Episode 24 recap: Wei Zhao Uncovers the Traitor
In Episode 24, the four elders suspect that Wei Zhao is actually Xiao Wuxia, the son of Xiao Haitan. To help him out of this predicament, Jiang Ci falsely claims to be Xiao Wuxia's wife and presents a jade hairpin as proof, insisting she wants to clear Xiao Haitan's name. Elder Li is unconvinced, and Jiang Ci publicly exposes him as a spy sent by Lu Yu, leaving Zhang Zicheng and Pei Yan stunned by the revelation.
In a fit of rage, Wei Zhao draws his sword and lunges at Elder Li. Elder Li cries out for help from Zhang Zicheng, but Elder Ping intervenes, striking Li on the head and killing him instantly. With a command from Zhang Zicheng, soldiers from the Zhenyuan Army hidden among the crowd rush forward. Elder Hong summons the soldiers of Moonfall City to mount a fierce defense, leading to a chaotic battle.
Wei Zhao and Jiang Ci fight side by side, while Pei Yan engages them in combat. Pei Yan charges at Wei Zhao, but Jiang Ci jumps in to block him, taking a hit to her back from Pei Yan.
Elders Hong and Ping join forces against their enemies, with Hong Jie also joining the fray. They grow increasingly emboldened, while Zhang Zicheng finds himself overwhelmed and ultimately killed in the fracas. Pei Yan retreats with the remaining Zhenyuan soldiers to report Zhang Zicheng's death to Lu Yu. To prevent any repercussions from the court, Lu Yu sends someone to comfort Zhang's family.
Hong Jie realizes that his father, Elder Hong, and Wei Zhao are allies, which infuriates him. In a fit of anger, he decides to run away from home. Elder Hong tries to reason with him and takes him to meet Wei Zhao, recounting how, after Xiao Haitan's death, he found Xiao Wuxia and his sister hiding in the bushes while being hunted by the people of Moonfall. Out of compassion, Elder Hong let them go, and for years, they have only communicated through letters.
Wei Zhao presents the jade hairpin to Elder Hong, asking him to take on the role of Moonfall's leader. Elder Hong, unable to refuse the heartfelt request, agrees. He advises Wei Zhao to wait until the festival in Moonfall is over before leaving, a sentiment echoed by Jiang Ci, prompting Wei Zhao to happily consent. Meanwhile, Yu Lian suffers a dislocated arm, and Jiang Ci helps her set it.
Concerned that Pei Yan might inform Emperor Xie Che about the situation, Wei Zhao sends Yi Fei to reveal Lu Yu's infiltration of Moonfall. Aware that Lu Yu won't take this lightly, Wei Zhao decides to stay and protect the people of Moonfall. Pei Yan had initially hoped to leverage Lu Yu's influence to reclaim the ledger from Wei Zhao but ends up empty-handed. He resolves to wait and see how the conflict between Lu Yu and Wei Zhao unfolds, hoping they will weaken each other in the process.
Xie Che received secret edicts from both Lu Yu and Wei Zhao, and he was furious about Lu Yu's actions. Pei Yan had not submitted any reports, and Xie Che, understanding his difficult position, chose not to pursue the matter further. Today is the Cold Clothes Festival, and Moonfall City is as lively as during the New Year, with families celebrating their reunion. Elder Hong hosted a banquet for Wei Zhao and Jiang Ci, inviting A Le and his grandmother as well. Elder Hong served them plum wine that he had saved for Hong Jie’s future wife, and Wei Zhao and Jiang Ci dressed up for the occasion.
Hong Jie was upset and bought laxatives from a beggar on the street, intending to put them in the food, but Yu Lian caught him in the act and gave him a stern lesson. Elder Hong insisted that Hong Jie celebrate with everyone. Jiang Ci discovered that the laxatives Hong Jie bought were fake and promised to make him some genuine ones later. Hong Jie felt sorry for Jiang Ci, as she was marrying the cold-hearted Wei Zhao. Yu Lian warned Hong Jie not to speak recklessly.
Elder Hong and the others enjoyed drinks and laughter, filling the courtyard with joy. Jiang Ci became emotional and thought of her parents and master. Noticing her melancholy, Wei Zhao took her to the market to cheer her up, playfully drawing on her face as per Moonfall's customs. He drew a flower on her cheek, and when Jiang Ci hesitated to draw on his face, she instead drew a phoenix on his mask, although it looked more like a duck, making Wei Zhao chuckle.
That night, Wei Zhao, Jiang Ci, A Le, Yu Lian, and Hong Jie all went to the market together, joining the townsfolk around a bonfire to sing and dance. After dancing, young men would give flowers to the girls they admired as a gesture of affection. Hong Jie presented a flower to Yu Lian, who was so startled that she ran away.
Jiang Ci, not understanding the significance of giving flowers, handed one to Wei Zhao. Before he could explain, the townsfolk began to question her. They pointed out that she claimed to be Xiao Wuxia’s wife and was now expressing affection for Wei Zhao. Wei Zhao removed his mask and publicly declared that he was Xiao Wuxia, the son of Xiao Haitan. The crowd, filled with resentment toward the Xiao family, criticized him harshly, prompting Wei Zhao to take Jiang Ci and leave.
Feeling heavy-hearted, Wei Zhao was comforted by Jiang Ci, who took out an ocarina and played the tune of "Moonfall Ballad" to soothe his spirits. She encouraged him not to be sad and to follow his own path. Wei Zhao began to hum along to the melody.
Comments(Episode 24)