Episode Summary
Qin Yi and Luo Shu recover the military grain, leading to a confrontation in Linfen. Qin Yi attempts to capture Luo Shu and Qi Menglin, but they are hidden by Han Muzhi. A series of betrayals and schemes unfold, culminating in a fiery showdown at Mingke Brothel where Qin Yi perishes, and Qi Menglin rescues Luo Shu.
Spoiler Alert
In episode 35 of "Under the Moonlight," the action intensifies as Qin Yi and Luo Shu successfully recover the military's grain supply. Qi Menglin and Luo Shu purchase the grain for 3,000 taels of silver and immediately transport it to Linfen. Qin Yi, arriving at Luosha Port, learns of their actions and heads to Taoyuan Ferry, only to find he's too late. Undeterred, he sets off for Linfen with his men.
Early in the morning, Qi Menglin and Luo Shu reach Linfen, intending to distribute the grain to the people. Han Muzhi dispatches Constable Cai to investigate. The citizens, suspicious of the grain's origins, are only reassured when Luo Shu reveals the elaborate scheme orchestrated by Liu Yiqing and Qin Yi to switch the military grain.
Qin Yi arrives in Linfen by boat, furious to see Luo Shu and Qi Menglin distributing the grain. He accelerates to shore, but Constable Cai intercepts Luo Shu and Qi Menglin, spiriting them away to the County Government for safety, leaving Qin Yi empty-handed.
Han Muzhi hides Luo Shu and Qi Menglin in the County Government, and Qi Menglin asks Constable Cai to deliver a letter to Lianshu in Taiyuan. Qin Yi surrounds the County Government, demanding the handover of Luo Shu and Qi Menglin, invoking Liu Yiqing's name. Han Muzhi stands firm, and Qin Yi, aware of the severe consequences of raiding a government office, orders his men to keep watch.
Liu Yiqing, learning of the situation, decides to exploit it to eliminate both Qin Yi and Han Muzhi. He sends Peng Cheng to instruct Qin Yi to kill Han Muzhi. However, Qin Yi sees through Liu Yiqing's plot, realizing he'd be next. Qin Yi proposes to Peng Cheng that they kill Han Muzhi together, ensuring mutual protection against Liu Yiqing. Peng Cheng, worried about failing, is reassured by Qin Yi's promise of support and agrees.
Meanwhile, conflict erupts between citizens on both sides of the Fen River over new, high-quality grain seeds. Han Muzhi and his constables intervene. Simultaneously, Qin Yi causes trouble at the County Government, while Chen Meiqing stalls him at the front gate. Several masked men infiltrate the backyard, where Cai Baozi and Coroner Xu have set traps. Xu Wenzheng tries to escort Luo Shu and Qi Menglin to safety, but they are pursued, and Qi Menglin is injured.
Han Muzhi and Constable Cai arrive at the scene of the grain dispute, breaking up the fight. An assassin attempts to attack Han Muzhi, but Constable Cai intervenes, killing the attacker and recognizing him from Taiyuan. Qin Yi, noticing blood outside the County Government, deduces Qi Menglin is nearby and orders a search.
Luo Shu takes the injured Qi Menglin to a slum where they've previously done charity work. Qi Menglin loses consciousness from blood loss. Luo Shu cares for him and goes to find a doctor. Qi Menglin wakes up, finds Luo Shu gone, and struggles to search for her.
Luo Shu, returning with medicine, is captured by a thug named Er Mazi and taken to Qin Yi at Mingke Brothel. Qi Menglin, searching for Luo Shu, learns of her capture. Qin Yi tries to coerce Luo Shu, who defiantly resists. Enraged, Qin Yi pins her down. Qi Menglin locates Luo Shu at the brothel but finds it sealed shut.
Qin Yi uses Luo Shu as bait to lure Qi Menglin. Qi Menglin arrives, offering his life in exchange for Luo Shu's freedom. Qin Yi attacks Qi Menglin and assaults Luo Shu in front of him. Luo Shu warns Qin Yi that Liu Yiqing will betray him even if he kills Qi Menglin, but Qin Yi doesn't believe her. Han Muzhi, Liu Yiqing, and Officer Zhao surround the brothel. Qin Yi, realizing his doom, publicly accuses Liu Yiqing of masterminding everything. Han Muzhi orders Qin Yi's arrest, but Qin Yi threatens Luo Shu's life. Officer Zhao orders Qin Yi to be captured.
Qin Yi, prepared for a mutual demise, ignites stone lacquer within the room. The fire spreads rapidly. Han Muzhi desperately tries to break down the door to save Luo Shu, but Liu Yiqing orders it sealed. Qi Menglin bravely rushes into the burning room, rescuing Luo Shu. Qin Yi tries to stop them, but Qi Menglin kicks him away. Qin Yi perishes in the flames, while Qi Menglin and Luo Shu narrowly escape.
