to Hulu, who was to seek out Feng Qianli. Gu Tian then went to bid farewell to Ying Ying, but after seeing her, he realized his true feelings and decided to stay in Xichuan.
Li Zhizhuo visited Sun Siming at the stable, feigning concern over a mysterious eye injury Sun Siming had developed. He probed for any secrets Sun Siming might have learned at Lin's Mansion, but Sun Siming feigned ignorance, claiming he was unconscious the entire time and attributing his injury to being "possessed." Seemingly satisfied, Li Zhizhuo praised Sun Siming and gave him a "great gift"—a beautiful woman. However, Sun Siming took the woman home and gifted her to his brother.
As they left, the woman revealed a sinister smile. Later, as Sun Siming examined the gauze scarf—the token Yunting had given Master Lin—Yunting suddenly appeared. To save himself, Sun Siming fabricated a story, claiming the dying Master Lin gave him the token and a handkerchief with a message: Yunting must flee, as Li Zhizhuo had betrayed them. Torn between this story and Li Zhizhuo's accusation that Sun Siming was the killer, Yunting was unsure what to believe.
Sun Siming vowed to prove his words, and she left after giving him her own token. Shortly after, Sun Siming's arm became immobile. Fearing a relapse of the snake venom, he rushed to find Fu Sheng, who was in a deep debate with his inner consciousness over the proper treatment for Lord Wen Yu. Fu Sheng examined Sun Siming and confirmed it was not snake venom, though his arm was indeed paralyzed. At the Lord's Mansion, Feng Qianli arrived to report to Lord Wen Yu, presenting him with a detailed report on the lives of both Fu Sheng and Gu Tian.
Episode 12 Recap
Despite the critical situation at the Lord's Mansion, the annual Golden Bloom Banquet was still set to be held, attracting renowned merchants from across the city who eagerly participated, reserving their finest goods for the event. In a local eatery, people expressed their disappointment that the popular roasted camel was unavailable as all camels were being saved for the upcoming banquet.
They discussed the banquet's significance, an annual event in Xichuan where weapons forged from Star Gold are publicly auctioned, and speculated about the City Lord's health being the reason for its repeated delays. Meanwhile, Feng Qianli delivered a detailed report on Fu Sheng and Gu Tian's backgrounds to City Lord Wen Yu.
The report revealed both men were from Shangyi; Fu Sheng, a disciple of the miracle physician Hua Tuo, fled to Xichuan after his father's death in the Shangyi Murder of Physicians, and Gu Tian, an acrobat, also fled to Xichuan with his two brothers after being implicated with Fu Sheng.
Impressed by Feng Qianli's thorough investigation, City Lord Wen Yu offered him a position in the Lord's Mansion, but Feng Qianli politely declined, citing his loyalty to his Pavilion Master and subtly hinting that his master preferred not to offend the City Lord. As rumors of City Lord Wen Yu's illness spread, the Ma Gang and Jibei Chamber of Commerce grew increasingly brazen, leading to more friction between them.
Determined to maintain control and convert his Star Gold into cash, City Lord Wen Yu instructed his son, Jiu, to expedite the banquet preparations, assuring him he could endure despite his condition. Earlier, Fu Sheng had examined Sun Siming, diagnosing a heart condition exacerbated by rich foods and prescribing a regimen of light meals and daily medicine, with a follow-up in seven days. Gu Tian, on a lead from Hulu and Feng Qianli, visited an information station.
The owner provided a small quantity of Western tussah silk, explaining its preciousness and how it required blending with new silk for durability. He also noted that Western silkworms, which produce the silk, only feed on rare fire mulberry leaves, which were too costly for him to keep, but suggested the Jibei Chamber of Commerce might possess some.
Gu Tian then sought out Sun Siming, finding him in a state of distress as a woman, claiming to be his sister-in-law, aggressively attempted to seduce him. Sun Siming, relieved by Gu Tian's arrival, used his friend as an excuse to escape the awkward encounter. Back at the Chamber of Commerce, Sun Siming asked a servant for tussah silk to make clothes for his sister-in-law.
The servant, kneeling in fear, explained that tussah silk was incredibly rare and valuable, primarily due to the unique fire mulberry leaves required to feed the silkworms. The servant disclosed that only Zhao Steward had the authority to use the fire mulberry leaves, meaning only he could access the precious silk.
Sun Siming immediately relayed this crucial information to Gu Tian, confirming their suspicion that Zhao Steward, and by extension Li Zhizhuo, was connected to tussah silk and Song Jingye's death. Gu Tian decided to use the Golden Bloom Banquet as an opportunity to expose Li Zhizhuo. Merchants gathered for the Golden Bloom Banquet, their discussions revolving around the Jibei Chamber of Commerce's dominance over Star Gold auctions.
Xubu Huai, the deputy general of Ma Gang, approached a group of merchants, demanding they secure weapons for his gang, even offering a premium. The merchants, however, expressed their inability to comply, revealing they were under strict orders from the Jibei Chamber of Commerce, fearing repercussions for their families and businesses. A heated exchange ensued between Xubu Huai and Li Zhizhuo, the Chairman of the Jibei Chamber of Commerce, with insults traded back and forth.
Li Zhizhuo had earlier given Sun Siming a woman, mockingly calling her his "sister-in-law," and offering another "comfort woman" to him. Unbeknownst to Li Zhizhuo, the Ma Gang Leader and his deputy, Xubu Huai, conferred on the matter, with the leader resolving to openly challenge the Chamber of Commerce at the auction. Li Zhizhuo, anticipating trouble from the Ma Gang, instructed Zhao Steward to keep a close watch on them to prevent any disruption.
As the banquet commenced, Gu Tian, disguised as a waiter, moved through the crowd. Tensions escalated when a dispute erupted between two groups of guests vying for the attention of Ying Ying, the leading beauty of the Chunyun House. Ying Ying, who was upset about Fu Sheng not showing up as promised, gracefully intervened, offering a toast to restore harmony. Seizing the opportunity, Gu Tian subtly drugged Zhao Steward's drink, causing him to pass out.
A quick-thinking ally suggested moving the "drunk" Zhao Steward to a guest room to rest, a diversion for which Fu Sheng later expressed his gratitude. The auction began, with Jiu overseeing the bidding. After several standard items were sold, the Ma Gang Leader, Che, began aggressively bidding on sets of weapons, securing them at prices two to three times higher than previous years, much to the surprise of the other merchants.
Meanwhile, Fu Sheng and Gu Tian confronted the unconscious Zhao Steward. Gu Tian, threatening to strike a specific acupoint that would cause a slow and agonizing death, coerced Zhao Steward into confessing. Zhao Steward, feigning awakening and begging for mercy, ultimately admitted to murdering Song Jingye under direct orders from Li Zhizhuo.
He even offered to testify against Li Zhizhuo, revealing that Li Zhizhuo had corresponded with the "Breakwall" organization, inquired about the Bird Jade Plate, and orchestrated Song Jingye's death because Song Jingye had questioned the bounty. Gu Tian then asked if Zhao Steward had the tussah silk with him. For the grand finale, City Lord Wen Yu presented the highlight of the banquet: an enormous raw piece of Star Gold, weighing 2. 4 jin.
He explained that this single piece contained more Star Gold than all the weapons auctioned earlier combined, emphasizing its immense value and the unique offer for the buyer to customize their own weapons at the Lord's Mansion. The starting bid was an astonishing forty million coins. Unable to meet the price in coin, Li Zhizhuo inquired if gold could be used for payment, to which City Lord Wen Yu agreed, setting the exchange rate at 10,000 coins per gold.
Li Zhizhuo requested a brief pause to check his treasury and ordered a servant to find Zhao Steward and instruct him to disrupt the banquet. However, the servant could not locate Zhao Steward. During the intermission, Gu Tian and Fu Sheng launched their "acrobatics performance." They presented a dramatic reenactment of Song Jingye's murder, describing a weapon made of invisible Western tussah silk coated with Star Gold powder, capable of dismembering a person at night.
They concluded by publicly accusing Zhao Steward, the sole possessor of such silk, as the murderer. To prove their point, Gu Tian demonstrated the silk's lethality on a dummy. Li Zhizhuo, furious, accused Gu Tian of murder and disrespecting the City Lord. However, City Lord Wen Yu calmly stated that he had authorized Gu Tian to investigate the murder and believed his words. Jiu brought Zhao Steward forward.
Under the watchful eyes of all, and seemingly prompted by a signal involving a small toy in Li Zhizhuo's hand, Zhao Steward suddenly reversed his confession, claiming "he" was the sole perpetrator, and then tragically committed suicide by slitting his throat. With Zhao Steward dead, Li Zhizhuo and the Ma Gang leader resumed their argument, accusing each other of foul play. Amidst the chaos, City Lord Wen Yu suddenly collapsed again.
His daughter, Jue, rushed to his side, realizing that the rumors of her father's severe illness were true. Gu Tian observed the escalating tensions, noting that the delicate balance of Xichuan was on the brink of collapse, and urged Fu Sheng to act quickly. Fu Sheng immediately prepared to perform acupuncture on the City Lord, instructing Jue to help him position her father.
Episode 13 Recap
Yingying, now Feng Qianli's master, instructed him to locate the Mountain-shaped Jade and the Water-shaped Jade. Feng Qianli expressed apprehension, warning that investigating these deeply involved artifacts could bring ruin upon the Hearsay-capturing Pavilion. Yingying, however, dismissed his fears, emphasizing her strong bond with Fu Sheng and his companions. She explained that in the current tumultuous state of Xichuan, finding these items was crucial for the Hearsay-capturing Pavilion's survival, representing their "silver lining."
Feng Qianli acknowledged her reasoning and agreed to diligently search for the jade, promising to report his findings directly to Fu Sheng and his group. Wen Yu, the City Lord, had collapsed at the Golden Bloom Banquet. Fu Sheng quickly identified the source of the City Lord's severe headache: an old arrow wound on the back of his neck, which had healed incompletely, leaving behind residual iron slag that caused pus and blood to accumulate, putting pressure on his brain.
Wen Jue offered to assist during the surgery, citing her experience, but Fu Sheng gently declined, explaining that her emotional state as the patient's daughter might hinder the delicate procedure. Wen Jue, despite her anxiety, placed her full trust in Fu Sheng. During the operation, after successfully cleaning the pus and blood, Fu Sheng discovered that the remaining iron slag was dangerously intertwined with the main vein.
Removing it directly risked a catastrophic hemorrhage, but leaving it would lead to a painful recurrence of the illness, potentially endangering the City Lord's life. He relayed this critical dilemma to Wen Jue, who, after a moment of intense consideration and despite Wen Jiu's verbal threats, resolutely instructed Fu Sheng to proceed, reiterating her faith in him. As the surgery continued, the City Lord experienced profuse bleeding, which standard hemostatic medicines failed to control.
In a desperate measure, Fu Sheng decided to use Moxa to cauterize the multiple bleeding veins with an open flame. This unconventional method again drew fierce opposition from Wen Jiu, who accused Fu Sheng of recklessness and threatened him. However, Wen Jue’s unwavering trust prevailed, and Fu Sheng, with Gu Tian's assistance in holding the patient steady, performed the risky procedure successfully.
Afterward, Fu Sheng assured Wen Jue that the iron slag had been safely removed, and the City Lord was out of danger, only requiring a period of recuperation. A humbled Wen Jiu apologized to Fu Sheng, offering his full support in the future. Fu Sheng, downplaying his heroic efforts, reminded them to give the City Lord pain medication and ensure he maintained a light diet with no meat during his recovery.
In the wake of his failed scheme and public disgrace, Li Zhizhuo, despite his denials, found himself cornered. Sun Siming, seizing the opportunity, approached him, expressing his unwavering loyalty and offering his full support. While outwardly accepting Sun Siming's pledge of allegiance, Li Zhizhuo secretly harbored deep mistrust.
He acknowledged Sun Siming as the only person he could rely on, having promoted him himself, but inwardly, he feared Sun Siming's cunning nature and worried that he might eventually fall victim to his machinations. Wen Jue, still unaccustomed to nursing her father, lovingly but clumsily offered him hot porridge directly from the pot. Wen Yu, despite being scalded on his upper jaw, was deeply moved by his daughter’s sincere care, affectionately calling her his "caring daughter."
He reassured her it was alright, even though he secretly wished to rest. Afterwards, Wen Yu expressed his frustration to Wen Jiu, hinting at their tacit understanding of the current political situation, while Wen Jiu advised him to focus on recuperating calmly. That evening, a servant from Chunyun House delivered an invitation from Yingying to Gu Tian, inviting him to a banquet at Chunyun House the following day at noon.
Gu Tian, intrigued yet cautious, speculated it might be a trap but decided to attend, prepared to "risk his life to please a beauty." The next day, Wen Jue arrived to fulfill her promise, offering to open a clinic for Fu Sheng.
However, Fu Sheng, who was receiving acupuncture from Gu Tian for his heavy snoring, firmly rejected the offer, stating that his singular focus in Xichuan was to uncover the secrets behind the Treasure of the Sealed Book, and he saw Li Zhizhuo as his only current lead. Frustrated by his perceived ingratitude, Wen Jue, asserting ownership over the inn, had it swiftly converted into a bustling clinic named "Wenfu Hall," effectively changing Fu Sheng's living situation.
She insisted he work there. Gu Tian arrived at Chunyun House for the banquet. Yingying greeted him, expressing gratitude for his past kindness and assistance, including protecting her from Chairman Song and caring for her after she accidentally injured him. They shared their difficult pasts: Gu Tian spoke of his orphaned childhood, learning acrobatics through hardship and theft.
Yingying, in turn, revealed her early life of begging with Hulu and eventually selling herself to Chunyun House as an entertainer to afford Hulu's medical expenses, hoping to eventually redeem her freedom. Gu Tian admired her resilience and integrity in such a morally ambiguous environment. Following their heartfelt conversation, they shared a musical performance—Gu Tian playing and Yingying singing a song about the strength of ordinary people—which culminated in a passionate kiss.
During their embrace, Gu Tian discovered a distinct horseshoe-shaped mark on Yingying's neck. This mark immediately stirred his suspicion, as he recalled seeing the same symbol on the black-clad figures at Lin's Mansion. Sensing his sudden shift in demeanor, Yingying quickly departed. Returning to Fu Sheng, Gu Tian found that Wen Jue had already transformed their inn into "Wenfu Hall."
He teased Fu Sheng about Wen Jue's obvious affection, then conveyed his suspicion about Yingying possibly being "Breakwall" due to the horseshoe-shaped mark he observed on her. Fu Sheng was alarmed, fearing Yingying might be targeting their jade plate and that their cover could be blown. Deciding to gather more information, Gu Tian visited Hulu. Hulu, unaware of the underlying concerns, openly shared his past with Gu Tian.
He recounted being an orphan, raised by Yingying, who in turn was adopted but became homeless after her foster parents died. Gu Tian then located Yingying at her old, dilapidated family residence. Confronted by Gu Tian, Yingying confessed, revealing the horseshoe-shaped mark on her shoulder was a "slave brand," a symbol of the lowest social status in the Xihuang region.
She recounted her traumatic past: abducted by the Zhang Hu couple, branded, and subjected to abuse by their cook, Wang Song, who used food as leverage. Gu Tian offered her comfort, asserting his protection. Yingying then disclosed her true identity: she was not "Breakwall" but the secret leader of the Hearsay-capturing Pavilion.
She detailed her extraordinary journey from a ten-year-old detective in the slums to becoming the top courtesan at Chunyun House, all while secretly building her vast intelligence network with three thousand detectives. Gu Tian acknowledged the immense suffering she must have endured to achieve such a position. Later, Gu Tian brought Yingying to Fu Sheng and Wen Jue, revealing her leadership of the Hearsay-capturing Pavilion.
Yingying admitted her deception but assured them of her benevolent intentions and her admiration for their genuine camaraderie. Wen Jue, deferring to Fu Sheng as the owner of the jade, left the decision of accepting Yingying to him. Fu Sheng readily agreed, seeing it as an advantage to have a reliable ally from the Hearsay-capturing Pavilion in their quest for the treasure. Wen Jue also welcomed Yingying, extending her protection over her and expressing fondness for Hulu.
They decided to formally establish themselves as the "treasure-hunting squad in Xichuan," with Wen Jue as their captain, promising to cover all their expenses. Yingying, eager to contribute, offered the full resources of her three thousand detectives to help locate the remaining two pieces of jade, especially since Li Zhizhuo was also searching for them. Amidst this new alliance, Fu Sheng and Wen Jue continued their quirky friendship.
