MsDarkqueen

Scarlet (Vermilion) Guards of State of An
The recruited members are controlled by the organization through poison, the members have to take an antidote every six months so escaping is not easy. Their structure seems more Hierarchical Organisational. Their tasks and roles are still not clear.
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Hierarchical Structure

*Commander Deng(ep 9)
*Left Emissary - (Ren Ruyi/Ren Xin), Chen(ep4)
*Right Emissary- Jia Ling(ep9)
*Red/ Scarlet Emissary - Zhu Ji( Jia Ling's trusted) (ep9)
*Purple Emissary - Yue Sanniang (ep1 to 4)
*White sparrow(Baique) - adept at seduction and investigation. Ling Long (ep1) , Ren Ruyi/Ren Xin
*Shadow Scouts -
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Organisational Structure(Branches/Departments)
Head quarter

*Yuheng Branch to investigate police officers and Yue Sanniang's death (ep9)
*Kaiyang Branch (ep 4) sends messages through pigeons. (Has a secret chamber.)
*Tianji Branch (ep3) -

1.Jumen and Lianzhen department - investigation of Wu delegation's background. (ep9)

My speculation is that the 40 episodes will be divided in the whole journey, I could be wrong buts seems that way so far.

Onward journey (approx 20 episodes)
State of Wu ( approx 10 episodes)
State of An ( approx 10 episodes)

Return Journey ( approx 20 episodes)
State of An (approx 10 episodes)
State of Wu (approx 10 episodes)

I have formed a rough idea about the Scarlet/ Vermilion guards, presented in spoiler tag below. ( all the comments having relevant information will also be included in my review which is currently WIP posted in review section)

If anyone wants to add details to scarlet guards, feel free to comment or/and point out my errors.

Hey... It's always a pleasure to see you on a drama page, it means we all will get wonderful Pictorial presentation. You are always so generous in giving credits, thanks for the mention.

About the Daoist, it was mentioned as introduction to the now deceased leader of Liudao hall in
ep 1.

Even I had assumed at first that virtue path's disciples were called 'cavalry' but then when I looked closely at the spelling, I realised they meant 'Calvary' in religious context.


Thanks for pointing out the errors, I will edit them.


I just read your W-I-P presentation/article in the comments section, loved it so far.....I am waiting
for you to complete your presentation before making a comment there... But as always thanks for such precise information you provide.

Thanks for the suggestion......I am writing a review and all the comments that I post for this drama will be in the review....

Thanks for liking it.

Spies and Assassins amidst perfidious imperials.




:::::::::::INTRODUCTION:::::::::
Since the fall of the previous dynasty there have been nearly a century of chaos, constant friction between Northern Province and Central Plains.
The nine kingdoms of Central Plains each hold their own territories but they have been in constant conflict for many years.

Among them, States of An and Wu are the most powerful. The Emperor of An - Li Zhun loves war and is greedy, he has annexed countless cities from neighbouring territories. The Sate of Wu is rich and people are strong. The Emperor of An covets States of Wu.

In the sixth year of Yongyou the Emperor of An launched a military campaign to seize the GOLD MINE in the West of Wu. The Emperor of Wu - Yang Xingyuan welcomed the battle South of (Tianmenguan)Tianmen Pass.

The army of Wu faced a major defeat at Tianmen Pass, they lost three cities(Xu, Cai and Jing). The Emperor of Wu believed in slander and underestimated the enemy. The Emperor of Wu has been captured and taken hostage by the State of An.

With the news of the Emperor's defeat, there is a major upheaval in the state of Wu and struggle for power has started. Prince Danyang the acting regent and brother of the emperor wants the throne, The Empress declares she is pregnant and may give birth to the future heir, The Prime Minister - Zhang Song doesn't care who sits on the throne as long as he can control them and retains his power.

Marquis Changqing of the State of An, Li Tongguang {Chang Hua Sen} sends a messenger on behalf of the State of An demanding a ransom of 100,000 teals of gold to be delivered by a person of The Imperial Prince Status in order to release the Emperor of Wu.

The ignored sheltered Princess Yang Ying {He Lan Dou} volunteers to go as The Imperial Prince Li, fourth son of the former Emperor Jin with the envoy in return of Money and Status conferred, that it would give her some independence upon returning back. She naively ignores the dangers of posing as a male prince, if discovered she is a fake, the consequences will be dire for her.

The special team to join the delegation/envoy is formed of the few guards of The Heaven Path and

1.Ning Yuanzhou(Hell path){Liu YuNing} : the former deputy chief of the Liudao Hall. His mind is full of brilliant strategies and unparalleled tactics. Now wants to lead a peaceful life away from court politics, agrees to join the convoy to protect princess Yang Ying and also to clear the good names of The Heaven Path men who were branded as traitors.

2.Qian Zhao(Heaven Path) {Wang Yi Zhe}used to be a former member of Heaven path was transferred to Yulin Army by special order due to his meritorious service. He is now the commandant of Yulin Army. Is very good at medicines and life saving skills. He is versatile.

3.Yu Shisan (Asura Path) {Alen Fang}: former commandant of Asura path,who had been imprisoned for abduction of minister Liu's daughter, he seems frivolous and a person only interested in pursuit of pleasure and beauty.

4.Yuan Lu {Chen Youwei}, the greatest genius of hungry ghost path whose martial arts skill is average but is great in building mechanical devices useful is spying and warfare.

5.Sun Lang {Li Huan} of Human Path is great at defense.

**6.Ren Ruyi/Ren XinXin{Liu Shishi} - former top assassin of State of An, now a discarded piece on the chessboard, considered dead and traitor of Scarlet Guards. She was directly promoted to Purple Emissary from a mere guard, later his Majesty personally named her Left Emissary of the headquarters.She is trying to find the killer of Empress Zhaojie of Satate of An of whose assassination Ruyi was accused of 5 years ago. Ren Ruyi joins this delegation group to teach Princess Yang Ying all about the State of An in exchange for Ning Yuanzhou's help to find the real assassin of Empress Zhaojie.



Along the way the group has to face many obstacles & treacheries. Their bonds are tested and new alliances are formed. The weak people have to become strong and The Strong people find others on whom they can lean on. New promises are made and some promises are broken.



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:::TWO spy organizations of States of An and Wu:::
XxxxxxxxX
Scarlet (Vermilion) Guards of State of An
The recruited members are controlled by the organization through poison, the members have to take an antidote every six months so escaping is not easy.
* White Sparrows(Baique) - adept at seduction and investigation.
* shadow scouts -
*Purple Emissary -
*Scarlet Emissary-
*Left Emissary-
*Right Emissary -
XxxxxxxxX
Six Daoists, Liudao Hall - Wudu Six Hall(Six Realms Hall) of State of Wu
It was created by Taizu, it specializes in investigation and espionage. A total of SIX factions are there, THREE considered Good/Virtue Paths, their members called calvaries and THREE Evil Paths, their members called Scouts (chazi) .
:::::Good/Virtue Paths:::::
* Heaven(God) Path ; in charge of protecting Royal family.
* Human Path; monitors officials at all levels.
*Asura (Demigod) Path; engages in bribery and seduction.
:::::::Evil Paths::::::
* The Hungry Ghost Path ; creates mechanisms
* Animal Path; specialises in espionage.
* Hell Path; is known for assassination. {Ning Yuanzhou has turned this into an intelligence gathering unit, Palace of Hell(Senluo Hall).}

A general introduction to story with main highlights for the first 8 Episodes. I am putting in spoiler tag below.

