Episode Summary
Qin Wan and her companions arrive in the capital, where she is immediately drawn into court politics. The Marquis of Zhongyong enlists her help to solve a series of grisly murders to aid the struggling Crown Prince. Disguised as a man, Qin Wan investigates the case and quickly identifies key clues, deducing the killer is a tailor with a specific fetish. As Prince Cheng attempts to interfere, Yan Chi steps in to protect her, and with the deadline looming, he devises a plan to catch the culprit.
Spoiler Alert
After a conversation with Qing Niang, Qin Wan leaves the government office, where Yan Chi and Yue Ning have been waiting. While Qin Wan feels sympathy for Qing Niang's plight, Yan Chi remarks that Qin Wan's ultimate goal is to ensure there is "no injustice in the world." With the Emperor still fixated on the great gold robbery case, Prefect Wang is determined to solve it, seeing it as a major opportunity. Later, Prefect Wang returns Madam Tan's dowry, and Madam Pang decides to open an inn to support her two children. With matters settled, Qin Wan and her companions resume their journey to the capital.
As they are about to enter the capital the next day, Qin Wan wishes to visit her parents' graves to pay her respects. She asks Yan Chi not to accompany her, explaining that their relationship must become more discreet once they are in the city. She fears that the Marquis of Zhongyong might use her as leverage to force Yan Chi to serve the Crown Prince. To ease her worries, Yan Chi agrees but vows he will always protect her. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince is facing difficulties with a task, and with Prince Cheng watching his every move, the Marquis of Zhongyong recommends Qin Wan and her forensic skills. Due to her unique identity, her involvement must be kept secret. Upon arriving in the capital, Qin Wan feels that there is no turning back. Yue Ning departs for the Grand Princess's residence, leaving Yan Chi without a reason to escort Qin Wan home.
Qin Yan brings Qin Wan and her sisters to the Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion. The Marquis is clearly impressed with Qin Wan, though Hu-shi notes she doesn't resemble her father. To deflect suspicion, Qin Wan deliberately brings up her mother. With the New Year approaching, Qin Zhaoyu, a candidate to be the future Crown Princess, returns from the palace to visit. Seeing how composed and graceful Qin Wan is, the Marquis advises Qin Zhaoyu to build a closer relationship with her. The Marquis decides to observe the situation between Yan Chi and Qin Wan before getting involved. He even contemplates making Qin Wan a concubine for the Crown Prince, believing that despite Qin Zhaoyu's deep affection for the prince, the family's prosperity is what matters most.
Standing near her old family home, Qin Wan is filled with sorrow, not knowing where her parents are buried. Her maid, Fuling, tries to cheer her up by sharing gossip about Qin Zhaoyu. Soon after, Qin Yan arrives to summon Qin Wan, stating that the Marquis wishes to speak with her. The Marquis gives Qin Wan the inheritance left by her second uncle and formally asks her to assist the Crown Prince. A new case has emerged in the capital: several women have been raped and murdered. The Marquis has already recommended Qin Wan to Prefect Zheng, and she readily accepts the task. Wary of the Marquis's intentions, Prince Cheng orders his men to monitor the investigation, suspecting he might try to frame a scapegoat to clear the Crown Prince's name.
Elsewhere, Yan Chi meets with the Emperor for a game of chess and reaffirms his desire to remain with the Ministry of Justice, a request the Emperor grants. Qin Yan then escorts a male-disguised Qin Wan to meet Prefect Zheng. She calmly examines the bodies of three victims and makes a startling discovery: they were all sexually assaulted after death. Just then, Prince Cheng storms in to make an arrest, but Yan Chi quickly intervenes, claiming Qin Wan is his personal advisor. Seeing Yan Chi's protectiveness, Prince Cheng has no choice but to leave. Qin Wan reveals more clues: the victims' stomachs contained oranges and fish, narrowing the search to the few restaurants selling fresh fish in their neighborhoods. Furthermore, all the victims' undergarments were missing, leading Qin Wan to conclude that the killer has a specific fetish for clothing and is likely a tailor. With only one day left on the Emperor's deadline, Prefect Zheng is running out of time to investigate every tailor, but Yan Chi proposes a clever solution.
