Shadow Love Episode 21 Recap
> Shadow Love Recap
In the General's Residence, Mo Yin sat cross-legged when he sensed movement at the door. Investigating, he found a leaf pointing the way, recognizing it as a summons from Jin Wujian. Without hesitation, Mo Yin set off to meet him. Although Jin Wujian had long been expelled from Wuling Mountain, Mo Yin still regarded him as a respected elder brother.
A shadow of sadness crossed Mo Yin's face as he spoke of their adoptive father, revealing that the old man had passed away. Jin Wujian recalled with deep regret how his misguided practice of forbidden techniques led to his expulsion from the sect, and how that proved to be his last encounter with their adoptive father. Jin Wujian, his expression grave, explained his purpose.
He had heard about Jade Linglong and, after some investigation, discovered that both Jade Linglong and its shadow puppet were hidden within the General's Residence. Despite his expulsion, he had never forgotten his master's kindness and initially intended to return Jade Linglong to Wuling Mountain. However, his repeated attempts to trap the elusive shadow puppet had failed, even leaving him injured.
He warned that if not dealt with swiftly, it would become a great menace and urged Mo Yin to join forces with him. Mo Yin, however, held a different view. He felt the situation hadn't escalated to that point, and as a healer, one should not casually take a life. Jin Wujian then hatched a plan, secretly instructing men to impersonate the man in black and commit murders across the city, ensuring the news spread widely.
Upon hearing the reports, Mo Yin mistakenly believed Jin'an was responsible. Enraged, he confronted Jin'an, who appeared innocent, stating he had been at the General's Residence daily and had no time for such acts. Jin'an further argued that masks could be bought anywhere, and accused Mo Yin of trying to frame him. Mo Yin decided to take Jin'an back to Wuling Mountain, but Jin'an vehemently refused.
In their confrontation, Jin'an had an opportunity to harm Mo Yin but held back, which made Mo Yin begin to doubt his initial judgment, thinking Jin'an didn't seem like someone who would wantonly kill innocents. However, Mo Yin ultimately decided he couldn't simply take Jin'an's word and began planning to refine Kongqing Water as a precaution. Meanwhile, Jin'an grappled with his internal conflict. Mo Yin had once told him he was Li Shuang's greatest danger.
Remembering Li Shuang's belief that Su Muyang would make a good emperor, bringing peace to the people, Jin'an resolved to help her achieve this wish. Seeing Su Muyang's lack of appetite, Jin'an pressed him, pointing out that Prince Muli's bullying would only escalate. Su Muyang lamented his mother's low birth, Muli's animosity, and his own powerlessness as Crown Prince. He believed his position was precarious.
During a game of Go, Jin'an made a move that broke a long-standing deadlock, telling Su Muyang that perhaps he was trapped by his own mindset. Jin'an noted Su Muyang's lingering resentment, indicating he still had a fighting spirit, but criticized his self-pity. Jin'an explained that Muli's constant attacks were because Su Muyang was an obstacle to his ascension, and continuous retreat would only lead to a dead end.
He then boldly suggested that Su Muyang should aim for the throne. Su Muyang was startled but admitted he never seriously considered it. Jin'an warned him that if he didn't fight for power, others would eliminate him, leaving him in a more humiliating and miserable state. After Su Muyang expressed doubts about contending with Muli's vast influence, Jin'an revealed his identity as the man in black, offering to be Su Muyang's ally.
Concurrently, Jin Wujian and Mo Yin began refining Kongqing Water. Jin Wujian explained that only the combination of orthodox and unorthodox techniques could create this elixir, the sole substance capable of suppressing Jade Linglong. Mo Yin cautioned Jin Wujian that even with forbidden techniques, mishaps could occur, urging him to stop if anything unusual happened. Jin Wujian pledged to give the Kongqing Water to Mo Yin after refining it for forty-nine days, though he harbored secret intentions.
Jin'an also saw through Su Muyang's feigned crippled hand, realizing that Li Shuang's lifelong aspiration for lasting peace and prosperity in Taijin could only be achieved through Su Muyang. Guided by Jin'an, Su Muyang sent trivial gifts to Ji Tianjiao and a letter to her father, the Prime Minister. The letter subtly painted Su Muyang as a disrespected Crown Prince who missed Yunjing and relied solely on the Prime Minister.
This pleased the Prime Minister, who promised to handle the matters mentioned in the letter. Jin'an further advised Su Muyang to plant seeds of discord among Muli's allies by exploiting their self-interest and to use his title to gain greater leverage. He warned Su Muyang against showing mercy, stating that "once a wolf has its prey in its jaws, it never lets go easily," and that every act of kindness would be repaid with the enemy's cruelty.
Li Shuang grew concerned, hearing that Jin'an was taking Su Muyang out and about. Noticing her worry, Su Muyang left, instructing Jin'an to keep Li Shuang company. Li Shuang playfully chided Jin'an for his recklessness, but Jin'an recognized her underlying concern. He then gazed at her deeply, explaining his fear of forgetting her, as he had already lost many memories from his past. Li Shuang promised that if he ever forgot her, she would find him, no matter how far.
They made a solemn pact. Prince Muli, learning of Su Muyang's growing influence, resolved to take his life, especially as the day of the ritual approached. He sent an invitation for Su Muyang, Li Shuang, and Jin'an to join a hunt. Li Shuang and Jin'an immediately recognized the invitation for what it was—a thinly veiled attempt at assassination. During the hunt, Li Shuang, witnessing Muli's attempt on Su Muyang's life, confronted him, holding him at dagger-point.
She defiantly declared the Changfeng Army's loyalty to the Crown Prince, refusing Muli's offer of a high position. Jin'an urged Su Muyang to stand firm, reminding him that a prince must always stand tall. Su Muyang then asserted his authority as the rightful Crown Prince, accusing Muli of treason.
Despite Muli's attempts to dismiss it as a misunderstanding, Su Muyang chose to show Muli mercy, stating he would "open one side of the net" out of brotherly affection, but firmly reminding him that he was the sole Crown Prince of Taijin. While Su Muyang felt a surge of satisfaction, he knew Muli would not easily forgive this public humiliation. As expected, Muli sought retaliation.
Upon learning that Lu Xin, owner of the Sixu Clinic, was a close friend of Li Shuang, he ordered her clinic to be set on fire. Tragically, Lu Xin's aide, Nanxing, perished in the blaze. Li Shuang was heartbroken. Shortly after, Muli sent men to the General's Residence, wielding an imperial dagger—a personal possession of the Emperor, equivalent to a national treasure—demanding that Su Muyang be handed over. Quick-thinking maids, including Qiao'er, rushed Su Muyang into a secret room.
When confronted by Muli's men, the maids bravely feigned ignorance, stating that both the Crown Prince and General Li were out. When pressed about the man in black, the maid remained silent.
