Chapter Summaries

Su Ziji avoided involvement in the military campaign deliberations, but two officials unexpectedly accused Prince Qi of treason. The emperor ordered them seized and ended court, leaving Prince Qi and Prince Shu’s rivalry sharply intensified.

• Su Ziji argued for conciliation and refused to advise on military affairs, convincing the court he would not interfere in the expedition.
• Han Wanji accused Prince Qi of colluding with an Imperial Guards commander, and a second official—one of Prince Shu’s men—seconded the impeachment.
• The emperor asked Su Ziji whether the accusation should be investigated, and Su Ziji rejected it as baseless and called for the officials to be demoted.
• The emperor ordered the guards to seize both officials, reprimanded the Ning Kingdom, and dismissed court.
• Su Ziji left the palace as Prince Qi glared at Prince Shu, and he reflected that Prince Shu’s men had dangerously escalated their conflict.

At a pleasure-barge banquet, the Wild Daoist listened as examination candidates discussed the court assembly and watched the celebrated scholar Wei Shiming. When asked about the Duke of Dai’s impeachment of Prince Shu, Wei unexpectedly voiced his admiration for the Duke, drawing the Wei Family and academy into the political dispute.

• The Wild Daoist disguised himself as a provincial examination candidate and monitored conversations at a pleasure-barge banquet.
• The Wild Daoist noticed that candidates discussed the Duke of Dai’s impeachment of Prince Shu but largely avoided Prince Shu’s accusation against Prince Qi.
• A young provincial graduate asked Wei Shiming what he thought of the Duke of Dai’s impeachment of Prince Shu.
• Wei Shiming publicly said that the Duke of Dai had acted for the realm’s welfare and that he admired him.
• News spread through the barge that Wei Shiming had sided with the Duke of Dai, and Wei wondered why he had spoken so carelessly.

After arranging for three prominent scholars to shape public opinion, Su Ziji prepared to counter the danger posed by Princes Qi and Shu’s escalating conflict. He planned to seek the emperor and empress, secure his household, and gradually build influence while advancing his claim to the succession.

• The Wild Daoist reported that three prominent scholars had spoken out and asked whether to fan the flames, and Su Ziji said three were enough.
• The Wild Daoist warned that Princes Qi and Shu might unite against Su Ziji before their decisive clash, and Su Ziji decided to enter the palace and see both the emperor and empress.
• Su Ziji packed his finished painting to present to the empress and ordered the Wild Daoist to inspect every Duke of Dai property and staff member for vulnerabilities.
• Su Ziji told the Wild Daoist to approach the three scholars gradually and build closer ties with them over time.
• Su Ziji left his study and stepped into the mist and rain under an umbrella.

The empress received frozen pears and a painting from Su Ziji, whose depiction of the empress with the deceased crown prince and young Duke of Dai moved her to tears. She hurried to see Su Ziji at the emperor’s audience and left him with the emperor’s promise of another chamber of calligraphy and paintings.

• The empress learned that the Duke of Dai had sent her frozen pears and a painting, then wept when she recognized herself, the crown prince, and Su Ziji in it.
• The empress ordered the painting secured and went to see Su Ziji, while two maids discussed how Princess Xinping and Consort Wu had fallen out of favor.
• Su Ziji asked the emperor to exchange a chamber of calligraphy and paintings for another collection, and the emperor initially scolded him for it.
• The empress arrived and urged the emperor to grant Su Ziji’s request, so the emperor agreed to give him another chamber of paintings.

Chapter Summary — “Good Karma”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After leaving the main hall, Su Ziji receives a lavish imperial gift: one hundred calligraphy works and paintings. Zhao Eunuch personally escorts him to the palace gates, showing increased respect after witnessing the Empress influence the Emperor on Su Ziji’s behalf.
• Su Ziji reflects on the Empress’s loneliness and decides to:
  • Visit the Emperor at least twice each month.
  • Prepare and send the Empress a gift on the fifteenth of every month.
• He explains to Wild Daoist that this balance will demonstrate filial devotion without arousing suspicion of collusion between the palace and outside officials.
• Su Ziji decides to visit Luo Pei in the Grand Prison. Before going, he orders Wild Daoist to deliver a painting to Princess Xinping, hoping to prevent future trouble and create a favorable karmic connection.
• At the Grand Prison, Su Ziji finds Luo Pei severely weakened but apparently spared serious torture because of his status as an imperial prisoner and high-ranking official.
• Su Ziji arranges a substantial meal for Luo Pei and the jailers. After allowing Luo Pei to eat, he gives him a letter from his family confirming that they are safe and that the Emperor has not punished them collectively.
• Su Ziji leaves without pressing Luo Pei for conversation. Deeply moved by the letter and the favor involved in delivering it, Luo Pei thanks him.

