Episode 9 recap: Episode 9
In Episode 9, Yan Xing has just settled down when she notices that Wu, the steward, is also injured. She is preoccupied with the fact that today was supposed to be her meeting with Xiao Chi Chi, prompting her to rush off to the appointment On her way, she sees Lu Chui Chui accompanied by Jiang Langxing Rumor has it that Lu Chui Chui intended to use money to redeem Jiang Langxing, but he politely declined, stating that he has enough money already
Jiang Langxing remembers a kind-hearted girl who once gave him a gold bar when he was down on his luck, a kindness he has never forgotten.
As Yan Xing eagerly anticipates her meeting with Xiao Chi Chi, the steward suddenly interrupts her with news that her father is ill. Anxious, Yan Xing hurriedly leaves a note and rushes home. When Pan Chi arrives, he finds only the lonely note. Yan Xing runs back home, only to discover that her father is perfectly fine; it turns out this was all a setup by Zhang Xiang to lure her back.
Yan Xing sees through Zhang Xiang's intentions and firmly states that she is unable to uncover Shen Du's secrets and can only confront her guilt. Zhang Xiang hints that there may be hidden dangers around her and mentions that Shen Du is the last threat from the Shen family.
Meanwhile, Shen Du is deeply engrossed in paperwork. Upon learning that Yan Xing and Zhang Xiang have returned home, he realizes that Zhang Xiang has already taken action. He instructs Jing Lin to guard the door while he enters a secret chamber, lost in thought about the past.
He recalls the painful decision he made to report his father for treason, a choice he loathed but felt compelled to make in hopes of clearing his father's name. Now, his only desire is to find the letter that could prove his father's innocence.
As night falls, Yan Xing struggles to sleep, and Shen Du stands silently behind her gauzy curtain before finally sitting by her bed. Yan Xing's mind is flooded with Zhang Xiang's remarks about Shen Du, and in her dreams, she sees Shen Du covered in blood, waking in terror.
The next morning, Yan Xing seems distracted during breakfast; even her favorite porridge tastes overly sweet to her. She questions whether Shen Du is truly as picky as people say, and in frustration, she leaves the table. In reality, Shen Du's critical attitude and arguments are all part of a deliberate act to create the illusion of chaos within the Shen family.
Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager has ordered an open examination for family matters, a process that should not be underestimated. Zhang Xiang recommends Xiao Chong for the responsibility, but Princess Yong'an opposes this, strongly advocating for Shen Du instead.
Zhang Xiang naturally objects, arguing that Shen Du's family matters are not yet resolved, while the Empress Dowager insists that further consideration is needed. As Yan Xing leaves the Shen residence, she senses something unusual and discovers her long-lost third sister, Yan Caiwei, hiding outside. Yan Caiwei, unable to return home for personal reasons, has been seeking refuge outside the Shen residence.
Yan Xing brings her sister back, and when Concubine Jiang sees her daughter has returned, she feels both heartbroken and relieved. She mentions the rumors circulating that Yan Xing is being bullied by Shen Du. At this moment, Fifth Brother returns home drunk and, amid his ramblings, mentions Shen Du's visit.
Shen Du's arrival catches Yan Xing off guard, and Yan Caiwei steps up, willing to take full responsibility for any mistakes. However, Shen Du insists on taking the two sisters, along with Fifth Brother, who has been stirring up trouble. Yan Kuo sees this and becomes furious. Shen Du takes the sisters aside to ask about Yan Caiwei's love interest, Han Shiyuan, who is under suspicion due to a scholar's murder case. Yan Caiwei firmly believes in Han Shiyuan's innocence but is unaware of his whereabouts.
Yan Xing takes the initiative to examine the body and discovers fragments of Han Shiyuan's clothing at the crime scene. She, along with Shen Du and the others, heads to Hongwen Pavilion to search for clues. Jing Lin initially takes a hardline approach, but it yields little result. Instead, Yan Xing carefully inquires and gradually pieces together Han Shiyuan's whereabouts.
Back home, Yan Xing analyzes everyone's statements and notices that the overly perfect descriptions seem suspicious, raising concerns that the evidence may have been tampered with. In a hurry, she hands the evidence to Shen Du for review. As he takes it, they find themselves sitting together on the same bed, and the atmosphere becomes tense.
Later, while strolling through the streets, Yan Xing is moved by a scene from a shadow play. At that moment, Pan Chi appears, using his skills to reveal the truth behind the performance and warning the public not to be deceived. Yan Xing is intrigued by the magic and engages in a lively conversation with Pan Chi. Excitedly, she tells Shen Du that she has found proof of Han Shiyuan's innocence and plans to head to Hongwen Pavilion that night to uncover the truth and identify the real culprit.
Comments(Episode 9)