Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lord Jiang assists Lin Youxie in performing an autopsy on Huang Yixing.
• Lin Youxie discovers signs of Gold Essence in Huang Yixing's lungs, indicating he was not a coward.
• They plan to visit the site where Huang Yixing fell to his death.

Character Developments

• Lord Jiang shows composure and professionalism while assisting in the autopsy, despite his discomfort.
• Lin Youxie demonstrates her dedication and meticulousness in her investigation, even going so far as to restore the corpse to its original state for future investigators.

Significant Themes

• The cold, clinical approach to investigating a case, treating a corpse as a collection of clues rather than a person.
• The contrast between Lord Jiang's initial reluctance and his eventual acceptance of assisting in the autopsy.

Character Interactions

• Lord Jiang and Lin Youxie work together, with Lin Youxie taking the lead in the investigation and Lord Jiang assisting her, despite his initial reservations.
• Their interaction is professional and respectful, with Lin Youxie acknowledging Lord Jiang's help and Lord Jiang showing deference to Lin Youxie's expertise.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huang Yixing, the Pacification Commissioner of Zhaoheng Prefecture, was found dead after falling from the city gate tower.
• Jiang Wang and Lin Youxie investigate the scene, discovering a black tile with Yang script ("Fengli Kiln Town, Imperial Manufacture") at the impact site.
• Lin Youxie deduces that Huang Yixing saw this tile before his death.

Character Developments

• Jiang Wang: Shows his ability to read Yang script, indicating his knowledge of the Great Yang Empire's history and culture.
• Lin Youxie: Demonstrates her exceptional investigative skills, including analyzing muscle details to discern emotions and replicating a victim's fall to determine their field of vision.

Significant Themes

• The legacy of the Yang Kingdom and its script, which has been largely replaced by the Qi script.
• The potential connection between Huang Yixing's death and Zhao Xuan's assassination, both involving Yang individuals.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Wang and Lin Youxie work together to investigate the case, with Lin Youxie leading the analysis and Jiang Wang providing historical context.
• Lin Youxie's calm and indifferent demeanor is noted, suggesting she has vulnerabilities hidden beneath her usual conduct.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Wang and Lin Youxie investigate the death of Huang Yixing and the Blazing Sun Stone.
• They discover that A Ce, the leader of Heavenly Pavilion, is actually Yang Xuance, the last prince of Yang State.
• Jiang Wang infiltrates the residence of Zhaoheng City's Chief Constable but finds him missing.
• Lin Youxie confirms that Yang Xuance has the motive and ability to kill Huang Yixing.

Character Developments

• Jiang Wang: Shows keen observation skills and deductive reasoning, piecing together clues about A Ce/Yang Xuance.
• Lin Youxie: Demonstrates her intelligence network and investigative skills, connecting the Blazing Sun Stone to Yang State and identifying Yang Xuance.
• Yang Xuance: Revealed to be the last prince of Yang State, with a motive to avenge his fallen kingdom.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and the fall of a kingdom (Yang Xuance's motive).
• The struggle for power and influence (General Cao's situation).
• The pursuit of truth and justice (Jiang Wang and Lin Youxie's investigation).

Character Interactions

• Jiang Wang and Lin Youxie: Work together to investigate the case, sharing information and discussing their findings.
• Jiang Wang and Yang Xuance: Their paths cross again, with Jiang Wang now aware of Yang Xuance's true identity and potential involvement in Huang Yixing's death.
• Lin Youxie and Li Youjiu: Li Youjiu criticizes Lin Youxie for her slow progress in the case, highlighting the political pressure they face.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Youjiu intervenes in Jiang Wang's case, prioritizing public announcement over immediate pursuit of the culprit.
• Li Youjiu reveals he has leads on the Yang Clan remnants and decides to pursue them with Jiang Wang, leaving Lin Youxie to record the case details.
• Li Youjiu shares the history of the Four Great Green Badge Families and expresses regret about their current state.

Character Developments

• Jiang Wang learns about Lin Youxie's phobia of corpses and her medication to manage it.
• Li Youjiu reveals his age and generation, hinting at his deep history with Lin Youxie.
• Jiang Wang apologizes to Li Youjiu for his impulsive remarks earlier.

Significant Themes

• The decline of the once-glorious Four Great Green Badge Families and the impact on Lin Youxie.
• The importance of maintaining public order and credibility in investigations, as emphasized by Li Youjiu.

