Shadow Love Episode 14 Recap
> Shadow Love Recap
Jin'an meticulously brewed medicine for Li Shuang, explaining that the dragon blood herb required four hours of slow simmering to ensure its potency. He tasted the concoction, assuring Li Shuang it wasn't bitter at all. Li Shuang, initially reluctant, finally drank the medicine after Jin'an offered her a piece of sweet candy, promising it would mask any bitterness. Another day, Li Shuang resisted her medicine, complaining that even her hiccups now smelled of it.
Jin'an insisted it was the final dose and offered to perform any feat she desired, from music to painting, if she complied, playfully suggesting she could "chew on Chinese goldthread dry" if she refused. Soon after, Ouyang Jun approached Jin'an, observing that Jin'an seemed to be getting along well with Li Shuang and asking for advice on a girl he was interested in.
Jin'an first mistakenly thought Ouyang Jun was referring to Lu Xin, but Ouyang Jun quickly clarified that his affection was for Qiao. He spoke highly of Qiao, admiring her strength, noting she once lifted a carriage with her bare hands, and praising her kindness, despite her occasional temper and penchant for "hitting and kicking" him. Jin'an was impressed by Ouyang Jun's resolve and agreed to help him pursue Qiao.
Following Jin'an's advice, Ouyang Jun attempted to woo Qiao by reciting a poem while she practiced. His verses, describing rain, grass, flowers, sheep, and a "fair maiden," were met with a large eye-roll from Qiao, who found them nonsensical. Ouyang Jun explained the poem was an invitation for a river stroll and a meal of "meat and mushroom stew" with wine, but Qiao remained unimpressed. Later, Li Shuang once again refused to drink her medicine.
Jin'an tried to entice her with the promise of fresh osmanthus cake from the market. When she still wouldn't comply, he coaxed her into taking just one sip, then half a sip, eventually feeding it to her as she sat in his arms. She then noted that he had added honey, making it less bitter.
Li Shuang brought up the man who had held her hostage at the hot springs, speculating that he might be linked to Jin'an's memory loss and could be a crucial lead. She offered to draw his portrait for investigation, remembering his face clearly. By a river, Li Shuang inquired about Wuling Mountain, recalling Lu Xin's stories of its mysterious healers and hoping it could provide clues to Jin'an's true identity.
Jin'an acknowledged that discovering his origins would offer him "closure," but he declared his preference to remain as "Jin'an" and wished to spend his life by Li Shuang's side. He painted a picture of their future, envisioning them retiring to an idyllic spot to drink wine, practice swordplay, and live in peace, away from worldly affairs. Li Shuang playfully questioned who said she wanted to spend her life with him.
As Li Shuang and Jin'an shared a tender moment, Lu Xin and Qiao secretly watched and debated. Lu Xin believed Li Shuang and Jin'an were clearly in love and a perfect match. Qiao, however, argued that the masked Man in Black, a strong and admired hero, was more deserving of their General. She speculated that he might even be "super ugly with pockmarks all over" beneath his mask, adding that "handsome men are never reliable."
Lu Xin dismissed Qiao's claims and proposed a bet on who Li Shuang would choose, with the loser grinding fifteen kilograms of herbs or getting the biggest sword from Wang's Blacksmith. Jin'an continued his painting, unfazed by their discussion. He then critiqued Li Shuang's earlier portrait of the man from the hot springs, calling her artistic style "exceptionally wild." In response, Li Shuang pushed him to the ground.
Ouyang Jun, having overheard their wager, approached and declared his "all-in" bet on Jin'an, joining Lu Xin's side. Li Shuang then handed the portrait to Ouyang Jun, instructing him to make copies and distribute them among his outlaw contacts to track down the mystery man. She cautioned Ouyang Jun that the man was "unbelievably skilled" and advised him to prioritize his safety over direct confrontation.
Lu Xin lightheartedly teased Jin'an about the "pickles," referring to Li Shuang's artwork, claiming she and even flies found it appealing. Lu Xin administered some medicine to Jin'an, but he remained frustrated by his inability to recall his past, despite his impatience. Lu Xin warned him against rushing the process, stating it would go against "medical principles."
