Moonshine and Valentine Episode 23 Recap
> Moonshine and Valentine Recap
Kuanyong and Xiu Xian arrived downstairs at Xiaoju's apartment building, each holding information regarding her fate: Xiu Xian with her natal chart, and Kuanyong with her birth date. Xiaoju, awakened by their late-night visit, listened as Xiu Xian reminded her of her mother's seven-year struggle to make a decision, implying Xiaoju now faced a similar choice.
Xiu Xian asked Xiaoju to choose between them to be the groomsman for Jingting's wedding the next day, with Kuanyong even presenting natal chart compatibility readings for her with each of them. However, Xiaoju challenged them to make the same choice, revealing that they, too, couldn't pick. She explained that choosing one would be to deny the other, and her true dilemma was whether to make a decision that would inevitably damage their unique three-person relationship.
With no easy answer, they wished each other goodnight. Meanwhile, Qian Hua bought a wedding gift for Helan Jingting and prepared to leave for a place where nobody knew her, seeking a fresh start. Jingting expressed his apologies for the difficulties she had faced over the years. Qian Hua responded that one cannot control whom they like or dislike, and they must accept it.
She asked Jingting to thank Guan Pipi for not forcing him to sacrifice for her, acknowledging its importance. Before departing, Qian Hua warned Jingting to be extremely careful, noting that many unusual things had been happening in the north and expressing her fear that Zhao Song might be plotting something. At the same time, Qingmu summoned Zhao Song, urging him not to do anything to disrupt Jingting's upcoming wedding. Zhao Song felt that Qingmu’s distrust of him was blatant.
Qingmu apologized for being reckless at Zhao Song’s own wedding in the past, clarifying his desire for Zhao Song and Jingting to get along for the greater good of the Fox Clan. Zhao Song, kneeling, pleaded with Qingmu to pass the Fox Clan key to him, arguing that Jingting had no real interest in clan matters and promising to lead the clan to prosperity. Qingmu, however, revealed that he had already given the key to Jingting.
Zhao Song, believing himself to be an an adopted son constantly compared to a "blood son," expressed his long-held misconception. Qingmu then disclosed that both Jingting and Zhao Song were adopted children. He explained that he gave the key to Jingting not due to Zhao Song's capabilities, but because Zhao Song was too similar to himself—too extreme to lead the Fox Clan effectively.
Zhao Song chillingly responded that he understood and knew what to do, then declared Qingmu was no longer the Chief Priest before fatally striking him, showing no hesitation. The following day, Jingting and Pipi's wedding was set to take place. They discussed the Fox Clan tradition of requiring a "Monkey's wedding" (sun shower) for their ceremony. Jingting reassured Pipi that if their love was true, it would rain.
Jingting also mentioned that Qingmu had recently visited him in the new town, personally apologizing for the past issues concerning Huiyan and offering him the Fox Clan key, which Jingting had temporarily accepted. As their vows began, Helan Jingting pledged to forever guard Pipi, to be her candle in darkness and her sun in winter. Guan Pipi, in turn, vowed to always be by his side, her bay in the storm, and her refuge when he was exhausted.
However, their joyous moment was abruptly interrupted by police officers who entered and announced that both Helan Jingting and Guan Pipi were involved in a criminal case, proceeding to arrest them for murder. Jingting urged Pipi not to be afraid as they were led away. In the ensuing panic, Kuanyong immediately called Qian Hua (who was at the airport). He informed her that Pipi had been arrested as a murder suspect. Shocked, Qian Hua promised to gather information.
As the group tried to comprehend the situation, Su Mei rushed in, out of breath, to report that Qingmu and Fang Jinxue were dead. Rumors were swirling that Helan Jingting had killed them, desiring to usurp power, and had taken a "treasure" from Fang Jinxue—the Gold Flower Mirror—to cure a human, presumably Pipi. Qian Hua clarified that the Gold Flower Mirror was not a treasure but a keepsake from Jingting's mother, which had saved him once.
She deduced that Zhao Song was behind everything, manipulating these rumors to frame Jingting. They realized that Jingting, having lost his powers saving Tao Jialin, was currently powerless and no match for Zhao Song. Qian Hua then revealed a legend about the Fox King's tomb, which was guarded by an "Eternal Spring Wood" pillar.
This wood, said to be thousands of years old, would burn upon ignition, revealing the true forms of foxes and destroying any fox attempting to rob the tomb. This sacred wood was the only way to kill Zhao Song, but if ignited, it would also mean the demise of all Fox Clan members present. Despite the grim consequence, Kuanyong, Xiu Xian, and Xiaoju volunteered to find the tomb.
Xiaoju, as a human, insisted on joining them, believing she wouldn't be affected and wanting to protect her friends. They set off to locate the mysterious Fox King tomb, while Qian Hua and Su Mei went to the police station to arrange for Pipi and Jingting's release. At the police station, Qian Hua, acting as their attorney, pressed the officers for details about the murder charges.
The police stated that the victim was Wang Xuan and suspected Pipi and Jingting were involved. They hinted at a possible motive of jealousy or financial gain on Pipi's part, given Wang Xuan's failed attempts to interview Jingting and Pipi's impending marriage to him, and presented evidence like photos from Wang Xuan's camera taken at Jingting's home and Jingting's fingerprints on the murder weapon.
Qian Hua vehemently denied the accusations, pointing out the inconsistencies in their theories and threatening legal action for slander. The autopsy report confirmed Wang Xuan's death occurred at night while she was on vacation. Meanwhile, Kuanyong, Xiu Xian, and Xiaoju realized they didn't know the exact location of the Fox King's tomb. Kuanyong explained they could calculate its approximate location by analyzing ancient construction material transportation records from the Shang Dynasty.
Unexpectedly, Xiaoju's father, Professor Zhao, arrived and, recognizing Kuanyong, offered his expertise to help them with the calculations. Their efforts led them to a cave with ancient markings, confirming they were near the tomb. Xiaoju identified the main tomb path and its structure. Professor Zhao suggested they split up to search more efficiently, with him taking the middle path.
Around this time, Zhao Song confronted Jingting, within the police station, mocking him for his weakness caused by his closeness to humans. Zhao Song demanded the key that Qingmu had given Jingting. Jingting refused, and then confronted Zhao Song, who chillingly admitted to killing their adoptive father, claiming he did it for Jingting. Jingting condemned Zhao Song's inhumanity.
Zhao Song, stating he had no desire to be the Chief Priest but would never hand the key to Jingting, threatened to kill everyone close to Jingting if he did not comply, clearly intending to secure the succession by any means necessary. Eventually, Jingting and Pipi were successfully bailed out. However, Jingting was in critical condition due to the severe injuries inflicted by Zhao Song, and it became clear he was beyond recovery.
Qian Hua tearfully informed Pipi that Jingting would soon transform back into his fox form, signifying his death. Pipi, in disbelief, desperately suggested giving him her liver, anything to save him. As Jingting's life ebbed, Pipi held him, thanking him for entering her life and bringing her so much joy. She recalled their first meeting, lamenting that they hadn't met earlier – a year, a month, even just a day earlier – so she could have loved him longer.
She poured out her heart, telling him "I love you," repeating that Guan Pipi loved him deeply. She implored him to remember her, and remember her love, the next time they met. With her final words, Jingting transformed into his white fox form, taking his last breath in Pipi's arms as she helplessly cried his name.
