Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The identities of the two corpses are revealed: Chen Feng, a man from Chen Family Village, and Wang Xian, a servant from the Dali Temple Minister's Mansion, who is also a servant in the Li Manor.
• Mama Wang, a servant in the Li Manor, is confirmed to be the female corpse. She was responsible for bringing the female assassin into the family and was likely bribed to let the assassin in.
• Li Nuo suspects that Mama Wang's death is related to the previous assassination attempt on him and tests the people around him using the Codex. None of them are the killer.
• The female assassin reveals that she was brought into the Li family by Mama Wang and was given orders by an unknown person. She doesn't know who is behind her.
• Li Nuo realizes that his father has many enemies and that finding the mastermind behind the incidents will be difficult. He learns that his father has only one ally, Prince Chun.
• The female assassin stabs herself with a hidden blade in her hairpin, revealing a secret message.

Character Developments

• Li Nuo: Realizes the extent of his father's enemies and the difficulty in finding the mastermind behind the assassination attempts. He also learns about his father's ally, Prince Chun.
• Steward Wu: Reveals that Mama Wang was a traitor and that the Li family has many enemies. He provides information about the Li family's allies and enemies.
• The Female Assassin: Reveals that she was brought into the Li family by Mama Wang and was given orders by an unknown person. She also reveals a secret message using a hidden blade in her hairpin.

Significant Themes

• Enemies and allies: The theme of having many enemies and few allies is explored through Li Nuo's realization of the extent of his father's enemies and the difficulty in finding the mastermind behind the assassination attempts.
• Trust and betrayal: The theme of trust and betrayal is explored through Mama Wang's betrayal of the Li family and the female assassin's revelation that she was brought into the family by Mama Wang.

Character Interactions

• Li Nuo and Steward Wu: Li Nuo interacts with Steward Wu to gain information about the Li family's enemies and allies. Steward Wu provides information about Mama Wang's betrayal and the Li family's enemies.
• Li Nuo and the Female Assassin: Li Nuo interacts with the female assassin to gain information about Mama Wang and the person behind her. The female assassin reveals a secret message using a hidden blade in her hairpin.
• Li Nuo and the people around him: Li Nuo tests the people around him using the Codex to find the killer. None of them are the killer.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Nuo learns about his father's past from his wife, Song Jiaren.
• Li Nuo discovers that his father, Li Xuanjing, has a notorious reputation due to his ruthless methods and disregard for human lives.
• Li Nuo realizes that his father's actions have indirectly helped him in his own journey to extend his life.

Character Developments

• Li Nuo: Struggles with his father's reputation and the implications it has on his own journey. He learns to separate his father's actions from his own path and finds solace in his wife's words.
• Song Jiaren: Shows understanding and support towards Li Nuo, revealing her own wisdom and depth of character. She agrees to stay at the Song Family with Li Nuo.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between personal loyalty and public duty.
• The consequences of one's actions and their impact on others.
• The importance of maintaining one's own path despite external influences.

Character Interactions

• Li Nuo and Song Jiaren: Their relationship deepens as they confide in each other. Li Nuo comes to trust and rely on his wife, while Song Jiaren shows understanding and support towards her husband.
• Li Nuo and Li Xuanjing: Li Nuo's feelings towards his father become more complex as he learns about his past. He struggles with how to face his father moving forward.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Nuo observes Mu'er after the assassination attempt, finding her unaffected and eager to protect him.
• Li Nuo spends the afternoon playing with Mu'er, watched by a jealous figure hidden behind a moon gate.
• In the imperial court, censors impeach Li Xuanjing, the Minister of Justice, for recklessly killing an assassin.
• Prince Chun defends Li Xuanjing, ending the impeachment attempt.
• Prince Chun sends peaches cultivated by an Agricultural school expert to Li Nuo's manor.

Character Developments

• Li Nuo: Shows affection and patience towards Mu'er, prioritizing family time over work.
• Prince Chun: Defends Li Xuanjing, demonstrating their political alliance.
• Censors: Display their duty to uphold justice, even against powerful officials like Li Xuanjing.

