Episode Summary
In "The Lost National Treasure" Episode 30, the conflict escalates as Mu Jianhui reveals his identity as the heir to the museum's property, declaring war on director Zhao Youlin. A police sting to capture smuggler Xiao Guoqiang at an auction fails when he is tipped off, only for him to be ambushed by Mu's men. The police discover Xiao's hideout filled with stolen artifacts, including a Heavenly King Tomb Figure. This leads them to question Zhao, whose own version of the figure is exposed as a forgery, sparking a media scandal about a "forgery chain" at his museum, all orchestrated by Mu. The task force identifies Mu as the mastermind, while a recovering investigator, Fang Kun, follows a new lead about a stone slate, finding a key informant.
Spoiler Alert
"The Lost National Treasure" Episode 30 Recap: The Mastermind Steps Out of the Shadows
A tense confrontation, a failed police sting, and a full-blown forgery scandal mark a pivotal episode where the true villain finally declares war.
The simmering conflict between Mu Jianhui and Zhao Youlin boils over in the backyard of the Mingde Museum. Dropping all pretenses, Mu Jianhui reveals his true identity: he is a descendant of the Mu family, the original owners of the mansion that now houses the museum. He mocks Zhao Youlin's reputation and declares his intention to reclaim his ancestral home, setting the stage for an explosive feud.
Meanwhile, the police, led by Qi Dacang, set a trap to capture the smuggler Xiao Guoqiang. They plan to arrest him during the handover of a bronze candlestick sold at auction for 3.5 million. However, Xiao receives a timely warning call and makes a run for it. He doesn't get far before he's intercepted by Mu Jianhui's men, who drag him to a remote location and beat him severely. In a brilliant, ruthless move, it's revealed that Mu Jianhui himself had tipped off the police about the stolen candlestick, all while having Xiao tailed. Zhao Youlin is quickly informed by his secretary, Wen Yuhe, that the police are now hunting Xiao Guoqiang for the theft.
The failed sting operation provides new leads. A search of Xiao's hotel room uncovers an access card to the Chengxi Garden residential complex. The police use it to find Xiao's hideout, discovering a shocking cache of stolen artifacts. Among them are two key items: a Heavenly King Tomb Figure and a silver-rimmed sunflower-shaped bowl, which immediately attract the investigators' attention.
Armed with the knowledge that a similar Heavenly King figure was once exhibited at the Mingde Museum, Qi Dacang and Yang Qingshi pay Zhao Youlin a visit. Feigning cooperation, Zhao presents his own tomb figure for inspection. An expert quickly confirms it's a forgery. Zhao desperately tries to distance himself, claiming he bought it in Hong Kong and denying any connection to Xiao Guoqiang.
His denials are futile. Zhao returns to his office, furious with both Xiao for his carelessness and Mu for his merciless tactics. Just then, the scandal breaks. Media outlets begin reporting on the "Mingde Museum Forgery Chain," a clear act of public manipulation that Wen Yuhe correctly attributes to Mu Jianhui. While Zhao Youlin plots to eliminate his rival, he receives a chilling phone call from Mu himself. "He who cultivates poison is eventually consumed by it," Mu taunts. "This is your retribution."
With this, the task force pieces together the evidence, and all signs point to Mu Jianhui as the mastermind. Qi Dacang deduces that by controlling the smuggling and distribution channels, Mu has positioned himself at the very top of the criminal network. As the team grapples with the pressure of their elusive target, a recovering Fang Kun, now able to walk with a crutch, pursues a different lead: the origin of a mysterious stone slate. Driven by Yan Shoucun, he travels to Chenjiapo and finds a crucial informant, Chen Laosi.
Spoilers & What to Expect
The episode ends on a precipice. The investigation into the stone slate has opened a new front in the case, leading Fang Kun to a key witness whose testimony could blow the entire artifact theft network wide open. With Mu Jianhui's identity and intentions now clear, a direct confrontation between the authorities and his criminal empire is inevitable. The information provided by Chen Laosi will likely be the critical piece of the puzzle that the police need to finally bring him down.
