Episode Summary
Hu Zhu advances her investigation using a clever diversion, while Mei Zhuyu and Wu Zhen's romantic mountain trip ends in a bitter argument, leaving them estranged. A new character, Wu Zhen's cousin Pei Jiya, is introduced as a rival for her affection; he orchestrates a fake bandit attack and a failed poisoning attempt on Mei Zhuyu.
Spoiler Alert
"Moonlit Reunion" Episode 14: A Trip, a Trap, and a Rival
Episode 14 of Moonlit Reunion begins with Hu Zhu sneaking back into the Ruyi Lounge. She finds some "Five-Stone Powder," a dangerous substance, tucked away in a corner. Over in the lively Liu Lane, Shuang Jiang and Huang Yi are on patrol. To create a diversion, Hu Zhu drops the powder from a second-story window, which immediately gets Huang Yi's attention, and he starts a search of the area.
Watching this all go down from her carriage is Liu Taizhen, who seems pleased that Wu Zhen's plan is working. Just then, Mei Si spots her and rushes over to say hello, only to get the cold shoulder as usual. He isn't discouraged, though, and tells her he's going to write a book for her that's even better than "Notes on Monsters and Ghouls." The fact that she doesn't give him a full-on glare is enough to make him happy.
Later that night, Mei Zhuyu is walking through a quiet alley when he sees an old farmer selling peaches. Feeling sorry for the man, he buys all of them. Wu Zhen suddenly appears and asks for one. He carefully wipes the dew off a peach before handing it to her, a small gesture that she finds incredibly sweet. Even though the peaches are sour, they buy them all so the old farmer won't feel bad.
Meanwhile, Shuang Jiang throws a big farewell dinner for Hu Zhu, pretending he has more money than he does. He tells her he plans to buy a horse and leave town. Hu Zhu feels a bit sad but points him to North Street, the best place to buy a horse. Their friendly chat makes one of Hu Zhu's admirers jealous.
The next morning, Shuang Jiang is confused when he sees the horse he bought for Mei Zhuyu is already attached to a carriage. He suspects his friend is up to something. Hu Zhu clarifies the situation: Mei Zhuyu isn't leaving; he bought the horse and carriage to take Wu Zhen out to see the flowers in the mountains.
Out in a beautiful peach grove, Wu Zhen gives Mei Zhuyu a peach blossom. The romantic setting prompts Mei Zhuyu to bring up their accidental kiss from before. Wu Zhen quickly brushes it off as a simple misunderstanding. As they sit together, Wu Zhen wishes there was a magic spell to make the flowers last forever. Mei Zhuyu, however, calmly explains that nature has its own rhythm and shouldn't be altered. This annoys Wu Zhen, who tosses a blade of grass. Watching it fall reminds Mei Zhuyu of a cat he knows, and he starts talking about how clever it is. Wu Zhen's mood instantly brightens, and she playfully says the cat has good taste, just like her, because they're both drawn to his charm.
They share a look and lean in close, but Mei Zhuyu suddenly remembers the strict rules of the Changxi Palace. He pulls back, saying their closeness is improper and that he has to leave, trying to cut things off. Furious, Wu Zhen jumps into the carriage he prepared and speeds away, leaving him and Shuang Jiang stranded in a cloud of dust. The two friends have no choice but to start the long walk back to the city.
Elsewhere, Mei Si has locked himself in his room to write. His father, assuming he's just drawing his usual "low-class" art, is about to break down the door when he sees his son writing seriously. Mei Si knows his magical companion, Xuanhui, is secretly helping him. His father's suspicion returns when he spots a statue, thinking it's for gambling. Mei Si quickly explains that Xuanhui is a divine being. To prove it, Xuanhui twists its body into the Chinese character for "culture," instantly winning over the father, who sets up an altar for it.
Back at her home, Wu Zhen complains to Hu Zhu about Mei Zhuyu. A servant overhears and sends a message via carrier pigeon. At an inn, Mei Zhuyu and Shuang Jiang are having dinner. Bandits suddenly storm in, robbing the patrons.Mei Zhuyu and a mysterious man in white are the only ones who remain calm. Mei Zhuyu tricks the bandits by telling them his money is in his room. When they follow him, they walk right into a trap set by Shuang Jiang.
After the officials take the bandits away, the man in white introduces himself as Pei Jiya and invites them to dinner as thanks. An expert in fragrances, he notes that Mei Zhuyu has an old injury and smells a woman's perfume on him. He also mentions he's returned to the capital to find his childhood sweetheart. After the meal, Shuang Jiang suddenly collapses from stomach pain—he's been poisoned.It's revealed that Pei Jiya is actually Wu Zhen's cousin and is in love with her. The bandit attack was a setup to get rid of his rival. However, since Mei Zhuyu didn't eat or drink anything, the poison plot failed.Believing Mei Zhuyu has already lost Wu Zhen's affection and is no longer a threat, Pei Jiya leaves for the capital.
