Ripe Town Episode 6 Recap
> Ripe Town Recap
Zhang Jizu and the mysterious middle-aged man discussed the next target of the murderer. From Constable Leng Wuji, Teacher Wang, to the hanging of Chen Wang's remains, these three individuals had maintained the same identities for twenty years. To unravel the connections between them, it was necessary to go back twenty years to find answers. Two of them had a situation similar to the unfortunate deaths of the other three. Zhang Jizu expressed his intention to focus on them. The mysterious man inquired if Zhang Jizu was still skilled in his former profession, to which Zhang Jizu replied, "Qu Sangeng extinguishes the lamp at three, unheard are the roosters at five."
Head Constable Xia, following rumors, prepared to investigate several murder cases starting with the monkey demons. Magistrate Wei summoned a semi-immortal who sold talismans to suppress monkey demons in the market. Originally a bizarre rumor, the semi-immortal earned a meager living with this, but Magistrate Wei took it seriously. The semi-immortal found it amusing, concocting even more fantastical stories. Unable to find clues, Magistrate Wei planned to use torture to extract a confession. The semi-immortal finally revealed what he believed to be the truth.
The prevalent monkey demons were mostly affiliated with the Wukong Sect, a branch under the Banner of the Eternal Mother of the White Lotus Sect. Those performing monkey shows in the martial world belonged to this sect, possessing extraordinary skills such as high-flying and grabbing objects from a distance. Posing as monkeys to commit thefts was merely a supernatural act. If a person was caught stealing, they would be reported to the authorities. However, if a spirit monkey was seen, it would be considered a strange tale, causing fear and avoiding further investigation.
Physician Cheng Yizhi found Zhang Jizu, inquiring if he had reported his affairs to Master Xue. Zhang Jizu advised Cheng Yizhi not to casually associate his matters with Master Xue. Cheng Yizhi, worried that Qu Sangeng might discover the secret in the prescription, expressed concern despite his pharmacy being seamless. Zhang Jizu reassured Cheng Yizhi, stating that the city filled with talismans was the final answer, and there was no need to worry excessively.
At the designated time set by Head Constable Xia, the constable division still had no progress in solving the case. Each constable received a beating, and Xia pressured Qu Sangeng, attempting to provoke hostility. Qu Sangeng had no choice but to comply. After the constables were beaten, Xia ordered Qu Sangeng to personally strike Gao Shicong. Qu Sangeng exerted force, delivering a heavy blow to Xia's leg.
Xia ordered a flogging of Qu Sangeng, and Song Chen happened to pass by, proposing to handle it according to procedures. Qu Sangeng was first detained.
Seeing Song Chen opposing him, Xia inquired with Master Xie about Song Chen's background. Master Xie recounted Song Chen's past.
Originally named Song Zhongqiu, Song Chen was a renowned scholar in Jiangnan over a decade ago. His calligraphy and painting were highly valued, and he gained a reputation as a child prodigy. At sixteen, he passed the district-level examination, and at nineteen, he ranked first in the provincial examination, becoming the top scholar. At twenty-eight, he went to the capital for the imperial examination, achieving the top rank again in the preliminary round. However, during the final round, he became a victim of political struggles due to having met the chief examiner earlier. Accused of corruption, he was sent to prison, where he endured various torments. Later, the chief examiner who once framed him was disgraced, leading to Song Chen's exoneration. The Emperor offered him various positions, but Song Chen chose to be a historian. Unknown to Master Xie, after his release, Song Chen ordered someone to stab his eye with a fierce and cruel animal symbolizing revenge.
Upon learning about Song Chen's past, Xia dared not continue the confrontation and just wanted to solve the case quickly to provide an explanation to Master Nie.
Song Chen still sought solace in Cuihua Tower when feeling depressed. Spring Apricot did not understand Song Chen's predicament and could only accompany him in drinking. After getting heavily intoxicated, Song Chen, who loved practicing calligraphy, revealed his two-fingered right hand. At the yamen, he often wrote with his left hand due to his right hand's limitation. However, in front of Spring Apricot, Song Chen rolled up his sleeves, using his right thumb to write, displaying unparalleled calligraphy.
Zhang Jizu informed the mysterious man that the monkey demon had recently appeared frequently in the surveillance locations, as if preemptively aware of their plans. Having done thorough research, Lü San set up multiple traps and finally captured the monkey demon.
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