This is not a simple love story but a dark complex world of court politics, power hungry Monarchs, treacherous relationship in imperial family amidst revenge, strategies and plots. A very intriguing story, should be watched for the protagonists and plot.

Finished watching the series.

Overall: A good mystery series with interesting protagonists and short arcs of mysterious events having elements of the supernatural but at the end there is a logical explanation for all events. Even better is the revelation of mastermind at the end... I would never have thought that person was responsible. Must Watch.... A second season with the same cast has already been filmed, looking forward to season 2.


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Snippets from my review

One of the MOST INTERESTING aspects of this show was the working relationship between Su Wu Ming and Lu Ling Feng.(reminiscent of Sherlock and Watson). Su Wu Ming is the brains of the operation and Lu Ling Feng the brawns. Though later Lu Ling Feng becomes more attuned to all aspects of cases.

* Su Wu Ming is often sarcastic and resorts to manipulating people to get results, he has great deduction ability and uses his foresight to solve the problems. Chicken Fed(Mr.Fei)in his first meeting rightly pegged Su Wu Ming, he looked mean and cunning, quite untrustworthy.

*With Lu Ling Feng, what you see is what you get. He is the most honest, upright, rules following General of the Imperial guards. In their first meeting, Chicken Fed(Mr.Fei) pegged Lu Ling Feng as good-looking and righteous, who would keep his promise.

We see these two officials caught in a power struggle between The Crown Prince and the Eldest princess of Tang(Crown Prince's aunt) . Su Wuming and Lu Ling Feng have to soothe the ruffled feathers of the royals while trying to seek justice and solve bizarre cases.

*Another issue highlighted in this series is the struggle of common people. For Common people what matters the most is living their daily life peacefully, they do not care about the power struggle between the rulers. The ruler who gives importance to their welfare and ensures they are provided with basic necessities is the ruler they would choose.
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To read my full review click the link below.. I have tried to keep the review spoiler free, However I have written the episodes numbers for each mystery and included a short introduction for each mystery without revealing the end.

https://kisskh.at/profile/MsDarkqueen/reviews/320349

Thank you, it's so nice of you to say these words.

I have written the detailed summaries for all 12 episodes... They contain MAJOR spoilers so click the link below only if you are ready for full disclosure.

I started writing the summary when the series first aired, it was more so for my benefit because not being a native speaker, I found the reference of literature and other details too difficult to understand... After a few episodes, I began to understand quite a lot of nuances, but I wanted to finish this companion piece for future viewers.

It was not an easy task because this series has more dialogues and discussions than action. The more I wrote, the more things became clear. However in spite of my best effort there may be still some errors... If anyone notices some major error related to plot, please draw my attention to it.

I hope these summaries will be helpful in quick checking of few facts after watching the episodes.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the serial. Hope future viewers would love it too.

Below is the Link to discussion section of this page for summaries of all 12 Episodes together.(contains major spoilers)

https://kisskh.at/discussions/fan-cheng-zhi-xia/120497-detailed-episodic-summary-and-musings-contains-spoilers

Episode 12- Finale, The Truth is revealed.

(September 7th 1589 AD)

Xiaobao is comforting a drunk Lu Jinxin at Lu residence. Lu Jinxin is vomiting and servants volunteer to take him to his room where his hangover soup is ready. Ping'er mother tells her to ignore her father they would go to eat, she also asks Buyou not to read books outside anymore as it was getting dark. Lu Buyou gestures Xiaobao(Turtle) to come near him, Lu Buyou says that he found a very interesting place in Lu residence. Lu Buyou says that he couldn't find Lu zhi so he thought he had gone fishing again with Mr. Zhong, so Lu Buyou climbed the tree in neighbors yard and entered Mr. Zhong's yard since he was not there. Lu Buyou says he found a secret in Mr. Zhong's yard. Lu Buyou found a dry well there. What is more strange is that Buyou found a rope in the well and when he followed the rope he found a secret room, Buyou couldn't see what's in it because it was pitch dark. He hasn't taken a rope. Lu Buyou invites Turtle to stay the night at Lu residence, he says when Mr. Zhong is asleep at night they can go with Lu zhi and explore the well. Xioabao is eating food in Lu Buyou's room, Turtle comments the food is delicious but very salty. Lu Buyou says he wanted to bring him some soup but his hands were full, so now he volunteers to bring some water. Turtle goes to poor himself some water from the kettle on Lu Buyou's room but finds it empty, he blanes Lu zhi for not serving his master well. Lu Buyou goes to sleep on the table and Xiaobao thinks he was too tired from all the climbing. Turtle continues to eat bun and vegetables but finds it too salty. He goes outside to get some water but finds even the water jar is empty.

Mr. Zhang is giving instructions to everyone to kill all the unconscious people with one stab without making noise. Cheng wang is reluctant to kill people as they will die when they set the place to fire anyway. Ghost hand, Liu shiqi says that after that night everyone will be in the same boat as they all have blood on their hands. Mr Zhang says he will kill Lu Jinxin, Liu Shiqi will kill jinxin's wife and daughter. Cheng wang was asked to kill Lu Buyou. Cheng wang goes to Lu Buyou's room but loses his nerve and doesn't kill the unconscious Lu Buyou.

Turtle smells smoke, wakes up Lu Buyou and both run out side. Lu Buyou asks Xiaobao to go out through the side door in the stables but the door is stacked with piles of straws. Then Lu Buyou tells Turtle to go to Mr. Zhong's yard they will hide in the dry well but there is no rope in the well now. Lu Buyou suddenly remembers his sister and family. Xiy convinces him to first save themselves as probably all of them must have rushed out already. Xiaobao goes to find a rope in the stables and asks Lu Byou to wait near the dry well. Lu Buyou ties his kerchief around Xiaobao nose and mouth as a mask so that he doesn't inhale smoke inside.

Lu Buyou sees Lu zhi and Lu Zhong coming in the yard. Lu zhi says he didn't set fire to the back garden they could leave from there. Mr. hong asks what they were doing there as he didn't have anything to taketake. Lu zhi says he has something to take, he wants to take back himself.. Saying this he stabs Mr. Zhong. Mr. Zhong aks why stab him then he speculates that Lu zho found his Gold, Lu zhi doesn't comprehend what Li Zhong is saying. Lu zhi confronts Mr.zhong and asks him that Yuanbao didn't ask Mr. Zhong to kill Lu zhi. Mr. Zhong has been tricking Lu zhi, now Lu zhi doesn't want anyone to control him, je doesn't want a father. Lu Buyou witnesses Li zhi killing Mr. Zhong but hides behind the dry well. Lu Buyou calls out for Xiaobao, turtle just got the rope from the stables.

