Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Lantern Festival is in full swing in the imperial city, with the Jinyang Marquis Manor celebrating the Marquis's birthday.
• Ji Chan, the disgraced eldest daughter of the Marquis, attempts to visit her father but is rebuffed by Mama Qian, the manor's housekeeper.
• Ji Chan witnesses her father, the Marquis, interacting affectionately with his new family, including Madam Xue and her children, Xue Zhao and Xue Ying.
• Ji Chan leaves the manor, dejected and alone, and begins her journey back to Changping Quarter.
• On her way, she encounters a demonic creature and is accidentally shot with an arrow meant for it, severely injuring her.
• She manages to crawl into an alley, where she encounters a mysterious, beast-like creature.

Character Developments

• Ji Chan: Realizes the truth about her father's infidelity and his acceptance of Madam Xue and her children. She becomes determined to survive despite her dire circumstances.
• Marquis of Jinyang: Revealed to be unfaithful and willing to disown Ji Chan to protect his new family.
• Madam Xue: Manipulates the Marquis and is willing to have Ji Chan eliminated.
• Xue Zhao and Xue Ying: Are likely the Marquis's biological children with Madam Xue, and they are favored by their father.

Significant Themes

• Infidelity and its consequences
• The struggle for power and status within a family
• The resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity

Character Interactions

• Ji Chan interacts with Mama Qian, Madam Xue's maid Chun He, and the mysterious creature in the alley.
• The Marquis interacts with Madam Xue, Xue Zhao, and Xue Ying, showing favoritism towards his new family.
• Ji Chan observes her father and his new family from a distance, leading to her realization of the truth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Chan, a dying woman, encounters a critically injured fox demon in an alley.
• The demon reveals it wants to seek investiture to become human.
• Ji Chan offers her body to the demon, allowing it to possess her and live on.
• The possession is successful, but it attracts heavenly thunder, which doesn't strike them.
• The Mingjing Division is alerted about a Great Demon entering the city and sends Pacification Commissioner Bai Xiuming to investigate.

Character Developments

• Ji Chan: Accepts her impending death and offers her body to the demon, showing her selflessness and willingness to live on through the demon.
• A Chan (fox demon): Initially hesitant, agrees to possess Ji Chan's body, showing a desire to live and seek revenge.

Significant Themes

• Fate: Ji Chan and A Chan's meeting and decision to possess each other's bodies are presented as fated.
• Trust and Betrayal: Both characters have been betrayed by those they trusted, leading to their current situations.
• Life and Death: The chapter explores the characters' acceptance of death and their desire to live on.

Character Interactions

• Ji Chan and A Chan: They form a brief but significant bond, sharing their stories and deciding to possess each other's bodies, leading to a new lease on life for A Chan and a chance for Ji Chan's vengeance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Chan, possessing Ji Chan's body, is found by Bai Xiuming, the Mingjing Division Official, who suspects her of being a demon.
• A Chan is taken to the Mingjing Division's Town Prison for interrogation.
• Bai Xiuming interrogates A Chan, using torture to try and extract information about the Eight-Tailed Fox's inner core.

Character Developments

• A Chan: Despite her situation, she maintains her composure and tries to outsmart Bai Xiuming. She reveals that she ate the Eight-Tailed Fox's inner core willingly, providing a plausible explanation for her possession.
• Bai Xiuming: He is calm, collected, and ruthless in his interrogation methods. He suspects A Chan's true identity and is determined to uncover the truth.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival and self-preservation.
• The power dynamics between humans and demons.
• The consequences of possession and the challenges of maintaining a human identity.

Character Interactions

• A Chan and Bai Xiuming: Their interaction is tense and hostile, with A Chan trying to outmaneuver Bai Xiuming, while he remains steadfast in his pursuit of the truth.
• A Chan and the Eight-Tailed Fox: Though not physically present, the fox's actions and fate influence A Chan's decisions and the course of the chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Chan is interrogated and whipped by Bai Xiuming, who suspects she's a fox demon.
• A Chan claims she survived by consuming a fox demon's core, which also changed her personality.
• Bai Xiuming investigates the possibility of a human surviving after consuming a demon core.
• A Chan is released from the Mingjing Division after seven days and is met by Mama Sun, Lady Xiao Lin's servant.

