Episode 17 recap: 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.
Ji Fangming admits he had his suspicions at the time and decided to test the waters. He notes that when Chen Shoujie heard him mention Jinxiu Fang, he became visibly anxious. Chen Shoujie’s wife, Chen Shi, was a seamstress at Jinxiu Fang and the only survivor of the tragedy. Ji Fangming reveals that he killed Chen Shi, but spared Chen Shoujie, intending to make him suffer.
Yan Xing points out that not only Ji Fangming has been haunted by the case, but so has Chen Shoujie. He shows Ji Fangming a piece of fabric that Chen Shi had hidden in the attic, noting that when he died, he had been looking in the direction of that fabric. Yan Xing wonders why, if they were indeed guilty, they would leave evidence so close by.
Ji Fangming insists it’s impossible and refuses to believe he killed the wrong person. Upon seeing the fabric, Chen Shoujie appears more lucid and acknowledges that they were at fault for the case being mishandled. He admits his regret for not speaking up sooner about the issues they discovered. Ji Fangming is shocked to realize he was manipulated into killing the wrong person, stating that the Jinxiu Fang case was orchestrated by the King to eliminate dissenters.
Shen Du vows to inform the Empress Dowager of these revelations. Lai Luozhi asks Yan Xing if he would consider coming to stay with him, suggesting that a wise bird picks the right tree to nest in, but Yan Xing replies he is not yet ready to change locations. Shen Du discusses the implications of the Jinxiu Fang case, explaining how it affected many people and left a lasting shadow in the hearts of the common folk. The one who used Ji Fangming aimed to draw public attention to the case.
Yan Xing expresses concern that if Shen Du reveals this to the Empress Dowager, he might face repercussions. Shen Du reassures him that the Empress Dowager desires peace for the realm and that Yan Xing need not worry about himself.
Yan Xing brings up Yun Que, questioning why Shen Du still keeps him at the residence if there are doubts about him. Shen Du suggests that Yun Que likely holds more secrets. Yan Xing then asks Pan Chi for help in escorting two people. Pan Chi finds it burdensome but agrees, saying he will accept a big meal in return when he returns.
Pan Chi provides Shen Du with a fan that contains a sleeping powder, capable of incapacitating even a cow with a simple wave. After Yan Xing's nighttime visit to Jinxiu Fang, he encounters strange lights and numerous moth-like jewels outside.
Shen Du instructs his men to keep an eye on Yan Xing to prevent any further incidents. However, Yan Xing accidentally releases the sleeping powder, causing himself to faint. Shen Du, exasperated, carries him back. During court the next day, Shen Du mentions the case, and Lai Luozhi confirms that Chen Huomei is indeed dead, but she had publicly claimed she would return from the dead, which has convinced many commoners otherwise.
The Empress Dowager orders Shen Du to thoroughly investigate the case. The Prince expresses skepticism, believing that sending Shen Du to investigate won't yield any substantial results.
Comments(Episode 17)