Episode 21 recap: Two factions are fighting over Song Ci.
However, on the other side, Shen Lingxiu of the Shen family tells his daughter, Shen Xi Yue, to quickly invite Song Ci to their residence. In reality, each side has their own ulterior motives. With the help of General Su, Li Zi Fang finally meets his imprisoned father in the dungeon. General Su introduces Song Ci and expresses belief that Song Ci can uncover the truth behind the case of escorting grain and forage.
Li Zi Fang's father talks privately with Song Ci, revealing that he has already guessed who is behind the plot and that Song Ci is no match for them with his current strength. As they are still young, he doesn't want to involve the two young individuals in the matter.
The situation is far more complex than imagined. Song Ci admits to not understanding politics, but emphasizes the importance of seeking the truth in all matters and ensuring justice is served. While Song Ci and Li Zi Fang are having tea, Shen Xi Yue and her sister unexpectedly arrive and invite them to stay at their residence. Li Zi Fang initially intends to refuse, but Song Ci finds the inns in the capital too expensive, and since they don't have much money, they agree to the invitation.
Just then, Bai Xue Yan also arrives. Shen Xi Yue invites Bai Xue Yan to join them in returning to the residence, and Bai Xue Yan readily accepts, as Shen Xi Yue is still unaware of Bai Xue Yan's true identity.
After meeting Song Ci, Shen Lingxiu showers him with praise, and Song Ci credits Shen Xi Yue for her help in solving a case the previous year. Shen Lingxiu asks others to leave temporarily and then speaks privately with Song Ci. The reason Shen Lingxiu invited Song Ci is to ask for his help in investigating the mysterious deaths of five ministers in the imperial court. Currently, he only has a symbol resembling a cult organization in his possession, and the deaths of these ministers have been extremely peculiar. Although the Shen family possesses spiritual abilities, they refrain from using them unless absolutely necessary, as it could bring trouble to the family. Bai Xue Yan also advises Li Zi Fang that the most important task now is to investigate the grain and forage case, and hopes Li Zi Fang can persuade Song Ci.
After leaving Shen Lingxiu's room, Song Ci realizes that Shen Lingxiu's offer to help Li Zi Fang's father solve his case was just a casual remark, as Song Ci's priority now is the case involving the ministers.
Since arriving in Lin'an, Song Ci has found many things to be very suspicious. Song Ci states that they will investigate both cases themselves, although there may be some difficulties due to the time gap. However, Song Ci has a feeling that the two cases are connected.
Zhao Xiaoliu also visits the Shen family seeking Song Ci's help. The unexpected death of a wind catcher from the Six Gates Bureau prompts Song Ci and Li Zi Fang to quickly follow Zhao Xiaoliu to the crime scene. Song Ci conducts a simple investigation and finds no external injuries on the deceased. Song Ci also discovers dates on the ground and in the wind catcher's mouth. Initially, Song Ci thought it was an accidental death, but upon seeing the emblem of the "Realm of Death" on the table, it becomes clear that the wind catcher's death was not accidental.
Zhao Xiaoliu informs Song Ci that many people in the court suspect Shen Lingxiu, considering his close relationship with the five ministers. Additionally, the court is divided into two factions, which explains why Shen Lingxiu is eager to solve the case quickly. Zhao Xiaoliu speculates that his father, the emperor, desires a northern expedition, which might be related to the grain and forage case. Song Ci finds the entire case more intriguing.
To facilitate Song Ci's investigation in the city, Zhao Xiaoliu hands over his token to Song Ci. Song Ci then visits the academy and discovers the emblem of the "Realm of Death" under Mr. Huang's table. It seems that they all died at the hands of this organization.
When Shen Xi Yue finally joins them for a meal, she reveals information about the Shen family's spiritual abilities. Song Ci and Li Zi Fang continue to explore their surroundings. Song Ci shares the theory that the so-called "Skeleton Soldiers" are just a ruse, and the skeletons are controlled by tying them to wooden stakes. The fire in the grain is also suspected of being deliberately caused. Song Ci takes Li Zi Fang to the warehouse, as it would be the logical target for anyone seeking to tamper with the grain, considering the lack of surveillance and only one ventilation opening. Li Zi Fang discovers white powder on the floor.
Han Fu summons Li Zi Fang and Song Ci, informing them that the emperor has ordered a thorough investigation to be completed within seven days, as Li Zi Fang's father cannot wait any longer. Han Fu also hands his token to Song Ci to aid in their investigation.
While on the street, they hear about Lord Lv's wedding and his plan to distribute money to the common people. Song Ci pulls Li Zi Fang along to join in the festivities.
Comments(Episode 21)