Melody of Golden Age Recap, Plot, Synopsis

Melody of Golden Age Synopsis

Yan Xing, the illegitimate daughter of the Yan family, was trained from a young age by the head inspector of the Ministry of Justice's Great Prison. She developed exceptional skills in solving cases, able to uncover answers hidden in physical evidence through minute clues. Determined to seek justice and uncover the truth, Yan Xing entered the Ministry of Justice as a female officer.

However, when her third sister fled from a marriage arranged by the Empress Dowager, Yan Xing was forced to marry in her sister's place to protect her family. She wed Shen Du, the head of the Inner Guard House.

Mysterious cases began to occur frequently in the capital, and Yan Xing and Shen Du worked together to solve one case after another. As they solved these mysteries, their feelings for each other deepened. Together with their companions, they uncovered a shocking conspiracy and safeguarded the peace and justice of Xiang'an City.

Melody of Golden Age Recap

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Shen Du was an outstanding official of the Internal Guard Office during the Shengli era of the Great Cang Kingdom, renowned for his extraordinary interrogation skills and ruthless methods. He excelled in psychological tactics and martial arts, causing criminals to break down and confess in a short time. In the story, Shen Du merely plucked a few strings of a qin, luring out a group of criminals.

After a night of interrogation, his mere gaze and smile made the criminals feel his authority and inviolability. When the criminals saw Shen Du and, in terror, called him "White Wuchang" as they attempted to flee, Shen Du mercilessly demonstrated his archery skills, killing all the criminals in an instant. The only remaining man, in a bid to survive, had no choice but to reveal the truth behind the scenes.

This event further solidified Shen Du's image, making him a fearsome and mysterious figure in the history of the Great Cang Kingdom. In the bustling streets, two formidable forces unexpectedly crossed paths—the Imperial Investigative Division of the Black Rakshasa and Shen Du’s Internal Guard Office. Both sides faced off, the atmosphere tense, as if the very air had frozen, each waiting for the other to back down.

Shen Du's gaze casually swept over a carriage, inside of which Lai Luozhi broke the silence by teasing Shen Du about his recent marriages, mocking the "lack of fortune" of his previous brides. Lai Luozhi then demonstrated his decisiveness, ordering his subordinates to clear the obstacles, allowing the two forces to proceed side by side. This scene was witnessed by Yan Xing, who was passing by in a hurry.

Elsewhere, Yan Xing was deeply engrossed in investigating a murder case, her efforts earning the gratitude of the Yi Liang man, Jiang Langxing. Jiang Langxing not only found the key poisonous herb but also invited Yan Xing to join him, though she politely declined. Meanwhile, during a blessing ceremony attended by Shen Du and Lai Luozhi, Zhang Xingwei had already been waiting for a long time for their arrival. After the ceremony, an unexpected assassin's attack shattered the peace.

Shen Du, relying on his sharp instincts and skills, successfully evaded the attack and decisively ordered the mountain to be sealed off. While searching for herbs in the mountains, Yan Xing encountered a young man named Qi Yeyun, and the two bonded over their shared interest in herbs. However, their brief harmony was interrupted when Lai Luozhi arrested them on suspicion of being assassins.

Faced with the threat of death, Yan Xing bravely stepped forward, requesting to examine the body to find clues. After much persistence, Lai Luozhi agreed and showed her the corpse. With her keen insight, Yan Xing deduced that the best hiding spot was on the mountain and pleaded for the release of the innocent villagers. At that moment, Shen Du appeared, proposing a more brutal method of selection—using fighting dogs to identify those who could climb trees.

Yan Xing once again stood up to plead for the villagers and eventually secured three hours to conduct her investigation. In the prison, Yan Xing raced against time to analyze the case, convinced that finding the murder weapon would reveal the truth. However, time was running out, and Shen Du expressed doubt about her ability to succeed.

Yan Xing made a vow, almost like a last will, but at the critical moment, she noticed a gesture from Shen Du, signaling her to escape. In despair, the real culprit revealed the shocking secret that Shen Du was the mastermind behind the scenes, but despite his conflicts with Shen Du, Lai Luozhi did not immediately believe it. Yan Xing, on the brink of death, still pleaded for Shen Du, adding layers of complexity and entanglement to the situation.

Yan Xing quietly left, unbothered by Shen Du's cold demeanor. Her mind was entirely focused on the upcoming Lady Officer exam, studying late into the night at the Ministry of Justice. The next morning, when Yan Xing returned home, she found her house surrounded by soldiers. It turned out that a royal decree had arrived, announcing that the third daughter of the Yan family would be married off to Shen Du.

Yan Kuo reluctantly accepted the decree, and the atmosphere at home grew heavy. Yan Xing's mother, Aunt Jin, though worried about her daughter Yan Caiwei’s future, was secretly relieved that Yan Xing had not been involved in the court's intrigues, allowing her to remain pure. As for Yan Xing herself, although she felt a twinge of disappointment that Shen Du hadn’t recognized her, it only strengthened her resolve to pass the Lady Officer exam and prove herself.

Yan Xing was about to discuss something with her father, Yan Kuo, when she accidentally overheard a secret conversation between Zhang Xingwei and her father. To her shock, she discovered that Shen Du had been using the Empress Dowager’s marriage decree to scare off brides each time, all to avoid being caught up in court intrigues. This time, choosing Yan Caiwei as the bride was actually a move to make her an informant.

Yan Xing's mother, Lady Ru, was firmly opposed to the marriage, but Yan Kuo, facing immense pressure and threats, even considered moving the entire family to ensure their safety. At that moment, a letter from Yan Caiwei announcing her elopement hit the family like a bolt of lightning, adding to the already tense atmosphere. Yan Xing felt a mix of emotions—concern for her family's fate and a complex view of Shen Du's schemes.

Following her mother’s orders, Yan Xing set out to find her runaway sister, Yan Caiwei. As night fell, she unexpectedly found herself in front of Shen Du's residence. Shen Du, leading his soldiers, approached with an imposing presence, but Yan Xing only took a quick glance before trying to leave. However, Shen Du stopped her and inquired about her reasons for being there.

Yan Xing made up an excuse about looking for a lost rabbit, to which Shen Du, half-jokingly, reminded her to be sure to find it. Facing the imminent marriage, Yan Xing gathered her courage and pleaded with Shen Du to cancel the wedding with her third sister, Yan Caiwei, arguing that they were not a good match.

Shen Du, however, dismissed her request, citing the imperial edict as something that could not be defied, and calmly stated that he did not care whether the people involved in the marriage were in love. Yan Xing felt both anger and helplessness, deeming Shen Du unreasonable and unworthy of marrying her sister, and stormed off in frustration.

Shen Du watched her retreating figure and murmured to himself, seeming to feel a sense of resignation and detachment about the marriage as well. Meanwhile, a mysterious masked man made a vow at his mother’s grave, swearing to elevate her to a higher status. Shen Du was well aware of the complexities and dangers behind this marriage, but he couldn’t bring himself to refuse it.

Jing Lin, too, understood Zhang Xingwei’s schemes and motives, but could only silently support Shen Du’s decision. In the end, the bridal procession arrived at the Yan family’s door, but the gates remained shut. Yan Kuo, already hesitant, was contemplating finding a new path for his family. Faced with the family’s predicament, Yan Xing stepped forward and made a shocking decision—she was willing to take her sister Yan Caiwei’s place and marry Shen Du.

This decision stunned everyone and marked the beginning of an unknown and complex married life for Yan Xing. Yan Xing resolutely donned the wedding attire, embarking on the uncertain journey of this marriage. Lady Jin, her mother, was deeply worried and tried to stop her, but ultimately couldn’t sway her daughter’s determination. With tears in her eyes, she handed over all the family’s assets to Yan Xing, hoping she could use them to temporarily hide at the Ministry of Justice.

Lady Jin herself was willing to support the family by performing on stage. Yan Xing, understanding the difficulties and intentions of her third sister, Yan Caiwei, decided to shoulder this responsibility as a member of the Yan family. She bid a heartfelt farewell to her parents, promising to take care of her mother, and then resolutely stepped into the bridal sedan chair. However, just as the bridal sedan was about to depart, Shen Du unexpectedly appeared, breaking the silence.

Defying custom, he insisted on seeing the bride and was surprised to find Yan Xing. When Shen Du questioned her, Yan Xing calmly responded, skillfully using the Empress Dowager's decree to defuse the situation. Lu Chuichui, who witnessed the entire scene, was filled with mixed emotions, moved by Yan Xing's courage but also worried about her future.

As the night deepened, Lu Chuichui accompanied Yan Xing as she entered the Shen residence, where instead of the usual festive atmosphere, there was an inexplicable sense of deathly silence. Yan Xing was arranged to rest in a side hall, where the housekeeper coldly informed her that Shen Du would not be returning that night. Although Yan Xing was troubled, she maintained a calm demeanor.

She cleverly inquired about the birthdates to subtly remind the housekeeper of her true identity while also quietly observing everything. The wedding chamber was only prepared after Yan Xing entered, and Lu Chuichui, seeing this, felt injustice for Yan Xing. However, Yan Xing remained exceptionally calm, fully aware of Shen Du’s reluctance but determined to marry into the Shen family nonetheless. This stubbornness and courage moved those around her.

Jing Lin hurriedly found Shen Du and informed him that Yan Xing seemed indifferent to the situation, surprising Shen Du and sparking his curiosity about her. Late at night, Yan Xing lay alone on the bed in the side hall, her mind full of thoughts. She recalled her childhood memories with Shen Du, especially the pendant he had given her. But now, it seemed that Shen Du had completely forgotten those happy times.

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, Shen Du unexpectedly appeared. With a stern expression, he warned her that this was his home, but Yan Xing remained unafraid, even suggesting that if he didn’t like her, he could write a divorce letter. Shen Du, touched by her bravery, unconsciously gently caressed her face. Though Yan Xing was scared, she bravely prepared to serve him.

However, an accidental slip led to their first intimate contact, leaving both of them feeling somewhat uneasy. After Shen Du left, news suddenly came that the main hall had caught fire. He immediately rushed to handle the situation. Meanwhile, Lu Chuichui hurriedly came to find Yan Xing early in the morning, informing her that a suspiciously dead body had been found in the bamboo forest of Xilin Temple.

This news was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, further unsettling Yan Xing’s already complicated feelings. She realized that life in the Shen family was far more complex and dangerous than she had imagined.

Shen Du had an audience with the Empress Dowager, where he was earnestly instructed to thoroughly investigate the self-immolation case. She also advised him to stay home and spend time with his new wife to show some affection. However, Lai Luozhi made a jest on the side, mentioning how Shen Du had rushed to the crime scene the previous night, leaving his new bride, Yan Xing, unattended, and that Yan Xing's whereabouts were still unknown.

Zhang Xingwei seized the opportunity to add fuel to the fire, making the atmosphere tense. The Empress Dowager then learned that Yan Xing was actually the niece of Master Jin Zang from the Eastern Sect and that Lady Jin was her elder sister, making the situation even more complex and sensitive.

Shen Du's expression grew solemn, realizing the weight of his responsibilities—not just concerning the truth of the case, but also involving the delicate relationship between the royal family and the influential officials. Yan Xing was extremely anxious and rushed to the temple without even changing clothes, only removing her headdress on the carriage. Upon arriving at the temple gate, she was stopped by Manager Wu, whose mocking words caused her great embarrassment.

Yan Xing insisted that she was only there to investigate the case. With her sharp eyes, she noticed that Manager Wu’s shoes were stained with mud from the western suburbs, and the floral pattern that inadvertently showed on his sleeve made her suspect that he had a mistress hidden there. Feeling guilty, Manager Wu had no choice but to let her pass. Yan Xing carefully examined the two corpses.

The deceased were embracing each other, the man's heart had been removed, and the woman had a long scar on her face. The site was filled with a strange fragrance. Xu Xiangren's arrival confirmed Yan Xing's olfactory senses, while Lu Chuichui initially thought it was a case of lovers' suicide, but Yan Xing refuted her. The deceased’s family was grief-stricken, especially the father of Lord Liang, who demanded that the truth be uncovered.

Lu Chuichui invited Yan Xing to have tea, but she politely declined and instead focused on the crime scene. At that moment, Shen Du unexpectedly arrived, with Jing Lin also present, noting that this was not the best place to investigate. Shen Du, seeing Yan Xing holding a key with muddy hands, showed displeasure and urged her to return home to learn the ways of a proper wife.

Shen Du forcefully placed Yan Xing on his horse, and this scene was witnessed by Manager Wu, who was visibly shocked. Just as the delicate relationship between Yan Xing and Shen Du reached a stalemate, news suddenly spread throughout the city of a secret order brought by Jing Lin from the palace. The Empress Dowager also commanded Shen Du to thoroughly investigate the Liang family case.

Upon hearing this, Yan Xing felt an urgent need to fight alongside Shen Du, but he politely refused and had her secretly monitored. Yan Xing cleverly pretended to change clothes to distract the guards, and took the opportunity to escape from their control. She encountered a maidservant and hatched a plan, using a pear as bait to skillfully coax the maid into revealing clues about the Liang family.

While Yan Xing was immersed in analyzing the case and connecting the poison from the Dripping Water Guanyin to the son of the Liang family, a madwoman suddenly appeared behind her. Startled, Yan Xing accidentally fell into a pond. The water surged, and Yan Xing’s cries for help were heard by Shen Du, who happened to be passing by.

Initially, Shen Du thought this was another one of Yan Xing’s pranks, but when he saw her struggle weaken, he realized the situation was serious and immediately jumped into the water to save the life of the perilous Yan Xing. This experience seemed to add another layer of indescribable complexity to the delicate emotions between them. Back at the mansion, the housekeeper surprisingly arranged for Yan Xing to stay in the master bedroom, a move that took her by surprise.

While Shen Du was out, she caught a glimpse of the Empress Dowager’s decree on the table and began to ponder. During dinner, Shen Du deliberately flaunted the secret order in front of Yan Xing, hinting at his distrust and warning her to be cautious in the mansion.

Shen Du’s actions were a test, but Yan Xing calmly responded, stating that she was not one of Zhang Xingwei's people and was fully aware of the contents of the secret order, yet she hadn’t overstepped any boundaries. She even pointed out that Shen Du was rash in suspecting the Liang family’s second branch as the culprits and raised her doubts, insisting on a thorough investigation.

Shen Du threatened her with a hidden weapon, but Yan Xing remained unafraid, countering with a bet to prove her innocence and capability. In reality, she was calculating how to endure the next three months until the female official exam was concluded. Late at night, Yan Xing lay peacefully on the large bed in the master room, when Shen Du arrived, bringing the two into close proximity, creating a subtle atmosphere.

Yan Xing cleverly dealt with the situation, but Shen Du, noticing a strand of hair on the bed, became displeased and hurriedly tidied up. Yan Xing realized his obsession with cleanliness and mischievously teased him with candied fruit, causing Shen Du considerable frustration as he replaced the bed linens late into the night. The two eventually slept in separate beds.

Yan Xing, unable to fall asleep, tossed and turned before finally picking up a pen to write a letter to her friend Pan Chi, detailing the strange cases she had recently encountered. Her words conveyed her dedication to justice and pursuit of truth. In the letter, she not only recorded the bizarre twists of the case but also expressed her resilience and determination in the face of adversity, along with her infinite hopes for the future.

Shen Du and Yan Xing continued their bickering in the morning, with Yan Xing persistently urging Shen Du to investigate the Shen family affairs. The next day, Shen Du was alarmed to find Yan Xing's bed in a state of disarray, which he found intolerable due to his obsession with cleanliness. At this time, Lu Chuichui mentioned rumors in the capital, claiming that Shen Du and Yan Xing had a deep marital bond, which drew attention.

While they were out, they encountered an elderly woman sitting by the roadside, looking sorrowful. Lu Chuichui explained that the previous night, Chen Baiyi had committed self-immolation out of despair after failing the imperial exams, leaving his elderly mother behind, desolate and helpless. Both Shen Du and Yan Xing felt sympathy and decided to get involved, investigate the matter, and offer some comfort to the old woman.

Manager Wu was caught off guard by Yan Xing taking up the old woman's complaint, and immediately announced that the Liang family case required no outside intervention, although he dared not obstruct Yan Xing further. Yan Xing and Lu Chuichui were determined to investigate further and went to Jinxiu Alley, but were stopped by the gatekeeper. Lu Chuichui used gold coins to gain entry.

The alley’s master revealed that the deceased, Kuang Zhankin, had been gentle and uncontentious before his disappearance and had often gone out with Liang Chen, but never returned. Yan Xing, pondering this, left, while the alley’s master wiped away hidden tears behind them. Outside, Yan Xing unexpectedly met an old acquaintance, Xu Shuai, who discussed the recent case of seventeen missing women, of which fifteen had been found, with two still unaccounted for.

Xu Shuai analyzed that although the missing women were not top courtesans, they were all musically talented, had similar hairstyles, and shared an inexplicable commonality in their gazes. Xu Shuai handed Yan Xing the organized information, believing that as Shen Du's wife, she would be more convenient for the investigation. Yan Xing firmly declared that this was a serial murder case and vowed to find the real culprit and deliver justice for the victims.

As the Liang family's second branch was drenched in chicken blood, Liang Sanlang resolutely turned himself in to the Ministry of Justice, plunging the Liang family into chaos. At this moment, Princess Yong’an visited Shen Du, expressing dissatisfaction with Shen Du’s failure to act according to the Empress Dowager’s wishes and warning him to be cautious to avoid following in his father’s footsteps.

Jing Lin explained that Shen Du had already made a decision, but Yan Xing insisted on investigating, which complicated the situation. Yan Xing swore to reveal the truth to the world. At this time, five pairs of male and female corpses appeared at the scene, their appearance identical to those found in the Liang family’s case. The bodies emitted a strange fragrance.

Although Yan Xing couldn’t immediately identify the scent, she inferred that this series of cases might have been ongoing for years. More shockingly, Yan Xing deduced from the female victim’s wounds that the killer might be a woman, a theory that Xu Shuai found hard to believe, given that it was difficult for a woman to subdue a young man.

As Yan Xing was about to delve deeper, Shen Du hurriedly pulled her away, informing her that the two cases had been merged and forbidding her further involvement. However, as Yan Xing took a few steps out, she saw a woman hurriedly leaving, her scent matching that of the deceased, and her hair ornament startlingly similar to the woman in a painting. Seeing this, Shen Du immediately took Yan Xing to the Ministry of Justice.

Shen Du’s clear intention was to remove Yan Xing from the case, but she refused to comply. Under Shen Du’s authority, Manager Wu, though reluctant, had no choice but to agree. A subtle battle over truth and power began. Yan Xing, in her desperation, requested Jing Lin to either dismount and accompany her or share a ride, to which Jing Lin resignedly agreed to walk.

Yan Xing focused on the deceased's belongings, noting the uniformity in the killer’s methods and speculating that there must be a pattern behind them. Shen Du observed the use of Jinxiu Alley fabric in the victims' clothing, which became a new lead. Yan Xing delved into the Ministry of Justice’s archives and learned that Manager Wu was troubled by a nursery rhyme that was also circulating in the streets.

Lai Luozhi encountered a child singing the rhyme and spoke sternly but kindly, causing the child’s parents to beg for mercy. Princess Yong’an appeared just in time, blaming the parents but compassionately taking the child away, which earned public praise, while Lai Luozhi was indignantly dissatisfied. Yan Xing, hidden in the crowd, was curious about Princess Yong’an and the mysterious woman in the carriage.

After returning home, Yan Xing learned that Shen Du had been summoned due to Lai Luozhi’s scheming and immediately rushed to the Grand Pavilion to help. Jing Lin threatened to resort to self-harm, but Yan Xing calmly forged Shen Du’s handwriting to draft a memorial and instructed Jing Lin to present it urgently. Lai Luozhi attempted to use the nursery rhyme to create discord between the Imperial Inspectorate and Shen Du.

Shen Du was brought to the scene, and at a crucial moment, Xu Wan handed over the memorial drafted by Yan Xing, allowing the case to be presented directly to the Empress Dowager. After reading the memorial, the Empress Dowager was reassured and ordered Shen Du to continue his investigation while privately assigning an urgent task.

As Shen Du took on the task, Yan Xing’s wisdom and deep understanding of Shen Du once again became crucial in turning the situation around.

Shen Du thanked Xu Wan, but Xu Wan revealed that there was another expert assisting with the matter. She gently reminded Shen Du that the Empress Dowager was well aware of the difficulties and had instructed him to act with utmost caution. After Shen Du returned from the palace, Jing Lin had an epiphany—he realized that Yan Xing had cleverly used him.

He was even more surprised to find that Yan Xing's handwriting was astonishingly similar to his own, and he couldn't help but admire Yan Xing a bit more. Xiao Zhong received the Empress Dowager's decree and immediately set out for Fengxiang Manor to investigate. After hastily making some arrangements, he embarked on his journey. Yan Xing, concerned for Shen Du's safety, was worried when an unfamiliar maid brought a bowl of lotus seed soup.

