Plot Synopsis
In the thirty-seventh year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, in the county town of Du in Jiangnan, a series of brutal murders occurred. The victims had different identities and no apparent connection to each other. The bodies were arranged in bizarrepositions, and a cryptic message was left at each crime scene. As the disciple of the first victim, the young constable named Qu Sange and his companions embarked on an investigation. As the investigation deepened,people from various backgrounds, including scholars, farmers, workers, and merchants, all made their appearances. Amidst the dense fog, an old case from twenty years ago resurfaced.
Episodes Recap
- 1-5
- 6-10
- 11-12
Episode 1 : Qu San Geng is looking for the location of his master's death.
Episode 2 : The Old Case of the Lu Family Fire.
Episode 3 : Qu San Geng resolved the Wu Hou Mansion issue.
Episode 4 : Lu Zhi discovered the reason for Wang Fuzi's weird habits.
Episode 5 : The Monkey Demon seeks revenge, and every household buys talismans.
Episode 6 : Monkey demon hunting.
Episode 7 : Exposure of Poison Prescription.
Episode 8 : A hefty reward is offered for clues about the Lu family, and true identities are being exposed one after another.
Episode 9 : Lu Zhi was insulted and expelled from the Lu family by Lu Yuan Bao.
Episode 10 : Lu Zhi planned to murder Lu Yuan Bao and forge a will.
Cast & Role
Feng Ke Zhui
(Zhang Hao Wei)
Gao Shi Cong
(Liu Yi Tong)
Lin Si Niang
(Zeng Li)
Leng Gui Er
(Xiang Han Zhi)
Qu San Geng is so funny, always talking about his master's sense of justice. But his master is a corrupt cop colluding with criminals, and he's even the one who killed his father. What's wrong with the county magistrate killing a villain?
I've never seen such a foolish male lead. As a constable, he doesn't even understand what real justice is. He's just like his master, colluding with criminals. He's becoming a corrupt cop himself.
Moreover, one or two of them grew up looking completely different. Who wouldn't recognize them because they look so different from their childhood?
This drama should be called "Revenge: You Change Your Face, I'll Change Mine Too.
From a god's perspective, evaluating the male protagonist, you are capable enough. If you were the male lead, would you make better choices than him?
He was clouded by hatred in the middle, but in the end, he made the right choice. In this drama, there is no absolute good or absolute evil.
Can we abandon the simplistic and stereotypical portrayal of characters that is often seen in TV dramas, where everything is black and white?
I've figured out who the murderer is. The murderer is Song Chen. After committing the murder, he uses the Analects of Confucius, which shows his disdain for the Analects.
Song Chen's experience aligns with this point. Additionally, the tattoo on Song Chen's body is "Yazhi," which means "an eye for an eye"!
However, Song Chen is not seeking revenge for himself but for his good friend, who he exposed and caused to die.
Do you all remember the woman that Song Chen often visited in the brothel? She should be the sister of his good friend, who is also the niece of Lu Yuanbao, who was exposed by Song Chen in the past.
Naturally, his good friend is also Lu Yuanbao's nephew, Lu Buyou.
Since Song Chen has a disability, he obviously cannot commit the murders alone. The bearded man wearing a bamboo hat is clearly an accomplice.
I suspect he is the leader of the undercover team.
And the person who dies in the end is Lu Zhi, who is the mastermind behind the arson case twenty years ago.
After watching it, I felt a mix of emotions. I didn't expect so many people to die, and the one driving it all was Xiaobao. Throughout the story, most characters couldn't escape the temptation of greed, whether it was for fame, lineage, or wealth.
They also couldn't escape the label of wickedness. It made me think that if one's heart is not filled with reverence, they truly won't fear ghosts or gods.
But Xiaobao made me ponder.
A little turtle who, after surviving a big fire, unexpectedly discovers wealth and thinks, "Since you 'gave it' to me, I will 'return it' to you." This reason may not hold up to scrutiny for onlookers, yet it is precisely because of this reason that the "unjust" finds its "cause." Some say that delayed justice is not true justice.
At first thought, this reasoning seems valid. However, justice that cannot be reached is no justice at all. From this perspective, delay doesn't matter much.
Those who understand will naturally understand Xiaobao's persistence.
As for Lu Zhi, he only developed murderous intent after hearing about the lifetime of service to the Lu family. But before he arrived at the Lu family, he was just a beggar. In that era, for a servant boy to become a master or young master was already a great opportunity.