Character Developments

• A Chan shows resilience and determination, even under torture.
• Bai Xiuming is shown to be thorough and suspicious, but also curious and open to investigation.
• Mama Sun shows loyalty and concern for A Chan, indicating Lady Xiao Lin's interest in her well-being.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Suspicion: Bai Xiuming's suspicion of A Chan's true identity drives the plot.
• Survival and Resilience: A Chan's determination to live and her ability to endure hardship are highlighted.
• Power and Control: Bai Xiuming's power as the Pacification Commissioner is evident in his interrogation and release of A Chan.

Character Interactions

• A Chan and Bai Xiuming: Their interaction is tense, with Bai Xiuming interrogating and A Chan trying to convince him of her humanity.
• A Chan and Mama Sun: Their interaction is warm and shows A Chan's connection to Lady Xiao Lin's household.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Chan (A Chan) is invited by her aunt, Lady Xiao Lin (Young Madam Lin), to her residence.
• A Chan discovers mysterious black lines on her body, possibly connected to her possession.
• A Chan overhears an argument between Lady Xiao Lin and her daughter, Zhao Wenyue, about Zhao Wenyue's desire to marry Xue Mingtang.
• Lady Xiao Lin's anger causes her to go into labor prematurely.

Character Developments

• A Chan: Shows resilience and adaptability in her new living situation. She discovers the mysterious marks on her body and decides to take things one step at a time.
• Lady Xiao Lin: Reveals her strong will and determination to protect her daughter's interests. Her temper and sharp tongue lead to a heated argument with Zhao Wenyue, resulting in a premature labor scare.
• Zhao Wenyue: Shows defiance and determination in pursuing her romantic interests, even if it means becoming a second wife. She holds hostility towards A Chan, though the reason is unclear.

Significant Themes

• Family dynamics and relationships: The complex relationships between A Chan, Lady Xiao Lin, and Zhao Wenyue highlight the importance of family ties and the challenges they face.
• Possession and its consequences: A Chan's discovery of the mysterious marks on her body raises questions about the long-term effects of her possession and the true nature of her existence.
• Marriage and social status: The argument between Lady Xiao Lin and Zhao Wenyue centers around Zhao Wenyue's desire to marry Xue Mingtang, highlighting the importance of social status and family connections in marriage.

Character Interactions

• A Chan and Lady Xiao Lin: Their relationship is distant, but Lady Xiao Lin shows concern for A Chan's well-being and offers her support.
• Lady Xiao Lin and Zhao Wenyue: Their argument reveals the tension between them, with Lady Xiao Lin prioritizing her daughter's best interests and Zhao Wenyue pursuing her romantic desires.
• A Chan and Zhao Wenyue: Though they have little interaction in this chapter, Zhao Wenyue holds hostility towards A Chan, suggesting a history or rivalry between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lady Xiao Lin, Ji Chan's aunt, tries to persuade her to marry into a powerful family.
• A Chan refuses, citing her mother's wishes.
• Lady Xiao Lin complains about her sister (Ji Chan's mother) and her son, Zhao Wensheng.
• A Chan offers to make incense for Lady Xiao Lin to prove her skills.
• Mama Sun gives A Chan two hundred taels of silver from Lady Xiao Lin.
• A Chan buys spices and a piece of black willow wood at the West Market.

Character Developments

• A Chan: Stands firm in her decision not to marry, shows resourcefulness in offering to make incense, and demonstrates her practicality in buying necessary supplies.
• Lady Xiao Lin: Reveals her selfish and ambitious nature, but also shows a rare act of kindness by giving A Chan money.
• Zhao Wensheng: Shows affection towards his mother but also resentment due to his father's strictness and his mother's favoritism.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Contentment: Lady Xiao Lin's ambition contrasts with A Chan's contentment with her current status.
• Family Dynamics: The complex relationships within the Zhao family are explored, highlighting the tension between Lady Xiao Lin and her son, and the favoritism towards her younger child.