Significant Themes

• Family and duty: Li Nuo balances his new family life with his official duties.
• Power dynamics: The political struggle among princes and officials is evident in the court impeachment.
• Justice and corruption: The censors' impeachment highlights the tension between upholding justice and the influence of power.

Character Interactions

• Li Nuo and Mu'er: Their bond strengthens as Li Nuo plays with Mu'er, showing his affection and commitment to her well-being.
• Prince Chun and Li Xuanjing: Their political alliance is evident as Prince Chun defends Li Xuanjing against the censors' impeachment.
• The jealous figure and Li Nuo: The unknown figure's jealousy of Li Nuo's relationship with Mu'er hints at potential future conflict or rivalry.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Nuo arrives late at the County Office, intentionally taking detours to encounter potential assassins.
• He reflects on the injustice of being targeted and decides to catch and punish the culprits within the law.
• Li Nuo learns about the Gu Wenhan case from Assistant Magistrate Zhang and Lieutenant Wang, involving power struggles between princes and the Court of Judicial Review.
• Li Nuo discovers that the Ministry of Personnel might have Gu Wenhan's case files but doesn't know anyone there.
• He realizes that his father-in-law, Lord Song Zhe, is the Director of the Ministry of Personnel.

Character Developments

• Li Nuo shows bravery and determination in facing potential danger, demonstrating his newfound intelligence and sense of justice.
• He displays a growing understanding of the political landscape and the power struggles within the imperial court.
• Li Nuo's relationship with his Wife, Song Jiaren, remains distant, as he seeks her help for the first time.

Significant Themes

• Justice and the law: Li Nuo's desire to uphold justice and punish wrongdoers within the bounds of the law.
• Power struggles: The political intrigue and factional strife within the imperial court, as seen in the Gu Wenhan case.
• Family and connections: Li Nuo's realization of his father-in-law's influential position and his decision to seek help from his Wife.

Character Interactions

• Li Nuo and Steward Wu: Li Nuo's attempt to reduce guards for bait is refused by Steward Wu, highlighting Wu's loyalty and concern for Li Nuo's safety.
• Li Nuo and Assistant Magistrate Zhang/Lieutenant Wang: Li Nuo extracts information about the Gu Wenhan case from them, demonstrating his growing authority.
• Li Nuo and Song Jiaren: Li Nuo asks his Wife for a favor, marking a shift in their relationship and signaling his willingness to seek her help.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Nuo visits the Ministry of Personnel to examine Gu Wenhan's case files, accompanied by his wife, Song Jiaren.
• Song Zhe, Li Nuo's father-in-law and Director of the Ministry of Personnel's Examination Department, agrees to retrieve the files.
• The archivists, Fang Zhanggu and Zhao He, find Gu Wenhan's dossier, which details his career and performance evaluations.

Character Developments

• Li Nuo: He is determined to uncover the truth about Gu Wenhan's corruption, showing initiative and integrity.
• Song Zhe: He is cooperative and helpful, showing no signs of bias despite being Li Nuo's father-in-law.
• Fang Zhanggu: He is a middle-aged archivist who has accepted his position and has no ambitions for advancement.
• Zhao He: He is a young archivist who feels underutilized and has aspirations for a greater role in officialdom.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Contentment: Zhao He's ambition contrasts with Fang Zhanggu's contentment with his position, highlighting the different attitudes towards career progression.
• The Path to Officialdom: The chapter explores the path of officials in Great Xia, from entering civil service to retirement, and the importance of rankings in determining one's career trajectory.
• Integrity and Corruption: Li Nuo's investigation into Gu Wenhan's case files raises questions about the official's integrity and the reliability of the Ministry of Personnel's assessments.

Character Interactions

• Li Nuo and Song Zhe: Their interaction is cordial and professional, with Song Zhe showing no favoritism towards Li Nuo despite their family connection.
• Fang Zhanggu and Zhao He: Their conversation reveals their differing attitudes towards their positions and career aspirations.
• Fang Zhanggu and Feng Lingshi: Their brief interaction highlights the hierarchy within the Ministry of Personnel, with Feng Lingshi, as a higher-ranking official, giving orders to Fang Zhanggu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Nuo discovers anomalies in Gu Wenhan's performance reviews, suggesting bribery.
• He finds evidence supporting Li Xuanjing's involvement in Gu Wenhan's downfall.
• Li Nuo learns that the files of the Fourteenth year of Zhishang's Jinshi have been destroyed.
• He finds the list of Jinshi from that year and discovers Li Xuanjing's exceptional achievements.

