The Strange Cases of Zhang Wentao

The theft of a treasure during the Mulan autumn hunt, a strange late-night case at Ji Xiaolan's residence, and the string of "ghost book thief" cases in the capital... Zhang Wentao's investigative methods were sharp and astonishingly accurate, while his reasoning was meticulous and flawless. Everyone who witnessed him solve a case was left amazed and impressed by his fresh approach. His fame as a detective spread throughout the land, until everyone knew his name. He rose swiftly through the ranks, and Emperor Qianlong bestowed upon him the title of "Great Qing's Master Detective." But his investigations also drew him into a secret palace affair. He nearly lost his own life, and ultimately his friend, another brilliant detective named Mu Qingyi, died as well. Enraged, Zhang Wentao struck back, using his extraordinary investigative skills and the covert protection of the Seventeenth Prince, Yonglin, and others to clash repeatedly with the powerful Prince Cheng. He suffered defeats but kept fighting, and at last cleared Mu Qingyi's name. The case left Zhang Wentao weary of a career in the capital, so he willingly became a local official, serving the people of his region.

But his talent could not be buried. Even after he arrived in a corner of Shandong, people continued to seek him out, drawn by his reputation, and ask him to solve their cases...