Character Developments

• Su Ziji: Shows increasing concern for those connected to him, particularly the widowed and isolated Empress. He carefully balances genuine affection with political caution. His actions toward Princess Xinping and Luo Pei reveal his tendency to quietly arrange helpful outcomes and accumulate goodwill.
• The Empress: Though absent from most of the chapter, her influence becomes clear through her ability to change the Emperor’s decision regarding Su Ziji. Her personal losses deepen Su Ziji’s sympathy for her.
• Wild Daoist: Demonstrates loyalty and sound political judgment. He understands the risks of Su Ziji’s palace visits and approves of a restrained schedule that avoids suspicion.
• Luo Pei: Appears physically emaciated and imprisoned but remains calm and dignified. His composure breaks when he receives his family’s letter, revealing his deep concern for them and gratitude toward Su Ziji.
• Zhao Eunuch: Becomes more respectful toward Su Ziji after recognizing the Empress’s influence and Su Ziji’s importance within the imperial household.
• Princess Xinping: Does not appear directly, but Su Ziji’s decision to send her a painting suggests he is trying to alter or prevent the troubled future associated with her refusal to marry and possible withdrawal into religious life.

Significant Themes

• Good karma and future consequences: Su Ziji deliberately performs small acts of kindness—visiting the Empress, helping Luo Pei, and sending Princess Xinping a gift—in hopes of shaping future relationships and avoiding later disasters.
• Affection versus political suspicion: Even family relationships within the imperial household must be carefully regulated. Su Ziji recognizes that excessive closeness can appear dangerous, while too much distance may seem disrespectful.
• Quiet compassion: Su Ziji rarely expresses emotion openly, instead helping others through practical, discreet actions such as arranging meals, delivering letters, and offering regular gifts.
• Power and influence: The Empress’s ability to alter the Emperor’s judgment demonstrates her continuing political significance, while Zhao Eunuch’s changed attitude shows how quickly court personnel respond to shifts in imperial favor.
• Suffering and dignity: The brutal prison environment contrasts with Luo Pei’s composure. His family’s letter becomes a powerful reminder that emotional support and human connection can survive even under political persecution.

Important Character Interactions

• Su Ziji and Zhao Eunuch: Zhao Eunuch respectfully escorts him from the palace and personally oversees the imperial gifts, signaling increased regard.
• Su Ziji and Wild Daoist: Their conversation reveals Su Ziji’s concern for the Empress and Wild Daoist’s understanding of the delicate etiquette surrounding imperial relatives.
• Su Ziji and Luo Pei: Their restrained meeting is based more on thoughtful actions than conversation. Su Ziji provides food and secretly delivers Luo Pei’s family letter, while Luo Pei responds with sincere gratitude.
• Su Ziji and the Empress: Although they do not meet directly in the chapter, Su Ziji’s recollection of her expression motivates him to maintain regular contact and support her emotionally.

Chapter Summary: “Well, Su Ziji!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wild Daoist returns to Duke of Dai’s Residence with imperial-bestowed calligraphy and paintings. Jian Qu begins cataloguing and storing the gifts.
• Before leaving, Wild Daoist secretly retrieves a drawing from Su Ziji’s study and carries it to Princess Xinping’s manor.
• He speculates that Su Ziji is attempting to support Princess Xinping, whose relationship with the Emperor has deteriorated and whose influence has sharply declined.
• At Princess Manor, Wild Daoist identifies himself as the steward of Duke of Dai’s Residence. The servants, recognizing the connection to Su Ziji, become noticeably more respectful.
• Princess Xinping, isolated and bitter after falling from imperial favor, agrees to receive Wild Daoist despite initially wanting him turned away.
• Wild Daoist presents her with a painting made by Su Ziji.
• Xinping delays accepting it, maintaining a cold, proud demeanor while privately reacting strongly to Su Ziji’s continued attention.
• When she finally unrolls the painting, its contents provoke shock and fury, prompting her exclamation: “Well, Su Ziji!”

