Episode Summary
In this episode, we learn about Wu Zhen's demonic origins as the Cat Duke and Mei Zhuyu's tragic past, which fuels his quest for revenge. Their investigation into a bat demon at a brothel leads them to discover a powerful cursed object called the "Boneless Bone." To protect Mei Zhuyu from her aunt, the Empress, Wu Zhen stages a public breakup. We also meet Liu Taizhen, the Snake Duke, and witness more of the complex social and demonic politics of Chang'an.
Spoiler Alert
Moonlit Reunion Episode 2Recap: Demons, Dukes, and Drama
Episode 2 of Moonlit Reunion begins with Wu Zhen lost in a snowy nightmare, reliving the day a great fire consumed the city. As she lay dying, a mysterious black cat offered her a deal: a new life as a half-human, half-demon in exchange for becoming the "Cat Duke." When she jolts awake, her magical assistant, the Wordless Book, appears with news. The bat demon Fuxi has possessed a dancer named Bitao at the Xiangsi Brothel. Fuxi was drawn there because Bitao's friend, Zhelu, was attracting another bat demon, Fuchao.
Just then, Mei Zhuyu walks in, and the Wordless Book vanishes into smoke. Thinking fast, Wu Zhen invites Mei Zhuyu to the brothel. Seeing his humble donkey cart, she schemes to get him into her luxurious carriage instead. This, of course, sets the town gossiping that the princess has a new favorite, much to Mei Zhuyu's embarrassment.
At the brothel, Wu Zhen’s old flame, Gu Changhuai, tries to make her jealous by cozying up to Zhelu, but Wu Zhen couldn't care less. She's focused on the restless bat demon, Fuchao, hidden in a sachet. With the help of the Wordless Book, she successfully separates the other bat demon, Fuxi, from the dancer's body. This unleashes a wave of demonic energy, plunging the guests into a wild hallucination filled with bats. Mei Zhuyu, ever the professional, recognizes the illusion and uses his demon-slaying skills to dispel it.
Later, outside the brothel, Mei Zhuyu spots a tabby cat falling from a beam. When a servant tries to harm it, the Wordless Book intervenes, revealing that Mei Zhuyu has despised cats since he was a child.
Meanwhile, in the hidden Demon Market, the bat demon Fuxi recovers. Her companion, Fuchao, apologizes for leading her down a demonic path. Wu Zhen offers some wisdom, telling Fuxi that there's strength in being alone and warmth in companionship, and she shouldn't be troubled by either. Fuxi seems to understand and thanks her. She then recalls how she first became corrupted: after arriving in Chang'an, she ended up in a jewelry workshop where a strange, blood-red stone radiated a powerful resentment. The Wordless Book identifies this artifact as a "Boneless Bone," a bone formed from the remains of someone who died with great injustice, capable of driving both humans and demons to madness.
Elsewhere, Mei Zhuyu visits his family's dilapidated old home. The sight of his parents' untouched ancestral tablets brings back painful memories. He remembers waiting with his mother for his father, who never returned from the great fire. His master from Changxi Palace later told him the fire wasn't an accident but the work of demons. This is his true reason for joining the Xuanjian Division: to uncover the truth and avenge his parents.
Back at the palace, Empress Wu and Consort Mei hear that Wu Zhen has taken an interest in a man. The Empress is amused until she learns he's Mei Zhuyu of the Xuanjian Division. Her mood sours instantly, and she dismisses him as a low-ranking nobody trying to climb the social ladder, ordering her men to teach him a lesson. When Wu Zhen gets word of this, she storms into the Xuanjian Division. To protect Mei Zhuyu, she throws a very public tantrum, declaring that he has no interest in her and that they are finished, effectively severing their ties in front of everyone.
On her way home, she runs into Liu Taizhen. Though they bicker on the surface, they are secretly allies and fellow rulers of the Demon Market—Wu Zhen is the Cat Duke, and Liu Taizhen is the Snake Duke. Liu Taizhen expresses her concern about the re-emergence of demon slayers from Changxi Palace, fearing it will lead to chaos.
That night, the jeweler is awakened by strange noises. He finds the "Boneless Bone" in his hand and looks up to see all the jewels in his workshop floating in mid-air. He faints from terror and reports the incident to the Xuanjian Division the next day, but an official named Xu Luan scoffs, accusing him of faking it for publicity.
The episode ends with another round of drama. Mei Si, overjoyed that his fiancée Liu Taizhen is back in town, rushes to find her. Wu Zhen helps Liu Taizhen slip away and deals with him. At the same time, a man named Xie Loubai starts mocking Mei Zhuyu downstairs. Wu Zhen once again comes to Mei Zhuyu's defense, this time by pouring a bottle of fragrant dew down on Xie Loubai from a balcony, leaving everyone stunned.