Fu Sheng, after some playful banter with Wen Jue about the odd group they formed in the clinic, expressed his long-held desire to acquire a cadaver for a heart transplant study, which elicited a surprised suggestion from Wen Jue for him to experiment on himself instead.
Episode 14 Recap
Sun Siming approached a group of people, offering them carefully prepared medicines and encouraging them to seek treatment at Fu Sheng's clinic. He also assured them that they could find him at the Jibei Chamber of Commerce if they ever needed assistance.
He shared that he used to be a horse slave, constantly bullied, but now he had become a steward, emphasizing that while one cannot choose their initial role in life, the outcome of their life's "play" is entirely up to them. Through these generous offers and his personal story, he successfully won their trust and loyalty.
Meanwhile, Wen Yu, having fully recovered, felt the urge to stand on the city wall, stretching his arms to enjoy the long-awaited fresh air, proclaiming he wasn't weak anymore. His daughter, Wen Jue, joined him, and they discussed her marriage. Wen Yu had observed during his illness that Wen Jue harbored feelings for Fu Sheng. Realizing this, he no longer insisted on her marrying Xubu Huai, believing Fu Sheng to be far superior.
Wen Jue was delighted, affectionately calling him her favorite person in the world. Wen Yu also told Jiu that he always wanted to call off the engagement with Xubu Huai. Wen Jue, eager to express her gratitude to Fu Sheng, declared her intention to go thank him. Wen Yu, however, advised her against it, warning that her presence might hinder the clinic.
Wen Jue dismissed his "dogmatic" views, asserting that women too could build a career and vowing to prove it. Jiu then left to attend to his own "important matters," despite Wen Yu’s playful accusations of avoiding him. Wen Jue arrived at the newly established clinic, taking on the role of its owner. Days passed, yet not a single patient came, leaving the clinic eerily quiet and disheartening Wen Jue.
Just then, Jiu arrived with an official appointment letter, informing Fu Sheng that he was now formally appointed as a coroner for the Lord's Mansion, a piece of good news that brought a glimmer of hope. Soon after, a "patient" clutching his stomach and complaining of severe abdominal pain was brought in. Fu Sheng immediately recognized him and his companion as fake patients hired by Wen Jue. He confronted her, expressing his frustration, thinking she was merely playing around.
Wen Jue, hurt by his reaction, clarified that her intention was to help him, fearing he would be sad if no one came. She then stormed out to the streets, attempting to attract real patients, but her frantic efforts and ill-chosen words only frightened passersby, leaving the street deserted and her feeling embarrassed. That evening, Fu Sheng reflected on his harsh words towards Wen Jue. Feeling remorseful, he decided to apologize to her.
Wen Jue, in turn, also felt regret, realizing that her identity as a noble might have inadvertently deterred common people from seeking treatment at the clinic. They both offered sincere apologies, resolving their misunderstanding. After their reconciliation, Fu Sheng had a brilliant idea to attract patients. The next day, the clinic was bustling with people.
News had spread like wildfire throughout the city that Physician Fu was offering free consultations and medicine, and his medical skills were miraculous, capable of curing long-standing ailments with just a few needles. Patients praised his kindness and skill, marveling that consultations and medicine were both free. Hulu, hearing the news, rushed to the clinic, hoping to apprentice under Fu Sheng.
Recognizing that working at Chunyun House wasn't a long-term solution for Hulu, Fu Sheng took him in, not as a disciple but as a handyman, promising to teach him some skills so he could make a living in Xichuan. Hulu was overjoyed. Xubu Huai then arrived at the bustling clinic, causing a commotion. He rudely dismissed other patients, demanding attention.
Fu Sheng, noting his pale complexion, heavy clothing, and symptoms of cold limbs, bitter taste in mouth, dry throat, and yellow urine, performed a pulse diagnosis. He identified Xubu Huai's condition in technical terms, but in simpler language, Xubu Huai suffered from kidney deficiency. Xubu Huai, impressed by the diagnosis, asked for a cure, which Fu Sheng promised, mentioning a special ingredient needed later that evening.
Xubu Huai warned Fu Sheng of severe consequences if anyone else knew of his condition, then left with his prescription, seemingly clutching onto a lifeline. That night, Fu Sheng went to the stables to collect the "nocturnal urine of a pregnant mare," a crucial ingredient for Xubu Huai's medicine. There, he was confronted by Tuoba Ruo, the lead assassin of the Horse Gang, who mistook him for a trespasser.
Fu Sheng clarified his purpose, and upon learning the urine was for Xubu Huai, Tuoba Ruo, with a hint of amusement, surprisingly lent him her exquisite dagger, which Fu Sheng greatly admired for its surgical potential. He requested to borrow it for a few days, and she agreed. The following day, Xubu Huai arrived at the Inviting Moon House, where Fang Zhiyuan, the storyteller, was performing. Xubu Huai’s arrogant demeanor annoyed a waiter.
Fang Zhiyuan began a tale of Xubu Huai's heroic exploits, likening him to Xiang Yu and describing his bravery in fighting two hundred bandits. However, a group of listeners openly mocked him, pointing out that a hero with kidney deficiency was a disgrace. Enraged, Xubu Huai, his face flushed, furiously stormed out of the storytelling house.
Still fuming from the public ridicule, Xubu Huai confronted Fu Sheng at the clinic, warning him to "keep his mouth shut" and not spread rumors. Just then, Feng Qianli arrived, having located the Cloud-shaped Jade. Ignoring Xubu Huai, Fu Sheng and Gu Tian followed Feng Qianli to the Fuquan Pawn Shop. There, the shopkeeper informed them that a man named Han Shuo had pawned a "jade-like" object, which was later bought by Fang Zhiyuan, the storyteller.
Gu Tian criticized the shopkeeper for charging five gold for it, an exorbitant price. The shopkeeper defended his business practices, stating that Fang Zhiyuan willingly paid. Feng Qianli then revealed that Fang Zhiyuan would be storytelling at the Inviting Moon House the next day at noon. Meanwhile, while feeding horses, Sun Siming was abducted by masked assailants and taken to a desolate location. Li Zhiming appeared, accusing Sun Siming of secretly meeting "Her Excellency" and threatening to kill him.
Unfazed, Sun Siming asserted that his death would prevent Li Zhiming from ever obtaining what he desired—the jade plate. He promised to aid Li Zhiming in his grand ambition, asking only to be allowed to remain safely in Xichuan afterward. Weighing his options, Li Zhiming spared Sun Siming's life, giving him one month to deliver on his promise.
That evening, to publicly refute the rumors about his kidney deficiency, Xubu Huai indulged in a lavish night at the Chunyun House, attempting to prove his robust health. After several rounds of drinks, he departed in his carriage, still reveling in his perceived victory. However, en route, his carriage mysteriously caught fire, rapidly engulfed in flames. Terrified onlookers, mistakenly believing it to be a "ghost carriage," fled in panic as Xubu Huai was trapped inside the burning vehicle.
Episode 15 Recap
Rumors have swept through the city that Fang Zhiyuan, a storyteller from Inviting Moon House, possesses a "little ghost" whose words can kill, and strange deaths mirroring his tales are occurring. Meanwhile, the woman Li Zhizhuo sent to Sun Siming is discovered counting her riches. Sun Siming, recognizing her cunning and potential as a "wall-breaker," confronts her. She attempts to seduce him, claiming her loyalty and expressing a desire to have married him, not his brother.
Sun Siming, however, reveals he sees her as a ruthless opportunist. He then mocks her love for money before strangling her to death, questioning his own humanity as he commits the act. News of Ma Gang's lieutenant, Xubu Huai, dying outside the Jibei Chamber of Commerce thrills Li Zhizhuo. Upon hearing the location, he rings a bell, making the death known throughout the capital.
Separately, Sun Siming's older brother returns home, and upon discovering his wife dead, instead of grieving, he contemplates how many new wives he could buy with her money, recalling their mother's tragic fate due to their father's "mistress," which has hardened his heart. At the scene, a post-mortem examiner concludes Xubu Huai died from a lightning strike, despite a stab wound inflicted after death. Ma Gang's representative, Che, furiously rejects this, accusing Li Zhizhuo of deceit and threatening violence.
Li Zhizhuo retorts, claiming Xubu Huai was unfilial. Wen Yu intervenes, confirming the lightning strike but refusing Che’s demand for a 30% profit share from the Chamber of Commerce as compensation. Wen Yu promises a thorough investigation and appoints Tuoba Ruo to lead it, warning against exploiting the death for personal gain. Fang Zhiyuan continues his storytelling at the tea house, where patrons jokingly attribute Xubu Huai’s death to his ominous predictions.
He then begins a new story about Hua Lei, a famous thief-catcher from the Jibei Chamber of Commerce. In the tale, Hua Lei is depicted as dismissive of a young man seeking news of his ailing mother, and later, Sun Siming, the new carriage steward, asserts his dominance over Hua Lei by forcing him to clean the stables. Tuoba Ruo and her men burst into the tea house to question Xubu Huai's stableman.
The stableman claims he left his post to relieve himself, was knocked unconscious, and awoke to find Xubu Huai dead. Tuoba Ruo dismisses his plea for mercy, blames his dereliction of duty, and orders his execution. Fu Sheng intervenes, reminding her of Xichuan's laws and preventing the unjust killing. Although Tuoba Ruo is annoyed by Fu Sheng's interference, Gu Tian reminds her that Fu Sheng, as a City Lord's clerk, has the right to investigate.
Observing Fang Zhiyuan attempting to flee backstage, Tuoba Ruo chases him and confronts him about "raising little ghosts." Fang Zhiyuan vehemently denies it, citing his poverty. When presented with a pawn shop receipt for Cloud-shaped Jade bearing his name, he claims it belongs to a namesake.
However, Fu Sheng notices a subtle difference in the handwriting on the receipt compared to a public plaque written by Fang Zhiyuan, confirming his suspicion that the storyteller is lying, but he chooses not to act immediately. Later that night, Fu Sheng and Gu Tian visit Sun Siming, who informs them that his "sister-in-law" (the woman he killed) died suddenly and was cremated, offering a fabricated story.
They discuss Xubu Huai's death, which Sun Siming attributes to the "little ghost" from popular rumors. Fu Sheng insists on the value of a human life, even a villain's, deeming Sun Siming's indifference pedantic. Gu Tian leverages Fu Sheng's medical expertise and curiosity regarding unusual deaths to secure Sun Siming's permission to examine Xubu Huai's body, on the condition that Sun Siming is the first to learn of their findings.
The next day, Fu Sheng and Gu Tian examine Xubu Huai's charred remains in the carriage outside Li Zhizhuo’s residence. Fu Sheng confirms a lightning strike, but Gu Tian points out a small bloody handprint on the burnt carriage, suggesting other individuals were present. Tuoba Ruo arrives, frustrated by Fu Sheng's continued involvement. The original post-mortem examiner reports to her, reiterating Xubu Huai's death by lightning and dismissing any further complexities.
Just as Tuoba Ruo is about to accept this as a natural disaster, news arrives that Hua Lei, Li Zhizhuo's man, is also dead. Fu Sheng examines Hua Lei's body, noting the unskillful nature of the wound and killer, despite Hua Lei's high martial arts ability, and observes that his heart was removed without any sign of struggle.
A small bloody handprint is found, leading the terrified public to believe in Fang Zhiyuan's "little ghost" theories, which claimed little ghosts love to eat human hearts. Li Zhizhuo is enraged, dismisses the idea of Night Owl, a known coward, being the killer, and suspects a conspiracy. Wen Yu attempts to calm him, urging him to consider the broader implications, but Li Zhizhuo departs, demanding justice for the deaths within the Chamber of Commerce.
The two murders plunge the city into panic. Ying Ying dispatches Feng Qianli to gather intelligence, and they learn that the notorious thief, Night Owl, is hiding in a rundown house on the west side. Night Owl is found there, forcing his apprentice to retrieve searing hot meat from a pot as part of a harsh training regimen, telling him not to fear the pain.
Gu Tian, Fu Sheng, Tuoba Ruo, and Wen Yu (the City Lord's daughter), having strategically set traps, capture Night Owl after a struggle. Tuoba Ruo immediately interrogates him about Hua Lei's death, threatening him with Fu Sheng's medical instruments. To secure the safety of his injured apprentice, Night Owl confesses that after he stole a treasure, Hua Lei attempted a "black-on-black" robbery.
During their confrontation, a mysterious figure in black ambushed Hua Lei, causing him to fall from his horse and die. Night Owl admits he merely confirmed Hua Lei's death and then dug out his heart before fleeing. Fu Sheng acknowledges that Night Owl indeed caused the chest wound. Separately, the Esteemed Envoy confronts Li Zhizhuo, demanding progress in the search for the "jade plate."
Li Zhizhuo admits to no significant developments, and the Envoy threatens his position, reminding him not to disappoint his Lord. Li Zhizhuo pledges his utmost effort to locate the jade plate. Meanwhile, Fang Zhiyuan continues his storytelling, and a patron comments on the uncanny accuracy of his "doomsayer's mouth." Fang Zhiyuan then announces his next story will be about Fu Sheng and Gu Tian.
Episode 16 Recap
Sun Siming and his brother diligently trained in their courtyard, constantly vigilant and determined never to return to their impoverished past. Sun Siming's brother emphatically told him that if anyone tried to force them back to their old life, it would be a fight to the death. Later, as Sun Siming leisurely fed the horses in the stable, Fu Sheng arrived, noticing that Hua Lei's horse looked unwell. He decided to prescribe some medicinal herbs for its recovery.
Sun Siming subtly advised Fu Sheng to avoid meddling in certain affairs, specifically cautioning him against investigating the deaths of Xubu Huai and Hua Lei. Fu Sheng, intent on uncovering the truth to prevent further casualties, disregarded the warning and insisted on pursuing his investigation. Days later, Li Zhizhuo, frustrated by the lack of progress in finding the Cloud-shaped Jade, issued an ultimatum to Sun Siming. Feeling pressured, Sun Siming sought help from Feng Qianli, but Feng Qianli firmly refused.
Meanwhile, due to a series of recent murders, a large, tense crowd gathered outside Fang Zhiyuan’s tea house, eagerly awaiting his next story. People speculated whether the person Fang Zhiyuan spoke of today would also meet an untimely end. Fu Sheng, intrigued and seeking answers, also joined the audience. Fang Zhiyuan then dramatically announced that today's story would be about Lei Juekun, a prominent and wealthy merchant in Xichuan. Following the performance, Wen Yu summoned Fang Zhiyuan.
He confessed that his stories were drawn from the "Heroes in Xichuan" record and even presented a list containing names, including Fu Sheng’s, which raised significant suspicion. Fu Sheng believed the matter was more complex than it appeared and, along with his companions, resolved to investigate Lei's Mansion that very night.
When the Young Mistress arrived at Lei's Mansion, Lei Juekun hastily greeted her, expressing his confidence in being safe, as he had been staying indoors to avoid the storyteller's predictions. However, no sooner had he finished speaking than he suddenly coughed up blood and died, a horrific sight. Upon hearing the news of Lei Juekun's death, Fang Zhiyuan was terrified and hastily packed his belongings to flee, but he was intercepted and kidnapped by Sun Siming and his brother.
At Lei Juekun's wake, Fu Sheng requested to perform an autopsy on the body, but Butler Lei vehemently objected. Gu Tian, feigning profound grief, cried out and dramatically opened the coffin. Inside, on Lei Juekun’s body and the coffin's interior, small, bloody handprints were visible, sending Lei's wife into a panic, convinced that a "little ghost" had appeared.
Meanwhile, Sun Siming and his brother interrogated Fang Zhiyuan, who explained that he fled because he feared being blamed for the mounting deaths. Sun Siming challenged him, stating that he would have Fang Zhiyuan praise him (Sun Siming) the next day, to see if he could evade death himself. If Sun Siming didn't die, Fang Zhiyuan would then publicly praise Li Zhizhuo. Fu Sheng's autopsy revealed that Lei Juekun had died from severe abdominal bloating.
Butler Lei recounted that the previous day, while returning from picking up goods, their path was blocked by a warehouse fire. They stopped at a roadside stall where Lei Juekun ate dog meat. Later, upon returning home, he drank several bowls of "fire-remove soup," which the cook explained was mung bean soup prepared because Lei Juekun had been exposed to the sun and smoke at the fire.