Character Developments

• Li Nuo demonstrates his investigative skills and sharp mind, impressing his father-in-law, Song Zhe.
• Song Zhe reveals his keen judgment and experience, guiding Li Nuo without giving away too much.
• Song Jiaren realizes Li Nuo's intelligence and feels somewhat inferior.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and its exposure.
• The Imperial examination system and its implications.
• The power dynamics within the court.

Character Interactions

• Li Nuo and Song Zhe engage in a subtle game of information, with Song Zhe testing Li Nuo and Li Nuo trying to learn more.
• Li Nuo and Song Jiaren's relationship is strengthened as she witnesses his intelligence.
• Li Nuo's discovery of his father's exceptional achievements in the Imperial examination raises questions about Li Xuanjing's true nature and motivations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Nuo discovers that his father, Li Xuanjing, was the only person in history to become the top scholar in all six subjects in one imperial examination session.
• He finds that his father-in-law, Pei Zhe, and Wang Duo (now an official in the Ministry of Personnel) were also Jinshi in the same year as Li Xuanjing.
• Li Nuo learns that Wang Duo resigned from his position after handing over his son to the authorities.
• He notices a significant increase in the number of Jinshi admitted after the Eighteenth year of Zhishang, due to the execution of many officials during Li Xuanjing's tenure and Li Xuanjing's anti-corruption efforts.

Character Developments

• Li Nuo is shocked and proud to learn about his father's unprecedented achievement in the imperial examination.
• Wang Duo's past glory and fall from grace are revealed, showing how time can change people and their convictions.
• Li Nuo's curiosity about his father's past actions and decisions grows.

Significant Themes

• The impact of time on people and their ideals.
• The corrupt nature of the officialdom and the struggle against it.
• The consequences of one's actions on oneself and one's family.

Character Interactions

• Li Nuo interacts with Song Zhe, the Ministry of Personnel official, who provides him with information and insights about the past.
• Li Nuo reflects on his father's actions and the actions of those around him, comparing their past and present selves.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Nuo discovers that Zheng Tianxing, the deceased steward, was once a jinshi (top scholar) in the Eighteenth year of Zhishang, but he abandoned office to become a merchant.
• Li Nuo retrieves Zheng Tianxing's file from the Ministry of Personnel archives.
• A young official, Zhao He, reports to an unknown superior that Li Nuo has been looking into Gu Wenhan's and Zheng Tianxing's case files.

Character Developments

• Li Nuo shows curiosity and initiative in investigating the backgrounds of Zheng Tianxing and Gu Wenhan.
• Zhao He demonstrates loyalty and eagerness to please his superior, seeking better opportunities in officialdom.

Significant Themes

• The complexities and dangers of officialdom versus the relative simplicity and profitability of business.
• The importance of connections and networking in both officialdom and business.
• The value of patience and tempering one's character for future success.

Character Interactions

• Li Nuo interacts with his father-in-law, Song Zhe, at the Ministry of Personnel.
• Zhao He interacts with his superior, seeking better opportunities and guidance.
• Li Nuo's actions indirectly lead to Zhao He's report to his superior, hinting at potential consequences for Li Nuo's investigations.

Plot Points and Events

• Zhao He, an official, is secretly summoned and warned about Gu Wenhan and Zheng Tianxing's case files.
• Li Nuo returns to Li Manor, packs books, and brings Song Jiaren back to Song Manor.
• Prince Chun's Manor sends three precious peaches cultivated by a Fourth Realm Agricultural school expert to Li Manor.

Character Developments

• Zhao He shows curiosity and caution, hinting at potential future actions.
• Li Nuo demonstrates his affection for Mu'er by giving her the last precious peach.