Character Interactions

• Li Youjiu and Jiang Wang discuss Lin Youxie's dedication and courage, with Jiang Wang defending her despite their past misunderstandings.
• Li Youjiu shares personal history with Jiang Wang, revealing his relationship with Lin Youxie and the decline of the Green Badge Families.
• Jiang Wang apologizes to Li Youjiu, showing respect and understanding towards his senior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Youjiu and Jiang Wang discuss Lin Youxie's dedication to her work despite her fear of corpses and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her father's death.
• Li Youjiu, Jiang Wang, and Yue Leng form a team to hunt down Yang Xuance, the remnants of the Yang State.
• Jiang Wang senses a terrifying aura mid-flight, forcing him to flee for his life. He engages in a high-speed chase with an unknown pursuer.

Character Developments

• Lin Youxie: She is revealed to be exceptionally skilled and dedicated to her work as a Green Badge Constable, facing her fears to solve cases.
• Jiang Wang: He demonstrates his determination and resilience in the face of insurmountable odds, refusing to give up despite the vast power gap between him and his pursuer.

Significant Themes

• Dedication and Perseverance: Lin Youxie's commitment to her work despite her fears highlights the theme of dedication and perseverance in the face of adversity.
• Fate and Resilience: Jiang Wang's struggle against an overwhelmingly powerful foe raises questions about fate and the human capacity for resilience.

Character Interactions

• Li Youjiu and Jiang Wang: They discuss Lin Youxie's situation, and Li Youjiu shares his concerns about her stubbornness and the unsolvable nature of some problems.
• Li Youjiu, Yue Leng, and Jiang Wang: The three form a temporary alliance to hunt down Yang Xuance, with Li Youjiu and Yue Leng discussing Jiang Wang's role in the mission.
• Jiang Wang and the Unknown Pursuer: Their high-speed chase highlights Jiang Wang's determination and the pursuer's apparent enjoyment of the cat-and-mouse game.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Wang is ambushed by a mysterious powerhouse while hunting Yang State remnants.
• The powerhouse toys with Jiang Wang, increasing the intensity of her attacks every twenty breaths.
• Jiang Wang struggles to escape, using his Sound-Hearing Immortal State to sense his surroundings and find a chance to win.
• Meanwhile, Li Youjiu and Yue Leng return from their pursuit, unaware of Jiang Wang's predicament.
• News arrives that the Chief Investigator of Zhaoheng City has been killed, and Jiang Wang is investigating the case.

Character Developments

• Jiang Wang demonstrates his tenacity and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.
• Li Youjiu and Yue Leng show tension in their relationship, blaming each other for Jiang Wang's absence.
• Lin Youxie remains focused on her painting, showing no immediate reaction to Jiang Wang's disappearance.

Significant Themes

• The power gap between Jiang Wang and the mysterious powerhouse highlights the theme of insurmountable odds.
• Jiang Wang's struggle emphasizes his resilience and unwillingness to give up.
• The investigation into the Chief Investigator's death maintains the theme of political intrigue and danger.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Wang and the mysterious powerhouse engage in a one-sided battle, with the powerhouse toying with Jiang Wang.
• Li Youjiu and Yue Leng argue over responsibility for Jiang Wang's absence, revealing their competitive nature.
• Lin Youxie, Jiang Wang, Li Youjiu, and Yue Leng are all connected through their investigation into the Yang State remnants and the Chief Investigator's death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Wang (Jiang Yexue) is being relentlessly pursued by a mysterious powerhouse with Divine Presence cultivation.
• The pursuer toys with Jiang Wang, allowing him to escape but never killing him, enjoying the hunt.
• Jiang Wang struggles to survive, using all his skills and wits to evade the pursuer.
• After a long chase, Jiang Wang is saved by a powerful man named Gu Shiyi, who dismisses the pursuer with a single slap.
• Jiang Wang, injured and exhausted, hides in a small town to treat his wounds.

Character Developments

• Jiang Wang demonstrates incredible resilience, determination, and resourcefulness in the face of certain death.
• He remains silent and focused on survival, refusing to give in to despair or beg for mercy.
• Gu Shiyi is introduced as a powerful, carefree, and heroic figure who intervenes on a whim.

