Episode Summary
Nan Fengyi and Meng Xizhou attempt to exonerate Nan Sixu by examining Wang Niangzi's body, discovering evidence of a struggle. They face obstacles from the new minister, Guo Ji, who stops their assistance and eventually arrests Nan Fengyi on false charges related to his ancestry and a mysterious document. A risky medical procedure is used to cure Nan Sixu. Although Nan Sixu is proven innocent, Nan Fengyi is still imprisoned. The episode ends with a mysterious outbreak of "monsters" in the city, which are later identified as humans.
Spoiler Alert
In Episode 15, Nan Fengyi and Meng Xizhou are determined to clear Nan Sixu's name, and they both believe an autopsy is key. Huo Ting helps them by distracting the coroner, allowing them access to the morgue. They have to hurry because the coroner is only away for lunch. Examining the body of Wang Niangzi, Nan Fengyi observes scratch marks on her neck. Huo Ting agrees, suggesting a violent struggle before her death. Meng Xizhou notes that Wang Niangzi died with a smile, but her eyes reveal fear. Nan Fengyi explains the smile as a result of post-mortem facial muscle tightening.
Nan Fengyi suspects Wang Niangzi died of fright, just as the new coroner, Pei Rong, walks in. She explains that since Hui Fang's death, she's struggled to find work and is relying on the skills she learned from him. Nan Fengyi mentions the monthly stipend from the Ministry of Justice, but Huo Xiao reveals that the new minister, Guo Ji, discontinued it, claiming it was against regulations. Guo Ji then arrives, furious that Nan Fengyi and Meng Xizhou are in the morgue, and threatens to arrest them. Pei Rong and Huo Xiao plead on their behalf.
Huo Ting advises Nan Fengyi to avoid further contact for their safety. Meng Xizhou is about to object, but Nan Fengyi pulls her away. Before leaving, Nan Fengyi asks Huo Xiao to look after Nan Sixu. Back at the Nan family umbrella shop, Meng Xizhou criticizes those at the Ministry of Justice for distancing themselves from Nan Fengyi after he was so helpful to them. Nan Fengyi defends Huo Xiao and Huo Ting, explaining their difficult situations, including their mother's illness and Pei Rong's struggles. Suddenly, Meng Xizhou feels a sharp pain in her eyes and faints. Nan Fengyi carries her to bed. Renguang reappears, offering a way to save Nan Sixu.
Renguang suggests using the risky "Thirteen Needles" technique. However he warns of the extreme danger: a single mistake can cause instant death for both the patient and the practitioner. Meng Xizhou admits she lacks the medical expertise for such a procedure. Renguang proposes temporarily possessing her body to treat Nan Sixu. Meng Xizhou hesitates, but clarifies that she trusts Renguang, who has been a mentor and friend since childhood. Renguang then enters Meng Xizhou's body and uses the needle technique on Nan Sixu in prison. Afterward, Meng Xizhou regains control, hopeful that Nan Sixu is cured, and plans to tell Nan Fengyi.
However, she finds Huo Xiao instead, who is questioned by Meng Xizhou due to the recent distancing. Huo Xiao reveals that Guo Ji has ordered Nan Fengyi's arrest. Meng Xizhou accuses Huo Xiao of planning to betray her too, but he insists he promised Nan Fengyi to let her escape. Meanwhile, Guo Ji confronts Nan Fengyi, accusing him of being Nan Sixu's accomplice. He argues that the frail Nan Sixu couldn't have possibly murdered Wang Niangzi and Chen Sanlang, who ran a martial arts school. Nan Fengyi denies the accusations, but Guo Ji is ready to use torture. Meng Xizhou arrives, announcing Nan Sixu's recovery.
Nan Sixu testifies that he confessed his feelings to Wang Niangzi, but she rejected him. He then witnessed her with Chen Sanlang, and upon intervening, saw Chen Sanlang transform into a monster, scaring Wang Niangzi to death. Guo Ji dismisses the story until Du Yuelian brings the "monster," proving Nan Sixu's account. Despite this, Guo Ji still intends to imprison Nan Fengyi, revealing his motive: Nan Fengyi's identity as Bai Ze's descendant, Bai Zeyi, and his connection to the Shan Hai Tu. Meng Xizhou protests, but Nan Fengyi tells her it's useless to argue against trumped-up charges. Soon after, many "monsters" appear in Chang'le City. Du Yuelian investigates, and Meng Xizhou realizes they are not monsters, but humans.
