The Moon Brightens for You Episode 21 Recap
> The Moon Brightens for You Recap
Wen You offered a farewell toast, first to Lin Fang, then three cups to Zhan Qinghong. He wished her victory in every battle, peace and good health, and a triumphant return as soon as possible. As the time for departure approached, Zhan Qinghong looked at Wen You, attempting to speak to him several times, but he remained silent, unable to meet her gaze. With tears in her eyes, she bade him farewell and followed Lin Fang.
Wen You, held back by Xiahou Ying, watched silently as Zhan Qinghong rode away, regretting that he had sent off and ended his relationship with his beloved with his own hands. He felt there was no turning back in his life. Xiahou Ying cautioned Wen You, reminding him that as the son-in-law of the emperor, he should not overstep the rules, especially with the Princess.
Wen You, however, felt that losing his beloved was far more significant than a little royal embarrassment and lamented that he still owed her a proper goodbye. As they rode, Lin Fang gently reminded Zhan Qinghong, now a general, not to shed tears in front of others. She claimed it was just sand in her eye. Lin Fang explained that despite being martial artists, they answered the emperor's edict to serve the great world.
He then began humming a tune, encouraging her to forget her pain. Meanwhile, Wen You, atop a mountain, practiced his sword, his tears falling like scattered petals. He reflected on his past with Zhan Qinghong, lamenting that their paths had diverged forever, like two parallel lines. Later, a despondent Xiahou Ying drowned his sorrows in drink, still haunted by the Zhan Family tragedy.
Wen Rou brought him medicine for his hangover and listened as he recounted his past affection for his senior martial sister, Su Qianhong. She understood his deep regret over Su Qianhong's death. Xiahou Ying wondered if her death could have been avoided if he hadn't flinched. Wen Rou, a doctor accustomed to life and death, gently advised him to cherish the present moment to avoid future regrets, just as she had learned to do.
Drinking heavily, Wen You stumbled through the streets, every sight, from a sugar figure stall to falling blossoms, triggering memories of Zhan Qinghong. He bought a sugar figure, but upon returning home, he accidentally dropped and shattered it, collapsing in despair. Princess Hua Yao, witnessing his pain, looked at him with concern.
She had sent people to the palace to inquire about him when he didn't return, only to find he hadn't gone there at all, making her wonder if he had urgent business outside the city. Lin Fang and Zhan Qinghong's group arrived at Mianyang City, but their entry was blocked by Guerilla General Gao Jianhua. Gao Jianhua, suspecting them to be spies sent by the rebel Du Zeng, ordered his archers to fire, preventing their approach.
Zhan Qinghong, with Huo Yang, scaled the city wall. She presented the emperor's order to Gao Jianhua, proving their legitimacy. Gao Jianhua explained that his caution stemmed from actual spies who had impersonated envoys and infiltrated the city. These spies had already coerced Governor Xuan Kai, an inactive official, into surrendering the city defense map and military deployment authority, intending to collude with Du Zeng to capture Mianyang City from within.
Upon entering the governor's residence, Lin Fang immediately sensed the presence of the spies. Lin Fang and his companions decided to act quickly, putting on a show to rescue Governor Xuan Kai. During their conversation, Lin Fang, under the guise of an official reception, entered Xuan Kai's private quarters and intentionally shattered Xuan Kai's valuable Polei inkstone. This provoked a strong, instinctive reaction from Xuan Kai, causing him to rush out.
Before the stunned spies could react, Gao Jianhua swiftly killed one. The other spy, seeing this, immediately took poison and died. Lin Fang was unable to extract any further information from them. A search of the spies' bodies revealed both were from the West Yan Kingdom. After questioning Governor Xuan Kai, Lin Fang and his group learned that a large West Yan army was poised to reinforce Du Zeng.
This news presented a grave threat to Mianyang City, making military training an urgent priority. Zhan Qinghong, disguised as a man, accompanied Lin Fang into the barracks. They observed the troops were disorganized, with each company commander operating independently. Lin Fang proposed that Zhan Qinghong be appointed as the chief instructor.
Zhan Qinghong then used a provocative tactic, challenging a boastful commander named Luo Wu to a wrestling match, with the high-stakes bet that the loser would have to wash all the socks in the barracks. Gao Jianhua expressed skepticism about Zhan Qinghong's ability to command such unruly men, but Lin Fang assured him that his guardian was never afraid of a fight.
