Episode Summary
Qi Menglin's plan to deliver grain to Linfen is almost exposed, but he's rescued by his father, Qi Yanjin. Luo Shu suspects Lian Qi. Liu Wan encourages Han Muzhi and reveals she was the one who chose him. Qin Yi's plan to force Luo Shu into marriage fails, and he vows revenge. Liu Yiqing is furious about his daughter and Qi Menglin.
Spoiler Alert
In episode 33 of "Under the Moonlight", Qi Menglin, determined to help the people of Linfen, decides to take a huge risk. He reveals his entire plan to Luo Shu: he's going to transport military grain to aid the starving citizens. He sends Lianshu to find boats for the operation. Even though Lianshu urges him to reconsider, Qi Menglin is resolute, wanting Luo Shu by his side. He goes as far as forging the necessary documents and sneaking into his father's study to stamp them with the official seal. He is almost caught and asks Lian Qi to help him.
Qi Menglin successfully gets the grain loaded onto the ships, though the warehouse official and the local military officer recognize the forged documents. However, they're too afraid of Qi Menglin's father, the Governor, to intervene. Luo Shu, reviewing the events, finds Lian Qi suspicious, but Qi Menglin dismisses this, citing Lian Qi's trusted position with Qi Yanjin.
Meanwhile, Liu Wan travels directly to Linfen to see Han Muzhi. She encourages him to persevere in the face of the corrupt official system. She returns his resignation letter, revealing that it was she, not her father Liu Yiqing, who initially recognized Han Muzhi's talent and pushed for his appointment. Han Muzhi is deeply moved by this revelation.
Liu Yiqing, stressed over his daughter's marriage prospects, goes fishing and is joined by a concerned Official Zhao. Back in Linfen, Liu Wan bids farewell to Han Muzhi, acknowledging the dangerous path he's chosen and pledging her full support. At the docks, Han Muzhi sees her off, and Liu Wan gives him an embroidered pouch as a token of their affection.
Lianshu, trying to gather information, learns of the warehouse official's death. Luo Shu and Qi Menglin investigate the official's home, finding a large sum of money and a handkerchief embroidered with the words "Yuchun Ruyan," suggesting a connection to a woman named Ruyan from the Yuchun brothel.
Suddenly, Qin Yi arrives with his men, surrounding Luo Shu and Qi Menglin. Qin Yi, revealing his true colors, threatens to destroy the Qi family unless Luo Shu agrees to marry him. She refuses, but Qin Yi offers a deal: her marriage in exchange for Qi Menglin's life. Qi Menglin refuses, and Qin Yi orders his men to beat him. Luo Shu declares she'll die alongside Qi Menglin.
Just then, Qi Yanjin appears with a group of masked men, rescuing Luo Shu and Qi Menglin. Qin Yi, enraged by his failed plan, vows revenge on both Qi Menglin and Qi Yanjin, taking out his anger on the three girls he adopted.
Liu Wan rushes home, relieved to find her father unharmed, realizing he tricked her into returning. Liu Yiqing had guessed that Liu Wan took Han Muzhi's resignation, and when she admits to returning it, he explodes in anger. Qin Yi arrives to meet with Liu Yiqing, and Liu Wan makes a quick exit, ignoring Qin Yi's attempts to get her attention.
Liu Yiqing, furious that Qi Yanjin rescued Qi Menglin, berates and threatens Qin Yi. Finally, Qi Yanjin takes Qi Menglin and Luo Shu to Tianlong Mountain, settling them in a residence at the foot of the mountain.
