Shadow Love Episode 13 Recap
> Shadow Love Recap
Li Shuang decided to settle accounts with Jin'an, accusing him of speaking inappropriately to her multiple times. Jin'an admitted he might have gotten carried away, especially since he rarely saw her so gentle. He even mentioned her looking pretty in a dancer's outfit and asked her to wear it again, which she rebuked. As she turned to leave, she suddenly fainted, causing Jin'an to call out to her in alarm. Li Shuang remained unconscious for a whole day.
Upon waking, Lu Xin explained that her dizzy spells were due to melancholy, combined with a deficiency in qi and blood, and urged her to recuperate. Li Shuang initially dismissed her concerns, but Lu Xin stressed the importance of her health, reminding her that she always prioritized her soldiers over herself. Just then, a messenger arrived with news from the capital: the Emperor had pardoned the Li family's crimes and reinstated her father.
With this joyous news, Li Shuang could finally relax. Lu Xin proposed a trip to Cangshan to rest and celebrate, and gather Dragon Blood Herb, known for its blood and qi-replenishing properties. Li Shuang was hesitant to leave her post as a general, but Jin'an and Lu Xin joined forces in persuading her, emphasizing her own health and the stability of the military situation, as the Yao Kingdom had retreated. Li Shuang eventually agreed.
Before their departure, Li Shuang introduced Ouyang Jun, a newly recruited coachman, who confidently proclaimed his expertise as a guide. After a minor delay to fix a broken carriage wheel, Li Shuang, Qiao, and Ouyang Jun set off for Cangshan. Upon arriving at Cangshan Town, Li Shuang, surprisingly, requested the best rooms at the inn, stating that one should enjoy life and that Jin'an was the most important person to her, wishing him a better life.
Jin'an was pleased, believing his efforts to encourage her to enjoy life were finally paying off. Lu Xin, however, was amused by Li Shuang's sudden willingness to spend money. Li Shuang informed them she had only booked two rooms, assigning three people to each, emphasizing that money should be spent wisely. That night, Jin'an was caught eavesdropping outside Li Shuang's room by Lu Xin, who playfully pushed him inside.
Before leaving, Li Shuang gave Jin'an some candy, attributing it to Qiao having bought too much, though Lu Xin suspected Li Shuang had actually purchased it. Later, Lu Xin asked Li Shuang about her relationship with Jin'an, noting their flirtatious interactions. She praised Jin'an's devotion and kindness, recalling how he risked his life to help Li Shuang and the Longfeng Army enter the city, and stayed by her side when she was unconscious.
Yet, she lamented his physical weakness, noting he was "too weak" and "could be knocked down in two punches." Lu Xin then questioned Li Shuang's connection to the mysterious "man in black," whom the common people hailed as a great hero for his prowess against the Yao Army. She wondered if Li Shuang was conflicted between the two men, one handsome and considerate, the other strong and brave, jokingly suggesting Li Shuang should "take them both."
Jin'an spoke with Ji Ran, who expressed his continued distrust, despite Jin'an having helped him after his imprisonment. Jin'an clarified that his intervention was solely because Lu Xin had pleaded on Ji Ran's behalf to Li Shuang.
He admonished Ji Ran for his ungrateful attitude towards Lu Xin, who had put down her dignity and devoted herself wholeheartedly to him, and advised him to be kinder and communicate more clearly, rather than pushing people away with his cold demeanor, especially if he didn't reciprocate her feelings. Ji Ran stated that if Lu Xin continued to pester him, it would only harm her.
Lu Xin initially explained that Dragon Blood Herb, a miraculous medicine, was exclusive to Cangshan and incredibly rare elsewhere. However, a local server revealed that it was widely cultivated in Cangshan, with every household growing it, even having some under their tables. Li Shuang was surprised by the abundance.
Lu Xin suggested buying some to take back to Lucheng, but the server clarified that the herb loses its potency within half a day of being picked and must be consumed fresh. Therefore, to ensure Li Shuang's recovery, they would need to stay in Cangshan for at least three days. Li Shuang, prioritizing her health, agreed to extend their stay. While gathering herbs, Qiao encountered a girl selling herself to fund her mother's burial.
Despite Ouyang Jun's insistence that it was a scam, Qiao, driven by compassion, gave the girl money, asking for no repayment other than for her to recover and live well. Later, at a local restaurant, a Wine-Drinking Competition was announced, offering 30% discounts for participants and a free meal for the winner. Lu Xin, aware of Li Shuang's high tolerance, eagerly pulled her to join, to Jin'an's concern, as he didn't want her to drink.
Li Shuang confidently stated she knew her limits and proceeded to win the competition, generously declaring she would pay for everyone's drinks. Under the influence of alcohol, Li Shuang then pulled Jin'an onto the dance floor. His gaze was fixed solely on her. That evening, Ouyang Jun recounted Qiao's encounter with the con artist, and how he had verified it was indeed a scam.
Li Shuang explained Qiao's true nature, revealing that Qiao was an orphan she had once rescued from being publicly beaten for money, and that Qiao's past suffering made her unwilling to see others endure similar hardships, even if it meant being cheated herself. Ouyang Jun expressed regret for his earlier judgment. Later that evening, Jin'an brought food to Li Shuang, who had been drinking and neglected to eat.
He affectionately fed her, then presented her with a self-written version of "The Tale of Mr. Bat," rewritten with a happy ending to spare her the sadness of the original. He expressed his belief that human effort could change any outcome, stating that as long as one has the will, one can definitely change the ending. Li Shuang thanked him not just for the book, but for the peace he brought to Lucheng.
She then confessed that the identity of the "man in black" could no longer remain a secret. Although she had reported the events truthfully, she protected Jin'an's true identity, sacrificing her own military merits and potential promotions to shield him from public scrutiny. She promised to grant him any wish, except for official titles or advancements.
Jin'an's deepest desire was to stay by her side, but Li Shuang dismissed it as an already-fulfilled reality, urging him to wish for something else. Jin'an then expressed a wish for her to shed her invincible general persona off the battlefield and embrace the vulnerability of an ordinary woman—one who feels fear, hunger, and cold, and who needs the warmth and protection of others. A deeply affected and somewhat inebriated Li Shuang simply called him to drink more.
