Shadow Love Episode 38 (Ending) Recap
> Shadow Love Recap
On the day of Li Shuang’s funeral, Jin'an arrived at the imperial mausoleum, confronting the guards who asked who he was and accused him of disrupting the Empress's funeral. Jin'an declared, "How can my beloved wife enter your imperial mausoleum?" He then approached Li Shuang's coffin, taking out a piece of candy and placing it in her hand, tearfully telling her to eat it secretly. He vowed to take her home.
Meanwhile, Su Muyang's advisor confirmed that His Majesty's trap was set to lure Duan Aodeng out to kill him. Observing the situation, the advisor noted that Jin'an must have regained his powers, making him impossible to defeat without a clever strategy, and advised Su Muyang not to worry about the deceased, as she was "ignorant and unaware." Su Muyang then ordered his archers to shoot, then personally advanced with his sword.
Jin'an was enraged, accusing Su Muyang of not only watching Li Shuang being forced to her death but also using her corpse as bait to lure him out. Su Muyang, as the ruler, defended his actions, stating that Li Shuang, as the posthumously honored Empress, served Taijin in life and death to eliminate threats. He countered that if Jin'an truly loved her, he wouldn't have left her for Su Muyang to protect. Jin'an retorted that Su Muyang betrayed her.
Su Muyang then countered by asking Jin'an, whom he addressed as Duan Aodeng, if he wasn't being too greedy by trying to take her away now. Su Muyang acknowledged his defeat, admitting he never expected Jin'an to go to such lengths to restore the Jade Linglong. He only hoped that after his death, Jin'an would not use the Jade Linglong's power to wage war and would grant the people of Taijin peace.
Jin'an, however, declared that he was no longer Prince Annan of Yao State and that worldly affairs were no longer his concern. He clarified that he had not come to kill Su Muyang, as it would only breed more hatred. He only wanted to take Li Shuang home. Su Muyang claimed that his own family had been eliminated, so no one would avenge him except Li Shuang.
Jin'an pointed out that Su Muyang had been a good emperor, caring for his people and achieving peace between the two states, a peace bought with Li Shuang's life, and he should safeguard it. Su Muyang then conceded, admitting that Jin'an loved Li Shuang more than he had imagined. An advisor questioned Su Muyang's decision to use the precious, heirloom Dream Powder on General Li, especially since everyone in Taijin wanted her dead.
Su Muyang insisted that he would not allow it, stating he owed Li Shuang too much and this was the only way to let her live. He then gave Jin'an an antidote, explaining that the Dream Powder made the user appear dead, but the antidote would awaken Li Shuang in three days. Jin'an immediately administered the antidote to Li Shuang. Jin'an questioned why Su Muyang set this trap if Li Shuang wasn't dead.
Su Muyang then revealed that his trap was a gamble, betting on Jin'an's deep love for Li Shuang, and knowing he would do everything to save her. As emperor, he had to carry the burden of the empire and its people, unable to devote his love solely to her, but Jin'an could. Jin'an then asked if Su Muyang wasn't afraid he would be killed by him, risking his life.
Su Muyang further confessed that his journey had been perilous, and while his hands were stained with blood, he never felt indebted to anyone except Li Shuang. Dying for her would leave him with no regrets. From that day forward, there would be no more Prince Annan, nor General Li, ensuring peace and alliance between Taijin and Yao State forever. Jin'an took Li Shuang home and watched over her for three days and nights without eating or sleeping.
On the third day, she still had not awakened. Lu Xin urged him to eat, warning that he would collapse before Li Shuang woke up. She worried if Li Shuang would ever regain consciousness, but clarified, attributing it to Mo Yin, that "three days" was just an estimate, and it was normal for the effects to last five to ten days depending on the individual's constitution.
Jin'an, however, declared that he could wait for Li Shuang, not just for days, but for years, decades, or even centuries, as he was bound to her for life. He explained that his bond was not due to the Jade Linglong, as even rare spiritual entities lack the ability to love; his love came from his heart.
Whether he was Jin'an or Duan Aodeng, with or without memories or the Jade Linglong, he would always irresistibly fall in love with her again and again. He even expressed no fear if she truly never woke, recalling their promise to be together in life and death. Jin'an eventually fell asleep, helped by calming medicine Lu Xin secretly put in his porridge. When he awoke, he found Li Shuang gone from the bed.
Rushing outside, he found her standing by a tree. However, she did not recognize him, cautiously backing away and asking who he was and why she was there, and if "Shuang" was her name. Jin'an paused, realizing it was his turn to experience the pain of being forgotten, as she had. He told her that as long as she was safe and healthy, he would be whoever she wanted him to be.
Li Shuang teased him further, jokingly calling him a "thug" who kidnapped her, or perhaps a fox spirit who gave her heart to a fallen hunter. Jin'an realized she remembered stories from biographies well, despite her amnesia. She then revealed it was all a ruse, a playful way to make him experience the "false alarm" and "lost and found" happiness that were the most cherished moments in stories, allowing him to understand the heartache she had once endured.
Three months later, Taijin experienced peace and tranquility under Emperor Su Muyang's rule, who issued new policies, reducing taxes and labor duties, fulfilling the shared dreams he and Li Shuang once held. Meanwhile, Mo Yin and Lu Xin discussed Jin'an's condition. Mo Yin confirmed that Jin'an was now no different from an ordinary person, with his shadow puppet and blood master fully merged. The Jade Linglong would now only serve to strengthen his health.
Mo Yin explained that his initial perception of the shadow puppet as an emotionless killing machine was changed by Jin'an's heart, which was full of love and kindness. Since the Jade Linglong had chosen Jin'an, it was almost impossible for anyone else to take it, so leaving it with him was acceptable. Lu Xin playfully suggested that if Mo Yin was so generous, he should give her the treasure-filled Wuling Mountain and let her be the "missus."
Mo Yin, blushing, agreed, saying everyone already treated her as the lady of the house anyway. In the Changfeng Army, Li Ting displayed the same fighting spirit as Li Wei and Li Shuang. Deputy General Ji Ran, like Li Shuang, remembered the name of every soldier, including new recruit Chang Huaisheng, and vowed to protect everything Li Shuang had left behind. Li Ting later found a box of Pear-blossom Pastries in his tent, realizing Li Shuang had visited.
Li Shuang, watching from a distance, was content to see Li Ting doing well. She explained to Jin'an that in the eyes of the world, she was dead, and she did not wish to disrupt this hard-won peace. She and Jin'an decided to retreat to the mountains, Jin'an promising to accompany her wherever she went, as he came for her and would leave with her. They found Ouyang Jun, who had adopted many orphans after Qiao'er's departure.
Li Shuang and Jin'an helped him care for the children, Ouyang Jun even suggested the children call him "uncle-in-law." Jin'an, playfully complaining that the children were being soothed but no one was soothing him, asked Li Shuang for a kiss to recharge his energy. Li Shuang initially refused, citing the children, but after ensuring they were all asleep, she secretly kissed him. When Ouyang Jun returned, Jin'an, overwhelmed by the energetic children, quickly took Li Shuang and departed. He confided that while the children were cute, he truly desired to have their own "little troublemaker" with Li Shuang.
