In the captivating drama Moonlit Reunion (子夜归), Wu Zhen's (武祯) life hangs by a thread, haunted by a secret buried eighteen years ago. Once a mortal saved by the Previous Cat Lord, she now faces a cruel dilemma: embrace full demonhood or perish. This tale weaves supernatural intrigue with human bonds, as Wu Zhen's struggle against the malevolent Gui Ying (诡婴) threatens to unravel her world. Her love for Mei Zhuyu (梅逐雨) and loyalty to allies clash, revealing a truth that could save or doom her. As the story unfolds in ancient Chang'an, viewers are drawn into a battle where destiny and choice collide, leaving us questioning if she can outwit her own demise.
The Hidden Truth
Why did the Previous Cat Lord pass his essence core to Wu Zhen as a child? It wasn't mere chance. He owed a debt to her mother, who once saved his son, Mei Zhuyu. But the deeper reason lay in escaping the vile Gui Ying, who sought the First Cat Lord's remains for power. By giving his core to Wu Zhen, he fled Chang'an, hoping to protect his family. Yet, tragedy struck when Gui Ying found him years later, killing him and his wife. His sacrifice left Wu Zhen with immense power, but it was a poisoned gift—one that began her slow decay.
In the drama, this act of desperation surfaces only now. Wu Zhen's body weakens, unable to bear the demonic energy. Her friend, Wu Zishu (无字书), pushes her toward becoming a full demon, unaware of the lurking danger. The truth, buried for decades, hints that the Previous Cat Lord's choice was a last resort, not a blessing. It ties directly to her current crisis, where every step could hasten her end.
The foreshadowing in early episodes points to a hidden connection. When Wu Zishu forces demon pills on her, it backfires horribly. This isn't just about power—it's about survival. The core wasn't freely given; it was a shield against Gui Ying's ambition, one that's now failing. Wu Zhen's mortal frame was never meant to hold such might, setting the stage for her agonizing choice.
This revelation reshapes the narrative. The Previous Cat Lord's actions were driven by fear and necessity, not wisdom. His legacy, intended as protection, became Wu Zhen's curse. As she grapples with this, her relationships fray, especially with Mei Zhuyu, who remains oblivious to the full truth. The weight of that fateful decision echoes through every scene, making her plight deeply personal.
Wu Zhen's Dilemma
Wu Zhen's body nears collapse. In a pivotal moment, Wu Zishu warns that refusing full demonhood means death. Her mortal form can't sustain the core forever. Becoming a demon requires decades of isolation, transforming her body—but that means losing everyone she loves. Her family, friends, and Mei Zhuyu would fade from her life as she changes. It's an impossible choice: die soon or live eternally alone.
Complicating matters, the villain Chang Ming (长明) returns, attacking the demon realm. His assault wounds Wu Zhen's ally, Hu Zhu (斛珠), and exposes secrets. Wu Zhen and Mei Zhuyu's hidden identities unravel, forcing them to pick sides—demon or human. Their love is tested as they stand on opposing fronts, each torn by loyalty and affection.
The battle escalates when Chang Ming's dark magic cripples Wu Zhen, shortening her life further. Desperate, Wu Zishu tries to force demon pills on her. Instead of helping, this nearly makes her a vessel for Gui Ying's resurrection. The irony is cruel: the cure becomes the catalyst for catastrophe. Only Mei Zhuyu's intervention prevents disaster, but the damage is done.
Wu Zhen's pain isn't just physical; it's emotional. She realizes her love for Mei Zhuyu has been unequal. He gave his all, while she saw it as a fleeting chapter in her long existence. This guilt adds depth to her crisis. As she wavers, the stakes mount, showing that her choice isn't just about life—it's about what makes life worth living.
Gui Ying's Trap
Eighteen years ago, the Previous Cat Lord failed to kill Gui Ying. During their fight, young Wu Zhen wandered near the demon realm, holding a lantern from Mei Zhuyu that bore his father's scent. Mistaking her for his son, Gui Ying's essence core entered her body. The Previous Cat Lord, unable to destroy it, gave his core to seal it within her. This act saved her then but planted a death trap: if the seal breaks, Wu Zhen becomes Gui Ying's perfect vessel for rebirth.
In the novel, Gui Ying craved the First Cat Lord's corpse for power. Here, Wu Zhen, inheriting that legacy, is the ideal host. When Wu Zishu's pills feed the core, they don't transform her—they fuel Gui Ying's escape. This twist reveals that the Previous Cat Lord chose Wu Zhen for a reason: only someone with dual nature—human by day, demon by night—can wield both the Cat Lord's Lightning Whip and the righteous Chang Xi Mace to end Gui Ying.
Mei Zhuyu, unwilling to lose her, uses forbidden magic to alter the past. He shifts the core to himself, taking on her death sentence. As Gui Ying threatens to possess him, he begs Wu Zhen to strike him down. She must choose between her love and the world—a heart-wrenching moment that forces her to confront her own failings. Her grief highlights how much he sacrificed, making her see their bond anew.
Despite the darkness, hope lingers. In the novel, the First Cat Lord's spirit saved them. Drama hints suggest a happy ending, with Wu Zhen and Mei Zhuyu having a child. This implies he survives, possibly through shared sacrifice. The trap set long ago becomes the key to salvation, proving that Wu Zhen's unique nature might be her greatest strength.
