Shadow Love Episode 24 Recap
> Shadow Love Recap
Jin Wujian assured Su Muli that Jin'an, the "man in black" under Li Shuang, would not interfere with Su Muli's plans on the day of the heavenly calamity. Jin Wujian declared his intention to deliver Su Muyang to Su Muli, giving Su Muli complete control over his brother's fate.
When Su Muli questioned why he should trust him, Jin Wujian revealed his knowledge of Su Muli's tampering with the Taijin Emperor's golden elixir, asserting that the Emperor had little time left. Jin Wujian then pointed out that with the Emperor's impending death and Su Muyang's succession, Su Muli would be left with no escape.
Su Muli, astonished, demanded to know Jin Wujian's identity, but Jin Wujian dismissed it as irrelevant, stating that Su Muli's future was entirely in his own hands. Jin Wujian later explained to the Empress Dowager of Yao that his strategy of turning Su Muyang and Su Muli against each other was to plunge Taijin into chaos, paving the way for the Yao State's great ambition to conquer the realm.
He confirmed that the altar preparations were nearly complete, and the Yao State's great ambition to conquer the realm would soon be realized. Li Shuang bandaged Jin'an’s wounds and offered him medicine, playfully teasing him for being afraid of the bitterness before offering him sugar. She then pressed him about their future, including when he would marry her, how many children they would have, and where they would settle down.
Jin'an, while appreciating her directness, said he wanted to marry her but needed more time to prepare, specifically to afford a wedding sedan chair. Later, Li Shuang suggested they go out and enjoy some "time to relax," as they had been busy with Su Muyang's affairs. Jin'an playfully noted her unusual romantic mood, and Li Shuang explained she wanted to "make it up to him" and avoid "feeling only regret" in the future.
As they strolled through the bustling night market, Li Shuang urged Jin'an to hold her hand, fearing she might get lost among the crowds. Jin'an, however, hesitated, citing her esteemed position as General Li. Li Shuang then reflected on their wish to become an ordinary couple, wondering if they would still remember the "joy of our first meeting" even after their lives became filled with "mundane chores."
Jin'an joked that their initial meeting was "somewhat awkward," suggesting it was "better forgotten." They watched a storyteller perform a shadow puppet show detailing the history of Duan Aodeng, Prince Annan of the Yao State, and Li Wei, Grand General of Cavalry of Taijin, who was Li Shuang's father.
Jin'an reacted with an intense, unexplained feeling to Duan Aodeng's name, learning that Duan Aodeng disappeared during the Battle of Lucheng, leading to the collapse of the Yao Army and the death of the Yao Emperor. Jin'an, deeply affected, bought a shadow puppet for Li Shuang, who had been admiring it. Li Shuang later confronted Jin'an about his plan to retrieve the Jade Linglong, revealing she had learned the truth from Mo Yin.
She asked how long he intended to keep her in the dark, and if he planned to leave her after everything was over, bearing the burden alone. Jin'an explained that he lost control during Su Muli's recent visit, causing her to experience "rebound symptoms," which he desperately wanted to avoid. He feared that the process of removing the Jade Linglong could harm her, and its removal would erase all his memories, making his departure an eternal farewell.
Li Shuang, however, asserted that as his blood master, only her presence could prevent him from losing control. She reminded him of his past promise that they would be together in life and death, questioning if he intended to go back on his word. Jin'an reaffirmed that he had "never regretted" their bond and "never will." Li Shuang declared that regardless of the outcome, as long as they were together, there would be no regrets.
She vowed that even if he lost his memories, she would help him remember her again. Upon their return to the General's Residence, Li Shuang and Jin'an found it surrounded by Su Muli's armed guards. A guard informed them that, by Su Muli's order, no one could enter or leave, with violators facing immediate execution.
