Moonlit Reunion Episode 21 Recap
> Moonlit Reunion Recap
At Ruyi Pavilion, Hu Zhu confronts an informant she discovers has been relaying information to Pei Jiya. The informant tearfully pleads for another chance, but Hu Zhu sternly dismisses them, asserting that serving two masters leaves one empty-handed, especially now that Pei Jiya has left Chang'an. She instructs the informant to collect their wages, as Ruyi Pavilion will no longer employ them.
Meanwhile, at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, Mei Zhuyu is noticeably distracted, often smiling to himself while reviewing documents. His colleagues, having heard rumors that he and Pei Jiya were both banished from Wu Zhen's residence due to their rivalry, express surprise at his cheerful demeanor, expecting him to be despondent. When Mei Zhuyu overhears them, he asks about their discussion.
They nervously claim to have been talking about Deputy Commander Huang, who, they explain, had to transfer a case to the Bureau because he was preoccupied with arranging a suitor for Wu Zhen. Wu Zhen, after a visit to the palace to address Pei Jiya's abrupt departure, arrives at Ruyi Pavilion. Hu Zhu remarks that at least Wu Zhen's frequent rejections make Pei Jiya's exit seem less unusual.
Deputy Commander Huang then proudly introduces Song Yao, Sima of Yizhou, as a potential match, touting his skills and suitability for Wu Zhen. Wu Zhen, unimpressed, playfully asks Song Yao what he admires about her, then dismisses the need for an answer. Mei Zhuyu arrives, ostensibly to return a case to Huang Yi, which he believes belongs to the Jinwu Guards.
Upon realizing Song Yao is Huang Yi's latest attempt at a match for Wu Zhen, Mei Zhuyu's expression darkens as he remarks, with veiled sarcasm, that they "really do match." Mei Zhuyu then pointedly questions Song Yao about various unresolved issues in Yizhou, including a drought, banditry, plague outbreaks, and floods. Song Yao stumbles, admitting his ignorance of these administrative matters.
Mei Zhuyu, emphasizing the responsibility of those in power, returns all the Jinwu Guard's cases to Huang Yi for re-examination, implying Huang Yi's focus on matchmaking is misplaced. He warns Song Yao that a "mistaken heart is like a misfired arrow," a pointed remark to a supposed expert archer. Wu Zhen, struggling to hide her amusement, watches as Mei Zhuyu takes her hand and leads her away. A stunned Huang Yi realizes that the rumors of their separation were false.
Song Yao later complains to Huang Yi that Mei Zhuyu's fierce glare made him feel like he had "stolen his woman." He advises Huang Yi to be more cautious when arranging future suitors for Wu Zhen, especially in Mei Zhuyu's presence.
Later, Wu Zhen asks Mei Zhuyu if he heard everything, to which he replies "a little," then reassures her that Huang Yi will no longer bother her with suitors, as the Jinwu Guards will be "very busy" with their reassigned cases. Wu Zhen invites Liu Taizhen to a night market, accompanied by Mei Zhuyu and Mei Si. Mei Si, still processing the news, enthusiastically greets Mei Zhuyu as "brother-in-law," prompting Mei Zhuyu to remind him they are cousins.
Mei Si remarks on the night market being a popular spot for lovers and praises Mei Zhuyu for bringing honor to the Mei family. Mei Zhuyu sincerely confesses his feelings for Wu Zhen. Liu Taizhen, though she had anticipated opposing the relationship, shares her own past regrets, advising Wu Zhen that while falling in love is easy, sustaining it is difficult, and hopes Wu Zhen avoids similar heartache.
Mei Si, seeing a reflection of his own situation in Mei Zhuyu's, now genuinely hopes for their happiness. Wu Zhen, however, declares her desire to live in the moment and accept whatever the future holds, even if love fades, believing that "a lifetime isn't just for one lover." Convinced, Liu Taizhen grants her blessing but warns her not to come crying if her heart gets broken.
As the first snow of the year begins to fall, Mei Zhuyu, surprised as it never snows in his hometown of Qizhou, recalls his late mother's tradition of boiling three eggs for blessings and peace. A poignant flashback shows him as a child, choosing an egg from his mother and giving the largest one to his father. Wu Zhen, noticing Mei Zhuyu's emotional state, gently reaches out to comfort him but then spots Wu Zishu in an alley.