Significant Themes

• Curiosity and its consequences (Zhao He's curiosity about Gu Wenhan and Zheng Tianxing's case files).
• Loyalty and affection (Li Nuo's love for Mu'er, shown by giving her the last peach).

Character Interactions

• Zhao He interacts with his superior, showing deference and caution.
• Li Nuo interacts with Mu'er, showing affection and trust through their secret code words and the gift of the peach.
• Li Nuo and Song Jiaren interact as a married couple, moving back to Song Manor together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Mu'er shares peaches with Song Ninger, but Ninger still seems unhappy due to Li Nuo's favoritism towards Mu'er.
• Li Nuo reflects on his favoritism and decides to be more mindful of Ninger's feelings.
• Song Mu'er and Li Nuo spend time reading together, with Li Nuo helping Mu'er with her studies.
• Mr. Chen, Mu'er's math teacher, impresses Li Nuo with his humility and mathematical prowess.
• Li Nuo has a busy day at the County Office, gaining no Lifespan bonus, suggesting he's reached a cultivation bottleneck.

Character Developments

• Li Nuo acknowledges his favoritism towards Mu'er and decides to be more considerate of Ninger's feelings.
• Mr. Chen demonstrates his humility and mathematical expertise, earning Li Nuo's respect.
• Li Nuo realizes he's reached a bottleneck in his cultivation, which may require handling significant cases to break through.

Significant Themes

• Favoritism and its consequences (Li Nuo's favoritism towards Mu'er).
• The value of humility and learning from others (Mr. Chen's behavior).
• The challenges and progression of cultivation (Li Nuo's bottleneck).

Character Interactions

• Li Nuo and Song Mu'er: They spend time reading together, with Li Nuo helping Mu'er with her studies, strengthening their bond.
• Li Nuo and Mr. Chen: Li Nuo gains a newfound respect for Mu'er's math teacher after seeing his humility and mathematical prowess.
• Li Nuo and the County Office staff: Li Nuo has a busy day at work, but his lack of Lifespan gain suggests he's reached a cultivation bottleneck, potentially affecting his interactions with colleagues.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Nuo realizes that his rapid progress in the Legalist school is due to his high-status targets, not innate talent.
• He learns that his father, the Minister of Justice, knows and accepts his choice of cultivation path.
• Li Nuo's lifespan reaches a bottleneck, and he struggles to find significant cases to increase it.
• Song Mu'er notices Li Nuo's unhappiness and offers to let Song Jiaren sleep with him to cheer him up.
• Li Nuo and Song Jiaren share a bed, but not a pillow, marking a step forward in their relationship.

Character Developments

• Li Nuo understands the true reason behind his rapid cultivation progress and accepts it.
• He becomes more at ease with his wife, leading to a significant step in their relationship.
• Song Jiaren struggles with her feelings and fears about sharing a bed with Li Nuo.

Significant Themes

• The role of identity and status in cultivation and progression.
• The evolving relationship between Li Nuo and Song Jiaren.
• Li Nuo's struggle with his lifespan bottleneck and his search for significant cases.

Character Interactions

• Li Nuo interacts with Steward Wu, learning about his father's acceptance of his cultivation path.
• Li Nuo and Song Mu'er share a moment of understanding and closeness.
• Li Nuo and Song Jiaren share a bed for the first time, marking a significant step in their relationship, despite their initial tension and discomfort.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Nuo decides to stay home to read and accumulate cultivation progress instead of going to the County Office daily.
• He plans to target influential families' children for cases to break through his cultivation bottleneck.
• Li Nuo meets Zhou Yu at Song Yu's place and learns about his improved legal studies performance.
• Li Nuo offers his support to Song Yu and Zhou Yu against bullies at the academy.
• Song Yu and Zhou Yu plan to accept challenges from their bullies with Li Nuo's backing.

Character Developments

• Li Nuo: He shows genuine concern for Song Yu's well-being and offers his support, demonstrating his growing affection for his family.
• Song Yu: He feels vindicated and grateful for Li Nuo's support, leading him to want to stand up to his bullies.
• Zhou Yu: He feels flattered by Li Nuo's offer of support and is more willing to stand up for himself.

