Episode Summary
Episode 20 sees Mu Jianhui attempt to reconcile with his wife after personal tragedy, while his former associate Li Yuanguang ruthlessly climbs the ranks of the tomb-raiding underworld and marries Wenwen. The archaeological team, led by Luo Qing, discovers that the empty tomb they are excavating has another, also empty, tomb beneath it, strongly suggesting they've found the complex burial site of the legendary Lü Dalin. However, a hard rock layer halts their progress. Personal betrayals simmer as Liu Shusheng, resentful of Mu Jianhui and Li Yuanguang, appears to set a trap for a drunken Mu Jianhui with Wenwen's help. Meanwhile, new discoveries at the Yin Cun site, including "Wuhua Tu," indicate a tomb of unexpectedly large scale.
Spoiler Alert
The Lost National Treasure Episode 20 Recap: Betrayals, Buried Secrets, and a Master's Tomb
Episode 20 of "The Lost National Treasure" delves deeper into personal turmoil and archaeological mysteries.
Mu Jianhui, burdened by guilt, finds his wife Liu Shulan in the mountains. She has erected a memorial for their stillborn child, a sight that deeply pains him. He vows to abandon his illicit dealings, promising to stay by her side and copy Buddhist scriptures as a form of penance. However, his past and connections are not so easily shed.
Meanwhile, Li Yuanguang has fully embraced a darker path. Operating under the alias "Biao Shu" (Uncle), he has become a ruthless figure in the Qinchuan tomb-raiding underworld, notorious for his brutal methods in seizing sites, acquiring artifacts, and eliminating rivals. He solidifies his new life by marrying Wenwen.
On the archaeological front, Qi Dacang, a police officer involved in cultural relic cases, receives exciting news from Luo Qing. The supposedly empty tomb they've been excavating has another tomb beneath it. Thrilled, Qi Dacang decides to bring his wife and child to witness his work firsthand. However, their excitement is short-lived. The second tomb is also empty, but the passage continues, hinting at a much larger burial complex below. The peculiar design leads Luo Qing and Xiang Xinzhi to a startling conclusion: the tomb likely belongs to the legendary master of their field, Lü Dalin.
Their progress hits a snag when they encounter an extremely hard rock layer known as "Liao Jiang Shi," making further digging treacherous. Qi Dacang, ever impatient for results, criticizes their cautious approach. Shortly after he departs, Jiang Xiaobai arrives with a significant find. Hou Yuelai examines newly discovered artifacts, further strengthening the theory that they have indeed found Lü Dalin's tomb. The team is acutely aware of the potential for a catastrophic collapse, and Director Wang (Wang Ju) sternly warns them to proceed with utmost care.
Back with Mu Jianhui, a phone call shatters his mountain retreat. He decides to leave immediately, ignoring Liu Shulan's protests. On his way down, a chance encounter with a fortune teller offers a strange mix of prophecy: great wealth is in his future, but also an energy that could harm his offspring. When Mu Jianhui, still grieving his lost child, asks about future children, the seer confidently predicts he will have a child within the year. Comforted, Mu Jianhui pays him generously.
Mu Jianhui then delivers more valuable items to Zhao Youlin, who is impressed but also cautions him. Rumors are circulating, and Zhao Youlin advises Mu Jianhui to maintain a lower profile, reminding him that "a tall tree attracts the wind."
Elsewhere, Liu Shusheng (believed to be Liu Shulan's brother) runs into Shuan Wa, an old acquaintance from his tomb-raiding days, now working at a construction site. Liu Shusheng initially suspects Shuan Wa is using the job as a cover for illicit activities. However, Shuan Wa explains he's legitimately employed and warns Liu Shusheng about a new, vicious gang terrorizing the area. This group, he says, forcibly takes over tomb sites and strong-arms people into selling artifacts at low prices, threatening violence against those who refuse.
When Shuan Wa mentions Li Yuanguang's name, Liu Shusheng is enraged, particularly because Mu Jianhui considers Li Yuanguang a close brother. Liu Shusheng is also deeply dissatisfied with his own role in Mu Jianhui's construction company, feeling like a powerless puppet. Mu Jianhui later confronts Li Yuanguang, warning him that Qi Dacang is monitoring his activities. He urges Li Yuanguang to legitimize his operations, or Mu Jianhui won't be able to protect him if he's arrested. A frustrated Liu Shusheng leaves this confrontation, only to stumble upon Li Yuanguang and Wenwen's marriage certificate, adding to his bitterness.
The disgraced Li Chunlai, having left the archaeological team, is back to his old gambling habits. He attempts to sell a fragmented ancient brick but is merely ridiculed by a potential buyer.
At the Yin Cun excavation site, the arrival of Qi Xiaoman accelerates the project. As the team expands their drilling area, they make a stunning discovery: the soil samples contain "Wuhua Tu" (five-flower soil), a type of variegated earth that often indicates the presence of significant ancient tombs.This suggests the tomb below could be far grander and more complex than they initially anticipated.
The unique and challenging nature of Lü Dalin's suspected tomb has captured the attention of higher authorities. The archaeological team is under immense pressure to handle the excavation with extreme caution. Luo Qing, determined to devise a workable plan, locks herself away, working tirelessly without food or rest. Hou Yuelai tries to coax her to eat with a bowl of "Laozao Jidan" (a sweet, fermented rice and egg soup), but she's too absorbed. Worried, Jiang Xiaobai messages Fang Kun, hoping he can persuade Luo Qing to take a break.
Mu Jianhui's attempts to reconcile with Liu Shulan in the mountains prove futile. After more than two decades of marriage, she sees through his facade. She understands that while he may be physically present, his heart and mind are elsewhere – an old saying describes this as "his body is in Cao's camp, but his heart is with Han," meaning his loyalty is divided. Utterly disheartened, Liu Shulan tells him she no longer wants to see him, forcing Mu Jianhui to descend the mountain once more.
Seeking solace, Mu Jianhui meets with Liu Shusheng, who offers a sympathetic ear and plenty of alcohol. Mu Jianhui, letting his guard down, drinks heavily with Liu Shusheng and soon passes out. Seizing the opportunity, Liu Shusheng makes a call, and Wenwen arrives, seemingly to join them for drinks, hinting at a sinister setup.