Character Interactions

• A Chan and Lady Xiao Lin: Their interaction reveals Lady Xiao Lin's manipulative nature and A Chan's determination to follow her mother's wishes.
• A Chan and Mama Sun: Mama Sun shows kindness towards A Chan, highlighting the contrast between her and Lady Xiao Lin.
• Zhao Wensheng and Lady Xiao Lin: Their interaction shows the tension between them, with Lady Xiao Lin favoring her younger child and Zhao Wensheng feeling resentful.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mingjing Division Guards, led by Feng Yang, raid the West Market, targeting a jade stall.
• The jade stall's assistant, Jiang San, tries to escape but is killed by Xue Mingtang, a Ministry of Justice official.
• A spirit entity, suspected to be a Heavenly Anomaly snake, escapes from Jiang San's body.
• A Chan offers Feng Yang information about the spirit entity, suggesting it's a Heavenly Anomaly snake that dwells in fine jade.

Character Developments

• A Chan: Shows resourcefulness and knowledge about Heavenly Anomalies, hinting at her true identity and potential connection to the Pacification Commissioner.
• Feng Yang: Becomes more suspicious of A Chan's true motives and her relationship with the Pacification Commissioner.
• Xue Mingtang: Reveals his malice towards A Chan and is cautious about acting against her due to her connection with the Mingjing Division.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: A Chan's true motives and identity remain unclear, causing suspicion and mistrust among other characters.
• Power dynamics: The presence of Mingjing Division Guards and the Ministry of Justice officials highlights the power struggle and corruption within the government.

Character Interactions

• A Chan and Feng Yang: A Chan manipulates Feng Yang into helping her carry her purchases home, while Feng Yang remains wary of her true intentions.
• A Chan and Xue Mingtang: A Chan avoids direct confrontation with Xue Mingtang, while he plots to eliminate her.
• Feng Yang and Xue Mingtang: Feng Yang is hostile towards Xue Mingtang due to his convenient appearance and interference in the investigation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Chan buys smoked chicken from Old Man Hu, spending a significant amount (30 wen).
• Bai Xiuming visits A Chan at night, questioning her about the Snow Needle Snake and her presence at the West Market.
• A Chan admits to helping Feng Yang to shield herself from Xue Mingtang and reveals she wanted to curry favor with Bai Xiuming by offering him dinner.
• Bai Xiuming warns A Chan not to leave Shangjing City and threatens her maternal grandfather's family if she's connected to the case.
• A Chan learns Bai Xiuming's surname.

Character Developments

• A Chan: Shows resourcefulness in making scented pouches for income and stands up to Bai Xiuming, trying to curry favor with him.
• Bai Xiuming: Reveals his suspicious nature and willingness to use threats to control A Chan.

Significant Themes

• Trust and suspicion: Bai Xiuming's initial trust in A Chan wanes as he suspects her involvement in the Strange Snake case.
• Power dynamics: Bai Xiuming uses his authority to threaten A Chan and her family.

Character Interactions

• A Chan and Boss Xu: They have a friendly relationship, with Boss Xu looking out for A Chan.
• A Chan and Bai Xiuming: Their interaction is tense, with A Chan trying to ingratiate herself with Bai Xiuming, while he remains suspicious and threatening.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Chan enjoys her dinner and sleeps peacefully.
• Lady Xiao Lin, pregnant, hears an infant's cry at night, causing her fetal movement. Her husband, Zhao Ming, dismisses it as the wind.
• A Chan visits the Zhao Manor the next day, but Lady Xiao Lin is unavailable due to her condition. A Chan gives Mama Sun a sachet of incense to repel insects.

Character Developments

• A Chan demonstrates her knowledge and concern for her aunt's well-being.
• Lady Xiao Lin shows fear and unease after hearing the infant's cry.
• Zhao Ming remains calm and rational, attributing the incident to the wind.

Significant Themes

• Superstition and the supernatural are hinted at with the infant's cry.
• The tension between Lady Xiao Lin and her in-laws is mentioned briefly.

Character Interactions

• A Chan and Mama Sun discuss Lady Xiao Lin's condition and A Chan's gift.
• Lady Xiao Lin and Zhao Ming argue about their daughter's marriage prospects.
• Lady Xiao Lin and Zhao Ming interact after she hears the infant's cry, with Zhao Ming trying to calm her.

Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Wensheng brings fish to Zhao Manor, causing A Chan to fall ill due to the lingering fishy smell.
• A Chan recovers from her illness and receives new clothes and accessories from Lady Xiao Lin for the Flower Festival.
• Lady Xiao Lin's appetite for fish increases significantly, causing concern among the servants.
• A Chan and Lady Xiao Lin visit the Flower Goddess Temple on Yong Mountain during the Flower Festival, where they encounter the Xue family.

Character Developments

• A Chan shows resilience and resourcefulness in dealing with her illness and the task of repelling rodents and insects.
• Lady Xiao Lin's pregnancy progresses, but she seems to be in poor health and has an unusual craving for fish.
• Zhao Wenyue's hostility towards A Chan is evident, but she maintains composure due to her mother's instructions.
• Madam Xue appears uncomfortable around A Chan, while Xue Mingtang is steadfast in his support.

Significant Themes

• The theme of pregnancy and its impact on Lady Xiao Lin's health and behavior is explored.
• The tension between the Zhao and Xue families is evident, with Lady Xiao Lin showing disdain towards Madam Xue.
• A Chan's resilience and resourcefulness are highlighted as she faces challenges and maintains her composure.

Character Interactions

• A Chan and Mama Sun share a friendly rapport, with Mama Sun seeking A Chan's help in repelling rodents and insects.
• Lady Xiao Lin and A Chan maintain a cordial relationship, with Lady Xiao Lin showing generosity towards A Chan.
• Zhao Wenyue's hostility towards A Chan is evident, but she keeps her feelings in check due to her mother's instructions.
• The encounter between the Zhao and Xue families at the Flower Goddess Temple is tense, with Lady Xiao Lin showing disdain towards Madam Xue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Chan and Lady Xiao Lin encounter Madam Xue and Xue Mingtang at the mountain fair.
• A Chan and Zhao Wenyue offer incense to the Flower Goddess, with A Chan's branch not making it into the vase.
• A Chan discovers Zhao Wenyue was swindled while buying a jade hairpin.
• A Chan confronts Madam Xue, demanding Lady Lin's dowry and threatening to expose her affair with the Marquis of Jinyang.

Character Developments

• A Chan: She shows cunning and determination in dealing with Madam Xue, using the threat of exposing her affair to pressure her.
• Madam Xue: She becomes increasingly desperate to protect her secret and her children's status.
• Zhao Wenyue: She shows signs of growing up, buying a gift for her mother and offering incense to the Flower Goddess.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and manipulation is evident in Madam Xue's actions and A Chan's countermeasures.
• The theme of family and inheritance is highlighted through the discussion of the Marquis of Jinyang's succession and Madam Xue's children's futures.

Character Interactions

• A Chan and Madam Xue: Their interaction is tense, with A Chan threatening Madam Xue and Madam Xue trying to maintain her composure.
• A Chan and Zhao Wenyue: Their relationship improves slightly as Zhao Wenyue shows consideration for A Chan.
• Lady Xiao Lin and Zhao Wenyue: Their relationship is strained due to Lady Xiao Lin's favoritism towards Ji Chan and Zhao Wenyue's jealousy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Chan confronts Madam Xue, threatening to expose her past if she doesn't return Lady Lin's dowry.
• Lady Xiao Lin and A Chan have lunch at Zhiwei Building, where Lady Xiao Lin finds the fish dishes unpalatable.
• Lady Xiao Lin dies suddenly, and the Mingjing Division becomes involved. A Chan is summoned for questioning.

Character Developments

• A Chan demonstrates her sharp tongue and cunning in dealing with Madam Xue.
• Lady Xiao Lin shows favoritism towards Zhao Wenyue, her biological daughter, and disdain for her stepdaughter, A Chan.
• Zhao Ming, A Chan's uncle, is introduced as a calm and collected individual.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and corruption within the imperial court, as reflected in the Mingjing Division's involvement and Bai Xiuming's presence.
• The theme of family and relationships, particularly the tension between Lady Xiao Lin and A Chan, and the favoritism shown towards Zhao Wenyue.

