Episode Guide
Episode 1: Yan Xing's Investigation and Meeting Shen Du
In the first episode, during the fifth year of the Da Cang Yuan era, the political landscape shifts dramatically after the deaths of the Emperor Wen and the Crown Prince. This leaves the still-infant Grandson of the Emperor, Xiao Qi, to ascend the throne, marking the start of the Sheng Li era. Empress Zhou Xu takes control of the court, wielding significant power. >>read more
Episode 2: # Yan Xing Marries Shen Du to Protect the Yan Family
In Episode 2, Shen Du has a peculiar method of handling marriages in front of the Empress Dowager—he always manages to scare the brides away. Just as Yan Xing plans to discuss matters with her father, Yan Kuo, she overhears a conversation between him and Zhang Xiang. It turns out Shen Du has set his sights on Yan Caiwei, not to marry her, but to use her as an informant. >>read more
Episode 3: # Shen Du and Yan Xing in the Same Room
In the third episode, Shen Du visits the Empress Dowager, who instructs him to investigate the self-immolation incident thoroughly and also to spend some time with his new wife, Yan Xing. Meanwhile, his friend Xiao Heng jokes about Shen Du abandoning his bride to pursue the case, while Yan Xing also seems to have gone missing, prompting Zhang Xiang to add fuel to the fire. >>read more
Episode 4: # Shen Du Gets Bitten Back by Lai Luo Zhi
In episode 4, Shen Du and Yan Xing, the delightful bickering duo, wake up in the morning and immediately slip into their usual banter. Yan Xing urges Shen Du to dig deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Shen family. However, the next morning, Shen Du is taken aback by Yan Xing's messy bed. >>read more
Episode 5: Episode 5
In Episode 5, Shen Du expresses his gratitude to Xu Wan, who hints that there’s more to the situation. She warns Shen Du that the Empress Dowager is aware of his grievances and advises him to proceed with caution After leaving the palace, Jing Lin realizes that Yan Xing cleverly exploited his handwriting >>read more
Episode 6: # Yan Xing Returns Home, Shen Du Makes a Grand Impression
In Episode 6, Yan Xing steps through the door and immediately runs into a hurried servant who says her family urgently needs her for an important discussion. As she enters, her parents greet her warmly and ask why Shen Du isn't with her. Yan Xing quickly makes an excuse, saying he got held up with something. >>read more
Episode 7: Episode 7
In Episode 7, that night, Yan Xing was diligently practicing the piano, memories of her mother's patient guidance flooding her mind. While practicing was challenging, it was both a test and a passion for her At that moment, Shen Du happened to pass by and witnessed her dedication He kindly warned Yan Xing not to push herself too hard and advised against her plan to trap the murderer Yan Xing, however, firmly stated that she would make the culprit fall into her trap >>read more
Episode 8: The Empress Dowager Grants Yan Xing the Authority to Investigate
In Episode 8, Yan Xing unexpectedly encounters her sister being harassed by a man in the street. She rushes to defend her, but instead of gratitude, her sister scolds her. When this incident reaches the Empress Dowager, she not only refrains from reprimanding Yan Xing but also summons her for a reward. Yan Xing, with her straightforward nature, declines the reward and expresses her preference to be called "Yan Shuli." Xu Wan, who is nearby, finds this amusing. >>read more
Episode 9: Episode 9
In Episode 9, Yan Xing has just settled down when she notices that Wu, the steward, is also injured. She is preoccupied with the fact that today was supposed to be her meeting with Xiao Chi Chi, prompting her to rush off to the appointment On her way, she sees Lu Chui Chui accompanied by Jiang Langxing Rumor has it that Lu Chui Chui intended to use money to redeem Jiang Langxing, but he politely declined, stating that he has enough money already >>read more
Episode 10: Yan Xing Bites Shen Du in a Moment of Panic
In Episode 10, Shen Du enters Hongwen Academy, where a lively crowd has gathered outside. Inside, Yan Xing and Pan Chi cleverly "portray" Han Shi Yuan using shadows, leading the scholars to mistake it for reality and gasp in surprise. Shen Du intervenes to ask what’s happening, and the truth is revealed—it was a prank by Lan Guizhou, who created the illusion with light and shadow. >>read more
