Episode 9 recap: A Lan and Bai Xue Yan provided important clues.
With three envoys already dead, it is natural for Han Fu to take responsibility. However, Da Jin's arrival in Yanhui City while he was sick indicates their intention to rebel. Han Fu stated that he would investigate the truth within seven days, and during this time, they are not allowed to enter the city. Song Ci also inquired about Bai Xue Yan's activities before and after the incident. She then mentioned finding a calming incense in Mr. Zeng's room, which matched the one Bai Xue Yan had. Bai Xue Yan was also surprised by this discovery.
Li Zi Fang requested Lord Wei to thoroughly search the entire inn again, as there might be something left behind or perhaps the murder weapon used by the culprit. Han Fu invited Zhao Xiao Liu, Song Ci, and Li Zi Fang to come over, aiming to expedite the investigation.
Han Fu realized that the situation was becoming increasingly complex. Song Ci advised Han Fu to prioritize his safety during this time. Han Fu understood the seriousness of the situation, especially when Zhao Xiao Liu covered his face with plasters to conceal his true identity. Zhao Xiao Liu was evasive in his responses, arousing suspicion in Song Ci that he was hiding something.
With less than four days remaining until the final deadline for solving the case, they needed to make the most of their time. Just as they were about to leave, Li Zi Fang called Han Fu aside, expressing a desire to have a private conversation with him. A Lan was also apprehended and revealed that a few days ago, they had discovered a peculiar incident where a seemingly inconspicuous peony painting purchased in the city was stolen by a person clad in black.
A Lan strongly suspected that the thief of the painting was the murderer. Lord Wei dispatched people to search for the painting. Li Zi Fang pleaded with Han Fu to investigate the incident of his father's escort of provisions being burned, as he believed it was not his father's negligence and that there might be a larger conspiracy behind it. Han Fu stated that their primary task now was to find the murderer and assured Li Zi Fang that he would protect his father.
Song Ci noticed that Zhao Xiao Liu became extremely nervous after hearing Han Fu's words. She even suspected that Zhao Xiao Liu might be a fugitive, while Zhao Xiao Liu's subordinates couldn't help but smirk.
Soon, Song Ci learned that Lord Wei had arrested Bai Xue Yan. They hurried to find Lord Wei, but he explained that Bai Xue Yan had the peony painting in her possession, and since she was also the one who made the calming incense, her suspicion was high, and he had no choice but to arrest her.
After being thrown into the dungeon, Bai Xue Yan became anxious. She intentionally drugged the jailer to obtain the keys, but unexpectedly, Song Ci arrived. A Lan stood by, making sarcastic remarks. A Lan also informed Song Ci that they had four days left, and if they couldn't find the murderer, they would hold the Song people accountable.
Bai Xue Yan told Song Ci that although she took the painting, she never intended to kill anyone. Next, Song Ci asked Bai Xue Yan if she knew that Mr. Zeng was a Jin envoy and who she gave the calming incense to, but Bai Xue Yan did not answer truthfully. In light of this, Song Ci had no choice but to leave.
Song Ci then wanted to talk with A Lan. From the beginning, he also suspected the Jin people. It was only after Mr. Zeng's death that he became even more certain that the real culprit was someone else. This time, Song Ci wanted to collaborate with A Lan to find the true murderer, and A Lan agreed. Subsequently, Song Ci released A Lan, throwing the keys down, but Bai Xue Yan picked them up and tried to escape, only to be brought back.
A Lan revealed the truth to Song Ci. Initially, he also thought that everyone was a suspect, considering that he knew in advance that they were all doomed. However, he didn't expect to kill someone himself. From this, it can be deduced that Mr. Zeng was also involved. Bai Xue Yan also mentioned that she investigated the items given to Song Ci and found traces of a sedative.
To save Bai Xue Yan, Zhao Xiao Liu even painted numerous peony paintings and presented them to Lord Wei, claiming that the current Crown Prince had painted many of them and that he himself had a significant collection. In reality, Zhao Xiao Liu was the current Crown Prince, but no one currently knew about it.
Finally, Lord Wei agreed to temporarily release Bai Xue Yan from the dungeon but insisted she couldn't leave the inn.
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