Five Stars

This episode dives deeper into the murky political waters of the capital, and I really appreciated how it balanced quiet investigation with underlying tension. Zanghai continues to play the long game—watching, calculating, and slowly piecing together the truth about his family’s downfall. What struck me was how even in scenes where there’s minimal dialogue, the atmosphere remains so thick with tension, thanks largely to Xiao Zhan’s ability to hold the screen with just his gaze or a slight shift in expression. There’s a scene where Zanghai shares a moment of silent understanding with another character, and it was filled with emotion beneath the surface—grief, caution, maybe a hint of hope. It reminded me that this isn’t just a story about revenge, but also one of emotional survival. Episode 6 builds the pressure slowly, like a drawn bowstring waiting to be released.

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Waterproofed

Zang Hai figured out that the original builders of the tomb did not waterproof it correctly. The Marquis’ eldest son embezzled the building funds for another project or for himself. The henchmen all knew that this would uncover their fraud and plotted to bury him within the tomb if he successfully fixed or execute him for failing. They planned his death either way. It was a touching scene with his uncle. Now he knows he sounds like his dad and he has retained their wisdom. His uncle was kicked out of imperial service and given tomb duty. He would not say why but I am sure the colleague that helped get Zang Hai’s family killed was responsible. The mentor holding still with a knife to his eye while he played blind was impressive. He did a nice slight of hand with the fortune sticks. I am sure his prediction will involve Zang Hai and waiting to see how the tables are turned on these wicked men. It was even more disgusting that the Marquis agreed to their heinous plot to cover for his son. They knew that he would but was seeing if there was any shred of decency in him. Nope. No wonder his sons are like they are.😝Zang Hai knew he was going to get entombed, but I don’t think he expected all those other men to be with him. I would like to think that they will honor whatever promises they made to these men, but I don’t think there is any chance in hell their families will receive restitution for their sacrifice. Tonight they drink and tomorrow they see the inside of the tomb….permanently. I am hoping that whatever Zang Hai attempts in getting to the river that he gets some or all of the others out with him. I also hope they show a follow up of the burned girl. I hope she lives and can manage to speak. These miscreants keep racking up sins so I hope his revenge takes into account every single person and fraud they have done. I am glad his mentor is assisting. I was wondering at his motives initially, but he has gone to some significant lengths to assist. I am curious what Zang Hai has spotted in the tomb to think there is possible escape.

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Cliffhanger emotions

Episode 6 cranks up the mind games as Zang Hai navigates deadly political traps with his signature icy calm. The episode kicks off with Marquis Pingjin scrambling to cover his tracks after rumors of the late emperor’s ghost spread, leading him to appoint Zang Hai as Assistant Director of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau. But it’s all a setup. Yang Zhen and Chu Huaiming want him buried alive with the empress dowager as a sacrificial pawn.
Zang Hai is no fool though. He buys himself three months by taking charge of repairing the flooded imperial mausoleum, a disaster caused by Chu Huaiming’s corruption and the You River’s diverted course. Watching him outsmart these clowns is pure satisfaction. He exposes their shoddy waterproofing, saves the workers, and even bonds with Ji Qun, a craftsman linked to his late father who turns out to be his uncle. The emotional beats here hit hard, Ji Qun’s quiet resignation to the system contrasts sharply with Zang Hai’s simmering rage.
Meanwhile, Gaoming (Zang Hai’s mentor) pulls a slick distraction by spooking marquis' horses with tiger urine and rigging a fortune-telling session. It’s equal parts absurd and genius, and the way marquis Pingjin falls for itis both hilarious and highly satisfactory.
The episode’s climax is a gut-punch: after finishing the repairs, Chu Huaiming orders Ji Qun and eight others to be buried alive, while Zang Hai also accepts the order to join them. The political chess game between Zang Hai and the villains is riveting. The episodes ends in an emotional cliffhanger, leaving you wanting for more. Bring it on!

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