Significant Themes

• The cruelty and unfairness of the real world, contrasting with the fairness of the arena.
• The struggle for survival and the strength required to endure extreme circumstances.
• The enjoyment of power and the thrill of the hunt, as demonstrated by the pursuer.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Wang and the mysterious pursuer: a cat-and-mouse game, with the pursuer toying with Jiang Wang.
• Jiang Wang and Gu Shiyi: a brief but impactful interaction, with Gu Shiyi saving Jiang Wang without expecting repayment.
• The pursuer and Gu Shiyi: a single, decisive clash, with Gu Shiyi dismissing the pursuer with ease.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rumors spread across Linzi City about Jiang Wang (Green Sheep Viscount) being a sleeper agent for the Equality State, involving him in various controversial cases like the assassination of Zhao Xuan, the death of Su She, and the Crying at the Ancestral Temple Case.
• Jiang Wang is accused of helping the remnants of the Yang State royal family and inciting conflict between New Qi and Old Qi people.
• Li Fengyao and Li Longchuan discuss Jiang Wang's sudden disappearance while investigating a case in Zhaoheng City.
• Inside the Capital Patrol Inspection Office, Court Consultant Xie Huaian and Commander Zheng Shi separately interrogate Constables Yue Leng and Li Youjiu, each accusing the other of being problematic.

Character Developments

• Jiang Wang's reputation is severely damaged by the rumors, and he is accused of betraying Qi State.
• Li Fengyao and Li Longchuan express concern for Jiang Wang's sudden disappearance and his potential innocence.
• Yue Leng and Li Youjiu both point fingers at each other, creating suspicion and tension within the Capital Patrol Inspection Office.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and loyalty: The rumors question Jiang Wang's loyalty to Qi State, while Yue Leng and Li Youjiu's accusations reflect the lack of trust within the inspection office.
• Reputation and consequences: Jiang Wang's reputation is severely impacted by the rumors, affecting his future in Qi State.
• Truth and perception: The truth behind the rumors and accusations is unclear, highlighting the theme of how perception can shape reality.

Character Interactions

• Li Fengyao and Li Longchuan discuss Jiang Wang's disappearance, expressing their concern and confusion.
• Yue Leng and Li Youjiu accuse each other of being problematic, creating tension and mistrust within the Capital Patrol Inspection Office.
• Xie Huaian and Zheng Shi separately interrogate Yue Leng and Li Youjiu, trying to uncover the truth behind the accusations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Wang, injured, takes refuge in an attic of a wealthy household.
• A small, injured gray puppy enters the attic. Jiang Wang feeds it an Iron Pulp Fruit.
• Jiang Wang reflects on the recent assassination attempt, finding it suspicious due to Li Youjiu's involvement, Yue Leng's eagerness, and the timely departure of the two Divine Presence constables.

Character Developments

• Jiang Wang: He shows empathy towards the puppy, indicating his kind nature. He also demonstrates analytical skills as he reviews the assassination attempt.
• The Gray Puppy: It shows vigilance, curiosity, and joy while interacting with the Iron Pulp Fruit.

Significant Themes

• Empathy and kindness: Jiang Wang's act of feeding the puppy shows his compassion.
• Suspicion and investigation: Jiang Wang's analysis of the recent events highlights his analytical and suspicious nature.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Wang and the Gray Puppy: They interact through the Iron Pulp Fruit, with Jiang Wang showing kindness and the puppy showing curiosity and joy.
• Jiang Wang and the mysterious assailant: Their interaction, though not direct, reveals the assailant's hatred towards Jiang Wang and the Qi State.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Wang discovers that Yue Leng and Li Youjiu, two renowned constables, might have ties to Equality State, raising suspicion about their intentions.
• Jiang Wang's Ruyi Immortal Robe shows the ability to repair itself, increasing its value and sparking Jiang Wang's curiosity about its origins.
• Jiang Wang receives a flood of Paper Cranes from Chongxuan Sheng, expressing his concern and anger at Jiang Wang's disappearance.
• Jiang Wang meets with Chongxuan Sheng in Galaxy Space to discuss the recent events and the current climate in Linzi.

Character Developments

• Jiang Wang remains calm and collected despite the seriousness of the situation, showing his resilience and determination.
• Chongxuan Sheng reveals his emotional side, showing concern and anger towards Jiang Wang's disappearance, despite his usual calm and collected demeanor.
• Yue Leng and Li Youjiu's actions and possible connections to Equality State cast doubt on their loyalty and intentions.

