Guardians of the Dafeng (大奉打更人)

Adapted from the web novel of the same name by Maibao Xiaolangjun, the story follows Yang Ling (Dylan Wang), a modern office worker who unexpectedly travels through time to the fantasy-filled Dafeng Dynasty. Reborn as Xu Qi‘an, a low-ranking night watchman (copper gong), he discovers that his new family is about to be exiled after being framed for a tax silver theft. Using his modern scientific knowledge and reasoning skills, Xu Qi’an cracks one bizarre case after another. With his street-smart EQ, he navigates a world filled with Confucians, Taoists, Buddhists, demons, and sorcerers.

The 40-episode series can be roughly divided into four main narrative arcs:

• Act 1: Prison Break & Entering the Guardians (Episodes 1-10): After waking up in a prison cell, Xu Qi‘an uses his modern scientific knowledge to solve the tax silver case, exonerating his family. After a local bully targets his sister, Xu Qi’an is forced to flee and becomes a Bronze Guardian (copper gong) at the Night Watchman‘s Office（打更人）. He begins to learn the supernatural rules of this new world and starts making a name for himself within the organization.
• Act 2: Rising Star & Solving the Sangbo Case (Episodes 11-21): As Xu Qi’an settles into his role, he investigates a major case involving a mysterious explosion at Sangbo Lake. Through brilliant deductive reasoning, he uncovers a far-reaching conspiracy. This case elevates his status within the Guardians. He also begins establishing relationships with key power brokers, including Princess Lin‘an and the powerful leader of the Guardians, Wei Yuan.
• Act 3: Uncovering the 3,000-Li Bloodbath (Episodes 22-35): Xu Qi’an stumbles upon a massive cold case known as the “3,000-Li Bloodbath,” a brutal massacre of an entire town. As he digs deeper into this case, his investigations begin to threaten powerful figures in the capital. With his own life constantly at risk, Xu Qi‘an finds himself caught between protecting the innocent and staying alive in a high-stakes political game.
• Act 4: The Final Reckoning & Execution at Caishikou (Episodes 36-40): In the climactic final act, Xu Qi’an fights back against a powerful Duke and other high-ranking officials responsible for the 3,000-Li Bloodbath. Cornered and facing certain death, he is sent to the execution ground at Caishikou. In a stunning final confrontation, he exposes the truth to the public, shocking the court and leading to an explosive resolution that changes the fate of the empire.