Character Interactions

• A Chan's interaction with Madam Xue highlights A Chan's growing confidence and assertiveness.
• Lady Xiao Lin's interaction with A Chan and Zhao Wenyue reveals her favoritism and disregard for A Chan's feelings.
• The Zhao family's gathering at the Zhao Manor showcases their unity and concern for Lady Xiao Lin's death, despite their individual reactions to the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Kai brings A Chan to Bai Xiuming for questioning about her aunt's death.
• Bai Xiuming reveals that Lady Xiao Lin died from self-inflicted abdominal wounds, with her belly containing a Yifu Fish.
• A Chan shares her suspicions about Zhao Wensheng's involvement and the strange circumstances surrounding the jade hairpin.

Character Developments

• A Chan demonstrates her intelligence, boldness, and adaptability in her interactions with Bai Xiuming, hinting at her true nature.
• Bai Xiuming shows his keen observation skills and unyielding demeanor during the questioning.

Significant Themes

• The theme of identity and deception is reinforced as A Chan's true nature is hinted at, and Bai Xiuming's suspicions about the Zhao family grow.
• The theme of trust and betrayal is explored through A Chan's suspicions about the Xue siblings and her cousin, Zhao Wensheng.

Character Interactions

• A Chan and Bai Xiuming engage in a tense yet subtle power struggle, with A Chan attempting to guide the investigation while Bai Xiuming tests her.
• A Chan's insights into the Zhao family members reveal her astuteness and ability to read people, further differentiating her from her former self.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Xiuming and A Chan investigate Lady Xiao Lin's death at the Zhao Manor.
• A Chan sees Lady Xiao Lin's body and expresses sympathy for her, despite their strained relationship.
• Zhao Wensheng is revealed to have fed his mother Yifu Fish to prevent her from giving birth to his younger brother, leading to her death.
• Zhao Wenyue admits to giving Lady Xiao Lin a jade hairpin that could alter one's personality, which might have contributed to her mother's actions.
• Zhao Ming is taken away for obstruction of justice, and Zhao Wenyue is threatened with death if she doesn't confess.

Character Developments

• A Chan: She shows empathy for Lady Xiao Lin, reflecting her growing maturity and understanding of others' feelings.
• Zhao Wensheng: His actions reveal his selfishness and disregard for his mother's life, showing the extent of his resentment towards her.
• Zhao Wenyue: Her confession demonstrates her willingness to protect herself at any cost, even if it means betraying her mother and sister.

Significant Themes

• Family dynamics and dysfunction: The Zhao siblings' actions highlight the complex and often strained relationships within families, particularly when there are power struggles or unmet expectations.
• Consequences of actions: The characters' decisions have severe repercussions, emphasizing the theme of cause and effect in their lives.
• Appearance vs. reality: The jade hairpin's ability to alter personality underscores the theme of how people's true nature may not always align with their outward appearance or actions.

Character Interactions

• Bai Xiuming and A Chan: Their dynamic shows Bai Xiuming's growing trust in A Chan, as he allows her to participate in the investigation and witness the truth behind Lady Xiao Lin's death.
• Zhao siblings and Zhao Ming: The family's interactions reveal the deep-seated resentment, jealousy, and manipulation that exist among them, ultimately leading to tragedy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mama Sun confronts Zhao Wenyue, leading to a heated argument and physical altercation.
• The Mingjing Division guards intervene and separate the siblings, taking them away for questioning.
• Bai Xiuming learns from Mama Sun that Lady Xiao Lin was wearing the jade hairpin when she was found, but it's now missing.
• The jade hairpin remains unfound despite a thorough search of the room.
• Zhao Ming is informed that his children are suspects and must be brought in for questioning.

Character Developments

• Mama Sun: Shows strong loyalty and affection towards Lady Xiao Lin, becoming emotional and aggressive when confronting Zhao Wenyue.
• Zhao Wenyue: Initially defiant and blaming others, she eventually breaks down and admits her role in Lady Xiao Lin's death.
• Zhao Wensheng: Remains defiant and unapologetic throughout the confrontation.
• Zhao Ming: Shows grief and self-blame for his family's misfortune, hinting at a different perspective on his children's involvement.
• Bai Xiuming: Maintains professionalism and impartiality throughout the investigation, but shows a brief moment of patience and understanding towards A Chan.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and betrayal: Mama Sun's loyalty to Lady Xiao Lin contrasts with Zhao Wenyue's betrayal.
• Family dynamics: The complex relationships within the Zhao family are explored, with Zhao Ming's differing attitudes towards his children.
• Investigation and justice: The Mingjing Division's investigation highlights the importance of evidence and thorough examination in seeking justice.