Significant Themes

• Trust and loyalty: The chapter explores the themes of trust and loyalty, with the actions of Yue Leng and Li Youjiu calling their loyalty into question.
• Appearances vs. reality: The chapter highlights the discrepancy between appearances and reality, with Jiang Wang's reputation being tarnished despite his innocence.
• Power and manipulation: The chapter delves into the power dynamics and manipulations at play, with various factions vying for control and influence.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Wang and Chongxuan Sheng: Their interaction reveals their close friendship, with Chongxuan Sheng expressing his concern for Jiang Wang and Jiang Wang seeking Chongxuan Sheng's insights to understand the situation better.
• Yue Leng and Li Youjiu: Their interaction, or lack thereof, raises suspicion about their loyalty and intentions, with each accusing the other of selling out the state.
• Jiang Wang and the public: The chapter explores the public's perception of Jiang Wang, with rumors painting him in a negative light despite his innocence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rumors about Jiang Wang circulate in Linzi City, including allegations of colluding with Equality State, protecting Yang Clan remnants, and wiping out a family in Zhaoheng City.
• Chongxuan Sheng reveals he spread rumors about Jiang Wang digging up graves and having a relationship with him to muddy the waters.
• Chongxuan Sheng plans to use the most convincing rumor (Jiang Wang helping Yama of Hell's Gate) to clear Jiang Wang's name, as Green Sheep Town has no Hell's Gate ties.

Character Developments

• Jiang Wang becomes aware of the political reality where people judge him based on rumors, not his actions.
• Chongxuan Sheng demonstrates his political acumen and willingness to protect Jiang Wang, even at the cost of his own reputation.

Significant Themes

• The power of rumors and public opinion in shaping perception.
• The political reality of those in power being vulnerable to scrutiny and suspicion.
• The importance of trust and loyalty in political relationships.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Wang and Chongxuan Sheng discuss the rumors, with Chongxuan Sheng revealing he spread some to protect Jiang Wang.
• Chongxuan Sheng offers to help Jiang Wang clear his name, showing his commitment to their alliance.
• The conversation highlights their mutual trust and understanding, despite the challenges they face.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Wang suddenly disappears, and rumors about his death spread in Linzi City.
• Chongxuan Sheng reveals he has responses ready for these rumors, implying he knew Jiang Wang was still alive.
• Jiang Wang learns that the Emperor still trusts him, but he must fight for himself in the ongoing power struggle.
• Chongxuan Sheng suspects Su She might be behind the leak about Jiang Wang's involvement in Su She's death.

Character Developments

• Jiang Wang grows more politically astute, understanding the Emperor's intentions and the game he's playing.
• Chongxuan Sheng demonstrates his wisdom and strategic thinking, guiding Jiang Wang through the complex political landscape.

Significant Themes

• Imperial statecraft and the Emperor's manipulation of pawns.
• The struggle for power and influence within the Qi State.
• The importance of understanding one's role and the game being played.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Wang and Chongxuan Sheng's interaction highlights their growing understanding and trust in each other, as well as their complementary strengths.
• Jiang Wang's thoughts on Yin Guan and Su She show his awareness of their ambitions and capabilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chongxuan Sheng deduces that Su She is alive and behind the Hechang Merchant Alliance.
• Chongxuan Sheng analyzes the complex political scheme involving Yang Xuance, the Equality State, and possibly Su She.
• Jiang Wang and Chongxuan Sheng discuss the potential dangers of Jiang Wang returning to the Qi State.

Character Developments

• Chongxuan Sheng demonstrates his analytical and deductive skills, revealing his strategic mind.
• Jiang Wang shows concern for his reputation and is affected by the recent events, but maintains his composure.

Significant Themes

• The theme of chess and pawns is emphasized, with characters being used and manipulated by various factions.
• The theme of reputation and its importance in society is explored through Jiang Wang's experiences.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Wang and Chongxuan Sheng engage in a conversation that reveals their understanding of the complex political landscape and their strategic thinking.
• Chongxuan Sheng offers guidance and support to Jiang Wang, encouraging him to maintain his composure and focus on his own life.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Wang exits the Great Void Illusion Realm to find a little gray dog that had eaten his Iron Pulp Fruit.
• The dog initially threatens Jiang Wang but eventually follows him after he offers another Iron Pulp Fruit.
• Jiang Wang takes the dog and leaves the house, giving the owner silver in exchange for the dog.
• Chongxuan Sheng discusses Jiang Wang's situation with his uncle, Chongxuan Chuliang, revealing that Jiang Wang is safe but should avoid returning to Qi State for now.

