Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu, a constable in the corrupt Great Xuan Dynasty, discovers a massacre of the Black Sand Gang.
• He finds a tattered booklet, 'Wind Blade Technique', on a corpse, which he keeps.
• Chen Mu and his colleagues dispose of the corpses by feeding them to wild wolves.
• Liu Song, a colleague, offers to help Chen Mu marry off his younger sister to a wealthy family for money.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu: A constable who has adapted to his new life in this world, he is resourceful, observant, and cares for his younger sister, Chen Yue.
• Liu Song: A colleague of Chen Mu, he is friendly and offers to help Chen Mu, but his intentions are unclear.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and decay in society and government.
• Survival and struggle of the lower class.
• The value of money and its impact on daily life.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Liu Song: They have a friendly relationship, with Liu Song offering help to Chen Mu, but there's a hint of potential ulterior motives.
• Chen Mu and Chen Yue: Though not present in this chapter, their bond is implied through Chen Mu's protective and caring attitude towards his younger sister.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu returns home to find his younger sister, Chen Yue, waiting for him. He decides to take her out to play after some time.
• Chen Mu discovers a small booklet containing the 'Whirlwind Saber Technique' in the woodshed.
• He decides to try learning the technique despite knowing it's challenging without a master's guidance.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu: Shows affection and care towards his younger sister, Chen Yue. He's willing to take risks to improve his life and protect his sister.
• Chen Yue: Demonstrates understanding and concern for her brother's well-being. She's happy with the small improvements in their life but is also aware of the challenges they face.

Significant Themes

• Poverty and Struggle: The siblings live in hardship, with Chen Mu barely able to provide for them. Chen Yue understands their situation and is content with little.
• Ambition and Opportunity: Chen Mu sees the Whirlwind Saber Technique as a potential way to improve his life and protect his sister, but he's also aware of the challenges and risks involved.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Chen Yue: Their sibling bond is strengthened as Chen Mu shows more affection and care towards Chen Yue. She, in turn, shows understanding and concern for her brother's decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu discovers a saber manual and a modifier for his Martial Arts.
• He practices the Whirlwind Saber Technique daily, gaining experience with each session.
• After seven days, he accumulates 100 experience points and advances the technique to Initiated level.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu becomes more confident and hopeful about his future.
• Chen Yue remains supportive and understanding of her brother's actions.

Significant Themes

• The importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving goals.
• The concept of cause and effect, as Chen Mu believes that his hardships will eventually lead to rewards.
• The struggle for a better life and the pursuit of power and status.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu interacts with Chen Yue, expressing his hope for a better future.
• Chen Mu reflects on his conversations with other Yamen Runners about the path to becoming a Head Runner.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu's cousin, Zhang Hai, is imprisoned after offending a concubine of a powerful family.
• Chen Mu's aunt, Chen Hong, begs him to help secure better treatment for Zhang Hai in prison.
• Chen Mu visits the Prison Warden, Wei Nan, and arranges for Zhang Hai to receive daily food and water in exchange for twenty taels of silver.
• Chen Mu visits Zhang Hai in prison, conveying his aunt's message and the current situation.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu: Shows empathy and willingness to help his family, despite his initial reluctance. He understands the harsh reality of their situation and the limitations of his influence.
• Zhang Hai: Realizes the gravity of his actions and the consequences they've brought upon him and his family. He begs Chen Mu for help, revealing his desperation.
• Chen Hong: Demonstrates her care and concern for her son, going to great lengths to secure his well-being in prison.
• Wei Nan: Shows indifference to Zhang Hai's fate, prioritizing his own interests and the benefits he can gain from the situation.

