Episode 11 recap: # 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.
Yan Xing doesn't respond immediately, and the princess departs. Wu Zhu Shi is quite anxious, while Yan Xing senses something is off. Lu Chui Chui advises her to stay out of it, but she remains determined to uncover the truth.
Next, Zhang Baohuan visits Yan Xing, seemingly to persuade her not to dig further. Wu Zhu Shi grows increasingly nervous, deeming the Ministry of Justice too small for such matters, and advises Yan Xing to avoid trouble. During her meeting with Zhang Baohuan, Yan Xing learns that Han Shiyuan and Yan Caiwei have returned home, but Zhang Baohuan claims she hasn’t seen Han Shiyuan, suspecting that he is deliberately avoiding her. This only deepens Yan Xing's suspicions.
Yan Xing seeks out Yan Caiwei to ask questions, but her sister merely holds her hand gently. Yan Xing is curious about Han Shiyuan's relationship with the princess, but he is reluctant to discuss it. After returning home, Yan Xing learns from her mother that Shen Du has sent many gifts, prompting her mother to caution her to keep an eye on Shen Du.
Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager is listening to music while Shen Du waits outside, mentioning the case of Chen Huo'e. The Empress Dowager agrees to let him take over the investigation.
When Princess Yong'an returns, she hears that Zhang Xiang has taken control of Hongwen Academy. Her younger brother, Xiao Chong, finds her anger amusing. Zhang Xiang advises Xiao Chong to be cautious as he plans to assist Shen Du.
That night, Yan Xing tries to sneak out but is caught by Shen Du. Intrigued by the Chen Huo'e case, she learns from Shen Du that it is a task assigned by the Empress Dowager. Excited, Yan Xing offers to help him prepare ink, hoping to work together on the investigation. While tidying up the room, Shen Du teasingly comments on her efforts, as his injured hand makes tasks difficult.
Yan Xing expresses her willingness to cook, secretly hoping to stay involved in the investigation. She mentions that her cooking methods are akin to preserving a corpse, which immediately diminishes Shen Du's appetite. Unyielding in her desire to participate, Yan Xing eventually persuades Shen Du to let her join, and he gives her a token.
The next day, Yan Xing arrives at the Chen residence, where the housekeeper informs her that Chen Shoujie has gone mad since his wife’s murder, repeatedly mentioning fire and moths. From a high vantage point, Yan Xing discovers items from the Jinxiufang, suspecting they relate to Chen Huo'e. Back at the Ministry of Justice, Wu Zhu Shi, fearing for her safety, reassures her by changing her position. Lu Chui Chui warns her to be cautious. Yan Xing learns that in the third year of the Shengli era, Jinxiufang was implicated in a treason case due to faulty garments meant for Princess Runing, leading to the prince’s suicide, a rift between the princess and the Empress Dowager, and the execution of the entire Jinxiufang family, though the records are unclear and potentially problematic.
Pan Chi prepares for an exam and is invited to dinner by some individuals, only to realize they are Zhang Xiang’s associates trying to win him over, prompting him to refuse. As he leaves, he is captured by men in black, but fortunately, Princess Yong'an's subordinates arrive just in time to rescue them. When Shen Du arrives with his men, they encounter an ambush, leading to a skirmish with hidden weapons. Shen Du relies on his hearing to gauge their positions, ultimately forcing the attackers to retreat.
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