Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yun receives 17 jin of gold from Wei Huai'an and lends him 200 taels.
• Xu Xiaogang finds a suspect, Cui Liyuan, a sixth-rank Confucian teacher living near Changxin Temple.
• Wei Huai'an advises Jiang Yun and Xu Xiaogang to investigate from the top down, suggesting they involve Censor Liu Bufu.
• Jiang Yun and Xu Xiaogang visit Liu Bufu, seeking his help in the Changxin Temple case.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun: Shows kindness by lending money to Wei Huai'an and is willing to help Liu Bufu clear his wife's name.
• Wei Huai'an: Demonstrates experience and wisdom by giving strategic advice and understanding the political dynamics.
• Liu Bufu: Reveals his upright and unyielding nature, prioritizing justice over personal gain, and refusing to compromise even when faced with Imperial Guards.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and Integrity: Liu Bufu's honesty contrasts with the general corruption in the Great Zhou imperial court.
• Power Dynamics: The Imperial Guards' reputation and Liu Bufu's disregard for them highlight the complex power dynamics in the capital.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Wei Huai'an: They share a friendly and respectful relationship, with Wei Huai'an providing valuable guidance to Jiang Yun.
• Jiang Yun and Liu Bufu: Their initial interaction is tense due to Liu Bufu's disdain for the Imperial Guards, but they share a common goal of seeking justice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Bufu, a censor, is furious when Imperial Guards seek his help in a case, as they're known for framing innocents to close cases.
• Jiang Yun and Xu Xiaogang, the guards, reveal they've identified a likely culprit, Cui Liyuan, a Confucian master at Renyi Academy, but their superiors are hesitant due to the academy's influence.
• Liu Bufu refuses to help, but Jiang Yun manipulates him into impeaching the Imperial Guards for inaction.
• Liu Bufu decides to impeach the Imperial Guards during the morning court session.

Character Developments

• Liu Bufu: Stands up against corruption and injustice, values integrity, and is willing to confront authority.
• Jiang Yun: Clever, manipulative, and ambitious; uses his intelligence to navigate political waters and advance his goals.
• Xu Xiaogang: Loyal to Jiang Yun, somewhat naive, and initially reluctant to deceive Liu Bufu.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and bribery: Prevalent in the court, it forces talented individuals like Jiang Yun into the Imperial Guards and hinders justice.
• Integrity vs. pragmatism: Liu Bufu values integrity, while Jiang Yun is pragmatic, using manipulation to achieve his goals.
• Power dynamics: The Imperial Guards fear offending Renyi Academy, and Liu Bufu fears confronting the academy, illustrating the power imbalance.

Character Interactions

• Liu Bufu and Jiang Yun: Initially hostile, their interaction turns into a battle of wits, with Jiang Yun successfully manipulating Liu Bufu.
• Jiang Yun and Xu Xiaogang: Jiang Yun manipulates Xu Xiaogang into helping him deceive Liu Bufu, but Xu Xiaogang remains loyal and follows Jiang Yun's lead.
• Liu Bufu and the Imperial Guards: Liu Bufu is furious at the Imperial Guards for their dereliction of duty and decides to impeach them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yun cultivates all night and breaks through to the Seventh Rank Grain Abstinence Realm without encountering a bottleneck.
• Liu Bufu, a high-ranking official, accuses the Imperial Guards of shielding criminals in the Ghost Case at the Buddhist Temple, leading to Jiang Yun being appointed as the chief investigating official.
• Cui Liyuan, the prime suspect in the Ghost Case, is brought to the Eastern Garrison Command Yamen for interrogation.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun demonstrates his quick thinking and calm demeanor in the face of unexpected developments.
• Cui Liyuan maintains his composure and acts like an innocent Confucian scholar despite being the prime suspect.

