Episode Summary
In episode 34, the police investigation makes a breakthrough when suspect Yan Xiaowu confesses after an emotional confrontation with his family. He identifies his accomplice "Cannon" as Li Yuanguang, leading to the formal arrest of Mu Jianhui. Upon learning this, the fleeing Li Yuanguang abandons his escape to seek revenge. The police then uncover a critical link: Li's wife, Wenwen, is the nanny for Mu Jianhui's family. After being persuaded by the police, Wenwen agrees to cooperate. Meanwhile, the archaeological team's search for the great outer wall is stalled, though the discovery of another official seal strengthens their theory of an imperial tomb.
Spoiler Alert
"The Lost National Treasure" Episode 34 Recap: The Walls Close In
The investigation into the cultural relics smuggling ring takes a dramatic turn as the police finally break one of their key suspects. While the archaeological team hits a frustrating roadblock, a stunning revelation connects the criminal network in a way no one saw coming, proving that the deepest secrets aren't always buried underground.
A Conscience Crumbles
With the clock ticking on their 24-hour hold, the police are getting nowhere with suspects Mu Jianhui and Yan Xiaowu. Both men are stonewalling, denying any connection to the recently captured smuggler, the "South China King." Captain Qi Dacang decides on a new tactic, targeting Yan Xiaowu's family.
The gambit pays off in the most heart-wrenching way. Officers bring Yan Xiaowu's wife, Fu Xiaoli, and their young son, Yan Xiaobao, to the station. Fu Xiaoli tearfully hands over a bag stuffed with illicit cash. The sight of the money and his family in a police station shatters Yan Xiaowu's composure. He screams at them to go home, but his son’s plea is what truly breaks him. The little boy says he would rather not go to school than use that dirty money. Overwhelmed by guilt and shame, Yan Xiaowu finally confesses everything. He admits to his role and, most importantly, gives the police the real name of his accomplice, the mysterious "Cannon" (Pao Shou): a man named Li Yuanguang. With this new testimony, the police have enough to formally arrest Mu Jianhui.
A Fugitive's U-Turn
Meanwhile, Li Yuanguang is on the run, dreaming of a new life in Hong Kong with his associate, Wang Jinfang. Their escape is nearly derailed by a police checkpoint, where they see wanted posters for other criminals, but they manage to slip through. Just as freedom seems within reach, Li Yuanguang receives a shocking message: Mu Jianhui has been arrested. In a split-second decision, he concocts a story to get rid of Wang Jinfang, turns the car around, and heads back. His plan has changed from escape to revenge, and his target is Liu Shusheng.
A Shocking Connection
Following the new lead, Qi Dacang and his team search Li Yuanguang's residence. They find something that blows the case wide open: Li Yuanguang's wife, Wenwen, is the nanny for Mu Jianhui's family. This personal connection between the two main suspects is the link they've been missing.
Qi Dacang questions Liu Shulan, a member of the Mu household, about Wenwen and Li Yuanguang, but she claims not to know him. However, when shown a photo of Li, Wenwen, and their baby, Liangliang, her composure falters. She insists the baby was found abandoned, but her shifty demeanor suggests she knows more than she's letting on.
The Stalled Dig
At the Yin Village archaeological site, the team faces its own set of challenges. Led by Fang Kun, they are struggling to locate the great outer wall of the tomb complex, a crucial piece of evidence. Their work has angered some locals by halting the construction of a landfill, leading to subtle acts of sabotage. A small victory comes when another official seal is unearthed in one of the burial pits, adding more weight to the theory that they have found the imperial Zi Mausoleum. However, when the findings are reported to the provincial institute, the director insists that without direct textual evidence, finding the great outer wall is the only way to definitively prove the tomb's identity.
An Offer of Last Resort
Li Yuanguang makes his way to Jiaocheng, where he spots his wife, Wenwen, selling yogurt from a small shop. He watches from his car, his heart heavy. As he's about to get out, he sees Qi Dacang and another officer approach her and quickly ducks back down.
Wenwen is cold and uncooperative with Qi Dacang. He presses her, asking how she could abandon her husband and newborn child. His words strike a nerve, and Wenwen tearfully insists she knows nothing. Qi Dacang buys two yogurts and changes his tone, patiently explaining the situation. He tells her that the police have substantial evidence against her husband and that his capture is inevitable. However, if she cooperates and helps convince Li Yuanguang to surrender, she can help secure a more lenient outcome for her family.
The plea works. Wenwen's resolve crumbles, and she gives the police the address of a scrap yard that Li Yuanguang operates. Qi Dacang leaves her with his phone number, telling her it's the only way to save her family. After the police leave, Li Yuanguang remains in his car, clutching the family photo, lost in thought as the walls close in around him.
Spoilers & Key Developments
- The Confession: Yan Xiaowu breaks under emotional pressure when his wife and son confront him at the police station with the stolen money he provided.
- The Accomplice: Yan Xiaowu identifies his partner, "Cannon," as Li Yuanguang, which gives the police the leverage to formally arrest Mu Jianhui.
- Change of Plans: While fleeing, Li Yuanguang learns of Mu's arrest. He abandons his escape and turns back, seeking revenge on Liu Shusheng.
- The Nanny Twist: In a major breakthrough, police discover that Li Yuanguang's wife, Wenwen, works as a nanny in Mu Jianhui's home, directly linking the two main suspects.
- A Wife's Choice: Qi Dacang successfully persuades a reluctant Wenwen to cooperate by appealing to her love for her child, and she reveals the location of her husband's business.
- Archaeological Setback: The dig team is still unable to find the great outer wall needed to confirm the tomb's imperial status, despite unearthing another official seal.
