In Under the Moonlight episode 22, Luo Su investigates the staged suicide of groom Wu Dali in the Zhou household. Although concubine Xiao Yue initially faces suspicion, Luo Su exposes the true killer as legitimate wife Xue Wenyi, who acted in desperate self-defense against Dali's violent extortion and assault.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Drama Title | Under the Moonlight (Feng Yue Jin Nang) |
| Episode Number | Episode 22 of 24 |
| Directing Team | Gao Qiming (Chief Director), Guo Feng (Director) |
| Screenwriter | Xu Ziyuan |
| Main Cast | Hu Bingqing (Luo Su), Zhai Zilu (Qi Menglin), Ding Shaoying (Liu Wan), He Peng (Han Mozhi) |
The Stable Hanging and the High-Speed Cart Chase
Episode 22 opens with shock inside the Zhou residence when groom Wu Dali is found hanging in the stable. While the household attempts to treat his death as a straightforward suicide, concubine Xiao Yue moves quickly behind the scenes. She hires laborers to smuggle Dali's corpse out of the estate for a clandestine burial. Alerted to the suspicious transport, Zi Yan immediately notifies Luo Su and Liu Wan.
Without a second thought, Luo Su calls on Qi Menglin, who waits outside on horseback. Menglin spurs his horse into a rapid gallop to intercept the fleeing cart before the evidence disappears forever.
"Hold on to me tightly." — Qi Menglin
Thanks to Menglin's intervention, the magistrate's team recovers the body intact. Luo Su summons the imprisoned leader of the Xiangdang sect to examine the deceased. Looking at the corpse, the sect leader confirms Wu Dali's previous identity as his former disciple, Wu Lisheng.
"He was once a disciple under my sect, and his name was Lisheng." — Xiangdang Sect Leader
This identification brings past grievances into focus. Years earlier, Xiao Yue fell prey to the corrupt Xiangdang sect while desperately praying for a child. Dali recognized her secret and used it to subject her to relentless extortion. Xiao Yue had previously conspired with Dali to frame legitimate wife Xue Wenyi for adultery to secure her own position, but Dali's greed soon pushed her to the brink.
Forensic Revelations and the Incense Burner Trap
Gathering Zhou Xuan and the household members together, Luo Su breaks down the physical evidence from her examination of the corpse. The ligature marks encircle the neck horizontally rather than rising in an inverted V-shape, and blunt trauma marks mark the back of the head. These findings establish that Wu Dali was murdered prior to being hung up in the rafters.
"Wu Dali did not hang himself. This is a murder staged as suicide." — Luo Su
Suspicion immediately shifts toward Xiao Yue, who hired the corpse carriers. Panicked and furious, Zhou Xuan questions the lineage of their son and physically assaults her in front of the witnesses. Xiao Yue fires back, condemning his vanity and pointing out his own physical inadequacy.
"Did you never consider that you were the one incapable of fathering a child?" — Xiao Yue
While Xiao Yue admits to framing Xue Wenyi under Dali's blackmail, she adamantly denies striking the fatal blow. Luo Su notices discrepancies in the narrative. Knocking down a man of Dali's stature required a heavy metallic blunt object. Luo Su and Liu Wan stage an audible conversation within earshot of the courtyard, claiming the murder weapon must be a missing bronze incense burner.
"It is very likely the heavy incense burner that was kept in the room." — Luo Su and Liu Wan
That night, the investigation team catches someone sneaking in to dispose of the burner. The figure stepping out from the shadows is not Xiao Yue, but first wife Xue Wenyi.
"I killed Wu Dali." — Xue Wenyi
Xue Wenyi tearfully recounts what happened in the stable. Having overheard Xiao Yue and Dali conspiring against her, Wenyi offered Dali double the bribe money to clear her name. Instead, Dali attempted to assault her on the spot.
"I am doing this because I want you." — Wu Dali
During their struggle, Wenyi grabbed the nearby incense burner, struck him over the head in self-defense, and hung his unconscious body out of panic. Recognizing that Dali initiated the attack, Luo Su ensures the court records the act as justified self-defense rather than premeditated murder.
Zhou Xuan's Downfall and the Wind and Tree Dialogue
The resolution of the homicide exposes Zhou Xuan's moral bankruptcy. While boasting of scholar ancestry, he relied on his wife's family wealth to buy official recognition while abusing both women behind closed doors. Magistrate Han Mozhi delivers a swift ruling.
"Zhou Xuan's virtue does not match his office. As of today, he is dismissed from his educational post in Linfen County." — Han Mozhi
Despite uncovering the truth, Luo Su finds little joy in the outcome. She reflects on the systemic trap that forced two women in the same home to ruin their lives.
"We all lost. No one truly won this fight." — Luo Su
Liu Wan contrasts her position with Luo Su's independence, noting how Luo Su moves freely across boundaries while she must remain anchored to protect her family estate.
"You live like a gust of wind, free to dream. But I am like a tree, rooted to protect this corner of the world." — Liu Wan
Readers interested in the visual styling of these scenes can consult our Under the Moonlight Episode 22 Outfits: Luo Su and Liu Wan Style Breakdown, which examines the period garments worn during these confrontations.
Looking Ahead to the Finale
With the Zhou estate case concluded, the series sets up its final two episodes. Luo Su prepares to resign from the Linfen yamen to travel freely. Qi Menglin makes his loyalty explicit, promising to stand by her side across any landscape.
"Whether through the misty rains of Jiangnan or the northern desert dunes, I will go with you." — Qi Menglin
For a breakdown of upcoming plot points, check our Under the Moonlight Episode 24 Recap: The 13-Year Arson Mystery and Qi Menglin's Vow, explore the subsequent clues in Under the Moonlight Episode 25 Recap: Arson Clues, Poison, and Luo Su's Choice, or see how character arcs resolve in Under the Moonlight Episode 26 Ending Explained: Xu Biao's Death and Luo Su's Choice.
Frequently asked questions
Who killed Wu Dali in Under the Moonlight episode 22?
First wife Xue Wenyi struck Wu Dali with a heavy bronze incense burner after he attempted to assault her in the stable. She then hung him from the rafters in panic to stage a suicide.
Why did Xiao Yue attempt to steal and bury Wu Dali's body?
Wu Dali had been blackmailing Xiao Yue regarding her past dealings with the Xiangdang sect. Fearing the magistrate's autopsy would expose their connection, Xiao Yue hired laborers to secretly move and bury the corpse.
What happens to Zhou Xuan at the end of the episode?
Magistrate Han Mozhi strips Zhou Xuan of his official educational post in Linfen County after his abusive conduct, deceit, and moral failure are exposed.
How does Luo Su prove Wu Dali's death was not suicide?
Luo Su identifies blunt force trauma on the back of Wu Dali's skull and notes that the ligature marks on his neck were horizontal rather than the inverted V-shape typical of a hanging.
What does the dialogue between Luo Su and Liu Wan represent?
The conversation highlights the divergent paths of two women navigating societal restrictions, with Luo Su choosing unattached freedom like the wind while Liu Wan stays rooted like a tree to protect her family.