Outside all conspirators are standing watching the Lu residence burn down in fire. Sangeng's father who was a night watchman tries to alert people and get help to douse the fire, Captain Leng stabs him. He scolds others for just being care less and standing idle, they could hide or pretend to put out fire but because of their behavior he was forced to kill Sangeng's father who was a good man, lest he should alert others of their suspicious behavior. Later when everything has been burnt to ashes, Captain Leng says to Lu zhi that the number of corpse match number of people but he didn't find Lu Buyou's body in his room, there was a body elsewhere same height as him. Lu zhi demands to see the burnt corpse of that person, he says he has to make sure Lu Buyou is dead. Lu zhi speculates that Cheng wang did not complete his task.



(Three days after the fire in 1589 AD)
Lu zhi goes to visit Mr. Zhao after the fire incident. At first Mr. Zhao is sympathetic towards Lu zhi. Li zhi says that he has a receipt from Mr.Lu and he has been instructed to show it only to Mr. Zhao. Mr. Zhao says it's the hand writing of Lu Yuanbao, it is his will it reads " Lu zhi is loyal and devoted. I feel sorry for the early loss of his parents. He is an attendant, but actually he is like my son. So I will give him my shares in Hongshun textile mill to reward his loyalty." Mr. Zhao first accuses Lu zhi of forging the will to seize the inheritance.

In the Yamen office the county magistrate is asking the bailiffs to flog Lu Zhi because he dared to accuse Lu Jinxin of fratricide and seizing the inheritance. Moreover the entire Lu family died, Lu zhi has no proof of his statement. He aks someone to flog Lu zhi 40 times. (Lu zhi has already made an arrangement with Captain Leng of being hit hard by the yamen runners but not causing any real harm, Lu zhi has bribed the Yamen runners. Once Lu Zhi's path is cleared he promises to redeem Ms.Lin). Lu Zhi continues with his pleas in front of the county magistrate in spite of getting more flogging by county magistrate. Lu zhi says Lu Yuanbao was poisoned by while Lu Jinxin was alive he couldn't complain. Lu zhi says he has an imperial scholar to testify. Its Zhao Youren.

(Lu zhi had already made arrangements with Mr. Zhao in his previous visit for his cooperation. Lu zhi had an IOU for 5,000 silver teals of Mr. Zhao, a will and accounts books showing Mr. Zhao's embezzlement from the mill. Even if Mr. Zhao refuted the will and took Lu zhi to Yamen, Mr. Zhao would also be in a loss, the county magistrate would ask Mr. Zhao a bribe of 40,00o silver teal to hush the matter. Lu zhi says Mr. Zhao can put him in prison but it will cost him money, instead he has a plan that will benefit both Lu zhi and Mr. Zhao. If Mr. Zhao could be a witness for Lu zhi he could earn a huge amount)

As per the plan, Mr. Zhao goes to Yamen and presents the fake will of Lu Yuanbao as genuine. Mr. Zhao also corroborates the poisoning story by Lu Jinxin. After Lu Yuanbao's body is exhumed the coroner tested for poisoning and found it was the cause of murder.

Even though all evidence and testimony of witness prove Lu Zhi is the benefactor of Lu Yuanbao and Lu Jinxin poisoned his brother, the county magistrate is reluctant to believe it as it seemed like a story. Lu zhi slyly hints that county magistrate will profit from the transfer of property which seals the deal and county magistrate declares Lu zhi the heir apparent.

All the conspirators have a meeting, it was decided that they all should leave Du County for three years and then they can come back with new identities. They should allow the dust to settle. Everyone agrees to it accept Chang Wang who says he couldn't leave his sick mother and he doesn't want to change his name. Cheng wang has also spent a lot of money on gambling raising suspicious, so it is hinted that Cheng Wang should be silenced.


(In 1609 AD)
Remaining three conspirators, Mr. Xue, cook You're, ghost hand - Liu Shiqi discuss what they should do with the newly acquired information that county magistrate wei is Lu Buyou. At this point there are two options for them ; first change their names and escape to different place, second to kill county magistrate. Liu Shiqi undertakes the task of killing county magistrate, but Mr. Xue(Lu zhi) says that there is one man in Yamen who could create difficulty for him. Lv San.

In Yamen office Mr. Song tells others that Mr. Xue has run away. He has left with 100 guards through easy gate. County Magistrate has asked Lv San to follow him. Sangeng inquires if Niu Buyan (cook You're) has left with Mr. Xue. Sangeng wants to ambush the killer who will try to kill Niu Buyan. At night Sangeng wants to surround Mr. xue's residence with yamen official. Sangeng is given 20 men by Mr. Song to watch Mr. Xue's house at night.


The entourage supposedly taking Mr. Xue is moving too fast they have travelled 30 kilometre in half a day, Lv San is following them. Sangeng informs at Mr. Xue's house that Lv San has left and all the good bailiffs have been pulled out of Yamen for night watch duty.

Magistrate Wei and Mr Song have a very interesting conversation. Magistrate Wei alludes to the injustice Mr.Song suffered due to faulty justice system that throws and tortures suspects in the prison and then after conducts investigation. Many guilty people are roaming free and many innocent people are wrongly indicted having their lives ruined even if found not guilty later.

Magistrate Wei is eager to know what Judge Song has to say about the word 'INJUSTICE'. Mr.Song replies that there are countless victims in this world, but absolute justice never happened. Magistrate Wei wants to know what Mr. Song means by that. Mr.Song continues that Wei may not know that there is no single window in the prison. But a person in prison can't tell when it is day and night. But a person in prison can feel the day elapsing.

Magistrate Wei becomes serious and inquires how a person can perceive day and night.

Mr.Song grimly replies that a person can watch his tortured flesh slowly rot away. Mr.Song used to think there was a threshold between life and death, Life is on one side and death is on the other side. Just a momentary thing but then he found out death could be very slow, and people could die little by little. One day, the prison door opens and someone comes in and tells you that your case has been overturned. Mr.Song laughs sarcastically at this.

Magistrate Wei looks systematically at Mr.Song.. Mr.Song in a bleak continues that by that time a person is already half-dead. Half of a person becomes ghost, and you can never turn back into a human. You are half human, half monster. Mr.Song is of the opinion that "JUSTICE THAT COMES TOO LATE IS NOT JUSTICE".

Magistrate Wei responds that Mr.Song's grievances are not from prison. He doggedly continues that Mr.Song was known as a top talent, famous for his painting and calligraphy.

But now he can't even pick up a pen with his right hand. He asks Mr. Song, " IS THAT THE GREATEST INJUSTICE FOR YOU? ". Wei continues to speak when Mr.Song returned home, the court had reversed his case, but nobody believed that Mr.Song was wronged. All of the people talked about how mucch Mr.Song would have spent, wh he had bribed, and how he had used his connections to avoid lawsuit, " ISN'T THAT INJUSTICE CRUELER THAN THE PRISON SENTENCE? " Magistrate Wei says Mr. Song had a good friend, they were as close as brothers but Mr.Song couldn't withstand the punishment and betrayed him in prison by putting the blame on him. His friend used his death to prove his innocence. "COULD THIS BE THE GREATEST UNFAIRNESS IN MR. SONG'S HEART? ". According to Magistrate wei's opinion Mr.Song can't live in peace even if the court cleared Mr.Song's name, Yet those who reported in the court, those who caused his disability, those who were busy with infighting and those who accused him of bribery, none of them EVER RECEIVED any punishment. Magistrate concludes "IT'S NOT ONLY ABOUT INJUSTICE. YOU JUST DON'T KNOW HOW TO TAKE REVENGE".