He often proclaimed his gratitude.
However, he wasn't satisfied with that. He deeply understood the concept of "saying one thing and doing another." They all sacrificed actions or paid a price for their own convictions.
Is it the first day you've met me, Song Chen? Can I not take my casework seriously? Is it because I've played too many villains that you have this misconception?
Do you really think Song Chen looks like the culprit this time? After all, Song Chen is best at torturing prisoners, and he has quite a range of methods.
How about this, bring you in for questioning, apply some physical force, and take a closer look?
The character Qu San Geng is a bit problematic. He is the most annoying character in this drama. He has no abilities and can't figure anything out, even when the clues are handed to him.
He is morally ambiguous.
His own master helped Lu Zhi destroy someone's life, yet he has the audacity to seek revenge. It's absolutely disgusting.
He is the most detestable character I've ever seen in a suspense drama. He keeps demanding justice, but he doesn't even know how his own father died.
Let's talk about some people in the comments who criticize and judge from a godlike perspective. Can you please tell me which stocks will rise next month? Look at how arrogant they are. He's just an ordinary person. He was blinded by revenge and was finally awakened by Song.
He didn't know that his father was killed by his master. Would Xue Qi tell him that his master also killed a night watchman back then? Who would mention such a trivial role in their eyes? Qu San Geng, considering everything that happened before and after, would definitely have some suspicions.
But being deeply involved in it, he hasn't found substantial evidence to prove the killings. Aren't we ordinary people also blinded by being involved in things without having all the facts? Who has such a cheat code-filled life?
He doesn't have any "golden finger" abilities, yet he effortlessly manipulates the Wu Hou Mansion and Yi Tou. During his confrontation with Song Dian Shi, he shows great intelligence by recognizing their attempts to test him.
However, upon learning about the massive conspiracy involving Lu Zhi and his master's group, his mother suddenly mentions that his father had no connection with his master before his death but now shows concern.
He never doubted his master, nor did he show any sympathy for his mother, who raised him as a widow and even lost her eyesight. Even after discovering that his master was involved in the ruthless massacre at the Lu Mansion, he still stands by his master's side and joins forces with Lu Zhi.
He lacks any understanding of justice and his true intentions.
Just to add, it's likely that Xue Ju Ren has forgotten that there was a passing watchman twenty years ago who also died in that massive fire conspiracy. After all, back then, even Lu Zhi said that tonight, not only him, but other good people would also perish.
If this Qu San Geng doesn't die, I think this is just a disgusting drama. It's no different from those love triangles you see everywhere. Instead of seeking justice, they're focused on revenge.
In reality, he and his master are cut from the same cloth. It completely distorts his original character setup.
A character like Xiao Bao Zi demonstrates gratitude and righteousness. He doesn't kill good people indiscriminately, nor does he kill out of personal grudges. Every killing he carries out, directly or indirectly, involves careful verification and planning.
He truly upholds justice.
In order to repay a debt of gratitude, he doesn't selfishly keep all the gold for himself. Instead, he uses it to pursue academic achievements and remains a solitary figure.
He seeks revenge against this group of villains, even though he is just an ordinary person. Yet, he embodies the true spirit of a hero.
On the other hand, Qu San Geng appears to be righteous and virtuous, but in the end, he becomes just like his master, a hypocrite.
His master engages in extramarital affairs, fabricates false cases, and kills the protagonist's father, which is an unforgivable crime. However, in public, he presents himself as a moral role model.
Meanwhile, the protagonist uses these villains for "revenge" and ends up causing the deaths of good people one after another. In the end, the villains succeed, and the protagonist inevitably becomes entangled in a web of corruption and bribery, gradually sinking deeper.
He even helps the villains avenge their own fathers, which is truly pitiful and laughable.
Failing to understand the greater principles while being indebted to others will eventually turn one into another hypocrite like the master.
The stark contrast between Xiao Bao Zi's righteousness and the protagonist's small-mindedness is the essence of this drama.
The true protagonist of this drama is actually Xiao Bao Zi. It's a pity that such an upright official, such a hero, meets such a fate.
He even passes judgment on himself, sparing no evil person
Two orphans with equally turbulent destinies, one turning dark and the other becoming a righteous county official to repay a debt. There is a clear distinction between inherent human evil and inherent human goodness. Those driven by their dark nature inevitably come into contact with the shadows of others, just like Lu Zhi, who always feels guilty about people's dark side.