She speculated that his sudden eagerness to regain his memory stemmed from the Man in Black having "totally stolen his thunder" during the battle at Lucheng. Jin'an denied being petty, but Lu Xin pressed, suggesting he feared he wasn't worthy of Li Shuang without his full memories. Jin'an countered that he would rather be "just average" if it meant knowing his origins. He then asked Lu Xin about Wuling Mountain again, mentioning that Li Shuang had spoken of it.
Lu Xin dismissed it as mere "rumors," questioning its existence and accusing Jin'an of doubting her "medical ethics." Undeterred, Lu Xin offered him her "latest concoction," a pill for amnesia, warning him of potential side effects. Jin'an, ready to try anything, swallowed it. He experienced a numb mouth, a warm sensation in his chest, and an itchy face before suddenly feeling tired and falling asleep.
Later, Li Shuang attempted to rouse Jin'an for dinner, but he remained in his room, claiming to have caught a "cold" to hide his face. Despite his protests, Li Shuang pulled back his blanket, revealing he had grown a long beard. She found his new "rugged look" quite charming and manly, even saying it "really suits" him. Jin'an, however, interpreted this as her preference for masculine men, like the Man in Black.
Li Shuang, checking him for a fever, then directly asked if he was the Man in Black. Jin'an ambiguously replied, "Yes, but also not," which she didn't understand. With a freshly sharpened knife in hand, Li Shuang declared she would shave his beard for him, much to Jin'an's alarm. During their travels, Jin'an seized the opportunity to teach Li Shuang various subjects.
Though she initially questioned the need for lessons during sightseeing, Jin'an first demonstrated calligraphy, writing a poem about clouds and the moon. Li Shuang admired his "strong and powerful, bold and heroic" handwriting, suggesting it hinted at an "extraordinary background." Next, he taught her military strategy using a chess-like game, explaining the "Double Dragons Formation." Li Shuang quickly grasped the concepts, even impressing Jin'an with her rapid understanding.
When it came to playing the guqin, however, Li Shuang's performance was excruciating; Jin'an's companion described it as "music that pierces the ears" and could "drive away enemies." Jin'an, ever supportive, insisted her music "at the very least music that lingers," but quickly declined her offer to play another piece. Meanwhile, at Zang Mansion in Ninglan, two individuals disguised as merchants approached Zang Budu, seeking help to locate someone and offering a substantial reward.
Zang Budu, astute and perceptive, quickly recognized their military bearing, identifying them as part of the Yao Army and the person they sought as Prince Annan, Duan Aodeng. Realizing the perilous nature of the request, Zang Budu agreed to help as a "delaying tactic," but demanded, as his condition, to be appointed an official in the Yao State if he succeeded, ensuring a lifetime of luxury.
After they left, Zang Budu secretly instructed a servant to deliver a letter to General Li Shuang in Lucheng, revealing Jin'an's true identity as Duan Aodeng, Prince Annan of the Yao State. He explained that this was to repay Li Shuang's kindness for saving Ninglan from a Yao army massacre in a previous battle. However, before the servant could depart, Jin Wujian appeared, killed him, and then brutally massacred Zang Budu and his entire household, leaving no one alive.
Li Shuang sent the rest of their company back to Lucheng while she and Jin'an made their way to Ninglan, intending to follow up with Zang Budu regarding Jin'an's origins. However, upon arriving at Zang Mansion, they discovered the entire household had been brutally massacred, with all thirteen family members and servants killed. A local farmer had reported the incident after finding the gates tightly shut.
Investigators found no valuables missing, but a chest of jewelry bearing the Yao State seal suggested the Yao State was responsible. Li Shuang surmised that the Yao State, harboring "resentment" for Zang Budu's assistance in the Ninglan battle, was behind the murders. She felt deep self-reproach, admitting she had coerced him into helping. Jin'an tried to reassure her, asserting she had done nothing wrong and that without her foresight, Ninglan and Lucheng would have fallen.
Despite his words, Li Shuang felt responsible and solemnly vowed to protect Ninglan in Zang Budu's memory. Meanwhile, at Wuling Mountain, Mo Yin received reports of a mysterious Man in Black appearing in Lucheng, described as "extraordinarily powerful, akin to thousands of troops," who had aided the Changfeng Army. He also heard that the recent massacre at Zang Mansion in Ninglan might be attributed to this same figure. Finding the whole affair "suspicious," Mo Yin concluded it was likely connected to Jade Linglong and decided he would have to investigate it himself.
