In Towards the Truth (朝云散), the investigation deepens as Gongsun Li and Shen Song chase down Jiu Hulu, a beggar who knows the comings and goings of every household. When questioned about the residents near Zhuque Gate, Jiu Hulu reveals they all mysteriously relocated overnight after receiving government rewards.
Shen Song, suspecting Gongsun Li knows more than he lets on, urges him to speak up for justice. Shen Song guesses that Gongsun Li is hiding crucial information, but emphasizes the importance of trust in solving cases. Gongsun Li resists confessing until Shen Song ties him up and feigns leaving him. Finally, Gongsun Li reveals inconsistencies he discovered at the Ministry of Revenue: the number of relocated families and the distributed funds don’t match. Shen Song deduces this to be a case of embezzlement involving high-ranking officials and considers dropping the investigation, as such corruption could cost them their lives. However, Gongsun Li pleads with Shen Song to continue.
At this moment, Constable Old Li arrives with shocking news: the bracelet Shen Song found belonged to Long Yuer, the daughter of Long Yannan. This revelation leaves Gongsun Li stunned. Shen Song returns home and examines the Shen family genealogy, reflecting on the massacre of 128 members of his family. While he desires justice, the weight of the potential consequences leaves him conflicted.
Meanwhile, Yingge delivers a message to Li Qiner, the woman in red. Yingge taunts Li Qiner, calling her the master’s best pawn but noting the master values Shen Song more, despite his reluctance to join the fray. Infuriated, Li Qiner threatens Yingge, who hurriedly hands over an embroidered pouch from their master.
That evening, Li Qiner visits Shen Song, who declares his intent to abandon the investigation, offering his life in exchange for Gongsun Li’s freedom. Shen Song values Gongsun Li’s friendship over the past three years, considering him one of the few who have treated him well. Li Qiner, however, doesn’t want Shen Song dead. Using illusions, she forces him to relive the massacre of his family, inflicting unbearable pain. Gongsun Li, secretly listening, intervenes and stops her. When Li Qiner attempts to burn the Shen family genealogy, Gongsun Li seizes it and promises to take up the investigation himself. Li Qiner then reveals the embroidered pouch, hinting it contains secrets about Shen Song’s family and offering it as a reward if they solve the case.
Shen Song and Gongsun Li visit Long Yannan’s residence. They question how Long Yuer, raised in seclusion, could have died elsewhere, suggesting she might have eloped. An enraged Long Yannan expels them. Outside, Shen Song decides to investigate Nanke Tower, believing it holds vital clues.
At Nanke Tower, Gongsun Li insists on entering Li Qiner’s room, volunteering to handle her while leaving the rest to Shen Song. However, Shen Song slyly accuses Gongsun Li of trespassing, leading to Gongsun Li being thrown out. Amused by his prank, Shen Song apologizes and inwardly enjoys the moment.
That night, Shen Song sneaks into Li Qiner’s room and discovers a chest marked with a Taotie emblem. Before he can investigate further, Li Qiner returns, forcing Shen Song to flee through the window. Li Qiner, however, realizes it was Shen Song.
Shen Song examines the emblem and deduces a connection to Long Yannan. If Long Yannan truly killed his daughter, Shen Song reasons, he must have been deeply troubled. That night, Long Yannan is found dead in his home, a suicide note before him admitting guilt. Peng Xiaoyu is eager to report the “resolved” case.
Old Li and Shen Song inspect Long Yannan’s body and note several inconsistencies. Though Old Li advises Shen Song to remain silent, Peng Xiaoyu, eager for credit, orders Shen Song beaten. Gongsun Li arrives and reveals his identity as the son of the Ministry of Revenue official, scaring Peng Xiaoyu into compliance.
Shen Song warns Gongsun Li that the case isn’t closed due to unresolved details about the Taotie emblem, but Gongsun Li denies any knowledge and urges Shen Song to drop the matter. He suggests Shen Song retrieve the embroidered pouch from Li Qiner and move on. Shen Song reflects on their friendship and is disheartened by Gongsun Li’s disregard for justice and the lives lost. Gongsun Li insists he’s done nothing wrong, as he didn’t know the victims.
A distraught Shen Song, drunk, visits Li Qiner to demand the pouch. She refuses, believing Long Yannan wasn’t the true culprit. Li Qiner insists Shen Song listen to the living before advocating for the dead. She summons Gongsun Li and leaves him in Shen Song’s hands. Gongsun Li explains that his actions were strategic to protect his father while ensuring Shen Song’s survival. Shen Song accuses Gongsun Li of betrayal, but Gongsun Li counters that without his intervention, Shen Song would already be dead.
Shen Song laments the compromises made by Gongsun Li and resolves to pursue justice on his own terms. “I am Shen Song,” he declares, “but also Shen Shaowen.”
