The Moon Brightens for You Episode 20 Recap
> The Moon Brightens for You Recap
After his marriage to Hua Yao, Wen You's interactions with her were strictly formal, devoid of any spousal intimacy, even lacking the affection they shared in childhood. He spent his days in the study, never sharing meals or a bed with her. Hua Yao felt frustrated by this distant relationship. Her maid then informed her that Secretary Cheng intended to arrange a marriage between his widowed younger brother and Wen Rou.
Hua Yao, seeing an opportunity to earn Wen You's gratitude, rushed to tell him. Concerned about Wen Rou, Wen You hurried back to the Wen family estate, intending to stop the marriage. To his surprise, his father, Wen Qiao, had already rejected the proposal. Wen Qiao explained that he understood Wen You's sacrifice of his own happiness for the family and did not wish to further jeopardize Wen Rou's future.
Wen You was deeply moved by his father's words, who then advised him to try and make his marriage with Hua Yao work. Meanwhile, Lin Fang and Zhan Qinghong returned to Lin House in Jun'an. Shen Yanzhi, through Wulin Rumors, had uncovered that the Zhan family was massacred by the three demons in the nether world, with their leader, Wang Bucheng, delivering the fatal blow.
Zhan Qinghong went to Wen House, eager to confide in Wen You, but he had just left, and they narrowly missed each other. Later, Lin Fang instructed his subordinate to keep Wen You's marriage a secret from Zhan Qinghong for the time being, given her recent profound loss. Upon Wen You's return to the House Consort, he found Lin Fang waiting for him.
Lin Fang confronted Wen You, questioning his choices and revealing that the Zhan family had been annihilated on the day of Wen You's wedding. Wen You was stunned by the news. Lin Fang sternly told him to cease all contact with Zhan Qinghong, asserting that Wen You no longer had the right to bring her joy or sorrow.
He insisted that Wen You personally inform Zhan Qinghong that their relationship was over, stating that he had previously stepped aside because of Zhan Qinghong's feelings for Wen You, but now, only he, Lin Fang, could be the one to share her happiness and sorrow. Wen You reluctantly agreed to the meeting, scheduled for sunset at Qinhuai Riverside, vowing to do anything for Zhan Qinghong's peace and happiness.
Unable to find Wen You at his family home, Zhan Qinghong returned to Lin House, looking despondent. Seeing his teacher so distraught, Huo Yang stormed into the House Consort and violently attacked Wen You. Wen You, consumed by guilt, did not retaliate. Huo Yang, remembering that Wen You was still cherished by Zhan Qinghong, did not deliver a fatal blow. Instead, he warned Wen You to sever all ties with Zhan Qinghong and departed.
Xiahou Ying was enraged when Lin Fang informed him about the Zhan family's massacre. Lin Fang explained that the attack was orchestrated for the Seven-Star Swordsmanship, revealing that his own father had also been killed by the three demons in the nether world for the same reason ten years prior. Xiahou Ying swore to avenge this deep-seated blood feud. As the evening approached, Wen You prepared to meet Zhan Qinghong, but Hua Yao intercepted him.
Noticing his injuries from Huo Yang's earlier assault, Hua Yao interrogated him about his destination and who he was meeting, suspecting Zhan Qinghong. Despite Wen You's attempts to dismiss it as a Wulin matter and assure her he could handle it, Hua Yao insisted on accompanying him or sending imperial guards.
She then feigned distress over his injuries, forcing him to return to his room, where she personally cared for him and gave him medicine, effectively preventing him from keeping his appointment with Zhan Qinghong. Meanwhile, at Qinhuai Riverside, Zhan Qinghong waited with Lin Fang. As time passed and Wen You didn't appear, she grew increasingly worried and upset, wondering if he had moved on to someone else. Lin Fang promised to help her find him.
They continued to drink, and Lin Fang reminisced about the two hundred days they had known each other, reflecting on how quickly the time had passed. Zhan Qinghong, now heavily intoxicated, lamented her family's absence and pleaded with Lin Fang not to leave her. Lin Fang promised he would always stay by her side, confessing that she had long ago made a home in his heart, despite his responsibilities for revenge and the world.
Back at Lin House, Xiao Lan, noticing Huo Yang's evasiveness and his deliberate actions to cover for Lin Fang, pressed him for the truth. Huo Yang finally confessed that Wen You had married Princess Hua Yao. Enraged and heartbroken for Zhan Qinghong, Xiao Lan threatened to confront Wen You. Huo Yang restrained her, explaining that he had already beaten Wen You, who did not resist, seemingly burdened by his own hardships.
He also warned Xiao Lan not to interfere with Lin Fang's plans, which Xiao Lan mistakenly believed involved Lin Fang marrying Zhan Qinghong as an act of revenge. Huo Yang clarified that Lin Fang simply stated he would handle things. Xiao Lan reluctantly accepted this, but not before extracting a promise from Huo Yang to always be transparent with her and to never betray her as Wen You had.
As Zhan Qinghong became completely unconscious, Lin Fang tenderly carried her home on his back. Along the way, a playful Zhan Qinghong bit his ear, causing Lin Fang to blush deeply as he silently continued the journey. The next morning, Zhan Qinghong awoke dizzy and with no recollection of the previous night. Before she could process anything, an imperial decree arrived.
The decree appointed Lin Fang as General of Manifest Might, recognizing his achievements in stabilizing Cang Wu and Linzhou, and awarded him one hundred taels of gold. Zhan Qinghong was named General Guerrilla for her assistance and granted fifty taels of gold. Both were immediately ordered to depart for Mianyang to lead the Jiangdong Wulin in suppressing the rebel Du Zeng and defending the country. Lin Fang accepted the decree.
Zhan Qinghong, however, was filled with reluctance, saddened that she would be leaving Jun'an without having seen Wen You. Sensing her unspoken thoughts, Lin Fang instructed Huo Yang to prepare their luggage for immediate departure. Separately, Wen You requested to join the expedition to Mianyang as the Deputy Leader of Wulin. However, Wang Dun, the Prime Minister, firmly rejected his plea.
He reminded Wen You that as a consort, he could not risk his life or associate with Wulin members, as it would dishonor Princess Hua Yao. Wen You, acknowledging his misjudgment, apologized. Recognizing Wen You's patriotic spirit, Wang Dun instead appointed him as a court attendant, tasking him with representing the emperor in saluting the Wulin forces as they departed. At the city gates, Wen You finally encountered Zhan Qinghong.
She gazed at him with love, but as the drums ceased, he slowly walked past her, seemingly ignoring her, a voiceover reminding her that he was now a high-ranking official and she should not overstep.