Jin'an's defiant outburst was quelled by a threat against Li Shuang's father, Grand General Li Wei, and her younger brother in the capital, forcing her to comply. Meanwhile, Su Muyang, confined within the residence, expressed his frustration to a subordinate, believing himself trapped and at Su Muli's mercy. He felt Li Shuang's past support was merely a facade, as she had seemingly favored Jin'an's actions over his, a realization he felt he should have reached earlier.
Jin Wujian reported to the Empress Dowager, boasting about his successful manipulation of both Jin'an and the two Taijin princes. He revealed his plan: with the Taijin Emperor's impending death and the ensuing internal conflict between the brothers, the Taijin throne would be ripe for the taking, promising the Empress Dowager "the entire world." Jin Wujian then appeared wearing the late Taijin Emperor's old clothes, provoking the Empress Dowager's furious demand that he remove them.
He confessed his long-standing love for her, willing even to be a mere substitute for her affections, but she coldly questioned his worthiness, prompting him to retreat in silence. On the eve of the sacrifice, Su Muyang discovered a note from Jin Wujian, detailing a plan to meet in a dense forest after a fireworks signal on the night of the ninth.
Su Muyang realized his father’s past affections were a facade, and the emperor had intended to send him to his death. Feeling abandoned by Li Shuang and Jin'an despite their promises, he resolved to defy fate rather than remain a pawn. Separately, Li Shuang and Jin'an discussed the grave implications of protecting Su Muyang, which meant defying the Emperor.
Jin'an dismissed the "astrological omens" and the "unconscionable" act of a father killing his son, believing the Changfeng Army's support for the Crown Prince would be seen as loyalty. Li Shuang noted that Jin'an was risking his own life for everyone else, to which he affirmed his unwavering support for her. They reflected on their deep bond, with Jin'an recalling Li Shuang’s "divine" appearance in armor, even as she remembered her "terrible state" and his efforts to protect her.
They both expressed a desire for a simple, ordinary life together, vowing to remain inseparable and overcome current difficulties to achieve their dreams. Su Muyang then sent his attendant, Huai'en, to invite Li Shuang and Jin'an to a feast, citing his appreciation for their hard work. Despite their suspicions, they agreed to attend. At the feast, Su Muyang, indulging in pleasures, remarked that since his death was imminent, he might as well enjoy himself.
He then provocatively demanded Li Shuang to dance. When Jin'an protested, Su Muyang asserted his authority as the Crown Prince, making his request an undeniable command. Li Shuang then drew her sword and, with Jin'an, performed a joint sword dance. Afterward, Su Muyang personally offered them two cups of wine, making a cryptic remark about it possibly being poisoned, but expressing gratitude for their past care and their shared youth before watching them drink.
Soon after, fireworks lit the sky, signaling Su Muli's attack on the General's Residence. As Li Shuang prepared to lead the defense, Su Muyang requested Jin'an to stay by his side for reassurance. As Su Muli's forces launched their assault, Li Shuang bravely drew an arrow, designating it as a line no one should cross, warning that transgressors would be slain. Su Muli, observing the battle, mocked Li Shuang, questioning the efficacy of Jin'an in her defense.
Inside, Su Muyang remained eerily calm amidst the chaos. He cynically asserted to Jin'an that Li Shuang's efforts to protect him were solely to safeguard her family and the Changfeng Army, not out of any genuine concern. He claimed to have once believed their promises but now felt abandoned "like a worn-out shoe," regretting his past naivety. He believed Jin'an’s help was also merely a byproduct of his loyalty to Li Shuang. Jin'an vehemently refuted Su Muyang's accusations.
He argued that if they intended to abandon him, they would have simply handed him over to Su Muli directly, rather than orchestrating an elaborate carriage switch to mislead Su Muli and buy time for his escape. Jin'an emphasized that Li Shuang was currently risking her life to protect him, while he sat inside resenting her. He passionately defended Li Shuang, explaining that her actions were often driven by necessity.
He reminded Su Muyang that as her only brother and friend, having grown up together, he, above all others, should understand her true intentions. Su Muyang, however, merely thanked Jin'an, concluding that "all of this is too late."