Significant Themes

• The lack of a bottleneck in Jiang Yun's cultivation suggests that his understanding of cultivation from his previous life might be helping him.
• The political intrigue and power dynamics within the Imperial Guards and the imperial court are highlighted.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Xu Xiaogang discuss the case and strategies for interrogation.
• Jiang Yun and Wei Huai'an exchange information about the case and the involvement of high-ranking officials.
• Cui Liyuan maintains a respectful and innocent demeanor when facing Jiang Yun and the Imperial Guards.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yun and Xu Xiaogang interrogate Cui Liyuan, suspecting him of being the shadowy figure causing women to become pregnant in their dreams at Changxin Temple.
• Jiang Yun confirms Cui Liyuan's guilt but lacks sufficient evidence for a conviction.
• Cui Liyuan's superior, Xia Boran (Libationer of Renyi Academy), and Abbot Hongzhen (Abbot of Yinling Temple) arrive, pressuring Jiang Yun to handle the case impartially and not blame their respective sects.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun demonstrates his investigative skills and determination to uphold justice, even in the face of powerful interference.
• Cui Liyuan shows panic when cornered but maintains a calm demeanor, attempting to shift blame onto others.
• Xia Boran and Abbot Hongzhen assert their influence and protect their subordinates, highlighting the political complexity of the situation.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between justice and political influence.
• The tension between different religious sects (Confucian and Buddhist) and their respective institutions (Renyi Academy and Yinling Temple).

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Xu Xiaogang work together to interrogate Cui Liyuan, showcasing their partnership and trust.
• Cui Liyuan, Xia Boran, and Abbot Hongzhen interact, revealing the power dynamics and alliances within their respective sects.
• Jiang Yun faces off against Xia Boran and Abbot Hongzhen, highlighting the challenges he faces in his pursuit of justice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Suwen, after meeting Jiang Yun, starts acting more ladylike, much to her mother Tao Yuelan's delight.
• Xu Xiaogang returns home, seeking help from his mother for Jiang Yun's predicament with the Renyi Academy and Buddhism cases.
• Tao Yuelan decides to intervene, heading to the Imperial Entertainment Bureau to find her husband, the Duke of Zhenguo.

Character Developments

• Xu Suwen: Shows a change in behavior, becoming more feminine and less aggressive after her encounter with Jiang Yun.
• Tao Yuelan: Demonstrates affection towards Xu Suwen's transformation and a strong desire to protect those she cares about, including Jiang Yun.
• Xu Xiaogang: Exhibits concern for Jiang Yun's well-being and is willing to seek help from his mother.

Significant Themes

• Change and growth: Xu Suwen's transformation highlights the theme of personal growth and change.
• Family influence: The power dynamics of the Duke's Mansion and the influence it holds in the Capital City are emphasized.
• Protection and intervention: Tao Yuelan's eagerness to protect those she cares about, even against powerful figures like the Libationer of Renyi Academy and Abbot Hongzhen.

Character Interactions

• Xu Suwen and Jiang Qiaoqiao: They spend time together, with Jiang Qiaoqiao teaching Xu Suwen how to mend and embroider clothes, indicating a growing friendship.
• Tao Yuelan and Xu Xiaogang: Mother and son discuss Xu Xiaogang's troubles in the Imperial Guards and decide to seek help from the Duke of Zhenguo.
• Xu Xiaogang and Jiang Yun: Xu Xiaogang seeks help for Jiang Yun from his mother, showing concern for his friend's well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Dingwu, the Duke of Zhenguo, arrives at the Imperial Guards' investigation, summoned by his wife, Tao Yuelan.
• Xu Dingwu is displeased with his son, Xu Xiaogang, for involving him in Imperial Guards' affairs.
• Jiang Yun, the main suspect, requests that Cui Liyuan be taken to the Imperial Prison to prevent forced confession through torture.
• Xu Dingwu orders Cui Liyuan's removal and Jiang Yun draws a Sound Transmission Talisman to communicate with Cui Liyuan secretly.
• Jiang Yun goes to the Imperial Prison to interrogate Cui Liyuan using the Sound Transmission Talisman.

