Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing returns from the capital with specialty goods, greeted by Xuan Yu (in Sun Erniang's body) at the Corpse Driver's Shop.
• Xu Qing discovers a room filled with corpses, managed by Xuan Yu in his absence.
• Xu Qing visits acquaintances, gifting them wine bugs in water jars.
• Xu Qing listens to Guo Dongyang's storytelling at Fulilai Teahouse, learning about the Mysterious Woman Temple and a stele erected outside its ruins.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Shows concern for his acquaintances, visits them, and gifts them items. He also shows interest in the Mysterious Woman Temple and the stele.
• Xuan Yu: Demonstrates competence in managing the Corpse Driver's Shop in Xu Qing's absence, accumulating a large number of corpses.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Truth: Guo Dongyang's story about the Mysterious Woman Temple and the stele raises questions about the authenticity of the events and the true purpose behind them. Xu Qing's acquisition of the Art of Deception and his thoughts on the Ma Men sect further emphasize the theme of deception and its consequences.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Xuan Yu: Their interaction shows a growing camaraderie and mutual respect, with Xuan Yu proving to be a capable assistant to Xu Qing.
• Xu Qing and Guo Dongyang: Xu Qing listens to Guo Dongyang's storytelling, showing interest in the events related to the Mysterious Woman Temple.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing discovers a female corpse in his Pocket Dimension, which turns out to be the Empress from the imperial mausoleum he sealed.
• The Empress, Duān Róng, had an unusual 'corpse fragrance' and was soft to the touch, hinting at a hidden secret.
• Xu Qing activates the Duren Sutra, revealing the Empress's life story and the cause of her death.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Shows curiosity and excitement upon discovering the Empress's corpse and its unusual features.
• Duān Róng (Empress): Initially ambitious and cunning, she uses a fox spirit's help to become the Emperor's favorite consort. However, her greed for power leads to her downfall.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and its consequences: Duān Róng's ambition leads her to manipulate the Emperor and ultimately causes her demise.
• The power of fate: Despite her efforts, Duān Róng's fate as the Empress is sealed, and she cannot escape it.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and the Empress: Xu Qing interacts with the Empress's corpse, intrigued by its unusual features and the story revealed by the Duren Sutra.
• Duān Róng and the Green-furred Fox: The Empress interacts with the fox spirit, who helps her achieve her ambition but warns her of the consequences.
• Duān Róng and the Emperor: The Empress uses her charms to attract the Emperor's favor, eventually becoming his favorite consort. However, her actions lead to her downfall.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing obtains a Heavenly Fragrance Pill and a Nightmare Sealing technique from Consort Xiang's corpse.
• He discovers that Empress Duanrong's corpse was preserved using a sealing object, a nail and Coptis chinensis root, preventing her from crying injustice in the underworld.
• Xu Qing takes the Heavenly Fragrance Pill himself to please Xuan Yu, who dislikes the smell of powders he uses to mask his corpse scent.
• Xuan Yu reveals that the lazy white worm has become the Gu King in the Thousand Insect Gu Jar.
• Xu Qing goes about his daily activities, and birds on Flower and Bird Street start gossiping about fake antiques in the city.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: He becomes more considerate towards Xuan Yu's preferences, taking the Heavenly Fragrance Pill to please the cat. He also shows concern for the birds on Flower and Bird Street, indicating his growing attachment to his new life.
• Xuan Yu: The cat displays intelligence and cunning, tricking Xu Qing into taking the Heavenly Fragrance Pill. It also shows affection towards the lazy white worm, which has become the Gu King.
• The birds on Flower and Bird Street: They collectively reveal their ability to mimic human speech and gossip about fake antiques in the city, suggesting they have been observing and learning from the humans around them.