Character Developments

• Jiang Wang: Shows amusement and patience towards the dog, demonstrating his kind nature. He also displays wisdom in understanding the complexities of the political situation and the importance of maintaining his original aspirations.
• Little Gray Dog: Initially aggressive and hungry, it shows intelligence and loyalty after eating the Iron Pulp Fruit and following Jiang Wang.
• Chongxuan Sheng: Reveals his concern for Jiang Wang's safety and well-being, as well as his understanding of Jiang Wang's character and aspirations.
• Chongxuan Chuliang: Shows wisdom and understanding of Jiang Wang's situation, offering advice on how Jiang Wang should conduct himself.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and companionship: The dog's loyalty to Jiang Wang after eating the Iron Pulp Fruit and following him.
• Wisdom and understanding: Chongxuan Sheng and Chongxuan Chuliang's understanding of Jiang Wang's character and situation.
• Original aspiration: Jiang Wang's commitment to his original aspirations, which constrain him from chasing fame or profit.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Wang and the Little Gray Dog: Jiang Wang shows amusement and patience towards the dog, while the dog displays intelligence and loyalty.
• Chongxuan Sheng and Chongxuan Chuliang: They discuss Jiang Wang's situation, revealing their concern and understanding of Jiang Wang's character and aspirations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Wang, accompanied by a little gray dog, travels to Star Moon Plain in Xiang State to replenish his totem Star Power and seek Master Guanyan's help.
• In Rong Kingdom, the border city of Yinguang is fortified against Qi State's potential invasion. Two mysterious men, one fat and one thin, arrive in the city, scouting a route and later breaking into a courtyard, killing its inhabitants.

Character Developments

• Jiang Wang: He is injured and cautious, traveling discreetly. He shows affection towards the little gray dog, feeding it and washing its paws.
• Lin Xian: Though not directly present, his actions at the Yellow River Assembly have improved Rong Kingdom's reputation, making him one of the top three Inner Palace cultivators in the Eastern Domain.
• The Fat Man and the Skinny Man: They are introduced as ruthless and cunning, capable of killing without hesitation. The Fat Man is more calculating and responsible, while the Skinny Man is more impulsive and lazy.

Significant Themes

• The disparity in national strength and the resulting power dynamics between Qi State and Rong Kingdom.
• The consequences of hiding one's power, as seen in Rong Kingdom's failure to prevent its fate from mirroring Yang State's.
• The theme of preparation and foresight, demonstrated by the Fat Man's careful scouting of the route.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Wang and the little gray dog: Jiang Wang shows kindness and care towards the dog, feeding it and washing its paws, while the dog is happy and grateful for the food.
• The Fat Man and the Skinny Man: They work together, with the Fat Man leading and the Skinny Man following. Despite their differences in personality, they have a clear division of labor and understanding between them.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Wang converses with Master Guanyan, revealing his resolve to keep improving despite facing powerful opponents.
• In Rong Kingdom, Zheng Fatty and Li Shou engage in a contest, with Li Shou emerging victorious.
• Jing Ye, the commander of Yinguang City, investigates a suspicious residence and confronts Zheng Fatty, only to be severely injured.

Character Developments

• Jiang Wang: Shows determination to keep advancing despite facing powerful opponents, comparing his journey to a growing bodhi tree.
• Zheng Fatty: Loses a contest to Li Shou, leading to a display of anger and frustration.
• Jing Ye: Shows overconfidence and impulsiveness, leading to a dire situation against Zheng Fatty.

Significant Themes

• Persistence and growth in the face of adversity (Jiang Wang).
• The consequences of overconfidence and impulsiveness (Jing Ye).
• The power dynamics between different characters and factions.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Wang and Master Guanyan: They discuss Jiang Wang's experiences and his resolve to keep improving.
• Zheng Fatty and Li Shou: They engage in a contest, with Li Shou winning and Zheng Fatty becoming angry and frustrated.
• Jing Ye and Zheng Fatty: Jing Ye confronts Zheng Fatty, leading to a severe injury for Jing Ye.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Diviner creates a divination altar using the corpses of men and women from the courtyard.
• He draws a terrifying image of a headless, naked man covered in sinister patterns.
• Jing Ye, the general defending Yinguang City, is tied up and left alive.
• The Diviner agrees to help Zheng Fatty find his lost toy, but warns that the way they kill people is crude and lacking in emotion.

Character Developments

• The Diviner demonstrates his power and indifference to human life, viewing people as mere tools for divination.
• Zheng Fatty and Li Shou show their eagerness to cause harm and their fear of the Diviner's power.

Significant Themes

• The devaluation of human life, especially by powerful cultivators.
• The cruelty and indifference of powerful figures, like the Diviner.