Character Developments

• Xu Dingwu: Despite his stern and formidable reputation, he is manipulated by his wife, Tao Yuelan, and has a complex relationship with his son, Xu Xiaogang.
• Xu Xiaogang: Struggles with his family's influence and wants to make his own way in the Imperial Guards, resenting his father's interference.
• Jiang Yun: Shows resourcefulness and cunning by using a Sound Transmission Talisman to secretly interrogate Cui Liyuan, demonstrating his determination to clear his name.

Significant Themes

• Family Influence and Reputation: Xu Dingwu's reputation precedes him, affecting both his son and the Imperial Guards. Jiang Yun, on the other hand, wants to clear his name independently.
• Power Dynamics: The power dynamics between the Imperial Guards, the Duke of Zhenguo, and the Imperial Prison are explored, with each party vying for control over the investigation.
• Manipulation and Control: Tao Yuelan manipulates her husband, Xu Dingwu, into getting involved in the investigation, while Jiang Yun attempts to manipulate Cui Liyuan into revealing the truth.

Character Interactions

• Xu Dingwu and Xu Xiaogang: The strained relationship between father and son is evident, with Xu Xiaogang resentful of his father's interference and Xu Dingwu feeling helpless regarding his son's actions.
• Jiang Yun and Cui Liyuan: Jiang Yun attempts to manipulate Cui Liyuan into revealing the truth, using the Sound Transmission Talisman to communicate secretly.
• Xu Dingwu and Xia Boran: Tension exists between Xu Dingwu and Xia Boran, with Xu Dingwu dismissive of Xia Boran's concerns about forced confessions and Xia Boran challenging Xu Dingwu's involvement in the investigation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cui Liyuan, a Confucian Master, is imprisoned and about to be tortured.
• Jiang Yun, an Imperial Guard and secret admirer of Renyi Academy, offers to help Cui Liyuan in exchange for a favor.
• Cui Liyuan confesses to using the External Body Transformation technique to rape women, including a Censor's wife who later committed suicide.
• Chancellor Xia Boran disowns Cui Liyuan, and Monk Hongzhen expresses satisfaction with the true culprit's identification.
• Jiang Yun is commended for solving the case, and Yang Liunian requests rewards for him and Xu Xiaogang.

Character Developments

• Cui Liyuan: Initially confident in his safety, he becomes desperate and willing to make a deal to avoid torture.
• Jiang Yun: Proves himself capable and ambitious, using the case to secure a position at Renyi Academy and three hundred taels of silver.
• Chancellor Xia Boran: Disowns Cui Liyuan to distance Renyi Academy from the scandal.
• Monk Hongzhen: Shows no emotional reaction upon learning the truth, maintaining composure.
• Yang Liunian: Seeks to capitalize on the case's resolution to gain favor and potentially secure the Garrison Commander position.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and corruption: Characters use their positions for personal gain (e.g., Jiang Yun, Yang Liunian).
• Loyalty and betrayal: Cui Liyuan betrays his principles, while Jiang Yun betrays his duty as an Imperial Guard.
• Power dynamics: The influence of the Chancellor, the Duke of Zhenguo, and the Imperial Guards is evident in the case's resolution.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Cui Liyuan: Jiang Yun manipulates Cui Liyuan into confessing to secure his own gain.
• Chancellor Xia Boran and Jiang Yun: Xia Boran disowns Cui Liyuan after learning of his crimes.
• Yang Liunian and the Commander: Yang Liunian takes credit for solving the case to curry favor with the Commander.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yun and Xu Xiaogang return to the inn, celebrate their case success, and discuss Xu Xiaogang's background as the Duke of Zhenguo's son.
• Qian Bochou visits, reveals his promotion to Deputy Commander of the Northern City Military Command, and offers Jiang Yun a position.
• In the Duke's mansion, Jiang Qiaoqiao struggles with learning to read and write, while Xu Suwen observes her. Xu Dingwu and Tao Yuelan discuss Jiang Yun's potential as a son-in-law.