Significant Themes

• The theme of deception and manipulation is evident in the Green-furred Fox's orchestration of Consort Xiang's rise and fall, as well as Xu Qing's attempt to trick Xuan Yu into taking the Heavenly Fragrance Pill.
• The theme of appearance versus reality is highlighted by the birds' revelations about fake antiques in the city, as well as Xu Qing's use of powders to mask his corpse scent.
• The theme of attachment and affection is shown through Xu Qing's growing concern for the birds on Flower and Bird Street, as well as Xuan Yu's affection towards the lazy white worm.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Xuan Yu: Their relationship continues to develop, with Xu Qing showing more consideration for the cat's preferences, and Xuan Yu displaying affection towards the lazy white worm.
• Xu Qing and the birds on Flower and Bird Street: Xu Qing shows concern for the birds, and they, in turn, reveal their ability to mimic human speech and gossip, indicating a growing bond between them.
• The birds on Flower and Bird Street and the humans in the city: The birds' revelations about fake antiques in the city suggest a level of interaction and observation between them and the humans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Second Master Feng hosts an appreciation gathering, where Xu Qing exposes the paintings as fakes, causing Second Master Feng to feel embarrassed.
• Xu Qing gives Second Master Feng a Rejuvenation Powder as a joke.
• A young girl, Wang Liang's younger sister, seeks Xu Qing's help for her grandmother's burial, revealing that Wang Liang has been missing for over a year.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Shows his expertise in painting appraisal and his kindness by helping Wang Liang's younger sister.
• Second Master Feng: Reveals his loneliness and desire for companionship, hinting at his mortality.
• Wang Liang's younger sister: Shows resilience and determination in caring for her grandmother and seeking help.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs. Reality: The paintings are praised as masterpieces but are later revealed to be fakes, highlighting the theme of not being deceived by appearances.
• Loneliness and Companionship: Second Master Feng's loneliness and Wang Liang's younger sister's resilience emphasize the importance of companionship and family.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Second Master Feng: Xu Qing exposes the paintings as fakes, causing Second Master Feng to feel embarrassed, but they maintain their friendly relationship.
• Xu Qing and Wang Liang's younger sister: Xu Qing agrees to help with her grandmother's burial, showing his kindness and willingness to help those in need.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing, the Grand Sect Leader of the Cat Immortal Hall, picks up a corpse (Old Madam Wang) from a small temple, encountering the Taian Escort Agency along the way.
• Xu Qing discovers, through the old lady's spirit lantern, that her grandson was taken by Young Master Zhu, and her home was later threatened by a eunuch from the Imperial Household Department.
• Xu Qing decides to "escort" a living zombie, Lou Xiaowu, by driving him into a coffin, using Ghoul Generals to confront Lou at the brokerage.
• Lou Xiaowu, unable to defeat the Ghoul Generals, flees towards the Capital City.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing demonstrates professionalism and respect for the deceased, showing empathy towards the old lady and her family.
• Lou Xiaowu reveals his cowardice and lack of loyalty, abandoning his companions to save himself.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between Xu Qing's respect for the dead and Lou Xiaowu's disregard for life and loyalty.
• The power dynamics between the Imperial Household Department and the local brokerage, and the vulnerability of the latter.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and the Taian Escort Agency have a tense but ultimately peaceful encounter, with Xie Yunyan recognizing Xu Qing and allowing him to pass.
• Xu Qing's interaction with Lou Xiaowu is one-sided, as Lou flees without facing Xu Qing directly.
• Xu Qing shows empathy and care towards Younger Sister Wang, providing her with prayer beads and guidance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lau Gonggong's funeral procession passes through the city gate, causing fear among the guards and civilians.
• Xu Qing reads Eunuch Lau's spirit lantern, revealing his life story and martial arts techniques.
• Xu Qing introduces pre-sale funeral packages for the elderly and widowed, including regular home visits and festival care.
• Wang Yue'e's grandmother is buried in the western cemetery, and Yue'e moves to live with Zhang Wan at the Funeral Clothes Shop.
• An old watchman becomes the first to sign up for the pre-sale funeral package.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Shows compassion towards the elderly and widowed, expanding his business to include pre-sale funeral services and regular home visits.
• Wang Yue'e: Grows more independent, understanding the importance of filial piety and responsibility towards her family's remains.
• Cheng Caiyun: Reveals her disinterest in remarriage, hinting at a past tragedy.