Significant Themes

• Family and responsibility: Chen Mu feels obligated to help his cousin despite their strained relationship, highlighting the importance of family bonds.
• Power dynamics and corruption: The powerful family's influence allows them to have Zhang Hai imprisoned, demonstrating the abuse of power and the prevalence of corruption.
• The harsh reality of life: The chaotic times and the lack of resources force characters to make difficult decisions and face grim consequences.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Chen Hong: Their interaction shows Chen Mu's willingness to help his aunt, despite the challenges and the slim chances of success.
• Chen Mu and Wei Nan: Their interaction highlights the Prison Warden's indifference and the need for bribery to secure better treatment for prisoners.
• Chen Mu and Zhang Hai: Their interaction reveals Zhang Hai's desperation and Chen Mu's understanding of the harsh reality they face.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu leaves the prison and sees Chief Constable Xu Hongyu on the City Guard Tower terrace.
• Chen Mu returns home and discusses Zhang Hai's situation with Chen Hong. They decide to wait and see.
• Chen Hong suggests a match between Chen Mu and You Ying, but Chen Mu is hesitant due to his current focus on his career.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu: He is determined to improve his saber technique and become a Head Runner, prioritizing his career over personal matters like marriage.
• Chen Hong: She is worried about Zhang Hai's situation and tries to find a suitable match for Chen Mu.
• Zhang Youying: She is skilled in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and has ambitions beyond marriage, preferring to manage accounts in the future.

Significant Themes

• The importance of power, influence, and connections in society.
• The struggle for social mobility and betterment.
• The tension between personal desires and familial expectations.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Chen Hong: They discuss Zhang Hai's situation and Chen Hong suggests a match between Chen Mu and You Ying.
• Chen Mu and Chen Yue: Chen Mu reassures Chen Yue that he will always want her, no matter what.
• Chen Hong and Zhang Youying: Chen Hong suggests a match between Chen Mu and Youying, but Zhang Youying is not interested due to her career aspirations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu spends a month training his saber technique, accumulating 1,000 experience points.
• He advances his Whirlwind Saber Technique to Major Accomplishment, gaining significant combat prowess.
• Chen Mu considers selling his saber technique manual to buy more martial arts books from a pawnshop.
• He heads to the City Guard office for his shift, noticing unusual activity surrounding a young runner named Ren Yan.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu: He improves his saber technique, gaining confidence in his abilities and the means to protect himself and his sister. He becomes more determined to improve and secure their future.
• Ren Yan: He gains an opportunity to study saber technique at the prestigious Mountain Opening Martial Hall in the Inner City, which increases his status among his peers.

Significant Themes

• Self-improvement: Chen Mu's dedication to training his saber technique illustrates his desire to better himself and his circumstances.
• Social hierarchy: The difference in treatment between Chen Mu and Ren Yan highlights the importance of connections and opportunities in Jade City's society.
• Chaos and corruption: The City Guard offices' neglect of public order within the city reflects the broader issue of chaos and corruption in officialdom.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu interacts with Liu Song and Li Tie, his colleagues in the City Guard, who greet him warmly and update him on the unusual activity involving Ren Yan.
• Ren Yan is surrounded by younger runners seeking his attention and guidance, demonstrating his newfound status and the envy of his peers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu realizes the futility of learning martial arts from Ren Yan, given Ren Yan's limited skill and the difficulty of mastering martial arts.
• Ren Yan invites Chen Mu to give him pointers, but Chen Mu declines, causing Ren Yan to feel slighted.
• Chen Mu, Liu Song, and Li Tie go on patrol and witness a fight between the Black Snake Gang and the Red Gold Gang. They deduce that the Black Snake Gang is nearing its end due to recent losses.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu: Shows indifference to Ren Yan's offer, indicating his lack of ambition and contentment with his current status. He also demonstrates caution and carefulness in his actions.
• Ren Yan: Feels displeased with Chen Mu's lack of respect and refusal to give him pointers, revealing his desire for recognition and status.
• Liu Song: Shows knowledge of local gang dynamics and shares his insights about the Black Snake Gang's impending demise with Chen Mu and Li Tie.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and contentment: Chen Mu's indifference to Ren Yan's offer contrasts with the other Yamen Runners' eagerness to curry favor with him, highlighting the theme of ambition and the consequences of unfulfilled expectations.
• Power dynamics: The fight between the Black Snake Gang and the Red Gold Gang, as well as the City Guard's indifference to it, illustrates the power dynamics between different factions in the ward and the City Guard's role in maintaining order.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Ren Yan: Their brief interaction reveals the tension between them, with Ren Yan feeling slighted by Chen Mu's indifference and Chen Mu showing no interest in Ren Yan's offer.
• Chen Mu, Liu Song, and Li Tie: The three Yamen Runners share a drink and discuss the fight between the gangs, with Liu Song providing insights into the local gang dynamics and Chen Mu and Li Tie listening attentively. Their interaction highlights their camaraderie and shared knowledge of the ward's underbelly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Black Snake Gang is being taken over by the Red Gold Gang, causing concern for Chen Mu as it may affect his safety and livelihood.
• Chen Mu encounters a wounded Black Snake Gang incense master who attempts to kill him, leading to a fight where Chen Mu kills the incense master in self-defense.
• Chen Mu discovers a large sum of money (five silver ingots and two Gold Leaves, worth around seventy to eighty taels) on the incense master's body.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu demonstrates his skill with the saber, revealing that he has reached Major Accomplishment level, and shows calmness and composure even after killing someone for the first time.
• The Black Snake Gang incense master is revealed to be desperate and malicious, willing to take others down with him in his final moments.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and control between gangs, and the consequences it has on ordinary people like Chen Mu.
• The importance of strength and self-defense in a world where violence is commonplace.
• The corrupting influence of power and wealth, as seen in the incense master's actions.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu's interaction with the Black Snake Gang incense master is the main focus of the chapter, highlighting their contrasting personalities and motivations.
• Chen Mu's conversation with Liu Song and Li Tie about the Red Gold Gang and the changing of gangs sets the stage for future events.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu kills a Black Snake Gang Hall Master in self-defense and takes his money.
• The Red Gold Gang takes over the Black Snake Gang's territory, but no one investigates the Hall Master's death.
• Chen Mu continues his daily life as a Yamen Runner, keeping a low profile.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu: Gains confidence in his Major Accomplishment saber arts, becomes more cautious and calculating, and starts planning for a better future with Chen Yue.
• Chen Yue: Shows concern for Chen Mu's safety and well-being, remains innocent and carefree.