The maid's behavior aroused Yan Xing's suspicion. Upon lifting the lid, hidden characters were revealed—an invitation code. At the meeting place, Yan Xing unexpectedly met Zhang Xingwei. Zhang Xingwei got straight to the point, asking about the Yan family's stance and hinting that the Empress Dowager suspected Xiao Zhong of being behind the folk tales and wanted to punish him. Zhang Xingwei's words were interspersed with political intrigue, testing Yan Xing's attitude.

Yan Xing, being a woman, modestly avoided discussing political matters. However, Zhang Xingwei already knew about Shen Du's carrier pigeons and forced Yan Xing to delve deeper to uncover the mystery behind the secret messenger pigeons. When Yan Xing returned home, Shen Du stopped her and mentioned the issue of forged documents with great concern, fearing that she might inadvertently bring trouble upon herself.

Yan Xing explained with a苦笑 that she had resorted to such measures only to save lives in a desperate situation. In the dead of night, a person in black quietly dropped off a document. A poor scholar received it and was outraged, believing that the imperial examination was merely a path laid out for the wealthy. This outcry quickly reached the Empress Dowager's ears, causing a huge stir.

Furious, the Empress Dowager was presented with a proposal by Princess Yong'an, advocating for a new approach where commoners and children of officials would compete together and be selected based on merit. This suggestion sparked heated debate in the court, with some officials openly opposing it, creating a tense atmosphere. Shen Du took the opportunity to report on the progress of the self-immolation case. Although there was some progress, the truth remained shrouded in mystery.

To calm the public, the Empress Dowager decided to open educational institutions, giving commoner children the chance to receive education. Yan Xing, concerned about Chen Shusheng’s family, frequently visited his grandmother, reading the grandson's works to her as a comfort. Shen Du, who occasionally witnessed this, was deeply moved by Yan Xing's commitment to fairness and justice. After returning home, Shen Du informed Yan Xing about the admission of commoner students, and she was overjoyed, praising Shen Du profusely.

Late at night, Yan Xing insisted on running to help her sleep. Seeing this, Shen Du thoughtfully instructed the butler to reduce the indoor lighting so as not to disturb her rest. Jing Lin reported on the case's progress, mentioning that the deceased were all performers, and the hairpins were exceptionally luxurious. Yan Xing grew suspicious and, along with Shen Du, investigated the source of the hairpins. They discovered that they were prohibitively expensive and not affordable for ordinary people.

Further investigation led to connections with Princess Yong'an's people, and Shen Du anticipated that Princess Yong'an would soon approach Yan Xing. Indeed, Jing Lin urgently reported that Princess Yong'an had extended a warm invitation to Yan Xing for a flower viewing event, setting the stage for an undercurrent-filled meeting. At the flower viewing banquet, Yan Xing was surrounded by the whispers of women. An accident occurred when a maid spilled tea, staining her dress.

Madam Tang timely extended her help, leading Yan Xing to her private chamber to change clothes and preparing a medicinal bath for her. While changing, Yan Xing keenly noticed that Madam Tang was also enveloped in the familiar scent from outside the temple and glimpsed an unusual pattern on the back of her neck, raising further doubts in her mind. During casual conversation, Madam Tang mentioned trivial matters about the Liang family, noting discord between the main couple.

Yan Xing seized the opportunity to hint that no matter how deep the secret was hidden, the truth would eventually come to light. At the flower viewing banquet, Yan Xing waited for Princess Yong'an until she finally appeared two hours later. The princess's words seemed to carry deeper meaning, warning Yan Xing not to overstep boundaries and fixating her gaze on the hairpin Shen Du had given, revealing undeniable hostility.

Shen Du arrived at the right moment to rescue Yan Xing from the awkward situation. Seeing Yan Xing kneeling for a long time, her legs trembling, he was deeply pained. He requested to leave on the pretext of family matters, ignoring Princess Yong'an's presence, and gently carried Yan Xing away. On the way, Yan Xing wanted to thank Shen Du, but he gently deflected with kind words, and their unspoken understanding was evident.

Shen Du had long anticipated that entering the palace would be challenging for Yan Xing, but he remained quietly protective, dedicated to ensuring her safety.

Yan Xing returned home on the day of the "return door" ceremony, and the servants hurriedly informed her. Upon entering the house, her parents' concern was evident, and they inquired about Shen Du's absence. Yan Xing gently explained Shen Du's situation, deflecting their questions. Her fourth sister, Yan Yi, arrived just in time, full of joy as she boasted about her husband's affection and their children's achievements.

Yan Xing, unwilling to be outdone, skillfully countered with stories of her fifth brother's romantic escapades, creating a subtle tension in the family atmosphere. At that moment, Shen Du unexpectedly appeared, leaving Yan Xing both surprised and delighted. She had not anticipated him coming in person. Shen Du's arrival undoubtedly added warmth and surprise to the family gathering, making Yan Xing's heart swell with emotion.

Shen Du's visit not only brought Yan Xing prestige but also made the Yan family feel honored. He spoke earnestly, praising Yan Xing's virtues and expressing regret for his late arrival, which won everyone’s admiration. Shen Du generously presented valuable gifts to the Yan family, particularly selecting fine tea for Yan Kuo, and praised Yan Xing as a virtuous wife through Princess Yong'an, which warmed Yan Xing’s heart. During the meal, Shen Du noticed the calligraphy of Pan Yan.

Yan Kuo quickly explained that it was his own imitation, while Yan Xing confidently remarked that there was no father’s handwriting that could not be replicated. Yan Kuo warmly invited Shen Du to dinner, which Yan Xing intended to decline, but Shen Du had already graciously accepted. The atmosphere was harmonious and pleasant. Privately, Yan Xing planned to find the messenger pigeons but encountered a vicious dog on the way.

Shen Du arrived upon hearing the news, secretly suspecting that Yan Xing might be involved in something confidential. The butler brought Yan Xing a veil, but Shen Du suddenly ripped it apart. Yan Xing felt a mix of emotions, reflecting on Shen Du's unpredictable nature. Shen Du teased Yan Xing under the guise of serving her, and when Yan Xing tried to get closer, he recoiled in distaste.

Shen Du's cleanliness obsession led Yan Xing to playfully approach him, causing Shen Du to retreat repeatedly, adding a touch of amusement and warmth to their daily interactions. In the morning, Yan Xing learned that Shen Du was going to Xilin Temple and immediately decided to follow him. Upon arriving at the temple, they encountered a strange sight—fresh "blood characters" on the wall.

Shen Du examined them closely and discovered they were drawn with cinnabar, clearly a premeditated provocation by the culprit. Yan Xing knew that only by delving deeper into the Ministry of Justice could the truth be uncovered. Returning to the Ministry of Justice, Yan Xing unexpectedly met Wu Zhushi, who was surprised by her return and even joked about her cleaning the floor herself.

Colleague Lu Chuichui, seeing this, mistakenly thought there was discord between her and Shen Du, and privately inquired about the situation. Yan Xing could only smile wryly and mentioned her role in the secret investigation, which amazed Lu Chuichui. While Yan Xing was busy, she received the bad news that her master had been taken away by the Internal Affairs Office as soon as he entered the city.

She was anxious and abandoned her work to rush to the Internal Affairs Office, only to be stopped by Jing Lin. Shen Du appeared just in time, and Yan Xing, distressed, questioned Shen Du about his involvement with her master. The truth, however, was quite embarrassing—her master had been specially invited by Shen Du to assist with the investigation. Shen Du had also kindly reminded her master to drink less, leaving Yan Xing with a complex mix of feelings.

Shen Du’s visit had a clear purpose: to understand the properties of the cinnabar used by Yan Xing’s master. Yan Xing realized that the mystery of the time of death might be related to this. She quickly concluded the game of chess and joined her master in examining the corpse, finally confirming the impact of cinnabar on the determination of the time of death. Even more shocking was that her master found Western cucumber seeds in the male victim's stomach.

This seed could only be eaten on a solar term day, with the next solar term occurring in three days, indicating that the culprit would act soon. Yan Xing and Shen Du exchanged a look, knowing that the decisive moment was near. Shen Du hurried to the Empress Dowager but unexpectedly encountered Lai Luozhi, who received the order to solve the case within three days.

Yan Xing then met with Zhang Xingwei, who flatly denied involvement in the case and revealed a surge in pigeon cages, suggesting an attempt to confuse the issue. Zhang Xingwei also warned Yan Xing that time was running out and that she needed to act quickly. The Empress Dowager, distracted while playing a game with Zhang Baohuan, mentioned the guest list for the solar term day.

This was actually a request from Xu Wan, aimed at identifying those who knew the cinnabar formula. Yan Xing proposed disguising herself as a performer to lure the enemy, but Shen Du strongly opposed it, worried for her safety. Yan Xing, unwilling to see innocent people harmed, insisted on her plan and even revealed her pipa skills. Although her skills were only basic, Shen Du was impressed. To improve her skills, Yan Xing returned home to seek her mother’s advice.

Her mother joked that the key was in her demeanor rather than her playing technique, misunderstanding that Yan Xing wanted to please Shen Du. Yan Xing, helpless, turned to her uncle, vowing to uncover the truth and protect the innocent, while also hoping to keep Shen Du safe. Despite their differing opinions, both were deeply concerned for each other's safety, and their feelings subtly deepened amid the tense situation.

As night fell, Yan Xing continued to practice the piano diligently, her mind filled with the image of her mother's careful guidance. Despite her fatigue, she remained resolute. Shen Du happened to come in and saw her in this state, advising her to abandon her obsession with pursuing the murderer.

Yan Xing, however, remained determined, instructing her servants to bring some candied fruit to ease her exhaustion while firmly expressing her resolve: she vowed to bring the culprit to justice and lure them out, refusing to back down. Yan Xing then cleverly devised a plan to have Shen Du introduce her to Wu Zhushi and proposed that she disguise herself as his beloved wife to lure out the real culprit.

Although Wu Zhushi was reluctant, he had no choice but to agree. Yan Xing quickly changed into her costume, making a stunning appearance at the banquet, which drew everyone's attention. Even the Empress Dowager, who was present, praised her outfit. During the banquet, Yan Xing took the opportunity to announce that she would perform herself. Her piano performance was enchanting and quickly became the center of attention.

After her performance, the applause was thunderous, but Yan Xing suddenly detected a strange fragrance and was soon enveloped in a hallucination, being quietly taken away by a man in black. Noticing Yan Xing’s disappearance, Shen Du was frantic and immediately began searching for her. Wu Zhushi, however, was completely unaware of what had happened.

Guided by the man in black, Yan Xing seemed to be transported back to her childhood, with memories and reality intertwining, making it difficult to discern what was real. The man in black remained mysterious, revealing his deep resentment towards the world’s injustices. Yan Xing tried to buy time and find a way to escape but was threatened by the man in black who strangled her.

At this critical moment, Shen Du arrived like a divine savior and rescued Yan Xing from the clutches of death. Yan Xing, with tears in her eyes, was deeply touched by Shen Du’s concern. It turned out that Yan Xing had previously sprinkled bean powder on her clothes to leave a trail for Shen Du to follow. Later, Jing Lin revealed the true identity of the man in black, who turned out to be someone well-known.

Despite her weakened state, Yan Xing held on, waiting for this moment. However, just as the truth was about to be revealed, Yan Xing collapsed from exhaustion. The intense confrontation came to an end with Yan Xing's wisdom and Shen Du’s bravery, but the conspiracy and the full truth still awaited further discovery. Only an hour after Yan Xing woke up, she learned that the murderer was actually Madam Tang, which shocked the Empress Dowager.

Yan Xing volunteered to personally interrogate Madam Tang. Lu Chuichui was deeply concerned, but Yan Xing was confident, believing she could touch Madam Tang's heart. Facing the Empress Dowager’s doubts, Yan Xing slowly revealed Madam Tang’s motive for the murders: the victims were all betrayers, having both a marriage engagement and committing infidelity. Yan Xing intentionally mentioned the crucial date of the solar term day, provoking Madam Tang’s emotional breakdown.

Shen Du, understanding the situation, cooperated seamlessly, creating an affectionate atmosphere to attempt to break down Madam Tang's psychological defenses. At this point, Xu Xiangren arrived with new discoveries, presenting evidence from the corpse and a sketch.

Yan Xing displayed the sketch publicly, which caused Madam Tang to become agitated and attempt to seize it, tearfully recounting her past: her sister was abducted, returned only to be involved with her husband, and on the solar term day, she mistakenly poisoned her husband with wine, leading to her sister’s disappearance. In the end, she clung to her husband’s corpse at the grave, with tragedy compounding. Everyone was moved by her story.

Madam Tang completely broke down, her jealousy and desire for revenge twisting her into a killer whenever she saw someone resembling her sister. She confessed to Shen Du that there was nothing wrong with loving deeply and that couples should support each other. Surprisingly, this sentiment resonated with both the Empress Dowager and Xu Wan, while Shen Du held Yan Xing’s hand tightly, his expression complex. Madam Tang attempted to commit suicide by throwing herself into the fire but was stopped.

Shen Du took Yan Xing home. Although Yan Xing feared reproach, Shen Du treated her with forgiveness. They both reflected on the case and the direction of public sentiment. Yan Xing visited Madam Tang again, hoping to uncover the mastermind behind the scenes but found her to be insane, uttering only the phrase "moth to the flame.

" Yan Xing knew that there must be hidden secrets behind the case, but the clues were now lost, and Madam Tang was to be executed the following day. Xiao Zhong returned, expressing gratitude for Yan Xing's wisdom and bravery, and acknowledging her as the key to solving the case.

Yan Xing encountered bullying on the street, and it turned out to be her fourth sister who was in trouble. She resolutely stepped forward to protect her, only to be reprimanded by her sister. When she entered the palace to meet the Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager wished to reward her for her bravery. Yan Xing humbly declined, expressing her desire to continue investigating the case in her capacity as Yan Shuli (Yan the Clerk) rather than as Shen’s wife.

Xu Wan, who was present, couldn’t help but smile, as Yan Xing’s determination aligned with everyone’s expectations. The Empress Dowager appreciated Yan Xing's talent for solving cases and gladly granted her request, giving her the authority to continue the investigation. Yan Xing was delighted and vowed to uncover the truth behind the world's mysteries in the name of Yan Shuli.

Upon returning from the palace, Yan Xing met Xu Xiangren, and they discussed the case of the poisonous "滴水观音" (Water Drop Orchid). Xu Xiangren revealed that his investigation had reached Rong Zhui, the head of Tongming Courtyard. Yan Xing and Xu Xiangren then joined forces and discovered the poison in Rong Zhui’s residence. Rong Zhui was eventually apprehended. Meanwhile, Shen Du was busy with another matter.

He personally delivered medicine to Liang San Gongzi (the Third Young Master Liang), showing their deep friendship. Shen Du also helped Liang San Gongzi’s mother out of a difficult situation. When discussing the poison in the Water Drop Orchid case, Shen Du admitted that the real culprit had not yet been identified but learned that Yan Xing had made progress and that Rong Zhui was involved. Liang San Gongzi was shocked by this revelation.

Shen Du reiterated his own innocence and encouraged Liang San Gongzi to focus on his future. During the interrogation, Rong Zhui admitted to poisoning the victims. It turned out she was pregnant and had resorted to this dangerous measure to protect herself and her unborn child. The situation was complicated: Liang family’s greed and family disputes made Rong Zhui just a pawn in their game.

Shen Du also ventured into a perilous situation, visiting Liang Laoye (Old Master Liang) in prison to question him about the underlying conspiracy. Liang Laoye, bitterly smiling, admitted his helplessness and even attempted to use Shen Du’s father’s case as a counterattack. Shen Du remained unmoved, directly expressing suspicion that the Liang family was hiding important documents and that the death of the Liang family’s eldest son might be related.

When Liang Laoye could no longer deny the truth, Shen Du, enraged, used torture to extract a confession. Liang Laoye ended up with scars on his face, regretting it too late. Shen Du entered a secret chamber, his mind swirling with memories of his father’s unwavering integrity. He knew his father had refused to collude with the men in black, even under the threat of death, and was eventually wronged as a traitor.

Shen Du was determined to clear his family’s name and reveal the truth behind the false accusations of weapon drawings, gathering evidence piece by piece to restore the historical truth. On the other hand, Yan Xing celebrated the resolution of the case with others, and the atmosphere at the dinner was lively. Lu Chuichui brought news that Yan Xing’s pen pal, Xiao Chichi, was about to meet, causing much laughter.

Xu Xiangren took the opportunity to invite Yan Xing for a drink, but Shen Du forcefully interrupted, unwilling to allow Yan Xing to get close to any other man. At the banquet, Shen Du drank heavily and was quite inebriated, still stubbornly challenging others. Yan Xing, seeing this, came up with a plan to take Shen Du to the outskirts.

Under the moonlight, Shen Du, in his drunken state, "taught a lesson" to her fourth sister’s husband, leading to an amusing misunderstanding. Carrying the drunken Shen Du home, Yan Xing remembered their past together as he mumbled about the "罪容所" (Place of Sin), where their fates first intertwined. Yan Xing was touched, her emotions mixed, while Shen Du mistakenly thanked Xu Wan, making her tear up, though she quickly composed herself.

Yan Xing fell and got a bruise on her forehead, quietly enduring the pain. The next morning, Shen Du awoke, feeling guilty about his drunken behavior and wanting to inquire about the previous night. Yan Xing, however, brushed it off lightly and avoided the topic. Yan Xing continued with her routine report to Zhang Xiang, sounding indifferent, and Zhang Xiang, understanding her mood, did not press further.

On her way to the Ministry of Justice, Yan Xing encountered another minor accident, stumbling and falling. The pain and helplessness overwhelmed her, and she could only force a bitter smile. This suffering was hers to bear alone.

As soon as Yan Xing settled down, she saw that Wu Zhushi was injured, which startled her. Remembering her appointment with Xiao Chichi, she hurriedly left for the meeting. Lu Chuichui tried to redeem Jiang Langxing with money, but was declined. Jiang Langxing recalled a woman who had once given him gold when he was destitute and felt content with that.

Yan Xing was eagerly looking forward to meeting Xiao Chichi, but was suddenly informed by the housekeeper that her father was critically ill. She quickly left a note and rushed back to the Yan residence. Upon arrival, she discovered it was a false alarm; it turned out to be a trap set by Zhang Xiang to summon her.

Facing Zhang Xiang’s questioning, Yan Xing confessed that she could not obtain information about Shen Du but was willing to make amends through her actions. Zhang Xiang hinted that she needed to be wary of those around her, mentioning that the fate of the Shen family might rest in Shen Du’s hands. Meanwhile, Shen Du was deeply involved in the case and realized that Zhang Xiang had already taken action when he heard that Yan Xing had returned to the residence.

Shen Du entered a secret chamber alone, reflecting on the past. He had once reported his father’s treasonous acts to clear his name, which was a temporary measure to vindicate his father. The path he took was irreversible, and now his only redemption was to find the letter proving his father’s innocence. When Shen Du returned, Yan Xing was still awake. Both were lost in thought.

Shen Du stood by the curtain of Yan Xing's room for a long time before finally sitting on his own bed. Yan Xing also remembered Zhang Xiang’s comments about Shen Du. In her dream, Yan Xing saw Shen Du covered in blood, which terrified her and made her wake up in fear, thinking Shen Du might be cold-blooded. The next morning, Yan Xing felt listless at breakfast.

Although she thought the porridge was fine, Shen Du complained that it was too sweet. Shen Du always found fault with the food Yan Xing liked, which made her question whether he was such a person. Shen Du was actually deliberately provoking Yan Xing, and she left angrily. In reality, Shen Du’s arguments were intentional, aimed at creating the impression that the Shen family was in constant turmoil.

This time, the Empress Dowager had relaxed the household examination requirements, and the preparations for this exam could not be neglected. She asked Zhang Xiang who would be a suitable person to oversee the preparations. Zhang Xiang suggested Xiao Zhong, but Princess Yong'an disagreed, believing Shen Du would be a better choice. Zhang Xiang was naturally unwilling and continued to argue that Shen Du had not managed his household well. The Empress Dowager said she needed to think it over.

When Yan Xing left the Shen residence, she discovered someone lurking suspiciously, only to find it was her third sister, Yan Caiwei. Yan Caiwei had returned with Han Langjun and was afraid to go home, so she had to hide outside the Shen residence. Accompanied by Yan Xing, Yan Caiwei returned, and after seeing her daughter, Jiang Yiniang comforted her, also mentioning that rumors were circulating that Yan Xing was being bullied by Shen Du.

At this moment, the fifth brother returned drunk. Yan Kuo, seeing his son drunk, kicked him to the ground. The fifth brother claimed he had seen Shen Du. Shen Du’s sudden visit caught everyone at the Yan residence off guard. Yan Xing was at a loss, while Yan Caiwei stepped forward, taking all the blame upon herself and swearing to clear her sister’s name.

