Episode 4 recap: Liu, the cripple, disguised himself to perform a play as the noble consort.
Seven years later, Liu, the head constable, completed his seven-year prison sentence. After taking a bath, he was met by the prefect and other officials outside, begging Liu Xin not to blame himself. After all, it was Liu Xin who had provoked someone he shouldn't have back then. Liu Xin, carrying the pearl hairpin that had been with him all along, wanted to leave, but was halted by the prefect. The prefect asked Yang, the military officer, to change Liu Xin's identity and provide him with a clean household registration. Liu Xin was then assigned a position at the Xunzhou yamen. However, Liu Xin refused all the help from the prefect and left the prison limping.
Walking on the street, Liu Xin first went to the candied hawthorn seller to gather information. He learned that Tu Yuan Wai's family was hosting a banquet tonight and had sent him an invitation. Then, he went to the fortune teller to find out the departure time. Finally, he went to the barber to confirm that the weapons were ready, waiting for the departure.
Liu Xin, hiding in the shadows, witnessed Wu Lian getting on a carriage and ordered his subordinates to strike his left leg upon receiving the signal. Liu Xin personally intercepted Wu Lian's path. Just as he stood firm, his comrades shouted for him to run. But it was too late. Liu Xin was quickly surrounded. The prefect intervened to stop Liu Xin, while Wu Lian arrogantly emerged from the sedan chair. Liu Xin confronted him with a knife, intending to assassinate Wu Lian. However, the guards by Wu Lian's side sacrificed their lives to protect him. Just as Liu Xin's life was in grave danger, someone behind threw stones to distract Wu Lian's guards, allowing Liu Xin to escape.
When Liu Xin cautiously emerged after narrowly escaping, he shot an arrow towards a nearby stake. Attached to the arrow was a piece of paper with the words: "Nancheng Postal Station." Following the instructions, Liu Xin, limping and hobbling, entered the postal station and came to a halt upon recognizing someone.
A few days later, at the Duke of Ningguo's residence, Madam Fu had been suffering from a persistent illness. In the middle of the night, as she was resting, the door suddenly opened by itself. Madam Fu got up to close it but was startled by a passing figure. She ordered her servants to accompany her to the temple to offer incense the next day.
The following day, as Madam Fu arrived at the temple, she was approached by Liu Xin, disguised as a half-immortal, who warned her of an ominous sign on her face and advised her to be cautious of sharp objects. Madam Fu paid no attention and entered the temple. When she returned home, the Embroidery Pavilion sent her a sample of the Empress Dowager's birthday gift. As Madam Fu examined it, she was pricked by a needle, causing her finger to bleed. Remembering the fortune teller at the door, she invited him inside the house.
Liu Xin posed a question, offering one or two pieces of silver. Fu Ren prepared a plate of silver, and Liu Xin got up and began to act mysteriously, claiming that in order to cure his headache, he needed to observe and walk around the mansion. Fu Ren of the Duke Ningguo's residence readily agreed. Liu Xin wandered around the courtyard, giving instructions and rearranging things. First, he moved the latrine to the kitchen, then uprooted flowers and planted foul-smelling ones. After all the commotion, Liu Xin wrote down his birthdate and claimed that he was an envy-inducing person for Fu Ren.
From then on, Fu Ren embarked on a journey of comparing birthdates. Wu Lian sought an audience with Fu Ren and sincerely asked for forgiveness for forgetting to retrieve an embroidery needle. Fu Ren inquired about Wu Lian's birthdate, which happened to match the one written by the fortune teller. Fu Ren hastily dismissed Wu Lian, who had no idea what had happened but had no choice but to comply.
As Wu Lian was leaving, he happened to encounter the steward delivering birthdates. Upon asking, he learned the truth of the matter. Upon hearing that the fortune teller had a lame leg, Wu Lian had a good idea of who was behind it.
Meng Wan brewed tea for Fu Ren and informed her that there had been rumors among the common people. Although Fu Ren was in Huai Prefecture, she could still have a say in front of the imperial family in the capital, all thanks to Mr. Wu's influence. Fu Ren angrily threw the sample of embroidered silk on the ground. It was her own talent, but she never expected such rumors to circulate among the common people. Meng Wan urged the Duke Ningguo's residence to distance itself from the Yanyu Embroidery Tower. Fu Ren decided to consider it carefully.
Meng Wan met with Liu Xin at a teahouse and recalled the night when Liu Xin was rescued. It was Meng Wan who invited him into the plan. The two sat around a table, discussing their revenge strategy. They had a common goal and a common enemy. Seeing Meng Wan's confident demeanor, Liu Xin raised his cup for a toast.
Inside Xun Prefecture, there was a renowned pleasure garden where Liu San Niang, a famous courtesan, resided. She was known for her exceptional beauty and talent, and in recent years, she had gained considerable fame in the realm of romance and beauty. This woman might be able to provide some assistance; however, it was uncertain if she would be willing to meet. Liu Xin mounted his horse and set off for Xun Prefecture. After some inquiries, he learned the specific location of Liu San Niang. He climbed over the wall, but unexpectedly, he stumbled and accidentally crashed into Liu San Niang.
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