On the other hand, although Bao'er has a lower status than Lu Zhi, he cherishes the good in others in his heart. In the end, both of them die, but their significance differs greatly: Lu Zhi's death signifies the consequences of his actions, whereas Bao'er's death represents his pursuit of gratitude and justice.
After watching the latest episode, I feel that his suspicion is the highest. Firstly, he is someone who harbors deep grudges against evil. Moreover, he mentioned in the brothel, "What if I can't come here anymore in the future?
" I believe he has a premonition that he will eventually be caught; it's just a matter of time.
The people he killed were all those he deemed deserving of death. Therefore, I believe his suspicion is the greatest.
Is it possible that Mr. Lu has offended too many people and knows too much, so they conspired to kill him and divide his money? Since Geng Fu witnessed it, they killed Geng Fu as well. However, considering the pitiful state of Geng Fu's son, they took care of him.
Meanwhile, Lu Zhi unexpectedly managed to escape and will return later for revenge.
It's so obvious that Lu Bu You is the most reasonable match for Zhi Xian. And the idea of a mute person writing a diary is just ridiculous. Writing down your criminal activities?
That's hilarious. And how could Lu Sangeng not know that his master was the one who killed his father? It's beyond belief.
In my opinion, Lu Bu You should be Zhi Xian. He could have gone to school when he was young, then made some money from the well and disappeared to come back later as Zhi Xian for revenge.
As for Song Dianshi, he feels guilty for his friend's death and sacrifices himself for Zhi Xian. Plus, he's a fifth-rank official, which would draw more attention. After his death, the court would send someone to uncover the truth.
Is the person on the horse Chen Wang? It looks a bit like him, but maybe I've mistaken who killed Chu Zi. Is it Lu Zhi or Zhi Xian? And what's the deal with the fortune-teller?
Lu Zhi has never been a good person from beginning to end. People say he's pitiful, being used by Grandpa Lu and Chen Zhong. But that underestimates him. Look at all the things he says, why does he like to act clever?
It's because he only sees his own interests. He analyzes his relationships with others based solely on benefits. That's why he couldn't imagine that County Magistrate would sacrifice himself, refuse money, and repay kindness.
When others were using him, he was also constantly using others. Deep down, he was always prepared to kill and betray. He was no different from those people who deserved death. In this drama, none of the people killed by the real culprit, County Magistrate, were innocent.
Lu Lao Ye is responsible for more than just one life, and there are others who have long been engaged in criminal activities, like doctors addicted to theft. These people deserve to die.
Their crimes are known to no one.
They are all guilty of plotting for wealth and causing deaths, and they have harmed more than one person. Before County Magistrate killed them, he thoroughly investigated their crimes, and it can be seen from the way he dealt with Fourth Sister, who had no other faults related to Lu Lao Ye's murder case, that County Magistrate was not only avenging Lu Lao Ye, nor was it simply repaying a debt.
He was truly carrying out justice after uncovering the truth, killing only those who deserved it.
I think most people already know about it. Just like back then when the master did all sorts of immoral things for Lin Niang, it's not surprising that one would manipulate events for the sake of being with their junior martial sister, even if it means acting solely in their own interest.
The male lead strategizes and succeeds in eliminating everyone connected to the fire at the Lu Family from years ago, avenging his father's death.
By not investigating who was responsible for his father's death, he can marry his junior martial sister.
The male lead is capable of setting up schemes, as seen in the earlier episodes.
Song Dian Shi's involvement in the imperial examination case has made his life unbearable.
By dying for justice, Song can find liberation. It seems like this is also something the male lead wants to achieve.
Human nature is complex, and there's no simple satisfaction in seeking revenge.
These are just my personal thoughts.
How could the male lead have the audacity to say that his debt to his master has been repaid? He directly or indirectly caused the deaths of so many people, didn't hesitate to personally kill the male lead's father with a single stroke, and helped Lu Zhi and others cause the deaths of dozens of innocent lives.
What did the male lead do to repay his debt?
Where does he get the nerve to speak to the county magistrate like that? The county magistrate didn't have a strong presence in the beginning, but later we realized that he was the true hero.
The conversation between Song Dianshi and the county magistrate before Song's death brought tears to my eyes. Such a talented actor.
The culprit should be Song Dian Shi. Firstly, the culprit should be one of the main cast members. Secondly, they should also be one of the escaped criminals from 20 years ago. Is it possible that Cold Head's apprentice is also one of the escaped criminals from 20 years ago?