Shen Du’s piercing gaze fell on Yan Caiwei, and he intended to take both Yan Xing and Yan Caiwei away. The fifth brother's provocative remarks also did not escape Shen Du’s “invitation. ” The three were taken away, and Yan Kuo was furious. Shen Du's questioning went straight to the core, and the mention of Han Shiyuan’s name made the case even more mysterious. Yan Caiwei firmly believed in her lover’s innocence but was unaware of his whereabouts.

Yan Xing personally examined the scene, finding clues on the deceased that were thought-provoking, especially the fragments of clothing suspected to belong to Han Shiyuan, which complicated the case. During her search in Hongwen Pavilion, Yan Xing used her keen insight to piece together Han Shiyuan’s movements, and her detailed account raised doubts in her mind. As night fell, Yan Xing brought her new evidence to Shen Du. Their tacit understanding was revealed unintentionally.

Shen Du accepted the evidence, and Yan Xing inadvertently sat on his bed, creating a subtle atmosphere. The street shadow play inspired Yan Xing, leading to a sudden realization. She urgently sought verification from Pan Chi. Pan Chi’s appearance not only exposed the truth behind the shadow play but also gave Yan Xing new insights into the case.

Late at night, Yan Xing confidently told Shen Du that she had found key evidence to clear Han Shiyuan’s name and planned to act that very night to reveal the real culprit at Hongwen Pavilion.

Shen Du stepped into Hongwen Pavilion, where the noise outside was deafening. Yan Xing and Pan Chi had cleverly staged a realistic "Han Shiyuan's escape" scene using the interplay of light and shadows. The scholars mistook it for reality, exclaiming that "Han Shiyuan" had fled. Shen Du, however, scrutinized the scene and questioned its authenticity. Despite Lan Guizhou’s attempts to deflect, the truth behind the fabricated scene was eventually revealed under Shen Du’s sharp gaze, and everything came to light.

Afterwards, Pan Chi quietly appeared, and Yan Xing expressed her gratitude. However, Shen Du, witnessing their cheerful interaction, felt a mix of emotions and left silently. Shen Du conducted a private investigation on Pan Chi, while Lan Guizhou was interrogated but remained tight-lipped. It turned out that Lan Guizhou had a grudge with a classmate over a poetry collection, mistakenly killed the classmate, and then blamed the missing Han Shiyuan for the crime, hiding his friends to avoid detection.

Yan Xing and Shen Du rushed to the western market, only to find bloodstains left by Lan Guizhou. Han Shiyuan had vanished. A signal flare cut through the night sky as Shen Du and Yan Xing raced on horseback. Yan Xing nearly stumbled as she dismounted. The two broke into a secret chamber to find Yan Caiwei and Han Shiyuan suspended in mid-air, surrounded by swirling moths, creating a strange atmosphere.

A mysterious woman appeared, claiming to be the former serial killer Chen Huo E, and declared that no one could obstruct her path to resurrection. Shen Du stepped forward to fight Chen Huo E, while Yan Xing cleverly avoided the confrontation. At a crucial moment, Han Shiyuan and Yan Caiwei were rescued, and Princess Yong’an’s assistance arrived. Zhang Baohuan conveyed the princess’s intentions, which seemed to hold deeper meaning regarding Han Shiyuan, raising Shen Du’s suspicions.

Afterward, Shen Du and Yan Xing exchanged views, both feeling that the relationship between Han Shiyuan, Princess Yong’an, and Zhang Baohuan was complex, while Yan Caiwei seemed to be kept in the dark. Shen Du made it clear that he had no intention of making things difficult for Yan Caiwei, and Yan Xing, feeling remorseful for having bitten Shen Du out of urgency, deeply apologized.

Yan Xing returned to the crime scene, where Shen Du thoughtfully provided candles to aid in her investigation of Chen Huo E’s arson. As the investigation progressed, Chen Huo E was captured, and her claims of resurrection bore striking similarities to those of Lady Tang, suggesting a deeper conspiracy or identity swap behind the case.

Both Yan Xing and Shen Du felt the gravity of the situation, with the sinister hand behind the scenes seemingly closing in, and its cruelty was chilling. Elsewhere, Lu Chuichui encountered a masked man at her mother’s grave, who, despite the conversation, was revealed to be Jiang Langxing. Yan Xing, feeling guilty for injuring Shen Du, carefully tended to his wound, which inadvertently became sensitive.

In the confusion, Yan Xing mistakenly immersed Shen Du’s hand in her own bath, an incident that unexpectedly brought them closer. Shen Du was deeply moved by Yan Xing’s innocence and care, his heart stirred. Meanwhile, Yan Xing reminisced about Shen Du’s bravery from years past, and their feelings began to quietly grow. The next day, Wu Zhushi remained absorbed in the strange tale of Chen Huo E’s "resurrection," while Lu Chuichui submitted her report as usual.

Yan Xing wished to delve deeper but was politely refused by Wu Zhushi. At that moment, Lai Luozhi unexpectedly appeared, offering to borrow Yan Xing’s help. Although Shen Du did not agree, Lai Luozhi gladly accepted. However, after careful consideration, Yan Xing ultimately declined Lai Luozhi’s offer. Lai Luozhi, seeing this, did not press the matter further and left. Meanwhile, Han Shiyuan had an unexpected encounter with Princess Yong’an in the market.

The princess’s gaze fell on the medicine bag he carried, revealing her respect and fulfillment regarding Han Shiyuan. Yet, as she turned to leave, the Buddhist beads in her hand broke, reflecting inner turmoil. This subtle scene seemed to foreshadow deeper emotional entanglements about to surface.

Wu Zhushi was worried that Yan Xing's candid remarks might anger Lai Luozhi. Unexpectedly, Princess Yong’an arrived suddenly, praising Yan Xing's wisdom but requesting that the Ministry of Justice and Shen Du and his wife refrain from further probing into the Chen Huo E case. The princess also suggested a marriage alliance between Yan Caiwei and Han Shiyuan to quell the unrest. Yan Xing did not respond on the spot, and the princess left first.

Wu Zhushi was astonished, and Yan Xing sensed something was amiss. Lu Chuichui also advised her to stay out of the situation, but Yan Xing was troubled by doubts. At this moment, Zhang Baohuan also hurriedly visited Yan Xing. It seemed everyone was tacitly hoping she would stay away from the turmoil. Wu Zhushi was particularly anxious, believing the Ministry of Justice’s affairs were too unpredictable, and strongly urged Yan Xing not to get into trouble.

During her meeting with Zhang Baohuan, Yan Xing learned that Zhang Baohuan had come to inquire about Han Shiyuan’s safety. However, she discovered that Han Shiyuan had not returned home, and Zhang Baohuan speculated that Han Shiyuan was deliberately avoiding contact. Yan Xing’s mind was clouded with suspicion, and the situation appeared increasingly convoluted, as if an invisible net was trying to isolate her. Yan Xing then visited Yan Caiwei.

Through their silent exchange, Yan Xing attempted to probe into the subtle relationship between Han Shiyuan and Princess Yong’an, but Han Shiyuan avoided the topic. Upon returning home, her mother mentioned Shen Du’s generous gifts and reminded Yan Xing to keep an eye on Shen Du’s movements. Meanwhile, Shen Du sought to take over the Chen Huo E case in front of the Empress Dowager but harbored suspicions that there might be hidden truths behind the case.

With Xu Wan’s help, Shen Du was determined to uncover the truth. The Empress Dowager agreed and handed over the matter of Hongwen Pavilion to Zhang Xiang. Princess Yong’an returned, displeased to learn that Zhang Xiang had taken over Hongwen Pavilion, while Xiao Zhong secretly rejoiced. Zhang Xiang intended to support Shen Du, but Xiao Zhong pretended not to understand. Seeing this, Zhang Xiang had no choice but to abandon the idea and began plotting his next move.

As night fell, Yan Xing was about to act discreetly when Shen Du caught her. She was curious about the Chen Huo E case and was delighted to learn that Shen Du had been assigned to investigate it. Yan Xing eagerly helped Shen Du with his work, hoping to participate in the investigation. Shen Du felt somewhat resigned to Yan Xing’s clumsiness but also appreciated the warmth in her awkwardness.

At dinner, Yan Xing showcased her culinary skills, trying to win Shen Du’s consent with delicious food. However, a metaphor about preserving corpses killed Shen Du’s appetite. Yan Xing insisted on participating in the case, and although Shen Du initially refused for her safety, he was eventually moved by her determination and handed over the token. The next morning, Yan Xing rushed to Chen’s residence with the token.

The manor was quiet, and the steward revealed that Chen Shoujie had gone mad after his wife’s murder, frequently muttering “fire” and “moths. ” Yan Xing discovered remnants from Jinxiu Fang in a high place in the manor, suspecting that Chen Shoujie’s “Chen Huo E” might be the key to the case. Back at the Ministry of Justice, Wu Zhushi discreetly changed Yan Xing’s seat to keep her out of danger.

Lu Chuichui was indignant and warned Yan Xing to be cautious. Yan Xing continued her investigation and found many inconsistencies in the Jinxiu Fang case from the third year of the Shengli era. The case, which had been labeled as treason due to a mistake in embroidery, had led to the ruin of the entire Jinxiu Fang family and caused Princess Runing to sever ties with the royal family.

The case files were vague, suggesting a deeper secret behind the case. Meanwhile, Pan Chi was preparing for the imperial examination and refused to associate with candidates who received Princess Yong’an’s support, believing Zhang Xiang intended to buy people’s hearts. Unexpectedly, Pan Chi was kidnapped but remained steadfast under duress. In a critical moment, Princess Yong’an’s subordinates and Shen Du arrived one after another, launching a fierce rescue operation.

Shen Du, with his extraordinary martial skills and sharp instincts, resolved the crisis, but the unseen hand behind the scenes seemed unrelenting, and a larger storm was quietly brewing.

The next morning, Princess Yong’an rushed to the Empress Dowager to accuse Zhang Xiang of harming scholars from humble backgrounds, while Lai Luozhi added fuel to the fire. Shen Du took the opportunity to present a concealed weapon he had intercepted the previous night, suggesting that the true mastermind might be Xiao Zhong. However, Shen Du analyzed that the simultaneous accusations from three sources against Xiao Zhong seemed suspicious.

Xiao Zhong defended his innocence and earnestly requested the Empress Dowager to discern the truth. The Empress Dowager instructed Shen Du to continue his investigation to uncover the real facts. After court, Zhang Xiang hurriedly thanked Shen Du, while Lai Luozhi sneered and echoed him. Shen Du ignored them and left directly. Lu Chuichui sought Yan Xing’s advice on removing a birthmark, which left Yan Xing feeling helpless.

When Lu Chuichui went to get some items, she coincidentally encountered Pan Chi and others drowning their sorrows in alcohol. Yan Xing rushed over upon hearing the news, only to find Pan Chi thoroughly drunk. It turned out that Shen Du had already warned Pan Chi about the complex situation in the city, advising him not to get involved. Although Pan Chi was reluctant, he knew Shen Du’s words were not empty.

The scholars, inebriated, were sent away by Yan Xing in a carriage. Later, it was revealed that they had narrowly escaped attacks from three different groups the previous night, thanks to Shen Du's timely rescue. Pan Chi was not actually drunk; he had come specifically to find Yan Xing but had missed her due to a series of misunderstandings.

Learning that Shen Du and Yan Xing had married and worried that Shen Du might cause her harm, Pan Chi was conflicted. Upon returning home, Yan Xing found that Shen Du had been waiting for dinner for her, preoccupied with thoughts of her. Yan Xing praised Shen Du's martial skills but abruptly left under the pretense of visiting her family, leaving Shen Du feeling disoriented in the cold wind.

Concubine Jiang looked at her daughter with love as she drank soup, hoping for her early recovery and wishing to hold her grandchild soon. Although she had heard of the legend of Chen Huo E, Concubine Jiang paid little attention to it. When Yan Xing returned home, her father had prepared a feast, but Shen Du’s unexpected visit created a subtle atmosphere.

Shen Du happily joined the late-night meal, taking great care of Yan Xing and frequently serving her, drawing the family's attention. After the meal, Yan Xing used the excuse of talking with her mother to try to send Shen Du away, but he insisted on waiting. Yan Kuo led Shen Du to his study, showing him ancient calligraphy scrolls and unexpectedly revealing that he had been imitating Shen Du’s father's handwriting in secret.

Shen Du was deeply affected but maintained a calm exterior, taking the handwriting with him. Late at night, Shen Du took out his father’s heirloom folding fan and carefully compared it with the handwriting, eventually discovering discrepancies. He was filled with doubts and speculated that the forger might be Yan Xing’s father, Yan Kuo. As night fell, Lu Chuichui awaited the masked man, eagerly sharing her secret method for removing birthmarks and hoping he would remove his mask.

Meanwhile, Jiang Langxing felt warmth seeing Lu Chuichui’s genuine efforts. Lai Luozhi encountered Yun Que, mistaking her for an assassin, but Shen Du came to the rescue. Yun Que presented a crucial order, hoping Shen Du would help clear Jinxiu Fang’s name. Shen Du did not agree but arranged for protection. Late at night, Yun Que was attacked but was rescued by Xu Shuai.

The next day, Yun Que sought Shen Du’s help, feeling concerned about his well-being, but knowing he was married, Shen Du declined to act recklessly.

Yan Xing was quite displeased with Shen Du bringing Yun Que back to the residence. The next morning, her maid informed her that Yun Que had been acting as though she were the head of the household, wanting to review the estate’s accounts. However, the steward had dismissed this request, stating that only the head of the household could access these records.

When the steward encountered Yan Xing, his attitude abruptly changed, as he was actually trying to prompt Yun Que to offer Yan Xing tea as a sign of respect. Yun Que, being perceptive, quickly understood the underlying motive, leaving Yan Xing feeling conflicted. During tea time, Yun Que suddenly mentioned Shen Du assigning her to handle the accounts, implying she had full control over household affairs.

Hearing this, Yan Xing didn’t react with anger but instead handed over all subsequent account books to Yun Que. This action made the steward mistakenly think Yan Xing was displeased and planning to return to her family, while in reality, Yan Xing was heading to the Ministry of Justice to handle official business. Shen Du had not returned for days, his whereabouts a mystery, even to Jing Lin. Meanwhile, Yan Xing and Lu Chuichui were waiting for the examination.

Yan Xing specifically went to Hongwen Academy to find Pan Chi but learned that although he was listed as a candidate, he had not yet arrived. Just as Yan Xing was feeling disheartened, Pan Chi appeared, resolutely declaring he would not give up on the exam. Yan Xing, busy with the case, received advice from Pan Chi to look for clues beyond the files, especially not to take the words of madmen at face value.

At the same time, Shen Du re-examined Yan Kuo’s notes and found signs of forgery, further confirming his suspicion of Yan Kuo’s innocence. Inspired by Pan Chi’s advice, Yan Xing decided to take a different approach. Shen Du happened to encounter Yan Xing and Pan Chi talking and, without waiting for the conversation to finish, hurriedly took Yan Xing back to the residence.

Yun Que was about to request the account books, and the steward, idly gossiping, mentioned that Shen Du and Yan Xing were inseparable. Yan Xing calmly told Yun Que that she would eventually separate from Shen Du, but Yun Que felt they were a perfect match. Shen Du insisted that Yan Xing should stay at the residence, and Yan Xing promised to return after the case was resolved to avoid causing trouble.

Unbeknownst to her, Shen Du’s attitude towards Yan Xing had subtly changed. On the day of the final exam, there was a sudden upheaval in the exam hall as someone was exposed for cheating. Pan Chi, however, completed his paper with composure. Although he ranked at the bottom, he unexpectedly caught the Empress Dowager’s favor. The Empress Dowager not only personally reviewed Pan Chi’s essay but also had Xu Wan interpret its deeper meaning.

Despite the examiners' challenging questions, the Empress Dowager highly praised Pan Chi, considering his work unique. Xu Wan remained silent, privately reflecting that this exam was merely a test, with deeper currents at play, and the situation required patience. Meanwhile, the old case of Chen Shoujie and Chen Huo E resurfaced. Yan Xing noticed she might have missed something and was attacked by black-clad assailants during a night inspection. Fortunately, Shen Du arrived just in time to rescue her.

Despite Shen Du's valiant efforts, he was injured, but he managed to fend off the attackers. Yan Xing was deeply concerned about Shen Du’s injuries and noticed that the weapons and the encounters at the temple were eerily similar, adding more mystery. On another front, Lu Chuichui faced danger on her way home when a black-clad man attempted something untoward. At a critical moment, the masked man Lai Luozhi appeared and rescued her, taking her away from harm.

Lai Luozhi's identity remained a secret, and Lu Chuichui mistook him for a righteous hero of the martial world, urging him not to evade responsibility. However, Lu Chuichui’s innocent heart led her to release floating lanterns to wish Lai Luozhi a change of heart. Moved by her sincerity and reflecting on past regrets, Lai Luozhi was deeply touched and shed tears, realizing that the ways of the world were beyond human control.

As night fell, Yan Xing approached Shen Du's bed with medicinal ointment, carefully applying it to his wounds. Shen Du gazed at Yan Xing, struggling with his emotions, and attempted to kiss her. Yan Xing did not reject him but was distracted by Shen Du’s pain. Shen Du took this opportunity to act coy and pleaded with Yan Xing to bandage him. Yan Xing shyly agreed, then retreated to her room feeling embarrassed.

Lai Luozhi sent orders to his subordinates, vowing to ensure Lu Chuichui's safety and ridiculing his enemies' incompetence. The next morning, Yan Xing tried to call Shen Du for a meal, but Shen Du pretended to be too injured to rise, teasing Yan Xing. Yan Xing, helpless, personally served the soup and rice, only to find that it was not actually Shen Du who arrived, but a maid.

Later, Yan Xing visited her elder sister Yan Caiwei and Han Shiyuan, delighted to hear of their upcoming marriage, filled with joy and best wishes.

As night fell, Shen Du joined the dinner, intentionally brightening the lights. He casually mentioned Han Shiyuan’s family, trying to probe into his background, but Han Shiyuan straightforwardly claimed he had no relatives. Observing this, Yan Xing skillfully intervened to shield Han Shiyuan and clashed subtly with Shen Du, creating a delicate atmosphere. Ultimately, Yan Xing suggested that everyone leave first, and Shen Du, before departing, couldn't resist provoking Han Shiyuan, leaving a lingering tension.

Late at night, alone with Shen Du, Yan Xing was puzzled by Shen Du's behavior toward Han Shiyuan and asked why he had mocked him. Shen Du only smiled and remained silent. They looked at each other, and Shen Du proposed they return together. Yan Xing declined, but Shen Du insisted on carrying her, claiming it was to show marital harmony.

Upon reaching Yan Xing's bedroom, faced with a single bed, Yan Xing offered to sleep on the bedroll, but Shen Du, citing his injury, invited Yan Xing to sleep together. Though embarrassed, Yan Xing agreed, and they shared the bed. As the night deepened, neither of them could sleep, their gazes meeting with shyness. Yan Xing tried to escape but found the candlelight had gone out, so she stepped outside to gaze at the full moon.

Unexpectedly, Shen Du followed her, saying that the extinguished candlelight made it difficult for him to sleep. Yan Xing, curious about Shen Du's candle obsession, learned that he had a condition called "squinting eyes. " Yan Xing realized this and tested him, discovering Shen Du indeed could not see properly. Shen Du recalled similar words from his childhood and, overcome with emotion, gently touched Yan Xing, rekindling feelings between them.

At dawn, Shen Du and Yan Xing awoke from their dreams, Yan Xing nestled in Shen Du’s arms. Shen Du gently stroked Yan Xing’s hair, but their peace was disrupted by urgent reports from his subordinates. Yan Xing woke up, blushing slightly, and found it hard to hide her embarrassment in front of Shen Du. Han Shiyuan suddenly appeared, kneeling and revealing a shocking secret: his parents had another son, Zhang Baohuan. This revelation stunned everyone.

Princess Yong’an had manipulated Han Shiyuan using this secret. Han Shiyuan refused to acknowledge his half-brother due to deep resentment—years ago, when his sister was in peril, Zhang Baohuan failed to help her. His sister had been the head of Jinxiu Workshop, and her death was brutal, leaving Han Shiyuan with a deep grudge. Yan Xing, however, defended Zhang Baohuan, suggesting he might have had his own difficulties. Han Shiyuan remembered the tragic scene vividly, his pain indescribable.

His love for Yan Caiwei was unwavering, but Yan Kuo hesitated about the marriage, and the Yan family was already in turmoil, unable to withstand more troubles. Han Shiyuan faced the truth calmly, accepted the consequences, and left, leaving Yan Caiwei in tears and heartbroken. Shen Du went to the palace and informed Xu Wan of Han Shiyuan's background, requesting confidentiality.

Shen Du seemed to sense the appearance of the little girl he had encountered in his childhood but had found no leads previously. Xu Wan comforted Shen Du, advising him to cherish her if he ever met her. Despite the heavy criticism Shen Du faced, he had his own plans and kept them well-guarded from others. Yan Xing put great effort into treating Shen Du's squinting eyes, preparing a special medicinal soup.

