In Rainless Bell Episode 32, Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang feign an acrimonious split to unmask Magistrate Hu Xiaotian as Prince Xiangyang's henchman Dongjun. Although poisoned by Yixian Yegu during an ambush by the assassin Yacha, Zhan Zhao survives through emergency acupuncture, reaffirming his bond with steadfast comrades.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Drama | Rainless Bell |
| Episode | Episode 32 |
| Original Novel | The Three Heroes and Five Gallants |
| Lead Cast | Yang Yang, Zhang Ruonan, Fang Yilun, Jiang Zhenhao |
The Feigned Fallout: How Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang Trapped the Traitor
Manshan County arrives at a tense reckoning in Episode 32. In the public tribunal, Magistrate Hu Xiaotian puts on a show of remorse over the Wanxing Building homicide, pledging three months of his official stipend to comfort the victim's family.
"I shall give three months of my stipend to sustain the family of Brother Yao." — Hu Xiaotian
When townsman Zhao Dabao tries to hand over hundreds of taels of silver as customary compensation, Zhan Zhao senses something rotten beneath the magistrate's ostentatious benevolence. Sensing scrutiny, Hu summons Zhan Zhao to the private study, whispering poison about Bai Yutang interfering with official justice.
"Did you truly fall for his slander?" — Bai Yutang
Instead of falling into the trap, Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang put on an explosive shouting match, trading palm strikes and staging a total rupture. The ruse works. Convinced that the famous cat and rat duo had splintered, Shura Sect ambushes strike to eliminate Zhao Zhengde. Bai Yutang and Guo Yinglong spring an immediate counter-trap, subduing the assailants.
For viewers eager to explore the martial attire and styling details from this sequence, head over to the Rainless Bell Episode 32 Outfits breakdown.
Hu Xiaotian's Hypocrisy: From Noble Official to Prince Xiangyang's Pawn
Searching Zhao Zhengde uncovers the smoking gun: Prince Xiangyang's secret talisman seal. Under pressure, Zhao confesses that he framed Guo Feng out of coercion while shielding Prince Xiangyang's lineage.
"This was recovered while searching Zhao Zhengde's person." — Zhan Zhao
With his schemes unravelling, Hu Xiaotian drops his benevolent facade, revealing his identity as Dongjun, Prince Xiangyang's chief infiltrator. Hu justifies his iron grip by claiming Manshan County owes its prosperity entirely to him, treating the lives of commoners as chips to bargain away.
"Without me, Manshan County would not exist today." — Hu Xiaotian
Zhan Zhao had pinpointed Hu's fatal arrogance early on: Hu could not settle for winning; he insisted on being worshiped as an impeccable saint.
"He could not simply win; he had to pose as a virtuous sage." — Zhan Zhao
Yacha's Accusation, Ancient Poison, and Zhan Zhao's Silent Protection
The masked assassin Yacha storms the compound, confronting young Zhao Zhen (Mingzhu) and denouncing Zhan Zhao as a corrupt hypocrite who concealed the slaughter of Zhao Zhen's family a decade ago.
"You were deceived by the hypocrite Zhan Zhao." — Yacha
Under psychological strain, the dormant poison Yixian Yegu strikes Zhan Zhao, causing him to collapse while vomiting blood. Even as his body fails him, Zhan Zhao does not rush to clear his name. His priority remains comforting the terrified child.
"I will protect you." — Zhan Zhao
To pull Zhan Zhao back from the brink, Bai Yutang and his allies execute the hazardous Qiangen Yueku acupuncture technique. Meanwhile, at Prince Xiangyang's stronghold, the prince holds audience with Xiao Jizhao, his concealed biological heir, illustrating how ruthlessly royal kin are treated as disposable pieces on a chessboard.
"I sent you outside the royal manor." — Prince Xiangyang
For more on how period costumes and character journeys develop across adjacent chapters, check out the Yu Lin Ling Episode 33 Outfits overview and the upcoming stakes detailed in the Rainless Bell Episode 35 Ending Explained guide.
Lingering Mysteries: Bio-Poison Tests and the Northwest Rebellion
The episode wraps with Zhan Zhao calmly drinking bitter herbal decoctions surrounded by his bickering comrades.
"A thoroughly worthwhile bargain." — Zhan Zhao
Losing school friend Hu Xiaotian hurts deeply, but standing beside Bai Yutang and Guo Yinglong softens the blow. Still, multiple threats remain unresolved:
- Mastermind Behind Zhao Zhen's Family Massacre: Yacha claims Zhan Zhao deflected guilt, leaving the true architect of that massacre unpunished.
- Poison Experiments on Living Subjects: Yacha demanded test subjects from Hu Xiaotian, hinting at synthetic toxins prepared for future battles.
- Northwest Allies and Diverted Armaments: Prince Xiangyang awaits heavy military backing from northwest allies alongside arms diverted from Manshan County.
- Long-Term Damage from Yixian Yegu: The Qiangen Yueku needles merely arrested the acute crisis, leaving Zhan Zhao's internal martial energy depleted.
Frequently asked questions
Who was the real mastermind behind Magistrate Hu Xiaotian in Manshan County?
Hu Xiaotian was operating as Dongjun, a trusted operative under Prince Xiangyang who exploited his clean reputation as a magistrate to funnel military supplies and manipulate provincial justice.
Why did Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang stage an argument in the study?
They knew Hu Xiaotian was trying to sow discord between them. By faking an irreconcilable feud, they lulled Shura Sect ambushers into attacking Zhao Zhengde, catching the conspirators completely off guard.
How did Zhan Zhao survive the toxic flare-up of Yixian Yegu in Episode 32?
His companions risked severe internal complications by performing the hazardous Qiangen Yueku acupuncture technique, stabilizing his condition before administering medicinal decoctions.