Significant Themes

• Chaos and Opportunity: The power struggle between gangs creates opportunities for individuals like Chen Mu, but also brings danger and instability.
• Caution and Calculation: Chen Mu learns to weigh risks and act strategically to secure his and Chen Yue's future.
• Ambition and Contentment: Chen Mu balances his desire for a better life with the need to stay low-key and avoid trouble.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Chen Yue: Their bond deepens as Chen Mu becomes more protective and provides for Chen Yue, while she remains affectionate and trusting.
• Chen Mu and Liu Song/Li Tie: Their camaraderie grows, with Liu Song and Li Tie treating Chen Mu as a younger brother and trying to help him settle down.

Key Plot Points and Events

• After two months, Zhang Hai is released from prison due to his family's influence.
• Chen Mu's Third Aunt, Chen Hong, visits him with Zhang Hai to thank him and bring gifts.
• Chen Mu continues practicing his saber daily, nearing the experience points needed for Perfection in the Whirlwind Saber Technique.
• A neighbor, Old Man Wang, has his granddaughter taken away by the Red Gold Gang for unpaid "Protection Money." She cries for help, and Chen Mu decides to intervene.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu's strength and calmness have improved, and he cares less about others' opinions.
• Chen Yue has grown prettier and more confident.
• Zhang Hai is grateful for Chen Mu's help but feels he could have done more.
• Old Man Wang's family has fallen on hard times, and he is powerless to protect his granddaughter.

