Moonlit Order Episode 8 Recap
> Moonlit Order Recap
After observing Feng Zuoren for some time, the Xue family matriarch decided to entrust her with the full authority over household affairs, beginning with the accounts. She stated that Feng Zuoren could no longer continue in her current manner, implying a need for her to take on more significant responsibilities. Feng Zuoren privately noted that managing the household would allow her to audit the accounts and uncover any clues related to the former Crown Prince.
Liu Jiaoqian immediately objected, questioning Feng Zuoren's accounting abilities and fearing chaos if she proved incompetent. Xue Dongyang suggested a test to verify Feng Zuoren's skills. Feng Zuoren flawlessly answered complex mathematical questions, performing calculations without an abacus, which greatly impressed Xue Dongyang, who called it a blessing for the family. The matriarch then instructed Feng Zuoren to consult Xue Hexu if she had any questions about the accounts.
Later, the matriarch privately expressed her trust in Feng Zuoren, citing her repeated protection of the family and her good-hearted nature. Xue Nuannuan, still perplexed, later asked her grandmother why she had transferred the accounting duties from Xue Hexu, who managed them competently, to Feng Zuoren. The grandmother explained that Xue Hexu was narrow-minded and had consistently opposed Feng Zuoren, not wanting her to "expand the family line."
She further clarified that any children Feng Zuoren might bear would be legitimate heirs, placing Feng Zuoren's position above Xue Hexu's, and that the important task of managing accounts would eventually fall to the head matriarch. Xue Nuannuan, however, misunderstood, believing her grandmother simply wanted Feng Zuoren to help alleviate Xue Hexu's heavy burden from years of diligent work. Feng Zuoren then reviewed the Xue family's account books, noting the family's extensive properties, fields, and workshops.
She conceded that Xue Hexu was astute at generating wealth. Xue Hexu soon appeared, asking Feng Zuoren if she was unharmed and why she had returned so late the previous night, having been worried. He inquired about a painting. Feng Zuoren, cautious of Xue Hexu's cunning, decided not to reveal her meeting with the Emperor. Instead, she claimed she had stayed out for hours to ensure the Grand Tutor wouldn't discover her and implicate the Xue family.
Xue Hexu expressed his gratitude for her thoughtfulness, then mused that perhaps his grandmother had removed him from managing accounts because he had inadvertently caused too much trouble. Feng Zuoren playfully suggested that it might be because his grandmother thought he was working too hard and needed assistance, but also hinted that the matriarch might genuinely dislike him. Xue Hexu reflected on his family woes versus her perceived freedom, asserting that he would deal decisively with anyone who disrespected him.
Feng Zuoren internally wondered if he thought she was trying to comfort him, quickly dismissing the idea. Xue Hexu then offered to show her their family shops. As they walked along Xue Fu Avenue, Xue Hexu explained that the Xue family had funded its construction. He clarified that the local government had offered gifts and a feature in the 'daily gazette' in gratitude, but his grandfather refused the publicity and insisted on the name Xue Fu Avenue.
Feng Zuoren remarked that his grandfather was a true man of principle. They encountered a Swiftwind Security escort, confirming the delivery of goods from a seafood shop. Feng Zuoren considered the high cost of the escort agency's rent, but Xue Hexu explained that their extensive space was essential for logistics and storage, and they also provided security and transport for the entire street, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement. Next, they visited a luxury bag shop.
A customer complained about the unavailability of a popular bag, only for the shop owner, Ms. Gui, to explain that another wealthy lady had acquired it by also purchasing a coin purse, water flask, watch, and bamboo hat – a "bundle purchase" tactic to offload outdated trinkets. Feng Zuoren realized the shop was forcing customers to buy additional items. Xue Hexu confronted Ms. Gui, reminding her of his previous warnings about honest business practices.
He informed her that her lease was revoked, and she would have to move out next month. When Ms. Gui protested, citing their contract and accusing the Lord Dingyuan's mansion of unfair practices, Xue Hexu produced the lease. It clearly stated that the shop could be reclaimed if she failed to operate honestly and that she would owe him tenfold the annual rent.
However, Xue Hexu, showing a lenient side, waived the additional fee, stating that the current losses were enough for her to learn her lesson. Feng Zuoren internally questioned why she found herself praising his character, despite his outward demeanor. As they continued through the market, Feng Zuoren subtly informed Xue Hexu that they were being followed. Meanwhile, Gu Qianfu visited the Jing'an Bureau to collect his monthly payment.
He was dismayed to receive only one copper coin, as the Jing'an Bureau did not offer a fixed wage, and he had made no progress on his missions this month, despite having shadowed Xue Hexu and Feng Zuoren. Frustrated by the lack of pay, Gu Qianfu sought short-term work. He was offered various dangerous jobs, including "Take lives on the spot," which he accepted, choosing the highest reward.
He was then given a bounty order, revealing Xue Hexu as his target, for which he would be paid two liang. Despite the low price for a human life, Gu Qianfu took the mission. Gu Qianfu continued to stalk Xue Hexu and Feng Zuoren through the bustling market. Feng Zuoren noticed him and deliberately led Xue Hexu to a desolate, overgrown area. Gu Qianfu emerged from hiding, declaring his intention to exact "heaven's justice" and take Xue Hexu's life.
Xue Hexu quickly urged Feng Zuoren to flee. As Gu Qianfu moved to strike, Feng Zuoren hesitated, conflicted about whether to save Xue Hexu, reasoning that since she had already obtained the former Crown Prince's portrait, Xue Hexu's fate no longer concerned her. Xue Hexu asked Gu Qianfu why he wanted to kill him without a feud, and Gu Qianfu revealed that someone had paid a hefty sum for his life.
Feng Zuoren realized Gu Qianfu was operating independently, not on behalf of the Jing'an Bureau, and wondered who was behind the assassination. Gu Qianfu, angered by Feng Zuoren's interference, attacked her, taunting her to "Get a taste of your own Bone-Eroding Powder." He accused her of repeatedly ruining his plans and vowed to settle old and new grudges by killing them both. Xue Hexu desperately urged Feng Zuoren to escape. Gu Qianfu then brutally pushed Feng Zuoren off a cliff.
Xue Hexu, shouting "No!" , immediately jumped after her to save her. Witnessing their fall, Gu Qianfu believed them dead and rejoiced, convinced he had rid the world of evil and would now be rewarded handsomely. After their terrifying fall, Xue Hexu regained consciousness in the dark, damp pit. He observed the lingering miasma and realized they needed to escape quickly to survive. Feng Zuoren lay unconscious, still suffering from the poison.
As she shivered and murmured "I'm cold" and "Young Master, I'm cold," Xue Hexu gently covered her with his own clothes and held her close to warm her with his body heat. He mused that even in her unconscious state, she still thought of the "Young Master," suggesting he must be very important to her.
