Episode Summary
Han Muzhi intends to break off his engagement with Liu Wan due to his feelings for Luo Shu. Liu Yiqing arrives in Linfen with Liu Wan, and a wedding date is set. Luo Shu is distressed, and Liu Wan discovers Luo Shu's past as a courtesan. Liu Wan confronts Luo Shu, publicly humiliating her. Han Muzhi tries to break the engagement, but Liu Wan refuses. Luo Shu is forced to perform at a gathering, where her past is revealed. Han Muzhi rushes to the gathering.
Spoiler Alert
In Episode 17 of "Under the Moonlight," Luo Shu witnesses Han Muzhi's impressive display at the county school, deepening her admiration for him. She worries that her feelings might hinder his promising future, but Han Muzhi reassures her that he values personal integrity over ambition.
Meanwhile, Cai Baozi notices Luo Shu's absence and learns from Xu, the coroner, that she and Han Muzhi are on a date. Cai Baozi is happy for them, but Xu expresses concern about Han Muzhi's betrothal to Liu Wan, the daughter of Liu Yiqing. Xu fears that Han Muzhi might prioritize romance over his career, but Cai Baozi and Constable Cai believe that love is paramount.
Chen Meiqing, having dealt with Zaohua's funeral, overhears their conversation and warns them against gossiping about Han Muzhi. Qi Menglin, after hearing the students praise Han Muzhi's literary talent, feels inadequate and leaves the restaurant without finishing his meal. He spots Han Muzhi and Luo Shu returning together, further fueling his frustration.
Han Muzhi writes a letter to Liu Yiqing, intending to call off his engagement with Liu Wan. Qi Menglin, determined to surpass Han Muzhi, burns his collection of storybooks and commits to his studies. Han Muzhi soon receives a reply from Liu Yiqing, who announces his impending visit to Linfen to inspect water conservancy projects and investigate Qian Dayou's corruption case. He also plans to stay at the county office. Chen Meiqing senses trouble, worrying about Han Muzhi.
Cai Baozi inquires about Luo Shu's date, but she remains coy. Han Muzhi informs Luo Shu about Liu Yiqing's visit, stating his intention to confront him directly. Liu Yiqing arrives with his daughter, Liu Wan, and they set a wedding date with Han Muzhi.
Liu Yiqing praises Han Muzhi's work but also points out areas for improvement. He advises Han Muzhi to distance himself from Qi Menglin and lectures him on the ways of officialdom. Cai Baozi sends Constable Cai to deliver steamed buns to Qi Menglin and encourages him to comfort Luo Shu. Liu Yiqing brings Liu Wan to discuss the wedding date with Han Muzhi, leaving Luo Shu heartbroken. Qi Menglin wants to console her but feels it's inappropriate.
Chen Meiqing recognizes Luo Shu's distress and advises her to take a break. Liu Yiqing leaves, instructing Liu Wan and Han Muzhi to finalize the wedding date. Liu Wan learns that Han Muzhi previously requested Luo Shu's emancipation, citing her assistance in solving cases. Suspicious, Liu Wan notices the name "Constable Luo" (Constable Luo) repeatedly in Han Muzhi's letter to her father and suspects a connection. She sends her maid, He Xiang, to investigate.
Han Muzhi anticipates Liu Wan causing trouble for Luo Shu and warns her to be cautious. He Xiang confirms the existence of a Constable Luo at the county office. Liu Wan decides to confront her personally, encountering Luo Shu in the kitchen and immediately recognizing her as a woman.
Liu Wan investigates Luo Shu's background and discovers that she is the woman Han Muzhi is trying to redeem. She summons Luo Shu for a confrontation. Chen Meiqing witnesses this and rushes to inform Han Muzhi, who hurries to Luo Shu's aid.
Liu Wan is confrontational, revealing Luo Shu's past as a courtesan named Jinnang at Mingke Brothel by presenting her with a pouch (also called "Jinnang"). Luo Shu accepts the pouch. Han Muzhi arrives and pulls Luo Shu away. Luo Shu expresses her concern about hindering his future, but Han Muzhi insists he wants to be a good official on his own merit, promising to break off the engagement and asking her to wait for good news.
Han Muzhi attempts to end the engagement, but Liu Wan refuses, presenting him with a token of their betrothal. Luo Shu anxiously awaits the outcome, seeing Liu Yiqing summon Han Muzhi. Liu Wan sends He Xiang to invite Luo Shu to a theatrical performance. Luo Shu wants to consult Han Muzhi, but he is occupied with Liu Yiqing.
Luo Shu attends the performance. Liu Wan, in front of other noblewomen, exposes Luo Shu's past at the Mingke Brothel and asks her to play the pipa. Luo Shu performs, recalling her childhood hardships. The performance ends, and Liu Wan invites the others to request songs, forcing Luo Shu to comply. Han Muzhi arrives, having heard what was happening.