Episode 11: # Shen Du Saves Pan Chi and His Group at Night
In Episode 11, Wu Zhu Shi is concerned that Yan Xing's straightforwardness might cause trouble. Suddenly, Princess Yong'an appears, praising Yan Xing's intelligence and urging her to stop investigating Chen Huo'e. Since Yan Xing is Shen Du's wife, the princess hopes Shen Du will also refrain from getting involved and suggests a marriage between Yan Caiwei and Han Shiyuan. >>read more
Episode 12: Episode 12
The next morning, Princess Yong'an reports to the Empress Dowager that Zhang Xiang deliberately killed students from poor families. Shen Du delivers the hidden weapon from last night's incident and suggests that Xiao Chong might be the mastermind behind it. He mentions that there were three groups involved, which raises suspicions about Xiao Chong. Xiao Chong requests the Empress Dowager to investigate, and she instructs Shen Du to continue his inquiries. >>read more
Episode 13: Shen Du Saves Yan Xing and Gets Injured by Accident
In Episode 13, Yan Xing is surprised to find that Shen Du has brought Yun Que home, which leaves her feeling somewhat uneasy. The next morning, a maid reports that Yun Que has already assumed the role of the lady of the house, and the butler has instructed the staff not to disturb her. Yun Que even wants to take a look at the household accounts, but the butler quickly shuts her down, stating that only the official wife is allowed to see them. >>read more
Episode 14: In Episode 14, that night, Shen Du arrived and intentionally lit extra candles to brighten the room
He casually asked Han Shi Yuan if he missed home while playing with the flowers, but he was actually curious about Han Shi Yuan's family background Han Shi Yuan claimed he had no family, but Shen Du wouldn't let it go Seeing this, Yan Xing stepped in to defend Han Shi Yuan, indirectly making Shen Du look foolish >>read more
Episode 15: Yan Xing Framed
In episode 15, Zhang Baohuan arrives at Princess Yong'an's residence, intent on taking Han Shiyuan away. The princess emerges, stating that she merely invited Han Shiyuan as a guest. Zhang Baohuan argues that a visit should be mutually agreed upon, but it's clear that Han Shiyuan is unwilling. On the way over, Han Shiyuan encountered Shen Du and Yan Xing. >>read more
Episode 16: Shen Du Worries About Yan Xing
In Episode 16, Yan Xing visits the corpse of the Chen family patriarch and notices a strange smell on the body, indicating that something has been used to delay decomposition. This suggests that the Chen family patriarch has been dead for a while. Yan Xing then goes to the historical archives but finds that Ji Fangming has already left. >>read more
Episode 17: Shen Du Reexamines an Old Case
In Episode 17, Ji Fangming expresses his determination to seek revenge for the many innocent lives lost at Jinxiu Fang. During the interrogation, Shen Du questions Ji Fangming, while Lai Luozhi arrives as well. Shen Du tells Lai Luozhi that he can listen in, but must not interfere, or he will charge him with disrupting the investigation. >>read more
Episode 18: Princess Yong'an Hosts a Banquet
In Episode 18, Yan Xing dreams that Yun Que tells him she is going to marry Shen Du and that this is now her territory, urging Yan Xing to move out quickly. In the dream, he also hears someone say he has been pursuing the truth all along and must now choose between the truth and Shen Du, asking how he will decide. >>read more
Episode 19: Yan Xing Takes Care of Shen Du
In Episode 19, it turns out that Chen Huo'e is a mirror person with her heart on the right side, which is why she has never died. Chen Huo'e encounters Lai Luo Zhi and expresses her willingness to die for her master. She captures Yan Xing, and Shen Du arrives to confront Chen Huo'e. In the ensuing battle, Shen Du manages to decapitate Chen Huo'e but suffers serious injuries himself. >>read more
Episode 20: Yan Caiwei's Poisoning
In Episode 20, Xu Xiangren expresses that he feels the same way and suggests that if Yan Xing doesn’t mind, they can become sworn siblings. Yan Xing is pleased with this idea. Xu Xiangren presents Yan Xing with the command token of the Yiliang people, indicating that it might save Yan Xing’s life one day. Yan Xing accepts it. >>read more
Episode 21: Shen Du Helps Find the Antidote
