Episode Summary
Amidst mounting pressure from a tourist influx sparked by Mu Jianhui's new book, the archaeological team is forced to abandon the newly discovered tomb in Yin Village. While local authorities prioritize the economic boom, archaeologist Fang Kun makes the bold decision to stay behind, determined to protect the site with the help of a local villager, Yan Shoucun. Meanwhile, the calculating Mu Jianhui navigates a tense rivalry with the powerful Zhao Youlin, as tomb robbers prepare to strike. Investigator Qi Dacang continues his pursuit of Mu, attempting to leverage the imprisoned Yan Xiaowu.
Spoiler Alert
"The Lost National Treasure" Episode 24 Recap & Spoilers
Following his book signing, Mu Jianhui has a tense, yet seemingly cordial, meeting with Qi Dacang. The conversation is laced with veiled barbs, hinting at the deep-seated animosity between them. Later, Qi Dacang brings Mu's new book to Yang Qingshi, but despite his efforts, he can't find any flaw in Mu's meticulously crafted public persona. With Mu on the verge of successfully whitewashing his past, Qi Dacang is left contemplating his next move.
Mu's book, amplified by a new media campaign, spreads the news of a "Ya-shaped" tomb in Yin Village like wildfire.The village and nearby Phoenix Mountain are inundated with tourists, putting immense pressure on the archaeological institute. Zhang Fengchun summons Fang Kun and Guo Shilin, expressing his frustration over the rampant speculation about the tomb's authenticity. The archaeological community is now criticizing them for what is perceived as a publicity stunt.
The influx of tourists creates a booming business for the villagers of Yin Village, who capitalize on the "royal" tomb narrative to sell local products. Even the notorious "South China King" is spotted amongst the crowds. Yan Shoucun and his dog, Heitsui, try to block tourists from entering the site, but they are pushed aside by fellow villagers eager to profit from the situation.
Fang Kun pleads with Ma Chaoyue from the district government for assistance, but Ma sees the tourism boom as a golden opportunity for cultural and tourism development in the Bayu District. The economic benefits are too significant to ignore, and while he promises to help, he cannot agree to Fang Kun's request to restrict access.
Meanwhile, Heitsui's incessant barking at an empty plot of land alerts Yan Shoucun to a potential new discovery. He calls the Cultural Relics Protection Bureau, but no one arrives. Frustrated, Fang Kun contacts the bureau again, and Old Tang suggests that if they can confirm the identity of the tomb's occupant and have it declared a protected cultural heritage site, it will be easier to secure.
However, Fang Kun's hopes are dashed when Zhang Fengchun informs him that their excavation proposal has been rejected due to the widespread academic skepticism. With no other options, Zhang orders Fang Kun and Guo Shilin to withdraw the archaeological team from Yin Village.
In a separate development, Zhao Youlin is appointed as the new president of the Qinchuan Antique Association. Mu Jianhui pays him a congratulatory visit, during which Zhao subtly warns him against being too arrogant. Mu, understanding the veiled threat, makes a swift exit. As soon as he leaves, Zhao contemptuously throws Mu's book on the floor.
The following morning, as Fang Kun and his team are packing to leave, a distraught Qi Xiaoman rushes to say her goodbyes. Just then, Heitsui runs in, followed by a furious Yan Shoucun, who is angry about their departure. Overcome with a sense of responsibility, Fang Kun decides to stay in Yin Village, believing he would never be at peace if the tomb were to be lost.
With nowhere else to go, Fang Kun moves in with Yan Shoucun and tries to persuade Qi Youliang to increase the number of patrol guards. However, Qi Youliang, still ashamed over a past incident involving Li Chunlai, refuses to help.
Elsewhere, two tomb robbers are seen preparing explosives. Mu Jianhui, seemingly unconcerned, continues his routine of teaching children at a welfare institution. Li Yuanguang informs him that the South China King has met with Old Xiao and may have secretly contacted Zhao Youlin. Mu, however, dismisses them as insignificant.
In a final turn of events, Qi Dacang visits the son of the imprisoned Yan Xiaowu. He learns that the boy is a bright student but has become withdrawn due to his father's incarceration. Qi Dacang then visits Yan Xiaowu in prison, showing him a picture of his son and telling him how smart and well-behaved he is, moving Yan Xiaowu to tears.