Significant Themes

• The struggle of the poor and powerless against oppressive forces (Red Gold Gang).
• The importance of perseverance and steady progress (Chen Mu's saber practice).
• The indifference of the community in the face of others' misfortune.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Chen Hong: They maintain a polite, distant relationship, with Chen Hong expressing gratitude for Chen Mu's help.
• Chen Mu and Zhang Hai: Zhang Hai feels Chen Mu did not do enough to help him, leading to some resentment.
• Chen Mu and Old Man Wang's granddaughter: Chen Mu decides to help her, showing empathy and a change from his previous indifference.
• The community: Most neighbors remain indifferent to Old Man Wang's plight, highlighting the lack of community support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu intervenes to save Old Man Wang's granddaughter, Wang Ni, from the Red Gold Gang.
• Old Man Wang, grateful and desperate, offers Wang Ni to Chen Mu and his house deeds as gratitude.
• Chen Mu accepts Wang Ni into his household, planning to raise her alongside his younger sister, Chen Yue.
• Old Man Wang commits suicide, leaving behind Wang Ni and his house deeds.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu: Shows kindness and compassion by saving Wang Ni and accepting her into his household. He also feels guilty for not preventing Old Man Wang's suicide.
• Wang Ni: Experiences a traumatic event with her grandfather's suicide but accepts her new life with Chen Mu and Chen Yue.
• Old Man Wang: Desperate and helpless, he takes his own life after entrusting Wang Ni to Chen Mu.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and Compassion: Chen Mu's actions reflect his kindness and compassion towards those in need.
• Despair and Suicide: Old Man Wang's suicide highlights the desperation and lack of hope faced by some characters in this world.
• Family and Responsibility: Chen Mu takes on the responsibility of caring for Wang Ni, emphasizing the importance of family and community.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Wang Ni: Chen Mu shows kindness and concern towards Wang Ni, while she accepts him as her savior and new guardian.
• Chen Mu and Old Man Wang: Chen Mu feels guilt for not preventing Old Man Wang's suicide, while Old Man Wang entrusts Wang Ni to Chen Mu out of desperation.
• Wang Ni and Chen Yue: Chen Yue warns Wang Ni to follow their rules and not cause trouble, establishing a hierarchical relationship within their new household.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Zhao, a distant relative of Old Man Wang, arrives three days after Wang Ni moves in with Chen Mu, seeking to take Wang Ni and the family's houses.
• Chen Mu refuses to hand over Wang Ni, as she wants to stay and Old Man Wang entrusted her care to him.
• Wang Zhao leaves, but not before hinting at his intention to claim the houses.
• Chen Mu spends the night practicing his saber technique, aiming to reach Perfection and comprehend Saber Force.
• The next morning, Chen Mu upgrades his Whirlwind Saber Technique to Perfection using his accumulated experience points.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu: Advances his saber technique to Perfection, gaining significant power and status.
• Wang Ni: Shows clarity and courage in choosing to stay with Chen Mu.
• Wang Zhao: Reveals his true intentions, causing Chen Mu to refuse his request.
• Chen Yue: Shows shrewdness in advising Wang Ni.

Significant Themes

• Power and Status: Chen Mu's advancement in saber technique grants him more power and influence.
• Loyalty and Trust: Wang Ni's decision to stay with Chen Mu highlights her trust in him.
• Greed and Ambition: Wang Zhao's actions exemplify his greed and ambition.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Wang Ni: Chen Mu reassures Wang Ni, and she chooses to stay with him.
• Chen Mu and Wang Zhao: Chen Mu refuses to hand over Wang Ni, leading to Wang Zhao's resentment.
• Chen Mu and Chen Yue: Chen Yue shows understanding and support for Chen Mu's decision to keep Wang Ni.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu perfects the Whirlwind Saber Technique, but the system can't upgrade it further.
• He visits the Ji Family Pawnshop to sell the Whirlwind Saber Technique and inquire about higher-level martial arts and Inner Training Methods.
• He learns about the Eight Branches of Qiankun, Artistic Conception, and the distinction between Body Tempering Methods (like Mo Pi Fa) and Inner Breath Methods.
• Chen Mu buys the Fierce Wind Saber Technique, a different Xun Wind Lineage saber art, to continue his cultivation.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu demonstrates curiosity and initiative in seeking higher-level martial arts and cultivation methods.
• The Ji Family Pawnshop accountant shows patience and knowledge in explaining different martial arts and cultivation methods to Chen Mu.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of higher martial arts and cultivation methods to improve strength.
• The distinction between external martial arts (like saber techniques) and internal cultivation methods (like Inner Training Methods).
• The value and scarcity of advanced martial arts and cultivation methods.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu interacts with the Ji Family Pawnshop accountant, asking about various martial arts and cultivation methods.
• The accountant shares his knowledge with Chen Mu, providing valuable insights into the world of martial arts and cultivation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu arrives at the City Guard and encounters Ren Yan, noticing changes in him that might be due to Mo Pi Fa training.
• A new wanted notice for the Evil Thief Tang Quan is issued, with a reward of 300 taels for capture alive.
• Rumors spread about Head Zhao's retirement, opening up a position for a new Head Runner.