County Magistrate continues with his talks, he tells Mr. Song that he is writing a report on the fire 20 years ago but because his writing is clumsy, he hopes Mr. Song can give his review and opinion. County magistrate tells Mr. Song that he has kept the report in a box in his study. Mr. Song will know more the next day.

County magistrate wei asks his assistant Mr. Xie to follow the group taking Mr. Xue that left and Lv San is following them. Mr. Xie is reluctant at first, to leave county magistrate wei alone. Mr. Xie's life had been saved by the county magistrate at point time while Mr. Xie was in the jail, so now he has become county magistrate's confidant and also fellow killer/ accomplice.

County Magistrate has written a document, Prefecture Examination, "I am Wei Fengshi the county magistrate of Du county. I am incompetent at work. Since taking office at Du county, I have seen frequent murders without a clue. On 7th Day of October, Cheng Yizhi, a noted doctor, came to confess on his own accord. And he submitted his confession. Based on his confession, 20 years ago Lu zhi the attendant of Lu family forced him to poison his master Lu Yuanbao. Lu zhi set fire and killed Lu Jinxin, Lu Yuanbao's brother and his family , usurping his property. Lu zhi has changed his name to Xue Qi. He has many accomplices. The serial murders in Du County are all done by his gang. It all started with Leng Wuji, Captain Leng. Leng Wuji was one of Xue Qi's accomplice. He always extorted Xue Qi. Since then Xue Qi has started a series of murders for his secret."

Testimony of Cheng Yizhi that County Magistrate had taken before killing Cheng Yizhi (attached) "Cheng Wang claimed, he feared he was killed so he chose to confess to avoid death by imprisonment. His confession sounded absurd so I suspected he had gone mad. I kept his confession and drove him away. However three days later Cheng Yizhi was killed. I panicked. I realised the error I had made. Later Zhao Youren was also killed, a confession was also found in his home." Zhao Youren's confession.(attached) "He(Zhao) identified Xue Qi as the killer. Presumably he was killed before confessing. This case is huge. Xue Qi is an imperial scholar. And I have no concrete evidence. So, I have to report it first and collect evidence in secret. I learned that Xue Qi has many bandits and notorious robbers. A few days ago a bandit sent a letter with the flying knife to confuse people. The Yamen is heavily guarded, but they come and go as they please.I fear of being harmed.Therefore I left this letter. If I am really murdered, the murderer must be Xue Qi. I am willing to exchange my life for the enforcement of justice. That's what I pursue, I have no regrets." -------County Magistrate puts all these documents as evidence.

Mr. Song calls back Sangeng back from Mr. Xue's house. Mr.Song reveals to Sangeng that he knows County Magistrate is the serial murderer, Mr. Xie is helping him. County Magistrate has set a trap, if he dies then no matter how high Mr. Xue's status he will be finished. County magistrate is ready to sacrifice his life in exchange of implicating Mr. Xue. With reduced security in Yamen the assassin will be successful in execution. Mr. Song is angry with Sangeng for his part. Mr. Song says originally he had planned to just watch, if that assassin killed county magistrate, Mr. Song could take the will of county magistrate and get a warrant for Mr. Xue's arrest and Mr. Song would also catch Niu Buyan so vengeance of Lu family will be complete. But he wants county magistrate to stay alive to see that grievances can be resolved and Mr.Song will do justice.

Mr. Song goes to county magistrate's house and takes him under protective custody. A hired assassin enters the county magistrate's room but he is apprehended by Mr. Song and questioned. On the way back for more questioning the group is ambushed by Liu Shiqi who manages to kill Mr. song, Captain Xia and several other bailiffs, he shoots a dart at county magistrate wei but in turn is shot dead by county magistrate wei. County magistrate wei asks the dying Mr. Song why he came there, Mr. Song says "Injustice is awful. Your justice can be done. I envy you. "

At the morgue in Yamen too many dead bodies of officials are lying, Sangeng asks the wounded county magistrate why he didn't die. The magistrate tells Sangeng he was supposed to die but now he Can't die. Justice has to be done. "You got justice for me. I'll get justice for you. "

Sangeng has a chat with Shicong and he breaks down. Sangeng tells Shicong everything and says he is responsible for death of Mr. Song, Captain Xia and other brothers. Shicong says that both Mr. Xue and county magistrate are trapped. It is up to them who they want to help, it's time for them to make a decision about whom to support. Both the sides are evil... where is the justice? Sangeng has made up his mind what to do.

Sangeng goes and informs Niu Buyan at Mr. Xue's house that Liu Shiqi has done his job, killed county magistrate. Sangeng tells Niu Buyan that Mr. Xue asked him to hide, trustingly he follows Sangeng. On the way sangeng with the help of Shicong arrests Niu Buyan and takes him to Yamen for questioning. County magistrate persuades Niu Buyan to testify against Lu zhi. Niu Buyan knows after his arrest, Mr. Xue will suspect him of turning against him so he reluctantly agrees to it. County magistrate says that he will protect Niu Buyan before the closure of the case, after the clouser he was smart enough to go away and live incognito.

County magistrate hands over the testimony letter he had written earlier to Sangeng. County magistrate promises to Sangeng that once it's over, he will kill himself. Sangeng says that he is not doing this for revenge. Mr. Song did his duty as a judge and Sangeng is now doing is duty as a bailiff.


Bailiffs along with county magistrate go to arrest Mr. Xue. Sangeng has an arrest warrant from Nietai Yamen. Mr. Xue's title of imperial scholar has been revoked. County magistrate has a conversation with Mr. Xue in which he reveals what had happened at Lu residence 20 years ago, Lu Buyou died in fire, but he saved Turtle (Xiaobao). The next day Turtle heard Lu zhi's talk with captain Leng about ensuring the Lu Buyou was dead, so he hid in the secret room in the dry well of Mr. Zhong. There Turtle discovered gold slabs and also Mr.Zhong's diary. One year later, Turtle returned back to the well, he had learnt to read knew what Mr. Zhong had written. The engraving of Analects of Confucius were made in gold. Turtle swears at Lu Buyou's grave he will get justice for him.

Mr. Xue after hearing the story asks What Turtle has to say to him now. County magistrate says only one phrase is applicable, "whoever sins against heaven will be helpless". Mr. Xue has one final question, as to how Turtle knew about Mr. Wang, Dr. Cheng and Mr. Zhao. Turtle goes near Mr. Xue, whispers something in his ear. After laughing on hearing what Turtle tells him, Mr. Xue stabs magistrate wei and then himself. Both former friends die together.

Someone has killed cook You'er/Niu Buyan, on the chopping board are words "make food exquisite'. A man wearing a bamboo hut is shown on the streets, (probably Mr. Xie killed Niu Buyan.)

Sangeng takes a poem written by Mr. Song for Chunxing at the brothel, where Sangeng stands staring at Mr. Song's painting drawn in the room at the brothel.



