Moonlit Order Episode 17 Recap
> Moonlit Order Recap
Feng Zuoren found Xue Hexu, questioning why he had not fled to the safety of Liang. Xue Hexu explained that it was not yet time, as the threat to the Xue family had not been fully neutralized. Feng Zuoren, still believing Xue Youshou was her childhood companion, the "Young Master," praised him for gaining Emperor Jia's trust and his potential to cure the Emperor's illness.
Xue Hexu clarified that Xue Youshou's purpose in the palace was twofold: to buy time, and another reason he left unstated. He privately lamented his amnesia regarding his past with Feng Zuoren and decided against exposing Xue Youshou's impersonation for now. Feng Zuoren recounted that she had been ordered to execute the Xue family, but the "Young Master" (Xue Youshou) had intervened, advising Emperor Jia to avoid bloodshed, thus saving them.
She inquired about the Emperor's health, which Xue Hexu confirmed had improved due to Xue Youshou's schemes. They agreed that the key to their safety was Emperor Jia's full recovery, which would allow the Crown Prince to mature and inherit the throne. When Feng Zuoren expressed concern for the "Young Master" bearing the burden alone, a slighted Xue Hexu reminded her of his own presence. He privately acknowledged that helping the imposter Xue Youshou was, for now, helping himself.
He then showed Feng Zuoren a collection of costumes—monk, Daoist, and Western attire—joking that they were for his "well-versed in Eastern and Western studies" facade. Xue Hexu then warned Feng Zuoren to be careful about her interactions with Xue Youshou in the palace, noting her flirtatious glances. Feng Zuoren turned the accusation back on him, to which Xue Hexu openly confessed his affection for her, explaining he had to hide it from others. Meanwhile, Xue Youshou continued his elaborate ruse.
He performed an exorcism for Emperor Jia, claiming the Xue family's evil influence was mostly purged. To bolster the Emperor's morale, Xue Youshou used psychological manipulation, presenting a Western crystal sphere and dramatically proclaiming to see the Emperor's glorious destiny. He flattered Emperor Jia, describing his leadership as a radiant sun and his reign as one that would last for millennia.
He attributed the Emperor's poor health to his tireless dedication to the state, which resonated with Emperor Jia, who confessed to many sleepless nights. Invigorated and convinced of his divine right, the Emperor immediately began to exercise. Later, Xue Hexu demonstrated a "Western divination" trick to Feng Zuoren by tracing her palm outline. Their session was briefly interrupted by Miss Hua, leading to a tense exchange between the two women.
Xue Hexu then interpreted Feng Zuoren's palm reading as a life of challenges overcome by extraordinary willpower, using it to subtly question her about who was truly the most important person in her life. Back in the palace, Feng Zuoren was amused to see Xue Youshou employing the identical technique on Emperor Jia, interpreting the Emperor's palm as a sign of his greatness.
While she found the identical tactics amusing, she lamented to Xue Youshou that such theatrics were merely a temporary and deceptive solution. He agreed it was a necessary expedient. On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Xue Youshou created a romantic atmosphere for Feng Zuoren with fireworks, reminding her that they had also parted on a Mid-Autumn Festival and expressing his wish to never be separated again. Feng Zuoren deferred, saying they could discuss it after their troubles were over.
He gave her a sachet with calming herbs, continuing to impersonate her childhood companion. Elsewhere on the same night, Xue Hexu sat alone in the courtyard thinking of Feng Zuoren when Miss Hua arrived with wine. Cautiously, Xue Hexu encouraged her to drink until she passed out. As he draped his coat over her to keep her from catching a cold, Feng Zuoren arrived.
Initially angry at the scene, her anger subsided when she overheard Xue Hexu telling the unconscious Miss Hua that his heart already belonged to someone else, and that Miss Hua should save her affection for someone who would truly cherish her. Feng Zuoren then shared food her grandmother had sent, and expressed concern for Xue Youshou being alone. Pondering Xue Youshou's resolve, Xue Hexu remarked that he finally understood why Xue Youshou would rather risk death than remain in hiding.
He then invited Feng Zuoren to go out with him, suggesting a visit to the villa where she and the "Young Master" had once lived. When she asked why, he replied, "I want to see where I lost."
