Episode Summary
Magistrate Taikang dies mysteriously in prison, prompting Xu Qi'an to investigate with the help of a coroner and Caiwei. The death is suspected to be the work of a Sorcerer God Master. Xu Qi'an seeks help from the Tian Di Society group, leveraging a past favor with Number Two to investigate Zhou Chixiong in Yunzhou. He reports to Wei Yuan, who advises him to look into Zhou Chixiong's background and provides a dossier. Wei Yuan reveals he had a plan to fake Xu Qi'an's execution. Xu Qi'an faces rumors in the palace and finally realizes he's been misled by Princess Lin'an, while the Grand Princess (Huaiqing) questions him about the case.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with a major crisis: the key suspect, Magistrate Taikang, is found dead in his cell. The officials in charge of his custody are terrified, but Xu Qi'an, while concerned, focuses on the immediate task – determining the cause of death. He has Caiwei use her powers to "observe the qi," and she reveals that Magistrate Taikang died in his sleep. This is highly unusual, and Xu Qi'an asks the coroner if he's ever seen a killing method like this. The coroner suggests the involvement of a Sorcerer God Master. Li Yuchun recognizes the name, recalling that many soldiers in Yunzhou died similarly – without visible wounds, peacefully, and silently. This method of killing is baffling to Li Yuchun, accustomed as he is to the "hard skills" of the Watchmen (Night Watchmen). How can they fight an enemy that is invisible and leaves no trace? Xu Qi'an believes the key is to immediately capture Zhou Chixiong, and he prepares to head to Yunzhou.
Knowing that Yunzhou is unfamiliar territory and rife with bandits, Xu Qi'an seeks help from the Tian Di Society (Heaven and Earth Society) group chat. Member Number One immediately asks Number Two to investigate Zhou Chixiong, but Number Two refuses, stating that Number One is a member of the imperial court and she won't help the palace.
Xu Qi'an realizes that Number Two is likely from Yunzhou. Since they are all members of Tian Di Society, they should be capable. Remembering that Number Two previously asked him to help Hengyuan, Xu Qi'an uses that prior agreement to persuade Number Two to investigate Zhou Chixiong, considering their debts now settled. Number Two agrees.
While waiting for Number Two's findings, Xu Qi'an visits Wei Yuan. This time, Xu Qi'an is much more formal, stopping three meters away and bowing respectfully before reporting his progress.
Wei Yuan, aware that Xu Qi'an previously reported directly to Emperor Jing, notes Xu Qi'an's newfound caution, likely stemming from the previous sentence of being cut in half at the waist. Wei Yuan, unfazed, listens to the report and advises Xu Qi'an to investigate Zhou Chixiong's background. He points out that a mere seventh-rank official shouldn't have been able to escape so easily, and the fact that the Watchmen are still clueless suggests the use of a magical artifact that conceals one's presence. Wei Yuan suggests Xu Qi'an consult with the Grand Princess for information. He then provides Xu Qi'an with a dossier on Zhou Chixiong's background, revealing that Wei Yuan had already begun his own investigation. Xu Qi'an realizes that Wei Yuan has been secretly helping him all along, even finding a way for him to escape his sentence.
Wei Yuan gives Xu Qi'an a ride back to the palace in his carriage. He reveals that he had planned to fake Xu Qi'an's execution and have him continue the investigation undercover. He asks if Xu Qi'an would have minded, but Xu Qi'an, confident in his ability to solve the case, says he wouldn't mind as long as he survived, but he also doesn't want to live a life of suppression. Wei Yuan, seeing Xu Qi'an's renewed confidence, advises him to remain calm at crucial moments. He explains that while Xu Qi'an is adaptable, "water that is too clear has no fish," and that the deeply rooted corruption within the court and the Watchmen cannot be eradicated quickly.
Entering the palace for the first time, Xu Qi'an notices many palace staff whispering and giggling about him, and he overhears rumors of him being the Grand Princess's "mianshou" (male favorite). He is surprised, initially believing that Princess Lin'an spread these rumors to recruit him. He is unaware that he has been interacting with Huaiqing, not Lin'an. Worried that the Grand Princess might believe the rumors, he rushes to explain himself.
At a poetry gathering attended by Huaiqing, Lin'an, and several princes, Lin'an panics upon seeing Xu Qi'an and orders her maid to send him away. Confused, Xu Qi'an is escorted out, but the Grand Princess, noticing Lin'an's flustered behavior and unaware of the truth, orders him brought back.
Xu Qi'an finally realizes he's been tricked by Lin'an. He had just publicly declared his loyalty to Princess Lin'an, causing much amusement. Fortunately, the Grand Princess (Huaiqing) doesn't dwell on it and instead asks about his progress in the investigation.
