Episode 28 recap: Mo Qianzhi's Suicide
In Episode 28, Shen Du tries to persuade Mo Qianzhi to stop, explaining that Pan Chi wouldn’t want to be revived in this manner. However, Mo Qianzhi is deeply obsessed and insists on bringing Pan Chi back to life. When Xiuxiu wakes up, Mo Qianzhi realizes she calls him "Big Brother Mo," confirming that Pan Chi hasn’t returned; instead, he learns that Shen Du sabotaged the ritual.
Shen Du orders Mo Qianzhi to be captured, but Xiuxiu asks Yan Xing if there is really no way to resurrect someone. Yan Xing confirms that there isn’t. Shen Du intends to take Mo Qianzhi back, but the townspeople see him as a good official, and he has already arranged for a group of people to assist him.
One person points out that when Mo Qianzhi wanted to kill Xu Jize, Shen Du had tried every possible way to stop him, even finding evidence of collusion with the Fire Moth Sect. This revelation makes Shen Du realize Mo Qianzhi had a backup plan. Fortunately, Sun Tan arrives with reinforcements to protect Shen Du and his group as they escape.
Outside the city, with Mo Qianzhi’s men still present, Shen Du and his group can only regroup temporarily in the outskirts. A secret edict from the Empress Dowager arrives, ordering General Zhenyuan to bring troops to capture Yingzhou City. Shen Du is puzzled by the swift arrival of the Empress Dowager’s forces.
Yan Xing reveals he received the Empress Dowager’s secret edict earlier and suspects that Sima Biqiu, who entered with the Empress Dowager's entourage, may have sent word back. Jing Lin is shocked, realizing they have been under the Empress Dowager's watch the entire time. Qi Ye Yun, who was eavesdropping, is caught by Jing Lin.
Pan Chi returns, bringing back what Shen Du wanted. Shen Du decides to bluff, intending to deceive Mo Qianzhi and capture Yingzhou City before the reinforcements arrive. He approaches Mo Qianzhi, claiming he isn’t armed, and Mo Qianzhi allows him to come up.
Shen Du hopes Mo Qianzhi will reconsider, but Mo Qianzhi is unwilling. He argues that Shen Du has been deceived, revealing that the court’s grain supplies are not in Gannan Dao, suggesting that his master has been guarding an empty granary.
Shen Du urges Mo Qianzhi to think of the innocent citizens; he doesn’t want them to suffer. Mo Qianzhi refuses to relent and walks away. Suddenly, there is commotion outside, and Mo Qianzhi believes the reinforcements have arrived. A minister approaches, asking Mo Qianzhi to stand down and not harm the people. The Fire Moth Sect arrives and kills the minister, warning Mo Qianzhi not to be fooled.
Recalling his supporters, Mo Qianzhi declares he will fight Shen Du alone. They engage in battle, and Mo Qianzhi orders the city gates to be opened. Shen Du visits Mo Qianzhi in prison, revealing that the reinforcements never came; it was actually Pan Chi creating distractions outside to make it seem like help had arrived.
Mo Qianzhi realizes that Shen Du has grown wiser over the years. Just then, Fire Moths swarm in, and Shen Du manages to fend them off. He tells Mo Qianzhi that he has been deceived; resurrection is impossible. Shen Du’s group plans to take Mo Qianzhi back, but Xiuxiu arrives, stating that Mo Qianzhi saved her life, and she wishes to speak with him.
Shen Du objects, but Xiuxiu holds a knife to herself, forcing Shen Du to agree. She expresses her gratitude to Mo Qianzhi before committing suicide. While talking to Mo Qianzhi, she secretly takes poison and tells Shen Du that there is something left for him behind Xiuxiu’s portrait.
Comments(Episode 28)