Significant Themes

• Filial piety and responsibility towards the elderly and deceased.
• The importance of community care and support for the vulnerable.
• The consequences of past actions and regrets.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing interacts with various clients, including the old watchman and Cheng Caiyun, demonstrating his business acumen and compassion.
• Wang Yue'e interacts with Xu Qing, showing trust and dependence on him.
• Cheng Caiyun interacts with Xu Qing, expressing her disdain for remarriage and hinting at her past.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Neighbors on Jingxia Street have been experiencing strange nightmares about a white-haired, monstrous insect that gnaws on things in their dreams.
• They decide to seek help from a local expert, but Boss Cheng suggests Shopkeeper Xu from the Corpse Driver's Shop instead.
• Xu Qing, the shopkeeper, is revealed to be a Crouching Corpse, a type of zombie. He discovers that the white worm Xuan Yu is raising is the cause of the neighbors' nightmares.
• Shang Shaoyang, a white-clothed swordsman, visits the Corpse Driver's Shop to arrange a funeral for a woman named Yu Qiulan, who committed suicide after being rescued by him.
• Xu Qing prepares Yu Qiulan's body for burial and reads her spirit lantern, learning about her tragic life story. He finds that her final reward is a Rice Bowl of a Peck, a Human-grade Upper tier Magic Treasure.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: He is revealed to be a Crouching Corpse, showing his ability to communicate with insects and his knowledge of Gu worms. He also displays empathy and understanding towards Yu Qiulan's tragic life.
• Xuan Yu: The cat's role is minimal in this chapter, but he shows concern for the white worm's behavior and helps Xu Qing interrogate it.
• Shang Shaoyang: He is introduced as a direct descendant of the Qianxi Shang Family, displaying arrogance and disregard for the law. He shows kindness towards Yu Qiulan but is unable to prevent her suicide.
• Yu Qiulan: Her tragic life story is revealed through her spirit lantern. Despite her suffering, she maintains a strong will to survive until the end.

Significant Themes

• The fragility of life and the struggles of the common people.
• The consequences of one's actions and the interconnectedness of fate.
• The power of destiny and the inevitability of calamities.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and the neighbors: They consult him about their nightmares, and he agrees to help.
• Xu Qing and Shang Shaoyang: They meet again, and Shang Shaoyang asks Xu Qing to arrange a funeral for Yu Qiulan.
• Xu Qing and Xuan Yu: They work together to interrogate the white worm and educate it about its behavior.
• Xu Qing and Yu Qiulan (through her spirit lantern): Xu Qing learns about her life story and feels empathy for her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing discovers the Rice Bowl of a Peck's abilities: it can accumulate and distribute grain to people, gaining Faith and Wish bonuses, and improve its rank. It also has the potential to suppress yin and evil.
• Liao Jinzhong and Feng Dehai discuss the deaths of their godson and Long Engui in Jinmen, suspecting a connection to King Changting's old subordinates or the Prince's Mansion.
• Xu Qing buys grains and flour with money given by Shang Shaoyang to help those in need.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Shows his compassion and generosity by using the money to buy grain for the needy.
• Liao Jinzhong: Reveals his desire for revenge and his belief in his martial prowess.
• Feng Dehai: Shows his cunning and manipulative nature, agreeing to work with Liao Jinzhong but harboring his own suspicions.