In this episode, Yan Xing is thrilled to have obtained a prescription that seems promising, except for one ingredient that poses a significant challenge: the blood of a Mirror Person. Lu Chui Chui is taken aback and points out that the Mirror Person is none other than Chen Huo'e, who has long since passed away. Yan Xing sighs, realizing they will have to come up with another plan and hope for some luck. >>read more
Episode 22: Shen Du and Yan Xing Investigate in Gannan
In Episode 22, Yan Caiwei finally wakes up after taking her medication, bringing joy to the entire family. At this moment, Princess Yong'an sends a pair of exquisite jade ruyi as a gift, recognizing the deep bond between Yan Caiwei and Han Shiyuan, who have remained steadfast through life and death. The princess hopes this gift symbolizes their lasting happiness and unity. Yan Xing feels a sense of relief, thinking that the princess has finally let go of her feelings for Han Shiyuan and will no longer interfere. >>read more
Episode 23: Du Xiaowan Abducted on Her Wedding Night
In Episode 23, Mo Qianzhi is eager to solve the case, so he rushes everyone to the crime scene to examine the body. When Yan Xing takes a look, she realizes that the victim's head has been severed. The primary suspect is the victim's younger brother, who had a heated argument with him before his death, making him a strong suspect. Yan Xing ponders the nature of the wound, concluding that the killer must either be highly skilled or harbor deep hatred for the victim. It seems more likely that a master was involved. >>read more
Episode 24: Yan Xing Investigates
In Episode 24, Du Xiaowan recalls the events of that day, her heart pounding. She mentions that as soon as she stepped into her new house, she suddenly fainted. It felt like a dream as she was carried out; in her dazed state, she heard arguing—the voices were loud, but she couldn't remember the details. Later, she found herself thrown into a well, and the shock of the icy water made her realize there was another man in the well, equally unfortunate. >>read more
Episode 25: Shen Du Confesses His Feelings to Yan Xing
In Episode 25, Yan Xing and Pan Chi arrive to investigate a murder case involving a headless ghost. Pan Chi observes that Yan Xing becomes fully immersed in the case whenever it’s time to investigate. Jing Lin feels that Yan Xing and Pan Chi are getting too close and decides to keep an eye on them. >>read more
Episode 26: Yan Xing and Others Investigate Ji Da Fu
In Episode 26, Yan Xing asks Shen Du when he realized that the woven pig was made by her. Shen Du replies that he saw it at that time. He mentions that after that, Yan Xing stopped coming around. Yan Xing explains that her father picked her up, and she was so happy that he hadn't abandoned her that she didn't pay attention to anything else. >>read more
Episode 27: Yan Xing's Abduction
In Episode 27, we see someone brutally beaten, and Yan Xing believes that the legend of the Half-Faced Ghost originated here to cover up the existence of dismembered victims. Someone informs Ji Dafu that Mo Qianzhi has arrived, prompting Ji Dafu to rush out while Shen Du takes care of the situation. >>read more
Episode 28: Mo Qianzhi's Suicide
In Episode 28, Shen Du tries to persuade Mo Qianzhi to stop, explaining that Pan Chi wouldn’t want to be revived in this manner. However, Mo Qianzhi is deeply obsessed and insists on bringing Pan Chi back to life. When Xiuxiu wakes up, Mo Qianzhi realizes she calls him "Big Brother Mo," confirming that Pan Chi hasn’t returned; instead, he learns that Shen Du sabotaged the ritual. >>read more
Episode 29: Shen Du Poisoned
In episode 29, Shen Du and his companions return to town, where several citizens have suddenly died. Yan Xing investigates and discovers that the poison resembles that of the Fire Moth Sect. After seeing a hidden compartment behind a portrait of Xiuxiu, Shen Du opens it and finds a box inside. Then, Lai Luofu arrives and fights Shen Du. >>read more
Episode 30: Shen Du Refuses the Marriage Proposal
In Episode 30, Lai Luo Fu returns and confesses to Lai Luo Zhi that he failed to handle a situation properly. Lai Luo Zhi asks if everyone from the Huo'e Men in the Gan Nan Dao region is gone, to which Lai Luo Fu confirms. She also inquires whether the issue with the Half-Face Ghosts has been resolved, and Lai Luo Fu mentions that he has already poisoned them. >>read more
Episode 31: In Episode 31, Shen Du reveals that the Ming Tang is a place that witnessed the deep affection between the Empress Dowager and the late Emperor