Fu Sheng quickly deduced that the combination of dog meat and mung bean soup could cause severe bloating, leading to death. What initially seemed like unrelated incidents now appeared to be a series of strikingly coincidental events. Gu Tian visited the merchant's warehouse where Lei Juekun had sourced his goods. The warehouse had mysteriously burned down the night before, leaving only a "gold-rimmed glass mirror."
A servant took advantage of the distraction to steal the mirror and later reported to his accomplices in an abandoned courtyard, explaining his fear of the mirror being discovered. Gu Tian, having lost sight of the servant, informed Fu Sheng about the mirror. Fu Sheng surmised that the glass mirror, capable of concentrating sunlight, could have caused the fire. This suggested a link between the mirror and Xubu Huai’s death, providing a crucial new lead in the case.
Fang Zhiyuan once again appeared to tell stories, this time featuring "The Three Heroes of Xichuan." The heroes, misunderstanding his words as a curse, immediately confronted him. However, upon seeing Gu Tian arrive, they decided to back down and leave. Later, fearing that they too might suffer a tragic fate, the three heroes decided to hide outside the city to ensure their safety. To protect Fang Zhiyuan and the three heroes, the group decided to split up.
The Young Mistress proposed that she and Fu Sheng, both skilled in martial arts, should go together, while Miss Tuoba went with Wen Yu. However, Gu Tian objected to these pairings, stating he was not familiar with Miss Tuoba. After some deliberation, the Young Mistress declared that she and Fu Sheng would work together, leaving Gu Tian and Miss Tuoba to protect Fang Zhiyuan and the three heroes. Fu Sheng warned Gu Tian that Miss Tuoba might harm him if displeased. The Young Mistress asserted that no one would dare harm her in Xichuan.
Episode 17 Recap
The Three Heroes of Xichuan, fearing for their lives due to recent prophecies, chose to hide in a secluded area outside the city with several women, believing themselves safe with their carefully selected food. Physician Fu Sheng and Wen Jue, worried about the heroes' safety, eventually located them and arrived to offer protection. However, the leader of the Three Heroes deliberately drove them away, concerned that their close ties would implicate Fu Sheng and his companions if tragedy struck.
He feigned indifference, boasting about their extensive precautions and plans to party through the night. Wen Jue, angered by their apparent recklessness, left with Fu Sheng, though Fu Sheng urged her not to be impulsive. Once Fu Sheng and Wen Jue were gone, the leader confided in his comrades that his intention was to distance them from the clinic. The next morning, the women awoke to the horrifying sight of the Three Heroes hanging dead from a tree.
News of the Three Heroes' gruesome deaths quickly spread, igniting widespread panic and speculation among the townsfolk. People connected the killings to the "three poisons" (greed, food, and sex) mentioned in a popular ballad. They linked previous victims—Hua Lei to greed for money, Lei Juekun to greed for food (due to his burst stomach), and Xubu Huai to greed for sex (attributed to his weak kidneys)—to this pattern. They also mentioned the five poisons: greed, anger, stupidity, arrogance, and suspicion.
Fear gripped the city, leaving the tea house empty as Fang Zhiyuan prepared for his storytelling session. Suddenly, authorities arrived and arrested Fang Zhiyuan, who was enraged and confused, questioning who was framing him and why the characters from his stories were meeting such grim fates. Wen Jue confronted her father, Wen Yu, accusing him of arresting an innocent Fang Zhiyuan, whom she deemed too old and weak to be the real killer.
Wen Yu explained his "way of balance," using the metaphor of fish in a pond. He argued that with four murders and six deaths already, involving various factions like the Ma Gang, the Chamber of Commerce, wealthy merchants, and bandits, Fang Zhiyuan's storytelling had become a catalyst for chaos. By arresting him, Wen Yu intended to eliminate the "source of chaos" and prevent further conflict to protect the innocent.
Wen Jue challenged his logic, asserting that merely removing Fang Zhiyuan wouldn't end the strife, as a new "reason to fight" could always be created. As the designated next City Lord, she felt a duty to protect Fang Zhiyuan. Impressed by her conviction, Wen Yu granted her seven days to solve the case, but warned that if she failed, he would execute Fang Zhiyuan with "swift and decisive action" to "warn the people."
Meanwhile, Fu Sheng began a meticulous examination of the Three Heroes' bodies by the lake. Tuoba Ruo discovered knockout drops in their wine, tracing it to a maid named Cui. Cui fled into the bustling crowd, employing accomplices to impersonate her, making pursuit difficult. During the chaotic chase, Tuoba Ruo was struck and wounded by a mysterious assailant. Fu Sheng treated her injuries, noting that she would be unable to wield weapons for several days.
Discussing the case, Fu Sheng and Gu Tian realized their initial assumption that such a "big crime" could only be committed by an extraordinary individual was flawed; "anyone could have done it." Gu Tian stressed that they could not afford to be continuously "led by the nose" by the killer. In search of more clues, Gu Tian revisited the warehouse where Lei Juekun had previously traded. Gu Tian confronted the owner, expressing his disdain for those who exploit the weak.
Under pressure, the owner confessed that a "gold-rimmed crystal mirror" that started the warehouse fire was stolen and sold for a mere 800 coins, which was suspiciously low. The owner admitted he suspected it was "stashed away" by Night Owl's apprentice, who was then fired after the fire. Gu Tian realized that the mirror had been deliberately positioned to reflect sunlight, causing the warehouse fire.
He instructed a subordinate to inform Fu Sheng and another to find Wen Jue, confirming that Fu Sheng's suspicions were correct. Simultaneously, Wen Jue returned to the Lei residence, suspecting that Lei Juekun's death was not accidental. She questioned the chef about preparing green bean soup, which required extensive preparation, just before Lei Juekun returned from the fire. The chef revealed that assistant Dou had prepared it, claiming it was for Lei Juekun, who was trapped near a fire.
Dou, however, disappeared after Lei Juekun's death. Wen Jue suspected these "coincidences are man-made." At the prison, Fu Sheng discovered that Ye Shiliu had been kidnapped, with guards incapacitated by drugged food. He concluded that someone was actively obstructing his investigation to conceal the truth. With seemingly all leads severed, Fu Sheng resolved to revisit the alley where Hua Lei died. The next day, Hulu accidentally knocked over valuable medicinal herbs.
Fu Sheng reprimanded him severely, emphasizing the herbs' life-saving potential and their worth. Hulu, in tears, angrily retorted that despite his long service, Fu Sheng had never taught him any medical skills, only relegating him to chores. Feigning greater anger in front of a patient, Fu Sheng dramatically dismissed Hulu from the clinic. The patient, observing this, later approached a bewildered Hulu, offering sympathy. He led Hulu to a desolate temple, attempting to recruit him into a clandestine organization.
He explained their shared plight of being "ignored, discriminated against, abused, and stepped on," likening them to "insignificant stones." He declared their goal was to avenge themselves against the "rich merchants" who had usurped Xichuan from the common people, striving to reclaim their "dignity." Hulu expressed reservations about their secrecy, but the patient promised he would learn their identities upon passing a test, provocatively asking, "Do you find it interesting that an investigator becomes a murderer?"
Fu Sheng and Gu Tian returned to the alley where Hua Lei died, recreating the events. They determined that a mirror in a nearby building had reflected light, startling Hua Lei's horse. This mirror was part of a "sword formation" allegedly set up by a fortune teller to dispel evil spirits after the local bell tower began to ring inexplicably. Upon apprehending the fortune teller, they discovered he too was a pawn.
Fu Sheng found that a key section of the fortune teller's ancestral bamboo scroll, detailing "evil breaking," had been replaced with a newer piece, and its binding rope was new. The fortune teller blamed his apprentice, who had vanished after replacing the rope and had first informed him of the bell tower's mysterious ringing. Fu Sheng recognized a pattern: this apprentice, like assistant Dou and Cui, was another "bullied underling" being exploited.
Back at the clinic, pandemonium erupted as patients suffered severe diarrhea after their medication was secretly replaced with laxatives. They identified Hulu as the pharmacist responsible. Hulu, however, had vanished. An enraged mob of citizens, fueled by rumors that Fu Sheng was a killer and a quack, besieged the clinic, accusing him and the Lord's Mansion of conspiring against them.
A Ma Gang member defended Fu Sheng, stating that if he were a quack, the Ma Gang would have already destroyed the clinic. Fu Sheng realized this was a "premeditated attack" by the unseen masterminds, an act of desperation. He promptly issued a bounty for Hulu's capture. Fu Sheng then visited Steward Sun of the Chamber of Commerce, inquiring about Hua Lei's death.
He explained that Night Owl was merely a tool, and the alley had been sabotaged to cause Hua Lei's fatal fall. He also asked about the attack on the Ma Gang's West Side branch on the day Lei Juekun died. Steward Sun confirmed the Chamber of Commerce acted on intelligence about weapons stored there, which came from "bottom-level people" connected to the Ma Gang, but these informants were now untraceable.
Fu Sheng requested to be informed if they were ever found. At the abandoned temple, the leader of the mysterious organization confronted Hulu for only using laxatives instead of poison and for carelessly exposing himself. Hulu tearfully confessed he could not bring himself to harm his neighbors.
The leader rebuked him for his "useless kindness," asserting that they, as "weak" individuals who had been "ignored, discriminated against, abused, and stepped on," must "get their hands dirty" for the "greater good" and seize every opportunity. He reminded Hulu of Fu Sheng's past indifference towards him and offered Hulu a final chance: to "lure Fu Sheng here and eliminate him yourself." Another member questioned the morality of their actions, fearing they were becoming no different from the "bad guys." However, the leader sternly dismissed such doubts, insisting that "pain and sacrifice" were unavoidable for change, and declared, "The revolution has begun."
Episode 18 Recap
The situation in Xichuan has become increasingly tense, with six prominent figures from both the Ma Gang and the Chamber of Commerce having died, including Xubu Huai and Hua Lei. Amidst this unrest, Sun Siming, now serving as the Chamber of Commerce steward, receives an accounting of various industries and associated funds. Despite being illiterate, he decides to keep his current bookkeeper in charge, warning him against any dishonesty.
He notes that the chairman rarely inspects the accounts, and previous stewards have taken a significant share of the profits, amounting to at least fifteen percent annually. Fu Sheng, investigating the escalating deaths, visits Sun Siming and asks if anyone from the Chamber of Commerce has gone missing. The bookkeeper recalls a servant named Shunzi who fled shortly after Xubu Huai's death. Shunzi had claimed to be repairing a garden wall during a heavy downpour that night.
Fu Sheng immediately goes to inspect the location, finding distinct marks on the ground consistent with a lightning strike. He deduces that Xubu Huai's carriage was parked behind that wall and suspects someone used an iron chain, linked to a lightning rod on the roof, to guide the lightning directly into the carriage, killing Xubu Huai. The marks on the ground corroborate the chain's path. To further investigate, Fu Sheng goes to the stable and examines Xubu Huai's horse.
He discovers the horse's unusual behavior and symptoms are due to a long-term addiction to Tianyin Grass, which then stopped. This explains why the horse frantically abandoned Xubu Huai that night, suggesting a deliberate plot to lure the horse and its owner to a specific location near the lightning rod. The long-standing animosity between the Ma Gang and the Chamber of Commerce reaches a boiling point, with both factions preparing for all-out war.
The Ma Gang leader, Che, decides to confront the Chamber of Commerce, convinced they are responsible for Xubu Huai's death and intent on avenging him. Fu Sheng learns that seventeen Chamber of Commerce warehouses were burned down the previous night, further fueling Chairman Li's fury and pushing both sides towards a fight to the death. Sun Siming, meanwhile, was secretly planning to escalate this slaughter to achieve his ulterior motives.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Fu Sheng sends Wen Jue to inform City Lord Wen and then heads to the Ma Gang's stables for more evidence. At the stables, Fu Sheng explains to a Ma Gang groom that the horse's unusual condition is due to Tianyin Grass withdrawal. He deduces that a specific groom, who later disappeared, had been regularly mixing the addictive grass into the horse's feed.
This groom then stopped the drug and used the horse's addiction to lure it to the Chamber of Commerce's door, placing Xubu Huai in a vulnerable position. Despite Fu Sheng's accumulating evidence of manipulation, a Ma Gang member insists that war has already begun and cannot be stopped. Determined to halt the conflict, Fu Sheng and others rush to intervene. They uncover Jia Xiaolong's organization, the Foundation, which claims to protect the weak and uphold good by targeting "evil" oppressors.
Fu Sheng, courageous and skilled, confronts Jia Xiaolong alone in a deserted temple, accusing him of hypocrisy and enjoying the manipulation of others. Jia Xiaolong, embracing his fate, expresses a desire for death. At a crucial moment, Hulu, who had feigned betrayal and had been secretly sending messages to Fu Sheng, reveals his true allegiance. He activates a hidden mechanism in his medicine box, incapacitating Jia Xiaolong's men.
This was a pre-arranged plan by Fu Sheng and Hulu to expose Jia Xiaolong. Seeing his plan completely exposed and feeling utterly disheartened, Jia Xiaolong believes he cannot atone for his sins and still seeks death. He recounts the tragic death of his friend Han Shuo in gang violence, who had pawned a Cloud-shaped Jade, believing it was a key to a great treasure.
Jia Xiaolong now possesses the Cloud-shaped Jade but realizes that true power lies in unity, not in a mythical treasure. He offers the jade to Fu Sheng in exchange for the lives of his followers. Fu Sheng accepts and vows to protect them. However, just as he finishes speaking, two masked assailants emerge from the shadows and abduct Jia Xiaolong. Sadly, Jia Xiaolong declares it's too late to prevent the war already engulfing Xichuan.
Despite Fu Sheng's efforts, the Ma Gang and the Chamber of Commerce clash violently. Fu Sheng and Hulu rush into the fray, with Fu Sheng loudly declaring that the recent deaths were orchestrated by the Foundation, not by their rival gangs, and that both sides have been manipulated and used as tools. However, the combatants, fueled by the loss of their own men, refuse to stop fighting for revenge, glaring angrily at each other.
It is only when City Lord Wen Yu steps in, threatening to join whichever side continues the battle, that both Chairman Li and Che reluctantly order their men to withdraw, temporarily defusing the conflict and disrupting Sun Siming's scheme. Later, an official report from the Chamber of Commerce states that the main culprit, Jia Xiaolong, infiltrated Sun Siming's home and was killed by Sun Siming in self-defense during a struggle.
Both Chairman Li and Che, though skeptical, agree to close the case. Che, with thinly veiled sarcasm, praises Sun Siming's unexpected combat skills for a mere carriage steward, while hinting at the implausibility of the story and warning Chairman Li about Sun Siming's capabilities. Fu Sheng, however, finds the official account suspicious and, along with Gu Tian, resolves to investigate further to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Fu Sheng keeps his promise to Jia Xiaolong's followers.
The next day, out of kindness, he offers them a chance to become herb gatherers at Wenfu Hall, encouraging them to learn and find a new, honest life, as they had shown good intentions by protecting him earlier. Hulu, after some playful banter with Fu Sheng, enthusiastically embraces his role as an apprentice. The following day, Fu Sheng, accompanied by his officers, dramatically arrests Fang Zhiyuan in the town square during one of his storytelling performances.
Fang Zhiyuan protests his innocence, claiming to be a mere storyteller. However, Fu Sheng reveals to the assembled crowd that Fang Zhiyuan is, in fact, a covert member of the Foundation. Fu Sheng explains that his suspicion was first aroused when Fang Zhiyuan, in a previous performance, unexpectedly changed his narrative to feature the "Three Heroes of Xichuan."
These three heroes, hearing rumors of danger, had gone into hiding and were later found hanged, making Fang Zhiyuan's decision to tell their story highly suspicious, especially since these figures didn't fit Fang Zhiyuan's typical criteria for heroes or villains. Fu Sheng later presented this observation to Jia Xiaolong, who inadvertently confirmed Fang Zhiyuan's role.
Jia Xiaolong explained that Fang Zhiyuan shifted his story to mention the "Three Heroes" because their continued existence after being featured in Fang's narrative would have diminished Fang's credibility. Jia Xiaolong asserted that their deaths were necessary to maintain Fang Zhiyuan's prestige and serve as a warning to others. Cornered by this irrefutable evidence, Fang Zhiyuan admits his affiliation with the Foundation, declaring its purpose is to cleanse the corrupted city of Xichuan, which he views as already in chaos.
He warns the crowd that they will regret their current inaction as he is led away by the guards. In a separate conversation, City Lord Wen Yu advises Chairman Li to consolidate his position.