Significant Themes

• The power of faith and belief, as seen in the Rice Bowl of a Peck's abilities.
• The consequences of greed and ambition, as seen in the deaths of Lou Xiaowu and Long Engui.
• The importance of compassion and generosity, as seen in Xu Qing's actions.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Shang Shaoyang: They interact briefly, with Shang Shaoyang challenging Xu Qing's generosity and Xu Qing admiring Shang Shaoyang's righteousness.
• Liao Jinzhong and Feng Dehai: They exchange barbs and suspicions, ultimately agreeing to work together to find the killer behind their godson's deaths.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing performs welcoming rituals for a new tenant in the graveyard.
• He moves the Wang Couple's graves and finds the lame old man's body.
• Xu Qing learns battlefield combat martial skills from the old soldier's memories.
• Xu Qing and Shang Shaoyang discuss the existence of ghosts and monsters.
• Xu Qing distributes relief grain to refugees, using his zombie abilities to increase efficiency.
• Shang Shaoyang helps with the relief effort and decides to accompany Xu Qing to Flower and Bird Street at night.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Shows kindness and care for the refugees, demonstrating his zombie abilities subtly. He also expresses his fearlessness towards death and ghosts.
• Shang Shaoyang: Initially curious and skeptical about ghosts, he becomes more open-minded after interacting with Xu Qing. He also shows a willingness to help and face his fears.

Significant Themes

• Fear of the Unknown: Both Xu Qing and Shang Shaoyang confront their fears, with Xu Qing being fearless due to his zombie nature, and Shang Shaoyang overcoming his fear to accompany Xu Qing.
• Kindness and Compassion: Xu Qing's actions in distributing relief grain show his compassion towards the suffering people, highlighting the theme of kindness and benevolence.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Shang Shaoyang: Their interactions lead to a mutual understanding and respect, with Shang Shaoyang learning from Xu Qing's fearlessness and Xu Qing appreciating Shang Shaoyang's willingness to help and face his fears.
• Xu Qing and the yamen officials: Xu Qing interacts with Steward Tang and Captain Zhao, showing his indifference to their attempts to flatter or provoke him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Young Master Shang, a wealthy and adventurous young man, visits the Corpse Driver's Shop, where Xu Qing, the shopkeeper, tries to sell him a burial plot.
• Xu Qing, using his expertise in feng shui and understanding of human nature, convinces Shang Shaoyang to buy a burial plot on Wujiu Slope.
• They later visit Second Master Feng's residence to deal with a ghost that exposes fake items. Xu Qing creates a fake painting to lure the ghost.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: He demonstrates his salesmanship and knowledge of feng shui, showing his adaptability and resourcefulness. He also displays a sense of responsibility towards his customers, ensuring they make informed decisions.
• Shang Shaoyang: He shows curiosity and a lack of fear towards death and the supernatural, leading him to buy a burial plot decades in advance. He also displays a sense of adventure, following Xu Qing to confront the ghost.

Significant Themes

• Death and Burial: The chapter explores the cultural and practical aspects of death and burial in ancient China, with Xu Qing's shop catering to these needs.
• Supernatural Elements: The ghost that exposes fakes adds a layer of mystery and suspense to the story, challenging the characters' beliefs and courage.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Shang Shaoyang: Their interaction is marked by Xu Qing's attempts to sell Shang Shaoyang a burial plot and Shang Shaoyang's curiosity and excitement about the supernatural. They form an unlikely partnership to deal with the ghost.
• Xu Qing and Second Master Feng: Their friendship is based on mutual respect and assistance. Second Master Feng seeks Xu Qing's help with the ghost problem, and Xu Qing agrees without hesitation.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Shang Shaoyang is startled by a ghost in the night, who accuses him of having a fake jade pendant.
• Xu Qing, a ghost-catcher, intervenes and subdues the headless corpse ghost.
• They return to Second Master Feng's house, where Xu Qing subdues the ghost and leaves.

Character Developments

• Shang Shaoyang: Shows bravery and recklessness, but also naivety and lack of guile.
• Xu Qing: Proves his ghost-catching skills, remains mysterious and evasive about his background.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between the living and the dead.
• The consequences of deception and trickery.
• The power dynamics between the rich and the common people.

