Under the Moonlight Episode 17 Recap, Plot

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Luo Shu witnessed Han Muzhi's charisma at the county school, and she couldn't help but admire him deeply. She could see that Han Muzhi had great ambitions, but she was worried that she might hinder his future. Han Muzhi, however, had no interest in fame or fortune; he only sought to live without regret. Early the next morning, Cai Baozi noticed that Luo Shu was missing. Xu Wuzuo revealed that Luo Shu and Han Muzhi had gone on a date.

Cai Baozi was happy for them, but Xu Wuzuo had some concerns. Han Muzhi was already betrothed to Liu Wan, the daughter of Liu Yiqing, and Xu Wuzuo feared that Han Muzhi might sacrifice his career for love. Cai Baozi and Cai Butou, however, believed that love was the most important thing. After taking care of Zao Hua’s affairs, Chen Meiqing returned to the county office and overheard Xu Wuzuo and others discussing Han Muzhi.

He warned them not to disturb Han Muzhi’s peace. Qi Menglin, having lunch at a restaurant, overheard the students praising Han Muzhi’s literary talents. Feeling bitter, he left before finishing his meal. He planned to visit Xu Wuzuo and Cai Baozi to chat but saw Han Muzhi and Luo Shu coming back together, showing their affection. Frustrated, he left. Han Muzhi wrote a letter to Liu Yiqing late at night, stating his intention to break off the engagement with Liu Wan.

Qi Menglin swore to study hard from the next day onwards and surpass Han Muzhi. He burned all his treasured storybooks, but despite Lian Shu’s advice, he couldn’t shake his resolve. Han Muzhi soon received a letter from Liu Yiqing, who informed him that he would be inspecting the waterworks in Linfen and investigating the case involving Qian Dayou. Liu Yiqing would also be staying at the county office.

Chen Meiqing felt uneasy about Liu Yiqing’s visit and was worried for Han Muzhi. Cai Baozi asked Luo Shu about her date with Han Muzhi, but Luo Shu just smiled without answering. Han Muzhi came to see Luo Shu and mentioned Liu Yiqing's upcoming inspection. He decided to confront Liu Yiqing in person. Liu Yiqing arrived in Linfen, accompanied by Liu Wan, to finalize Han Muzhi’s marriage to her daughter.

Liu Yiqing praised Han Muzhi’s work but also pointed out his shortcomings. He warned Han Muzhi to maintain distance from Qi Menglin and gave him a lecture on the duties of an official. Cai Baozi made some buns and asked Cai Butou to deliver them to Qi Menglin, hoping he would console Luo Shu. Liu Yiqing, along with Liu Wan, sought Han Muzhi’s input on the wedding date, leaving Luo Shu feeling troubled.

Qi Menglin wanted to comfort Luo Shu but hesitated, feeling it might not be appropriate. Chen Meiqing noticed Luo Shu’s distress and kindly urged her to go out for a walk to clear her mind. Liu Yiqing left early, urging Liu Wan and Han Muzhi to finalize their wedding date. Liu Wan, still suspicious of Luo Shu, found out that Han Muzhi had assisted Luo Shu in helping the county office solve several cases.

She became more resentful and even sent her maid, He Xiang, to inquire further about Luo Shu. Han Muzhi guessed that Liu Wan might cause trouble for Luo Shu and warned her to be cautious. He Xiang discovered that there was indeed a "Luo Du Tou" (a title for a county official) at the county office. Liu Wan decided to meet this person in person.

When Liu Wan came to the kitchen looking for Cai Baozi, she bumped into Luo Shu, who was about to leave, and immediately recognized her as a woman. Liu Wan investigated Luo Shu's background and quickly discovered that she was the woman Han Muzhi intended to rescue. She sent someone to summon Luo Shu for a confrontation. Chen Meiqing saw Liu Wan taking Luo Shu away and immediately rushed to inform Han Muzhi.

Fearing that Luo Shu might be mistreated, Han Muzhi rushed over to intervene. Liu Wan was aggressive and intentionally handed Luo Shu a brocade pouch, revealing that Luo Shu had used the name "Jin Nang" (meaning "Brocade Pouch") in Ming Ke Fang. Luo Shu’s subordinate, who had also gone by that name, was exposed. Han Muzhi arrived just in time, pulling Luo Shu away.

Luo Shu didn’t want to jeopardize Han Muzhi’s future, but he reassured her that he wanted to become a good official on his own merits, without relying on others. Han Muzhi promised that he would break off his engagement soon and asked Luo Shu to wait for his good news. Han Muzhi went to see Liu Wan to break off their engagement, but Liu Wan refused. She presented him with a token as proof of their commitment.

Luo Shu, anxiously waiting for the results of their conversation, felt uneasy when she saw Liu Yiqing summon Han Muzhi. Liu Wan had He Xiang send an invitation to Luo Shu, asking her to attend a court meeting. Luo Shu wanted to discuss things with Han Muzhi, but Liu Yiqing kept him busy with official matters.

Luo Shu attended the court meeting as scheduled, and Liu Wan intentionally brought up Luo Shu’s background in front of the noble ladies, claiming she was from Ming Ke Fang. She then forced Luo Shu to play the pipa to entertain the guests. As Luo Shu played, she couldn’t help but recall her childhood experiences. After finishing the song, Liu Wan asked the guests to choose another, and Luo Shu reluctantly complied. Hearing the news, Han Muzhi rushed over.

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