Character Developments

• Xu Xiaogang expresses his discontent with his privileged upbringing and admiration for Jiang Yun's humble origins.
• Qian Bochou showcases his loyalty and generosity by offering Jiang Yun a position and a house.
• Jiang Qiaoqiao demonstrates her eagerness to learn and help, while Xu Suwen shows concern and understanding towards Jiang Qiaoqiao's situation.
• Xu Dingwu and Tao Yuelan reveal their differing opinions on status and rush to invite Jiang Yun for dinner.

Significant Themes

• The influence of social status and wealth on personal happiness and success.
• The struggle between tradition and personal choice in arranged marriages.
• The value of hard work and determination, as seen in Jiang Yun's and Qian Bochou's achievements.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Xu Xiaogang bond over their shared experiences and successes.
• Qian Bochou's friendship and generosity towards Jiang Yun.
• Xu Dingwu and Tao Yuelan's differing opinions and eventual compromise regarding Jiang Yun's invitation.
• Xu Suwen's observation and understanding of Jiang Qiaoqiao's situation, hinting at a potential friendship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yun visits Duke Zhenguo's Mansion, invited by Wu Chi, the butler, who knows of Jiang Yun's help to Xu Suwen and Xu Xiaogang in Nanzhou Prefecture.
• Jiang Yun meets Xu Dingwu and Tao Yuelan, Xu Xiaogang's parents, and has dinner with them, Xu Suwen, and Jiang Qiaoqiao.
• After dinner, Tao Yuelan suggests Xu Suwen take Jiang Yun around the mansion to chat, while Xu Xiaogang is dismissed.
• Xu Dingwu and Tao Yuelan discuss their differing views on Xu Xiaogang's future, with Tao Yuelan expressing her fear of losing Xu Xiaogang to war, as has happened in her family's history.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun: Shows gratitude and respect towards the Xu family, especially Tao Yuelan, for their hospitality and care for his sister, Jiang Qiaoqiao.
• Tao Yuelan: Reveals her concern for Xu Xiaogang's safety and her family's history of losing male heirs to war, influencing her distant behavior towards Xu Xiaogang.
• Xu Dingwu: Expresses his understanding of Tao Yuelan's fears but maintains that the Duke Zhenguo's Mansion's duty is to serve the emperor on the frontier.