Character Interactions

• Mama Sun and Zhao Wenyue: Their confrontation highlights the tension between loyalty and betrayal, with Mama Sun acting as a proxy for Lady Xiao Lin's anger.
• Zhao Ming and Bai Xiuming: Their interaction shows Zhao Ming's frustration and desire for a swift resolution, while Bai Xiuming maintains professional distance.
• A Chan and Bai Xiuming: Their interaction reveals A Chan's persistence and curiosity, while Bai Xiuming shows a brief moment of patience and understanding.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Mama Sun informs A Chan about Lady Xiao Lin's body being returned to Zhao Manor and the funeral arrangements.
• A Chan attends the mourning hall where she sees Zhao Wenyue and a young boy, Zhao Wenqi, observing mourning for Lady Xiao Lin.
• She learns that Zhao Wenqi has been adopted by the Zhao family and is now considered the eldest son.

Character Developments

• Mama Sun has aged significantly, showing the passage of time and the stress she's endured.
• Zhao Wenyue, despite her release, harbors intense hatred towards A Chan for her role in the investigation.
• Zhao Wenqi, a young boy, displays remarkable maturity and composure, hinting at a deeper agenda.

Significant Themes

• Family Dynamics: The Zhao family's complex relationships are further explored, with Zhao Ming's favoritism towards Zhao Wenqi and Old Madam Zhao's manipulation.
• Power Struggles: The absence of the eldest son, Zhao Wensheng, and the sudden appearance of Zhao Wenqi suggest a power shift within the Zhao family.

Character Interactions

• A Chan and Zhao Wenyue's interaction is tense, with Zhao Wenyue blaming A Chan for her suffering.
• A Chan and Zhao Wenqi's interaction is polite but guarded, with A Chan trying to understand his true motives.
• Old Madam Zhao and Zhao Wenqi's interaction reveals her favoritism towards him, suggesting a potential alliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Ming stages a charade to adopt Zhao Wenqi, son of his cousin Su Yao, to secure his status and inherit the family name.
• Lady Xiao Lin's funeral is held, with Zhao Wenqi's adoption openly acknowledged by relatives.
• Zhao Ming confesses his resentment towards Lady Xiao Lin for driving away his parents and forcing an abortion on Su Yao's unborn child.
• Zhao Ming invites Daoist Master Jingyun to seal Lady Xiao Lin's soul to prevent her ghost from causing trouble.

Character Developments

• Zhao Ming: Reveals his resentment towards Lady Xiao Lin and his plan to secure Zhao Wenqi's status, showing his cunning and manipulative nature.
• Lady Xiao Lin: Dies, and her past actions are revealed, showing her selfishness and disregard for others.
• Zhao Wenqi: Is adopted by Zhao Ming, securing his status and future.
• Su Yao: Is revealed to be Zhao Wenqi's mother and Zhao Ming's cousin, showing her resilience and acceptance of her situation.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and deceit: Zhao Ming manipulates the situation to secure Zhao Wenqi's status, while Lady Xiao Lin's past actions are revealed to be driven by selfishness.
• Family and inheritance: The importance of family name and inheritance is emphasized, with Zhao Ming going to great lengths to secure Zhao Wenqi's status.
• Resentment and guilt: Zhao Ming's resentment towards Lady Xiao Lin is revealed, while Mama Sun feels guilty for overhearing their conversation.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Ming and Su Yao: Their relationship is revealed, showing their intimacy and shared history.
• Zhao Ming and Lady Xiao Lin: Zhao Ming's resentment towards Lady Xiao Lin is revealed, showing the tension in their marriage.
• Mama Sun and Zhao Ming: Mama Sun overhears Zhao Ming's conversation with Su Yao, causing her to feel guilty and fear Zhao Ming's reaction.

Plot Points and Events

• Lady Xiao Lin's funeral is held early in the morning.
• A Chan attends the funeral and witnesses strange occurrences.
• A Daoist priest, Master Jingyun, performs a ritual to seal Lady Xiao Lin's soul in her coffin due to her unfulfilled resentment.
• Mama Sun, Lady Xiao Lin's loyal servant, is forced to leave Zhao Manor and seeks refuge with A Chan.
• Mama Sun reveals that Zhao Ming had an affair with Madam Su, resulting in Zhao Wenqi, and that Zhao Ming and Madam Su discussed sacrificing someone to secure Zhao Wenqi's inheritance.