Though it smelled terrible, Shen Du was grateful and forced himself to drink it all. At noon, Jing Lin arrived with special dishes for Yan Xing and included a note explaining the mystery of Shen Du's night-time lighting. He humorously remarked that if they wished to keep it a secret, they should finish all the food. Shen Du could only smile wryly and comply.

Shen Du met with Chen Shoujie to review Jinxiu Workshop's fabrics, reflecting on past emotions and feeling unsettled. The case had far-reaching implications, and everyone associated with Jinxiu Workshop had become a target. Meanwhile, Han Shiyuan was suddenly abducted by Princess Yong’an’s men, adding further complications. Yan Xing, undeterred by Shen Du's mood, remained steadfast in her support and continued to strategize for her husband, showing deep affection and resilience.

Zhang Baohuan visited Princess Yong'an's residence with the intention of taking Han Shiyuan away. The Princess appeared and stated that she had only invited Han Shiyuan as a guest. Zhang Baohuan argued that being a guest requires the willingness of both parties, and it was evident that Han Shiyuan was reluctant. He also mentioned that they had encountered Shen Du and Yan Xing providing protection along the way.

Hearing this, the Princess generously allowed Zhang Baohuan to take Han Shiyuan away, hinting that while Yan Xing might offer temporary protection, it would be difficult to ensure Han Shiyuan's long-term safety. A subordinate came before Shen Du with a serious expression and reported the strange scene at Jinxiu Workshop: A large number of moth-shaped jade pieces had suddenly appeared, accompanied by the mysterious appearance of an old acquaintance, whose bizarre form left everyone speechless.

The people gathered in large numbers, kneeling in worship, and rumors spread that Manager Han's spirit had manifested, causing chaos and fervor. People scrambled to pick up these jade pieces, as if they believed they could bring good fortune. Yan Xing and Shen Du rushed to the scene upon hearing the news and witnessed the chaos. Yan Xing speculated that there must be a mastermind behind this event, with widespread implications.

Shen Du, worried about Yan Xing's safety, advised her to give up the investigation, but Yan Xing was determined to uncover the truth. The next morning, Yan Xing hurriedly left, planning to meet Lu Chuichui for an outing, though she had other intentions. Understanding Yan Xing's character, Shen Du arranged for Jing Lin to secretly follow and protect her.

Yan Xing visited the Chen family, and during a conversation with Chen Shouzheng, she learned of the rumors about the arrival of the "Fire Moth. " She keenly noticed that the testimony of the old man in the Chen family was overly consistent, clearly rehearsed in advance. Unexpectedly, Chen Shouzheng suddenly released a powder, causing Yan Xing to fall into a hallucination, where she mistakenly believed the old man was fleeing and chased after him.

Jing Lin quickly followed when he saw this. In the end, Yan Xing discovered the old man's body in front of the Mingsheng Temple. Shocked, she was then mistakenly accused by Princess Runing of committing murder in the sacred place, who ordered her arrest. A storm seemed to be quietly brewing. Upon learning that Yan Xing was implicated in a murder case, Shen Du was anxious and rushed to the scene immediately.

At this time, Lai Luozhi had also arrived, claiming to take over the investigation of the case. After a heated debate between Shen Du and Lai Luozhi, the latter reluctantly agreed to postpone the interrogation of Yan Xing until the next day, giving Shen Du one night to uncover the truth.

Shen Du carefully examined the old man's corpse from the Chen family and noticed that his shoes were clean and free of mud, concluding that he had not gone to the crime scene on his own. Lu Chuichui hurried over, feeling slightly relieved upon seeing Shen Du present.

Shen Du then conducted a thorough investigation of the Chen family, finding no signs of a struggle in Chen Shouzheng's room, but noticing bloodstains on the old man's bed, indicating that it was the primary crime scene. To trace the clues, Shen Du secretly investigated the movements of Prince Xian and was shocked to learn that he had secretly visited Mingsheng Temple to meet Princess Runing.

Shen Du confronted Princess Runing, using Prince Xian's whereabouts as leverage, hinting that if the truth were exposed, the consequences would be dire. The Princess, shocked, revealed that Prince Xian had indeed visited, and confirmed that Shen Du was not the one who committed the murder at the scene. However, she hinted that Prince Xian later encountered a box containing the corpse at the back door.

Shen Du vowed that, regardless of who was involved, he would uncover the truth behind the Jinxiu Workshop murder case. Just as Lai Luozhi was about to interrogate Yan Xing, Shen Du suddenly appeared, holding an imperial edict from the Empress Dowager, declaring that the case would be fully taken over by the Imperial Security Office. Lai Luozhi had no choice but to step back. Lu Chuichui was overjoyed to see Yan Xing safe and sound.

Shen Du once again urged Yan Xing to give up the investigation, but Yan Xing firmly refused, vowing to uncover the truth. Knowing Shen Du's concerns, she stated that if he feared the power, she would write a separation letter and face the danger alone, never implicating Shen Du.

These words angered Shen Du, who was furious at her disregard for her own safety, and he left in anger, leaving Yan Xing alone, her gaze resolute, determined to uncover the truth.

Yan Xing carefully examined the old man's body from the Chen family and detected a strange fragrance, which was a preservative substance, leading her to conclude that the old man had been dead for some time. She then proceeded to the Shice Archive to search for clues. Along the way, Ji Fangming quietly left, leaving Yan Xing to delve deeper alone, determined to uncover the layers of mystery.

Shen Du's thoughts drifted back to the past, where under his mother's stern gaze, he was forced to face a difficult choice. His mother, prioritizing the family's honor and the clearing of their name, pressured him to write a confession in exchange for a slim chance of survival. Shen Du resolutely refused, firmly believing in his father's innocence and vowing not to compromise.

This scene was deeply imprinted in his mind, becoming the driving force behind his commitment to justice and his fearlessness in the face of power. Meanwhile, Yan Xing stayed awake through the night, immersed in the vast records of the Shice Archive, until the first light of dawn appeared, where she happened to meet Lu Chuichui.

Lu Chuichui defended Shen Du, explaining how Shen Du had stood up for Yan Xing in her time of crisis and had relentlessly pursued the truth, demonstrating his deep affection and loyalty. Hearing this, Yan Xing felt a mix of emotions, and her misunderstandings about Shen Du gradually dissipated. The martial world was in turmoil, with rumors spreading about a mysterious sect capable of bringing the dead back to life, yet there was no way to verify these claims.

Yan Xing encountered her mother worshipping in superstitious devotion and tried to dissuade her, but she found it difficult to stop the ignorance of the masses. Suddenly, a fire broke out at the Shice Archive, trapping Yan Xing in a perilous situation. Shen Du, disregarding his own safety, rushed into the flames, only to find that Yan Xing had already escaped unscathed. Holding the weakened Yan Xing in his arms, Shen Du gently urged her to rest.

As their misunderstandings began to resolve, Yan Xing, moved to tears, expressed her sincere apologies and gratitude to Shen Du. Yan Xing discovered a strange powder on Shen Du's clothing, identical to the one found in the Jinxiu Workshop case, which raised her suspicions. She hurriedly brought the powder to her master for identification and learned that it was made from a rare plant from the Western Regions. She then decided to visit the Ghost Market to investigate further.

Her master warned Yan Xing that solving a case requires both patience and meticulousness, and she should avoid seeking quick results. Yan Xing returned to the Shice Archive, but Lu Chuichui quickly pulled her away when she saw her. Although the others had complex feelings about Yan Xing, they were helpless in the situation.

Yan Xing reflected on her difficulty sleeping at the Shice Archive, yet she found peace and comfort in the Shen residence, perhaps due to her dependence on a bright environment. Therefore, she specially prepared an eye-soothing item for Shen Du as a gesture of gratitude and care. As she was about to leave, Shen Du gently asked her to stay, and they shared a warm dinner together.

Elsewhere, Chen Shoujie encountered a dire situation, being tied beneath a beam while charcoal burned fiercely, leaving his life hanging by a thread. Shen Du and Yan Xing rushed to the scene upon hearing the news, and Yan Xing keenly noticed the similarity to the previous incidents involving Han Shiyuan and the Third Sister, deepening the mystery. At that moment, Ji Fangming appeared sneakily and was caught on the spot.

He claimed he was there to gather evidence for the fire incident but unexpectedly ran into Yan Xing and the others. Another tragedy was reported in the eastern part of the city, where someone had been burned to death, making the case even more confusing. Shen Du and Yan Xing privately discussed Ji Fangming, both finding his behavior unusual and overly concerned with Yan Xing and the others' reactions.

Yan Xing suspected that the fire incident was actually an attempt to destroy evidence, and Ji Fangming might be one of the masterminds behind it. To uncover the truth, Yan Xing approached Ji Fangming and deliberately leaked false information that Chen Shoujie had confessed, hoping to draw out more clues. However, the case was complex, and higher authorities had already ordered the investigation to stop, with Chen Shoujie possibly facing secret execution.

Knowing the difficult road ahead, Yan Xing became even more determined to pursue the truth to the end. As expected, Ji Fangming sneaked into the prison, attempting to kill Chen Shoujie, but Shen Du and the others arrived just in time to stop him. Under interrogation, the truth gradually emerged: Ji Fangming had once been close to Kong Xianrong, the original owner of Jinxiu Workshop.

After failing the imperial exams, Ji was introduced to Chen Shoujie by Kong Xianrong, allowing him to enter the officialdom. This murder attempt was actually the result of a complicated grudge, with hidden truths yet to be fully uncovered.

Ji Fangming vowed to avenge the many wrongful deaths at Jinxiu Workshop. As Shen Du was interrogating him, Lai Luozhi arrived. Shen Du coldly stated that if Lai Luozhi wished to observe, he should wait quietly and not interfere; otherwise, he would face severe punishment for disrupting the interrogation. The atmosphere was tense as a quiet struggle between justice and power unfolded.

Ji Fangming revealed his inner thoughts, expressing that he had long harbored doubts about the Jinxiu Workshop case, which led him to test Chen Shoujie. When the Jinxiu Workshop was mentioned, Chen Shoujie's expression changed drastically. His wife, Madam Chen, was one of the embroiderers but was the only one to survive. Enraged, Ji Fangming killed Madam Chen, leaving Chen Shoujie to suffer.

Yan Xing deeply felt that the pain of this case was not Ji Fangming's alone, but Chen Shoujie's as well. Ji Fangming then presented a piece of fabric that Madam Chen had hidden in the roof, her dying gaze pointed at it, as if she had something left unsaid. Yan Xing questioned why, if Ji Fangming were truly the culprit, he would place evidence in such an obvious location. This action seemed curious, hinting at a deeper meaning.

Ji Fangming firmly denied any accidental killing, believing that he had not wrongly killed an innocent person. Upon seeing the fabric, Chen Shoujie gradually regained his senses and confessed that the disaster at Jinxiu Workshop years ago was due to their cowardice. They had discovered problems but dared not speak out, feeling deep guilt over Kong Xianrong's death.

Ji Fangming, shocked, realized that he had been used to kill the innocent and revealed that Prince Ying had orchestrated a conspiracy to eliminate dissidents. Shen Du promised to report the truth to the Empress Dowager to set the record straight. Lai Luozhi extended an olive branch to Yan Xing, subtly suggesting that she should choose a better ally, but Yan Xing politely declined, stating she had no such intentions.

Shen Du and Yan Xing then delved deeper into the Jinxiu Workshop case, which had far-reaching consequences, not only involving many people but also casting a shadow over the hearts of the common folk. Shen Du pointed out that the mastermind behind the scenes intended to use this case to stir up public sentiment, with malicious intent.

Yan Xing worried that Shen Du's exposure of the truth might bring harm upon himself, but Shen Du was confident, believing that the Empress Dowager sought peace in the realm, so he had no need to worry. Yan Xing then brought up Yun Que, questioning Shen Du's intentions in keeping her at the mansion. Shen Du hinted that Yun Que might be hiding an even bigger secret, sparking curiosity.

Later, Yan Xing sought help from Pan Chi, requesting him to escort them. Initially, Pan Chi found it troublesome, but thinking of how Shen Du relied solely on him, he eventually agreed. Yan Xing promised to host a grand feast in gratitude upon his return, which Pan Chi gladly accepted, signaling the beginning of their escort mission.

Pan Chi gifted Shen Du a specially made fan, joking that it contained a hidden mechanism—a vacuum-sealed sleeping powder that, when lightly waved, could knock out a strong bull. Yan Xing then went to investigate Jinxiu Workshop at night, where she encountered strange ghostly lights and jade pieces resembling moths scattered around, adding an air of mystery. Hearing of this, Shen Du increased his vigilance over Yan Xing to prevent any mishaps.

Unexpectedly, Yan Xing accidentally triggered the fan's mechanism, causing the sleeping powder to spread, and she fainted. Shen Du could only smile wryly and carry the unconscious Yan Xing back. In the court, Shen Du mentioned the case, and Lai Luozhi added that although Chen Huo E had died, her prophecy of resurrection had already deeply convinced the people. The Empress Dowager then ordered Shen Du to thoroughly investigate the case and ensure the truth was uncovered. Privately, Prince Xian remarked that Shen Du was unlikely to achieve much on this mission.

Yan Xing found herself in a dream, feeling dazed. Yun Que, with a smile, mentioned that she was soon to be wed to Shen Du, saying that this place was now her home, urging Yan Xing to leave quickly. The dream shifted, and a mysterious voice echoed around her, questioning what Yan Xing sought more in life—the truth or Shen Du—and how she would choose between them.

Yan Xing, troubled, cried out that she didn't want to choose either, then suddenly awoke, realizing it had all been just a dream. Although the dream was over, the turmoil in her heart remained, as the conflict between truth and emotion left her deep in thought. Upon waking, Yan Xing noticed that it was already the hour of You. A maid was waiting outside the door to guide her to the study.

Shen Du had already prepared the old case files from Jinxiu Workshop, carefully organizing them in anticipation of discussing them with Yan Xing. Hearing this, Yan Xing was delighted, knowing that Shen Du was determined to reinvestigate the case, giving her hope that justice might prevail. Lu Chuichui excitedly came to report, praising Shen Du's eloquence in the main hall, which finally earned the Empress Dowager's approval to reopen the old case.

She also mentioned that Yan Xing played a significant role in this success. Yan Xing laughed, saying that although Shen Du usually treated her with strictness, he couldn't hide his sense of justice. Lu Chuichui, full of admiration for Shen Du, praised his heroic demeanor, while Yan Xing joked about Shen Du's stern and distant manner. Just then, Shen Du passed by, overhearing their conversation, and gave a slight smile, seemingly approving of the lighthearted atmosphere.

Yun Que arrived carrying something, and Jing Lin hurriedly tried to stop her, worried that it might be inappropriate to disturb Shen Du at this moment. Yun Que, unconcerned, smiled and said she was not an outsider, so there was no need to avoid suspicion. Jing Lin then mentioned that Yun Que's family had close ties with Jinxiu Workshop in the past, yet they had miraculously escaped any harm, which left him puzzled.

Upon hearing this, Yun Que's expression darkened, and she questioned whether Jing Lin was suspecting her. Princess Yong'an visited Princess Lu Ning, discussing the reopening of the old case and expressing deep concern about the past. She bluntly stated that she always felt somehow connected to this case, revealing her unease. Princess Lu Ning, however, remained calm, saying that the deceased had already passed on, and whether the case was reopened or not made no difference.

Princess Yong'an also mentioned that Prince Xian had sought a divination from Princess Lu Ning during his visit and asked if she could do the same for her. Princess Lu Ning humbly declined, stating that her spiritual practice was still shallow and she was not capable of such things. Princess Yong'an left in disappointment, and Shen Du quietly appeared, proposing a plan to clear Princess Yong'an's name.

Pan Chi was ordered to bring Yun Que's parents, who mistakenly believed they were summoned for Yun Que and Shen Du's wedding, and they were overjoyed. Shen Du was shocked upon hearing this and questioned Pan Chi about the reason for this misunderstanding. Pan Chi innocently explained that he had merely followed orders to bring them, unaware of any confusion.

Shen Du and Yan Xing hurriedly clarified that although Yun Que resided in the mansion, there was no marriage arrangement, and they asked Yun Que's parents to recount the events related to Jinxiu Workshop in hopes of uncovering the truth. Yun Que's parents hesitated, but Yan Xing, with sharp words, implied that if they were not involved, there was no need to protect anyone, and they should leave immediately.

Finally, they confessed, revealing that they had been threatened into concealing the events at Jinxiu Workshop. The evidence Yun Que had obtained was also given to her by those who had threatened them, intending to use Yun Que to expose the truth. Yun Que overheard this and vowed that no matter what trials they faced in the future, the family would endure them together. At Princess Yong'an's banquet, Shen Du and Yan Xing were invited to attend.

The gathering took a sudden turn when Chen Huo E attacked the princess. Shen Du stepped forward to confront Chen Huo E in battle. Yan Xing joined the fray, touching Chen Huo E's chest and discovering the secret hidden within. This life-and-death struggle unveiled even more mysteries surrounding the old case.

At this tense moment, Chen Huo E's true identity was revealed. She was a rare type of mirror person, with a heart different from ordinary people, which allowed her to survive despite being severely injured. She expressed her unwavering loyalty to her master, willing to sacrifice herself if necessary. Subsequently, an intense battle broke out between Shen Du and Chen Huo E. Though Shen Du bravely defeated Chen Huo E, he also sustained severe injuries.

Yan Xing, anxious and worried, quickly brought Shen Du to a safe place and attempted to find a healer to treat him. However, the heavy rain blocked the path for help, and Jing Lin had yet to return. In desperation, Yan Xing personally bandaged Shen Du's wounds, tightly holding the whistle he had given her, silently praying: Shen Du had endured great hardships in the Zuirong Institute without yielding, and he would surely overcome this ordeal as well.

The Empress Dowager's concern for the Yucha Department's affairs caused a small commotion. Lai Luozhi, feeling guilty for not discovering Chen Huo E's imprisonment in time, was fortunately spared with only a salary deduction by the Empress Dowager's leniency. The Prince, witnessing this, silently noted the Empress Dowager's favoritism towards Lai Luozhi. Meanwhile, Shen Du awoke and immediately recognized the whistle in Yan Xing's hand, a significant token that symbolized their innocent childhood memories.

During his time at the Zuirong Institute, Yan Xing’s quiet care had deeply moved Shen Du, and he had engraved his name on the whistle to give to Yan Xing as a token of gratitude. Now reunited, the two had changed in status but unexpectedly discovered that their marriage was just a misunderstanding, agreeing to separate in three months. Lu Chuichui’s appearance shattered this moment of calm.

She accidentally overheard the secret between Shen Du and Yan Xing, and Yan Xing hurriedly begged her to keep it confidential. When discussing future partners, Lu Chuichui enthusiastically recommended candidates for Yan Xing, only to be interrupted by Shen Du, who urged her to leave. Strapped for cash, Lu Chuichui turned to Yan Xing for help. During a shared meal, Yun Que joined them, and the three had a pleasant conversation. Lu Chuichui and Yun Que quickly became close friends.

After the meal, Lu Chuichui and Yun Que discussed going to Mingsheng Temple to pray for marriage, sincerely inviting Yan Xing to join them, hoping to seek happiness together during the blessing trip. Yan Xing was carefully selecting clothes when Shen Du noticed and felt slightly displeased. He hadn’t expected Yan Xing to be so invested in praying for marriage.

Yan Xing explained that she was picking out clothes for Lu Chuichui and self-deprecatingly remarked that her plain attire might not suit Lu Chuichui’s taste. Upon hearing this, Shen Du’s worry turned into joy. Elsewhere, Lu Chuichui encountered something “terrifying” at the theater, but it was actually Ghost Face who had appeared. She quickly recognized him and felt reassured.

As they chatted, Lu Chuichui mentioned the birthmark on Ghost Face's face and advised him not to trust the gold removal method for birthmarks. Ghost Face jokingly asked if she wanted to take back the ring she had given him, but Lu Chuichui firmly stated that it was his. Out of curiosity, Lu Chuichui requested to see Ghost Face’s true face. After some hesitation, Ghost Face agreed.

When he removed his mask, Lu Chuichui was stunned—it turned out that Ghost Face was Lai Luozhi. Sensing Lu Chuichui’s fear, Lai Luozhi softly reminded her to keep this a secret. At Mingsheng Temple, Lu Chuichui seemed uninterested in praying for marriage. She quietly left, allowing Yan Xing and Xu Xiangren time alone together with Yun Que.

Xu Xiangren mentioned that he had learned about Yan Xing’s marriage from Lu Chuichui and explained that the local laws allowed incompatible couples to separate and that there was no real relationship between Shen Du and Yan Xing. After hearing this, Yan Xing felt a mix of emotions—frustrated and amused by Lu Chuichui’s “big mouth. ” She candidly expressed her admiration for Xu Xiangren but emphasized that she had no other intentions, striving to clear up the misunderstanding.