THE END

Detailed summary of episode 12 (last episode) below in spoiler tag, also posted in the discussion section of this page.. Contains major spoilers so read only if you are ready for full disclosure....

please don't hesitate to point out any significant error from my side or add your points/insights in the comment section of the discussion thread.

Detailed summary of episode 11 below in spoiler tag, also posted in the discussion section of this page.. Contains major spoilers so read only if you are ready for full disclosure....

please don't hesitate to point out any significant error from my side or add your points/insights in the comment section of the discussion thread.

Episode 11 - Zhang Jizu is arrested

(Present time)
County Magistrate Wei is happily murmuring a son when suddenly he notices another note pinned with a knife on a one of the pillar at Yamen. He immediately shouts another one.

Captain Xia reads the note in presence of Judge Song and other bailiffs: The shabby temple in the woods outside the South city gate. The murderer will commit another crime. It is evident that the murderer is using the Yamen to capture someone again. They still have to go as the county magistrate has ordered them and moreover they have no other clue.

A man wearing a bamboo hat and a thick beard sits opposite Fortune teller Yue in his fortune telling booth. The man aks Fortune teller how he recognized him as it has been 20 years. The fortune teller says ge wasn't sure but he had to try. First reason, he wanted to confirm if the person was really the same person from 20 years ago and secondly, he wanted to catch up that person. The man rightly infers that Fortune teller yue wanted to exchange his life for money. Fortune teller Yue asks how much money was that person going to offer him to keep hush, if he exposed his identity, rhe crazy scholar would offer him 1000 teals of silver. The man asks fortune teller Yue if he want afraid of him as there are many murders that have happened recently. Fortune teller Yue scoffs at that idea and says he doesn't know what happened 20 years ago and why he changed his name but he is sure that person is not a murderer. The man says that for the sake of friendship, he will teach fortune teller Yue how to sell him. The strange man asks if the fortune teller knew Mr. Xue?

At night, the fortune teller is sitting in a remote place in front of a fire drinking alcohol, he is waity for someone. The bailiffs are keeping a watch over him, they speculate that the fortune teller is waiting for his friend again and they might catch his friend that night. Mr. Zhang the steward of Mr. Xue arrives, the bailiffs are not sure if Mr. Zhang was the fortune teller's old friend. Mr. Zhang informs Yue that Mr. Xue did not come but the gold has come but he needs to have a look at what Yue has to offer first. Sangeng whispers from the dark that Yue is going to sell information about his friend to Mr. Xue for gold.

Fortune teller Yue brings a donkey lits firecracker behind the donkey so it bolts, Yue asks Mr. Zhang to follow the donkey as the clue/message Mr. Xue wants is in the saddle on donkey's back. Mr. Zhang doesn't chase the donkey because he says that he will not chase the donkey because if he chases the donkey, Yue will run with the gold. Sangeng responds that the murderer wanted the bailiffs to catch Mr. Zhang. The hidden bailiffs come out to ambush Mr. Zhang who is trying to extort information from Yue. There is a physical altercation between Mr. Xue people who were also hidden there and the bailiffs. Yue slips out when he sees the man in bamboo hat with thick beard taking an aim. Mr. Zhong asks other people of Mr.Xue to split up. Mr. Zhang is caught in a net while trying to flee, this time the murderer used the bailiffs to catch Mr. Zhang. The murderer has a plan and Mr. Song thinks he intends to use him. Mr. Song decides to see what happens next.

Mr. Xue visits the Yamen, Mr. Song meets him and says that the county magistrate was unwell so Mr. Song would have a meeting with Mr. Xue. Mr. Xue says that the previous night his steward Zhang Jizu was arrested by the office, he inquires what crime did he commit. Mr. Song says his crime was assaulting with a knife, he was assaulting fortune teller Yue. Mr.Xue wanted to know if Yue was injured or dead. Mr. Song informs him that the bailiffs arrived on time and prevented Zhang Jizu from severely hurting Yue, but in the altercation Zhang Jizu injured a few bailiffs. Mr. Xue wants to pay bail as Zhang Jizu's crimes are not that serious and he guarantees Zhang Jizu will appear when his presence is required in the Yamen. Mr. Song denies bail request because he is related to recent string of murders , he clearly resisted arrest and injured the officials. Mr. Xue says that he will leave, if Yamen office during proceedings find him guilty and executes him he won't object, but before trial if he is forced to confess Mr. Xue will absolutely object. County magistrate who had been hearing Mr. Song's conversation from behind the curtain, instructs Mr. Song to release Mr. Zhang as they have no plaintiff or evidence. Mr. Song agrees to release Mr. Zhang that day.

Sangeng finds the donkey that had been released by fortune teller Yue and he reads the name of the person written on the paper related to the fire 20 years ago. Sangeng tells Shicong that there was nothing in the donkey's saddlebag.

Back in Yamen Mr. Song and Captain Xia bicker about where the punishment is more severe, the capital or Nietai Yamen. Mr. Zhang is tortured by Mr. Song a little just to clear his martial arts and was then released. Mr. Zhang asks someone from Yamen to inform Mr. Xue so that he pick him up however everyone denies his request as Mr. Song has instructed them not to help Mr. Zhang. Mr. Zhang hobbles on foot, Mr. Song had instructed Lv San to tail Mr. Zhang. However the killer abducts Mr. Zhang in a carriage and shoots at Lv San so he falls off the roof and he couldn't follow them.

Mr. Zhang is murdered and his dead body is hung on a tree out side. He is dressed in white clothes like a ghost. The message written for him is: If one cannot serve people, how could one serve spirits? Shicong aks Sangeng does the message mean. Sangeng says the murderer is telling them that Zhang Jizu or Zhang Gui, served an evil man.

Turkey, Shicong and Gui'er are having a discussion in Wulei school's classroom. Turkey tells Shicong that Sangeng hid things from him, Sangeng already found the message kept on donkey's saddlebag. Sangeng is hiding something from them. Turkey thinks the reason is that if fortune teller Yue is correct and someone survived the fire, the survivor must be the murderer. It is speculated what if the murderer is someone they cannot catch for eg Mr.Song. Turkey also throws suspicion on Lu Buyou and if Lu Buyou would be alive he would be the same age as Mr. Song. So it would be possible that Mr. Song is Lu Buyou in disguise. Turkey says that he is just giving examples. They discuss that Sangeng is keeping quite because he doesn't want them to end up dead like Ms. Lin.

Sangeng in the Yamen office, is stamping a letter (Qi) is written. Sangeng is thinking that his master was correct, because it's a long way to get justice. Sangeng finally understands, and thinks that they have more work to do.

Sangeng is knocking on Mr. Xue's door where Turkey meets him. Turkey makes an excuse that he is there at Mr. Xue's door because he thinks Mr. Xue might be interested in purchasing his painting. Sangeng understands that Turkey was waiting for him, they have a frank conversation. Turkey wants to know if Sangeng will work for Mr. Xue, he is an evil man. Sangeng says he has no choice. Earlier an old dog stood behind him so he could behave like a stubborn puppy. Turkey says that Sangeng is becoming more like Captain Leng. Sangeng wonders if his master would be happy to hear that. Sangeng insists on meeting Mr. Xue not heeding to Turkey's advice.

