Episode 8 recap: 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.
The Empress Dowager has long recognized Yan Xing's talent for solving cases, and seeing her intention, she readily agrees and grants her the authority to investigate. Yan Xing is overjoyed.
As soon as she steps out of the palace, Xu Xiangren approaches her, saying he has made progress in tracing the poison of the "Water Drop Bodhisattva," pointing directly to Rong Zhui, the head of Tongming Bureau. After some discussion, they discover the poison at Rong Zhui’s residence. Rong Zhui is taken away, and the truth starts to emerge. Meanwhile, Shen Du delivers medicine to the third son of the Liang family, and their close friendship is evident. Shen Du reveals that the source of the poison is still unclear, but he learns that Yan Xing has already narrowed it down to Rong Zhui. The Liang third son, surprised, insists he is not involved and urges Shen Du to stay calm.
Rong Zhui eventually confesses to poisoning, revealing she is pregnant and took this dangerous step for self-preservation. It turns out both the Liang father and son are implicated, and to protect the unborn child, the Rong family head sacrificed his eldest son. This shocking twist leaves both Yan Xing and Xu Xiangren stunned. Shen Du seizes the opportunity to interrogate the Liang family head, questioning his motives.
The Liang family head struggles to defend himself but is ultimately exposed by Shen Du for his past grievances. It is revealed that Shen Du's father was falsely accused of colluding with enemies, and the Liang family was involved. Overcome with rage, Shen Du resorts to torture, and the Liang family head finally admits to framing Shen Du's father and divulges more secrets.
Shen Du then enters a secret room, reflecting on his father's refusal to collude with dark forces, which led to his unjust death. He vows to clear his family's name, knowing that the weapons case is a frame-up, and he is determined to gather evidence.
Upon her return from solving the case, Yan Xing celebrates with her colleagues and receives news that her pen pal, Xiao Chichi, is coming to visit. During the celebration, Shen Du unexpectedly appears, becoming jealous and forbidding Yan Xing from getting close to any men, creating an awkward atmosphere.
Shen Du, in a drunken state, tries to drown his sorrows, and Yan Xing ends up taking him home. Outside the city, she orchestrates a "lesson" where drunken Shen Du mistakenly attacks her sister's husband, secretly avenging herself.
Carrying the intoxicated Shen Du home, he vaguely mentions the "Institution of Crime," where their relationship began. Yan Xing reminisces about their shared experiences, feeling a mix of emotions. Shen Du's grateful words towards Xu Wan tighten her chest, and tears well up, but she holds them back. A bruise from a fall becomes a source of guilt for Shen Du the next day, but Yan Xing brushes it off lightly to ease the tension.
Life goes on as usual, and Yan Xing continues to report her work to Minister Zhang. Although her updates are often trivial, Zhang understands her reluctance to engage fully. An unexpected fall at the entrance of the Ministry of Justice leaves Yan Xing feeling frustrated, and she can only manage a bitter smile.
Comments(Episode 8)