Character Developments

• Wild Daoist: Demonstrates discretion, composure, and political awareness. He understands the potential value of cultivating Princess Xinping’s support while carefully maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Su Ziji: Although absent, he drives the chapter’s central action. His decision to send a personal painting suggests both boldness and an intention to communicate something indirectly.
• Princess Xinping: Her fall from favor has left her resentful, humiliated, and emotionally isolated. She still has strong feelings toward Su Ziji, but shame and anger complicate those emotions. Her reaction to the painting reveals that she remains deeply affected by him.
• Jian Qu: Acts efficiently and responsibly in managing the imperial gifts, reinforcing his role within Duke of Dai’s household.

Significant Themes

• Loss of status and privilege: Xinping’s confinement shows how quickly imperial favor can transform comfort and access into isolation.
• Political caution and alliance-building: Wild Daoist considers how contact with Xinping might benefit Su Ziji without attracting imperial suspicion.
• Pride versus vulnerability: Xinping attempts to appear cold and dignified, but her clenched hand, hesitation, and emotional reaction expose her inner pain.
• Communication through art: Su Ziji uses the painting as an indirect message, making the artwork more than a gift and setting up the chapter’s dramatic reveal.
• Reputation and forbidden feeling: Xinping’s relationship with Su Ziji is burdened by the Emperor’s disapproval and the shame surrounding her feelings.

Character Interactions

• Wild Daoist and Jian Qu work together at the Duke’s residence, with Jian Qu handling the inventory while Wild Daoist quietly carries out Su Ziji’s errand.
• Wild Daoist’s interaction with the Princess Manor gatekeeper shows how Su Ziji’s position still commands respect despite Xinping’s decline.
• Princess Xinping treats Wild Daoist coldly and makes him wait, testing his patience and asserting her authority. He remains perfectly respectful and composed.
• Through Wild Daoist, Xinping confronts Su Ziji indirectly. Her suspicion that the painting may carry a personal meaning heightens the tension.
• The chapter ends on the revelation that the painting is provocative or personally charged enough to make Xinping furious, though its exact content is not yet disclosed.

Princess Xinping initially believed Su Ziji’s painting mocked her, but a palace official explained that it offered marriage or religious vows as ways to resolve the emperor’s anger. The chapter left Xinping alone in the hall, crying over the choices before her.

• Princess Xinping received Su Ziji’s painting of herself as both a bride and a female Daoist, grew furious, and nearly tore it apart.
• A female official from the Fragrance Palace told Xinping that Consort Wu was well and urged her not to resent the emperor.
• The official interpreted the painting as advice that Xinping could marry to dispel rumors or become a Dao-Entering Princess to avoid trouble.
• Xinping dismissed the official, then sat alone with the painting and sobbed.

Su Ziji absorbed enough paintings and calligraphy to raise both skills to level 20, while Emperor grew concerned about Princess Xinping’s decision to enter the Dao. After seeing a painting sent by Duke of Dai, Emperor praised it and learned that the duke had influenced Xinping’s choice.

• Su Ziji absorbed experience from a hundred paintings and calligraphy works, raising Painting and Calligraphy to level 20 and increasing his Heaven’s Mandate.
• Emperor worked through memorials while worrying about his declining health, disaster relief, the border conflict, and the search for a seven-aperture exquisite heart.
• Eunuch Zhao told Emperor that Princess Xinping wished to enter the Dao and seek his permission.
• Emperor suspected an adviser had prompted Xinping, then learned Duke of Dai had sent her a painting through his household steward.
• Emperor unrolled the painting and praised it as a fine painting.

After admiring the Duke of Dai's Thousand Blessings Painting, the emperor approved Xinping's decision to enter the Dao but grew suspicious that the Duke of Dai had maneuvered himself out of court struggles. He ordered surveillance of the Duke's residence intensified and the search for the seven-aperture exquisite heart accelerated.

• The emperor admired the Duke of Dai's painting, and Eunuch Zhao argued that Xinping had done no wrong and that the rumors should be suppressed.
• Eunuch Zhao reported that the Princes of Shu and Qi were still feuding, while Prince Shu's letter had persuaded the Ning Kingdom to pause its attacks and request grain.
• The emperor wondered whether the Duke of Dai had deliberately gained prestige while withdrawing from the princes' conflict, then asked whether he had visited the empress.
• The emperor decreed that Xinping could enter the Dao at Azure Cloud Temple and ordered the temple restored.
• The emperor ordered Eunuch Zhao to intensify surveillance of the Duke of Dai's Residence and hasten the search for the seven-aperture exquisite heart.