Upon meeting Mr.Xue, Sangeng states that he killed Ms.Lin. sangeng says that rather than asking him why he killed her, he would like to ask how an attendant inherited such a large property and suddenly became an imperial scholar. Sangeng says that he has done his share of investigation and he is sure that Mr. Xue was previously Lu zhi. Sangeng says when he visited the banks, things became quite clear. After the fire Lu zhi owned Lu Yuanbao's properties for three years. And during that time Lu zhi was not in Du county. That's because the accounts books were reconciled with the seal of the branch in Zhong county. After three years they were owned by Mr. Xue. Sangeng also reveals that Mr. Xue owns cuihua tower. Sangeng also exposes Dr. Cheng 's role in writing those two prescription and Mr. Wang's role in making a fake will of Yuanbao.Then Lu zhi poisoned Yuanbao Usurped his properties. Mr. Xue says that if he actually committed such a big crime, he should have a helper in Yamen. Sangeng said his master, Captain Leng helped him. Mr. Xue bribed Captain Leng by redeeming Ms. Lin. Mr. Xue let Captain Leng rule the case and later made him destroy the case files. Mr. Xue says that later according to Sangeng's narrative after Captain Leng was murdered, Mr. Xue killed Ms.Lin fearing Captian Leng had revealed his secrets to her.

Mr. Xue thinks that Sangeng can become a story teller and gather lots of tips with the tale he just narrated. He cautions Sangeng not to act rashly and accuse him. Sangeng tells Mr.Xue that he was not there to make him accountable but make a deal with him. Sangeng tells Mr. Xue that he knows who the serial killer is because he got the name from donkey's saddlebag. Sangeng says he will tell the name to Mr. Xue but he doesn't want any money, he want Mr. Xue to kill the serial murderer. Sangeng asks Mr. Xue if he remembers Lu Buyou.

(Past time)
Lu Buyou is helping his sister Ping'er with a bird on the tree. Lu Jinxin has settled in Lu residence with his family. Lu Jinxin also visits brothel often but his temperament is different from Lu Yuanbao.

Turtle and Li zhi were just wandering out when they come across Lu Buyou and young Yue having a cricket match with local boys. Turtle warns Lu zhi to be cautious of those boys. Lu Buyou got a letter of challenge of Fu peng and has brought his cricket, General Tongtou to fight.
The boys get into a fight, other boys want to hurt Lu Buyou and Yue but Lu zhi and Turtle come and try to save them. All four boys are thrown into the water by the bullies and they throw stones at them. Lu Buyou get hit on one of his eyebrow with a stone therefore leaving a permanent scar on one eyebrow. Yue notices the cut and comments that Lu Buyou's face is ruined now and says that if eyebrows are broken, brothers will become enemies. Lu zhi introduces turtle(xioabao) to Lu Buyou.

Lu Jinxin's wife is quarreling with him that he should sleep in Cuihua tower and not dirty her bed. Jinxin says that Mr. zhao took him there and he just had a few drinks to socialise there. Lu Buyou asks Lu zhi to wait a bit. Lu zhi had brought hangover soup for Jinxin. Lu Buyou in order to stop the fight between his parents ask his father the meaning of one quote from Analect of Confucius, Confucius said " Forget it, I've never seen anyone who loves virtue as much as beauty". Jinxin asks didn't his teacher explain it to him. Lu Buyou tongue in cheek manner replies, that his teacher told them that Confucius Advised people to value virtue over women's beauty. Jinxin agrees with Lu Buyou. Lu Buyou further states that he had read that sentence many times in Analects of Confucius, besides the Wei Ling Gong chapter it also appears in Zi Han chapter. Lu Buyou wonders that is it a very important sentence in Analects of Confucius that it appears many times.

Lu Buyou is fishing with Lu Zhi and they engage in small talks. Lu zhi reveals that before he was taken in the Lu residence, his surname was Xue.

Another time, Mr. Zhong and Lu zhi discuss things while fishing. Since Dr. Cheng has stopped giving Lu Yuanbao the mixed prescription, his condition has significantly improved. Lu zhi says that ever since Lu Jinxin has moved in the mansion their plans have been put on hold but he feels relieved. Mr. Zhong says they cannot be liberated in this lifetime if they don't continue. Mr. Zhong will always be mute and Lu zhi will always be a servant until they die. Lu zhi is confused whether he should go on.

Lu Yuanbao later has a conversation with Lu zhi in presence of Lu Jinxin and Lu Zhong. Lu Yuanbao tells that Lu zhi can now be an attendant to Lu Buyou. Lu Yuanbao also in a sarcastic manner threatened to sell Lu zhi to Mr. Zhao. Lu Yuanbao taunts Lu zhi in front of Lu Jinxin by saying that Lu zhi was previously his attendant but Lu zhi wanted to be his adopted son. Lu Jinxin tries to console Lu zhi by saying that if he works diligently later he can become their steward and he will convince his brother not to sell Lu zhi to Mr. Zhao. Finally Lu zhi realises that he will always be a servant to them as Mr. Zhong had told him earlier. Lu zhi thanks Lu Jinxin at Lu Yuanbao's hest, finally he made Lu zhi understand what he should do. Lu zhi promises that he will spare no effort for Lu family.

Lu zhi urges Dr. Cheng to add a medicine that would cause immediate death. Dr. Cheng first argues then agrees. Lu Yuanbao dies. All conspirators and Lu Jinxin are present at the funeral mourning Lu Yuanbao and throwing paper money. Cheng Wang wants to know who Lu zhi will deal with next. Lu zhi says they should atleast three months.

Chef You'er of Lu residence invites Lu zhi and reveals that he knows Lu she's plan and Lu zhi was responsible for Lu Yuanbao's death but he doesn't want to expose Li zhi he wants to join them. Lu zhi sarcastically compliments you'er for his shrewd understanding of things and being greedy enough. Lu zhi says that he needs proof that You'er has joined them, so he asks you'er to do something for him to gain his trust. Li zhi says he will leave poison under a bowl, to prove his loyalty You'er says he would kill Wang Wuliu as he owes him a bit of money. You'er is worried because he did added the poison left by Lu zhi in Wang Wuliu's meal but he is alive just has diarrhea. Lu zhi says he gave laxative to You 'er and now he trusts the cook.

All conspirators gather in Lu zhi's room to discuss their plan. It is planned to set fire to mansion and kill all. Cheng Wang is a little unhappy with this plan. Mr. Zhong thinks that kiling all of them at once us difficult but what is more difficult is not to raise suspicion later because the whole family is burnt to death and the servant inherits the property. Lu zhi says he has a plan and when time cones he will be caught and under torture he will confess, Lu zhi already has a plan for that. For him the difficult part to hiw to keep so many people immobile while they are burnt to death. Mr.zhang's senior gives Datura powder which is a sleeping drug. It is decided that You'er will make Babao soup and will add it to everyone's meal as the soup will mask the taste of the drug and add more salt to other dishes to make everyone eat more soup. Lu zhi says it's easier than they had thought. Preparation is underway for their plan. On the day decided, whole mansion is burnt down by the conspirators.

