Moonlit Order Episode 21 Recap
> Moonlit Order Recap
Xue Youshou convened his family and sternly warned them against interfering with his plans. He declared that if anyone dared to ruin his ambitions, he would show no mercy, regardless of their relation to him. Meanwhile, the Emperor, suffering from ill health and a persistent cough, found himself alone as his calls for attendants went unanswered. In a fit of frustration, he flung a teacup to the floor. To his surprise, Grand Tutor Zhou suddenly appeared, uninvited.
The Emperor questioned his unauthorized presence, but Grand Tutor Zhou, feigning concern for the Emperor's weakened state and confused mind, boldly stated his intention to manage state affairs on the Emperor's behalf, effectively stripping him of power. Gu Qianfu met with Jia Xun, dramatically scaling a wall to reach him. He delivered the dire news that the Emperor had accused the Xue family of rebellion, resulting in the imprisonment of the entire household, including Feng Zuoren.
Jia Xun immediately suspected Grand Tutor Zhou of orchestrating the plot. Gu Qianfu, however, pondered whether Xue Youshou, being a member of the Xue family, would truly harm them. Jia Xun then dispatched Gu Qianfu to the prison to speak with Feng Zuoren for more clarity and to investigate Grand Tutor Zhou's mansion. Though Gu Qianfu initially bristled at being ordered around, he eventually agreed to the plan.
In prison, members of the Xue family expressed regret over Xue Youshou's actions. Feng Zuoren revealed that Xue Youshou, having been abandoned by his father as a child to save others, carried deep-seated resentment, explaining his current ruthlessness. She then brought joyous news: Xue Hexu, also known as Jia Xun, was still alive and would surely find a way to rescue them all. Their hopeful moment was interrupted by Gu Qianfu's arrival.
He informed them that Grand Tutor Zhou planned to stage an "auspicious sign" and execute Feng Zuoren as a sacrifice to Heaven to legitimize his usurpation. Unfazed, Feng Zuoren challenged this, affirming that few in the world could end her life, and she was one of them. She instructed Gu Qianfu to ascertain the exact time, location, and method of this fabricated omen. Gu Qianfu agreed to investigate while Feng Zuoren remained to protect the imprisoned Xue family.
Later, Jia Xun and Gu Qianfu were privy to public whispers about the return of the former Crown Prince and impending auspicious signs. Gu Qianfu reported to Jia Xun that the Jing'an Bureau had yielded no useful information, but he had gathered some clues from Grand Tutor Zhou's mansion. He had learned the omen would manifest as "crimson skies" but not the specific method.
Jia Xun, examining an orange Gu Qianfu had brought him from his investigation, noticed a faint gunpowder scent, deducing that the fruits were used to transport gunpowder. He concluded that Grand Tutor Zhou's "crimson skies" omen was, in fact, gunpowder explosions. Jia Xun explained that Grand Tutor Zhou intended to use two artillery depots—one near the Royal Altar and another close to the Xue Mansion—to simultaneously stage the event.
This elaborate scheme aimed to legitimize Xue Youshou as the former Crown Prince, confirm the Xue family's alleged crime of sheltering him, publicly execute Feng Zuoren, and ultimately force the Emperor's abdication. Gu Qianfu conceded it was a "flawless plan." Jia Xun proposed they create a "flaw" by splitting up: Jia Xun would go to the Royal Altar, and Gu Qianfu would handle the depot near the Xue Mansion.
Gu Qianfu, claiming to have a "better plan" than merely stealing gunpowder, proceeded to obstruct the cannons at one of the locations, while Jia Xun did the same at the other. The Emperor, confined to his chambers and ailing, was suddenly confronted by Xue Youshou, who claimed to be rescuing him. Xue Youshou hastily led the Emperor before the assembled ministers.
Grand Tutor Zhou then appeared with his soldiers, announcing that the former Crown Prince, whom the Emperor had long sought, was standing right beside him. The Emperor was shocked to realize that Grand Tutor Zhou was presenting Xue Youshou as the long-lost Crown Prince, Jia Xun, in a brazen power grab. To substantiate the claim, Grand Tutor Zhou presented a portrait of the former Crown Prince.
However, in a surprising twist, Xue Youshou made a shocking declaration, denouncing both the imperial family and the Xue family for their ruthlessness. He proclaimed that he was not the Crown Prince but merely an ordinary man, and that a commoner like himself should inherit the throne. Caught off guard, Grand Tutor Zhou quickly pivoted, stating that the man's identity and royal blood meant nothing to him, as long as he could become the Regent.
Grand Tutor Zhou then dramatically called upon Heaven to send an auspicious sign to confirm the new emperor's legitimacy. As if on cue, the skies turned crimson, creating a spectacle that led the public to believe they were witnessing a genuine heavenly omen, affirming the legitimacy of the "former Crown Prince" Grand Tutor Zhou had presented.
