Xu Qi’an was still curious about what Haoqi Tower was when he encountered a group attempting a jailbreak. Despite his efforts to stop them, the jailbreak was successful, and the criminals were preparing to kill him. Just as he thought his life was over, Song Tingfeng and Li Yuchun appeared like saviors. They not only saved Xu Qi’an but also recaptured the escaping criminals.
Xu Qi’an and his colleagues returned triumphantly to the station with the captured criminals, feeling a newfound sense of pride in his role as a constable for the first time.
In Da Feng, nightwatchmen are not just timekeepers—they investigate officials, punish evildoers, and protect the people. Inspired by this, Xu Qi’an decided to use his skills and make a name for himself. However, his uncle sighed, warning him that the reality might not be as glorious as it seemed. He himself had once been passionate but was ultimately “outsmarted” by others.
Xu Qi’an’s initial performance earned him some recognition from his superior, Head Constable Fu. But upon returning to the office one day, Xu Qi’an was politely escorted to the archive room. The door was locked behind him under the guise of providing a quiet workspace. Days later, just as he thought he’d be free to leave, Fu and a group of constables arrived at Xu Qi’an’s home, bringing stacks of old, unsolved case files. They declared that to save Xu the trouble of traveling to the office, he was now allowed to work from home.
Xu Pingzhi, Xu Qi’an’s uncle, observed the situation with concern. After a brief exchange of gestures and smiles with Fu, it became clear that the two had reached an understanding. Not only did Xu Pingzhi refrain from helping his nephew escape, but he also nailed thick wooden bars across the windows to ensure Xu Qi’an wouldn’t leave the house.
Under his uncle’s watchful eye, Xu Qi’an was confined to his home day and night. Unable to escape, he realized that gaining Fu’s favor was the only way to improve his situation. He decided to flatter Fu and show repentance for his earlier “uncooperative” behavior. Fu, pleased with Xu Qi’an’s efforts, began taking him to social gatherings at brothels and theaters, helping him integrate into the constable community. Over time, Xu Qi’an earned more freedom and was finally allowed out of confinement.
One day, Xu Pingzhi casually mentioned that Xu Qi’an was of marriageable age and that he’d help him find a good match. Suspicious of his uncle’s unusual sentimentality, Xu Qi’an soon discovered the real reason: Pingzhi had been spending too much on social events and wanted financial support from Xu Qi’an.
While out shopping with his two younger sisters, Xu Qi’an left briefly to buy candied hawthorn skewers. During that moment, his younger sister was harassed by the son of the Ministry of Revenue’s vice minister. Enraged, Xu Qi’an pushed the arrogant official’s son away, but this only escalated the situation. The young man, enraged, ordered his men to cripple Xu Qi’an by cutting his tendons.
Despite Xu Qi’an’s attempts to de-escalate, the official’s son brandished a dagger. Xu Qi’an’s younger sister ran to the authorities for help, and Fu arrived with reinforcements. Initially intent on arresting the troublemaker, Fu was visibly deflated upon realizing the culprit’s high status as the vice minister’s son. Surrounded by onlookers, Fu had no choice but to take everyone involved back to the station.
