In the second year of the Jingyun Reign of the Tang Dynasty, Wu Da Qi, a sheriff of Chang'an County, died mysteriously. Su Wu Ming, a disciple of Di Ren Jie, was recommended by Pei Shi Lang to take up the post. Lu Ling Feng, General of the Imperial Guards and a close confidante of the Crown Prince believes Su Wu Ming works for the Royal Princess. Because of that thought, his attitude towards Su Wu Ming is less than cordial, and thus, the two men do not get along well. Bridegroom Song Chai and Dou Yu Lin are escorting the bride, Dou Cong Xia, to Xin County. Halfway through, the bridegroom leaves to head home first. Dou Yu Lin deliberately frightens the horse, causing it to speed off with the carriage into the wilderness. A corpse is later found dead with the face deeply branded with a physiognomy mask. Lu Ling Feng remembers a similar case that happened a year ago. Song Chai got killed while fleeing during curfew hours. In the meantime, Sheriff Su is hosted by Pei Jian at his residence, where he meets Yuan Lai, the Magistrate of Chang'an and Wen Chao, the Minister of Household. Pei Jian treats them to drinking the expensive "immortal tea" called "Chang'an Black Tea". Unfortunately, Sheriff Su fainted at the sight of the red tea. On noticing the bridal corpse has not started to rot, Sheriff Su goes to West Market to look for the spice that prevents the dead body from decaying. Kang Yuan Li, a government official of West Market, believes that such spice can only be found in Ghost Market, but he advised Su not to go there unless it is a last resort. At this time, the runaway carriage has been found in a village. Clues led the two men to Dou Yu Lin, but he was found dead. (Source: Chinese = Baidu || Translation = AnastasiaWun at MyDramaList)