Character Interactions

• Shang Shaoyang and Xu Qing: Despite their differences, they form a temporary alliance against the ghost.
• Shang Shaoyang and Feng Erye: The latter questions Shang Shaoyang about the ghost encounter.
• Xu Qing and Feng Erye: Xu Qing gives Feng Erye a meaningful look before leaving.

Backstory of the Headless Corpse Ghost (Wang Xiaobanxian)

• A street magician who performs an illusion of severing his head.
• He is warned by a female diviner about the consequences of his deception.
• He encounters a man selling fake calligraphy, which ultimately leads to his demise.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Daqian, a master forger, is arrested and sentenced to death due to the severity of his crimes.
• He implicates Wang Xiaobanxian, a street performer, as his accomplice to save himself.
• Both are sentenced to death, and they meet on the execution ground.
• Wang Xiaobanxian learns the truth about why Jiang Daqian framed him: he had exposed one of Jiang's forged paintings years ago.
• Xu Qing, the narrator, witnesses Wang Xiaobanxian's beheading and gains the Head-Severing Immortality Technique from his vengeful spirit.

Character Developments

• Jiang Daqian: From a confident forger to a desperate man seeking to save his life by implicating others.
• Wang Xiaobanxian: From a meddling, carefree performer to a confused and resentful man facing unjust execution.
• Xu Qing: Gains a new technique and reflects on the consequences of meddling in others' affairs.

Significant Themes

• Consequences of meddling in others' business.
• Justice and injustice in the legal system.
• The power of resentment and vengeful spirits.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Daqian and Wang Xiaobanxian: Enemies due to Wang's past interference in Jiang's business. Their interaction on the execution ground reveals the truth and leads to Wang's regret and resentment.
• Xu Qing and Wang Xiaobanxian: Xu Qing witnesses Wang's death and gains his technique, reflecting on Wang's fate as a cautionary tale.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing finds Xiu Niang, a ghost he raised, in distress as her head falls off after practicing a cultivation technique he taught her.
• Xu Qing reveals the true nature of the technique, the Head-Severing Immortality Technique, and teaches Xiu Niang how to reattach her head.
• Xu Qing explains the technique's benefits and convinces Xiu Niang to continue practicing.
• Xu Qing leaves to meet Second Master Feng, who is distressed about a missing guest, Shang Shaoyang, who might have been taken by a headless ghoul.
• Xu Qing discovers that Second Master Feng has been secretly meeting a woman and using the ghoul incident as an excuse for his poor health.

Character Developments

• Xiu Niang: Becomes more aware of her ghostly nature and the dangers of cultivation, but remains trusting of Xu Qing.
• Xu Qing: Shows concern for Xiu Niang's well-being and understanding of her fears, but also manipulates her for his own purposes.
• Second Master Feng: Reveals his secret affair and uses the ghoul incident to cover up his exhaustion from it.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and Trust: Xu Qing manipulates Xiu Niang's trust in him to make her continue practicing a dangerous technique. Second Master Feng manipulates his friend's concern to hide his affair.
• Appearance vs. Reality: Both Xiu Niang and Second Master Feng initially believe in false appearances (Xiu Niang's human-like form, Second Master Feng's innocent demeanor) before the truth is revealed.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Xiu Niang: Xu Qing comforts and guides Xiu Niang through her fear, using a mix of truth and lies to keep her practicing.
• Xu Qing and Second Master Feng: Xu Qing discovers Second Master Feng's secret affair and understands the real reason behind his poor health.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Yong (formerly Zhu Huai'an), exiled to the Northern Territory, meets Li Zheng, a former official who recognizes his potential and offers four strategies to help him take the world.
• Li Zheng's strategies involve spreading prophecies, sowing discord among the enemy, winning over noble families, and accumulating resources while hiding one's ambition.
• In Linjiang County, the new County Magistrate's wife gives birth to a son, and the Mirroring Department arrives to investigate a case.
• Xu Qing discovers a strange blood-red incense leading to a newly built temple outside the city, dedicated to a 'Mother of Life Goddess' with a longevity tablet for him.