(Present time)
Mr. Xue wants to know if Lu Buyou ia a murderer where he is now. Sangeng says he is in Yamen. The survivor must have planned to take revenge for many years. So he chose the quickest abd most straightforward way. Sangeng reveals that Lu Buyou is County Magistrate Wei.

Episode 10 - Lu Zhong and Lu Zhi work together

Lu Zhi is astonished to find out that Mr. Zhong is not mute. Mr. Zhong says that he has always been able to speak. Lu Zhi wants to know why Lu Yuanbao ordered Mr. Zhong to kill him. Li Zhi says that he is just a servant how can he seek revenge against Lu Yuanbao, so Lu Yuanbao should not fear him

Mr. Zhong reveals his and Lu Yuanbao's past as bandits. He says that it is a policy that in robbery and murder one never leaves survivors. They were a part of a gang of 40 men, people called them Bloody Croc. The bloody croc. of Jiangnan killed people to rob money. Lu Yuanbao didn't leave any bodies intact so the dead would become wandering ghosts. The last job this gang accomplished was robbing a retiring officer returning to his hometown. They stole over 200,000 teals of silver and five chests of gold. Lu Yuanbao planned to kill all other gang members and take the loot for himself. He asked Mr. Zhong to kill others, being mute even if her were caught in the act he couldn't name Lu Yuanbao. After everyone was killed, Lu Yuanbao joined hands with Lu Zhong. Lu Yuanbao trusted Zhong because he was mute and alone so he wouldn't turn against Lu Yuanbao. Mr. Zhong had been mute once due to his stepmother's abuse but later he pretended to be mute because it lowered people's defense around him.

Lu Zhi says that if Lu Zhong had not taken him in, six years ago he would have died. Lu Zhi is ready to die if Mr. Zhong wishes to kill him. Mr. Zhong assures Lu Zhi that he is different from Lu Yuanbao and would never kill Lu Zhi. Lu Zhong says that he will tell Lu Yuanbao that as there were many people in the countryside he couldn't kill Lu Zhi so he brought him back as it will be easier for him to kill Lu Zhi there. Lu Zhi is apprehensive because sooner or later he will have to die, but Mr. Zhong says that it depends on who dies first. The most difficult thing is to kill without a knife and take wealth without a lawsuit. They should let Lu Yuanbao die without suspicion. Then an attendant inherits his property as his adopted son. Mr. Zhong says he doesn't have a plan but trusts Lu zho will think of something. Lu Zhi agrees because Lu Yuanbao has left him no choice because it is kill or be killed. But he promises that if he goes through with the plan, Lu Zhi will honour Lu Zhong as his father.

Back in Lu residence Lu zhi's previous privileges are curtailed, he is given a shabby room to live in. He gathers his confidants and decides to make a plan to kill Lu Yuanbao. Lu Zhi, Chen wang, Zhang Gui, his master Mr. Liu Shiqi, Mr. Zhong are the primary conspirators. These conspirators need help of;
1) Mr. Wang who can impersonate anyone's handwriting to make a fake will of Lu Yuan bao and
2)Dr. Cheng to write a prescription which will kill a man Without suspicion.
1) Lu Zhi and Zhang Gui go to Wulei school and blackmail Mr. Wang into writing a fake will in Lu Yuanbao's hand writing by using Qiao Gou'er's death as leverage. They say if he doesn't help him they will expose him as a murderer and his good name will be tarnished and he will be tortured in the prison before he is beheaded. Mr. Wang agrees to help them in exchange for their silence and makes a fake will of Lu Yuanbao favouring Lu Zhi.

2) Dr. Cheng is a difficult person to deal with, first Cheng Wang approaches him and blackmailed him with the stolen articles from Lu Yaunnao's residence. Then Cheng Wang asks Dr. Cheng to help him by getting Lu Yuanbao delay by one day, Dr. Cheng writes a sleeping prescription so the Yuanbao sleeps for the whole day. Cheng Wang uses this and gambling debts of Dr. Cheng to blackmail him by allowing him to marry his 17 year old daughter. Dr. Cheng in order to save his neck signs a betrothal agreement and married his daughter to Chen Wang. Lu Zhi then goes to Dr. Cheng and accuses him to coveting Lu Yuanbao's property and hence giving him false medicine. Dr. Cheng conspired with Chen Wang. Why would Dr. Cheng marry his daughter to a servant of not for property? Dr. Cheng is threatened by this and agrees to help Lu Zhi, Dr. Cheng writes two prescription one for Cheng Wang and other for Lu Yuanbao. The pharmacy should be informed that the medicines were for two different people. If medicine is brewed together the results will be quicker and result in Lu Yuanbao's death.

Lu Zhi tells other conspirators that they should stop meeting to avoid suspicion.

One family is waiting outside Lu residence, it is Lu Yuanbao's younger brother Lu Jinxin who has come with his family. He has a wife, a younger daughter and a son Lu Buyou. Even Mr. Zhong didn't know of Lu Yuanbao's family. It seemed that Lu Yuanbao had wrote secretly to his brother and sent money.

Even if Lu Yuanbao died presently, no matter how well the will is faked, it will useless to these conspirators because Lu Yuanbao has blood relatives living now in residence.

Detailed summary of episode 10 below in spoiler tag, also posted in the discussion section of this page.. Contains major spoilers so read only if you are ready for full disclosure....

please don't hesitate to point out any significant error from my side or add your points/insights in the comment section of the discussion thread.

Thank you for your kind words.

I just started watching the drama, watched first three episodes.. It's intriguing and captivating so far, relationship development between Su WuMing and Lu Ling Feng is the best part. Two people with seemingly different ideology and working methods work together as a team.. The story is simple and easy to follow.. Hope there will be more twists and turn to the story as it progresses. The relationship between these men is reminiscent of Sherlock holmes and Watson in my opinion.

Will update my final thoughts on it, after I finish watching.

Episode 9 - Lu Shi was humiliated by Lu yuanbao.


(Before Ms.Lin's death) , Gui'er visited her in the brothel. Gui'er dressed in men's garments went to Cuihua tower. She has a conversation with Ms.Lin.Gui'er wanted to know if her father visited only Ms. Lin in the brothel. Ms. Lin answered that he only came to see her. Ms. Lin's parents died during plague. She was sold to Cuihua tower by her uncle when she was 11, she started learning painting and calligraphy, playing music and singing songs till 14 years. Her menstruation came late so she had one more year of easy life but at the age of 15, she had to entertain guests. Ms. Lin ran away from the tower and ran into a bad guy, Captain Leng who was a bailiff at that time, saved her. He brought her food and stood with her till she made up her mind to return back to the Cuihua tower or go somewhere else. After eating the bun, Ms.Lin decides to return back. Bailiff Leng escorts there as promised.

Ms. Lin started to entertain guests and became quite popular, one day bailiff Leng came to visit Ms. Lin in the brothel.Mr.wang the teacher was also a regular visitor at the brothel.Bailiff Leng is had saved 6 teals of silver for eight months to come and see her to have tea with her, Ms.Lin tells him it would cost him 20 teals of silver for that and asks him not to waste money on her. However he wishes to meet her so Ms.Lin asks him to come at Yanzhi valley which was the back door of Cuihua tower. She asked him to wait for her there three days later at 6 in the evening. Gui'er concludes that her father was in a relationship with Ms. Lin before he met Gui'er's mother but because Ms. Lin was from the Cuihua tower they could not be together.