Character Developments

• A Chan: Starts to investigate and care about Lady Xiao Lin's case, showing determination to seek justice.
• Mama Sun: Struggles with guilt for not being able to help Lady Xiao Lin and decides to leave Shangjing.
• Zhao Ming: Revealed to have had an affair and a secret child, showing his ruthlessness in securing his son's inheritance.
• Lady Xiao Lin: Her soul might still be present, and her resentment could lead to her becoming a vengeful ghost.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and infidelity within the Zhao family.
• The struggle between justice and power dynamics.
• The consequences of unfulfilled resentment and the potential for vengeful ghosts.

Character Interactions

• A Chan and Mama Sun: A Chan offers support and listens to Mama Sun's revelations, forming a bond.
• Zhao Ming and Madam Su: Their affair and discussion about sacrificing someone for Zhao Wenqi's inheritance is revealed.
• A Chan and the Zhao family: A Chan questions the Zhao family's decisions regarding Lady Xiao Lin's funeral and soul, showing her growing disapproval.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Chan visits the Hunt Shop to purchase rare materials: Black Water Earth Lichen, century-old grave soil, and a hollow locust tree trunk.
• She also buys jade powder from a jade stall and carves a Yin Willow bowl.
• Over seven nights, she lights Soul-Guiding Incense to summon Lady Xiao Lin's sealed soul.

Character Developments

• A Chan demonstrates resourcefulness and determination in acquiring necessary materials and persevering in her task.
• Lady Xiao Lin's soul is weakly present but unable to communicate coherently.

Significant Themes

• Persistence: A Chan's relentless pursuit of her goal, despite the challenges and lack of immediate results.
• Spiritual Connection: The bond between A Chan and Lady Xiao Lin, which allows A Chan to summon Lady Xiao Lin's soul.

Character Interactions

• A Chan interacts with various shopkeepers to acquire necessary items, showcasing her negotiation skills and directness.
• A Chan's connection with Lady Xiao Lin is strengthened through the Soul-Guiding Incense ritual.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lady Xiao Lin regains consciousness in an unfamiliar place, facing a white fox who reveals she's dead and helps her remember her murder by Zhao Ming.
• Lady Xiao Lin transforms into a vengeful spirit at midnight, given one night to seek revenge before being sent to the underworld.
• She returns to the Zhao Manor, witnessing Zhao Ming with Su Yao and the family's acceptance of her, fueling her resentment.
• Lady Xiao Lin overhears Zhao Ming and Xue Mingtang discussing the Forbidden Vault and the Lin Family.
• She confronts Zhao Wenqi, her son, on the night of her revenge.

Character Developments

• Lady Xiao Lin's consciousness returns, and she experiences grief, anger, and a desire for revenge upon learning the truth about her death.
• Zhao Ming's infidelity and manipulation are further exposed, deepening his villainy.
• Su Yao is revealed to be Zhao Ming's mistress and mother of his son, Zhao Wenqi, who is intelligent and malicious.
• Old Madam Zhao and Zhao Wenqi express their hatred towards Lady Xiao Lin, showing their lack of remorse for her death.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and its consequences: Lady Xiao Lin's desire for revenge consumes her, leading her to target her innocent son.
• Manipulation and betrayal: Zhao Ming's manipulation of Lady Xiao Lin and his infidelity with Su Yao highlight the theme of betrayal.
• The consequences of actions: The Zhao family's lack of remorse and their celebration of Lady Xiao Lin's death show the consequences of their actions.

Character Interactions

• Lady Xiao Lin interacts with the white fox, who helps her remember her past and facilitates her transformation into a vengeful spirit.
• Lady Xiao Lin observes Zhao Ming and Su Yao together, fueling her resentment.
• She overhears Zhao Ming and Xue Mingtang discussing secrets, hinting at a deeper conspiracy.
• Lady Xiao Lin confronts Zhao Wenqi, her son, on the night of her revenge, showing her internal struggle and the consequences of her actions.