Episode 19 Recap
As night fell, Sun Siming was in the stables feeding the horses when Li Zhizhuo, the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, burst in, furious. Li Zhizhuo accused Sun Siming of killing a suspect and angrily asked if Sun Siming intended to kill him next. Sun Siming immediately dropped to his knees, feigning submission and claiming he would never dare to harm the Chairman.
However, as Li Zhizhuo relaxed his guard, Sun Siming grabbed a nearby water bucket and struck him, knocking him unconscious. Li Zhizhuo slowly regained consciousness, only to find himself in a shallow pit, being buried alive by Sun Siming. He frantically warned Sun Siming that the powerful forces behind him would not let him get away with murder. Just then, Liu Yunting, the Venerable Emissary, arrived. Li Zhizhuo desperately called out to her for help.
Sun Siming remained composed and calmly recounted his version of Master Lin's death. He claimed he was knocked out at the scene and awoke to find Master Lin dying, who then handed him a handkerchief and a clay ocarina, clearly implicating Li Zhizhuo in the murder. Li Zhizhuo tried to explain, but his frantic attempts only made his story more convoluted and inconsistent. Liu Yunting, observing his disarray, concluded that he was lying and, without hesitation, killed Li Zhizhuo.
She then declared that the Jibei Chamber of Commerce now belonged to Sun Siming and instructed him to bury the body. Sun Siming reveled in the thrill of power he now held. Now the new Chairman, Sun Siming ordered Li Zhizhuo's belongings removed from the premises and his own red-painted furniture brought in. One subordinate hesitated to discard Li Zhizhuo's favorite birdcage, expressing concern for Li Zhizhuo's feelings should he return.
Sun Siming, with a mocking smile, ordered the man to stand at the entrance with the birdcage indefinitely, until Li Zhizhuo returned, implying he was dead. The subordinate, understanding the grim reality, immediately addressed Sun Siming as "Chairman" and pledged his loyalty. The next day, the Chamber of Commerce buzzed with activity, decorated to celebrate Sun Siming's new position. His subordinates offered extravagant gifts, praising him as a great man.
Sun Siming acknowledged their support, promising to look after them and ensure no one under his leadership would go hungry. He also noted the absence of congratulatory messages from other Xichuan powers and affiliated shops, stating his intention to personally visit them and make his presence known. Later, at the Jinchandong mine, Sun Siming distributed gifts to the miners and reflected on his impoverished youth.
He recounted how his brother once stole a flatbread for him, only to be severely beaten and left a simpleton, a memory that fueled his insatiable desire to escape poverty. He then struck a ceremonial gong, a symbol of finding Star Gold, declaring his satisfaction in achieving what he once yearned for, displaying the arrogance of one newly empowered. Following this, Sun Siming visited the Horse Tribe (Ma Bu), whose chief was wary of him.
The chief ordered his subordinates to check the surroundings for ambushes before asking Sun Siming his purpose. Sun Siming claimed he was merely visiting to socialize. Once his subordinates confirmed no ambush, the chief relaxed and hosted a banquet for Sun Siming. Meanwhile, at the medical hall, Wen Yu, Fu Sheng, and others were discussing the Cloud-shaped Jade. Wen Yu discovered that the clinic was losing money because Fu Sheng treated poor patients without charge.
Enraged by the financial mismanagement, she sternly told Fu Sheng to find a way to make the clinic profitable or face being homeless. Fu Sheng continued his investigation into Han Shuo, learning that Han Shuo, who died five years ago in a conflict between the Ma Gang and the Chamber of Commerce, had been an errand boy for Luo Ye, a prominent merchant whose family's tenants were Han Shuo's ancestors.
Realizing they needed an introduction to the Luo family, Fu Sheng noted that the Xichuan Young Mistress would have to facilitate their visit. Fu Sheng then visited Luo Ye, who was gravely ill with lumps accumulating on his intestines, causing severe abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and blood in his stool. Luo Ye expressed little hope for a cure, having consulted many physicians who understood his disease but could not treat it.
Fu Sheng, however, assured Luo Ye that he could cure him, then revealed his true purpose: to inquire about Han Shuo. Luo Ye was initially hesitant to discuss Han Shuo, stating that the matter involved a close friend's secret and the lives of his entire family. Fu Sheng proposed a radical surgical procedure to cut open Luo Ye's stomach, extract the accumulation, and if necessary, cut, clean, and suture the intestines.
Desperate, Luo Ye agreed to reveal everything he knew about Han Shuo if Fu Sheng successfully cured him. Fu Sheng requested time to prepare, promising to inform Luo Ye when he was ready. To prepare for the complex surgery, Fu Sheng began practicing on rabbits. Several died, leading him to conclude that his scalpels were not sharp or precise enough.
He sought out the best craftsman in the capital, but even the master smith could not create tools to his exacting specifications. The craftsman suggested seeking help from Wen Yu's father, Lord Wen, a renowned and unrivaled craftsman of weapons. Surprised by this revelation, Wen Yu reluctantly agreed to ask her father for help, using emotional pleas and reminding him that Fu Sheng was his savior. Her father, though initially resistant to her "blackmail," eventually agreed.
With his assistant Duck, Fu Sheng continued his experiments, making precise cuts on himself to map the flow of human blood, identify organs like the spleen, intestines, and main blood vessels, and meticulously track bleeding. His goal was to perfect his technique and understand the intricacies of the human body before operating on Luo Ye. Meanwhile, news of Liu Yunting killing Li Zhizhuo and promoting Sun Siming reached the Breakwall Lord.
The Lord confronted Liu Yunting, expressing his displeasure at her disposal of Li Zhizhuo, an asset cultivated by the organization for years, in favor of a "lowly horse slave." Liu Yunting defended her actions, arguing that Li Zhizhuo was disobedient and uncooperative, while Sun Siming was ambitious, cunning, and obedient, making him a more effective tool for the Lord's agenda within the Chamber of Commerce.
The Lord coldly questioned whether disobedience justified death, hinting that he might apply the same logic to her. Before he could finish his thought, Guo Sishui, another Breakwall assassin, swiftly and decisively killed Liu Yunting. The Lord, unfazed, acknowledged Sishui's action, telling her she had seized her opportunity and to cherish it as she assumed Liu Yunting's role as the Xichuan Emissary.
Episode 20 Recap
General Dou Tong burst into the palace with his elite troops, claiming to protect the Jibei King. The King, bewildered, questioned Dou Tong's actions, stating there was no rebellion.
Dou Tong accused the King of ignoring three unsolved mysteries from twenty years ago: the sudden disappearance of the King's family on his wedding night, the wrongful purge of Inner Attendant Su Rang and 82 loyal officials (including Dou Tong's own father) who were falsely accused and eliminated, and the mysterious fire that destroyed all related documents. Dou Tong suspected the Lord advising Jibei King of being responsible.
As Dou Tong moved to apprehend the Lord, a spy hidden within his own ranks fatally stabbed him. Shocked, the cowardly Jibei King obeyed the Lord's command and posthumously condemned Dou Tong as a traitor who gathered his army to usurp the throne. Meanwhile, Wen Jue carefully handed Fu Sheng a set of surgical tools, meticulously crafted by her father. Confident in his new instruments, Fu Sheng was ready to treat Mr. Luo.
The next day, after a successful operation, a recovering Mr. Luo revealed the long-held truth behind Han Shuo's death, which dated back twenty years. He recounted how he and Han's father had rescued two wounded men, Song Zhe and Song Yuan, during a hunting trip. Song Zhe, gravely ill, died shortly after and was buried by Han's father and Song Yuan. Song Yuan then became a doorman for the Chang family.
He bestowed two family heirlooms, the Mountain-shaped Jade and Water-shaped Jade, upon Han Shuo's father and son, establishing a tradition of annual meetings. Five years prior, Han Shuo, carrying one of the jades for their yearly rendezvous, mysteriously died at a place known as the Hole Ghost. Both Song Yuan and Han Shuo perished during this incident, and the two jades vanished. Intrigued by the mention of the Hole Ghost, Fu Sheng, Gu Tian, and Wen Jue initiated an investigation.
Wen Jue explained that the Hole Ghost was a mysterious phenomenon in Xichuan that had appeared over a decade ago. It preyed on babies under one year old, taking them away amidst ghost-like cries and the appearance of a black fog or a black hole, and leaving behind clay dolls. Witnesses often reported seeing a black hole that sucked babies in, only for a clay doll to fly out in their place.
Visiting a family whose baby was stolen three years prior, they learned that all such abductions occurred on the 15th night of the lunar month, a full moon. The grieving mother, against her husband's wishes, had kept the clay doll left in her child's place and reluctantly lent it to Fu Sheng.
Fu Sheng deduced that the "Hole Ghost" was a human operation exploiting local superstitions about full moons to ensure families were home and to deflect suspicion onto supernatural forces. He then instructed Jiu to gather men for a covert stakeout. That night, Jiu led his men to positions around the village. At Liu Da's home, as he and his wife tried to soothe their baby, an eerie cry echoed, followed by the appearance of a black fog.
Liu Da, disoriented by what he described as a black hole and shadowy figures, frantically tried to fight them off with an axe but failed. The baby was gone, replaced by a freshly molded clay doll, still smelling of wet earth. Fu Sheng noted that this new doll differed from the previous one. Neighbors further away claimed to hear nothing, leading Fu Sheng to suspect a localized effect.
He realized the culprits were using hallucinogenic drugs and special sounds to create the illusion of ghosts, thereby confusing the victims and allowing for a clean escape. The following day, Fu Sheng offered free medical consultations to the villagers and quickly discovered that many suffered from chronic poisoning.
Further investigation revealed that the poison originated from the "Holy Pool," where villagers (and even the Chang family, due to early miscarriages) drank or bathed in "divine water" from an idol to ward off misfortune and protect their children. This poisonous water caused congenital weakness in babies, making them more susceptible to early death. Fu Sheng concluded that the Hole Ghost specifically targeted these sickly children.
He then revisited the Chang Mansion and spoke with Mr. Chang, who was the only surviving child to have been rescued from the Hole Ghost decades ago. Mr. Chang recounted a flashback where Song Yuan and Han Shuo fought to retrieve him from the Hole Ghost.
During this struggle, Han Shuo was tragically shot by a passing caravan after becoming frenzied by the illusions, while Song Yuan, moments before succumbing to his injuries while holding the baby, cryptically whispered, "West of the city. . . In the woods. . ." Mr. Chang also recalled that the clay doll left in his place had a hollow head.
Feng Qianli relayed the gathered information to Yingying, who in turn informed Gu Tian that the Hole Ghost was predicted to appear in the West Woods the day after the full moon, which was that very night. Fu Sheng, Gu Tian, and Wen Jue concealed themselves at the woods' entrance. True to the prediction, a figure carrying a baby emerged.
They quickly intercepted the individual, rescuing the child (revealed to be Liu Da's baby), but were then ambushed by a group of assailants. The forest was filled with a disorienting, poisonous fog that induced hallucinations. Fu Sheng, recalling their previous encounter, quickly administered acupuncture to himself and his companions, enabling them to escape the immediate effects of the mist. However, in the chaos, the baby was snatched once more.
The next day, determined to understand the mysterious fog, the trio returned to the woods. Fu Sheng, armed with a bottle, intended to collect and analyze the fog. Despite Gu Tian's and Wen Jue's warnings about the dangers of the poison, Fu Sheng was resolute. He instructed them to knock him unconscious if he lost control after inhaling the fog. As soon as he inhaled a small amount, he collapsed into a profound hallucination.
He awoke later with a throbbing headache, questioning if he had been struck, which his companions playfully denied, attributing his injury to himself. The trio acknowledged the potency of the poison and the difficulty of finding an antidote. They deduced that the perpetrators must possess a method of adapting to or neutralizing the fog's effects, necessitating further study of the fog itself. Separately, in a high-level political discussion, the Lord convened with three elders.
He announced General Dou Tong's execution by Jibei King for defiance and disrespecting royal authority, and sought a trusted successor, for whom they recommended General Du Shang. The Lord then shared news that "Rebel Zhu" was dead, a long-standing threat finally neutralized after over twenty years. Despite this victory, the Lord expressed his deep concern over the whereabouts of the "Bird Jade Plate," stolen by "Sage Zhu" (likely the same "Rebel Zhu") during the King's wedding.
This jade plate was the key to unlocking the "Treasure of the Sealed Book," and its continued absence troubled him greatly. He revealed he had dispatched General Guo Sishui to Xichuan, expecting updates soon.
Episode 21 Recap
The wise ruler of Jibei convened three elders to discuss the successor to General Dou's position, and they unanimously recommended Dushang for the important role. In Xichuan, the weather was oppressively hot for several days, making work difficult for the locals who noted that even rats avoided the deserted streets due to the high temperatures.
Amidst the scorching heat, Lieutenant Guo Sishui of the 5th Battalion of the North Division arrived at the Jibei Chamber of Commerce with her subordinate, Yin Lie. Yin Lie initially behaved aggressively towards the Chamber of Commerce men but was quickly reprimanded by Guo Sishui, who instructed him to be friendly. Guo Sishui introduced herself as the new Vice Chairman, appointed by the border army.
She revealed that the previous appointee, Liu Yunting, had been executed for incompetence, but had saved the current Chairman, Sun Siming, from a similar fate. She sternly warned Sun Siming that if he ever did anything groveling or damaging to Jibei's reputation, she would kill him. Sun Siming, despite his initial offer to let Guo Sishui take his place, pledged to manage the Chamber of Commerce well.
Guo Sishui then expressed her immediate desire to meet Che Hujue, the Ma Gang leader, whom she considered their biggest enemy, emphasizing the military principle of swift action. Sun Siming promised to arrange a meeting for the next day. Concurrently, Fu Sheng and Wen Jue arrived at the Chamber of Commerce. Fu Sheng noticed the Jibei Army soldiers wearing masks, which sparked his suspicion, indicating that Xichuan might face renewed turmoil.
Wen Jue, Xichuan's Young Mistress, however, found it unremarkable, suggesting the masks were merely for protection against the wind and sand after their long journey through various environments. Gu Tian, who was also with them, confirmed that border troops often wore masks for sandstorms.
Fu Sheng, intrigued by the mask's potential for protection against poisonous mist, decided to return to his clinic to test an idea he had, while Wen Jue went to inform her father, Lord Wen, about the border army's unprovoked entry into Xichuan. Gu Tian, exasperated, felt like he was constantly indebted to his companions. Later, Sun Siming complained to his elder brother about Guo Sishui, calling her a "treacherous woman" who had hurt his wrist.
He vowed to kill her eventually, distinguishing between those he could kill now and those he would kill later, with his brother being the only one he could not bear to harm. The next day, Sun Siming introduced the Ma Gang Leader to Guo Sishui. The Ma Gang Leader, Che Hujue, initially offered a drink but then scoffed at Guo Sishui, telling the "little girl" to "try to survive for a year."
Guo Sishui retorted that she would drink to him when he died by her sword, making him the one-hundredth Xiangshui Gang man she had killed. Che Hujue boasted about Ma Gang's victories over the Chamber of Commerce but conceded that Guo Sishui might be his next opponent. Guo Sishui retorted that he should focus on living long enough to face her. Che Hujue then ordered his men to leave without eating.
Guo Sishui then demanded to know why her intelligence indicated an even match with Ma Gang, when in fact they seemed to be losing. Sun Siming explained that Ma Gang's people were brutal and fearless in battle. He revealed that a highly skilled physician named Fu Sheng had opened a clinic in their territory, capable of reviving anyone still breathing.
This made Ma Gang's members unafraid of death, leading them to fight like "mad dogs" and causing the Chamber of Commerce heavy losses. Sun Siming advised avoiding conflict for now, but Guo Sishui was determined to meet Fu Sheng, despite Sun Siming's warning that Fu Sheng's clinic was owned by Wen Jue, Lord Wen's daughter, who was a formidable figure. After the tense meeting, Sun Siming's brother, who had witnessed the exchange, asked if they would eat.
Sun Siming, now seeing the confrontation as a spectacle, suggested they stay to watch "the fox spirit fight the old mad dog." Meanwhile, Che Hujue, reflecting on the encounter, acknowledged that Guo Sishui was not an easy opponent. His subordinate offered to eliminate her, but Che Hujue advised caution, stating they needed to understand her methods first.
He emphasized that accumulating strength was paramount for Ma Gang and that they should not act preemptively if she had not yet made her move. Guo Sishui then met with Lord Wen, who was practicing archery. She praised his soldiers for their discipline but quickly cut to the chase, questioning why his daughter's clinic was so closely aligned with Ma Gang, thereby upsetting the balance in Xichuan.
