Episode Summary
In this episode, the truth about the "death game" in the secret mansion is revealed, uniting the girls of Zhuque Hall. Gao Ying is appointed the new leader of the Qingzhu Gang, while the investigation into Hong Xiu's death uncovers Gao Susheng's deeper, darker dealings.
Spoiler Alert
"Rosefinch" Episode 22: Spoilers
In Zhuque Hall, the tense atmosphere among the girls finally breaks. Complaining that the place is unfit for humans, their anxiety escalates when Li Huimin discovers gold bars hidden under a sofa. The discovery pushes Xu Jing to her breaking point, and she confesses the truth about Qian Yun's death, exposing a twisted "death game" within the secret mansion. The revelation instantly transforms the group's internal suspicion into a shared desire for revenge.
Meanwhile, Gao Susheng praises Gao Ying, telling her she has lived up to his high expectations. A flashback reveals their history: years ago, a young Gao Ying was one of three children selected to be presented to the new gang leader. With sharp intellect and keen observation, she was the only one to recognize that Gao Susheng himself was the new head of the Qingzhu Gang. Impressed, he adopted her as his goddaughter, giving her the surname Gao.
Back in the present, Gao Susheng declares Gao Ying the most capable of his children and announces his decision to hand over control of both Zhuque Hall and the Qingzhu Gang to her. Gao Ying expresses concern about a high-risk stock venture with Commander Zhao Jin, but Gao Susheng dismisses her worries, asserting that Zhao Jin represents the core of power and is no ordinary man.
At 25 Huian Li, Xia Mo, his sibling, and Tang Zhenyun use a secret passage to piece together the events leading to Hong Xiu's death. They deduce that her curiosity led her into the secret mansion where she witnessed horrific acts. She managed to escape through the passage but accidentally dropped a handkerchief embroidered with her name. Paralyzed by fear, she kept the secret to herself but was ultimately killed to ensure her silence.
Upon learning that his brother, Tang Boju, is involved with Commander Zhao Jin's affairs, Tang Zhenyun confronts him. Tang Boju coldly reminds him that he owes his life to the Tang family and cannot stand against them alone. He also reveals a dark secret about Gao Susheng: he has been raiding tombs, trading artifacts from the netherworld for power in the living world, and is backed by forces far more powerful than Tang Zhenyun can imagine.
Shortly after, Gao Ying officially takes her place as the new leader of the Qingzhu Gang. Her brother, Gao Fei, full of resentment, gets drunk and causes a scene. Gao Susheng steps in, pretending he will follow the old gang rules and cut off Gao Fei's hands. Seizing the moment, Gao Ying intervenes, offering to carry out the punishment herself. She then announces a new rule for the gang: from now on, the Qingzhu Gang's blades will only be used on outsiders, solidifying her authority and winning the loyalty of her men.
