King Cat

Grand tutor Pang Ji vows revenge after Pang Yu's execution and secretly arranges assassins to target Bao Zheng and his allies. The capital tightens as conspirators move in the shadows. This looming danger becomes the catalyst for Zhan Zhao's emergence as a protector of the emperor.

Zhan Zhao encounters the assassination attempt and risks his life to shield Bao Zheng. His bravery earns him praise from the emperor. Bao Zheng is spared and the danger reveals a larger conspiracy.

Impressed by Zhan Zhao's courage, the emperor bestows him the title 'King Cat'. The honor stirs envy among rival guardians. Zhan Zhao's legend begins to grow.

Bai Yutang, the 'Brocade-Coated Rat', travels to Kaifeng driven by jealousy of Zhan Zhao's status. He publicly challenges Zhan, signaling the start of a bold feud. Bai quickly garners support from his sworn brothers.

Bai Yutang and his three sworn brothers infiltrate the imperial palace and seize a treasured artifact. They intend to lure Zhan Zhao into a dangerous pursuit. The theft drags the empire into a high-stakes chase.

On the road home, Ding Yuehua confronts Bai's crew and accuses them of raping and killing three imperial maids. The accusation inflames tensions and tests Bai's defenses. Ding's steadfast willingness to speak truth unsettles Bai.

Bai Yutang finally admits to the crimes in a bid to salvage his honor. Ding Yuehua, hurt and disillusioned, breaks off their relationship. The confession adds fuel to the overarching conspiracy uniting the heroes against Hua Chong.

The real mastermind reveals himself: Hua Chong, the 'Flowery Butterfly', collaborates with Pang's grand tutor, Consort Pang, and Taoist priests to overthrow the dynasty. Hua's scheme ties together the theft, the murders, and the wider political intrigue. A failed attempt to assault Ding Yuehua triggers Zhan Zhao's intervention.

Zhan Zhao leads the pursuit to the island held by Lu Fang and his four sworn brothers to arrest Bai Yutang. The confrontation escalates as Bai's guards trap Zhan with the intention of preventing capture. The danger deepens as the chase moves to hostile terrain.

Ding Yuehua and her brothers arrive on the scene, and Zhan Zhao is caught in a submerged trap beneath a fish pond. They reform the plan quickly, and Zhan uses his wits to escape. The escape marks a turning point in the chase.

Jiang Ping recalls overhearing Hua's scheme to rape Princess Yong'an during her visit to a monastery. The revelation shows the conspiracy extends beyond theft and murder. The heroes realize time is running out to act.

The heroes reach the monastery where Princess Yong'an is being kept. They find it swarming with rebellious priests, but Bao's army arrives to back them up. Together they subdue the rebels and kill Hua Chong, ending his bid to overthrow the dynasty.

With Hua Chong defeated, the Five Rats return the stolen treasure to the imperial authorities. The palace restoration proceeds as the heroes secure the empire's dignity. Zhan Zhao's leadership is further solidified by the successful outcome.

In the aftermath of the perilous mission, Zhan Zhao and Ding Yuehua grow romantically involved. Their bond forms from shared dangers, mutual respect, and trust forged during the crisis. The alliance between hero and ally extends beyond battle to personal connection.