Lord Wen dismissed it as his daughter's hobby and warned Guo Sishui against making threats. He then performed a coin magic trick, making a Wuzhu coin disappear and reappear, to illustrate that "seeing is not believing" and that "you don't have to stand out when you do something." He advised Guo Sishui that only smart people survive in Xichuan, implicitly reminding her to use business acumen rather than military tactics.
Guo Sishui, recognizing the subtle warning, noted to Yin Lie that Lord Wen was a "treacherous old fox" who understood the dynamics of business and politics. As they left, Fu Sheng approached Guo Sishui, surprising her. He introduced himself as the physician from Wenfu Hall and requested to borrow one of the border army's masks. He explained that Hole Ghost had stolen a child a few days prior, and he had been impeded by poisonous fog in the West Woods.
Guo Sishui, without asking further, gave him a mask. Back at the clinic, Fu Sheng examined the mask, noting its ingenious layered construction of different fabrics, from coarse burlap to fine silk, designed to filter out sandstorms while allowing free breathing. He pondered if the same principle could be applied to poisonous mist. He tried an initial experiment with the mist, but it proved ineffective, making him cough uncontrollably. He wondered what material could block the toxic fog.
Meanwhile, Hulu accidentally discovered that charcoal could purify toxic water. Inspired by this, Fu Sheng integrated charcoal into his experimental mask design. He asked Gu Tian to test the improved mask in the mist. Initially hesitant, Gu Tian eventually agreed. The new mask proved effective, allowing Gu Tian to breathe freely, and Fu Sheng was elated. The next night, Fu Sheng, Gu Tian, and Wen Jue returned to Hole Ghost, searching for answers and the stolen Mountain-shaped jade.
They heard the cries of babies coming from deeper within the cave. Inside, they discovered a community of disabled people. The witch doctor, Qin Miao, was performing a ritual over a baby. Gu Tian swiftly intervened to rescue the child, but they were immediately surrounded by the villagers.
Wen Jue revealed her identity as the Xichuan Princess, attempting to assert authority and warn against harming them, but the villagers still claimed Qin Miao was saving the child, not harming it, presenting their act as a divine blessing. Despite Fu Sheng's concern about administering medicine without proper diagnosis, Qin Miao gave the baby a liquid, which seemingly calmed it. Fu Sheng remained skeptical about the medicine's immediate effect.
Following the incident, the Chief of the tribe, Tian Xiu, explained their origins as the "Tianyi tribe," descendants of abandoned, sickly infants who struggled to survive in the forest. He stated they only took in abandoned, sick children from outside, claiming it was to save them from death and prevent the spread of toxins to their own people.
He clarified that children from outside had to stay with the witch doctor for seven days to have "Heaven Soup" remove toxins, and only survivors would be integrated into the tribe. Fu Sheng expressed a desire to meet the witch doctor and requested to stay longer, which the Chief reluctantly allowed, warning them not to offend the masters. Fu Sheng also inquired about the Mountain-shaped jade, but the Chief evaded the question, telling them to rest.
Later that night, Gu Tian secretly observed Qin Miao boiling soup. He overheard the witch doctor speaking impatiently and threateningly towards a crying baby, suggesting he might boil it next. Gu Tian quickly imitated a cat's cry to escape detection. He later recounted his experience, expressing deep suspicion about the Chief's claims of detoxification and Qin Miao's true intentions. Fu Sheng, Wen Jue, and Gu Tian decided to remain to uncover the truth behind Qin Miao's actions.
The following day, while being hospitably hosted by Tian Xiu, who apologized for the lack of refined food but insisted on its originality, Tian Yu, one of the villagers, suffered a sudden and severe asthma attack. Fu Sheng immediately attempted to examine him, but Qin Miao arrived, and his men restrained Fu Sheng, claiming Tianyi tribe members were treated by their own witch doctor and that outside interference would anger the gods.
Qin Miao then administered his "magic water," but it had no effect, and Tian Yu's condition worsened. Fu Sheng broke free and quickly stabilized Tian Yu, teaching him breathing exercises and advising him to avoid dusty environments, cooking smoke, reduce salt intake, and exercise to prevent future attacks. However, Qin Miao, seizing the moment, declared that Tian Yu had been cured by divine intervention, not Fu Sheng. Despite Wen Jue's protests, the villagers credited the gods. Gu Tian, during the commotion, secretly collected a sample of Qin Miao's "magic water" for further investigation.
Episode 22 Recap
After Gu Tian surreptitiously obtained the "divine water" from the witch doctors, Fu Sheng examined it and discovered it was merely common medicine for colds. He noted that these witch doctors only knew this single remedy. The village chief then appeared, admitting that the witch doctors exploited this medicine, attributing its effects to divine blessings, to gain the villagers' trust.
He revealed that they misused this trust to create poisonous mist from the Tianyi tribe's unique heart-eater grass, which they used as the "Hole Ghost" to abduct infants and expand their tribe. Additionally, they established poisonous barriers around the village, isolating its inhabitants from the outside world. Having lost the villagers' faith himself, the chief implored Fu Sheng to expose the witch doctors' evil deeds. Fu Sheng inquired if a man named Song Yuan had visited the village years ago.
The chief vividly recalled Song Yuan, who had rescued a child but was poisoned by the heart-eater grass mist when he broke through the barrier. Villagers then seized a mountain-shaped jade pendant from Song Yuan and presented it to the witch doctors. The chief promised to give the jade to Fu Sheng if he helped reveal the witch doctors' deception.
Unbeknownst to them, Tian Yu overheard this conversation and promptly relayed the information to the witch doctors, led by Immortal Qin. The witch doctors decided to use the name of the gods to eliminate Fu Sheng. They also discussed Wen Jue, the only daughter of City Lord Wen Yu and the Young Mistress of Xichuan.
While they intended to appease her to elevate their own status in the city, they planned to get rid of Fu Sheng and his companions by making an example of those he saved, sending them "to serve the gods" right before their eyes. That night, parents whose child had been abducted heard a knock at their door. Upon opening it, they found a man calling himself Immortal Wang, who returned their baby.
Immortal Wang claimed the child was possessed by a demon and performed a dramatic ritual. Feigning exhaustion and near-death after his "heroic" efforts, he convinced the couple to hand over all their savings for a supposed rare medicine. He then warned them that the "Hole Ghost" might seek revenge, advising them to leave Xichuan and keep their child's return a secret to avoid further trouble. Meanwhile, Immortal Qin orchestrated a public spectacle.
He had Tian Yu tied up and, before the villagers, burned a mud doll. The villagers, under the influence of the smoke, hallucinated, seeing a dark mist enter Fu Sheng. Immortal Qin declared Fu Sheng possessed by an evil spirit and called for his immediate elimination. Recognizing the familiar scent, Fu Sheng quickly rescued Tian Yu and fled the scene. The next day, Gu Tian secretly tracked Immortal Wang.
He confronted the charlatan in front of the distraught couple, exposing his tricks. Immortal Wang confessed to his petty deceptions, explaining his use of alkaline water and turmeric water to create the illusion of a visible ghost on paper. Gu Tian revealed that the witch doctors, posing as the "Hole Ghost," had been stealing children, and Immortal Wang would then "return" them to extort money, convincing the families to leave to prevent exposure. Enraged, the couple attacked Immortal Wang.
Gu Tian prevented them from killing him but encouraged them to beat him. Elsewhere, Wen Jue bravely created a diversion to allow Fu Sheng and Tian Yu to escape the pursuing witch doctors. She was captured by Wang Zhong, who questioned her about Fu Sheng's whereabouts. Wen Jue feigned ignorance, prompting Wang Zhong to order Tian Gou to continue the search.
After regaining some composure from his asthma attack, Tian Yu apologized to Fu Sheng for informing Immortal Qin, which led to their current predicament. He explained that Immortal Qin had saved his life multiple times due to his asthma, earning his deep trust. Tian Yu revealed that Immortal Qin would craft mud dolls with hollow heads, filling them with cotton and heart-eater grass.
On the 15th of each month, before stealing a baby, he would ignite the mud doll's head and place it in the house. Once the adults inhaled the fumes and began to hallucinate, he would sneak in and swap the baby with a mud doll. Tian Yu further clarified that while the Tianyi tribe had developed immunity to heart-eater grass, the general populace had not. He admitted to having helped Qin Miao make these dolls.
Fu Sheng tasted the mud doll and identified ingredients like agarwood, sandalwood, cinnabar, and the highly rare hallucinogen, mandragora. He deduced that since the Tianyi tribe had become resistant to heart-eater grass, Immortal Qin required a more potent hallucinogen to maintain his control. Tian Yu then recalled that Wang Bo and Wang Zhong, Immortal Qin's subordinates, frequently visited "Dead Man Cliff," a place Immortal Qin claimed was haunted by wandering ghosts.
Tian Yu explained that villagers who dared to go saw mysterious "ghost fires" floating up from the cliff. Fu Sheng realized these were merely phosphorescence from decaying matter, and Tian Yu agreed to guide him to the cliff. Upon arriving at Dead Man Cliff, Fu Sheng and Tian Yu found themselves cornered at the cave entrance by Immortal Qin and his men. Gu Tian, acting as a diversion, lured the witch doctors away.
Seizing the opportunity, Fu Sheng rescued Wen Jue, untying her, and together they made their escape. Immortal Qin soon realized he had been outmaneuvered. Later, Immortal Qin falsely announced to the villagers that he had angered the gods and must leave. The desperate villagers pleaded with him to stay and save them. At this critical moment, Tian Yu and Fu Sheng executed their plan. Tian Yu dramatically presented Wen Jue and Fu Sheng, ostensibly captured, to Immortal Qin.
As Immortal Qin prepared to execute Fu Sheng publicly, Fu Sheng used mandragora to induce a collective hallucination among the villagers. They witnessed a "double" of Immortal Qin confessing all his wicked deeds. Immortal Qin vehemently protested, claiming that gods and ghosts were mere illusions, which Fu Sheng used to expose that Immortal Qin's previous "miracles" were also just illusions.
Fu Sheng then revealed that Immortal Qin was currently trapped within "his" illusion, and thus his confession was audible to all the villagers. Fu Sheng then burned a paper talisman, seemingly summoning a "Heavenly Immortal." This "Heavenly Immortal" directly accused Immortal Qin of his heinous acts and bound him with a "Soul-binding Chain." The villagers, having witnessed the "Heavenly Immortal" conjured by Fu Sheng and heard Immortal Qin's admission of deceit, believed their own eyes.
Episode 23 Recap
Fu Sheng skillfully used the witch doctor’s own deceptive tactics, invoking a "heavenly immortal" to expose and subdue him in front of the gathered villagers. Seeing the angry crowd turn on them, the witch doctor’s accomplices panicked and desperately tried to pin all their misdeeds on him, begging for mercy. They confessed that their entire practice relied on a copper pot filled with Apricot Kernel and Perilla Powder, a common remedy only effective for colds.
If a patient recovered, they claimed it was a divine blessing; if not, they declared the person to be wicked or tormented by spirits. Fu Sheng vehemently condemned them for their long history of harming people, taking innocent lives, and abducting children, stating that even if he were to pardon them, the vengeful spirits of their victims would never agree.
The villagers, now realizing they had been deceived by the supposed "Hole Ghost," erupted in anger against Qin Miao and her associates. Fu Sheng revealed that Qin Miao, masquerading as Hole Ghost, had systematically stolen children and then sold them back to their desperate parents or other buyers for profit. He explained that by tasting the clay doll used in their rituals, he had identified the hallucinogenic spice, which allowed him to formulate an antidote.
Furthermore, he disclosed that replacing their skilled drummer, Wang Bo, with the inexperienced Wang Zhong, and then having Wang Bo disrupt their ritual drumming, had caused their illusion to fail. Meanwhile, Gu Tian, on his way to deliver urgent news to Wen Yu, unexpectedly encountered Guo Sishui. Due to time constraints, he brought her directly to Hole Ghost to apprehend the witch doctor and his accomplices.
Fulfilling his earlier promise, the chief then presented the Mountain-shaped Jade to Fu Sheng, who accepted it with gratitude. Guo Sishui subsequently ordered her men to escort the captured witch doctors to the Jibei Chamber of Commerce. Later that night, Fu Sheng and Wen Yu discreetly returned the abducted children to their waiting families. Wen Yu initially felt a pang of shame, believing the City Lord's Mansion's delay in arresting Hole Ghost had prolonged the suffering.
Fu Sheng, however, reassured her that she bore no blame. Witnessing the tearful reunions and the heartfelt embraces between parents and their safely returned children brought a profound sense of accomplishment to both. Before parting ways, Wen Yu shyly thanked Fu Sheng, a gesture that left him somewhat perplexed by her sudden display of gratitude. Back at their quarters, Fu Sheng, Wen Yu, and Gu Tian carefully placed the Mountain-shaped Jade onto the jade plate.
They observed it intently, but the plate remained unresponsive. Gu Tian wondered if they had arranged it incorrectly, but Wen Yu confirmed her placement followed the jade’s shape precisely. The possibility of the jade being a forgery was raised, but Fu Sheng quickly dismissed it, emphasizing the rarity of such material and the unique nature of the jade, which would make counterfeiting nearly impossible.
With no immediate solution, Ying Ying proposed that Hearsay-capturing Pavilion initiate a thorough investigation into the jade’s origins, hoping to uncover new clues. Gu Tian light-heartedly teased Fu Sheng about becoming "family" with Ying Ying. Separately, Guo Sishui urgently pressed Sun Siming to expedite his search for the Cloud-shaped Jade, Water-shaped Jade, the jade plate, and a "Painting of Luan."
Sun Siming expressed confusion over the sudden increase in required items, particularly the painting, and the implication that its location was already known. Chairman Guo, however, refused to elaborate further, simply commanding him to act swiftly. The following day, Ying Ying presented her investigative findings: the Mountain-shaped Jade had once been in the possession of Song Yuan, and the Water-shaped Jade by Song Zhe. Both individuals were among the surviving soldiers from a raid orchestrated by Song Jingye’s Royal Army.
The Hearsay-capturing Pavilion's intelligence confirmed a significant raid outside Xichuan, for which Lord Wen was responsible. Wen Yu immediately sought out her father for clarification. Lord Wen confessed that he had been coerced by the powerful Jibei Mansion to intercept what they claimed were "bandits" who had stolen a valuable treasure. During the ambush, he discovered that his targets were not common bandits but the Royal Army, realizing he had inadvertently committed a grave political blunder.
To protect his small city of Xichuan and conceal his entanglement in court strife, Lord Wen secretly saved one surviving Royal Army soldier. He then publicly declared that all "bandits" had been annihilated and, to ensure the survivor's anonymity, renamed him Meng Qin and arranged for him to live discreetly within a local theater troupe. Fu Sheng deduced that Song Jingye’s well-known fondness for theater was likely a ruse to reconnect with Meng Qin.
Meanwhile, the Jibei King was shown neglecting state affairs, indulging in frivolous pleasures, and ignoring urgent reports of famine in the Liaoyin and Zhu City regions. He had been secretly addicted to a substance for days, a potent blend of rhizoma gastrodiae powder laced with the highly toxic Japonicus, administered by the influential eunuch, Su Rang.
Su Rang, who controlled the only source of the antidote, ruthlessly exploited the King’s desperate addiction, humiliating him and forcing him to refer to him as "Father" in exchange for relief. Su Rang frequently reminded the King that his very position on the throne of Jibei was entirely dependent on Su Rang’s continued support. Fu Sheng and Wen Yu began their search for Meng Qin within the various theater troupes, initially without success.
Then, Feng Qianli arrived with a crucial update: Meng Qin had resigned from the Jixiang Crew years ago and worked several odd jobs before being taken in by a sheepskin shadow puppet troupe leader. He had become a highly skilled shadow puppeteer and married the leader's daughter. Despite being offered leadership of the troupe, Meng Qin chose to pass the role to his junior disciple, preferring to dedicate himself fully to his craft.
He was now the star performer of the shadow puppet troupe at Duoqing Pavilion, scheduled to perform his renowned "Master Huang in the East Sea" show that very night. Sun Siming, upon hearing about the special performance at Duoqing Pavilion, also hastened there, as did Tuoba Ruo, who suspected Sun Siming had hidden motives. Fu Sheng found Meng Qin in the backstage area of Duoqing Pavilion, meticulously preparing his animal hide puppets.
Fu Sheng directly questioned him about the Treasure of the Sealed Book. Meng Qin, maintaining his composure, denied any knowledge of such a treasure. He asserted that he was a lifelong native of Xichuan, born and raised there, having learned shadow puppetry at the age of eight and never having left the city or joined other troupes since.