Character Developments

• Ren Yan's appearance and demeanor have changed, hinting at progress in Mo Pi Fa training.
• Chen Mu recognizes the opportunity for Ren Yan to become a Head Runner due to Zhao Zong's retirement.
• Chen Mu initiates training in the Fierce Wind Saber Technique, showing his ability to learn multiple techniques simultaneously.

Significant Themes

• Fortune and opportunity: Ren Yan's good fortune in gaining access to Mo Pi Fa and a potential Head Runner position.
• Skill and accomplishment: Chen Mu's focus on mastering multiple saber techniques and developing Saber Force.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Ren Yan have little interaction, but Chen Mu notices changes in Ren Yan.
• Liu Song and Li Tie discuss Zhao Zong's retirement and the potential impact on Ren Yan's future.
• Chen Mu consults with Liu Song and Li Tie about Zhao Zong's situation and the Head Runner position.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jade City is divided into a well-lit Inner City and a dark Outer City.
• Chief Constable Xu Hongyu pursues Tang Quan, a thief, in the South District.
• They engage in a sword fight; Tang Quan is injured and uses a Corpse Poison Jade to escape.
• Xu Hongyu continues the pursuit.
• Tang Quan, severely wounded, seeks refuge in a house but is ambushed with powder (likely lime or a similar substance).

Character Developments

• Xu Hongyu: Shows exceptional skill and determination as a Chief Constable, using the Kan Water Branch of the Eight Branches of Qiankun. She is relentless in her pursuit of justice.
• Tang Quan: Initially underestimates Xu Hongyu, leading to his severe injuries. He resorts to underhanded methods to escape, showing his ruthlessness and desperation.

Significant Themes

• Justice vs. Corruption: Xu Hongyu represents justice, while Tang Quan embodies the corruption and lawlessness in Jade City.
• Power Dynamics: The division between the Inner City and Outer City highlights the power dynamics and inequality in Jade City.
• Desperation and Ruthlessness: Tang Quan's actions showcase the lengths a desperate person will go to survive.

Character Interactions

• Xu Hongyu and Tang Quan: Their interaction is a cat-and-mouse game, with Xu Hongyu relentlessly pursuing Tang Quan, who tries to evade and outsmart her.
• Tang Quan and the House Owners: Though not directly interacting, Tang Quan's attempted intrusion into their home highlights the vulnerability of the common people in Jade City.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu, a Yamen Runner, kills Tang Quan, the Evil Thief, in self-defense.
• Xu Hongyu, the South District Chief Constable, witnesses the event and offers to claim the bounty for Tang Quan's capture for Chen Mu.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu: Proves himself to be a skilled and talented martial artist, having cultivated Saber Intent without practicing body tempering methods. He demonstrates strategic thinking by not pursuing the matter of Tang Quan further.
• Xu Hongyu: Shows her martial prowess by carrying Tang Quan's corpse away effortlessly. She also displays her keen insight by recognizing Chen Mu's Saber Technique and offering him the bounty.

Significant Themes

• Martial prowess and skill: Chen Mu's cultivation of Saber Intent without body tempering methods highlights the importance of skill and comprehension over physical strength.
• Recognition and reward: Xu Hongyu's offer of the bounty for Tang Quan's capture to Chen Mu underscores the theme of recognition and reward for one's actions.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Tang Quan: Their brief encounter results in Tang Quan's death, with Chen Mu acting in self-defense.
• Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu: They meet for the first time, with Xu Hongyu acknowledging Chen Mu's skills and offering him the bounty, setting the stage for potential future interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu discovers Chen Yue and Wang Ni frightened but silent in the room after the Tang Quan incident.
• Chen Mu decides to move after the incident.
• The next day, Chen Mu learns that the arrest warrant for Tang Quan has been withdrawn, indicating his death has been acknowledged.
• Yamen Runner Captain Zhao Zong visits the City Guard, expressing satisfaction with Ren Yan's progress in the Mo Pi Fa.

Character Developments

• Chen Yue demonstrates maturity and bravery, protecting Wang Ni and remaining silent during the incident.
• Chen Mu shows care and responsibility towards his sisters, comforting them and planning to move for their safety.
• Zhao Zong appears older and more amiable, expressing satisfaction with Ren Yan's progress.