Character Developments

• Zhu Yong: Realizes his potential and the Mandate of Heaven, considers Li Zheng's strategies to take the world.
• Li Zheng: Recognizes Zhu Yong's potential, offers four strategies to help him, shows political acumen and foresight.
• Xu Qing: Discovers a temple built in his honor, feels a strange connection, and investigates its source.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power struggle: Zhu Yong's potential and Li Zheng's strategies highlight the theme of ambition and power struggle in the political landscape.
• Prophecy and fate: The Mandate of Heaven, prophecies, and omens emphasize the role of fate and prophecy in shaping characters' actions and beliefs.
• Loyalty and betrayal: Li Zheng's past and his decision to help Zhu Yong raise questions about loyalty and betrayal in political dynamics.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Yong and Li Zheng: Zhu Yong meets Li Zheng, who offers him strategic advice, marking the beginning of a potential alliance.
• Xu Qing and Xuan Yu: Xu Qing and Xuan Yu investigate the source of the strange incense together, showcasing their partnership and shared curiosity.
• Xu Qing and the temple builders: Xu Qing's discovery of the temple dedicated to him raises questions about his connection to the builders and their motivations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing discovers a temple dedicated to him as the Mother of Life Goddess, built by the county magistrate.
• The temple has a new Incense Dharma Realm with a Blood Lake for Overcoming Calamities, reflecting Xu Qing's new duties.
• A couple comes to the temple to pray for a child, and Xu Qing, through the statue, speaks to them about the predestined gender of their child.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Realizes the extent of his new duties and the expectations placed upon him. He also understands that Midwife Liu is the one who spread his knowledge about childbirth.
• Xuan Yu: Shows curiosity and playfulness, helping Xu Qing interact with the couple.

Significant Themes

• The power of belief and its impact on the divine.
• The predestination of fate, particularly in the context of childbirth.
• The responsibilities that come with divine status.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing interacts with the couple, learning about the temple's origin and the couple's wishes.
• Xu Qing communicates with Xuan Yu, using it to speak to the couple through the statue.
• The couple interacts with the statue, believing it to be a divine manifestation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing and Xuan Yu visit the Temple of the Goddess of Childbirth on Purple Cloud Mountain.
• Xu Qing explains the difference between legitimate temples and wild temples, and the types of incense offerings.
• They encounter a dilapidated shrine dedicated to the Purple Cloud Fairy.
• Xu Qing senses an incense offering from Linjiang County.
• They witness a baby floating in a river and Xu Qing uses his jade ruyi to save the child.
• Xu Qing observes the woman who found the baby and ensures she's caring for the child properly.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: He shows his knowledge about temples and incense offerings, demonstrating his wisdom and responsibility. He also shows compassion towards the baby in the river, but doesn't intervene directly to maintain his anonymity.
• Xuan Yu: The cat shows curiosity and concern for the baby, displaying its kind nature. It also shows trust in Xu Qing, following his lead without question.

