Under the Moonlight Episode 3 Recap, Plot

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Han Muzhi wrote a letter to Governor Qi to confirm that Qi Menglin was indeed his son. Once confirmed, Qi Menglin was released and treated to a banquet to calm his nerves. Tired of the luxurious lifestyle at home, Qi Menglin decided to venture into the world on his own and ran away from home. Luo Shu reported back to Han Muzhi, and Qi Menglin recognized her. He shouted at her and mocked her as effeminate.

Luo Shu apologized to him, but Qi Menglin continued to berate her and demanded that she act as his guide. Luo Shu sought Han Muzhi’s permission and agreed to be Qi Menglin’s guide. Early the next morning, Luo Shu came to find Qi Menglin. Qi Menglin decided to leave his personal attendant behind at the county office and took Luo Shu to wander the streets.

Intentionally making things difficult for her, he bought a large quantity of rice, flour, and oil and made Luo Shu carry it all. When she was struggling under the weight, he added a millstone to her burden. However, Luo Shu hired a cart to carry everything, skillfully resolving the predicament. Qi Menglin was disheartened that his plan to trouble her had failed. Luo Shu took Qi Menglin to experience the real world, bringing him to a filthy, impoverished slum.

She distributed all the items Qi Menglin bought to the poor residents there. The people swarmed and quickly snatched up everything. An elderly man who didn’t get anything received money directly from Qi Menglin instead. This act gave him a sense of unprecedented satisfaction. Qi Menglin wanted to give away all his silver notes to the poor, but Luo Shu advised him to stop while he was ahead. He refused to listen.

A local thug, seeing what Qi Menglin was doing, led him to a cockfighting arena. Qi Menglin quickly lost a lot of money. Luo Shu, realizing the owner was cheating, quietly alerted Qi Menglin. When Qi Menglin confronted the owner, the cockfighting ring members, working together, threatened him. Just as Qi Menglin was about to take out his silver notes, Luo Shu, who had already taken them for safekeeping, pulled him away amidst the chaos. Qi Menglin fled in panic.

The two of them ran straight back to the county office. Although Qi Menglin was still trembling with fear, he found the experience thrilling. Luo Shu returned his silver notes, and Qi Menglin contentedly went back to his room. Han Muzhi, hearing of the incident, advised Luo Shu not to act as Qi Menglin’s guide again the following day.

Later, Luo Shu suggested that Han Muzhi re-investigate the case of Xu Luan, but the case had been adjudicated by the previous magistrate. Luo Shu offered to organize all the existing clues for Han Muzhi’s review, and he readily agreed. Qi Menglin, eager to seek justice for Xu Luan, was unsure where to start and spent the night poring over legal cases for inspiration. Luo Shu worked late into the night as well.

When she returned, Jin Miaocui lamented not having taken her jewelry when they fled and crafted a ring from leaves. Luo Shu gave her a hairpin gifted by Fifth Lady, suggesting she sell it to buy jewelry she liked. The next day, Luo Shu sought help from Captain Cai to investigate Xu Luan’s case. Through his sister Cai Baozi, Captain Cai learned about Luo Shu’s righteous character and began to treat her like a younger sister.

Luo Shu asked Captain Cai to take her to Xu Wuzuo for further details about the case. Captain Cai recounted how Lin Xiong had accused Xu Luan of killing his wife, Liu Sanniang. Xu Luan, a water delivery man, had delivered water to Lin Xiong’s house late at night. Lin Xiong suspected an affair between his wife and Xu Luan. Xu Wuzuo’s autopsy revealed that Liu Sanniang’s head had been severed, a detail that struck Luo Shu as highly suspicious.

However, the previous magistrate had convicted Xu Luan and imprisoned him. Luo Shu presented her findings to Han Muzhi and proposed reopening the case. Han Muzhi agreed that the case had many inconsistencies, but Chen Meiqing strongly opposed the idea, warning that the previous magistrate, now a higher-ranking prefect, was Han Muzhi’s superior. Despite the risks, Han Muzhi was determined to uncover the truth. Luo Shu was tasked with gathering more evidence.

On her way out, she encountered Qi Menglin, who insisted on joining the investigation with his attendant, Lian Shu. Together, they visited Lin Xiong’s home, only to find the doors locked. Qi Menglin wanted to climb over the wall, but Luo Shu opted to sit at a nearby tea stand instead. At the tea stand, Luo Shu questioned the owner about Liu Sanniang’s case.

The owner’s wife claimed Liu Sanniang was flirtatious and provocative, while her husband defended Liu Sanniang’s reputation. The couple’s conflicting accounts led to a heated argument. Qi Menglin gathered the neighbors, treating them to tea and fruit to encourage them to talk. They revealed that Lin Xiong and Xu Luan had been childhood friends. After Liu Sanniang’s first husband, Li Fengchun, passed away, she married Lin Xiong and gave birth six months later.

Rumors circulated that Liu Sanniang and Lin Xiong had been involved before her first husband’s death, and there were also whispers of her having an affair with Xu Luan. Meanwhile, Luo Shu continued her inquiries, discovering that Liu Sanniang was gentle and rarely left her home, while Xu Luan was known for being opportunistic. The mixed accounts left Luo Shu and Qi Menglin uncertain of the truth.

They decided to stake out Lin Xiong’s home, eventually catching him as he returned. When questioned, Lin Xiong appeared nervous, arousing Luo Shu and Qi Menglin’s suspicions that he might have killed Liu Sanniang and framed Xu Luan. They immediately brought their findings to Han Muzhi.

Episode 2 Recap

Episode 4 Recap

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