Episode 40 recap: Wei Zhao and Xie Che's Mutual Destruction
In Episode 40, Xie Che leads Wei Zhao back to the Star Gathering Pavilion. Wei Zhao gets straight to the point, asking Xie Che about his feelings upon returning. Xie Che repeatedly denies killing the Qi Wang, Xie Chun, but Wei Zhao firmly believes he is the mastermind behind it all. This conversation brings back memories from twenty years ago, ignited by the scent of burning incense.
At that time, Xie Che, filled with resentment, arrived at the Star Gathering Pavilion under the moonlight, reproaching Xie Chun for leaving Qingkang without notice. He had long coveted the throne, only to see his father choose the indifferent Xie Chun instead. To help his brother, Xie Chun took his own life, a moment that deeply pained Wei Zhao. He believes that while Xie Che may not have directly caused Xie Chun's death, he is still complicit, especially since he framed Xiao Haitian for the crime.
All of this was merely to solidify the foundation of the Da Liang dynasty, forcing Xie Che to take ruthless actions. Wei Zhao feels nothing but disdain for Xie Che's deeds, which not only led to his own family's destruction but also plunged the citizens of the moonlit realm into suffering. When mentioning his sister, Xiao Yujia, Wei Zhao's anger intensifies; she was brutally murdered due to her suspicions of Xie Che, and her unborn child was also a victim.
Meanwhile, Jiang Ci wakes up to find Wei Zhao missing and becomes extremely anxious. Soon, Jiang Yuan arrives with followers to capture her. Thankfully, Yi Fei fights fiercely to protect them, allowing Jiang Ci and Cui Liang to escape. On their way, they encounter Pei Yan, who informs them that Wei Zhao has been summoned to the Star Gathering Pavilion, where a foul smell of sulfur fills the air. They immediately rush there while arranging for Tong Min and Cui Liang to evacuate the citizens.
Inside the Star Gathering Pavilion, Xie Che orders the imperial guards to surround Wei Zhao and threatens to burn him alive. Wei Zhao realizes the fuse in the incense burner and, in a desperate fight against Jiang Yuan, the incense burns out, igniting the explosives, and the entire pavilion is engulfed in flames.
While fending off the imperial guards, Wei Zhao pursues Xie Che, ultimately trapping him inside the pavilion, vowing to perish together.
Ignoring the danger, Jiang Ci and Pei Yan rush into the inferno, only to find the Star Gathering Pavilion reduced to ruins, with Wei Zhao buried beneath the burning debris. Jiang Ci desperately digs through the ashes, trying to save him. At that moment, Hong Jie leads the moonlit soldiers to rescue them, engaging in fierce combat with the imperial guards. However, the pavilion explodes again, leaving everything in ruins.
Amid the debris, Jiang Ci finds Wei Zhao's jade hairpin, her only solace. Back at her residence, she seems to see Wei Zhao's figure, with the swing engraved with the characters for "compassion" and "leisure," reminding her of their unfulfilled vows. She buries the jade pin beneath the swing, completing a "wedding" with Wei Zhao alone, her tears soaking her clothes.
After bidding farewell to Pei Yan, Jiang Ci decides to travel the world, entrusting Pei Yan with the care of the moonlit citizens. Crown Prince Xie Chi ascends to the throne, appointing Pei Yan as Prime Minister, while Cui Liang joins Pei Yan on his travels.
The citizens of the moonlit realm spontaneously gather at the ruins of the Star Gathering Pavilion, offering flowers to honor Wei Zhao's bravery. Yi Fei chooses to stay behind to protect the land.
Five years pass swiftly, and Jiang Ci returns to Mingyue Valley with her and Wei Zhao's son, Yao'er, to a picturesque place that had once been their dream home. In front of the Xiao family's old residence, Jiang Ci seems to see Wei Zhao's smile, as he has always been waiting for their return. The story concludes here, but the deep emotions and perseverance will forever be etched in people's hearts.
Comments(Episode 40)