Character Interactions

• The Diviner interacts with Zheng Fatty and Li Shou, showing his power and willingness to help them find Zheng Fatty's lost toy.
• Zheng Fatty and Li Shou show their fear and caution around the Diviner, but also their eagerness to cause harm.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xie Baoshu and Chongxuan Mingguang encounter each other at a brothel, leading to a tense exchange.
• Chongxuan Mingguang warns Xie Baoshu about rumors in Linzi and advises him to restrain himself.
• Chongxuan Mingguang later visits Chongxuan Zun, revealing he's been secretly helping Jiang Wang by spreading rumors against Green Sheep Viscount.

Character Developments

• Xie Baoshu: Struggles with his dislike for the Chongxuan Family, particularly Chongxuan Mingguang, but maintains composure.
• Chongxuan Mingguang: Showcases his cunning and manipulative nature, trying to help Jiang Wang while keeping it secret.
• Chongxuan Zun: Disapproves of his father's actions but maintains a calm and collected demeanor.

Significant Themes

• Family rivalry and conflict, particularly between the Xie and Chongxuan families.
• Manipulation and hidden agendas, as seen in Chongxuan Mingguang's actions.
• The tension between maintaining composure and expressing true feelings, as seen in Xie Baoshu's struggle with his dislike for the Chongxuan Family.

Character Interactions

• Xie Baoshu and Chongxuan Mingguang: Their encounter is filled with tension and thinly-veiled insults, highlighting their mutual dislike.
• Chongxuan Mingguang and Chongxuan Zun: Despite their different approaches, there's a sense of mutual respect and understanding between father and son.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Weiyu, a high-ranking official, leads an investigation into Green Sheep Town, despite Chongxuan Sheng's attempts to obstruct it.
• The investigation is likely due to Zhang Weiyu's interest in the position of Commander of the Northern Office, which Jiang Wang is also rumored to be in line for.
• Jiang Wang is currently missing, and his friends discuss his situation and the potential implications.

Character Developments

• Zhang Weiyu: A capable and well-connected official with Outer Tower Peak cultivation, he is determined to investigate Green Sheep Town, likely to remove Jiang Wang as a rival for the Commander of the Northern Office position.
• Chongxuan Sheng: He opposes the investigation, hinting that there might be issues with Green Sheep Town, and expresses confidence in Jiang Wang's innocence.
• Li Longchuan: He is disappointed that Jiang Wang missed the opportunity to become Commander of the Northern Office and is willing to trust Jiang Wang, but not without reservation.
• Yan Fu: He is more concerned with Jiang Wang's whereabouts and seems to have a plan in mind.

Significant Themes

• The importance of timing and opportunity in political and career advancement.
• The complex nature of friendships and alliances, even among close friends.
• The potential consequences of actions taken in one's absence.

Character Interactions

• Chongxuan Sheng, Li Longchuan, and Yan Fu discuss Jiang Wang's situation and the investigation of Green Sheep Town.
• Yan Fu and Li Longchuan leave Chongxuan Sheng's tea room, each with their own thoughts and plans.
• Chongxuan Sheng hints at a plan involving Jiang Wang's absence and his connection to Green Sheep Town.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A fierce debate ensues over the essay "On Merit and Fault," questioning if merits and faults can offset each other.
• The debate leads to a public consensus that merits and faults should be judged separately.
• A censor memorializes the court to investigate Jiang Green Sheep Town.
• Zhang Weiyu and Chongxuan Sheng engage in a political struggle, with Chongxuan Sheng trying to clear Jiang Wang's reputation and Zhang Weiyu investigating Green Sheep Town.
• Despite Chongxuan Sheng's efforts, the investigation into Green Sheep Town proceeds.

Character Developments

• Chongxuan Sheng demonstrates his political acumen and control over the Chongxuan Family's resources.
• Zhang Weiyu shows determination and confidence in his investigation.
• Li Longchuan and Yan Fu express concern for Jiang Wang's situation.

Significant Themes

• The political struggle between Chongxuan Sheng and Zhang Weiyu.
• The public's role in shaping opinion and influencing the court.
• The tension between Jiang Wang's allies and his accusers.

Character Interactions

• Li Longchuan and Yan Fu discuss Jiang Wang's situation and decide to support him.
• Chongxuan Sheng and Zhang Weiyu engage in a tense exchange, with Chongxuan Sheng insisting on being present during the search of Green Sheep Town.
• Zhang Weiyu expresses confidence in his investigation, while Chongxuan Sheng remains calm and composed.