He offered details about his parents' graves, located just outside the city, and mentioned his wife and young five-year-old son, explaining the age gap as a common difficulty for those in their humble profession. Fu Sheng observed Meng Qin’s hands, which were rough and scarred from the lime used in treating the puppet hides, a detail corroborated by Meng Qin’s junior disciple, who attested to his dedication.
When asked about Song Jingye, Meng Qin acknowledged "Chairman Song" as a frequent and generous patron of their shadow puppet shows but insisted that his "lowly" status prevented any personal closeness. Despite Meng Qin's denials, Fu Sheng's suspicions were heightened by an occasional twitch in Meng Qin's hand, which he believed was an old injury, further strengthening his conviction that Meng Qin was indeed the former Royal Army soldier they sought.
Simultaneously, the troupe leader informed Meng Qin that a "noble guest," identified as the new Chairman of the Jibei Chamber of Commerce, Sun Siming, had specifically requested his "Master Huang in the East Sea" performance, and that the entire pavilion had been closed to all other patrons to ensure privacy.
Episode 24 Recap
The Emperor, acting subserviently, addressed Su Rang as "Father" and massaged him, expressing fatigue from his duties. He then cautiously inquired why Su Rang was so intent on finding the Heavenly Book Treasure, suggesting they should simply enjoy their opulent life at Jibei Mansion, which offered the best of everything and endless wealth. Angered, Su Rang struck the Emperor, sternly declaring he cared nothing for the "bullshit" treasure and that the Emperor knew what he truly desired.
Meanwhile, Sun Siming had closed Duoqing Pavilion, intending to enjoy a shadow play alone. Guo Sishui, however, soon arrived, accusing him of concealing information. She insisted on watching the play with him. They quickly realized the performer was not Meng Qin but his apprentice, who explained that Meng Qin had to rush home for an urgent matter, having only taught him the play the previous day.
Suspecting Meng Qin had anticipated their arrival, Sun Siming quickly departed with his men, while Guo Sishui dismissed her own men as useless, telling them to wait behind with her. Wen Yu, daughter of the city lord, astutely observed that Meng Qin's attempts to hide his identity likely stemmed from a deep concern for his family. She reasoned that to elicit the truth from him, they needed to approach him through those he cherished most.
Meng Qin, foreseeing trouble, had already arranged for his wife and young son to leave Xichuan ahead of him, planning to rendezvous outside the city. As he tried to slip away, Guo Sishui’s men, led by Yin Lie, intercepted him. Fortunately, Gu Tian arrived in time, valiantly fighting them off and rescuing Meng Qin. At the clinic, Fu Sheng carefully tended to Meng Qin's wounds.
Wen Yu pressed Meng Qin to be truthful, reminding him that both her father, Lord Wen Yu, and now they, had saved his life. Meng Qin, acknowledging her as the Young Mistress of Xichuan, expressed his gratitude with formal courtesies, but Wen Yu interrupted him, dismissing such "flowery words" and urging him to be direct.
Meng Qin confessed that he had lied to conceal his past as a palace guard, a secret Lord Wen Yu had helped him keep after his injury, allowing him to live a peaceful life. He then asked why they sought him. Fu Sheng then displayed the Cloud-shaped Jade, Mountain-shaped Jade, and the Bird Jade Plate. Meng Qin, recognizing all three, was stunned, asking who they truly were.
Fu Sheng revealed he was the son of Physician Fu from Shangyi, the person Song Jingye was supposed to deliver these items to, but his father was now deceased. The Bird Jade Plate had been Fu Sheng’s possession since childhood. Meng Qin wondered why Song Jingye had not told him this, to which Fu Sheng replied that Song Jingye had died shortly after they met, leaving no time.
Meng Qin, now wanting only to be a father, promised a crucial token that held the answers they sought, provided his wife and son could safely leave the city. As Meng Qin departed to meet his family, Ying Ying assured Fu Sheng that Feng Qianli had been dispatched to protect Meng Qin covertly. Later that evening, Sun Siming and Guo Sishui discussed the jades. Guo Sishui mentioned that My Lord was hunting Fu Sheng.
Sun Siming deduced that Fu Sheng, being from Shangyi, must possess the Bird Jade Plate. They began plotting how to recover it. Guo Sishui disclosed that My Lord had issued a bounty for the Bird Jade Plate to lure out a traitor whose descendant was suspected to have brought it to Xichuan after all physicians in Shangyi died from poisoning.
Sun Siming, realizing Fu Sheng and Gu Tian were from Shangyi and likely held the Bird Jade Plate, Cloud-shaped Jade, and Mountain-shaped Jade, suggested arresting them. However, Guo Sishui, cautious of provoking Lord Wen Yu and the Ma Gang, favored a more subtle approach. Meanwhile, Meng Qin, with his wife and young son concealed in baskets, attempted to leave the city. At the city gate, guards stopped them for inspection.
Feng Qianli appeared, creating a diversion that allowed Meng Qin and his family to escape the city, with Guo Sishui's men in hot pursuit. Yin Lie and Guo Sishui's men, having lost Meng Qin, stormed Feng Qianli's tea shop, searching aggressively and accusing his establishment, Hearsay-capturing Pavilion, of harboring a thief. Feng Qianli confronted them, subtly mocking their pursuit.
When Yin Lie threatened to destroy his tea shop, Feng Qianli retaliated by implying that the Jibei Chamber of Commerce was vying for the city lord's position and threatened to expose this ambition to Lord Wen Yu or the Ma Gang. A local soldier intervened, reminding Yin Lie of Hearsay-capturing Pavilion's influence and Xichuan's rules. Feng Qianli then issued a stark warning: if he were harmed or arrested, a secret concerning Xichuan would spread throughout the city within two hours.
Yin Lie's deputy general, wary of provoking further trouble for Chairman Guo, persuaded him to back down, and Yin Lie reluctantly retreated, vowing revenge. Meng Qin returned to Wenfu Hall, seeking refuge and offering to reveal the truth to Fu Sheng, Gu Tian, and Ying Ying. He explained that ten years prior, he had recognized Song Jingye, then Chairman of the Jibei Chamber of Commerce, at a performance, and they had agreed to meet only for dire matters.
After Song Jingye’s death, Meng Qin feared exposure because he possessed the Painting of Luan, which revealed the Heavenly Book Treasure's exact location. He recounted that twenty years ago, during a rebellion at the Jibei King Liu Luan's wedding night, the Royal Guard received a secret mission to wait in a wasteland. There, a eunuch delivered a bag containing the Bird Jade Plate and the Painting of Luan to Song Jingye, then committed suicide.
Song Jingye stressed that these items were the key to the treasure and must be delivered to Physician Fu in Shangyi. However, on their journey to Shangyi, they were ambushed outside Xichuan. Meng Qin, carrying the Painting of Luan, was gravely injured but saved by Lord Wen Yu, who helped him assume a new identity.
Meng Qin explained he did not proceed to Shangyi because he heard the King, after recovering from his injuries, had undergone a drastic personality change, becoming incompetent and entrusting all state affairs to the sages. This led Meng Qin to suspect the mission was a deception, believing there was no treasure, but rather a "secret about stabilizing the nation." He decided to hide and observe, hoping others with parts of the treasure would surface first.
He admitted that getting married and having a child made him lose sight of his mission. The Painting of Luan was now hidden in a secret location with arrow traps, requiring a deciphering map held by his wife and son, who were currently captured by the Jibei Chamber of Commerce. Meng Qin pleaded for their rescue in exchange for the map.
Gu Tian and Ying Ying argued that he was obligated to hand over the map without conditions, but Fu Sheng intervened, promising they would try to help, but first needed to locate the family. Ying Ying, concerned about Sun Siming's cunning nature, insisted that neither Fu Sheng nor Gu Tian should risk themselves, offering to send Feng Qianli instead.
Feng Qianli volunteered, assuring them that his neutral affiliation with Hearsay-capturing Pavilion made him the ideal choice to scout the situation at the Jibei Chamber of Commerce compound that night. That night, Feng Qianli infiltrated the Jibei Chamber of Commerce. Yin Lie, Guo Sishui's deputy general, lay in ambush, taunting Feng Qianli. However, Feng Qianli deftly led Yin Lie and his men on a chase, distracting them.
Elsewhere, Guo Sishui received a secret message and confidently informed Sun Siming that My Lord would soon arrive in Xichuan to eliminate any obstacles. Sun Siming expressed worry about failing My Lord, but Guo Sishui assured him that after acquiring the Bird Jade Plate and Painting of Luan, My Lord would depend on her even more. She then revealed that My Lord would lead the Jibei Army to Xichuan. Feng Qianli, still within earshot, overheard this crucial intelligence.
As he attempted to escape, he was shot by Guo Sishui. Sun Siming, standing over the dying Feng Qianli, noticed a hidden object. He then poured boiling water onto Feng Qianli's skin, revealing the concealed "list of three thousand detectives at the Hearsay-capturing Pavilion."
Episode 25 Recap
Ying Ying spent a restless night, anxious over the lack of news from Feng Qianli. Her subordinate assured her that Feng Qianli was resourceful and would be fine, but Ying Ying still felt a sense of dread. She ordered all 3,000 detectives of the Hearsay-capturing Pavilion to halt their current assignments and focus solely on finding Feng Qianli. The next morning, Wen Yu was discovered by Jiu sleeping at the clinic.
Jiu sternly reprimanded her, but Wen Yu, seeking his help, quickly apologized and flattered his fighting skills. Meanwhile, Fu Sheng, worried about Feng Qianli and Meng Qin, decided he needed to go to the Jibei Chamber of Commerce. Wen Yu tried to dissuade him, citing the danger, but Fu Sheng insisted on going.
He explained his intention to use Wen Yu as a distraction while he secretly gathered information, and decided to accompany her himself, believing his presence would help keep their adversaries in check. Upon their arrival at the Jibei Chamber of Commerce, the guards initially turned them away, stating Chairman Sun Siming was out. When Wen Yu revealed herself as the Princess of Xichuan, the guards quickly relented and ushered them in to meet Vice Chairman Tuoba Ruo.
After sitting in silence for some time, Tuoba Ruo inquired about their purpose. Fu Sheng stated they were waiting for Sun Siming. Tuoba Ruo offered them lunch but subtly indicated Fu Sheng could not leave. Wen Yu immediately declared Fu Sheng to be under her protection and threatened that her father, the City Lord of Xichuan, would not tolerate her being held under house arrest. Faced with this veiled threat, Tuoba Ruo allowed them to leave.
After their departure, Tuoba Ruo's subordinate suggested detaining Fu Sheng and Wen Yu to retrieve the jade plate, but Tuoba Ruo cautioned against it, explaining that they still needed the map and it was not the time to provoke an open conflict. Meanwhile, Sun Siming brutally escorted Meng Qin's wife and child back to their home. He furiously searched the house, vowing to find the treasure map even if it meant digging through the ground, but he found nothing.
Sensing Meng Qin was likely nearby, Sun Siming cunningly began to verbally degrade Meng Qin's honor, threatening to strip his wife naked and expose her to the neighbors. He declared that he despised men who abandoned their families in times of trouble. Unable to bear his family's humiliation, Meng Qin emerged from hiding and was immediately captured by Sun Siming's men. Concurrently, Su Rang prepared for his journey to Xichuan.
Before leaving, he formally entrusted the affairs of the Jibei Mansion to three elders: Sage Can, Sage Mao, and Sage Kui. He informed them that he had subdued Liu Luan, the King, with the Ghost Commander, and would take him to Xichuan to prevent him from interfering with the government. He assigned Sage Can to oversee the treasury and taxes, while Sage Mao and Sage Kui were to manage military affairs.
The elders pledged their unwavering loyalty and promised to diligently uphold their duties. Under duress, Meng Qin drew a map indicating the hiding place of the Painting of Luan in a hut in the mountains outside the city. Sun Siming, ever suspicious, forced Meng Qin to lead them there personally. Fu Sheng, arriving at Meng Qin's home later, found Meng Qin's wife and child already dead. Meng Qin, critically wounded but still clinging to life, confirmed it was Sun Siming.
He confessed to Fu Sheng that he had lied about a map to decipher the mechanism, as there was no such thing. With his last breaths, Meng Qin revealed the true location of the Painting of Luan: hidden in a bucket at the bottom of a nearby well. He urged Fu Sheng to flee, warning him that Sun Siming would come for the Bird Jade Plate.
Fu Sheng and Gu Tian then noticed faint engravings on a table, which Fu Sheng deduced was Meng Qin's final clue. Despite Gu Tian's concerns about Sun Siming's ambush and Fu Sheng's lack of martial arts, Fu Sheng insisted they retrieve the Painting of Luan, confident in his luck. Following Meng Qin's directions, Sun Siming and his men arrived at the hut. Still distrustful, Sun Siming forced Meng Qin to enter alone.
As Meng Qin stepped inside, a series of traps were triggered. Meng Qin emerged unharmed, consumed by rage, and lunged at Sun Siming, intent on vengeance. However, Tuoba Ruo, who was with Sun Siming, swiftly shot Meng Qin with an arrow, ending his life. Fu Sheng and Gu Tian arrived at the well. Following Meng Qin's clue, they retrieved a scroll containing a cryptic poem: "The sun travels west, and the pavilion appears. The grass is sparse on the hillside."
They quickly located a pavilion, then deciphered the next lines: "Green bamboo leaves, the Xuan shines. The red in the green indicates its location." Recognizing "Xuan" as a variant of "Luan," they realized the Painting of Luan was hidden within a nearby bamboo forest. They split up to search. Gu Tian soon found a spot matching the "red in the green" description and began to dig. Suddenly, Sun Siming appeared, having been hiding in ambush.
They unearthed not a painting, but a "Ball of Luan." Sun Siming snatched the ball and demanded the Bird Jade Plate and three pieces of jade, accusing Fu Sheng and Gu Tian of withholding information about the treasure. Fu Sheng denied having the items. Sun Siming ordered his men to search them, but they found nothing. Unbeknownst to Sun Siming, Fu Sheng had already secretly entrusted the Bird Jade Plate to Wen Yu.
Fu Sheng then subtly indicated that the jade plate was in a secure location beyond Sun Siming's reach. Enraged by their failure to find the jade plate, Tuoba Ruo ordered her men to kill Fu Sheng and Gu Tian. Sun Siming attempted to intervene, reminding Tuoba Ruo that he owed Fu Sheng a life-saving favor. However, Tuoba Ruo was unyielding, threatening Sun Siming's life if the jade plate remained unfound.
Just as the situation grew dire, Wen Yu arrived with a contingent of soldiers. Revealing herself as the City Lord, Wen Yu declared Fu Sheng her savior and asserted that she would not allow any harm to come to him. Sun Siming quickly changed his tone, claiming they were merely "joking."
Wen Yu then took Fu Sheng and Gu Tian under her protection and escorted them away, advising Fu Sheng to be cautious, as the Jibei Chamber of Commerce now held a murderous intent towards them. After being thwarted, Sun Siming, fuming with anger, produced a list of 3,000 Hearsay-capturing Pavilion detectives, which he had obtained from Feng Qianli. He expressed concern that Feng Qianli might have leaked information about Su Rang before his death.
Tuoba Ruo, agreeing that Su Rang's grand plan could not be compromised, ordered the complete annihilation of the Hearsay-capturing Pavilion and everyone on the list, "leaving no chickens or dogs." Sun Siming assured her that he had a scapegoat ready to explain the massacre to the City Lord's Mansion. True to his word, the Jibei Chamber of Commerce launched a brutal attack on Chunyun House and all of the Hearsay-capturing Pavilion's contact points. Chaos erupted, with many being ruthlessly killed.
Amidst the carnage, Ms. Jiu desperately fought to protect Ying Ying, but Ying Ying still sustained serious injuries. Gu Tian arrived and bravely fought against multiple assailants, eventually breaking through their ranks. However, he too was gravely wounded and fell unconscious. Despite her own pain, Ying Ying courageously carried the unconscious Gu Tian back to the clinic, determined to save him. At the clinic, Ying Ying pleaded with Fu Sheng to save Gu Tian.
Fu Sheng, telling his subordinate Hulu to look after Ying Ying, steeled himself to operate, reminding himself that he had saved many lives and could save Gu Tian too. Ying Ying, distraught, implored Gu Tian not to die, reminding him of their unfulfilled promises, including finding the Treasure of the Sealed Book, returning to Shangyi, and remaining brothers for life.
