Episode 19 recap: Hu Die's True Identity Revealed
Jin Ling's timely rescue revived the bride, but they discovered the body of the matchmaker hanging in another corner. Now that the bride has been revived, the focus is on protecting her and her husband-to-be. Jin Ling deduced that the matchmaker's death occurred about three days earlier, likely on the wedding day itself since she was absent from the scene.
Based on the 42-size footprints found near the second son's body, Jin Ling suspected a man was involved, likely the shaman who was familiar with this family and their affairs. The detective revealed his identity to the bride and wanted to take her away from here. As they were leaving, they heard the anguished cries of the groom-to-be. They returned to find Songxi attacking her own father, pouring gasoline and attempting to burn him alive.
Songxi no longer pretended, admitting she is Hu Die, who had actually died in the fire years ago. Hu Die recounted her ordeal - how the groom-to-be's father had forced his elder son, who was mentally challenged, to assault Hu Die. After that, the father-in-law, Wulaiwan, frequently came to abuse her in secret. Unable to endure it, Hu Die planned to burn down the house, taking them all with her. On the night of the fire, Hu Die hid in Songxi's room, hoping to escape with her, but was knocked unconscious. When the fire was extinguished, Hu Die's badly burned body had led her to impersonate Songxi in order to survive.
Though Hu Die had survived by impersonating Songxi, she was still unable to escape Wulaiwan's grasp. He had discovered her secret and threatened to expose her true identity unless she obeyed him. Hu Die had endured this torment, but now the day of her revenge had finally arrived.
Hu Die claimed she did not kill the elder son, as he had simply run away to his death - the family's just desserts. However, the detective did not believe Hu Die could have single-handedly carried out the murders of the elder son, the village chief, and the second son. Hu Die then stood up from the wheelchair, revealing she had grown up in a circus and her strength could easily surpass those present. She confessed she was not truly Songxi, and her able-bodied state made the killings no great feat for her.
Taking full responsibility, Hu Die threw the lighter onto Wulaiwan, the flames spreading to engulf her as well. She then embraced a gas canister, committing suicide. The detective hoped Songxi could leave this cursed family and start anew, as she was a kidnapped victim.
However, the elder aunt and children refused to leave. As they were preparing to depart, the village men confronted them, demanding the women be left behind. Though the detective flashed his police badge, the villagers were unintimidated. It was then that Tan Jing Tian devised a plan - using the natural phenomenon of butterflies, they staged a performance, claiming the butterfly spirit had manifested. Songxi led the villagers in worshipful prostration, buying time for the group to escape. Songxi knew she could not leave, but the detective assured her he would return for her.
Comments(Episode 19)