Significant Themes

• Family: Li Nuo's growing sense of family and responsibility is evident in his support for Song Yu.
• Power Dynamics: The dynamics between the influential families and the County Office are explored, with Li Nuo planning to target influential families' children for cases.

Character Interactions

• Li Nuo and Song Yu: Their relationship improves as Li Nuo offers his support, and Song Yu feels grateful and vindicated.
• Li Nuo and Zhou Yu: They develop a friendly rapport, with Li Nuo offering his support to Zhou Yu as well.
• Song Yu and his bullies: Song Yu plans to stand up to his bullies with Li Nuo's backing, indicating a change in his attitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A military strategy lesson at Yunmeng Academy is attended by students who are more interested in an impending duel than the lecture.
• Song Yu and Pei Jun agree to settle their dispute after class in a small grove behind the academy.
• Pei Jun gathers his men, armed with rolling pins, to confront Song Yu and Zhou Yu.
• Song Yu and Zhou Yu arrive late, taunt Pei Jun, and then flee, leading Pei Jun and his men into a trap set by the Chang'an County Office.
• Assistant Magistrate Zhang and Lieutenant Wang, along with a group of runners, arrest Pei Jun and his men for armed brawling.

Character Developments

• Song Yu: Shows arrogance and cunning, using his brother-in-law's influence to set a trap for Pei Jun.
• Zhou Yu: Remains calm and collected, assisting Song Yu in their plan against Pei Jun.
• Pei Jun: Initially confident and aggressive, becomes cautious and fearful when faced with potential consequences for his father.
• Assistant Magistrate Zhang and Lieutenant Wang: Act swiftly and decisively to apprehend Pei Jun and his men, demonstrating their authority and efficiency.

Significant Themes

• Power and Influence: The characters' actions are driven by their desire to assert or maintain their power and influence, with Song Yu and Pei Jun's conflict being a prime example.
• Family Loyalty: Pei Jun's concern for his father's career shows the importance of family loyalty in this society, even when it comes to protecting one's own interests.

Character Interactions

• Song Yu and Zhou Yu: Their close friendship and shared cunning are evident as they work together to outmaneuver Pei Jun.
• Pei Jun and his men: Their loyalty and obedience are tested when they must choose between supporting Pei Jun or protecting their own interests.
• Assistant Magistrate Zhang and Lieutenant Wang: Their professional relationship is shown through their efficient teamwork in apprehending Pei Jun and his men.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pei Jun, after instigating a brawl involving the Song family, receives 90 strokes of the rod as punishment.
• Pei Hu and Assistant Magistrate Zhang visit the Song Manor to apologize, acknowledging Li Nuo's influence.
• Song Lian scolds Song Yu for causing trouble, but Li Nuo intervenes, leading to a tense family moment.

Character Developments

• Pei Jun: Realizes the extent of Li Nuo's influence and regrets underestimating the Song family.
• Pei Hu: Recognizes Li Nuo's power and seeks to appease the Song family to avoid further conflict.
• Song Yu: Stands up for himself and the Song family's dignity, showing growth and determination.
• Li Nuo: Demonstrates his influence and power, subtly protecting Song Yu and the Song family.
• Song Lian: Struggles with his son's behavior but ultimately values family cohesion and tradition.
• Song Jiaren: Shows a softer side, comforting Li Nuo during a thunderstorm, revealing a moment of vulnerability.

Significant Themes

• Family and Tradition: The Song family values unity and cohesion, as seen in their response to the Pei family's apology and Li Nuo's intervention.
• Power Dynamics: Li Nuo's influence is acknowledged by the Pei family, highlighting the importance of connections and power in society.
• Growth and Change: Song Yu shows signs of growth and determination, while Li Nuo demonstrates a more mature and powerful side.