Su Ziji accompanied Ye Buhui to the preliminary chess tournament and reassured her about the danger she had faced there before. After learning that Zeng Nianzhen had built up a fighting force, Su Ziji declined to see Princess Xinping off as she left the capital to enter the Dao.

• Two disguised eunuchs followed the ox cart from the Duke of Dai's Residence, while Su Ziji and Ye Buhui rode inside it toward the chess tournament.
• Su Ziji reassured Ye Buhui that their rank and the court's rules made another public attack unlikely.
• Big Fox delivered a note reporting that Zeng Nianzhen had defeated three bands of water bandits and pirates, seized seven ships, and recruited seventy-three men.
• Ye Buhui told Su Ziji that Princess Xinping was leaving the capital to enter the Dao at Xinping Temple.
• Su Ziji told Ye Buhui it would be inappropriate for him to see Princess Xinping off and said he would wait for her in the side hall.

Su Ziji stayed at Plum Hall while Princess Xinping left the capital to live at Xinping Temple. There, she found an anonymous manuscript of the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra and wondered who had left it behind.

• Su Ziji arrived at Plum Hall, declined the refreshments, and read his book while Princess Xinping traveled out of the capital.
• Princess Xinping declined to stop and meet the nobles who had come to see her off, then climbed to Xinping Temple on Azure Cloud Mountain.
• Princess Xinping inspected the richly furnished temple and briefly glimpsed a white animal she thought might be a civet cat.
• Princess Xinping found an unmarked manuscript in her bedroom and dismissed the female official and maids so she could read it alone.
• Princess Xinping recognized the manuscript as the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra, reread it several times, and asked who had left it in her room.

Chapter Summary: Capital City’s Three Elites

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• At Jianfeng Chess Hall, Su Ziji waits in the lounge while his wife continues playing chess. She has already won two matches, but Su is tired of constantly being forced to play with her and chooses to read instead.
• Fang Zhen arrives. Su recalls that he had previously asked Fang to find a martial-arts instructor for the people in his household, using this request as a pretext to recruit skilled martial artists.
• Fang reveals that he has brought three renowned fighters known as the “Three Elites of Capital City”: a saber expert, a fist-and-foot specialist, and a swordsman.
• Su invites the three men to demonstrate their abilities. He also orders musicians to play, creating a more dramatic atmosphere for their performances.
• The saber expert performs a highly polished routine, and the fist specialist demonstrates Tiger-Form Fist. Fang Zhen recognizes both as genuinely skilled.
• The swordsman performs a flashy routine. Su observes that although the swordplay appears impressive, its techniques are incorrect and overly showy.
• Su remains largely unimpressed throughout the demonstrations. He stops the music after the swordsman’s performance and generously rewards each of the three men with ten taels of silver, then dismisses them.

2. Character Developments

• Su Ziji: His rapid rise in status is emphasized: he has advanced from provincial graduate to Duke in less than a year. He is portrayed as refined, intelligent, and capable of judging martial arts, though he conceals his true standards behind polite praise. His main goal is to improve his own martial ability and expand the strength of his household.
• Fang Zhen: He has become more respectful and cautious toward Su because of Su’s dramatic political advancement. Fang admires Su’s bearing and recognizes that Su may soon be granted an even higher title. He also proves useful and well-connected by locating the three martial experts.
• The Three Elites: The saber wielder and boxer demonstrate genuine technical mastery, while the swordsman appears more concerned with spectacle than practical skill. Their humility contrasts with their reputation, though they leave somewhat disappointed after Su’s restrained reaction.
• Su’s wife: Though she does not appear directly, her obsession with chess influences the entire scene. Her victories and constant games explain Su’s aversion to chess and provide a lighter, domestic side to his character.