Xu Xiangren proposed to form a brother-sister bond with Yan Xing, and she gladly accepted. He gifted her a token that commands the Yiliang people, saying it might protect her in times of danger. Yan Xing gratefully accepted the gift. Meanwhile, Lu Chuichui happened to meet Jiang Langxing, and the two of them went to draw lots together, creating a warm and natural atmosphere. At Mingsheng Temple, Pan Chi mentioned the "snake beauty," which caused a small commotion.

Shen Du, worried about Yan Xing’s safety, sent Jing Lin to find her and exaggerated the situation, prompting Yan Xing to leave early, much to Lu Chuichui’s frustration. Yun Que privately asked Yan Xing about her thoughts on Shen Du and Xu Xiangren, hinting at her admiration for Xu Xiangren. Yan Xing quickly picked up on this and teased Yun Que about having feelings for someone.

Yun Que openly admitted it, praising Xu Xiangren for his bravery and integrity, and explained that he had saved her life, so it was only natural that she had developed feelings for him. Meanwhile, Pan Chi revealed the truth elsewhere—the "snake beauty" he had seen was actually a woman disguised as a snake who had been abducted. He investigated further at night and confirmed his suspicions. Pan Chi heroically rescued the abducted woman.

Unable to repay him, she gave him a moth-shaped jade pendant, revealing that she had taken it from her captor. When Pan Chi asked about her background, he learned that she was a woman from Gannan, tricked by a trafficker from her hometown. Feeling pity for her, Pan Chi decided to escort her to find a Western Region merchant caravan to help her return home.

On another front, the Empress Dowager summoned Yan Xing, intending to reward Shen Du for his merits, and turned to ask Yan Xing for her opinion. Yan Xing humbly expressed that she would accept any grace from the emperor. Xu Wan suggested transferring this favor to Yan Xing by appointing her as a scribe. However, Yan Xing insisted on passing the female officer's exam to prove her own abilities.

Xu Wan, knowing that this was both a reward and a test, warned that failure would result in Yan Xing being expelled from the Six Ministries. Yet, Yan Xing resolutely accepted the challenge, demonstrating her unyielding spirit. Xu Wan privately told Yan Xing that Shen Du had always been concerned for her safety and had entrusted Xu Wan to look after her. Yan Xing, touched, felt even more deeply about Shen Du’s affections.

Although she already had feelings for someone else, Yan Xing decided to cherish every moment she spent with Shen Du. At the same time, Princess Yong’an summoned Yan Caiwei and offered her a cup of tea with blessings. Yan Caiwei reluctantly drank it but later fell ill at home, with symptoms similar to the poison that had afflicted Chen Huo E. Yan Xing rushed back after hearing the news, filled with doubts.

Yan Xing’s father warned her not to speak rashly about royal matters without evidence, lest she bring disaster upon their family. However, Yan Xing secretly resolved to uncover the truth and seek justice for Yan Caiwei. Han Shiyuan speculated that someone might be seeking revenge against Yan Xing’s family, which only deepened Yan Xing’s worries. She swore to rescue the suffering Yan Caiwei. Yan Xing’s father, fearing for his daughter’s safety, tried to dissuade her.

Despite this, Yan Xing buried herself in books, desperately searching for a cure. Meanwhile, Lu Chuichui visited her mother and accidentally encountered Lai Luozhi. She felt conflicted, having heard of his infamous reputation but also sensing the kindness beneath his Ghost Face mask. Lai Luozhi handed her a prescription and reminded her to keep it secret. Lu Chuichui agreed, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

Yan Xing held high hopes for the prescription but felt that the heart's blood of a mirror person would be hard to find. Lu Chuichui was shocked to learn that the mirror person was the late Chen Huo E, yet Yan Xing did not give up and resolved to continue searching. Meanwhile, Jing Lin informed Shen Du that the Yan family had entrusted him with a task—Yan Caiwei was studying the secret techniques of the Lotus Firefly Sect.

Shen Du felt somewhat displeased that the Yan family hadn’t come directly to him for help. At the same time, Han Shiyuan humbled himself in seeking the assistance of Princess Yong’an but was rejected and sent back to the Yan family. The princess openly stated that she was not the one who had poisoned them and was surprised by Han Shiyuan’s request. Shen Du realized that these events were all connected to him and decided to visit Lai Luozhi to investigate.

However, when he arrived, Lai Luozhi’s residence was empty, surrounded only by thick fog. Shen Du accidentally engaged in a fight with a mysterious figure, quickly explaining that he had no intention of trespassing. Lai Luozhi appeared just in time and scolded Shen Du for intruding into her backyard, warning that it could lead to misunderstandings. This encounter made Shen Du realize the complexity of the situation, prompting him to reflect on how to deal with the sudden challenges and mysteries.

The Yan family, Princess Yong’an, Lai Luozhi, and other forces seemed to be intricately linked, weaving together stories of love, hatred, and unresolved conflicts. Shen Du stared intently at Lai Luozhi, demanding to know her true intentions. Lai Luozhi smiled leisurely and revealed that she indeed had something crucial. She handed him a cup of tea, but Jing Lin quickly stopped Shen Du, suspecting it was poisoned.

Lai Luozhi calmly replied that everyone feared this place so much that they dared not even taste the tea. Shen Du, determined, drank it without hesitation, and Lai Luozhi revealed: the heart’s blood of the mirror person was sealed within the specially crafted tea cup. Shen Du closely examined the cup and discovered its intricate design—inside, the heart’s blood was cleverly preserved.

Lai Luozhi explained that this cup had been custom-made by an artisan from the Western Regions, specifically for storing heart's blood. When Shen Du asked for her demands, Lai Luozhi bluntly stated that she required a promise: in exchange for today's help, Shen Du must repay her double in the future. After weighing the pros and cons, Shen Du finally agreed. Meanwhile, Yan Xing's father sought help from Zhang Xiang but returned empty-handed.

The Wise King, hearing about Yan Caiwei’s poisoning, questioned Zhang Xiang. Zhang Xiang’s conspiracy was exposed—he revealed that the poisoning could drive a wedge between the Hero King and Shen Du, preventing Shen Du from aiding the Hero King any further. The Wise King was deeply frustrated, realizing how power struggles had caused people to lose their way. Madam Yang, anxious and distressed, begged Yan Xing to find another solution.

Though her aunt pitied Yan Xing’s efforts, she couldn’t hide her dissatisfaction. Madam Yang suggested turning to Shen Du for help, believing that despite Yan Caiwei’s past transgressions against him, blood ties shouldn’t be severed, and Shen Du should offer a helping hand. Shen Du arrived just in time, agreeing with Madam Yang's sentiment, and revealed that the heart’s blood had already been obtained. Everyone was overjoyed at the news, and Yan Xing quickly prepared the medicine.

To ensure the treatment was safe, Yan Xing resolutely tested the medicine herself. To her surprise, Shen Du also drank it, shocking her. She hurriedly asked about his well-being. Shen Du smiled and reassured her, saying that since he trusted the authenticity of Lai Luozhi’s gift, there was no need to worry. He joked that he hadn’t expected to become the one testing the medicine and quipped that if it were truly poisonous, it was merely fate playing tricks.

Shen Du further expressed his hope that when faced with difficulties, Yan Xing would think of him first, revealing the depth of his affection. Elsewhere, Lai Luozhi’s younger sister questioned her motives, puzzled by her contradictory actions of poisoning and then offering an antidote, as well as exposing herself to Shen Du. Lai Luozhi candidly replied that everything she did was for the benefit of the family, hoping that the sacrifices they made would eventually fulfill their desires.

Yan Caiwei awoke, and everyone celebrated. Princess Yong’an presented a jade ruyi as a token of blessing, symbolizing the deep affection between the couple, with hopes for a long and happy union. Yan Xing secretly felt relieved, knowing that the princess had moved past the issue with Han Shiyuan. Fourth Lady Yan firmly requested a divorce, but Master Yan opposed it, fearing it would disgrace the family.

Yan Xing stood by her, saying that reputation is not the foundation of everything, and only through trials can true love be revealed. Yan Caiwei also believed that neither Han Shiyuan nor Shen Du were shallow people who would belittle her because of a divorce. Madam Yang agreed, and Master Yan finally nodded in approval. Shen Du and the others succeeded in the imperial examinations, taking first place, much to Lu Chuichui's delight.

However, it was a pity that Master Yan did not make it in the civil appointments. Time flew, and on Yan Caiwei and Han Shiyuan's wedding day, Zhang Baohuan warmly received guests, creating a joyful atmosphere. Lu Chuichui was secretly pleased to hear that Master Yan had agreed to Fourth Lady Yan’s divorce, thinking that the Yan family’s views were quietly changing, which might make Yan Xing’s future divorce path smoother.

Lai Luozhi’s sudden arrival added a subtle tension to the scene. A brief exchange of words between her and Shen Du sparked a more intense atmosphere. However, Lai Luozhi claimed she was only there to offer her congratulations before quickly leaving, leaving behind a room full of stunned onlookers. Shen Du quietly sat beside Yan Xing, and Lu Chuichui, noticing this, tactfully stepped away. At this moment, Yan Caiwei and Han Shiyuan entered and began the wedding ceremony.

Yan Xing's eyes were filled with blessings and joy. During the banquet, Yan Xing privately asked Shen Du if he had intervened in her father’s appointment matter. Shen Du smiled without answering, and Yan Xing felt grateful, silently thanking him. Soon after, urgent news arrived from Gan'nan Dao—the case of the headless ghost killings was causing widespread panic among the people. Mo Qianzhi, the local governor, pleaded with the court to send capable officials to investigate.

The Empress Dowager, upon hearing this, immediately summoned Shen Du and Yan Xing, entrusting them with this important mission. The two accepted the order, vowing to uncover the truth and restore peace to Gan'nan Dao. Before their departure, the Empress Dowager privately summoned Yan Xing, gifting her a piece of clothing along with a secret decree, instructing her to secretly investigate whether Mo Qianzhi had any rebellious intentions.

Yan Xing was puzzled, not understanding why such a heavy responsibility fell on her rather than Shen Du. On the way back, Yan Xing mentioned this to her master, who slowly revealed the reason: Mo Qianzhi had once had a promising career but was deeply implicated in the affairs of the Shen family.

As a disciple of Shen Du’s father, he had risked his life to protect Shen Du during a crisis, but in the end, he was demoted to the frontier. Yan Xing suddenly understood, realizing the deeper intentions of the Empress Dowager. Yan Xing prepared to depart, her luggage full. Lu Chuichui and Yan’s mother also came to see her off, bringing many items full of care.

At first, Shen Du remarked that one cart wouldn’t be enough to carry everything, but in the end, they kept it all. The journey was rough, and Yan Xing became ill, vomiting frequently. Shen Du was extremely concerned, reminding her to inform him of any discomfort immediately. While resting at an inn, Jing Lin revealed that much of the food Yan Xing had prepared was medicinal, thoughtfully made for Shen Du.

In the middle of the night, Shen Du noticed Qi Yeyun acting suspiciously. Yan Xing appeared and learned that Qi Yeyun sought to become her disciple, so she temporarily took him in. Upon arriving at Gan'nan Dao, they were greeted by Mo Qianzhi. Shen Du addressed him as “senior brother,” but Mo modestly declined the title. The atmosphere was tense, and with their hearts holding different concerns, the two set off together to investigate the headless ghost case.

Mo Qianzhi made a decisive decision, with the top priority being to examine the crime scene. He led everyone to the body. Yan Xing conducted a thorough inspection and found that the victim’s head had been brutally severed, indicating a serious case. Currently, the victim’s younger brother was the main suspect, as he had a fierce argument with the victim before the crime.

Yan Xing analyzed the wound and speculated that the murderer was either highly skilled in martial arts or harbored a deep grudge. Considering all the evidence, she leaned more toward the killer being someone with extraordinary abilities. Mo Qianzhi frowned, knowing this case would be difficult, and vowed to uncover the truth. Pan Chi, entrusted by the victim’s family, joined the investigation. He and Yan Xing quickly reached a consensus, engaging in a heated discussion at the scene.

Shen Du, observing this, felt displeased and interrupted them under the pretext of being hungry, insisting on ending the investigation to take Yan Xing for a meal. He pulled Yan Xing away, leaving her confused. On the way, Shen Du straightforwardly expressed his hunger, demanding that Yan Xing personally prepare a medicinal meal for him. Yan Xing smiled wryly, reminding him that she had just completed an autopsy, but Shen Du was indifferent and insisted on his request.

Left with no choice, Yan Xing agreed but cleverly arranged for Qi Yeyun to cook while she quietly slipped away to meet her pen pal. Shen Du’s unreasonable demand and Yan Xing’s clever response added a subtle layer of complexity to their relationship during the tense investigation. Yan Xing arrived at the designated meeting place and suddenly heard a series of secret signals. To her surprise, the familiar voice came from a man—Pan Chi.

Stunned, Yan Xing saw Pan Chi step forward, and they exchanged smiles, the atmosphere slightly awkward. Yan Xing admitted that when they first exchanged letters, Pan Chi had used exquisite floral stationery, with petals and a pleasant fragrance, leading her to mistakenly believe the sender was a gentlewoman. Pan Chi, recalling the casual decision he made after drinking that day, couldn’t help but laugh.

He explained that at the time, he hadn’t expected they would one day meet face-to-face, so he didn’t rush to clarify the misunderstanding, only wanting to use the case as a bridge to collaborate in solving the mystery. After hearing this, Yan Xing found his reasoning sound and felt at ease. At that moment, Shen Du came looking for Yan Xing and found Qi Yeyun tending the fire alone.

He asked where Yan Xing was, and upon learning that she was happily conversing with Pan Chi, Shen Du’s displeasure grew, and he hurried over. Sure enough, seeing the two of them chatting and laughing, Shen Du’s expression darkened. Pan Chi presented Yan Xing with a book on exotic items from the Western Regions, detailing strange instruments, one of which was a curved knife eerily similar to the weapon that had caused the fatal wound in the previous case.

Yan Xing decided to study the book further. The return gift Yan Xing had prepared—a simple hairpin—seemed out of place in the current atmosphere, but Pan Chi accepted it with appreciation, diffusing the awkwardness. On the way back, Shen Du was in a low mood when the sound of a drum signaling a grievance was heard outside. The two rushed over and learned that Miss Du Xiaowan, the daughter of the Du family, had mysteriously disappeared on her wedding night.

Her father was extremely anxious, pleading for help in finding her. Xǔ Jǐzé, the groomsman at the wedding, was also present, looking nervous as he reported the discovery of another body, adding more intrigue to the case. Shen Du volunteered to go investigate, while Yan Xing quietly pondered whether this disappearance case and the earlier murder might be connected in some unknown way. Shen Du discovered a well and immediately ordered Pan Chi to go down and investigate.

Sure enough, they found the missing Du Xiaowan, but what was even more shocking was that there was another corpse in the well. At that moment, Xǔ Jǐzé nervously explained that he had witnessed Du Xiaowan being abducted and, in his haste to save her, had failed to call for help and chased after the kidnapper alone, but he was unable to provide any witnesses or evidence. Mo Qianzhi sternly questioned him, but Xǔ Jǐzé could only shake his head.

Meanwhile, Li Zimo expressed his deep feelings for Du Xiaowan, vowing not to let this incident come between them, and urging her to stand strong and identify the true culprit. The atmosphere at the scene was heavy, as everyone knew that only by uncovering the truth could Du Xiaowan's name be cleared and the murderer brought to justice.

Du Xiaowan recalled the terrifying events of that night. After entering the bridal chamber, she suddenly felt dizzy and lost consciousness. When she awoke, she found herself outside, with faint sounds of a heated argument reaching her ears. She was confused and unable to make out any details. Soon after, she was mercilessly thrown into a well, the icy water intensifying her fear. Moments later, another heavy object fell into the well, and Du Xiaowan realized it was another person.

When questioned by Mo Qianzhi, she shook her head in frustration. The panic and fear she experienced prevented her from identifying the other person, let alone confirming whether it was Xu Jize. Yan Xing carefully examined the delicate peach blossom embroidery on Xu Jize’s clothing, admiring its craftsmanship. She jokingly remarked, "Such fine needlework—could it be a gift from some young lady?

" Xu Jize hurriedly clarified that he was not yet married and that the clothes were merely bought from a ready-to-wear shop, with nothing special about them. Changing the subject, Yan Xing mentioned that the clothes seemed to be part of a set and inquired about the missing outer garment. Xu Jize, appearing slightly flustered, claimed that he might have forgotten to wear it.

Yan Xing pressed further, asking about the mysterious powder found on the clothes, leaving Xu Jize completely bewildered. At this point, Jing Lin appeared, holding Xu Jize’s missing outer garment. He revealed that there was a subtle connection between the inner and outer garments through fine threads, and the outer garment's pocket contained mandrake flower powder. Faced with undeniable evidence, Xu Jize could no longer deny the truth. Under Mo Qianzhi's stern interrogation, he finally confessed everything.

Yan Xing and Jing Lin exchanged a knowing smile, sensing that the case had reached a crucial breakthrough. Xu Jize, with a gloomy expression, began to reveal his inner struggles and moral decline. He had once been devoted to books, dreaming of a life where "beauty lies within the pages," but the harsh reality had led him astray. As a groomsman, he gradually became addicted to the wicked practice of using mind-altering drugs to control brides.

He admitted that after each success, the guilt and fear weighed heavily on him, yet the terrified brides chose to remain silent out of fear. When Yan Xing asked about his accomplice, Xu Jize reluctantly confessed that he did not know the man’s real name—everyone simply referred to him as “Er Laipi.

” Under Mo Qianzhi's relentless questioning, Xu Jize recounted the terrifying events of that night: after drugging Du Xiaowan, he intended to return her to safety, but was stopped by Er Laipi. Hearing a suspicious noise nearby, Xu Jize left briefly, only to return and find Er Laipi dead. Panicked, he fled the scene. However, with no solid evidence to support his claims, there was doubt about the truth of his story.

Mo Qianzhi decided to continue investigating the case thoroughly and ordered that Xu Jize be temporarily detained. Late at night, Yan Xing lay restless, unable to sleep. Shen Du, seeing her in distress, gently gave her a sleeping pill to help her rest. The next day, a letter from Xu Wan left Yan Xing feeling even more awkward, but Shen Du's comforting words brought her warmth and understanding.

He casually remarked that such incidents were merely small hiccups in life and should not be taken to heart. Despite her words of protest, Yan Xing soon fell into a deep sleep under Shen Du’s tender gaze. Yan Xing woke from a nightmare, startled by the sudden appearance of a pigeon, which caused her to hit her head.

The bird reminded her of the secret orders from the Empress Dowager, who had warned that there were hidden agents in the city, and that pigeons were being used to transmit messages. In need of medicine, Yan Xing searched for deer antler, but after failing to find any, she decided to substitute it with cistanche, a less effective but acceptable alternative. Driven by curiosity, Yan Xing visited Mo Qianzhi’s secluded, little-known courtyard.

Meanwhile, Shen Du visited Mo Qianzhi and reminisced about the past. Mo Qianzhi firmly stated that he had no regrets about pleading on behalf of the Shen family back then. The life-saving grace and deep friendship of Shen Du’s father made him regard Shen Du as his own son, and his appeal was simply an act of loyalty and righteousness. The conversation then turned to Mo Xiuxiu, and Yan Xing’s memories were quietly stirred.

During their days of study together, she, Shen Du, and Mo Xiuxiu used to weave grass together. Yan Xing’s little woven pig had been exchanged by Mo Xiuxiu and gifted to someone else. In that moment, Yan Xing suddenly realized that Shen Du’s affections had long ago been directed toward Mo Xiuxiu.

Yan Xing and Pan Chi were carefully examining the corpse from the headless ghost murder case. Yan Xing was fully engrossed, her eyes gleaming with a thirst for truth. Pan Chi, observing from the side, was deeply moved by her professionalism. Jing Lin stepped in at the right moment, realizing that he couldn’t let the two become too absorbed in their interaction, and silently stood by to oversee the process. Yan Xing keenly noticed blue marks on the corpse.

She quickly applied preservation fluid, and as the writing gradually appeared, it matched the information previously relayed by Chen Huo E. This discovery heightened the tension among those present, suggesting that the mystery was slowly being unraveled. Yan Xing harbored a secret about the communication methods from the Western Regions. She had heard of the technique of writing with rice water, where the writing would disappear once dry and only reappear with preservation fluid.

During the autopsy, seeing the blue marks on the corpse triggered her memory, and she tried the method, successfully revealing the hidden message. However, this information weighed heavily on her, making her feel overwhelmed. On the way back, her face was pale, and Shen Du, noticing her distress, inquired with concern. Yan Xing confided that the message implied that if she continued to investigate, her family’s safety might be at risk.