Character Interactions

• Pei Hu and Pei Jun: The uncle and nephew interact, with Pei Hu seeking to protect Pei Jun and make amends with the Song family.
• Song Lian and Song Yu: The father and son have a tense interaction, with Song Lian scolding Song Yu for causing trouble and Song Yu standing up for himself.
• Li Nuo and Song Jiaren: The couple shares a moment of vulnerability, with Song Jiaren comforting Li Nuo during a thunderstorm, revealing a softer side.
• Song Yu and Li Nuo: The two brothers-in-law bond over their shared experiences, with Li Nuo offering his support to Song Yu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Nuo wakes up with a sore neck and finds it rained overnight in Chang'an.
• Song Mu'er invites Li Nuo to play in the puddles, but he declines.
• Li Nuo accidentally slips but is saved by Song Jiaren, who brings him breakfast.
• Mr. Chen is revealed to be learning from Li Nuo, not teaching him, and is guided by an unseen master.
• Three mathematicians from Qingfeng Academy follow Mr. Chen to the Song Manor and discover Li Nuo's mathematical prowess.

Character Developments

• Li Nuo: Realizes he can identify the sisters by asking them to perform a somersault; shows his mathematical expertise to the three mathematicians.
• Song Mu'er: Shows off her agility by performing a somersault; mentions Mr. Chen hasn't been teaching them math.
• Mr. Chen: Admits he's learning from Li Nuo, not teaching him; appears embarrassed and shameless when confronted by the mathematicians.
• The three mathematicians: Initially suspicious of Mr. Chen, they eventually accept Li Nuo as the true mastermind behind the mathematical teachings.

Significant Themes

• The unexpected reversal of roles between Li Nuo and Mr. Chen highlights the theme of appearances being deceiving.
• The theme of age and wisdom is challenged as Li Nuo, a young man, demonstrates greater mathematical prowess than the older scholars.

Character Interactions

• Li Nuo and Song Mu'er: Li Nuo declines Mu'er's invitation to play, showing a difference in their maturity levels.
• Li Nuo and Mr. Chen: Their dynamic changes as Li Nuo becomes the teacher, and Mr. Chen the student.
• The three mathematicians and Mr. Chen: Their initial suspicion and eventual acceptance of Li Nuo as the mastermind behind the mathematical teachings highlight their pride and stubbornness.

Plot Points and Events

• Four old mathematics teachers from Song Jiaren's past visit, stumped by a problem Li Nuo gave her.
• Li Nuo realizes his Codex can now automatically detect criminals within one zhang and within a day of the crime.
• Li Nuo refuses an invitation to teach at Qingfeng Academy.
• A murder case occurs, and Li Nuo is called to investigate.

Character Developments

• Song Jiaren regains confidence in her mathematical abilities after Li Nuo's support and teaching.
• The four old mathematics teachers realize their past mistakes in judging Song Jiaren's abilities.
• Li Nuo discovers he has a talent for teaching, especially to his wife and Mu'er.

Significant Themes

• The importance of a good teacher and the impact of negative influences on learning.
• The value of patience and persistence in problem-solving, as seen in the old teachers' approach to the math problem.

Character Interactions

• Li Nuo and Song Jiaren: Li Nuo supports and teaches Song Jiaren, helping her regain confidence in her mathematical abilities. They work together to "punish" the old teachers by having Song Jiaren ask them for help with problems Li Nuo has taught her.
• The four old teachers and Song Jiaren: The teachers realize their past mistakes and apologize to Song Jiaren. They also recognize Li Nuo's teaching abilities and invite him to teach at Qingfeng Academy.
• Li Nuo and Lieutenant Wang: Wang informs Li Nuo about a murder case, prompting Li Nuo to leave for the investigation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Nuo and Lieutenant Wang arrive at the crime scene, where an elderly woman has committed suicide by hanging.
• The Ministry of Punishment is already present, investigating the case.
• Li Nuo meets a female Legalist cultivator, who believes the death was suicide.
• Li Nuo learns about the victim's life and her son's academic achievements.
• The victim's son, Han Zhuo, arrives and asks about his mother.

Character Developments

• Li Nuo demonstrates his determination to solve the case, even when faced with obstacles from the Ministry of Punishment.
• The female Legalist cultivator shows empathy and emotion, wiping her eyes after hearing about the victim's sacrifice for her son.
• Han Zhuo, the victim's son, displays concern and anxiety upon hearing about his mother's death.

Significant Themes

• The theme of parental love and sacrifice is emphasized through the victim's actions.
• The contrast between the victim's poverty and her son's academic success highlights the struggle of lower-class families.

