Moonlit Order Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
> Moonlit Order Recap
Xue Fugui and Jia Xun brought Xue Youshou back to the Xue mansion, where Xue's grandmother was overcome with emotion upon seeing her true grandson. She embraced him, tearfully assuring him that the Xue family had wronged him and that she would never let him suffer again. She told him to come home with her, and Xue Youshou agreed.
Meanwhile, Grand Tutor Zhou, held captive, desperately attempted to bribe the jailers for his freedom, offering double, then triple their salaries, and promising them mansions, but they scoffed at his attempts, reminding him he was destined for execution. Suddenly, Gu Qianfu appeared, feigning loyalty. He told Grand Tutor Zhou that his actions in court were mere pretense and that he remembered Grand Tutor Zhou's kindness. Gu Qianfu claimed to have an escape plan but needed funds to bribe the guards.
Grand Tutor Zhou eagerly handed over 3,000 liang, along with the key to his treasury, boasting that it held more wealth than the national coffers. He further advised Gu Qianfu to use his concubines' portraits and deeds for "seduction tactics" to smooth things over. Gu Qianfu took everything, then, revealing his true allegiance, demanded the 3,000 liang pension Grand Tutor Zhou owed him.
When Grand Tutor Zhou questioned him, Gu Qianfu mocked his crimes, stating that repaying debts was only right and that Grand Tutor Zhou deserved his fate for all the evil he had committed. After beating Grand Tutor Zhou, Gu Qianfu ordered the illicit funds transferred to the national treasury and the innocent family members released. Grand Tutor Zhou, utterly defeated, lamented that a life spent in power had ultimately come to nothing.
Following the quelling of the disturbances, the Emperor formally addressed the court, acknowledging the contributions of Feng Zuoren, Gu Qianfu, and his brother Jia Xun. He then revealed Jia Xun's true identity as his long-lost imperial brother who had returned to the palace. The Emperor appointed Jia Xun as Grand Mentor to the Crown Prince and Regent, entrusting him with the Crown Prince's education. Jia Xun humbly accepted.
Feng Zuoren was promoted to Commander of the Imperial Guard for her bravery, and Gu Qianfu was made Chief of the Jing'an Bureau to monitor officials. The Emperor urged all ministers to diligently fulfill their duties and restore integrity to the court. Later, in a private moment, the Emperor affectionately addressed Jia Xun as "Brother," and Jia Xun reciprocated.
When Jia Xun attempted to make a personal request, the Emperor advised him that men should prioritize their careers and focus on assisting the Crown Prince, promising to arrange other matters in due time. Jia Xun accepted. Jia Xun soon began his duties as Grand Mentor, attempting to lecture the Crown Prince on the value of commerce and breaking traditional class boundaries.
However, the precocious Crown Prince challenged him with detailed questions about the practical benefits to the nation and the exact financial gains for the treasury. Jia Xun struggled to provide concrete answers. The Crown Prince, subtly implying Jia Xun's unpreparedness, dismissed him to "ponder this carefully" and write a memorial to the Emperor.
Meanwhile, Gu Qianfu, now in charge of the Jing'an Bureau, began a purge, dismissing officials who had shown him insincerity in the past, though he allowed those who had been loyal to remain. At the Xue mansion, the family enjoyed a joyful reunion, bustling around to make dumplings. His older sister-in-law went to get the leek filling, while children eagerly showed their dumplings to their father. Jia Xun later sought out Xue Youshou, presenting him with the family ledgers.
He explained that since Xue Youshou was now back, the family unanimously agreed that he should take over the management of the household, as it was his rightful place. Xue Youshou, acknowledging their shared history and unintentional identity switch, initially seemed to accept but then playfully tried to deflect, joking about Feng Zuoren's qualities and arguing about who was the elder brother. He eventually confessed he couldn't read ledgers and insisted Jia Xun, being more educated, should manage them.
Ten years passed. The Emperor passed away, and the Crown Prince formally ascended the throne. By imperial decree, Xue Hexu, known as Jia Xun, was appointed Supreme Regent, Grand Tutor, and Duke of the Nation for his loyal service and contributions to the nation. Jia Xun thanked the new Emperor but immediately made another request.
The young Emperor, echoing his late father, again told Jia Xun that men should prioritize their careers and focus on national reform, assuring him that other matters would be arranged later. Jia Xun, recognizing the identical phrasing from father to son, realized his passive waiting was fruitless and resolved to find an alternative path to marry Feng Zuoren. He was seen discreetly researching "How Do Nobles Marry Secretly Without Imperial Approval?"
Returning to the Xue mansion, Jia Xun planned a romantic gesture for Feng Zuoren. He took her to a special place, counting down to a grand fireworks display. As the sky lit up with dazzling colors, Feng Zuoren found it beautiful. They stood together, recalling their past, from being confined to narrow spaces to now having the vast sky as their limit, reminiscing about the hardships they had endured together.
Eventually, the long-awaited imperial decree arrived, bestowing Commander Feng Zuoren upon Supreme Regent Jia Xun as his spouse, with an auspicious date set for their wedding. Soon after, Jia Xun and Feng Zuoren embarked on a romantic journey across the scenic country. Feng Zuoren playfully asked if he feared dismissal for taking leave without permission, but Jia Xun declared that no title compared to traveling with his beloved.
However, their attempts at intimacy were constantly, albeit comically, interrupted by family members: Xue Youshou needing to use the restroom, his sister-in-law rushing by for paper, and their grandmother insisting it was time for dinner. Despite the amusing interruptions, Jia Xun and Feng Zuoren found comfort and joy in their family's togetherness. As they embraced, surrounded by their reunited family, they felt a profound warmth and happiness, finally experiencing harmony and unity.
