Fresh from completing his training at the Qi Cleansing Pool, Xu Qi’an leapt out, splashing water directly onto Li Yuchun. Yang Yan immediately introduced him to the drenched man, explaining that Li Yuchun, the Silver Gong Captain, would be Xu Qi’an’s mentor. Xu Qi’an silently lamented, realizing his first impression wasn’t ideal.
Meanwhile, Princess Huai’an learned that her elder sister, Princess Huaiqing, had recommended a candidate for the Nightwatchmen. Their mother frequently disapproved of Huai’an, so Huai’an had recommended her own candidate, who was rated “B+.” However, Huaiqing’s recommendation, Xu Qi’an, had earned the coveted “A+” rating, once again overshadowing Huai’an and leaving her embarrassed.
Xu Qi’an, now officially a Nightwatchman, visited his uncle’s home to celebrate and reconnect. Outside, Xu Xinnian was idly sitting when Xu Qi’an arrived with gifts, winning over his cousin, who eagerly invited him in. Inside, Xu Qi’an’s uncle and aunt were attempting to sell an annex of their home but were struggling due to its poor location. Xu Qi’an was surprised to learn his uncle was so eager to sell off the family property. Nevertheless, the two shared a lighthearted exchange without animosity. Hearing that Xu Qi’an had become a Nightwatchman, his uncle even asked for help finding connections.
Xu Qi’an shared some of the test questions he faced during his Nightwatchman exams, but his uncle failed to grasp their meaning, proving he wasn’t suited for the role. The family banter underscored their strong bond, despite their differences.
Elsewhere, Princess Huai’an decided to join a poetry gathering organized by the Empress. The Crown Prince, knowing Huai’an’s lack of experience, brought her pastries and urged her to reconsider to avoid embarrassment. However, Huai’an, determined to prove herself, moved out of the royal residence to focus solely on preparing for the event.
Xu Qi’an began his first day as a Nightwatchman with excitement, meticulously arranging his uniform and grooming himself in front of a mirror. He envisioned a prestigious and admired role but was disillusioned when his first assignment locked him in a room with case files, windows nailed shut, eerily reminiscent of his earlier conflicts with Zhou Li.
By sunset, Xu Qi’an was eager to leave but was instead burdened with additional case files, delivered to his home by a senior Nightwatchman on Li Yuchun’s orders. Though perplexed by the treatment, the Nightwatchmen complied, leaving Xu Qi’an to continue working from home.
Meanwhile, Princess Huai’an sought talented poets to strengthen her team for the upcoming poetry gathering. After a long search, her maid discovered a popular verse at a local entertainment house—a poem Xu Qi’an had once written to captivate the courtesan Miss Fu Xiang. Unexpectedly, the poem had become a hit in the local circles.
A strange phenomenon soon emerged in Taikang County, where a mysterious creature had begun surfacing to devour people. The Nightwatchmen received orders to investigate, mobilizing all available personnel. Li Yuchun called Xu Qi’an away from his paperwork to join the mission.
To assist the Nightwatchmen, the emperor assigned the sorceress Caiwei to the case. Already acquainted with Xu Qi’an, Caiwei eagerly invited him to share her carriage.
Upon arriving at the desolate scene, the Nightwatchmen found barren land, with grassless soil and an ominously deep kiln. Xu Qi’an led the group with a torch in hand, venturing into the eerie environment. Suddenly, he heard a voice asking, “Where are you now?” To his astonishment, he was the only one who could hear it. What could this mysterious voice mean?