Significant Themes

• Family and Duty: The conflict between personal family concerns and the duty to serve the empire is explored through Tao Yuelan and Xu Dingwu's conversation.
• Loss and Grief: The historical losses of male heirs in Tao Yuelan's family cast a shadow over her relationship with Xu Xiaogang.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Tao Yuelan: They share a warm and respectful relationship, with Tao Yuelan showing genuine care for Jiang Qiaoqiao and Jiang Yun.
• Xu Dingwu and Tao Yuelan: Their conversation reveals their differing views on Xu Xiaogang's future and the tension between their personal feelings and their family's duty.
• Xu Xiaogang and Tao Yuelan: Xu Xiaogang feels neglected by his mother, while Tao Yuelan struggles with her fear of losing him to war.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yun visits the Duke Zhenguo's Mansion with Xu Suwen, learns about the medicinal herbs grown there for military use.
• Xu Suwen warns Jiang Yun about the potential unrest in the capital due to the Red Lotus Cult's leader's presence.
• Jiang Yun cultivates diligently for five days, reaching the peak of the seventh-rank Grain Abstinence Realm.
• Minister of War, Zhang Wenqi, is found dead. The Emperor suspects rebels' retaliation and orders the true culprit to be apprehended before dawn.
• Jiang Yun and Wei Huai'an are assigned to investigate the case at the Zhang Mansion.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun: Shows concern for Xu Suwen's safety and is dedicated to his cultivation. He also demonstrates professionalism in handling the case.
• Xu Suwen: Shows care for Jiang Yun and his mother, Jiang Qiaoqiao. She also displays knowledge about the medicinal herbs grown in her family's mansion.
• Wei Huai'an: Struggles with the pressure of solving the case within the given time frame. He shows determination to complete his mission.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and betrayal: Zhang Wenqi's loyalty to the Emperor is rewarded with a promotion, but his death suggests that even loyalty may not be enough to protect one from the consequences of political intrigue.
• Cultivation and growth: Jiang Yun's dedication to his cultivation leads to significant progress in his abilities.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen: They share a friendly and respectful relationship, with Xu Suwen showing concern for Jiang Yun's safety and Jiang Yun expressing gratitude for her hospitality.
• Wei Huai'an and Jiang Yun: They work together to investigate the case, with Wei Huai'an showing deference to Jiang Yun's experience and leadership.
• Qian Bochou and Jiang Yun: Qian Bochou seeks Jiang Yun's help in the investigation, showing trust in Jiang Yun's abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Wenqi, a high-ranking official, is found dead in his residence.
• The initial cause of death is suspected to be alcohol poisoning, but the Emperor doubts this.
• Jiang Yun, Wei Huai'an, and Qian Bochou investigate the case, with Jiang Yun suggesting an autopsy.
• The autopsy reveals no obvious cause of death, leading Jiang Yun to conclude that Zhang Wenqi's soul has been taken, indicating foul play.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun demonstrates his analytical skills and willingness to challenge conventional methods to solve the case.
• Wei Huai'an shows concern for the case's urgency and the potential consequences of failure.
• Qian Bochou displays a mix of curiosity, distress, and eagerness to help solve the case.

Significant Themes

• The theme of truth-seeking is prominent, with Jiang Yun determined to uncover the real cause of death despite initial suspicions.
• The power dynamics within the court are hinted at, with potential suspects among Zhang Wenqi's peers.
• The consequences of failure are emphasized, with the group aware of the Emperor's fury and the potential repercussions if they can't solve the case.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Wei Huai'an work together, with Wei Huai'an seeking Jiang Yun's expertise and Jiang Yun valuing Wei Huai'an's insights.
• Jiang Yun and Qian Bochou interact as colleagues, with Qian Bochou looking up to Jiang Yun's skills and Jiang Yun considering Qian Bochou's input.
• The coroner is respectful and professional, providing information based on his expertise.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Wenqi, a highly valued official, is found murdered in his residence.
• Imperial Guards, led by Wei Huai'an and Jiang Yun, investigate the case.
• They suspect the Ministry of War's involvement and question two officials: Jia Xuyang and Zheng Zailu.
• Jia Xuyang commits suicide upon seeing the Imperial Guards, hinting at his guilt.
• Zheng Zailu is captured and interrogated using torture methods.

Character Developments

• Wei Huai'an: Displayed his authority and power as the General Banner of the Eastern Garrison Command.
• Jiang Yun: Showed analytical skills and determination in solving the case.
• Jia Xuyang: Revealed his guilt and fear of Imperial Guards' interrogation methods by committing suicide.
• Zheng Zailu: Initially uncooperative, he is subjected to torture to extract information.

Significant Themes

• Power and authority of the Imperial Guards.
• Corruption and guilt within the Ministry of War.
• The use of torture and intimidation in interrogations.