Cold Head has been secretly taking care of them. Alternatively, it's possible that Cold Head's suicide was part of the plan, and Song Dian Shi was the executor.
After watching the first episode, here are some shared clues:
1. The culprit is very familiar with the master's itinerary in order to set up the ambush in advance. If the hole in the wall had been there from the beginning, Little Hai Zi might have crawled through it and disrupted the culprit's plan.
Moreover, the silver, donkey, cart, and mechanism all had to be prepared on-site. Otherwise, what if it wasn't the master who fell into the trap, but just a random passerby?
2. The culprit is educated and has spent a considerable amount of time studying.
They can carve letters on wood, and the font is quite good. So, it's unlikely to be Song Chen (he only has two fingers left on his right hand), unless he is left-handed.
Firstly, he is intelligent, well-liked, and grateful. Secondly, Lu hinted that "he always manages to uncover other people's secrets," indicating that he knows the secrets of the constable and the teacher.
Thirdly, it's evident that the killer's motive goes beyond mere revenge; they want the constable's apprentice to investigate the arson case from twenty years ago. If the murders were solely for revenge, there would be no need to lead all the clues back to the arson case from twenty years ago.
Under the bustling city, countless mysteries lie hidden. In this ancient city, a place called the "Murder Chase Teahouse" has become a gathering spot for solving crimes.
Today, let's step into this movie together and analyze who the killer is, unveiling the truth.
[Character Analysis] First, let's get acquainted with the main characters in the movie.
Xiaomin, a seemingly fragile but fiercely righteous woman, bravely embarks on the path of seeking justice to avenge her father's murder.
Next is Grandpa Wang, a retired soldier who has experienced many ups and downs.
Though he appears detached, he possesses unique insights into the case.
Lastly, there's Cao, the leader of a criminal gang, cunning and deceitful, holding the city's largest dark power.
[Clue Analysis] In the movie, we can discover many valuable clues. First is a blood-stained dagger, which becomes the breakthrough for Xiaomin in her search for the killer.
Next is a dark exchange name list provided by Grandpa Wang, with names and dates seemingly related to the case.
Lastly, there's a mysterious video that reveals part of the truth on the night of the crime.
[Reasoning Analysis] Based on the characters' personalities and the clues, we can make the following deductions: Xiaomin's father was likely killed because he discovered a secret of Cao's; Grandpa Wang might know this secret but lacks direct evidence; the bloodstains were left by the killer, and the dagger is likely the murder weapon; the video was accidentally left behind by the killer, capturing his actions.
[Truth Revealed] After layers of deductions, we finally unveil the truth. It turns out Xiaomin's father discovered Cao's drug trafficking secret and planned to expose his crimes.
In order to silence him, Cao ordered his henchmen to kill Xiaomin's father. The dagger was left behind by the killer, and the video recorded his murderous act.
In the end, with the help of Grandpa Wang, Xiaomin successfully obtained evidence and brought Cao to justice.
Under the bustling city, there's the Murder Chase Teahouse.
In this ancient city, we witness not only the darkness of human nature but also the power of justice.
What makes us marvel is that even in the darkest moments, light can dispel the shadows.
In this story, we see how a seemingly vulnerable woman, through her efforts and intelligence, exposes the criminal's deeds and upholds justice.
This is not just a movie; it's a test of courage and belief.
In this world, perhaps we can't change all injustices, but we can choose to stand up and defend justice.
Underneath this bustling city, the Murder Chase Teahouse is not only a gathering place for solving crimes but also a symbol of belief.
As you step into this movie, you become a part of the story, joining Xiaomin in the pursuit of truth until the truth is revealed.
I've watched it so far, and it seems like his master is my little brother, gathering evidence and waiting for the right moment. But he was mistaken for a villain's protector and got killed. The male protagonist has been reminiscing about his master all along.
His progress in investigating the case feels too slow, and sometimes his intelligence is not up to par.
I have two possibilities. First, all the victims were involved in the Lu family's great fire that happened years ago. Lu Zhi, Si Niang, the servant from the brothel, and others were seeking revenge. The mastermind behind it all should be Lu Zhi, and the mentioned Xue Yuanwai might be Lu Zhi.
The second possibility is that the victims themselves were involved, driven by a guilty conscience. They wanted to bring attention to the case from 20 years ago by sacrificing their lives.