{year}=2025{episode}=EP.07{type}=TV{ongoing}
Plot Summary
Luo Shu (Hu Bing Qing) was sold to the Qin family and later went to a brothel as a child after losing her parents in a fire. Since then, she has tried to escape, but a mysterious force prevents her from leaving. One day, with the help of County Commissioner Han Mu Zhi (He Peng), who is attracted by her intelligence and courage, she is finally able to escape. Recognizing her observation and wisdom, Han Mu Zhi joins her in solving a case where a woman seeking God's blessing for pregnancy is tricked and hidden by a man who pretends to be a disciple of God. Due to the shame associated with such crimes, no victim comes forward. Luo Shu plays a key role in bringing down the criminal organization, then she asks for help in restoring her status as a commoner to escape the lowest echelons of society.
To protect her from being arrested by a brothel while waiting for her official documents, Han Mu Zhi allows her to stay at the commissioner’s station. Over time, Luo Shu becomes an unofficial guardian, using her sharp mind to help Han Mu Zhi solve many local crimes. They fall in love.
Setting and Theme
Set in the Ming Dynasty, when social norms were deeply conservative and women were discouraged from appearing in public, Luo Shu disguises herself as a man to conduct research. Although most people around her know her true identity, Qi Meng Lin (Zhai Zi Lu), a young girl from a wealthy and powerful family, remains indifferent, leading to a humorous and endearing interaction. As the story unfolds, Qi Meng Lin finally discovers her identity and falls in love with her as well, leading to a love triangle and a fun dynamic between the three.
Unlike many mystery dramas that revolve around complex and intriguing murders, Under the Moonlight presents cases that feel real—crimes such as spousal murder, neighborly disputes, fraud, and human trafficking. The drama effectively portrays a rigid class hierarchy where the powerful hold power with impunity while the poor are trampled upon without a voice. Luo Shu’s ability to solve these problems through constant observation and critical thinking is clearly demonstrated, making her journey all the more compelling.
Characters and Performances
Since I don’t know the actors well, my assessment is based purely on their performances in the drama.
Luo Shu (Hu Bing Qing)
Luo Shu is portrayed as brave, intelligent, and selfless. Hu Bing Qing brings the character to life, although I found her facial expressions a bit lacking at times. Some of the emotional moments—such as fear, anger, and sadness—could have been more clearly expressed. It’s unclear whether this was a deliberate choice in the writing or a limitation of the performance, but more emotion would have added depth to her performance.
Qi Meng Lin (Zhai Zi Lu)
Of all the characters, Qi Meng Lin is my favorite. Zhai Zi Lu gives a perfect performance, capturing the essence of a young, heartbroken, and loving nobleman who remains optimistic despite his troubles. His interactions with his servant Lian Shu (Yu Yao) are hilarious—Lian Shu, despite being a servant, essentially controls Qi Meng Lin’s finances and often chides him for his excessive spending. Their dynamic adds a lighthearted and engaging element to the show.
Han Mu Zhi (He Peng)
Han Mu Zhi is a principled and stern man who despises corruption and refuses to bow to those in power. However, He Peng’s acting is stiff, with little expression, making him seem almost robotic at times. Given He Peng’s strong performance in The Untamed as Wen Chao, I suspect that this rigidity is an intentional aspect of the character rather than a casting flaw. However, the moments of softer emotion—especially with Luo Shu—show a deeper complexity beneath his tough exterior.
There are some morally ambiguous characters whose true nature remains elusive. The writer skillfully uses both character development and acting to maintain this sense of ambiguity, keeping the audience engaged until the very end.
Final Thoughts
The historical authenticity enhances the viewing experience, making this one of the most visually stunning dramas. The costumes for all the characters are carefully designed and highly believable, contributing to the overall realism of the show.