3. Significant Themes

• The burden of success and status: Fang reflects on how quickly Su’s position has changed, showing how political power transforms personal relationships and social expectations.
• Appearance versus genuine ability: The chapter contrasts the swordsman’s dazzling but flawed technique with the deeper, disciplined skill of the saber expert and boxer. It suggests that true mastery is not always visually impressive.
• Cultivation and self-improvement: Su seeks martial teachers because his intellectual and artistic abilities have reached their peak, shifting his attention toward physical strength and practical capability.
• Politeness masking judgment: Su behaves graciously and rewards the performers despite being unimpressed, demonstrating social tact and control.
• Domestic comedy and balance: Su’s frustration with endlessly playing chess with his wife offsets the chapter’s political and martial concerns, making his powerful public identity more relatable.

4. Character Interactions

• Su Ziji and Fang Zhen: Their interaction reflects a reversal in status. Fang once held the higher rank and helped Su, but now he must formally defer to Su. Despite this, their relationship remains friendly and cooperative.
• Su Ziji and the three experts: Su treats them courteously, requests demonstrations, evaluates their skills, and rewards them generously. His restrained responses suggest that he is searching for something beyond ordinary competence.
• Fang Zhen and the martial experts: Fang acts as their sponsor and evaluator, recognizing the genuine quality of the saber and boxing performances. Su’s lack of enthusiasm causes him to wonder whether Su has another motive besides finding instructors.
• Su Ziji and his wife: Their relationship is conveyed indirectly through Su’s complaints about playing chess. His willingness to endure repeated games suggests affection and devotion, even as he finds the activity exhausting.

Su Ziji dismissed the martial artists Fang Zhen had brought him, while the Imperial City Office arranged for Luo Jiang to meet him. Eunuch Zhao and a Daoist searched the chess tournament for someone who had entered the Dao a year earlier, but found no one.

• Su Ziji gained experience and an introductory grasp of several martial arts by watching the tournament, then told Fang Zhen that the swordsman's pretty moves had impressed him most.
• Su Ziji declined the candidates and asked Fang Zhen to bring others, then went to meet Ye Buhui after she returned from the tournament.
• Fang Zhen reported to Eunuch Zhao that none of the candidates had pleased Su Ziji, and Eunuch Zhao told him to bring Luo Jiang next time.
• Eunuch Zhao questioned a Daoist about the tournament, and the Daoist confirmed that none of its attendees had entered the Dao within the past year.

Chapter Summary: “Sword-Body Unity”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After leaving the chess hall, Su Ziji realizes that members of the Daoist Sect were secretly observing entrants, likely investigating Ye Buhui’s newly awakened abilities and possibly the Seven-Aperture Exquisite Heart.
• He suspects his Blackwood Bracelet successfully concealed Ye Buhui’s aura, since no Daoist follows them after they leave. He also notices that his own perceptions have become unusually sharp, perhaps because of the opening of the Three Divine Treasuries and the Way of Utmost Sincerity.
• Su Ziji concludes that the artifact he created has altered fate: Ye Buhui avoided being exposed, and Zhou Yao appears not to have suffered the misfortune foretold in his dream.
• To celebrate Ye Buhui’s chess victory and give her a rare opportunity to relax, Su Ziji takes her on a scenic boat ride. He recognizes that although hardship has made her mature and composed, she still longs for youthful enjoyment.
• Upon returning home, they are met by Fang Zhen, who has come to recommend another potential instructor for Su Ziji’s residence. Acting under pressure from the Emperor, Fang Zhen brings Luo Jiang, a young woman reputed to be an exceptional swordswoman.
• When Luo Jiang steps from the carriage, Su Ziji unexpectedly gains 150 experience points. He realizes that she has likely already Entered the Dao and attained the profound state of Sword-Body Unity.
• Luo Jiang carefully assesses Su Ziji and sees no evidence that he possesses advanced martial training. She notices his concealed suspicion and apparent underestimation of her.
• Rather than simply asking her to demonstrate, Su Ziji reverses the situation and invites her inside, saying that he wishes to receive instruction from her personally.

Character Developments

• Su Ziji: Becomes increasingly perceptive and confident in interpreting hidden supernatural developments. He grows more aware of his ability to influence fate through his crafted artifacts and remains cautious about the Daoist Sect’s investigation. His interest in swordsmanship is reinforced by Luo Jiang’s extraordinary presence.
• Ye Buhui: Shows the effects of her difficult past, having developed into a steady and capable household mistress. However, her underlying liveliness and love of pleasure remain, and Su Ziji deliberately gives her a chance to enjoy herself.
• Luo Jiang: Is introduced as a seemingly delicate but actually peerless sword expert. Her movements reveal perfect control, hidden Sword Qi, and a lack of weaknesses. She is observant, self-possessed, and unimpressed by appearances.
• Fang Zhen: Acts as an intermediary under imperial pressure. He is anxious that Luo Jiang may also be rejected, but hopes her exceptional swordsmanship will finally satisfy Su Ziji.