Ms.Lin informs Gui'er that her father did once redeem her, he did lots of bad things that he shouldn't have done to redeem her. But Ms.Lin realised her body could never be redeemed after she was redeemed he brought her back. Ms.Lin says that she was 38 years old and only one in ten prostitutes live that long. Most of them would be killed by being pregnant. They won't let the prostitutes give birth once they are pregnant and abortion methods are deadly. It involves medicines like Cinnabar, Cantharides, and little does of arsenic. It could kill two lives together, some survived and gave birth. But life for them is bitter, their kids are called Turtles. Ms. Lin said she has never been pregnant, if she can't bear children how could she marry Gui'er's father. Fortunately Captain Leng married and he was blessed with two kids one son and a daughter.

Gui'er returns the money given by Ms. Lin to Sangeng for Captain Leng's family when she heard of his death. Gui'er asks about Captain Leng and Mr. Xue, she corrects and says or should she say about her father and Lu Zhi ( the mysterious man shown fishing and having conversation with Mr. Zhang was Mr. Xue aka Lu zhi) .

Ms. Lin calls out for the attendant, Sui Laosan who had been eavesdropping on Ms. Lin's and Gui'er's Conversation from outside Ms.Lin's room door. She sends Sui Laosan to fetch a fabric for Gui'er and after he leaves, Ms.Lin asks Gui'er to send Sangeng to her and warns Gui'er not to get involved in any matter related to Mr. Xue.

(Present time)
Gui'er visits Ms.Lin's tomb with Sangeng. She recognises it because it was the only new tomb. she prays that Ms. Lin and her father have a good life in heaven, they should not part ways again. Gui'er wanted to get a tombstone for Ms. Lin but all tombstones have a title in front of the name, wife, daughter, mother etc. Gui'er didn't know what to inscribe for Ms. Lin. Gui'er wants to know if the killer left a note for Ms. Lin as well. Sangeng repeats the note for Gui'er. Gui'er says the message is easy even she could understand the meaning, youths are prone to impulsiveness. So be careful of lust for women. She wants to know if she is correct, Sangeng says she is correct in her meaning, the problem lies elsewhere.


In another place there is one more dead body found, the corpse dressed in white clothes of a woman, the body is placed flat on the ground amongst cages of pigeons. The message near the body written in rouge on a white flowing lantern is (worship the wrong ghost). In a room in yamen, Sangeng, shicong, Judge Song, Captain xia and Lv San discuss the case. Sangeng says the victim is Zhao Youren, an imperial scholar. He originally came from a respected family. But his family collapsed. He liked to raise pigeons. The killer is using the bodies to send messages to the official. The message near Lin Siniang's dead body was too blunt. But the previous ones carry hidden meaning. And this victim, Zhao Youren has the same cause and state of death as Lin Siniang. He was deliberately dressed up as a woman. The message "You worship the wrong ghost" States that they worshipped the wrong ghost. The conclusion is that the killer is trying to tell them that he didn't kill Lin Siniang.

(1589AD past time)
The mysterious narrator writing the account of Lu family continues the story. Lu Yuanbao's condition was not stable, it didn't get better, he began to have nightmares dreaming of the deceased. Paranoid Lu Yuanboa shouts for Mr. Zhong to kill Tao Laowu but Mr.Zhong reminds Lu Yuanbao that Tao Laowu was dead, he was killed 13 years ago. Lu zhi is setting the business accounts. He is summoned by Lu Yuanbao later. Lu Yuanbao is in good spirit and is drinking alcohol in spite of Dr. Cheng's instructions. Lu Yuanbao urges Lu Zhi to also drink with him, Lu Zhi says that he cannot hold alcohol. Lu Yuanbao plays a guessing game with Lu Zhi about how much money he had settled from which merchant that day, if Lu Yuanbao guessed the number correct, Lu Zhi should drink. Lu Yuanbao already has got the accurate figures from the bookkeeper as he had already settled the accounts before sending them to Lu Zhi. Lu Yuanbao cautions him that Lu Zhi should remember that there is nothing big or small in Lu residence that he is not aware of. Lu Zhi is upset by this trickery and tells Lu Yuanbao that he did not have to play games with Lu Zhi because Lu Zhi always respected Lu Yuanbao as his own father. Lu Zhi promises to take care of Lu Yuanbao in his later life and mourn for him. Lu Zhi continues and says that without Lu Yuanbao's help he would die as a beggar on the streets.Lu Zhi always wanted to call him father and knowtows to him. Lu Yuanbao takes offense at being compared to Lu zhi's father kicks Lu Zhi and calls him a lowly beast.

Yuanbao makes Lu Zhi kneel in his courtyard in pouring rain and gathers all men in his household. He sits in a chair understand the roof watching men beat Lu Zhi. He tells everyone present there that his attendant, Lu Zhi somehow is possessed, he is telling everyone that Yuanbao wanted to take Lu Zhi as his adopted son. Lu Zhi also lets everyone call him master Lu. He further insults Lu Zhi by telling him that Lu Yuanbao kept him as a dog, but he took himself as a man. He taunts Lu Zhi by saying that he knows Lu zhi's tricks just because Lu Yuanbao has no children, Lu Zhi hopes the whole property will belong to him. He tells Lu Zhi to ask from everyone present there if they are willing to take him as a son, whoever adopts Lu Zhi, Lu Zhi will become his son and take on his surname. Chen Wang, Lu Zhi's loyal friend joins Lu Zhi in kneeling with him in the rain. Lu Zhi asks everyone but none dare interfere looking at Lu Yuanbao's wrath. Lu Zhi didn't get a father.

The mysterious narrator continues with the story that in the end Lu Zhi was sent to a rural area by Lu Yuanbao to do farm work. Lu Yuanbao calls for Lu Zhi while absorbed in his work. Mr. Zhong appears before Lu Yuanbao and reminds him that he had banished Lu Zhi. Lu Yuanbao says that according to rules they should kill Lu Zhi. He says that he pampered Lu Zhi too much. Now he has to make Lu Zhi fear him. Lu Yuanbao instructs Mr. Zhong to call Lu Zhi back in few days but he can't be Lu Yuanbao's attendant now, Mr. Zhong should let Lu Zhi do some rough work. If Lu Zhi makes any movement then Mr. Zhong should not hesitate to kill him.

Mr. Zhong visits Lu Zhi in the rural place, Lu Zhi is happy to see Mr.Zhong and makes small talk. Suddenly the mute Mr. Zhong turns to Lu Zhi and tells him that Lu Yuanbao has asked him to kill Lu zhi.

(The mysterious narrator writing the past story in a deep empty well is revealed to be Mr.Zhong, who tells the viewers that at that time he told Lu zhi that Mr. Lu had asked him to kill Lu Zhi)

Detailed summary of episode 9 below in spoiler tag, also posted in the discussion section of this page.. Contains major spoilers so read only if you are ready for full disclosure....

please don't hesitate to point out any significant error from my side or add your points/insights in the comment section of the discussion thread.