Episode 26 Recap
Fu Sheng managed to save Gu Tian's life, but his forearm had been severed. Although Fu Sheng temporarily reattached it, a bone was missing, which would permanently affect Gu Tian's ability to practice martial arts. Suddenly, Sun Siming arrived at the medical hall with his men, claiming it was all a misunderstanding.
He pretended to apologize sincerely to Fu Sheng and Wen Yu, immediately shifting all blame onto his steward, whom he then ruthlessly executed with a sword right in front of them. He asserted that he was forced into everything, seeking to manipulate the situation and gain the valuable jade plate. Knowing Sun Siming's treacherous nature, Fu Sheng and Wen Yu did not believe him.
Sun Siming then proposed cooperation, highlighting that he possessed the Painting of Luan while they had the jade plate and jade, and all were necessary to unlock the Treasure of the Sealed Book. Wen Yu flatly refused, and when pressed, Fu Sheng silently concurred. Sun Siming then suggested a competition instead: the winner would claim the Treasure of the Sealed Book, consisting of the Painting of Luan, the jade, and the jade plate.
He stipulated that Lord Wen would be the judge, but they could not seek help from the Lord's Mansion. Sun Siming gave them two days to consider. After Sun Siming left, Wen Yu asked Fu Sheng for his thoughts. Fu Sheng acknowledged Sun Siming's malicious intent but conceded they had no choice but to accept the competition if they wanted the Painting of Luan.
Wen Yu expressed concern, pointing out that Fu Sheng didn't know martial arts and Gu Tian was injured, and they couldn't rely on Lord Wen's people like Jiu. Fu Sheng, however, hinted at a plan to "muddy the waters," suggesting involving the Ma Gang. Meanwhile, Gu Tian, who had just regained consciousness, was undergoing acupuncture treatment from Fu Sheng. He weakly asked about the recovery time, growing impatient at the prospect of a month-long healing process.
Fu Sheng reassured him, promising to heal his arm and urging him not to despair, though he did not fully disclose the difficulties. Gu Tian, however, directly questioned if his arm was now useless, but Fu Sheng insisted he would heal it. Elsewhere, Ying Ying lay unconscious. Overcome with grief from seeing the corpses of the fallen secret agents, Ying Ying had vomited blood and fallen into a coma.
Hulu was distraught and blamed himself for not having noticed his sister's underlying condition sooner, feeling responsible for her current state. Fu Sheng, upon seeing Hulu's distress, explained that Ying Ying suffered from Hyperthymesia, making her naturally more sensitive. The recent devastating events and her profound grief had caused her illness to flare up. While Fu Sheng couldn't guarantee when she would wake up, or even if she would, he assured Hulu he had a plan.
Hulu, determined, vowed to study medicine diligently to help his sister. Wen Yu again inquired about Gu Tian's condition, and Fu Sheng admitted that the missing bone in his reattached arm made his recovery uncertain, stating that fate would decide his future. Wen Yu stressed that Gu Tian participating in the upcoming competition would be a death sentence, but Fu Sheng knew Gu Tian's stubborn character meant he would inevitably compete.
They discussed finding replacements, but Fu Sheng prioritized Gu Tian's healing, agreeing to find alternatives only if absolutely necessary, emphasizing that they must save Gu Tian while also acquiring the treasure. Later, Lord Wen convened a meeting with representatives from the Ma Gang, Sun Siming, Fu Sheng, and Wen Yu to finalize the competition rules.
Lord Wen declared that a street would be sealed off, and the Painting of Luan and the Wenque Jade Plate would be placed in two separate boxes at opposite ends. Each of the three factions could send two participants, and after the time limit of two incense sticks (approximately one hour), whoever possessed the items would win.
Sun Siming, deeming these rules "boring," proposed a "deathmatch"—a no-rules, no-time-limit brawl to the death, where the last person standing would claim both treasures, further suggesting no weapons be allowed. Wen Yu immediately protested, arguing the rules were unfair since Fu Sheng lacked martial arts skills and Gu Tian was injured. Sun Siming dismissed her concerns. Fu Sheng eventually agreed to Lord Wen's ultimate arrangement, which included the no-weapons aspect.
Sun Siming then attempted to question Lord Wen about recent citizen deaths, but Lord Wen swiftly rebuffed him, citing the recent execution of the "culprit" (his steward) in front of the Princess as the resolution. After the Ma Gang representative also departed, Lord Wen invited Fu Sheng and Wen Yu to dinner, but Wen Yu declined, stating they had other important matters.
Meanwhile, Gu Tian, despondent over his arm injury that prevented him from practicing martial arts, sought solace in heavy drinking at a pleasure house. Fu Sheng and Wen Yu found him there. Gu Tian lashed out at them, sarcastically calling himself a "disabled person" and mocking Fu Sheng's life-preserving nature. Wen Yu tried to encourage him, reminding him of Fu Sheng's words about hope.
Gu Tian retorted that they were from different social strata and his self-destruction was none of their concern. However, he then revealed he knew Fu Sheng never lied, hinting that he secretly clung to the hope of recovery. He told them to leave, claiming their presence only harmed him further.
At the Ma Gang, the Leader instructed Tuoba Ruo to select two highly skilled martial artists for the competition, emphasizing that winning was paramount as he desired both the jade and the map. Tuoba Ruo voiced concerns about the Treasure of the Sealed Book bringing disaster, but the Leader, determined to elevate his Xiangshui tribe, dismissed her worries. Tuoba Ruo reported that Guo Sishui's border army had moved, and also confirmed that Gu Tian was reportedly disabled.
The Ma Gang Leader, despite Tuoba Ruo's warning, secretly dispatched men, including Dao, to attack Gu Tian, intending to completely cripple him and prevent him from participating in the competition. They found a drunken Gu Tian in an alley and brutally assaulted him, explaining that his participation in the upcoming competition necessitated his incapacitation since he was the only one who could fight for Fu Sheng.
Fu Sheng and Wen Yu arrived just in time to intervene and save Gu Tian from further harm. Gu Tian, feeling humiliated and betrayed, questioned their presence and accused them of looking down on him, having overheard their earlier discussion about finding replacements for the competition. Wen Yu quickly clarified that their priority was always his recovery, and the discussion was about putting the competition aside to focus on healing him.
Fu Sheng reaffirmed his unwavering support, promising to share everything with Gu Tian, including food, and to be his steadfast friend, the most important thing in the martial arts world he desired. Wen Yu also pledged to cover all his future wine and meat expenses for life. Reinvigorated by their sincere words, Gu Tian declared he would overcome his injury, adapt to fighting with one arm and his two legs, and still defeat them.
Fu Sheng, anticipating further attacks from Sun Siming, then asked Wen Yu to move Ying Ying to the safer environment of the Lord's Mansion for her recuperation, which Wen Yu readily agreed to do. Gu Tian, filled with renewed determination, vowed to intensify his training. Later, Dao reported to the Ma Gang Leader that Gu Tian was indeed disabled, confirming his inability to compete effectively.
The Leader was pleased, believing victory was assured, as a "disabled person" would be no match, and the Treasure of the Sealed Book would inevitably be his. However, he punished Dao and the other attacker with fifty lashes for their failure to completely disable Gu Tian and fleeing in fear, reiterating that a partially disabled opponent would still be a challenge. Meanwhile, at the Lord's Mansion, Wen Yu ensured Ying Ying was settled and well-cared for. Back at the medical hall, Fu Sheng, having finally conceived a definitive treatment plan for Gu Tian's injury, eagerly requested Hulu to fetch his writing brush and ink.
Episode 27 Recap
The King expresses his reluctance to accompany Su Rang to Xichuan, claiming his presence would only distract Su Rang and potentially delay their mission. However, Su Rang is determined, insisting the King join him, fearing that if left unsupervised, the King might act arbitrarily and recklessly, even with the three wise men's counsel. A subordinate confirms that the border army is ready and waiting outside the border, and Su Rang orders their departure.
Meanwhile, Fu Sheng explains to Tuoba Ruo that Gu Tian's arm is missing a small bone in the elbow, preventing him from regaining full strength. Fu Sheng indicates that only a real human bone can be used for grafting, as other materials like gold, copper, or lead are unsuitable. He jokingly asks for a skeleton, which surprises Tuoba Ruo. Tuoba Ruo then confirms she has real human bones.
Fu Sheng is incredibly grateful, and when he inadvertently touches her hand, she blushes deeply. At the same time, Gu Tian, with ulterior motives, deliberately tells Wen Jue (Wen Yu's daughter) that Fu Sheng went to see Tuoba Ruo early in the morning. Overhearing this, Wen Jue becomes enraged with jealousy and immediately sets off to confront them.
Tuoba Ruo then leads Fu Sheng to her subordinates, explaining that the bones are those of their fallen comrades, traditionally preserved as models for assassination training. She states that their permission is required for Fu Sheng to use them for bone grafting research. Fu Sheng respectfully argues that using the bones for medical advancement could save lives and prevent future disabilities among their ranks.
The subordinates agree, but only on the condition that Tuoba Ruo supervises Fu Sheng throughout his research. Fu Sheng decides to conduct his initial experiment at Ma Gang. During the preparation, he is nearly struck by a runaway horse, which he then decides to use for his bone grafting experiment. He attempts various methods with mulberry thread and wooden splints, but they prove ineffective for integrating bone fragments, as they would risk the bone growing crooked or not fusing properly.
Inspired by seeing a house being repaired, Fu Sheng devises a new plan to use metal nails for internal fixation. Tuoba Ruo suggests using Star Gold for the nails. After an initial experiment using another person's bone fails to fuse, Fu Sheng proposes the risky idea of using Gu Tian's own bone for grafting, warning him of potential permanent disability if it fails. Despite the risks, Gu Tian, trusting Fu Sheng, agrees to the procedure.
Before the surgery, Tuoba Ruo presents Fu Sheng with a dagger sheath made of Star Gold, which she says will help him draw his dagger faster. During the operation, after Wen Jue administers Ma Fei San to Gu Tian, he begins to hemorrhage severely, and his pulse becomes undetectable, causing alarm for Hulu and Tuoba Ruo. The tournament for the Bird Jade Plate and the Painting of Luan begins, with the treasures placed in separate boxes.
Wen Yu, the City Lord, announces the "death match" rules: no weapons are allowed to be brought into the arena, there's no time limit, and only one faction will survive to claim both treasures. Sun Siming unexpectedly changes his roster, fielding two new, agile fighters, Zuo Ming and Zuo Xuan, which catches the Ma Gang off guard. Despite his severe arm injury, Gu Tian, representing Wenfu Hall, arrives just moments before being disqualified.
As the unarmed combat ensues, Gu Tian skillfully manages to seize the jade plate. However, Sun Siming brazenly exploits a loophole in the rules, revealing that his fighters had pre-positioned weapons within the arena. Wen Yu, the City Lord, although acknowledging that he didn't consider this loophole, upholds Sun Siming's interpretation of the rules, infuriating the other factions. Gu Tian sustains further injuries in the fierce battle.
Suddenly, the Ma Gang intervenes, revealing a pre-arranged alliance with Gu Tian to collectively confront the Jibei Chamber of Commerce. Wu Tou, one of Ma Gang's fighters, temporarily withdraws from the fight to retrieve a hidden weapon. Gu Tian then reveals his own secret weapon: a functional prosthetic arm crafted from Star Gold, which also contains a concealed dagger.
Tragically, Wu Tou's brother, Wu Xi, is killed by Sun Siming's men, sending Wu Tou into a furious rampage as he retaliates by killing one of Sun Siming's fighters. Meanwhile, Wen Yu, the City Lord, cleverly deduces Sun Siming's elaborate deception, realizing that the strong, fishy scent on the jade plate's bag was designed to attract a pre-trained eagle, which then snatched the plate. He dispatches Wen Jiu to pursue the eagle.
Concurrently, Wen Jue (Wen Yu's daughter) observes Guo Sishui killing a City Lord's manor guard and taking a wooden box; Fu Sheng then deduces that Guo Sishui, likely in league with Sun Siming, had swapped the chest containing the Painting of Luan with a fake. Despite losing some of his men, Sun Siming arrogantly mocks the other factions before announcing his departure. Fu Sheng and Tuoba Ruo realize that both treasures are now gone.
Tuoba Ruo, however, insists that Gu Tian must not be informed that the boxes are empty, as the "death match" rules dictate a fight to the very last man standing, meaning only Gu Tian or Wu Tou can emerge alive. As the chaos unfolds, a report confirms that the Jibei Army, led by Su Rang, has arrived at Xichuan's city gates, and Sun Siming has openly defected to them.
Amidst this, Wen Yu, the City Lord, is struck by an arrow during an aerial assault, sustaining a deep but non-fatal wound. Fu Sheng, however, reveals that the jade plate Sun Siming took is a fake and that he possesses the real one. Unaware of this, Sun Siming proudly presents the stolen (fake) jade plate and Painting of Luan to Su Rang, expecting praise and reward.
Su Rang immediately recognizes the jade as a crudely made fake, exposing Sun Siming's deception. Su Rang, the King's father, then condemns Sun Siming for his treachery, telling him to take his apologies to Liu Yunting in the underworld.
Episode 28 Recap
Fu Sheng, having meticulously planned and anticipated Sun Siming's malicious intentions during a competition, cleverly ensured a fake jade plate was presented to the event. Subsequently, Sun Siming, eager to curry favor, presented this jade plate to Su Rang, only for Su Rang to immediately identify it as a poorly made fake. Faced with impending death, Sun Siming desperately pleaded for another chance.
He claimed to have been tricked but promised to retrieve the real Bird Jade Plate and the Painting of Luan. He strategically pointed out that attacking the well-fortified Xichuan city would take at least ten days, but he knew a secret passage that would allow him to enter the city and acquire the real treasures without any casualties. Intrigued by Sun Siming's tenacity, Su Rang agreed to his plan, giving him until midnight to deliver the real items.
Sun Siming gratefully accepted the terms. Meanwhile, inside Xichuan, Wen Yu and Jiu shared a moment of reflection. Wen Yu confided in Jiu, expressing his desire to be a good city lord and care for his people, now that their father was recovering. Jiu, deeply moved, promised to protect Wen Yu as long as he lived. This heartfelt exchange underscored Jiu's unwavering loyalty. Shortly after, Sun Siming and his elite team used the secret passage to infiltrate Xichuan.
They swiftly made their way through the city, ruthlessly killing guards. Wen Jiu, upon hearing of Sun Siming's invasion, decisively led an elite team to fiercely counterattack. Sun Siming's forces, however, soon received intelligence that Fu Sheng and the city lord, Wen Yu, who had been shot by an arrow, were at Wenfu Hall. Sun Siming then ordered his heavy-armored soldiers to converge on the clinic, determined to capture Fu Sheng and seize the jade plate.
At the clinic, Fu Sheng was entirely engrossed in a delicate surgery to save Wen Yu. Sun Siming's forces, including heavy-armored soldiers, surrounded the clinic. Outside, Wen Yu's sister confronted Sun Siming, rejecting his false overtures and accusing him of being a true villain. Sun Siming, aware that the jade plate he presented earlier was fake, demanded Fu Sheng hand over the real one. When she refused, he ordered his troops to breach the clinic doors.
The city guards valiantly defended the entrance, but their numbers were dwindling. Wen Yu's sister rushed back into the clinic to inform Fu Sheng that Jiu feared their defenses would crumble, and asked how much longer the surgery would take. Fu Sheng estimated he needed at least the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. Wen Yu, despite his severe injury, urged Jiu to hold on, acknowledging their precarious situation.
Jiu, reaffirming his promise to protect Wen Yu, ordered Wen Yu's sister to return to Fu Sheng and ensure the surgery continued while he personally took on the overwhelming Jibei Army. Sun Siming, witnessing Jiu's fierce resistance, attempted to tempt him into surrender, claiming Wen Yu was dying and offering him a chance to join his side. Jiu, however, defiantly mocked Sun Siming's villainy and refused to yield, accusing him of merely trying to stall.
Enraged by Jiu's unwavering loyalty and defiance, Sun Siming offered a hefty reward of ten taels of gold to anyone who could kill him. The Jibei Army surged forward, and despite Jiu's valiant efforts, he was eventually overpowered. Sun Siming delivered a fatal blow to Jiu, then taunted his dying foe, promising to decapitate him, Wen Yu, and Wen Yu's sister (Wen Jue), hanging their heads on the city walls and casting their bodies into the river.
