In the last years of Kangxi, the world was at peace. However, in the imperial capital of Shenjing City, a bizarre murder broke the apparent tranquility. Yu Zhenluan, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, was found dead in the airtight study room of his home. The doors and windows were locked, and there was no trace of outsiders breaking in. Only a strange fragrance was left at the scene. Shuntian Prefecture has been investigating for several days, but there is no clue. There are even rumors of "vindictive spirits seeking their lives", making people panic.
The case was reported to Dali Temple, and Pei Xuanchen, the director of Dali Temple, was ordered to take over. Pei Xuanchen, who became famous at a young age, is meticulous and eclectic in solving cases, and is good at uncovering mysteries from the most inconspicuous details. He does not believe in ghosts and gods, and firmly believes that "everything strange must be caused by man."
As the investigation deepened, Pei Xuanchen discovered that the Ministry of Industry at the center of the power vortex was far from simple as it appeared. An old case, a huge royal project, and the overt and covert struggles among several colleagues were all inextricably linked to the death of Minister Yu. From frightened domestic servants, pretending to be calm colleagues to charlatans with mysterious backgrounds, everyone seems to be hiding ulterior secrets.
The fog is thick and murderous intentions are everywhere. Pei Xuanchen needs to put aside the layers of disguise within a limited time and use watertight reasoning to apprehend the real murderer hiding in the sea of people and bring peace to the city of Jingjing.