Recalling the poisoning incident involving her third sister, although the danger had been averted, she now found herself in Yingzhou, far from home, which only deepened her worries. Shen Du suggested sending her back home, but after pondering for a long time, Yan Xing decided to stay. She knew the mission she bore and could not give up easily. Facing the unknown challenges, Yan Xing chose to stand her ground, determined to uncover the truth and protect those she loved.

Ji Dafu, a figure with a complicated status, was the brother-in-law of both the victim and the suspect. When he entered the government office, his mood was heavy. His purpose was clear—to learn the progress of the case so that his deceased brother could be laid to rest as soon as possible.

However, Pan Chi, as a detective who strictly followed the rules, refused to meet with the client directly, only revealing that the case was still open and that they had already identified the "Half-faced Ghost" as the culprit. Upon hearing this, Ji Dafu’s face showed clear signs of fear, but Mo Qianzhi was not easily swayed by his emotions.

He understood the current situation in Yingzhou, knowing that the wounds of war had yet to fully heal and that the threat from neighboring countries still lingered. Maintaining social order was crucial. In Mo Qianzhi’s eyes, Pan Chi’s mention of Xu Jize’s confession and the possibility of a lighter sentence was merely part of handling the case.

He emphasized that Yingzhou must ensure that every case is solved and every criminal is caught, to calm the public and deter potential troublemakers. Meanwhile, Yan Xing stood by, her heart in turmoil. She carefully organized her observations on the close relationship between Shen Du and Mo Qianzhi, as well as the subtle clues in the case, into a report to present to the Empress Dowager.

Pan Chi’s meeting with Xu Jize also made her realize the complex humanity behind the case. Xu Jize’s final words revealed his frustration over his poor upbringing and his complicated feelings toward his scholarly identity, which deeply resonated with Yan Xing. She felt that, on the path to pursuing justice and truth, everyone’s story deserved to be heard and understood. Under the moonlight, Yan Xing encountered Pan Chi, who was drinking to drown his sorrows.

She gently comforted him, making Pan Chi realize that, despite the hardships of coming from a poor family, effort could eventually bring change. Pan Chi’s heart was moved by Yan Xing’s resilience and optimism, and he regained his strength. The conversation then shifted to Yan Xing’s relationship with Shen Du. Yan Xing calmly remarked that she would eventually leave, as Shen Du’s heart belonged to someone else.

At that moment, Mo Qianzhi arranged for Yan Xing and Shen Du to share a bath, creating a subtle atmosphere. Shen Du reminisced about the past, mentioning the treasured woven grass pig and the secret care and warmth he had received. Yan Xing suddenly realized that the “her” Shen Du had been referring to was actually herself. In the mist of the hot springs, Shen Du finally confessed his feelings to Yan Xing. The two embraced deeply, sealing their love under the moon, with everything unspoken but understood.

Yan Xing asked Shen Du when he realized that the woven grass pig was made by her. Shen Du revealed that he had already suspected it at the time. Yan Xing recalled that, due to the joy brought by her father’s return, she had no time to think about other things, including her promise with Shen Du. She explained that she had tried to visit him secretly, but her attempt failed after being discovered.

Shen Du expressed how much he felt her absence, and the sealing of the dog hole became a symbol of the unfinished bond between them. When Yan Xing and Shen Du returned, Mo Qianzhi urgently informed them that, due to Pan Chi's discovery of an important clue in the headless ghost case, the welcome banquet would need to be rescheduled. Yan Xing, understanding the bigger picture, reassured Mo Qianzhi not to worry.

Pan Chi revealed the mystery of the deceased Li Kaixiang’s wealth, which had all ended up in the hands of his neighbor Liu Zongyuan. After the crime, Liu disappeared, raising suspicion. Shen Du concluded that if the wealth remained untouched, Liu Zongyuan couldn’t have gone far, and ordered Mo Qianzhi to set up surveillance at the city gates, determined to capture him. Mo Qianzhi agreed.

Shen Du went to the scene to assist, telling Yan Xing before he left that he might return late, so she shouldn’t wait for him. Yan Xing and Pan Chi then went to the prison to visit Li Kaixiang’s brother, Li Kairui. Li Kairui was overwhelmed with guilt, saying that his invitation to dinner had been the root cause of the tragedy.

Yan Xing sensed that Li Kairui was holding something back, so she used the legend of the Half-faced Ghost to intimidate him into revealing the truth. Yan Xing and Shen Du returned, only to hear Mo Qianzhi’s urgent report that, due to Pan Chi’s breakthrough discovery in the headless ghost case, the originally planned welcome banquet had to be canceled. Yan Xing, understanding the gravity of the situation, comforted Mo Qianzhi, urging him to prioritize the case.

Pan Chi then disclosed that all of the deceased Li Kaixiang’s fortune had mysteriously ended up with his neighbor, Liu Zongyuan. After Li’s death, Liu vanished without a trace, raising many suspicions. Shen Du calmly analyzed the situation, concluding that if Liu hadn’t moved the money, he couldn’t have fled far. He swiftly ordered Mo Qianzhi to set up a net at the city gates, vowing to capture Liu Zongyuan.

Mo Qianzhi accepted the order and quickly set the plan in motion. Shen Du then hurried to the scene to assist with the investigation, gently telling Yan Xing before he left that he might return late due to the workload and that she need not wait for him. Yan Xing nodded in agreement and, along with Pan Chi, went to visit Li Kaixiang’s brother, Li Kairui, in prison.

When questioned by Yan Xing, Li Kairui expressed deep remorse, admitting that his invitation to a meal with Li Kaixiang and Liu Zongyuan had indirectly led to the tragedy. Yan Xing astutely sensed that Li Kairui was withholding something, so she cleverly used the legend of the Half-faced Ghost to intimidate him, ultimately forcing him to reveal the full truth.

After returning, Yan Xing meticulously examined Liu Zongyuan’s body and was shocked to discover that his liver had been cruelly removed, and blue writing was carved on his skin, referencing the Huoe Men organization. This discovery led her to suspect that Ji Dafu might be involved in an even deeper conspiracy. Yan Xing firmly believed that Ji Dafu was not someone to be easily trusted, and there was certainly more to this case.

While tracking Liu Zongyuan, Yan Xing and her team were suddenly intercepted. The person who stopped them displayed a badge—it was none other than Sun Tan, the leader of the Southwest's notorious enforcers. Sun Tan explained that they had been monitoring Liu Zongyuan for a long time due to his involvement in an underground gambling case. To avoid alerting their target, they had intervened. After hearing this, Yan Xing decided to cooperate with Sun Tan to uncover the truth together.

The group disguised themselves and infiltrated the gambling den. Yan Xing, using a dice game as bait, knew that the other side was cheating. However, with Shen Du’s secret assistance, she managed to switch the dice and won a thousand taels of silver in one go. This move, however, caught the attention of the gambling den's owner, Ji Dafu.

Ji Dafu appeared, his tone laced with threat, warning them that winning such a large sum on his turf would make it difficult for them to leave unharmed. While Yan Xing remained outwardly calm, her mind was already calculating how to deal with the challenges ahead.

Yan Xing witnessed the horrific scene and speculated that the legend of the Half-faced Ghost might have been used to cover up brutal acts. Ji Dafu, upon hearing that Mo Qianzhi had arrived, hastily left. Shen Du quickly calmed the situation, but after they went to bed, they were disturbed by strange noises. They discovered that Sima Biqiu had been severely injured by the Half-faced Ghost, with his tendons severed.

Yan Xing was horrified and silently vowed to uncover the truth and seek justice for the innocent. Sima Biqiu, gravely wounded and delirious, begged Shen Du to end his suffering. Shen Du reluctantly agreed. Yan Xing, witnessing this, felt heartbroken, even though she knew how unpredictable life could be. Shen Du gently comforted her. Mo Qianzhi decided to visit Sima Biqiu’s family in Nanshan, mentioning that his father was an expert in pigeon-keeping.

Yan Xing had a sudden realization, suspecting that pigeons had been used for communication, leading her to doubt Sima Biqiu’s true identity. Sensing something was off, Mo Qianzhi decisively executed Sima Biqiu to prevent any leaks of sensitive information. In a private moment with Shen Du, Yan Xing expressed her concerns about the difficult choices they might face in the future.

She asked whether Shen Du would still trust her if she ever found herself in opposition to his closest kin. Shen Du lovingly reassured her, telling Yan Xing that he considered her his dearest family and vowed his unwavering loyalty. At that moment, Pan Chi arrived with news of a Half-faced Ghost sighting in the outskirts of the city. The three quickly set out, only to find empty streets and a fearful populace.

Word of Sima Biqiu’s fate had spread like wildfire, and people were too terrified of the Half-faced Ghost to leave their homes. Yan Xing wondered how the news had spread so fast and began to worry that a deeper conspiracy might be at play. As Yan Xing and the others prepared to deal with the threat of the Half-faced Ghost, an urgent message arrived, stating that the Half-faced Ghost had taken innocent hostages and demanded they retreat immediately.

Upon their return, they witnessed the horrific sight of five women being abducted. Mo Qianzhi stepped forward, demanding the release of the hostages, but the Half-faced Ghost taunted him, mentioning that the "Three Yang Days" were approaching. The tension escalated, and Mo Qianzhi ordered arrows to be fired, but Pan Chi was accidentally injured in the chaos. Ji Dafu tried to stop the attack, but Mo Qianzhi was determined to capture the Half-faced Ghost.

Shen Du, seeing the situation, wielded his blade and forced Mo Qianzhi to pause the assault. Amid the chaos, Yan Xing was unfortunately captured. Before losing consciousness, she blew her whistle for help. Shen Du heard the sound and rushed to rescue Yan Xing, eventually revealing the true identity of the Half-faced Ghost—it was Ji Dafu. Ji Dafu had meticulously planned his revenge against Li Kaixiang, who he blamed for his wife's death after she was humiliated.

Shen Du rescued Yan Xing, but Ji Dafu managed to escape. Later, Mo Qianzhi caught up with Ji Dafu and apprehended him, locking him in a death row cell. After the ordeal, Yan Xing prepared medicinal food for Shen Du as a gesture of care. Meanwhile, Jing Lin brought a meal for Pan Chi and joked about the differences between Pan Chi and Shen Du, much to Pan Chi’s annoyance.

Yan Xing was surprised to discover that Shen Du’s night blindness had healed. When she questioned him, Shen Du admitted that he had regained his sight long ago, and Yan Xing finally realized that Shen Du had pretended to be blind during their visit to the hot springs. In the end, Mo Qianzhi publicly executed Ji Dafu.

Although Shen Du and the others raised doubts about the case and requested a retrial, Mo Qianzhi refused, insisting on carrying out the sentence, which led to cheers from the public. However, both Yan Xing and Shen Du remained deeply committed to pursuing the truth, feeling unresolved about the situation. Shen Du and his companions had a clear understanding of the current situation.

While Ji Dafu's execution temporarily quelled the public's fear of the Half-faced Ghost, the real threat had not been fully eliminated. Soon after, Jing Lin brought unsettling news: the five women abducted by the Half-faced Ghost had not yet returned. Upon closer examination, Yan Xing was shocked to discover that these women bore a striking resemblance to the late Mo Xiuxiu. This revelation prompted them to confront Mo Qianzhi at Guangchuntang.

It turned out that Mo Qianzhi had been hiding a mad plan in his heart. He intended to use these five innocent women as sacrifices to resurrect his beloved daughter, Mo Xiuxiu. Reflecting on Mo Xiuxiu's kindness and compassion during her life—how she died tragically at the hands of bandits while sympathizing with refugees—Mo Qianzhi's deep grief and despair were understandable, but his vengeful method was unacceptable. Shen Du and Yan Xing exchanged a glance, both realizing that they were now standing at a crossroads between human nature and morality.

Shen Du tried to persuade Mo Qianzhi to give up his obsession with reviving Pan Chi, pointing out that Pan Chi would not wish to be brought back to life in such a manner. However, Mo Qianzhi was stubborn and refused to listen. At that moment, Xiuxiu awoke, mistaking Mo Qianzhi for her elder brother Mo, revealing the truth—Pan Chi had not returned. Shen Du immediately ordered Mo Qianzhi to be taken away.

Filled with hope, Xiuxiu asked Yan Xing if there really was a way to bring someone back to life. Yan Xing, feeling helpless, shook her head, confirming that it was impossible, and the atmosphere grew heavy. Shen Du attempted to arrest Mo Qianzhi, but encountered resistance carefully orchestrated by Mo Qianzhi.

Mo Qianzhi used his good reputation among the people to rally a crowd against them and exposed the truth that Shen Du had obstructed him in eliminating the treacherous Xu Jize, and hinted at Shen Du’s alleged collusion with the Fire Moth Sect, trying to turn the public against Shen Du. Caught off guard, Shen Du found himself on the defensive.

Fortunately, Sun Tan arrived with his team in time to ensure Shen Du and his group safely retreated to the outskirts for refuge. Outside the city, the situation remained unstable, and Shen Du’s group temporarily took shelter while they devised a plan. At that moment, a secret edict from the Empress Dowager suddenly arrived, commanding General Zhenyuan to lead ten thousand reinforcements to retake Yingzhou. Shen Du felt puzzled by the speed of the reinforcements.

Yan Xing revealed that she had also received a secret order from the Empress Dowager earlier, speculating that Sima Biqiu might have been an insider who alerted the court to the changes in Yingzhou, leading to the swift response. Shen Du pondered, realizing the situation was becoming increasingly complex. Jing Lin, in shock, realized they might have been under the Empress Dowager's surveillance for a long time.

At that moment, Qi Yeyun was caught eavesdropping by Jing Lin, who quickly stopped him. On the other side, Pan Chi returned, bringing with him the item Shen Du had requested. Shen Du came up with a plan, writing a false flag on the item in an attempt to deceive Mo Qianzhi and buy time to seize Yingzhou before the reinforcements arrived.

Shen Du went alone to meet Mo Qianzhi and spoke to him candidly, showing that he came unarmed and hoped Mo Qianzhi would turn back before it was too late. However, Mo Qianzhi, deeply entrenched in his beliefs, accused Shen Du of being blinded by appearances, exposing the corruption of the court. He presented an empty bag of grain as evidence, questioning the value of the place his master had held.

Shen Du tried to persuade Mo Qianzhi by appealing to the safety of the people in the city, but his words failed to sway him, leaving Shen Du no choice but to leave. The winds of change swirled outside the city. Mo Qianzhi mistakenly believed the reinforcements had arrived when a minister came to urge him to surrender, only for the Fire Moth Sect to ambush and kill him.

This turn of events further strengthened Mo Qianzhi’s resolve, and he decided to confront Shen Du in a final battle to demonstrate his determination. The city gates opened, and the two engaged in fierce combat, while the fate of those inside the city hung by a thread. Shen Du entered the prison to face Mo Qianzhi, revealing the fake flag he had created and exposing the truth that no reinforcements were on the way.

It was actually Pan Chi outside, creating a false illusion to confuse people. Shen Du praised Mo Qianzhi’s growth over the years and quickly resolved the sudden crisis caused by the Fire Moth Sect’s intrusion into the prison. He told Mo Qianzhi that he had been deceived by the false promise of resurrection, and that no such supernatural arts existed in the world.

As Shen Du prepared to take Mo Qianzhi away, Xiuxiu suddenly appeared, pleading to speak with Mo Qianzhi in return for saving her life. Shen Du firmly refused, but Xiuxiu threatened to harm herself, leaving Shen Du with no choice but to agree. After expressing her gratitude to Mo Qianzhi, Xiuxiu resolutely took her own life.

During their conversation, Mo Qianzhi had secretly ingested poison, and as he was dying, he informed Shen Du that there was a relic left for him hidden behind Xiuxiu’s portrait. This scene left Shen Du with mixed emotions—he was moved by Xiuxiu’s deep love and tragic resolve, yet lamented Mo Qianzhi’s obsession and the sad fate that followed.

Shen Du and his group returned to the city, only to be shocked by the tragic sight of several civilians who had died. After careful investigation, Yan Xing confirmed that the cause of death was poisoning, and the poison bore similarities to the toxins used by the Fire Moth Sect. Shen Du found a secret compartment behind Xiuxiu’s portrait, inside of which was a mysterious box.

At this moment, Lai Luofu, disguised as Chen Huo E, launched a surprise attack on Shen Du. However, Shen Du, relying on his sharp memory and deep understanding of martial arts, quickly saw through the disguise, pointing out that Lai Luofu was not the real Chen Huo E. Shen Du forced Lai Luofu to hand over the antidote.

Although Lai Luofu gave him a bottle, it was laced with a hidden danger—the bottle itself was poisoned, enough to put Shen Du’s life on the line. Shen Du saw through the trap but still chose to take the antidote to save the civilians, putting his own life at risk. Yan Xing arrived in a panic, and seeing Shen Du’s violent reaction to the poison, she anxiously called out his name, which briefly brought Shen Du back to clarity.

With the antidote, the civilians were cured, but Shen Du’s condition was critical, and the gathered physicians were at a loss. Yan Xing, deeply distressed, had no knowledge of the poison affecting Shen Du and could only use her medical skills, employing acupuncture to temporarily suppress the spread of the toxin, buying precious time for Shen Du. At that moment, Shen Du’s fate weighed heavily on everyone’s hearts.

Pan Chi hurried back, bringing with him a girl named Suguang from the Jinwu tribe, who had the key to saving Shen Du. Suguang confirmed that the poison affecting Shen Du was unique to the Jinwu tribe and revealed that this toxin should have been securely stored away. She speculated that it was taken when the tribe's Holy Maiden disappeared.

In order to save his close friend, Pan Chi did not hesitate to make a promise in exchange for the antidote from Suguang. Yan Xing, filled with anxiety, personally administered the antidote to Shen Du, keeping a constant vigil and hoping for his speedy recovery. Shen Du eventually awoke, feeling confused by everything around him. He immediately ordered a thorough investigation of the Guangchun Hall and unexpectedly discovered traces of cinnabar.

Cinnabar, being rare and tightly controlled by the court, shocked Shen Du with its appearance. He realized that the forces working in the shadows were far more powerful than he had imagined, with influence that had infiltrated both the court and the common folk. Shen Du resolved to uncover the truth, vowing to clear the darkness clouding Yingzhou and restore peace to the city.

Yan Xing and Pan Chi stood firmly by his side, ready to face the impending storm together. During Lai Luofu’s assault and fire attack, Shen Du remained fearless. After a fierce battle, Lai Luofu used a flame-enhancing technique developed by the Holy Maiden to create a sea of fire and took the opportunity to escape. Suguang arrived just in time and immediately recognized the technique as the work of the Holy Maiden.

She revealed that ever since the Holy Maiden’s disappearance, the tribe had frequently encountered abnormal phenomena related to her methods, leading her to speculate that the Holy Maiden might still be secretly active. Suguang’s mission was to find the Holy Maiden and restore peace to the tribe. Pan Chi, seeking Shen Du, spoke of the complex emotions surrounding Shen Du’s relationship with Yan Xing, demanding that Shen Du fulfill his farewell promise to Yan Xing, otherwise, he would not rest.

Shen Du responded by affirming the deep bond he and Yan Xing shared as husband and wife, urging Pan Chi to let go of his obsession. At the same time, Shen Du keenly sensed an unspoken secret between Pan Chi and Suguang, and he suspected that Pan Chi might return to the Jinwu tribe with her. Pan Chi did not deny this, only leaving behind a faint, complicated smile.

As the sun set, Shen Du and Yan Xing strolled through the city, where the townspeople spontaneously gathered, offering food they had carefully prepared to express their gratitude to Shen Du. The heartwarming scene touched Shen Du deeply, making him feel the weight of responsibility even more and strengthening his resolve to protect this land and its people. Amid the joyful laughter, Shen Du and Yan Xing exchanged smiles, their eyes filled with hope and confidence for the future.

As for the mystery of the Holy Maiden and the secrets of the Jinwu tribe, they awaited uncovering, much like the ruins consumed by the fire, quietly waiting for the truth to be revealed.

Lai Luofu returned and reported to Lai Luozhi that her mission was incomplete, and that the Fire Moth Sect in Gannan Dao had been destroyed. Lai Luozhi inquired about the matter of the Half-Faced Ghost, and Lai Luofu responded that she had already executed a poison scheme. When the topic of Mo Qianzhi’s belongings came up, Lai Luofu took them out, but unexpectedly, it turned out to be a collection of poems.

This enraged Lai Luozhi, who scolded her for being fooled by Shen Du. It turned out that Shen Du had long spotted the box and secretly switched its contents, leaving behind the poetry collection as a jest. Lai Luozhi’s face darkened, and he expressed his extreme dissatisfaction with Shen Du’s cunning behavior. On their way back, Shen Du and Yan Xing were suddenly ambushed by assassins. Shen Du bravely fought back, ensuring Yan Xing's safety.

Afterward, the two of them rode together towards the capital, heading straight for the imperial palace. Just as Princess Yong'an and County Princess Jia'an were about to leave, Princess Yong'an greeted them with a smile, praising Shen Du for his eagerness to return. The princess departed first, while Shen Du and Yan Xing went to meet the Grand Empress Dowager to report important matters.