Inside, Fu Sheng, miraculously, had managed to perform the intricate surgery, finding that the arrow narrowly missed Wen Yu's main vein, saving his life. Wen Yu's sister discovered Jiu's lifeless body, grieving intensely before confronting Sun Siming. Ignoring his feigned condolences, she listened as Sun Siming threatened to execute a city guard every half an incense stick's time until Fu Sheng handed over the real jade plate.
Back inside, she relayed the tragic news of Jiu's death and Sun Siming's ultimatum to Fu Sheng. Despite warnings from his companions about Sun Siming's treachery, Fu Sheng, having completed Wen Yu's successful surgery, decided it was better for one to die than for all of them. He appeared before Sun Siming just as another guard was about to be killed, stopping the execution.
Holding the genuine jade plate, Fu Sheng laid down his conditions: Sun Siming must cease all killings and withdraw his troops. In exchange, Fu Sheng would accompany them and reveal the treasure, but only after meeting Su Rang. Fu Sheng further pressured Sun Siming by reminding him that this was his last chance to deliver the real treasure to Su Rang, or face Su Rang's wrath. Realizing his precarious position, Sun Siming reluctantly agreed to Fu Sheng's terms.
Sun Siming triumphantly presented the genuine Bird Jade Plate to Su Rang, claiming to have fulfilled his mission. He then informed Su Rang that Fu Sheng wished to speak with him. Su Rang, initially dismissive, listened as Fu Sheng boldly questioned if he knew how to "use" the jade plate and the Painting of Luan, revealing that he possessed the knowledge.
Fu Sheng explained that he and his friends were willing to join Su Rang in opening the Sealed Book Treasure. Su Rang noted that Fu Sheng reminded him of someone and asked his identity. Fu Sheng revealed his father was Sage Zhu, a man Su Rang recognized. This connection further solidified Fu Sheng's demand: he wished to enter the treasure site to understand his father's legacy, even if it meant his death.
Su Rang agreed, mockingly promising to ensure Fu Sheng's "death with understanding." Sun Siming, eager to participate, volunteered to accompany Fu Sheng to find the treasure entrance, promising to signal Su Rang with a beacon fire once it was located. Despite Guo Sishui's warnings about Sun Siming's untrustworthy nature, Su Rang dismissed her concerns. He explicitly stated that he was deliberately leveraging Sun Siming's ambition, knowing he sought control of Xichuan itself rather than just wealth.
Su Rang concluded that he would grant Xichuan to Sun Siming once he secured the Sealed Book Treasure. He then entrusted Sun Siming with the Painting of Luan. Fu Sheng, accompanied by Gu Tian, Wen Yu's sister, and Sun Siming, embarked on the journey with the Painting of Luan and the jade plate. Sun Siming quickly grew impatient, accusing Fu Sheng of deliberately wasting time by wandering aimlessly.
Gu Tian fiercely defended Fu Sheng, threatening Sun Siming's life if he harmed him, while Wen Yu's sister reminded Sun Siming that Fu Sheng was their only guide to the treasure. Sun Siming, acknowledging their shared predicament, apologized. Fu Sheng then explained that without the proper method, they could only proceed by trial and error.
He handed the jade plate (which Sun Siming referred to as a hollow bronze ball) to Sun Siming, indicating it was essential for solving the puzzle. Sun Siming, in turn, urged Fu Sheng to remember Su Rang's impatience. As Fu Sheng carefully placed the Painting of Luan onto the jade plate, it began to react, triggering a vivid childhood memory.
He recalled his father showing him a map of Xichuan and playing a game that involved light and shadows, where rotating objects revealed different patterns, some resembling a dragon. This memory illuminated the true meaning of the Painting of Luan. Fu Sheng then confidently declared that he knew the treasure's location: the "dragon head" at the mountain peak.
Meanwhile, in a separate but related development, Su Rang was sternly admonished by his father, the King of Jibei, for his perceived foolishness. The King emphasized the critical importance of securing the Sealed Book Treasure for their survival, reminding Su Rang that his position was entirely dependent on the King's will. Back at the mountain, Sun Siming's men discovered murals and a hidden door after carefully clearing away vegetation.
Believing they had found the entrance, Sun Siming ordered a beacon fire lit to alert Su Rang before impulsively rushing inside himself, leaving his men to guard the entrance. Su Rang, seeing the beacon, ordered Guo Sishui and a team to follow him into the cave, leaving his father to secure the rear, expressing suspicion about Sun Siming's eagerness.
Inside the intricate and dark cave, Sun Siming found evidence of recent habitation, including a still-burning fire and cooking food, which puzzled him given the assumed isolation of the place for decades. Fu Sheng, Gu Tian, and Wen Yu's sister, now separated from Sun Siming, found themselves in darkness. Wen Yu's sister called out for her companions and proposed they light a bonfire.
She found animal bones and a rag, but recognized the rag carried "Que Xian" spice, a dangerous substance they had encountered before in Shangyi, and warned against burning it. Suddenly, a masked figure emerged from the shadows. Before Fu Sheng or Gu Tian could react, Wen Yu's sister was ambushed from behind, knocked unconscious, and her clothes were quickly changed by two mysterious masked figures who then vanished into the depths of the cave. Separated in the dark and complex passages, Sun Siming was also ambushed and knocked unconscious.
Episode 29 Recap
In a deep cavern, Wen Jue was suddenly struck unconscious from behind. Two masked figures swiftly approached her, carrying a change of clothes. Meanwhile, Fu Sheng awoke to find himself alone in a profound, eerily silent cave. He cautiously explored further, entering a room where a strange performance was underway. Before he could make sense of it, the performers vanished without a trace, leaving only an unsettling silence.
Elsewhere, Gu Tian was being interrogated and beaten, despite repeatedly stating his name was Gu Tian. He insisted he would never change the name his father gave him. When Fu Sheng arrived and intervened, Gu Tian quickly signaled for him to leave and find help, explaining that these people were delusional, believing he had sold himself to Jibei Palace to become a eunuch.
Fu Sheng, realizing the situation, decided to play along when the men mistook him for the Jibei King. He commanded them to keep "Su Rang" (Gu Tian) by his side as an attendant. As soon as Fu Sheng made this decision, the entire scene and all the people vanished as if they had never been there. Fu Sheng concluded that these illusions were meant to guide them through the true history of the Jibei Mansion.
Suddenly, Fu Sheng felt a sharp pain in his chest and coughed up blood. He realized he had been poisoned, suspecting it was a consequence of his earlier "choice" and his initial misunderstanding of Jibei history. He managed to use acupuncture to temporarily contain the poison, planning to fully address it once they were out of the cave.
He speculated that the previous illusion had shown how the late Jibei King was poisoned by Su Rang, and his choice to keep "Su Rang" close had mimicked this fatal mistake. Meanwhile, Sun Siming also fell into an illusion, finding himself playing the role of the Jibei King. He was being harshly chastised and whipped by a "master" for not diligently governing the state. Sun Siming inwardly complained about the King's unfortunate fate, apologetically asking the master for leniency.
He was told that despite being the King, he was forbidden from handling state affairs and was confined to the palace, acting as a mere puppet for Attendant Su. When asked if he resented this, Sun Siming initially denied it, then admitted his resentment, exasperated by being beaten regardless of his answer. He was then urged by the "master" to study diligently so he could one day kill Su Rang and reclaim his royal power.
Shortly after, a character portraying Su Rang entered, dismissing the others. " Su Rang" informed the "King" that two of the three elder ministers appointed by the late King were secretly colluding with foreigners and betraying Jibei. He had already executed them, ensuring Jibei State was free of traitors. This marked the point where the King, realizing Su Rang's ruthless methods, became completely subservient to him. "
Su Rang" then settled down for a nap, instructing the "King" to fan him. When Sun Siming emerged from the illusion, he found himself holding a knife. Remembering Fu Sheng's experience of being punished for following historical events, Sun Siming decided to act contrary to history and stabbed "Su Rang," hoping this divergent choice would break the cycle. He proudly announced his "correct" choice to Fu Sheng.
However, the illusion reset once more, revealing that "Su Rang" harbored deep resentment from this very stab, eventually leading him to use the "art of face-changing" to alter the King's identity and seize control. Tuoba Ruo and Su Rang, guided by Sun Siming's signal, also arrived in the cave and witnessed these historical events.
The "Su Rang" character in the illusion revealed his secret: he had used the face-changing technique to reshape the King's appearance, effectively turning him into a puppet under his control. Sun Siming, having once again chosen incorrectly, was injured by hidden arrows, grimacing in pain. Just then, Wen Jue regained consciousness in an unfamiliar room, finding herself in different wedding clothes. Fu Sheng, following her tattoo, soon located her. Su Rang's men were attacked by hidden arrows.
Guo Sishui examined the arrows, identifying them as old-fashioned crossbow bolts used by the Royal Army twenty years ago, known for their slightly shorter arrows and weaker accuracy, which had been abandoned long ago. Su Rang, realizing the old Royal Army faction was behind these "supernatural pretenses," immediately ordered his men to search the entire cave and then guard all cave entrances. Fu Sheng and Wen Jue inadvertently entered a room decorated for a wedding.
The illusion forced them to participate in a "royal wedding" ceremony, threatening that Wen Jue's poison would remain incurable if they refused. Fu Sheng noticed that one cup of the traditional marriage wine was poisoned, while the other held the antidote. Without hesitation, Wen Jue drank the poisoned cup, knowing it was the only way to proceed, and urged Fu Sheng to escape quickly before she succumbed to the poison.
With her dying breaths, she implored Gu Tian to look after Fu Sheng, describing his habits and the support he would need. She expressed her fear of dying in the dark, insect-filled cave. Fu Sheng promised to save her and get her out. Suddenly, the illusion dissipated like a bubble. Wen Jue slowly woke up, finding herself with Gu Tian and Sun Siming, but Fu Sheng was gone.
Gu Tian, noting the disappearance of the blue tinge on Wen Jue's face, reassured her that Fu Sheng was a good man who would surely be fine. He speculated that the masked figures had taken Fu Sheng to continue their "performance" related to the Treasure of the Sealed Book. It was revealed that the masked figures were members of the old Royal Army faction. They found Fu Sheng collapsed from the poisonous miasma and quickly administered an antidote.
Su Rang, also discovering the Royal Army old guard was behind these "supernatural pretenses," immediately led his soldiers to confront them. Fu Sheng awoke to a shocking truth: the current Jibei King was an imposter. The old Royal Army faction, consisting of former high-ranking officials like Wang Huangyu and Liu Yuan, descendants of the Liu clan, planned to perform the "art of face-changing" on Fu Sheng, intending to remake him into the true Jibei King and restore the royal line.
Su Rang confronted these "wild ghosts" who had fled twenty years ago, accusing them of using the "brat" (the true heir they planned to use) as their means of resistance. He declared that letting them escape decades ago was a mistake he would now rectify.
Episode 30 (Ending) Recap
Royal Army veterans led Fu Sheng into a secret room filled with countless weapons and treasures. There, Fu Sheng encountered an elderly man he recognized from the illusions, realizing he was the true Jibei King, Liu Luan. The King explained that the illusions Fu Sheng experienced were recreations of past events, designed to convey the truth of Su Rang's rebellion and usurpation twenty years ago.
He recounted how Su Rang had attempted to kill him on his wedding night and replace him with a fake king, but Fu Sheng’s father, Sage Zhu, had forewarned him and helped him escape. After finding refuge in the underground palace, the King had sent both the Bird Jade Plate and the Painting of Luan out to seek help.
The King and his loyal Royal Army fled to Xichuan, finding refuge in the Sealed Book Underground Palace, a retreat left by the first Jibei King, which housed an abundance of treasures and Star Gold weapons intended for a future rebellion. However, they discovered the palace could only be opened from the outside using both the Bird Jade Plate and the Painting of Luan.
The King had sent loyal guards to deliver the artifacts, but Su Rang had coerced the Lord of Xichuan to eliminate them. Over twenty years, the harsh underground environment led to illness and death among his people, and the King himself fell gravely ill. Knowing his time was short, he orchestrated the illusions, using the palace's unique miasma and poisons, to convey the truth to whoever opened the palace and to test their character.
He revealed that Fu Sheng had passed this test, showing kindness, intelligence, and resilience, making him the ideal successor. Suddenly, Su Rang burst into the room with his soldiers. He confronted the King, lamenting his past mistake of letting him live, and ordered Guo Sishui to behead the real King. However, Yin Lie, having witnessed the truth through the illusions, bravely intervened. He confronted Guo Sishui, urging him to reconsider, but Guo Sishui quickly detained Yin Lie.
Enraged by the defiance, Su Rang ordered the massacre of the Royal Army and Fu Sheng. He declared that if Liu Luan was not eliminated, he would never sleep peacefully, fearing that loyalists would continuously emerge to challenge his rule. In the illusion, years later, Su Rang, now Jibei King, was suffering from a debilitating illness, relying on a potent poison, Japonicus, to sustain his life.
He was informed of a rebellion in three outside commanderies, claiming to restore the Liu family's power. Su Rang scoffed, believing he had eradicated the Liu family long ago, dismissing the uprising as a power struggle by those who saw his lack of an heir as an opportunity. He ordered the rebels killed. As Guo Sishui prepared to hunt down the Royal Army's descendants, Sun Siming appeared, declaring that Guo Sishui was already in the netherworld, waiting for Su Rang.
Su Rang collapsed, his health failing, and saw Fu Sheng appear before him. Fu Sheng questioned whether Su Rang's life of relentless power struggle was truly what he desired. Su Rang, seeing through the trick too late, expressed regret only for not realizing their schemes sooner. In reality, Su Rang had been drugged upon entering the cave, and the "years later" scenario was merely an elaborate illusion.
He awoke to find the true King and his Royal Army safe, with Guo Sishui lying dead on the ground. Sun Siming, seeing the turn of events, swiftly killed Su Rang to prove his loyalty to the rightful King. However, the King, with keen insight, recognized Sun Siming's opportunism and executed him without hesitation. As the King and Fu Sheng exited the cave, the fake King's deception was exposed.
Desperate, he tried to shift all blame onto Su Rang and falsely accused the true King of being an imposter. The King, resolved not to repeat past mistakes, revealed that he now controlled the supply of Japonicus, the poison the fake King relied on, and swiftly executed him. The fake King’s final moments were filled with fragmented hallucinations of his family and a distorted vision of gaining control of Xichuan.
Returning to his homeland after twenty years, the King reflected on the legendary "Sealed Book," which many believed granted power over the world. He initially thought it was a tangible item, searching for years among the treasures in the underground palace but finding no such book. It was only after sitting in the empty halls, contemplating for two decades, that he realized the true meaning of the "Sealed Book": the way of running a state.
He understood that the people are the most important, the state comes second, and the ruler is the least. He confessed his past arrogance, believing himself essential for the world to function, but came to realize that the world is sustained by its ordinary people, who can thrive as long as they have their homes, land, and livestock. Fu Sheng added that while the people are paramount, the ruler still has essential responsibilities.
The King agreed, stating that his true duty was to protect his people, provide them with a prosperous and stable life, and that this was the true treasure of the Sealed Book. Fu Sheng shared his own "Sealed Book," a philosophy passed down from his father: a physician should possess both professional skill and a kind heart.
Days later, Wen Yu, having mastered Wen Jiu's unique watermelon-cutting technique, expressed his desire to retire and hand over Xichuan City to his daughter, Wen Jue. Wen Jue gently urged him to enjoy his peaceful golden years, as she had other pursuits she wished to complete before fully taking charge. Meanwhile, Tuoba Ruo visited a clinic and entrusted Hulu with a set of exquisite surgical tools to give to Fu Sheng, hoping they would be useful.
Hulu, after silently communicating with his unconscious sister (Yingying) and expressing his longing for her, went to gather herbs. On his journey, he encountered a man who was driven out of a mansion and was planting radishes, believing he could grow "radish trees" for an easy harvest for his own younger brother.
Hulu, with his childlike innocence, then decided to plant some of his own younger brother's belongings, hoping that a "new brother" would grow from them, expressing how much he missed his brother. Fu Sheng, having declined the Jibei King's offer to become a physician officer, chatted with Gu Tian by the river.
Gu Tian grumbled about the King's stinginess with the gold bars they received, but conceded that they now had enough to settle down and bring his younger brothers to live a good life. Wen Jue then arrived, explaining her slight delay. She announced her decision to join them on their journey to the Central Plains, revealing that Fu Sheng believed their master might be there. Fu Sheng hoped to persuade their master to return to Xichuan to treat Yingying's illness. With renewed purpose, the trio continued their journey forward as the sun began to set.
