Episode 2 recap: # Yuan Mo and Wang Kun Wu Align; The Faceless Man Appears
In Episode 2, Ji Mingli and Shen Bai Lian are assigned by their superior to review all files from the past two years. As they work, they complain about the tediousness and exhaustion of the task. They had been enjoying their easy jobs in the Western Courtyard, but with Wang Kun Wu's arrival and his eagerness to solve cases, they find themselves overwhelmed and worried about job security.
Yuan Mo approaches the two, noticing their distress. Upon learning they’re anxious about a stolen arms case, she readily offers her help, but only if they assist her with a residence permit issue for her maid.
As night falls, Yuan Mo heads to a remote courtyard in search of clues. However, she is suddenly confronted by A Shu, who holds a sharp weapon to her waist. Yuan Mo quickly explains that her investigation is to help A Shu obtain the permit and speculates that Kudi Le is likely hiding in the outskirts of the city.
Meanwhile, Wang Kun Wu discovers a map hidden in Kudi Le’s boots. Yu Chi Hua swiftly grabs it, insisting that the Jingzhao Prefecture, as the organizing party, should have priority access to clues. Frustrated, Wang Kun Wu and Yu Chi Hua examine the map, which marks Qing Song County, suspected to be a potential hideout for the stolen arms.
Without hesitation, Yu Chi Hua rushes to report to the Jingzhao Prefect. A Shu, who no longer has her residence permit and has given her money to Yuan Mo for processing, temporarily stays at Yuan Mo's home. Yuan Mo brings pieces of the torn map she found and starts to assemble them. A Shu, unable to sleep, decides to help and discovers that it’s a map made of leather. She skillfully reconstructs it using the texture on the back of the leather.
Wang Kun Wu suspects that Kudi Le intentionally left the map as a trap to mislead the Jingzhao Prefecture into a futile chase in Qing Song County. He asks Yu De Shui to coordinate a pause in the investigation, but Yu De Shui believes Wang Kun Wu is overthinking and insists on following orders. Just as they argue, Yuan Mo arrives with the assembled map, revealing that the actual hiding place is Nanshan.
Yu De Shui suddenly remembers that the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Tan Lin, is heading to Nanshan and promptly instructs Ji Mingli to intercept him. A Shu, worried that the assassination plan might affect her residence permit, insists on accompanying Yuan Mo to Nanshan. Wang Kun Wu arrives first and intercepts Tan Lin, with Ji Mingli following closely behind.
Despite Wang Kun Wu’s earnest pleas, Tan Lin remains determined to proceed. Wang Kun Wu devises a plan that allows Tan Lin to move forward while also luring the assassin out. He arranges for Yu De Shui to swap identities with Tan Lin. Upon arriving at Nanshan, Wang Kun Wu publicly announces that Deputy Minister Tan will give a speech.
Yu De Shui nervously steps out of the sedan, while the townspeople remain unaware of the switch.
Yuan Mo and A Shu hide in the shadows, praising Wang Kun Wu's strategy. Sure enough, several assassins begin to stir and approach. Yu Chi Hua arrives with soldiers just in time, surrounding the assassins.
Seeing the situation turn against them, the assassins attempt to flee but fall into the trap. During the fierce battle, some of the assassins escape to a nearby tavern, trying to take Tan Lin hostage. Yuan Mo and A Shu fight desperately to protect him, but their strength is limited. At a critical moment, Wang Kun Wu and Yu Chi Hua arrive, successfully rescuing Tan Lin and capturing all the assassins.
An Xiu Yi finds a unique token belonging to the Yan Le people on one of the assassins. Wang Kun Wu snatches the token and hurriedly departs, leaving Yu De Shui looking confused.
Yu Chi Hua, impressed by A Shu's bravery, offers to buy her freedom and arrange a position for her, which excites A Shu. However, Yuan Mo quietly warns her that Yu Chi Hua has a powerful background, and if his identity were exposed, the consequences could be dire. A Shu reluctantly decides to decline the offer.
Later that night, A Shu asks Yuan Mo for help with her wounds. As Yuan Mo examines the deep scars, she feels a wave of worry.
The next morning, Yuan Mo wakes up to find her home completely transformed, with even her treasured old wine missing. When she asks A Shu about it, A Shu jokingly ties it back to the residence permit, leading to more playful banter between them.
Meanwhile, An Xiu Yi instructs Ji Mingli to find a lost cat belonging to a foreign envoy. Ji Mingli carelessly buys a random cat, but An Xiu Yi sees through the ruse and scolds him. Just then, Wang Kun Wu appears, defending Ji Mingli by saying he’s from the Western Courtyard and doesn’t need to follow orders from the Eastern Courtyard. As they discuss the token, Wang Kun Wu is about to boast about it when Yu De Shui discreetly takes it away.
Yu De Shui privately informs Wang Kun Wu that the token is a symbol of the Faceless Man assassin organization, which has threatened the peace of many nations for years. Countries like Dayong have been trying to unite to eliminate the Faceless Man, but Yan Le seems to have colluded with them, hindering the plan. Yuan Mo urges Wang Kun Wu again to handle A Shu’s identification, and he presents a servant purchase contract, formally confirming A Shu’s status as Yuan Mo's maid.
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