Ripe Town Episode 11 Recap
> Ripe Town Recap
The appearance of Lu Jinxin completely disrupted Lu Zhi's plan. Even if Lu Yuanbao were to pass away, Lu Zhi wouldn't be the one to inherit the wealth. Lu Zhi informed Lu Zhong about this.
Lu Zhong also realized that Lu Yuanbao had been suspicious of him all these years. He had only heard from Lu Yuanbao about his leaving home due to a legal issue, and he had never returned after that. However, over the years, Lu Yuanbao had secretly sent money to his younger brother, Lu Jinxin, through a business establishment. Lu Yuanbao sensed that his time was running out, so he had intentionally sent Lu Jinxin to Duxian County.
Early in the morning at the county office, Magistrate Wei found another note stabbed to the door with a dagger. The note read: "South of the city gate, in the broken temple, near the small grove, the murderer is about to strike again. Hurry."
Song Chen understood that the murderer was trying to manipulate the constables into capturing someone. But there were no more clues available at the moment, and the true target could only be determined once they reached the scene.
At Yue Banxian's fortune-telling stand, a bearded man wearing a straw hat suddenly appeared. Yue Banxian recognized him by his voice as an old acquaintance. The bearded man said that he could reveal his identity to the outside world in exchange for a reward. Yue Banxian asked if this man was connected to the recent series of murders, but the bearded man didn't provide a direct answer. Yue Banxian made his own judgment, not believing that his old friend would be a murderer. The bearded man didn't explain further and only instructed Yue Banxian to act according to his wishes.
At night, Yue Banxian went to the broken temple and the small grove as usual, while Qu Sangeng watched from a distance. Zhang Jizu appeared, questioning Yue Banxian about any leads he had. Yue Banxian lit a firecracker and told Zhang Jizu that if he followed the clues, he would find a donkey, and the truth would be hidden on the donkey's back. Zhang Jizu was concerned that Yue Banxian might be deceiving him and tried to threaten him.
The constables, lying in ambush in the bushes, appeared, ready to capture Zhang Jizu. But Liushi appeared at the right moment, and the scene turned chaotic with weapons drawn. Suddenly, the bearded man emerged and took Yue Banxian away, leaving Zhang Jizu behind. To escape, Zhang Jizu shouted for them to separate and retreat, and they split up. Later, the constables managed to apprehend Zhang Jizu.
The following day, Magistrate Xue personally visited the county office and requested to provide bail for Zhang Jizu. He wanted to be able to summon Zhang Jizu whenever needed during the trial. Song Chen, pretending to suspect Zhang Jizu's connection to the recent murders, observed Xue's reaction. Magistrate Xue didn't confirm or deny the suspicion but stated that if Zhang Jizu were to be wrongfully accused, he would demand an explanation.
Magistrate Wei, eavesdropping from behind a screen, overheard their conversation and suggested that Song Chen might do a favor by releasing Zhang Jizu since there was no plaintiff or evidence. Song Chen still wanted to obtain some clues from Zhang Jizu, but after some torture, he had no choice but to release him.
As Zhang Jizu left the county office, he was suddenly abducted by a carriage, driven by the bearded man, and watched by Lv San. However, the bearded man seemed to have anticipated this move, as he fired a shot at Lv San, causing a scare but not injuring him.
The next day, Zhang Jizu's lifeless body was found, hung up like a corpse by the broken temple, dressed like Bai Wuchang. A note was left beside him, reading, "If one cannot serve the living, how can one serve the dead."
Qu Sangeng and Gao Shicong arrived at the scene, discovering Zhang Jizu's body. At this point, both of them were aware that Zhang Jizu was, in fact, the former Zhang Gui. While searching for the donkey that Yue Banxian had mentioned, Qu Sangeng found one near the river. He uncovered a note hidden under the saddle and discreetly placed it in his own clothing. When he later reunited with Gao Shicong, he didn't reveal this secret.
In the idle moments at the "Classless Bookstore," Feng Kezhui and Leng Guier talked about Qu Sangeng's discovery of Yue Banxian's hidden secret. They were worried that Gao Shicong might be implicated, so they didn't provide all the details. After their conversation, Qu Sangeng had already located Zhao Juren's residence.
Qu Sangeng got straight to the point when speaking with Zhao Magistrate, suggesting that Zhao Xueling was none other than Lu Zhi from twenty years ago. Zhao Xueling paid little attention to Qu Sangeng's conjecture. However, when Qu Sangeng presented the letter and informed him that the murderer was Lu Buyou, Zhao Xueling's thoughts immediately returned to twenty years ago.
Lu Buyou had sought refuge with Lu Yuanbao and was close friends with the son of the rice mill's second master, Yue Ji. This Yue Ji was none other than Yue Banxian, who later became a fortune teller. Because of a scuffle with some other schoolchildren, Lu Zhi had saved Yue Ji's son, which led to a friendship between the four of them. Lu Buyou was well-educated and kind-hearted. After some time, Lu Zhi started regretting what he had planned regarding Lu Yuanbao. He even considered giving up on his previous intentions.
When Lu informed Cheng Yi of his changing plans, Cheng Yi insisted that he couldn't back down. If they did, Lu Zhi would remain a mute for the rest of his life, and Lu Yuanbao would continue as a servant. Despite these discussions, Lu Zhi remained indecisive.
A few days later, Lu Zhi was summoned by his younger brother, Lu Jinxin. Lu Jinxin asked Lu Zhi to become a tutor for his son. At this moment, Lu Yuanbao suddenly brought up the past when Lu Zhi had served as his godfather, further ridiculing Lu Zhi. This incident solidified Lu Zhi's determination for revenge.
Lu Zhi instructed Cheng Yi to increase the dosage of the medicine. Soon, Lu Yuanbao met his demise. Everything seemed to go off without a hitch until one day. It was the cook, You Er's birthday, and only Lu Zhi was invited. During the celebration, You Er accidentally revealed Lu Zhi's secret.
You Er and Chen Wang and Zhang Guilu were drinking buddies. It was only a matter of time before You Er, while inebriated, let something slip. Eventually, he pieced together their scheme. Only after Lu Yuanbao's death did You Er inform Lu Zhi, hoping for a share of the wealth as well.
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