Character Interactions

• Li Nuo and the female Legalist cultivator show mutual respect and recognition as fellow Legalist cultivators.
• Li Nuo and Lieutenant Wang work together to gather information about the victim's life.
• The victim's neighbors express sympathy and regret for her death.
• Han Zhuo's arrival creates tension and anticipation, as he is now the prime suspect due to the appearance of his portrait on the Codex.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Scholar in Green Robes (Han Zhuo) discovers his mother's body and mourns her death.
• The crowd donates money for the funeral, but Li Nuo doesn't contribute as he has no money.
• Li Nuo takes Han Zhuo to the County Office for testimony regarding his mother's death.
• Li Nuo arranges for a coffin, funeral supplies, and religious services for the deceased.
• The Woman in Black suspects Li Nuo of trying to hog all the credit for solving the case.

Character Developments

• Han Zhuo: Shows deep grief and respect for his mother.
• Li Nuo: Demonstrates empathy and thoroughness in handling the situation, showing he's not just stingy but also cares for the people.
• The Woman in Black: Reveals her rebellious spirit and suspicion of Li Nuo's intentions.

Significant Themes

• Death and mourning: The chapter explores the grief and rituals surrounding death in ancient Chinese society.
• Legalism and competition: The Woman in Black's suspicion highlights the competitive nature of Legalism practitioners.
• Empathy and care: Li Nuo's actions show that he understands and cares for the people, challenging his initial portrayal as a stingy miser.

Character Interactions

• Li Nuo and Han Zhuo: Li Nuo shows compassion towards Han Zhuo, arranging for his mother's funeral and taking him to the County Office.
• Li Nuo and The Woman in Black: Their interaction reveals their differing views on the case and Li Nuo's intentions.

Plot Points and Events

• Li Nuo and Li Anning meet; she guesses he wants to keep the case to himself.
• Li Anning joins Li Nuo to visit the Chang'an County Office.
• Li Nuo learns Li Anning is a princess and a Fourth Realm Legalist.

Character Developments

• Li Nuo feels disheartened upon learning Li Anning's cultivation level.
• Li Anning shows her intelligence and assertiveness.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception among strangers.
• The power dynamics and influence of the royal family.

Character Interactions

• Li Nuo and Li Anning's initial meeting is filled with tension and mutual suspicion.
• Li Nuo feels overwhelmed by Li Anning's constant questioning.
• Steward Wu warns Li Nuo about Li Anning's powerful background.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Anning, a Fourth Realm cultivator from the Legalist school, visits Li Nuo's office.
• Li Nuo asks Li Anning to demonstrate the Legalist school's ability to "draw a circle on the ground to make a prison," which she does, trapping Li Nuo within an invisible barrier.
• Li Nuo's guards report that Han Zhuo, a student at Qingfeng Academy, has agreed to marry the daughter of the Marquis of Huaiyang, who insists on not living with Han Zhuo's mother after marriage.
• Li Nuo suspects that Han Zhuo instigated his mother's suicide to facilitate his marriage and career advancement.

Character Developments

• Li Nuo: Realizes his inexperience compared to Li Anning and reflects on his wife's abilities.
• Li Anning: Shows her power and generosity by demonstrating her Legalist school ability and later showing understanding towards Han Zhuo's mother's sacrifice.
• Han Zhuo: Implicated in his mother's suicide, potentially instigating it for personal gain.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and background: Li Nuo feels outmatched by Li Anning's strength and influence.
• Filial piety vs. ambition: Han Zhuo's potential disregard for his mother's well-being in favor of his career and marriage.
• The Great Xia Codex: Its influence on societal values and punishments, particularly regarding filial piety.

Character Interactions

• Li Nuo and Li Anning: They interact cautiously, with Li Nuo trying to learn from Li Anning while keeping his true intentions hidden.
• Li Nuo and his guards: Li Nuo relies on his guards for information and advice.
• Han Zhuo and the Marquis of Huaiyang's daughter: Their potential marriage is a source of conflict, as the daughter refuses to live with Han Zhuo's mother.