Significant Themes

• Hidden strength beneath appearances: Luo Jiang looks like an ordinary young woman, yet her movements reveal an extraordinary realm of cultivation. Likewise, Su Ziji appears physically unremarkable while possessing unusual insight and powers.
• Fate and altered destiny: Su Ziji compares current events with his dreams and realizes that his actions have changed the expected course of events, particularly for Ye Buhui and Zhou Yao.
• Concealment and suspicion: The Daoist Sect’s investigation creates an atmosphere of danger, while artifacts and careful behavior are used to hide newly awakened abilities.
• Youth versus hardship: Ye Buhui has been forced to mature through loss and danger, but Su Ziji understands that her youthful spirit remains and seeks to preserve it.
• Recognition between equals: Su Ziji immediately senses Luo Jiang’s true level, while Luo Jiang studies him and finds his apparent ordinariness suspicious. Their first meeting establishes mutual observation and possible future conflict or cooperation.

Character Interactions

• Su Ziji and Ye Buhui share a quiet, supportive relationship. He notices her emotional needs and arranges both a celebration and leisure outing for her.
• Su Ziji and Fang Zhen interact politely but with hidden calculations: Fang Zhen hopes to fulfill the Emperor’s demand, while Su Ziji wonders why Luo Jiang has been brought so urgently.
• Su Ziji and Luo Jiang immediately assess one another. Fang Zhen views Luo Jiang as a sword instructor, but Su Ziji recognizes that she may be vastly more powerful than anyone realizes. Their exchange ends with Su Ziji inviting her to teach him, setting up a potentially significant confrontation or alliance.

Chapter Summary: A Brazen Lowly Maid

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Zhen, Su Ziji, and Luo Jiang enter the Duke of Dai’s residence so Luo Jiang can demonstrate her swordsmanship.
• Luo Jiang performs the Luo Water Sword, displaying extraordinary speed, grace, and lethality. Her movements resemble an elegant dance, but her sword aura is powerful enough to make even Fang Zhen tense.
• Watching her performance activates Su Ziji’s Rosewood Pendant. He accepts instruction in the Luo Water Sword and instantly gains a large amount of experience, along with an understanding of its inner-energy techniques.
• Su Ziji reflects on the growing number of exceptional talents appearing throughout the realm, realizing that the deceased young lord of the Kingdom of Lin was not as unparalleled as he once seemed.
• Near the end of the demonstration, Luo Jiang suddenly sends a streak of Sword Qi toward Su Ziji. He suppresses his instinct to retaliate and pretends to be startled, allowing the attack to graze his cheek and cut several strands of hair.
• Fang Zhen is alarmed and condemns Luo Jiang’s behavior as dangerously presumptuous, while Su Ziji appears calm and potentially intrigued by the test.

2. Character Developments

• Su Ziji: Demonstrates strong self-control by recognizing Luo Jiang’s attack but deliberately choosing not to counter. His political insight also deepens: he realizes that rulers value the feeling of control and predictability more than a subordinate’s independent ability or public reputation. He decides that allowing court-affiliated people to observe the Duke’s residence may increase the Emperor’s trust.
• Luo Jiang: Establishes herself as an exceptionally gifted swordswoman whose skill may already surpass that of the former young lord of the Kingdom of Lin. However, her bold decision to test Su Ziji without permission reveals recklessness and poor political judgment.
• Fang Zhen: Shows his loyalty to the Emperor and concern for political responsibility. Although he recognizes Luo Jiang’s talent, he judges her harshly for acting beyond her station and concludes that she should not be entrusted with significant authority.
• Su Ziji’s political understanding: His progress in the [Way of Governance] allows him to perceive that trust is often created by making superiors feel fully informed and in control, rather than by appearing overly capable or independent.