She quickly tells Mei Zhuyu she's "going to buy something" and gives chase, with Liu Taizhen following. Mei Si waits behind, asking Mei Zhuyu when Wu Zhen will return. Wu Zishu, cornered by Wu Zhen, conjures "celestial fire," throwing the night market into chaos. Amidst the panic and the strange demon fire, Wu Zishu abducts an unconscious Wu Zhen and escapes to the Beast Market.
Mei Zhuyu, realizing the nature of the fire, covertly extinguishes it, then frantically searches for Wu Zhen and Liu Taizhen. Wu Zhen awakens in the Beast Market, where Wu Zishu confronts her about her relationship with Mei Zhuyu, questioning its authenticity and reminding her that she is a demon. Wu Zhen boldly affirms her love, asserting that as a half-demon, she is also human and deserves a lover. She expresses her desire to experience human life and its brief joys.
Wu Zishu observes her transformation, noting her increased skill and wisdom, a far cry from the timid "Cat Master" she once was. Wu Zhen confirms her growth, assuring him not to worry. When Wu Zishu speculates if she fell for Mei Zhuyu during the Twin Formation, Wu Zhen clarifies that her feelings developed earlier, possibly when he spoke of a woman's completeness independent of marriage, or when he unconditionally accepted her rebellious nature.
Despite Wu Zishu's dismissal of Mei Zhuyu as an "ordinary human," Wu Zhen passionately declares Mei Zhuyu's extraordinary significance to her. She reveals her lifelong struggle as a "half-demon outcast" in the Beast Market and an "unbridled and reckless woman" in the human world, feeling judged and adrift. Only with Mei Zhuyu, she states, does she find her true self and inner peace.
She firmly tells Wu Zishu that while she cherishes him as a "comrade and closest friend," Mei Zhuyu's love and acceptance are distinct. In a desperate plea, Wu Zishu confesses his own profound love, revealing he has lived solely for her for eighteen years, begging her to promise there will be no one else. When Wu Zhen remains steadfast in her position, seeing him only as her "closest friend," a heartbroken and enraged Wu Zishu orders her to leave.
Mei Zhuyu is desperately searching for Wu Zhen when Liu Taizhen appears, bringing a conscious Wu Zhen back. Mei Zhuyu, overcome with emotion, shares his fear that she had vanished just like his mother during a snowfall eighteen years ago. Wu Zhen apologizes for leaving him. She then presents him with a warm boiled egg, echoing his childhood memory and wishing him "blessings and long life, peace year after year," which deeply moves Mei Zhuyu.
Liu Taizhen observes their tender reunion with a blend of relief and wistful envy, while Mei Si's gaze remains fixed on Liu Taizhen. The next day, as rumors of their reconciliation spread, Mei Zhuyu is summoned to the palace by Empress Wu. He immediately kneels beside Wu Zhen. Emperor and Empress Wu, having heard the rumors, inquire about the seriousness of their relationship. Wu Zhen, slightly annoyed by her sister's constant meddling, suggests it's simply another one of her arrangements.
However, Mei Zhuyu clarifies that it is "no rumor" and that meeting Wu Zhen has helped him "understand some things." The Emperor then offers to issue an edict to formalize their betrothal. Wu Zhen reminds them that Mei Zhuyu had previously expressed no desire for marriage and protests against a forced betrothal. To everyone's surprise, Mei Zhuyu affirms his desire to marry Wu Zhen, declaring, "Now, I wish to marry her.
When Young Lady Wu agrees to marry me, that's when I'll marry her." He states he is "absolutely sure," bringing smiles to the faces of the Emperor and Empress. Mei Zhuyu bids farewell to Wu Zhen, explaining his need to return to Qizhou to inform his deceased master of their engagement. He promises to return in ten days. Wu Zhen, despite her concern about the long journey, agrees, trusting his word.
Mei Zhuyu then rides to Changxi Palace, where he finds his Fifth Senior Brother, Lu Yang, calmly fishing by a waterfall. Lu Yang teases Mei Zhuyu about returning from the "comforts of Chang'an." Mei Zhuyu playfully asks if Lu Yang was waiting for him, but Lu Yang responds he was merely waiting for the fish to "get fat." As they depart, they inadvertently trigger a pond formation created by their Third Senior Brother, Chi Hua.
Chi Hua appears, complaining about their Fourth Senior Brother, Shuang Jiang, who constantly eats the fruits used as hidden weapons in his formations, forcing Chi Hua to resort to a pond formation, which Shuang Jiang also used for fishing and grilling. Just then, Second Senior Brother Xiao Mu arrives, urging them to cease their "talk" and enter the palace. The three senior brothers and Mei Zhuyu then proceed into the majestic Changxi Palace as dusk settles.
