Episode Summary
The archaeological team discovers that the legendary tomb at Phoenix Mountain does not exist, debunking a key historical text and shifting their entire focus to the excavation at Yin Village. Meanwhile, a calculated plot by Mu Jianhui forces the resignation of Museum Director Zhao Youlin, marking a major power shift. The police investigation into the "South China King" makes a breakthrough, identifying his likely region of origin, while interrogations reveal that a key witness is hiding the truth.
Spoiler Alert
This Episode , the search for the Zi Mausoleum takes an unexpected turn, revealing that centuries-old records might be built on a lie. As the archaeological team grapples with this shocking discovery, a vicious power struggle at the Mingde Museum culminates in a dramatic resignation, while the police close in on the elusive "South China King."
The Phoenix Mountain Deception
The episode opens with the archaeological team facing a major setback. An extensive survey of Phoenix Mountain, led by Captain Pang, yields a stunning result: there is no tomb. This directly contradicts the Lei Bian Chang'an Zhi, a well-regarded Yuan Dynasty gazetteer by Luo Tianxiang, which explicitly placed the Zi Mausoleum at this location. Luo Qing and Guo Shilin are baffled, recalling their mentor Professor Zan Maochang's teachings about the importance of hard evidence over blind faith in historical texts.
Just as confusion sets in, a call from Fang Kun changes everything. He summons the team to a site called Shiban Gou ("Stone Slab Gully"), where he presents them with a field of scattered stone slabs. He declares that these naturally formed rocks were likely mistaken by the original record-keepers for the outer gates of the Zi Mausoleum. Fang Kun argues that Luo Tianxiang, the author of the ancient text, likely never surveyed the area himself and merely transcribed a flawed primary source. With this, the Phoenix Mountain theory is officially debunked, and the team must pivot its entire investigation.
A Coup at the Museum
Meanwhile, a scandal rocks the Mingde Museum. Chairman Qin of the Antiques Association publicly accuses the museum of housing fakes, placing the blame squarely on Director Zhao Youlin. With the museum's reputation in tatters, Zhao Youlin convenes an emergency board meeting and announces his immediate resignation, handing over all duties to the board.
The architect of this downfall is soon revealed. Mu Jianhui visits Li Yuanguang, smugly reporting that their target, Xiao Guoqiang, is seriously injured and Zhao Youlin has been forced out. Mu admits that ever since he decided to pursue the artifacts in the Yin Village tomb, there was no turning back. "One mountain cannot accommodate two tigers," he states, acknowledging the inevitable conflict between himself and Zhao. He claims he didn't completely destroy Zhao, merely his reputation, and leaves a bow under Li's bed as a symbolic warning for Zhao to lay low. The conversation exposes the brutal, calculated nature of his power play.
All Eyes on Yin Village
With the Phoenix Mountain lead now cold, the focus shifts entirely to the great tomb at Yin Village. Xiang Xin takes Fang Kun, Luo Qing, and Guo Shilin to pay respects at Professor Zan's grave, expressing pride in how much they've grown.
The excavation is set to begin on land belonging to Qi Youliang, the village head. After receiving government compensation for the land, Qi Youliang sets up an altar to honor his ancestors. In a gesture of goodwill, he announces he will use the money to subsidize the archaeology team's meals and donate to the village school, ensuring the full support of the community. With morale boosted, the team prepares to break ground. The K1 excavation pit is prepped with a temporary shelter, and as the work begins, Fang Kun feels the weight of history, knowing this dig could reshape the archaeological world.
The Net Tightens
The police investigation into the "South China King" finally gains traction. Officers Xiao Du and Xiao Zhang are canvassing the numerous small inns in Xingfu Village when a hotel owner comes forward with a crucial tip. He reports that the South China King was attacked and, fearing the hospital, fled after the owner initially helped him get medical attention.
Acting on this, Captain Qi Dacang interrogates Liang Jianbin, who confirms the man's identity from a hospital photo. Further investigation leads them to a woman named Lulu, an associate of the king, who mentions his fondness for a specific type of crock pot soup. This culinary detail, combined with his affected Guyue accent, leads the team to deduce he is likely from the Jiangyou region, significantly narrowing the search.
However, not all interrogations go smoothly. When Qi Dacang shows the photo to Yan Xiaowu, he feigns ignorance, claiming his memory is hazy. His evasiveness suggests he's protecting the true mastermind behind the black pottery figurine case. Qi Dacang warns him about perjury and applies psychological pressure by having someone leave tomatoes grown by Yan Xiaowu for his son, Xiao Bao, a subtle but powerful reminder of what's at stake.
The episode concludes with another arrest. Qi Dacang learns his men have been reassigned by Wu Zhichuan to capture a suspect known as "Hao Zi" (Mouse) in connection with a brawl in Qingyuan County. During questioning, Hao Zi confesses he was only the getaway driver and lookout for a tomb robbery, not a direct participant, implying a much larger operation is still at play.