3. Significant Themes

• Beauty and danger: Luo Jiang’s swordsmanship is both beautiful and deadly, reinforcing the idea that elegance can conceal lethal power.
• Talent versus judgment: Exceptional ability does not guarantee wisdom, discipline, or political reliability. Luo Jiang’s superb swordsmanship is undermined by her reckless conduct.
• Control and trust in politics: Su Ziji recognizes that rulers distrust subordinates who act independently, even when those actions produce good results. Perceived controllability is essential to advancement.
• Hierarchy and social status: Fang Zhen’s reaction highlights the rigid importance of rank. Despite Luo Jiang’s extraordinary skill, he still sees her as a lowly servant who has overstepped her position.
• The vastness of the world: Su Ziji realizes that outstanding figures are not isolated exceptions; many hidden geniuses exist, each surpassing others in different disciplines.

4. Character Interactions

• Fang Zhen and Luo Jiang: Fang Zhen permits the demonstration but becomes hostile after she attacks Su Ziji, viewing her as insolent and politically dangerous.
• Su Ziji and Luo Jiang: Their interaction is framed as a formal sword demonstration, but Luo Jiang turns it into a test of Su Ziji’s reflexes and strength. Su Ziji responds by concealing his awareness and remaining composed.
• Su Ziji and Fang Zhen: Fang Zhen watches Su Ziji’s reaction closely, ready to defend him if necessary. Su Ziji’s calm response prevents the incident from becoming a political confrontation.
• Su Ziji and the court: Su Ziji interprets Luo Jiang’s possible connection to the court as useful rather than threatening, believing her presence could reassure the Emperor that the Duke’s residence is not operating beyond imperial oversight.

Su Ziji accepted Luo Jiang as a swordsmanship guest retainer after she impressed him with her swordsmanship and he praised her in a poem. After Fang Zhen left, Su Ziji recognized that Luo Jiang’s arrival was likely an Imperial Palace scheme and asked Lu Fengyun for a list of eunuchs who often left the palace.

• Su Ziji praised Luo Jiang’s sword dance and wrote a poem about her, which briefly left her distracted.
• Su Ziji asked Fang Zhen to give Luo Jiang to him, and Fang Zhen agreed despite his concerns.
• Fang Zhen declined Su Ziji’s invitation to dine and left to report that Luo Jiang was staying at the residence.
• Su Ziji told the steward to treat Luo Jiang as a guest retainer and not neglect her.
• Lu Fengyun warned Su Ziji that Luo Jiang was no ordinary swordswoman, and Su Ziji said her arrival might be the Imperial Palace’s intention.
• Su Ziji asked Lu Fengyun for the list of eunuchs who frequently left the palace, and Lu Fengyun handed it to him.

Su Ziji considered how to keep watch on Luo Jiang, the emperor’s spy and a powerful swordswoman, and decided to rely on the foxes. He tasked Big Fox and Little Fox with monitoring her and recognized that they could also deliver objects bearing his Literary Heart Carving Dragon.

• Wild Daoist gave Su Ziji a list of eunuchs suspected of serving Prince Qi or Prince Shu and offered to investigate them, but Su Ziji told him not to act while the emperor watched the Duke of Dai's Residence.
• Su Ziji tested his Literary Heart Carving Dragon on Luo Jiang and found that he could not control an expert of her caliber, though he might be able to provoke a brief impulse in her.
• Su Ziji called in Big Fox and Little Fox after they watched Luo Jiang practice, and the foxes argued over his decision to keep her in the residence.
• Su Ziji explained that Luo Jiang was the emperor's spy and asked the foxes to take turns watching her and report anything unusual.
• Su Ziji realized the foxes could discreetly deliver objects carrying his Literary Heart Carving Dragon, and they agreed to help in exchange for lodging and Golden Olives.

Luo Jiang settled into the Duke of Dai’s residence, then secretly investigated its household and learned about its finances. Meanwhile, Su Ziji prepared a scheme involving the Great Restoration Elixir, and Eunuch Zhang began reading a dossier at Li's Silk Shop.

• Luo Jiang moved into a quiet courtyard, received five taels of silver, and heard servants praise the Duke of Dai and his wife.
• After dark, Luo Jiang followed Qiu Ming and overheard the Duke of Dai’s adviser report on the household’s farmland and restaurant income.
• Two foxes watched Luo Jiang and reported her movements to Su Ziji, who decided to test the emperor’s attachment to the Great Restoration Elixir.
• Su Ziji gave the foxes silver and slips bearing ingredient names, including “Blood Osmanthus,” and ordered them to use the items to buy people’s lives.
• Eunuch Zhang visited Li's Silk Shop, dismissed the clerk, and began reading a dossier while waiting for the proprietor.