Character Interactions

• Wei Huai'an and Jiang Yun: Work together to investigate the case, showing mutual respect and trust.
• Wei Huai'an and Jia Xuyang: Jia Xuyang's suicide upon seeing Wei Huai'an indicates his fear of Imperial Guards' interrogation methods.
• Qi Da and Zheng Zailu: Qi Da uses torture to try and extract information from Zheng Zailu, who is initially uncooperative.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Zailu, a high-ranking official, is arrested and tortured for his suspected involvement in the death of Lord Zhang Wenqi.
• Jiang Yun and Qi Da, Imperial Guards, interrogate Zheng Zailu, trying to get him to confess before Jia Xuyang, another suspect, does.
• Jia Xuyang confesses, leading to Zheng Zailu's isolation and desperation.
• Zheng Zailu eventually confesses that he and Jia Xuyang sold military supplies to the northern Hu people, Great Zhou's enemy, and that Lord Zhang Wenqi was killed for threatening to expose them.
• Zheng Zailu is possessed by a Fierce Evil Ghost and commits suicide before revealing the mastermind behind the scheme.

Character Developments

• Zheng Zailu: Initially defiant, he eventually breaks under pressure and confesses. He is later revealed to have been possessed by an evil ghost.
• Jiang Yun: Shows cunning and patience in his interrogation tactics, trying to manipulate Zheng Zailu into confessing.
• Qi Da: Acts brutally and impatiently during the interrogation, contrasting with Jiang Yun's more calculated approach.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and treason within the government.
• The use of torture and manipulation in interrogations.
• The presence of supernatural elements (evil ghosts) influencing human actions.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Qi Da work together to interrogate Zheng Zailu, with Jiang Yun using psychological tactics and Qi Da employing physical force.
• Zheng Zailu's desperation leads him to confess, but ultimately, he is manipulated by an evil ghost into committing suicide.
• Jia Xuyang's earlier confession puts pressure on Zheng Zailu, leading to his eventual breakdown.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Black-clad Man breaks into the Imperial Prison, kills Zheng Zailu, and escapes.
• Wei Huai'an and the Imperial Guards chase the Black-clad Man through Jinling City.
• The Black-clad Man summons Malicious Ghosts and later uses the Hundred Ghosts Night Parade spell to cause chaos in the inner city.
• Jiang Yun arrives and decides to handle the Black-clad Man while Wei Huai'an and the guards deal with the ghosts.

Character Developments

• Wei Huai'an: Shows determination and skill in leading the chase and understanding the Black-clad Man's intentions.
• Jiang Yun: Demonstrates confidence in his Daoist abilities and decides to handle the Black-clad Man alone.

Significant Themes

• Power and Responsibility: The Black-clad Man's actions force the Imperial Guards to take responsibility for protecting the citizens, highlighting the power and duty of their position.
• Daoist Expertise: Jiang Yun's confidence in his Daoist skills foretells the importance of his abilities in dealing with the supernatural threat.

Character Interactions

• Wei Huai'an and Jiang Yun: Wei Huai'an is initially reluctant to leave the Black-clad Man to Jiang Yun but ultimately trusts his judgment. Jiang Yun reassures him and takes charge of the situation.
• Jiang Yun and Qi Da: Qi Da is concerned for Jiang Yun's safety, but Jiang Yun remains confident in his abilities and asks Qi Da to trust him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yun summons the Abang Underworld Marshal (Ox-Head), a powerful ghost, to deal with the malevolent spirits plaguing the city.
• Ox-Head appears and sucks in all the malevolent spirits, then attempts to take the soul of a man in black who tries to control it.
• Wei Huai'an and other Imperial Guards return to find Ox-Head, and Jiang Yun prevents them from attacking, fearing for their lives.
• Ox-Head takes the man in black's soul and leaves, making Jiang Yun realize he's in danger due to his changed identity.
• The man in black's body is taken to the Eastern Garrison Command Yamen, where Eunuch Feng Yu is waiting.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun: Shows his power by summoning Ox-Head but realizes the danger he's in due to his changed identity.
• Ox-Head: Reveals its immense power and malice towards Jiang Yun, hinting at a potential threat.
• Wei Huai'an: Shows concern for Jiang Yun's safety and follows his instructions not to attack Ox-Head.
• Commander Yang: Attempts to bribe Eunuch Feng Yu to keep him satisfied and avoid trouble.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences: Jiang Yun's use of powerful ghosts comes with risks, as seen with Ox-Head.
• Identity and perception: Ox-Head's perception of Jiang Yun changes due to his transmigration, putting him in danger.
• Corruption and bribery: Commander Yang's attempt to bribe Eunuch Feng Yu highlights the corruption within the government.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Ox-Head: Their interaction shows the danger Jiang Yun is in due to his changed identity.
• Jiang Yun and Wei Huai'an: Wei Huai'an shows trust in Jiang Yun's judgment, following his instruction not to attack Ox-Head.
• Commander Yang and Eunuch Feng Yu: Their interaction highlights the corruption within the government, with Commander Yang attempting to bribe Eunuch Feng Yu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Eunuch Feng Yu meets with Commander Yang Liunian, who bribes him to secure the position of Garrison Commander at the Eastern Garrison Command.
• Feng Yu hints at castration if Yang Liunian refuses to work in the palace.
• The Imperial Guards report that Jia Xuyang and Zheng Zailu from the Ministry of War sold military weapons and supplies to the northern barbarians, and the murderer of Lord Zhang Wenqi has been eliminated.
• Feng Yu reports the findings to Emperor Zhengde, who decides to close the case officially and appoint a clean, fearless, and ungreedy Imperial Guard to investigate further.