The Grand Empress Dowager asked about rewards, and Zhang Baohuan noted that Shen Du had already reached the highest rank for a minister, making it difficult to further reward him. The Grand Empress Dowager jokingly remarked that she feared Shen Du might misunderstand her intentions and used Zhang Baohuan’s words as a reminder. Shen Du humbly declined any rewards and strongly recommended that Yan Xing be honored for her contributions.

The Grand Empress Dowager, seeing how close Shen Du and Yan Xing were, felt gratified and promoted Yan Xing to the rank of sixth-class official as a reward. After they left, Shen Du took Yan Xing to the Shen family shrine, where he revealed his feelings of loneliness and persistence, vowing to clear his family’s name.

Yan Xing affectionately confessed that her reason for entering the officialdom was solely to help Shen Du and to clear the injustices done to the Shen family. Deeply moved, Shen Du took Yan Xing home, where the steward greeted them with joy. As night fell and silence surrounded them, Shen Du expressed his desire for Yan Xing to stay, and unable to restrain their emotions, the two embraced and kissed passionately.

The next day, Zhang Baohuan visited, bringing the Grand Empress Dowager’s rewards and a decree of betrothal, intending to marry County Princess Jia’an to Shen Du. Yan Xing was stunned upon hearing this, but Shen Du firmly refused the marriage, declaring that he was already in love with someone else. Zhang Baohuan, with a meaningful expression, hinted that Shen Du already understood the Grand Empress Dowager’s intentions. Yan Xing, confused, urged Zhang Baohuan to explain the true reason.

Zhang Baohuan explained to Yan Xing that Shen Du was isolated and without support in the court, and the Grand Empress Dowager intended to strengthen his position through the marriage alliance with County Princess Jia’an, using Princess Yong'an’s influence to secure his standing. She added that it was not suitable for Shen Du to only have a minor official’s wife.

Yan Xing recalled her mother’s words about Shen Du's weak connections, with only Mo Qianzhi left to rely on, and now, with Mo Qianzhi’s death, Shen Du was even more vulnerable. Shen Du decided to meet the Grand Empress Dowager to request the annulment of the marriage decree, which angered the Grand Empress Dowager, accusing him of lacking ambition.

At this moment, Xu Wan hurriedly reported that a major scandal had broken out in the Ming Hall, involving secret ledgers of embezzlement totaling over twenty million taels of silver, which enraged the Grand Empress Dowager. Xu Wan strongly recommended that Shen Du be placed in charge of the case, believing that his reputation for fairness and integrity would ensure the truth would be uncovered.

The Grand Empress Dowager then ordered Xu Wan to send commands to both the Imperial Investigation Bureau and the Inner Guard Bureau to thoroughly investigate the matter. At the same time, she demoted Zhang Baohuan to a secondary residence for reflection due to his negligence. Shen Du and Yan Xing discussed the matter, both feeling shocked. Shen Du hadn’t expected that his lone efforts would touch upon such a significant case within the court.

They both understood that there must be complex and intertwined forces behind this case. Though Shen Du felt immense pressure, it also ignited his determination to root out corruption and uphold justice for the people. Yan Xing silently stood by his side, vowing to face the challenges together with Shen Du, overcoming the difficult times ahead.

Shen Du explained that the Ming Hall was a place of deep sentiment between the Grand Empress Dowager and the late Emperor, and its reconstruction had been a costly endeavor, highlighting its importance. However, the embezzlement scandal had enraged the Grand Empress Dowager, and she was determined to investigate thoroughly.

Yan Xing anxiously asked about the scope of the case, and Shen Du, in a grave tone, stated that the breadth of the case was enough to shake the foundations of the court, leaving everyone uneasy. Xu Wan, carrying the decree, arrived at Lai Luozhi’s residence, briefly conveying the Grand Empress Dowager’s orders, emphasizing that caution must be taken, and no mistakes were to be made.

Lai Luozhi calmly sipped his tea, but after a moment, deliberately crushed the teacup, his expression inscrutable. Meanwhile, Prince Xian and Chancellor Zhang discussed the matter, astonished that Shen Du, known for his cold and ruthless demeanor, had rejected the Grand Empress Dowager’s decree to marry County Princess Jia'an.

Chancellor Zhang revealed that the Grand Empress Dowager had grown distant toward Shen Du recently and had instead increased her favor toward Lai Luozhi, indicating that she might intend to promote him. Prince Xian felt that the political situation in the court was far more complex and unstable than it appeared on the surface. Elsewhere, Saintess Su Guang and Pan Chi visited Lan Bo, seeking someone.

Lan Bo harbored suspicion toward men from Dacang, but Su Guang earnestly vouched for Pan Chi’s sincerity. The conversation shifted to Daisi, the Golden Crow tribe’s saintess, who had once fallen deeply in love with a Dacang envoy. They had studied the written language together, and their bond grew strong. However, although Daisi remembered his name, she inexplicably forgot him later, leaving many sighing at her tragic fate.

The Golden Crow tribe placed stringent expectations on their saintess, and Daisi’s turbulent love story elicited much sympathy. Daisi, in pursuit of love, followed this man but was betrayed and used to steal the tribe’s secret arts. She later regretted her foolishness, devastated that she had handed over control of the Fire Moth technique. Lan Bo recalled that Daisi had once witnessed this man use the fire-boosting technique to burn down a warehouse, but she was powerless to stop him.

Pan Chi, carrying a portrait, sought clues, and Lan Bo was shocked to realize that the man was Lai Luozhi, whose facial features matched the portrait exactly. In the court, Lai Luozhi accused Sun Tan of taking bribes, and Sun Tan had already been detained. Shen Du argued strongly, claiming that during his trip to Gannan Dao, Sun Tan had been of great assistance and that there must be a misunderstanding.

The two fiercely debated, prompting the Grand Empress Dowager to angrily halt their quarrel. Meanwhile, Lu Chuichui thanked Yan Xing, expressing gratitude for her help in organizing files despite having been promoted to head of the department, showing a deep camaraderie between colleagues. The situation was highly intricate, involving courtly power struggles, tribal secrets, and personal vendettas, with various forces maneuvering in the shadows, making the truth increasingly elusive.

Chief Wu mentioned to Yan Xing that Lai Luozhi was different from other women, focusing solely on case files and the mortuary, rarely concerning herself with gathering information. Yan Xing calmly responded that she knew she couldn’t operate as Shen Du did and only hoped not to add to his troubles. Xu Xiangren visited the Ministry of Justice to report that Sun Tan’s case had been transferred there.

Chief Wu, upon hearing this, grew anxious and hurriedly left with a troubled expression. Yan Xing volunteered to assist, despite Xu Xiangren knowing her delicate position, he politely declined her offer. Yan Xing insisted, recalling the help Sun Tan had given her in the past and unwilling to stand by idly.

The two visited the prison to see Sun Tan, but Sun Tan advised them to stay out of the matter and leave quickly, warning them not to get involved in the growing storm.

In prison, Lai Luozhi blocked Yan Xing’s way. He intended to use Sun Tan to uncover more people behind him, but Sun Tan, despite enduring severe torture, did not reveal a single word. Yan Xing returned home, contemplating how to rescue Sun Tan. Shen Du came home, noticing Yan Xing's worried state, and proactively comforted her. He expressed his concern for her and assured her that he would help whenever needed.

However, Shen Du knew Yan Xing had her own goals, so he would not interfere hastily in her matters. Feigning the intent to write down the names of those behind him, Sun Tan was given paper and a brush but wrote nothing. Instead, he recalled joyful times and his companionship with old friends. In the end, he used the brush to stab himself in the neck, committing suicide in prison.

The next day, Yan Xing received the news and was deeply saddened. Xu Wan, upon hearing the news, came to visit her, worried that she might blame herself, and came specifically to offer comfort. The Grand Empress Dowager summoned Yan Xing, who was somewhat apprehensive. She had previously asked Xu Nei Si, a servant of the Grand Empress Dowager, to submit a petition regarding Sun Tan, but had received no response.

Yan Xing was uncertain about what to expect from this summons, feeling as if she were walking on thin ice. However, this time, the Grand Empress Dowager did not penalize Yan Xing. Instead, she shared the difficulties she faced, noting that in an era where men were revered, it was challenging for a woman like herself to reach her current status. She also mentioned that Lai Luozhi had visited the previous day and praised Yan Xing extensively.

This only made Yan Xing more anxious; she was unsure of Lai Luozhi’s intentions and expressed that she was not familiar with him and did not understand his motives. Nevertheless, the Grand Empress Dowager had no other intentions; she gave Yan Xing a personal waist token, allowing her unrestricted access. This gesture indicated that the Grand Empress Dowager had placed considerable trust in Yan Xing.

Xu Nei Si escorted Yan Xing out, advising her to remember that imperial favor, though deep as the sea, is also heavy as a mountain, and that the gift of the waist token was a sign of goodwill. Xu Nei Si hoped Yan Xing would understand how to conduct herself moving forward. After leaving the palace, Yan Xing was intercepted midway by Lai Luozhi’s men.

Upon meeting Lai Luozhi, Yan Xing was met with his subtle sarcasm about her boldness, as she had taken on a case even the Minister of Justice avoided. Lai Luozhi implied that Yan Xing was only able to act so boldly because she had the support of the Inner Guard. He told Yan Xing that the Sun Tan case did not affect him and advised her to be clear about the situation. Despite his threats, Yan Xing was not frightened.

Instead, she mentioned that she had recently seen Lai Luozhi’s sister in Yingzhou. Lai Luozhi appeared visibly nervous, quickly denying that his sister had been in Yingzhou, claiming she had been recuperating at home and had not left the estate. Yan Xing did not press further. Afterward, she saw Shen Du come to pick her up and ran toward him happily.

Shen Du had heard about Yan Xing being intercepted by Lai Luozhi’s men and had come specifically to find her. The couple shared information with each other, understanding that the current situation was very complex. They resolved to be extremely cautious with Lai Luozhi and to act prudently in the future.

Lu Chuichui was walking alone on the street, recalling how she met Lai Luozhi. She felt that he must be disguising himself in front of her and had ulterior motives for approaching her. Suddenly, she noticed someone following her. She turned around and, to her surprise, saw that it was Jiang Langxing. After their meal, Lu Chuichui casually took out a few gold ingots. Jiang Langxing smiled and remarked that her old habit of being bold and generous hadn't changed.

Lu Chuichui curiously asked Jiang Langxing how he knew about her childhood stories. He then led her to a bridge and slowly unveiled forgotten memories. It turned out that in her childhood, Lu Chuichui had met a man named Da Buliao. Back then, she was innocent and pure, and she had given Da Buliao gold ingots, hoping that he could break free from his bonds and pursue freedom.

Jiang Langxing confessed his deep feelings for Lu Chuichui, vowing to be her support. His words touched Lu Chuichui deeply, and the two embraced and cried, their emotions and memories intertwining into a warm, poignant scene. During the Winter Solstice, the Prince Xian's mansion was brightly decorated for a grand banquet. Shen Du attended the event with Yan Xing, and Lai Luozhi and Lai Luofu also appeared uninvited, adding a sense of mystery to the banquet.

Amidst the mingling and toasts, the guests showered Yan Xing with praise for her talents, asking her to perform a dance. Yan Xing gladly agreed and borrowed Shen Du's sword to dance gracefully. Her movements were light, and the sword's shadow danced like silk, as she took the opportunity to subtly probe Lai Luofu's identity. Sure enough, Lai Luofu’s extraordinary martial skills became evident as she exchanged a few moves with Yan Xing, astonishing everyone.

In the end, Shen Du intervened and accidentally wounded Lai Luofu, revealing her long-hidden secret. Injured, Lai Luofu left, and Lai Luozhi's face grew solemn as he scolded her for losing composure. It turned out that Lai Luofu’s injury had been concealed by a rare Western Region medicine that Lai Luozhi had purchased at great expense, but due to a moment of impulse, her secret was exposed. Lai Luozhi stormed off in anger, leaving the room full of shocked guests.

Yan Xing had initially planned to cook a special meal for Shen Du, but she was suddenly summoned by the Grand Empress Dowager. During the festive occasion, the Grand Empress Dowager allowed everyone else to gather and celebrate but kept Yan Xing behind for a private conversation. She earnestly spoke of Shen Du's deep affection for Yan Xing, advising her to cherish the one by her side and never forget her original intentions.

Yan Xing listened to the Grand Empress Dowager's counsel, her heart stirring with complex emotions. Though the winter night was cold, the Grand Empress Dowager’s care and Shen Du’s constant protection made Yan Xing feel a deep warmth. When Yan Xing returned home, she was immediately summoned by her family. It turned out that Prime Minister Zhang had visited.

Zhang spoke bluntly, reminding Yan Xing not to forget her mission upon marrying into the Shen family and asking her to report on Shen Du's current situation. Yan Xing remained calm, firmly stating that she knew nothing and had no right to interfere in such matters. Zhang became furious, but Yan Xing hinted that she had made some gains during her trip to Gannan. At that moment, Shen Du appeared, fiercely protective of his wife.

He told Zhang that if he had any questions, he could come directly to him and should not trouble Yan Xing. Then, he took Yan Xing and left, leaving Zhang standing there, stunned.

After Yan Xing and Shen Du returned home, the warmth of the kitchen filled the air as the two made dumplings together, their laughter echoing through the room, creating a cozy atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Grand Empress Dowager stood alone, gazing at the portrait of the late emperor, her emotions mixed. Time had passed swiftly, and the emperor had been gone for many years.

She reflected on her past, feeling she had made no serious missteps, but a sense of loneliness still lingered in her heart. Xu Wan and others had also returned from their travels. Though they spoke of the bustling world outside, they still felt that nothing could compare to the warmth of home.

The Grand Empress Dowager, understanding their thoughts and sensing their longing for family, ordered more food to be prepared so that this family, like ordinary people, could celebrate the Winter Solstice together and enjoy familial love. Elsewhere, Lu Chuichui and Jiang Langxing were immersed in the joys of winter. They strolled through the snow, with Jiang Langxing offering Lu Chuichui various treats, making her smile brightly. Her cheeks puffed up from eating, adding to her charm.

The two, still playful at heart, built snowmen by the roadside, their laughter echoing through the chilly wind. However, this happiness did not reach Lai Luozhi. He stood aside, his expression dark and his gaze complex. After Lu Chuichui and Jiang Langxing left, Lai Luozhi quietly took Lu Chuichui’s snowman home with care but mercilessly crushed Jiang Langxing’s snowman with a single stomp.

Back at his residence, he watched as Lu Chuichui’s snowman slowly melted in the warmth, silently vowing that what belonged to him would never be tainted by anyone else. This scene reflected both his deep obsession with his emotions and his firm hold on his inner world.

Late that night, Lai Luozhi sought an urgent audience with the Grand Empress Dowager, bringing with him shocking news: he claimed to have obtained intelligence revealing that Yan Xing was actually a spy planted by Prime Minister Zhang in Shen Du’s household to monitor his every move. As soon as these words were spoken, Jin Cang couldn’t hold back, stepping forward to defend his niece, Yan Xing, insisting that she was no such lowly person.

The Grand Empress Dowager, displeased by this, scolded Jin Cang, reminding him that after serving at her side for many years, it was inappropriate for him to comment on state affairs. Shifting the topic, Lai Luozhi then mentioned a nursery rhyme circulating in the capital, hinting at the Grand Empress Dowager’s control over governance, and shockingly, this rhyme was said to have originated from Jin Cang.

Jin Cang quickly clarified that he had only played the tune at Prince Xian’s banquet and had not written the lyrics. Upon hearing this, the Grand Empress Dowager immediately summoned Prince Xian, who appeared frightened and repeatedly proclaimed his innocence, claiming he knew nothing of the matter. To quell the unrest, the Grand Empress Dowager ordered Prince Xian to be confined to his residence and assigned Lai Luozhi to thoroughly investigate the nursery rhyme incident.

She also temporarily had Jin Cang detained by the Imperial Censorate for questioning. Shortly after, the agents of the Imperial Censorate stormed the Yan residence and arrested Yan Xing’s mother. Upon learning that her mother had been unjustly imprisoned, Yan Xing was frantic and rushed home, only to find her father and other family members too fearful to act.

Furious, Yan Xing swore to take matters into her own hands, determined to rescue her mother, even if it meant offending Lai Luozhi. Lu Chuichui and Jiang Langxing, upon hearing of Yan Xing’s family crisis, took action. Lu Chuichui quickly found Yan Xing and informed her that Shen Du had already gone to plead for her mother’s release. Yan Xing then went to visit Prime Minister Zhang.

When Zhang inquired why Yan Xing did not directly petition the Grand Empress Dowager for help, Yan Xing humbly replied that she was just a minor official and dared not overstep her boundaries. Zhang, hearing this, said no more but revealed his awareness of her uncle Jin Cang’s efforts to plead on her behalf, emphasizing that Jin Cang had no intention of overreaching, only concern for her.

Zhang candidly admitted that in the past, he had used Yan Xing and others more than he had cared for them, but in this matter, he had done his best. He knew the Grand Empress Dowager had her doubts about Prince Xian and understood that if he personally petitioned, it would only worsen the prince’s situation.

Just as Lu Chuichui was about to leave, she was unexpectedly intercepted and taken away by Lai Luozhi, causing the situation to take a drastic turn.

Lu Chuichui was placed under house arrest by Lai Luozhi. He hoped she would love him the way she loved Jiang Langxing, but Lu Chuichui didn’t like him at all. She tried to escape but failed. Lai Luozhi told Lu Chuichui that he would no longer force her and would wait until the day she genuinely fell in love with him.

Yan Xing's mother was released, thanks to Prime Minister Zhang, who helped persuade Yan Xing's father to write a plea, stating that Yan Xing’s actions had nothing to do with her maternal family. However, Yan Xing’s uncle Jin Cang was not as fortunate. He was paraded through the streets by Lai Luozhi. Jin Cang falsely claimed he had something to say to Lai Luozhi, tricking him into getting off his horse.

Grabbing Lai Luozhi’s collar, Jin Cang inadvertently saw a fire moth emblem on Lai Luozhi’s chest. Lai Luozhi’s guards pushed him to the ground. Yan Xing rushed to help Jin Cang, and he whispered to her about the fire moth on Lai Luozhi’s chest. He also handed her a blood-written letter, urging her to deliver it to the Grand Empress Dowager. Jin Cang then seized a guard’s sword and committed suicide in the street.

The Grand Empress Dowager was shocked to hear of Jin Cang’s death. She had never intended for him to die. Lai Luozhi and Shen Du came to see the Grand Empress Dowager. Shen Du presented Jin Cang’s blood letter and stated that all of this was part of Lai Luozhi’s scheme. Jin Cang had pleaded for Prince Xian but was humiliated by Lai Luozhi, leading him to take his own life in public.

After reading the letter, the Grand Empress Dowager was furious. She reprimanded Lai Luozhi, stating that she had never intended to harm the Jin family. Shen Du immediately proposed that the Jin family be entrusted to his care, and the Grand Empress Dowager agreed. This made Lai Luozhi anxious, realizing that the Grand Empress Dowager no longer trusted him. Later that night, Shen Du sought a private audience with the Grand Empress Dowager.

She was mourning Jin Cang’s death, holding a musical score he had left behind. She reflected on how Jin Cang had been by her side for many years, playing his konghou for every dance and sleepless night since she entered the palace. Their bond was deep, and she never imagined he would meet such a tragic end in the streets.

The Grand Empress Dowager knew Shen Du wanted answers, and she promised that when the time was right, she would give them. When Shen Du returned home, Yan Xing told him about Jin Cang’s final words regarding the fire moth. They realized that Jin Cang was giving them a clue. After all, someone as frail as Jin Cang pulling at Lai Luozhi’s collar wasn’t just to humiliate him—there must have been another reason.

Jiang Langxing received an anonymous note with the words "Lai residence" written on it, leading him to suspect that Lu Chuichui was being held there. He sneaked into the Lai residence that night, but it was a trap. Fortunately, General Xu appeared in time, injuring the Lai residence’s guards and helping Jiang Langxing escape. Lai Luozhi, knowing his men were no match for General Xu, dared not act rashly and could only watch as Jiang Langxing left.

General Xu warned that no matter what Lai Luozhi had hidden in his residence, he had ways of retrieving it. Only then did Lai Luozhi remember Lu Chuichui. He rushed to her room, only to find that she had already disappeared. It turned out that Lai Luozhi’s sister had helped General Xu free Lu Chuichui. When Lu Chuichui saw Jiang Langxing, she was both hurt and angry. She called him an idiot through her tears.

Jiang Langxing, heartbroken to see her cry, held her in his arms and vowed never to let her get hurt again. General Xu and Jiang Langxing took Lu Chuichui to see Yan Xing. When Yan Xing learned what had happened to Lu Chuichui, she was worried and upset. As a friend, she felt guilty for not knowing sooner. Lu Chuichui confided in Yan Xing, explaining that the “friend” she had mentioned before was Lai Luozhi.