Significant Themes

• Protection and responsibility towards family (Chen Mu towards Chen Yue and Wang Ni).
• Mentorship and guidance (Chen Mu's influence on Chen Yue, Zhao Zong's guidance to Ren Yan).
• Personal growth and development (Chen Yue's maturity, Ren Yan's progress in Mo Pi Fa).

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu comforts and reassures Chen Yue and Wang Ni after the incident.
• Zhao Zong expresses approval and guidance towards Ren Yan, indicating his potential successor.
• Ren Yan shows respect and deference to Yamen Runner Captains Qin Bei and Zhao Zong.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu is summoned by Xu Hongyu, the Chief Constable, to the South District Main Division.
• Xu Hongyu tests Chen Mu's physical condition and offers him a reward: 300 taels of silver and a body tempering method, 'Gold Jade Mo Pi Fa'.
• Xu Hongyu explains that Chen Mu's skill is advanced for his age, but his physical strength is lacking. The 'Gold Jade Mo Pi Fa' will help him bridge this gap.
• Xu Hongyu plans to transfer Chen Mu to the Main Division after he mastered the 'Gold Jade Mo Pi Fa'.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu: Shows humility and respect towards Xu Hongyu. He understands the value of the 'Gold Jade Mo Pi Fa' and expresses loyalty to Xu Hongyu.
• Xu Hongyu: Demonstrates her power and influence by testing Chen Mu's physical condition and offering him a valuable reward. She shows interest in cultivating Chen Mu's talent.

Significant Themes

• Talent vs. Opportunity: Chen Mu's talent is recognized, but his late start in body tempering methods puts him at a disadvantage compared to those from wealthy families.
• Power Dynamics: Xu Hongyu's position as Chief Constable allows her to influence and reward those she deems valuable, like Chen Mu.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu: Their interaction is formal and respectful, with Chen Mu showing deference and Xu Hongyu demonstrating her authority and willingness to support Chen Mu's growth.

Chapter Summary: “Making Trouble”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Hongyu’s authority as Chief Constable immediately benefits Chen Mu. Using her personally approved warrant, he collects a three-hundred-tael bounty from the City Guard Main Division.
• The storehouse Head Runner treats Chen Mu with unusual respect, clearly speculating about his connection to Xu Hongyu. Chen Mu realizes that his growing strength and Xu Hongyu’s favor now give him access to influence he previously lacked.
• Chen Mu reflects that the Gold Jade Mo Pi Fa martial manual Xu Hongyu gave him is likely far more valuable than the silver bounty—possibly worth a thousand gold pieces.
• He plans to store the silver at home before meeting Min Baoyi, the director overseeing the Nine Stripes Ward Guard Office. Since Xu Hongyu has already spoken with Min Baoyi, Chen Mu expects his future arrangements within the Guard Office to be settled.
• Meanwhile, at Chen Hong’s home, the family gathers to celebrate Zhang Hai’s birthday. Zhang Hai arrives late with sensational rumors: Chen Mu supposedly kidnapped a girl, seized her family’s house, and killed someone.
• Chen Hong rejects the accusations and worries about her nephew, while Butcher Zhang advises her not to interfere. Zhang Hai, resentful that Chen Mu previously failed to help him, treats the situation as entertainment and goes to watch the confrontation.
• A crowd of twenty to thirty Wang family members marches toward Chen Mu’s home, armed with axes, poles, and iron picks. Wang Zhao admits that the murder accusation may be false but insists Chen Mu unlawfully took Wang Ni and occupied the Wang family’s property.
• Wang Zheng argues that because Wang Ni was never formally registered as Chen Mu’s servant or adopted daughter, the Wang family has a legal and moral basis to reclaim her and the two houses. Believing Chen Mu is merely a powerless, impoverished runner, the group intends to intimidate him and “settle scores.”

