Moonlit Reunion Episode 14 Recap
> Moonlit Reunion Recap
At sunset, Hu Zhu quietly returned to Ruyi Pavilion, where she unexpectedly discovered several packages of Wu Shi San. Soon after, Huang Yi and his group arrived at Willow Lane, asserting that the establishment harbored illicit activities. Seeing them, Hu Zhu deliberately threw the Wu Shi San from the second floor, prompting Huang Yi to immediately order a lockdown and search. Observing from her carriage nearby, Liu Taizhen was pleased that Wu Zhen's strategy had proven effective.
Just then, Mei Si arrived, having heard the news. He eagerly stepped forward to greet Liu Taizhen, only to be met with her usual cold indifference. Unfazed, Mei Si, still infatuated, declared his intention to write an illustrated book of strange tales as a unique gift for her. He explained that he was inspired by reading Bai Shelang's "Notes of Strange Spirits," which was written for a loved one.
He stated that the mere fact Liu Taizhen did not glare at him filled his heart with immeasurable joy, believing she would surely appreciate his present. Later that night, Mei Zhuyu walked alone through a quiet alley. Noticing an old farmer on the street selling peaches, he felt a pang of sympathy and bought all of them. Wu Zhen suddenly appeared and asked for a peach.
Mei Zhuyu, with a gentle gesture, wiped the frost from a peach with his sleeve before handing it to her. This small, thoughtful act warmed Mei Zhuyu, and they agreed to meet again the next day to admire the mountain flowers. Meanwhile, Shuang Jiang came to bid farewell. He treated Hu Zhu to a lavish banquet at Ruyi Pavilion, though he had little money, pretending to be more affluent than he was.
During the meal, he mentioned his plan to buy a horse that night and travel to Quzhou. Hu Zhu, momentarily saddened by his impending departure, but acknowledging his mission, advised him that horses were sold on North Street, not South Street. Her unusually warm demeanor towards Shuang Jiang did not go unnoticed by an attentive admirer. The next day, Shuang Jiang was puzzled to find that the horse he had purchased the previous night was already hitched to a carriage.
He suspected Mei Zhuyu had hidden motives behind his supposed farewell. Hu Zhu then revealed the truth: Mei Zhuyu had bought the horse for Wu Zhen. Meanwhile, Mei Zhuyu strolled through the forest with Wu Zhen. Stirred by the moment, he could not help but bring up their accidental kiss. Wu Zhen explained it was merely a misunderstanding, which Mei Zhuyu did not press further.
As they sat beneath a tree, Wu Zhen looked at the sparse branches, feeling a wistful longing for the flowers to bloom eternally, defying the seasons, wishing she had the magic to make it so. Mei Zhuyu, with a serene expression, countered that seasons followed their natural order, and flowers bloomed in their time; even with great magic, one should not defy the laws of nature.
Annoyed, Wu Zhen impulsively threw the foxtail grass she had been fiddling with into the wind. As the stalk gently spun to the ground, Mei Zhuyu's gaze followed it, and he suddenly recalled the tabby cat from his manor, feeling a strange connection to it. Hearing Mei Zhuyu praise the cat, Wu Zhen instantly brightened, remarking that the feline was remarkably discerning and particularly fond of him, much like herself, both drawn to his refined and elegant bearing.
As Mei Zhuyu and Wu Zhen gazed into each other's eyes, their unspoken feelings surged, and they found themselves drawing closer. However, the strict rules of Changxi Palace suddenly flashed through Mei Zhuyu's mind. He abruptly pulled back, stating that their closeness was against the rules, and used his impending departure as an excuse to sever their burgeoning connection. Wu Zhen, indignant, rose and departed swiftly in the carriage Mei Zhuyu had prepared.
Mei Zhuyu and Shuang Jiang were left to walk back to the city amidst scattered petals, without a horse or carriage. Mei Si locked himself in his room. Hearing rustling sounds from within, his father assumed his unruly son was once again secretly painting inappropriate images. Just as he was about to break down the door to reprimand him, he saw Mei Si diligently writing at his desk, producing surprisingly well-composed articles.
Mei Si knew that Xuan Hui was secretly assisting him. His father was initially placated, but then spotted an idol of the God of Literature on the desk, immediately suspecting his son was once again indulging in gambling with loaches. Enraged, he accused Mei Si of abandoning painting for trivial pursuits. Mei Si frantically explained that Xuan Hui was the reincarnation of Wenchang Emperor, subtly prompting Xuan Hui to demonstrate.
Xuan Hui, obligingly, twisted its body to form the character "æ–‡" (wen/literature). Mei Si's father, awestruck, immediately set up an incense altar for worship, pledging generous offerings for his son's success in the exams. Back at her manor, Wu Zhen complained to Hu Zhu about Mei Zhuyu. A nearby servant discreetly overheard their conversation and quietly released a messenger pigeon that night. Mei Zhuyu and Shuang Jiang found lodging at an inn.
Shuang Jiang ostentatiously ordered a table full of delicacies, while frequently glancing at a heavily clothed man in white at a neighboring table. Mei Zhuyu subtly signaled him to stop speculating and instructed him to take their luggage to their room. Just then, a commotion erupted as several bandits, armed with knives, burst in, demanding money from everyone.
All the terrified diners nervously handed over their money bags, except for Mei Zhuyu and the white-clothed man, who remained still, seemingly unaffected. The bandit leader approached Mei Zhuyu, demanding his money. Mei Zhuyu calmly responded that his money was in his room and offered to lead the way to retrieve it. Surprisingly, the gullible bandits fell for the deception and followed him into the room.
As the bandits entered the room one by one, they were swiftly subdued by Shuang Jiang, who had been lying in wait. Officials, alerted to the incident, soon arrived and arrested all the bandits. The white-clothed gentleman, Pei Jiya, formally thanked Mei Zhuyu and Shuang Jiang, inviting them to dinner. During the meal, he revealed he had been away from the capital for many years, dedicating himself to the study of perfumery.
With his keen sense of smell, he not only detected Mei Zhuyu's old injuries but also a subtle woman's fragrance on him. Pei Jiya further confided that his chronic illness was gradually improving, and he had returned to Chang'an to find his childhood sweetheart, vowing to remain with her forever. Mei Zhuyu raised his cup to congratulate him, but a flicker of suspicion crossed his mind. After dinner, Shuang Jiang was suddenly struck by severe abdominal pain.
Mei Zhuyu quickly diagnosed it as poisoning and hurried him off to find a doctor. Meanwhile, Pei Jiya and his maid secretly entered Mei Zhuyu's room to search. It was revealed that Pei Jiya was Wu Zhen's cousin, who had harbored a deep affection for her since childhood. The bandit incident had been his elaborate scheme, meticulously planned to deal with Mei Zhuyu, his perceived love rival.
Since Mei Zhuyu had neither drunk any wine nor eaten any food, he had not been poisoned. Pei Jiya concluded that Mei Zhuyu did not hold a place in Wu Zhen's heart and therefore posed no threat. He then promptly departed by carriage for the capital.
