Episode 31 recap: 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
Yan Xing asks Shen Du how many people will be implicated, and Shen Du replies that it could shake the entire court. Xu Wan arrives to give Lai Luo Zhi an order from the Empress Dowager, who advises Lai Luo Zhi to be cautious and avoid any mistakes. Lai Luo Zhi drinks tea alone and crushes the cup in his hand.
The Prince and Minister Zhang discuss the matter, expressing surprise that Shen Du, known for his cold demeanor, has shown genuine emotion by refusing the Empress Dowager's marriage proposal. Minister Zhang notes that the Empress Dowager hasn't summoned Shen Du recently and has sent many maids to Lai Luo Zhi, suggesting she intends to elevate Lai Luo Zhi's status.
The Prince feels that court affairs are more complicated than they appear. Meanwhile, the Holy Maiden Su Guang arrives with Pan Chi to see Lan Bo, who is skeptical about the men from Da Cang. Su Guang insists that Pan Chi is trustworthy, and they are looking for someone specific. Lan Bo tells them about Dais, the Holy Maiden who vowed to sever all attachments in her life for the Jin Wu tribe. However, Dais fell deeply in love after meeting a man who taught her the characters of Da Cang.
This man learned quickly and asked Dais to return with him, to which she agreed. Since that day, Dais has been missing. Lan Bo initially believed Dais would be happy with him but later found her in a weakened state. Dais confesses that she was foolish, revealing that the man was only after her tribe's secret techniques, which she had already shared with him. Lan Bo recalls that Dais had encountered this man before, who had used fire techniques to burn down a warehouse, but she disagreed with him.
Pan Chi shows Lan Bo several portraits, asking if he recognizes anyone. Upon seeing the mole on Lai Luo Zhi's face, Lan Bo realizes that this man is indeed Lai Luo Zhi. Lai Luo Zhi has reported Shen Tan for bribery and has had him arrested. Shen Du questions whether there might be some misunderstanding, as they received a lot of help from Shen Tan during their recent mission to Gannan.
The two argue until the Empress Dowager commands them to be silent. Lu Chui Chui thanks Yan Xing, noting that despite being in charge, he still helps organize documents for him. Wu Zhu Shi arrives and informs Yan Xing of recent developments regarding Lai Luo Zhi, which Yan Xing was completely unaware of. Wu Zhu Shi remarks that other women are skilled at gathering information for their husbands, while Yan Xing seems only focused on paperwork and the morgue. Yan Xing explains that he can't be Shen Du but aims not to complicate matters further.
Xu Xiang Ren arrives at the Ministry of Justice to discuss Shen Tan's situation, mentioning that the Dali Temple has transferred the case to their office. Wu Zhu Shi becomes anxious and quickly leaves, appearing to have a headache. Although Yan Xing offers to help, Xu Xiang Ren recognizes that Yan Xing's position makes this difficult and does not insist. Nonetheless, Yan Xing feels he cannot ignore Shen Tan, who had helped them significantly in the past.
Yan Xing and Xu Xiang Ren go to see Shen Tan, who urges them to leave and not get involved.
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