Episode 26 recap: Wei Zhao Leads the People to Defend the City
In Episode 26, Yan Qiao Shuang arrives at Yuzhou Island, weary from her journey, and urgently seeks her contact to inquire about Jiang Ci's whereabouts. However, she learns that Jiang Ci did not meet as planned and only had a brief conversation with a fortune-teller before hastily heading towards the direction of the Moonfall. The contact speculates that Jiang Ci may have encountered danger. Without hesitation, Yan Qiao Shuang sets off to find Jiang Ci.
In Moonfall City, having just endured a fierce battle, Master Hong fought valiantly to repel Lu Yu's Zhenyuan army, momentarily securing the city's safety. Yet, the citizens remain anxious, fearing a return of the Zhenyuan forces. Wei Zhao observes the situation with concern, knowing that Lu Yu will not easily back down, and convenes Yu Lian, Yi Fei, and others to discuss strategies.
At this critical moment, Elders Ji and Ping arrive with an angry mob of citizens, holding Wei Zhao accountable. They argue that if he had not returned to Moonfall, Lu Yu would not have attacked, nor would Elder Hong have sacrificed himself. They demand that Wei Zhao pay with his life.
Just then, Jiang Ci arrives just in time to save Wei Zhao. It turns out that Wei Zhao returned to Moonfall specifically to root out the spies Lu Yu had planted in the city, never giving up despite facing numerous dangers. He calls for unity among the people to resist the Zhenyuan army. To gain their trust, Wei Zhao even cuts his palm with his sword, making a blood oath to repel the enemy before allowing the people to decide his fate.
Afterward, Wei Zhao prepares to hold a cremation ceremony for Elder Hong as a sign of mourning. Hong Jie is deeply saddened but knows he must suppress his grief to fulfill his father's last wishes and protect Moonfall. In a collective mourning by the citizens, Elder Hong finds peace, while Wei Zhao wrestles with conflicting emotions.
Yu Lian gently comforts Hong Jie, urging him to face reality and reminding him not to forget about his mother to avoid future regrets. Meanwhile, Wei Zhao gets ready to lead the troops into battle, and Jiang Ci volunteers to assist in the military medical tent, determined to fight alongside Wei Zhao.
Seeing no success in a direct assault, Lu Yu orders the digging of tunnels outside the city to infiltrate Moonfall from below. Utilizing the wisdom passed down from his father, Wei Zhao uncovers the diamond defenses beneath the city walls, reassuring everyone. Meanwhile, in the medical tent, Jiang Ci and Military Doctor Ling work tirelessly to care for the injured soldiers and brew medicines.
When Lu Yu's plan hits a snag, he devises another scheme, using the wind to launch contaminated waste into the city, causing a widespread outbreak of dysentery among the citizens. Jiang Ci quickly suggests relocating the sick to the outskirts for quarantine treatment to prevent further spread. Wei Zhao explains the situation to the citizens, who are initially resistant, but eventually, with Jiang Ci's insistence, the patients are successfully moved.
To keep track of the situation in the city, Wei Zhao constructs kites for Jiang Ci to send up daily as a signal of safety. He dedicates himself fully to battle preparations, while Jiang Ci remains busy in the outskirts, preparing medicine for the patients. In an effort to force Wei Zhao's surrender, Lu Yu captures numerous citizens as hostages and threatens Wei Zhao with the Shadow Pavilion's spies.
Pei Yan, desperate to reclaim her mother's ledger, exacerbates the situation by proposing a plan to coerce Wei Zhao into opening the city. Lu Yu, alongside Pei Yan, brings his troops to the gates of Moonfall, showcasing the captured spies in an effort to pressure Wei Zhao into surrendering. Elder Ji recognizes his son, Alang, among the captives and becomes distraught, demanding that Wei Zhao immediately open the city.
However, Wei Zhao knows that if he opens the gates, Moonfall will face utter devastation. He resolutely refuses. As time ticks away, Lu Yu issues an execution order. Alang and the others, refusing to betray their cause, choose to end their own lives. In the falling snow, their brave sacrifice leaves a profound impact on everyone.
Witnessing his son's tragic death, Elder Ji is devastated and seeks to confront Wei Zhao. Wei Zhao, equally pained, understands that only through unity can they repel the enemy and honor the spirits of the fallen.
Comments(Episode 26)