Episode 1 recap: The demon catcher against the fox demon emperor
No one knows that the ruler in the palace is not the emperor, but a fox demon that feeds on the blood of humans. Every once in a while, the officials would offer young women as sacrifices to the fox demon. Both civil and military officials fear the fox demon, and loyal ministers and generals try everything to eliminate him, but none of them survive.
The fox demon is named Boqiu (played by Zuo Ye). If the fox demon ruler is not eliminated, the entire city's people will suffer. At this time, Su Xiaohuan (played by Li Jiaqi), disguised as a man, is telling everyone the story of the fox demon. She even says that as long as everyone can donate generously, she is willing to help get rid of the fox demon. However, everyone thinks Su Xiaohuan is a fraud from the martial world and leaves directly.
Su Xiaohuan sees that it is snowing in the sky. At this moment, a man appears next to Su Xiaohuan and offers to help after learning that she wants to eliminate the fox demon. Su Xiaohuan has no magical power and quickly pleads for mercy, saying she doesn't know anything. Her mother was a demon hunter, but she passed away recently. The man suggests that Su Xiaohuan become a maid and assures her that the fox demon won't harm her. Su Xiaohuan naturally refuses, but because she knows about the fox demon, the man is hesitant to let her go, so Su Xiaohuan reluctantly agrees.
After changing into women's clothing, Su Xiaohuan catches the attention of Qiansui. Once Qiansui leaves, Su Xiaohuan overhears the maids saying that she will be eaten tomorrow, yet she seems so cheerful today, which surprises them. Su Xiaohuan naturally overhears their conversation. Originally, she planned to escape in the evening and even stuck talisman papers, thinking that the guards wouldn't see her. However, they all drew their swords and frightened Su Xiaohuan, so she quickly returns.
At this time, Boqiu is punishing the ministers, believing that it is their fault for not finding the woman in the painting. He even uses magic to punish them. Just then, the guards report that Qiansui has found the woman in the painting. Meanwhile, Su Xiaohuan is being forcefully bathed by two older palace maids, who scrub her body vigorously, almost feeling like they're peeling her skin off.
Once Su Xiaohuan is dressed up, she is taken outside Boqiu's residence. The guards at the door are somewhat intimidated, and when Su Xiaohuan isn't paying attention, they quickly leave. Su Xiaohuan can only muster the courage to enter. She is afraid of being eaten, so she kneels down and greets Boqiu.
Boqiu tells Su Xiaohuan to stand up and look at him. Su Xiaohuan doesn't dare to meet Boqiu's gaze, but Boqiu sees Su Xiaohuan's appearance and wonders if she has truly forgotten him.
This drama is like a Korean drama called "The Scholar Who Walks the Night." It is an imitation.
Kdramas have also imitated Cdramas! Cdramas also have settings like fox spirits and demon hunters, right? Many similar novels exist as well, not just in Kdramas.