Significant Themes

• The theme of fate is prominent, with Xu Qing encountering the baby in the river soon after his temple's construction, suggesting a divine connection.
• The theme of responsibility is also evident, with Xu Qing feeling the weight of managing his temple and ensuring its well-being.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Xuan Yu: They interact harmoniously, with Xuan Yu showing trust and dependence on Xu Qing, while Xu Qing shows care and patience towards the cat.
• Xu Qing and the woman with the baby: Although they don't interact directly, Xu Qing shows concern for the baby's well-being, ensuring the woman is caring for the child properly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing returns to Linjiang County and notices an unusual number of living people on Jingxia Street.
• He encounters Wu Zhiyuan and Wu Wencai, who have returned from the Capital City with their families.
• The Wu brothers recount their experiences and their efforts to clear their uncle's name.
• Xu Qing offers to help find the official who framed Wu Yaoxing and suggests that he might be from the Jinmen Prefecture yamen.
• Xu Qing learns that Wu Zhiyuan has been appointed as the County Magistrate of Pingqiu County, while Wu Wencai remains a Shujishi in the Hanlin Academy.
• Xu Qing sees Wang Yue'e and decides to find a wet nurse for her.
• He approaches Cheng Caiyun, the owner of the Incense and Candle Shop, to ask if she wants to be Wang Yue'e's wet nurse.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: He remains unchanged despite the passing of time and the changes in the lives of those around him. He shows interest in the Wu brothers' experiences and offers help.
• Wu Zhiyuan and Wu Wencai: They have both grown and matured since their departure. They have taken on official positions and are actively working to clear their uncle's name.
• Cheng Caiyun: She is initially embarrassed and angry when Xu Qing asks if she wants a child but later considers the possibility of being Wang Yue'e's wet nurse.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and change: Despite the changes in the lives of those around him, Xu Qing remains the same.
• The pursuit of justice: The Wu brothers' determination to clear their uncle's name highlights the theme of justice and the pursuit of truth.
• The importance of family: The Wu brothers' return to Jinmen County and their efforts to reunite with their family emphasize the importance of family bonds.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and the Wu brothers: Xu Qing shows interest in the Wu brothers' experiences and offers help in finding the official who framed Wu Yaoxing.
• Xu Qing and Cheng Caiyun: Xu Qing approaches Cheng Caiyun to ask if she wants to be Wang Yue'e's wet nurse, leading to a brief but tense interaction.
• The Wu brothers and their families: The Wu brothers' return to Jinmen County and their reunions with their families highlight the importance of family bonds and the changes they have undergone since their departure.

Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing awakens to find a black cat, Xuan Yu, in his shop. Xuan Yu swallows a cicada, causing the shop to fall silent.
• Shang Shaoyang, a second-generation rich kid, visits the shop to escape the heat, bringing a Grand Tutor's Chair from the government office.
• Zhao Zhonghe, the captain of the yamen runners, arrives to inform Xu Qing about a yamen runner's death and asks him to handle the funeral.
• Xu Qing visits the government office's Corpse Examination Office, where he teaches Wang Lingyuan's apprentices about corpse examination techniques.
• They examine a female corpse, determining the cause of death and the murder weapon, a laundry pestle.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing continues to develop his left hand's death qi, making it stiff and inauspicious. He realizes he's cultivating himself into a one-armed hero.
• Shang Shaoyang is revealed to be avoiding an arranged marriage, seeking refuge in Xu Qing's shop.
• Wang Lingyuan's apprentices, Song Tu and Dou Yun, show eagerness to learn corpse examination techniques from Xu Qing.

Significant Themes

• Death and Life: Xu Qing's cultivation of death qi and his role as a corpse driver emphasize the theme of death. However, his interaction with the living, like Shang Shaoyang and the apprentices, highlights the contrast between life and death.
• Fate and Coincidence: The laundry pestle found by the wife and later used to kill her is an example of fate and coincidence, tying together the stories of the wife, Yuan Hu, and the laundry pestle.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing interacts with Shang Shaoyang, revealing Shang's avoidance of an arranged marriage and his attempt to hide in the shop.
• Xu Qing teaches Wang Lingyuan's apprentices about corpse examination, demonstrating his expertise and building a relationship with them.
• Zhao Zhonghe visits Xu Qing to discuss funeral arrangements, showing respect for Xu Qing's role in the community.

Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing uses divination to understand why he let a peasant woman take the infant instead of returning it to its rightful owner.
• Madam Chen's spirit lantern reveals her intention to drown the infant, confirming Xu Qing's decision was correct.
• The infant's divination shows an auspicious future, suggesting it might be a divine being.
• The Liu family's murder case is brought to the yamen, with Shopkeeper Chen, his concubine, and Jin Shi (the peasant woman) as suspects.
• County Magistrate Chen Guangrui adjourns the case temporarily due to lack of evidence.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Realizes the significance of his past actions and becomes more determined to protect the infant.
• County Magistrate Chen Guangrui: Shows prudence in handling the Liu family's murder case and reveals his pious nature in building the Protect Life Temple.

Significant Themes

• Divine Intervention: The infant's divination results suggest it might be a divine being, and County Magistrate Chen's belief in deities not being bound by form further emphasizes this theme.
• Fate and Destiny: Xu Qing's divination and the infant's future destiny are explored, highlighting the theme of fate and how one's actions can influence it.
• Justice and Prudence: County Magistrate Chen demonstrates his commitment to justice by not rushing to judgment in the Liu family's murder case, showing prudence in handling the matter.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and County Magistrate Chen Guangrui: They meet again, and the magistrate admires Xu Qing's kindness. Xu Qing, however, is more interested in questioning the magistrate about the Protect Life Temple.
• Xu Qing and Wang Lingyuan: Wang Lingyuan shows concern for Xu Qing's injured hand, and Xu Qing accompanies him to the yamen to help with the Liu family's murder case.
• Shopkeeper Chen and Jin Shi: They are both suspects in the Liu family's murder case, with Shopkeeper Chen accusing Jin Shi of hiring a murderer to kill his wife and steal the child.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing arrives at the government office with a coffin and the Thousand Mile Horse, which he had previously ridden to the imperial mausoleums.
• The horse, once neglected by Xu Qing, is now well-cared for by Wu Wencai, who returns it to Xu Qing.
• Xu Qing attends the funeral of a deceased yamen runner, Li, and encounters the runner's family, including a gambling-addicted father and an intellectually disabled brother, Shazhu.
• The father, upon seeing the coffin, demands to exchange it for a straw mat, enraging Xu Qing and causing the Thousand Mile Horse to kick him to death.
• Xu Qing decides to bury the father with the son, and Shazhu, despite his intellectual disability, is made to hold the mourning staff.
• The funeral procession passes through the market, attracting attention due to Shazhu's unusual behavior.
• After breakfast, Zhao Zhonghe and some yamen runners leave for Qushui Township, while Xu Qing and Shazhu stay to perform a soul-summoning ritual for Yamen Runner Li on Purple Cloud Mountain.
• Guan Da Zhuang, leader of the Heavenly Tiger Sect, arrives, and Xu Qing orders him to capture Yuan Hu in Qushui Township and bring him to the Protect Life temple.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Shows anger and retribution when the gambler disrespects his client, the coffin. He also shows compassion towards Shazhu, eating with him and ensuring he's taken care of.
• Shazhu: Despite his intellectual disability, he shows filial piety by wanting to save noodles for his brother. He is also unaware of his father's death and the reality of the situation.
• Zhao Zhonghe: Shows concern for Shazhu's well-being and tries to ensure he's fed properly.
• Guan Da Zhuang: Confident in his ability to capture Yuan Hu alive, he follows Xu Qing's orders without question.

Significant Themes

• Respect for the dead and their belongings.
• Filial piety and its interpretation in Shazhu's case.
• The contrast between the living and the dead, as seen through the eyes of Shazhu.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and the Thousand Mile Horse: The horse shows loyalty and protectiveness towards Xu Qing, kicking the gambler to death when he disrespects Xu Qing's client.
• Xu Qing and Shazhu: Xu Qing shows kindness and understanding towards Shazhu, eating with him and ensuring he's taken care of.
• Zhao Zhonghe and Shazhu: Zhao Zhonghe shows concern for Shazhu's well-being, buying him food and ensuring he eats properly.
• Xu Qing and Guan Da Zhuang: Xu Qing gives Guan Da Zhuang orders, and Guan Da Zhuang follows them without question, showing loyalty and trust.