Episode 16 recap: 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.

Shen Du recalls an earlier incident when his mother forced him to write a confession. He refuses, asserting that his father is innocent and he cannot write such a thing. His mother insists that if he doesn't sign the confession, their family will never see justice, and they will have died in vain.

After spending the night researching, Yan Xing meets with Lu Chui Chui, who tells him that he has wrongly accused Shen Du. At the time of Yan Xing's incident, it was Shen Du who rushed to help him and who uncovered the truth at Ming Sheng Temple.

Shen Du learns from his subordinate that there have been numerous rumors about mysterious sects claiming to bring the dead back to life, but no leads can be found. There's also talk about Chen Huo'e being involved in these resurrection claims.

Meanwhile, Yan Xing sees his mother kneeling in worship and quickly pulls her away. Others arrive and start to take away those who were kneeling. Frustrated, Yan Xing tells his mother not to believe in such things and takes away the moth-shaped jade pendant she had.

While researching at the archives, Shen Du discovers that the area is flooded. He sees Yan Xing inside and rushes to help, but fortunately, Yan Xing has already escaped. However, Yan Xing faints, and Shen Du carries him back. When Yan Xing regains consciousness, Shen Du explains that he inhaled some smoke and needs to rest.

Yan Xing apologizes to Shen Du, thanking him for saving him once again. He then notices powder on Shen Du's clothes, which is similar to what was found in the Jin Xiu Fang case—evidence that Shen Du must have bumped into someone earlier.

Yan Xing brings the powder to his master, who explains that it is made from a plant native to the Western regions. He suggests that they should check the ghost market for clues. The master advises Yan Xing that solving a case cannot be rushed and that patience is key.

When Yan Xing visits the historical archives, Lu Chui Chui quickly pulls him out, indicating that while they don't intend to harm him, they are quite distressed. Yan Xing reflects on how he can't sleep here but sleeps soundly at Shen Du's residence—perhaps he's just used to having light around him.

Yan Xing prepares an eye remedy for Shen Du and insists he take it. Just as Yan Xing is about to leave, Shen Du stops him, asking him to stay and eat with him. They go to check on Chen Shoujie, who is tied to a beam with charcoal burning beneath him. Yan Xing comments that this situation resembles what happened with Han Shiyuan and Sanjie.

Suddenly, someone sneaks in and is captured—it turns out to be Ji Fangming. Ji Fangming explains that he needs Yan Xing’s testimony regarding the flooding incident. He had intended to find Yan Xing but happened to see him here.

Then, someone informs Shen Du that someone has been burned to death in the east side of the city. Shen Du and Yan Xing discuss Ji Fangming, and Yan Xing finds him suspicious. While everyone else is merely observing the chaos, Ji Fangming seems focused on their reactions and the flooding incident, possibly intending to destroy evidence to prevent Yan Xing from investigating.

Yan Xing confronts Ji Fangming and deliberately mentions that Chen Shoujie has already confessed. However, the case involves many people, and higher-ups have ordered that it be hushed up, leading to a secret execution of Chen Shoujie. Ji Fangming indeed arrives at the prison, intent on killing Chen Shoujie, but Shen Du and the others capture him. It turns out that Ji Fangming was acquainted with the owner of Jin Xiu Fang, Kong Xianrong. After failing his exams, it was Kong Xianrong who introduced him to Chen Shoujie, allowing him to secure a government position.