Moonlit Reunion Episode 9 Recap
> Moonlit Reunion Recap
A strange phenomenon began in the imperial tea garden: the white tea tree, long a favorite of Princess Yuan Zhen and known for its lush growth but never blooming, suddenly blossomed half a month prior. After the flowers fell like snow, a woman was seen nightly lingering by the tree, whispering as if burdened by endless worries.
Though concerned, Empress Wu, mindful of Princess Yuan Zhen's deep affection for the tree, strictly forbade palace staff from spreading rumors or disturbing it. Wu Zhen observed the tree and deduced the woman's identity but chose to keep it secret from Mei Zhuyu. Meanwhile, Hu Zhu presented Shuang Jiang with his payment for a recent demon exorcism. Her gaze fell upon the seven-colored fox tail charm hanging from his waist, which she expressed a desire to possess.
Shuang Jiang clarified that the charm was not a real fox tail but rather a tassel made of dyed rabbit fur, explaining that "seven-colored fox tail" was merely its name, not its material. Upon learning this, Hu Zhu's initial assertiveness softened, and some of her animosity towards him dissipated. During their conversation, Shuang Jiang heard Hu Zhu imply a romantic relationship between Mei Zhuyu and Wu Zhen.
He vehemently denied any romantic involvement between them, asserting that Mei Zhuyu, despite his outwardly calm demeanor, possessed an unyielding determination. Once Mei Zhuyu committed to a path, he never wavered, making romantic entanglements highly unlikely. That night, Wu Zhen and Mei Zhuyu concealed themselves in the imperial garden's pavilion. Under the moonlight, the white tea tree glowed faintly amidst the silence. A vibrant red figure drifted into view, and Mei Zhuyu, upon closer inspection, recognized Princess Yuan Zhen.
She held a pale porcelain vial, slowly pouring special medicinal liquid from the imperial physician onto the tree's roots, her brow furrowed with sorrow. Wu Zhen then revealed herself, and after a brief interaction where she introduced Mei Zhuyu as her follower and feigned concern for Yuan Zhen's fright, subtly cast a spell to render Princess Yuan Zhen unconscious. She instructed Mei Zhuyu to escort the princess back to her chambers while she remained to investigate the tree.
Once Mei Zhuyu departed, Wu Zhen introduced herself to the white tea tree as the Cat Lord of the Demon Market. A translucent figure, the White Tea Spirit, weakly manifested, his handsome face ashen and his semi-transparent body clinging to the tree bark. In response to Wu Zhen's inquiries, the White Tea Spirit recounted his story, revealing that he had begun to develop spiritual awareness many years ago.
Princess Yuan Zhen saved him, and in her loneliness, often confided in him. Half a year prior, he had begun to take human form, hoping to bloom for her as a gesture of gratitude. However, he soon became afflicted by parasitic poisonous moths, leaving him on the brink of death.
He lamented that white tea blossoms were also known as "beheaded flowers" because they fall entirely when at their most splendid, and he did not wish Yuan Zhen to witness his demise. Hearing his plight, Wu Zhen, unwilling to see Princess Yuan Zhen heartbroken and moved by the spirit's genuine affection, poured her precious Thousand Flower Honey Wine into the water around the tree.
The moths, drawn by the sweetness, plummeted into the water and drowned, and the White Tea Spirit's condition swiftly improved. Later, Princess Yuan Zhen awoke in her chambers, immediately anxious to check on the white tea tree. She passionately declared that the tree was incredibly precious to her, explaining that it was her only friend in the palace who truly listened to her, then turned to Mei Zhuyu, asking if there was anyone he cherished in the same way.
Mei Zhuyu, upon hearing her words, found Wu Zhen's image momentarily surfacing in his mind. When he returned to the tree, he saw that the poisonous moths were gone. Wu Zhen then explained that she had accidentally spilled the sweet Thousand Flower Honey Wine (which she had 'conveniently' acquired from the royal winery) into the water. The moths, attracted by the sweetness, plummeted into the water and drowned, thus protecting the white tea tree.
Wu Zhen praised his extensive knowledge, remarking on his discerning observation. She took a step closer, but Mei Zhuyu subtly retreated. Wu Zhen did not press the matter, instead suggesting they return home. Before leaving, Mei Zhuyu looked back at the white tea tree. Observing that the White Tea Spirit had committed no evil deeds and harbored no malicious thoughts, embodying an innocent and pure heart, he decided against capturing it.
Wu Zhen and Mei Zhuyu shared a carriage on their journey back. As they passed Mei Zhuyu's home, Wu Zhen pointed out that the once-muddy path had been smoothly paved, wide enough for carriages. Wu Zhen commented on the significant effort and cost, subtly implying it was due to his recent promotion. Mei Zhuyu casually remarked that the road was long overdue for repair and nothing special, denying any connection to his new position.
Yet, a faint smile played on Wu Zhen's lips, and amusement danced in her eyes. Back in his room, Mei Zhuyu sat alone, visibly troubled. Observing his agitation, Shuang Jiang suddenly realized that his Tenth Brother, a man of such austere purity, might finally be experiencing earthly emotions.
Wu Zhen and Wu Zishu cleverly collaborated to convince Liu Taizhen, also known as Lord Snake, not to pursue the matter of the White Tea Spirit remaining in the human world, acknowledging the profound bond between the spirit and Princess Yuan Zhen. Wu Zishu then reported to Liu Taizhen that a mortal was actively seeking "Records of Strange Demons," a book she had authored two centuries ago under her human alias, "Bai She Lang."
Intrigued, Liu Taizhen personally went to investigate and discovered the seeker was none other than Mei Si. Mei Si, upon Liu Taizhen's arrival, disregarded her frosty demeanor and persistently urged her to explain the contents of the book. He effusively described how the "Records of Strange Demons," though seemingly about monsters, actually encompassed local customs, human experiences, and methods to deal with different demons, divided into seven parts.
He showed particular enthusiasm for the "Seductive Spirit" chapter, describing how this shapeshifting entity would appear as a woman with long, unsettling hair and no visible face, silently appearing behind people to entangle them and choke them with branch-like fingers. Just as he was detailing this frightening aspect, Ling Xiao suddenly appeared, startling Mei Si, who nearly fainted from fright. Liu Taizhen firmly rejected Mei Si's advances once more and ordered Ling Xiao to escort him out.
After Mei Si was escorted out, Wu Zhen expressed pity for his unrequited feelings, lamenting Liu Taizhen's apparent heartlessness. Wu Zhen then confronted Wu Zishu, who admitted to orchestrating Mei Si's encounter with Liu Taizhen. That night, as heavenly thunder approached, the Elder of the Grey Sect broke free from his restraints and infiltrated the depths of the Demon Prison.
The powerful demon Xuan Hui, having been imprisoned for a century and repeatedly recaptured after escape attempts, harbored immense hatred for the two Lords of the demon market, particularly the Cat Lord, Wu Zhen, who had recaptured him last. He immediately began to manipulate the Elder of the Grey Sect into an alliance. The Elder revealed that the two Lords would use the impending heavenly thunder to break a malevolent entity, which would temporarily open a rift in the barrier.
He planned to channel the thunder into the prison, using its power to shatter Xuan Hui's cell doors. Concurrently, Empress Wu advised the Emperor to return the "Heavenly Fire" case files to the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs and assign significant responsibilities to Mei Zhuyu. Seeing her unwavering trust in him, the Emperor decided to test Mei Zhuyu's capabilities by tasking him with investigating the concealed demons within Chang'an and uncovering a potential hidden realm.