Since the Ming Tang was burned down, the Empress Dowager ordered its reconstruction with no budget limits, highlighting her significant investment in it However, this doesn't mean that anyone could embezzle funds; the Empress Dowager is very angry about this situation and insists on a thorough investigation >>read more
Episode 32: Sun Tan's Suicide
In episode 32, we need to unpack this situation carefully. Lai Luo Zhi finds Yan Xing, reminding him, like an old friend, to be careful with his words—some things should be said, while others should be kept to oneself. However, Yan Xing doesn't respond and just walks away. Lu Chui Chui, who was about to leave, is interrupted by Lai Luo Zhi, who expresses a bit of annoyance that Lu Chui Chui hasn't seen him despite being in town. >>read more
Episode 33: Yan Xing Tests Lai Luo Zhi
In Episode 33, Yan Xing often says that no one in this world is perfect. If there’s anything wrong, she’s willing to be the outspoken loyalist. This remark reaches the Empress Dowager, who finds it amusing and rewards Yan Xing with a token, making her comings and goings in the palace as easy as visiting a friend. >>read more
Episode 34: The Jin Family is Convicted
In Episode 34, Yan Xing's mother hurriedly pursued him with several siblings, all aware that their father's actions were quite inappropriate; it was unreasonable to help outsiders at the expense of their own family. Concerned for Yan Xing, his mother prepared his favorite snacks, and his fourth sister thoughtfully handed them to him. >>read more
Episode 35: Jin Cang's Suicide
In Episode 35, Lu Chui Chui is confused about why Lai Luo Zhi has captured her. Lai Luo Zhi has even prepared wedding attire and brought traditional betrothal gifts, wanting to marry Lu Chui Chui. However, Lu Chui Chui states that she is already engaged to Jiang Langxing. Lai Luo Zhi argues that even if they were married, they could still get a divorce. >>read more
Episode 36: Shen Du is Captured by Lai Luo Zhi
In Episode 36, the Empress Dowager wakes suddenly from a nightmare, looking at the portrait of the late Emperor on the wall, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She reflects on her tireless dedication to the Great Cang Kingdom and wonders if her position as a woman in power has caused the late Emperor's discontent, leading to her punishment in the dream. Just then, Xu Wan quietly enters and, noticing the Empress Dowager's troubled expression, gently advises, "Your Majesty, you are still recovering; it would be best to rest early and not add more worries to your illness." >>read more
Episode 37: EP37
In Episode 37, Yan Xing was shocked, feeling as if she had been struck by lightning, unable to understand why Shen Du suddenly wanted to talk about separation.Shen Du sighed and explained that after spending so much time together, he realized they might not be lifelong partners They had initially agreed to a three-month trial, and now that the period was over, separation seemed natural >>read more
Episode 38: Lu Chui Chui and Jiang Langxing Escape the City
Oh boy, this situation is quite convoluted! Luo Zhi left first, giving Lu Chui Chui three days to think about her next steps. Feeling overwhelmed, Lu Chui Chui broke down in tears, clinging to Jiang Langxing. Meanwhile, Yan Xing hadn’t left her room for days, refusing to eat, which had her mother worried sick about her well-being. >>read more
In Episode 39, Lai Luo Zhi has been plotting from the start, showing no fear even when the powerful Empress Dowager intervenes. Many officials in the court look down on him, but Lai Luo Zhi instructs Shen Du to “invite” these dissenters back.However, Shen Du has his own agenda; he doesn’t intend to genuinely align with Lai Luo Zhi but quietly brings his own forces closer. The entire scene, including timing and characters, has been carefully staged by Lai Luo Zhi, with Lai Luo Fu also mingling in, planning to turn against the Empress Dowager. >>read more
Ending 40: Yan Xing and Shen Du's Marriage
As the plot unfolds, Prince Xian (Li Chang-geng) finds himself in a dilemma amid the complex palace intrigues. Chancellor Zhang (Zhang Juzheng) advises him to cease the investigation, warning that it could involve fundamental interests of the state. In response, Empress Dowager Feng directly exposes the key figure in the incident—her nephew, Zhou Miao. This revelation surprises even Chancellor Zhang. >>read more