Chapter Summary: “Fox’s Life-Buying Money”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Eunuch Zhang visits a silk shop under the pretense of purchasing silk for palace consorts, but his real purpose is inspecting businesses established by his godfather. Zhang and other eunuchs own shares in these enterprises and receive regular profits.
• He reviews the contract for a newly acquired pawnshop, recognizing that it will be profitable both commercially and as a channel for selling unmarked palace goods reported as lost or damaged.
• Before leaving, Zhang hears a noise and briefly sees what appears to be a white cat. He then finds a sizable silver ingot on the floor and immediately pockets it, interpreting the discovery as an auspicious sign.
• Zhang meets the silk merchant, Boss Li, and inspects a shipment of sixty bolts of high-quality silk, including brocade, cloud silk, and Flowing Cloud Gauze. The silk is intended for palace consorts according to their rank and seasonal needs.
• Boss Li slips Zhang a red packet, effectively offering a bribe, and casually asks about palace affairs. Zhang answers that all is well, but inexplicably blurts out the words: “Blood Osmanthus, Great Restoration Elixir.”
• Both Zhang and Boss Li are shocked. Zhang refuses to explain and leaves, while Boss Li assumes the strange phrase is a deliberate secret message.
• Boss Li immediately travels to Prince Qi’s Residence and reports Zhang’s words. Prince Qi, who normally regards Zhang as only a minor contact, reacts with alarm upon hearing the phrase.

Character Developments

• Eunuch Zhang: Revealed as calculating, greedy, and deeply involved in unofficial palace commerce. He is alert to profit and corruption but becomes visibly disturbed when he speaks words he does not understand, suggesting that he may be influenced by an unseen force or supernatural power.
• Boss Li: Demonstrates his role as a compliant merchant and political informant. He is eager to maintain Zhang’s favor, accepts the mysterious statement as potentially significant, and quickly passes it to Prince Qi.
• Prince Qi: Initially dismissive of Zhang’s importance, he immediately recognizes the potential significance of “Blood Osmanthus” and the “Great Restoration Elixir,” showing that these terms are connected to matters of major political or strategic importance.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and palace profiteering: Eunuchs, merchants, and powerful patrons manipulate palace procurement for personal gain through bribes, inflated prices, and the resale of palace goods.
• Networks of power and information: Commercial businesses serve as fronts and communication channels linking palace officials, merchants, and political factions.
• Greed and fate: Zhang’s instinctive decision to keep the silver reflects his opportunism, while the apparently lucky discovery may instead foreshadow danger.
• Unseen influence and mystery: Zhang’s involuntary utterance of the five words introduces a supernatural or hidden force and creates uncertainty about how information is being transmitted.
• The political value of secrets: A seemingly meaningless phrase becomes important because it may relate to powerful medicines, restoration, or a major political event.

Character Interactions

• Zhang and the silk merchant interact through a mixture of commercial politeness, fear, and bribery; Boss Li carefully manages Zhang’s temper and attempts to gain palace information.
• Zhang’s inexplicable statement unsettles both men, with Zhang withdrawing in fear and Boss Li interpreting his words as coded instructions.
• Boss Li then reports the incident to Prince Qi, shifting the event from a minor merchant encounter into a matter of political significance.
• The chapter ends with Prince Qi’s alarmed repetition of the mysterious phrase, creating a cliffhanger about the meaning of the Blood Osmanthus and Great Restoration Elixir.

Prince Shu learned that the emperor might be seeking the Great Restoration Elixir and ordered an investigation into Blood Osmanthus. Six days later, intelligence about Prince Shu searching for an elixir refiner passed through an Imperial City Office outpost and was sent toward the Imperial City.

• A planted shop assistant told Prince Shu that Eunuch Zhang had mentioned Blood Osmanthus and the Great Restoration Elixir at Li's Silk Shop.
• Prince Shu recalled that the Lesser Restoration Elixir had kept the emperor from becoming bedridden and feared the Great Restoration Elixir might extend his father's reign for decades or grant immortality.
• Prince Shu ordered an investigation into Blood Osmanthus.
• An Imperial City Office agent in Joyful Peace Ward reported that Prince Shu had been looking for someone to refine elixirs.
• The Peaceful Alley outpost decided to pass the intelligence upward, and an ox cart carried the report toward the Imperial City.