Shadow Love Episode 7 Recap
> Shadow Love Recap
Li Ting, having learned that Jin'an was the one who bravely saved him from Huo Du, enthusiastically approached Jin'an, proposing they become sworn brothers. Jin'an initially hesitated and tried to decline. Li Ting revealed his long-held desire for warmth and acceptance, which he felt Jin'an provided, unlike his father or sister, Li Shuang, who often spoke to him harshly. To sweeten the deal, Li Ting promised to share any information about Li Shuang if Jin'an agreed.
Touched by Li Ting's sincerity, Jin'an relented, accepting the brotherhood and expressing that he finally felt a sense of family. They performed the solemn ritual, vowing eternal respect and care. Immediately after drinking the celebratory wine, Jin'an felt dizzy and collapsed, unaware that Li Ting had drugged him. Li Ting casually noted the potent effect of the "Fairy Physician's medicine." Li Ting then placed the unconscious Jin'an in a carriage, planning to transport him to the capital.
He justified his actions by stating that while Jin'an saved his life, he remained Huo Du's killer. Delivering Jin'an to the imperial court, Li Ting believed, was the only way to alleviate the Emperor's suspicion towards the Li family and the Changfeng Army, deeming this a higher priority. Simultaneously, Jin Wujian was informed that the "shadow puppet" (Jin'an) was in a weakened state due to the incomplete fusion of Jade Linglong and his earlier reckless use of power.
Jin Wujian saw this as a prime opportunity to seize Jin'an and dispatched his subordinates to intercept the carriage. Jin'an, regaining consciousness, confronted Li Ting. He reaffirmed his sincere commitment to their brotherhood but explained that he could not leave Li Shuang due to a life-threatening condition, warning that his death would only further implicate the Li family. Just then, Jin Wujian's men attacked.
Before engaging, Jin'an reassured Li Ting that he would not harm him and urged him to keep the day's events a secret from Li Shuang. Drawing strength from his recent miraculous healing near Li Shuang, Jin'an transformed, overpowering and driving off their attackers. Li Ting was utterly awestruck by Jin'an's powers, initially mistaking him for a "demon or a god," and then expressing immense admiration.
Back at the General's Residence, Li Shuang, having discovered Li Ting and Jin'an missing, was preparing to lead a search when Li Ting returned, bringing Jin'an with him, and immediately apologized. Elsewhere, Jin Wujian, frustrated by his subordinates' failure to capture Jin'an, acknowledged that Jin'an's growing connection to Li Shuang was enhancing his abilities, making a forceful approach ineffective. Li Shuang sternly reprimanded Li Ting for his reckless actions, which put his own life at risk.
Li Ting, however, explained that he acted out of a desire to contribute and protect their family, feeling he could no longer stand by while his father was imprisoned and Li Shuang constantly worried. Li Shuang, realizing his earnestness, softened. She confessed that she still saw him as the little boy who followed her around, asking for candy, but now recognized him as a true man.
Li Ting vowed to become as strong and capable as Li Shuang to protect the state, hoping that one day, she could finally live a life of her own choosing. Li Shuang later discussed Li Ting's stubbornness with Jin'an, who assured her that Li Ting was not as unreasonable as she perceived. Jin'an also reflected on how some things, if left unsaid, are never heard.
In the imperial court, the Emperor's obsession with obtaining an immortality elixir from Wuling Mountain was being exploited by Su Muli. Su Muli secretly arranged to replace the Emperor's medicine, aiming to ensure his brother, Su Muyang, would die before the Emperor. Su Muli openly disdained Su Muyang, viewing him as a cripple unworthy of the Crown Prince title.
Meanwhile, Li Ting, intending to leave Lucheng and join his father in the capital, wanted to make a special gesture for Li Shuang. He sought Jin'an's help in baking Li Shuang's favorite Pear-blossom Pastries. Li Ting confided in Jin'an, expressing his regret that Li Shuang, unlike other young ladies, never had the chance to be pampered, always being taught to protect others without being protected herself.
He recounted her past with Su Muyang, her childhood sweetheart, who ultimately married another under imperial decree. Jin'an carefully noted these details. After successfully making the pastries, Jin'an, at Li Ting's request, delivered them to Li Shuang, also presenting her with a biography sent by Su Muyang. Li Shuang, noting Li Ting's tendency to divulge information and the context of the biography, questioned Jin'an about her past with Su Muyang, wondering why they didn't "persist to the end."
She explained her own journey from an orphan to a Li family member and her singular focus on the looming war between Taijin and Yao State. She then challenged Jin'an on his commitment, reminding him of the perils of the battlefield. Jin'an happily affirmed his unwavering resolve to stay and protect her. As Li Shuang looked at him, she felt an uncanny resemblance to someone.
Imperial censors, swayed by Su Muli, began to impeach Li Shuang for alleged deception and collusion with Yao State, aimed at exonerating her father. Despite Su Muyang's staunch defense of the Li family's loyalty and their military achievements against the Yao Army, the Emperor, swayed by the accusations, decreed that Imperial Censor Li Zhangyi would immediately assume the role of Military Supervisor of the Changfeng Army at the border.
Before his departure, Li Ting gave Jin'an the Pear-blossom Pastry recipe, instructing him to make them for Li Shuang if she ever felt homesick, and once again made Jin'an promise to protect his sister. Li Ting considered Jin'an his first true friend since losing his memory. Li Shuang then made plans to travel to Ninglan, a bustling commercial hub strategically located between Taijin and Yao State, to acquire a crucial map from its influential Guild Master, Zang Budu.
She decided to go discreetly, taking only a few companions, including Jin'an. Jin'an was visibly thrilled at the news, presenting Li Shuang with a carefully chosen bouquet of flowers, though Li Shuang playfully rebuked his exuberance by assigning him to chop firewood. Separately, Su Muli met with Li Zhangyi, instructing him to use both persuasion and pressure on the Changfeng Army. He coldly added that if Li Shuang remained unyielding, Li Zhangyi should not hesitate to eliminate her.
