Episode Summary
Gu Zhen investigates a burned mansion and uncovers village secrets and feuds, while Kong Rubai and Yu Yue question Liu Tianci's cause of death. A parallel investigation reveals the kidnapping of Song Hou, connected to a past case, and triggering a traumatic flashback for Officer Qin. The episode centers on the mystery surrounding Liu Tianci's death and the long-standing animosity between his family and Liu Tiebin's.
Spoiler Alert
Gu Zhen arrives at an old, beautiful mansion, designated as a provincially protected historical site. The current owner, Liu Tiebin, seems unwelcoming. The villagers are acting strangely, hinting at a hidden secret. Liu Tiebin's house is next to the mansion, and behind that is the home of Liu Tianci. Gu Zhen and his companion pretend to admire the mansion, prompting a conversation with Director Liu about the fire that damaged it. Supposedly, Liu Tianci's kitchen, adjacent to the mansion, caught fire one night, and embers spread, ruining what was intended to be a tourist attraction, with all villagers invested. Gu Zhen notices someone eavesdropping, and Director Liu subtly signals a limping man to leave, implying fear of the director.
Meanwhile, Kong Rubai and Yu Yue are investigating Liu Tianci's death. While the hospital records indicate a brain aneurysm, Yu Yue presents a report given by the villagers. A doctor confirms the two reports are from different people. Liu Tianci's attending physician was Liu Tiebin. After a call from Gu Zhen, Liu Tiebin is immediately summoned, suggesting a breakthrough in determining the true cause of Liu Tianci's death.
In a parallel storyline, Song Hou, who rented a house to Feng Chao years ago, has disappeared. Gu Zhen receives a concerning phone call about it. The kidnapper is revealed to be Teacher Wang. The police locate the rental house and discover a basement where Song Hou is imprisoned in a cage, screaming. The scene triggers a traumatic flashback for Officer Qin, who was once kidnapped and caged by Feng Chao, before being rescued by Gu Zhen. Song Hou's tongue has been cut out, rendering him unable to answer any questions. Gu Zhen's investigation into a license plate leads him to a repair shop owner, whose car is often borrowed by customers. However, the owner doesn't know who drove the car on the night in question.
The village elders reveal that Liu Tianci was considered a menace to the community. He was a troublemaker from a young age, and after his parents left due to his gambling debts, he became even more unrestrained. Liu Tiebin has an older brother, Liu Tiezhu, who is mentally impaired. The family spent a large sum to find a bride for Liu Tiezhu, but on the wedding day, it was discovered that Liu Tianci had slept with the bride. Liu Tiezhu went insane and was sent to a mental hospital. The two families had many feuds. Later, when Liu Tiebin's house was considered for a tourism project, Liu Tianci demanded a share, but the village refused. The fire then occurred, destroying the mansion, and Liu Tiebin's mother died from shock after an argument with Liu Tianci. This is considered a form of matricide by Liu Tianci.
Liu Tiebin is questioned but denies murdering Liu Tianci.