Character Developments

• Feng Yu: Shows cunning and manipulation, using his position to extort bribes and hint at castration. He also displays loyalty to the Emperor, advising him to restart the Eastern Depot.
• Yang Liunian: Initially subservient to Feng Yu, he becomes stern and commanding when speaking to his subordinates. He is later shown to be corrupt and involved in the military weapons scandal.
• Emperor Zhengde (Xiao Yuzheng): Demonstrates diligence, decisiveness, and a strong sense of justice. He is aware of the corruption in the court and is determined to root it out.

Significant Themes

• Corruption: The selling of military weapons and supplies to the northern barbarians highlights the corruption within the court.
• Power dynamics: The interactions between Feng Yu, Yang Liunian, and the Emperor showcase the complex power dynamics within the palace.
• Loyalty vs. ambition: Feng Yu's loyalty to the Emperor is contrasted with his personal ambition, as seen in his desire to restart the Eastern Depot.

Character Interactions

• Feng Yu and Yang Liunian: Their interaction reveals Feng Yu's manipulative nature and Yang Liunian's corruption.
• Feng Yu and Emperor Zhengde: Their interaction demonstrates Feng Yu's loyalty and the Emperor's decisiveness and awareness of the court's corruption.
• Yang Liunian and his subordinates: Yang Liunian's stern demeanor with his subordinates contrasts with his subservience to Feng Yu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yun, a new recruit to the Imperial Guards with a clean background and Daoist sect affiliation, is tasked by the Emperor to solve the case of reselling supplies to the Northern barbarians within a month.
• Jiang Yun expresses his desire to make money, but learns that Imperial Guards' income is limited and often used for bribes.
• Feng Yu, a eunuch, delivers an imperial edict to Jiang Yun, appointing him as a secret envoy to investigate the case.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun: Shows ambition and desire for wealth, but also displays dedication to his duties as an Imperial Guard.
• Feng Yu: Demonstrates political acumen and understanding of Jiang Yun's background and motivations.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and ambition: Jiang Yun's desire for money contrasts with his duty as an Imperial Guard, raising questions about personal gain versus public service.
• Background and affiliations: Jiang Yun's lack of connections in the Capital City and his Daoist sect background set him apart from other Imperial Guards and officials.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Wei Huai'an: Jiang Yun learns about making money as an Imperial Guard from Wei Huai'an, who reveals that external assignments and confiscating property are the best ways to earn money.
• Jiang Yun and Feng Yu: Feng Yu explains the reasons behind Jiang Yun's selection for the case and offers him a reward if he handles it well, showing trust in Jiang Yun's abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author announces the release of three free chapters on the day of the novel's sale, as a New Year's gift to readers.
• The author expresses gratitude for the book's performance and reader support.
• The author reveals plans for future daily updates, increasing the character count per chapter.