She first met him in her mother’s graveyard, and later, it was Lai Luozhi who provided the antidote when Yan Xing’s third sister was poisoned. Lu Chuichui had naively believed that Lai Luozhi wanted to be a good person. Yan Xing couldn’t believe how innocent Lu Chuichui had been to trust Lai Luozhi, but now that she had seen his true nature, it was fortunate she hadn’t been harmed.

Lu Chuichui told everyone that Lai Luozhi owned a coronation robe embroidered with a taotie, a mythical beast. She suspected that Lai Luozhi had shown it to her, believing she wouldn’t recognize it, but she identified it immediately. Now Lai Luozhi’s ambition was clear. General Xu excused himself, claiming he had something urgent to do, and Shen Du, realizing he intended to steal the robe, chased after him to stop him.

Shen Du believed it was too dangerous to go to the Lai residence, especially after Lu Chuichui’s escape, as Lai Luozhi would surely be on high alert. The Grand Empress Dowager, feeling unwell, delegated the task of rewarding and punishing officials to Lai Luozhi. However, the ministers were dissatisfied, believing that Lai Luozhi had no right to take on such responsibilities.

Lai Luozhi used the authority of the Grand Empress Dowager to suppress the officials, leaving them no choice but to remain silent. The Princess, seeing that Lai Luozhi’s family had grown too powerful, noticed that many officials were now paying their respects to the Lai residence. Worried, she hurried to see her aunt. Although the Princess was anxious, her aunt remained calm and advised her to assist the Emperor well, reassuring her that this was only the beginning.

The Grand Empress Dowager was gravely ill, and Lai Luozhi took the opportunity to have the ministers who opposed him assassinated. The court was now in turmoil. Lai Luozhi brought his men to the Imperial Guard’s office, pressuring Shen Du to interrogate and sentence the Jin family. Lai Luozhi could no longer wait. Since Shen Du was reluctant to pass judgment, Lai Luozhi decided to take matters into his own hands.

Using the authority given to him by the Grand Empress Dowager, Lai Luozhi ordered the imperial guards he had brought with him to arrest Shen Du for dereliction of duty and lax governance. Shen Du was caught off guard when he realized that Lai Luozhi had summoned the elite crossbow division of the Imperial Guards.

In order to protect the Imperial Guard’s office and his family, Shen Du had no choice but to order his men to surrender their weapons, and he was taken away by the imperial guards. Yan Xing was still busy at the Ministry of Justice when she heard the news, and she was extremely worried about Shen Du. Fortunately, the head official of the Ministry protected Yan Xing, ordering everyone to prepare for defense and guard the gates.

He made it clear that if Lai Luozhi dared to come, they must not allow Yan Xing to be taken. However, after waiting for a long time, no one arrived. The head official, still cautious, ordered the guards to remain on alert at the gates. Lai Luozhi did not come after all, but Yan Xing’s fifth brother and the loyal Uncle Zhong from the Shen family came to pick her up.

Yan Xing chose not to return to her family’s home with her fifth brother; instead, she went back to the Shen residence. After Shen Du was taken away, he was tortured in prison. Lai Luozhi deliberately tried to provoke Shen Du, revealing that the tragic massacre of the Shen family years ago had been orchestrated by none other than the Grand Empress Dowager.

As a descendant of the Shen family, Shen Du had unwittingly served as a lapdog to his family's enemy for many years. Shen Du refused to believe Lai Luozhi’s words, but Lai Luozhi revealed his true identity as the leader of the Fire Moth Sect and invited Shen Du to join him in a grand conspiracy. Yan Xing personally wrote a petition to seek justice from the Grand Empress Dowager.

However, as soon as she left her home, she was ambushed in the streets by a group of masked men. Fortunately, General Xu arrived with his men in time to protect Yan Xing. He told Yan Xing to go ahead and do what she needed to do. Yan Xing entered the palace and knelt in the snow, waiting to see the Grand Empress Dowager.

The palace eunuch, Xu Neisi, approached Yan Xing and informed her that the Grand Empress Dowager was not seeing anyone. He advised her to return home, but Yan Xing stubbornly refused to leave until she had seen the Grand Empress Dowager. Xu Neisi, feeling helpless, told her that everything was predestined and that her actions were in vain. Meanwhile, General Xu and Yun Que were deeply in love.

General Xu had planned to give Yun Que a grand wedding once the current matters were settled. However, just as he spoke of this, he saw a distress signal from his allies outside the city. General Xu and Yun Que hurried to the scene, only to discover that it was a trap. They were surrounded. General Xu told Yun Que to return to the city to get reinforcements while he faced the masked men alone.

It wasn’t until she was halfway back that Yun Que realized General Xu intended to sacrifice himself to ensure her escape. She turned back, only to witness General Xu being killed. Yun Que refused to leave and was also killed by the masked men. Yan Xing knelt outside in the snow all night but still wasn’t granted an audience with the Grand Empress Dowager. Exhausted, she returned home, planning to try again the next day.

However, upon returning home, she found that Shen Du had already been released and was back. Though he had injuries on his face, Shen Du was distant and cold toward Yan Xing, completely different from his usual affection. He suggested they divorce and said many hurtful things, insisting that Yan Xing was not the right person to spend his life with.

In truth, Shen Du was acting this way because he had learned of everything Yan Xing had done for him. Moreover, with the deaths of General Xu and Yun Que, Shen Du didn’t want any more of his loved ones to be harmed. He resorted to this harsh plan, intending to face Lai Luozhi alone and protect the kingdom of Da Cang with his own strength.

Yan Xing never expected that Shen Du would see her in such a way. She agreed to the divorce, deciding to walk a separate path from Shen Du, as if they were strangers from now on. She threw away their keepsakes and turned to leave. Shen Du watched Yan Xing’s back as she left, tears streaming down his face. He had no choice but to do this to protect her.

On her way back to her family, Yan Xing was fortunate to meet her mother. She fainted with a high fever and was taken home by her mother. The next day, when she woke up, Yan Xing tried to run out to find Shen Du, but her mother stopped her. Yan Xing then learned that Shen Du had sent the divorce papers early that morning.

Yan Xing's father and brothers were shocked when they heard the news that Shen Du had openly allied himself with the Black Rakshasa, Lai Luozhi. They couldn’t believe that the two, who had been bitter enemies, were now working together. Not only had Yan Xing been divorced, but she also overheard a conversation between her father and brothers, learning about the deaths of General Xu and Yun Que. Overcome with grief, she almost fainted.

Yan Xing went to the graves of General Xu and Yun Que to pay her respects. Shen Du also arrived, knowing that Yan Xing would surely blame him for their deaths. Shen Du explained that this had nothing to do with her; General Xu had to die because he was investigating Lai Luozhi’s rebellion. Yan Xing, enraged, stabbed Shen Du's shoulder with a hairpin, dipped it in his blood, and signed the divorce papers.

From that moment on, she and Shen Du severed all ties. Now, the court was almost entirely under Lai Luozhi’s control. He had no regard for the princess or the Prime Minister, Zhang Xiangwei, and now even planned to preside over the Grand Court Assembly on behalf of the Grand Empress Dowager. Shen Du stood by silently. Ever since Shen Du "allied" with Lai Luozhi, his subordinates were forced to follow orders.

In the academy, when noble students bullied students from humble backgrounds, Jing Lin, head of the internal guard, had no choice but to imprison the offenders in the guardhouse. There was nothing wrong with students from humble families seeking education, but knowing when to act according to the situation was more prudent. The people now referred to Lai Luozhi and Shen Du as the "Black and White Rakshasa.

" As the two of them rode their horses through the streets, side by side, it made for an unusual sight. Jiang Langxing was patrolling the streets with his men when he saw Lai Luozhi and Shen Du riding and blocking the way of pedestrians. Outraged, he stepped forward to stop them and insulted Shen Du, furious that Shen Du was now aiding a tyrant.

Lai Luozhi wanted to take Jiang Langxing away, but Shen Du stopped him, saying that since Jiang had insulted him, he would deal with it personally. Shen Du shot an arrow at Jiang Langxing, but it didn’t harm him. It was only meant as a warning, to tell Jiang to advise his men to behave and not get into trouble. Shen Du’s bond with them ended there.

Lai Luozhi took Jiang Langxing to the Ministry of Justice, and Lu Chuichui was heartbroken when she saw Jiang injured. In front of Lu Chuichui, Lai Luozhi cruelly humiliated Jiang. He forced Lu Chuichui to sing a nursery rhyme for him. In order to protect Jiang Langxing, Lu Chuichui reluctantly sang as Lai Luozhi demanded. It was a song that Lai Luozhi’s mother used to sing to him.

Lai Luozhi then released Jiang Langxing, telling Lu Chuichui that as long as she stayed by his side, she would have everything she wanted, and for the sake of her feelings, he wouldn’t make things too difficult for the people she cared about. After saying this, Lai Luozhi reached out to wipe Lu Chuichui’s tears, but she turned her head away, refusing to look at him.

Lai Luozhi gave Lu Chuichui three days to think things over. After he left, Lu Chuichui held Jiang Langxing and cried sorrowfully. Yan Xing, who had locked herself away without eating or drinking, finally opened the door to let Pan Chi in when he came to visit. After a while, they both left the house, but they noticed someone was following them.

Halfway through, a strange woman stopped them, gave Yan Xing a cloak, and pointed them to a side road, allowing Yan Xing and Pan Chi to shake off their tail. Yan Xing and Pan Chi then met with Lu Chuichui. At that time, Yan Xing had just left General Xu and Yun Que’s graves and noticed someone was watching her, so she secretly passed a note to Lu Chuichui.

When Pan Chi came to find Yan Xing, she knew that Lu Chuichui had understood the message. Yan Xing had stayed inside for three days, and the people monitoring her around the Yan family residence had become less vigilant. Pan Chi came to take her to the pawnshop where they met with Lu Chuichui. Lu Chuichui and Jiang Langxing planned to temporarily leave and lie low.

Wearing the cloak that Yan Xing had used earlier, Lu Chuichui left the pawnshop with Pan Chi. The people watching didn’t recognize that it wasn’t Yan Xing, allowing Lu Chuichui to safely reunite with Jiang Langxing. When Lai Luozhi discovered that Lu Chuichui had disappeared, he was furious and ordered his men to search the entire city, vowing to find her no matter what.

After Yan Xing finished her duties, Pan Chi purposely came to take her out for a walk, but unexpectedly, Shen Du arrived. Shen Du felt that instead of focusing on her work, Yan Xing was wasting time with irrelevant people. Both Pan Chi and Yan Xing were deeply disappointed in Shen Du and didn’t bother speaking to him any further, turning away and leaving together. Pan Chi took Yan Xing to the place where they first met.

In Pan Chi’s eyes, Yan Xing had never been just someone’s daughter or wife; she had always been her own person. Now, with chaos in the court and unrest all around, this place was no longer peaceful. He hoped that Yan Xing would leave with him, escaping this troubled land and wandering the world together. Yan Xing agreed, and the two of them left the city under the cover of night.

Yan Xing had already explained everything to her family, saying that she was going out for a while to clear her mind. Lai Luozhi and Shen Du were watching them the whole time and knew they were leaving. Shen Du didn’t try to stop her, knowing it would be safer for Yan Xing to be far away. Meanwhile, the Grand Empress Dowager’s health was worsening, and Lai Luozhi soon received word that her days were numbered. His opportunity was coming.

Lai Luozhi personally went to the palace to visit the Grand Empress Dowager, but his true purpose was to confirm her condition. After sending away all her attendants, the Grand Empress Dowager finally realized that Lai Luozhi had come to kill her. She was deeply disappointed—had it not been for her support, someone of his lowly background could never have risen to his current position. Yet, his ambitions were treacherous.

Lai Luozhi revealed his true identity: he was the son of Noble Consort Shu, who had been forced to her death years ago. Knowing that once the Emperor died, there would be no place for her and her son in the palace, Noble Consort Shu had sacrificed herself to save her son. A nursemaid had substituted her own child for Lai Luozhi, while Noble Consort Shu and the child died in a fire.

No one ever suspected that the child who died was not Noble Consort Shu’s son. From then on, Lai Luozhi survived, cared for by the nursemaid and her twin daughters. Lai Luozhi, being of the Xiao bloodline, believed it was only natural for him to inherit the throne. He urged the Grand Empress Dowager to recognize the situation and write an edict of abdication herself.

The Grand Empress Dowager refused to yield, and Lai Luozhi did not force her, saying he would wait. He planned to ascend the throne at the Grand Court Assembly, which happened to fall on the anniversary of Noble Consort Shu’s death. He wanted his mother’s spirit to witness her son reclaiming what was rightfully theirs. Yan Xing had long known what Shen Du intended to do.

Her departure with Pan Chi wasn’t just for leisure—they were rushing to Nanlang Kingdom to find Yan Xing’s teacher, Minister Chen Huo E. Yan Xing had already asked Minister Chen to go ahead to Nanlang Kingdom and investigate Lai Luozhi’s mother’s background. She discovered that Lai Luozhi’s mother was indeed Noble Consort Shu.

On the day of the Grand Court Assembly, the Grand Empress Dowager miraculously recovered and, in front of the civil and military officials, demoted Lai Luozhi, ordering him to step down and rest.

Lai Luozhi's intention to rebel was clearly revealed. He had already prepared the imperial robes, determined to ascend the throne today. However, he hadn't expected the Grand Empress Dowager to still be fighting back, even willing to risk her life for one last chance. Lai Luozhi ordered Shen Du to drag away anyone in the court who opposed him, but Shen Du remained unmoved.

He had long since purged the rebels from the Jinwu Guard and was prepared to protect the Emperor and eliminate the traitors today. Shen Du had guessed Lai Luozhi's identity and had cooperated with the Grand Empress Dowager to stage a trap. Lai Luozhi, however, never fully trusted Shen Du. The envoys who came bearing gifts were fake, all members of the Fire Moth sect. A fierce fight broke out in the court.

When Lai Luozhi's sister attempted to assassinate the Grand Empress Dowager, Shen Du immediately stepped in to protect her, eliminating the traitors. Lai Luozhi, despite being a ruthless person, was deeply saddened when he saw his sister injured, but he still chose to end her suffering. Outside the hall, Prince Xian followed Shen Du's instructions, sending a secret letter to General Zhenyuan ahead of time, saving Da Cangyu from peril.

Jiang Langxing, having coordinated with Shen Du, also seized the right moment to uproot the strongholds of the Fire Moth sect. Jingnei Guard, following Shen Du's orders, cooperated with the Liang family, using their expertise in crossbow-making to successfully wipe out the rebels in the city. Now, Lai Luozhi's cause was lost. Lai Luozhi publicly revealed his true identity, claiming that he was the rightful heir, the true prince deserving of the throne.

Yan Xing had infiltrated the ranks of the envoys and entered the court just in time to present the second half of the prophecy left by the National Teacher, which cast doubt on Lai Luozhi. However, lacking evidence, the National Teacher had only written the prophecy to warn future generations. He had realized that Lai Luozhi was watching him, so he had embroidered the prophecy onto a piece of cloth and sent it out at the first opportunity.

Unfortunately, he was killed before he could fully reveal the truth. A seamstress, who couldn’t read, found the cloth and kept it only because she liked the fabric. Yan Xing told Lai Luozhi that he was not the son of the late Emperor but the result of an affair between Noble Consort Shu and General Kongshan, her first love. Back then, Noble Consort Shu had been forced by her father to marry the late Emperor.

Her father had killed General Kongshan, threatening that if she refused to marry, the Kongshan family would be wiped out. Helpless, she complied. She bribed an attendant to evade the examinations, thus preserving her only bloodline with General Kongshan. In the end, Lai Luozhi met his fate, throwing himself onto a soldier’s spear, coughing up blood as he died. After dealing with Lai Luozhi’s faction of rebels, Shen Du was finally able to seek justice for his father.

Holding the evidence that could shake the entire court, Shen Du requested an audience with the Grand Empress Dowager. Over the years, he had witnessed her tireless efforts for the sake of Da Cang, and he believed she would make a just decision. True to his expectations, in the court, after learning the full story, the Grand Empress Dowager discovered that Prime Minister Zhang and Prince Xian had secretly conspired to frame loyal officials.

Years ago, Shen Du’s father, Minister Shen, had been in charge of the granary. Unbeknownst to him, someone had already sold the grain. To protect his students, Prime Minister Zhang had someone forge a letter in Minister Shen’s handwriting, accusing him of treason. This letter was then presented to the late Emperor, leading to the wrongful deaths of the Shen family. The Grand Empress Dowager also knew that Prime Minister Zhang had been protecting one person—her own nephew.

Before Minister Shen took over the granary, the official in charge had been her nephew, Zhou Miao. The Grand Empress Dowager showed no mercy, ordering that all officials involved from the Zhou family be punished more severely. When asked how Prince Xian thought Prime Minister Zhang should be dealt with, he requested that his mother handle Zhang according to the law, but that the Zhang family’s past merits be considered when determining their punishment.

Shen Du echoed in agreement, knowing that the Zhang family had served the empire for three generations and had contributed to the stability of the kingdom. He did not wish for the entire Zhang family to be implicated, only hoping for the truth to come to light. The Grand Empress Dowager nodded in approval, and Shen Bingzhu's wrongful conviction was finally redressed. Witnessing this, Shen Du's joy was unmistakable.

Yan Xing quietly approached the ancestral tablets, gazing at the sunlight streaming through the window, lost in deep thought. The Grand Empress Dowager was playing with the young emperor in the palace, their laughter filling the air. At that moment, Princess Yong'an entered the hall, her face showing signs of worry. Prince Xian had already requested to be sent to the frontier, while she pleaded with the Grand Empress Dowager to punish her.

The Grand Empress Dowager lovingly reassured her, explaining that although the princess had supported the soldiers, she had not been deeply involved, and therefore, no punishment was warranted. She emphasized that winning the people's hearts required more than just money—it needed deeper understanding and care. Suddenly, the young emperor spoke up, his innocent voice revealing a unique insight into the hearts of the people. This greatly pleased the Grand Empress Dowager, who felt immense pride in her grandson's growth.

Princess Yong'an vowed to assist the young emperor with even greater dedication, as a way of repaying the nation's kindness. Meanwhile, Wu Taiming was rewarded with a promotion in salary for his achievements, and Qi Yeyun officially joined the Ministry of Justice as a newly appointed constable. Due to Shen Du's influence, he was warmly welcomed by his colleagues.

Shen Du tried to give Yan Xing a gift to express his feelings, but Yan Xing politely declined, insisting that since they had already divorced, such formalities were unnecessary. Shen Du, helpless, had no choice but to select another gift. Jing Lin teased him, joking that Shen Du was so discreet that if he didn’t personally handle the matter, no one would know his true intentions.

Shen Du smiled wryly, knowing that the story had already spread across Xiang'an City, where people affectionately called him “the gift-giver. ” Many even cheered him on, hoping he would soon win back Yan Xing’s heart. The Grand Empress Dowager, upon hearing this, remarked that it served as a reminder to all men not to take their wives lightly. She summoned Yan Xing and announced the opening of the imperial examination to scholars from humble backgrounds.

Yan Xing was overjoyed at the news. The Grand Empress Dowager explained that some of her past decisions had not been implemented because the timing wasn’t right. She also took this opportunity to advise Yan Xing to give Shen Du another chance, urging her to cherish the person before her. Elsewhere, Pan Chi secretly went to take the exam but was noticed by Jiang Langxing.

Shortly after, Lu Chuichui returned with Jiang Langxing, and her father spoke highly of Jiang Langxing. At Yan Xing's home, as the morning light filtered through, Yan Xing’s mother urgently called for her to wake up, worried she would miss an important ceremony. Yan Xing, confused, had no idea what ceremony was approaching.

Her mother presented the items needed for marriage and explained that since Yan Xing had previously substituted in a marriage and later divorced, it seemed she had deceived the God of Marriage, so she needed to redo the wedding ceremony to bring good fortune. Yan Xing’s elder sister also joined in persuading her, urging her to quickly get dressed so as not to miss the auspicious hour. Shen Du stood anxiously outside Yan’s residence.

Seeing this, Yan Xing’s brother softly reassured him, revealing that although Yan Xing appeared displeased, she was already preparing herself, which indicated her acceptance. Shen Du, having endured many trials, finally arrived at the door, only to hear that he must compete with Qi Yeyun to meet Yan Xing.

Just as he was about to withdraw, Yan Xing’s third sister entered the inner chamber and relayed Shen Du’s words of “fear of the challenge,” which turned out to be a misunderstanding. Upon hearing this, Yan Xing became anxious and hurriedly rushed out, only to find that Shen Du was still standing there, unmoved. His gaze was gentle, and he softly said that he was here only to bring Yan Xing home.

This moment dissolved all of Yan Xing’s worries, and as their eyes met, it felt as if all the misunderstandings and hardships between them had vanished.

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