Episode Summary
Kuai Duo delivers the Gui Xi to the Emperor but is then murdered with his family, a fate Zang Hai connects to his own family's killers. Cao Jingxian is also found dead, with the Gui Xi likely passed to a third accomplice. The Emperor tasks Zang Hai with finding the Gui Xi and his enemies, granting him the Evil-Severing Sword. Zang Hai secures Xiang Antu's release, leading to emotional reunions and some friction with Gao Ming. The group shares a tense but ultimately celebratory meal. Zang Hai and Xiang Antu reaffirm their commitment to each other and his quest for revenge. Investigations at Cao Manor reveal clues about the murders and missing persons. Finally, Zang Hai prepares to investigate the Grand Secretariat, and his masked informant is shockingly revealed to be Zhao Bingwen.
Spoiler Alert
"Legend of Zang Hai" Episode 34 Recap & Spoilers
In this episode of "Legend of Zang Hai," the intricate web of revenge and political maneuvering tightens, bringing Zang Hai closer to some truths while plunging him deeper into danger and emotional turmoil.
Kuai Duo, having found the Gui Xi, risked his life to return to The Capital and present it to the Emperor. The Emperor, pleased, intended to reward him handsomely. However, Kuai Duo, citing ill health, requested permission to resign and return to his hometown with his wife and children to live out his days in peace. The Emperor, concerned that Kuai Duo might reveal the secret of the Gui Xi, granted his request, especially since Kuai Duo confirmed he had come directly from Dong Xia to see the Emperor without meeting anyone else or even returning home. Tragically, that very night, Kuai Duo's entire family was massacred. When Zang Hai later recounted the horrific details of his parents' and sister's murders, the Emperor was beside himself with rage, gritting his teeth in fury.
Meanwhile, Sun Defang led his men to the Cao Manor late at night, only to discover that Cao Jingxian had been dead for four or five days, his body already decomposing. All the Chang Wei agents (Palace Guards) in the manor had also been killed. Sun Defang immediately reported this grim discovery to the Emperor. Zang Hai suspected that this was the work of the third person responsible for his family's annihilation. He theorized that Cao Jingxian, knowing his death was imminent, had passed the Gui Xi to this third accomplice. The Emperor tasked Zang Hai with retrieving the Gui Xi and bestowed upon him the Duan Ning Jian (Evil-Severing Sword), granting him the authority to execute his enemies on the spot. Seizing the opportunity, Zang Hai pleaded for Xiang Antu's release, and the Emperor agreed.
Zang Hai went to the prison to collect Xiang Antu. Outside, Gao Ming, Guan Feng, and Shi Lei were anxiously waiting. Gao Ming, still upset about Zang Hai's unannounced departure and actions, slapped him hard across the face. Zang Hai, unwilling to explain extensively, focused on taking Xiang Antu home, even giving her his own bedroom. Xiang Antu lamented that Zang Hai shouldn't have risked so much for her, but Zang Hai insisted he did so willingly.
Upon hearing of Xiang Antu's release, the Eighth Master (Ba Gongzi) immediately visited her at Zang Hai's residence. Gao Ming remained cold towards Zang Hai, disapproving of his decision to go to the palace alone and turn himself in. Zang Hai tried his best to appease Gao Ming, who refused to forgive him easily. Zang Hai knelt, begging for Gao Ming's forgiveness and promising never to take such risks again. Deeply pained, Gao Ming urged Zang Hai to live well, reminding him that he was counting on Zang Hai to care for him in his old age.
Guan Feng was secretly pleased to hear that Feng Liu would also be moving into Zang Hai's residence. Gao Ming prepared a large feast, with each dish subtly alluding to Zang Hai's perceived ingratitude. Liu Chu arrived shortly after to welcome Xiang Antu, gifting her some cosmetics and encouraging her to move past her suffering. Noticing Gao Ming's unhappiness, Liu Chu playfully forced him to smile; Gao Ming’s attempt was more like a pained grimace, which made everyone laugh. The group then shared a joyous reunion meal, drinking and making merry.
After the meal, Zang Hai remained melancholic. Xiang Antu, sensing his troubled mind, accompanied him to admire the moon. Zang Hai expressed his desire to find the third assassin quickly. Xiang Antu promised to help him, but Zang Hai was reluctant to let her take such risks. She, however, was determined to stand by him. Zang Hai planned to start his investigation by looking into Cao Jingxian's affairs to find a lead on the third enemy. Xiang Antu confessed that once his revenge was complete, she wished to elope with him far away. After the banquet, everyone departed except Liu Chu and Gao Ming, who continued drinking. Gao Ming, emboldened by alcohol, confessed his feelings to Liu Chu, but Liu Chu tactfully changed the subject.
Zang Hai and Lord Zuo meticulously examined the Cao Manor. They observed that the deceased Chang Wei agents had contorted facial expressions and soil under their fingernails, leading them to believe the guards were poisoned and their bodies moved indoors. Zang Hai carefully counted the bodies of the Chang Wei agents but found that Lu Yan was missing, and Shi Quan was also nowhere to be found. Zang Hai requested Lord Zuo's assistance in searching for them.
With the Evil-Severing Sword gifted by the Emperor, Zang Hai decided to begin his investigation with the Grand Secretariat (Nei Ge). Gao Ming took him to meet his masked master. Zang Hai stated his intention to start by investigating Shi Yiping, the Senior Grand Secretary. At that moment, the masked master removed his disguise, revealing himself to be Zhao Bingwen, leaving Zang Hai utterly astonished.
Kuai Duo delivers the Gui Xi to the Emperor but is then murdered with his family, a fate Zang Hai connects to his own family's killers. Cao Jingxian is also found dead, with the Gui Xi likely passed to a third accomplice. The Emperor tasks Zang Hai with finding the Gui Xi and his enemies, granting him the Evil-Severing Sword. Zang Hai secures Xiang Antu's release, leading to emotional reunions and some friction with Gao Ming. The group shares a tense but ultimately celebratory meal. Zang Hai and Xiang Antu reaffirm their commitment to each other and his quest for revenge. Investigations at Cao Manor reveal clues about the murders and missing persons. Finally, Zang Hai prepares to investigate the Grand Secretariat, and his masked informant is shockingly revealed to be Zhao Bingwen.