Character Developments

• Chen Mu is shown gaining social status and practical influence. His connection with Xu Hongyu allows him to move through official institutions with ease, marking a major change from his formerly powerless position.
• Xu Hongyu’s authority is demonstrated indirectly through the immediate obedience and deference Chen Mu receives.
• Min Baoyi is established as an important official whose future decisions may determine Chen Mu’s new assignment or advancement.
• Chen Hong remains protective of Chen Mu and instinctively trusts his character, becoming anxious when she hears the rumors.
• Butcher Zhang is cautious and pragmatic, discouraging Chen Hong from becoming involved.
• Zhang Hai reveals bitterness and pettiness. Rather than concern himself with the truth, he enjoys Chen Mu’s apparent misfortune and eagerly seeks out the spectacle.
• Zhang Youying is quietly observant. She does not believe Chen Mu is truly wicked, though she worries that association with him could have endangered her if their proposed marriage had gone through.
• Wang Zhao and Wang Zheng are revealed to be using questionable accusations as justification for reclaiming property and Wang Ni. Their confidence comes from underestimating Chen Mu’s actual influence.

Significant Themes

• Power and authority: Chen Mu’s treatment changes dramatically because he now possesses strength and Xu Hongyu’s backing. The chapter emphasizes that official connections can be nearly as valuable as personal power.
• Rumor versus truth: The Wang family spreads exaggerated claims of kidnapping and murder, showing how rumors can be weaponized to create public justification for selfish actions.
• Legal technicalities and social status: Wang Ni’s lack of formal registration gives the Wang family a pretext for reclaiming her and the houses, even though the situation is morally more complicated.
• Resentment and opportunism: Zhang Hai and the Wang family view Chen Mu’s troubles as an opportunity to settle grudges or seize advantages.
• Changing perceptions: Those around Chen Mu still see him as a poor, insignificant runner, unaware that his position and influence have begun to change substantially.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu’s interaction with the storehouse Head Runner demonstrates how officials now seek to curry favor with him because of Xu Hongyu.
• Chen Hong defends Chen Mu against Zhang Hai’s accusations, while Zhang Hai mocks him and refuses to show sympathy.
• Butcher Zhang counsels restraint, warning that involvement could bring unnecessary trouble.
• Zhang Youying silently evaluates both Chen Mu’s character and the danger of being connected to him.
• The Wang family members encourage one another as they march toward Chen Mu’s home, transforming uncertain allegations into a collective justification for confrontation.

Chapter Summary

Plot and key events

Wang Zhao, Wang Zheng, and more than twenty men arrive at Chen Mu’s home to force him to surrender the property deed and Wang Ni. Finding the house empty, they break down the door. Chen Mu then returns in his Yamen Runner uniform, armed with a saber, and confronts them without fear. Before the conflict can escalate, Yamen Director Min Baoyi arrives with two Head Runners. His authority immediately terrifies the group, who kneel and claim the incident was merely a misunderstanding. Min Baoyi openly supports Chen Mu, offers him a larger courtyard near the City Guard, and orders that Wang Zhao and the others be sent to labor repairing the South City walls. Chen Mu accepts Min’s protection and agrees to visit the City Guard after checking on his sister.

Character developments

Chen Mu’s status has changed dramatically. Once vulnerable and easily intimidated, he now possesses enough strength, confidence, and official backing to face a mob alone. His killing aura and calm demeanor establish his personal authority, while his connection to Min Baoyi reveals that influential figures are beginning to recognize and cultivate his potential. Min Baoyi treats Chen Mu almost as a younger brother, signaling his high regard and suggesting that he sees Chen Mu as a future Yamen leader. Wang Zhao and his allies undergo the opposite transformation: their initial aggression collapses into terror and submission once they realize Chen Mu has powerful protection.

Character interactions

Wang Zhao attempts to threaten Chen Mu by invoking the City Guard and Ward Chief, but Chen Mu’s arrival reverses the balance of power. Min Baoyi then dominates the encounter, demanding an explanation and reducing the group to frightened supplicants. His warm, familiar exchange with Chen Mu contrasts sharply with his stern treatment of Wang Zhao’s group. Chen Mu shows deference toward Min Baoyi but also understands the political meaning of the offered house: it is both a gift and a favor that may create future obligations. He ultimately leaves their punishment to Min’s judgment.

Significant themes

The chapter emphasizes the importance of power, status, and connections in determining justice. The same men who rely on numbers to bully a weak official become helpless before superior authority. It also highlights Chen Mu’s rise in social and institutional standing, showing how personal strength combined with powerful patronage can transform his position. Another theme is the unequal and often arbitrary nature of justice: Min Baoyi can decide the fate of dozens with a casual order, while punishment is shaped less by formal legal reasoning than by loyalty, influence, and perceived authority.