Character Developments

• No significant character developments in this chapter as it's an author's note.

Significant Themes

• Gratitude and appreciation for readers' support.
• Transparency about the author's plans for the novel's release schedule.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with readers through this note, expressing thanks and sharing plans.

Brief Reference

• Author's note: Free chapters released, thanks readers, reveals future update plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yun is appointed as an Imperial Envoy to investigate the sale of military supplies to the Northern Barbarians.
• Feng Yu provides Jiang Yun with three suspects: the Duke of Zhenguo, Marquis Weide, and Marquis Ningde.
• Jiang Yun and Xu Xiaogang decide to investigate the families of Marquis Weide and Marquis Ningde, starting with Feng Bei'er, the daughter of Marquis Weide.
• They visit Changxin Temple, where Jiang Yun signs a contract with Abbot Yunwu to manage the temple's profits and decides to promote the temple's reputation.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun: Shows his determination to solve the case and his business acumen by signing the contract with Abbot Yunwu.
• Xu Xiaogang: Shows his eagerness to win Feng Bei'er's favor and his willingness to help Jiang Yun investigate the case.
• Feng Bei'er: Shows her love for poetry and her initial disdain for Xu Xiaogang's advances.
• Abbot Yunwu: Shows his hesitation in signing the contract and his concern for the temple's reputation.

Significant Themes

• The power of reputation and word-of-mouth in business, as seen in Jiang Yun's plan to promote Changxin Temple.
• The importance of evidence and innocence, as discussed between Jiang Yun and Abbot Yunwu regarding the temple's slow business.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Xu Xiaogang: Work together to investigate the case, with Xu Xiaogang showing eagerness to help and Jiang Yun showing his strategic thinking.
• Jiang Yun and Abbot Yunwu: Discuss the temple's slow business and sign a contract to manage its profits.
• Feng Bei'er and Xu Xiaogang: Interact briefly, with Feng Bei'er showing initial disdain for Xu Xiaogang's advances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yun proposes a plan to revitalize Changxin Temple: recruit handsome young men as monks, offer free vegetarian meals, and create a bidding system for offering incense to the Buddha Ancestor.
• Qian Bochou visits Jiang Yun, expressing his concern about his new position and seeking help to be transferred to the Imperial Guards.
• Jiang Yun, Qian Bochou, and Xu Xiaogang visit Hu Yongsheng, a minister in the Ministry of War. They learn about the recent death of Minister of War Zhang Wenqi and the arrest of two officials from the Ministry of War by the Imperial Guards.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun: Shows strategic thinking and understanding of human nature in his plan for Changxin Temple. He also demonstrates his ability to navigate political waters by accompanying Qian Bochou to see Hu Yongsheng.
• Qian Bochou: Exhibits his skill in networking and understanding of officialdom, seeking help from Xu Xiaogang to improve his situation.
• Hu Yongsheng: Reveals his concern for his own safety and the current tense atmosphere in the Ministry of War.

Significant Themes

• The importance of reputation and image in Buddhism and business.
• The corrupt and dangerous nature of officialdom in the Capital City.
• The power dynamics and alliances within the official circles.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Qian Bochou: Qian Bochou seeks Jiang Yun's help to navigate the Capital City's official circles, and Jiang Yun agrees to assist him.
• Jiang Yun, Qian Bochou, and Xu Xiaogang: They work together to visit Hu Yongsheng, with Xu Xiaogang using his influence to facilitate the meeting.
• Hu Yongsheng and Jiang Yun: Hu Yongsheng is initially wary of Jiang Yun due to his connection to the Imperial Guards' recent actions but agrees to help him after reassurance.